Book Review: The Resurrectionist: The Lost Works of Dr. Spencer Black – E.B. Hudspeth

The Resurrectionist: The Lost Works of Dr.Spencer Black – E.B. Hudspeth

Philadelphia, the late 1870s, a city of gas lamps, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages—and home to the controversial surgeon Dr. Spencer Black.  The son of a grave robber, young Dr. Black studies at Philadelphia’s esteemed Academy of Medicine, where he develops an unconventional hypothesis:  What if the world’s most celebrated mythological beasts—mermaids, minotaurs, and satyrs—were in fact the evolutionary ancestors of humankind?

The Resurrectionist offers two extraordinary books in one.  The first is a fictional biography of Dr. Spencer Black, from a childhood spent exhuming corpses through his medical training, his travels with carnivals, and the mysterious disappearance at the end of his life.  The second book is Black’s magnum opus:  The Codex Extinct Animalia, a Gray’s Anatomy for mythological beasts—dragons, centaurs, Pegasus, Cerberus—all rendered in meticulously detailed anatomical illustrations.  You need only look at these images to realize they are the work of a madman.  The Resurrectionist tells his story.

This book was received as an ARC from Quirk Books.  Upon receiving it I paged through it and was very intrigued at the detailed drawings of the skeletal and muscular figures of these mythological creatures.  I am very interested in mythology so of course I was fascinated.  I read the story of Dr. Black’s life and work.  The life of Spencer is amazing with all the things he believes to be true and the lengths he went to prove it.  The descriptions of the way he “made” these mythological creatures are not for the weak of stomach as they were very descriptive.  Even myself not being grossed out by details was a little grossed out a the idea of someone doing this.  Thinking back to all the things that were truly done in the name of science back then I could very much picture a scientist doing these things.  I love the mystery of Black’s disappearance and even how his work affected his oldest son.  I would definitely read any follow up book to this.  The illustrations almost made me believe that mythological creatures were real.

Book Review: Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan – Robin Maxwell

Jane:  The Woman Who Loved Tarzan – Robin Maxwell

Cambridge, England: 1905.  Jane Porter is hardly a typical woman of her time.  The only female student in Cambridge University’s medical program, she is far more comfortable in a lab coat, dissecting corpses, than she is in a corset and gown, sipping afternoon tea.  A budding paleoanthropologist, Jane dreams of traveling the globe in search of fossils that will prove the evolutionary theories of her scientific hero, Charles Darwin.

When dashing American explorer Ral Conrath invites Jane and her father on an expedition deep into West Africa, she can hardly believe her luck.  Rising to the challenge, Jane finds in Africa that is every bit exotic and fascinating as she has always imagined.  But she quickly learns that the lush jungle is full of secrets—and so is Ral Conrath.  When danger strikes, Jane finds her hero, the key to humanity’s past, and an all-consuming love in one extraordinary man:  Tarzan of the Apes.

Jane is the first version of the Tarzan story written by a woman and authorized by the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate.  Its 2012 publication will mark the centennial of the publications of the original Tarzan of the Apes.

3/5 stars (liked it)

Having never read any Tarzan book and the only movie I have seen is Disney’s version of Tarzan I really did not know what to expect.  I like that the story is told from Jane’s point of view rather than Tarzan.  Although we do find out how Tarzan got where he was through his father’s journals.  Jane taught Tarzan how to speak and he in turn taught her his own language.  Also the “apes” that raise Tarzan are the missing link in the evolutionary world and that makes a lot more sense than him being raised by actual apes.  The ending left me hanging a little bit as things were not explained.  I am hoping for some sort of follow up book to tell us what happened after Jane left Africa.

Book Review: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest – Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Kicked TheHornet’s Nest – Stieg Larsson

In the concluding volume of Stieg Larsson’s Millenium trilogy, Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition in a Swedish hospital, a bullet in her head.

But she’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll stand trial for three murders.  With the help of Mikael Blomkvist, she’ll need to identify those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence.  And, on her own, she’ll seek revenge—against the man who tried to kill her and against the corrupt government institutions that nearly destroyed her life.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I thought the first two books in the trilogy were really good but this is by far the best one.  I could not put the book down.  I love the writing style and how the author gives me so much information on characters.  People and stories that I would never thing would fit together do and it works.  I really liked the conclusion to this story and how things actually did wrap up.  Great book!

Book Club: One Day – David Nicholls

One Day – David Nicholls

It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met.  But after one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another.  Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day –July 15^th—of each year.  Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears.  And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

I did not care too much for this book.  I read the first chapter and really found myself not liking Emma or Dexter.  The chapters really did not give me much insight to the characters and I was never rooting for them to have a happy ending.  By the end of the book I was glad that the book was over.  I think this book would have worked better if the author hadn’t focused so much on seeing where they were on July 15^th every year for 20 years.  I feel like the characters were not developed enough for me to really know them.  Also the ending was very surprising but did not inspire much emotion for me.

Our next book:  Stuck in Neutral – Terry Trueman

TV Shows I watch Finales 2013

Sunday, May 5^th

The Amazing Race Season 22 Finale (CBS) 7:00 PM

Sunday, May 12^th

Survivor: Caramoan Season 26 Finale (CBS) 7:00 PM

Once Upon a Time Season 2 Finale (ABC) 8:00 PM

Tuesday, May 14^th

The Mindy Project Season 1 Finale (FOX) 8:30 PM

Wednesday, May 15^th

Supernatural Season 8 Finale (The CW) 8:00 PM

Thursday, May 16^th

The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Finale (The CW) 7:00 PM

The Big Bang Theory Season 6 Finale (CBS) 7:00 PM

Friday, May 17^th

Grimm Season 2 Finale (NBC) 8:00 PM

Monday, May 20^th

Hawaii Five-0 Season 3 Finale (CBS) 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 22^nd

Modern Family Season 4 Finale (ABC) 8:00 PM

Wednesday, May 29^th

Psych Season 7 Finale (USA) 9:00 PM

Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast.  Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life’s ordeals.

On the even of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny’s wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pull every string to gain custody.  In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side.  Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life…as only a dog could tell it.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I’d like to say that my dog is as much of an intellectual as Enzo is but I’m afraid he’s not.  Although after reading this book I might talk to him a little more and have more understanding when he misbehaves.  I loved Enzo from the very fist page of this book and even though I knew he would be dying at the end I still cried.  All that Enzo and Denny went through was truly life changing.  Enzo was so loyal and took great care with his owner.  He was more than a dog and greatly deserved to be re-born as a man.

Book Review: Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, and Raven – Lauren Oliver

Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, and Raven

Originally published as digital novellas, Hana, Annabel, and Raven each center around a fascinating and complex character who adds important information to the series and gives it greater depth.

Hana is told through the perspective of Lena’s best friend, Hana Tate.  Set during the tumultuous summer before Lena and Hana are supposed to be cured, this story is poignant and revealing look at a moment when the girls’ paths diverge and their futures are altered forever.

Lena’s mother, Annabel, has always been a mystery—a ghost from Lena’s part—until now.  Her journey from teenage runaway to prisoner of the state is a taut, gripping narrative that expands the Delirium world and illuminates events—and Lena—through a new point of view.

And as the passionate, fierce leader of a rebel group in the Wilds, Raven plays and integral role in the resistance effort and comes into Lena’s life at a crucial time.  Crackling with intensity, Raven is a brilliant story told in the voice of one of the strongest and most tenacious characters in the Delirium world.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I read this book after I finished Requiem and I don’t know if I would have felt differently about this book if I had read it before Requiem.  I had read the Hana story before but I read it again.  After events in Requiem I really like to hear about Hana and her thoughts on the cure and her friend Lena.  Lena’s mother, who we only really knew through memories Lena had was so different.  I love that we get a glimpse of her as a teenager and as a prisoner.  Raven, who we saw a lot of in Requiem shows us what it was like when she first got into the Wilds.  Although I would have loved to find out more about her.

Book Review: Lover at Last - J.R. Ward

Lover at Last - J.R. Ward

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own.  Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society.  But his life is not complete.  Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another…

Blay, after years of unrequited love has moved on form his feelings for Qhuinn.  And it’s about time:  The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young – just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself.  It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen.  As he’s learned first hand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together…finally become one.

3/5 stars (liked it)

This book is not just about Qhuinn and Blay’s relationship but about so many other relationships.  First is Assail, who it took me a while to remember who he was.  He is taking over the drug trade by killing off all the human dealers.  There he meets a human named Marisol.  His story does not resolve so I’m assuming things will happen with him and her in the next book.  Also Xcor and his Band of Bastards are trying to get rid of Wrath.  Not much happens but Xcor is in love with Layla since she fed him in the last book.  Also Layla and Qhuinn are having a baby although complications arise.  Beth has not had her needing but wants a child badly but Wrath does not seem to want one and I’m sure they will definitely touch on that in the next book.  Also of course the story of Quinn and Blay who are in love with eachother and have been for a long time but are too much of idiots to actually tell eachother.  This book felt a lot like a filler/set-up book for the next book.