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"Madman in the Mirror" is a story about a man - Henry Johnson - who is raised by a psychopath and forced to watch - even as a baby - his father murder people on a regular basis. He is also abused and brainwashed, turning him into a sociopath. Henry stalks and murders people efficiently - he tells himself that he may be a killer, but he doesn't want people to suffer. He is haunted by hallucinations, including a specter in his mirror that talks to him. “A.J. is a master at creating word images that remain with the reader long after the book is finished.” Richard S. Friedman Murder, romance and the paranormal. It is sprinkled with humor. Also contains ghosts, a dog that’s adopted by Henry and a crazy hooded merganser duck. And a baby as his arch enemy. This MIGHT be a little like Dracula if written by J. K. Rowling. It’s a place where magic and vampires interweave for an exciting adventure. Dracula: HEARTS OF STONE We start with a shiny new pot of boiling water and add too many evil vampires, and not enough of the good biters. Toss in one suicidal Dracula; add a cup of mayhem and a dash of romance. Oh yes, and a pinch of mirth. Stir lovingly and you have a new novel by A. J. Gallant. If it sounds like the recipe for you then you must read Dracula: Hearts of Stone. Dracula commands it. February or March 2012. Probably February but perhaps March. Coming soon, yes that’s it. New York City is under attack. Dracula is suicidal in a world where evil vampires are in the early stages of taking over. The Master has lived too long and can’t find a reason to face another day. Nasty vampires are feeding on vulnerable mortals and causing chaos. Years ago he trained valiant sheriffs and expects them to defend the humans but they are being overrun. Piers Anthony, the author, is now a vampire. He spends his days attempting to get the Master to snap out of it and to defend the humans, without losing his head. A 12-year-old girl is a rare hybrid, half human and half vampire; she was conceived the normal way, with her mother a mortal and her father a vampire. Jenny is slowly discovering that she may be a blood wizard. She’s already an accomplished vampire killer and can cast spells, but an underground figure has noticed the girl. Some believe that she might be the one of legend that tips the scale toward good. Sheriff Alexander and his vampire German shepherd stand and fight for justice. Will the red sheriffs be overrun? Will Michael finally get the courage to ask out the sheriff? It’s a tale of magic, romance and fangs. Dracula: Hearts of Stone Book One of Three. February or March 2012.
I hope you like "Thousand Autmns..." as much as I did. If you do like it, I highly recommend Mitchell's other works, "Black Swan Green" and one of my all-time favorites, "Cloud Atlas."
Been a while since I have been active on here--was looking at what you've been reading--a lot of Carl Haissen and a lot of laughs, I hope.
"Room" is interesting, huh? I was intrigued for the first half, but thought the last third, after the escape, was weaker - although I appreciate that it was necessary to bring a resolution to the tale. Kudos to Emma Donoghue, though, for finding an original voice and pulling it off so well and memorably.
Thanks for your thoughts on "The Alchemist." I'll put it on my list.Pura vida,Jeff
I like your list of favorites; and we have a lot of books in common, so I'll check back when I need an idea for my next book! I'm curious about your thoughts regarding "The Alchemist," as I was afraid (I haven't read it) it was hokey spirituality. But, anyone who lists "Life of Pi" as a favorite must share some similar perspectives on life.
Hi Ginger,I see you're reading Europa, Europa. Great book and they made a great movie out of it. Hope you enjoy it. Judy
The History Non-Fiction Group is voting for the Oct-Dec Quarterly Group read. We've had several interesting books nominated. Please take a look and vote if you'd like to join in.
Hinsdale is a great town. I have a couple friends raising their family in and around that tony town ;-) I would take a pass on The Last Inca. A great story... badly told. My formal review is below. Another friend (and client) told me of another volume covering the same turf. I'll ask him again for the title and pass it on. Say Hi to Hinsdale, as I think I mentioned Carrie and I are raising our 3 down in the city in a neighborhood called Roscoe Village. Fun, but very different then how I grew up. We still go back and forth on the idea! Have a great day. DaveThe incredible Spanish conquest of the Inca empire is fascinating. How could 150 men take on 100,000 Inca warriors? MacQuarrie lays out the answer in a very clear and concise manner. Still, I felt like I was watching an one dimensional history documentary. Half way through I realized, “I’m not emotionally vested with either side!” For the most part, rich detail is lacking in her story-telling. Contrary to that last statement, MacQuarrie would occasionally blurt out an imagined micro detail, “his golden medallion earrings must have glistened in the hot sun as he inspected his men.” Pick a lane MacQuarrie! A final confession that further tainted my review, my terrible name memory left me confused by the many Peruvians that were introduced.
Hi Ingrid, I saw that you also read The Last Inca. I loved the subject, but was not thrilled with her delivery. Stay cool this weekend. My 5-brick-thick loft office in Chicago is basicly a slow cook oven this week? Best, Dave
Hi Ingrid, Amazon doesn't have any info on Cotton Patch Schoolhouse. How did you find it?
Hi Ingrid! I just established my Shelfari account - thanks for getting me started!
Hi Ingrid: The holocaust literature that you are reading appears to be too esoteric for availability on audio. If you look at my bookshelf, quite a few titles that I’ve enjoyed are on the same subject. I feel fortunate to have access to so many good titles. I've posted the ones I've read to the Holocaust Literature Group at http://www.shelfari.com/groups/10521. I see that you are in the Non Fiction History Group -- I'll look at that. Let me know what you think about Engulfed in Flames. I love David Sedaris, but I put it down during the last 1/3 of the book. But, you know, sometimes it's the mood we are in that affects how we can listen to or read certain books -- I can always go back to it However, I find that I do not. Perhaps if I get hard up for things to read and have no money, I will!! LOL I have wanted to read The Sisters Antipodes, but still not on audio.
Thanx Inggrid, well you have a fantastic topics to read, would you recommend me some of the base on my shelf :D...
My smart-aleck side saw the title, “And God Created the French” and wondered if it was an attack on the Almighty's omnipotence
Thanks for the recommendation -- I like history and I would have never picked this up on my own as I've been stuck in WWII. Do you think it would give me insight into the French culture (for my planned trip there) by reading some 14th century literature? :) I don't know what I was looking at when I told you I wanted to read The Last Duel because of the WWII and Nazi genre -- must have been another book on your list I was looking at. I really enjoyed read The Little Bee -- such an odd title, it took me a while before I picked it up. ...glad I did.
Hi Ingrid -- let me know how you like the Last Duel -- it sounds interesting in the Nazi, WWII genre with a different twist than what I've been reading about re WWII. I added it to my To Read list anyway..
Hi Ingrid, Did you, your family and your books all find their way to Chicagoland? You might be interested in a lecture series downtown that is just being formed for Fall 2010. They are attempting to headline the poet/author Mary Karr for a live reading. It's another way to feel at home and plug into the book vibe in the city. Best, Dave
I'll be interested in your take on "Under the Banner of Heaven." I lived in SW Utah for a little over 10 years.
I'm wishing you a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2010 for you and all your love ones!Greetings, Monique
