Kaseys Korner

The Ghost of Madison Avenue

** spoiler alert ** The synopsis of this little novella made it sound more interesting than it really was. I'm not sure what I was expecting ~ I mean 108 pages doesn't leave a lot of room for story development??

The most interesting aspect of the book was the description of J.P. Morgan's personal library and the sections devoted to it. It sounded like such a wonderous place, I even googled to find photos of it. If ever I get to New York, I'd love to tour it in person.

Otherwise the "ghost" story wasn't even lukewarm (which says a lot coming from me, an easily scared person!!) Helen's Irish heritage and beliefs in ancient Celtic lore were explored but not in enough detail.

Easily read in one sitting, which is what I did but I'm not sure I'll be recommending to any of my friends who are more "die hard" thriller fans.

The Dutch House

** spoiler alert ** It's interesting why this book is so popular. I had it on hold for four months before it was available to download. When I got it and realized it was chock full of dysfunctional family members it made me wonder why do people like to read about dysfunctional families so much??  Is it because there are so many of them? Or they're from one?? So it makes us feel less abnormal? Whatever the case, this book exemplifies the human condition and despite its flaws, the crazy, mixed-up ways family dynamics are formed.

Just for fun, I think we should review this book by dissecting the characters.
Cyril Conroy = the most emotionally closed off/unavailable, uncommunicative, passive aggressive man. His strength was building a financial empire. The last people on his priority list ~ his family. We learned very little about his childhood so who knows how that contributed to forming his person? He was absolutely inept at talking to his children (or anyone else for that matter) so everyone was operating in a vacuum about what was going on in the family. He was married but basically behaved as an independent entity. If only he could have brought himself to converse, a majority of the problems that occurred, could have been resolved.

The absolute worst person in the whole book (and I cut her no slack whatsoever) is Elna Conroy, the "supposed" Mother. You probably thought I was going to say Andrea ~ the step-mom??? Nope. She doesn't even come close to matching Elna. Elna should have never been pulled from the nunnery. She should have followed her first instincts, navigated her way there and never, EVER left the sheltering confines of those walls. It's almost impossible to believe, but Cyril must have had a brief moment of persuasive glibness to convince her to leave there and marry him?? It will forever perplex me how it happened?? I wish it hadn't. If this selfish woman wanted to help people, she should have helped her children. If she hated the idea of being wealthy, spend the fricking money on the needy. Make Cyril double down and earn more. Distribute it, buy food, buy clothes, donate it, whatever. I can think of infinite ways it could have done good, without her traipsing around the world in the guise of a homeless person, convincing herself she was ministering to the downtrodden, all the while totally screwing up her own family. I didn't buy that she felt any guilt whatsoever when she reappeared in the picture? It was narcissistic to expect mercy for her actions or for God's sake, be referred to as "Saint-like???" Far from it, what a piece of work.

Maeve and Danny. Theirs was a complex sister brother relationship but rightly so. The only two real victims of their parents foibles. I understand why Danny felt so compelled his whole life to be connected to his sister. Who wouldn't when that person was your anchor after everything else in his life became unmoored. Those two had only each other to count on and that's what they did. Was it unhealthy? Did they cling to each other too much? Probably. But who am I to fault them for it?? I might do the exact thing especially if I was Danny's age when I got thrown out on my own. As strong as Maeve presents, she clearly wanted her Mother back and felt the void of her loss. I hated that she accepted her back without reservations tho and I know hate is a strong word. I thought Danny had the more "normal" response in his feelings toward his Mother. In the end, I think it truly did kill Maeve that she only got her Mother back, to lose her again to Andrea. The poisonous Elna strikes havoc again, always looking to do good for anyone BUT her biological family. Is it obvious how much I disliked her? Egads. The woman should never have been a parent and then maybe she would have garnered more respect for her choices.

Danny's children and Celeste were the most grounded characters in the book. May was my absolute favorite.

In the end, the house ended up in the hands it should have rightfully descended to from the beginning. It just took a huge toll on all their lives getting to that point. As beautiful as 'The Dutch House' was portrayed to be, it should never have had the power it was attributed nor dictated how the lives inside its walls lived. That's the sadness of this story. Everybody placing importance on things except what was truly valuable.

Hellebore 'Amber Gem'

Such a pretty one!!

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

I wanted to read every single book written about Westeros when I first discovered George R.R. Martins fabulous, fantasy medieval world. Then Season 8 of the television series came along and literally almost broke my heart with the way the producers chose to wrap up the authors masterpiece.

Slowly, as time dulls that bitter slap, I've been gingerly dipping my toes back into the waters of the Seven Kingdoms. I started with 'Fire and Blood' in 2019, which I wish now I would have immediately followed up with 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.' I seem to have forgotten the details of all the Targaryen Kings in the interim, especially those of "Egg's" parents. I may have to go back and refamiliarize myself if it keeps niggling at me?

Having said all that, I really enjoyed this book. It was like getting caught up with an old friend or maybe learning some new facet about said friends life. Dunk is an unconventional hero. Besides his size, he seems to have little else going for him. He's unknown, he's poor, his parentage is questionable, his fighting skills dubious BUT, despite everything against him, he possesses one invaluable trait ~ He's truly noble. Meaning he stands up for what's right even when it puts himself in jeopardy. What better mentor for a young prince??

Although, on the flip side, it IS kind of bizarre that an "heir apparent" to the throne, would have his safekeeping put into the hands of such a hedge knight! And even more bizarre to let him randomly wander the Kingdom and get into all manner of perilous situations with only one man to protect him!!! Character building perhaps and good for acquiring necessary "King-making" skills but potentially very, very dangerous. It altogether makes for a very entertaining read!

If you're a GoT's fan and haven't read any of the side stories I definitely think they're worth the time. The world George Martin created is vast, deep, and potentially endless as far as characters and stories go. Even if you've been away for awhile, the various Houses, sigils, Kingdoms, etc., will quickly jump back to mind. I hope there will be more Dunk & Egg adventures ~ they're a great duo, each possessing different traits that combined, form a partnership that works against all odds!

p.s. The book is generously illustrated, an addition that elevates the reading experience further!

 

 

Journey to the Center of the Earth

This book was a trip!

I wonder if Jules Verne had any notion he was penning a novel that would be every bit as enjoyable in the 21st century as it was in 1864!?? What started off as a fairly serious scientific quest, turned geologists (and Cryptozoologist) fantasy, morphed into the realm of the fantastical. It was an entirely pleasurable experience and worked for me, no matter how implausible the storyline ended up being. The three main characters were wonderful counterparts to each other. The exuberant Professor Liedenbrock being the perfect foil to his skeptical, more pessimistic nephew and Hans, the stoic Icelander, every persons dream guide. The latter steady as a rock and unflappable as all get out. The oceans would never have gotten charted if it were left up to me because I lack that necessary spirit of adventure. I have to say tho, the Professors passion and zeal to follow in the footsteps of the 16th century alchemist, Arne Saknussemm, was 100% contagious. To commit so fully to what could have been a sketchy, reckless journey, based solely on a mysterious cipher, was an act of utmost faith. Well, with the added motivation of achieving academic acclaim but let's not get hung up on that tiny detail. It doesn't detract at all from the professors eternal optimism ~ a highly recommended trait for an explorer with intentions of descending into the bowels of the earth by way of an extinct volcano! The narration by Axel, his nephew, kept me chuckling. He could be equal parts enthused by his famous uncle then a moment later plunged into despair at their predicament & ready to scrap the whole journey and go home.

This is the third book by Jules Verne that I've read, almost all three in succession, and let's go ahead and make it official ~ I'm admitting myself into the fan club. More of his 'Extraordinary Voyage' series are going on my wtr list. He's such an intelligent author. I come off the "experiences" of his books having learned so much about vastly different subject matters. His extensive knowledge isn't presented in a matter-of-fact, boring, superior way (although he's clearly a superior human being!) but written in a droll, engaging style that easily reels in the reader. I can't imagine what took me so long to find him.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

** spoiler alert ** Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is basically a classroom in a book. Everything flora and fauna pertaining to the Oceans of the Earth are explored and classified in detail throughout the pages. I had no idea what I was getting into when I downloaded it! There were times I'd actually feel dizzy (or osmosisly water-logged??!) reading about crustaceans or various corals or whatever happened to pass by the glass panels of the marvelous Nautilus windows that sent Professor Aronnax into one after another of his winded scientific dissertations. If only I could retain it all, I'd be a certified Oceanographer. The learning wasn't limited to the plants and creatures of the Ocean tho, it also encompassed engineering (the mechanics & construction of the Nautilus were covered in detail) as were the processes of creating a pearl & the perilous hazards of the pearling industry plus so many more things I'm sure I'm already forgetting! It's really quite a remarkable piece of literature. I'm once again in awe of the mind that belongs to Jules Verne. Where did he get this knowledge?? It's VAST, it's comprehensive and nothing short of Ah-mazing!!!

Being a passenger aboard the Nautilus was an incredible experience ~ an unparalleled underwater adventure , circumferencing the planet. How many people get that opportunity?? To go everywhere Captain Nemo took Pierre Aronnax, Conseil and Ned Land would be the envy of every adventurer. One of my favorite parts was the excursion to Atlantis. I think that was a personal fascination. My least favorite parts of the book were reading about killing all the animals. The Dugong for example ~ Captain Nemo admitted it could be the last one of its kind because it was almost extinct ~ but Ned Land proceeded to slaughter it anyway. And when Captain Nemo used the Nautilus to annihilate a pod of Sperm Whales, it was distressing. Maybe in the mid 1800's, it seemed like the creatures of the sea were limitless but now that we know so many were hunted to extinction, it was just disturbing.

This should be a 5 star read because of how in-depth the subjects were covered and how unique the concept of the novel was. However; after everything I read, I still know next to nothing about Captain Nemo!! What the heck caused him to lead an underwater existence (we got only the tiniest of hints) and who & where did he find his crew?? What language were they speaking to each other? How many crew members really were on the Nautilus?? What caused Captain Nemo to morph from almost superhuman status to practically non-functioning crazy person at the end??? It was like he suddenly had a death wish?? Oh and what really did happen the night the three "prisoners" were given a sleeping sedative & the one crewman was injured and ultimately died?? As much knowledge as was imparted throughout the book, it would seem impossible there'd be anything of mystery left for the reader to discern, let alone a volley of questions as voluminous as the sea. I only wish Mr Verne would have divulged more about his enigmatic Captain Nemo. His was a life worthy of exploration.

Very happy I got acquainted with these characters and got to tag along on this journey with them. It was quite an astounding & memorable read.

The Time Traveler's Wife

** spoiler alert ** I'm wondering if there's a survey out there breaking down the ratings of this book on the basis of a readers beliefs & thoughts about time travel?? It was the overriding theme to the novel so I think it would be an important consideration on whether to read it or not. If the whole idea borders on the ridiculous, the book would quickly be unappealing. I, however, am a self professed time travel "junkie!!!" Endlessly fascinated by the concept and frequent daydreamer about the possibilities that phenomenom would present. I was enthralled that Henry could go back & forth to revisit points in his life but the part that boggled my mind was when there were two of him, in the same place, at the same time but at different ages! Actually that didn't just boggle my mind, it BLEW it. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that worked. Even more boggling ~ the time he had a visit with his daughter Alba ~ and it was a couple decades before she was born. Crazy stuff this!!!

I completely embraced the love story between Clare and Henry. It was beautiful and unconditional. I thought the author created it in such an authentic and organic way. Clare accepted Henry & his unique "condition" in a way very few women would be capable of doing ~ perhaps because she met him as a child?? The writing was witty and emotive, it transcended the pages to the point where I felt the highs of their relationship, anxiety for Henry's whereabouts and safety and despair over the difficult parts. The miscarriages broke my heart, each loss devastating, especially heart wrenching for Clare. And when Henry had to have his feet amputated, which precipitated the end of his life, it was agony at the realization of what that meant. Actually tho, it's amazing he lived as long as he did ~ showing up in unexpected places, buck naked would tend to put your life at risk! That part of time traveling was dissuading. But the way the author portrayed their relationship was just superb.

So why not 5 stars?? I think I'm going halfway to 5 and rating it a commendable 4.5 stars. I can't go all the way tho because the ending left me wanting. And hanging. I'm horrible with ambiguity!! Was Clare sitting there every day for years or just that day ~ based on the letter Henry left her saying he'd see her again when she was old?? Was he coming back to take her to the "other side" with him?? Or was it a single visit, like so many other visits Clare experienced with him?? I'm still wrestling with that. I guess I'm a girl who needs it spelled out and I don't like the possibility that he could be there only for a brief interlude then Clare would be left alone again. 1/2 point deduction. 

I've already added Alba's story to my WTR list ~ it feels like it might have the potential to surpass the original.

Downy Woodpecker

Such a beautiful, daily visitor to the garden and today I was lucky enough to get some decent photos.  

and lastly, my favorite:

Around the World in Eighty Days

Stand aside literary men of my heart, there's another Englishman joining your elite company ~ Mr. Phileas Fogg! I did not mind in the least that Mr. Fogg was stingy with conversation, not when he could list among his qualities those of being considerate, chivalrous, philanthropic & even keeled. A gentleman first and foremost. It was so impressive that he kept his composure no matter the positive or negative events unfolding around him. I felt there was a lesson in that for all of us: stay calm and carry on, after Plan A there's a Plan B, etc. These classic books are awesome in the way they contain an instructional message all within a delightful story. One of these years I'm going to devote a whole year to reading nothing but them!

The only puzzling thing about the book to me was the seemingly impulsive leap into the 80 day journey in the first place? It was so out of character for the man we were introduced to ~ that lived his life in such a structured and punctual manner ~ to just jump at the challenge. Maybe even he hungered for a change from his highly scheduled, predictable routine? If ever I undertake such a journey tho, I need to do it just as he did so as to cheat time out of an extra day on earth. 

I loved this book, and because I loved it, I have to learn more about its author, Jules Verne. For starters, how did he get to be so freaking smart? There was no "google" in the late 1800's for him to cross reference and yet, as I read, I learned about shipping schedules, how the American railway system was built, where the tracks ran and a whole sundry of information from the country of India to British Hong Kong, etc., etc. Pretty incredible. If you want to read it, you may want to schedule time. I literally started it of an evening, got so engrossed, I couldn't put it down until I finished!

It's interesting how I came to this book too ~ never thumb your nose at a historical romance because the last one I read (Chasing Cassandra) mentioned a smattering of classic literature within its pages of which this 'Around the World in Eighty Days' was one. Another thing I love ~ when I learn about new books thru reading a book or better still, being introduced to a fellow book lover (real or imaginary) because of words sandwiched between a front and back cover. Truly a treasure.

The Wives

Here's my one sentence sum up ~ the synopsis & the ending will head spin you. They're two completely different presumptions!! I don't think that spoils anything??? There's also not one character in the book who doesn't incite suspicion at one point or another...

Confession: I did not like Thursday from the get go. I liked her even less the further along I got in the book. If you're in a relationship (and you know & agree to the perimeters from the beginning) don't start hating on it just because your feelings change. Get over it, address it or get out of it but don't start stalking and creeping around. At least that's my attitude which made it hard for me to accept her behaviors.

In the end, you understood what was happening but that knowledge made her actions even more disturbing. A note of caution: there are a few tough topics in the book that could evoke strong emotional responses (miscarriage, mental health, & polygamy.)

Really quick read but I think it wraps my short run of reading suspense ~ at least for the moment. I can't quite accurately rate it ~ there were times I thought it was ridiculous but obviously I kept going. Oh wait, maybe it's safe to compare it to a train wreck you can't look away from but don't really want to see???!!