Monday Book Review - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD by Agatha Christie

 

I've recommended Agatha Christie before. Last time it was MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Well, this one blows my previous recommendation right out of the water. It was SO GOOD. For the past few days my husband has listened to me go about my business, all the while muttering to myself "I still haven't figured out who murdered Roger Ackroyd".  Now I know. And you need to read this book because it will blow your mind.

What is the key to a truly good mystery? When the author gives you everything you need to solve it and yet you still can't do it. And when the identity of the murder is finally revealed, your jaw drops to your shoes. This is a truly good mystery. And it doesn't matter if mysteries aren't usually your bag, read this one anyway.

Looking for a read that will leave you open-mouthed for hours? You've found it.

Monday Book Review - The Language of Flowers

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 

This is a really unique story, in which a young woman, Victoria, uses the old Victorian meanings for flowers to convey feelings she's not comfortable saying out loud. While she struggles with her own past, and her lack of trust in others, she's still able to help the customers who visit the flower shop where she works, using flowers and their secret meanings to guide them through their own problems. Using a blend of flashbacks and the present, the mystery of Victoria's past is slowly revealed and the question remains, can the flowers she uses to help others help her as well?

I loved this book. I almost didn't read it, at first I was put off by the title (it sounded a little ... flowery), but it came highly recommended by another author I love, and once I read the summary I was hooked. Which is also what happened from the first page. Diffenbaugh has created a one of a kind character, someone who is lost and alone, damaged seemingly almost beyond repair. And yet, she has this beautiful gift with flowers, a gift that could lead to her own salvation as well. It's magnificent.

Read this book. You won't look at flowers the same way again.

Monday Book Review - By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

BY GRAND CENTRAL STATION I SAT DOWN AND WEPT by Elizabeth Smart

 

I found out about this book from 101 LETTERS TO A PRIME MINISTER by Yann Martel. I had heard of it before but I didn't realize what it was about or its significance. It's the story of an illicit affair between a young woman and a married man, told in some of the most beautiful language I've ever read.

Every page is exquisite. It's poetry, pure and simple. Smart's choice of words is incredible. Her work is groundbreaking. When it was first published it was banned in Canada for its "immoral" content, but you can't deny that it's a work of art, well worth the read. 

I don't always love the classics, often finding them rather dry and boring, but this was different. It's beautiful, plain and simple.

Monday Book Review - Dad is Fat

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

DAD IS FAT by Jim Gaffigan

 

What's not to love about a humorous memoir by Jim Gaffigan? I already love his stand up so I knew I wasn't taking a big risk reading his book. And you know what? It was awesome, as predicted. Even for a severely anti-baby person such as myself, I still found myself laughing at Gaffifan's exploits as a father of five. And the obvious love and respect he has for his wife was an added bonus. 

True, there are some parts of the book obviously borrowed from his standup, so I was already familiar with a few chapters, but it wasn't too much so I didn't feel cheated. Some of the stories he shared were just too hilarious, giving me away when I was trying to sneak read it at work. He just has a way with words, a way of describing situations and opinions that always has me in stitches. It was clever and candid and never afraid to poke fun at himself. I love that.

If you want to cheer someone up, brighten their day and make them laugh out loud, bring them this book. When I read it, I was down with a cold and even though laughing hurt my throat, I couldn't put it down for a second.

Monday Book Review - Calling Me Home

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

CALLING ME HOME by Julie Kibler

 

Isabelle and Dorrie are unlikely friends. For one, Isabelle is an eighty-nine year old white woman and Dorrie is a black woman in her thirties, a single mom and a hairdresser. The bond they've formed might be unlikely, but it's strong, and it will take them across the country and back in time as Isabelle shares a story she's been carrying for her entire adult life, one she's never shared with anyone.

Loved this. Absolutely LOVED this. The characters were lovable and charming, and I especially appreciated bouncing between the two points of view. You can't get much more opposite than Isabelle and Dorrie, and yet you felt the affection they had for each other, the love. The story is richly layered, as is the setting, a small southern town in the nineteen forties. It was beautiful and upsetting and uplifting all at the same time.

This one wasn't predictable. Things didn't happen they way I expected they would and it was better for it. I felt captured by their story, and it stayed on my mind for days after I was done. Characters like these can be hard to come by, and I enjoyed every minute I spent with them. 

Monday Book Review - Joyland

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

JOYLAND by Stephen King

 

You know whenever you want a good read, it's never a bad bet to pick something by Stephen King. This is one of his newer books, only released in paperback (no hard cover) with this retro style cover. It gives the feel of an old school, hard crime and it delivers, but with typical Stephen King flair. It reads a little like a memoir, a man looking back on that one crazy summer that changed his life.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? It's Stephen King for god's sake! But really, this is a fantastic book. I love that King decided to do a project like this, it's fun and eery, suspenseful but also doesn't take its self too seriously. I gobbled it up like cookies on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Irresistible. 

If you enjoy Stephen King, then I think you'll love this. If you don't enjoy Stephen King, then I think you'll love this. It stands on its own as a fun, easy read, the perfect thing to curl up and read and forget your troubles.

Monday Book Review - Spanish Fly

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

SPANISH FLY by Will Ferguson

 

This is a kind of prequel to Happiness by Will Ferguson, although each easily stands on its own. This is the story of Jack McGreary, a brilliant young man who finds himself lost in the world of con men and shifty dealings. The lessons in this world don't come cheap and often have fatal consequences, so he'll need to use every ounce of his cleverness to make it out alive.

I picture Ferguson spending hours in the library while he was researching this book. From all the brilliant factoids to the histories and fates of real con men, this book crackles with realism, a kind of texture that brings the story to life. He gives Jack and his accomplices a complexity that some authors wouldn't have bothered with and it really makes this story something special.

You'll never be able to guess the ending to this one. It's as clever as its main character. This is one to add to your list, just don't blame me if you start feeling suspicious of repairmen and state officials.

Monday Book Review - Hollow City

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

HOLLOW CITY by Ransom Riggs

 

You might remember my review of MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN (if not you can find it here). This is the second installment in the series and it's just as marvelous as the first, with a new collection of eery photos to accompany the story. It follows Jacob and his 'peculiar' friends as they attempt to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine.

I should have been prepared for the amount of imagination, after reading the first one, but it's easy to forget how splendid a story is when you've been away from it for a while. I was continually flabbergasted by Riggs and his ability to twist and turn a plot, as well as create unique characters with unique abilities. Combine that with the suspense of the story and you'll understand why it's a best seller.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of originality. You won't find another story like it, I can pretty much guarantee that.

Monday Book Review - River of Stars

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

RIVER OF STARS by Guy Gavriel Kay

 

Normally, I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I listened to a reading and interview with Guy Gavriel Kay at Word on the Street last September, and I was floored by his eloquence, good humor and wisdom. His latest epic intrigued me and my husband, so we bought it and had him sign it. I've only finally gotten the chance to sit down and read it and I loved it.

There was a point in the reading when the interviewer told a story about the first time he ever read a book by Guy Gavriel Kay. He was working on his father's farm and he was supposed to be watching something, although I can't remember what. He had one of Kay's books with him and was reading it while he worked. Normally, when he would bring a book to work, he would read a page or two, look up and make sure everything was fine, then read another page or two and so on. But as he got into Kay's book, he couldn't keep from reading more and more pages and of course everything went haywire from there. The story was incredibly accurate, as I found the same thing happening to me. The further I got into the story the more I couldn't put it down, the more desperate I became to read just a few more pages.

I don't know how I could possibly sum up the plot. RIVER OF STARS has far too many characters and far too much intrigue to ever attempt such a thing. What I can tell you, is Kay's own description of his books, which I think sums it up nicely. "History with a quarter turn to the fantastic". It was a fantastic read, and it won't be my last. There are many more books by Kay to enjoy, and I plan to do just that.

Monday Book Review - The Uninvited

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE UNINVITED by Tim Wynne-Jones

 

THE UNINVITED is a story about secrets, escape and finding family in unexpected places. It centers around Mimi, a University student on the run from an obsessed professor, Jay, a music student trying to find his voice and Cramer, a young man desperate for change and the chance to be noticed. As their paths cross, they realize their lives are connected in ways they never expected...

Un-put-downable. Is that a word? It should be, because it describes this book very well. My mentor actually recommended this one to me and I'm glad she did. Although at times it was hard to pay attention to the lessons I was supposed to be learning because the story was so willful, it just pulled me along without stopping. It was suspenseful and twisted, with characters that I really enjoyed. Especially Cramer. He really kept me reading. There's something about him that's just so easy to root for. 

This was the first book I've ever read by Tim Wynne-Jones, and it won't be the last. It was just too good. I want more! Definitely give this one a read.

Monday Book Review - The Shining Girls

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE SHINING GIRLS by Lauren Beukes

 

If you're looking for a suspense/thriller that bends the laws of space and time, you've found it. THE SHINING GIRLS grabbed me from page one and held me until the end. It also creeped the hell out of me, but that's understandable, given the plot. It's the story of a serial killer, Harper Curtis, who finds a house in depression-era Chicago that opens onto different times. With it, he stalks and kills his victims, until one, Kirby, miraculously survives. She's determined to bring him to justice and joins with ex-homicide reporter, Dan Velasquez, to find him.

Are you intrigued yet? You should be. The writing is spectacular, jumping through time and the eyes of its characters, pulling you along in its current. Beukes does an amazing job of building the story, unfolding clue after clue and letting you inside Harper's head. It's brilliantly told and completely captivating.

So, if boredom plagues you at every turn, if winter has you dragging your feet, pick this up. It will definitely having you flipping pages at lighting speed, anxious to find out what happens next. Is there anything better than that?

Monday Book Review - The Tao of Martha

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE TAO OF MARTHA by Jen Lancaster

 

 Yes. I finally got the chance to sit down and read THE TAO OF MARTHA another fabulous installment by the always lovely Jen Lancaster. What makes her memoirs so funny? I think it's her sarcastic barbs, her self deprecating humour and the truly original way she has of describing any and every disaster. No one makes me laugh out loud like she does.

This is the story of the year Jen spent trying to live under the guidance of Martha Stewart and her domestic wisdom. It's funny, surprising and at times heart wrenching. It's her best memoir in a while, as original and hilarious as her first, BITTER IS THE NEW BLACK,  and another favourite of mine, SUCH A PRETTY FAT. It reminded of me of why I love her so much (it's because we think alike). In short, it's awesome. 

Definitely give this a read. And if you've never read Jen Lancaster before, start with BITTER IS THE NEW BLACK. My husband had to keep coming into the room to check on me while I was reading it, he couldn't understand how I could be laughing hysterically while reading a book and not be having some kind of mental breakdown.

Monday Book Review - Rest in Pieces

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

REST IN PIECES by Bess Lovejoy

 

Now this was a fun book. As you can see, the full title is actually THE CURIOUS FATES OF FAMOUS CORPSES; REST IN PIECES and it is a very accurate description of what you'll find inside. It's positively fascinating! I couldn't put it down. It's crazy how mishandled some of the most famous corpses of all time have been. We're talking, "oops, we misplaced the head" bad. It's a really fascinating read. 

Not only is the book just plain beautiful (it's now a showpiece on my bookcase), it's well written, funny and just a little twisted. It'd have to be with this subject matter. It was also the perfect answer to a dull afternoon. I loved it. 

Definitely, definitely, read this. It's fantastic and you'll both gross out and really impress at your next dinner party. It's a wonderfully original piece of writing on a subject matter that has always been fascinating. It's a great book.

Monday Book Review - While the Sun is Above Us

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

WHILE THE SUN IS ABOVE US by Melanie Schnell

 

This is not a book I would usually gravitate towards. Generally speaking, if something looks a little dark or heavy, I go the other way. But I got the chance to hear Melanie read from her book during the Word on the Street festival last September and was so captivated by her reading that I immediately bought it and got her to sign it. I just finally had the chance to sit down and read it and I was blown away.

This is the story of two women; Adut, a Sudanese woman who is captured and held as a slave for eight years, and Sandra, a Canadian woman who left home looking for answers. Their lives are changed forever when chance brings them together for a short but profound moment. 

This book is written from the perspective of both women, each sharing their story with the other. It's lovely and at times heart wrenching, a truly terrific read. Make sure you pick this one up and give it a read.

Monday Book Review - Murder on the Orient Express

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie

 

Detective Hercule Poirot is on his way home when his detective skills are once again called into service.  It's overnight on the Orient Express when a murder occurs, one that leaves so many questions the case seems unsolvable... at least for someone other than Poirot.

I love a good mystery, and I've been meaning to read MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS for a long time. It doesn't disappoint. The murder is complex, the motive far reaching and the clues add up to a solution that doesn't seem to make any sense. I loved it. It was entertaining and stimulating as I tried to put the pieces together before Poirot. Of course, I did not succeed. But that's the sign of a really good mystery. A perfect puzzle. 

If you're a mystery fan and you've never read this classic, definitely make sure you do. And if you've never read a mystery, this a great one to start on, I'm sure it will make you a fan of the genre.

Monday Book Review - Happiness

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

HAPPINESS by Will Ferguson

 

I bought this book in September, at the Word on the Street festival in Saskatoon. In fact, I bought three of Will Ferguson's books. Why? Because he did a reading and an interview and was so funny and charming I just couldn't resist. And I'm glad I didn't. Happiness is the first I've had a chance to read and it does not disappoint. It's fabulous!

What is it that all people want? Of course, there's the usual culprits; money, possessions, etc. But deep down what everyone really wants is happiness.And what if there was a book that could give it to you? A self help book that actually worked? It would be wonderful, yes? Wrong. This is the story of a self help book that worked and in the process set off the apocalypse.

It's funny and witty, with a lovable main character you can't help but root for. The writing is superb, and of course the plot is exceptionally original. It's an amazing book. Definitely give this a read.

Monday Book Review ... On Wednesday

You'll have to excuse my being tardy with this week's book recommendation. I was away visiting my sister and playing with my sweet nephew and never had a chance to sit down in front of a computer. But I promise you, it was worth the wait.

N0S4A2 by Joe Hill

 

Yes, this is the second book I've recommended by Joe Hill. What can I say? The dude can write. And this is a story that will have you pondering the dimensions of the universe while being thoroughly creeped out. Not to mention it's especially festive for the holiday season. Nothing like a trip to Christmasland to cure what ails you!

It's the tale of Vic, a woman who has always been able to find things. Lost things. One day, as she tries to escape troubles at home she goes looking for trouble. And finds it. Trouble is a man named Charlie Manx, a man who enjoys kidnapping children and taking them to live forever in his magical Christmasland. But something awful happens to the children that end up in Christmasland. Something inhuman. 

This is not just a novel that tests the boundaries of reality. It's a gripping tale about a man with a mission and the only person on Earth who can find him and stop him. It's fresh and exciting, unexpected and as I mentioned before, gloriously creepy. The kind that will have you blocking off your chimney come Christmas Eve. Definitely give this one a read.

Monday Book Review - My Life in Black and White

This week I've brought in a little help by way of the darling Crochet by Megs, who has a blog all about her crochet, cooking and books, among many other wonderful things. Definitely stop over and give it a look when you have the chance. You can find it here. And now, I shall hand things over to her expertise. Enjoy!

I was surprised and delighted when Melanie asked me to guest post on her wonderful blog. The book recommendations on Monday are actually one of my favorite parts to her blog, so I was honored to be able to contribute.

This Monday’s recommendation is:

MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE by Kim Izzo 

It's the story of a screen writer turned tabloid reporter and her struggles with a disappointing marriage, career and life.

This was an incredible book with one of the most painful, realistic break-up scenes I’ve ever read. Seriously, everything you’ve ever dreaded a lover saying, gets said. 

The main character, Clara Bishop, is shocked and hurt when her husband leaves her for a waitress with little warning. She was deeply in love with him and had deluded herself into believing they had a happy marriage.

With her husband gone Clara finds herself longing to be one of the strong women she loves in film, but always finds herself coming up short, she turns to her mother for solace and finds unusual comfort in her grandmother’s old clothes.

After the devastating loss of her husband, Clara doesn’t know what to do with herself except follow him and his new lady to London in the hopes of winning him back. 

Armed with her grandmother’s beautiful clothing Clara strives to become that what she’d always admired - the femme fatale - and win her husband back. 

This book was a fun journey through a modern day film noir and a beautiful look back into the past and what it would have been like to live in a classic black and white film. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Monday Book Review - The Miracles of Ordinary Men

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation.

THE MIRACLES OF ORDINARY MEN by Amanda Leduc

 

Sam, a high school English teacher, is an ordinary guy until the day he wakes up with wings growing out of his back. No one besides himself, his cat, his childhood priest and a student are able to see them.

Delilah is torn between her cold and distant mother dying of cancer and her younger brother, who lives on the streets of Vancouver and refuses to come home. When her new boss approaches her for a date, she finds him both dangerous and alluring, and impossible to turn down.

This is a book you'll be thinking about for days and weeks afterwards. In fact, it's a good idea to lend it to friends and family as well, because you're going to want to discuss it with them. It's something to reread and argue about, a story that will make you question the purpose of God, the devil and miracles. 

This is a book that comes along only once in a while. A beautiful story that sticks with you and makes you question what you know and what you believe. This is a definite must read.

Monday Book Review - The Shining

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation!

THE SHINING by Stephen King

 

This has been a bucket list book for me for a very long time, so I was so glad when I finally had the chance to sit down and read it. And it. Was. Terrifying. I thought Christine was creepy, but this was leaps and bounds more scary. It was also beautifully written, the history of the characters and their descent into the hotel's grasp developing steadily, like the long climb on a roller coaster, filling you with more and more dread as you begin to reach the top, because you know the fall is waiting. It was exhilarating and mesmerizing and proves what we already knew about Stephen King. He is an amazing writer.

I know it can be hard to pick up a book that you know will be terrifying, but you really have to in this case. The story is just so good, the characters are memorable and full of depth, overall it's just an amazing ride. I especially loved being inside the mind of Jack and his son Danny. Their different perceptions of the hotel and what was happening around them was riveting. 

So, if this has been on your bucket list, make sure you make the time to pick it up. It's amazing and so much better than the movie. If you're a little reluctant because it's scary, don't let that stop you. It's a great read and just do what I did. Only read it during the daylight hours.