bogstie

• Rated 5 stars

“A political novel with a huge punch of heartbreaking drama. The character of Littel Bee (and the voice Cleave beautifully gives her), will linger with you every time you think of this novel. It is hard book to read, but it is a superbly written novel full of sad truths and hard choices. The story unfolds slowly, you don't find out how the characters know each other until halfway through the novel, and once you know you'll wish you didn't. Don't read reviews or synposes - simply let the story be revealed in it's beautiful harsh glory.”

bogstie wrote this review Saturday, February 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 4 stars

“A very entertaining book. A smarter, better written take on the current paranormal trend. An American academic (and witch!) abroad comes across a magically bound book and incites the interest of daemons and vampires. The book could be a key to their existence, or it could be something dangerous. The plot of the novel, and the next volumes, is to sort it all out. It's a bit far fetched, and has moments of real annoyance in character development and plotting, but it would be an appealing read to fans of Alice Hoffman, Sarah Addison Allen, and perhaps even Carol Goodman. Also a good read-a-like for the fans The Magicians by Lev Grossman or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke.”

bogstie wrote this review Saturday, February 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“If you loved loved 13 Little Blue Envelopes you will love The Last Little Blue Envelope more. I know, I know. I didn't think Ms. Johnson could top the primary material, but somehow she managed to continue the story in a way that doesn't feel like a slapped together sequel that capitalizes on the reader's enjoyment of the first book. Instead, I feel like the time that passed between books was a needed waiting period so we could feel like Ginny does in the beginning of LLBE - like something amazing happened and then it was over. And where do you go when that happens? You wait, and wait, until you fall into another wonderfully written, sparkling story. Ginny is the same character, slightly self-conscious but intrepid, and open to following a journey her aunt laid out for her before her death. The story switches up on the first novel by adding in three characters for Ginny's journey, and adding a somewhat sinister element of the character Oliver an extortionist who is holding the final letter and refusing to give it to Ginny. Instead he insists on accompanying her and doling out the letter in fragments. Laughs and tears in equal measure it can simply be said that this was a great book. A read-it-in-a-single-sitting kind of story. Maureen Johnson shines with wit and wisdom once again.
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bogstie wrote this review Saturday, February 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink )