The Boy In The Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

I heard about this in a roundabout way. Books on the Nightstand (again!) did a podcast on what was on their nightstands to read. Another book by John Boyne was mentioned but this one was also referenced. The library had this one so there I had it.

I read this fairly quick as it's pretty small (200+ pages) and .... speechless. I never saw the movie and I went into this book cold, no looking up plot or reviews or anything.

It's set in Holocaust time and our young protagonist is Bruno. He's 8 and his dad is in the German military and high ranking. Bruno is horribly upset when they have to move because The Fury promoted his dad. It took me a second with the wording because Bruno IS just a child. They move to Out-with and, outside Bruno's new bedroom window, is a fence with a lot of people behind it.

While exploring, Bruno comes upon a little boy, about his age, wearing striped pajamas on the other side of the fence.

At first, it was a touching story, and then it just punched me in the heart. Kudos, Boyne.

Silken Prey by John Sandford

Funny story with this book. I've been trying to budget and pay off some debt so I grabbed this one from the library. It was a nice night out so I grabbed some wine, my book, and my dog and went outside. Long story short.....red wine spilled all over the book. It cost me $33 to replace at the library but the book is mine to keep, wine and all. (Apparently me going in and showing the book and offering to pay right then was unheard of.....everyone behind the desk kinda gaped at me).

Onwards....

This is one of the better Preys. Lucas Davenport seems to have a bit of the old magic back. He's called in by the Governor to quietly investigate a politician who has been accused of appreciating child pornography, but the Governor doesn't believe this is true. Lucas agrees and goes head first into dirty dirty politics. Yowza.....but politics is ugly.

Taryn Grant is Porter Smalls' opponent and losing but when Smalls is framed with the porn, she starts gaining points in the districts. She is quite the woman....and I don't mean that in a good way.

I'm thrilled that Kidd showed up in this one, as did that Fuckin' Flowers. I'm not disappointed at the ending because I can see this leading elsewhere (at least I hope so).

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I was doing so well, listening to Jane Eyre through Just The Books, since I started late, I had hours of audio to listen to on my commute. Then..... I caught up. Then.... I had to wait for each chapter to come out each week.

I broke.

I went to my kindle and got the free version and dug in.

Each year, I make a point to really tackle a classic. This year is Bronte, this sisters. And I, admittedly grudgingly, set in to listening to Jane Eyre. I am amazed at how much I loved this story. It's a classic, to be sure, but it's incredibly modern in the characterization of Jane. I adored her and how independence and outspokeness. That must have been quite the stir back in the day....

Basic plot line below, spoilers!


Jane's parents die while she is very young and she is sent to listen with an aunt and uncle. The uncle passes away as well and the aunt, and cousins, want nothing to do with Jane. She is sent to a school for poor orphans, basically, and being Jane, does very well. She moves from there to Thornfield to be a governess for a Mr. Rochester's young not-really-his girl.

Love ensues but whoops, there's a lunatic in the attic....Jane moves on to Morton.

Good fortune finally arrives at Jane's doorstep but she never forgot her love, Mr. Rochester. She heads back to Thornfield only to find ruins, in more than one place.

Ah, what a delicious story. Jane is a wonderful character and, for the time period, incredibly original and strong willed. I'm very happy I read this one.