I know, I know: I’m late. In my own defense, I can only say that the holidays went by in a blur; the kids are home from college (love them but my routine completely goes to hell) and I was/am insanely busy to boot. After starting in on the latest book, I had to put that on the back burner and blister through the copy-edits for ASHES. Worked straight through my supposed vacation to Breckenridge, but since I don’t ski anymore, I pretty much knew I’d be hammering. The one horrible thing is I slipped on ice about a week ago and my tail just hasn’t been the same. I’m pretty much standing up to work and even swimming is tough. For someone who doesn’t ski, this is a true bummer and completely unfair. On the other hand, since I do have to stand, this is yet one more argument to buy myself a present. I’ve had my eye on an HP Envy 14 Beats for quite some time . . .
On the reading/listening/looking front, I wasn’t able to get through as many books as I’d hoped. One I started and stuck with way past my usual pitch-point, primarily because I couldn’t figure out if my lack of investment in what reviewers were raving about said more about me or the book. I’ve decided: it was the book. Really, life is too short. On the other hand, I think we’ve got a good variety below. So, without further ado:
READS
Grant, Michael; Lies: A Gone Novel (Katherine Tegen Books; 2010). Oh, those crazy kids of the FAYZ are at it again in this third book of the series. I have to say that after reading this one, I thought of what Denise Crosby once said of her Star Trek: The Next Generation character, Tasha Yar (and I paraphrase): “Well, you know, it’s Star Trek. No one ever dies.”
The same can be said here. Without giving anything anyway, let’s just say that some characters you thought were dead aren’t, while a few marginal characters do exit–some in the Big Poof (when they turn 15) and others by more violent means. The basic plot here revolves around necessary lies that, as conditions continue to deteriorate, some kids tell in order to keep the FAYZ afloat. In other words, welcome to the world of politics. And, yes, some kids have resorted to cannibalism. (You knew that was coming.) There’s also a bit of a hint as to what’s really going on here. While that might be a red herring (I desperately hope so because it’s a little lame), the hint does underscore little Pete’s importance. Still, this book was not as good as I’d hoped, and one character in particular is so blatantly bizarre that having none of the principals catch on stretches credulity. Perhaps the series is beginning to show a bit of wear. On the other hand, this is still a pretty good, very fast read and necessary in order to keep up with the main character arcs. If you’re a GONE fan, don’t skip it. If you’ve never read the series, start at the beginning. Recommended for teens, 14 and up.
Henry, April; Girl, Stolen (Henry Holt & Co; 2010). Griffin thought it would be simple: keys in the ignition, boost the car, no big deal. Problem is, he never saw the girl in the backseat and not only is she pretty sick, Cheyenne Wilder’s blind. Soon what began as an accident turns deadly as Griffin’s father holds Cheyenne for ransom. This crisp, nimble thriller is all about escape: Cheyenne’s from both her captors and the limits of her disability; Griffin’s from his father; and the two teens from their preconceptions about one another. While the plot is somewhat predictable, Cheyenne’s and Griffin’s evolving relationship provides for much-needed complexity. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
King, Stephen; “A Good Marriage,” Full Dark, No Stars (Scribner; 2010). Of the four novellas in King’s latest offering, this is–IMHO–the best and least discursive. Modeled on Dennis Rader, the Kansas BTK killer, this novella is told from the wife’s perspective and explores a simple premise: what would you do if the person you’d been married to for decades had a dark side you never suspected? The wife’s reactions are anything but simple, although the ending is somewhat of a let-down. While none of these novellas are particularly horrifying–and two are fairly clunky–King still knows how to tell a good story. This is the tightest and most original story of the bunch. Recommended for mature teens, on up.
Pearson, Mary; The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Henry Holt & Co.; 2008). After a near-fatal accident, Jenna Fox awakens from a coma, only to discover that her memories are gone. Her only clues about who she is and what she was lie in a collection of discs–a lovingly compiled video-log of her life–and the cryptic comments of her distant, inexplicably hostile grandmother, Lily. Set in the not-so-distant future, this is a somewhat dense, highly contemplative book. The plot moves a bit slowly–so much so that astute readers will figure this out well before Jenna. On the other hand, the major plot revelation occurs midway through, and what follows–as Jenna explores what it means to be human and the terrible price a parent might pay for the life of a child–more than keeps this novel afloat. Recommended for teens, 14 and up.
LISTENS
King, Stephen; “A Good Marriage,” Full Dark, No Stars (narrated by Jessica Hecht; Simon and Schuster Audio; 2010). I frequently listen to books I’ve also read and I decided to give this one a try. As with the actual read, I found this listen to be the best in tone and execution. Hecht’s performance is a little wispy at times, but she manages a convincing narration of an older woman facing up to betrayal and horror. Recommended mature teens.
Stein, Garth; The Art of Racing in the Rain (narrated by Christopher Evan Welch; Harper Audio, 2008). Okay, I’m the first person to admit that I dislike animal slice-of-life books because I suspect that they’re written just to make me cry. So how I got myself sucked into this one, I’ll never know. But I’m glad I did. Enzo’s belief–that he’ll come back as a human–make this dog’s memoir about his life and human family both funny and touching, and Welch is a fine narrator. Made me want to run right out and buy a dog. If only the cats wouldn’t object . . . This is one of those adult books teens might also like. Just make sure the tissue box is handy.
LOOKS
Jaws (Steven Spielberg; 1975) I caught this on TV the other night and was riveted–again. As I think I’ve said before, I often watch movies for story: how to pace, what to think about if I’m trying to capture a certain tone. I still remember seeing this movie when it first came out, and it was Spielberg’s first full-length feature following his FABULOUS, 1971 made-for-TV movie, Duel (screenplay by Richard Matheson after his short story of the same name). After all these years, Jaws still holds my attention; the film is fine horror–but also, and more importantly, the movie’s a great thriller even if the trailer isn’t 😉 Watch for author Peter Benchley in a cameo role.
Also, if you’ve never seen Duel, here’s your chance (and don’t be put off by the blank screen; just click and play:
True Grit (Ethan and Joel Cohen; 2010) I don’t often recommend first-run movies, but I’ll make an exception this time around. I’d never read Portis’s book before seeing the movie, nor had I seen the original film with John Wayne (made in 1969, a year after the book appeared). But I love many of the Cohen brothers’ films; Blood Simple still works for me and No Country for Old Men is simply . . . wow. I am not so wowed as to say that TG is their best film. It’s not, and the movie drags a bit; why they decided on a remake is a mystery, although–as I’ve since discovered–their version is much more faithful to the book. Still, Hailee Steinfeld is a fine Mattie, and Matt Damon is terrific as a priggish Texas ranger. Jeff Bridges was good, but the role wasn’t that “deep” and I thought his performance was a little one-note.
Still, a fun movie, beautifully rendered and well worth the time.
I was intrigued enough by the movie to download the audiobook as well, and Donna Tart’s narration is beautifully done. That, alone, convinced me that this is one of classic American books–like To Kill a Mockingbird–that deserves a lot more attention than it’s gotten. Maybe the movie will change that. If you’re at all interested in the real history of Fort Smith, this article proves a fascinating read.
In closing, as Bill would say, it was a very good year all the way around–although I’ll be honest: Frank sang it so much better. In the spirit of the New Year, I inflict on you what my editor sent to me:
And some people say editors are humorless . . . 😉
