Tuesday 30 April 2013

Killing Floor - Lee Child (A Jack Reacher Novel)

 

  
 
 
'Killing Floor' is the first book in the Jack Reacher series written by Lee Child. We meet up with Jack Reacher in Georgia, USA where he has spontaneously disembarked a bus in a remote town. Within hours of arriving in Margrave, Reacher has been arrested for murder and so begins the countdown to find out the truth of what happened in order to clear his name before someone else is killed...
 
The character of Reacher comes across strongly as the narrative is in first person and shows his thought processes as he unofficially investigates the case. His analytical mind is the driving force in the novel along with his relationship with the characters. He forms a romantic attachment with Roscoe and this partnership has an effective balance of 'love-interest' and 'investigative partner' that is believable in the short time that they have known each other. The characters are engaging, vivid and, as a reader, they are key to a crime-thriller as it is a character driven plot.

The plot is filled with suspense and, as with all other Jack Reacher novels, there are many twists that leaves the reader reeling and thinking back over the whole book piecing together the events. There is an urgency throughout the book that builds tension as the climax is reached and finally culminates in the epic resolution.

I have read several of the Jack Reacher novels before a few years ago, but was motivated to reread them again after seeing the film featuring Tom Cruise. I was dubious about seeing the film as Cruise is nothing like I imagine Reacher to be like, but I was glad I went as it got me reading Lee Child's series again.

I would recommend 'Killing Floor' to anyone who likes crime-thrillers, but think it would appeal to anyone who would enjoys a read that mentally stimulates. It is easy to read and would be a great book to read anywhere. The Jack Reacher series does not necessarily need to be read in order but this book introduces Reacher perfectly and sets the scene and character profile for the rest of the books. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few days so would give it a 5* rating.
 


Sunday 28 April 2013

'Gift of Time' - Rory MacLean

 
 

‘Gift of Time’ by Rory MacLean is an honest, revealing and emotionally turbulent look into one family’s experience of cancer. Jean is diagnosed with the terminal illness and she, along with her son and daughter-in-law, Katrin, keep individual diaries during the last months of her life.

To say that I enjoyed the book is a somewhat grim statement, given that the content is true, but it was an enjoyable and compelling read. Cancer is something that has an impact on almost everyone’s life in some way and this is what makes ‘Gift of Time’ so appealing and enjoyable; to see how someone else has dealt with their experience and came out the other side.

The different diary entries in the book give the various viewpoints from those involved in Jean’s fight with cancer. Jean herself offers a first-hand insight into how her illness affects her physically, mentally and emotionally. Her voice is inspiring as she fights the disease and she is a character that I warmed to. Rory is her son and his entries are those that many of us could relate to the most; those of the relative who is powerless as he watches a loved one slowly fade away. His is the central voice throughout the book and his entries drive the narrative along forming a plotline. Katrin’s diary entries consist of how Jean’s illness makes her realise the fragility of life and provide inspiration to the reader to make the most of all they have.

You become part of the family whilst reading and are willing the MacLeans to battle on and reach the milestone of Marlie’s wedding. This deadline acts as a timer for the reader who knows that this may or may not come to fruition and so adds an element of suspense to the book.

This book is a thought-provoking and real account of the side of life we all experience but don’t always discuss. This book may be too heavy a topic for a holiday read but I would definitely recommend to others. A reading group would have many areas of discussion with this book, but it may be too sensitive a subject for some members.

Book from www.newbooksmag.com 

My Blog

Hi Everyone!

This is my first time blogging and I have chosen to use it to post about my greatest love in life...books! I am an avid reader and this is why I chose to study English at university. I work full time but reading is something I love to do in my spare time. So I thought I would start a blog in order to share my thoughts on the books I have read with you. And I would really appreciate any thoughts, feedback and recommendations that you guys have for me.
I have an extensive collection of books, both read and as yet unread and this is what I will blog about. So my blog will feature a variety of reviews of new and older books all mixed together so hopefully there is something for everyone.

Speak soon and wish me luck in my first post!

Kelly