Wowza!!!!-- ROOM

Holy guacamole, what a story!!  Sometimes I wonder where these authors come up with the concepts for their books.  Emma Donaghue's novel, Room, takes the reader into an incredibly disturbing world but makes her feel completely at home in this world.  Donaghue tells a story from the perspective of a 5 year-old boy, Jack.  In doing so, we come to view the events that unfold with the same innocence that he does.

Without giving away much of the plot, I can tell you that Jack's world is very small.  He knows two people but his universe has many characters.  Jack's imagination brings him so far beyond his physical limits that I'd venture to say that he's seen more than I have.  His Ma has created for him such a lovely life.

When we discover why Jack's world is so compact, it's hard to maintain a comparable level of optimism and joy for his lifestyle as Jack.  But here is the brilliance of Donaghue's writing-- she helps us see clearly; through Jack's eyes, we understand that it's not what but who we have that matters in life.

This novel isn't one in which it's easy to find the bright side.  It's a difficult story and doesn't get any easier as circumstances change for Jack and his Ma.  But, I think that's necessary-- we live in a 24-hour news cycle culture.  We give attention to people's lives only when they're sensational, over the top and dramatic.  But, once we've deemed another bit of news more interesting, we move on, we forget, we ignore.  But, the original story continues, even without the news coverage.  And, sadly, just because the paparazzi have moved on doesn't mean that the drama has ended.  Readjusting, rebuilding, renewing one's life is a challenging and difficult task.  Unfortunately, it's one that doesn't often allow for much imagination.

Jack's story is powerful and heart-wrenching.  It's one that will draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish.  There was actually a moment when I gasped out loud.  (Unfortunately, Andrew was asleep at the time and I woke him up.  That's a true sign of a good book!!)  Read it.  And tell me you don't close the cover and say "wowza..."

No Dragon Tattoos Here-- THE ICE PRINCESS

THE ICE PRINCESS-- Camilla Lackberg

As is apparently everyone and their mother (except MY mother who would HATE them!) I am a huge fan of the Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson.  I loved the characters, was enthralled by the drama, and found myself constantly trying to solve the mysteries-- though usually inaccurately, as I decided that Larsson had thrown us off and that Berger was the real bad guy!  (And, no, that is NOT a spoiler alert...)  The problem with a great series is that it must come to an end.  As with The Spellman Books, I really hate saying goodbye to my new BFFs, or, in the case of Salander, to the crazy chick that kinda scares me!

To that end, I was thrilled to discover Camilla Lackberg's The Ice Princess.  Lackberg is also a Swedish crime novelist.  So, just as all American authors of the same genre write the same stories (I often confuse the works of Louisa May Alcott and Danielle Steele, don't you??) I figured this book would easily fill the void left by Salander's departure.

Obviously, I was wrong.  Lackberg isn't Danielle Steele, but she writes a much less enthralling story than does Larsson.  To put it in context, my mother could read this book.  She's also not quite as strong of a writer as Larsson.  That said, I really enjoyed this book and was very happy with the follow up, The Preacher, as well.  Her mysteries are solvable, but interesting.  Her story lines are well plotted and her characters are well developed.  

The title character in the first book is a woman named Alex who is found dead (and, as you'd expect, frozen) in her small town on the Swedish coast.  The book attempts to find out who killed her and why.  Much of the story actually focuses on Alex's childhood best friend, Erica, who is kind, generous, and good.  She is an infinitely more likable character  than Salander, though not nearly as interesting.

I'll leave the plot there for you to discover on your own.  This book and it's companion aren't going to change your world, make you laugh or become classics.  But, they're good and hearty, will fill you up and satisfy.  Much like a Swedish meatball...