Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 9 July 2015

Greedy Reading.

I am an unashamed bookaholic.  If there was such a thing and someone forced me to attend a Bookaholics Anonymous meeting there would undoubtedly be a book in my bag.

If I am pretending to be couth and sophisticated I might talk about eclectic or omnivorous reading tastes.  Greedy is more truthful.

I read fiction and non fiction and from a wide range of genres.  There are ones I prefer, but few I won't attempt.  I read every day and frequently neglect other things to do so.

These are some of the very different books which I have devoured recently.


I picked up 'love anthony' because Lisa Genova's more famous book 'Still Alice' about a woman and her families experience with early onset Alzheimer's disease had moved me.  Beautifully written, and powerful.

love anthony also deals with a confronting and heartbreaking condition, autism, and its impact on a family.

Yes, I was moved and informed.  I have reservations though.  Strong reservations.

The novel starts when Olivia retreats to their holiday home in Nantucket when her marriage breaks down after the death of her 8 year old son Anthony.  Anthony had autism, and the stresses and tensions placed on Olivia and her husband David in their desperate search for a cure, a treatment, and for support are beautifully portrayed.  Olivia is an editor and on long term leave from work while she comes to term with the tragedies in her life.  Her pain is huge, and she can find no comfort and no support.  So far so good.

Then we meet Beth, a year round resident of Nantucket who kicks her husband out when she discovers he is having an affair.  Her friends help, but it is returning to her creative side which gives her most healing.  Beth starts to write.

Beth, who doesn't know Olivia, channels Anthony and writes his story.  Which of course falls serendipitously into Olivia's lap.  And brings a measure of healing both to her and to Beth.

Beautifully  researched and written.  Informative.   The exploration of just how difficult it is to communicate with a non-verbal child who also resents touch was incredible.  She shines a light on a disorder which is still mysterious both to the public and to scientists, and all too often overwhelming to the families who must live with it.  She explores the isolation of coping with a child with a chronic and misunderstood illness.   And I loathe and detest the structure.  Artificial.  Contrived, and I didn't find it believable.  I have no doubt it will do well but this is a book which has gone to my recycle pile.

I did however love the quote from the acknowledgements section of the book:
'If you've met one child with autism, you've met one child with autism.'
One size definitely doesn't fit eveyone.  Here or anywhere else.






The next book crosses two genres that are often on my go-to list.  Memoirs and travel writing.  Franz's fiance calls their wedding off at the very last minute.  Too late to get refunds on the reception or the honeymoon.  So late that some of the guests are already in transit to attend.

So he has the celebration anyway, supported by family and friends.  And then has a brain wave.  He and his younger brother (who he barely knows) go on the honeymoon together (cancelling the rose petals on the beds).  A trip which starts as a way to make the best of a bad situation becomes a life changer.  A job surrendering, house selling life changer.  Four years later and more than sixty countries under their belt the brothers have forged a new and improved relationship, and new careers.

I am a bad traveller - and still got itchy feet reading...




As an avid, obsessed, greedy reader the fact that I love authors goes without saying.  Awe and gratitude.  Here in the blogosphere I have come across lots of writers.  Who put temptation in my weak-willed way.

R. Mac Wheeler is one of those people.  Clicking on his name will take you to his latest post.  He loves trees, clouds, colour and animals.  He would probably be pleased if Santa bought him a boat.  And he writes, across a variety of genres.  And writes some more.  He now has twenty-eight books under his belt and is working on the next.  All of them are featured on his side-bar and clicking on the books will take you to the links.

I guzzled the first two books in this series.  Margarite Abernathy (who only answers to Mar) is a teenager.

Like all teenagers she is impatient.  Subject to mood swings and impetuous behaviour.  And not precisely sweet natured.  And feels put upon and unjustly treated.  And she is right. 

In the first we learn that Mar's alcoholic abusive parents have lost an argument with a tree.  Probably not entirely a bad thing.  Her only remaining family is her brother Reggie.  A scientist.  With Asperger's disease.  Reggie engineers the ultimate plague. Fanatics seek to control them. The government pursue them as terrorists. Mar sees all sorts of unexpected behaviour from her usually rigidly controlled brother - including ruthlessness, and compassion.  He can also (sometimes) surprise her with his competence.  Is it enough?  Can it be?    Temporarily the answer is yes.

But in 6 Ways to Mental we learn just how tenuous that safety is.  Mar is still a teenager.  Probably a fairly obnoxious one.  She drinks and fights.  And loves her dog.  She has nightmares and panic attacks.  All the usual teen issues and some more.  She feels guilty that she couldn't stop the plague her brother created, and piles survivor guilt on top.  And the conspirators whose plans they at least partially foiled are not done yet.  Not done with either their plans or with her.  Nor are the police.  And Mar doesn't play piggy in the middle well...

Both books are helter-skelter action packed rides.  And I am intrigued to know where Mar will go next....

118 comments:

  1. Always nice to read your reading recommendations EC. As a wannabe traveller, I am intrigued by the Franz Wisner story. I will add it to my list to seek out. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. carolincairns: I hope you like it. I picked it up when a local bookshop closed down. Among rather a lot of other books.

      Delete
  2. I just ordered Honeymoon with My Brother--thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fishducky: Let me know what you think of it. Please.

      Delete
  3. I love books too as you know! I think the book about Anthony sounds esp. good...but a little sad. I will have to put it on my to read list...that is longer than a roll of toliet paper now! Glad you found such good books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bookie: My wish list is huge and my unread pile is several towers. A bit embarrassing.

      Delete
  4. Great reviews, EC. I do like the sound of "Honeymoon with My Brother". I might just have to read that one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lee: It was a really original and creative way to deal with heartbreak.

      Delete
  5. Dear EC
    I really enjoyed Still Alice too. A close family member developed Alzheimer's and although he was elderly, it was still really hard to see the changes and wonder how much he realised about what was happening.
    Tonight on Channel 4 there was the start of a new series called the Autistic Gardener, which is a garden makeover show but where the team all are autistic spectrum. It was really interesting to see the different team members and find out about their particular issues. The garden they created was perfect for their clients too.
    (I am a bookaholic too, but I think you already knew that!)
    Best wishes and enjoy the rest of the week
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: Many years ago I did some voluntary work with children with autism and a work colleague had a son with autism. Very difficult for the whole family.
      I hope that if I ever do get dementia I don't have lucid periods - cruel.
      And yes, I did know that you too are fond of a book. Or six.

      Delete
  6. Will add them to the list!! I like YA fiction!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicky HW: Me too. Among rather a lot of other things.

      Delete
  7. I remember endless afternoons navigated by book. Made me who I am....but I have to admit that actually reading a book is not on my buy e- agenda! My loss I'm sure....










    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^=

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cloudia: Your busy life doesn't give you the time. And it doesn't look as if you need it.

      Delete
  8. Hi!! Bookaholic? I'm in but I probably would not join a bookaholic group. No ma'am. This is a good addiction to have!!! With my transition since losing my job I had not been reading nearly as much. I was so bored at work and it was very much reflected on my kindle app. I read an average of three books a week, plus kept up with blogging and all that good stuff. Then suddenly I wasn't in front of a computer in a daily basis anymore. I didn't want to read on my kindle by iphone or sit in front of a computer at home. So that got seriously sidetracked. But I've gotten my priorities better structured now, I think... and I've been reading The Stranje School for Girls (I think that's the title, its in another room so I can't double-check) and I am a little disappointed. I was in the mood for a horror story. But instead, it is turning out to be a spy novel. Ba humbug. Point being, I don't want to know if there is a Bookaholic group ANYWHERE. I will NOT go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Furry Bottoms: I would only go if someone made me - and I would have NO intention of walking the however many steps to achieve a cure. I love my books.

      Delete
    2. ahhhh...I don't write horror, but I have a phun ghost story, and my Revenir series has some interesting characters. If one sounds interesting and you'll pull out your Kindle...email me and I'll send you a copy (rmacwheeler at gmail)

      Delete
  9. Ha! I didn't know there was a word for it. I'm a bookaholic too! Of course, since I teach literature courses, I have a good excuse -- I tell people that I HAVE to read books because it's my job. It's mostly an excuse -- I teach a very small percentage of the books I read. Books have always been my comfort, my escape, my luxury.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jo(e): Welcome. I have no excuse - and don't care. And yes, education, comfort, escape, luxury, joy - and necessity.

      Delete
  10. I will definitely read that last series you featured, sounds fun! And the brother honeymoon one. Thanks for the suggestions and reviews!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: My pleasure. I hope you enjoy them.

      Delete
    2. Oh...I love to hear things like that. Have I mentioned I'm big giving away copies (email me at rmacwheeler at gmail)

      Delete
  11. Ordering Honeymoon With My Brother right now. I like the term greedy reader better than what my sister calls me, a book prostitute, because I hop from author one to another with lasting affection for very few

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne in the kitchen: I suspect that the term book prostitute could be levelled at me too. I hasn't I don't think. Fortunately. Some authors have a lasting place in my heart - but others are there for a season. Or less.

      Delete
    2. Ha! I hardly ever read more than a couple of any one author.

      Delete
  12. I wish I loved to read like you do. It is great to be a Bookaholic! Keep enjoying them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim @ Stuff could...: It is an addiction and an obsession with all the associated issues - but I wouldn't happily surrender it either. You do other things. Probably more worthwhile things.

      Delete
  13. I need always be readable book or two, but now I read it more "slowly" :).
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. orvokki: I always have at least two books 'on the go' at a time - but like you read more slowly than I did.

      Delete
  14. I might have chosen Genova's book based on "Still Alice", but would probably not, now - I do not care for contrived plots! (especially the mystical kind) ... the rest sound excellent. I just finished Anthony Doerr's "All the Light We Cannot See" and found it very good indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: I resented having my heart-strings tugged in that way. The information was still there, the writing was still elegant, and I felt cheated. I am sure it will still do well - but it wasn't for me.
      I will have to look into All the Light We Cannot See. Thank you.

      Delete
    2. Was recommended All the Light We Cannot See today by a reader I trust.

      Delete
  15. R Mac Wheeler's books sound intriguing, just the sort of thing I'd like to read. I'll check my library and see if they are available there.
    Thanks for the link to Susan F's writing, I go there and read a bit later today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: I don't know whether R Mac Wheeler's books have reached the library. Displaying my ignorance - can you borrow e-books at the library? Probably, but I have never investigated.

      Delete
    2. River...I don't kill trees...only publish electronically...but if you find one that sounds appealing...write me and I'll send you a mobi or epub copy (rmacwheeler at gmail)

      Delete
    3. Bless you for leaving the trees alone. WIll be ordering your book

      Delete
    4. Many of our libraries now do have e-books available, but I've not bothered to find out which ones.
      I will email you.

      Delete
  16. Such interesting reviews, EC - thank you. Honeymoon with my Brother sounds great, and I shall be looking for the R Mac Wheeler books at my libraries (I belong to 2 different ones - what one doesn't have, the other often does)
    I won't be reading either of the 2 Genova books.
    You were the kind person who first brought Ben Aaronovitch's books to my notice - I'm currently reading number 4 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexia: See my reponse to River about R Mac Wheeler's books.
      I am really glad that you are enjoying Ben Aaronovitch. It is about time he produced another one (which is my greedy self at work).
      Have you read The Night Circus? Another I think you would like.

      Delete
    2. alas...I don't kill trees...you'll only find my books as electronic copies.

      Delete
  17. What a delicious selection. I'm not familiar with any of them and will research more. Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pick a book and I'll send you a mobi/epub copy. (rmacwheeler at gmail)

      Delete
  18. I wish I could to read, R. Mac sounds great. Thanks EC for helping me out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: I wish I could take photographs like yours. Your plumage and water shots are incredible.

      Delete
  19. There are just so many books out there but we have so little time.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Greedy Reading - I love it.

    I long to travel but no funds to do so, so the brothers on a honeymoon sounds intriguing to me. I read Still Alice and took care of my father in law for seven years so I know all too well about that topic, don't need to read about Autism right now because I need some up-beat books that ease my mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah...the book isn't ABOUT autism. It just adds some quirks to one of the characters :)

      Delete
    2. Linda Starr: R. Mac Wheeler is right - it isn't about autism. Or teenagers, or plague. It is about all of those things, none of those things and more. Like life.

      Delete
  21. If only there were more greedy readers like you in the world! You are a writer's dream. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River Fairchild (and R. Mac Wheeler): I need more writers. Fair exchange. A mutual support society - and I get the best end of the deal.

      Delete
  22. Love you Sue. Thanks for the shout out. Mar gives me a snort everyday.

    (my check's in the mail)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: You know what I would spend that cheque on - if the first number was anything other than zero...

      Delete
  23. Wow, you do read a lot of different kinds of books! I've been a horrible reader this year and I'm not sure why.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe you need to try a different genre. If you see any of mine that look interesting, email me...I'm good for a free mobi/epub copy for my friends :) (rmacwheeler at gmail.com)

      Delete
    2. mshatch: You have been busy. Very busy. And writing. Reading will come back when you are ready.

      Delete
  24. I love that you enjoy crossing genre lines to read. We become so stale if we only read one genre and oh so many wonderful books we'd miss. Enjoyed your reviews very much, very insightful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was pretty much just a SF/F reader until I got serious with my writing about a decade ago...and started reading other genres to 'learn my craft.' Never would have imagined I would be consuming vampire and werewolf stories.

      Delete
    2. Mason Canyon: It is all about greed. One genre isn't enough. Fiction isn't enough.
      And there are sooooo many wonderful books.

      Delete
  25. EC, your book reviews are second to none. Have you ever had a paid position as a reviewer? If not you should have! I'd love to hear you on Radio National.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: Thank you. I am way too subjective to be a reviewer. These impressions are just what the book(s) said to me, and some people will agree and others will have different opinions. Which is fine.

      Delete
    2. And honest opinion is exactly what I enjoy from a reviewer rather than a stream of panegyric blither.

      Delete
    3. Kim: Thank you. And you reminded me that I did once do a review for a program on Radio National. A very good friend was the producer which gave me the opportunity.

      Delete
    4. That's great! I can really imagine you having a regular spot. Now I'm wondering if I heard you on RN.

      Delete
    5. Kim: It was only a one-off. Sadly the friend was part of the most recent cuts to the ABC.

      Delete
  26. I have to admit that I rely on reviews and recommendations when choosing a book. Because you are a bookaholic, I trust your opinion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I rarely base book selections on reviews. I know we are told (often) that we can't judge a book by its cover, but I do. The cover and the blurb. I have made some mistakes and found some gems.

      Delete
  27. I also just ordered Honeymoon with My Brother from the library. I'll let you know what I think, but lately I am really been enjoying memoirs of many kinds. Plus I felt the same about Love Anthony. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: I am glad to hear that you felt as I did about love anthony. I felt manipulated - and resented it. Yay for memoirs.

      Delete
  28. I enjoy reading about the books you guzzle, because I get a flavour, despite being unable (as of yet) to read them myself. Always honest and a reviewer to trust without doubt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All Consuming: I wouldn't trust me completely on books. Or anything else. It needs to be right for the reader, and the time. And only you can tell....

      Delete
  29. You are brilliant and intelligent! Don't read anything that I write, you would just pity me. Hahahaha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonya Ann: Pity you? Not in a zillion years. I do read what you write - and love it.

      Delete
    2. You are a kind soul and I appreciate your gentle words.

      Delete
  30. Three great book tips! I'm just re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation for the second book that is being released by the same writer next week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ladyfi: I too will reread To Kill a Mockingbird before I succumb to her next. Which I will.

      Delete
  31. I also love books, read daily and forego other activities to read....I taught autistic children and loved it although it was so difficult....and each one was different and unique.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: Hooray for the bookaholic club. And for someone else who agrees that the quote about meeting one autistic child means you have met one is a truth.

      Delete
  32. Excellent post, I am always looking for great books to read. I love your recommendations :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totallycaroline: I am always looking for books too. And finding them. And devouring them.

      Delete
  33. Thanks for the post, for I too love to read.

    Oh . . . and thanks for R. Mac Wheeler's link.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lon Anderson: R. Mac Wheeler is very diligent - and equally generous. And I share his love for trees and clouds and nature...

      Delete
  34. Thanks so much. I've been looking for something good to read. Will check out the link. (Mr. Wheeler). You write so well. Wonder if you've ever considered becoming an author yourself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Myrna R.: Thank you - and no. I am an appreciator not a creator.

      Delete
  35. I have got to check out one of R. Mac's books..I keep saying I am going to, but haven't yet. I, too am a bookaholic..I have been since I was a child.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Terri @ Colouring Outside the LInes: R. Mac has a wide range to choose from - and is very generous. If you send him an email he is likely to send you one to test drive.

      Delete
  36. The Night Circus - Ben Aaronovitch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: The Night Circus is by Erin Morgenstern. Her first book, and I will certainly read any others she writes.

      Delete
  37. I think it would be so hard for the parents to have a child who resents touch. It would probably be hard for the child too. And the note that not one size fits all touches home. I believe that, and my heart goes out to those still struggling to find their way with it in their lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: I don't think there is anything about autism which is easy. For anyone. The one size issue is something I try and remember. Not always successfully.

      Delete
  38. I am a fellow bookaholic. I can never leave a bookstore empty handed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth Varadan, Author: Welcome. There are a lot of us about. I have almost total sales resistance - except where books or plants are concerned. There I have had some epic failures.

      Delete
  39. Thanks EC! I've been looking around for a memoir for my book club's upcoming "memoir of choice" reading and I like the sound of the Honeymoon book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn: There are so many 'misery memoirs' around it is nice to come across one which doesn't only focus on the dark. I hope your book club has fun with it.

      Delete
  40. All three books are intriguing on their own.
    Bookaholic here, too. A bookshelf stands by my LR chair, all with bookmarks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: I am at the moment having a much needed, overdue book cull. And goodness it is hard.

      Delete
  41. I loved Still Alice but it was some emotional reading! Sounds like this one is, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie Faris: It was indeed emotional reading, but I felt manipulated.

      Delete
  42. Hi Sue,

    Thanks for your take on those books and I'll, time permitting, check out your link for R. Mac Wheeler.

    I hardly read books these days. If I'm not wrestling with my fatigue, I seem to spend most of my time interacting on delightful blogs such as yours.

    Maybe Penny could read me a bedtime story.

    Thanks, Sue.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. klahanie: Hi Gary, I hope you are finally getting that fatigue into a stranglehold. Show it the same mercy it has showed you.

      Delete
  43. I do enjoy my reading just like my music, varied just like you! I just brought home a random book from the library, just because it cried take me home. Recipe for Murder, Esterelle Payany (described as frightfully good food inspired by fiction) sounds delicious right? Neat plug for Mac too! Very nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen S.: Recipe for Murder sounds right up my (very wide) street. Let us know what you think of it.

      Delete
  44. So, that's the woman who wrote "Still Alice". The headteacher at my school is reading that book now and he said he had to put it down a few times because it was getting to him. I imagine that "Love Anthony" has the same effect. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A Cuban in London: love anthony didn't have the same emotional pull as Still Alice for me - mostly because of the very artificial structure. Still an emotional read, on a confronting topic.

      Delete
  45. A rather belated thank you for so many interesting suggestions. I will be passing a selection of them on to my book-group.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Relatively Retiring: I will be interested to hear which (if any) your book club picks up - and what you think of them.

      Delete
  46. How on earth did I miss this post??? All these suggestions for reading - books to guzzle willy nilly, until drunk on words.... Are we sisters?

    (And thank you for putting me onto R.Mac Wheeler!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacquelineand...: If you are OFTEN drunk on words and can never say no to more we are indeed sisters. Which is lovely. I always wanted a sister.

      Delete
  47. I can tell you MANY MORE ways to get to mental. Just ask. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Riot Kitty: Many of the people I care about can.

      Delete
  48. Reading blogs (and writing) has definitely cut into my time for reading, but it is one of my greatest pleasures, so I am trying to remedy that. You may be one of the most well-read people that I know - and I appreciate your book reviews!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan F.: My reading isn't focussed enough for me to be well read. Widely read is more accurate. And I neglect rather a lot of things to achieve it.

      Delete