Two Bad Reviews

I read "Dissolution" by C.J. Sansom and I was sadly disappointed in it. I waited for the bookstore to get this book in stock for about a month so I could buy it. I was so psyched for this one. It sounded so good and the reviews were awesome. Yes, well, this book had the makings of a really great mystery but fell into the comfortable habit of describing every arch, doorway, window enclosure, priest and weather pattern change. Believe me, these patterns became quite comfortable after the first ten pages. Every time the author had a chance to really move the story forward the insertion of the weather happened or we must stop to look at the completely awesome architecture of a Norman monastery. Those that know me know that I love historic building so it isn't that aspect I object to in particular. Rather, it is the habitual stopping of the story in order for the author to catch his breath just in case the next few pages don't go as he wishes ... apparently. In a few words, this was a total waste of talent, money, and paper.

I also read "The Man Called Outlaw" by K.M. Weiland. I'm glad I bought it as an ebook. It would have been a waste of money otherwise. It's set in the old west but I never ran across a more weeny bunch of men in my life. Once again, the talent behind the book is tremendous and I know there are quite a few out there that love the book. I was expecting so much more from it than it delivered. By the end, I really wanted the bad guy to just shoot the good guy and put him out of his misery. I mean, duh, the bad guy is hurting the good guy's girl. I was left with the feeling the good guy had no balls at all. Sorry, K.M., truly I am. I just like a man who isn't afraid to take action and stand up for himself and the woman he's hot for. Didn't happen till the very, very end of the book. This sucks. So, my advice is don't bother with it.

Feel free to disagree with me if you want. You won't hurt my feelings. I at least made it through K.M.'s book. I couldn't stomach the second half of C.J.'s. I had to quit before I started making notes in the margins and marking out whole sections of text.

And, there you have it. Two harsh reviews for two very talented writers. That's the problem. The talent shines through quite spectacularly. The books ... well, not so much.

Spring Reading

Spring is here and the flowers are coming up in abundance here in NC. I love this time of year. Everything is so fresh and green; the flowers are so colorful. I've been taking pictures like crazy as they open up. A friend of mine has a printer that will make huge pictures so I think I'm going to try one or two and see what happens. I know you'll all be on pins and needles to find out what happens.

I've been reading some good books. T.F. Banks' "The Thief Taker" is one I'd highly recommend. It's a mystery set in England circa 1815. I liked it so well I bought the next in the series "The Emperor's Assassin". I'm almost done with it and it's just as good as the first. Henry Morton makes a great main character and his lady-love, Arabella Malibrant, is an equally engaging character. If you have a chance and you love mysteries, I encourage you to read this author. I'm getting ready to read "Dissolution" by C.J. Sansom. I'll let you know if it's worth your time and money next time.

In other news, T has applied for a job with Verizon Ampitheater. He'll be able to attend all the concerts there for free if he gets the job. I hope he gets it even though it will mean some interesting maneuvering with the car schedule. Em has finished drivers' ed. There were no deaths during the driving portion and all trees and phone poles were left unscathed. I am quite proud of her. Mom is trying to get her meds balanced. Anyone with health problems knows what this is like. I'm on spring break. School starts again the first week of April.

So, here is a thought to mull over, if you're in the car with your teenage son and a male enhancement commercial comes on the radio, resist the urge to make that snarky comment you're just dying to make. The resulting conversation is something you do not want to have. Trust me on this.