Blurbs from the Branch: Book Two of The Kingkiller Chronicles

As a prolific reader I have been saying, and genuinely believe, that The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss is “the best book ever.” The Wise Man’s Fear is the sequel to The Name of the Wind (which is a necessary warm up) in the Kingkiller Chronicles trilogy. As you begin reading, you will find Rothfuss is an articulate and amazing story weaver. He creates an elaborate, widely creative fantasy world as detailed in the spirit of Tolkien. This is a book that will have you wrapped up, calling out of work to stay home and read. The author writes an accessible, engaging and fascinating story that follows the main character, Kvothe, through danger-filled escapades. Wise Man’s Fear is a combination of adventure, fantasy, tragedy and romance set in a world so tangibly close to our own. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a little magic and intrigue.

-Dusty

 

New Fresh Book Lists for the Taking

Books for every mood… We’ve updated our book list brochures — all lists available on our website at  Reading Room — Book Lists. Award winners, Art In Fiction, and much more!  Find your next read in the Reading Room @ CMCL.

Is Game of Thrones headed for HBO?

While patiently waiting for the next book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, I am excited about the possibility of HBO filming the series.  A pilot is being developed and there is even some casting news with Peter Dinklage said to be playing the role of Tyrion Lannister.  If you haven’t read this series yet, it is a great option for summer reading.

This epic fantasy series actually finds a lot of inspiration in history, particularly the War of the Roses.  The Stark family holds court in the north while the Lannisters scheme to hold onto the throne in the south as they set into motion a dangerous game that threatens to drag the entire Seven Kingdoms into a lengthy struggle for power.  This is a marvelous book that is only dampened by the fact that the author is still working on book five.

no remembrance of things past

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson 2008 (266 pgs)

When Jenna wakes up, she can quote the entire text of Walden Pond, but she can’t remember her best friend’s name. Or even if she has a best friend. The parents she doesn’t remember tell her she’s been in a coma following an accident. As Jenna comes to terms with the disturbing holes in her memory, she finds that there’s more to her past than her family wants to tell her.

A great YA book for fans of Among the Hidden or the Uglies series. Enjoyable to read, while also tackling larger issues of medical ethics and the nature of identity. Makes for a fun afternoon read.

Possession is Nine-Tenths

The Host by Stephenie Meyer 2008 (619 pgs)
(available in regular, large print, and book on cd)

When the world’s population gets body-snatched by invading aliens, a few rebel humans are forced into hiding, struggling to remain whole. A newly installed alien named Wanderer finds herself in a body whose former owner hasn’t quite vacated. What should be an effortless takeover instead becomes a battle of wills as Melanie refuses to disappear. At first biding her time, waiting for Melanie to surrender, Wanderer instead finds herself coming to an understanding and eventual affection for the human trapped in her mind. As they share memories and experiences, Wanderer even comes to love those who Melanie loves. Together they break away from the alien occupied civilization to track down Melanie’s loved ones.

I was pleasantly impressed with Meyer’s much more refined and challenging writing. This in no Twilight novel; it surpasses that series in character realism and evolution, its exploration of humankind’s capacity for cruelty and kindness, and the nature of selfhood and emotion. Billed as “the first love triangle involving only two bodies,” what could easily have become a cheesy sci-fi or sappy romance is instead a surprisingly deft exploration of identity and humanity.