All posts by Superfast Reader

City of Veils by ZoÃ« Ferraris

American Literature August 2, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: A murder mystery set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring a veiled police officer, an American woman whose husband has gone missing, and the secret history of the Koran. Review: Not impressed by City of Veils, which aims to be a Da Vinci Code for Islam. Conspiracies, coincidences, and religious stereotyping combined with a lackluster plot just didn’t work for me at all. Many thanks to Little, Brown for the review copy.

The Big Ten of Grammar by William B. Bradshaw, PhD

American Literature July 28, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: Subtitled “Identifying and Fixing the Ten Most Frequent Grammatical Errors.” Review: Is it just me, or is grammar trendy these days? The Big Ten of Grammar doesn’t have a sexy title but it does aim to up grammar’s profile by educating readers on the most common mistakes people make. You’ve got I/me, that vs. which, commas/semicolons, and the rest of the usual suspect’s (LOL). Plus there is a bonus appendix that offers even more grammar tutelage. I think that this is a great book…

Drawn to the Land: The Romance of Farming by Elizabeth J. Cockey and Barton M. Cockey

American Literature July 28, 2010 Superfast Reader 1 Comment

Synopsis: An illustrated look at the farms of upstate New York. Review: Drawn to the Land is a lovely little book filled with portraits, in both paint and words, of several farms in upstate New York. I love a good road trip, and this book inspired me to plan a nice drive this fall. The paintings are all made from photos and have a softness to them that evokes the beauty of the region. Many thanks to Bridgeway Books for the review copy.

Faithful Place by Tana French

Irish Literature July 28, 2010 Superfast Reader 1 Comment

Synopsis: When the body of his first love is discovered 22 years after she failed to show up and elope to England, undercover detective Frank Mackey is sucked back into his dysfunctional and dangerous family. Review: Faithful Place is yet another perfect read from Tana French. As Frank navigates the crime scene, even after being ordered to stay away from the case, his grief, nostalgia, and brokenness threaten to consume him. Nobody does bittersweet regret like Tana French. My heart ached for all these poor…

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

American Literature July 24, 2010 Superfast Reader 2 Comments

Synopsis: Freed from the clutches of the madman who abducted her, a broken young woman tries desperately to make sense of what happened to her. Review: I find it really strange that the New York Times gave Still Missing such a glowing review, because while I enjoyed the read I didn’t think it rose above genre expectations at all. The prose is pedestrian and the revelations contrived. Oh well.

Everwild by Neal Shusterman (Skinjacker Trilogy)

American Literature July 24, 2010 Superfast Reader 2 Comments

Synopsis: Allie the Outcast, the Chocolate Ogre, the McGill, and Mary Queen of Snots meet up with Jackin’ Jill and Zach the Ripper and discover that there’s a lot more to Everlost than just limbo after death. Review: In Everwild, Neal Shusterman deepens the mythology he created in Everlost, adding new characters and concepts with tremendous panache. Allie the Outcast has discovered the power to leap into the bodies of the still living, and when she joins forces with a small group of fellow skinjackers,…

Everlost by Neal Shusterman (The Skinjacker Trilogy)

American Literature July 20, 2010 Superfast Reader 7 Comments

Synopsis: Two teens find themselves in a limbo world between life and death. Review: I first read about Everlost on It’s All About Books and was totally intrigued by Suey’s rave review. Nick and Allie were victims of a fatal car accident, but instead of making it to the bright white light they were bumped into Everlost. They learn quickly that they have to keep moving or else they will sink through the ground all the way to the center of the earth. There are…

Hunger Games Winners!

On Reading July 20, 2010 Superfast Reader

The winners, via random.org: 10–Cindy Calvano 7–Nina 3–Heather Use the contact form below to send me your address. Be sure to mention that this is for Hunger Games. Your Name: (required) Your Email: (required) Your Website: Your Message:

Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

American Literature July 20, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: The wearied mother to the heiress of Chalion attempts to flee her past insanity, only to find herself possessed by a god called The Bastard and sent on a perplexing mission of grave theological danger. Review: Paladin of Souls is the sequel to Lois McMaster Bujold’s Curse of Chalion, which I read a few years ago and greatly enjoyed. Ista is the dowager royina of Chalion, a title placing her in the top echelon of the land. She had a bad experience with one…

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