The Great Influenza by John M. Barry

Requesting this book back when I was still a member of Paperback swap, I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. Along the way, not only did I learn about our health care system, the background of the medical community all over the world, but also how we responded poorly at first to the flu epidemic of 1918. Mr. Barry only expected to show about the people behind trying to solve what caused it. It became so much more and you got so much background that it truly helped give you a great look into how things were formed.

Mr. Barry took his time and kept things interesting. I never lost interest or seemed like it was boring. There were a few multiple lines of things he had to describe but nothing overwhelming. I was impressed with his knowledge. He was able to find so much when there wasn't a lot of reporting done. People's lives were at stake and that was the main focus. They worked diligently night and day to find the cause of the illness so that they could produce a vaccination to curtail the deaths.

This was a book that fascinated me from the beginning. I would definitely love to read more by this author. He has a way of captivating your attention from the very first page till the end. He makes history come alive in the pages but never condemns anyone for their actions. He just presents the whole picture of what happened and leaves it up to you to decide. A book to check out if you love History and want to get a good picture of a huge event that changed lives forever.


John M. Barry/New author/ History/ Chunkster/ 546 pages/4 out of 5

Off to some lighter reading with Debbie Macomber.

Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next is back. This time, she wishes her husband Landon was around but he's been eradicated. So trying to get her life back to normal won't be easy. She has to explain her absence, get her job back, and figure out how to get rid of Yorrick Kane. Not to mention, someone wants her dead. There is a lot on her plate but all she really would like most of all is reliable child care.

Mr. Fforde does it again! I loved this series so far. It is pure genius and full of ideas that I could never come up with. I love how she can jump into books and interact with characters. She has problems to solve and she keeps her head on her shoulders. His characters may be from all sorts of places but they are ones that keep drawing you into the book. Mr. Fforde puts things together that I never would have thought of.

Thursday, being a single mom, deals with life and trying to keep her work at bay. Her family supports her even though her mother is a little bit misguided in her efforts. Joffy is back and being a good brother. She just wishes she could get Landen back for good. She doesn't like being on her own any longer than necessary.

This is one of the best books in the series and I am bummed that there is only one left to read so far. It sounds like there is another one coming in the series which makes me happy since it took me so long to pick up this series. I had heard of this author for his other series but will definitely check that one out in the meantime. Definitely a series for literature nuts and mystery fans a like.

Jasper Fforde/Mystery/Thursday Next series/416 pages/ Chunkster/ 5 out of 5

Never knew how tired I would be with this second pregnancy. I am hoping to read a couple more books yet this month. We'll see.

Leap of Faith: Memoris of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor

Not knowing a lot about Jordan, I was taken captive by this book. The beauty of a country not known much about was just part of the book that was captivating. The Queen herself had such ups and downs in her marriage, I kept wondering if something was just going to fall apart. Yes, she had dedicated her life to serve her new country but that didn't mean she never wanted to give up. Though she never did say that anywhere.

The love between her and King Hussein was so beautiful. Each day they made sure that they were near each other though they never held hands in public. They kept all their emotions, feelings, and physical actions in private. Of course, the media ripped apart everything that they could get their hands on, which was very upsetting.

The whole journey that they had shared was amazing through supporting each other and knowing when to debunk rumors and when not to touch them with a ten foot pole. The relationship was so tried and true, it inspired me. I would love to visit their country and see some of the places that were described in this book.

This is one book that I won't soon forget.

Queen Noor/Non-Fiction/ Jordan/ Marriage/ New Author/Chunkster/ 496 pages/ 5 out of 5

I cannot say enough to how much this book impressed me! It was truly helpful!

Change Of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Shay Bourne is convicted of killing a cop and his stepdaughter. Once brought to jail on Death Row, or what passes for it, since there hasn't been anyone sentenced to die execution style in a long time. The priest called to be spiritual counsel tries to understand what Shay wants. As well as a new lawyer, Maggie just wants to make sure she does what her client wants. But what he wants is to give his heart to the sister of the victim he killed. It's going to be a long up hill battle for all and it will add depend on June Nealon if she'll accept the heart on her daughter's behalf.

Ms. Picoult knows how to pick them. She takes a topic and truly makes you think. I wished at times to have Shay's perspective but then this book probably wouldn't have been so powerful. The different view points got a lot across and I was so enthralled with this book. It tested the limits of even my beliefs but I realized that is what she wanted to do. She wants to make you think about where you are and have you come to your own conclusion. She never says what is right or wrong and that's why I come back to this author time and again.

Maggie had to deal with the faith she had and a client who really didn't want help. He had things figured out just wanted to go through with them. Father Michael say things that even he wasn't sure were happening. Lucius, the cell mate next to Shay, was shocked by all that he saw. June doing her best to deal with the deaths of her loved ones wasn't sure she could accept the one thing that could keep her life going.

This is one book that will keep you turning pages from every point of view. It does test boundaries but like every other book I have read by her truly makes you think. This is definitely going on my list of favorites for just how open she is with all sides of the issue. I can say I am not for the death penalty but I can see in which instances it might be the only way. Ms. Picoult really does her work and it shows on each and every page.

Jodi Picoult/ Chunkster/ 480 pages/ Adult Fiction/Death Penalty/ Faith/ 5 out of 5

If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule

Most people would do anything for love. But would they go to the lengths where they would kill? That is the story of David Alan Brown and his fourteen year old daughter Cinnamon. His wife Linda was shot in her sleep by Cinnamon but first she said she did it, then she didn't remember but could she finally tell the truth. David was a powerful man with his data recovery program. Women fell at his feet. Cinnamon did finally confess and was sentenced to prison for twenty four years. Her world crashed around her and the one person she trusted seemed not so trustworthy anymore. There is more to this story than it first appears.

Ms. Rule truly delves deep into this one. She gives a lot of information that at times didn't seem all that relevant but at the end made sense. Intricate details were given and the pictures truly did help develop the story. She asked questions and got the answers she could. Looking into as many documents she could. I am not sure how much she had access to but with the things she was able to write about, there had to have been a lot.

That is definitely one thing I like about this true crime author, she never leaves a stone unturned. It may mean meeting with the people involved in the case if she is able. Obviously Linda was no longer around and that's so sad. I don't think I will ever understand what went on but I am okay with that. Ms. Rule truly does a wonderful job. This is one author who never disappoints and the after word was truly helpful. I may be noisy but I wish all that were involved that they find peace.

Ann Rule/ Chunkster/ Non-fiction/True Crime/Family/Murder/ 608 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good book and at times pretty creepy. Off to a thriller. :)

Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons

Peyton McKenzie doesn't want to share her life with her widowed father with anyone else. That is, until Nora comes to town in her pink Thunderbird, smoking cigarettes, and a red mane of hair. Her father seems to like her while her Aunt Augusta hates her which means she cannot be all that bad. It all changes when Nora takes a teaching position in the first integrated class at the local high school. Peyton feels something isn't right but isn't sure what. When it does come to light, the whole town will be throughly shocked and teach Peyton a lesson she'll never forget.

Ms. Siddons is a fantastic author. One who I'll read again not only for her small town humor, but for the way the characters make you delve into the stories till the last page. Nothing is easy but that makes this one close to life which I found refreshing. Fantasies are nice but real life is what is the most interesting after all.

Peyton had a life of simplicity and repetitiveness. Life had stayed constant even the pain till her cousin Nora came to town. She barely knew anything about and was surprised to even know she had a cousin in some aspect. Her life changed ever day cause of this woman in her life and not just cause what Aunt Augusta tried to do. Her father realized his little girl was growing up and that changed both their attitudes. Nora is a free spirit but is best at running. Once she settles into Lytton, things change and people are shocked by Nora's behavior. Nora just thinks that they need to change never seeing that there had to be some change in herself as well.

This is a book that is definitely coming of age for Peyton. Nora, on the other hand, had to realize her full potential but even that may not be enough to hold her still for long. The small town is in for a rude awakening but can they survive it?

Anne Rivers Siddons/New Author/ Chunkster/ Coming of Age/ 470 pages/ 5 out of 5

I thought I had read this author before but couldn't find it. lol I love this one and definitely will pick up the other one I have by her in my TBR pile. :)

No Angel by Penny Vincenzi

The Lytton family own the publishing company Lytton's. Celia had her sights on getting Oliver and once she had him, life was sweet! Yet when World War 2 hit, life changed. Celia is bored and wants things to do. She meets Sylvia Miller and helps her with her daughter Barty. But the worst decision of all has to do with Sebastian Brooke. It could cost her so much. From the Edwardian Era to the roaring 20's, this family will go through it all but can they survive?

Ms. Vencenzi writes a family saga that puts you through all the emotions. You get to see the family grow and develop and go through some tough times. The rich plot and characters pull you in even though you may have never experience what they go through. You cheer and root for them and want to see what will happen next. Drama all over the place leads you to find that this family is far from perfect.

Celia wants to fee accepted and loved not only by the company that is part of her life with her husband but by her own family. Her children are not used to seeing her around much but does that make her a bad mom? Oliver wants to keep the company afloat with his older sister's help. He wants to make his dad proud. LM wants just to have a great life but it will throw her a curve ball she isn't expecting. Jack has to find his place in the world but will it be with his own family?

Things are up and down but turning pages won't be a problem. They'll zip faster than you can imagine. There is so much going on but character names aren't difficult to balance and things are fairly easy to follow. Being a first in a trilogy, I definitely want to read the rest! This is a new author that I enjoyed immensely!

Penny Vincenzi/New Author/ Chunkster/ 836 pages/ Family/ England/ 4 out of 5

Off to a couple short stories and hopefully one more chunkster this month!

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

That's all it takes to change the lives of so many people. Peter took a gun to school and shot at the kids who had tormented him all his life. But in the aftermath, Josie Cormier had to face life and try to forget what she saw. But she cannot remember a lot in the first place. Her mother Alex wants to see her taken care of but is there anything she can really do? Is there anything anyone can do?

Ms. Picoult writes a gripping emotional novel that I could not put down for nothing. Seeing things in hind sight in this book, I was upset that things weren't taken care of better. I really liked how you got to see things from all angles. I got a clear picture of what was going on and how things kept getting neglected.

Josie just wanted to fit in and when she got the chance she hung on as hard as she could. Her mother Alex wasn't always there for her but she did her best. But so did Lacy, Peter's mom, but yet she also neglected him in a few ways. High school is never easy to deal with and these kids pick on each other all in the name of “fun”.

Definitely a must read for any parent of a child, this book will grab you from the beginning and won't let you go. It asks a lot of questions but doesn't answer them for you. That is the one thing I like about Ms. Picoult, she gets you to think and wonder but lets you decide. This is one author who never ceases to amaze me.


455 pages/Chunkster/Jodi Picoult/ Family/ School shootings/ Fiction

Great author and just bummed about her not coming to town for a book signing. It happens and I will get over it. :) But definitely recommend this author not only cause she makes you think but she is down to earth person too. :)

The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky

Going home on a rainy night, Deborah lets her daughter get practice on the drive home. The visibility is nothing but Grace is being a good learner and taking her time. When they hear a thud going down a country road, the car stops. Deborah gets out and finds a man injured who is none other than Grace's teacher. Lying to the cops that she was the one driving is only the beginning of their problems. But can they come out on the other side?

Ms. Delinsky had her hands full with this story line. It's never right to lie no matter the situation and this proves it one more time. It will come out in the end because it hurts. A mother lying for her child is not right either. The conflicts were driving most characters nuts not to mention the other situations in the book. She had to wade her characters through a lot of things and I was curious to see how it would all turn out.

Deborah may be a single mother now but she wanted what she thought was best for her kids. She had a lot of grieving to do as well since she had recently lost her mother and her marriage had fallen apart. Dealing with multiple things at once had clouded her judgment. Grace pulled inside herself not sure how to express and even though her mom was willing to listen, it just didn't seem like it was enough.

This story was heart wrenching but well done. I appreciated what was the situation and how well it was handled at the end. Things were cleaned up for the most part but I felt horrible for the man who was injured because it turned out to be more in the end. You'll have to read it yourself to find out.


Barbara Delinsky/ Family/ Lies/507 pages/ Chunkster/ 5 out of 5

Okay onto The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. :)

The Exchange by Inga C. Ellzey

Jewelle Dawson needed a break. Being in the witness protection program had been draining. She needs a break and wants to get out. Against the advisement of her friend, she decides to go ahead and go. She knows she will not be watched over but she doesn't think anything of it. Meeting two wonderful men, Max is a playboy gambler and wants Jewelle to come along and take risks with him. While Paul is a laid back kind of guy and just gently woos her. This trip will be one that she'll never forget.

Ms. Ellzey made me laugh. It all came back to mentioning the small town in Minnesota as well as Duluth. Being someone who has been there just made me smile cause it fit so well. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors but nothing major. I was pleased with how well the plot flowed and the surprises along the way. Ms. Ellzey has a new fan and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.

Jewelle is a woman who just wants to embrace life. She never knew how a simple testimony could change her life. Now she wants to take a break from the life she had to start. Meeting other people on a cruise seems like the ideal spot. Little does she know that she'll change lives along the way.

This is a fascinating book that grabbed me from the beginning. It jumped from Jewelle to another character a little here and there. It never bothered me and I felt it flowed pretty well. It was a good well written story that the sequel to come out next year is definitely a must read after the cliff hanger you are left with at the end.

Inga C. Ellzey/New Author/ Adult Fiction/ Romance/ Chunkster/401 pages/ 5 out of 5

I would have posted this sooner but we lost power yesterday and forgot to copy this onto something so I could post it. lol Oh well! :)

Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon is ready to do some work for a friend when Ari comes looking for him. This time there is more at stake than even Gabriel thinks. Can he play by the rules?

Mr. Silva does it again and the real situtaions that happened in this book were taken from history. He just tweaked a little. But then it is fiction so it is entirely possible. Once again I was swept up into this book.

I truly felt for Gabriel. He had to start with a new team and figure out how to solve the problem that was coming. He was also torn between Chiara and his wife Leah. Tough choices for a man who loves his art.

This is a good book but not as good as the last one. Though that one was more heart wrenching. This one had me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely have to get the next one in the series!

Daniel Silva/ Chunkster/ 400 pages/ Spy story/ 4 out of 5

I enjoyed this one. It was not easy to read at times but was interesting. Off to read a review book and then my first Christmas book for December!

The Murder of Helen Jewett

A prostitute murdered. A man aligned with her that is high in society. What really happened?

This author tries to delve not only into the facts around the death of Helen Jewett but the background of Helen and Robinson. Not to mention the times they grew up and lived in during the 1800's. I was over whelmed with all the information and the things that were going on.

Ms. Cohen truly digs into it all and shows all sides and presents a full picture for you to figure out what really happened. The fact that the trial ended the way it did probably did have something to do with it staying in their memories.

I agree that it had nothing to do with her being a prostitute. Now days, things might have been different and noting would have been thought of. But at that time, things were different. Men would regularly seek out women even just to talk to and pay for it. Impressed is how I would put this, I did get bogged down by all the foot notes so I would only read the ones where extra information was given since there was so much to read about.

Ms. Cohen did a fantastic job and maybe she gave this woman a voice like no other. I am definitely curious to see what else this author has written.


Patricia Cline Cohen/ New Author/ 512 pages/ Non-fiction/ Chunkster/ Murder/ 3.5 out of 5

It's been awhile since I posted, work has picked up and slowed down. Now it has picked up so I hope so more lighter fare in books. lol

The List by Steve Martini

Abby Chandalis just wants success. Yet as someone who has bombed on the NY Times best selling list, she isn't sure that it'll happen again. Unless she finds someone to play her pen name that she has created. But doing that just might be deadlier than she thinks.

Mr. Martini is a fabulous writer. There were points in the story that just dragged on and were slightly confusing. The writing was fast paced but never stilted. I was impressed with how developed the characters were as well as the surprises this author could put in his work.

Abby knew the writing industry. She could not try to publish again so her only option was a pen name.Yet she chose a male one and was left scrambling. I could see why she did that but at the same time,it almost blew up in her face. Jack was a guy who had quite the complex at times. He creeped me out a little but then his gun knowledge came in handy. Plus he was always conducting research ways. This
author definitely knows how to let you in the character's head.

This was an up and down book for me. There was a point I actually wanted to put the book down. I kept going along cause I was curious to see how it would all end. The twists and turns with all the characters involved kept me turning pages. Yet, at the same time, there were a lot more things that didn't always make sense. The ending truly wrapped things up and all was revealed but I am still not sure it saved
the book.


Steve Martini/ Author of the Month/Chunkster/ Fiction/Mystery/464 pages/ 3 out of 5

I finished this one yesterday but right before I left for work. I also didn't get the book read in time for last month. lol Have a great day, off to read some more!

The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde

Thursday is settling into her book Caversham Heights yet feeling like she is supposed to remember something. Her family is still there but her memories are becoming tainted. And with the promised changes to the Book World coming, things are definitely topsy-turvy. Help must come but will Thursday be able to remember anything of her life.

Mr. Fforde has such creativity in his books. I just cannot believe the things that he is able to imagine. I would love sometime to jump into a book just for an hour but in between chapters so as to not mess anything up. Thursday is a character who has a lot to deal with but I never felt things were cruel for her. There was a good balance of craziness and the normal every day things people deal with but in a book world.

Thursday has a lot to battle in this book. Her memory is slowly fading and she doesn’t understand why. The people in Justifiction are doing their best to train her. Her mentor is always there but there will be a point that she must start working on her own. But can she do that and work on what she is forgetting?

This is an interesting book in the series. There are a lot of cliffhangers in this one. I am just curious to see how it all works out. Mr. Fforde had a few scenes that I could see leading to other things. I definitely love how this author writes but it does take awhile to get used to the writing if you’ve not read him in awhile. Oh, and you must start from the beginning with They Eyre Affair.

Jasper Fforde/ Mystery/ Books/ Chunkster/ 416 pages/ 4 out of 5

Off to another review book and then one for the Author of the Month from my yahoo group. :)

The Confessor by Daniel Silva

Gabriel is responsible for cleaning up an important painting. Yet when he finds that an old friend of his is killed. He feels he must solve the murder. There are a lot of twists and turns to get through and a lot of shocking things that Gabriel must prove in order to find out the truth. Problem is, that there is someone that wants this all kept quiet and will do anything needed.

Mr. Silva does good work in this book. Not to mention all the research he had to have done to make it accurate. I appreciate all his work. It made the book come across real knowing that he had done his work.

Gabriel is always meeting someone but it never works out. He has gotten to the point where his art restoring is his passion even more so. Yet when Shamron calls, he at least answers to find out what is going on. Friendships mean the most to Gabriel and that is one quality I find endearing. He won’t rest till he has some answers and will do whatever it takes to get them.


This book really impressed me. I liked the depth and the mystery that Gabriel had to solve. He was putting a lot on the line in this book and it was more than just his life. Mr. Silva has truly impressed me.


Daniel Silva/ Thriller/ 480 pages/ Spy/ Chunkster/ 4 out of 5

I enjoyed this book and am now working on reading The House At Riverton by Kate Morton.

The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber

A Marriage of Convience

Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have been friends since high school. But they have only ever been just friends. Now Jamie is determined to have a child but she asks Rich to be the father but she has to agree to marry him. Rich wants more than just a marriage of convience for them.

Jamie is just so stubborn but she knows in her heart that there may have been there something all along. Everyone knew that Rich loved Jamie except for him. Can they make things work or will things fall apart?

Stand-In Wife

Paul Manning needs help raising his kids after his wife dies. Leah is more than willing to help she loves the children. But slowly feelings blossom between the two. Can they work it out or will things just fall apart.

Leah doesn’t want to remind Paul of his dead wife. Paul cannot believe he even has feelings for Leah. These two will have to figure something out as the baby Kelsey only knows Leah as her mother.

Ms. Macomber writes great fiction and I am glad that these were re-printed. Definitely a good read. I cannot wait for the next one in the series.


Debbie Macomber/528 pages/ Chunkster/Romance/ 5 out of 5

Okay got behind on my reviews. lol sorry

The English Assassin by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon thought he was done but there was another plan in mind. Now he shows up to his client and finds him dead. Having to prove he didn’t kill the man won’t be easy. Now he has to team up with the man’s daughter and keep her safe. He will have to battle for his own life against someone that he trained.

Mr. Silva weaves a spellbinding tale that really captivates. I had to see where he would take Gabriel’s character and what new situations he would have to deal with in this story. I love how much research this author does cause everything comes across as authentic. This is definitely an author who knows that authenticity helps the action along.

Gabriel has new battles to face but he has to help a young lady as well. He must keep in mind that his past is still around and he must figure out how to keep on top of it all. It certainly won’t be easy but he can do it if he can keep things straight and be focused.

This series gets better with this book. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. I have the next one in the series but I have other books I want to read as well. Keeping me entertained and get to spread the books out a little more.

Daniel Silva/ Mystery/ Spies/ 416 pages/ Chunkster/ 4 out of 5

The Kill Artist by Dnaiel Silva

Gabriel Allon had left the espionage world for a quieter life as an art restorer. Now he is asked for help again. At first he wants to turn it down until he finds out he will be working with beautiful fashion model Jacqueline once more. He does not know that there are secrets in the working and this may be his last chance to kill Tariq.

Mr. Silva is a fantastic writer. I could not believe how much research he had to do but it showed. I cannot say that I know the events he talked about but with the names of the books listed in the back from where he learned things, I can only hope that they are either true or names were changed.

Gabriel Allon is a man who has hurts. Yet he is able to stifle them at points to get done what is needed. I found that astonishing. The technology mentioned in the book may be outdated now who knows but I found what they were able to do very interesting. Jacqueline was such a sweetheart and I kept hoping she would get her heart’s desires.

Boy am I glad this was just the first book. I definitely want to read the rest soon!

Daniel Silva/New Author/ Mystery/ Espionage/Chunkster/ 448 pages/ 4 out of 5

Off to read a couple of review books and then something else from my pile. :)

Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Faythe is back. She is still working on establishing herself in the Pride of her family. Marc is around and trying to win her love more than ever. Her father Gregory is not making things easy for her so she is determined to work that much harder. It seems like something is coming back to get tabbies. That is not a good thing and it could all lead back to something she did before coming back to the Pride.

Ms. Vincent creates a world that just sucks you in from the beginning. I was so happy to read these characters again. The next one cannot come out soon enough for me. There is dynamics in this Pride that have me turning pages.

Faythe really is trying to make her name. But she cannot become a woman like her mother. She wants to be a career woman and help her father with the enforcers. Marc is a man/shifter who can only take so much. He has no idea who is behind it all but it will take him a lot to get through it.

I loved this book so much! It picks up pretty much where the other one leaves off. I liked that. I don’t want to give anything away at all. Now you need to read Stray first or this book will not make a whole lot of sense. But both are worth your time and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. There are a lot of strings that need to be taken care of so I am waiting with anticipation.

Rachel Vincent/ Shifters/ Chunkster/ 400 pages/ 5 out of 5


I have a couple more review books and then back to ones off my shelf before I read cozy mysteries next month. :)

Lost In A Good Book by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next is back again. She has a lot to handle. She is now well known for some of her actions she has most recently taken. Cordelia Flank does not know when to leave the poor girl alone for press releases and all that entails. But when the love of her life is eradicated, she is furious! She must figure out how to get him back and that might mean she will have to become a book jumper apprenticed to none other than Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. A member of the Goliath Corporation promises her to get her love back if she extracts one of their own from the poem “The Raven.” But learning how to be a book jumper is not easy especially when a play thought to be lost suddenly appears. Side trips into Kafka and Beatrix Potter keep her busy. But then she thinks she is the victim of lethal coincidences but she cannot prove anything because every one thinks she is crazy if she mentions her love. What will this poor girl deal with next?

Mr. Fforde redeems himself with this book. The first one was not horrible yet I was not used to his writing style at all. I loved seeing Thursday’s father come back. He is such a sweet man. I have to say Mr. Fforde is definitely creative with what he comes up for this book.

Thursday is such a sweetie. But she is also a tough gal and will not put up with anything that is less than satisfactory. Not having a moment to lose, she is focused on finding out what happened wrong and helping her enemy if that is what it takes to get her love back. Her brother Joffy is quite the character being a minister. He is supportive in this book and I wanted to hug the man. Of course you cannot forget her partner Bowden Cable. The man is a saint with what he puts up with. He may be a minor character but he knows how to play off of Thursday as well as offer up unnecessary information. As I said before, I love Thursday’s father. He may jump in and out of her life literally but he is a dear.

The ending bummed me out but definitely left me wanting more. I want to get my hands on a copy of The Well of Lost Plots soon. I loved all the cross references between this and the last book. The literary things that happened in the book made me smile even when she had to jump in “The Raven.” What imagination this author has. He certainly has found a fan in me. I may not have liked The Eyre Affair as much but it is definitely important to read it. The books following will not make any sense without it.

Jasper Fforde/ Literary/ Chunkster/ 416 pages/ 4 out of 5

Hopefully off to another couple of review books and then a couple of my own choosing. :)