Confessor

Confessor - Terry Goodkind

This was the last one in the Sword of Truth series - a bit sad (but at least there's closure, unlike the Wheel of Time now that Robert Jordan died before finishing the series). I digress. Wrapped up most plot points to my satisfaction, and happily, the goat had a cameo (along with almost every other major character from the previous 10 installments). This was a series I started right before I got married, and one of the few that the hubby and I both read. The hubby's not a huge fantasy fan, but he enjoyed it, so I have to believe the series has some broad appeal as long as you have an open mind (and don't mind hefting thick volumes). Brought me to 8 books for the month of November, and 80 books YTD.

November 2007.

something blue

something blue - Emily Giffin

I didn't love the beginning of this book - the heroine was spectacularly unsympathetic. And I hadn't read the prequel, which paints her as even more horrid. However, the end of the book was beautifully written, romantic, and touching. Darcy's evolution and maturation was so good, I actually reread the end section (in London, before giving birth) a few times when I was between books. Decent chick lit - you aren't missing anything if you skip it, but you'll enjoy it if you pick it up.

November 2007.

The Fly in the Ointment

The Fly in the Ointment - Dr. Joe Schwarz

Good science essays by a respected Canadian. Included one of my favourite topics - supertasters! (I've read about supertasters in my Allure magazine years ago, which my husband thinks is nonsense. However, Dr. Schwarz agrees that some people are more sensitive to strong tastes like broccoli based on number and placement of taste buds, thereby validating my assertion that I can't eat certain vegetables because I am a supertaster). Finally silenced my hubby on this subject!

Also addressed a lot of false scientific assumptions: DEET hasn't killed off bird populations, (Silent Spring was a poorly researched book that happened to get a lot of positive press), anti-perspirant isn't going to give you Alzheimers, etc.

Sadly, the positive message was "eat 10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day" - nothing else has had so many scientifically valid studies proving the positive health benefits.

Highly recommend this, especially to those gullible souls who believe chain emails and urban myths. It would be impolite to reveal who I passed this on to!

November 2007.

marshmallows for breakfast

marshmallows for breakfast - Dorothy Koomson

This was sad, sad, sad, but also a good, fast read. Nothing too startling in the plot department, and managed to be sad without being maudlin or melodramatic. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a winter read (as opposed to a beach read).

November 2007.

Don't Look Down

Don't Look Down - Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer

I bought this as a discount hardcover, and I'm sad to say it may not have been worth the $5. The romance part was okay (not Ms. Crusie's best - she's done way better work in her early years with Harlequin), but the spy plot was poorly fleshed out. Did learn a bit about alligators, which may come in handy some day...Not recommended unless you truly do not want to think about what you are reading.

November 2007.

Quirkology

Quirkology - Richard Wiseman, Ph.D.

This was an interesting non-fiction read. The section on ghosts was pretty interesting (basically, sounds in inaudible registers produce the cold chills, hair-raising and other effects associated with ghosts). They tested this in churches with massive old-fashioned pipe organs. If you're looking for easy, off-beat non-fiction, this is the perfect choice.

November 2007.

For Those About to Rock

For Those About to Rock - Dave Bidini

Easy read, how-to book for kids/adolescents who want to be in a band. Author is a member of the Rheostatics, a great Canadian indie band that still gets some airplay on my radio station. When I used to work at Canada's Wonderland, a couple of the other supervisors were total Rheostatics fans. Those memories may have been more enjoyable than the book, but bear in mind, I can't even play the recorder, so I am pretty far from the target audience.

November 2007.