Jeremy is having flashbacks from the past while Clay and Elena are in Toronto (event in Bitten).
Jeremy’s role in protecting Elena after she was turned is something of an enigma. He banished Clay, and helped Elena through the change. But the impacts of this are only ever seen through Elena’s eyes, years after the fact. Thus, it is immensely difficult to understand the impact that it had upon Jeremy – after all, he is a quiet and withdrawn character. One who Elena admires and adores, but is often confused by. Ghosts helps to give insight into his thoughts and feelings on Elena’s turning, and the important place which she gains in his heart.
Ghosts is a very reflexive piece that takes place in the middle of Bitten. Although it takes place after Elena and Clay travel back to Toronto, he flashes back and forth between that decision and the one to banish Clay. The pain of Elena’s change and her vulnerability at the fact act as depressing counterpoints to an already difficult situation. As does Jeremy’s constant insecurity that he is making the right decision. That he made the right decision in the past, as he reflects upon the ghosts of his house.
Having met Karl and realised more about his character, it is hard to align this image with the man who causes so much havoc in Bitten. However, his initial meeting with Daniel Santos in Territorial and his feelings of abandonment and injustice finally help to highlight his motives. It also explains some of his fascination with Elena – although it is not romantic, there is certainly a feeling of appeal in his relations with the only female werewolf. Although, most of this is simply due to selfish requirements.
I really enjoyed this glimpse into Karl’s selfish nature before he met (and fell for) Hope. His outlook on life and his drivers for every single interaction he has have one goal – to further his own ends. Whether this is to gain his own territory, or find more income, he doesn’t speak with, or interact with anyone unless it is somehow beneficial.
Title: Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) Author: Lauren Graham Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Biographies, Easy reading, Memoirs, Non-fiction, True stories Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Virago Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: ‘When I co-wrote a pilot about an aspiring late night talk show host, played by me, I had my character (me) speak to a photo of Joan she keeps on her dressing room mirror.
This book contains some stories from my life: the awkward growing-up years, the confusing dating years, the fulfilling working years and what it was like to be asked to play one of my favourite characters again. Also included: tales of living on a houseboat, meeting guys at awards shows and that time I was asked to be a butt model. A hint: all three made me seasick.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. Mostly, I just bought it because I am a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, and every interview or article I have read on Lauren Graham is favourable. Beyond that, I really didn’t know what to expect from this novel, and even if it was going to something that I enjoyed reading. But let me tell you – it was one of the best non-fiction reflective pieces that I have ever read!
Combining Lauren Graham’s quirky sense of humour and unique (at least to me) perspective on Hollywood and acting, with her beautifully written prose created an unexpected, beautiful retelling that I look forward to reading again and again and again. Every moment of Graham’s incredible journey is filled with crazy tangents and humorous anecdotes that had me giggling throughout. I loved that she writes the same way as she speaks on screen – both in Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. It is quick, witty and impossible to put away.
Talking as Fast as I Can touches upon so many different aspects of Lauren’s journey and makes her question whether she really ‘made it’. From her first days of acting, to the first days on the set of Gilmore Girls, the story follows a kind of symmetry, with the final words returning to the Gilmore Girls reboot. Providing fantastic insight into Lauren’s life and career is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I plan to repeat again.
Title: Babylon’s Ark Author: Lawrence Anthony Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Conservation, Non-fiction, True stories Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Thomas Dune Books Year: 2007 5th sentence, 74th page: I knew it was unlikely I would be able to shoot my way out, but I certainly would take a couple of these cutthroats with me.
When the Iraq war began, conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of only one thing: the fate of the Baghdad Zoo, located in the city center and caught in the war’s crossfire. Once Anthony entered Baghdad he discovered that full-scale combat and uncontrolled looting had killed nearly all the animals of the zoo.
But not all of them. U.S. soldiers had taken the time to help care for the remaining animals, and the zoo’s staff had returned to work in spite of the constant firefights. Together the Americans and Iraqis had managed to keep alive the animals that had survived the invasion.
Babylon’s Ark chronicles the zoo’s transformation from bombed-out rubble to peaceful park. Along the way, Anthony recounts hair-raising efforts to save a pride of the dictator’s lions, close a deplorable black-market zoo, and rescue Saddam’s Arabian horses. His unique ground-level experience makes Babylon’s Arkan uplifting story of both sides working together for the sake of innocent animals caught in the war’s crossfire.
There is nothing like settling down with a good, inspiring book that not only restores your faith in humanity, but also reminds you that anything is possible… if you have the courage to try. Anthony’s exploits in Baghdad at the take-over by American soldiers is one such story. Although the background of war and conflict help to heighten the risks which Lawrence takes in the name of conservation, this story is an incredible story about the people and the animals who are stranded in the middle of this dire situation.
Impulsive like the best of us, Anthony decides to travel to Iraq to attempt to save the animals that were stranded in the middle of one of the most bullet riddled conflict zones of the war. What follows is a journey that has stuck with me for the past two years. I have read it multiple times throughout the proceeding year, and with each re-read my awe and admiration for this incredibly dedicated man refuses to diminish. Lawrence Anthony is both who I strive to be, and who I could never imagine myself being. He chooses to risk everything for the sake of the lives of a few creatures who are unable to protect, and fight for themselves. Well, at least, they’re not able to fight against the gunfire that flew past them on what must have been a daily basis.
Whilst this story is about saving the Baghdad Zoo from ruin, and the rescue mission that sparked international interest, it is also about the people who made this possible. From the two brave men from Kuwait who travelled across the border to assist Lawrence to the Iraqis who journeyed daily across the ‘Red Zone’ to then spend unforgiving hours lugging buckets of water under the hot, desert sun. These men and women risked everything to take care of their fellow creatures. Yet, it wasn’t just the locals, members of the militia often helped to assist the up and coming zoo. From the unnamed soldier who gave away a brand new generator, to the mercenaries that continuously protected Lawrence and his people against looters – Babylon’s Ark is not only a story about saving a zoo, but also about the bravery and gumption of people in the face of almost impossible odds.
Title: Christmas in the Kitchen Author: Nalini Singh Series: Psy-Changeling #7.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters Pace: Fast Format: Free online short story Publisher: Nalini Singh online Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: It was the pack’s honor and their privilege to make sure Keenan and Noor had the chance to grow up loved and cared for, their incredible gift allowed to develop at its natural pace.
I love spending a lazy Sunday afternoon baking cookies and relaxing in the house with my small family. So this short story, which provided a look into Dorian’s new life as a husband and father had the perfect setting. The idea of upcoming Christmas celebrations as an instigator for the gaieties just added to the feeling of family and fun.
Not only did Christmas in the Kitchen provide an insight into the daily lives of Dorian’s small family, but the relationships that Kit and Jon, Noor and Keenan have forged with one another. The idea of a large pack as family and the way that they all are able to come together, in spite of the war that is raging around them is such a sweet notion. Finishing this short story left me smiling, with an irresistible urge to bake some chocolate chip cookies.
Title: The Party Author: Nalini Singh Series: Psy-Changeling #6.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters Pace: Fast Format: Free online short story Publisher: Nalini Singh online Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: Her eyes almost crossed when she saw the array of objects on the table in front of the healer.
The Party balances out Mercy’s tough, sentinel side with her more feminine, girlish tendencies. It also serves as a great reminder of her connection to her pack, and family. The happy simplicity of the afternoon and their laughter while painting toe nails are a wonderful display of the happiness that women can find in each other’s company. The Party is a refreshing take on a woman’s relationship – that it is about sharing, laughter and joy; rather than bitching and competition.
Faith’s misconception about the products of her newest business partnership had me smiling and giggling. The conversations that followed are some that I myself have had with my girlfriends – those who you are so comfortable with, that you don’t have to watch everything you say and do. It is this feeling of comradeship that carried of the pages of my eReader as I read The Party.
Judd and Brenna are a great couple, and their uniqueness draws me back to them again and again and again. But, it is almost impossible to imagine them in their daily lives – when they’re not acting to neutralise the threats to their family. Movie Night provides a window into this life perfectly. It shows a young couple that are deeply in love, yet still getting to know one another in some of the most basic of ways.
I constantly struggle to have movie night with my own partner, we just don’t tend to have the same tastes, so it was extra fun to read about some of the same issues in one of my favourite literary couples. Although both Brenna and Judd are far more willing to compromise on their choices than either myself or my own partner, it was still nice to know that such a simple act can have quite a few connotations in a relationship for others.
Kit is a great secondary character in the Psy-Changeling series, to the point that I almost wish he was a primary one. So, it is nice to have a short story that is about him. The relationship which he has with his sister, and the loss of his family are beautifully captured in very few words. Such a beautifully crafted short story that makes you realise that every person, every character has their own story – whether it’s in real life, or the pages of a book.
The mentions of Kit’s potential as the next alpha help to further emphasise the points made by the sentinels in the other books about the leopard changeling pack. His awareness of others, their strengths and weaknesses are the marks of a great leader in any reality, and his love and care for his sister and his pack simply help to further the potency of his growing powers.
This month all of my assignments seem to be due… so it’s been a little more difficult to read lots of intense novels. That’s why most of the reviews for this month are short stories that were a wonderful, quick and easy journey into another world. That, and a lot of Tamora Pierce, since I tend to read these books every time the world feels a little overwhelming.
The rat’s which become an integral part of the Changeling world and the Psy-Changeling stories are always viewed on the peripheral. The conversations with them always run through one of the leopard pack, and it is difficult to understand what makes these characters tick. So, it was incredibly enjoyable to read the short conversation which takes place between two of the characters.
The different point of view which Zane and Teijan provide is a great counterpoint to the more predatory outlooks of the other parties within this series. It is also a reminder that for every single interaction, there is an opposing view.
Zane and Teijan’s surprise at the leopard pack’s generosity and willingness to work together (rather than order others around) is a poignant reminder of the way in which this non-predatory group has been treated in the past. Another reminder that although the greater battle is between key factions, it does have trickle down effects for all others in this brilliantly created and layered world.
Title: Christmas in the Kitchen
Title: The Party
Title: Movie Night
Title: A Gift for Kit
Title: A Conversation
Earth and Skye 