Tag Archives: 20th Century

The Warrior’s Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold

American Literature October 24, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: After flunking the physical portion of his battle school exams, Miles Vorkosigan heads off looking for glory and winds up the admiral of a fleet of mercenaries, making it look like he’s about to declare war on the emperor. Review: I am a huge fan of Lois McMaster Bujold’s fantasy, and many people have recommended the Vorkosigan saga to me. I figured I’d start with The Warrior’s Apprentice, since it’s the one that started it all, if not first chronologically. Space opera is pretty…

The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

American Literature September 21, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: Upper East Side bond trader mows down Bronx “honor student” and New York City freaks out. Review: Oh, how I love Bonfire of the Vanities! I have read it several times, most memorably rereading it in the first month after I moved to New York City, way back in 1995. I don’t know that I could ever tire of reading it, because I’m always astonished by how deep Wolfe takes you into every single little nuance of the story. And it’s funny how the…

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

American Literature June 22, 2010 Superfast Reader 8 Comments

Synopsis: A group of misfit classics students at a small Northeastern college take things too far. Review: Love The Secret History! Have read it at least 3 maybe 4 times since it came out back when I was in college. And that’s all I have to say because I finished it at 11pm and had my 2nd baby at 3:20am and I’m a bit too tired to blog 🙂

Wolf’s Brother by Megan Lindholm

American Literature June 20, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: As a group of reindeer herdspeople approach their summer grounds, simmering tensions and unspoken accusations bubble up with murderous results. Review: Wolf’s Brother is the completion of the story begun in The Reindeer People, and I was more than satisfied with the resolution. While the book’s setting recalls Clan of the Cave Bear, the story itself focuses around what could be considered a murder mystery, and the genre-blending is what really kept me turning pages. Megan Lindholm brings the action to a thrilling climax…

The Reindeer People by Megan Lindholm

American Literature June 18, 2010 Superfast Reader 1 Comment

Synopsis: An outcast healer and her shaman-bewitched son become caught up in the politics and intrigue among a group of reindeer herdsman. Review: The Reindeer People is only the first part of the story, and ends on a most incomplete note, so I’m glad that I’ve got Wolf’s Brother on hand to start immediately. I really hate that publishers do this–I’d much rather read one long book than wait for a second installment. This is one of Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb’s earliest works, and in it…

The Son Avenger by Sigrid Undset (The Master of Hestviken)

Norwegian Literature June 13, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: With Olav Audunsson facing the end of his lonely days, his children Eirik and Cecilia find themselves trapped in the repercussions of Olav’s as-yet unconfessed sins. Review: There was so much I loved in The Son Avenger, particularly Cecilia’s journey of wife- and motherhood with Eirik’s less-than-reputable childhood friend Jorund. She really came alive as a different kind of woman than the others I’ve seen in Undset’s work, with a rigidity that blossomed into self-awareness and even a kind of independence. She’s mirrored nicely…

In the Wilderness by Sigrid Undset (The Master of Hestviken)

Norwegian Literature June 11, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: Medieval feudal lord now widower Olav Audunsson grapples with the sins of old that make each day a torment. Review: In the Wilderness had a strong transitional quality to it. I am hoping that the next book completes his spiritual journey because I was really unsatisfied with where he ended up at the end of the book. All he’s done his whole life is justify his misdeeds by claiming his own rights, and that’s just what he’s doing near the end. At this point…

The Snake Pit by Sigrid Undset (The Master of Hestviken)

Norwegian Literature June 9, 2010 Superfast Reader 3 Comments

Synopsis: Olav Audunsson finally brings Ingunn Steinfinnsdatter back to his ancestral home as his wife, each harboring a dark secret that threatens the happiness they dreamed of as children. Review: The Snake Pit follows closely on the tragic events of The Axe, focusing on the far-reaching effects of sin in the lives of Olav and his childhood love Ingunn, now his wife. I really don’t want to give too much away about the story thus far, because I loved how it unfolded in the previous…

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

American Literature June 1, 2010 Superfast Reader 1 Comment

Synopsis: The only girl aboard a ship bound for America, 13-year-old Charlotte Doyle finds herself embroiled in mutiny and a murder plot, and only ingenuity, bravery, and mad rigging skills will save her. Review: Set in 1832, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is a fast-paced, Gothic-tinged action story featuring a most intrepid heroine in a most unusual situation. Charlotte’s family booked passage aboard the Seahawk for her to return from boarding school to her home in Rhode Island, but upon her arrival aboard ship…

Holes by Louis Sachar

American Literature May 31, 2010 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: Sent to a camp for juvenile delinquents, Stanley Yelnats is forced to dig holes for the duration of his sentence, but when he figures out that the Warden is looking for something, he decides to take action. Review: The reputation of Holes is well-deserved. It’s a fast-paced read with plenty of original plot elements that would appeal to both girls and boys. I’m glad I finally picked this one up and will be saving it for the permanent library for Superfast Toddler & Superfast…

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