Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Mini-Reviews IV and an Announcement

And another list of good reads for all of you who have lots of time to read, read, read... ; )

CARNELIANS Catherine Asaro (Science Fiction)
Carnelians is a solution for all the various story lines in Asaro's Skolian universe that began in Primary Inversion in 1995. Even if there are subsequent books, this one answers the burning questions. It's a bit telling so that all the threads will knit together. Still, it's a good read.

CAPTAIN VORPATRIL'S ALLIANCE Lois McMaster Bujold (Science Fiction)
This is another example of a great SF series that is nearing its end. Bujold has created a vivid, detailed universe that centers on Miles Vorkosgian and his family. One of those relatives is Ivan "You Idiot" Vorpatril, but in this new book, Ivan comes into his own. Bujold's "Vorkosiverse" is so good, that John and I regularly reread and enjoy it all over again. Great Read!

DANDELION SUMMER Lisa Wingate (Inspirational)
This is part of Wingate's Blue Sky Hill Series. I've never read any of her books before, but I will seek them out now. Dandelion Summer has a light touch with the inspirational part of the story. What's most impressive is the fully-realized characters of J. Norman Alvord and Epiphany Jones who both learn the importance of family and that it's not too late to connect. Great read.

STILL LIFE IN SHADOWS Alice Wisler (Christian Literary)
This is a fascinating story about the challenges facing those who choose to leave the Amish Community. It's an interesting read.

THE SPARROW Mary Doria Russell (Literary Science Fiction)
The Sparrow is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It is an intriguing, thought provoking, and deeply philosophical look at faith and how it is lived out in real lives. I'd recommend this book to anyone who asks me for a great read and warn them that it will show them the complexities of faith and obedience. A Must Read!

And now the announcement! I'll be interviewing Charlotte Rains Dixon about her new book Emma Jean's Bad Behavior on February 19. You won't want to miss it. Charlotte is an author, writing teacher, and writing coach. Check out her blog at charlotterainsdixion.com.

10 comments:

  1. Nice snippets--thanks for sharing!

    Will definitely tune in for your interview!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm still working my way through Bujold's series and loving it. I have to Inter-Library-Loan all the books though so it takes awile. Sigh, wish I had a bigger book budget.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you're enjoying them! Which one did you read last? My favs are BROTHERS IN ARMS, MIRROR DANCE, MEMORY, KOMARR, and A CIVIL CAMPAIGN.

      Delete
    2. The last one I read was The Vor Games. I'm waiting for the next one.

      Delete
  3. Still Life and Sparrow sound especially interesting. I hope I remember the titles to look out for them next time I'm at the bookstore!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deniz,
      Just ask me and I'll dig up all of these lists for you. You'll enjoy both of those!

      Delete
  4. I hadn't heard of Bujold till you mentioned her on my blog. Is there a particular book I should start with?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Barbara,
      Get CORDELIA'S HONOR. It's an omnibus edition of SHARDS OF HONOR and BARRAYAR. That's the introduction to Bujold's world. Her website and the wikipedia article on her has a chronology.

      Happy reading!

      Delete

To use Facebook or Twitter sign in, select Name/URL. Add your name and the URL of your homepage for Facebook or Twitter...and comment. Thanks for coming by!