Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A Bit of a Problem

I haven't been doing a lot of reading lately. I'm not sure why, but every so often, well at least once a year I have a reading dry spell, as I like to call it, where I can never decided on a book to settle down with and read. My moods jump about and I'm never sure what genre I'll be interested in. It usually only takes one book to jump start me back into reading. But so far, I haven't found it yet. I am reading Sherlock Holmes though, it's the only thing I can read, but I think that's because I've been watching BBC's "Sherlock" lately. I know. That's an inspired title, how long did it take them to come up with that one. Anyway, despite the "We're only using the first name to separate our show from all the others" title, I have really come to enjoy it. It's an updated version of the famed detective. Updated here meaning it actually takes place in the 21st century. I enjoy the acting, by two men who are really good, and play the part of Holmes and Watson extremely well,but who's names I've forgotten and am now too lazy to google. But I figure if you're curious enough, you'll go look it up yourself. It's worth it, for the mystery and SH fans. Really. The mysteries are clever, the script is witty, the cast plays well off each other, and I'll reserve my ultimate judegement of Moriarty for the second series, as he only appaered once in the 1st in a very short scene were It sounded like he had cotton balls stuck in his throat.
But I digress...severely. But the point is, that if you have had a similar problem with reading, I would be greatly obliged if you could recommend any books you have read that jump started you back into reading. I don't count SH here because I'm reading it and it's not making me want to read other books, like jump start books should. Thanks for reading this rambling post, well if you did. If you didn't then, that's okay too.

Monday, September 6, 2010

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: A Book Review

Title: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Genre: Mystery Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up

Summary:
When Precious Ramotswe decides to use the money her beloved father left her to open the first ever Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, everyone is skeptical. "Can women be detectives?" asks the bank's lawyer. Mma Ramotswe herself feels unsure of her success. After all, her only assets are a tiny white van, two desks, two chairs, a telephone, an old typewriter, a teapot, and three teacups. But she does possess the intangible assets of intuition and intelligence. These she has in great supply, along with perseverance, a keen knowledge of the human mind and heart, a steadfast sense of right and wrong, and a personality that inspires trust and loquaciousness in nearly all who meet her. What she also has is a deep love for Africa generally and for Botswana and its people especially. "They are my people, my brothers and sisters. It is my duty to help them to solve the mysteries of their lives. That is what I am called to do".

My Review: This book is definitely a feel good book. It's light and comfortable, and very character driven if you ask me. I enjoyed learning some new stuff about Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, and the fierce pride the people of that country have. The mysteries were enjoyable they weren't heavy, and went along with the relaxed feel of the novel. Mma Ramotswe is a fantastic character, smart, and kind, yet she can be tough when needs be, but it is a subtle, she doesn't have to fight, or hold a gun to command authority. Her back story was interesting, at times very sad, but a great way to learn why a character is the way they are. I saw the TV show truthfully before I read the book so I was already familiar with the characters. I already had great love for Mma Ramotswe's suitor
Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni and her secretary Mma Makutsi who I was sad did not come too much into this first novel. But all in all it was an enjoyable read, I great choice for brain candy.
Content: Some language, Sexual references.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Recommend: yes.