"Lucy"

Laurence Gonzales has written a novel, "Lucy," that is unlike anything I've read before and it kept my attention!  The story begins in the Congo where Jenny Lowe, a primatologist studying bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees), finds herself fleeing for her life in the midst of a civil war.  She runs to the nearest camp where another primatologist has been killed leaving his young daughter, Lucy, an orphan.  She flees with the daughter to safety and eventually takes her home to Chicago with her while a search is made for Lucy's mother by British authorities since she has British citizenship.

Jenny gathered up Lucy's father's journals as they were fleeing his camp and begins to read them and is shocked to discover that Lucy is the daughter of the primatologist and a female bonobo -- an experiment on his part.  By this time Jenny has come to love her and fears for her safety if this information were to come out.  She hides the truth from her long time friend, a doctor, as well as her mother and Lucy's friends. 

Lucy leads a fairly normal life as a teenager in Chicago and bonds with another girl at her school, Amanda, who teaches her what it's like to be a teenager in America.  Lucy's father had educated her well and, at 15, she is able to enter school as a senior.  She and Amanda make plans to go off to college but Lucy senses there is danger as she is able to plug into "The Stream."  She's saddened by the fact that humans are no longer plugged into The Stream because she is able to be in touch with the animals and sense disturbances in The Stream as well as danger. 

When Lucy develops an illness that only animals can catch, it is time for Jenny to put into place some alternative plans she's made with her friend, Donna, who works with bonobos in a zoo in another city.  Lucy senses through The Stream that danger is on its way and has to leave her newfound family and friends behind.  There are risks in fleeing and the ending to this story, while filled with sad events, comes to a very satisfying conclusion.

It also leads to some interesting questions:  Why do we have difficulty accepting that which is different?  Why do we condemn in the name of religion?  Why can't we all be plugged into The Stream?....a fascinating read.
pazt

"Stolen Innocence"

"Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Wall (with Lisa Pulitzer) is her story of growing up in a polygamous sect (FDLS) where she was forced to marry her cousin at age 14.  Although she initially refused to marry, psychological pressure from family and FDLS leaders broke down her resistance and she agreed to the wedding which took place across state lines in Nevada.  After enduring a four year abusive marriage, Wall left the sect with the support of older siblings who had already left.  She also had fallen in love with another member who had himself left the sect and their relationship blossomed into one that led to marriage and two children.

When she was approached by prosecuting attorneys about building a case against Warren Jeffs, the sect leader who had forced her into a marriage at age 14, she was reluctant at first but  agreed after spending time with them and receiving support emotionally and protection for her family.  Her courageous testimony sent Jeffs to jail and her hope is that it will lead to the sect no longer marrying off underage girls.  Proceeds from the book go to the MJ fund she has set up to provide girls and women with options that she didn't have so they can start lives for themselves.   The down side for Wall is that she no longer has contact with her mother and doesn't know where she is and she fears for the two younger sisters she had to leave behind.

This book is a look at the inner workings of the FDLS sect and describes in detail the lack of power that all women have who are members.  They are basically slaves to the men they are given to in marriage and have no recourse if the leader decides their husband is no longer leading them appropriately.  They and all their children can be given to another man in the sect and the children become his.  It's a look at the power one man has to destroy or hold hostage so many people.  pazt

"A Rule Against Murder"

"A Rule Against Murder" is the 4th book, I believe, in Louise Penny's  Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mystery series.  Armand and his wife, Reine-Marie, are celebrating their wedding anniversary just like they do every year in an isolated but luxurious inn in the woods on a lake not far from the village of Three Pines (where Armand has investigated several murders and made several friends.) 

Their vacation starts out very restful while they observe the goings and comings of the Finney family who have come to the inn to celebrate their father.  There's mom and dad, 2 sisters,  a grandchild, a brother and his wife, and another brother and his wife on the way.  The Gamache's are in for a surprise when the last brother to arrive is a couple they know well from Three Pines.

Peripherally, there is the owner and staff of the inn and the interactions between and among themselves and with the guests making for some very interesting dynamics.  The peaceful setting (other than the squabbling which seems to be a constant among the Finney siblings) is disturbed when a murder occurs.  Armand's vacation is interrupted while his team arrives to assist in the investigation and Reine-Marie is sent off to Three Rivers where preparations are being made for Canada Day (their anniversary) and where Armand believes she will be safer.

This is an incredibly rich and complex book -- maybe one of my favorites yet of Penny's Gamache series.  and I'm looking forward to her next one which is already on its way. 

Truth gleaned from this book - Count your blessings every day!  pazt

"The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms"

N. K. Jemisin's first book in the fantasy inheritance trilogy is "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms" and, although I had some difficulty getting into this book at first, once I got into the rhythm of it and began to "get" the fantasy ideas and connections between places and worlds I did enjoy the read and have already started my search for the second book in this trilogy. 

This book is Jemisin's debut novel and the heroine is Yeine Darr, granddaughter to a king.  However, her mother chose to marry a barbarian from the north and relinquish her claim to the throne.  When her mother dies mysteriously and Yeine is summoned to Sky and her grandfather, she finds a world much different than the one she was raised in and has little help in navigating this strange city full of danger and intrigue.  When her grandfather names her as one of  three possible heirs to the throne, she finds herself in a power struggle for a throne she doesn't care about and perhaps in mortal danger herself.  You can learn more about the author at nkjemisin.com....... pazt

"Bliss, Remembered"

"Bliss, Remembered" by Frank Deford is the only book I've read by Deford but it definitely won't be the last. Teddy's widowed mother, Sydney Stringfellow Branch, is dying and, when he goes to visit her in Eugene,Oregon where she has moved after his father's death, she begins to tell him a story.  He and his younger sister know that she went to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 and that their father was wounded at Guadelcanal but neither parent would ever talk about either event.  Teddy has a week with his mother before he returns home to Montana and his sister arrives from Texas for her visit with mom.  During Teddy's week with Sydney she begins to tell him about a love affair she had while attending the Berlin Olympics -- a man who was the love of her life.  This is a little disconcerting for Teddy knowing that his parents had such a good marriage and, at times, it's a little difficult for him to hear but it's a fascinating story, too, and he's drawn in.  It's about the world of competitive swimming and the Olympics and love and loss, war and intrigue and love found, lost, and new love.  I couldn't help admiring Sydney's strength and courage through difficult choices and her story is a surprising one that takes the reader down some unexpected paths.  It's also historical fiction revealing much about what it was like to live in the 1930's-1940's.  pazt    

"Smokin' Seventeen" and "Explosive Eighteen"

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels have been favorites of mine for years and my daughter loaned me "Explosive Eighteen" a year or so ago but I hadn't yet read "Smokin' Seventeen" so I'd been waiting to read it.  In looking at the summary about "Sizzlin Sixteen" at the library, it appears I haven't read it yet either so I've requested it.  In the meantime.....my spouse and I went on vacation and he had a copy of "Smokin' Seventeen" he took to read so I took "Explosive Eighteen" so he could read it, too, if he finished "17."  Let me tell you I really started something when I got him to watch the movie based on Evanovich's first Plum book because he's ordering her books from the library as well as purchasing copies and he read several when we were on our week long vacation. 

He finished "Smokin' Seventeen" and - since it was a library book - I decided I'd read it before he returned it.  I wasn't planning on reading  the next book while we were away because I had plenty of other books with me to read.  Well...."Smokin' Seventeen" was great ! Stephanie's employer is building a new office on the site of his old one and dead bodies are turning up!  While Stephanie and her off-again on-again cop boyfriend, Morelli, are trying to figure out what is going on, Ranger - her security expert friend and the bad boy in her life - is also assisting.  As if that weren't enough to complicate Stephanie's life, her mother is pushing her to get married again and doesn't think either Ranger or Morelli are ever going to pop the question and/or be suitable for Stephanie.  What's her solution?  Fix Stephanie up with a former high school football star who has returned to town after his divorce. 

As usual, complications arise and once the murders are sorted out, Stephanie decides it is time to make some decisions about the men in her life and make a choice about which one she's inviting to take advantage of a trip to Hawaii she's been gifted with.  Given that the book ended on that cliff hanger I had to immediately start "Explosive Eighteen!"  How did fans wait for that book to come out!

"Explosive Eighteen" starts with Stephanie returning to Newark from Hawaii and it's a while before she's willing to share what happened in Hawaii -- you'll have to read the book to find out for yourself!  Enroute home, her seatmate goes missing after an L.A. layover and, when he turns up dead, all kinds of people are anxious to talk to her -- some law enforcement and some not!  It's back to work for Stephanie chasing skips with Lula while being pursued and possibly in danger herself but what's new in Plum's life?! Lula manages to add her own complication by falling in love with one of their skips -- and not a particularly attractive one (in my opinion).  I'm not telling you any more - read these two books for yourself and enjoy!!! pazt
                                                                                                                                                  

"Rizzoli & Isles" - The Complete First Season

Although I can't remember having read any of Dr. Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles novels, I'm loving the TV series that brings them to life.  Now that we don't have all the cable channels in the world I'm having to rely on watching it on line or finding another source.  I recently checked out the entire first season on DVD from my library and tonight my spouse and I watched the last episode.  Wouldn't you know - it's a cliff hanger!!!  Why hadn't I already put in a request for the second season?  It looks like I'm 47th in line to get it.

Angie Harmon is perfect as Detective Jane Rizzoli as is Sasha Alexander who portrays Dr. Maura Isles.  This cop/coroner team (who also happen to be friends) are a great duo and the support cast is not bad either.  Jordan Bridges is Jane's brother, Frankie Rizzoli Jr. (also a cop) and  Lorraine Bracco portrays her mom.  Lee Thompson Young is Detective Barry Frost  - Jane's current partner.  Bruce McGill  is Detective Vincent Korsak - her former partner and none to happy about it!

The two most gruesome episodes are the first and eighth ones featuring the Surgeon - a serial killer behind bars thanks to Jane and her former partner, Detective Korsak.  After the eighth episode my spouse informed me he wasn't watching any more episodes that had anything to do with the "Surgeon."  I can't say I blame him as they're pretty creepy!

Amidst the normal murder and mayhem that accompanies a cop and coroner's life, there's some romance, some family drama, and some inquisitiveness on Maura's part about her roots.  She was adopted by a wealthy family and has wealth but not so much love.  I can't wait to see more about these characters fleshed out in future episodes in the series.

pazt

"Gimme Refuge - The Education of a Caretaker"

Matt Love's "Gimme Refuge - The Education of a Caretaker" is the story of Matt's transition from a teacher in Portland to a small private school on the Oregon Coast that led to the opportunity for he and his wife to reside at a wildlife refuge there and become the caretakers in exchange for a place to live.  Love articulates well his thoughts about teaching in general and the heavy duty work required to make the home on the refuge site habitable.  He's the kind of teacher I would have loved to have had so I was saddened when he decides to quit his job to become a full time writer.  Although I understood his desire to try his hand at writing full time, I was disappointed that the teaching profession was losing such an involved teacher.  His care for his students shines through his teaching methods.    That's not the end of his "transitions" but you'll have to read the book yourself to learn more.

I loved his willingness to read a book recommended by one of his students and then discover how much he loved it.  When he shared with the student how much he enjoyed the book, the student tells him he has lots more he can bring from home to share with him.  I can't remember a teacher who was willing to learn from me, too!

His last graduation ceremony at the private school he was leaving was also a party and leave-taking for him -- it's a great story!  pazt

                                            

"Doc Martin" Series 3

Martin Clune as "Doc Martin" does a superb job as usual in Series 3.  Despite the lack of warmth in his own upbringing, Doc is still pursuing Louisa although the relationship appears to have cooled as the series begins.  Doc has his hands full trying to convince the town's new constable that he has narcolepsy that requires treatment.  In the meantime, Doc's receptionist, Pauline, is bored and wants to add to her duties in the surgery.  A hypochondriac who has the fashionable local hotel is pursuing him and not being very subtle about it.  One of the local girls is the target of her girlfriends due to her lack of "endowment" and Doc has the perfect solution for her.   Just as Doc and Louisa are starting to make an effort to maybe have a relationship, though, her new neighbors throw a wrench in the works.  Will they ever get together?  Are they meant to?  I suppose we may have to wait till the next season to discover that answer!

pazt

"One For The Money"

When "One For The Money" (based on Janet Evanovich's best selling book) came out in the theaters last year, my daughter and I were right there to see it.  I've long been a fan of the Stephanie Plum books - shaking the bed with laughter and trying (unsuccessfully) not to wake my spouse while reading them at bedtime.  Katherine Heigl makes a great Stephanie Plum and Debbie Reynolds is wonderful as her Grandma Mazur.  In fact, all the casting was perfect as far as I'm concerned so, if you're a Stephanie Plum fan and haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it!

I brought the DVD home from the library and, when it was my night to choose what we were going to watch, I could almost feel my spouse's hackles rising next to me but it didn't take him long to get into the movie and a few days later he was even asking if we could watch it again -- and we have several times!  Now the library wants it back, though, so it's going on our holiday  wish list because we've decided we want to own it.  I sure hope there is a second movie in the works!

In the meantime, my husband has read the book and has purchased some more Stephanie Plum/Janet Evanovich books to take on vacation. I think I've converted him!!!!

pazt