The Ivory and the Horn by Charles de Lint

I was in a Charles de Lint mood one day at the bookstore, so I bought the two lone books they had there by him. I didn't even know where they fit in the series or even if they were part of the series. I just wanted something by him to read. Then, Carl posted a list of books he wanted to try and read for Once Upon a Time IV and The Ivory and the Horn was on his list. That was one of the books I randomly bought, so we decided to read it together! And, then I was slow because I have hard time getting into short story collections even if I love them... Carl asked me five questions about the book, which I answered below, and then I asked Carl five questions which you can read the answers to on his blog. Enjoy!

Among Charles de Lint’s most beloved creations is the northern city of Newford, a place touched by deep magic—and the setting for novels likeThe Onion Girl and story collections like Dreams Underfoot. Now, with the Orb publication of The Ivory and the Horn, all four of the Newford story collections are returned to print. Here, on the streets of Newford, is the magic that hovers at the edge of everyday life.

1. Which of the stories in this collection captured your attention the most, and why?
I think for me it wasn't any one story, but more an enjoyment when a story came up that included characters that I have read about in other books by de Lint. I haven't read a lot of the series yet, but I have started to get to know the characters of Newford and I enjoy learning more about them. This collection does a really good job of adding on to the stories of major characters, while still managing to keep things short and to the point. There were many times while I was reading this collection that I had moments where something said really captured me, so I think overall all the stories in this collection had something to add.

2. Where there any stories, or characters/parts of stories, that you did like/enjoy?
Since this is the exact same question essentially as above, I am going to assume that you are really asking if there was anything I didn't like. The thing with de Lint is that he can pull pretty much anything off. I haven't really read anything by him that I didn't like. There are some characters that are more likable than others and there were a couple stories that I didn't necessarily love, but there wasn't really anything that jumped out at me as something I didn't like.

3. Charles de Lint often mixes in serious subject matter: abuse, neglect, poverty, etc in with the mythic elements of his stories. What affect does this have on you as a reader?
I think he does it really well. He writes stories about characters that are flawed, but still compelling. I think their problems are what makes the characters and stories so interesting, to be honest. I also think if your life was perfect you wouldn't necessarily go looking for the alternate world that de Lint has created in these stories, so that would make for dull reading.

4. I'm not sure if you have read enough of de Lint's work to have formed an opinion, but do you have a favorite character?
There are lots of characters that I really like, but so far I would say Jilly. She is such a fun and compelling character, but it is a bit unfair to say her simply because I have read more with her as a main character than some of the others. The stories in this collection that included her were some of my favourite. I imagine even if I have read all the books in the series I would say her, but that could change.

5. What is it, in your opinion, that makes Charles de Lint's stories what they are?
I think it is partly what I said above, where the flawed characters in his stories have reasons to look for escape and thus go to these other worlds in their dreams. I think a lot of people can relate to it, too, because no ones life is perfect and we are always looking for a little bit of escape when things get too bad. These stories may go a bit more magically than humans are necessarily capable of, but just because I can't really visit the world that de Lint creates doesn't mean I don't want to. Actually, I think the wish to experience what the characters in this series, and these stories, experience is probably one of the main reasons I like de Lint's books so much.

The Book of Flying by Keith Miller

Our hero, Pico, is a poet and librarian, and forbidden to pursue the girl of his dreams, for she has wings and Pico does not. When he discovers an ancient letter in his library telling of the mythical Morning Town where the flightless may gain their wings, he sets off on a quest. It's a magical journey in which he meets a robber queen, a lonely minotaur, a cannibal, an immortal beauty, and a dream seller. Each has a story, and a lesson, for Pico-about learning to love, to persevere, and, of course, to fly.

Today is a buddy review with Amanda from The Zen Leaf. I have the first part of the review, and then you just have to go over to her blog for the second half. Enjoy!

Kelly: When you emailed me the other day to see if I was still going to be reviewing this book with you; I almost said no. I have tried to read it a couple times over the last couple years, so I only really agreed to read it because Ana (Nymeth) suggested it and I owned it. I had heard really good things about it, but for whatever reason was never able to get into it. Instead of answering you, I went and picked up the book to give it one more try. I am so glad that I did! I think you said you liked it, too, so it should be fun to review the book both enjoying it. Other than the potential buddy review, what lead you to this book? I give credit to Carl, who said great things about it, but I know that Chris read it somewhere in there, too. Since my initial reaction to the book changed a few times, I am curious to know what were your first impressions of the book?

Amanda: First, for the record, I did enjoy the book! It was actually very different from what I expected. I first heard about the book back when Chris did his readathon vlog back in October. It looked like such a neat book, and when I saw it at Half Price Books not long after, I grabbed it up. I decided to read it now because it seemed perfect for Once Upon a Time. I didn't really have any idea what the book was about, though. I had vague notions of a fantastical journey, but didn't realize it took place in a different world altogether. I thought it was illustrated all throughout, and not just on the chapter headings. At first, I wasn't sure about the prose - very long and rambly sentences - but quickly I got into the rhythm and I very much enjoyed the book. I know you don't want me to say it, but it reminded me of a fantastical version of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (which I didn't hate like everyone else seems to). Epic journey, learning about yourself along the way, episodic stories...but I won't harp on it. I promise. :D Why do you think you enjoyed it more on this third attempt than you did before?

Kelly: Yeah, I hated The Alchemist. When you told me it reminded you off it, I tried to remove that thought from my head. That being said, I can see what you mean. I probably wouldn't have made the connection myself, because I try to forget that book exists, but I could see where you would get it from. That being said, it didn't destroy the book for me that it reminded me of that book, so that's always good! I am glad I am not the only one that had a few issues in the beginning with the prose. I actually think it might have been that which made it so hard for me to get interested in the book previously. It's a weird writing style. I'd love to have a magic answer for why this book worked for me this time, but I honestly don't know what it is. I am not sure if my mood changed, I felt bad because your buddy review partners were abandoning you, or was just determined to get through it this time. For whatever reason this time everything just clicked. I got used to the writing style, loved the references to books, and enjoyed the journey of this rather anti-social librarian going out and having magical adventures. What was your favourite part of the book?

Amanda: My favorite part...hmm...I guess I really liked the trio between Pico, the robber queen, and the minotaur. It was a very interesting dynamic and despite the monstrosity of many of the characters, I liked that we got to know them for who they really are rather than their evil reputations. I guess the whole book was like that. In some ways, it was an epic journey or quest towards a goal, but at the same time towards finding a Self. I liked that every character had their own story and was on their own journey. Each person that Pico met shared part of his path with him, and each went on their own way, to find their own Self and their own goal. Epic journeys are so often solitary, and in some ways this was set up the same, but I got the feel that there was no real solitude. Like when Narya tells Pico that he abandoned his story, so she's going to take it and make it her own. She obviously doesn't - she makes her own story instead - but it shows how interconnected our lives are. Whose story most intrigued you?

To read the rest of the review head over to Amanda's blog.

Library Loot - April 21, 2010

I cannot believe it has been six days since I updated my blog. I keep meaning to and then things happen and apparently I don't. I actually read and commented on blogs lately and the problem with that is my library pile is going back up in size. Do not read blogs and have the library website open at the same time. That is my advice to you! Especially when you are really far behind in blog-reading. You will get an overload of cool blogs to read.

The books I just recently took out from the library are:

Reading by Lightning by Joan Thomas
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
Undercover by Beth Kephart
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale
Bone - Volume 6 by Jeff Smith

Then, I have 7 books waiting for me that I will likely pick-up today:
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
Too Many Curses by A. Lee. Martinez
The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins
The Musician's Daughter by Suzanne Dunlap
Sounding Line by Anne DeGrace
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Pfeffer

Hopefully I will get some reading done today, but at the moment I am reading the new John Green, which will not really help the library pile at all! What about you, what are you reading?

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

"WHEN THE DARK COMES RISING, SIX SHALL TURN THEM BACK...."

When Will Stanton wakes up on the morning of his birthday, he discovers an unbelievable gift -- he is immortal. Bemused and terrified, he finds he is the last of the Old Ones, magical men and women sworn to protect the world from the source of evil, the Dark.

At once Will is plunged into a quest to find six magical Signs to aid the powers of the Light. Six medallions -- iron, bronze, wood, water, fire, and stone -- created and hidden by the Old Ones centuries ago. But the Dark has sent out the Rider: evil cloaked in black, mounted upon a midnight stallion, and on the hunt for this youngest Old One, Will. He must find the six great Signs before the Dark can rise, for an epic battle between good and evil approaches.

Today is a buddy review with Melissa from Book Nut. I am a bit late posting, so I do apologize! Especially since I have the first part, so her part doesn't make a lot of sense at the moment.

Kelly: I was a bit hesitant to read this book because the first book left no impression on me at all. I don't even really remember what happened in it. Even though I own the rest of the series, I always had better books to read. When you suggested this book as a buddy review I was pretty hesitant, but I have to say I liked this book better than book 1. That being said, I still didn't like it very much. What is it that you like about this series that inspired you to suggest it for a buddy review?
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Melissa: Bummer. I first read this series about 15 or so years ago, and this one stood out among the others (I'll agree: the first book isn't that good). I liked the mood that Cooper evokes in the book, the use of the midwinter holidays and the way she incorporates the Arthurian myth. I found that this story resonated with me and has stuck with me over the years. (It's best reread at mid-winter, though.) And I'm all about sharing books that I love. To be fair, Hubby read it for the first time last winter and had the same reaction as you: good parts, some good writing, but overall kind of blah. What didn't you like it?

Kelly: I think if I had read it as a child or if I didn't read as much fantasy as I do, I would have liked it. I found it boring and I think it was because there wasn't anything fresh about it. I understand that she is probably the inspiration for the other books I have read with the same themes, but unfortunately I read them first and her second. I tried to keep that in mind as I was reading it. I entirely agree with your husband, though. There were some parts of the book I really liked, but overall it was just blah. It's only short and I really had to work to finish it. So, does that mean you enjoyed your reread of it?

Melissa: Y'know, I did. I still love the language of the book -- which it totally surprising, because I'm usually a plot- and character-driven reader -- and I love the use of myth and the battle of good versus evil. But, I can see where you are coming from. There is an awful lot of narrative and not much action in the book. I think, too, it has a lot to do with the time period that it was written in. It's 1970s fantasy, and it's just not as action-filled as some of the books today are. What books did this remind you of?

Kelly: I should have taken notes. When I look back on the whole book, I just remember the whole book. When I was reading the book, though, there were little moments that reminded me of other fantasy novels. I do agree with you that there was not enough action. When I was reading it I just kept thinking things were dragging, but that's why. There was so much build-up and then when something happened I am not sure if it was enough. I guess I just didn't find the book fresh. There was nothing that happened that I thought: "Hey! That's creative!". I know that books are based around the same ideas, but authors still manage to add a little creativity to the story. What did you think about the characters?

To read the rest of the review head over to Melissa's blog! Enjoy!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Good morning, everyone! Today I have a buddy review with Amy from My Friend Amy. It was a work-in-progress for a while, but we are happy to finally have done another buddy review. I have the first part of the review and then you head over to Amy's to read the second part. Enjoy!

Amy: Thanks so much for doing another buddy read with me, Kelly! This was one was a chunkster but even so it was still a fairly quick read. What did you think overall of Beautiful Creatures? Like? Dislike? Meh?

Kelly: I don't know. On the one hand I really liked it, but on the other hand things about it really bothered me to the point where I had to put it down and get some distance from it. I liked the story, but the characters drove me crazy. I think I am hitting a period where teenagers in novels are annoying me again. Too much angst and the obsessed love story reminded me a bit too much of another popular book series. I don't understand this trend in books, but it could just be me.

What about you? What did you think?

Amy: I struggled to get into at first because the writing seemed really...plain. Not very descriptive or something. But I did really like the setting and the world. I found the story interesting enough to keep reading, even though the writing got on my nerves sometimes. Once I realized you had finished the book, I read the last 500 pages in one day to catch up. ;) I agree about the angsty love stories. I actually really like love stories where there are high stakes and impossible odds but not as a formula. And the more I think about it, the more similarities I see with this book and that other series you mentioned. Did you enjoy the setting?

Kelly: The setting was what I liked about it. Like you I wasn't crazy about the writing and obviously I had my character issues, but things like the setting redeemed things for me. They could write that well and I felt like I was actually down there with all the descriptions and the use of the dialect. I love those old houses and things. It was all rather Gone with the Wind. It was the perfect setting for the story. I liked some of the secondary characters, though. I also like the aspects of the story that were set in the past. I actually got a bit more interested when I saw the change in text coming and knew they were going to be transported back. What did you think?

Amy: Yes! I loved the use of the past and the fact that it had a bearing on the present. I like that kind of interconnected story. What did you think of the weird sort of vampires? (can't remember what they're called, sorry) Feeding on bad dreams reminded (spoiler!) reminded me of the BFG! :) Did you think Beautiful Creatures was a fitting title for the book?

Kelly: They were creepy! The vampires, I mean. I don't know what they were called either! We are so good at this reviewing thing, huh? I sort of wasn't surprised about them. Even when we weren't told everything about them it was sort of obvious. I was just worried it would be too much, but it worked out in the end, I think. As to the title... I like the title, but I am not sure if it is what I would think of as a fitting title to the book. Mainly because it is a bit of a dark read and that is an almost happy, but not quite, title. Actually, when you think of it like that maybe it does work. What do you think?

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Don't forget to head to Amy's blog to read the second-half!!

A Conspiracy of Kings (The Thief Series, Book 4) by Megan Whalen Turner

Sophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap. Sophos, the heir to the throne of Sounis, disappears without a trace.

In Attolia, Eugenides, the new and unlikely king, has never stopped wondering what happened to Sophos. Nor has the Queen of Eddis. They send spies. They pay informants. They appeal to the gods. But as time goes by, it becomes less and less certain that they will ever see their friend alive again.

Across the small peninsula battles are fought, bribes are offered, and conspiracies are set in motion. Darkening the horizon, the Mede Empire threatens, always, from across the sea. And Sophos, anonymous and alone, bides his time. Sophos, drawing on his memories of Gen, Pol, the magus—and Eddis—sets out on an Badventure that will change all of their lives forever.

Today is a buddy review with Aarti from Booklust. I should point out that this is the fourth book in the series, so I can't promise there are no spoilers! Read at your own risk! To understand what is going on, though, first you have to visit Aarti's blog to read the first part and then the review carries on here. If this posts in the correct colours, my talking is in blue.

Yes, every time one of them comes on the page, I get excited! I never really liked Attolia very much and I still find that part of the story hard to believe, and her character had to understand. I feel like if she got a POV, then I would feel very differently. But I can't imagine there being a POV in Attolia besides Gen, so I am really hoping for Eddis! It is fascinating to me the way that all these leaders must be so intelligent and yet also keep their counsel and not share their thoughts with others. I feel this series, with the smaller countries trying to unite against a bigger one, really hits home in terms of the way colonialism was. It seems to be very similar to how people must have tried to unite against Roman invasion.

I wouldn't be surprised if Eddis got more page time in future books. She has always sort of been there, but she hasn't really had her time to shine. We know what she is to Gen and we saw a bit of their interaction, but I feel she grew as a character in this book. She wasn't just the queen. She was a real person and I appreciated her more for it. I would love to learn more about her! As for Attolia, I think she is a very complex character. I still find her relationship with Gen a bit odd, but she is growing on me.

I also like that this series is marketed as YA, even though it is so complex! At least, I find it complex. I feel like people sometimes make it seem that YA fantasy is all vampires and werewolves and angsty love, but this series is just so completely different than that, and it is awesome that the publishers went for it and it became such a success!

I am so glad that this series is so different! I get tired of YA books with annoying narrators and predictable storylines. That's not say all of it is like that, but that is what is popular right now, so that is what they are marketing. This series was very refreshing to me. There is a lot going on, and I think you could reread the books a couple times before you picked up on everything.

Yes, absolutely. I definitely think I missed out on some stuff! I feel like things are described sometimes, and then the characters draw conclusions from what happened or what was said. But often... I have no idea what conclusions are being drawn! I often wonder if that's just me being dense or Turner deliberately withholding information or just a complete lack of communication between the author and me. But that didn't mar my enjoyment at all. I like when I feel the author is a complete master and I am sometimes not entirely sure of my footing with the story.

Also, you can tell at moments that the characters are young, but they have enough maturity to not whine and annoy constantly. Maybe because they have all been through a lot and are from a different time, but I find it refreshing. Then, the romances are not all about obsession and a need to be together. They end up together and that's that, it is not the main focus of the storyline.

I like that, too. That there are romantic moments, but the story itself is not a romance. That all the characters realize that love does not really conquer all, and there are other things to consider.

I really enjoyed watching Sophos grow as a character. When we first meet him he has no confidence and has been exiled to an island. He is supposed to the be the heir to the throne, but only until his uncle fathers a child of his own. He is not your typical prince, though. He is interested in poetry, not war. This means that he is a disappointment to his father, and as a result, feels that he is a disappointment to himself. His life changes, though, and he really steps up to it. He might still be young and need other counsel, but he soon learns that he has a lot more potential than anyone ever gave him credit for. As he comes to see that about himself it makes for wonderful character development. You really feel for him. He goes through a lot, but manages to keep his head high.

As the story continued, I really questioned whether Sophos was a disappointment to his father. I think he misjudges his father (as many of us do), and as we see the story through his eyes, it's easy for us to misjudge, too. But I personally don't think Sophos disappointed his father. I sort of think Sophos thought of himself as a disappointment and then projected that disappointment onto others. He often thought people were disappointed in him, but then you're right- he steps up to his role and learns to be confident and strong. But he's not so worldly that he no longer trusts in his friends. I loved that, too. He is not nearly so cynical as everyone else in the story.

That's true. He has an idea of what it is to be king and he doesn't think he is like that, so that would make it seem like he is a disappointment to everyone. I can see that. He's bookish and has no interest in war, but his father still sends him teachers and things, so obviously he feels there is some potential or he wouldn't bother. Sophos is very down-to-earth and I like that in a character.

It really is a great series. I am looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series takes us! Thanks for reviewing the book with me, though, Aarti. It was fun!

Library Loot - April 12, 2010

I haven't posted anything from the library in a while, but I thought I would share today's pick-ups. They actually stretch from last week, too, because the dates were different because of the holiday weekend. I am hoping to actually get some reading done this week. I have been keeping my number of library books out down to a low number because of the decrease in reading.

The Lost City of Z: a tale of deadly obsession in the Amazon by David Grann - Re-loot. I have heard nothing but good things about this book, so I really need to read it.

Flow: the Cultural History of Menstruation by Elissa Stein - I think I found this on the site for the new books at the library and thought it sounded interesting.

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore - Re-loot. Just didn't get a chance to read it the first time around.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher - Buddy read with Heather from Capricious Reader.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe - Book club read, if I can actually read it... I haven't read for that book club in like a year or maybe two.

Guilt About the Past by Bernhard Schlink - Collection of essays. Liked what I have read by Schlink before, so thought I would give this a try.

The Read-a-thon is here!

It's hard to believe it is time for another read-a-thon! I still remember the one at this time last year. The guy was doing yard work and I was trying to comment around ladder holding... It's weird the things you remember! I have been lurking for the read-a-thons since the very beginning, but never actually read. Normally it is because I read so much anyway that it is a good excuse for a break. This year it is because my reading sucks and I don't want to torture myself trying to make something happen that is crashing and dying so far... Maybe in October things will be different!

In the meantime, I will be visiting blogs and cheering people on. I didn't sign-up to cheerlead, either, but I haven't actually signed up since 2007. I am just that slack! Happy reading to everyone!

All Families are Psychotic by Douglas Coupland

The story is set in Florida, USA, and is about a dysfunctional family. The plot is supposedly about Janet Drummond, a divorced sixtysomething with three kids, Wade, Sarah and Bryan and an ex-husband Ted who's taken up with a younger woman. It's all set around Sarah's Space Shuttle flight, an event which brings the family together in one place for the first time in years - and then things start to unravel.

Today is another buddy review! Today is with Darren from Bart's Bookshelf. We have been trying to do this buddy review for days now, but things kept coming up. I am glad we finally managed to get it done!

1. Did you have a favourite character?
I have been thinking of this question over and over again because how can you not have a favourite character in a book, but honestly, I didn't! I liked all of the characters in the book and they all add something fantastic to the story. They were all so dysfunctional and flawed. They are written really well and interact so off-the-wall that you never know what is going to happen next. Coupland wrote really well!

2. The plot occasionally (well more than occasionally if we're honest!) could be described as 'out there' :) Did that detract or enhance the book for you?
It enhanced it! It is so fantastic! I love the craziness of it all. You never knew what was going to happen yet. This was actually my very first Coupland novel and it lead to me reading mostly all that he has to offer. I think this is why I love Coupland so much. You get tired of the same thing over and over again. Coupland gives you something different to look forward to every time one.

3. I know you've read a few of Douglas Coupland's other books, how does this compare/rate with those.
When someone asked me what my favourite Coupland book was, I always said this one. I think part of that is because it was my first one. If I hadn't read it then I wouldn't have read all of his others. It is hard to compare Coupland's books to one another because with a few exceptions, they are all so different! I think when I read it the first time I had never seen anything like it and was in love with how different it was.

4. While this was a first time read for me, I know that you said it'd be a re-read for you, what was your experience of the book second time around?
I hardly remembered this book at all. It was like 7 or 8 years ago that I read it. It was almost like the very first time I had read it. Things came back to me as I read it, but otherwise it was like an entirely different book. I really liked it this time around, though. It reminded me of why I wanted to read it again so many times and just didn't get around to it.

Thanks, Darren! I look forward to our next one! Be sure to head over to his blog to read his answers to my questions.

Maps and Legends: Reading and Writing Along the Borderlands by Michael Chabon

Michael Chabon's sparkling first book of nonfiction is a love song in 16 parts — a series of linked essays in praise of reading and writing, with subjects running from ghost stories to comic books, Sherlock Holmes to Cormac McCarthy. Throughout, Chabon energetically argues for a return to the thrilling, chilling origins of storytelling, rejecting the false walls around "serious" literature in favor of a wide-ranging affection. His own fiction, meanwhile, is explored from the perspective of personal history: post-collegiate desperation sparks his debut, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh; procrastination and doubt reveal the way toward Wonder Boys; a love of comics and a basement golem combine to create the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay; and an enigmatic Yiddish phrasebook unfurls into The Yiddish Policeman's Union.

I hope people aren't getting tired of my buddy reviews, but here is another one! Today is the very first one with Carrie from Books and Movies. She is a new blogging friend in the last couple months, so I am excited to be doing a review with her! We interviewed each other. Below you will find her answers to my questions and then on her blog you will read my answers to hers. Enjoy!

1. Was this your first experience with Chabon? Will you read more from him based on the experience?

This was my first experience with his work. I tried to listen to The Yiddish Policemen's Union on audio, but I didn't like the narrator, so couldn't get past the first few minutes. I definitely plan to read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay this summer for a group read, and I am planning to listen to his other essay collection, Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son on audiobook soon.

2. What was your favourite essay in the collection? Were there any that you didn't like?

I really loved the ones about his early writing experiences, "My Back Pages" and "Diving into the Wreck" - but I think my very favorite was the first one, "Trickster in a Suit of Lights: Thoughts on the Modern Short Story." His comments that most modern short fiction is written as "the contemporary, quotidian, plotless, moment-of-truth revelatory story" made me laugh and nod my head in agreement. I love short fiction - but short fiction that is unique and about various things.

I used to subscribe to "The New Yorker" specifically for their short fiction until the stories all started to seem the same. The ones that were unusual and entertaining were few and far between. I do believe that fiction should be used to demonstrate the truth about life, but the truth about life isn't always hopeless and depressing! Fiction should also be used to show the other sides of human experience and to entertain us - to make us laugh out loud, shiver with terror, or cry for happiness. I liked his thoughts on how popular short fiction used to run the gamut of genres: horror, western, comedy, fantasy, science fiction. It made me want to read some of his short stories.

There weren't really any essays that I didn't like, but I wasn't that interested in the ones about the history of comic books, simply because I'm new to graphic novels, and so knew nothing about the people he was writing about.

3. What did you take away from the collection overall?

When I read books about writing written by brilliant authors, it makes me want to write! And to write brilliantly, like they do. :) Mostly it just made me realize that all the bloggers who have been saying Chabon is a genius are right.

4. Did you add any books written by authors other than Chabon to your to-read list?

I definitely want to look up some older short story fantasy collections (recommendations welcome), and he made me want to read Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, when I had previously been uninterested. I also want to do a re-read of McCarthy's The Road soon.

5. What did you think about the cover and title? Did you find that they suited the collection well?

I really love the cover of the paperback P.S. edition that I own. And I do think the title suited the collection, especially the idea of being on the "borderlands" both in terms of writing outside of a specific genre and in searching for his identity as a Jewish author.

Don't forget to head to Carrie's blog to read my answers!

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

In her latest enchanting novel, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen invites you to a quirky little Southern town with more magic than a full Carolina moon. Here two very different women discover how to find their place in the world—no matter how out of place they feel.

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. Such as, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? And why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew—a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes.

Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes—which is a good thing, because Julia can’t seem to stop baking them. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also in the hope of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Flour, eggs, milk, and sugar . . . Baking is the only language the proud but vulnerable Julia has to communicate what is truly in her heart. But is it enough to call back to her those she’s hurt in the past?

Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

Today I bring you a buddy review with Marg from Reading Adventures. We haven't done one together in like three years! You have to visit her blog to read the first part of the review, and then I have the second half here. She is the white text and I am the blue. Enjoy!

I liked the magical elements. That's why I read the books by her. If they weren't in there it would still be a nice story, but I probably wouldn't like it. Sometimes teenagers as main characters can annoy me, but Emily was mature enough that she didn't bother me all that much. I agree that the wallpaper didn't really add anything to the story, but I still thought it was kind of cool. It was Emily's first taste of things not being entirely what they seemed in the town. The only thing that bothered me was the Coffey families' secret. When it was abstract, it was kind of cool, but when it got explained it didn't hold the same magic for me. There were a couple times when I thought it was a bit far-fetched and I couldn't dispel disbelief, but it wasn't enough to ruin the story. I also loved Emily's grandfather and Julia. They were both great characters that added to the story.

As to your second question, that's a hard one. I am surprised I never thought about it before when reading her books. I just think how nice it would be to have one of the talents mentioned, but I guess I never think outside the box. I keep thinking about Chloe and how books appeared to her. I think that's really mine. Even if it isn't original.

I think it must be the book lover in each of us, because I would be more than happy if my talent was that the perfect book that I was in the mood for would just appear in my hands when I was ready to start reading. No more standing in front of the shelves to see what book yells at me the loudest, or at the library due dates to see what is due next, or the next review book due! Although in a way,that kind of happened with this book. I had picked up all the books that I had on hold at the library, and I was just dropping some more off when I noticed that this one was waiting to be picked up, so I took it away with me on vacation, not necessarily intending to read it as I had a few others with me, but this book was the perfect vacation read!

This is also the kind of book that I think you can easily recommend to other people regardless of whether they are normally fantasy readers or not, because the author writes very accessible fantasy, or magical realism if you would rather classify it that way!

Well, I had no intention of reading this book, either. I got it when it first came out, but there were a few more priorities that had to be dealt with first. Then, earlier today I found myself picking it up and reading it. I am very glad that I did, though, because this was another great book by her. Like I said above, when I first saw mention of her books, my first instinct was that they were romance-type novels. It turned out, though, that they are a nice mix of the ordinary and the slightly unordinary.

Did you read it pretty much in one sitting? I started it at about 11pm and finished it at 2am. It certainly had that unputdownable quality for me!

Yeah, I read the first 200 pages in one sitting and then I had to stop to do a couple things, but I sat down and read the rest all at one time. I only started the book today, so it was a quick read for me. While this book has a nice magic realism feel to it, it is still set in a modern, Southern world. Did you think the author pulled off the setting well? I also can't help mentioning the romances. There is always something brewing in that department for her books, so I expected they would play a role. Did you think they were believable and turned out the way they should?

I don't know that I think that these books are set in a modern, Southern world. I would more say that they are set in a timeless Southern world. There are mentions of things that give the story a time frame, like the car in the garage, but for the most part, the portrayal could be now, or it could be twenty or thirty years ago or more. The idea of spending time at the local lake partying, and walking to the local barbecue restaurant for breakfast every morning help portray a much slower way of life than I can imagine as I stuff a protein bar into my mouth for breakfast as I rush out the door every morning.

Whilst there are many areas of our reading where you and I do agree, romance is one of the areas where we don't! Romance is something that can turn Kelly off, whereas I read and love a lot of romance! There are happily ever afters that are telegraphed from very early in each of the author's books, so you know where you are going to end up, but it is part of the joy of reading these books that you can enjoy the journey with the characters. I am not as convinced with Emily's romance, but for Julia and her beau, I was absolutely a believer in the fact that they were destined to be together, and that every thing that they had been through would absolutely make them much stronger in the future. The final scene probably tied up the loose ends a bit too neatly, but I can live with that.

I liked the quaintness of the town. I grew up in a small town, too, but it wasn't really like this one. Even though it seemed small, though, it had a lot of personality that I quite enjoyed. You are right on the romance aspect, though. I do think they were a bit predictable, but that's okay. It didn't really ruin anything for me by being that way. The couples in the book, I mean. Overall it was an enjoyable read that is the perfect sort of comfort read. You can't help feeling warm and fuzzy after reading it (and, yes, I really did just say that!). I am glad that I read it and I am glad that we finally found a book to review together!

Aww...warm and fuzzy! Just like doing a joint review with Kelly! We should do this more often! LOL!



This book counts for the Once Upon a Time Challenge, which means I am done! Yay!

Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son by Michael Chabon

A shy manifesto, an impractical handbook, the true story of a fabulist, an entire life in parts and pieces, Manhood for Amateurs is the first sustained work of personal writing from Michael Chabon. In these insightful, provocative, slyly interlinked essays, one of America's most brilliant and humane writers presents his autobiography and his vision of life in the way so many of us experience our own: as a series of reflections, regrets and re-examinations, each sparked by an encounter, in the present, that holds some legacy of the past. What does it mean to be a man today? Chabon invokes and interprets and struggles to reinvent for us, with characteristic warmth and lyric wit, the personal and family history that haunts him even as--simply because--it goes on being written every day. As a devoted son, as a passionate husband and above all as the father of four young Americans, Chabon renders his memories of childhood, of his parents' marriage and divorce, of painful adolescent comedy and giddy encounters with the popular art and literature of his own youth, as a theme played--on different instruments, with a fresh tempo and in a new key--by the mad quartet of which he now finds himself co-conductor. At once dazzling, hilarious and moving, Manhood for Amateurs is destined to become a classic.

If I look on my TBR pile I will see two books by Michael Chabon. He is an author that I really wanted to read and never seemed to get around to! Then, this book came out and I was doing the Essay Reading Challenge, so I decided to give it a try. I received it as a review copy from Harper Collins and I am very happy that I did because I finally have read Chabon and I love him! Since completing this book I have also read his other essay collection and will be reviewing it soon. Later in the year I hope to give his fiction a try.

Today's review is a buddy review with Chris from Stuff as Dreams are Made On. It's the first one we have done in 2010, but hopefully it will not be our last. He asked me three questions which I answered below, and then if you visit his blog you can see his answers to my three questions.

1. Do you think the book is applicable to just the experiences of men, or to humanity as a whole?
I think if this book only worked for men I wouldn't like it at all. He might be talking about his experiences as a father, husband, and son, but he talks about things that everyone faces a lot of the time, so anyone can relate to the experiences in the book. There are a few times where it is a 'manly' book and I didn't really relate to what he was talking about, but that was rare. I think by talking about what it is to be a man in many situations, he is also touching on what it is like to be a human.

2. What did you think of the structure of the book (divided into a series of short essays)?
I really liked the way this book worked. It was like one big book, though, because all the essays related to each other and flowed in such a way that it didn't feel like a different experience every time. I am always impressed by authors that can do that. Every essay was written so well, too. While I liked some more than others, I can't think of a single one that I didn't like at all. Another mark of a good author, I would say!

3. What did you take away from the book as a whole?
Honestly, that I am terrible for waiting so long to read Michael Chabon. Instead of collecting his books to gather dust I should have been READING them. Strange concept, I know! It made me think about my own life, too. I am a few years younger than him, but it makes you wonder what you will think when you look back over your life. Can you look at it like he does as a lesson for others, or will you just see things as giant fails. It's a thinking book and I think every experience with it can easily be different depending on where you are in your own life while reading it.

Thanks so much for another buddy review, Chris! I look forward to the next one. Be sure to head over to his blog to read his answers to the questions I asked him. Enjoy!

This book also counts for the Essay Reading Challenge.

Oh, and my thanks to Harper Collins Canada for the review copy of this book!