Author: Niccolo Ammaniti

Genre: Drama/Foreign

Julia Rating: 9

Comments: I’ve never read Niccolo Ammaniti before this book, so it was great to discover another excellent writer. Niccolo writes in a child-like voice and from the point of view of a child, but this book is not something I would allow a child to read. The main character, Michele, tells the story from his point of view. It is a story of intrigue, mystery and drama.

The story is about a boy – Michele – who discovers a body in a ravine behind the house owned by Melichetti. Melichetti is known for keeping homicidal pigs. Michele must answer the questions – is the body he found alive or dead? How did it come to be there? Why? Is his father involved?

The writing is beautiful but there is a twist ending that I am not overly fond of. I don’t get very excited when people leave a story without bringing it somewhat to a close. At the same time, however, the whole book is written like a peek into another’s life – a life that has yet to be completed, so I can’t complain too much.

All in all it is a beautiful book set in one of my favorite countries – Italy. I’m not sure what kind of person would like this book – my friend who lent it to me said she “thought I’d like it because it was weird”. She was right, it was weird and I did like it.

Author: Gerald Hansen

Genre: Drama

Julia Rating: 9

Comments: This is not the kind of book I normally read, but Mr. Hansen was nice enough to send it to me and asked that I review it.

An Embarrassment of Riches is a look into the underside of Ireland – the side you don’t see when you go there on some expensive (or even inexpensive) vacation. The culture this book reveals is incredibly expressive – an intense environment with deep-seated prejudices that we usually cover up in America as not being “PC”.

The book is about a family that was torn apart years ago, and continues to undergo this process even as the family members try to put pieces back together. There is violence, intrigue and suspense in this novel, as well as love, compassion and acceptance.

The author has fused much Irish slang into his work, while still managing to make it readable. The reason I give it a nine, though, is because I know people who would get lost in the fusion of the two languages (these are the kind of people who don’t like Agatha Christie and don’t like to watch any of the British films I rent… so if you’re that kind of person, you probably won’t like this book).

- An Embarrassment of Riches by Gerald Hansen - I’m almost done with this one.  Gerald asked me to review it and he was also nice enough to send me a copy of the book.  So far I would say I quite like it.  It’s not the kind of book I normally read as it’s not Sci Fi/Fantasy or Mystery, but my love for Irish culture and my childhood Gaelic classes came in handy (don’t ask me why I took Irish Gaelic at school).

- Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham - I stole this from my boyfriend during our move.  I love it so far and he accuses me of loving it only because the society is run by women.  Not so!  I swear!  That’s not the only reason I love it (lol).

- The Merlot Murders by Ellen Crosby - I bought this as an audio book, so I can listen to it in the car.  So far I love Ellen Crosby’s amazing imagery.  It makes me want to go out to Napa (California wine country) and sample wine all day.

- 2008 Writer’s Market Deluxe Edition - I think it’s pretty obvious why I bought this one.

- Problogger by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett - This is an excellent reference guide.  I follow the Problogger blog and the book gives a very complete insight along with great tools.

- Needful Things by Stephen King - I lost this in the move.  I’m sure it’s somewhere, but I’m in the middle of it.  Maybe I lost it intentionally because I’m not that enamored with it.  It’s extremely, painfully slow.

In Line:

- I’m Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti - A friend of mine said this book was weird so I would like it.  I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean – but I intend to find out.

- Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay - This is my next audio adventure!  Yay!