A Time To Kill, John Grisham

I'll admit it right now, I am a product of see a Grisham book to movie film, and then read the book scenario. A Time to Kill, Runaway Jury... yep, that's me. I did read the Pelican Brief first. I think my issue is all the legal stuff. I know the book picks up in places so that encourages me to plug on, but I did not seem to have the issue with A Time to Kill.

To give the film some time, I think their cast was perfect, more so after reading the novel. Even with the differences in the characters, the actors still translated and followed me in my mind. They also did well with the script in translation.

However, with the movie, I felt the trial to be more heartfelt; and Jake to be more of a down to earth, I do good things for good people kind of guy. When in the book, he is really an arrogant lawyer trying to get ahead. Carl Lee, is portrayed with a real viable insanity defense in the movie, however in the book, is clearly using a bogus excuse to stay out of jail.

All in all though, I did thoroughly enjoy the book. My heart went out to Hailey family as well as Jake and those effected by the racism of the south. It is something that I don't feel I can quite bring myself to fully understand, I was raised where racism does not have a vast impact in how a person is viewed, nor did my family encourage discrimination. As a child, I always found racism a little mind boggling, and when I come across a person who is racist, I find it just as boggling. Rape is an issue I have not experienced and do not wish to. To experience that as a woman is devastating. To experience it as a child, I can't even imagine. To be near someone who has had to deal with it is hard enough. There is a helplessness in that, let alone going through it first hand. The book, although about a trial, gives one some food for thought on tough issues that exist even 20 years after the book was written.

Controversial Trial Tidbit: enlightening

Copy Cat, Erica Spindler

I think I have every Erica Spindler book in publication. This is why I purchased this one. I found it in cleaning my books after my move, it was placed in the need to read spot.

I don't know why child killer mysteries are a hook, line, and sinker scenario. Maybe because it sets up an already devastating stage for murder. But it does grab us.

I have to admit, that I predicted most of the ending. A little disappointing. With Spindler, you either know every aspect of the story, but don't know where the cards will fall... or you know nothing at all. Maybe I've read too many books. Maybe I've read too many of her books? doesn't matter, I will continue to devour them as long as she continues to write them.

All in all, good book. Attention getting, but still edge of your seat.

Say it loud, say it clear: Thrilling

Series Spotlight: The Belgariad, David Eddings

The Belgariad is hands down one of my absolute favorite series of all time. I can't tell you how many times I've read and re-read these books. I recommend them to all who ask me for a good science fiction novel. I discovered this one through my aunt as well. We were in Borders once upon a miserable day, and she asked me if I liked fantasy novels. Which I responded with yes, so she handed me Pawn of Prophecy and said it was her treat. I have loved them ever since.



The series consists of 5 books telling the epic journey of Garion, his aunt, his grandfather, and a few personalities they pick up on the way. Essentially, the Orb of Aldur has been stolen, it needs to be returned, and these are the people to do it. Eddings is a phenominal writer, and handles character growth in Garion very well. The story is well thought out and highly involved, besides, who doesn't love reading a book that takes you to another world, time, and place.



My favorite part of these books are the very definate personalities of all of his characters. The books make me laugh every time I read them, and that is a quality necessary for a great book. Hands down, of all the characters in all the books following Garion, my favorite is Silk. He is laughable, but has flaws that make him lovable.



Eddings does not leave you with just these five books following these characters. He later created another five book series, The Mallorean; plus three books based on the two series, Polgara the Sorceress, Belgarath the Sorcerer, and The Rivan Codex. All of which I have absorbed, except for the Codex.



The Belgariad is for lovers of fantasy for sure. Like Tolkien? Read Eddings.

Five Words for Five Books: Have the next book ready!

" Any time there's something so ridiculously dangerous that no
rational human being would even consider trying it, they send for me. "

~Garion