In response to a previous book count, somebody -- oddmonster? -- commented that I was good, somehow, for finishing a book that was difficult (in many senses of the word) to read. We had a conversation about how I often times DO give up on books... Well, I SHOULD have given up on book #43, but didn't, and now I want the time *back* that I wasted reading it!

"The Book Shop" by Penelope Fitzgerald *seemed* like it would be an interesting read when I picked it up at a used book sale at my library. The back of the book says that it's about Florence Green, a kind-hearted widow who decides to open a bookstore in a small town in England, only to face some resistance from the local residents. Also, the building where she opens the shop is haunted.

Sounds interesting, yes? No. With an interesting premise, and reviews on the inside cover like "The finest British writer alive." (Los Angeles Times Book Review), she still managed to make it boring AND frustrating AND infuriating, both in the sense of none of the characters being sympathetic, even the protagonist, and trying to make sense of why one character or another was doing something without any explanation of why. If it was a series and I should have known these other characters, maybe I could understand their bizarre choices, but... ugh. Don't bother to read this book.

It is only 100+ pages long, but not worth the time.

***

On the other hand, I am ALWAYS happen to recommend ANY book by the wonderful Amy Stewart, and her newest book is no exception.

"Wicked Plants - The Weed That Killed Abraham Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities" is just as cool as the title would imply. This is an excellent reference book for any writer who would like some interesting suggestions for ways to kill off characters or anybody who is interesting in gardening or hiking in the wilderness and wants to know what plants to *avoid*, or people with pets and/or children who have the bad habit of chewing houseplants or garden plants.

In all seriousness, there are a lot of stories out there (online and in this book and elsewhere) about kids (and adults) dying because of a careless mistake.

It's a beautiful book, besides, with the most incredible illustrations (copper etchings!) by artist Briony Morrow-Cribbs.

*Highly recommended!*

****

I also highly recommend book #45 -- but only if you like reading books about zombies. *grin*

"World War Z - An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks (son of Mel Brooks) is easily my favorite (also my only) book about zombies. It's a history of the battles that were fought around the world when a plague of zombies spread all over the world, as told by the people who were there.

Out of a great deal of respect for those in my flist who would not like to hear the details of a book about zombies and how best to fight them, I will leave it at that. But those of you who LIKE shuddering with fear (little_tristan and oddmonster, I'm looking at you!) would enjoy it, of that I have no doubt!