Category Archives: Book Reviews

Why Write Fantasy?

Posted on December 7, 2008 by Marion

 Go here to read Felix Gilman’s humorous confessional about why people really write fantasy.  It’s the December 4th post on the blog (Gilman is guest-blogging on Jeff Vendermeer’s site.)  It won’t take you but a minute.             Go.  Seriously, go … Continue reading →

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What Happens in Ararat Stays in Ararat

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Marion

    Thunderer Felix Gilman BantamSpectra   Terry  Weyna wrote about Thunderer on Reading the Leaves, so when I was in Copperfield’s Books a few weeks ago I picked up a copy.  We’ve become so habituated to fantasy trilogies, tetralogies and … Continue reading →

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Keeping Fantasy Real

Posted on October 31, 2008 by Marion

The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss Daw Fantasy Paperback               The Name of the Wind is the first book of a three-book story arc.  It’s well done, introducing interesting characters and intriguing “story questions” from the opening couple … Continue reading →

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Imagine My Surprise

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Marion

Living in California, I’ve been bombarded with “Yes on 8” ads on TV.  Proposition 8 could revise the California constitution to define marriage as only being between a man and a woman. Two ads state that children will be taught … Continue reading →

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Reading the Leaves

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Marion

            If you like books, or writing about books, check out Terry Weyna’s blog Reading the Leaves.  Terry is in my writers’ group but I didn’t know about her blog until recently.  It’s like stumbling across that used bookstore in … Continue reading →

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In the Woods

Posted on October 6, 2008 by Marion

In the Woods Tana French Penguin Press, Trade Paperback 2008   “True!–nervous–very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?” “The Tell-tale Heart,” Edgar Allen Poe   “What I am telling … Continue reading →

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Best Conversation Starter Ever

Posted on August 2, 2008 by Marion

So I’m at a pizza place, and I’m, like, having lunch by myself and the guy who’s showing me to my table looks at my book and curls his lips and goes, “Oh, nice title.”             And I’m all, “It’s … Continue reading →

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The Composite King

Posted on July 30, 2008 by Marion

King Rat China Mieville Tor Paperbacks   Collage:  (n) various materials are arranged and glued to a backing; a collection of unrelated things.   Compose:  (v) Construct or create, especially a work of art of music.   Composite:  (adj) made … Continue reading →

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Just One of the Boys

Posted on June 6, 2008 by Marion

       “Good Lord, woman, where have you been?” he cried furiously.       A morbid lunacy overtook her.  She smiled fiercely at [Piotr] and held up the bag.  “Shopping.” . . .”Want to see what I bought?” Cordelia continued, still floating.  … Continue reading →

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Doubled Hearts and Secrets

Posted on April 29, 2008 by Marion

“Our shop did not deal in contemporary fiction.” The Thirteenth Tale     The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield Washington Square Press   (Warning:  May contain spoilers.)   In the first paragraph of The Thirteenth Tale the reader comes across this … Continue reading →

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