Readers of the World, I Need Your Help!

Okay, readers, I need your help. I’ve joined the World Party Reading Challenge, hosted by Packabook, who took over from Fizzy Thoughts. I’m really excited to read more world literature! But first…I have to find it. The challenge site offers suggestions for each month, which is a wonderful resource. Or, I could always turn to …

In My Mailbox: October 10-16

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, in which bloggers share books they’ve acquired in the mail / at the library / from a bookstore. Books came to me from every direction this week! One arrived in the mail, one came home with me from the bookstore, and one (um…I …

Thoughts on “Something Missing” by Matthew Dicks

Martin, a middle-aged man with OCD tendencies, runs a thriving business. He is maintains successful relationships with many long-term clients and is constantly acquiring new ones. His work ethic is admirable, his self discipline unswerving. He’s even read Jim Collins.

So what does Martin do? He is a professional thief. But he isn’t the sort of thief that draws attention to himself. Instead, he takes only small items — some Advil, a can of tomatoes, half a bottle of laundry detergent — that will not be missed, and he takes them only after prolonged and painstaking observation. His key to success, he knows, is his unerring adherence to the rules he’s developed.

And then, one day, he breaks a rule. He manages to wriggle out of a potentially disastrous situation, but something he overhears alters his sense of purpose. As he becomes a little too involved in his clients’ lives, Martin inadvertently sets off down a one-way path that will forever change his life.

Thoughts on “Rose in a Storm” by Jon Katz

Rose in a Storm, which goes on sale today, is Jon Katz’s first novel in 10 years. It’s also the first book of his I’ve read. I received an advance copy through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program and was looking forward to giving Katz’s books a shot, as I’ve heard very positive comments in the past. …

Thoughts on “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson

Another review of Speak? I must be joking, yes? Well, no. I know everyone either has read or is reading this novel right about now. I know every blogger everywhere has posted thoughts and personal stories and reviews. I thought about just letting this one slide. But I did read it, and it was an …