Robert Langdon 2: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon 2: The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown


Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Front cover

Langdon is in Paris this time and is called to look at another dead body, this time the curator of the Louvre. Cue Langdon and the victims granddaughter escaping and going on a quest to find the true Holy Grail.


I felt The Da Vinci Code was pretty much the same as Angels and Demons. In both novels Langdon is called upon in the middle of the night to investigate a dead body covered in mysterious symbols, gets himself into some kind of danger/almost dies, meets a young woman, but ultimately saves the day. And what happened to Vittoria from Angels and Demons? It's like Langdon has just completely forgotten about her.

I think if I hadn't read Angels and Demons first, I would have enjoyed this book more. I just felt like I was reading the same book again, but with a few details changed. As part of the series, I would rate this book 3 stars, but as a stand alone novel I think I would rate it 4 stars, so for this review I'm rating it 4 stars, trying to think of each book individually.




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

House Rules
Jodi Picoult


Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Front Cover

Emma is a single mother with two teenage sons; Jacob and Theo. Jacob is on the autistic spectrum and has problems communicating and in social situations. When is social tutor is found dead, he gets arrested for murder. Oliver, his new lawyer, has quite a challenge ahead of him! Did Jacob really do it? Will Oliver be able to prevent Jacob going to jail?

"All those little Autistic kids you see smacking their heads against walls? They're not doing it because they're mental. They're doing it because the rest of the world is so loud it actually hurts, and they're trying to make it all go away." -Jacob

For me, stories about people on the autistic spectrum can be a hit or miss. I have a younger autistic brother, so I'm all too aware of the daily struggles and stress it can put on the family. I'm also aware of how unique and brilliant the people affected are. 

I enjoyed House Rules. Jacob is obviously more towards the Aspergers end of the autistic spectrum, but I think his character is portrayed quite well. In fact, I think all of the characters are quite believable. For Jacobs character it's more the little things that make a big difference, for example, eating certain coloured foods on certain days of the week, along with dressing in that colour. Autistic people are very much set in their ways, and don't like change to their routine.

In House Rules each chapter is written in first person by a different character. Personally I think this is one of my favourite writing styles as you get a better insight into each of the characters and they way they think and feel. I'm not a huge fan of novels that are written in first person by just one character, as they are speculating how the people around them are feeling and what they are thinking, so you don't really know anything for sure.

Anyway, I've rambled on a bit. If you want an easy to read, but not so light hearted story, I'd recommend this!

Jodi Picoult

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

Discworld 17: Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett

Discworld 17: Interesting Times
Terry Pratchett


Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Cover Image

 Rincewind, Discworlds worst wizard, is sent to the Counterweight Continent as the "Gread Wizzard" to fight a great battle. Meanwhile, Cohen the Barbarian and his horde of extremely old men are there to take over the Empire. Rincewind is reunited with Twoflower, and for once everything seems for be working for him. That is, until the Unseen University try to bring him back, and send him to an unknown location!

"You don't read, do you? You never learned to read? Then you've wasted half your life." - Teach/Mr. Saveloy

I don't think I will ever tire of the Discworld novels. Obviously there are character sets that I prefer, so I'm automatically going to be more invested in those novels. But each story provides a further insight into the various people living in Discworld. So far I've not read one that I didn't like. Just can't beat a bit of Pratchett!

Terry Pratchett

Overall rating 

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

Robert Langdon 1: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon 1: Angels and Demons
Dan Brown


Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Cover Image

Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor in symbolism, is called in by the Director of CERN, Maximillan Kohler to help find the killer of one of his top scientists; Leonardo Vetra who has been branded with strange symbols. Robert believes it to be the work of the Illuminati, an ancient brotherhood believed to be dead. Meanwhile in Vatican City, the Pope is dead, 4 Cardinals are missing and the antimatter has been stolen. Can Vittoria and Robert save Vatican City?


I've heard so many people ranting and raving about how amazing this book is, and I've got to say, I'm a little disappointed. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is about this book that has disappointed me though. The story is interesting and I thought the characters were believable. I guess there's just something missing, but again, not sure what. The writing is okay, though could be better. But what couldn't be better?

I've also heard people talking about how they preferred the Da Vinci Code, so we'll see if I like that one any better.




Overall rating 

 




Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

In Her Shoes
Jennifer Weiner
  

Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Cover Image

Maggie and Rose are sisters, but they couldn't be more opposite. Maggie is flighty and selfish, Rose is grounded and responsible. Nothing seems to be going right for Maggie, and after Rose throws her out after catching her with her boyfriend, Maggie discovers a long lost grandmother. Will Maggie change her ways? Will Rose ever find true love? Can the sisters forget the past and become friends again?


While reading In Her Shoes I discovered that I knew this story, and couldn't remember where from. Then I realised I'd seen the film! Although the character of Rose has slightly changed, I think Maggie was spot on. The film is also quite true to the book as well, which was nice.

I did enjoy this book. It's not too long, but not too short. A perfect holiday book. The story is interesting, and while the character of Maggie isn't very likeable in the beginning, I think she's actually my favourite character. She learns and grows so much in the novel, and what she does is really inspiring.


Perfect reading for a nice, relaxing sunny holiday.

Jennifer Weiner

 Overall rating

All the best for 2015
The Wee Librocubicularist

Discworld 16: Soul Music by Terry Pratchett

Discworld 16: Soul Music
Terry Pratchett


Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Cover Image

Death goes missing and his Granddaughter Susan takes over his duties. Meanwhilem Music With Rocks In is taking over Ankh-Morpork. It's ALIVE! The lead Buddy/Imp is supposed to be dead, but for some reason the music has saved him. C.M.O.T. Dibbler becomes their band manager, and puts together a massive music festival. But where has Death gone? And why is Buddy still alive, when he's supposed to be dead?


When I was a teenager Soul Music was the first Terry Pratchett I read. I absolutely loved it, and that's when I fell in love with the Discworld series. My favourite characters are Death and Susan, and I can't wait to read more of their stories.

Considering the fact that the Discworld series is so long, it's amazing that there's such diversity in the novels. I like how the series jumps from character sets. It keeps the stories interesting and stops them from getting boring.





Overall rating

Merry Christmas!
The Wee Librocubicularist

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Teen Idol
Meg Cabot

Follow my blog on Bloglovin 

Cover Image

Luke Striker, a famous teen movie star, comes to a school to research a part for an upcoming film. Jen is very involved with all the goings on in the school, and it's up to Jen to keep his identity a secret. He ends up helping her make some much needed changes in the school. Can she keep his identity a secret?


When I was in my early teens, I loved Meg Cabot, and even though I'm in my mid twenties now, I still pick up any books of hers I haven't read. When I was younger I read some of the Princess Diaries books; up to Sixsational, Nicola and the Viscount and All American Girl.


Teen Idol seems to be a standard teen story, with emotion, break ups and make ups. I think I would have liked it a lot more as a teen, but I suppose that's the target audience. I'll still continue to collect the rest as I come across them in charity shops, but I don't think I would go out of my way to complete the collection. I'm a bit old for that now!

Meg Cabot

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist