pnnylnskywlkr's Titles

The Bourne Identity (Jason Bourne Book #1) by Robert Ludlum (Adventure, Suspense, Travel, Sports) I was not adequately prepared for this novel. Having watched all four Bourne movies I was actually at a disadvantage. For those who have at least watched the first movie, I will sympathize with you. For those who have had no exposure, I envy you. What I say next I will keep any spoilers to a minimum. There are only a handful of similarities, otherwise this book is an entirely different story. There's a group called Treadstone, there's a man who is shot in the beginning and found in the water, and this man has no memory. There the similarities end. Forget everything you think you know about The Bourne world from the movies, as they could have only been inspired by the book in the tiniest way possible. I also should have looked at the publication date as I was continually disappointed in the lack of technology. No cell phones or computer programs, but old world "cables" - like we are still receiving telegrams. The love development was underdeveloped. Yes, there have been studies where two persons placed in a situation that causes adrenalin can have them grow an attachment to one another, but so little was painted for this picture that it was unbelievable. The inner thoughts of the lead character were too repetitive, too much like a child. The dialog was apparently there to reveal a majority of the plot. It was not enjoyable dialog, it felt forced and unlike what any human would ever phrase. Also, although I like languages, i like having things translated after the fact what was said. This wasn't done, and as this was clearly written before translation apps on smartphones, was the reader supposed to go to the library and check out dictionaries in French and German? Honestly the hardest book for me to get to the end of. I read two other books in the middle of trying to read this one. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 03/02/2013 Add Comment

Kleopatra by Karen Essex (Historical Fiction, Westerns, History) This is part one - I did not realize that this tale would not be concluded in one book. A warning for you as I was left astonished that I had just read 360 pages and still was not satisfied with a conclusion. The writing style has a nice flow, lots of discriptions and a good balance of inner thought as well as dialog. I was disappointed at how much time was spent in Kleopatra's childhood. Sure, one's early days most certainly shape whom one becomes, but I feel the tale could have been told quicker. It took 200+ pages before she entered her teens. I also was not prepared for the sexuality. It is my fault, as I should have remembered that like the Greek deities the Greeks were promiscuous to say the least, and emulate the various behaviors of the Greek and Egyptian deities. I cannot comment on how historically accurate the tale is but the author does a good job of staying true to names, places, and events of the time. Also, I've seen reviews stating it is historically accurate, I unfortunately do not know enough to make a comment on that. It was nice reading a tale of Kleopatra that didn't immediately portray her as a seductress of men. She was portrayed as intelligent and strong, but with a few weakness too that the reader could connect with. I also enjoyed the introduction of characters from her youth that may not have been historical but that certainly added great depth to the story. I will pick up the second book and see how her return from exile at 19 turns out from the author's perspective. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 02/18/2013 Add Comment

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir (Mystery, Horror, Crime, Business, Politics) My first Sherlock Holmes read and I wasn't disappointed. Although not an incredibly long story, it was a good length with nice pacing and description. It combined third person narrative with letters from the narrator so it felt like Watson was telling me the tale directly. I quite enjoy Holmes and his mannerisms - he is witty and mildly sarcastic with an air of almost arrogance, soft though. For most of the book I could not predict the ending, which is a welcomed surprise in novels. A much enjoyed read. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 02/12/2013 Add Comment The Hound Of The Baskervilles is a classic Sherlockian story. Plenty of characters, lots of suspects, red herrings, and great deductive reasoning. Sherlock Holmes stories never fail to entertain. -- sarasotasun on 02/15/2013

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science, Health) Though written for a younger audience, it was an enjoyable read and I will find time to read the others in this series. It nicely played off of Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Playing on words and idea twists gave a familiar story a new view. The Hatter is not mad, but a brilliant fighter. This Alyss, where in wonderland her imagination can create things from nothing, sparked the book in "our" world. The cat is part machine, part imagination, but all dangerous. Many parts could have been expanded or described more, but again it is designed for young adults. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 02/08/2013 Add Comment

Wifey by Judy Blume (Romance, Women's Fiction, Relationships, Humor) I went into this book with the wrong expectations, thinking it would be a humorous telling of a woman in a midlife crisis kind of time in her life. While it did have some humorous parts, it was rather depressing. The main character is treated poorly by her husband, mentally not physically, and the family's dog is almost treated to have more intelligence by him than his wife. It is set in a time where woman were becoming more independent and fighting to be recognized as mental equals with men, which could explain the theme. The main character begins to long for her first love and imagine what her life would have been like with him. There's some cheating involved and the poor woman has to have a schedule of every Saturday night with her husband like clockwork, no variation. It also has some sexually explicit scenes I was not expecting. The story did drag me in - I read it all in one day, couldn't put it down. But when I was finished I was drained mentally and felt useless and nearly depressed. I quickly remedied my feelings with pointless humor on TV. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 01/26/2013 Add Comment

Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen (Classics, Literary Fiction, Biography) While Jane Austen isn't something everyone will love, her writing is certainly something to give a try. The language of the time does take some getting used to, but the words used make one learn new vocabulary. Such a great story surrounding first impressions (and false impressions) and learning to "own up" to one's misconceived perceptions. I do love the strong character and quick wit of Elizabeth. Looking for a romance but without the dirt of modern times? A love story that grows from mutual understanding, intellect, and time rather than infatuation? This novel challenges the standard "easy" read of modern romance and is an enjoyable way to spend chilly evening. -- Added by pnnylnskywlkr on 01/20/2013 Add Comment