A Post: Mini-Reviews of Many Titles

I've moved! I'm officially a resident of the area that lies alongside the Windy City! It's been crazy getting moved in and unpacked, but we're here and the neighborhood is AWESOME! I should mention that I opened a library card before moving so already had titles waiting when we made it (WIN). I finally had the opportunity to walk up yesterday to claim them and get acquainted with the new facility. The library is rated a five, so it's the cream of the crop in terms of book loaning goodness. I was blown away by the number of really recent titles that were just waiting to be selected while walking around the new release section. I'm thinking I could get used to this!

I've actually maintained a healthy amount of reading despite the craziness of the move, the new photography endeavor, and the wedding planning. However, the review situation was lacking, so I thought I must rectify given that so many of you reached out about the RIP challenge even if I hadn't offered a thing in a whole month. You guys just made my day!

Titles read recently with a brief overview and my own thoughts:

Glaciers follows the daily life of one young woman in Portland, Oregon. A collector of antique items and an employee of the library system there, I was smitten with this one even before I started reading. The novel is short, try less than 200 pages or just about, and incredibly modern. Because the lead is around the same age as me I found there were moments I could relate to in a way that I've never found in another novel. The prose is also beautiful. There were whole lines I read again and again just to savor. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!

The Song of Achilles follows the lives of Petroclus and Achilles as they grow up together after Petroclus is exiled from his kingdom for the accidental murder of a peer. A modern take on Achilles's story, Miller weaves a brilliant novel filled with detail that bring Greek mythology to life. I had an unfounded assumption that I wouldn't enjoy this one and almost didn't pick it up, but am so glad I did. The relationship between Petroclus and Achilles is one of the most heartbreaking I've read in ages, but sheds light on the complications of partnership. While there are definitely parts that I would scream CHEESE FEST, I really liked the novel overall and couldn't stop reading.

Rules of Civility is probably one of my favorite reads. I've stated before that if given the opportunity, I would unread it just to read it again for the first time. Eve in Hollywood follows the life of Eve after her falling out with Katey Kontent (essentially the life Eve leads after she fades away from Rules). First traveling to Chicago, Eve decides to take the train to Hollywood without concrete plans. Meeting people along the way, you learn more about Eve's situation, her inner dialogue, and how she's perceived by those around her. I loved this short read because each character really offers an individual voice. It also takes the reader back to a time when you could jump a train and start again in a star-studded city that was booming like never before. A novella, and special Penguin release, this is a title you should get your hands on if you loved Rules of Civility, or like imagining the glitz and glam of old Hollywood!

Another Penguin Special release, this novella is the precursor to Jojo Moyes's The Girl You Left Behind, which follows the lives of two women in different decades, setting up said novel. Honeymoon in Paris is a short, fun read that really manages to pack some emotion in so few pages. Those familiar with the delight of the honeymoon period, and perhaps the first argument thereafter, can definitely relate to this read. Moyes sets up her full-length novel beautifully with this one.

The latest in the Flavia de Luce series, Bradley once again manages to captivate the reader (despite the fact that it's highly unlikely one young girl would encounter so many mysterious murders in a quiet English village) and wishing for the next title. This one is a definite read for all the fans who have kept up thus far because there are several shocking events that I was quite surprised and delighted to see. After uncovering the body of the missing organist in a tomb hidden beneath St. Tancred's Parish, Flavia is once again vital in helping Inspector Hewitt solve the crime, while also getting into a bit of trouble and learning more about the de Luce family legacy.

The Girl You Left Behind takes readers through the ugliness of WWI in a tiny French village after the German army has decided to occupy and keep the townspeople prisoners in their own homes. When a commanding officer develops an unhealthy affection for Sophie, the beautiful hotel owner and wife of painter Eduourd Lefevre, and a painting she keeps displayed on the hotel wall, Sophie is put in a terrifying and dangerous position. Moving forward to present day, the reader watches as Liv Halston struggles with the untimely death of her famed architect husband, and the threat of losing a painting given to her on their honeymoon. Stories enterwine and it's captivating all around. My only issue with this particular story was that the breaks in narrative, moving from the past to present after lengthy moments with one character, ruined the flow for me. I found I'd be more interested in one character's story one moment, and another the next. All and all, another great read from Moyes!


Yes, most of these deserve an entire page dedicated to the beauty of their prose and the world it offered, but this is what I can provide at the moment. 2013 has been a great year in the reading department and I only hope to continue with my good fortune throughout the RIPVIII Challenge!

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A Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I'll admit that I missed the initial hype on this one. I actually didn't even hear about it until it had already been out several weeks and came across Brenna's nod. I found the novel to be a quick, enjoyable read that addressed some tough emotional and political issues.

When young Lou Clark loses her comfortable job as a barista in the cafe of the castle that is her town's largest attraction, she begins a desperate search to find something quickly. Her family, relying on her income to live, are a curious bunch that deem Lou the misfit, a lesser individual than her younger, and smarter, sister.When Lou realizes she doesn't have skills to perform many of the jobs available, she applies to be a caretaker to Will Traynor, a wealthy businessman turned quadriplegic in a motorbike accident. When Will attempts to exercise the only power he believes he has left, Lou must convince him that life is still worth living.

Moyes slowly reveals layers of each character to make the story believable and quite touching. Lou's character, in particular, moved me because she was obviously quite bright, yet so incredibly sheltered. When I grew bothered by her tendency to shrug things off before actually giving them thought, or her avoidance of confrontation despite the nagging in her gut, I understood that Lou wasn't exactly sure who she was, and was struggling with perceptions of herself from those around her. Will, on the other hand, is often caustic in his approach to meeting new people and wears his contempt outwardly. In the end, it's Lou's determination that makes the relationship a success, refusing to give up during Will's worst moments. Moyes provides vivid details of Will's daily life and the routines that allow him to live and breath, and definitely make his impudent actions comprehensible.

For such unassuming cover art, Me Before You really packs a punch. Will, the quintessential adventure man, has realized his worst fears. After the accident, he's left unable to care for himself in any capacity; moreover, he's lost his job, his fiancee, and the will to live. As Will and Lou work to get past the awkward and somewhat rude exchanges that make up their introduction, they eventually grow quite fond of one another. With Will's guidance, Lou recognizes her own potential and realizes there's a whole world waiting for her. However, she also understands that as she finds herself, Will is slowly sinking. Moyes sheds light on highly political issues, like assisted suicide, exhibiting the emotions his own family must face when accepting his fate, as well as the political and social repercussions that accompany the act. The title is a great example of fictional situations that really force readers to put themselves in these situations and contemplate their own decisions.

I highly recommend this title if you're looking for a well-written novel that's sure to stick with you long after you've finished.

I received a copy of this novel from Penguin Group Viking via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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