Holiday!

As much of a slacker as this may make me sound, I have decided to take a short Christmas holiday from my blog.  I will immediately begin posting after Christmas Day, when I continue with my list of books and add a few new ones to peruse.

As always, thank you for visiting Reader's Reach and leave a message, comment, or suggestion.

Happy reading, and happy holidays.

- The Scrivener

Pirates!

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Pirates!
Celia Rees
2003

The Summary
For much of her life, Nancy Kington, the only daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, has been subjected to the whims of society and her brothers.  Now, forced forsake the love of her life and marry Captain Bartholome, a cruel and tyrannical man, Nancy decides to take life into her own hands.

Along with Minerva Sharpe, a former slave on the Kington plantation, Nancy and her dear friend flee aboard the pirate ship Deliverance and find a home among a band of cutthroats and thieves - and discover a vocation to which they are both perfectly suited.

But neither Nancy nor Minerva are safe.  Captain Bartholome has vowed to follow them, no matter the cost.

The Good
Celia Rees' novel is exceptionally well-written and finely detailed.  It's filled with adventure and intrigue and suspense, and it's thrilling to read.  It has just enough action, just enough drama and suspense to keep you riveted to the pages.

Besides which, Nancy Kington provides an interesting heroine for Pirates!  Far from being a damsel in distress, or a helpless maiden manipulated and contorted by her brothers's wishes and societal mores, she fights back and demands guidance for her own life.  Like her dear friend Minerva, Nancy isn't afraid to retaliate, and she certainly isn't afraid to speak her mind.

They are a particularly inspiring duo, I think.

The Bad
On certain occasions, Pirates! has several chapters prolonged by action and adventure and exciting new encounters, but the conclusion seems startlingly abrupt.  After all the anticipation and suspense, it seems to end far too quickly - and it wasn't quite what I expected.

Not to say it wasn't a phenomenal ending.  In fact, I found the conclusion particularly satisfying, but it wasn't quite what I anticipated.

The Ugly
The central character of Pirates! is, in fact, a pirate and surrounded by pirates.  By definition, pirates are expected to commit crimes, steal gold, drink rum, swear and curse, and carry out other varying acts of villainy and depravity.

It's just what they do.

So, don't be surprised by what you might read.

Frankenstein

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Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
1818

The Summary
Frankenstein tells the story of one man's attempt to play God and the tragedies which invariably ensued that would plague him for the rest of his days.

Alternately, Mary Shelley's novel also reveals the tale of the Frankenstein monster and recounts the horrors he is forced to endure as a leper and an outcast from society - a tragedy to which he is doomed from conception, even if he isn't such a bad fellow after all.

The Good
Frankenstein is a highly gratifying horror novel that combines exceptional detail with a close examination of human psychology and philosophy, and crosses it with a memorable narrator of an obscure moral fiber and warped personality.  (And, yes, I do mean Dr. Frankenstein in this instance.)

More importantly, it's a horror story that doesn't pull any punches, because it will challenge everything you have ever known and understood.  Your spine will tingle, and your mind will reel with the implications Mary Shelley makes.

It's terrifying, it's horrific - and it's absolutely wonderful.

The Bad
Despite it's gruesome nature and relatively unimposing stature, Shelley's novel is startlingly deep and philosophically complex.  As a work of literature, it's a hefty piece that will weigh on your conscience and your mind as you push through the pages.

Moreover, Shelley has a remarkable vocabulary - and she's certainly not afraid to put it to use.  More than most books, I would recommend keeping a dictionary within reach and making notes within the margins.

In short, Frankenstein  is difficult to read, but well worth the attempt.

The Ugly
This novel wreaks of moral ambiguity.

It will leave you wondering about the nature of humanity and its proximity to God.  But, more importantly, it will make you question who really deserves the title of "monster" in Shelley's novel:  the creator or the creation?

The Monstrumologist

Simon & Schuster

The Monstrumologist
Rick Yancey
2009

The Summary
Written from the perspective of William Henry, a young orphan who has found himself under the curious care of Dr. Pellinore Walthrop, The Monstrumologist recounts the childhood memories of Will Henry as he becomes enveloped by his guardian's grim occupation.

For in the small town of New Jerusalem, a frightening creature has arisen from the depths of the earth to devour human flesh.  Called "Anthropophagi," these creatures have a nightmarish appearance and a terrifying appetite - and only one man can successfully hunt them and stop them.

But that begs the question of which is more fiendish:  the monster or the man who hunts them?

The Good
Rick Yancey's tale is finely detailed and ripe with vivid language, stunning characters, and wonderful scenes that depict an astonishing story.  More than most, Yancey has managed to combine all the right elements of horror to fabricate a thrilling story that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

More importantly, Yancey has created in his novel a set of unique - if not occasionally unusual - and memorable characters.  In particular, the character of Will Henry will steal your heart with his struggle to adapt to his circumstances under the doctor's care and his attempts to successfully survive the perils of his guardian's chosen occupation.

His story is tragic, but it's certainly one you'll want to hear.

The Bad
Honestly, I can find no ill remarks to make about Yancey's work, because it's so remarkably well-written with a plethora of fascinating characters and a fantastic story of love, loss, heroism, and horror.

But I will note that it follows in the tradition of other horror novels, like Frankenstein and Dracula - it takes a while for the suspense to build and a longer time yet for the plot to come to a close.

The Ugly
Violence, gore, and death - you'll find more than enough of all three over the course of The Monstrumologist.  The novel has only a minimal amount of swearing; however, it frequently offers graphic depictions of violence and death that may border on extreme for a younger reader.

Think of it as a toned-down version of Stephen King.  (But not by much, of course.)

It's also important to note that bad things will happen to relatively good people, and even worse will happen to the best.

Apologies

Apologies for not having a new review up yet, but I haven't had the time to put on all the finishing touches and such.  But I promise I will have my latest review - on the Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - by Friday evening.

Thanks for your patience.

Happy reading.

-The Scrivener

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
1845

The Summary
Recounting the life of former slave and famous orator Frederick Douglass, Douglass' narrative describes the atrocities he was forced to face and the conditions he endured - and from which he fled - as a slave in Maryland.

The Good
Douglass' narrative is incredibly detailed and well-written.  Besides illuminating the crimes of slaveholders - which, by the way, Douglass shows no fear in naming names and revealing the most terrible crimes against human nature - and offering an intimate glance into the conditions under which slaves suffered, Douglass weaves an impressive tale of human survival.

His constant struggle, his never-ending fight to achieve freedom from slavery, and his flight from oppression will pluck at your heart strings.  It's deep and thought-provoking, and more than impressive.  Douglass has written a work well-worth reading.

The Bad
Although relatively brief in nature, Douglass' work can seem fairly dense and absolutely heart-wrenching.  For its size, it appears easy to read; however, certain sections may prove difficult due to the brutality recorded there.

The Ugly
Douglass's narrative reveals the sheer barbarity of slavery and provides detailed accounts of unprovoked cruelty toward African American men and women.  He reveals every terrible facet of slavery - and he does so without ever altering his purpose or concealing facts behind vague language.

Although Douglass could have recollected events of a less graphic nature, he adamantly refuses to mask the monstrosities of slavery as he saw and experienced them.  He stays true to his novel, weaving threads of truth into his work and offering the startling implication that such cruelty not only happened more than once, but appeared commonplace throughout the United States.

In Cold Blood

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In Cold Blood
Truman Capote
1965

The Summary
In 1959, four members of the Clutter family were brutally murdered in their home in Holcomb, Kansas.  With no motive to speak of and virtually no clues, the killers almost walked away scot-free.

In this novel, Truman Capote reveals all the gory details behind the case of a multiple murder and reveals the fear and distrust which struck at the very heart of the tiny town of Holcomb, Kansas.

The Good
Capote provides rich amounts of detail and offers uncanny insight into the lives of murderers Richard Hickock and Perry Smith.  Besides giving a realistic depiction of events, the author also imparts a journalistic quality to his novel that lends credence to his work and gives it an aura of undeniable fact.

For every event he describes, he unearths evidence to prove his point and, for every detail he offers to his audience, he provides legitimate documentation.  Capote, one way or another, gets his facts straight - and they're incredibly hard to refute.

The Bad
In Cold Blood, however, can also get bogged down by all those details.

Capote almost offers too much fact.  I know that may seem hard to believe, but there are years of legal documentation and newspaper reports and investigations to sift through.  Honestly, all that information crammed into one tiny space can prove challenging.  It's difficult to wade through it all and retain an honest interest in the story Capote's trying to tell.

Additionally, I think it's important to note that Capote has embellished his work to some degree.  Fiction, if only a slight amount, manages to creep its way into Capote's novel.  You see, in trying to instill as much truth and detail as possible, Capote has managed to undermine his own work.

Although he tells his story with as much truth and honesty as he can muster, certain facts may still become misconstrued because Capote has attempted to chronicle the thoughts of other individuals and pass them off as the highest truth.  No one can write with complete certainty what another individual is thinking at all times - unless, of course, that person happens to be a mind reader.

And I highly doubt the conclusion that Capote was telepathic.

The Ugly
Unlike most books, Capote's novel is a "true account of a multiple murder."  The implications, then, are staggering.  You cannot fall back on the comforting excuses of fiction, because you can't simply dismiss the credibility of Capote's tale.

In Cold Blood is strikingly, chillingly real.

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences: Phoenix Rising

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The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences:  Phoenix Rising
Pip Ballantine
Tee Morris
2011

The Summary
As members of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, Wellington Books and Eliza Braun have become accustomed to the odd, the unusual, and the downright absurd.

But their latest case - an unsanctioned investigation into the murders of more than a dozen factory workers - is the strangest and most deadly they have ever faced.

The Good
Books and Braun are a thoroughly entertaining duo, because they couldn't be more different.  As an archivist for the Ministry, Books is pedantic and modest to the point of being prudish; Braun, on the other hand, is loud and adventurous.  Yet they somehow manage to make phenomenal strides in their investigation.

Between Books's incredible analytical skills and Braun's talent with guns - and dynamite - they make an effective team.  Granted, they never escape without destroying private property or flagrantly disregarding Her Majesty's laws, but they know how to get the job done.

Most notably about this novel, Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris have created a sort of "steampunk" genre for their work.  They've crossed Victorian era concepts with science fiction and modernized technology - and created a steampunk novel.  It's an intriguing blend, to say the least, but I think the authors pull it off quite well.

It's fun, it's absorbing, and it's amusing to the point of being hysterical.  Ballantine and Morris's novel is certainly worth a read.

The Bad
Despite its intriguing qualities, Phoenix Rising can occasionally become confusing.  Given the action-packed nature of this novel, I can understand the technical difficulty involved; however, some sections appear to lack proper execution and explanation.

Moreover, some passages seem a little bipolar by switching between too many characters and leaving more questions than answers.  Books and Braun may solve one mystery, but they're left with about a dozen more.

But I suppose that's the prerogative of a book series:  more mysteries means more books.

The Ugly
Sex, violence, foul language, and so on - you know, all those elements that smack of the label "adult content."

I will admit, however, the orgy was unexpected.  I really did not see that one coming.

The Wereling: Resurrection

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The Wereling:  Resurrection
Stephen Cole
2004

The Summary
Now, closer than ever to discovering a cure, Kate and Tom are racing to find Jicaque - and stop Takapa once and for all.

But Takapa has big plans up his sleeve, and he'll stop at nothing to accomplish them and bring the werewolf community into a position of power.

The Good
As always, Stephen Cole provides an intriguing story, a fast action-packed plot, and a handful of lovable characters; however, he's also offered a little more insight into the werewolf myth.

He's making connections to Peter Stubbe - basically, the father of all werewolves - and throwing in a bit of magic, as well.  It's an intriguing leap in logic and plot formation his made within this final novel.

Intrigued?

The Bad
In his previous novels, Takapa - i.e. "the bad guy" - appeared to focus solely on science.  In fact, science and the misuse of technological advances permeated much of the novel.  Cole appeared to draw on the abuses and corruption of science that Mary Shelley examined in her delightful gothic horror Frankenstein.

Strictly speaking, there were no blatant instances of "magic" - in fact, even the werewolf transformation could be calmly explained away or dissected by science -  yet Cole makes a very large leap in his final novel to include magic.

Magic appears to have become a legitimate issue, as well as a source of power Takapa can tap into.  It's a curious, if not jarring, juxtaposition against the backdrop of previous novels.  Granted, it's a little more in line with what's known about the werewolf myth, but I thought Cole intended to deviated from the traditional.

While this certainly won't spoil the final installment of The Wereling, it can certainly change how you perceive the following chapters.

The Ugly
Bloodshed, plain and simple.

The Wereling: Prey

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The Wereling:  Prey
Stephen Cole
2004

The Summary
As the sequel to Wounded, Prey continues chronicling the shared story of Tom and Kate as they search for a cure.  Now, in search of a mystic named Jicaque, they have arrived in New York and become embroiled in a new mystery.

Teenagers have begun disappearing off the streets, and the werewolf community is in upheaval.

Turns out that Takapa is back - and his plans are more nefarious than ever.

The Good
Prey has many of the same elements of its predecessor:  an enjoyable story, a host of great characters, and a fast-pace.  Stephen Cole has taken the best of his previous novel and simply transplanted it into his sequel.

Cole, however, does create some new characters for his novel.  Besides the band of adorable little street urchins Tom and Kate inadvertently join, they meet a quirky doctor who claims she can cure the werewolf disease - and her claims add an interesting twist to Tom's and Kate's already complicated lives.

The Bad
By incorporating many of the same elements, this novel leaves you with a sinking sensation of familiarity - and it makes you think, time and again, "I've been here before."  I wouldn't say this is a deal breaker, but I find it predictable.

And, sadly, Blood doesn't play such a crucial role in Cole's novel this time around.

He and his accent will be missed.

The Ugly
This is not a gentle book.  Violence and cruelty will leave their mark on the most innocent and endearing characters of this novel.

The Wereling: Wounded

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The Wereling:  Wounded
Stephen Cole
2003

The Summary
Bitten by a werewolf and forced to accept his monstrous change by the maniacal Marcie Foley, Tom Anderson has become embroiled in a nightmare from which he can't escape.

Now, he is a silver blood - a werewolf, who can retain some of his humanity - and the most sought after person in the werewolf community.

And Kate, Marcie's misfit daughter, is his only hope of finding a cure.

The Good
Stephen Cole creates a unique adventure of daring and danger by combing the mythology of werewolves with the science fiction of Frankenstein-esque science.

It's strange, slightly twisted, but simultaneously thrilling.  With non-stop action paired with mystery and danger, it creates a compelling story that will keep you riveted to the pages.  You'll be dying to see what happens - and I can't say Cole disappoints.

Additionally, the author creates intriguing and witty characters.  Besides Kate and Tom, there's Adam Blood, a curious Englishman turned real estate salesman - who indulges an unusual occupation on the side.  I think what makes Blood so endearing, however, is the accent.

(British accents make everything better.)

The Bad
It's book number one, so chances are good that the story is a long way from reaching any sort of happy ending - or, even, just an ending.

The Ugly
Violence.

Where werewolves are involved, bloodshed invariably follows behind.

Dracula

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Dracula
Bram Stoker
1897

The Summary
Bram Stoker's Dracula collects the journals and personal testimonies of Jonathan and Mina Harker, Dr. John Seward, Lucy Westenra, Arthur Holmwood, Quincey Morris, and Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, in which they confront the world's most terrifying creature:

A vampire.

The Good
Stoker will keep you riveted with his story.  Besides creating one of the literature's most fascinating - and terrifying - villains, he has taken the time and care to recreate the details of life within the pages of his novel.

And, considering the number of correspondences between characters and the specific connections necessary to complete the story, it's an amazingly well-written work.

It's beautifully detailed with marked differences between the individual characters involved.  Each character has their own personality, their own history, their own reactions to a situation - and they become honest, endearing folks.

More importantly, it's absolutely fascinating.  I mean, who can resist the allure one of literature's most prolific vampires?

(And, no, Edward Cullen does not count.)

The Bad
On the flip-side, all the detail makes reading Stoker's novel a bit tricky.  Once you make connections, it's easy to find those tenuous links between characters and locations and mysterious events; however, those can prove to be slightly elusive.

Moreover, chapters can occasionally take a while to "build-up" to a point.  You will battle with bouts of the humdrum and dull, but the story picks up considerably when certain realizations come together.  But, until then, it may seem a little lackluster and disjointed.

The only advice I can offer is persevere.

The Ugly
Guts, gore, mayhem, madness, death, and destruction.  Dracula has it all for the horror enthusiast.  Would you expect anything less from one of the most terrifying creatures written into existence?

Of course, for those of you with a more timid constitution, pace yourself.

The Replacement

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The Replacement
Brenna Yovanoff
2010

The Summary
Gentry is a small, picturesque town filled with average people living average lives and working average jobs.  But beneath this alluring, small-town façade lies something deep and dark - called Mayhem by its unnatural denizens - that has plagued the citizens of Gentry for centuries.

And, now, Mackie Doyle must face down this centuries old darkness or die trying.

The Good
Brenna Yovanoff has executed an exellent novel and crafted an intriguing story full of myth, fantasy, and adventure.  It's excellently executed and marvelously detailed, as well as intriguing.

Granted, the idea of something dark lurking beneath the layers of suburbia has been pounded into the ground.  It's been done time and again, I realize; however, Yovanoff managed to lend a special twist to her tale by creating a terrifying tale of murder, myth, and deceit centuries long.

And I can't help liking the characters created in this novel.  There's Emma, the kind and caring sister; Roswell, the friend willing to go through hell and back for his friends; Mackie, the poor misfit treading between two lives; and Tate, the indomitable gal willing and able to fight even the most frightening menace.

They're unusual, but endearing.

The Bad
I found some difficulty in discerning the myths that engulf this tiny town of Gentry.  It has such a dark, brutal history and a confusing mythos that it takes some time to sift through all the information, so it's a bit challenging to understand how this world works.

More importantly, I should mention The Replacement may be suitable for a more mature audience.  It isn't what you would call a "mild" book.  You will find some foul language, some violence, and some sexual content - but I wouldn't say anything worse than a PG-13 rating.

The Ugly
The world of Mayhem beneath Gentry is a dark and foreboding place.  The creatures which lurk there, the Lady who steals children from their cribs, the Cutter with his knives and sharp devices all have an ugly side - and it's the one the tend to show the most.

Pride and Prejudice

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Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
1813

The Summary
Chronicling events in the life of Elizabeth Bennet and her interactions with her rather peculiar family - and, yes, the cool and enigmatic Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy - Pride and Prejudice is a slow-growing romance filled with interconnected webs of acquaintances and various scandals.

The Good
To be perfectly honest, Jane Austen's work is a soap opera waiting to happen.

Within these pages there's romance, melodrama, secret marriages, social schemes, and scandal.  Pride and Prejudice has it all for the Victorian literature lover - but without all the back stabbing and revenge plotting and evil twins discovering.

Well, perhaps there will be some backstabbing.  I can't readily claim Caroline Bingley innocent of any malicious intent - or Lady Catherine, for that matter.

Additionally, beside creating a compelling romance, Austen crafts intriguing and lovable characters who show remarkable and recognizable growth, as well as increasingly human qualities with marked problems and faults.  They're comical, occasionally ridiculous, but familiar and enjoyable.

The Bad
Pride and Prejudice does fall under the rather broad umbrella of Victorian literature.

As such, you know what a pain it can be to read long-winded passages where characters throw their entire vocabulary onto a page.  Granted, Austen is an incredibly skilled writer and she works wonders in her novel; however, she too has the chronic Victorian problem of "over explanation."

More is better, apparently.

The Ugly
No zombies.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Seth Grahame-Smith
Jane Austen
2009

The Summary
Filled with zombies, romance, gun-toting Bennet sisters, and ninjas - yes, zombies and ninjas - Seth Grahame-Smith's novel lends an interesting and incredibly unusual twist on the classic work of Jane Austen.

The Good
Some aspects of Grahame-Smith's novel are uproariously funny, not least of all for deciding to mix Jane Austen and zombies.  (Because, let's be honest here, what can go wrong with that particular combination?)

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies forges its own genre, so to speak.  It combines classic literature and zombies, horror and romance, and throws in a dash of overly dramatic kung fu.  So, while this novel isn't entirely typical, it manages to remain interesting, absurd, and highly hysterical.

In particular, Grahame-Smith manages to insert a certain dirty humor you simply won't find in Austen's work, which makes his novel particularly amusing.  The fact that Elizabeth finds Darcy "English" in all the right places seems like such a twist from the mild-mannered miss of Austen's novel - and it's certainly a fact worth chuckling over.

The Bad
Although this novel does have several merits for its absurdity and originality, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is, at its core, a knock off.

Granted, I don't doubt its originality for combining Austen and zombies, but much of it feels to be copied from Austen's work.  She did most of the work, so to speak, and provided Grahame-Smith with much of the material he would use; he simply sprinkled in some zombies and ninjas, and upgraded the Bennet sisters to zombie hunters.

I'm simply pleased credit is given where it is due.

The Ugly
Zombies are flesh-eaters - and the Bennet sisters are a hardcore group of zombie hunters.

Combine the two and zombie carnage is bound to ensue.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
1886

The Summary
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde recounts the story of one man's descent into darkness - and what happens when one tampers with human nature.

The Good
Robert Louis Stevenson has presented a fascinating study of human psychology and morality, and explored what occurs when the soul is divided.

He has taken time and care to craft an intricate, compelling story that will leave you breathless.  And, if you are entirely unfamiliar with Stevenson's work, the conclusion may come as a surprise.

More importantly, he incorporates all the best elements of gothic horror and tells a story of good plotted against evil, civilization plotted against barbarian, science against the nature of man - it's horrifying, but simultaneously enthralling and it will keep you glued to the pages.

As an added bonus, Stevenson's work comes in the form of a novella, which means it's refreshingly brief, if only a little complex.  An avid reader can finish it within an hour or more, but it can easily fit within the span of a day.

The Bad
Stevenson's work falls into the realm of the Victorian literature.

Need I say more?

The Ugly
Stevenson's novella tells the story of one man's - one good man's - descent into madness and his journey into the very heart of darkness, a darkness to which he may ultimately succumb.  Needless to say, the journey will not be a pretty one.  Between individuals being beaten to death, rampant indulgences in promiscuity, and identity theft, it's bound to leave you a bit shaken.

Girl Meets God

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Girl Meets God
Lauren F. Winner
2002

The Summary
Girl Meets God chronicles a year in the life of author Lauren Winner as she negotiates her religious conversion from Judaism to Christianity and comes to terms with her new religious life.

The Good
Winner creates an intriguing memoir, weaving together aspects of her life, her dueling religious identity, and her knowledge of Christianity and Judaism. She creates a catalog of her life as she experienced it through the lens of her religions.

More importantly, Winner writes from a place of experience, laying her life bare and sharing her most intimate memories, thus her novel rings with great truths and terrible moral dilemmas.

Her journey and her life may even appear familiar to the reader, because she documents her doubts, her triumphs, her hopes, and her greatest fears, as well as her thoughts.  She offers insight into life - and religion - and tackles what it means to be human, what it means to be alive, and what it means to have a relationship with God.

It's fascinatingly human and deeply religious.

The Bad
Life isn't always pretty - and when religion is thrown into the mix, it can get down right confusing.

And, like I said, Winner's novel is fascinatingly human and deeply religious, which may not be your cup of tea.

The Ugly
Let's just say life isn't always exciting, and Winner's memoir can become slightly dry and slightly wordy.  She is, after all, an academic and it does occasionally happen.  So some parts may be worth skimming, if you find your attention wavering.

Murder on the Orient Express

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Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
1934

The Summary
Hercule Poirot, a mild-mannered Belgian man who moonlights as a detective, has solved yet another mystery and boarded the Orient Express.  With every intention of returning home for a well-deserved rest, Poirot settles into his cabin for a peaceful train ride.

But not all is safe and secure aboard the Orient Express.  During the night, the train stalls in a snow drift - and one of the passengers is discovered dead, mysteriously murdered in his locked compartment.

And time is running out, because, as Poirot has realized, the murderer is still among them.

The Good
As usual, Agatha Christie provides an incredible amount of detail in her novel.  She painstakingly chronicles Poirot's investigation and details every clue, every suspicious gesture, every bit of evidence her delightfully eccentric detective uncovers.  The reader has intimate insight into everything happening aboard the Orient Express, save Poirot's own private thoughts, of course.

More importantly, however, Christie lives up to her nickname as "the Queen of Mystery."  She crafts an incredible mystery and takes time to shape each twist in the plot with the greatest delicacy and care.  She will leave you guessing every step of the way - and she will thrill you with the great reveal.

Believe me, by the end of her story, your jaw will be on the floor.

The Bad
By the same token, the intricacy of Christie's novel results in a very slow plot development.  While you will love Poirot for his deliberate, methodical investigation, all the evidence he collects has no explanation.  You'll be left wondering how a pipe cleaner and a handkerchief fit into the equation - and Poirot certainly isn't telling.

He won't show his hand, until the very end.

So buckle up, because it's going to be a long ride.

The Ugly
Murder is always an unsavory business; however, Murder on the Orient Express will leave you wondering who exactly is the murderer, and who is the real victim?

The Princess Bride

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The Princess Bride
William Goldman
1973

The Summary
A tale of true love and high adventure (graciously edited by William Goldman), in which the daring young Westley strives to reclaim his beloved Buttercup from the vile clutches of Prince Humperdinck.

The Good
As Morgenstern promises, The Princess Bride is a tale of true love and high adventure like no other - that is to say, it's like nothing I've ever seen.

Goldman's work is primarily tongue in cheek and satire.  It's amusing and spastic with its humorous interjections and author anecdotes.  In particular, the parenthetical asides made by both the author and Morgenstern convey a liberal amount of sarcasm and wit that's humorous and enjoyable (when you have the patience for it, I might add).

The Bad
This novel, no doubt, appeals only to a certain type of audience with a specific kind of humor.

For instance, some interjections, while funny, are seemingly unnecessary.  I can appreciate Goldman's curious sort of humor by inserting his own "anecdotes" and offering information on the critiques he made of Morgenstern's work, his interjections can become tedious after a while.

And, all in all, The Princess Bride is completely ridiculous.  If you're looking for something silly and softly incriminating of fantasy literature, Goldman's novel may be just the thing for you.

If not, I don't recommend it.

The Ugly
Buttercup is a bit of a dullard - and somewhat annoying.  She embraces the damsel in distress stereotype and appears as more of a spoiled brat, or a nuisance, than an important character.  I suppose this choice was intentionally made by the author to mock the stereotypes of fantasy literature, but I find many other characters far more likable.

Take Wesley, for instance.  He is rather amazing and Buttercup...well, she's Buttercup and not quite so exceptional as her beau. Inigo Montoya or Fezzik, likewise, exhibit exceptional characteristics, which make them enjoyable, despite their flaws (the Spaniard is a drunkard, and the giant is timid as a mouse on certain occasions).

But Buttercup? Well, I'm still wondering what Westley sees in her.

Oh, and fair warning about the conclusion of Goldman's novel:  you may find his wit and interjections increasingly frustrating by the final pages.

I don't like reality intruding upon my fantasy, just saying.

This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn

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This is All:  The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn
Aidan Chambers
2006

The Summary
Written for her unborn child, This is All chronicles a short span of years in the life of Cordelia Kenn.  In compiling her journal entries and memories and seemingly random anecdotes, Cordelia shares a good portion of her life from adolescence to adulthood and offers a peek into mind of one daring, dynamic, and devilishly clever young woman as she learns to grow, to love, and to change.

The Good
Aidan Chambers creates a magnificently complex character in Cordelia Kenn.  She is deep, she is thoughtful, she is candid - and she is as real as any individual you may meet.

More than any mere diary, Cordelia's pillow book offers a glimpse into every facet of and thought in her mind.  It chronicles her memories, her experiences, her expressions and feelings on every conceivable topic from love to music, from literature to school, from poetry to trees, and everything which may come in between adolescence and adulthood.

You will love every part of her - the good and the bad - because everything she knows and everything she feels will, in some part, mirror you.

The Bad
Chambers' work is indeed immense. Comprised of five specific parts, or "books" as Cordelia appropriately names them, this novel holds all the stories of one life and it is a life rich with emotion, recollection, and experience. Cordelia bares all and tells all, which means This is All takes on some very grand proportions.

More importantly, in relating everything (and I do mean everything) about her life, Cordelia can strike upon some rather awkward subjects - that is, the subjects she broaches may leave the reader feeling awkward for peeking into her life. As I said, she shares everything, including her attempt to lose her virginity to William Blacklin, her first and truest love.

It makes you feel like a bit of a voyeur, if we're being honest.

The Ugly
Perhaps the worst part of This is All is the very end. Not to spoil anything, but, when everything is said and done and you reach the final book of Cordelia's story, I can almost guarantee you will hate to see her go.

And Then There Were None

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And Then There Were None

Agatha Christie
1939

The Summary
Ten seemingly unrelated individuals have been summoned to Indian Island, a private island off the coast of Devon, by a mysterious benefactor; however, when the group arrives at their destination they find themselves alone and entirely secluded from the rest of civilization.

And then the murders begin.

One among them is not who they seem.

The Good
Agatha Christie will keep you on the edge of your seat. When the murders begin, you will be guessing time and again with the remaining victims about who has committed such atrocities.

It will certainly keep you on your toes - which is obviously a good thing for a murder-mystery novel.

Additionally, Christie remains remarkably inventive with her story. The entire sequence of murders actually follows the course of an old nursery rhyme. Each individual on the island will face the fate of one of the poem's unfortunate characters. So, if you're looking for macabre sort of story, Christie won't disappoint.

But that, of course, leaves one question: who is the ever elusive and mysterious benefactor, U. N. Owen?

Well, the answer just might (and probably will) surprise you.

The Bad
Although Christie has a skill for weaving murder-mystery novels like no other author, And Then There Were None seemingly drags through the first few chapters.  Between providing the initial introductions and setting up the events on Indian Island, the opening chapters can become a real bore.

It isn't until the first murder occurs that the story really picks up the pace.

The Ugly
Well, murder obviously.

Christie sets the stage for unusual and inventive murders, not least among them through suffocation, poison, and crushing. It's amazing how one poem - an old nursery rhyme, in fact - can lead to such a macabre resolution.

The Children of Húrin

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The Children of Húrin
J.R.R. Tolkien
2007

The Summary
As the final product of J.R.R. Tolkien's and his son's collaborative effort, The Children of Húrin tells the story of a world before the rule of Sauron, before the Rings of Power, even before the days of Elrond.

It chronicles the tragic story of Húrin. Specifically, Tolkien's novel recounts the lives of Húrin's children, Túrin and Niënor, and his beloved wife, Morwen, as they suffer under the malevolence of the Dark Lord Morgoth.

The Good
Tolkien, as always, presents a compelling story rich with history and detail. True to form, this novel glimpses Tolkien's definitive style and penchant for intricacy; however, there are elements decidedly "not Tolkien" - or, at least, not the one we know.

The influence of his son, Chrisopher, can be seen throughout the work, which gives it a unique flavor and style all its own that makes it different from the typical Tolkien.

It's different, but exceptional nonetheless.

The Bad
Incest.

And death.

It isn't a very happy book, to say the least.  But if you don't mind having your day tinged with sadness (or entirely ruined), feel free to pick up Tolkien's novel and devour it.  It's good for a tear jerker.

The Ugly
Written with the intention of being called a tragedy, The Children of Húrin stays true to its roots and embraces unfortunate circumstance, like Tolkien embraces fantasy - which is to say the two are virtually inseparable.

The house of Húrin, it would seem, simply can't escape tragedy. Enslavement, death, despair, suicide, agony, violence, misfortune - and much, much more. It's all very gruesome and grim.

And Húrin, trapped by Morgoth's power, is forced to hear and see every tragic event which befalls his children and his wife. Unable to move, unable to die, he is forced to watch as his family withers and endure their misfortunes as his own without running to their aid - he must watch and remain.

The Return of the King

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The Return of the King
J.R.R. Tolkien
1955

The Summary
The Return of the King serves as the gripping conclusion to an epic event.  Here, all questions will be answered and all fates will be decided.

Will Frodo and Sam reach the fires of Mount Doom?  Will the Fellowship survive the relentless malevolence of Sauron?  Will Minas Tirith and Middle Earth fall to the Dark Lord - or will the King finally return to his rightful throne?

Read on and see for yourself.

The Good
J.R.R. Tolkien provides an intricacy and detail to his novels like no other writer (or so I believe).  His villains are more maniacal, his heroes more courageous, and his characters more vibrant than any other.  His novel leaves you with a lasting impression of its magnificence.

And, in the conclusion of his saga, his writing can be no more magnificent.

More importantly, as the climax of his trilogy, Tolkien delicately balances his story between two vastly dissimilar endings.  The Return of the King could just as easily turn into a tragedy as conclude happily.  The suspense he sets - and the breathless moments of expectation - will thrill you and leave you cheering.

The Bad
Once you begin your descent toward a resolution, you will long to reach its conclusion.  After three books (four, counting The Hobbit) and, no doubt, more than a thousand pages, an ending is a well-deserved reward. But Tolkien is a crafty fellow.

Just when you think you've reached the final pages....BAM!  Tolkien throws in an additional chapter, before giving you the conclusion you so richly deserve.

Like I said, he's crafty.

The Ugly
It's the end of the road, so to speak.  All is said and done, and it's finally time to say good-bye.

This is the saddest point of any series:  the point when we must close the book, end the adventure, and bid farewell to the characters we love.

The Two Towers

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The Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien
1954

The Summary
With the dissolution of the Fellowship, Frodo and Sam have struck out on their own for the gates of Mordor, while Gimili, Legolas, and Aragorn seek to rescue Merry and Pippin from the clutches of Sauron's orc army.

Great battles and great hardships will ensue as the remaining members of the Fellowship are pushed to their limits in their desperate fight to save Middle Earth.

And Sam Gamgee, loyal and courageous companion of Frodo, will face the most difficult decision of all:  can he go forward without his dearest friend Frodo?

The Good
Like The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien crafts an intricate story with beautiful scenery and amazing characters, who will steal your heart and last forever in your memory.

More importantly, Tolkien has further developed his characters and the relationships they share.  Gimli and Legolas, despite the ancient animosity existing between their races, have become close friends.  Aragorn has ventured closer to embracing his destiny.  Merry and Pippin have begun growing into warriors.  And Frodo has changed - the One Ring has started taking its toll.

Strictly speaking, Tolkien knows his way around a story.

Additionally, he knows how to show his readers a good time.  He's not afraid to toy with your emotions, or give you some good news every once in a while.  You're certainly in for a treat, when a familiar - and much beloved - character returns.

The Bad
Since the Fellowship has shattered, the novel is split into two primary parts:  the journey of Frodo and Sam as they venture into Mordor, and the struggles the others face as they fight to remain together in the face of insurmountable odds.

Tolkien doesn't take pity on his readers and alternate his chapters; instead, he starkly divides them.  First, he presents the stories of Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Merry, and Pippin, and then he follows by chronicling the adventures of Frodo and Sam.

Throughout the course of one tale, you will long to hear of the other.  And when you reach the end and begin the next, you will long to return to the one you left.  You will always wonder what is happening to the beloved characters you cannot see.

The Ugly
Cliffhangers.

I won't spill any secrets or spoil the story, but I will offer this warning:  Tolkien ends with a major cliffhanger. He will first tear out your heart, then he will give you hope and leave you cheering, and tear out your heart yet again.

The Two Towers is a guaranteed emotional roller coaster ride.

The Fellowship of the Ring

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The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien
1954

The Summary
Bequeathed the One Ring by an aging Bilbo Baggins, Frodo and his friends are given the task of returning it to the fires of Mount Doom in the lands of Mordor.

The road they follow, however, will not be an easy one, for they must face Ringwraiths, orcs, and the Dark Lord Sauron's all-seeing eye.

But Frodo and his half-ling companions will not be alone in their journey.  In the elves' city of Rivendell, they are joined by Gandalf (a tempestuous wizard), Strider (a Ranger with a mysterious family legacy), Legolas (an elf from the forests of Mirkwood), Gimli (a rather loud and loyal dwarf), and Boromir (a son of the Steward of Minas Tirith).

And so the Fellowship is forged.

The Good
J.R.R. Tolkien is an exceptional writer.  He infuses his work with great detail and depth.  Everything in his novel has a name - and every name has a meaning - and everyone has a history.  Whether it is a memento passed down through the ages or an individual reciting the lineage of his family, everything and everyone has a long, detailed history.

Tolkien is nothing if not thorough in his work.

Additionally, Tolkien creates enchanting and endearing characters, such as the ever-faithful Sam, or the playful Tom Bombadil, or the heroic and honorable Strider (less frequently known as Aragorn, son of Arathorn).  More to the point, he crafts characters who will become a part of our lives for a short moment in time and last forever in our memories.

The Bad
The Fellowship doesn't complete the first portion of their journey and remain entirely unscathed.  If you have read this book in the past (or, yes, even watched the movie), then you understand what I mean.

If not, find a book or a DVD player and see for yourself.

The Ugly
I wouldn't necessarily call the songs of Tolkien's novel "ugly," but I would occasionally call them annoying.

You see, Tom Bombadil sings.  The elves sing.  The hobbits sing.  Everyone sings, at one point in time or another.

Granted, it's amusing and it certainly shows Tolkien's talent (of which there is a great deal).  And yet it may compel you to skip a page or two - or three - for the sake of your sanity, if you find yourself unable to hold a tune.

The Hobbit

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The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
1937

The Summary
The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a half-ling living in a hole in the ground - neither a dirty, wet hole, nor a sandy, dry hole, but a comfortable hobbit hole - in the Shire, who finds himself mixed up in the unsavory business of adventuring with a hot-tempered wizard and fourteen curiously quirky dwarves.

This is where the saga begins.

The Good
J.R.R. Tolkien weaves an intricate story filled with lovable characters, fantastic creatures, and exceptional adventure. Tolkien promises an epic journey from the outset, especially since Bilbo and his traveling companions seek to reclaim treasures from the dangerous dragon, Smaug.

Adventures upon adventures will pile up before Bilbo, Gandalf, and their dwarven friends. There are incidents involving goblins, trolls, enormous spiders, elves, giant eagles, talking animals, and much more. It's fascinating that one hobbit can do so much, considering, as Tolkien once said, "They do not like noise."

Moreover, The Hobbit reminisces of a bedtime story, which makes it exceptionally fun to read aloud, especially when read aloud with funny voices. (I suggest Chapter Five, which presents a curious little incident between Bilbo and the creature named Gollum - and a certain Ring of Power.)

The Bad
Hobbits have no natural inclination to take adventures, and Bilbo is no exception.  He will often wish to return home to his nice, warm hole in the Shire and put a kettle on the fire (not for the last time, of course), which turns into a tedious reminder every few pages.

There is no lack of consistency in Bilbo's desires, at least.

Additionally, the Ring - the One Ring that serves as the most crucial driving element of The Lord of the Rings - holds very little significance in Bilbo's tale. Granted, it rescues him from danger in a pinch, but, unless you already have some experience with Tolkien's work, the importance of the Ring can fall flat.

The Ugly
Tolkien has a special skill with poetry and song unlike any other. But, if you can't hold a tune to save your life or you fall exceptionally off key, his songs can wear on your nerves and drive you absolutely bonkers.

Don't just take my word for it.  Try reading a few sections aloud.

It won't be a pleasant experience.

You were warned...

As you can no doubt see, I've changed the line-up for this month and hijacked the month of July in honor of Tolkien and his works. Rather than providing reviews on an assortment of books and authors, I've decided on a singularly linear course this time around.

Why Tolkien, you may ask?

Well, I am a fanatic for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.  So, of course, I would ultimately write mediocre "reviews" based on three of the greatest novels ever written - and I will, most likely, only sing Tolkien's praises and rave about every aspect of his wonderfully fantastic novels.

I apologize now for any inconvenience this may cause, especially if you are less inclined to read epic fantasy novels or avoid Tolkien altogether.

(If the latter, shame on you.)

But, as always, I welcome any comments or suggestions and thank you for visiting Reader's Reach.

- The Scrivener

Jane Eyre

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Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë
1847

The Summary
Orphaned as a child and nurtured under the harsh, exacting care of her aunt and the cold, disconsolate atmosphere of Lowood School, Jane Eyre has grown into her own and become a governess at Thornfield Hall.

Finally free of her discontented past, Jane quickly becomes a dynamic fixture in the manor - which does not escape the notice of Thornfield's Mr. Rochester.

But falling in love with the bachelor aristocrat is only the beginning for young Jane, because something dark lurks through the halls of Thornfield and it will threaten her love, her relationship, and even her very existence.

The Good
Jane Eyre is a magnificent character in her own right: brave, eloquent, passionate, and independent.  As the heroine of the novel, she is a force with which to be reckoned.  Although she often appears quiet and reserved, Jane, under no circumstances, inherits a bland meekness or a tendency for fainting.  Unlike some female characters, Jane is incredibly bright and daring.

Even to the end, you wish her the best and hope for her happiness.

More importantly, Jane weaves a fascinating and gripping tale about her life. The first few chapters, admittedly, trudge along at a snail's pace; however, once you become invested in Jane's remarkable story, it's easy to become lost in her recollections which sound more and more like a daring adventure story than a retrospective narrative.

The Bad
Yes, Jane Eyre is another one of those "Victorian novels," which means it comes with many of the same warnings as others. For instance, the author, in crafting, her novel puts a great many words down on a great many pages. It is extremely long and occasionally long-winded.

As such, if you find yourself enraptured by Jane Eyre's tale, you may just have to seek greater reserves of patience when long sections of text - or a startling new adventure - interrupt the outcome you desire to see.

Let's just say Charlotte Brontë knows how to prolong the suspense.

The Ugly
Jane Eyre is not given an easy life.  She experiences a positively miserable childhood, and her life does not grow any easier from there.

A Million Little Pieces

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A Million Little Pieces
James Frey
2003

The Summary
Plain and simple, James Frey's novel is about addiction.  Written in the style of a memoir - which it's not, by the way.  Turns out there's more imagination than fact involved - A Million Little Pieces tells the story of one man's struggle against drug and alcohol abuse, and his fight to survive the anger which pushed him toward it in the first place.

The Good
In it's own way, Frey's novel is uplifting.  It presents a positive message about overcoming adversity and addiction.  More importantly, it is about triumphing over a particular addiction - and reclaiming life, before addiction takes it.

And that should be seen as the most important part.  Whether you will see that message through all the controversy over Frey's fraudulent "memoir," however, is yet to be seen.

The Bad
A Million Little Pieces is incredibly difficult to read because of its punctuation (meaning there is very little to speak of or none at all) and its style (it's more stream of consciousness, less deliberate literary intent).

These unusual erasures of quotation marks and haphazard construction of thoughts, however, provide Frey's novel with an intriguing style and depth.  As a reflection of the torn and conflicted mind of Frey's character, it seems appropriate, if not a little confusing and annoying.

The dialogue, in particular, becomes a sincere mess.  Although the dialogue seems to appropriately bounce back and forth between characters, as it might in real life, the lack of quotation marks creates a rather enormous problem:  who is speaking?  And when exactly did they start speaking?

You can be halfway through a conversation between characters, before realizing it was even a conversation in the first place.  There are very few markers to point out when actual dialogue has begun and Frey's own thoughts have ended.

Confusion will abound, I assure you.

The Ugly
Here's a list of things to expect in Frey's novel:  sex, violence, blood, drugs and alcohol (obviously), and gratuitous amounts of foul language.  Simply put, this is not a novel friendly to all audiences.

At Home in Mitford

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At Home in Mitford

Jan Karon

1994

The Summary
At Home in Mitford tells the story of Father Tim, the local Episcopalian rector, as he learns to cope with his rebellious health (i.e. diabetes) and his growing attachment to his lovely neighbor, and lives a simple - if not active - life in the mountain hamlet of Mitford.

The Good
Jan Karon's novel is a tale about a good man with a good life, who lives among relatively good (although certainly eccentric) individuals, and keeps a good relationship with God. Characters like Father Tim and places like Mitford aren't normally found in popular fiction (and Karon's Mitford novels are quite popular, to tell the truth), because they show a facet of fiction not typically embraced: normalcy.

And At Home in Mitford is really as normal as fiction can get. Karon portrays life, regardless of whether it is boring and dull, or glorious and miraculous. It's life, and it's a good life.

Speaking of good, you could say it is a good novel for all ages, because Karon never - and I do mean never - incorporates gratuitous amounts of violence, foul language (in fact, I only found one obvious "curse word"), sex, drugs, or heavy drinking.

It's a plain, good novel into which you can invest you time - and, most likely, you will become invested in Karon's novel. It's hard not becoming invested in the lives of Father Tim and Dooley Barlowe and all the true characters of Mitford.

The Bad
On the flipside of being a plain, good novel, At Home in Mitford can become a little boring. Granted, there are a few mishaps - such as a dog the size of a Buick which listens to Scripture, a jewel heist, a kidnapping, and a diabetic coma - but there isn't a true catastrophe involved.

Life simply goes on. It will manage to keep your attention, but much of what Karon writes may almost seem too good to be true. I mean, really, a dog that listens to Scripture?

Who would have thought.

The Ugly
Except for some poor editing in a few areas, there is honestly nothing ugly in Karon's novel. Trust me, I've looked.

Gilead

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Gilead
Marilynne Robinson
2004

The Summary
Originally begun with the intention of providing his son with a glimpse into their family history, Reverend John Ames quickly turns his letter into a memoir, in which he recalls memories from his childhood, experiences from his clerical life, and both the tragedies and triumphs he has faced.  More importantly, in his writing, he seeks to reconcile himself with his growing age and failing health.

The Good
Despite his designation as a member of the clergy, Ames is still flawed.  In his candid entries, he reveals he has instances of jealousy and distrust, moments of frustration with his congregation, fits of passion (especially around young Jack Boughton), and unmistakable encounters with his own doubts, much to his chagrin.

John Ames is not a perfect man - but he is a good man, and that's exactly what makes him so intriguing and Gilead so compelling to read.

Truly good men sometimes seem to come few and far between in literature.  As a man who has enjoyed his life, simple as it may be, Ames makes an interesting study into the life of an "average Joe" and clergyman.   His faith, his candor, his goodness, and his willingness to admit his own faults make him truly unique character in a world where the sin often makes the story.

The Bad
Marilynne Robinson made some unique stylistic decisions in writing her novel.  For one thing, she provides no chapters whatsoever in Gilead.  Aside from the occasional division between paragraphs and individual ideas, Robinson essentially leaves Ames to his own devices.  While this provides the novel with the illusion of being a legitimate journal, it can also leave you searching for a break between the pages.

More importantly, Robinson's lack of chapters does not necessarily diminish the quality and complexity of her novel.  But it can sometimes leave you frustrated and mentally winded by the lack of any discernible stopping points.

The Ugly
Ames, in writing this prolonged letter to his son, often times reveals the conditions of real life.  While the realism of Ames's character is not a terrible thing, sorrow and regret and guilt frequently permeate the novel.  So Gilead is not a spectacularly optimistic work, especially given that Ames anticipates his own death at any time from page one.

But, in that respect, Robinson's novel is quite beautiful in spite of its darker undertones - and Ames becomes more easily treasured for his temporary qualities and ephemeral nature.

Speak

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Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
1999

The Summary
Written from the perspective of Melinda Sordino, Speak chronicles her freshman year of high school as she contends with school-wide animosity for calling the police and breaking up a summer party.

For her actions, she has become a social outcast - a pariah.

Withdrawing from her old friends, her family, and herself, she spends her school days hiding in a janitor's closet, which has become her new sanctuary, and hides from the truth.  No one knows the secret behind Melinda's silence, but, as the year progresses, she may just learn to speak again.

The Good
If you've ever been in high school, then you can relate to Melinda.  She thinks what any student would think.  She faces the same hazards.  She braves the same treacherous roads.  What she experiences, you may have experienced, at one time or another, in high school.

And, as Melinda braves her own trauma and flounders through the social hierarchy of high school, Laurie Anderson gives her narrator a clear and recognizable voice.  She provides an incredible depth and realism to Melinda, which makes her story all the more heart-wrenching and genuine.

More importantly, Melinda's journey to find self-worth and healing will resonate with you.  Her insight into tragedy, her thoughtfulness and candor make her story well worth reading.

The Bad
Anderson writes with a teenager's voice in mind.  Although I wouldn't say this is an entirely bad thing, since it makes Melinda seem realistic, her narrative occasionally borders on stream-of-consciousness.  So, you may want to reread a few passages to fully understand.

The Ugly
High school can be ugly - and what Melinda faces there couldn't be uglier.

In particular, I would mention sections involving "The Beast" (that is, Andy Evans), because many of these sections reveal the true torment and violent emotional distress Melinda undergoes in high school.

Some of these sections, I can almost guarantee, will be painful to read.

Storming Heaven

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Storming Heaven
Denise Giardina
1987

The Summary
Set during the earliest years of the twentieth century, Storming Heaven reveals the darkest side of the embittered battles between coal companies and coal miners.  In particular, it tells the stories of four individuals who were each influenced and, in some ways, damaged by the coal mines of West Virginia.

More importantly, the author, Denise Giardina, attempts to tell the long-forgotten story of Blair Mountain:  the location for one of the largest rebellions in America after the Civil War and the first (and only) time the American military dropped bombs on American citizens.

The Good
Giardina has an amazing capacity for combining historical fact and creative license, borrowing both from her skills as a writer and her indepth investigations into history.  Although her novel may occasionally deviate from the raw facts, Storming Heaven remains true to life.

Moreover, Giardina also has a unique skill for bringing her characters to life and giving them a distinct set of qualities all their own.  Whether you are reading the chapters of C.J. Marcum, a socialist newspaper publisher, or Rondal Lloyd, a dedicated union man, or Carrie Bishop, a gutsy young nurse, or Rosa Angelelli, a Sicilian immigrant, each provides a specific view on the conflict and invites you to spend a few moments in the middle of their lives.

The Bad
Giardina does tinker with dialect and speech in her novel.  Storming Heaven is, after all, set within the mountainous regions of West Virginia and Kentucky, so certain inflections of speech and quirks in spelling will inevitably occur.

And, for some readers, this may prove to be a formidable barrier.

Although decidedly not as difficult as trying to understand Jim, or even Huck, in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this novel may make you look twice.

The Ugly
In writing her novel, Giardina has no interest in remaining impartial or unbiased.  She ardently supports the position of the coal miner and the people most harmed by coal mining companies, as will become apparent from page one.

Additionally, Giardina intends no gentleness in chronicling the events leading up to the Battle of Blair Mountain.  Much of her book will rattle your faith in humanity, or perturb you to the very core of your being - or, yes, simply break your heart - for the sheer weight of misfortune visited upon these people facing the pure, unimpeded greed of mining corporations.

And I can guarantee Storming Heaven won't end on a note of great happiness.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Anne Brontë
1848

The Summary
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall reveals the story of the mysterious Helen Graham, a young female artist who has inhabited the lonely manor of Wildfell Hall with her young son.

Narrated in part by Gilbert Markham, a local farmer who finds himself enamored with the lovely newcomer, and by Helen Graham herself, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall uncovers the extent to which violence, abuse, excess, and tyranny were accepted in marriage and society - and the extreme measures one woman will take in protecting her child and declaring her own independence.

The Good
Anne Brontë creates an excellent novel with The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.  Besides investigating a topic rarely discussed in Victorian society - and causing quite a stir for her choice - Brontë crafts an amazing and compelling story that is sure to capture your attention.

Between the intimate glimpses into Helen's diary and Gilbert's candid confessions, this novel also presents an interesting set of characters who easily become immediate literary favorites.  Their emotions are raw, their thoughts are intimately depicted to the reader, their actions are occasionally impulsive, and their reasoning is sometimes flawed.

Both exist as imperfect individuals, which makes them all the more human and all the more precious.

The Bad
Gilbert plays a crucial role in the novel and he has his own merits as a kind, honorable man, especially when compared to some of the other, less savory individuals depicted; however, he generally pales in comparison to the brutal honesty and emotional stamina of Helen Graham.

Although he claims full and unfaltering loyalty to Helen, Gilbert frequently succumbs to the pressures of society.  Despite the love he confesses to have for her, he's a man very much shaped by gossip and social expectations - and, yes, his mother.  As such, he often seems to fall into the habit of embracing gender stereotypes and double standards, which make him appear frustratingly small-minded and narrow.

The Ugly
In her novel, Brontë doesn't shy away from even the most disturbing and unsavory subjects.  Emotional abuse, alcoholism, illicit sexual affairs, cruelty and violence, and much more appear within the pages of Helen's diary, as she reveals her history to Gilbert.  Certain parts of her confession may even break your heart, including her husband's apparent neglect of their marriage or her own child's passionate disregard.

It's a candid portrayal of a marriage on its worst terms, and Brontë isn't afraid to let the worst shine through.

Beloved

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Beloved
Toni Morrison
1987

The Summary
Beloved primarily tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave, and recounts the horrors she endured at Sweet Home in Kentucky, the haunting recollections of her dead child, the strained relationship she has with her living daughter Denver, and the mysterious connection she has with a girl who names herself only as Beloved.

The Good
Based loosely on true events in the life of escaped slave Margaret Garner, Toni Morrison weaves a heart-wrenching tale of one woman's attempt to accept and live with - or, better yet, escape - the torments of the past.

It's rough, it's raw, and it's guaranteed to open your eyes on more than a few topics surrounding the treatment of slaves and the suffering endured even after the abolition of slavery.

The Bad
This novel often hops perspectives and backslides into the past, making the divide between characters - and time - a difficult thing to pinpoint.  Additionally, the ambiguity of Morrison's novel can often leave the reader questioning events, rather than acknowledging the impact it was meant to have.

There's no doubt Beloved will make you think twice, but, occasionally, thinking twice may require rereading certain passages to understand the whole context and meaning.

Moreover, Morrison occasionally dabbles modern speech with 19th century slave dialect, which makes Sethe's story a little less than "true-to-life."  Although it appropriately links Sethe's story to the Civil Rights movement and current conflicts, it can occasionally be frustrating to make the distinctions between historical fact and modern embellishment.

The Ugly
Many of the events in Sethe's life are tragic, including the gruesome death of her eldest daughter, the dark history she has with Sweet Home, the awful scars she carries on her back in the shape of a choke cherry tree, and the terrible abuse she faced under the vile Schoolteacher.

Rest assured, you may very well weep for Sethe and her children.  And, if Sethe's story doesn't break your heart, then Beloved's will.

Jude the Obscure

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Jude the Obscure
Thomas Hardy
1895

The Summary
Jude the Obscure chronicles the life of young Jude Fawley, a stone mason and aspiring student, who one day dreams of going to Christminster and entering one of the colleges.  His dreams are sorely tried, however, as he struggles with his position in society, his feelings for his beloved and intellectual Sue, his wife Arabella, and his own misgivings about life.

The Good
All in all, Jude the Obscure is a compelling novel from beginning to end.  Although it may wax nostalgic or become frighteningly dull at certain moments, it more often picks up as a page turner of the greatest sort.  And, if you prefer the dramatic and the tragic, Thomas Hardy's work is sure to hold your attention.

Moreover, Hardy has an incredible grasp of the written word, and for a man of the Victorian Age, he has no discernible fear of using them to achieve the greatest impact.  Whether by providing indictments on the institution of marriage or quietly condemning social Darwinism, Hardy has the capability to weave together a richly compelling story.

The Bad
While Jude the Obscure remains relatively short in comparison to most of Hardy's Victorian contemporaries, this novel is still a Victorian novel.  As such, it has the tendency to digress and progress at a very slow speed.  Originally published in periodic installments, it often plays upon suspense and defers action until a later chapter.

Granted, the pace won't kill you.  But it will be no walk in the park.

The Ugly
Jude has a life all his own - and, naturally, it is not a very nice life to live.

Besides being duped into marriage by a predatory barmaid (Arabella Donn), Jude often struggles against the restrictions of society in his search to fulfill his dreams of attending one of the prestigious colleges in Christminster.  The tragedies he endures in the course of pursuing this dream, his divided love between his former wife and his darling lover, Sue Bridehead, and his constant battle to uncover a sense of place and belonging give the entire novel a hopeless and mournful tone.

As Hardy indicates in the second chapter of his novel, Jude will not come to a happy end, for "he was the sort of man who was born to ache a good deal before the fall of the curtain upon his unnecessary life..."

So, if you're planning on having a good day, I don't recommend reading Jude the Obscure.