A story that wraps you up

Lingering Echoes
Erica Kiefer
Clean Teen Publishing

Officially a "new adult" novel (set out of high school, into the college age), this great story hooks you in with a great pitch, and leaves the reader satisfied with the development and conclusion.

Getting started in the story isn't so great, however.  I measure an actor's ability to convince me by whether or not I'm aware of him or her acting the role.  I measure maturity of an author by whether I'm aware of him or her writing the story.  At the first of this book, I was put off by the rough start, the jumping from scene to scene, and the lack of immediate engagement.

What's different about this book 
Despite some beginning stumbles, the story rewards those readers who stick with the plot development and the conclusion.  And the author does a skilled job of covering the jumps with in-text explanations that fit right in.

The characters do slowly become fully-developed individuals, and by the last half of the book, I found myself really caring about what would come of each of those characters.  A crucial literary quality of parsimony fails to apply here: There are a variety of characters and events that are introduced but ultimately do nothing to advance the story  line.  But this was a great read, if not one that hooks the readers in immediately.

And I *did* appreciate the "clean" story line;  the novel manages to be realistic and engaging, without the language or graphic sex that often characterize young adult and new adult books.  Yet at the same time, the story and protagonists are completely believable.   It's a "clean" that doesn't diminish the reading pleasure or feel fake.

What I'll do now that I've read it
 We'll be purchasing this title for our high school libraries.  In particular, our readers that enjoy romance, as well as adventure (some throw-back from gang life), and realistic fiction will enjoy this novel.  A good addition to our genres in multiple areas of the library.

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Shovel Ready: A Novel

Shovel Ready: A Novel
Adam Sternbergh
Crown Publishing
Jan 2014

This read may not be what you think it is.  
You may have heard some talk or read some blurbs: post-apocalyptic, murder-mystery, romance.
Nope.

On the other hand, if you've  heard gritty, dark, violent, and masterful, then you may be closer to what this offers.

What's different about this book
For a debut novel, this reads like it was written by an old hand at authoring.  The characterization is cohesive and compelling; the plotting is tight and fast; and the resolution is satisfying -- and comes very quickly.  There are two different voices from the same narrator, the spademan: One is the terse, cryptic but (largely) understandable voice that sounds like a person actually in this situation would sound like.  Then there is the voice that comes when narration and dialog are given: full sentences, clearly understandable thoughts, and smoother to read.  One might think that the author chose the voices based on how much he wanted the reader to understand at particular points in time.  Great crafting.

I enjoyed this adult dystopian novel, perhaps because the entire United States hadn't died, just Times Square and the New York City area.  The post-dirty bomb setting is well described, and the contrast between the "dead" zone and the "normal" world outside makes for a great read, particularly for someone who has not read a lot of dystopian novels.

What I'll do now that I've read this book
This will be a great sell to my adult library patrons who want grit and reality -- but still enjoy the not-quite-real setting in their novels.  I'm glad I've read it -- and I'll share with others who will be equally entertained.

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A Treasure of Intrigue

An American Spy (Milo Weaver, #3)
by Olen Steinhauer
2013, St. Martin's Press

Somehow the start of this trilogy slipped by me, and that was a significant loss.  

Working with libraries has its advantages, though, and one of them is hearing about great books from patron requests.

Beginning with the first Milo Weaver book, The tourist, I settled in for a pleasant Christmas break read, and then found myself compelled to jump into book two, The nearest exit.  The first book was compelling -- how did I miss it? But the second was better than the first. And it's amazing but true that An American spy, the third, was the best of the series.

What's different about this book? 
Characteristic of all three of these titles is the deft authorship: immediately-engaging characters, a quick-to-jump-into plot, and a sophisticatedly nuanced story.  Wow.  

The crowning touch in these three books, though, is the opening perspective of this third book:  Ironically, the title of American spy refers not primarily to Milo Weaver but to ... Well, that would be giving away too much.  Milo Weaver is my new best hero.

I consider the investment of time to read this trilogy to be one of the most rewarding choices this Christmas break.

What will I do now that I've read the book? 
One library I work with has the trilogy already, thankfully.  I had ordered the set by request and had no idea I would be one of its greatest fans. (All the awards and notables should have been tip-offs.)

So I'm ensuring that my other libraries consider these titles for their collection, and I'm personally encouraging friends, librarians, and readers I speak with, to give Steinhauer's trilogy a chance.  

I love the intrigue and stories of Clancy, Coben, Child, and top-notch authors in this style: Steinhauer and his Milo Weaver can take their place next to the best of those. 

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Interesting concept: A year’s worth of novellas

A January Bride: A Year of Weddings Novella
Deborah Raney
Zondervan, Dec 24 2013

This title was part of an interesting concept: "A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed." 

And this novella was just the right length: It allowed a intriguingly woven plot and textured characterization, and I was able to read it all in one (long) sitting. A great read.

What's different about this book? 
It was the perfect read for me at just the right time: end of semester, ready to throw off heavier more involving reads.  And short enough to match my shortened attention span. 

The hook for me, though, was an unusual plot line: an author and a professor thrown together but without meeting. And something interesting develops.

What I'll do now that I've read it? 
From Zondervan, the series (judging from this first novella) offers "Christian fiction," wherein the Almighty God is part of the action and plot line.  No apologetics, no controversy, no wrenching conflicts of faith.  This book provides a comfortable entertainment that makes for a pleasant read. For my church libraries and community-of-faith readers, this may be a perfect offering for those seeking an escape from life's moments of conflict and controversy.  We'll add this one to our collection.

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