Slowly but surely, I’m catching up on my reviews. I still have a little pile of books waiting for me and of course now I’m trying to keep in mind this article when I write anything about a book. Too late. I am sure I use some of those words quite a bit. Oh well, anyway, let’s talk about some books.
First up is Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I read her first book a couple of years ago and knew then that I’d be eager to read more from her. I wasn’t disappointed with this book at all. It challenged me in that I had to evaluate how I felt about characters who I cared about after they commit offenses. It made me think of issues of forgiveness and most importantly it made me wonder why I have never studied anything about Biafra throughout my schooling. I sort of knew about it but really it wasn’t that long ago that this happened and yet I felt like I was just hearing about this for the first time. I highly recommend this book. For more on the book click here.
I also finished The Scent of Shadows by Vickie Pettersson. Already one down for the Once Upon a Time II challenge. I wanted to like the book, actually I liked the beginning, but just wish it had been condensed a bit more. Too many things going on. You can read more of my thoughts on it here. I am a bit curious about the second book but wonder how it compares to this one. Anyone read it?
I’ve got a couple of books going on right now but I’m kind of in the mood for a mystery so I may have to put all my current reads aside. I’m off to look at the shelves.
Thanks for the link, Iliana! I find it more useful. Unfortunately I have used a few of those words myself too, haha!
I have heard a lot of good reviews about Half of a Yellow Sun, just haven’t got around to reading it yet. As for The Scent of Shadows, I agree that the beginning of the book is interesting, but it just goes blah later on, but still I think it was an ok read to me.
I can’t wait to hear what you’ll be reading next. 😉
Great reviews, as always. I’ve heard endless mentions of Half of a Yellow Sun, but I never really paid close enough attention to actually know what it’s about. Thanks for capturing my interest. I’ll actually look further into it now!
Oh, ouch. I think I may have used lyrical before in describing poetry and probably a novel or two that used poetic language. I’m sure I’ve used intriguing too. And compelling. Argh! must work on avoiding cliche!
Great Reviews. I haven’t read either book, and I know very little about the Biafra situation. So, I really need to pick up Half of a Yellow Sun. I love the quote from The Scent of Shadows. Sorry to hear it didn’t continue to be as good as the book went along. I know what you mean about authors trying to do too much set-up in the beginning. I much prefer to learn things as I go along. Otherwise, it almost feels like school. I’m trying to cram a lot of facts in my head and remember them, which takes away from the joy of reading the story in the first place.
I need to read Half of a Yellow Sun, but believe I’ll skip The Scent of Shadows!
Wow. I have the urge to go search all of my past reviews for those words. Good tips! (And congrats on catching up!)
Well done reviews! Interestingly enough I would have stereotyped Scent of Shadows as not being complex at all so it is interesting to hear that it was. Don’t get me wrong, I like the urban fantasy genre and think there are some good ones out there but it actually makes me more interested in reading this to hear about some complexity.
This looks like a good book to recommend for book group next year.
I use compelling and intriguing ALL the time. Like stefanie says, ouch. I guess I’ll have to pull out the thesaurus and look for some less cliched words! I have Half a Yellow Sun on my TBR pile–I’m looking forward to it.
I use the first three words on that list all the time. Ah well 😛
I know basically nothing about Biafra. I’m going to have to read Half of a Yellow Sun sometime.
Melody – Yea, the beginning of Scent of Shadows was great. Good tension and humor. I just wish it had been a bit shorter 🙂 Isn’t that link great? I am so guilty. hee,hee.
Andi – Hope you get a chance to check it out! I also highly recommend her first novel.
Stefanie – I’m a big fan of intriguing and compelling too. I guess I need to check out a thesaurus more often. Ha,ha…
Lisa – That’s how I feel especially about series books. I keep thinking, don’t tell me everything yet. There are plenty of more books to come!
jenclair – It’s been one of my favorites of the year definitely!
Tiffany – I know right? Oh well, I say go with what you feel is right.
Carl V. – I have heard a lot of good things about Scent of Shadows so maybe it was just me. That’s why I’m sort of tempted by the second book. It sounds like it might be something you’d like so you’ll have to keep us posted if you read it.
Isabel – I think it’d be perfect for discussion!
Danielle – I guess I better dust off my thesaurus too 🙂 I remember you recently got Half of a Yellow Sun right? I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Nymeth – We should write our own do’s & don’ts and see how those “critics” fare 🙂
Half of a Yellow Sun really was a powerful book, wasn’t it? Ugwu’s story in particular got to me.
I’ve been seeing the article about review writing a lot lately, and have to say that I’m guilty, guilty, guilty of using many of the words mentioned. Haha I think it’s all rather subjective really. 🙂
Thanks for the link – I’m always looking for ways to improve my reviews!
I have Half of a Yellow Sun on my wish list – I wasn’t interested when it was on the shelf at the store – but I’ve read lots of great reviews recently and want to give it a try.
Literary Feline – Yes, Ugwu’s story is the one I had the hardest time with because I had to reconcile my feelings for him at the end. Such a great book. I’m very guilty of using a lot of those words too – ah, well it’s my blog so there – ha,ha….
Mrs. S – I hope you will check out Half of a Yellow Sun. It’s fascinating.
Oh, dear. Perhaps I should skip the fancy reviews (I, too, use far too many of the words mentioned!)and simply say “It was a good book.” 😉
Oh dear, I use ‘compelling’ far too often I’m sure! And reading some of the comments offering up other ‘bad’ review words, I’m glad I’m not a professional reviewer!
I still have to read ‘Purple Hibiscus’ but I’m sure I’ll get to ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ someday.