Mystery Scene on a London Train

image courtesy of goodreads.com

Hey, hey, hey wish you the best on your quest!

Rainy night over here, which is perfect for a good mystery. And talking about mysteries, I recently finished a mystery novel written by Agatha Christie.

I have always been interested in reading her novels because of how popular she continues to be. (Along with watching a Dr. Who episode involving the author).

I randomly picked this one and found myself in an adventure amidst a series. At first I hesitated: I don't like reading books in the middle of a series because of how most series tend to go in chronoligical order. And for me to read in the middle of a series is the equivalent of arriving at a party after the food has been eaten and all there is is scraps. Definitely don't want to be there.

Much to my delight, 4:50 From Paddington worked differently. Since it is a series there are references to previous volumes but this one doesn't follow any strict chronological order. Taking place in London during the 1950's; this novel follows the story of a murder taking place during a train ride witnessed by a Ms. McGillycuddy (a friend of the main character) who was on board a train going the opposite direction. From then on it's a puzzle to find out who got murdered and by who. 

The book opens with the murder scene as it happens and continues with Miss Marple, the main character, using her resources to find out who were the people involved in the murder.

Just by reading the beginning, I was able to maintain an interest in the novel. There were times where I found the novel bland because of the consistent description of the routine of the different characters involved. However, I continued to read because of how Christie was able to develop the story into the 5 W's.

There were cliffhanger chapters that were placed in such a way where I was able to question of what would happen next.

It was almost like reading a novel styled like a game of Clue. 

Overall, I found this novel interesting and playful. I wouldn't say it is extravagant but it has some kicks.

If you like a mystery with a shocking ending and a sharp female main character, I suggest picking this up.

Til next blogpost,
Miss Bobo

P.S. The video added on here is a clip from the episode of the Miss Marple series that covered the novel I reviewed here. Yes, the book series was turned into a TV show.

Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart

picture of cover courtesy of barnesandnoble.com

Reading Young Adult (YA) fiction novels I find there is an angst, a restlessness of constantly looking for resolve from being content that I can't find in the adult collection.

Recently I found a book that broke that mold for me. Titled Now is the Time to Open Your Heart by Alice Walker, this adult novel follows the journey of Kate: a woman in her 50's, who has been consistently on spiritual adventures to satisfy a restlessness after living through failed marriages and death within her family.

When I read the cover, I thought it would be something ultra cheesy and some hot sex. I started reading the first page and I knew right there I didn't need to read any more.

It was better than hot sex, affairs, and all those romantic clichés: it was an actual adventure. And there was no need for random vampires and werewolves to pull me in.

Kate goes to the jungle and builds relationships with others who are in the same journey. Although the book starts mainly with Kate, while she is in the jungle with these people; each person has a story too. Kate's journey becomes everyone's journey including her lover's, who she had left behind.

At times when I read through each character's thoughts and stories, I felt like I was reading Alice Walker's opinions of the world's issues and found it a bit of poor taste. But after reading those same thoughts, I found myself thinking about my life, my surroundings and the choices I have made throughout my life.

It is actually rare to find books like that; that aren't obviously about teaching the reader philosophy. I appreciate Alice Walker's writing here but I don't think its extremely exceptional.

If you like to read adult books that have a message but are devoid of extreme cheesiness and is told in present times; I recommend this book.

Note: this book is not for everyone.

-Miss Bobo







Can you Say Cat Butterfly (Kafka Mash-up)

cover picture courtesy of
goodreads.com

Hello, hello, hello, hello

Hope you have started this year with a great celebration and a head start on your goals for the year.

I have made constant upkeep of my blogs part of my goals, so you will be hearing more of me here. Sometimes life gets you and you just have to laugh.......like the way this book right here did.

I found this book at a local library and I just laughed instantly at the cover. Come on!!!!! It's a cat's head on a man. A MANCAT. WITH A SERIOUS FACE. That is photoshop at its best. I picked this book up and did my usual routine of reading the first few pages. Which now that I think of it, I should stop. Being spontaneous comes in handy in getting to know what books not to read ever again and books you will always love.

Anywho, I started reading this book and discovered that it is actually a mash-up written by Coleridge Cook of the classic novel, Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka. In The Meowmorphosis, instead of the main character turning into a cockaroach; he turns into a big fat kitten (I am still laughing as I write this). The man turned-big-fat kitten, Gregor Samsa, goes through a journey in which he discovers more about his family, his life as a human being, and the life of a tabby on the streets. Yes, because of course, there is a gang of tabbies in this book that Gregor meets. (still laughing)
 
And the most awesome part of this book is the pictures included which accompany certain passages. I guess just to emphasize the imagery of certain scenes. Oh.man! If you like cat memes you will definitely laugh at the randomness and awkwardness of these pictures. It made some of the boring parts tolerable and even enjoyable.

meme courtesy of weknowmemes.com

Even after I finished reading the story, I was still laughing. Coleridge Cook who decided to do this mash-up still continues the cat theme in the afterword.

I would definitely recommend reading the original version first before reading The Meowmorphosis. Regardless I know you will be laughing.

Meow Meow Meow Meow Meow Meow,
Miss Bobo