Author Archives: Tommi Powell

Maya’s Notebook Isabel Allende Translated from the Spanish by Anne McLean Originally published in Spanish as El Cuaderno de Maya in Spain in 2011 The English translation of Isabel Allende’s Maya’s Notebook was published in 2013.  Surprisingly, I found it in a bargain bin a year or so ago.  It’s been sitting patiently in myContinue reading “Isabel Allende – Maya’s Notebook”

Back in October, I reviewed Samantha Shannon’s first published novel and the first in a proposed seven book series.  You may remember that I was head-over heals in love with both the story and the writer.  (Literary crush and all that jazz with a touch of jealousy.)  The Bone Season was brilliant – I have notContinue reading “The Mime Order – Samantha Shannon”

I wanted to finish the series before putting pen to paper on this one.  Conclusion: it’s not a poorly written dystopian YA set.  (Interestingly enough, why is so much YA lit these days dystopian in nature?  Does it indicate a dissatisfaction among our youth with how the world is working?  Do they fear the declineContinue reading “Divergent Trilogy – Veronica Roth”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”