A Trip Down Memory Lane Part 2

So one post was clearly not enough to talk about all the books that have left an impact on me. I'm sure that 100 posts would not be enough but I think I'll cap it at 2 for now and just stick with some of the most important books. I've already talked about some of the classics that have changed the way I read or stayed with me so I figured that in part 2 I'll go a little more modern.

A couple years ago I came across a non-fiction book call 'The Kennedy Detail: JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence.' Being fascinated by history I picked it up and simply devoured it. It was heart breaking and terrifying and in many ways beautiful. I think the reason it stuck with me so much was because of the love that these agents felt for the Kennedy family and the feeling of guilt that they felt after Kennedy was shot. The thing that was truly amazing was the fact that when Kennedy first took office none of the agents were happy about their new assignment. As time went on and the agents got to know their protectees their duty became a joy. Reading this account of the months and days leading up to the assassination was moving and it really affected me. If you can stand non-fiction I highly recommend this unique view on the Kennedy assassination.

Now I know that the next book I'm going to talk about is probably on everyone's list but I just can't forgive myself if I don't mention it. 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' by JK Rowling. Now to be clear this isn't my favorite Harry Potter book but it is the one that started the obsession. To be honest I don't remember how I came upon Harry and his world of magic. I'm sure I started reading it because everyone was reading it and it was fresh and just becoming super popular. I do remember falling instantly in love with it and that was that. I read through all the ones available, which at the time were the first three I believe, and eagerly awaiting the next installment. I rarely, rarely buy hardcover books but when the fourth Harry Potter came out I made my dad buy it for me. It was the only book I was allowed that month but I was perfectly content with that. Because of reading that very first book I discovered a world that I love and a series that I can't get enough of. And so 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' makes the list of books that have had a huge impact on me. Because it was my entry into the incredible world that has since become an obsession.

I never used to like fantasy books, I guess I felt that they just weren't my cup of tea. I absolutely refused to read anything fantasy until one day I accidentally picked up a book that changed my mind totally. The book was 'The Summer Tree' by Guy Gavriel Kay and it changed my mind about fantasy for good. I remember the day I finished it, I had just come home from school and was sitting in my favorite reading chair and as soon as I finished I called my mom who was out running errands and asked her to go to a used bookstore and pick up the next two in the trilogy. As I have mentioned before this is now my favorite trilogy, one that I have read over and over again and in fact just finished a reread a few weeks ago. I know I don't know much about fantasy and I have been told that this is 'average' fantasy but I found 'The Summer Tree' to be well written, thought out and all around really, really good! In truth the whole trilogy has stuck with me in a very important way and whenever I have a hard time or need to remember why I love reading I go back to the wonderful work of Guy Gavriel Kay. He opened my eyes to a whole new genre that I now really enjoy. And it's all thanks to that first accidental encounter with a book called 'The Summer Tree.'

Well friends I hope you enjoyed this special two part post about some of my important books. Short posts for sure but important and fun ones I hope. They were certainly fun for me to write. More posts to come soon. Next? A review of a new Jodi Picoult! Keep your eyes peeled for it! =D



 

A Trip Down Memory Lane

It's been a long while I know. It's been a rough few months and a lot has been happening so it's been tough to sit down and write. But here I am now, ready and willing to entertain the masses with my often brilliant and occasionally witty reviews. I had planned on writing of the new Jodi Picoult book due out in October. But I changed my mind. I'm going to leave that for next time and instead tonight I am going to write about books that not only touched me as a person but helped to shape me as a reader. As some of you know there is a post going around Facebook where you tag ten people and ask them to make a list of 10 books that stuck with them. Although I knew almost right away what I wanted my 10 books to be, I realized (as I scrolled through my read list on Goodreads) that there were just so many more than 10 that have stuck with me in one way or another. Realizing this I was inspired to write a post about some of these incredible books.

First and foremost I have to mention a couple of the ones I posted on Facebook, 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott and 'Gone With the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. I honestly don't remember when or where 'Little Women' came into my life but I do have a very clear memory of reading the book. I have this vivid memory of coming home from school one day hopping on my bed, shoes and all, and reading straight through until dinner. I think this was the very first book that I got truly lost in. A simple book I know but one that showed me for the first time what it was to get so swept up that I lose track of time. For this reason 'Little Women' has become one of my favorite books. One that I have gone back to time and again and each time I get lost and with that the memory of getting lost for the first time returns. 

When it comes to 'Gone with the Wind' I have a very clear memory of the first time I read it. I was at a friend's house and we had been playing inside all day and were getting restless. I guess we started getting a little rowdy and loud and her mom told us that we had to do a quiet activity for a half hour. Our options were reading or cleaning. Being more partial to books than household chores I went over to the bookshelf, and thinking a little highly of my reading skills, I picks up their mass market version of 'Gone with the Wind.' In that scant half hour of reading time my whole reading self was turned upside down. I fell in love with Ms. Mitchell's words, her characters the story. It was a big project to get trough it but once I did I realized how wonderful reading a classic could be. Before diving into her world I had been nervous about reading classic literature. What if I didn't like one of the 'great' novels? I feared that people would look at me and think 'oh she isn't a real reader.' But once I made my way through 'Gone with the Wind' I discovered just how great a classic could be and I was hooked. Today some of my all time favorite novels and authors are the classics. All thanks to Margaret Mitchell and her brilliant novel 'Gone with the Wind.'

A book that was not on my Facebook list but had a huge impact on me was 'The Green Mile' by Stephen King. Now growing up I knew who Stephen King was, I had seen 'The Stand' and 'Carrie.' I heard people say that Stephen King was the 'master of horror' but I never had any inclination to go out and read his work. Until that is I saw the film 'The Green Mile' and I discovered that it was based on a book by Stephen King. When I realized that a story of such depth and emotion came from the 'master of horror' flabbergasted me to such an extent that I went right out and bought a copy of the book. And I fell instantly in love. His writing threw me for a loop, and his story telling was out of this world. I became obsessed and decided that I had to devour a much of Stephen King's novels as I possibly could. I now follow him on Twitter, Facebook, I keep track of all the release dates of his novels and I currently have two waiting for me on my nook. He's become one of my top read authors and it was all thanks to that very first read of 'The Green Mile.' 

Another Facebook mention was 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen. I love Austen, I have since the very first time I read 'Sense & Sensibility.' All her novels are beautiful and I have read them at least two times each. But there is something about 'Persuasion' that ha just stayed with in ways that the others haven't. It's a story about a true underdog. Anne Elliot is her family's punching bag in many ways. She was once in love but because her family convinced her that he just wasn't good enough for her she turned down his proposal. Many years later when she has been swindled into coming and taking care of her neurotic sister and her family she runs into the man of her dreams once more. The story from there is all about finding worth within oneself, and learning to maybe do things for yourself rather than everyone else. Imagine a woman in Austen's time writing about that? I just find 'Persuasion' to be inspiring, well written and totally engaging. To this day it is my favorite Austen without a doubt. 

Well friends that is the end of part one for tonight. Part two coming soon with a few more books that have stuck with me in one way or another. In the meantime what are some books that have stuck with you? Feel free to leave them in the comment section! And be on the lookout for part 2!    

Jodi Picoult Really is as Awesome as I Thought She Was

Sometimes in our lives as readers we come across an author, a book or a series that completely blows us away. We don't know why and we can rarely explain to others but something about that person, book or series takes hold of us and just won't let go. As an avid reader I have found myself blown away by all of the above. A favorite series has come out of my reader, The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay has become a trilogy that I have read at least four times now, 'Gone With the Wind,' by Margaret Mitchell has become my favorite book and Jodi Picoult has become without a doubt my favorite author. Saying that one has a favorite author, book or series does not diminish the love that one feels for well loved books, authors and series. For me what it means when I say Jodi Picoult is my favorite author doesn't mean I don't love J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, or J.R. Ward. It means for me that no matter what she writes or when it comes out I will read it. I own all her books, some even in hardcover (and I never buy full priced hardcovers), and I always, always know when she has a new one coming out. I never thought that I would get to see her in person for some reason I just figured something that cool, for me the ultimate celebrity sighting, would just never happen. And then there was BookCon. 

At first when I heard about it I was all 'that seems pretty cool, like BEA only less expensive. Neat.' I thought about going but not really all that seriously until I found out that Jodi Picoult was going to be there. As soon as I knew that she would be there I went to my dear friend Sidney McEntyre and said 'ok let's do it for sure. We now have to go to BookCon! Thank you so much for finding it!!' And so we went, with big dreams about meeting Jodi Picoult, Sidney wanted to get he Lemony Snicket book signed by the man himself (also appearing at BookCon), and getting lots of free ARCs. For the most part we were disappointed, first of all we were only allowed to wander a third of the showroom floor. BookCon people were not allowed to go over to the BEA side which meant that there would be no free ARCs. When we got there the first thing we did was grab a program to see when Jodi Picolt was, when Lemony Snicket was and what other panels or discussions we wanted to go to. What we discovered was that besides the two we really wanted to go to there were a few others we thought about going to. One included a discussion between Deborah Harkness, author of 'A Discovery of Witches' and 'Shadow of Night,' and Lev Grossman, author of 'The Magicians.' We talked about it and thought that could be a fun panel to sit in on because I really like Deborah Harkness and Sidney really likes Lev Grossman. There were a couple of other panels we were thinking about but we noticed that most of the panels we wanted to see were all at the same times. What a decision making process that was. For me no matter what else happened I had to see Jodi Picoult, I told Sidney that and being the awesome friend she is we made that our priority and went from there. 

We got to the room for the panel early, not early enough apparently because there was already a line formed. Anyway we got in and got good seats in the second row. And then we played the waiting game, we waited not only on Ms. Picoult but on her fellow panelists Kathy Reichs, author of the Temperence Brennan series, and debut fiction author Ruth Reichl. Right in front of us sat a young woman and a couple of her friends and they were talking to an older gentleman who turned out to be the moderator. This young woman was talking about how much she loved Jodi Picoult and her writing. When Ms. Picoult walked in the moderator introduced the young woman to her as her biggest fan and they ended up taking a picture together. Damn those extroverts!! A true book nerd, in the deepest sense of the term, I have very little in the way of social skills. And so I was left to sit and stare and dream that one day that too could be me. Anyway when the discussion started I was too swept up in the discussion to really think about missed opportunities. I was impressed with all the panelists, especially Ms. Picoult obviously, but they all had good insights into what makes a writer and hearing about their writing and research processes was inspiring. They were funny and utterly intelligent and watching them speak was a totally surreal experience. I had to keep looking over at Sidney to make sure it was all real. I was a little nervous before going into the panel because authors can sometimes be a little strange in person but Jodi Picoult was eloquent and funny, spoke up for women writers but didn't vomit a bunch of 'women rule, men suck' crap. It was a really beautiful thing to watch. 

After the discussion was over there was a rush of people going up to get autographs. I went up to Ms. Picoult's assistant (I think that was who she was) and told her how important Ms. Picoult's work was to me and how she was my favorite author and was there any chance I could get a picture with her. Unfortunately she had to be rushed out of the space as soon as possible so I was unable to get a picture with her but I did get her autograph. And I got to tell her that I loved her work and that she was my favorite author. So at least I got to meet her and wonderful Sidney reminded me that Jodi Picoult would be back in New York at some point. So I gave myself a stern talking to and we went in search of our next adventure. After careful consideration we decided to go the panel involving Lemony Snicket, James Patterson, Rick Riordan (was more excited for him than I should have been), Rachel Renee Russell and moderated by Jeff Kinney. Because of the popularity of the event we decided to get in line really early so we were guaranteed a seat. And boy was it a good idea. Because the giant hall was packed with young kids in Camp Halfblood (from the Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan) t-shirts all clambering to get close enough to see all their favorite authors up close. Despite the long wait it was so the right choice. Again this panel was full of well spoken, amusing interesting authors. I'm not a huge fan of James Patterson (although he was more entertaining than I thought he would be) but all in all in was a hilarious event. I have to say though that Lemony Snicket was by far the best. He is just such a personality. There really is no other way to phrase it. He is intelligent and darkly hilarious and I liked him so much that I started hoping I could just be friends with him. Sidney and I just couldn't stop laughing the whole time and all we could talk about was how awesome he was. Again he had to be rushed out and the line for an autograph was already too long for us to have a chance to meet him so Sidney wasn't able to get her autograph. 

Overall BookCon was more of a disappointment than I would have hoped. But I did get to meet my literary idol and see an incredible panel of children's authors speaking about how they write and why they write. And spending time with Ms. Sidney McEntyre is never a bad day. Meeting Jodi Picoult was huge for me. She is as awesome and poised and all around cool as I thought she would be. I can't wait to read her newest book that is coming out in October called 'Leaving Time.' In fact I am trying to use my connections at the bookstore to get an ARC. What can I say I got all excited about it hearing her talk. I know that I haven't reviewed many of her books here but Jodi Picoult's work is very important to me. So much so that I'm not even sure if I can describe it. But I feel like I want to try because this blog is all about sharing the books I love with all of you. For now, know this, Jodi Picoult is my favorite author, her books are all special to me even the ones that I don't love as much as others, and I will read everything she writes. And find a way to see her whenever she gives a talk, does a signing, or is appearing anywhere. I hope that you all have an author like Ms. Picoult in your reading lives because I know that having her books in my life, turned me into not only a total book nerd (reading her books pushed me over the edge into real nerdom) but into a totally eclectic reader as well. She writes about very different subjects and so she inspired me to want to learn more about many things. Basically she is really and truly awesome and I think that you all should go out and get all her books. Just because.    

The Black Dagger Brotherhood-by J.R. Ward

Ok reading fans let's just cut to the chase, we all have our guilty pleasures when it comes to books. Whether it's secretly hoarding the entire Twilight series or reading the Outlander books while maintaining that you only ever read 'real' literature. And no matter what it is, it's all ok mainly because it still involves reading and loving books. My guilty pleasure is The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward, which happens to be a paranormal romance series. And yes I did indeed say paranormal and romance in the same sentence. It is a series that involves vampires (the good guys), their mortal enemies the lessers (the undead bad guys), The Scribe Virgin (the goddess that made the vampires (that's right maternal society)) and The Omega (the creator of the lessers). 

How did I even come across this series, you might ask? Well it starts with the fact that I work at a bookstore and when I worked on the book floor I saw a lot of the new books that came in. One of these was the (at the time) latest installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series 'Lover at Last' and for some reason I became super curious about the series. So, feeling utterly foolish, I bought the first book in the, 'Dark Lover,' on my nook and after that I became obsessed. I instantly fell in love with the characters, the story line, the writing. I realized that it was so much more than just a silly romance, yes, yes there is romance and sex and all that in there but it's all so much more exciting than just that. 

I know, I know you are all thinking 'eww vampires? Really? It's like 'Twilight' or some other really stupid angsty teen vampire novel isn't it?' And the answer is no, it is nothing like that at all. These vampires are warriors that protect their race from being murdered by the lessers. They are fully grown males that start out as big meat head types that focus only on their war and yet when they find the female that they belong to they become bonded and the most important thing in the world becomes their females. It's a beautiful thing to see these giant warrior men bowing down to the smallest whims of their females. 

There is fighting, suspense, adventure, ghosts, medical emergencies, and pretty much non-stop excitement. Each book focuses on a different Brother and the journey they take to finding their mate. So each new book is an exciting new story to grab onto while still focusing on the overall goodness of the whole story line. Not only are the story lines intriguing and engrossing but the writing is amazing. J.R. Ward is a really great writer, she has a way of blending suspense, romance, tragedy and bliss that I have not really seen before. I think that the reason I enjoy these books so much is that they are simple or as easy as 'a man meets a woman, there is lust, followed by sex, followed by a big fight followed by a happy ending.' At least that's how I see it, it's not just stupid vampires or lame formulaic romance (yes of course some of the formula is in there I'm not denying it is) but it's detailed and intricate and in many ways beautiful. I guess I enjoy the fact that not only are the vampires a matriarchal society their creator and deity is The Scribe Virgin, but they take that love for the female into their love lives. Their mates become their world, they can't exist without their females and they treat them like the goddesses they are. 

This is a series that I usually would pretend I don't read, I would hide the truth and bury it as deeply as possible. In short this would be my guilty pleasure perfectly hidden and tucked away. But after reading the most recent installment, 'The King,' I realized that I love the series enough and feel that it is good enough that I am going to be open and proud about this little guilty pleasure of mine. Although I didn't love 'The King' as much as the others I still feel that the entire series is worth it. There is something addictive about the series, something that makes me want to go back again and again to visit the Brother's mansion and bite my nails about whether or not Wrath will take the throne or Vishous will survive his visions. 

I know that not everyone will want to pick up a series such as this one. And so I am not going to recommend it, instead let me say this. Guilty pleasures are good to have because they can introduce us to a world that we fall instantly in love with and can't seem to get enough of. There are even times when our guilty pleasure turns into something that becomes a favorite thing, a great pleasure that we are willing to share with the world. I guess my point is this, never shy away from something, especially when it comes to books, just because it looks strange or is labeled something that you normally bypass. Again in short don't judge a book by its cover because it is what is in between the covers that moves you to laughter or tears, transports you to Westeros or teaches you the best summoning spell at Hogwarts. So what's your guilty pleasure?  

A Change is Upon Us

To My Faithful Readers,

   The time has come once more to switch things up. I have come to realize, and I am sure that you have noticed as well, that I don't stick to the simple read and review formula. I change things around, do interviews (when I can get them), comparisons, discussions etc. I find that I rather enjoy writing this way. With more creativity and spontaneity than just 'this is the title of the book, here is what happened and this is what I thought about A, B, and C.' And so with the start of a new season, spring/summer (in New York they seem to flow into one another) has finally begun, I am embracing this wacky way of updating. 

    Now fret not dear ones for there will of course be times that I revert back to the old formula standby. I am not knocking this method of blogging or updating. In fact I quite enjoy it most of the time, but I find that if I try to force myself to stick to that and only that I lose the passion for reviewing that I started with. That passion is not something I am willing to give up and so I am trying to find new ways of expressing it. I hope that since you have stayed with me for so long already that you too will be excited with the 'new' way of doing things. 

    Here is what I am hoping will be the new Girl in the Tiny Hat, I want to bring a little more me into the mix. I love reading people's personal accounts of how they came across a favorite book or an incredible story of a person's journey reading everything a favorite author has ever written. I hope to share these kind of stories about myself with all of you. I want to be able to share when I've gone to an author reading or a big book event in detail and without feeling like I am taking away from the reviewing process. There will still be book reviews for sure, that will never stop, but I want to focus more on the discussion aspect of the review process. Remember my review/discussion of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's?' If not click here. That is the type of comparison/discussion that I am going for.

     This is something that I have been thinking about for quite awhile but haven't yet put into motion. I plan on starting this in the next post. I guess though that this may even be considered the first post of the new Girl in the Tiny Hat. I believe that change can be a good thing most of the time and I hope that you all feel that way too. Because the more I think about it the more I realize that reading and reviewing, for me anyway, is less about the A, B, C's of the book and more about the feeling I get when I finally open that one book I've been looking forward to for months or finish a book that I came across in some unusual way. Isn't that more exciting and fulfilling than just reading what the book is about and if I liked it? 

     Anyway this is what I have planned for the new me. I hope that you all keep coming back to see what new thing or adventure I have to talk about. I think that this is going to be a super exciting new direction that I am taking and I look forward to hearing from all of you on it as well. I want to take this time to thank all of you for being readers, for coming to support me and for just generally being all of you. Maybe I haven't yet met you all or heard from all of you yet but just knowing you are out there being supportive of a book nerd such as myself is amazing. You are the reason I get on here and review book after book, and why I finally pick up that one book that I have been promising myself I have to read. So thank you for everything, and I look forward to this next journey we are taking together.

                 Happy Reading All,

                  The Girl in the Tiny Hat

 

'The Value of a Woman'-by Victoria Kante

Book Title: The Value of a Woman
Author: Victoria Kante
Version: Paperback
ISBN: 9781497346956
Publication Date: March 14, 2014
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Fiction

Victoria Kante has a true gift for storytelling. This was made perfectly clear in her wonderful first novel 'Loving Marcus' which I reviewed here . With her second novel Ms. Kante has brought something totally different and more visceral to the table. I had the incredible honor of editing one of the first drafts and with discussion and encouragement I feel that Ms. Kante was able to really let herself be herself. She took her storytelling talent and her love of writing and really allowed herself to write the way I always knew she could.

The novel tells the story of Amitola a young Native American woman living in Las Vegas and working as a prostitute. She walks the streets in order to make enough money to help care for her son who is currently lives with her Aunt Miriam. Told through the eyes of both Amitola, or Amy, and Miriam the story follows Amy's journey into dark places and her struggle to make a life for herself and her son. Amy finds herself in impossible situations that at times scare her and at others excite her. She is pushed and challenged, beat down and brought back up and ultimately discovers that in order to find true happiness she must first look within. The novel has all the parts that one looks for in a great read. A good story, it's well written and has incredible characters.

Victoria Kante has a talent, a truly beautiful talent, for taking dark subject matter and turning it into beautifully poetic stories. With 'The Value of a Woman' Ms. Kante has done it once again. It may begin as a story about a prostitute but it turns into a journey of self discovery. From the draft I helped edit to the final product so much changed that it was almost like reading a new book. And it was a beautiful change because she allowed herself to run free with her imagery and her descriptions. I loved seeing the transformation and I look forward to seeing what she will allow herself to do with the next book. I have true faith that Ms. Kante is only going to better with each new book and I look forward to seeing her talent grow.

All in all the book was a good read and full of some wonderful messages. There are parts that took me back and made me tear up but for every tear shed there was a smile that took its place. I really enjoyed following Amy's journey from the streets, to her tribe's reservation, to a whole new life for her and her son. It was a journey that had it's moments steeped in darkness but also had moments of breath-taking beauty.

I saw from the first pages of 'Loving Marcus' that Ms. Kante was a great storyteller, and I knew that she had it in her to be an equally great writer. With 'The Value of a Woman' I saw her writing talent really begin to come forth. By allowing herself to write for herself Ms. Kante has finally started tapping into her true talents. It's a beautiful thing to witness and something that no one should miss out on. This is a great book that I highly recommend to all my readers. Don't miss out on this wonderful read, and not just because I say so, but because it's a beautiful story, a well written novel and full of characters that touch the heart and soul. 'The Value of a Woman' by Victoria Kante is a journey well worth taking.

'Jack of Spies'-by David Downing

Book Title: Jack of Spies
Author: David Downing
Version: ARC
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
Publisher: SoHo Crime
Genre: Mystery/Thriller


SYNOPSIS: It is 1913 and the world seems to be on the brink of war. Jack McColl is a Scottish car salesmen, traveling the world to help his company sell cars, picking up a new language here and there and doing some light spying for England on the side. Jack finds that though he is worried about the state of the world he rather enjoys his side business of spying to be rather enjoyable. Going from place to place, using his language skills, and at times being able to do a little bit of undercover work.

However as the world begins to slide further and further into a war zone things begin getting more complicated and dangerous for Jack. Especially when he meets a woman that puts into question everything that he has been working towards. When he is attacked in China Jack realizes that his casual side job ha taken a serious turn. When he gets to the states and starts spending more time with this utterly engaging woman he realizes that ever so slowly he is falling in love with her. Things get even more complicated when it turns out her family might be involved with the very people that Jack is trying to stop.

As things begin to escalate and all around the world more and more signs of war Jack McColl has quite a few big decisions to make. Does he want to quit life as a salesman and become a full time spy? Is he willing to leave the life he knows for one of danger and uncertainty? How far will he go to protect his country, is he willing to give up the woman he loves to do his duty?

REVIEW: I usually enjoy a good spy novel, I find it exciting to see what happens next, spend time guessing who the bad guy really is and will he or she get away with it? I like the mystery of it and the twists and turns. I think that, that is why one of my managers gave the ARC of 'Jack of Spies' to me. He and I were hoping that I would enjoy the characters and the mystery and the excitement of it all. This however was not the case with this book unfortunately.

I felt that it was a little long winded for a spy novel. The story was ok, nothing really all that exciting or new. There wasn't all that much spying or rather novel worthy spying. It just all felt so very boring. I didn't really care what happened next or how it would end. I also felt that it was a little too stretched out and unfocused. It was kind of a disappointment story wise.

Actually all around the book was a disappointment there was very little I liked about it. It was ok, and that is about it I really didn't find anything extraordinary about it. It was cookie cutter boring and not really filled with all that much mystery or thrill. I was rushing to finish it just to finish it. I have nothing much more to say about the book because it was just so very blah. I don't tip my tiny hat at all for this one, looking back at it I just didn't like it.