Book Review Blog Carnival No. 43

Hello, and welcome Book Review Blog Carnival No. 43! We have a number of interesting reviews spanning several genres, and I am excited to be hosting the carnival this week. Thanks to all who participated, and hope you enjoy reading the reviews as much as I did!

Nonfiction

In this edition, we have an eclectic collection of non-fiction books covering topics ranging from libraries and books to food and moms.

In honor of National Library Week, Clark Bjorke at I'll Never Forget The Day I Read a Book, whose brainchild this carnival is, reviews a book about libraries and librarians interestingly titled This Book is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All, and written by Marilyn Johnson. Bjorke writes, " Johnson may be the next John McPhee, able to tease out a fascinating book on even the most mundane subject."

Moving on from libraries to books themselves, Daniel Alarcon's The Secret Miracle: The Novelist's Handbook is recommended by Scouting Technology and the Arts. Scouting says, "what a smart book to "write". Ask some of the best novelists in the world some questions about books and writing, then edit all the replies. Voilà, book written."

Still on the subject of books, How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler is discussed by Reading Scholar. Says Reading Scholar, " If you have the time and interest I would highly recommend you pick up the book. Read and Re-read the chapter on analytical reading until you can flawlessly practice it. The rest of the book is not worth the time because the best way to learn once you know how to analytically read is to actually spend 45- minutes to an hour slowly reading through a book and really understanding it. Practice is the best teacher."

Here is a review that is particularly appropriate on Mother's Day. Busy Moms Who Love to Read highlights Momover by Dana Wood, a guide for new moms about getting it together mentally, physically, and spiritually, and says "I think this book would make a perfect baby shower gift to any mommy-to-be, as long as she likes to laugh at witty repartee."

Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan is the subject of a review at Science on Tap. According to Science on Tap, "Stripped of science, gobbledygook, and intimidating biochemical terminology, Pollan spells out a straightforward, common-sense, distilled treatise on "rules" for eating soundly, for all concerned with food and nutrition. He boils it down to this: "Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much," and then spends a chapter explicating each of these basic concepts in more (but very simple) detail."


Science Fiction

Frank Herbert's award-winning classic Dune is reviewed by Josh Hanagarne at World's Strongest Librarian. Josh is glad to have read this book and says that Dune "resists summary because, according to its many fans and foes, it is any number of books and few people have the same interpretation.”


Other Fiction

This edition of the Carnival also includes a variety of other fiction books, including books dealing with a variety of relationships and books with an international flavor.

Colloquium reviews The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, a book on family, relationships and secrets, and states "Compulsively readable and deeply moving, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted story of parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love." Colloquium concludes that this book is "a quick, mostly engrossing read, and perfect for a book discussion group because of the numerous ethical and moral questions it raises."

Another book addressing relationships is Kristy Kiernan's third novel, Between Friends. Sumana at Books With a Cup of Coffee suggests reading this one, saying " I loved the book, it gives you a picture of families dealing with infertility and other chronic illnesses. It makes you feel their emotions, sadness, happiness…you cry with them, laugh with the..try to understand them. I would certainly recommend this book to everybody who loves a good book."

From family relationships to romantic relationships. A historical romance, A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin is the subject of a review by Missy Frye at the Incurable Disease of Writing. This is the first book in the Wings of Glory series by Sundin, and is a "satisfying blend of action, romance, and history" set during World War II. Missy goes on to say " A Distant Melody is an exceptionally well-crafted novel. The characters are superbly developed and the plot and story are gripping."

Jim Murdoch at The Truth About Lies reviews two books with an international flavor. Romanian writer Herta Mueller was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2009, and The Passport is a 92-page novella written by her. It is a narrative of the difficulties faced by an ethnic German living in Romania when he applies for a passport in order to migrate to West Germany. According to Murdoch, "The Passport is a haunting book. I have no doubt that what Müller went through that resulted in the writing of this book will haunt her for the rest of her life."

Jim Murdoch also discusses Stone Tree, a collection of short stories by the Icelandic writer Gyrdir Eliasson. Murdoch says, "I personally liked the book, not every story, but there were only a couple where I felt cheated on the storytelling front but not of the atmosphere front."


Finance, Economics, and Careers

Bargaineering reviews The Little Book of Big Dividends by Charles B. Carlson, which primarily deals with establishing investing goals and dividend investing. Says Bargaineering, "If you’re a seasoned dividend investor, this book will only server as a refresher (I finished it in less than two hours). If you are brand new and/or want to know if you are missing any key ideas in the strategy, then I would put this book on your future reading list."

Christian Personal Finance writes that Where the Jobs Are Now by Joe Watson discusses industries with fast growth rates and is " reference guide to achieve long-term employment. " While the books is heavy on statistics, " The author hopes “Where the Jobs Are Now” will help ones’ search for a lasting and stable career. And, in this tough economy, it might just be the book many are looking for."


Hobbies and Crafts

FineCraftsGuild.com writes recommends a whole series of craft project books "that often come with tools and materials to make the projects described within." This series is the Klutz Krafts for Kids Kits and titles include Paper Fashions, Lettering in Crazy Cool Quirky Style, Quick Draw Flip Books, Shrink Art Jewelry, and FineCraftGuild's favorite, Paper Fashions Fancy.

Katya at Expat reviews Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes, a book on photography. Says Katya, " If you are passionate or interested in fine art photography, this is a must read."


Self Help

Your Best Library writes about Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks. " Your life reveals who you really are. Relax and enjoy your life. Nurture your desires, so that you can feel who you really are. Discover and love yourself. Always remember that life is not about knowledge, but about fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”

I would like to thank Clark Bjorke at I'll Never Forget the Day I Read a Book for dreaming up this wonderful carnival and for giving me the opportunity to host. I have come to learn that the carnival has been in existence since September 2008 - keep up the good work, Clark!

Book Blogger Hop May 7-13

Jennifer at Crazy for Books has a book blogger hop going on every Friday. What a great way to visit new blogs and get to meet new bloggers! I look forward to visiting several new blogs this week, and a big thanks to all who made their way here through the Hop!

Character Connection - Hamlet

This is a very interesting meme from the Introverted Reader, where the goal is to spotlight one character of interest every week.

My choice this week is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, one of Shakespeare's greatest characters, and possibly the greatest dramatic character ever. I've been inspired by the gorgeous and extremely talented David Tennant's version of Hamlet which was aired on PBS last week, and which I have seen three times already and can't get enough of!




Hamlet's character has been analyzed to bits by scholars, and I'm going to make my case as to why I personally love this character. Hamlet is a very sensitive and emotional young man, but not crazy as he is made out to be sometimes. To see what he is going through, I would like you to put yourself in Hamlet's shoes for a bit.



Your father, whom you loved deeply, has passed away. While you are filled with profound grief, your mother marries your uncle who is now king. Your are shattered by this event, when the ghost of your father appears before you and tells you that your father was actually murdered by your uncle, and wants you to avenge this murder.

This is indeed a tough situation for anyone. Hamlet is driven by conflicting emotions. He loves Ophelia, but mistrusts women because of his mother's actions. He has an opportunity to kill the king, but does not do so. In the meantime, the king is plotting his murder. All this leads to Hamlet being directly or indirectly being involved in the death of more than one person, eventually ending in tragedy all around.

It is hard to have a crush on Hamlet, but I like this character, because Hamlet is sometimes a part of me. There are moments in all our lives when we are faced with difficult questions and choices and find it hard to decide what is right and to act on that decision. Hamlet is given several soliloquies where he debates himself, is conflicted, very emotional and even appears crazy. How can I not cite his best speech

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep -
No more - and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to! 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep -
To sleep - Perchance to dream;
ay, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause.

Ultimately Hamlet is a very good person, trying to do the right thing, and
Shakespeare brings this out very well indeed. Here is Horatio's final tribute to
Hamlet:

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Upcoming Event - Book Review Blog Carnival 43

This blog will be hosting the Book Review Blog Carnival Number 43 on Sunday May 9th. This is the brainchild of Clark Bjorke at I'll Never Forget the Day I Read a Book!, and takes place every other Sunday. Please do feel free to submit a review here - submission deadline is Saturday night!

Character Connection - Henry Tilney

This is a very interesting meme from the Introverted Reader, where the goal is to spotlight one character of interest every week.

My character for this week is Henry Tilney, the leading man in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. While Mr. Knightley from Emma has always been my favorite Austen hero, he is followed very closely by Henry Tilney, and, depending on my mood, I sometimes would rather have Mr. Tilney as a friend and companion over Mr. Knightley.

Henry Tilney is in his mid-twenties and described as "rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent and lively eye, and, if not quite handsome, was very near it." He is witty, clever and can be quite sarcastic. One thing he is not is a typical romantic hero - he not only is not quite handsome, but he also reads gothic novels and knows his muslin. Now can you imagine Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Colonel Brandon, or Mr. Knightley discussing the Mysteries of Udolpho or a good bargain on a yard of muslin?

This may be one of the reasons that many Austen fans find Tilney not to be as swoonworthy as the other gentlemen listed above. Another, in my opinion, is that while these other heroes fall madly in love with their heroines and struggle with jealousy and repressed passion, we do not see Henry go through this whole spectrum of intense emotions. It was Catherine Morland who first fell in love with Tilney though he soon reciprocated her feelings wholeheartedly. So secure is Tilney of Catherine's feelings that he barely displays a hint of jealousy at the sight of the odious John Thorpe, and never really has to repress any passion on his part.

All this, however, does not make Tilney any less of a hero than Austen's other men. He is a good brother, devoted to his sister Eleanor, genuinely fond of Catherine and is able to see through her naive and artless behavior and recognize the goodness within. He is aware of the failings of his father the general and his brother the rake, and is able to confront and stand up to his father when necessary. It must be kept in perspective that while Henry Tilney may not have been a good match for Elizabeth Bennet or Anne Elliott, he was perfect for Catherine Morland.

One aspect of Henry Tilney that makes him particularly attractive to me is his sharp wit, and wry humor. After reading Tilney's speech on the usage of the word "nice", who can but think twice before using this word?

"..and this is a nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! it is a very nice word indeed! - it does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement; - people were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word."

Henry Tilney has sometimes been referred to as cruel for his teasing of Catherine Morland and his sharp remarks. While it is true that we do not really get to understand his true nature as well as we do with other Austen men, I prefer to rely on Eleanor Tilney's high opinion of and regard for her brother, as she is shown to be a very sensible person. Tilney is sensible, caring, and sensitive to the strengths and weaknesses of Catherine. I think I just may choose him over Mr. Darcy and Captain Wentworth as a suitor - again, only Mr. Knightley will give him a run for his money!

And last but not least, I cannot but be impressed by JJ Feild's performance as Henry Tilney in the 2006 version of Northanger Abbey. He is all I imagined Henry to be!

Review - The Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
Year: 1905
Pages: about 265 (Signet Paperback)
Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75/5
My Source: amazon.com





The short of it: An light and easy-to-read classic that is a combination of adventure, romance, historical fiction, and mystery. I heartily recommend this to readers of all tastes.


The long of it: The Scarlet Pimpernel is set during the French Revolution (around 1792), when French aristocrats were being put to the guillotine by the Republican government. At this difficult time, a mysterious man calling himself the Scarlet Pimpernel manages to save the lives of several aristocrats using daring maneuvers and ingenious disguises. He thus becomes the object of speculation in English genteel society to which belongs the heroine Marguerite Blakeney.

Marguerite is the beautiful and clever wife of Sir Percy Blakeney, a rich baronet and reputed fop. She was formerly a French actress, Marguerite St. Just, and along with her brother, Armand, a staunch Republican. Her marriage, the result of a passionate courtship on Sir Percy's part, is strained as a result of an incident in her past that Sir Percy learnt about soon after their wedding. Further, she is being threatened by the villain Chevalier, an agent of the French Republican government, who wants to use her position in society to find the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel in exchange for her brother 's life.

This book is a classic that is also a fast-paced page turner. Baroness Orczy has created very interesting characters who evoke the admiration of the reader. Sir Percy Blakeney is the stereotype English aristocrat with too much time and money to spare, while Lady Blakeney is the ideal woman - beautiful, fashionable, clever, and daring. The plot is well developed and all the loose ends tied up at the end. There is also some humor evident toward the end of the book, which makes it all the more endearing. There is something to cater to almost everyone's taste - romance for the romantic, adventure and mystery for the lovers of adventures and mysteries, and history for the fan of historical fiction. The baroness was herself a member of a displaced Hungarian aristocratic family, and it is clear that her sympathies lie with the aristocrats. Her version of the French revolution is no doubt one-sided, but the book is a very appealing read, particularly if you like books set in that era, but, like me, find Dickens a bit dry read.

The Scarlet Pimpernel was staged as a play in 1903 before being published as a novel in 1905 after the play was a grand success. Baroness Orczy also wrote a number of sequels including to The Scarlet Pimpernel, and I am planning to try reading one or two, though none achieved the success that TSP did.


Quote of Note:

We seek him here, we seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell?
That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.

- Sir Percy Blakeney


Bonus: There have been numerous film/TV adaptations of The Scarlet Pimpernel, notable among them being a film in 1939 starring Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, a TV adaptation in 1982 with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour which seems to have good reviews, and another TV adaptation in 1999 with Richard E. Grant and Elizabeth McGovern. The last is the only one I have seen, and while Richard E. Grant did well, the storyline is very different from the book, and is rather disappointing to a true TSP fan.

This book counts toward two challenges - The Awesome Author Challenge hosted by At Home With Books, and the Classics Challenge 2010 hosted by Trish.

This book is also part of the Book Review Perty Wednesday for April 28 hosted by Cym Lowell.

Book Blog Hop, April 23-29, 2010

Jennifer at Crazy for Books has a book blogger hop going on every Friday. What a great way to visit new blogs and get to meet new bloggers! I look forward to visiting several new blogs this week, and a big thanks to all who made their way here through the Hop!