chriswolak's reviews
1018 reviews

Once I finished Bloodline, I had to run out and get this 2nd book in the series. I prepared myself to be disappointed, since sequels are often lackluster, but I was not. This book was just as good as the second. Both books in the series could be twice as long. Reading a long you can just taste the sections of the book where the author could have expanded things. This series is a nice departure from all of the sex laden adult vampire novels out there. If you're looking for a nice, simple vampire story, check it out.

I read this book for a graduate reading list that I put together on lesbian novels. It was a fascinating read, historically, but on an emotional level it s devastating. I've often thought about re-reading it, but need to wait for a few sunny days on the beach when I'm in a splendid mood.

I adore Nevada Barr's novels. She seemlessly combines elements of mystery, nature writing, and social issues. Anna Pigeon is one of my favorite literary characters. She's a 40-something park ranger with an edgy attitude who sometimes slips over into dark cynicism, but never into absolute hopelessness. Each of Barr's novels is set in a different national park. This is the 14th Anna Pigeon mystery and each reads fine as a stand alone (I suppose, but can't really say since I've been reading them as they come out), but I think its interesting to read a series in chronological order to see the development of the character(s). Winter Study is set on Isle Royale in Lake Superior near the Canadian border in January. Anna heads up there to participate in the 50-year old wolf study. Once upon a time Nevada Barr was a ranger on Isle Royale and an early Anna Pigeon novel was set there (A Superior Death). Barr had rangered there in the summer, but in 2007 she spent time on Isle Royale in January, so she experienced the mind and body numbing cold first hand. I won't go into plot detail or anything. Let me just say its a good read and I'm happy spring is trying to make its way to Chicago.

I knew nothing about Remarque other than that he wrote All Quiet on the Western Front. I was happy to learn about some of the facts of his life, but overall this biography portrayed Remarque as a rather pathetic human being. It didn't "feel" feel balanced to me, but I have nothing to base that on. Perhaps I just wanted him to be more of a heroic, Hemingway-esque type of writer. I'd love to hear from others who have read this biography.

I read this book in a bunch of little chunks and would like to re-read it again straight through in a sitting or two to really soak up the flavor of the times that Perry captures. The characters really grew on me and I look forward to reading the other novels in the series. Perry does a nice job of capturing the idealism of the time. I liked the way Joseph comes to understand how idealistic he'd been, how blinded by what he wanted to see.

The fact that Mallet-Joris wrote this novel in 1952 when she was only 19 is amazing to me. The psychological awareness that she has in her descriptions of interactions between characters is fascinating. I thought about this novel and Tamara long after having finished it. Is Tamara a pathetic figure or a tragic character, or both? Take my advice and skip Terry Castle's intro at least until after you've read the book. I believe Sarah Waters would've written a more appropriate and engaging into, but she was relegated to a blurb on the front cover of the edition that I have.

A friend at work recommended this book, said it really creeped her out and she doesn't get creeped easily. It does have its creepy moments. I don't read much horror these days--other than vampire stuff--so I don't know what to compare it to other than early Stephen King novels, which I have read. Joe Hill is King's son and I think there are some similarities between the two such as the way they draw out a story. Its not all action and dialog, but a story with meats on its bones.

An enjoyable read. I'll probably read more in the series. The characters are okay, but what I most enjoyed was the coffee house setting and coffee worship. Praise Java!