![R&R 075 | Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #6) by © Karin Elizabeth [in Barcelona]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/4189612913_fd244c8768.jpg) 
R&R 075 | Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #6)
Hai there Evan Rachel Wood (my interpretation of) Sophie-Anne
Note: I'll get some other reviews done before I continue reviewing the Sookie series. Mix it up a little :) Sorry I've been absent from flickr lately. It'll get better after the holiday season. We're busy working on getting our dinner table & chairs ready (darker coating to match our interior).
SPOILER WARNING - If you're watching True Blood and don't want to be spoiled for upcoming seasons, you might want to stop reading right now. Though the show doesn't stay entirely true to the books, some of it may be relevant.
Charlaine Harris
Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #6)
First published in: 2006
This edition: Ace, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-441-01491-0
Cover: Illustration by Lisa Desimini, design by Judith Lagerman
The sixth Sookie Stackhouse novel picks up where book 5 left off...
Although, not quite. After book 4, Charlaine Harris has published a few short stories in a collection, Bite.
One of those stories (entitled, One Word Answer) is about Sookie receiving a visit from an attorney from New Orleans, sent to her by the Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Anne Leclerq. This lawyer comes bearing some troubling news: Sookie's cousin Hadley has died. Twice. The first time was when she became a vampire. The second time was when she got killed as a vampire: Hadley's definite death.
Book 6 continues this storyline: Hadley left everything to Sookie, and so Sookie must head for New Orleans to take care of the inheritance. It's not going to be an easy trip to take. Sookie doesn't have many relatives anymore (Jason is all she's got left now). And as usual with anything involving vampires, it's likely to get even more difficult... especially since one of the vampires Sookie will be meeting is none other than the Queen herself.
So: the sixth Sookie Stackhouse novel picks up where book 5 AND story 4.3 left off. I did not know that when I started book 6. For a while I was so confused, I thought I'd accidentally started with book 7 (and that Hadley's death was disclosed in book 6).
It's not a huge deal - you do get some idea of what has happened as you read on. It's just that in every book, Charlaine Harris does not fail to repeat a few things. Sookie likes "hanging with vampires because I can't read their minds and so have some rest from all the voices" is an example. It's unnecessary, but that's what you get with a series. You get repeated information, understandable.
...is it really too much to ask, then, for one summarized repeat of story 4.3 in the first chapter of the book or somewhere in the beginning? At least help the reader get fully informed before Sookie makes it to New Orleans.
Too many other things take precedence in the first third of the book. A couple of loose ends are tied up - good! But there are still a few irrelevant things going on. Claude modeling with Sookie. A kid goes missing. Jason has relationship stuff going on. An attempt is (once again) made on Sookie's life... etc. It takes quite a while before we get to the Hadley storyline.
But it's worth the wait: that storyline redeems the whole book for me (and book 5 too). My main problem with book 5 was that I felt 'stuck' and needed change, specifically change in the form of new characters, new relationships. I like and miss some of the established characters (Eric, Sam and of course Pam) but quite a few of them, I don't need anymore. Book 6 offers the limelight to some new people - and so far they've made a good first impression.
The Queen's already one of my favorite characters. I like her. I don't trust her, but I like her.
Then there's finally the possibility of a real friend for Sookie, the witch Amelia. She's blunt, funny, slightly arrogant and flawed. I do like her and am glad Charlaine is 'keeping' her (Amelia appears in book 7 too).
And of course there's the were-tiger Quinn, Sookie's new love interest. Yes, despite all the men already tripping over each other to get to Sookie first, I am glad there's a new one for her - but only because I'm hoping for a stable love interest. And because jealousy is a powerful trigger, I'm also interested to see which of the other men is willing to fight for our girl (if you want me to like them again, they better man up).
But I'm not wholly convinced Quinn's the right one for Sookie... yet. He takes some getting used to with his purple eyes, his relative celebrity in the supernatural world, his "babe" this and "babe" that. Plus chemistry is seriously lacking; there's more chemistry between Sookie and Eric.
Ah, but I don't mind the guy. I'll admit one thing. When Charlaine described Quinn's physique, I wished these books were illustrated *wiggles eyebrows up and down*.
But I digress. Anyway I am open to seeing Sookie and Quinn develop as a couple, but I need more convincing if you want me to root for them. I need to know more about Quinn first.
(But one thing is for sure: if not Quinn, it damn well better be Eric. Re: chemistry.)
Other good points: it seems Bill can forget about redeeming himself to Sookie - a phenomenal screw up is made known to her, and this time she's not forgiving. A good development, and one I've been wanting since book 3. There's also a proper explanation for Claude & Claudine's significant presence. I found I liked learning more about the vampire traditions (marriage between heads of states) and hierarchy... and the Hadley plotline was an exciting one in my opinion.
...if the book actually came with illustrations, I would have been an extremely happy book reviewer. Just because. You know. But I'm good for now. Sure. Yeah... Hm.
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Uploaded on Dec 16, 2009
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![R&R 074 | Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5) by © Karin Elizabeth [in Barcelona]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4174459843_7f4892a70b.jpg)
R&R 074 | Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5)
SPOILER WARNING - If you're watching True Blood and don't want to be spoiled for upcoming seasons, you might want to stop reading right now. Though the show doesn't stay entirely true to the books, some of it may be relevant.
I wonder if this nice lady from the Fellowship of the Sun knows crosses are harmless to vampires.
Hmmm :/
Charlaine Harris
Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse #5)
First published in: 2005
This edition: Ace, 2006
ISBN: 978-0-441-01333-3
Cover: Illustration by Lisa Desimini, design by Judith Lagerman
The fifth installment of Charlaine Harris's novels about a cocktail waitress in Louisiana takes off with a bang or two - literally; several shootings shake up Bon Temps and its surroundings, leaving Sookie worried about various friends, in particular the ones that happen to have the ability to change into an animal. Sookie is worried sick about her friends, but angry too - because the shifter community suspects her brother Jason, a new shifter who has been turned against his will, to be the shooter. Even though she craves some normalcy in her life, Sookie is determined to find out who's really the one gunning down the local Weres and shifters (Fellowship of the Sun? Anyone but Jason)... even if it means she'll risk getting caught in the crossfire...
This book starts off really good; all of the books are addictive. So much happens in Dead as a Doornail, you don't have time to be bored with the plot enough to put the book down. The Sookie novels work that way: plenty of twists and turns and things happening to keep things interesting.
...but it was too much this time. Sookie's life was in serious peril three times in this one book. One life threatening event gets the point across just as well. This time around, Sookie needed too much saving, and what I like about Sookie is that she's supposed to be more independent than the average female lead, not a continuous Damsel in Distress.
Furthermore, Harris veers off course a bit often (the books are usually a little packed with unrelated events, but this one took the cake), focusing on minor characters that are far from interesting to the general series. Tara mixed in with a bad vampire. I don't caaaare. Claude the fairy wanting Sookie to model with him. Relevance? The Shreveport were pack leader election. Dragged out, even though this event does provide material for the future in the form of relationship tensions.
Ah yes, relationship tensions. Speaking of those, I found myself aching for change throughout this book. Whereas book 4 was spot on when it comes to Sookie & Her Supernatural Men, with book 5 I have reached the point in this series where I start to grow tired of played out dynamics between characters. You all know, I had long before become frustrated with Bill's existence, but now I feel a break is needed from all these men, even Alcide. Even Sam.
Oh, Sam, he has always been on Sookie's back burner, except when he's convenient for a hug, a kiss or a mental undressing session. This is maybe the one thing that bugs me about Sookie. The way she's having fun with men, sure, but not realizing that maybe she's hurting some of them, too. Consequentially, they're all turning into whiney, bitter idiots at this point.
Sookie needs to learn to let go (and maybe, so does Charlaine...). She doesn't have to continue to have a bond with every single one of the male characters she ever came across in the series. Example: Sookie treating Bill civilly (after everything that he's done and continues to do with his violent and jealous outbursts) does make Sookie the better person, but it's still disappointing!
No, Sookie needs someone new, some stability (heck, I need some stability here), if only for the other boys to just learn to live without her for a while and grow their balls back, since they've obviously shriveled and fallen off at this point. Maybe then I'll find them remotely attractive for the female lead again.
But not to worry - Charlaine Harris anticipates and allows her series to evolve in the nick of time. Towards the end of this book, there are serious indications that there will be changes for Sookie in this department. And relief for me as a reader of this series. (I don't want to give too much away, but I can't review a book and point out its 'negatives' without addressing fairly that it's being worked on - book 6 shows promise.)
I realize this review doesn't sound too positive - because it isn't very positive, let's face it. This book is the least interesting in the series so far. But that doesn't mean one should stop reading the series after book 4. No way!
The way I see it? Dead as a Doornail is a stepping stone leading to much more. To something new, something better perhaps. Also, the general plotline wasn't predictable or boring, and there's a cute crossover as Lily Bard & Jack Leeds from Charlaine's 'Shakespeare' series stop by for a visit. Besides, book 5 has something the other books don't: Sookie calls Bill "Bozo". Hey, if there's any way for a Sookie book to score points with me... It's referring to Bill Compton, douchebag with fangs, as Bozo. All in favor of Dead as a Doornail?
I rest my case.
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Copyright © Karin Elizabeth. All rights reserved.
R&R series © Karin Elizabeth. Do NOT copy and repost or reproduce the review or photo anywhere without my permission.
No group images or (admin) invites wanted in my comments. I will delete your comments.
Play nice.
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Uploaded on Dec 10, 2009
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![Happy Christmas Tree bokeh wednesday! by © Karin Elizabeth [in Barcelona]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4170928131_990846989b.jpg)
Happy Christmas Tree bokeh wednesday!
Silver decoration, some green to match our living room wall, and some random cute decorations like a snowman. The candy canes were an absolute must for me. Sentimental thing :)
I'll take a few more shots later. Just wanted to share some of our very first Christmas tree.
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Uploaded on Dec 9, 2009
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![[untitled] by © Karin Elizabeth [in Barcelona]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/4157253969_ff495454c8.jpg)
[untitled]
Selfie from April.
Still re-organizing and backing up my photo archives.
© THIS IS NOT FREE STOCK
Copyright © Karin Elizabeth. All rights reserved.
I will delete comments that contain either of the following: group awards, group invites, admin invites, other sparkly images or .gifs.
I block assholes.
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Uploaded on Dec 4, 2009
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![R&R 073 | Fear and Trembling by © Karin Elizabeth [in Barcelona]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4152358743_cb888fe9d7.jpg)
R&R 073 | Fear and Trembling
Amélie Nothomb
Fear and Trembling (Stupeur et Tremblement)
First published in: 1999 (in French)
This edition: Faber and Faber ltd., 2004
ISBN: 0-571-22048-7
Cover: photo by Getty Images, design by Two Associates
Having grown up in Japan until the age of 5*, returning to her former home country brings a certain amount of expectations with it for Amélie Nothomb. Her childhood in Japan was one of happiness; she hopes to rekindle with her home away from home, remembering and honoring her childhood years. In this critical autobiographic novella, Belgian author Amélie Nothomb shares her experiences interning at a large Japanese company for the duration of a year... and the disappointment of seeing what used to be her Japan in quite a different light, for her stay in Japan now is completely unlike her stay in Japan when she was a child, growing up there. The author's relationship with the country is severely tested in this little novel.
With zest and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Nothomb describes the difficulties of being a Westerner in the East - an astonishing contrast, when allowed to exist.
Amélie is viewed as less of a person than her Japanese colleagues, which shocks her... because she feels in her heart part of the Japanese people and culture. This is already hard for her to take, but there's one additional blow to take: being a woman. Amélie's direct superior is a Japanese woman who has to fight for herself and her job in the company... she does not allow for competition from any other woman, especially not when it said competition is another woman from the West.
Amélie doesn't really stand a chance. To illustrate:
Q: What is the task given to Amélie by her female superior throughout most of her internship?
A: Cleaning toilets.
To not be accepted (or respected as a colleague for that matter) is an immense disappointment - but Amélie bears it well. Her attitude is to be commended, because she endures it all. Every single obstacle thrown suddenly in her way, she endures. Amélie proves time and time again that she is the better person.
I'm going to say it: Amélie Nothomb is awesome.
I referred to this book as a 'novella' in my first paragraph; the book is very thin. The font is a bit larger than average, and the lines are ridiculously far apart. Tricks like these to make a really thin book appear to have more pages irritate me, and it did so here as well. Don't MAKE me get a Kindle. I love the touch of a real book in my hands, the motion involved with turning a new page and discovering the rest of the story bit by bit. Love that. But I tend to have less love and respect for thin books when they're ridiculously elongated, whether this is accomplished via layout techniques and font size (as is the case here) or via useless padding by means of repetitive text or useless dialogue (as is the case in many fatter books).
When I buy a book, I buy it for the words and their total meaning. Not for the pages and their total number. I wish publishers would get that through their thick heads. Stop trying to make an extra buck by wasting paper. Keep it real and realize that a lot of books have enough quality to be able to do without tricks & padding designed to make them appear to have more quantity (and thus more "quality").
Such as Fear and Trembling. This thin book is in my honest opinion actually equally good in content as many quality fatter books. Fear and Trembling is very memorable - another thing that makes me admire Amélie Nothomb. She has strength of character, she's a hard worker and she's a damn good writer. She's produced a disarming little book with a big message: hold your head up high, don't let anyone get you down. What doesn't kill you makes you (a lot) stronger.
Whenever an obstacle comes my way, I do tend to think of Amélie, cleaning toilet after toilet, enduring it all. Overcoming and rising above it. To me, she's an example.
I got my money's worth.
*) Amélie Nothomb's The Character of Rain (Métaphysique des Tubes) is a novella about her childhood in Japan.
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Copyright © Karin Elizabeth. All rights reserved.
R&R series © Karin Elizabeth. Do NOT copy and repost or reproduce the review or photo anywhere without my permission.
No group images or (admin) invites wanted in my comments. I will delete your comments.
Play nice.
I block assholes.
THIS IS NOT FREE STOCK.
All rights reserved
Uploaded on Dec 2, 2009
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