The Philosopher's Apprentice - James Morrow

A good read, though not exactly what I had expected. Morrow's book has some almost sci-fi/futuristic aspects to it that I was not expecting.

In a world where morals seem to be lacking, is it possible for one person to be too moral? To be consumed by those morals? With no right or wrong answers, does a person of morals suffer more than the amoral? Morrow's book "The Philosopher's Apprentice" leads us to ask these questions.

As philosophical as the name implies, this book is not of the "light summer reading" variety. In fact, if there is to be any criticism of this book, it is that the language and characters often seem a tad arrogant and presumptuous. While one may argue that the characters are in fact meant to be somewhat arrogant and presumptuous, it is sometimes hard to warm to Mason, our hero, because of it.

Still, a worthwhile read.

This book courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada Reading Group.

The Art of Racing In the Rain - Garth Stein

I loved this book.

This book is written from the perspective of Enzo, a deeply philosophical and intelligent dog, (who is almost human), as he tells the story of his life with Denny and his family.

Stein's skill at character development demands emotional payment early on, and while constantly demanding payment, it also is constantly paying dividends. I felt love, grief, anger, love, disbelief, and yet even more love for Enzo and Denny. We learn almost immediately that Enzo is at the end of his life, and yet we still fall in love with him quickly and in spite ourselves.

An absolutely beautiful story about love, loss, and letting go; about redemption, perseverance and living right; about the bonds we make, and the relationships that see us through.

This book is one of the warmest, most touching books I have read in a long time. I dare you to read it with dry eyes!

This book courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada Reading Group.

High Crimes - Michael Kodas

An amazing book. One of the best non-fiction books I have read.

Kodas' writing style is reminiscent of Krakauer's, in that he writes not only from research, but from experience. That being said, he is a fine journalist in his own right. Kodas himself has been to Everest, (and in fact was on Everest at the time his subject Dr. Nils Antezana was there) and uses his own experiences to illustrate his points. A gifted writer, Kodas made the history and facts surrounding mountaineering on Everest so interesting, it was hard to put the book down.

This book primarily focuses on Dr. Nils Antezana's dream to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, and his unfortunate demise almost immediately thereafter.

While most people, both climbers and non-climbers are aware of the dangers the mountain itself presents - extreme cold, oxygen depravation, steep and icey slopes that may cause a person to stumble and fall etc., many people may be unaware of the dangers other people on the mountain present. From immoral and/or inexperienced guides, to cut-rate equipment, and theft - which at that altitude can constitute manslaughter. Kodas examines both these types of dangers in his book "High Crimes".

Bravely shining light on some of the darkest aspects of trekking Everest, and some of it's darkest characters, it should be required reading for anyone considering climbing any major peak, not just Everest.

This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.

Executive privilege - Phillip Margolin - Advance Readers Copy

Margolin, is a long time favorite of mine when it comes to legal thrillers. His latest work, shows he still has it!

An exciting, thrilling book, I raced through it in almost no time! Margolin is expert at plotting lines that leave you not wanting to put down the book, until you know how it ends! With high level political intrigue, and plot twists that will keep you guessing, this book will keep you going till the end!

Due out in June '08.

This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Originally released in 1961, this book has rightfully earned it's spot in the category of modern classics.

Set in the time of the depression, and rampant racism, this book shows how any segment of society, contains both the best, and the worst, of what the human race has to give. We watch the story of a town, caught in the midst of a race fueled trial, unfold through the eyes of a young tom-boy. In the beginning, she does not understand the dynamics of the events surrounding her, her family, and her town. While her aunt tries to guide her into becoming a young "lady", her real understanding of what is proper, comes from the events set in motion by this trial.


This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group under the theme, Perennieal Modern Classics.

Wicked Lovely - Melissa Marr

A wonderful fantasy filled novel

This novel marketed towards teens, is a great novel for fantasy lovers of all ages. Set in a world where faeries live among humans, this story tests the bonds of love. I liked that the story did have a happy ending, though it was not what one would have thought "happy" would be. Ash and Keenan were both able to have what they really wanted, once they were able to "think outside of the box", and allow themselves to want what they thought was not possible. A wonderful story with a good message for our youth!

This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group, as a crossover event with the theme of books for teens, that adults would enjoy as well.

The Swinging Bridge - Ramabai Espinet

A good book by a Canadian Author.

This book really studies the need for all of us to have "roots", and how those roots may be tied to land, traditions, family, and history, or a combination thereof. I really felt that Mona found her roots in the end, and that while some of those roots were tied to the land of her childhood, she could accept those roots, despite being elsewhere physically. Mona was able to find peace in her life once she was able to define her roots and their origins.

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.

Ines of My Soul - Isabel Allende

I received this book in error, and I have to admit, I would have never picked it up on my own. I must also admit that I was extremely and pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!!! Allende has a writing style so smooth and passionate, that you can't help but be pulled in to the story. Love, lust, compassion, savagery and brutality all spill from these pages, which tell the story of the birth of the city of Santiago, Chile, from the perspective of the woman who helped found it. I would definitely recommend this book.