This looks like it will be a very interesting read, and not simply because of the publisher’s synopsis. It is the words of the author herself. Here is an excerpt courtesy of barnesandnoble.com:

“I often thought of the book in musical terms. For me, I fueled this by reading a lot of poetry and paying attention to the musicality of each sentence. I also wanted to capture in English something of the rhythm and syncopation of the Spanish language. I wanted the book to feel as though the reader were experiencing it in Spanish.”

I speak English, but I have also studied Spanish and French. I love language. And, I must admit, that there are qualities about the Romanic languages that seem to be missing in English, for as I have grown in understanding of the others, I have learned of the subtle and beautiful ways of conveying tone and meaning that I just don’t always find English. (Or should I say American-English as anyone will tell you we certainly have developed our own way of, uh, saying things.)

There is also the poetic nature of some of her passages such as:

“Celia reaches up to her left earlobe and releases her drop pearl earring to the sea. She feels its absence between her thumb and forefinger. Then she unfastens the tiny clasp in her right ear and surrenders the other pearl. Celia closes her eyes and imagines it drifting as a firefly through the darkened seas, imagines its slow extinguishing.”

It is my hope that the rest of the book can fulfill the promise of this passage. If it does, I am in for a very good read! I can’t wait.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

“When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.”

It doesn’t take much to figure out this hidden identity, as the back of the book clearly states it: Edward is a vampire. However, after flipping through the book to take a look at a couple of passages, I know already that I will probably finish this in one sitting, if not in one day. This also is a novel I am really looking forward to reading.

Dubliners by James Joyce
I began reading this collection late last month as its last story, The Dead, as part of the Novella Challenge. Already several stories in, I know I will finish, but it will take me a little longer to do so, as Joyce is not one to take in all at once.

Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld
Ah, my problem child. I am developing a like-dislike relationship with this novel. And right now I am hovering more toward the dislike portion. (I didn’t use love-hate as my feelings toward this book are really not that strong one way or the other.)

It has an excellent premise. The author is quite knowledgeable and has obviously done a lot of research. However, I am finding he cannot hold my attention for very long as I get a little frustrated with the language, tone, and the continual change from a first person to the third. Not that I am easily put off by such issues. If I can make it through The Time Traveler’s Wife and still consider it one of my favorite books, I should be able to deal with Rubenfeld’s continually going from one POV to the other. However, Niffenegger was able to put forth her story in a way that was much more seamless than Rubenfeld.

Then there is the plot.

Somewhere, in another review, the word ‘convoluted’ was used to describe the plot, subplots, and the turns each takes. Now convoluted may be a bit strong a word to use. I have to admit though, that the variegated nature of some of the happenings detract from the well written story that lies underneath all the complexities. And there is strong writing and a good story here, it’s just that you are made to work a bit in order to see it.

This is why I am unsure about finishing this book, especially since there are several others in the wings, which look so much more inviting and enjoyable.

I think I will give it one more chapter before I decide. Either way, it is not the end of the world. I am the reader darn it. It is up to me what I want to read, how I interpret what I read, and for good or bad, right or wrong, I don’t have to finish a book I don’t care for, regardless of how many other people like it, or whether or not it’s won all sorts of awards and acclimations.

Oooo…can you feel the empowerment?

I can.

Happy reading!!