Tommi Powell

The Tiger’s Wife – Tea Obreht

It has been over a year since my last post, but not over a year since I’ve read a novel!! Time and life have gotten away from me. But the book I stayed up last night to finish has forced me to take some time out of my holiday in order to share the sheerContinue reading “The Tiger’s Wife – Tea Obreht”

The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon

Samantha Shannon has been dubbed the “new J.K. Rowling” in literary circles worldwide since her first published novel hit the scene in August 2013. In 2012, she signed a 6 figure deal with Bloomsbury Publishing, giving the company publishing rights to the first three books in a seven book series. Let me repeat myself: thisContinue reading “The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon”

NW – Zadie Smith

I have long considered myself a fan of Zadie Smith, though she is not a writer I’d ever want to have a drink with. I have this strong feeling that she’s a bit of an arrogant bitch. It may very well be misplaced, but I’ve felt that way since before NW. That feeling, I believeContinue reading “NW – Zadie Smith”

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet – David Mitchell

This was my first go with David Mitchell, perhaps best known for Cloud Atlas. Mitchell has written 5 books; 2 ended up shortlisted for the Booker Prize. (He hasn’t won yet. In time. He’s quite the wordsmith.) The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet (2010) was longlisted for the prestigious prize, but it received quiteContinue reading “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet – David Mitchell”

My Name is Russell Fink – Michael Synder

I know it has been a horribly long time – my apologies. I am full of excuses, but I will spare you and just get right into the review. Michael Synder’s first novel, My Name is Russell Fink, is dubbed “Christian Fiction” in some circles but don’t let that dissuade you; it’s quirky, neurotic, intense,Continue reading “My Name is Russell Fink – Michael Synder”

White Eagles Over Serbia – Lawrence Durrell

I decided to follow my candy up with a novel by Lawrence Durrell. I consider Durrell a brilliant writer – the word choice, the plot, the flow, the dialogue, the descriptions… His books are everything I love in a novel. What’s more is that Durrell wrote about what he knew. His life was like living aContinue reading “White Eagles Over Serbia – Lawrence Durrell”

Pirate Latitudes – Michael Crichton

*I’m slightly ashamed that it has taken me this long to get another review up. I apologize. 2L year has been a touch brutal, but here you go!* I consider Michael Crichton novels to be excellent candy. The books aren’t earth-shattering and the language isn’t awe inspiring, but they are damn fun reads. When IContinue reading “Pirate Latitudes – Michael Crichton”

A Spot of Bother – Mark Haddon

Mark Haddon is truly a jack of all trades, having spent his life doing an assortment of jobs, but he always retained a rather creative outlet. He started his literary career with children’s books, many of which he illustrated himself. He has also published a poetry collection and works on screenplays. While he does haveContinue reading “A Spot of Bother – Mark Haddon”

Beatrice and Virgil – Yann Martel

Some of you may recall my frantic childlike behavior when I loaned Life of Pi to a pretty eyed boy who promptly left it in Ohio. I demanded the book be returned. My copy. I didn’t want a new one, I wanted my copy. The one that still smells like train rides in England andContinue reading “Beatrice and Virgil – Yann Martel”

The Sweet-Shop Owner – Graham Swift

I love Graham Swift. He is quite possibly my favorite (living) English author. Waterland ranks in my top ten all-time favorites and for a bookslut, that says a lot. I picked up a copy of his first novel, The Sweet-Shop Owner, when I was at a used bookstore. It’s my favorite kind of used bookContinue reading “The Sweet-Shop Owner – Graham Swift”