2012 Review Extravaganza: Pt. 6
by Jenners • 12/28/2012 • 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, Audiobook, C Authors, Dystopia, F Authors, Fiction, G Authors, G Titles, Gothic/Horror, J Titles, L Titles, Memoir, Non-Fiction, Q Authors, R Titles, Science Fiction, T Titles, W Authors, Young Adult • 45 Comments
The epic review-a-thon continues. I’m closing in on the end though, and I’ve already determined a plan to avoid this catastrophe next year because this is a darn pain.
Robopocalypse by Daniel H. WilsonGenre: Fiction, Dystopia, Sci-Fi Why I Read It: A dystopia about robots taking over the world … and Stephen King said it was awesome. How could I resist? My Rating: 3.5 stars
Robots become sentient and take over the world, led by an uber-robot named Archos. When the tables are turned, humans must use all their native intelligence to outsmart the machines and take back the world. Can they do it? What will be the cost? Roboticist Wilson came up with a killer idea, but the execution wasn’t as good as I had hoped. Told in the form of different diary entries pieced together by from video clips and transcripts found during the Robot War, the book focuses on just a handful of characters, which was both good and bad. Good because it gives us just a few people to follow, and bad because it felt ike just a handful of people were fighting a war that basically decimated the planet. Still, it is your better-than-average dystopia, is fast-paced and felt realistic in how the robots executed their plans. You’ll never look at your smart phone the same way again!
The Twelve by Justin CroninGenre: Fiction, Dystopia Why I Read It: This is a sequel to The Passage (which I liked) so I had to read it
My Rating: 3.5 stars
First of all, I don’t think I’d read this book without reading the first book in the series (The Passage). In addition, I would recommend reading them fairly close together. Even though there is a brief summary of the events of Book 1 at the beginning, I still found myself forgetting so many details from the first book that I felt somewhat lost. I finally gave up and just went with it. The basic gist is that humans are at war with virals (a human/vampire hybrid bred by the government in a covert operation that went awry … the events of which are chronicled in Book 1.) This book picks up where the last book left off … but also goes back to the time frame covered in the first book and follows different characters. This was a neat move on Cronin’s part, but it played havoc with my brain, which got very tired trying to remember who was who and what time I was reading about. The book moves along at a good clip, but I often found my interest waning. I remember being caught up in the first book, but I did not have that feeling of investment with The Twelve. Still, having invested hours reading both books, I suppose I shall read the third book when it comes out to see how it all ends.
The Graveyard Book written and read by Neil GaimanGenre: Fiction, Young Adult, Horror Why I Read It: After my first Gaiman book (which left me wanting), everyone said I should have read this instead so I did. My Rating: 4 stars
My first Neil Gaiman book was American Gods, about which I felt lukewarm. After my review, Gaiman fans said this book would have been a better introduction. Wanting to give this beloved author another chance, I listened to this on audio. (Count Neil Gaiman as one of the authors who is well-suited to narrating his own books. He did a bang-up job.) I listened to this around Halloween, and I was thinking of making it a “mother-son” listen. However, after the first chapter (which has a very chilling massacre of a family), I decided that my rather sensitive son might not be up for it. Although things got considerably lighter after the opening scene, I would caution parents that Gaiman doesn’t hold back on the scary stuff … this is, after all, a book about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard. The Man Jack (who we meet in the first chapter) was a frightening character, and I know my son would have had nightmares about him. However, for more mature kids (perhaps in the 10- to 12-year range or more mature 8- and 9-year-olds), I think this book would be a great introduction to horror as it is often mixed with humor and things turn out pretty much OK in the end. This certainly was a better introduction to Neil Gaiman, and I’m willing to take on another book. Any suggestions?
The Journal of Best Practices by David FinchGenre: Non-Fiction, Memoir Why I Read It: I forget where I read about this but I’m a sucker about memoirs that talk about what mental illnesses really feel like. My Rating: 4 stars
The subtitle of the book provides the perfect summary: “A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband.” David Finch has written a blisteringly honest account of what it feels like to have Asperger Syndrome and how this condition affects your life, especially a marriage and relationship with children. Finch has a good (albeit often sophomoric) sense of humor, and that makes the book quite readable. However, I wish he could have co-written it with his wife, Kristen, as I would have LOVED to have gotten her view of matters. (She sounds like a saint, to be honest.) In the beginning, Finch says something along the lines of “having Aspergers kind of makes you like a really typical insensitive guy … only more so,” and that did seem true. Many of his accounts seemed like jackass stuff that guys do and women complain about (complete cluelessness about feelings, insensitivity, inappropriate jokes, etc.), but Finch is good at conveying that, while “normal” guys might be operating at a volume of 3, guys with Aspergers operate with the volume turned up to 10. If you’re interested in what it feels like to have Aspergers or have someone in your life with the condition, I imagine this would be a must read book. I found it quite interesting, and I think Finch was brave to share his story and provide the world with an insight of what it feels like to live with this type of mind.
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake written and read by Anna QuindlenGenre: Memoir Why I Read It: So many bloggers raved about this, and even though I’m not in the target age range for this book (yet), I decided to try it anyway My Rating: 4 stars
First off, I have to say I was unprepared for Anna Quindlen’s voice. I think that, somehow, I had decided she sounded like Hope Davis (since Ms. Davis read Quindlen’s excellent novel Every Last One.) This made no sense of my part, but I was quite taken aback when she started narrating and I realized she had a kind of gravelly Noo Yawk (or Philly?) kind of voice. I just wasn’t expecting it, and it took me almost a full chapter to get over it and listen without thinking “Wow … this is what Anna Quindlen sounds like?” Of course, I might be the only one with this reaction but I had to mention it.
Anyway, with that out of the way, let me tell you about this book, which is basically musings on aging and reaching your mid-50s and beyond. It is basically a “here’s what I’ve learned over the years” book, but Quindlen is so gifted at talking like regular folks or your best girlfriends that the book never feels preachy or saccharine. Instead, she strikes just the right notes of “Jeez, we were dumb when we were young, weren’t we?” and “I’ve still not figured it out but I’m not stressing about it anymore.” Relating her own life experiences and roles (sibling in a Catholic home, student at an all-women’s college, “token” girl reporter for the New York Times, serious journalist, married woman for 35+ years, mother of three, novelist), Quindlen somehow manages to take her unique experiences and make them feel almost universal. Even though I’m not in my 50s yet, I could understand where Quindlen was coming from and loved hearing her views on the aging process. If you’re the target audience for this one, then I think it is a no brainer—find it and read it. If you’re not quite there yet, I still think you’ll find much of value in the book but, like wine, it will get better with age.
Okay … I was scared by Coraline so I’m sure the kiddo would be. Probably better for you to just read it. And PLEASE don’t skip Good Omens. It is so ridiculously funny and smart and wonderful and I think you would really like it. And Carl (stainless steel droppings) is thinking of doing a read-along for the new Gaiman in June so you could always just wait for that!
Thanks for the heads-up … and I’ll steer clear of Coraline for my son. He is very easily freaked out. And thanks for the Good Omens tip — no one really mentioned that one yet.
Wonder if that first one will be made into a movie- sounds like it could be a good one.
It would be an awesome movie … but I haven’t heard anything about one being made (yet).
I loved Every Last One even though that type of book with that kind of drama wouldn’t normally be the kind I would gravitate toward. I would love to read more by her, or other authors if I knew that the books were going to be as good (without getting too graphic). I think the accent would really throw me too.
I was curious about Robopocalypse, and am disappointed that you didn’t like it more. Oh well, there are so many other good apocalyptic books out nowadays.
I was so disappointed with Robopocalypse — I was expecting to love it kind of like Ready Player One and it just didn’t happen. As far as Anna Quindlen, I’d encourage you to try One True Thing. Really really good. (The movie is awesome too.)
I did not like the passage so I Will not be reading the passage. Way too long, padded with way too much that could have been cut
Yeah … it was long. It could have been a much better book … and it just kind of falls apart in the second book. Just kind of blah.
I have Lots of Candles queued up on audio too and can’t wait to get to it especially after seeing her speak at the RH Open House event. Glad to see you liked it even though you are not in the target age range. I am not either so am relieved to hear I won’t be disappointed.
OH how fun that you got to hear her speak!! I really like her and I think you’ll enjoy Lots of Candles. I plan on listening to it when I get a bit older as well.
I’m the age for Anna Q’s book too, but I refuse to admit it. I’m really enjoying the YA books. My son reads Neal’s books, but he’s a bigger boy, 23, or I’m glad you didn’t readalong with BB.
You need to read Anna Q’s book — even though your “years” too young for it! (I’ll go along with you.) : )
Lot’s of Candles and Plenty of Cake hit close to home for me since Quindlen and I are the same age. Gotta read Passage and The Twelve.
I thought it was so well written and she’s got a lot of good insights — no matter what your age. And I don’t know if I’d be so quick to jump into the Cronin books…
I’ve had my eye on Robopocalypse since i saw it on amazon vine. That is a cool cover. I want to read Justin Cronin at some point too.
As far as Gaiman, I have that one on Mt TBR. I recommend Stardust and Coraline. I think Coraline would be ok for a mother son read as well. IMO It’s creepy but not too much.
Great reviews!
Thanks for the Gaiman recommendations. I think I’ll preread Coraline since he tends to be easily freaked out — more so than other kids.
I really want to read the Graveyard Book and after listening to Every Last One I’m looking forward to more Quindlen. I love when authors read their own work
Neil Gaiman was the absolute perfect narrator for The Graveyard Book. And I agree — who is more qualified to read an author’s work than the author themselves?
I am listening to The Twelve because Scott Brick is reading, but I had to get out the book, to see what he was reading as I was getting a bit lost. I am the target age for Anne’s books, but have yet to get ot it! Happy New Year.
You definitely need to read or listen to the Anna Q book. It will speak to you!!! And I could see losing my place in the audio of The Passage — there is some strange transitions in it.
I am slowly working my way through Gaiman books and I have loved all I have read except Good Omens and I couldn’t even finish it. But he wrote that with Terry Pratchett, so maybe that was the problem for me. The Graveyard book was super and I think you would like Neverwhere for your next one as well. I am a big, big fan of Anna Quindlen’s nonfiction (I like her fiction too, but not as much) and Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake was one of my favorite books of the year. I don’t listen to books, so her voice was not a problem for me. As I have mentioned before, I am loving this series of mini-reviews. Now, all I have to do is find time to read your recommendations. What a problem to have, huh?
Too many books and not enough time is every reader’s problem. Thanks for the Gaiman recommendation. (I’ll probably skip Good Omens based on your recommendation.) And I think the Quindlen book will be on many year end best lists!
I’ve never heard of The Journal of Best Practices, and I am always interested in reading about Asperger’s Syndrome. I am off to add it to my list. My son liked The Graveyard Book, but from what I gleaned from him, I agree that it probably isn’t a good pick for young children or sensitive kids.
I thought The Journal of Best Practices was really interesting — to get an adult’s description of what it is like to live in that kind of mind. I think you’ll find some good stuff in there.
Robopocalypse – Agreed. It was decent, but honestly, I read it a while ago and don’t remember much of it. So ultimately forgettable.
The Graveyard Book – SO good. My first Gaiman novel. I’ve read two others since then, and I love everything I’ve read so far. However, I will always have a special fondness for this book. And yes, the beginning is super-terrifying, even for adults!
The Twelve – Would you believe I have not yet read The Passage? What is wrong with me?
The Journal of Best Practices – Did you catch him on Rock Center a few weeks/months ago? He goes into depth more than the book, and you get to hear from his wife a bit more. He is absolutely charming in person, but he explains in the interview that it is really a persona he adopted to help him cope. Interesting man, and yes, his wife has the patience of a saint.
I agree — I was freaked out by the first chapter of The Graveyard Book. Terrifying!!
And thanks for the tip on David Finch. I will definitely look for that interview. I’d love to see him in person and hear from his wife.
Oh, I want to read The Journal of Best Practices! Will you come write some mini-reviews for me! I’m so behind on reading and writing.
Ha! I’m reviewed out!! Barely made it through my own!
I completely agree that The Graveyard Book isn’t really appropriate for kids. I do love it though and you already know I’m a Gaiman fan. I really think you should read Stardust next. It’s a bit like The Princess Bride. I think you would like it!
I think Stardust will be the next one. And yeah … not quite a kid’s book, that Graveyard Book. Yet it is marketed as such. My son had it in his Scholastic flyer!
The Quindlen book sounds like something I should read (I’m 54), so I’ll keep it in mind. For some reason I’ve never been a big fan of hers. (though I’m not sure why)
I have Coraline waiting in my Kindle and I’ve heard it’s a great place to start with Neil Gaiman.
I think Stardust and Coraline will be my next Gaiman reads. And I think you should give the Anna Q book a go!
Anna Quindlen’s book was one of my favorites this year, and I know exactly what you mean about her voice! She actually had a cold during the recording session, but had already cancelled the session once (for the same reason) and they couldn’t reschedule. She made a joke at the Random House Open House a couple weeks ago about sounding like Harvey Fierstein!
Oh I’m so glad you mentioned that!! I wondered if that was her every day speaking voice!! Too funny about the Harvey Fierstein comment!
The journal book sounds really interesting though I agree with you that having the wife’s input would make it even greater. I may have to check that one out. Have you read look Me In the Eye by Robison? That’s a memoir about living with aspergers as well and I always recommend it to people wanting a better understanding of that viewpoint.
I’ve stayed away from the Anna quindlen book because I wasn’t sure that, at 30. I would appreciate it enough. I adored her “a short guide to a happy life” book though so I may need to not pass on that!
You probably are too young yet for the Anna Q book but keep in mind as you get older.
And thanks for the recommendation of the Robison book. That sounds interesting.
I liked Neil Gaiman’s novel Stardust and his children’s book Coraline. Good Omens, written with Terry Pratchett, is good, too. I plan to try to read Neverwhere this year. He has a new one coming out later this year.
I’ve been hearing Stardust and Coraline over and over so I think those will be the next ones.
I’ve heard so many good things about that Anna Quindlen book! I don’t think I’ll be able to wait till it gets better when I age more
I know … just go for it! You’ll like it!
Downloading Quindlen book as I type. I have to hear her voice now…and it’s all your fault. And I’m old and stuff.
My TBR and TBLT (To Be Listened To) pile keeps getting bigger and bigger. Somehow I gotta learn to compartmentalize my brain so I can listen to an audiobook and read a book at the same time, or I’ll never get ‘em all done!
Thanks, Jenners, for another year of awesome reviews!
I think you’ll really like the Quindlen book. Let me know! And read and listen at the same time — can’t be done! I use audios for when I walk the dogs and do housekeeping chores so it always takes me forever to finish one.
Definitely going to put the Anna Quindlen audio on my wish list. Your review convinced me to read it – I’m in the target audience
I think you’ll just love it!!
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