Favorite Reads of 2008

2008 has been quite an interesting year for me, reading wise. I've discovered new authors, found new series, and new must reads.

My Favorites:

Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Looking For Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore

The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi

Still Life by Louise Penny

The Nightkeepers by Jessice Andersen

After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch

The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud: A Novel by Julia Navarro

The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by Jose Saramago

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Sweetheat by Chelsea Cain

Honorable mentions:

The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

At The Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker

How To Knit A Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway

Runner

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while. But I kept pushing it aside, for something else. Well, at least until I signed up for Orbis Terrarum Challenge. You can say that the challenge has given a swift quick in the behind.

Here’s the blurb The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini(taken from Amazon.ca):

Amir and Hassan are childhood friends in the alleys and orchards of Kabul in the sunny days before the invasion of the Soviet army and Afghanistan’s decent into fanaticism. Both motherless, they grow up as close as brothers, but their fates, they know, are to be different. Amir’s father is a wealthy merchant; Hassan’s father is his manservant. Amir belongs to the ruling caste of Pashtuns, Hassan to the despised Hazaras.

This fragile idyll is broken by the mounting ethnic, religious, and political tensions that begin to tear Afghanistan apart. An unspeakable assault on Hassan by a gang of local boys tears the friends apart; Amir has witnessed his friend’s torment, but is too afraid to intercede. Plunged into self-loathing, Amir conspires to have Hassan and his father turned out of the household.

When the Soviets invade Afghanistan, Amir and his father flee to San Francisco, leaving Hassan and his father to a pitiless fate. Only years later will Amir have an opportunity to redeem himself by returning to Afghanistan to begin to repay the debt long owed to the man who should have been his brother.

Compelling, heartrending, and etched with details of a history never before told in fiction, The Kite Runner is a story of the ways in which we’re damned by our moral failures, and of the extravagant cost of redemption.

It always amazes me how certain books can bring me such deep emotions, not all books do, but this one brought me a gamut of emotions. While reading it I felt wonder, curiosity, happiness, sadness, fear, and anger. I cried and laughed. At the end of the book I was emotionally spent.

It was such a wonderful story! I loved the setting, albeit a sad one at times. I felt it’s magical essence through the boys eyes. The fun and the triumph of the kite competition. Amir confusion of emotions towards his father. I loved the boys friendship, and way Hassan protected Amir. I felt for both boys, Hassan for the act that was done to him and also for Amir that witnessed it and couldn’t help, and lived with that guilt throughout his life. And at the end Amir’s love for Hassan’s child and the need and want to help him.

I’m definitely getting a copy of this book for my keeper shelf. And I’ll also be looking for A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hussein (5/5) General Fiction; Published: Doubleday (2003); New Author; Favorite Read 2008; 100 + Reading Challenge (47); Orbis Terrarum Challenge (2); Library book; Added to shopping list;

The Gospel

I originally tried reading my mother's copy, O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo, but I found it difficult to follow, so she went out and bought me a copy of the translation of it, The Gospel According To Jesus Christ. It's been in my shelf for about six years. I was bound to read it...sooner or later. I never thought it would take me this long.

Have you ever been curious on what happen to Jesus from the time of his birth to before he starts being the prophet or the Messiah (whichever one you prefer)? We know of his conception, his birth, and we know what had occurred just before his death and we also know about the Resurrection. But what about his childhood years? How was his relationship with his parents? Siblings? What was he like?

In this book, the author, Jose Saramago gives us his interpretation on what happened. I can certainly understand the controversy of this book, but it such a wonderful experience. I can understand how some may find this book disturbing, but enjoyed the nuances that makes this revered figure, human. He was just like you and me. I loved every little bit of it!

I loved the way the author just drew me in. I sat down with the book, and I said to myself, just read two chapters, and before I knew I was halfway through and I didn't want to stop. I admit it took me a little to get used to the author's style of writing, but after a while I didn't notice it any longer. It was just so easy to follow, I got caught up the people of the story, and wanting to know more.

The Gospel According To Jesus Christ by Jose Saramago (5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Editorial Caminho 1991 - Portugal; Published: Harvest Book 1994; Translated from the Portuguese by Giovanni Pontiero; Favourite Read 2008; 100 + Reading Challenge (40); July Book Blowout (16); Orbis Terrarum Challenge (1); Keeper Shelf;

The Shroud

I’m a sucker for conspiracy theory/religious suspense type of books. I liked The Da Vinci Code, but my favourite was Angels & Demons. I've read several of these types of books since, you can find one here and another here. I just couldn’t resist on reading The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud by Julia Navarro.

Here’s the blurb:

The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud is the explosive international bestseller that mixes fact and fiction to tell the riveting story of one of the world’s most controversial relics—the Holy Shroud of Turin—and the desperate race to save it from those who will stop at nothing to possess its legendary power....

A fire at the Turin cathedral and the discovery of a mutilated corpse are the latest in a disturbing series of events surrounding the mysterious cloth millions believe to be the authentic burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Those who dare to investigate will be caught in the cross fire of an ancient conflict forged by mortal sacrifice, assassination, and secret societies tied to the shadowy Knights Templar.

Spanning centuries and continents, from the storm-rent skies over Calvary, through the intrigue and treachery of Byzantium and the Crusades, to the modern-day citadels of Istanbul, New York, London, Paris, and Rome, The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud races to a chilling climax in the labyrinths beneath Turin, where astounding truths will be exposed: about the history of a faith, the passions of man, and proof of the most powerful miracle of all…

Why hadn't I heard of this author before? I absolutly loved this book, I was hooked right from the beginning. I loved the way the author intertwined the story with an old religious sect and the Templar's. I admit it took me while to get used to the jumping back and forth between the past and present, but after a while it just seemed natural.

The characters were amazing. They all felt so real, hard to explain, I found their reactions to whichever obstacle that was thrown at them to be believable. I don't remember feeling as if certain things were out of character, their emotions or their reactions, especially during the historical part of the book. I felt for certain characters like Mendib, Ana and Sofia. Knowing that their safety was at risk, and also hoping for the best. Couldn't stand Addaio, but I understand the difficult decisions that he had to make, although I thought he made the wrong ones.

The ending was a complete surprise! Didn't see it coming. But I liked it, I can understand why the author to leave the secrets underground. Except for one person...but I won't get into that...

The Brotherhood of the Shroud by Julia Navarro (4.5/5) Fiction: Historical & Contemporary; Religious Suspense; Published: Random House - Spain (2004); Translated from Spanish by Andrew Hurley; New Author; Favourite Read 2008;100 + Reading Challenge (38); July Book Blowout (14); Library book; Added to shopping list;

Notorious Gentlemen - Part 1

With what happened to me with the previous book, I was a little doubtful with After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch. You see, she’s a must buy author.

Also, the cover helped. I usually don’t go crazy about covers, but I love this one. It’s so sensual, that it gave me shivers. Loved it!

Here’s the blurb:

A Notorious Gentleman . . .

Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

A Curious Lady . . .

Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret—but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.

After The Kiss is the first book of the author’s new trilogy, The Notorious Gentlemen.

This is Sullivan’s story, he’s a sought after horse breeder, but he’s also the bastard son of a respectable Duke. Let’s say that Sullivan doesn’t get along with Dad and the rest of the family and wants revenge. In comes Isabel, she discovers his secret and wants to keep him close by, so she can keep an eye on him. Obviously they’re attracted to each other, but he feels that he’s beneath her station, and she doesn’t care…she wants him. But will that be enough for Sullivan?

I loved the book! Yeah, doing the Wandeca happy dance!

I didn’t want to put the book down, I carried it along with me where ever I went…good I have a huge tote purse. Loved the setting, Regency England. Loved the characters, both Sullivan and Isabel are wonderful, but also the others were great, I cannot wait to read Bram’s story. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzling. It was HOT! I had to fan myself a couple of times.

Can’t until the next book comes out! Good thing I won’t have to wait too long…Before the Scandal comes out next month.

After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch (5/5) Historical Romance; Regency England; Published: Avon (7/2008); Series: # 1, The Notorious Gentlemen; 100 + Reading Challenge (30); July Book Blowout (6); Favorite Reads 2008; Keeper Shelf;

The End is Coming

I first heard about this book through one of the online reading groups that I belong to, one of the members raved and raved about it, that sparked my curiosity. I did a quick Google search about the author and the series, it sounded pretty good. So, I ordered it.

The book came last week, I was already reading something at the time, but some reason, my gaze always fell on Night Keepers. Sounds crazy, but that what happened. But I didn’t want to rush it, I wanted to enjoy it, so I pressed on with Into The Wilderness. And oh so patiently waiting for Night Walkers turn.

Something that I noticed right at the beginning was that I didn’t want to put the book down. And being in the real world, I had to put the book down, and only read it when it was possible. But every spare moment I had, I would bring out the book and read.

Here's the blurb:

As a Miami narcotics detective, Leah Daniels never knows how her day will turn out. But she certainly never expected to be strapped to a stone altar, the human sacrifice in an ancient Mayan ritual meant to coax up a demon from the underworld. Or that she’d be saved by a handsome warrior-priest king who claims to recognize her from his visions...

Jaguar Strike wishes he hadn’t made the mistake of reuniting his fellow warrior priests, or broken the law by saving their chosen human sacrifice. Now, he has no choice but to join forces with Leah and invoke dangerous magic in a death-defying race against the end of time.

I love the mythology, and the doomsday theme in this book. The setting was wonderful, dark and sensual. The characters were wonderful, each has their own issues, but they come together for a common goal. Even Leah, who is not considered to be one of the “chosen”, needs to see this through. Although there were a lot of set up for what was coming ahead, Leah and Striking, found time alone. It was sensual and there a few times I ended fanning myself.

NightKeepers by Jessica Andersen (4.5/5) Paranormal Romance; Mayan Mythology; Published: 6/2008; Series: # 1, Final Prophecy; New Author; Favorites Reads 2008; 100 + Reading Challenge (23); Keeper shelf;

Still Life

One of my resolutions this year was to read more Canadian authors, I haven't been very successful but I working on it.

I'm not sure how I heard about this book, and somehow I ended up with it in my library book bag. It's the first book of a series, by a Canadian author, Louise Penny, and it's set in a small town in Quebec (bonus!).

Here's the blurb for Still Life:

As the early morning mist clears on Thanksgiving Sunday, the homes of Three Pines come to life - all except one…

To locals, the village is a safe haven. So they are bewildered when a well-loved member of the community is found lying dead in the maple woods. Surely it was an accident - a hunter's arrow gone astray. Who could want Jane Neal dead?

In a long and distinguished career with the Sûreté du Quebec, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache has learned to look for snakes in Eden. Gamache knows something dark is lurking behind the white picket fences, and if he watches closely enough, Three Pines will begin to give up its secrets…

The beauty about reading a book that is set in Canada, is that it's set in familiar territory. You know that the Thanksgiving that the characters are celebrating is in October, you know exactly what a double double from Timmy's tastes like, the changing of the leaves, the list goes on and on. It's like spending time in your back yard.

So as you can imagine (and see) I enjoyed the setting. I'm not certain if the town of Three Pines is fictional or not, but I certainly enjoyed visiting it. I loved that the author told us the story on how town got its name. And because it's such a small town, everyone knows each other, and the characters that were introduced just seemed to belong there. They relationships between characters was well written and the dialogue was very good. It's the small things like the banter between two old friends that really makes it believable for me.

I found the book very easy to read, it was fast paced, it kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I started doubting my suspect. But at the end I wasn't too surprised on who was guilty of committing the crime.

Still Life by Louise Penny (4.5/5) Mystery; Published: Headline (2005); Series: # 1, Inspector Armand Gamache; New Author; Canadian Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (17); Library book;

I do love my jammies...

I suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia, and last night it hit full force. I woke up at three in morning and no way was I going to be able to go back to sleep. I recognized the feeling right off...so I did the only thing I knew that wouldn't disturb my husband. I got up, grabbed a book off my night stand and went into the family room and read.

The book I grabbed was The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi. Here's the blurb (taken from Amazon.ca):

For John Dodge, moving to new places and reviving ailing businesses is a way of life. So when he sees an ad for Scriveners, a stationery shop in a small town in South Carolina, he decides to take the plunge.

As soon as he arrives in Lambert's Corner, Dodge falls happily into the whirl of gossip, gifts, and quintessential Southern hospitality. Link Kay, one of his employees, warms up to him after Dodge admires his expertise on pens. Bean Hurt- a feisty and outspoken ten-year-old-becomes a fast friend. And Maude Golden, the mayor, supplies him with indispensable information. But the one person who really catches Dodge's eye is Julia Darrow-the beautiful but aloof pajama- wearing owner of the Cocoon, a popular store specializing in luxury linens. Dodge tries to befriend her, but she remains elusive and mysterious. Everyone knows that she is a widow, but no one seems to know why she came to town or why she never leaves Lambert Square-or does she?

Like Dodge, Chicago-born Julia is fleeing a tumultuous past. But with the help of a hilarious and endearing cast of characters, Julia and Dodge learn that, sometimes, you don't need to go far to find home.

I was drawn right from the beginning. I just couldn't help it. I enjoyed every single little bit. The setting, even a fictional one, was superb. The characters were funny, engaging, friendly and full of southern charm. Who wouldn't want to visit Lambert Square?

The character that I enjoyed the most (of course) was Julia. On the outside she seems to be in control, strong, self assured and a keen business women, but throughout the book you see that she's slowly falling apart and that she's quite capable of figuring her what she needs to get her out of her problem. She just might need a little help from Dodge, if she's willing to accept it. Another reason that made her so appealing to me was her ability to love and train problem dogs, she sees beneath the exterior and just loves the dogs as they are. She fosters these dogs and only gives them to people that she finds worthy. Amazing!(Can you tell I'm an animal lover?!)

I just devoured this book. I cannot believe that I haven't read Rosina Lippi before, of course I've had seen her books before but I never given her a chance. I'm so glad that I picked this book up the library. I'll definitely will be looking for her other books, and also the historical fiction that she writes under the name of Sara Donati.

My only complaint about this book...was that I wanted more. After it was done, I wanted more. And more! I didn't want to say goodbye to these people. I want more Lambert Square! Please!

The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi (5/5) General Fiction; Romance Comedy; Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons (2008); New Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (15); Library book; Added to shopping list; Favorite Reads of the year;

Home to Holly Springs

Can you really go back home? Father Timothy Kavanagh isn't too sure, but he's willing to try. He hasn't been home in over thirty years, and probably wouldn't have gone but his curiosity was sparked by a note that he received that only had "Come home".

Here's the blurb:

Sometimes a trip back home becomes a journey of the soul.

After more than thirty-eight years, Father Tim Kavanagh returns to his childhood home of Holly Springs, Mississippi, on a profoundly personal journey.

Whatever became of Tommy Noles, his forbidden childhood friend, and Peggy, the loving woman who was like a second mother? What were the facts behind he court trial that drove the Kavanagh family even further apart?

He figures Thomas Wolfe was right: You can't go home again. Then he discovers the truth: A surprising number of old connections have miraculously survived time and neglect.

In this first of the Father Tim novels, Jan Karon takes her celebrated Mitford character to territory he has long avoided, the uncharted territory of family, giving us a spellbinding and poignant narrative laced with the wisdom and forgiveness only a trip back home can inspire.

Thirty-eight years have passed since Father Tim Kavanagh left his Mississippi hometown, determined not to return.

Then he receives a handwritten note postmarked Holly Springs. Cryptic and unsigned, it says only Come home.

These two words compel him to make the most disturbing journey of his life. They also lead him to a truth that will change his life - forever.

I'm a huge fan of the Mitford series by Jan Karon. And I was very to happy to learn that she was continuing the series with Father Tim, so I can get my fix every once in a while. Alright I admit it's almost addiction like affection that I have for the character, but he's the type of person I would love to become, kind, insightful, forgiving and not afraid to admit when he's wrong. Well something to work on the new year.

It's beautifully written, it's faced paced and it's inter-laced with Father Tim's memories, which is the icing on the cake.

If you haven't read Jan Karon yet, what are you waiting for?

Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: 10/07, Viking Adult; Series: # 1, The Father Tim Novels; Library book; Added to shopping list.