Review of The Running Man
A fast-paced, thrill ride of a story. No, it isn't Stephen King at his best, but even realizing how the book has to end, it's an enjoyable read. (Don't read the foreword, it gives away the ending. I didn't, but seasoned readers will figure it out early in the story.)
Ben Richards is not a likable character. He can't just make a decision (like to quit his job b/c it's making him sterile & he wants kids), he has to accentuate it by doing something stupid. Yes, he was born into the wrong class. Yes, he's more educated than most of his peers. However, he's never made a good decision. Half-way through his "run" he may realize that it's his shortcomings that have caused his grief, but he never acknowledges it.
Despite all of this, I found myself rooting for him - grudgingly - simply b/c of the ending.
The game show/reality television/dystopian setting is all too plausible. Unfortunately, there are a few situations which are not, and my suspension of disbelief went out the window on those occasions.
Still, a fun read.
The Double-Crested Cormorant: Plight of a Feathered Pariah
I received this from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Then I quickly gave it to my boss's father-in-law who is an avid bird watcher. (Which is why I entered the giveaway.)However, my boss & I did skim the book, and it was packed with info, and even had us going to the internet for the bird's call.
If and when I hear back from Mr. C, I'll update the review.
The King
I have mixed feelings about this book. It didn't wow me, but (for the most part), it kept my interest.Assail & Sola? Didn't think their story had anything to add to this book. Or any of the other many side stories, actually. I felt the ending was rushed in order to make room for them.
There was very little of what I love about BDB in this book. For me, it lacked the passion of the early entries in this series. Not only in the bedroom department, but the passion for fighting and the Brotherhood.
And Beth's solution? Left me a little flat.
A Spy in the House
I purchased this book for my mother and ended up intrigued. I enjoyed the Victorian setting, the everyday characters,and the plot. This book reminded me of Karen Hall's Victorians. It's a quick, light read, and the interaction between the characters is fun. Mary is plunky, James is staid and together they're just right.
The God Particle
The mystery initially intrigued me, as well as the title. It was an enjoyable lazy day read. However, the story felt incomplete, and there were plot questions that were never addressed or answered.
Curious Folks Ask: 162 Real Answers on Amazing Inventions, Fascinating Products, and Medical Mysteries
Didn't hold my interest like I thought it would.
The Hanged Man's Song
Although dated in terms of the computer technology, this book is still a solid suspense.
Zoo City
The story had a great concept, but there were so many unanswered questions in this story for me, too many important things unexplained while I knew what every patron in every business was wearing. The overly detailed descriptions of things/people/places that didn't matter really detracted from the story for me. Also, I never connected with the protagonist, and didn't really see any redeemable qualities there. The whole story felt disjointed to me. Maybe it's due to a cultural disconnect, my own non-familiarity with South African culture.
 - Sherrilyn Kenyon)