Review: Noel Street (Noel Collection #3) by Richard Paul Evans

4 stars for Noel Street (Noel Collection book 3) by Richard Paul Evans.

I have been in a reading slump - a bad one - ever since I finish reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I have tried reading so many books, ten, fifteen or more, but each time, I end up shoving them aside. For the first time in forever, I have so many Did Not Finish books that I simply stop counting after a while. The worst is, some of these books are by authors who are on my favourite list, and I have actually taken a dislike to their books.

Over the 13th and 20th November weekend, I borrowed more books from the library. All of them look promising. There is mystery, fantasy, literary fiction and Christmas-themed books. But sad to say, by Monday night, more than half of them are down. The fantasy book is by an author who is really good at churning out fantasy novels. I have read two of her earlier books and like them much. So, I am really disappointed that I did not like her latest series.

Noel Street is my last resort. In truth, I did not want to start reading a Christmas-themed story in November yet. I am hoping to leave the book for December when the festive mood gets richer and deeper. But I know, being so knee-deep in my reading slump, I cannot afford to be choosy.

Noel Street. It feels surreal to be holding the book in my hands and looking at a cover which I have in all likelihood played a part in. Yes, I am one among many who have voted on this cover. You see, author Evans has this practice of asking readers to vote our favourite cover, and usually from among three or four others to select from. The book cover that graces Noel Street is exactly that which I have cast my vote on. It feels especially heartwarming to be reading a story with a cover that I have helped in choosing. I don't think I will ever get tired of looking at this lovely picture of a cover.

I think I have said this before, perhaps even more than once and that is, I have yet to come across another male author who can personify and pass off as a female protagonist as well as author Evans. If I do not know it already, I will have thought that this story's been written by a female author. That is how good author Evans is!

Noel Street is indeed made for the holiday season and wears it well. The story is about second chance, hope, forgiveness, courage and choice. It explores the deeper meaning of Christmas and what it truly means to love and forgive. As usual, there is fact mixed in with fiction in the book. Here, I learn about an interesting fact on a past USA President, President William Henry Harrison. He died just thirty-one days after his inauguration. His term in office was the shortest in U.S. history and the first to end in death.

I doubt I will ever get tired of author Evans' books. When I first bought two of his books, The Last Promise and The Carousel, many years ago, I will never have imagined myself to still be reading his books many years later. His stories are the same but not the same; always inspiring and heartwarming, but still as refreshing and different every single time.

Review: The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

Did Not Finish The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka.

This novel is inspired by the life stories of Japanese immigrants who go to America in the early 1900s.

I do not doubt the sincerity of the author in writing this book, but I find it tedious to be reading one that uses "we" all the time. It is not exactly a first person narrative, but rather a collective term to encompass all. Sorry to say, it gets on my nerves after a while reading a story that gathers the characters as one whole big community. When it is not "we, we, we", it is "us, us, us". At 20% of the book, I can take it no longer, I close the book and is done with it.

Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

5 stars for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

5 HUGE stars.

This is a lovely, charming, and utterly delightful story. It has been such a long time since I am swept off my feet by a novel. I should have read this book earlier but it is hard to get past myself, to get started on a book with a title that is a mouthful. That and one without the usual paragraphing but letters to tell a story. Still, it is better to be late than never. I am very happy to have finally read this book which has been on my reading list for as long as I can remember.

Set in 1946, a group of people from the Channel Islands correspond with an author about the books they have read and the joy they found in reading. Through the letters, we learn how the Reading Society, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, comes into being and who the members are and what they do.

What start out as fragmented and not-quite-so-clear letters of exchange with the author, Juliet Ashton, soon fall into place like pieces of jigsaw puzzle. On top of books and reading, this is also a story of the German Occupation of Guernsey for five years following their landing on 30 June 1940. The Guernsey characters and their stories help reveal the sufferings and strength of the people during the German Occupation of the Channel Islands.

This is a book that requires years of extensive research. That by itself is enough to impress me. But the author does not stop at that, she goes above and beyond. She has a way of delivering the story that makes it funny and uniquely hers. The roast pig story is amusing and leaves a lasting impression. Equally fascinating, moving and at times hilarious, are the stories and wartime experiences of the Guernsey Islanders. Ultimately, the humor in the writing is what keeps my eyes riveted on the book.

It is also entrancing to read about a book club, their members, the books they read and what they do during their reading sessions. The notion of "have books will travel" rings so true. Books certainly have the power to connect and bond people from all walks of life. There is mention of other books and authors but one that stands out is Wuthering Heights and the Brontë sisters. I am really glad to have read this book and thus know what the author is talking about. Another name that pops up quite often is Charles Lamb. In fact, I am so intrigued by this writer that I actually consulted Google about him and his sister, Mary Lamb, and if his sister really did stab their mother to death.

The Potato Peel Pie Society is such an endearing read that I find myself at a loss when the story comes to a close. I want to go to Guernsey and join their book club. I want to be a member of the Potato Peel Pie Society.

Before I read this book, I cannot imagine myself reading a book that is made up of letters only. Now, I think the idea is awesome. In fact, what I want mostly, is to explore another book written in letters.

P/S: This story is best read on a paperback. Why, you may ask. Because one can easily flip the book back and forth, countless times for reference on the letters exchanged with author Juliet Ashton. Well, technically, you can do that with a digital reading device such as Kindle, but it does not have the most efficient way of locating words and pages. So, even when there is a paperless edition available, please read this story on the dead tree version. You will not regret it.

Review: Arena (Arena #1) by Holly Jennings

1 star for Arena (Arena book 1) by Holly Jennings.

Set in Year 2054, reality becomes unreal and virtual becomes real. Young people who take on career as a pro gamer now straddle between two worlds: the real and the virtual. In the virtual reality, these young people experience the greatest high and the biggest thrill as they enter into full immersion mode in the Arena. Dressed in battle gear, sword and all, they are everything they aspire to be - invincible. Because they do not die even when they are killed, many of these gamers lose their grip on reality and get lost in what is real. To quote "Reality was the game. Plastic. Metal. People. All fake. The game was real - tangible, sweet, and warm - and the only place I was alive and free."

This is a book that starts out refreshing, original and exciting. It seems to check all the right boxes that I find promising in a science fiction novel. Sadly, it is also a book where the more I read, the more I feel it is not the one for me. While the idea of a story on gaming and virtual reality is interesting, there is just that much to it. After the initial excitement of virtual gaming league and tournament, it is mostly about partying, drinking, pills popping, drugs, publicity and image. The story spirals from a refreshing high to a disappointing low of typical young people and their indulging lifestyle.

At less than halfway mark, I thought of ending it all, but somehow, cannot bear to. Perhaps I hold a sliver of hope that it will turn out differently after all. But it does not. This is definitely not a book I will recommend.