Comments on: Best 2014 Books I’ve Read So Far

By: Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:34:42 +0000

Thanks for adding the spoiler alert. I apologize. My bad.

By: Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:02:09 +0000

Despite its flaws, I kept reading, so it can’t have been awful.

By: Paulette

Paulette — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 02:20:50 +0000

All valid points, Naomi! Despite its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense. Perhaps I am easy!

By: Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 01:23:14 +0000

There were so many things I found problematic. Off the top of my head:
That Jace’s parents would send him off alone into the middle of nowhere based on the thin acquaintance Jamie struck up his Jace’s mom.
That a terrific pair of killers who are not only good but lucky, somehow are outwitted or outraced by Jace at beginning of the book. Koryta paints Jace into an inescapable corner there at the beginning, then frees him, but never do we get a clue on how Jace managed this remarkable escape. It didn’t seem so unbelievable when I first read it, but as the book went on, and I saw how good the killers were, the lack of an explanation bothered me.

SPOILER ALERT

If Jamie and her brothers were in touch regarding Jace’s whereabouts, why was it necessary for them to kill the sheriff – wouldn’t they have known to go straight to Allison for information?
What was the big rush that the killers were in – I never understood why they had to go into the mountains after Jace? Why couldn’t they wait for Ethan to bring the boys back to the ranch, then pick Jace off at long distance with a rifle?

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 21:44:32 +0000

I meant to address the twist with Naomi, too. I agree it wasn’t convincing and perhaps one twist too many. But it answered a crucial question for me. As I read, I kept asking, “HOW did the killers get on Jace’s scent? I thought he was being protected.” So the twist that I think you’re talking about—while stretching credulity—at least cleared that up.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 21:38:02 +0000

I was already enjoying HANDBOOK and then…ninja! How could I not like it, right? I’m glad you liked it, too!

Looking forward to seeing your list.

By: Paulette

Paulette — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 17:01:29 +0000

I have only read Intern’s Handbook and Those Who Wish Me Dead. Loved Handbook and yes, I wished the wishers dead in the Kortya book. I did not find the plot twist particularly satisfying….

By: Jen Forbus

Jen Forbus — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 23:13:35 +0000

I'm working on my mid-point post right now. Two of your titles are on my list: Intern's Handbook and Those Who Wish Me Dead. The remainder I haven't read. I've heard from others who really liked Quebert, too.

By: Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:27:16 +0000

I just finished William Faulkner’s SANCTUARY. Repellent, yet powerful. Can’t say I loved it, but it’s hard to stop thinking about it. My favorites so far this year are probably John Straley’s COLD STORAGE, ALASKA, and Adrian McKinty’s THE COLD, COLD GROUND. I enjoyed the other two books in McKinty’s Sean Duffy series, but I think the first is the best.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:46:07 +0000

I’m sure I will. Watching You is next on the tree book list. Q-Bert coming up on audio. And looking forward to them is part of the fun no matter how they turn out.