Review: Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

As with many of you, I have had a busy (in a good way) couple of weeks.  We've had a couple of visitors here over the last couple of weeks, so I have found myself only reading at bedtime.  I'm not complaining though, since we've been having lots of summer fun that included a beach day that covered me in a blistering sunburn.  I didn't want to sunburn, but I will admit to a great swim in the ocean, followed by a nice bit of sunshine to dry me off.  That's one of those memories to help carry me through a long winter later, right?

One book I managed to finish up was Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris, which I got through pretty quickly on my Kindle.  I'm in the middle of several books right now, but the electronic format of this book made it easy to hold and forward pages when I was sleepy!

Synopsis:  In this sixth installment, Sookie learns that her cousin Hadley has been murdered and left everything to her.  Hadley was a vampire, and had a "relationship" with the vampire Queen of Louisiana that left her new husband, the vampire King of Mississippi a little jealous.  In the midst of Sookie taking on the responsibility of packing up her cousin's apartment and figuring out who murdered her, she has also begun a new friendship and flirtation with a shifter named Quinn, but has recently found out devastating news about her relationship with Bill that has left Sookie feeling vulnerable and unsure of herself.

Review:  While some reviewers found book six slow, I thought the story in book six introduced new characters and situations that are obviously going to set up books down the line.  Because I'm not always into long, drawn-out mysteries, I actually enjoyed this novel for its straight-forward action and plot development.  Yes, there were still mysterious actions going on in the story, but they are answered rather quickly, and only aid in propelling the story on a bit more. 

On the whole, I liked the new characters and the direction the series has taken.  The story has become even more paranormal than it was before (if possible), and it should be interesting to see where it goes.  I can't say that the writing is sparkling (no vampire pun intended), but the story telling is interesting and holds a twist of comedy and drama that feels strange for this type of novel.  It's hard not to care about Sookie and her life.  Really, I think that while Sookie's strange draw to every man she associates with can be a bit annoying, that you do grow to want to see her safe and happy! 

If you've been reading this series and already read this installment, did you like the new characters and direction of the series, or did you find it jarring?

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on a personal electronic copy of the novel.

This book counts as my 5th in the E-Book Reader Challenge.  One more, and I'll have another challenge in the bag!

Review: Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

One night I clicked on  my Kindle, which admittedly I had not done in about a month (I know, gasp), and forgot that I had started Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris some time during the school year.  For whatever reason, that probably amounted to two gazillion papers I needed to grade, I stopped reading it at around chapter two.  Well, I picked it up about a week ago to see if I could remember the story, and got sucked right in.  In fact, in no time flat I'd picked the storyline back up again, and am right back into Sookie's crazy life.

Synopsis:  This is the fifth in the Sookie Stackhouse installment.  In book four, Sookie had helped Eric (head vampire of the area) regain his memory and fight off a bunch of witches.  In this installment, Eric has regained his memory and gone back to Fangtasia, and left Sookie to fend for herself against the Hot Spot weres.  Sookie's previous friend Alcide has popped back up, still interested in Sookie, but more so for her ability to help him look into the minds of his father's enemies as he fights to take over as the leader of the "pack" there in Hot Spot.  Sookie, who has grown more than a little tired of being pushed around by people, and left vulnerable to all sort of attacks, didn't care for Alcide's tactics.  In the meantime, people in Bon Temps were getting shot, but no one quite knew who did it.  As always, Sookie needed help in this novel to protect herself, but Eric will only tell her IF she tells him what happened between them...something Sookie would rather not spill the beans on.  Besides, would the secret leave Eric or Sookie more vulnerable?

Review:  Although I was pretty attached to the Bill & Sookie storyline early on, which had me ticked off when the stories progressed into different avenues and creatures, I can now see how the arc of the story might be coming together.  In fact, I've begun to feel like I'm watching an episode of an exciting new show with each book, and each book gets me closer to the finale.  I hope that's the case, and that I like the finale!

The writing in book five is catchy, and keeps you moving right along.  Some of the day to day details of cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, and personal hygiene can throw me off from the action, as they pop up and slow the story down, but I've come to expect these scenes and see them as some sort of reminder that Sookie really is a human being living her life.  I'm not a huge fan of werewolves (nope, not even in that sparkly vampire series), so it didn't change much here.   This installment really does center on Alcide and his clan, and while we do see Eric, Bill, and a few other well-known characters, it really is pretty much about the changes in clan dynamics going on for Alcide and his family. 

I have to say that I do really enjoy reading the Sookie Stackhouse books.  There is one part of me that gets frustrated by the "hot" female that every male notices and wants to protect (even though she plays off the victim, "freak who can read minds" card), but really I'm one tough broad act.  It seems like such a cliche, and a bad one at that.  I can't say that Sookie plays it off any better than any other lead female pitted against crazy males, but I do like her sass.  Yes, the vixen damsel in distress annoys me, but I don't know how I would fix it if I were Charlaine Harris.  In the end, Sookie really does need protection from some of these crazy characters, and in some sick way, you hope it's one of the hottie males you like at the moment.  Sad, but true.  Overall, I enjoyed this book, and can see that it might be a pretty pivotal story in moving us along to other books down the road.

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based off of a purchased e-book version of the novel.  No monies nor review copies were issued.

Because I read this on my lovely Kindle, it actually counts as my 2nd in the E-Book Reader Challenge.  I can hardly believe I haven't read more on my Kindle, but know I'll be remedying that this summer!

Review: Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

As a now admitted Austenite who will chase just about any story that has a "Jane Austen" or Pride and Prejudice twist, I was intrigued during a Twitter conversation when Tasha (@heidenkind) at "Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Books" asked me if I'd read Just the Sexiest Man Alive. When she told me it had a modern connection to Pride and Prejudice, I went out and purchased a copy. Yes, I had to read it. Well, in the midst of a pile of TBR books, ARCs, and grading, I forgot about it until I heard Angie at "Angieville" mention the same connection and how good it was. Between the two recommendations, from two awesome readers, how could I not drop everything and read?

This past Saturday I was suffering from a migraine, but it was a strange migraine in that I could sit in low light and read (I know...not good on the eyes) as long as I didn't have any extra noise or light. So, I grabbed my Kindle and decided to dive right into Julie James' novel that I had heard so much about, and was sucked right in! In one sitting (minus checking on basketball scores), I tore through the book, relating to a character that I seemingly have nothing in common. Maybe that is part of its charm?

Synopsis: Main character, and lawyer, Taylor Donovan has been sent out from Chicago to L.A. to lead in a defense against a sexual harassment case. As an undefeated lawyer, Taylor knows how to prepare for a case and how to question a witness, and is ready to move from a member of the firm, to partner. Because of this fierce attitude and drive, Taylor is quickly chosen to help one of Hollywood's most famous actors (and Sexiest Man Alive), Jason Andrews, learn the ins and outs of being a lawyer for his next big film. Taylor is less than happy with the set up, and is even less happy when her newest client blows her off, wasting her precious time. Not only does Taylor blow off Jason once he does show up, but also tries to get out of working with him. As in most romance novels, this lack of instant appeal intrigues Jason, and creates the instant tension in the story. Taylor has no time for pretty-boy Hollywood stars, and Jason underestimated the female lawyer who was to be his trainer. Somehow, the two would have to work together, because Jason won't take no for an answer, and neither would the law office Taylor works for.

Review: I'll spare you the extended storyline, as I think the set up of the base tension between these characters can be mapped out in a pretty broad way and shown to connect to a much-loved Elizabeth and Darcy storyline from over a century ago. While not the most believable plot at times, nor the most well-tuned writing, I did find that the dialogue and banter between Taylor and Jason to be highly entertaining...and to be quite honest, exactly what I needed right now. The connection to Pride and Prejudice is very loose, and doesn't really distract you away from the story in any way, although there are these delicious moments when lines pop up from the original that have you connecting the characters more than you would have otherwise.

One such scene that draws from the original story is when Jason asks Taylor to help him make his script more like an actual in-court scene. After completing their work, Taylor affirms that she believes it will connect with the audience, and the conversation continues:

"You just sounded so Hollywood."
Taylor smiled guiltily. "I did, didn't I? See--one evening with you and I'm already corrupted." She gestured casually to her half-empty glass. "Or maybe the wine's affecting me."
"So you approve of my selection?"
"I doubt there's anyone who wouldn't"...
"But your approval is harder to earn and therefore worth more than the others," Jason returned.

In a way, the vulnerability of the Darcy character really plays out in this modern context, and although you want to blow it off, it brings out the weakness in a way that I hadn't thought of in the original.

Also, Jason seems to keep trying to get Taylor to admit to her feelings, or to see where she stands and how she likes his home,

"So you like being here, then?" "...So you would consider this then, as a place you could live? You wouldn't miss Chicago?"

Both scenes made me smile at their brashness to cross Austen's path so closely. To a purist, this would be offensive, but I have to say that I liked the entire ride. I thought that the mix between the two was not enough to really offend, so I was all on board. Also, it seemed that for a romance novel, there was very little sexual content. In fact, the author handled the tension between the two characters in a pretty restrained way, that actually added to their chemistry. In this case, I really think that less was more, and created a fun, escapist read that kept my attention. I really enjoyed my time with this first novel by Julie James and will have to give her others a go!

For more information, see: Just the Sexiest Man Alive.

*Novel purchased as an e-book.

This counts as my first in the E-book Reading Challenge over at Royal Reviews!

Double Review: The Christmas List & The Christmas Bus

I know what you're thinking, "Wait, Christmas has come and gone. Why is she reviewing a couple of Christmas books now?" The fact is, that with Christmas on a Friday, probably more of us had to work right up to the big day than would have liked. That meant that all those fun Christmas books I had waiting to be read didn't get touched until I flew out last Wednesday. Honestly, I enjoyed reading these books the days surrounding and just after Christmas, and now want to pass them along in a quick double review! The two books I read this year were, The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans and The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson.

Synopsis & Review: Richard Paul Evans is famous for his The Christmas Box series. I was one of those kids who received his books for many Christmases along the way, and have almost everything he's ever written. The funny thing is, all of them were gifts, and I might not have picked them up had someone not given them to me. Why? I can't really say, but I somehow thought these were too short to really have a story I could sink my teeth into. I'm happy to say, I was wrong.

In The Christmas List, we find a "what if" story that asks what you would do if you woke one morning and found that you were reported dead, and your obituary was posted in the newspaper. For real estate, businessman, James Kier, this is his reality. In the process of divorcing his wife, who is dying of cancer, and putting people out of their homes and properties around Christmas, nothing seems too low for Kier. The depths of his selfishness and greed can make your blood run cold, until Kier reads his own obituary and reads the comments posted in the online comments following it and realizes what he's become.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The story felt developed enough that I genuinely cared about the various characters we were introduced to. I liked the redemption built into the story, and the way Evans showed how one man tried to turn a disastrous life around. This was a great, subtle Christmas "spirit" novel. (For more information, see The Christmas List.)

Synopsis & Review: I understand that Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Bus, has actually written many Christmas themed novels. This was my first, however, and it was cute. While this second novel played a bit more obviously on Christmas story themes, such as the Mary & Joseph story with a young expecting couple that have rolled into town in an old rickety bus, it was still a fun read. In Christmas Valley, the little town there plays on every bit of Christmas that they can to draw tourism. For the owners of The Shepherd's Inn, this would be an interesting holiday, as their own children would be unable to come for Christmas. In exchange, they have opened up their inn for any wayward travelers who needed a place to stay for the holidays.

In a faintly obvious mixing of tales, The Christmas Bus is a story about sharing Christmas with everyone, including those who might not be quite so lovable or even likable! There are the lonely, the homeless, the expecting, and the scrooges in this story, all interacting with one another to make one memorable Christmas. I did enjoy this short little novel, even with its faint predictability. As a quick Christmas read, it was fun to revel in the spirit a little longer. (For more information see, The Christmas Bus.)

Well, there you have my double review for the holiday season! If you're interested in a short Christmas book for the coming year, you might give either of these a try.

I read both of these books on my Kindle and count for the e-book Reader Challenge!

Double Review: Everything Austen Wrap-Up Double Feature

Happy day after Thanksgiving! I have much to be thankful for this year, and all year round. I had a great visit and houseful with my aunt & uncle's family in from Idaho. We had a great time the night before Thanksgiving eating lasagna (because the food HAS TO be vastly different from what we were about to pig out on), playing games, and chatting all night. It was a really nice time. That next day they headed to their son's house, and I headed to another aunt and uncle's home. It was a leisurely day, and delightful as such!

As for my reading, wow, has it suffered in the last week! It's okay, because I've had many great and wonderful things going on, but it still feels strange to not have read a single book in the past week! I'll be remedying that over the next several days, as I pick through a stack of over 24 books I have checked out for just this occasion. I did, earlier this month, finish the Everything Austen Challenge. This challenge made me realize that I'm quite an Austen aficionado. :) I still have several more books coming up that would fit this challenge. For my final two picks for the challenge, I read Jane Austen's most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice, and also Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler.

What is there to say about Pride and Prejudice that hasn't been said in a million different ways, by a million different devoted fans and readers? I'll resist giving a synopsis of this most famous novel, not only by Austen, but also by just about any author. There really is something that we readers love about Elizabeth Bennett, with her spunky ability to zing a proud Mr. Darcy, and the brooding compassion and love demonstrated by Mr. Darcy for Elizabeth. We love this novel. I really think that our love and appreciation for Mr. Darcy comes from an observation made by Anne in the series Anne of Green Gables when she remarks that it's not that we want a man that is bad, but could, but chooses not to be. It's somewhere in the fact that they KNOW about the badness, but show you their fortitude not to embrace it. While I think that the book takes awhile to get into completely, the plot builds in such a way that you get sucked in and have to keep reading...even if you already know what's going to happen. (For more information, see: Pride and Prejudice.)

I also read this book on my Kindle, which satisfies my 5th in the E-Book Reader Challenge.

Synopsis: In this second novel by Laurie Viera Rigler (not a follow up to Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict), we travel forward in time, not back to the Victorian Era. In Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict we find that Jane Mansfield has woken in our modern times as L.A. girl Courtney Stone. Not only must she navigate the fact that she is a completely different person, but also that she is in a time period where people can randomly talk through a handheld device, watch stories acted out in a box with a glass screen, and travel at excessive speeds in a metal object not pulled by horses! It all might seem overwhelming and is, when Jane learns that she has broken up with a scoundrel fiance, and is being comforted by a "friend" who her supposed friends also dislike. What's a girl to do?

Review: Out of the two books written by Rigler, this version was actually my favorite. I listened to this book on CD, and have to say that this was another audio book that I would actually recommend. I thought that the acting and reading voices were believable and engaging. Besides liking the audio version of this story, I also just really liked the story. Although time travel stories are getting old (at least in my opinion), I liked Jane Mansfield, and I wanted to see her happy and settled in our modern day. In the end, isn't that what's most important in a story, that you care about the characters? Overall, I really did enjoy the escape factor of this story. I may not read this over and over again, but it was a fun escape and a fun way to wrap up the challenge. (For more information, see: Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict.)

***These complete the Everything Austen Challenge. Pride and Prejudice was my own copy, and Rigler's audio book was checked out from the library.

Review: Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Thanks to an iPhone and Kindle, I had a chance throughout my move to open my phone when I was sitting in offices, or my Kindle when I was staying at my aunt's house. Through technology, I was able to grab one of these devices through some stressful moments, and escape into a book when I often couldn't find them because of boxes and suitcases! Having said that, I read book four in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Angiegirl, over at Angieville kept telling me to hang in there for book four, so I was excited to dive in!

Synopsis: After the drama of book three, Sookie was sick and tired of fighting the paranormals that kept popping up in her life, especially without a strong support system. In this installment, Sookie is back in Bon Temps, and has her brother back in her life. Bill has taken off on official vampire business (or so we think), and Sookie is thankful to be alone...yet lonely. Into this set up comes Eric, who Sookie finds walking barefoot along the road home one night. Eric had lost his memory, was jumpy, and yet trusted Sookie enough to head home with her. From there, Sookie takes charge of Eric and must learn what happened to him that caused his memory loss, and if these causes might lead to more trouble for everyone.

Review: As Angiegirl explained, I did find that I like book four more than the previous two. Because I could see where things were heading back in book two, I was furious and felt as thought I didn't even want to continue, but hearing that book four helped, kept me reading! I did like book four, and didn't mind some of the departures and loss introduced in this installment. In some ways, these "time outs" felt right for some characters, as Sookie develops a stronger relationship with vampire Eric. While I like a female lead to have strength, I really did want someone to comfort Sookie! I can't help feeling sad for all that Sookie has lost along the way, and for how often she has had to fight for her own life. Having Eric there with her for a time, felt emotionally comforting, and although it might not be a long-term answer, one that helped Sookie for a time.

Overall, I did enjoy book four more than the two previous books in the series. There for a short time I had considered not finishing the series, but now really can't do that! I have to know what happens to Sookie, and feel pretty invested in her life.

***This series contains scenes of sensuality and violence.

This completes book four of ten in the eBook Reader Challenge over at J. Kaye's Book Blog.

For more information see: Dead to the World (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 4) (Mass Market Paperback).

Review: Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Thank you to those who stopped by to give me some great advice on conquering my book slump. I did end up setting aside the books that I think were tripping me up, and slowing me down a bit. Thankfully, I have been able to read a couple more since then, and now feel almost back to my old reading self again! In fact, I had been reading Club Dead by Charlaine Harris for a little while, which once the action got going, grabbed me and kept me reading.

Synopsis: ***Some spoilers*** Picking up from where book two left us, with tension between our two main characters, we find Bill has been "kidnapped." As with previous adventures, Sookie is called on to help get inside all the action, to help solve crimes and mysteries. New to this adventure is a Were named Alcide, who is getting over his relationship with his girlfriend. Alcide and Sookie bond as they work towards finding Bill, and so we add yet another character that is smitten with Sookie and her charms. Where has Bill been taken, and what sort of future does Sookie have now that she's become so fully involved in the vampire world?

Review: As I expressed in my book two review for Living Dead in Dallas, I can't say that I was terribly smitten with book two, and now I know why. In book two, you could see that Harris was going to be manipulating her characters into new relationships and adventures, and at the time, I didn't care for it. Book two seemed too rushed to me, pushing and pulling characters in directions I couldn't see for them (mostly on an emotional level). And, to top it off, I couldn't completely understand some of Sookie's passivity, even though she was being a brave cookie. Book three is then the answer to most of my frustrations.

In book three, Sookie works through her feelings for Bill, and how she then relates to the rest of the men she associates with. I'll still admit to rolling my eyes at the "everyone's attracted to me" bits, but I understood where they were supposed to be taking us in evolving Sookie's character from the supposed "freak" she used to feel that she was. What I could readily hang on to in this book was that Sookie expressed her anger and frustration. I know that if I was continually put in danger, I would be ticked off too! Sookie didn't just fold and let others wimper and moon over her, but took matters into her own hands, saved herself, and let everyone know that she was tired of all the drama.

Overall, you can still see where Harris is taking the story in regards to characters; however, in storyline and action, it's anyone's guess. I liked book three much more than book three, and am glad to see characters making more sense to me.

This book also fulfilled book #3 for my e-book Reader Challenge.

For more information see: Club Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 3)

Review: Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan

Talk about a stressful way to start off the reading challenge! I've actually posted about this book, back when I first picked it up to read. Many of you know that I'm in the process of buying a townhouse. That is, if the builders can get their financing! The entire process has been extremely stressful, and had me rethinking it a million times, and wondering if I can do it. Yes...I think I can, but Orman's book sure makes me rethink it once again!


Synopsis: In 2008, seeing where the economy was headed, Suze Orman sat down and wrote a new plan for 2009. Knowing that things were going to be tough, that the market was going to tank, that people were going to lose their jobs, and that the real estate market would head south in a serious way, Orman outlines strategies and challenges for how Americans can save their own finances and get out of this recession with their families and lives in tact.

Review: Although I had looked over the worksheets several weeks ago, so that I had my own "financial health" mapped out as I headed into getting my mortgage (and felt good about it), Orman's information and challenges had my stomach in knots. I definitely think she's being realistic, but she doesn't sugar-coat things for one second, nor does she make you think that "everything will be all right" without major effort on each of our parts. The book has 10 chapters, and each one focuses on a different financial issue, such as: paying for college, planning for retirement, buying a home, spending, etc. Each chapter then lists a series of questions that real people might ask Orman.

While this book stressed me out...major, I do feel like there are things I can do to reduce my own debt (ha, ha...even with a mortgage coming around the corner), and ways that I can secure my financial freedom. For instance, she suggest some of the following:

• Put away at least 8 months of salary as a fall back.
• DO NOT dip into your 401k.
• Pay down credit cards as much as possible.
• Keep your FICO score above 700, preferably above 720 by making payments on time.
• Make sure your family has health insurance.
  
• If buying real estate, you should be able to make the 10-20% downpayment, or you're probably not ready to buy!

She also issued a challenge that I think I'll try some time in the next month:

1. Do not spend money for one day.
2. Do not use your credit card for one week.
3. Do not eat out at a restaurant for one month.

Overall, a great resource, and one that I'm glad I have. It's not fun to read, and is quite sobering, but one that I think we all need in this recession. Even though it's tough to face the facts of this economy, the education Orman can give in this book are invaluable and comforting.

For more information, see: Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan

*This also fulfilled my second in the e-book Reader's Challenge.

Review: The Stand by Stephen King

I did it! I finished my first Stephen King without putting it in the freezer (like Joey on Friends) or out in the hall at night (like my friend Doc) so that I could sleep at night. (Although, I don't think I would do either because it was on my wonderful Kindle!) This review has been a long time in coming, and I have to say that I'm really proud of myself for diving into a genre and author that had previously scared me a little. Before I go much farther, let me give a brief synopsis of this nearly 1200 page novel. :)

Synopsis: Imagine a pandemic. Imagine the worst flu ever. (No, we're not talking about the swine flu!) Now imagine what you would do if everyone around you were dying, and you somehow managed to live through it all. Would you flock to whatever human being you could find, regardless of how weird, strange, or aberrant they had been or were? In brief, The Stand tackles a global pandemic and considers what we would do as humans, what kind of a society we might form, and how we would survive. Now add onto that a Stephen King-esque twist, a psychological twist that has everyone dreaming the same dark dream of an evil man. Who is he, and how can they get the horrid dreams to stop?!? Now you're headed into a completely different, more sinister world created by King, all for your consideration.

Review: Other than having said that I've never read a Stephen King novel before, I have to add to this story. I had a student this year that couldn't pull a passing grade to save his life, yet never really tried to either. He would sit in his desk with a book, blocking out the world, and never bring a paper to class, nor turn one back in! Here's my story though...how can you not LOVE a kid that reads nonstop? He would pack in a different novel every couple of days, tough guy that he was, and regardless of any ribbing he got from his buddies, he kept on reading and loving it. I struck up a conversation with him during announcements, and I really knew this kid was a gem! Yes, he had troubles, but he was also one of the brightest, most astute kids I've seen. I quickly found though that we read completely different genres! He loved sci/fi, fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, and horror. While I love historical, classical, romance, chick lit., ethnic lit., etc. OPPOSITES. Okay, I wax long in my story. I had this student write me a list of suggestions, so that I could try to get out of my comfort zone, and this was one at the top of his list. After getting my lovely kindle, I ordered it for really cheap, and off I went! Can't wait to tell him I've finished.

With that back story behind me then, I'll say that I really did genuinely enjoy reading The Stand. It was creepy, but it was never so creepy that I felt like some Satan-like creature would jump out of my closet, or that I would wake with bad dreams. (Not like when I finished The Cement Garden and readily went in search of a Disney-esqu film to calm my troubled soul!) In fact, I found the storyline one that I had to bring up with people all the time, hoping that I could find someone to discuss the book with me! The story moves around a lot, has a lot of characters to follow, and is broken into parts or sections. I did have moments where I thought it was dragging along, but realize that in order to bring all the characters together, King had to develop the story. Although reading about a pandemic in the middle of our recent media frenzy over the swine flu made it ineresting, I also was really intrigued by the entire process for hospitals, government, etc. in treating the sick and eventually disposing of the dead. In fact, what would you do if your mother and father died, and you couldn't find a soul alive to help you with the bodies? Could you dig a grave and bury them yourself? Just one of a MILLION "what would you do" scenarios presented in the novel. I don't know if King would call it a "psychological" thriller, but I know I did. Overall, I thought the story and characters were well developed and believable. As a work, it was engaging and felt fresh, so I give my student kudos for recommending it to me, King for coming up with this interesting twist on a pandemic, and myself for finishing it!

If you're nervous about King, and don't mind a really long novel, then The Stand: Expanded Edition: For the First Time Complete and Uncut (Signet) would be the one to tackle!

***This is also my first Kindle, e-book read for the e-book Reader Challenge!

eBook Reader Challenge 2009

Wow...I stumbled on this one REALLY late, but I know (okay, hope) that I can get through this challenge. I love my Kindle 1, so I think I'll be okay with this challenge. It ends at the end of 2009, and is hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog. Here we go!

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