Book #32 - Atonement by Ian McEwan

I will always remember when I watched the movie Atonement - I had just moved into my first apartment and it was one of the first movies I got from my very own Netflix subscription. I was shocked at how sexual the movie was, and I guess I thought that was Hollywood's interpretation of the novel. I was wrong.

Reading the novel, I quickly discovered that the film closely followed the book (which is rare) and I found it more shocking to read such sexually charged literature than to view it onscreen. The story follows three main characters: 13 year-old Briony Tallis, her sister Cecelia and the servant boy's son, Robbie Turner. Through a series of events, Briony assumes Robbie is a sexual maniac and is targeting her sister; however, in reality, Robbie and Cecelia are both consenting adults who have recently uncovered their love for each other.

One night, Briony accuses Robbie of raping and attacking her cousin, Lola, who is staying with the Tallis family. The events that follow change the Tallis family and Robbie forever.

The novel provides observations on the dangers of writing - whether it's Robbie's initial letter that falls into the wrong hands, Briony's over-active imagination, or the correspondence that sustains Robbie and Cecelia during their long separation, the threat of misinterpretation is always present. Another prevalent theme in Atonement is satisfaction. Every character is looking to satiate their own needs, even if it means blatantly disregarding what's right and wrong in relationship to everyone else.

A compelling read, but long-winded at times, Atonement is probably one of the most critically acclaimed pieces of literature in the last 50 years. It truly forces the reader to think about consequence, in a way that seems abstract and very real at the same time.

Book #31 - Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

I really enjoyed the first book in Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet, so when I saw that the second book was out, I knew it would be my second romance novel for this challenge.

I think it's part of a woman's nature to be fascinated with anything having to do with weddings when you're planning one. Or maybe that's just something I tell myself to make me feel better. Regardless, I can't seem to get enough weddings right now. Like Vision in White, this novel follows another of the Vows partners, this time Emma who's the florist of the group, as she embarks on a new relationship with an old friend. The formula's not exactly reinventing the wheel, as it's the same plot line as the first book. But it's still entertaining to follow the story of Emma and her new, main squeeze Jack.

The friendship of the four women also continues to grow and blossom during this novel, and you can already see hints of the couplings that will likely take place in the last two books. However, I don't like to give up on a series once I've started it - so expect a recap of the third book not long after it's published.

Book #30 - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

I'm going to be honest - the main reason I decided to read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was because it was short, I needed more classics and I'm behind on my book count. However, I'm glad that I did.

Growing up, we've all heard someone referred to as acting like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The major misconception though, is that it's a trait that can't be helped. But in reality and in the novel, Dr. Jekyll was curious what it would feel like to live without consequence and made himself transform into Mr. Hyde. The uncontrollable and nasty personality that emerges is not some curse that Dr. Jekyll has to bear - instead it was desired by him.

The novel follows Mr. Utterson, a lawyer and a friend of Jekyll's, as he tries to uncover who Mr. Hyde is and where he is hiding out. Lo and behold, he discovers that Jekyll and Hyde are one in the same, and tries to do everything in his power to prevent the change from happening. Eventually Jekyll realizes that having his alternate personality isn't all he thought it'd be and tries to take an elixir that stop Hyde from emerging. But it's too late, and the evil personality ends up taking over and erasing Jekyll forever.

This novel touches upon some very real desires of the human condition; to be able to act freely and not have to worry about repercussions. And it also provides a very real lesson as to what happens when you feel above the law - sometimes you're not able to transform back into your better, former self and live within societal norms again. Perhaps it's worth keeping in mind; that sometimes it's better to just be yourself and be happy with the life you have, instead of wishing for something entirely different.

Book #29 - Emma by Jane Austen

I know it's probably hard to believe, but I have never read Emma by Jane Austen. As an English literature major, the only Austen I was ever required to read was Northanger Abbey.

This novel follows Emma, a young, single woman in a small English village who imagines herself to be a gifted matchmaker. She successfully pairs her governess with a local widower, and attempts to make love matches for other young women around town. However, things start to go awry and she convinces her friend Harriett to turn down a proposal from a kind man in order to try and win the affection of a wealthier suitor instead. He ends up being interested in Emma, not Harriett and she is left humiliated.

Emma then begins to fancy Frank Churchill, the son of her governess' husband. But it's uncovered that he is secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax, a newcomer to the village. All's well that end's well, and Emma eventually discovers her feelings for Mr. Knightley, her brother-in-law and they end up happily ever after, as does Harriett to Mr. Martin, when he proposes to her a second time.

Austen is a master at weaving tales of love and intrigue. She suggests that trying to marry too far above your station causes strife and struggle. Thankfully, the class system is something that we don't have to worry about anymore. But every new relationship still carries its own amount of excitement, which is something that hasn't changed from Austen's time.

Book #28 - 7th Heaven by James Patterson

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated - the start of summer has definitely affected my reading and posting!

I actually finished reading this book nearly six weeks ago. It is another novel from the Women's Murder Club series. It follows the ladies as they try to solve a series of gruesome murders and arsons, as well as solve the disappearance and perhaps murder, of a politician's son.

There's nothing too groundbreaking about the later books in this series - they follow the same format every time, but for some reason I keep reading them. These books are a quick read and entertaining enough, and when you've read seven books of a series, it's hard to give up and not see it through until the end. I've seen there are at least two more books published in the Women's Murder Club, so be on the lookout for a couple more posts on Mr. Patterson's work.