Aleph by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is a favorite author of mine. I have read many of his books and have always found them entertaining if not something I would add to my personal library. So why have I given this talented writer only two stars you ask? Well, I thought about how to explain my train of thought with a little analogy. 

If you've ever been introduced to someone at a party who's conversation left you reeling from trying to make heads or tails out of it, then you can begin to picture this novel. The conversation/story pulls you in because you are genuinely interested. But when you try to follow this logically you find yourself getting lost in the attempt. You want to understand but you just can't get a firm grip on what is actually being said/told. The deeper you delve the more you realize you have absolutely no idea whats happening. Every time you find a foot hold you slip again into the unknown.

Now, if you've ever read any of Coelho's works you know that he has a transcendental touch to his stories that evoke the peace and harmony that each of us is searching for. However in this book I couldn't quite click with it since the lyrical sense that he imbues in his books does not come across smoothly but is deterred numerous times by the reader's inability to keep reading without scoffing or just plain gawking at the scenes unveiling before their eyes. Frankly I kept reading because I wanted him to magically pull me through this story into an appreciation of the talent it took to write it. But this time the magic fell flat.

Yet, to repeat myself, this is still one of my favorite authors and I do think that if you are a reader who likes to find themselves in their books this is one you should pick up because it will make you search harder than any self help book out there. Just so you can say, Hey! I get it. If or when that happens just drop me a note. I could always use a little soul growing myself.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 #1 (of 6) by David Petersen

This is the first in this well developed graphic novel series that introduces us to the Mouse Guard, warriors that enable mice across the land to travel in safety through the treacheries of terrain and enemies. They have served this purpose so that all mice may live freely. But not all who are protected believe that the Mouse Guard is what it should be. There lies in their mist a traitor who sees a new future very different from the current one.

As we meet Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam for the first time we journey with them on a routine errand to search for a missing merchant who never arrived at his destination. The answers they will find though will uncover something of a much larger impact to the safety of all. There is a storm brewing leveled at the very heart of the Mouse Guard, Lockhaven. Within its own walls and legends lie the seeds of treachery and it will take the cunning and friendship of the Mouse Guard along with a stranger who is myth incarnate to put down this rebellion before it is too late.

Filled with the very energy of hardships and accomplishments of these tiny creatures, this novel is an adventure story that can be indulged in without qualms. The illustrations have the grittiness that helps to imagine the harshness each mouse faces on a daily basis trying to eke out happiness where they can. When the story line and illustrations are combined as well as they are in this series you get characters that will resound within your heart. 

A definite recommend if you're trying to get a non reader interested to read.

Ink (Paper Gods, #1) by Amanda Sun

This is the first book in the Paper Gods Trilogy.

After the loss of her mother Katie Greene finds herself halfway across the world in Shizuoka Japan to live with her aunt while her grandparents in Canada try to see if she will be able to come live with them. Katie struggles with the new language, new cultural ways, and most of all her sadness. Her aunt and her are trying to form a relationship but it is hard to do when what ties them together is the memory of Katie's mom.

Into this roiling mess come new friends who help Katie become more proficient at Japanese and help alleviate her sorrow. But then there is Tomohiro. The first time she meets him he catches her inadvertently eaves dropping as he cruelly dumps his current girlfriend. Not only is Katie in the wrong place at the wrong time but she catches a glimpse of a secret that Tomo is being very careful to guard. His ink sketches move and whats more they're trying to get to Katie.

With her growing attraction to Tomo Katie is confronted with an undeniable fact, there are people and powers that are very interested in him and their growing attachment. Is there any truth to the Japanese legends of people descended directly from a goddess or is she slowly losing her mind with grief. Could it be that like Tomo she too is linked to the sketches somehow. Either way being close to him is causing his capabilities to spiral out of control and it's only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong.

There is an upcoming battle brewing and Katie and Tomo are at the very epicenter of the struggle between the two sides. As their love grows it becomes clearer to Katie that in order to survive and save Tomo from himself she has to do the one thing that has all ready caused her so much pain, she must let go of someone else she loves. With a breaking heart she readies to leave Japan and the life she has come to cherish to make her way to Canada. But will half a world away be enough to stop destiny or is this just the beginning.

A first hand knowledge of Japan from the author has been blended into a great fantasy filled with action and excitement done in a lovely lyrical style. The sketches that run through the book give the reader a real feel for the poetry of Japanese style art and as you read along you are given an interactive art exhibit which really enhances your connection to the story. All in all this is a definite recommend to anyone interested in Japan and its culture, art, or just a lovingly written love story. A definite recommend.