I'm not even sure how to categorize this book. It's beautiful and touching with just a touch of sarcasm and wit. This collection of short stories has to be the best I have ever read.
The description from NetGalley is this: Welcome to the contemporary Freak Show. A woman trying to have a child has a parasitic twin, an extra lower torso, and set of legs named Bianca—should she have "Bianca's Body" removed to improve her chances at conception? A bearded lady considers coming out of the closet about her hirsute nature, while carrying on a battle of wills with an overeating patron in "Mr. Chicken." A woman with four ears gets a chance to make extra money as the mascot of a tattoo parlour, and encounters a middle-aged, cookie-baking stalker who believes she is a sign that the end of the world is nigh. Meet the "freaks"—they're mothers, wives, and lovers: all of them trying negotiate a world that is quicker to stare than sympathize.
I figured it was up my alley. What I didn't expect was something so visceral and emotional. This is not a freak show but an expose of what it's like to live as someone who is different. The first story Bianca's Body was more than a tale about a woman with a parasitic twin. This nameless woman struggles with jealousy over that part of her body that seems to be more receptive to her husband, the pain of not being able to maintain a pregnancy and the identity of who she really is. It's the perfect introduction to Teresa Milbrodt's world.
The writing is a little odd which only adds to the work. Many of the characters are unnamed and the stories a brief snapshot of their lives. Some left me wondering and others felt complete. This is one I am glad to review and such a gem that will sadly be overlooked by those who would appreciate it most.
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Kiss of Death/Ghost Town - Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine
I love the Morganville Vampire books and was really disappointed that I read books 8 and 9 so quickly. Rachel Caine weaves such an amazing story that I devoured her books and then have to wait so long for the next one (days is too long for these books, months are forever).
The series begins with Claire attending college in a small Texas town. She is super smart and quite young (barely 17 when they start). Her parents convinced her to attend a college a little closer to home before she goes onto MIT. Claire is tormented by another student, Monica and finds her way to The Glass House where she eventually moves in. Claire has a way of finding trouble and soon discovers that the sleepy little town of Morganville is really a sanctuary for vampires. This starts an adventure for her that causes her to grow up really fast.
If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it. They are action packed stories and Claire's angst is real. She is forced several times to choose between what's right and what's convenient for everyone else. She falls in love and has to make some really tough choices. For 17 years of age, Claire is really strong and isn't afraid to stand up for herself and others.
The people and vampires she meets are complex and interesting. I find myself wanting to know more. Once I pick up her books, I can't put them down.
I have to say that Ghost Town may be amongst my favorites. Claire shows amazing resolve. The entire town is losing their memory due to a faulty device and Claire must get everyone to safety, stop the machine and make everything right all while dealing with her friends and her boyfriend not being able to remember who she is. The emotional complexity of this book made me fall in love with the characters over and over.
The next book Bite Club comes out in April (wonder if I could make an early Mother's Day request).
The series begins with Claire attending college in a small Texas town. She is super smart and quite young (barely 17 when they start). Her parents convinced her to attend a college a little closer to home before she goes onto MIT. Claire is tormented by another student, Monica and finds her way to The Glass House where she eventually moves in. Claire has a way of finding trouble and soon discovers that the sleepy little town of Morganville is really a sanctuary for vampires. This starts an adventure for her that causes her to grow up really fast.
If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it. They are action packed stories and Claire's angst is real. She is forced several times to choose between what's right and what's convenient for everyone else. She falls in love and has to make some really tough choices. For 17 years of age, Claire is really strong and isn't afraid to stand up for herself and others.
The people and vampires she meets are complex and interesting. I find myself wanting to know more. Once I pick up her books, I can't put them down.
I have to say that Ghost Town may be amongst my favorites. Claire shows amazing resolve. The entire town is losing their memory due to a faulty device and Claire must get everyone to safety, stop the machine and make everything right all while dealing with her friends and her boyfriend not being able to remember who she is. The emotional complexity of this book made me fall in love with the characters over and over.
The next book Bite Club comes out in April (wonder if I could make an early Mother's Day request).
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Books of 2010
I had planned to write this the first week of January but, alas, time flew by and I didn't. My goal each year is to read 100 books. 2010 was the least successful year I have had since I began. This year I read just over 60 books. Still not too bad.
Some of the books I loved this year were:
Buddha in your Backpack by Franz Metcalf - this is a teen book about finding answers to life's questions through Buddhism. It's not meant for conversion but a different sort of guidance.
Sister's Grimm by Michael Buckley - this series is so fun. The books follow two orphaned sister's who discover they are the descendants of the Brother's Grimm and all their stories are true (and still alive).
The Passage by Justin Cronin - this was an amazing book. The story is a strange journey in a world were vampires rule the night and the lights are about to go out.
Whales on Stilts by MT Anderson - cute story that throws in so many jokes that I laughed from beginning to end. Most of the jokes are probably better understood by adults than children, only because they pertain to radio shows and the 50's.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - these juvenile books have a very classic feel to them and are fantastic.
I think that's a good list of books not included in this blog. It's been a wonderful year of reading and I have enjoyed most of what I read. 2011 is already underway with lots of wonderful books and I can't wait to share them all.
Some of the books I loved this year were:
Buddha in your Backpack by Franz Metcalf - this is a teen book about finding answers to life's questions through Buddhism. It's not meant for conversion but a different sort of guidance.
Sister's Grimm by Michael Buckley - this series is so fun. The books follow two orphaned sister's who discover they are the descendants of the Brother's Grimm and all their stories are true (and still alive).
The Passage by Justin Cronin - this was an amazing book. The story is a strange journey in a world were vampires rule the night and the lights are about to go out.
Whales on Stilts by MT Anderson - cute story that throws in so many jokes that I laughed from beginning to end. Most of the jokes are probably better understood by adults than children, only because they pertain to radio shows and the 50's.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - these juvenile books have a very classic feel to them and are fantastic.
I think that's a good list of books not included in this blog. It's been a wonderful year of reading and I have enjoyed most of what I read. 2011 is already underway with lots of wonderful books and I can't wait to share them all.
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