“The Demonologist” – Andrew Pyper

"The demonic is the one true universal across all human religious experience." There were so many things about this book that I liked: articulate, intelligent prose; it was well-researched and made me want to do follow-up research; the protagonist was emotionally-aware; and, it didn't spoon-feed the reader. Thank you, Mr. Pyper, for allowing me to...

Books that stick

A recent Facebook question had me wondering at books that had stuck in my mind. Not necessarily good books, or ones that I liked. Just ones that stuck. Here are three more that stuck with me, sometimes for reasons unknown, vague, or not all together solid. The Mad Scientist's Daughter - Cassandra Rose Clarke Clarke...

The Dude and the Zen Master – Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman

Live like you're already dead. Like most books, the punchline comes near the end. This punchline is also a wonderful summary of all the verbal jamming before. I picked up this book out of curiousity: first, for the title (I'm a sucker for Zen Buddhist philosophy), and second, for Jeff Bridges. Ten minutes later, I...

“The Book Thief” – Markus Zusak

Don't let anyone tell you that Young Adult fiction is not where it's at. YA books encapsulate the depth of the human spirit and shine it back to us. Like children who see the truth and aren't yet confined by the taboos of society, YA books speak of universal truths, distilled loves, and innocent eyes....

“The Gods of Gotham” and “Seven for a Secret” – Lindsay Faye

The world would be a lonely, dreary place without libraries. I stumbled across "Seven for a Secret" in the library. It was the book cover, I admit. I'm a sucker for Victorian era fiction (hence, my love for steampunk). This duo is set in 1845 New York. It comes with maps (for us non-New Yorkers)...

“The Iron Duke” – Meljean Brook

I am desperate.....for some steampunk. Steam-powered gadgets, gun-weilding ladies in corsets, gentlemen in tailored suits beating up villains, afternoon tea -- what's not to love?? A search of the local public library catalogue brought this book to my attention. I didn't look at the classification or reviews; I was that desperate. Consequently, I read my...

“How to be a Woman” – Caitlin Moran

I immediately thought, "Finally, an owner's manual!" Perhaps. Instead, Moran voices her vindication for women to be women, and for women to be human. Womanhood isn't defined by the number of pairs of unworn Jimmy Choos under your bed, how small your underwear is, or how expensive your handbag is. Instead, Moran offers that womanhood,...

Fluffy Female Fiction

I've had a number of requests to recommend female fiction, as well as something light but preferably with a strong female protagonist. Strong female protagonists are hard to find, especially ones that don't relinquish their femininity in the heat of battle. And strong female protagonists in lighter reading is tougher to find. I don't go...

“The Catcher in the Rye” – J.D. Salinger

Let's start at the beginning. As with all 'classic' works, I had expectations. Too great, it seems. This was my doom when I tackled "Wuthering Heights" and "The Grapes of Wrath." When I lowered my expectations, I was pleasantly surprised: "Great Expectations" (ironically enough) and "The Three Musketeers" (which is among my favourite books). "The...

“The Poisoner’s Handbook” – Deborah Blum

Even though this is non-fiction, it's a nice follow-up if you're into the Alan Bradley collection reviewed earlier on this blog. Blum has a flair for the dramatic and for weaving a lovely story out of the mundane. For all you CSI fans out there, this is how it was done in the beginning. It...