Review: "The Bone Clocks" by David Mitchell

One the the joys of reading a fine, layered, complex book like "The Bone Clocks" by David Mitchell is the experience of the revealing of the plot, discovering and understanding the connections that the author has skillfully created, culminating in the finale and resolution.  The resolution may be satisfying, tragic, or sometimes even left to the imagination of the reader ala T.C. Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain", but the author in complete harmony with the story creates a perfect resolution for the reader after a sometimes long literary expedition.

One of the difficulties of reviewing a book with a complex plot filled with moments of enlightenment along the, in the case of "The Bone Clocks", 624-page journey, is not revealing plot points that will harm the experience for other readers.  In other words, no spoilers.  But, challenge accepted, so here goes.

"The Bone Clocks" is the story of the life of Holly Sykes, a teenaged runaway following a breakup with her boyfriend.  Holly hears voices and has brief encounters with who she calls "The Radio People", and experiences time losses - she suddenly realizes that she has completely lost hours of her life with not a shred of recollection as to what happened.  During the several days where she has run away, her little brother Jacko, who is smart and wise beyond his years, disappears without a trace.  Foul play is suspected, the assumed crime remains unsolved, but Jacko's disappearance continues to haunt Holly.

Unexplainable experiences follow Holly as she grows - visits from the mysterious Immaculee Constantin, a psychic experience involving Holly's daughter Aoife, and practically Whovian time anomalies.  Holly's place in an extra-natural world becomes clear as the story progresses toward a bleak but superbly satisfying conclusion.

Ultimately, "The Bone Clocks" is superb.  The tale is long out of necessity.  There are times during the diligently-paced first half of the book where you are wondering when the story's pace will quicken.  At the end, you realize that everything, every element, is deliberate and important.  If it wasn't over 600 pages I would read it again to pick up on intricacies that I missed the first time through.

The final section of the book, titled "Sheep's Head", referring to Holly Sykes' town of residence, in addition to a perfect closure to Holly's story, doubles as a powerful message about our Earth and our lack of stewardship, our dependence on technology, and a chilling too-possible future state.

Author David Mitchell, of "Cloud Atlas" fame and also translator of the amazing "The Reason I Jump", has delivered a gripping, complex novel blending the real with the paranormal for those who are ready for a challenging and satisfying reading experience.

Rapid Review: "Prince Lestat" by Anne Rice

"Prince Lestat" is the latest in Anne Rice's acclaimed Vampire Chronicles series which began with "Interview with the Vampire" so many years ago.  "Prince Lestat" returns to the story of our blood-drinking hero Lestat de Lioncourt as he, the elders of the world's vampires, and some newer blood fend off a threat called "The Voice" (which has nothing to do with Adam Levine or Blake Shelton).  Nearly every blood-drinker from every previous story in the series appears in "Prince Lestat" as well as some new, modern, tech-savvy characters.

"Prince Lestat" is for the fans of the series (of which I am one), and it works well. The storyline around "The Voice" and the revelation about its identity move fast through multiple plot threads, culminating in an exciting climax and denouement.   I loved reacquainting myself with some old vampiric friends, and meeting some new additions to the cast of the undead.

A couple of the sub-threads didn't work well for me, and one in particular seemed to have some timeline issues that didn't jive.  But this is a minor quibble.  If you're a fan of Ms. Rice and the Vampire Chronicles, you'll like "Prince Lestat".  I only hope that Lestat comes to visit us on a few more occasions before he goes into the Earth for the last time.

A quick note about Ms. Rice:  I got to meet her briefly at a book signing a few years ago, and I had my (then) 4 year old daughter with me.  Anne Rice was about the nicest author I've ever met!  She spent several minutes talking to my daughter and asking her all about the toy stuffed lion she was carrying with her.  It was great!

"Prince Lestat" on Amazon

Book Review: "Gumption"by Nick Offerman

Damn you, Nick Offerman, damn you!

<sigh>

Nick Offerman, best known by some as surly local government antithetical perma-worker Ron Swanson on the most excellent television program "Parks and Recreation", and best known by others as a woodworker and proprietor of the Offerman Woodshop, is also a damned fine author.  An author who giggles quite a lot at book readings.

"Gumption",  Mr. Offerman's second book following "Paddle Your Own Canoe", is an exploration of 21 great Americans who, according to Nick, have an unshakable work ethic, a desire to succeed, and have achieved greatness through their accomplishments, either on on the grande scale end of the spectrum ala George Washington, or at the niche end, such as master tool maker Thomas Lie-Nielsen.  All of the Americans profiled are, in their own way, tough sumbitches.  Even the ladies.  Yes, even Yoko Ono.  (When you read Mr. Offerman's description of Yoko's toughness, you will look at her in a new light - guaranteed).

"Gumption" is divided into three sections "Freemasons", "Idealists", and "Makers".  The "Freemasons" section includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Frederick Douglass. The Douglass chapter was very educational and enlightening for me, especially the story of how Douglass taught himself to read when it was illegal for him to do so.

While "Freemasons" was good, it was in "Idealists" that Mr. Offerman really hit his stride, especially the contemporary Americans whom he was able to meet and interview in person.  There's a definite fanboy aspect to some of his selections for the book (a fact that Nick freely admits), especially author Wendell Berry.  Yes, there is a chapter about Wendell Berry, the off-the-grid Kentuckian/farmer who writes about life in fictional Port William.  There is a chapter, and then there are mentions and stories about Wendell Berry in every other chapter in the book, practically.  Mr. Offerman's obsession with the man and love of his work is apparent.

"Gumption" continues into "Makers", including the aforementioned Thomas Lie-Nielsen, founder of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame, boatwright Nat Benjamin, American Comedic Goddess Carol Burnett, and artiste Laurie Anderson.  Mr. Offerman's passion for the works produced by these folks flows through his work.  Giddiness drips from the pages.

The chapters are not merely biographical sketches of his subjects.  Mr. Offerman offers plenty of humor, and plenty of his own opinions on topics such as religion, marriage equality, equal pay for women, and many more.  It's an amazingly readable and enjoyable book cover to cover.

So, why am I damning Nick Offerman?  Since reading "Gumption" (and getting to meet and briefly chat with him during his book signing), I have had to add several of Wendell Berry's books to my personal (overflowing) library.  And I want to go check out Wilco.  And I want to track down Laurie Anderson's work (I'm not unfamiliar - dug her back in my college days).  And I want to binge-watch Carol Burnett on Youtube (Carol was a staple of Saturday night TV in my house when I was growing up).  And, yeah, I need to binge-watch "Parks and Recreation" too.  Thanks to Nick Offerman, I'l be spending money on more books and music that will take up room in my house.  Damn.

"Gumption" is one of the best books of the year.  Superbly entertaining, and you will learn a lot about many great Americans.

Amazon link

"Gumption" was purchased by the reviewer.

Book Review: "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

"Between the World and Me"by Ta-Nehisi Coates was released early, in July instead of October 2015.  The continuing string of tragic events in our country, including the death in Coates' native Baltimore of Freddie Gray and the Charleston, S.C. murders and subsequent public discourse over the Confederate Flag were likely the factors that led to the decision to the early release of the book. I personally care not why the decision was made to release early, I am simply glad that this physically small but socially and emotionally huge book is now ready for the hands and eyes of readers.

Mr. Coates, in a series of essays written for his young son, tells his story of inhabiting a black body in today's America.  This not a book of perspective, or point-of-view.  Those are observational.  "Between the World and Me" is experiential, it is the life Mt. Coates has led, with struggles, with opportunities, with successes, and with living with the seemingly daily news of racial violence.

We hear how the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and, most predominately, Prince Jones, have affected Coates.  We learn how the decision not to prosecute the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown affected his son as a flashpoint, a moment of clear understanding about the realities of life in a black body.

Coates states that race comes from racism, that racism is not the child of race.  He quotes the Confederate States Vice-President: "Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid , its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition."   (Remember, this book was written prior to the Charleston murders.)  His point is clear - the roots of racism are deep, and the timeline is long.

I have read "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, an account of his experiences as a prisoner in a WWII concentration camp, many times, each time finding new meaning in his words.  I believe that "Between the World and Me" is such a book, one that requires multiple readings over the course of time.  Mr. Coates' words can open up powerful self-reflection and lead to a greater, deeper understanding of the times we live in, and the times we have come from.

"Between the World and Me" gets my highest recommendation.

Speigel & Grau, an imprint of Random House, provided an Advanced Reader's Edition for purposes of review.

Amazon link to "Between the World and Me"

Ta-Nehisi Coates writing in "The Atlantic" link

"Man's Search for Meaning"by Viktor Frankl Amazon link

Book Review: "Top Down" by Jim Lehrer

"Top Down" is PBS News Legend Jim Lehrer's 21st novel.  21!  In addition to being a driving force behind one of the most respected broadcast news programs in history, moderator of many presidential debates, and collector of bus-related memorabilia, Jim Lehrer is also an author of 21 novels (plus 2 autobiographies/memoirs and a non-fiction look at the presidential debates "Tension City").

"Top Down" is the story of newsman Jack Gilmore (who seems quite similar to a certain Mr. Lehrer), a reporter sent to cover President Kennedy's arrival in Dallas on the day of his assassination in 1963.  Gilmore, chatting with Secret Service Agent Van Walters, asks whether the bubble top on the presidential limousine will be on or off for the motorcade.  Agent Walters, after a check of the downtown weather, orders it taken off, as the rain has cleared.  This act sets in motion a cycle of guilt-induced physical and mental illness in Agent Walters, as he believes that his order allowed the assassination of the President.

"Top Down" is the story of Agent Walters' daughter Marti engaging Gilmore to help her father.  Together, they probe whether the order to remove the bubble top had a material impact on the tragic outcome that day in Dallas.  Would the bubble top have prevented the assassination?  Did Gilmore's question to Walters actually lead to the order?  What would have happened if the top had been in place?  An intriguing and important sub-thread throughout the novel is one of journalistic integrity.  Gilmore struggles with his job as an up-and-coming newspaperman to tell this important story with his promise to Marti Walters to stay "off the record".  Mr. Lehrer's own sense of integrity is the lifeblood of this vein of the plot.

Jim Lehrer succeeds once again in writing a very approachable and fascinating novel.  He is an outstanding story teller, with comfortable phrasing and style that make the book a complete pleasure to read.  Upping the ante with "Top Down"is the autobiographical aspect,which Mr. Lehrer describes in the Author's Note, in that he himself was in a similar position and asked a similar question about the bubble top to a Secret Service agent in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

"Top Down" is a very enjoyable book.  If you read it and like it, and it's your first Jim Lehrer novel, I encourage you to treat yourself to his other works, especially "The Special Prisoner", "The Last Debate", "The Phony Marine", and the One-Eyed Mack series.

Amazon link for "Top Down"

This book was purchased by the reviewer.

Book Review: "Hand to Mouth - Living in Bootstrap America"

Originally posted Feb. 21, 2015 here at Merry & Bright!

While reading "Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America" by Linda Tirado (G.P. Putnam's Sons [Penguin]), many descriptors will come to mind.  Enlightment.  Victim.  Attitude.  Understanding.  Perspective.  Anger.  Introspective.  And, the most interesting part is that at times you will apply these to author Tirado and her chronicled experiences, and at other times you will turn the mirror on yourself.

Tirado explains in raw, clear, and unsettling terms what it's like to be poor in America.  She has an admittedly bad attitude at times, fueled by how she believes others, mainly "the rich", see the poor.  To Tirado, the rich believe that the poor are lazy, make terrible decisions, and are themselves the main reasons that they can't escape poverty.  Through her narrative about trying to hold down multiple jobs, obtain survival-level, absolute necessity-only healthcare, and find affordable transportation and clothing, not to mention feeding self and family, Tirado explains why the poor can't escape being poor.

Tirado doesn't claim to be an angel or a saint.  She has anger.  She doesn't help her own situation at times.  But, it is clear that she is far from lazy.  She shares terrible experiences of condescending attitudes while trying to get basic dental care and being presumed to be a meth addict.  Tirado does not want sympathy - she wants understanding.  "Hand to Mouth" will give the reader a vivid understanding of poverty.

And more - Tirado also gives us a glimpse of how she perceives the work routine of the rich.  She tells us about a new job in a typical office environment and how, in a meeting, she describes all the nothing that gets done.  From someone who has worked hard at multiple labor-intensive jobs, her most shocking insight is the waste of time in "rich" America.

You may or may not like Linda Tirado or her message after reading her powerful book.  But you will never view the working poor the same way again.

Penguin Books provided an advance reading copy of "Hand to Mouth" for review.

Book Review: "Descent" by Tim Johnston

Originally posted Feb 14, 2015 here on Merry & Bright!

On the surface, "Descent" by Tim Johnston (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill) is a mystery/thriller novel.  Set in the central Colorado Rocky Mountains, "Descent" tells the story of the abduction of Caitlin Courtland, an 18-year old out for a run in the mountains with her younger brother Sean, while marriage-reconciling parents Grant and Angela remain in their vacation cabin.  Sean is struck and injured by a driver of a modified sport utility vehicle, causing Caitlin to face the choice of staying with her brother or riding with the stranger down the mountain to where her cell phone will regain service.  Caitlin ultimately chooses to ride, and then becomes imprisoned by the driver.  Her family then must endure the ordeal of a lost child and sibling, as they spend months and years in a futile search.

"Descent" is much more than a typical mystery.  Guilt abounds through the Courtland family, each feeling that Caitlin's abduction and disappearance is somehow their own fault.  Author Johnston wraps the reader into the guilt with an intense subtlety.  Through the actions of Grant, Angela, and especially Sean, we feel their guilt rather than being told about it.  Sean is referred to as "the boy", telling us about his self-image, never allowing himself to truly grow from his 15 year old self.  Grant never leaves Colorado, even long after the official searches have ended, staying with the father of the local sheriff, Joe.  Joe's brother Billy, a black sheep character, is a conflict for the Courtlands.  Billy has run-ins with both Grant and Sean, and is a "bad man", described by Grant in a particularly tense standoff.

Mr. Johnston's skill at bringing depth to "Descent" is very admirable.  At times the cost of the depth is a story that moves at a deliberate pace,but it is well worth it.  When the story picks up the pace, you will not want to put the book down.

Many mystery stories have a point of plot convenience, where the reader must suspend disbelief momentarily and go along with an unlikely event that is there to progress the story.  There is a slight moment like this in "Descent", but Mr. Johnston addresses this with great skill.  The story flows amazingly from that point forward, and any "Oh, really?" thoughts a reader may have are quickly erased.

"Descent" is a fine, gripping, and involved novel, and an excellent choice for a Wintertime read.