Some books I read lately
November 27th 2007 10:28
Whilst I enjoyed my extended holiday from Orble I read a few more books. I might review these properly at another point in time, but for the moment here are three of them in brief...
Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarattano
This is a debut crime novel from an Australian criminal psychologist. And it was really freaking good. Basically, it follows one Sydney police officer's investigation of a diabolical paedophile ring and the murders that are bringing it to light. Of course, she also has a personal stake in the case, which only serves to up the tension somewhat. A really well-informed and well-constructed first book, full of local colour and some damn creepy characters!
The Earthsea Quintet by Ursula Le Guin
Le Guin's five books about the fantasy world of Earthsea are a deadset classic. Perhaps every bit as influential to modern fantasy fiction as Tolkein (you can see Le Guin's influence particularly in the various trilogies of Robin Hobb), Le Guin's Earthsea is a wonderfully described and original vision. Not only does she entertain with broad strokes of adventure and world-building, but she also manages to intelligently explore issues of a more high-brow nature (a far cry from the usual sword and sorcery-style fare that characterises a lot of fantasy books).
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Depression-era America has never seemed such a grim and bittersweet place. Steinbeck's short tale of two drifters - one small and clever, the other large and mentally retarded - and their struggle to chase their dreams will moisten even the most tearless of eyes. A highly memorable story from a master storyteller.
Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarattano
This is a debut crime novel from an Australian criminal psychologist. And it was really freaking good. Basically, it follows one Sydney police officer's investigation of a diabolical paedophile ring and the murders that are bringing it to light. Of course, she also has a personal stake in the case, which only serves to up the tension somewhat. A really well-informed and well-constructed first book, full of local colour and some damn creepy characters!
The Earthsea Quintet by Ursula Le Guin
Le Guin's five books about the fantasy world of Earthsea are a deadset classic. Perhaps every bit as influential to modern fantasy fiction as Tolkein (you can see Le Guin's influence particularly in the various trilogies of Robin Hobb), Le Guin's Earthsea is a wonderfully described and original vision. Not only does she entertain with broad strokes of adventure and world-building, but she also manages to intelligently explore issues of a more high-brow nature (a far cry from the usual sword and sorcery-style fare that characterises a lot of fantasy books).
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Depression-era America has never seemed such a grim and bittersweet place. Steinbeck's short tale of two drifters - one small and clever, the other large and mentally retarded - and their struggle to chase their dreams will moisten even the most tearless of eyes. A highly memorable story from a master storyteller.
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Cibbuano
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The Earthsea books are good, too. I read them when I was young, so I don't think I appreciated the complexity in the books. Maybe I'll have to revisit it..
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Comment by Patricia 7
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Have you read 'East of Eden" by Steinbeck? It's probably one of my favorite books ever. I love the way he writes.
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Comment by Pat 1
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I have a heart of stone.
edit: I am talking about 'of mice and men' and forgot to say so because I'm an idiot!
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