mindsplinters | Book Update

7) Outfoxing Fear: Folktales from Around the World edited by Kathleen Ragan - This was, overall, a good concept gone to waste. It was nice to read a variety of tales from quiet literally all over the world but Ragan strayed too frequently from her own theme and some of them had precious little to do with fear - a fact which she tried to gloss over by detailing her supposed links in the little personal segues she used between the sections. She specifically cited 9/11 as a reason for this collection and then only mentioned it here and there as if to remind us - as she couldn't keep it in the reader's mind in an organic manner. I would have much preferred just the stories and left it at that.

8) Counterfeit Lady by Jude Deveraux - There were some really great aspects of this book - great attention to detail, a realistic setting, rounded characters, respect for historical facts. I can say I enjoyed most of it quite a bit and it was wonderful to read some strong and capable female characters. On the other hand, the hero is rather an overbearing, stupid, self-pitying ox. It worked pretty well for a while until it got to be too much. After all, flaws can be deeply interesting. But it goes beyond flaw to hanging offense when you accuse the woman you love, the woman who put up with your endless shit, the woman who defended you against everyone else's sensible criticism... Of not believing in you enough and being equally culpable in the pair of your romantic troubles? You, sir, are an asshole. Hmph.