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165. The Devil You Know By Mike Carey Rating:  Finished: March 24, 2009 Length: 410 pages Series: 1 of 5 from the Felix Castor series |
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Summary: Felix Castor is a freelance exorcist and London is his stamping ground. It may seem like a good ghostbuster can charge what he likes and enjoy a hell of a lifestyle, but there's a risk: sooner or later he's going to take on a spirit that's too strong for him. While trying to back out of this ill-conceived career, Castor accepts a seemingly simple ghost-hunting case at a museum in the shadowy heart of London, but what should have been a perfectly straightforward exorcism is rapidly turning into the who-can-kill-Castor-first show, with demons and ghosts all keen to claim the big prize. Review: An interesting story that was recommended to me; I liked it a lot, it was funny but creepy and had a wonderful mystery aspect I wasn't expecting. The ending was great and it was actually fairly intelligent in terms of the back story for the ghost and everything, I really liked how well thought-out it was. Felix Castor, besides having the coolest name ever, is kind of ridiculously likable. I found Rafi's character fascinating as well, so hopefully there's more about him in future books. | |
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166. Bloody Bones By Laurell K. Hamilton ( R e r e a d ) Rating:  Finished: June 10, 2009 Length: 384 pages Series: 5 of 17 from the Anita Blake series | 
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Summary: When Anita Blake's boss at Animators, Inc., informs her that she's expected to raise 300-year-old zombies from a field of jumbled bones just to settle a land dispute, she's understandably annoyed. A psychotic sword-wielding vampire starts committing multiple murders, and Anita must call on Jean-Claude for help. Review: Coming soon. | |
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167. You Suck: A Love Story By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: July 17, 2009 Length: 336 pages Series: 2 of 3 from the Love Story series |
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Summary: Nineteen-year-old Tommy is a bewildered hipster recently relocated to San Francisco from Incontinence, Ind. His sarcastic redhead (and bloodsucking) girlfriend, Jody, brings him into the fold of the undead; Tommy, understandably, has mixed feelings. Vampirism has its perks, but sunlight is death and blood hunger makes you do some pretty foul things. Also, the duo is hunted by Elijah, the ancient vampire who "turned" Jody and wants her back, and a band of Safeway stock boys/amateur vampire hunters known as the Animals. Review: Not one of my favorite Moore books, despite it being about vampires. It was a bit too 'edgy' and I couldn't really like any of the characters (they all kind of annoyed me). But the idea was interesting and the ending was oddly fitting. I think part of why I'm iffy aobut this book is because I didn't realize this is the sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story. Hopefully if I go back and read that, this one'll be better as well. | |
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168. The Redemption of Althalus By David Eddings Rating: Finished: July 27, 2009 Length: 704 pages | 
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Summary: Althalus, a professional thief, is enlisted by the Goddess Dweia to save the world from the depredations of her evil brother Daeva and his henchman Ghend. Review: Coming soon. | |
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169. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince By J.K. Rowling ( R e r e a d 1, 2 ) Rating: Finished: July 29, 2009 Length: 652 pages Series: 6 of 7 from the Harry Potter series |
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Summary: The war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses. However, as in all wars, life goes on. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. Searching for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort, Harry finds what may be his only vulnerability. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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170. Watchmen By Alan Moore Rating: Finished: July 31, 2009 Length: 416 pages | 
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Summary: Watchmen is set in an alternate reality which closely mirrors the contemporary world of the 1980s, the primary difference being the presence of superheroes. Although the costumed crimefighters of Watchmen are commonly called "superheroes", the only character who possesses obvious superhuman powers is Doctor Manhattan. The existence of Doctor Manhattan has given the U.S. a strategic advantage over the Soviet Union, which has increased tensions between the two nations. Eventually, superheroes grow unpopular among the police and the public, which has led to the passage of legislation in 1977 to outlaw them. While many of the heroes retired, Doctor Manhattan and The Comedian operate as government-sanctioned agents, and Rorschach continues to operate outside the law. Review: Finally got around to reading this; having watched the movie, nothing was a surprise, but it's a pretty decent graphic novel. This is probably blasphemous but I rather liked (most of) the characters in the movie better than how they were in the books, not sure why. | |
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171. The Raw Shark Texts By Steven Hall Rating: Finished: August 7, 2009 Length: 448 pages |
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Summary: When Eric Sanderson wakes from a lengthy unconsciousness, he has no memory. A letter from "The First Eric Sanderson" directs him to psychologist Dr. Randle, who tells Eric he is afflicted with a "dissociative condition." Eric learns about his former life—specifically a glorious romance with girlfriend Clio Aames, who drowned three years earlier—and is soon on the run from the Ludovician, a "species of purely conceptual fish" that "feeds on human memories and the intrinsic sense of self." Review: It was very interesting, I've never read anything like it! I felt like some bits were still a bit over my head but I loved the storyline and it did a great job of keeping my interest. I did like the characters, Clio/Scout in particular, and Ian of course. :] I liked the ending, even though I was a bit confused by what happened to Eric in "the real world." I guess how the two worlds interact was still a bit over my head, but I did enjoy the book quite a lot and would recommend it. | |
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172. The Graveyard Book By Neil Gaiman Rating: Finished: August 8, 2009 Length: 320 pages | 
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Summary: A boy named Nobody Owens, whose family is killed by a mysterious man named Jack, is subsequently adopted and raised by the occupants of an old, ornate graveyard. Review: It's along the same veins as Coraline, as it also stars a child as the protagonist and is more of a children's book than his other works. This book was absolutely fantastic! Bod was a great main character and I loved all of the supporting characters as well. Particularly Silas, though that may have been because it turns out he's a vampire, haha. I swear I didn't realize until the end though. >.> I loved the concept of the Jack of All Trades, and Jack Frost was a great villain. All in all, wonderfully written (as always) and just my kind of book. | |
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173. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows By J.K. Rowling ( R e r e a d ) Rating: Finished: August 20, 2009 Length: 759 pages Series: 7 of 7 from the Harry Potter series |
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Summary: In this exciting conclusion, Harry, Ron and Hermione are on the run from Lord Voldemort, whose minions of Death Eaters have not only taken control of the Minister of Magic but have begun to systematically -- and forcibly -- change the entire culture of the magic community: Muggle-born wizards, for example, are being rounded up and questioned, and all "blood traitors" are being imprisoned. But as Voldemort and his followers ruthlessly pursue the fugitive with the lightning bolt scar on his forehead, Potter finally uncovers the truth of his existence. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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174. A Clockwork Orange By Anthony Burgess Rating: Finished: August 27, 2009 Length: 212 pages | 
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Summary: Set in a dismal dystopia, it is the first-person account of a juvenile delinquent who undergoes state-sponsored psychological rehabilitation for his aberrant behavior. Review: A really interesting book. The slang made it a bit of a pain-in-the-ass to read and of course it is quite disturbing, butI thought the concepts in the book were fascinating and itw as very well written. Alex, despite being one of the more horrible characters written, still manages to be a little charming. Not sure how that works. I really, really liked the last chapter and was disappointed to learn that a lot of editions leave it out .. not to mention they didn't have it in the movie, either. I feel like it really highlights Alex's transformation. A great book, though, definitely glad I finally got to reading it. | |
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175. Beastly By Alex Flinn Rating: Finished: August 31, 2009 Length: 320 pages |
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Summary: Kyle Kingsbury is popular, handsome, and arrogant; he enjoys a high social status in high school along with wealth and privileges. One day he steps a bit over the line and earns the wrath of a witch who casts a spell on him. Moments later he becomes a beast with claws and hair springing from every pore. Just like in a fairy tale, Kyle has to win the heart of the girl to break the spell .. can he do this in modern times in New York City? Or is he doomed to remain a beast forever? Review: This was an odd book, a modern adaptation of 'Beauty and the Beast,' but written from the point of view of the beast. It was really predictable and highly forgettable, but a fun summer read. | |
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176. Fluke: Or I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: September 4, 2009 Length: 336 pages | 
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Summary: Nathan Quinn, a marine biologist, goes out on a routine day-trip expedition to survey whales in the area. When he photographs one of the whale's flukes, he notices that the words "BITE ME" are spelled out in huge letters on the mammal's tail-fin. His curiosity and investigations uncover one mystery after another as he seeks the answers considering the source of this peculiarity. Review: This book was absolutely nothing like I expected. The first third of the book was really similar to the kind of research I did with the whales last spring, which was really cool. The rest of the book rapidly took a turn into the weird and I don't even know what the hell was going on. It was a really fun book and despite everything, I did end up liking it a lot. (Except for the parts with the scuba diving because it kind of freaked me out. This is seriously the second book I've read in the past couple of weeks where people have diving accidents!) If you like marine animals or just really weird stories, I'd recommend it! | |
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177. Fool By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: September 7, 2009 Length: 311 pages |
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Summary: Christopher Moore reimagines Shakespeare's King Lear, focusing on the character of the Fool. Meet Lear's Fool, Pocket, and his less-than-masterful apprentice, Drool, as well as the king, his daughters, their husbands, and their associates in an unexpectedly illuminating and fun interpretation of a classic work. Review: This is definitely my favorite of Moore's books so far, I absolutely adored it. Fool is a (rough) retelling of Shakespeare's 'King Lear' told from the point of view of Pocket, the court jester (ie fool). I love medieval stories anyway but this one was also really funny, clever and made smashingly good use of modern British slang and was a real pleasure to read. Pocket was a wonderful character and I always love when things all fit into place at the end. It did have its sad moments -- King Lear is a tragedy, after all -- but definitely had much happier ending than the original. Other than the ending, it did stay pretty true to the original, though! I kind of want it to be made into a movie, it'd be brilliant. I'd highly recommend it. :] | |
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178. A Dirty Job By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: September 12, 2009 Length: 384 pages | 
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Summary: Charlie Asher, a "beta-male," leads a satisfying life as the owner and proprietor of a second-hand store in San Francisco. At the moment when his wife Rachel unexpectedly dies in the hospital shortly after the birth of their first child (Sophie), Charlie becomes involved in a new sideline of retrieving the souls of the dying, so as to protect them from the forces of the underworld. He only gradually realizes the ramifications of this business as various clues and complications unfold. Ultimately Charlie resolves to confront directly the forces of darkness. Review: I didn't like the ending much but otherwise, it was good! It got decidedly more predictable as the book went on -- who didn't see that end bit with Sophie coming, really? -- but still, the entire concept of death merchants and soul 'swaping' was really interesting. All in all, not as good as a couple of his other books, but still quite fun to read. I did really like that some of the characters overlap from Moore's other books! | |
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179. The Maltese Falcon By Dashiell Hammett Rating: Finished: September 12, 2009 Length: 256 pages |
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Summary: Spade's partner is murdered on a stakeout; the cops blame him for the killing; a beautiful redhead with a heartbreaking story appears and disappears; grotesque villains demand a payoff he can't provide; and everyone wants a fabulously valuable gold statuette of a falcon, created as tribute for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Who has it? And what will it take to get it back? Spade's solution is as complicated as the motives of the seekers assembled in his hotel room, but the truth can be a cold comfort indeed. Review: It was a pretty quick read and being a fairly engaging detective/mystery novel, I had a hard time putting it down! Sam Spade was an odd protagonist; he is crude, a bit of a bastard and rather shady but he does do the right thing at the end .. and regardess, I liked his moral ambiguity. It made him more interesting. It was fun trying to guess what was going on; I thought it was an entertaining book, very well written, and I am interested to watch the 1941 movie adaptation. | |
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180. Dune By Frank Herbert Rating: Finished: October 2, 2009 Length: 476 pages Series: 1 of 6 from the Dune series | 
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Summary: Set in the far future amidst a sprawling feudal interstellar empire where planetary fiefdoms are controlled by noble Houses that owe an allegiance to the Imperial House Corrino, Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides as he and his family accept control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the spice melange, the most important and valuable substance in the universe. Review: It was a lengthy read, but I did enjoy it. I liked the first half of the book (before the time-jump) much better than the second half, though. Also, I kind of didn't like Paul. He seemed like a great leader and all but he was kind of emotionless and ruthless and I felt like his character could've used some more compassion. He just wasn't very likable at all. I am very impressed by the world Herbert has thought up though, it's almost a bit like Lord of the Rings (only obviously not as extensive). It is a good book, though I still think Ender's Game is much better. | |
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181. Mean Lean Thirteen By Janet Evanovich Rating: Finished: September 12, 2009 Length: 486 pages Series: 13 of 15 from the Stephanie Plum series |
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Summary: Stephanie Plum is reunited yet again with her lawyer ex-husband, Dickie Orr, while doing a favour for Ranger. When Dickie is later discovered missing from his apartment under some rather violent circumstances, Stephanie becomes the prime suspect in his apparent murder. Review: I read these series back in 2006 so it's been like three years since I've visited these characters, but they came back pretty quickly. I honestly don't really remember what happened in any of the twelve previous books (which is ridiculously sad, actually), but it really doesn't matter in this series since the books are pretty stand-alone. This one was fun, I like that generally they're not too hard to predict, though the plot never fails to be totally ridiculous. I like them, though. :] Looking forward to reading #14! | |
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182. Star Trek (Movie Tie-In) By Alan Dean Foster Rating: Finished: October 17, 2009 Length: 288 pages | 
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Summary: In the far reaches of the galaxy, a machine of war bursts into existence in a place and time it was never meant to be. On a mission of retribution for the destruction of his planet, its half-mad captain seeks the death of every intelligent being, and the annihilation of every civilized world. Kirk and Spock, two completely different and unyielding personalities must find a way to lead the only crew aboard the only ship that can stop him. Review: So I didn't actually read this, so much as listen to it being read (by none other than Zachary Quinto!) but the audiobook is exactly like the book, so. :] The book is also exactly like the movie, with just a few more details added in, so listening to it was basically like listening to the movie. Even without the actors, though, it is a really fun story and I greatly enjoyed it. Not as good as the movie, obviously, as some aspects are clearly still more interesting seeing it visually, but I did quite enjoy the audiobook and the actual book itself would be a great read, too. | |
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183. Princes By Sonya Hartnett Rating: Finished: October 21, 2009 Length: 137 pages |
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Summary: In a dilapidated mansion overrun by rats, Indigo and Ravel Kesby have gone to war. Identical twins, their two selves have gradually entwined until they have become all but interchangeable: no one can tell them apart. But when one twin attempts to sever the ties to his brother, their insular world quickly disintegrates into madness, treachery, and violence. As the story sweeps toward a shocking and inexorable conclusion, identity becomes a malleable weapon that will ultimately differentiate brother from brother--and victor from victim. Review: This was just my kind of book: fantastic characters in a creepy, disturbing story. I don't want to give too much away because this is a book filled with weird tidbits and twists that are worth discovering on your own. There were many interesting points made about identity and attachment; I found it quite thought-provoking. Needless to say, I absolutely loved the twins and was fascinated by their obsessive and slightly sadistic relationship. I'm very fond of characters like Indigo and Ravel, who are extremely smart and extremely damaged. I quite liked Sonya Harnett's unique writing style, and, oddly, I appreciated how little was explained .. the book worked really well without spelling everything out. The very last paragraph is one I really loved, it's beautiful and bittersweet and a fantastic ending. I'd highly recommend this book if you like interesting character pieces and/or dark, gothic stories, it's a short read and definitely something I'd like to check out again! | |
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184. Practical Demonkeeping By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: October 28, 2009 Length: 248 pages | 
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Summary: Travis was born in 1900, yet he has not aged since 1916, because he accidentally called up a demon from hell named Catch as his servant, presumably forever. Ever since then, Travis has been trying to get rid of Catch, but is unable to do so because he has lost the repository of the necessary incantations. He traces their whereabouts to a fictional town called Pine Cove, along Big Sur coast, where he thinks the woman he gave them to may be residing. Interactions with the townspeople and with a djinn, who is pursuing Catch, create considerable complications. Review: This one was good, not my favorite but I liked it better than You Suck: A Love Story. I really like Catch, he's fun and I appreciated him in Lamb, too. I liked most of the characters, actually; not a huge fan of Rivera, who's shown up in several of his books now, but ah well. I thought the ending was good and overall, very entertaining! | |
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185. Fearless Fourteen By Janet Evanovich Rating: Finished: October 31, 2009 Length: 352 pages Series: 14 of 15 from the Stephanie Plum series |
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Summary: Our heroine, the irrepressible bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, finds herself watching over a goth teen called Zook, who is heavily into gaming, after his mom can’t make bail and disappears (or has been kidnapped). A lot of people think there is stolen money buried in or near Officer Morelli’s little house .. and the money is the reason behind Zook’s mom’s disappearance. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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186. Last Watch By Christopher Moore Rating: Finished: November 15, 2009 Length: 370 pages Series: 4 of 4 from the Night Watch series | 
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Summary: Anton Gorodetsky is just getting a feel for his new powers when his boss, Gesar, sends him to assist the Scottish Night Watch in Edinburgh in a murder investigation. A young Russian man has been murdered - apparently by a vampire. But the mystery is more than it seems and soon Anton is himself in danger. Before long, Anton realizes that a plot is being hatched by the forces of both darkness and light that, unless he can intervene, may mean nothing less than Armageddon. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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187. Night By Elie Wiesel Rating: Finished: November 25, 2009 Length: 109 pages |
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Summary: A non-fictional work by Elie Wiesel based on his experience as a young Orthodox Jew, of being sent with his family to the German concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald during the Second World War. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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188. Surrender By Sonya Hartnett Rating: Finished: December 4, 2009 Length: 248 pages | 
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Summary: As life slips away, Gabriel looks back over his brief twenty years, which have been clouded by frustration and humiliation. A small, unforgiving town and distant, punitive parents ensure that he is never allowed to forget the horrific mistake he made as a child. He has only two friends: his dog, Surrender, and the wild boy, Finnigan, a shadowy doppelganger with whom the meek Gabriel once made a boyhood pact. But when a series of arson attacks grips the town, Gabriel realizes how unpredictable and dangerous Finnigan is. As events begin to spiral out of control, it becomes devastatingly clear that only the most extreme measures will rid Gabriel of Finnigan for good. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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189. The Late Hector Kipling By David Thewlis Rating: Finished: December 5, 2009 Length: 339 pages |
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Summary: Hector Kipling is an artist. He has his health, loving parents, a beautiful girlfriend, good mates, and talent in abundance (or at least, more abundance than most, and certainly more than his friend Kirk, if not quite as much as their other friend, Lenny - although, actually, Hector would argue that while Lenny's received more recognition for his art, most of that recognition is misplaced). What more could he ask for (besides the same level of recognition that Lenny gets, that is)? But once Hector's life starts to unravel, it doesn't take long at all for it to fall completely and irreparably apart. In fact, as Hector discovers, it's amazing just how quickly a life can disintegrate. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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190. Sharp Objects By Gillian Flynn Rating: Finished: December 7, 2009 Length: 252 pages | 
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Summary: Camille Preaker, once institutionalized for youthful self-mutilation, now works for a third-rung Chicago newspaper. When a young girl is murdered and mutilated and another disappears in Camille's hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, her editor sends her there for a human-interest story. Though the police say they suspect a transient, Camille thinks the killer is local. Interviewing old acquaintances and newcomers, she relives her disturbed childhood, gradually uncovering family secrets as gruesome as the scars beneath her clothing. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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191. Thursday's Child By Sonya Hartnett Rating: Finished: December 8, 2009 Length: 261 pages |
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Summary: Through the long years of the Great Depression, young Harper Flute watches her family’s struggle to survive in a hot and impoverished land. As life on the surface grows harsher, her little brother Tin—"born on a Thursday and so fated to his wanderings"—escapes ever deeper into a subterranean world of darkness and troubling secrets, until his memory becomes a myth barely whispered around the countryside. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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192. What the Birds See By Sonya Hartnett Rating: Finished: December 9, 2009 Length: 196 pages | 
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Summary: The year is 1977, and Adrian is nine. He lives with his gran and his uncle Rory; his best friend is Clinton Tull. He loves to draw and he wants a dog; he’s afraid of quicksand, shopping centres and self-combustion. Adrian watches his suburban world, but there is much he cannot understand. He does not for instance, know why three neighbourhood children might set out to buy ice-cream and never come back home... Review: Coming Soon. | |
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193. Enchantress From the Stars By Sylvia Engdahl Rating: Finished: December 13, 2009 Length: 288 pages |
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Summary: Elana belongs to a peaceful, technologically advanced, space-faring civilization called the "Federation," which monitors worlds which are still maturing, allowing them to grow without any sort of contact or intervention. Elana stows away on a ship in order to accompany her father on a mission to a planet where intervention has been deemed necessary because a technologically advanced empire has invaded the planet in order to take advantage of its resources. In order to lead a young woodcutter against them, without exposing him to the truth about either alien civilization, Elana takes on the role of an enchantress. She gives him various tools, leading him to believe that they are magical. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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194. Birds, Beasts and Relatives By Gerard Durrell Rating: Finished: December 16, 2009 Length: 256 pages Series: 2 of 3 from the Corfu trilogy | 
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Summary: This book is a series of autobiographical anecdotes from the Durrell family's five year sojourn on the Greek island of Corfu between 1935 and 1939. Gerald was aged ten when his mother, sister and two brothers moved from England to Corfu. Review: Coming Soon. | |
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195. Fauna and Family By Gerald Durrell Rating: Finished: December 23, 2009 Length: 219 pages Series: 3 of 3 from the Corfu trilogy |
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Summary: This book is a series of autobiographical anecdotes from the Durrell family's five year sojourn on the Greek island of Corfu between 1935 and 1939. Gerald was aged ten when his mother, sister and two brothers moved from England to Corfu. Other characters from the prequels also reappear here, such as Spiro, Theodore Stephanides and Mr. Kralefsky. Humour is also brought in the form of several new and colourful characters, including Lumis Bean, Harry Bunny, Prince Jeejeebuoy, and Count Rossignol. Review: Coming Soon. | |