Dang… this was a pretty decent book!

The title is, of course, more than enough to make most of the human population run in fear (myself included) but regardless of my math paranoia, the overall plot was a delightful mix of Nerd USA and Daniel Steele on a coffee binge.

Roger is a math geek. ( I wish there was a more elegant way to characterize him, but there isn’t) unsure of his future he hunts down his mathematical hero and begs to be his intern. After being left for a fool in a crowded airport Roger finally lands the gig, but what did he sign up for exactly? What seemed to be a dream turned into more of an adventure involving a used up mathlete, a romance novelist (appropriately washed up after 1 novel) a ghost writer with an alluring past and convenient connections, and a band of little old ladies hell bent on sending a message.

“Philip Persinger” raised the question: “What could be worse than losing the love of your life? Getting her back!” What he should have asked was, “Is it better to flood the audience with loads of mathematical mumbo jumbo in the beginning of the book or hit them with it later…after you’ve sucked them in?”

I will admit that I was not impressed by the first 10 or so chapters (relax.. there are 50) I thought they drug horribly and I put very serious consideration into burying the book under my mattress if heard one of non-sensical math term. Thankfully…after I hit the top of that hill the story evened out and became… wait for it… VERY INTERESTING!

I thought the writing was a little choppy during some of the dialogue, there were spaces in the “everyday” conversations that I felt were unnecessary, but overall the writing was very well executed. I can’t image that it was easy to combine 2 such different topics into a well thought out storyline, but alas…it was done, and it was done well.

Here is an independent author to look out for, because if he can keep me reading after throwing around verbiage like “Coincidental Logic” then there has got to be something there.

There were professionally painted romance novel covers, a lazy Susan, little old ladies in chains, 1 bout of agoraphobia, 1 eclair induced diabetic coma, and the most important… a lost love.

Don’t let the title fool you, this one is an independent keeper.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: God made calculators for a reason.

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****~ (4/5)

Just wanted to let all of you know that I haven’t forgotten about you. I did indeed plan on having the review for “Do The Math” up for y’all today, but unfortunately car+reading=no bueno (aka serious amounts of childlike carsickness.) So as an ill effect to me being stuck inside a slow moving vehicle with 2 small children, and “Aliens in the Attic” stuck on loop in the backseat, I’ve got nothing for you. I will however have it up and ready for you on Wednesday. Until then do some shopping in my “Book Rants” you never know what type of goodies you missed the first go round.

Happy Reading my Fellow Travelers and remember: Spring Break is only 1 week… Then you can ship the little demons (I mean angels) back to some other sucker.

Misty

First up is “Assiniboin Girl” by “Kathi Wallace”

Kathi emailed me a few weeks ago and asked me to check out her novel, and at first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it.  I am a very visual person and the 1st thing that threw me off was the cover art.  To me it screamed Clip Art basics and as a result my expectations for the novel were instantly dwindled. Now, before you start in on the whole “Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover” spiel, let me explain myself.  I think it is VERY important for authors to understand that the visual appearance of their books is one of the MOST important things to consider when finalizing its publication.  For anyone who spends time walking through book stores, perusing their local library, or even surfing the Amazon wave, you know that the 1st thing to draw a readers attention is the look of the binding. If said binding (cover) is bland, unoriginal, or just plain sloppy, 9 times out of 10 a readers preconceived notions are going to lead them in the “Bet this has crappy writing” direction.

Now, all of that being said, I did take a chance (more because Kathi was nice than anything else) and I was happy when the novel turned out to be more than just a heritage lesson.

Mary is Sioux, but the ways of her people are foreign to her seeing as how she was raised in NYC and not on the “Rez.” After the death of her parents she is forced to live with her Aunt Janet who is a hate crime investigator for the FBI, but when things start to get heated and fist start to fly, Janet thinks its time to send Mary away…if for no other reason than to keep her alive.  Thrown into a world she doesn’t know, and surrounded by a language she doesn’t understand Mary struggles to understand not only herself but the customs of her people.

“Wallace’s” writing was surprisingly witty, but no amount of charm could keep me from being just a little thrown off.  The narration between 1st person and dream state was in some parts a little jumbled taking away from the flow of the plot,  and while the plot was actually pretty good (I found myself smiling at Mary’s cranky Granny) the book felt like a mad dash to the finish line barely clearing the 150 page mark.  I will give her credit for teaching me the Sioux culture in a charming way, and more than anything… I see loads of potential for future works.

Would I ever consider reading another novel by “Wallace?” Yes… absolutely, because when it is all said and done, the glimmer of greatness that I saw in just a few of her prose left me intrigued.  Isn’t that what it’s all about at the end of the day?

If you can find it… pick it up and give it a try, if nothing else you may learn how to build a sweat lodge.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Independent Authors need love too.

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***~~ (3/5)

Back in 1993 the world was introduced to the cult world by a fairly psychotic man named David Koresh. (For those of you reading this that were born in the late 80’s just google him.) Civilization as a whole was aware of cult society, but I think this was the turning point for recognition and condemnation.

I’ll admit… that fiery day in Waco rarely crosses my mind (I live 50 miles from there) but every once and a while something sparks that particular train of thought, and off my wild brain goes.

“The Red Church” was (in short form) a look at cult life from the inside.

Whispering Pines is a quaint little mountain town, or at least it is according to tourist.  According to its inhabitants, its a town haunted by it’s past.  Literally.  A dead preacher, an evil cult leader, and a monster with “eyes like kidneys.”  While half of the town is sucked in by Archer (Cult leader and self-proclaimed 2nd son of God) the other half (the sane half) is struggling to do little more than stay alive.  Each night a new “sinner” is turning up dead, and the police have no hard evidence to put the killer away.  What do you do when you think the killer is a ghost? What do you do when the whole town is against you? What do you do when your “GOD” asks you to sacrifice your own child.

“Nicholson” impressed me a few weeks ago with his latest novel “The Skull Ring” but I still remained skeptical of  “The Red Church” for 2 reasons.  1.  I was afraid that the writing would be lacking seeing as how THIS novel was actually an earlier work (you know… the whole growth with time and experience thing) and 2.  After a few chapters I was afraid the book was going to turn into a sermon instead of the monster thriller I expected.  I was…as usual…wrong on both accounts, and I’m actually quite happy to admit to being so.  “Nicholson’s” writing was not only fluid and amazingly imaginative, but for some reason I think it was actually better than in “The Skull Ring.” The narration was multi-perspective which is not only difficult to write but sometimes (not in this case) difficult to read.  The multitude of perspectives combined with the flawless character development made the book an easy read, and to top off the pot, his expected (at least by me) glimpse into a mentally unbalanced mind was perfectly executed.

This was a horror book that spouted details with the best of them.

There was immaculate conception, a mysterious half eaten man in a graveyard, a suicidal priest, creepy ambient laughter, finger filled puke, a wacko mommy, little boys with worms in their mouth, a REALLY smelly offering plate (that actually made me a little queasy), and 1 very epic “Come To God” moment in the front of the church.

This book is (of course) not for everyone, if you are looking for mushy make a direct left and choose a different isle, but if you are a fan of horror…saddle up.  This one is a must read.

Happy reading my fellow followers and remember: always carry an emergency kit in your car… you never know when you are going to end up in the bottom lake and need to bust a window.

For a complete book description click image.

****~ (4/5)

Happy Reading and remember: Reading is contagious…pass it on!

Moo Baa La La La

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Product Description

1.  I’m not out in this crap trying to lug around 2 small children and

2. I’m glad I don’t live in a mud hut like poor unfortunate Abraham Lincoln.

I have never claimed to be much of a history buff, as a matter of fact, unless it has to do with WWII I could really give a flying crap, but that all changed when I picked up “Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.”

Forget everything you know about American History, it’s a load of poopie, and just for a second consider the alternatives.

What if  Abraham Lincoln was less “Honest Abe” and more “Buffy-esq Abe?”

What if the 1850’s Typhoid epidemic was really “Vampire fever?”

What if the slave trade was just a really well though out blood smuggling ring?

History just got a whole lot more interesting didn’t it.

I was first introduced to “Seth Grahame-Smith” about a year ago through his controversial adaptation of a classic. “Pride & Prejudice and Zombies” was witty, it was fun, and it was…for a lack of a better term… completely deranged.  Which ever little voice it was inside of his head that told him to spiff up the old and make it new, we all should collectively buy it a drink.  In this particular case (AL-VH) his ability to take such a drab subject and turn it into a page turner was not only impressive, but amazingly enjoyable.

Abraham Lincoln is a man on a mission:  Flush out the existence of vampires and keep it quiet! After the loss of not 1 but 2 loves, his mother and his beloved Anna, his vow becomes his life.  Traveling the river with a list of names (ironically supplied by one of his “vampire friends” Henry) and a coat full of sharpened goodies, Abe starts to cut down the vampire community… 1 head at a time.  Keeping flawless journals and flawed friends (aka Edgar Allen Poe) kept Abe in line… or did it? What really started the Civil War…and who was there to watch it all go down?

Written in the form of a biography the plot can sometime be a bit slow…drug down by unnecessary factual details, however the unprecedented concept is so far in left field it is almost impossible not to enjoy.

Think of it as history 101 with a kick, a jump start to alternative thinking… or better yet, don’t think about it at all…take it for what it is, a fun read about a man we all know, or don’t know…as the case may be.

Happy reading my fellow Hunters and remember: mistaken identities happen… just be happy you’re not the one tromping through the woods half naked with Abe Lincoln on your tail.

For A Complete Book Description Click Image.

***~~ (3/5)

Enjoy!   Misty

BookChatter

I found “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms” while updating my Shelfari page last month, and was immediately intrigued. A relatively unknown author was stunning the literary world into silence with her “brilliant” (to quote about 10 articles I read on it) creation of not only a new world, but one that was so amazing it had already been named as a top pick for several awards for 2010. With such promises as “War of the God’s” and “the ultimate battle for power” being tossed around like dirty laundry it was almost impossible for me to NOT read it.

One word: WOW

After the first couple of pages, my faith in the ability of another fantasy novel intriguing me so fully was restored, and by chapter 2 I was sucked in.

The Sky world is ruled by 1 family, and to deny them or betray them means certain death, but when a lost heir to the thrown suddenly reappears, plans and conspiracies start to unfold. Who is this rugged warrior girl? When the God’s suddenly take notice of her so does everyone else, what Yeine doesn’t know however, is that she is just a pawn in a really large game of chess. While the clock ticks, Yeine rushes to find answers, but when the answers she seeks so intently turn out to be more horrific than she first imagined can she handle them? Who can she trust? Who can she love? And who is the real leader of humanity?

“NK Jemisin” floored me with her ability to create a world that only a true master of imagination could. Her writing was fluid and the plot, though easily followed, twisted and turned creating surprises and confusion at exactly the right moments. Her ability to capture the thoughts and actions of so many different cultures and personality types was impressive, and the fact that this was her debut novel and a start to a new series, not only shocked me, it impressed me in ways other authors never have.

There was an evil cousin willing to destroy her surroundings for power, a desperate chase at the first moment of darkness, a little boy who loved disappearing walls, a very bitter grandfather, an empire in the sky, a scary moment between 2 gods, a beautiful man who had forgotten how to be gentle, and several fight scenes that brought a whole new meaning to “brotherly love.”

If you love stepping out of yourself and into a world that is fueled by jealousy, love, deception, acceptance, and pure unadulterated hatred then this is a novel you do not want to miss.

If you are a fantasy lover and relish in the details of a God’s inevitable mortal flaws, then this is a book for you.

If you…like to read…this is a book for you.

I cannot wait for book #2!

Happy reading my fellow Mortals and remember: if there is a will there is a way, sometimes it just takes a little self control.

For a complete book description click image

***** (5/5)

Happy reading and remember: Reading is contagious…pass it on.

The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share

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From School Library Journal

Product Description

Edward has oodles of toys but doesn’t share any of them with his little sister, Claire. She cannot ride his rocking horse, hug his teddy bear, or even think about touching his Slinky.

“They’re mine!”

he says. That is, until one day when Edward finds himself stuck under his enormous pile of toys and can’t move! With a little help from an unlikely ally, he learns that if he can share with others, they’ll share right back with him.

Mike Reiss’s wickedly funny verse and David Catrow’s remarkable gift for comic illustration make this one book you’ll want to share—again and again!

After scrambling to finish my book today…and being unsuccessful, I thought I would let y’all ponder an article I read today. Just 1 more reason to be in love with my Kindle.  Happy Reading!

Battle of e-readers shows Kindle books much cheaper than Nook, Sony

Tom Barlow

Mar 1st 2010 at 3:00PM

After reviewing various e-readers recently in one of our savings experiments, I thought I would compare the cost of a variety of books currently sold by the three dominant forces in the e-book field, Amazon (Kindle), Barnes & Noble (Nook), and the Reader Store, which sells books for the Sony Reader.

For this study, I chose the New York Times selection of the 10 best books of 2009; five fiction, five non-fiction. I avoided current bestsellers, since they are often subject to price wars and loss-leader pricing.

The results of my survey were startling. Since Amazon recently came to an agreement with major publishers, agreeing to sell e-books in Kindle format at a price closer to that of of the printed versions (a sop to the brick and mortar book business), I wasn’t surprised the prices had risen on Amazon above what had been $9.99.

What did surprise me was how many books remained at that low price, and the shocking difference in price between Amazon, the Reader Store and Barnes & Noble. In just these 10 books, books for the Sony Reader were 11.5% more expensive, while the Nook cost 41% more.

I asked Mary Ellen Keating, senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs for Barnes & Noble, about this price disparity. She replied via e-mail “eBooks are an emerging category and many pricing models are being tested by both publishers and retailers. What’s important is that we are committed to providing our customers with the widest catalog of digital books and eperiodicals, that they can read and take with them on their computers and most (or mobile) devices. We are not focused on any one device, rather we’re about giving consumers choices as to where they want to read their digital content. We are also committed to offering these ebooks and periodicals at a very competitive price.” Take from that what you will.

Is Amazon continuing to sell these books at a loss to build its Kindle business? That would be my guess. In the meantime, those of us who read books on another platform, Blackberry in my case, have a choice between versions of the Nook and Kindle readers. Guess which one I’ll be using.