Review: The Westing Game

2019 CHALLENGE: 1 RE-READ PER MONTH 01 / 12

5 stars. This book is pure brain food. I like to think of it as a nice blend of Agatha Christie and Flannery O’Connor. You’ve got the clever, wholesome Christie mystery fun mixed with O’Connor’s bold, scathing characterizations. Makes one very tasty, very satisfying read.

The Westing Game opens with our cast moving into Sunset Towers, a new apartment building adjacent to an old mansion belonging to Sam Westing. When Mr. Westing dies (…is murdered?), he, via his lawyer, brings together sixteen of the Towers inhabitants to play a game worth … (drumroll, please) … his entire inheritance.

He leaves instructions for each “heir,” plus specific clues for everyone. We, as readers, get to watch from a front row seat as a feisty African American judge, an entitled, egotistical housewife, an attention-starved secretary, a sparkly, smart little girl, and more unlikely suspects race to solve the puzzle and win the game.

This would be a really bizarre book if it wasn’t written so cleverly, with so much humor, and with so much heart. It’s clear here that Ellen Raskin loved this book - loved writing it, loved playing with the readers, and loved her characters, deeply.

Like Christie’s books, this is a classic whodunnit and like Christie, Raskin drops the mic with the satisfying snap of a puzzle piece being pressed perfectly into place. Like O’Connor, Raskin paints each character with care and with brutal honestly. It keeps things fresh and immensely enjoyable.

And, yes, this probably would’ve been an even better read at 12. But I found myself really captivated by The Westing Game, and really invested. In fact (yikes), I actually found myself tearing up a bit at the end. Who, me? The ice queen with a heart of stone?! I’m meltinggggg…… I know. I just fell in love with these characters and it made me so happy to … well, you’ll see.

This book is full of nostalgia and goodness. I’m so glad it kicked off my re-read challenge for 2019, because it proved how rewarding this exercise can be. So come on! Read The Westing Game. Bask in the glow of transparent tryhards, charming youngsters, charming oldsters, twists, turns, and the joy of unlikely friends.

The Westing Game on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1)

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

4 stars. What a delightful, quirky book.

I'm not even sure where to begin, actually.

First of all, as an English Literature graduate, I got such a kick out of the premise. Not just the premise, really, but the world-building. What a fantastic opportunity to escape into a world in which literature shapes society, in which books are considered priceless cultural heirlooms, in which cults are formed based on theories of authorship and the government dedicates an entire faction to "literary crimes." The Eyre Affair grants my wish to experience a world in which everyone - everyone - is as obsessed with reading as I am. The literary inside jokes are astoundingly funny.

It's also wonderfully British. I could practically hear the accents in the perfectly paced conversations. The English setting lends to the lightheartedness of the story and the charm of the characters. It's mocking but in a loving way and made me homesick for London. I really, really appreciated the author's obvious love for Jane Eyre, and Shakespeare, and Dickens - it's clear that this book (or these books, I haven't read any others in the Thursday Next series), are his love letters to the classics.

It's also a bit difficult to swallow, at first. Perhaps because of my degree, it takes more effort for me to suspend belief without the burden of analysis - somewhere along the way, I've forgotten how to simply sit back, employ full acceptance of what I'm reading, and relax and enjoy the ride. This is a perfect reminder that unique storytelling comes in all weird shapes and bizarre sizes, and even occasionally-cutesy "fluff" can have something meaningful embedded in its pages.

This is not a book to be taken seriously, but it is seriously enjoyable and great. I'm into Thursday Next and will be reading more.

The Eyre Affair on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: The Historian

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

3 stars. It's odd that the title refers to a single historian; because this book, as it turns out, is about many historians: young, old, ancient, scholarly, accidental, academic, serious, casual, etc. The reader too becomes a historian by default, simply because the story in so many places emulates a textbook or reference guide. Which was actually kind of weird! And unexpected, in a book about vampires.

Anyway, as a whole, this book tells the story of how all these different historians converged together on a monster hunt.

And, in my opinion, it's just okay.

First of all - it's very atmospheric. I loved the descriptions of the libraries and old books and the villages and the hotels and the train rides. Those parts made me feel transported, and ready to quit my desk job for more scholarly pursuits.

But as much as I love epistolary novels, I actually found myself a little confused about the nonlinear structure. It felt like I was trying to keep track of too many parentheticals at once: He ran to the store on a Wednesday (but not a Tuesday [or a Thursday {or a Friday}]). Too many stories within stories within stories! I'm sure if I read it straight through without stopping I would be able to keep better track, but several times in the course of reading I picked up the book and had to remind myself who was narrating.

The writing style reminded me of Arthur Conan Doyle - fans of Sherlock Holmes will certainly love this, and stick with it to the end. It's a mystery with unlikely detectives finding clues in the most basic and tedious ways - through academia. Unfortunately, for me, the emphasis landed on tedious. I almost couldn't get through this, to be honest, and the ending was a little confounding.

More than a little, actually. Was the monster even that monster-y, in the end? Was anybody secretly hoping Rossi would say, "YES - OF COURSE - I will be your scholar and forever be entrusted with the greatest collection of books the world has ever seen!" Sigh. It just didn't seem to fit. Dracula's evil nature was revealed only through descriptions of the way his eyes looked, and the way his voice sounded; not through his actions. Aren't we trained to not judge a book by its cover? I found myself looking for clues into Dracula's secret character, hoping to find out more. Unfortunately, when they finally caught up to him, all the characters found was a man with cold eyes and a raspy voice who didn't really do much of anything.

Bottom Line: I can see why this book was a huge hit for some people. It was only a semi-hit for me, but that doesn't mean I can't truly appreciate it all the same. The author deserves 3 stars for her impressive writing and the thorough amount of research she incorporated into the book.

The Historian on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: Rebecca

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

5 stars. Yikes. Yikes. This book.

It's a masterpiece. A true masterpiece.

I feasted on this novel. Absolutely dined on it. I devoured it in two days and was shocked to come to its end. It's incredible.

The writing is masterful and the storytelling is atmospheric and layered. It touches on so many things: the power of a place and its many unrealized secrets; the stubborn naivete and innocence of youth; the wired, uneasy journey into adulthood; the constant inner battle for a certain sense of self; the pressures of society and the lousy insensitivity of human nature; the tragedy of being a woman.

It's very captivating, and very horrifying, and a true gift.

I will admit that halfway through the book I was disappointed. I felt so uncomfortable and awkward reading about a hypersensitive girl making her way through a tough world. This is either a testament to the powerful writing or my own personality, but I personally felt Rebecca's presence, constantly whispering in my ear, telling me I would never live up to her, would never escape her shadow. Anyone who suffers from insecurities or anxiety will relate to the narrator's extremely accurate voice. It wasn't creepy, it was too real.

But then the revelation! The other shoe dropped, and as it turns out, it was a perfect fit. And I truly didn't anticipate the twists and turns - which I really appreciate in a world of predictable storytelling.

To those who criticized the book due to the thoughts/actions of the narrator: just because an author writes from a character's perspective does not mean the author agrees with or supports or resembles the character in any way. This should be obvious. The narrator in this story is sensitive, timid, terrified, ignorant, innocent, naive, misguided, and annoying. This is not my interpretation of her, this is how she is portrayed. It's intentional! Her desire to be loved leads her to stay married to a murderer. That is not a "heroine" in any sense of the word.

It really doesn't matter. It just doesn't. I found myself totally immersed in this story, heartbroken for both Rebecca and the narrator. Am I, as a woman, not somehow both of them? Required to be pleasant yet obligated to be direct? Failing to be simultaneously submissive and independent, as is demanded of me? Caught between doing what's expected and doing what feels right? Navigating a world that wants me to be both the Jezebel and the Madonna?

This book is a nightmare. A perfect, Gothic nightmare.

Rebecca on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Origin

3 stars. This was 2 stars until the final act, when the semi-interesting reveal startled me out of what was essentially a skim read. But oh man, Dan Brown, you are such a douche. A douche who knows how to write page turners, dammit. A douche who knows how to tap into themes that are relevant, powerful and worth exploring. A douche who writes surprisingly heart-pounding action sequences and makes history cool again.

A douche, nonetheless. I’d like to point out that Robert Langdon is a thinly veiled representation of who Dan Brown wants to be: a sort of aw-shucks superhero who uses his photographic memory to drop knowledge bombs, saves the world and woos attractive ladies - attractive, bland, formulaic ladies. It’s transparent, problematic and a little sad. Like Michael Scott writing a screenplay in which the hero is named Agent Michael Scarn.

And look, Dan Brown is not just a douche. He's also an incredibly un-self-aware writer. The cringe level here was so high I could barely turn the pages at times. He describes EVERYTHING and EVERYONE like a textbook ("Winston Churchill himself, the celebrated British statesman who, in addition to being a military hero, historian, orator, and Nobel Prize-winning author, was an artist of remarkable talent.") and just … generally subscribes to a “tell-don’t-show” approach.

And the cliffhangers. My eyes almost got stuck from rolling so much. It’s incredibly strange to read about a bunch of characters reacting dramatically to shit that isn’t revealed to the reader - even stranger when you see right through it and don’t care. Characters read something - and almost inevitably read it again, for dramatic effect - but we don’t get to know what they read until later. This happens often. It’s lazy.

And the revelations. "Blake was not only an artist and illustrator … Blake was a prolific poet." Well, yeah, everyone who knows poetry or reads or exists is aware that William Blake was prominently a poet. Was this supposed to be a satisfying display of Langdon’s unparalleled intellect? Why was this written like a giant thunderclap? Why was Robert Langdon literally the only person in a building full of humans to recognize an Uber sticker?

And the implausible fight scenes. Let me tell you something, if swimming laps really makes you able to do insane backwards swan dives that are also deadly for your would-be assassin, um, sign me up at the nearest pool. Let’s do it. And while we’re at it, I’d also like a 3D printed gun made out of rosary beads, because that sounds useful. Did anyone else notice that every car is identified and elaborated upon?

But look. I love the idea of exploring where we come from and where we are going. I’m always interested in a discussion about technology and the risks we face as we become more dependent. I can’t help but relate to Brown’s message re: the media, as well as the pseudo-generational conflict between tradition and modernism. I also really appreciated how Dan Brown respectfully demonstrated not only where science and religion clash - but where there is potential for collaboration and peace.

Robert Langdon is getting a little tired, folks. He’s seen a lot, after all. Let’s give him a well-deserved rest. Let’s give someone else a chance, someone who isn't so … obviously Dan Brown’s teenage fantasy. Let’s keep asking questions and tackling challenging topics but PLEASE, PLEASE. Let’s grow and change and improve and destroy the formula. We can do better.

Origin on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Force of Nature (Aaron Falk #2)

4 stars. I really, really enjoyed The Dry and COULD NOT WAIT for Force of Nature - and, thank goodness, I wasn't disappointed. Jane Harper has once again achieved a short, sharp mystery with a capable, well-intentioned hero.

Several months after the events of The Dry, Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk is forced to investigate the disappearance of a source in an isolated forest. His source - a CFO with a  mean streak - walked in with four companions on a corporate retreat, and didn't walk out. The story alternates his present-day investigation with flashbacks to the "retreat" and slowly, excruciatingly, the truth is revealed.

Upon finishing The Dry, I felt like I had just read a completely classic thriller - with all the would-be tropes, cliffhangers, shady characters and twists and turns to be expected - except IT WAS REALLY GOOD. The writing was REALLY GOOD. And I feel the same way about Force of Nature. The writing is again atmospheric and fantastic. The mystery is compelling and concise. And the setting - with the paranoia and fear of getting lost in the woods - is borderline terrifying.

If I had one complaint it would be that this one didn't feel as sinister as the first. The outcome just felt unfortunate, rather than gritty-dark. But that's just a preference and everything made sense/felt right.

Aaron Falk, my boo, my favorite somewhat-damaged detective. You are so good, so reliably good. I will follow you anywhere. Can't wait for book number three.

Force of Nature on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Night Film

5 stars. What a fucking amazing premise. What a good idea. I'm so in awe of this fantastic, inspired plot. The first 100 pages gave me chills. 

I mean.

The 24-year-old daughter of a reclusive cult filmmaker, also a classically trained pianist, commits suicide - and a disgraced investigative journalist decides to poke around the case. 

I mean!!

Also - I had no idea this was semi-epistolary when I picked it up, but I so, so appreciated the articles and slide shows and extra details. They demonstrated the author's special care for exposition here and made the story seem that much more real.

However. About a quarter of the way through this I started to really lose faith in the characters. The protagonist starts out as the surly but charming ex-journalist who flirts with rebellion but is ultimately credible. And then he flies way past surly and way past charming and becomes a sort of arrogant asshole who makes ridiculous choices and demonstrates absolutely zero common sense.

And then we have his two sidekicks, Nora and Hopper, who - again - fly right past charming/quirky and right into weirdo territory. 

Compelling, nonetheless. We have an incredibly rich tapestry here, and in fact the author excels at weaving superb minor characters in with her less-than-impressive major ones. We have gorgeous sequences with gorgeous writing on classical music, on film, on black magic, on secret clubs (and that's just the first half). 

It's like the author made a mood board and then somehow incorporated into her story every. single. thing. she had tacked up. There's old Hollywood, sister feuds, puzzle boxes, demonic possession ... satanic rituals ... It's artistic and heartpounding and, beyond all that, a pretty solid mystery.

Ultimately, I really and truly recommend this book. It's a classic rabbit hole tale - except reaching the bottom isn't the point. It's more of an ode - a testament to - the rabbit hole itself. Enjoy. Embrace the darkness. Embrace the descent. You won't regret it.

Night Film on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: Picnic at Hanging Rock

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

5 stars. How unexpectedly wonderful! I'm delighted! I don't know what I expected - perhaps something slightly pulpier / amateur, but this book is built on some seriously sophisticated writing. It's old school in a way that's completely charming - not so old school that it feels archaic or stale or stuffy.

Joan Lindsay weaves a dark and thrilling tale of disappearance, murder, insanity, and potential forces in the universe beyond our comprehension. She plays with time, nature and mystery - all three intensify into something sinister and disturbing. She's extremely skilled at infusing her characters with strong, tenacious identities (a few of which she is sharply critical) and also extremely funny. "Except for those people over there with the wagonette we might be the only living creatures in the whole world,’ said Edith, airily dismissing the entire animal kingdom at one stroke."

Her nature writing is luxurious and rich. She paints a wonderful and transporting atmosphere through which this simple story swirls and juts and penetrates. There's tension amidst all that beauty and natural splendor. It grows and grows until the very end, at which point I was genuinely shocked.

Picnic at Hanging Rock radiates possibility. I don't believe in magic, spirits, the supernatural ... but this book made me sort of sit back and go, why not? The answer to its central mystery could be uncanny, or there could be a perfectly reasonable explanation. The beauty of this book is that I walked away convinced it could go either way. 6 out of 5 stars.

Picnic at Hanging Rock on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The Woman in the Window

4 stars. I'm so excited about this! I went in with low expectations and got something truly excellent! Congratulations to A.J. Finn for a spectacular, thrilling debut.

Anna, an alcoholic, agoraphobic ex-child psychiatrist, sees something horrific occur in her next door neighbor's house. Thanks to her less-than-healthy habits and a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder, everyone - the cops, her neighbors, her loved ones - consider her to be unstable and attribute her frantic accusations to drug-induced hallucinations. Yeah, it's pretty much my worst nightmare. 

As Anna's grasp on reality unravels (or appears to, heh heh), we as readers are treated to a couple of classic red herrings, heart-pounding action and some truly epic twists. I was completely compelled to keep turning pages until I knew for sure what was going down. I also really loved the references to old movies - it demonstrated a sense of meta self-awareness often absent in thrillers like this. Like a wink or a nod or something.

Keep in mind - this is nothing more than it promises to be. Quite simply, if you enjoyed The Girl on the Train, you will enjoy this. If you didn't, you won't. The language is vivid (seriously, I might actually stay away from red wine for awhile). It's tightly-written, fast-paced and even if your mind isn't blown, you'll have a good time. I docked a star because there's a twist that happens to be a super particular pet peeve of mine (predictable, yup, but mostly just lazy). 

But ... YES!!! The Woman in the Window, who knew?! Really fun, really awesome reading experience.

The Woman in the Window on: Amazon | Goodreads