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review 2014-03-20 12:22
The Most Happy Reader Reviews Mary Bennet by Kate Allen
The Chalice - Nancy Bilyeau
The Crown: A Novel - Nancy Bilyeau
Marie Antoinette's Head: The Royal Hairdresser, the Queen, and the Revolution - Will Bashor
Gastien: The Cost of the Dream (The Gastien Series #1) - Caddy Rowland
The Collector of Dying Breaths: A Novel of Suspense - M.J. Rose
Isabella: Braveheart of France - Colin Falconer
House of Bathory - Linda Lafferty
I Am Livia - Phyllis T. Smith
Mary Bennet is a familiar, if somewhat neglected character, in Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice.  Mary, the middle child of the five Bennet sisters, lacks the vivacity and beauty of Elizabeth and Jane and lacks the boy crazy flirtatiousness of Kitty and Lydia. Not surprisingly Mary fades into the background as readers are drawn to the fates of her sister.
 
Kate Allan gives us the story of Mary, the much maligned middle sister, who for most of her life has been an embarrassment to her family by her complete lack of social grace so important at the time.  As a result Mary is often the source of ridicule by some of her siblings and, not surprisingly, her mother. At last, in Mary Bennet, Allan gives Mary center stage and a chance to develop in her own unique way.  Allan does not rewrite Austen and I believe that the many fans of Pride and Prejudice will find that Allan remains true to the spirit and characters that Austen created.  In this way, Ms. Allan provides an extension to Pride and Prejudice focusing on Mary, the sister that Austen introduced but did not fully explore. The characters that Austen crafted remain identifiable and true to their portrayal by Austen within Allan’s novel.
 
Allan innovatively gives Mary an academic leaning and it is through research that she meets, collaborates and then come to love Nick Sharnbrook in her own time.  Kate Allen lets Mary remain who she is and allows her to find acceptance and love from someone who appreciates her for herself.  In the end she needn’t conform or master social grace to accomplish the near impossible, a love match.
 
Mary Bennet is a wonderful accompaniment to Pride and Prejudice and will appreciate Kate Allan’s exploration of the life of Mary.  Mary Bennet is a true must read for anyone who enjoys the novels of Austen as well as those who enjoy the exploration of the life of women constrained by society and family expectations.  Who doesn’t love the woman who defies the norm and finds contentment and fulfillment in a life of her own making?
Source: themosthappyreader.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-mary-bennet-by-kate-allan.html
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review 2013-12-15 19:16
Book Review: Playing for Keeps
Playing for Keeps - Mur Lafferty

When Keepsie is taken captive by Doodad, a super villain, and she finds he slipped a metal sphere in her pocket, the crew of Third Wavers that visits Keepsies bar stand with their friend and get drawn into the constant battle between good and evil.  But, who are good and who are really evil?  That could be subject to ones perception.

Keepsie is part of the Third Wavers that have "lame" powers and are told they are not Hero quality.  Oh, but these 'lame' powers are amazing when they are put together as a team.  What these characters learn of themselves and the twists the can do to strengthen their powers is a blast. 

I love the play on words with the title and Keepsie's name and her ability.  She keeps things.  Well, not willingly.  When she owns something, it can't be taken from her without the other freezing in a stasis until she releases them.  Keepsie is an independent woman.  Strong.  And she learns she has friends to have at her side.

The story starts right in with Keepsie getting taken by a villain and finding something he left in her pocket.  We see the Heroes and Villains through Keepsie's eyes, and her friends.  Hmmm, makes one wonder on who's the 'hero' and why.  When it comes to the sphere, which can not be stolen from Keepsie do to her power, we see that neither side - hero or villain - might be the 'good' side.  So who do you pick to give it back too?  This is a world that not everyone is a 'hero' and some are corrupt, others make bad choices from inflated heads.  The use of desires and manipulation to get what they want, or try stealing. 

This story made me chuckle several times.  The comments from Michelle, Keepsie's friend and waitress, oh she's a quick one.  And the powers that the Third Wavers possess!  Hahaha!  Just to much fun!  The quick ideas of all these are great.  The crew is even brutally honest with each other and I love hearing it, it makes me chuckle.

There is lots of action, even though Keepsie might not be a big action fighter - her power is more a passive one - there is lots going on around her.  It's cool!  And oh the destruction to the city.  Heroes and Villains collide!  Boy do they all take a beating.

When listening to this, Mur starts each new section with a Recap from the previous episode.  I rather enjoyed this as it brings the story to a personal level, like I'm in this city.  The people make me laugh with their comments and the "character" they take on as well.

You have to go into this looking for fun.  You need to listen to it and have a blast with it.  Relax with superheroes in the Seventh City.  They aren't the ones you'd expect.

I highly recommend listening to this one, for fun.  You'll enjoy it! 

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url 2013-12-15 18:29
Book Review/AudioBook Review: The Shambling Guide to New York City.
The Shambling Guide to New York City - Mur Lafferty
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