"The Museum of Extraordinary Things," by Alice Hoffman

This year I decided to begin reading in earnest again, as last year I fell off the bookaholic wagon and only managed to read 31 books (if I counted right on Goodreads, because I wasn't much for social media last year). This book stood out to me on my TBR shelf because it is by one of my favorite authors, and to my knowledge I have never read halfway through an Alice Hoffman book without finishing the rest in short order.

One of the main characters in this book, Coralie, has a charismatic father who runs a "freak" show, though through her perspective at the time, it seems more like a house of dreams than a house of horrors. She has a deformity of her hands- webbing between her fingers- that her father insists she keep from the public by wearing gloves. Her caretaker, Maureen, is much more involved in her day to day life, encouraging her to think more freely than her father would like her to, which basically spurs some of the events in the book.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Coralie Sardie is the daughter of the sinister impresario behind The Museum of Extraordinary Things, a Coney Island freak show that thrills the masses. An exceptional swimmer, Coralie appears as the Mermaid in her father's museum, alongside performers like the Wolfman and the Butterfly Girl. One night Coralie stumbles upon a striking young man taking pictures of moonlit trees in the woods off the Hudson River.
'The dashing photographer is Eddie Cohen, a Russian immigrant who has run away from his community and his job as a tailor's apprentice. When Eddie photographs the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, he becomes embroiled in the mystery behind a young woman's disappearance. And he ignites the heart of Coralie.
'Alice Hoffman weaves her trademark magic, romance, and masterful storytelling to unite Coralie and Eddie in a tender and moving story of young love in tumultuous times.'

Eddie is the other main character in this book, and I much preferred his perspective, as it was much less rosily tinted than Coralie's. Raised in the Hasidic Jewish tradition, he changes his ways after dismissing his father as weak and his traditions as restrictive to their new life in a new world. As an immigrant among many other immigrants, he sees his best path forward is to stand out rather than fit in, though he later finds his past is more useful than he thought.

Though the characters are the main focus of this book, the historical setting is always a welcome addition to books for me. The Museum of Extraordinary Things couldn't have been set during a better period, as the early 20th century was a trying time for U.S. immigrants and still supported an audience for peculiarities like Coralie's father's museum. Though I am better versed in worker's rights with regards to the mining profession, this book focuses more on textile and sewing factories, so I did learn a bit more about that.

The Museum of Extraordinary Things does have all the elements I've come to expect from Ms. Hoffman's books: magical beings, unusual experiences, and mystical coincidences. The characters were rendered realistically, though I often found myself reading for the story rather than their experience of it. In the end, I found myself slightly underwhelmed, which is why I didn't rate this book higher, even though Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite writers (and perhaps, because of it). If you love magical things happening in an immersive, historical setting, The Museum of Extraordinary Things may be the book for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for my first great read of 2019!

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for sexual assault, violent elements, and coercive sexual situations.

Page Count: 361 pages in my paperback edition

Early Critique: "Under the Pendulum Sun" by Jeannette Ng

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Angry Robot Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

Publication Date: October 3rd

What to expect from this book: lush descriptions, an unusual world built of sinister fae politics and human religion, and rather sluggish pacing for the first half of the book. I would blame the pacing on some of the Gothic elements of the novel, along with an excess of introspection on the heroine's part- Cathy is isolated in a spooky mansion where she is warned not to leave. Her brother, Laon, is away, but none of her fae companions will tell her why or where. Cathy's unanswered questions lead her to investigate on her own and at the beginning she's fairly slow, leading to a slower start to this book than I expected.

Arcadia, the land of the fae, has a lot of unexplained rules for humans to follow, and the main one is humans need to salt their food. Cathy is unsure whether some rules are just taboos or not, so she's careful to follow the advice of Mr. Benjamin and her companion the changeling of Miss Davenport. This stalls many of her investigations, leading me to become a bit frustrated. Cathy as a character is overcautious, which adds to the slower pace. It's somewhat understandable, given the timeframe this book was set in, but I tend to prefer my heroines foolhardy.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Catherine Helstone's brother, Laon, has disappeared in Arcadia, legendary land of the magical fae. Desperate for news of him, she makes the perilous journey, but once there, she finds herself alone and isolated in the sinister house of Gethsemane. At last there comes news: her beloved brother is riding to be reunited with her soon - but the Queen of the Fae and her insane court are hard on his heels.'

By the time Laon shows up, you'd think the plot would move a bit more quickly, but there are still questions going unanswered and little for the reader to infer on. Those who prefer their books religion free may want to skip this one, as Mr. Benjamin, the single fae convert to Christianity, has many questions that Cathy and Laon find difficult to answer. Most of the fae are focused on trying to get the missionary (Laon) to trip up on his faith and prove it invalid. Cathy and her brother are trying to figure out what happened to the previous missionary that came to Gethsemane by decoding his journals.

In summary, there are many plot points with this book, but most of them are passive rather than active- a battle of wills and wits rather than sword and fist. I was expecting a little more of the latter, but of course I am on a rather action-packed detective novel kick at the moment. Victorian elements flavor the fae and fantasy elements of this book, a fact which I do appreciate as a Victorian soul. But due to the mostly passive plot points, this book still took me much longer to read through than most books with 400 pages.

Under the Pendulum Sun is an intricate distortion of myth and history that somehow results in a romance. I was a bit baffled by some of the turns of events in this book, but again, most of it consists of mind games rather than games of physical strength. If you're in the mood for a pre-Halloween puzzle box of a book, this one may be for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great rendition of fae politics and religion!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for violence, murder, and sexual elements.

Page Count: 416 pages

New Release: "Age of Swords (The Legends of the First Empire #2)" by Michael J. Sullivan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Random House/Ballantine Del Rey in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

A review of the first book in the series, Age of Myth is here.

Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, "I like this, but things are happening too easily"? That was my thought halfway through Age of Swords, and it haunted me as I read the final pages. This book has great characters, adventure, action, and new locations, but it doesn't have enough friction in the politics or between the characters to make it feel like something that could happen feasibly, even in a fantasy world, unless humans are suddenly without fierce convictions, grudges, and all suddenly decide on being agreeable. Sure, there is conflict, but mostly between races: if you've read a comment section on the internet (that wasn't on this blog) in the last ten years, you'll know that people are attached to their opinion, even in the face of facts. The humans of Age of Swords get along in a way that makes the bulk of us look like contrarians.

As I mentioned, there are new locations in this book, but some of those locations were a tad stereotypical for my complete enjoyment. I found the Fhrey side of the story much more interesting, which I hadn't expected given my love of Suri, Persephone, and Roan. Even on the Fhrey side of things, I found a few inconsistencies/annoyances of mine- a leader of a group kept saying the same phrase every time he popped up. It would've been okay, but the phrase was, "Am I right?"

Am I right, people?

Am I right?

Am I right?

Aren't you annoyed yet? And thinking of old television shows in which that catchphrase may have been more suitable? Instead of imagining Orlando Bloom in his Legolas role, winking slightly as he says, "Am I right?"

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long-standing enmities dividing the Rhune make it all but impossible to unite against a common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess makes the Fhrey indistinguishable from gods?
'The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feels nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid—a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits—an enemy as surprising as it is deadly.'

One major negative for me was the focus on fleshing-out characters that had already had enough backstory attached to them. One character in particular is singled out for this, and I was reminded of the logic behind the song A Boy Named Sue. If you've heard the song, you'll know what I'm talking about- as a song, it's okay. But does that logic make much sense in real life, with real people?

I know I've done a thorough job listing the irritating qualities of this book, but I do believe this series is still well worth reading. The reason? Despite indulging in many tropes, there is a lot to enjoy here- a mystery surrounding some of the characters, characters that are enjoyable to read about (despite being too darn peaceable), and various political plots that move the book forward. However, if you're averse to traditional fantasy elements (elves and dwarves- need I say more?) you will want to find a different series.

Age of Swords isn't quite what I had hoped for- and it was on my list of most anticipated books for 2017. It still has the magic of the first book, but perhaps I've become a bit more immune to its charms after the extra pages in this one. Still, if you enjoy traditional fantasy with a wealth of female characters and without the traditional fantasy placement of said female characters, The Legends of the First Empire series may be for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great sequel that doesn't quite match the first book's magic.

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for violence (that includes brutality against vulnerable people), prejudice, and a surplus of annoying catchphrases.

Page Count: 512 pages

"The Emperor's Soul" by Brandon Sanderson

The Emperor's Soul is a novella set in the same world as Elantris, which was my first Brandon Sanderson novel- it's been so long since I've read it that I could scarcely tell you what it was about. And now I really want to reread Elantris, but that's a review for another day- The Emperor's Soul was the type of writing of Sanderson's that I love. You get absorbed into a different world with unusual magic, all while trying to figure out how Shai will get herself out of her sticky situation.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.
'Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.
'Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.
'Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.'

The magic in this book is a system of forging by way of stamping an object with a seal. Shai happens to be the best Forger (in convenient reach) for the sect of people who back the Emperor to employ, so she ends up being hired for the job with a somewhat impossible timeline. Interestingly though, I didn't feel the sense of urgency for her to complete the job- I think I'm a bit comfortable with Sanderson's writing, and thus can easily guess some of the twists or how the book will go (especially when it's short in length).

Shai, while an interesting heroine, probably didn't grab my attention like she should have. Because of her work, she seemed somewhat lacking in other respects (i.e. past and personality), and I felt like I didn't really know her, or that she could've been replaced with any other generic heroine and I wouldn't have even noticed. Still, I think the main strength in this book is the worldbuilding and magic, which kept me more alert than any of the other aspects.

The Emperor's Soul is a great short read for those who'd like to get acquainted with Brandon Sanderson's worldbuilding. However, it didn't quite show some of his other strengths (i.e. characterization and suspense) that I've grown to expect. Once you have a favorite book of an author's, every other book you read by them comes under closer scrutiny, and I think that's the case with this book- it's great, and probably better than many other 3.5 Star rating books I've read, but for Mr. Sanderson, it's just a solid 3.5 Stars book.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a small taste of Mr. Sanderson's talents.

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for violence, dark magic, and moral gray areas.

Page Count: 175 pages

"China Dolls" by Lisa See

China Dolls isn't like many other of Lisa See's books, which is why I think it suffers from a lower-than-usual average Goodreads rating. So many of the reviews there mention that they wanted more Chinese culture in this book, when China Dolls is about mostly second generation Americans who are trying their best to fit into the more Eurocentric culture of the late '30s and '40s. You view the story from three perspectives: Grace's (a girl from the Midwest who's new to the big city), Helen's (who defies her family in order to help Grace and become her friend), and Ruby's (a personality-plus girl who isn't shy about getting her way). Because Grace is a country bumpkin like I am, I tend to relate to her perspective the best- her parents raised her without Asian cultural influences, so a lot of what Helen and Ruby introduce her to is new. Since the summary gives it away- Ruby is Japanese, but passing for Chinese, which becomes an important part of the book later on.

This book focuses on friendship, but also why people become friends in the first place. Grace obviously needs a friend at the start of this book, and when Helen steps up to help her and they later meet Ruby, it seems pre-destined that they should all become companions, especially when they all end up working together. All of them have different motives for this, but as the book progresses they become more clear. If you don't like books about complex friendships between women, this is probably one you'd be better off skipping.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'An exciting new novel set in the "Chop Suey Circuit" of San Francisco right before World War II, from the beloved bestselling author of Snowflower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls.
'In 1938, Ruby, Helen and Grace, three girls from very different backgrounds, find themselves competing at the same audition for showgirl roles at San Francisco's exclusive "Oriental" nightclub, the Forbidden City. Grace, an American-born Chinese girl has fled the Midwest and an abusive father. Helen is from a Chinese family who have deep roots in San Francisco's Chinatown. And, as both her friends know, Ruby is Japanese passing as Chinese. At times their differences are pronounced, but the girls grow to depend on one another in order to fulfill their individual dreams. Then, everything changes in a heartbeat with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Suddenly the government is sending innocent Japanese to internment camps under suspicion, and Ruby is one of them. But which of her friends betrayed her?'

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book, which is kind of odd given the amount of people I've seen that seem to dislike it. Here's the deal- I was raised on classic American movies AKA Old Hollywood type films. Grace, Helen, and Ruby all remind me of the women in those films- with spunky slang and embodying the sort of perseverance it takes when life doesn't go your way. To me, the book felt incredibly realistic, which always makes for a better book, especially when it's historical fiction.

One thing that stood out about this book that I like is you get to see the characters again much later in life and get to see how their relationship has held up. In some books, I feel a bit put out when it ends and everything is too cleanly resolved- this book gives you an ending worthy of the relationship between the dynamic trio. Grace, Helen, and Ruby never lived the "perfect" life, so the ending was well suited to their story.

China Dolls is the sort of historical fiction you might want to pick up when you feel a bit out of sorts. I'd know, as I've been out of sorts for most of 2017 and this was a welcome distraction. While China Dolls isn't my favorite book by Lisa See, it's a standout due to the complexities of Grace, Helen, and Ruby's relationships. Also, quite a bit of the plot surprised me, which usually doesn't happen with this sort of historical fiction. I recommend this to those who are willing to endure a bit of heartbreak before a satisfying ending.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great historical fiction featuring three complex women.

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for brief sexual content and racism.

Page Count: 400 pages

"Lotus" by Lijia Zhang

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

I wanted to read this one based on its cover, and also the story of the author's grandma's deathbed confession intrigued me. Because of that story, I had assumed Lotus was historical fiction, but it's actually set in the early days of the new millennium (which, I guess to some people might be historical fiction). The beginning was easy enough for me to read but I found the pacing somewhat uneven as the book progressed- Lotus, who is the main character, lives an interesting life with many pitfalls, but some places in the book it seems like her growth as a character slows to a crawl.

Lotus goes to the city in search of fortune, and through misfortune ends up a ji, or a prostitute. She continues the work in order to fund her brother's schooling- her father pulled her out of school before she could graduate, and she wants her little brother to be able to go to college and get a well paying job. Hu Binbing is a photographer disillusioned with the world after he lost his well paying job to scandal. In a way, Hu Binbing actually finds himself more in this book than Lotus ever does, because he isn't forced to make as many difficult decisions as she is.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Inspired by the secret life of the author's grandmother, Lotus follows a young woman as she defies her fate and escapes to the city and all it holds for her—be it love, danger, or destiny.
'Surviving by her wits alone, Lotus charges headlong into the neon lights of Shenzhen, determined to pull herself out of the gutter and decide her own path. She’s different than the other streetwalkers—reserved, even defiant, Lotus holds her secrets behind her red smile.
'The new millennium should’ve brought her better luck, but for now she leads a double life, wiring the money home to her family and claiming she earns her wages waiting tables. Her striking eyes catch the attention of many, but Lotus weighs her options between becoming the concubine of a savvy migrant worker or a professional girlfriend to a rich and powerful playboy. Or she may choose the kind and decent Hu Binbing, a photojournalist reporting on China’s underground sex trade—who has a hidden past of his own. She knows that fortunes can shift with the toss of a coin and, in the end, she may make a choice that leads her on a different journey entirely.
'Written with compassion and vivid prose, Lotus was inspired by the deathbed revelation that the author’s grandmother had been sold to a brothel in her youth. With compelling insight, Lijia Zhang reveals the surprising strength found in those confronted with impossible choices.'

There is a depth of portrayal as far as the culture surrounding the ji in this book goes- there is an unexpected sense of community between Lotus and her fellow ji despite them all being in the same trade, and therefore, in a way, competing against each other. You don't see that as much with this book- it's almost like they have too many customers than too few. Lotus works in a higher end "massage" parlor, and thus has many more protections than she did when she started out.

Through this book, you get a feel for Lotus's entire life, but for that reason I did feel like it dragged its feet a bit. I prefered Lotus in the beginning, when she had some sense of mystery to her, than at the end when it seemed like she had no mystery at all left. She had so many interesting things happen to her that at the end of the book I was surprised when I found myself thinking of her as bland rather than fascinating.

Lotus is not the usual type of book I pick up- nonetheless, I found it both enjoyable and educational. I can see fans of contemporary fiction enjoying this one even more than I did, though. The depth of this work was a little bit too consuming for me. If you're a fan of contemporary fiction and are interested in the lives of those involved in the sex trade, this book may be more your style.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great contemporary fiction that felt a bit sidetracked by its depth.

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for the sex trade (and everything that goes with it) as well as violence.

Page Count: 384 pages

"Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (Dirk Gently #1)" by Douglas Adams

The trouble I had with this book is... I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy first. That may not seem like such an insurmountable problem, but when this book also has robots, quirky characters, and save the world-type plot threads, I find myself dreadfully sad that there is no Marvin the Paranoid Android to comment on the goings-on. There is an Electric Monk, but I must say, it's a poor substitute for the robot I really wanted.

I read this one because there is an upcoming BBC series based on it (and also, Rachelle loved it, and I was curious). I like Douglas Adams's writing, but when I have brain fog, I can be a bit slow to catch onto his humor, and I was in a bit of a stupor while reading this. I assumed this was urban fantasy (because, detective agency), but it's more sci-fi than anything else. I was reminded of a book I'd read previously, Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews, which also melds sci-fi into a modern day setting (although modern day for Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency is 1987).

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'What do a dead cat, a computer whiz-kid, an Electric Monk who believes the world is pink, quantum mechanics, a Chronologist over 200 years old, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet), and pizza have in common? Apparently not much; until Dirk Gently, self-styled private investigator, sets out to prove the fundamental interconnectedness of all things by solving a mysterious murder, assisting a mysterious professor, unravelling a mysterious mystery, and eating a lot of pizza – not to mention saving the entire human race from extinction along the way (at no extra charge). To find out more, read this book (better still, buy it, then read it) – or contact Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.'

Despite this being set in 1987, there were a lot of things that are still applicable to today's society. For example, couches that improbably get stuck in stairwells. Although car phones are now defunct, couches/furniture stuck in stairwells continues to plague modern society. If only we had computer whiz Richard finish the program he started, we would have much less trouble moving things (and/or trying to get couches into spaces couches cannot fit).

Richard, who is a main character along with Dirk (which isn't his real name, by the way), has to navigate a murder inquiry of his boss, while having admitted he saw his boss on the night he was killed to a policeman prior to knowing his boss was dead. As you may notice from my difficulty structuring that beast of a sentence, it's a rather murky area, so Dirk elects to help him through his troubles for a fee. Dirk Gently was previously arrested for scamming fellow students with his supposed psychic skills to help them with upcoming tests, but Richard doesn't seem to hold it against him.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency is a great adventure- but I still wanted more. Perhaps with time I will acclimate myself to the absence of Marvin (as I did buy the next book in the series right after finishing this one), but for now I'm a bit bummed out by his non-existence in this realm of Douglas Adams's mind. I recommend this book to those who enjoyed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or would like zany sci-fi adventures, as long as they keep their expectations in check.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great sci-fi that made me long for a great robot.

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for swearing (one f bomb, if I remember right), violence/murder, and couches improbably stuck in stairwells.

Page Count: 306 pages

"Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernières

This is a book I've hauled around with me for a while now- I bought it when I lived in Montana, and then it languished on my shelf until I packed it for moving. I was a bit excited for this one because it takes place on an island, making it perfect for the TTWIB (Travel the World in Books) monthly theme (islands). As I've never, to my knowledge, read a novel set in Greece, I was excited to learn more about that region of the world.

There seem to be two camps of WWII fiction- those who loathe it, and those who adore it. I generally like it, but I think my only real issue with this book is it can't decide what it wants to be. The first half of it is the most eloquent imagery I've read in a long time, while the second half devolves into plot twisting (which I found unnecessary, given the first half was a slow and steady read). Once past the first chapters, it's hard to stop reading, but near the end I almost wanted to stop (to preserve the good parts of the story, in my eyes).

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is set in the early days of the second world war, before Benito Mussolini invaded Greece. Dr Iannis practices medicine on the island of Cephalonia, accompanied by his daughter, Pelagia, to whom he imparts much of his healing art. Even when the Italians do invade, life isn’t so bad—at first anyway. The officer in command of the Italian garrison is the cultured Captain Antonio Corelli, who responds to a Nazi greeting of “Heil Hitler” with his own “Heil Puccini”, and whose most precious possession is his mandolin. It isn't long before Corelli and Pelagia are involved in a heated affair--despite her engagement to a young fisherman, Mandras, who has gone off to join Greek partisans. Love is complicated enough in wartime, even when the lovers are on the same side. And for Corelli and Pelagia, it becomes increasingly difficult to negotiate the minefield of allegiances, both personal and political, as all around them atrocities mount, former friends become enemies and the ugliness of war infects everyone it touches.
'British author Louis de Bernières is well known for his forays into magical realism in such novels as The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman. Here he keeps it to a minimum, though certainly the secondary characters with whom he populates his island—the drunken priest, the strongman, the fisherman who swims with dolphins—would be at home in any of his wildly imaginative Latin American fictions. Instead, de Bernières seems interested in dissecting the nature of history as he tells his ever-darkening tale from many different perspectives. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin works on many levels, as a love story, a war story and a deconstruction of just what determines the facts that make it into the history books.'

There is a lot going on in this book, but as long as you remember the main characters' names, it's not hard to puzzle out. The characters I liked the most were (by far) Pelagia and her father, along with their pet pine marten. The rest of the characters were interesting, but not given enough backstory to give them depth, though Carlos is a slight exception in that aspect. Although I'd hoped to learn more about Cephalonia and Greece as a whole, much of the information and backstory given had to do with WWII.

As I mentioned, the ending of this book was painful to me- not only has it been done before, it just simply didn't match the beautiful beginning of this book. For that reason, this book was hard to rate- it does have some worthy stories to tell, but they are given an ending more suitable for some dramatic contemporary fiction- not historical fiction with light romance. Another reviewer had mentioned a similar dislike of the second half of the book, so I suppose it isn't just me.

Corelli's Mandolin is a beautiful historical with another book's ending. As much as I've pondered a reason why the book would end so weirdly, I just can't figure out why the characters would end up as they did, if it were actually meant to be their story. The historical cohesion of the story suffered as well. I only recommend this one if you have a pointed interest in anything set in Cephalonia, because as a story this book doesn't make much sense to me.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a beautiful book with a mismatched ending.

Content: Ages 18+ for sexual content, war crimes (violence- lots of violence), and an unsatisfactory ending.

Page Count: 437 pages

"Sebastian (Ephemera #1)" by Anne Bishop

I was very excited to read another Anne Bishop series- perhaps a tad too excited (as per usual). It's hard to know what to expect from an author whose current series I adore (The Others) and whose past series I couldn't get into (The Black Jewels). Although the cover purports this to be darker fantasy with "sensual" elements, for the most part this reads like an original fantasy with some romance (but it isn't by any of the stretch of the imagination that "sensual").

The concept of this book is a great one- instead of a vast world, what if it were broken up into little Landscapes, and to get to different Landscapes, you had to cross a Bridge. To those of us who like video games, the concept should come easily- instead of a sandbox-type world, it's a scattered one where you have to plan how you'll journey from place to place (and you're never quite sure where you'll end up). Taking care of the Landscapes are the Landscapers (who seem to all be female) and the ones who build Bridges are called Bridges (and again, all male).

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'A world of shifting lands connected only by bridges, Ephemera has been kept stable by the magic of the Landscapers. In one land where night reigns and demons dwell, the half-incubus Sebastian revels in dark delights. But then in dreams she calls to him: a woman who wants only to be safe and loved-a woman he hungers for while knowing he may destroy her.
'But a more devastating destiny awaits Sebastian, for in the quiet gardens of the Landscapers' school, evil is stirring. The nearly forgotten Eater of the World has escaped its prison-and Sebastian's realm may be the first to fall.'

Sebastian is only half-incubus, but seems to be very much a human male. Although one would think even a part incubus would be busy seducing women physically, for the most part he seems to prefer appearing to women in their dreams and indulging their fantasies. Meanwhile, the female main character, Lynnea, manifests as a near carbon copy of Meg Corbyn (of Written in Red fame), but without too much backstory, which is part of why I love Meg in the first place. I'm not sure if the author plans to include her much in the second book, but based on the title and cover I'm guessing not. Lynnea was easily the most disappointing character in the book- not because she didn't have the potential to be a great character, but because her backstory was so vague that she wasn't that compelling.

The thing that turned me off in this book was the thing I expected to like a lot: the Landscape of Den of Iniquity, which serves as Sebastian's home. When you think of that Den, chances are you may imagine some dark place illuminated by flames, filled with all sorts of sensual delights. So imagine my surprise when, despite the author asserting that this Den is pretty darn devilish and sensual, it ends up being like a corny, cheesy version of Vegas. There are rolls that you dip in cheese in the shape of phalluses (Phallic delights), and stuffed mushrooms that have some odd, boob-related name and look like, you guessed it, breasts. Despite Sebastian and Teaser having to "shield" these poor innocent people that come to the Den, I have to say, other than the "lewd erotic statues" (which, who cares- that's art, people) and supposed debauchery on the streets (which is never really shown, and never stumbled upon) there is nothing that wrong (or devilish, evil- take your pick) with the Den. Sure, it's always night and the sun doesn't shine there, but for those of us who are sun sensitive that almost sounds appealing.

Despite the flaws, there was something about this book that had me reading it almost nonstop. One would think I would be too annoyed with my above grievances, but in actuality, there's just something about this book that was addictive to me. Maybe it was the awesome worldbuilding (once one ventures past the Den of Iniquity), or even Sebastian himself (who wasn't half bad for a half incubus)- regardless of either of those, something compels you to read this book. Personally, I think the demon cycles (sentient demon motorcycles, sans motor) were a charming touch.

Sebastian was a gripping read that opened up new Landscapes for me. Beyond its shortcomings, something about it makes me hopeful for the next books in the series- perhaps the frenetic pace or the mystery who is Glorianna Belladonna. If you're looking for a unique series starter that doesn't feel like that urban fantasy you read last month, Sebastian definitely fits the bill.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a page-turning series starter that didn't quite fulfill its potential.

Content: Ages 18+ for cheesy rolls, violence, and strange monsters that suck you in and feed you to their pets.

Page Count: 436 pages in my mass market paperback edition.

O.o.O.C.: "Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence" by Doris Pilkington ~ Nugi Garimara

Out of Orbit Critiques are the reviews on books that stray outside my usual genres. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is a nonfiction account of three girls of Aboriginal and Caucasian heritage traveling back to their families across Australia.

This book is told in a style that isn't quite a memoir and not quite nonfiction. The result is a slightly unevenly paced novel, which is actually quite a short read at 136 pages (or so Goodreads professes). I had seen some of the movie version of this, so my opinion may not reflect what some first time indulgers in this story might feel about reading it. Just something to keep in mind.

That disclosed, I have to admit the true story behind both the book and the film is absolutely incredible (and horrifying to those of us who want the best for children). Molly and her cousins Daisy and Gracie are taken from their home to a "school" (that resembles either an institution or a prison) to learn a trade (a trade they likely could've learned better from their parents). If you aren't just a little bit mad to learn this is a true story, well, you have more Vulcan-like emotional restraint than I do.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'This extraordinary story of courage and faith is based on the actual experiences of three girls who fled from the repressive life of Moore River Native Settlement, following along the rabbit-proof fence back to their homelands. Assimilationist policy dictated that these girls be taken from their kin and their homes in order to be made white. Settlement life was unbearable with its chains and padlocks, barred windows, hard cold beds, and horrible food. Solitary confinement was doled out as regular punishment. The girls were not even allowed to speak their language. Of all the journeys made since white people set foot on Australian soil, the journey made by these girls born of Aboriginal mothers and white fathers speaks something to everyone.'

A problem I had with the novel was in part due to my own negligence- the author uses many Aboriginal words and phrases, often not mentioning what they mean. However, there is a glossary in the back, that, had I known it was there, I would have used much more often. Google does not seem to know any of the Aboriginal words in this book.

Since I already knew the trajectory of this book, some of the revelations were anti-climactic to me, and because the writing was on the nonfiction side of things (keeping to the facts and not inserting many flowery phrases) I was a little underwhelmed with some of the book. Luckily, there were things I hadn't recalled happening to surprise me, as well as descriptions of scenery I can scarcely imagine. This is one of my Travel the World in Books picks that really showed me places I have never been before- all through the imagery of the written word.

A glimpse of the writing style:

Patrol officers travelled far and wide removing part-Aboriginal children from their families and transported them hundreds of kilometres down south. Every mother of a part-Aboriginal child was aware that their offspring could be taken away from them at any time and they were powerless to stop the abductors.

       ~Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington ~ Nugi Garimara, about 29% Kindle edition

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is an epic story of the power and perseverance of girls. Having been the same age as these girls were when they made the trek, I have to admit I feel in awe of their ability to keep going, despite their goal seeming insurmountable. Beyond girl power, this story also educates on the history of the Aboriginal people: I had no idea that many of the things mentioned briefly in the beginning of this book even occurred- and I watched some of the movie version(!). So if you want to learn about the Aboriginal culture and the history of early Colonial Australia, but also want a story of three young (and very determined) girls, there is no other book I'd recommend except this one.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great (and short) eye-opener into a darker time in the history of Australia.

Content: Ages 14+ for racial injustices (including violence and death), hunting and gathering, and survival.

Page Count: 136 pages

O.o.O.C.: "The Autobiography of a Runaway Slave" by Esteban Montejo

Out of Orbit Critiques are the reviews on books that stray outside my usual genres. The Autobiography of a Runaway Slave is an autobiography, that was penned and slightly edited by Miguel Barnet, as Esteban Montejo couldn't write at the time it was written (but he learned to read shortly after this book was published, as he wanted to make sure it was good).

It's hard to rate and review a book like this, because in all ways, it is well worthy of being read and of great interest to those of us who wonder what life was like in historical Cuba. There is an enormous attention to detail that you won't find in many autobiographies: this book truly brings you the culture of long ago Cuba, along with an absolutely amazing survivor's tale. The only downside is, due to the way this was produced (an oral autobiography written down), you do lose some of the magic and find yourself lost on certain occasions.

Esteban grows up in a hostile environment I'm not sure I would've survived in. He doesn't even know who his parents are, and there is no familial bond to keep him on the plantation, as he was raised by wet nurses. As I read, I was reminded of the dystopian society of Brave New World which I read around this time last year- this autobiography was like that, except Esteban was aware that society in general wasn't in any way beneficial to him. It seemed even from the beginning, he was destined to run away.

The Plot (As Seen on the Back of My Book):
'There were four periods in the life of Esteban Montejo. Born on a plantation in 1860, he was raised as a slave, spent ten years in the Cuban forests as a runaway, returned to the plantation when slavery had been abolished, the returned to the hills to become a revolutionary in the Cuban War for Independence of 1895. His story, told in the wise, humorous voice of a survivor of this vanished world, brings to life with rare simplicity and integrity this crucial period in Cuba's history.'

The most moving part of the book is likely the first part, the chronicle of Esteban's daily life while he was enslaved. It's simply unimaginable the conditions he and others lived under- locked into a dirt-floored shed at night (he called them barracoons) where there were no bathrooms.

In his own words (during one of the times he tried to run away):

But they caught me without a struggle, clapped a pair of shackles on me (I can still feel them when I think back), screwed them up tight and sent me back to work wearing them. You talk about this sort of thing today and people don't believe you, but it happened to me and I have to say so.

            ~Autobiography of a Runaway Slave by Esteban Montejo, about 20% through

It's during the other sections of his life that you learn more about Cuba's culture as a whole: he tells of the varying religions and magic practices (apparently, you don't mess with the Congolese as they are wickedly talented with their magic), the different dances (some were only for "white" people, as a law), the varying food (there was a chocolate drink with vinegar in it I wanted to try), and how he survived in the forest after having escaped slavery, utilizing different plants to heal his wounds, and avoiding snakes. There is a wealth of culture in this book, but due to the way it was written, you often get lost, or wonder if things are being repeated (because they 'sound' very familiar). If it had been written/told when Esteban was a younger man or the 'writer' had inserted some details to give those of us who don't really know much about Cuba a clearer picture, this book would likely rank higher in my esteem. As it stands, though, you do need to know a little about Cuba or infer it yourself to enjoy reading this book.

The Autobiography of a Runaway Slave is a journey into Cuba's past- and a primer on some of the lost cultures. It is also the story of a man who survived despite the odds being stacked against him, overcoming many things, and teaching us, the readers, many things through the telling of his story. In some ways, this book is flawed, but I have no doubt that he told everything exactly as he saw it, which makes me respect him even more. If you know something about Cuba's history but want to learn more about its historical culture, especially from the perspective of a person of color, I recommend this book for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great autobiography set in a culture long passed.

Content: Ages 16+ for some sexual mentions and violence.

Page Count: 223 pages in my paperback edition

"Dawn (Xenogenesis #1)" by Octavia E. Butler

This is the first book I read in 2015, both because of #VintageSciFi (which entails reading a science fiction that is older than you during January) and because I've never read a book by Octavia Butler, and that was one of my goals for 2015.

My first impression of this book was that it would make a fairly simple read. I liked that it was easy to dive into: you only have a few characters to start with, and only one of those is human and therefore the one you're 'rooting for'. Lilith was a bit difficult to get to know, but I think it had something to do with the setting. You don't learn much about Lilith's former life other than her family, and because she is on board an alien vessel, she's more than a little withdrawn. As the book progresses, more of her personality emerges, but she also has some changes to her personality.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Lilith lyapo awoke from a centuries-long sleep to find herself aboard the vast spaceship of the Oankali. Creatures covered in writhing tentacles, the Oankali had saved every surviving human from a dying, ruined Earth. They healed the planet, cured cancer, increased strength, and were now ready to help Lilith lead her people back to Earth--but for a price.'

Although Dawn is science fiction, it's clearly more about civilization as we know it. Themes like what it means to be human, basic human rights, and fighting for control over your own destiny surface throughout. In a way, the author's prose reminds me of Margaret Atwood's- sparse and simple, but it can cut into you in an instant.

The aliens of this book, the Oankali, have chosen Lilith to be a metaphorical 'mother' for a new era of humanity. She is to guide and teach other humans how to survive on what's left of Earth. The only problem? The Oankali have plans that Lilith vehemently disagrees with. She has little choice in this book, but what she does choose makes me alternate between cringing and cheering. Lilith is a pretty complicated heroine.

A favorite snippet:

She did not own herself any longer. Even her flesh could be cut and stitched without her consent or knowledge.

           ~Dawn by Octavia E. Butler, page 6 Kindle edition

Dawn is unabashedly the first book in a series. You aren't left with a cliffhanger, but if I didn't have the next books in the series, I'd be fuming now. Nonetheless, what I read intrigued me greatly and I'll be continuing to follow the series, perhaps even within the next few weeks. If you have all the books in this series and enjoy science fiction with a slice of new world order-ish themes, Dawn may be the book for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great, vintage sci-fi series starter!

Content: Ages 18+ for sexual misconduct, violence, and derogatory words.

Page Count: 248 pages

"The Round House" by Louise Erdrich

This is slightly out of orbit for me, since I usually only consider things from the 1970s and back historical, while this is set in the 1980s. However, due to the setting (an American 'Indian' reservation in North Dakota), it does have that certain historic feel to it that I usually crave in my bookish journeys.

There is a largely ignored epidemic that this book addresses: the rape of Native American women. Native women are much more likely to be sexually assaulted or raped than the general population of women (who also have a pretty dang high chance of sexual assault already). I only knew this prior to reading this book due to diligent documentaries on PBS: otherwise, I was completely in the dark, despite living less than an hour away from a reservation for most of my life.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'One Sunday in the spring of 1988, a woman living on a reservation in North Dakota is attacked. The details of the crime are slow to surface because Geraldine Coutts is traumatized and reluctant to relive or reveal what happened, either to the police or to her husband, Bazil, and thirteen-year-old son, Joe. In one day, Joe's life is irrevocably transformed. He tries to heal his mother, but she will not leave her bed and slips into an abyss of solitude. Increasingly alone, Joe finds himself thrust prematurely into an adult world for which he is ill prepared.
'While his father, a tribal judge, endeavors to wrest justice from a situation that defies his efforts, Joe becomes frustrated with the official investigation and sets out with his trusted friends, Cappy, Zack, and Angus, to get some answers of his own. Their quest takes them first to the Round House, a sacred space and place of worship for the Ojibwe. And this is only the beginning.'

Although I could see what the author was attempting to do by giving us the story through Joe's eyes, I would've much rather heard it through his mother's perspective. Certainly, there's a great deal more mystery with the way it was originally written, but I can't help but want the information firsthand rather than retold. Joe's perspective shows us what life is like growing up on the rez, which may be a obscurity to some, but for me, I had secondhand stories that were far more entertaining than this book offered. My familiarity with the lifestyle may have spoiled some of the book for me, causing me to skim most of the ending.

Despite my skimming, this book was still well worth the read, especially if you aren't familiar with the culture of reservations. I highlighted many more quotes than there were actual 'popular highlights' for my Kindle version, which really doesn't happen often. The author's style and prose is one I hope to continue to enjoy by reading her other works.

A favorite segment:

I lay awake thinking of the place on the hill, the holy wind in the grass, and how the structure had cried out to me. I could see a part of something larger, an idea, a truth, but just a fragment. I could not see the whole, but just a shadow of that way of life.

     ~The Round House by Louise Erdrich, page 215 Kindle edition

The Round House is a snapshot of life on the reservation in the eighties... and perhaps it is even applicable in some ways now. Although some things have changed for the better, there are still far too many sexual assaults currently taking place. In some ways, this book deserves a better rating simply for that. But on a strictly entertainment basis, I rate it 3.5 Stars- a great, recommendable read for those interested in the subject matter.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great diverse read that took its time ending!

Content: Ages 18+ for lengthy sections on sexuality, violence, and possibly triggering scenes of rape and implied brutality.

Page Count: 368 pages

"The Island of Doctor Moreau" by H.G. Wells

Last December I read H.G. Wells's Invisible Man, so this December I thought I would try another of his books, and preferably not The War of the Worlds (because it bored me out of my 13 year old skull when I once tried to read it). I already knew most of the story behind this book due to watching a movie based off of it, but then again, I barely remembered that.

Usually, I'm not that intrigued by the beginning of most classics, but this one hooked me from the start. I have a penchant for liking island-based sci-fi and horror-esque tales, so that may have contributed to my speedy devouring of this book. Island settings are my kind of exotic, as I have never seen the ocean firsthand, and therefore I attribute all sorts of inherently mysterious traits to island settings, even if the author doesn't make them in any way mysterious.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Ranked among the classic novels of the English language and the inspiration for several unforgettable movies, this early work of H. G. Wells was greeted in 1896 by howls of protest from reviewers, who found it horrifying and blasphemous. They wanted to know more about the wondrous possibilities of science shown in his first book, The Time Machine, not its potential for misuse and terror. In The Island of Dr. Moreau, a shipwrecked gentleman named Edward Prendick, stranded on a Pacific island lorded over by the notorious Dr. Moreau, confronts dark secrets, strange creatures, and a reason to run for his life.
'While this riveting tale was intended to be a commentary on evolution, divine creation, and the tension between human nature and culture, modern readers familiar with genetic engineering will marvel at Wells’s prediction of the ethical issues raised by producing “smarter” human beings or bringing back extinct species. These levels of interpretation add a richness to Prendick’s adventures on Dr. Moreau’s island of lost souls without distracting from what is still a rip-roaring good read.'

This is a book where you really don't have to like the characters to enjoy it. In fact, I harbored great dislike for most of the characters in the book (except the strange creatures) because it was clear they didn't know what they were doing- and they did it anyway. With some books, it's the plot that keeps you enthralled, and I would have to say that is the case with this one, as there are a lot of controversial things being done that I don't in any way endorse.

Beyond the characters and the setting, I enjoyed the way this book was written much more than The Invisible Man, even with a few gaffes in the writing that wouldn't get past a modern editor. Oddly enough, this was published a year before that other book, but I took more pleasure in reading this one (even though now that I look, the ratings are identical). I remember being more annoyed with The Invisible Man, but with this one I was definitely more repulsed- the subject matter is a lot different.

A favorite quote (that sums up the plot of the book):

What could it all mean? A locked enclosure on a lonely island, a notorious vivisector, and these crippled and distorted men?

    ~The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells, 25% Kindle Edition

The Island of Doctor Moreau is a place I don't believe I'd like to visit in real life. Honestly, if I ended up there, I'd be trying to swim home rather than risk spending the night. In that manner, this book has accomplished its purpose- to scare and be entertaining. Unfortunately, other than entertainment value, there were few points to add to its rating, other than quotability and the occasional 'big think' moment. If you want to take an adventure on a creepy island, I recommend this book, as long as you can withstand the content.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great, albeit creepy, read.

Content: Ages 14+ for intensive animal abuse, medical misbehavior, and men playing God.

Page Count: 160 pages

"Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs #1)" by Elizabeth Hunter

About a month ago the author (who is one of my favorites) emailed me about perhaps reading and reviewing her newest addition to the Cambio Springs series. The problem was, I hadn't read it yet, although when I looked it up, it wasn't the genre I thought it was. I'm not sure why, but I'd gotten the impression this was a contemporary romance series rather than a paranormal/urban romance and fantasy series. So when the first two books in this series came up as a super cheap Kindle Daily Deal, I snagged both of them.

Fast forward to when I actually picked it up: I was pretty much hooked from the start. It always seems like there is a static heroine for paranormal romance books: independent, but down on her luck, single, usually (and boringly) of European descent, and usually pretty alone in the world, so the vampires/shifters/paranormal beings can scoop her up into their weird version of the world. With this book, the heroine, Jena, is already part of the paranormal world, when an outsider arrives to become their sheriff. She also has children (two boys), family, and friends who all live in the small town of Cambio Springs. Jena has a more varied ancestry than your usual heroine, along with more responsibilities- and it makes her so much more interesting because of it.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Somedays, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs—big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.
'Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.
'When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.'

Caleb, being the token outsider in an insider town, had much more to adjust to. He realizes something fishy is going on in the town, but isn't certain what until he starts drinking the Kool Aid, so to speak. After he drinks said Kool Aid, everything becomes much clearer, even as what he thought he believed gets turned upside down. He was easy to relate to but I didn't find him as interesting as Jena, maybe because he wasn't already embedded into the culture of Cambio Springs.

Some of my favorite characters in this book weren't even really a part of the main storyline, which makes me want to pick up the next book right now and cross my fingers that their number didn't come up. Joe Quinn, who we meet on the first page, reminded me of quite a few 'characters' in my own family. There is an obvious set up for the next book within this one, but really it only gives you something to look forward to. I can't really put my finger on why this book hasn't made it to the four stars ranking, but despite the charm and excellent characterization, I felt something was missing.

Shifting Dreams is a genre-bending paranormal romance that has a wide range of appeal to niche readers. So you like small towns? Mysteries set in small towns? But with some romance? How about some outside the box elements? Perhaps some paranormal aspects? And add in some kids for 'aww' moments? If you answered yes to all of those queries, this will be an ideal read for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great, mysterious shifter romance!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence and steamy scenes.

Page Count: 260 pages

"The Martian" by Andy Weir

I was, perhaps, a little too excited for this one. I admit, reading all those positive reviews floating about the blogosphere, as a book blogger, you can't help but get more than a bit amped up to read something just about everyone is buzzing about. Because of the Snowflake and Spidersilk Bingo Card, I decided to add this as an audiobook as well, despite having the ebook version handy already.

The beginning was probably the most impressive (and immersive) part of the book for me. You get to know Mark, his situation (which doesn't look very hopeful), but you also realize how resilient he is, despite being pretty much doomed. My favorite parts to listen to were the 'meanwhile, back on Earth' bits, as the narrator did a splendid job with the voices/inflections.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—& a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?'

The parts I enjoyed most were Mark's attitude and snark, which kept me reading, even if I found him a bit too sunny for a man about to starve to death. The plot, while enthralling at points, often lost me when Mark went off the wayside with his engineering ingenuity, something I'll expound upon below. The 'back on Earth' chapters became my favorite as the book drew on, mostly because as much as Mark was an awesome protagonist, without interaction between characters, I find myself a bit bored with things.

The big issue with me is that I grew up with a father who was just about as zany as Mark when it came to everyday solutions. If something was wrong with one of our cars, he'd rather jury-rig it than go and buy a part, leading to my mom having to hotwire our van for the past several years we lived with him. So when Mark went all MacGyver, I knew what would happen, even though I couldn't grasp the science behind it. And when the cycle he got into repeated itself, all I wanted to do was this:

I did find some issues with some of the plot points/food (since I'm rather OCD about food), especially with some spoilers, which I will hide for those of you who haven't read this yet (Highlight to view): the youngest astronaut, Johanssen, is supposed to eat her crewmates if their plan to rescue Mark goes awry. The problem? They would commit suicide using pills. I'm not sure which pills they were planning to take, but even on the off chance the pills won't spoil Johanssen's meals (eww), plain old strangulation would be a better bet. Sure, that's macabre of me to even think about, but I just found it odd that detail wasn't more ironed out, since this has since been 'traditionally' published. Also, Mark eventually mentions eating 'raw potatoes'. Unless you want to be ill- NEVER eat raw potatoes. It was never mentioned that he got ill from eating them, which I find a little difficult to believe, given a little Googling leads me to suspect raw potatoes are a serious no-go.

The Martian is a fun book to read, but needed some extra polish when it comes to my other obsession, food. I loved the concept, but part of me grew tired with the incessant- "well this happened, here's this semi-probable solution I'll complete to fix it", due in part to my patriarch driving me up a wall with his own jury-rig-itis. I recommend it to those interested in space, but I'll remind you to do yourself a favor and don't jury-rig. It just ain't worth it.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great space odyssey with a little too much ingenuity.

Content: Ages 16+ for swearing (including f-bombs) and the occasional sexual reference.

Page Count: 369 pages