2 Shanes - Lee Tulloch- Book Review

Two Shane's

Two Shane's has been sitting in my bookshelf and travelling with me on my many moves, gathering dust for nearly four years now. I decided, after spending the majority of my reading time devouring fantasy novels that it would be a nice time to take a break and enter the world of contemporary romance fiction with a twist.

While Two Shane's is not a Mills & Bloom Romance, the book centres around many romances, but most importantly, the bizarre and brilliant mix up of two Australians in New York shaking up the lives of so many and in the process causing a shit load of confusion and heartbreak in the process.

Both men play excellent characters in the story and I found that I really felt for Cheyne [ An actor working in New York] and how he suffers when the two Shanes get confused for each other. Although I must admit I rarely felt for Shane [The surfer] and found it a tad difficult to get in touch with his way of life.

I can't speak for all Australians, but any who have read the book know that there is a lot if misinterpretation in the novel which at times can be both offensive and hilarious. In the end it comes down to cultural education and the truth that Australians aren't all bush scrubbers and outback wrestlers, but Lee Tulloch took on a satirical nature and did a marvellous job at sharing a side of Australians that seems to be quiet attractive in America.

The characters in Two Shanes are fascinating and I loved how Tulloch created a mixed collection of personalities and identities. It gave the novel quality, as we got an insight into two cultures of diverse people coming together to create an intense, yet humorously arousing cast.

The only character that made reading the novel difficult was Cheyne's Australian stunt-girl girlfriend, Avalon. Her demanding, frustrating and at times headache producing character reminded me to much of many of the girls and women I've come into contract with in my teen an adult years, not to mention my cat and at times she made me want to shoot Cheyne and save him the pain of her existence.

The one part about this novel that almost hit it to a five star rating was the interconnectivity of the characters and the rich sub-plots that tie each character to one another in a similar manner as to how Sarah Addison Allen managed her characters in The sugar Queen. The only difference was that I could see pointers coming in advance and it was sometimes a let down that small parts of the novel were predictable.

Overall Two Shanes was a witty, entertaining read and a great book to break between more intense novels.

****.5

W...W...W...Wednesdays

July 28th 2010,

What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading and near finishing Two Shanes By Lee Tulloch. I'm happy that I decided to finally dust it of and give it a read. I am on page 214 and I hope to have it finished by the end of the month.


What did you recently finish reading?
I finished reading Bang the Keys, regrettably. It was one of my favourite writing books of all time and I had such a blast reading through the exercises and practising different mindsets for my writing. Now that everything is settling back into place I aim to try experimenting with the exercises and my character Helena Black.




What do you think you’ll read next?
It was my birthday on July the 18^th and I was able to pay of my layby on Blue Eyed Boy by Joanne Harris. It has been sitting on my bookshelf waiting for me to read it. In my mind I am waiting for the right moment because I want to embrace it. I hope that it is as brilliant as I anticipate. I want to be awake to read it and be able to take it in.

Bang the Keys- Jill Dearman- Book Review

Bang the keys was one of my favourite writing books and I have read a lot of books since I became serious about my writing when I turned Thirteen. There wasn't a dull moment and there were no exercises in the book that cannot be used over and over again like in some writing books that give you prompts to use.

Jill Dearman made each chapter enlightening, inspiring and addictive to keep reading on. I even grabbed out my journal and have been actively journalling more than once a week, rather than once a month; which is important to me.

Being stuck in a writing 'stump' due to life and it's many excuses, Bang the Keys has shown me some life altering practices that I can explore and experiment with every project I am working on. Whether it be an essay, short story, novel, novella or even a poem. I especially loved how simple the exercises where set out and that Jill didn't hold back from exploring the deeper sides of character and plot.

If you are starting to write as a hobby or even professionally I highly recommend getting your hands on Bang the Keys. It is a gem for any writer young or old and if you have an idea that has been nagging you, but you haven't the slightest idea how to start, or how to get to know your characters and plot more in depth, I can only speak for myself when I say I loved getting to know mine better and my writing has peaked once again.

I give Bang the Keys Five stars *****. I would be more than happy to hear any opinions regarding the book and if you would like more information on Jill Dearman here is a link to here site:

http://www.jilldearman.com

Upon The Midnight Clear -Sherrilyn Kenyon- Review

Upon The Midnight Clear

There are so many things I could say about Upon the Midnight clear. Both positive and negative. While most of the reviews this year have been books above three stars, sadly Upon the Midnight Clear falls below a three to two and a half stars.

I loved the book at first, with its large text, easy to read storyline and provoking character Aidan. To me, I wanted to crawl into a ball and rock myself along with his sadness. His opinions on the world and humanity resonated with me strongly, and although I have freed myself of such a determined opinion on society, I couldn't help but jump into his shoes and relive some of my own anger and pain while journeying through his.

Kenyon did a brilliant job at creating a fearless, headstrong character who anyone who has ever been abused, cheated on or damn right just been taken for a ride in the foul jealousy train will connect with his convictions on some level. As with Leta, whom which you find out has suffered at large even though she is a Goddess. These character traits question my decision for a three and a half star rating.

It is the execution of an intriguing plot that let this book down. I read the blurb on the back and was instantly hooked, but as the story unfolded everything began to read a little flat and what I had expected of the book was replaced with disappointment. I began to find it hard to see the characters in my mind and with sudden changes in some places of the book I found it hard to place in my mind what was happening.

In my opinion the book should have ended pages before it did and the ending was a let down. Far to generic. While I do love a good romance, I've read enough about happy endings and Merry Christmas and for once it would have been nice to see a character accept the end and move on as he seemed to be doing.

There were however, two parts in the novel that I wanted to share that I thought were brilliant.

“He had enough knives planted in his spine to make a stegosaurus envious.”- page 44

“Trust me, it's not the lies that hurt people. It's the willingness of everyone else to believe them.”- page 66

I am not out to hate this book and by all means I would love to hear opinions by anyone who has read this book. I would recommend it to fans of Kenyon and of the fantasy genre. I know a lot of people would probably enjoy this book, but I won't be seeking out any other books by Kenyon. At least not in the near future.

**.5

The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen- Review

The Sugar Queen

If you love books, love, heartbreak and candy then you will love The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. But don't be fooled into thinking this is your average fairytale. This book is jam packed with guilt, betrayal and danger. Which makes The Sugar Queen all the more delicious. Just one bite and you'll be licking your lips as you turn each page.

Chloe: I really love how the books in Chloe life are alive and suit to her mood. When she was younger they suited to her boredom and as she grew to growing up and relationships. It added a connection to me a reader that I couldn't help but love whole heartedly and I wished myself that my books were alive and would come to me at the right moment in my life. It would sure make choose them much easier.

Josey: With her difficult relationship with her mother through to her self-confidence issues Josey felt to me like I was and still am. While she has her character flaws, her strong manner and willingness to take a chance made her a lovable character that was easy to connect with and understand at her worst and best times.

Della Lee: I had the most trouble connecting with Della lee as a character. I couldn't quiet picture her in my head and when I did, I didn't see her for her age, but more like a rebellious teenager. I tried at the beginning to capture what the author was trying to portray but she fell short for me. It wasn't until about the 300 mark that I began to have some suspicion as to why I didn't understand her and when I neared the end of the book I finally realised why.

I loved the cast of characters and each one provoked a range of emotions in me that I could understand wholeheartedly. While I disliked Josey's mothers attitude towards life and her daughter, I could understand to some extent how raising difficult children can be. I wouldn't go as far to say I hated her, but I certainly saw a lot of aspects from some of my own family members in her and it made be only that much wishful for Josey.

With so many surprised and secrets, it was hard to put down The Sugar Queen. The dynamics of the relationships in the town were fascinating, as Josey's love interest; Adam stated later during the book.

It was the dirty laundry, hidden by fear and jealousy that made this book more enticing and the truth, that I could never see what was coming and even when I guessed I was pleasantly surprised.

If you are looking for a book that you won't be able to put down and one that won't fall flat of expectations, pick up The Sugar Queen. I promise you won't be disappointed.

With beautiful prose, an imaginative plot and charmingly creative characters - Sarah Addison Allen has shown to be a talented, magical writer and I look forward to reading more of her writing.

I am giving this book 5 stars *****

W...W...W...Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. I have hit the 230 mark and am loving nearly every minute of the story. This story has really hit home in a lot of places, while still remaining mysterious and addictive.

I am also reading Bang the Keys By . I am now at the second section of the book, but need to go back and work on the writing exercises suggested throughout each sub chapter. I am looking forward to experimenting and exploring my ideas. Especially after such a long non-writing haul.

I recently finished reading Ghost Portrait by Gregory Normintion which was an experience in itself and a pleasant look into the 16^th century, even if fictionalised. While it wasn't my favourite read and was difficult to get through in some places, I still managed to not give up on it.

Looking at my shelf and in my mind for the books I desire for my upcoming birthday this weekend [18^th July] I was considering reading 'The Time Travellers Wife', but I think I might go for one of my older books sitting in the shelf. Maybe J.R. Wards 'The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series' or a Christine Feehans 'Game Series' novel.

I am practising some self restraint and waiting a little while longer till I start reading another book. Otherwise I will have three or four on the go and that leaves me no room to enjoy them I've recently found.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com

Hey Guys this is my first Teaser Tuesday.



'I would die before I was a game they used to play. One of those things couples did. An inside joke. '

'Books where good for a story or to teach a card trick or two, but what where they really? Just paper and sting and glue."

I am guessing I will get better at this with time.

Blair <3

p.s I am loving this book right now, so look out for a review soon.

Blue Bloods 2010 Challenge

Blue Bloods 2010 Challenge

If you enjoy the Blue Blood series by Melissa De La Cruz then this is the challenge for you.

From July 1^st till December 31^st your goal is to read the Blue Blood Series.

The books so far are:

.Blue Bloods

.Masquerade

.Revelations

.The Van Allen Legacy

. Keys to the repository

. Misguided Angel – Due out in October

The last two are optional.

Rules

. If you have already finished the series then it would be weird to set yourself up for the challenge.

. Each book deserves a review, so if you haven't already make a blog and start reviewing.

. If you have already read book one you can enter.

.Special Challenge if you can read One book a week

. Share the love of books. I want to hear all about your opinions on the series Don't be afraid to share your dislikes as well as dislikes.

. The challenge is complete when you have read the series.

. Have fun. Make friends. Keep updated. Love the passion of reading.

Blood Work- Michael Connelly- Review

Blood Work

I'm not ashamed when I say I am a definite late bloomer when it comes to the enthralling fictional world of Micheal Connelly's crime novels. Like a long time drug user, I quickly found my fix in Harry Bosch but when it came time to opening the doors to another famous character- Terry McCaleb I was thrown out in the middle of the storm and left fending for not only my opinions on the character, but the change of style in Micheal's writing, that to me was a different slice of reading pie.

Blood Work was a slow story to begin with, but by the end of the last few chapters I was biting my lip, pulling the blankets higher and turning each page fast enough to get a few paper cuts [ well not really- but it sure felt like it.]

The story itself picks up around the halfway point [page]250 and I believe the vast majority of the beginning was background needed to build the suspense and story that takes you on this journey through not only Terry McCaleb ordeal, but deep into the mind of spine shuddering evil.

If you think you know the ending even close to it, then you'll be madly surprised. Terry's past, present and future count on finding the killer and he will stop at nothing, even if it means death. For Terry has been through a heart transplant and is still in recovery when the story begins. Terry puts his own heart on the line [literally] and for me that was where I found a place for him in my own.

It took a while for me to care about Terry, for he didn't have quiet the same reaction Harry Bosch did in City of Bones and while I felt sometimes the characters where a little flaky throughout the novel. I am ecstatic that I pushed through the intensity of the plot and read on through to the end, because it was amazing.

Blood work is not only a crime/thriller as a romance story blossoms amidst the urgency and Terry battles with not only the killer and his recovery, but how to love someone when the circumstances are more than skin deep.

I would strongly recommend fans of the Crime genre to check out Blood Work and City of Bones, both written by Michael Connelly. While he isn't a new author, his fresh, enthralling novels keep me up both day and night, turning the pages.

**** Four Stars.

Passion or Distraction - Reading Journal

I am not sure how to start this journal, but I guess the best place to start is the beginning, like anywhere else and explain how I am feeling right now, and update you on the number of books I have read.:

Recently I have finished a fair amount of books. At the end of June I had reached thirteen books and by the beginning of July I had reached sixteen. With a book count like that, I am getting closer to my goal of 25 books and am nearing half way to the 50 book challenge I am embarking on.

Now as I have finished my sixteen book I am staring at my bookshelf looking at the books I have already began to read and wondering why I haven't the mindset to read them.

Without a doubt they are interesting and provoking. One is a non-fiction book called Bang the Keys and it's about a lifelong writing process. The other is a fiction novel called The Sugar Queen, and with a delectable cover and massive font, it should be a breeze to get through.

So why can't I get reading?

I believe I know the answer and it isn't meant to come as a harsh excuse, but I am to concerned about taking care of everyone else's concerns to take time alone for myself. Even when I am alone from Monday to Friday till the evening, I still feel it my need to be cleaning up after three grown men. One of which might I add is seriously anal about cleaning. This includes my partner Daniel as well to some extent, but that is more cleaning and I enjoy cleaning my domain.

I love to sit back and delve into a novel while I am alone. I do enjoy having a clean house, but what I find hard is defining my duties and this makes me frustrated, annoyed and constantly aware that I am not doing enough or a good enough job around the house. And there my book loving friends is the defining point where I loose interest in plot and exploring the world of fiction and fall into the sickening pattern society had begrudged me with.

Now my early mornings are spent catching up on sleep and snuggled in bed till twelve in the afternoon, where I arise to dishes or mud on the floor and a hungry cat. Rather than a nice pot of tea, a great novel and sunshine gleaming through the window.

Who wants to wake up feeling like they can't even relax when the day is there own and has been granted to them for leisure? Sure as mighty not me.

I wanted to write this entry because I believe that if I write it down, and make a small promise to myself to accomplish it, then it will have more affect than it would mulling around inside my head.

I promise to read one book this week and finish it. I promise to not let life get in the way of a brilliant plot and to focus on the journey rather than the distractions around me. Because if I let it suppress the urge to read, then much like my writing has. I will be lost in the world of darkness and insanity [Not that I'm not already]

Oh I almost forgot the other distraction. My partner Daniel is ill right now, and if his snoring isn't bad enough[ it is tolerable] he makes these little cries when he sleeps and it is like the tip of the frustration iceberg. I do know however, that he cannot help it and I should be able to get through it- shouldn't I?

Kick starting my week starting Monday which will be in a few hours. I will run to get my bra and my hairbrush and make myself comfortable for a nice settling read. I will be reading The Sugar Queen and Bang The Keys. One chapter each day is a fair promise. Anymore than that and it is fabulous.

I will not loose site of my passion. I will not give into distraction. I will read and I will enjoy it. Because without my love of books, the world has no love. over dramatic statement.

Here is my updated [read] book list:


1.Exploring Creative Writing -Kevin Brophy
2.The Book of Joe – Jonathan Tropper
3.Eclipse – Stephenie Meyer
4.Sensing Spirit – Mitchell Coombes
5.The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
6.How to Become a Famous writer before your dead- Ariel Gore
7.How I write- Secrets of a Bestselling Author- Janet Evanovich & Ina Yalof
8.The Mastery of Love - Don Miguel Ruiz
9.Frostbite – Richelle Meid
10. Nightlight [A paraody] – The Harvard Lampoon
11. Blue Bloods – Melissa De La Cruz
12. Bitten- Edited By Susie Bright
13. Right Book- Right Time- Agnes Nieuwenhuizen
14.Blood Work – Micheal Connelly
15. Dead until Dark – Charlaine Harris
16.Ghost Portrait- Gregory Norminton

Dead Untill Dark - Charlaine Harris- Review

Dead Untill Dark

I'd been hearing about the Sookie Stackhouse novels for some years without ever really taking note of purchasing them. When my friends described them to me, they sounded much like any vampire novel I had read before. It wasn't until I was walking through my local Kmart store that I decided to give the first book a try [Dead until Dark] and I must admit I was impressed.

While Dead until Dark is not my all time favourite vampire novel, it did captivate me and draw me into Sookie's World and I adored that she has the ability to hear peoples thoughts, because it added another dimension to the plot and begged a lot of questions to be answered throughout the book. Some of which were answered, while others I believe are left to the readers imagination.

My biggest downfall was watching the HBO series while reading the book, and being to greedy to get to the end of season one so that I could move on to season two. It made reading the book sometimes difficult to get back into after taking short breaks and often made me question the value of the novel over the series, as there was more characters in the television series than there was the book.

Without letting it drag me down, I read through till the end of the book and put the television series aside to come up with a decision on what I liked and disliked about the novel- Dead until Dark.

For me the characters were brilliant. Each had their own definable traits that added to the overall plot and thickened it in places where I felt Charlaine's writing fell a little flat. For me, if I wanted to read about what a character wore, ate and where she slept I would read a teenagers diary. Given, knowing where Bill slept was part of building the character, but there were some slow parts in the novel that dragged on a little and made me put the book down when I really didn't want to have to.

I enjoyed that the novel was subtle most of the way through reading it, when it came to the sexual content. In the HBO series it was explicit in sexual content, and while I enjoy a little erotic nature sometimes it was overbearing when I wasn't in the mood, which made the novel bearable in all my moods.

The journey of the story was something I also took pleasantly and I enjoyed the pacing of the novel. It began very simply, and over the span of the book grew more complex in background story and added character plot.

The only thing that I found annoying was the quick way that the end was handled. I am not certain in my mind if it was because I had watched the series and knew how it was going to end, or because I had high expectations for the ending after being hooked from the beginning and was restless in anticipation for the truth. Either way, the ending was a let down for me and I believe it could have been dragged out a little longer with more detail and emotion.

Despite the few flaws it does have. I will be reading on to the next novel in the series. Living Dead in Dallas and I hope that even though I have watched the second season, that I will be able to read the novel with fresh eyes after some time.

I am giving this book four stars [****] because despite the differences in the novel and series. For a novel alone it was a different read and I want to read on.

Ghost Portrait- Gregory Norminton - Review

Ghost Portrait

It was the antique beauty of the cover that drew me to the hardback charmer- Ghost Portrait.

Set in the 16^th century, this small novel about a blind painter and his student at first riddled me. After giving it deep thought, I decided to press on through the dry reading and give the novel a worthy read. The outcome of the journey varied in opinions based on style, era and the ability the novel had to capture my attention and hold it long enough for me to grasp the concept of the story.

To me Gregory's style was like a detailed skeleton without any real flesh. Beautifully written, without a doubt, but most definitely not my cup of tea. I did enjoy it during some stages, but the constant change of time and character made is confusing in parts to keep up with what the story was about.

I enjoyed reading about Cynthia and the heavily pregnant wife of the painter -Belinda, whose portrait the story revolves around when Nathaniel [The Painter] asks his [Student] William if he would continue his portrait after his death, in return for Nathaniel's Daughter Cynthia.

Reading about Cynthia helped me determine the story and let me breathe through the sometimes heavy passages of old historical language that I, as a modern day reader have never heard of, nor thought of learning.

Much as in life, I have learned tid-bits of historical information about the 16^th century that I was not aware of. Such as, reading and learning were forbidden to women and that the women's domain was a kitchen and that toilet paper was often pieces of fabric that was rinsed and washed under a sink after use.

For a diverse read in a different style I would suggest picking up this book and giving it a go. It does deserve the read, despite my previous inkling that I wasn't going to be able to read through till the end. I believe this book would be wonderfully suited to those with knowledge of the 16^th century or fans of that historical genre.

Overall I'm giving this book two stars, maybe verging on a three ** - *** stars.