« All Over But the Scratchin' | Main | Favorite References »
July 31, 2005
Books I Read in July
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination
by Helen Fielding
Book Description: With the irrepressible Bridget Jones, bestselling author Helen Fielding created an unforgettable one-of-a-kind female character beloved by millions the world over. Now, Fielding gives us a sensational new heroine for a new era. From the white heat of Miami to the implants of L.A., from the glittering waters of the Caribbean to the scorching deserts of Arabia, journalist-turned-master-spy Olivia Joules pits herself against the forces of terror armed with her own pocket survival kit, her Rules for Living, her infamous overactive imagination, and a very special underwire bra. Join Olivia in her heart-stopping, hilarious, nerve-frazzling quest from hip hotel to ecolodge to underwater cave, by light aircraft, speedboat, helicopter, and horse, in this witty, contemporary, and utterly unputdownable novel.
My review: I actually like Olivia more than Bridget, since she was less whiny, more confident, and just as entertaining. I listened to this novel on audiobook, and the narrator was delightful. I didn't anticipate a chick lit book about Al-Qaeda to be non-offensive, let alone funny, but Helen Fielding walks a fine line while still presenting endearing, likeable characters. My only criticism, real men don't ever call their women "baby"--no matter how cool they are.
----------
Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules
by David Sedaris (Editor)
From Booklist: Consider the irresistible narrative arc of Sedaris' personal essays, his indelible voice, and his crisp timing, and it will come as no surprise that he is an avid, insightful reader of short stories. He is so inspired by the form that he has put together an A-list anthology of his favorites, thus creating a collection that will seduce readers heretofore resistant to the form, and induce fellow short story lovers to nod in pleased recognition. One can't go wrong with an anthology that includes Katherine Mansfield's "The Garden Party," Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation," and stories by Alice Munro, Lorrie Moore, Tobias Wolff, and Jhumpa Lahiri, let alone appearances by Dorothy Parker and Patricia Highsmith. An epilogue by Sarah Vowell explains that the proceeds from this collection will go to 826NYC, a nonprofit tutoring program designed to help students learn to write, one of a string of programs being established across the country by the creative and enterprising group at McSweeney's.
My review: I am always unsure about short stories, but this book was a great collection--perfect for book club. We agreed that the only serious improvement would have been more commentary from David Sedaris--which could have provided a nice context about what he was doing when he read each story, why it resonated with him, and what he took away from it. Nevertheless, I will definitely return to this book again and again.
----------
The Ape Who Guards the Balance : An Amelia Peabody Mystery
by Elizabeth Peters
From Publishers Weekly: In April of this year, Peters, who has been writing mysteries for 30 years, was honored as a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. This captivating novel, her 10th Amelia Peabody tale (following Seeing a Large Cat, 1997), validates her peers' high regard. Prospects for the 1907 excavation season in Egypt seem lackluster for the Emersons, since Professor Emerson, Amelia's beloved husband, can't abide the fools who administrate such activities?and makes no secret of that fact. But the family, including their adult son, Ramses, and his foster siblings, Nefret and David, departs for Egypt nevertheless after incidents in London point to the resurfacing of their old nemesis, known as the Master Criminal. The younger generation buys an ancient papyrus from an antiquities dealer and sets in motion a sinister chain of events. Two horrendous murders draw all of the Emersons further into the fray, and at times it seems as if the Master Criminal and his minions will at last best Amelia. But by drawing on the skills of all, the Emerson contingent once again brings villains to justice. The plot is complicated and involving, but the maturing of Ramses, Nefret and David offers particular pleasure and gives the book depth and poignance. Rich in characterization, incident and humor, this latest adventure of Amelia Peabody is a grand, galloping adventure with a heart as big as the Great Pyramid itself.
My review: I've read (or listened to) the previous nine Amelia Peabody mysteries and have enjoyed them all (except for the Hippopotaumus Pool--who knows what went awry in that one). I was delighted to listen to this tenth installment. In fact, I've moved directly on to #11.
