Barney's Online Book Club -- January Discussion Reminder

A quick reminder -- Barney's Online Book Club discussion of The House on Tradd Street will take place this Sunday, January 24th. All are welcome to participate!

Review -- Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry
by Audrey Niffenegger
Simon and Schuster, 2009
416 pages

Summary: When Elspeth Noblin dies, she leaves her London apartment to her twin nieces, Valentina and Julia, whom she has never met. As the twins move to London and meet Elspeth's quirky neighbors, secrets are unearthed and a supernatural event changes all of their lives.

Review: Her Fearful Symmetry is a wonderful read filled with unique and interesting characters. The plot has a somewhat predictable supernatural twist, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn't mind. The secrets between families hooked me into the story immediately but it is the interesting characters and their choices that I will remember about this book. Rating: ***1/2 out of 5

Review -- The House on Tradd Street

The House on Tradd Street
by Karen White
Published by New American Library, 2008
329 pages

Summary: Melanie inherits an old historical house filled with secrets. The only problem is that she hates old houses and the ghosts that haunt the house want her to solve an old mystery. With the help of family, friends, and a possible love interest, Melanie begins to restore the house and bring closure to the past.

Review: Karen White writes a fun detective story with a paranormal twist. Melanie is an obsessive compulsive perfectionist whose is unable to come to terms with her complicated childhood. She is an interesting character whose heart comes across the page, making her a heroine you can root for. The mystery unfolds nicely, keeping the reader entertained and guessing. I wasn't really impressed with the romantic portions of the book as Melanie stumbles to choose the right guy for her. The reader easily can see the villain of the book, whereas it takes the main character too long to connect the dots. Rating: *** out of 5

*** Barney's Online Book Club will be discussing The House on Tradd Street on Sunday, January 24th. All are welcome to join us!

Help! To Go or Not to Go?

I have a library book club meeting on Monday and am only 25 pages into a 500+ book. I could power through it over the next few days, but I just can't seem to motivate myself to read it. (Instead I am enjoying the very lovely Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger). So here's the question: Should I go to book club even though I haven't read the book (and most likely never will)?