An unconventional, unsettling ghost story

Her Fearful Symmetry
Audrey Niffenegger

I've recently had the pleasure of reviewing Audrey Niffenegger's latest novel for Pajiba.

I adored The Time-Traveler's Wife, so I was eager to see what her latest effort was all about.

While it doesn't reach the heights of TTTW, Her Fearful Symmetry is both intriguing and unsettling. To read my full review, kindly click here.

In a nutshell: Compelling and moving, with a truly unforgettable ending. Everyone won't like it, but everyone will have an opinion about it.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars

FTCBS: I received a copy of Her Fearful Symmetry from the publisher.

No brain required

The Lost Symbol
Dan Brown

This month, I was happy to review The Lost Symbol for the wonderful Pajiba.com.

I had a lot of fun writing this review, and I think it shows. Among other things, I get to dissect Brown's "plundering prose" and paper-thin characterization. I'm not sure Brown intended to write a comedy, but The Lost Symbol had me cackling like a fiend.

Click here to read more and find out just what's so darn funny.

In a nutshell: Exactly what you'd expect, but fun enough that it doesn't really matter.

Bibliolatry Scale: 3 out of 6 stars

Why are vampires cheap dates?

The Strain
Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan

This month, I reviewed The Strain for the mighty Pajiba.

If you're worried The Strain is simply another vampire novel, you should at least know the authors had the good sense to make them angry and hungry, not kissy and concerned. To read the review in full, click here.

In a nutshell: It's a cheap thrill and a good time. I'm looking forward to the next installment due in 2010.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars


(The answer to the riddle in the title? Because they eat necks to nothing! Hardy har har.)

I was nothing until I hated

The Secret Speech
Tom Rob Smith

This month's review has been posted at Pajiba, and this time I was excited to read Tom Rob Smith's follow up to Child 44, which I read -- and adored -- last summer.

Thankfully, The Secret Speech is just as entertaining as its predecessor. You may read my thoughts by clicking here.

In a nutshell: Fast paced and overall awesome, even if murdered children aren't a feature this time around.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

A smarter review of the behemoth

Drood
Dan Simmons

Although I've already reviewed Drood here, I wrote another, more "legit" review for the awesome Pajiba. This new review is a little longer, better developed, and a little less "omg Dan Simmons Iloveyou."

If you'd like to read it, by all means, click here.

Take a ride with Lowboy

Lowboy
John Wray

I've recently read and reviewed Lowboy for the great Pajiba.

Lowboy follows a troubled teen as he roams New York City's underground. Click here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Lowboy is intriguing, fast-paced, and overall enjoyable.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars

We are all the same human beings with the same potential to be good

The Blonde on the Train
Eleanor Lerman

My latest review for Pajiba is up, and this time I had the pleasure of reviewing The Blonde on the Train, the latest collection of short fiction from award-winning poet Eleanor Lerman.

The Blonde on the Train is different from my usual reading fare, but Lerman's prose is relatable and enjoyable. You may read my full review here.

In a nutshell: An intriguing collection of stories, The Blonde on the Train reminds us that we're more alike than we are different.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars

As flies to wanton boys are we

Fool
Christopher Moore

The next title of my reading resolution is also my newest review for Pajiba.

This time, I've read Fool, the latest by Christopher Moore. Long-time readers of Bibliolatry may remember my first encounter with Moore, the excruciatingly painful Fluke. Ah, good times.

Anyway, the good news is that Fool is way better than Fluke. You can read my full review here.

In a nutshell: I didn't hate it, but I'm still not a fan. Sorry, dude.

Bibliolatry Scale: 3.5 out of 6 stars

The Dance of the Stick FTW!

Right Livelihoods: Three Novellas
Rick Moody

I've hit a wall recently, but, to quote Ms. Dion, my heart will go on. I can do this. My reading resolution will be fulfilled.

Thankfully, having a review for Pajiba was a nice kick in the ass. This month, I've reviewed Rick Moody's Right Livelihoods. This collection of three novellas was my introduction to this author, and, even though I wasn't wowed by Right Livelihoods, I plan on reading more Moody...after the completion of my resolution, of course.

To read my review, click here.

In a nutshell: Entertaining, but not entirely satisfying.

Bibliolatry Scale: 3.5 out of 6 stars

She had me at one-handed orphan

The Good Thief
Hannah Tinti

The Good Thief marks another reading resolution title -- I'm well on my way!!

The Good Thief also has the honor of being my latest review for the good people over at Pajiba. I've heard nothing but praise for this book, so naturally I was afraid it would suck. Fortunately, I was wrong. Click here to read my review.

If you're interested in reading more about Tinti, you may follow this link to an interview in which she discusses, among other things, Junot Diaz. Click here to visit One Story, of which Tinti is the Editor-in-Chief.

In a nutshell: Fun, thought-provoking, and a romping good time.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

the gentle rain from heaven

A Mercy
Toni Morrison

My latest review has just been posted at Pajiba, and this time I've tackled A Mercy, the latest novel by Toni Morrison, which many are calling a precursor of sorts to Beloved.

A Mercy is far from an easy read, and it's not the most cheerful of works, either. In fact, if it weren't for the final chapter, my opinion would probably be a lot more negative.

To read my complete review, simply click here.

In a nutshell: Far from uplifting, but definitely haunting; A Mercy will stick with you long after you've finished.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

Long Live the King

Just After Sunset: Stories
Stephen King

My latest review for Pajiba has arrived. This time I enjoyed Just After Sunset, the latest collection of short stories by Stephen King.

I wasn't blown away by every single story in this collection, but I found the majority to be well-written, compelling pieces that solidifed my admiration for this master storyteller.

You can read the rest of my thoughts on the collection here.

In a nutshell: I'm still haunted by more than a few disturbing images from this collection. Well played, Mr. King.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

Disappointing Death

Death with Interruptions
Jose Saramago

My latest review for Pajiba has appeared, and this time I reviewed the latest novel by Jose Saramago, whose Blindness so enthralled me a few years back. Unfortunately, my experience was not repeated this time around.

Click here to see why.

In a nutshell: Ho hum.

Bibliolatry Scale: 3 out of 6 stars

The best is yet to be?

The Development
John Barth

My latest review has appeared over at Pajiba, and I thought some of you might just be interested enough (or bored enough, here on a Friday) to head over and read it.

This time I read John Barth's new collection of short stories, The Development. You may click here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Quick, entertaining, and, oddly enough, moving -- even though thoughts of dry, elderly poon did make me feel a little icky inside.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4.5 out of 6

Almondine, I love you

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
David Wroblewski

My latest review for Pajiba has appeared, and this time I read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Oprah's latest book club pick. I heeded her advice and deliberately ignored the book jacket; as a result, it wasn't long before I found myself in awe of the story that followed.

You may click here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Not perfect, but close enough for me.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

Mama's madness, miscarriage make misfortune

Tomato Girl
Jayne Pupek

My latest review for the mighty Pajiba had me tackling Jayne Pupek's Tomato Girl. This novel provides a disturbing look at one girl's introduction to womanhood -- an introduction that comes all too soon, precipitated by the madness around her.

Kindly click here to read my thoughts on this compelling novel. After the review, stop by Jayne Pupek's blog, which I just found while snatching a jpeg of Tomato Girl's cover.

In a nutshell: Disturbing, engrossing, and fast-paced, Tomato Girl is the perfect complement for the fall season.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars

A nothingness-grabbing greed machine

The Power of Flies
Lydie Salvayre

My latest review for Pajiba has appeared, and this time I tackled French author Lydie Salvayre's Power of Flies. Click here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Flies appears to be a fast, easy read, but beware: it may be quick-going, but be prepared for dark and philosophical fare.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars

Who can think of titles at a time like this?

In the Woods
Tana French

I'm alive, but blogging isn't high on my list of things to do right now.

I return to work on Monday. My misery knows no bounds.

As a result, I'm trying to avoid anything that even remotely resembles work, including blogging. Still doing lots of reading, though, so those posts will appear...at some point.

In the meantime, you can read my latest review for Pajiba. This week I reviewed Tana French's In the Woods, a moody murder mystery that, although flawed, still proved enjoyable.

Click here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Not perfect, but it'll do.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4 out of 6 stars

Don't just lie there

Soon I Will be Invincible
Austin Grossman

This week's review for Pajiba is for Austin Grossman's Soon I Will Be Invincible, a parody of the superhero genre that is a perfect summer read. That's not to say the novel itself is perfect, but I had so much fun reading this one that I was able to overlook its imperfections.

Just follow this little linky guy to read my review.

In a nutshell: Not perfect by any means, but enjoyable enough to make up for its flaws. Great fun.

Bibliolatry Scale: 4.5 out of 6 stars

Mouth Open Already a Mistake

The Other
David Guterson

Another week, another Pajiba. This time I've reviewed The Other, the underwhelming latest by David Guterson. Perhaps he would have benefitted more had he written "Pen Out Already a Mistake."

Sorry. It's a bit early.

Go here to read my review.

In a nutshell: Yawn.

Bibliolatry Scale: 2 out of 6 stars