July Book Reviews & Music Faves

 

 

by Mary Saums

 

You know what I love the best about summertime? AIR-CONDITIONING. It's just about too hot to breathe down here. So when I'm done working and come inside for the day, the first thing I do is hit the fridge for an ice-cold San Pellegrino.

 

 

AAAaaaaaaaaaahh .......

 

Then, after a few chores and a shower, and Katiepie (aka BIG) has been brushed and petted to Her Supreme Highness's satisfaction, the two of us kick back.

 

I read, she supervises.

 

 

 

This month, I got back into my fiction groove with the latest Benedict Jacka novel.

 

 

 

BURNED is the 7th book in the Alex Verus series, set in a contemporary London that has a secret magical community with its own counsels, laws and hierarchy going on. Similar to Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden books. Alex is a diviner, a rare gift among the mages. This allows him to see into all possible futures that result from an action, thereby allowing him to scoot past futures which include, say, getting beaten up or dying. Pretty handy.

 

He has been a good boy lately, minding his own business. That's why he's so shocked when he learns someone in the Counsel issued a death warrant on him. He has seven days to figure out who did it, why, and how he can convince the politically-oriented counsel members to re-evaluate the execution thing. While dodging bullets and flames and other pesky magician tricks.

 

I enjoy this series for the setting and the great writing. Favorite character: Arachne, the gentle, philosophical seamstress who also happens to be a gigantic spider.

 

 

 

 

THE HERETICS OF DE'ATH by Howard of Warwick

 

First, a few warnings:

Humorless, persnickety historians - DO NOT READ THIS BOOK

All others -  DO NOT DRINK WHILST READING LEST THOU SPEW FORTH LIQUID THROUGH THINE NOSTRILS 

Oh my goodness, what a silly silly book. It's a complete spoof of medieval monk novels. Anyone who loves medieval mysteries, like dearly beloved Brother Cadfael, and has a slightly demented sense of humor will love this book. It's different. It's something of a mixture, part Black Adder, part Monty Python, part old British stage comedian routine. You can practically hear the cymbal crash after each really bad joke.

To get an idea of the writing style, treat yourself and go to Amazon to read all the entertaining book descriptions. 

I cracked up when I saw the title of the second book, THE GARDEROBE OF DEATH.

 

 

I hate to think what the murder weapon might be. 

 

 

And now, for a completely different kind of monk -

 

 

 

RISE AND SHINE: Awaken Your Energy Body With Taoist Alchemy and Qi Gong

by Pedram Shojai

 

A while back, I talked here about THE URBAN MONK, the latest book by Pedram Shojai. Which I loved. RISE AND SHINE, published in 2011, is every bit as wonderful. In plain language, Shojai explains Taoist basics. Don't let the words "Tao" or "Qi Gong" scare you off. This is a book of simple explanations on how to slow down your life so you can think. On how to push the crazy world away and give yourself a mental break. How to be at peace.

 

I highly recommend both books.

 

 

The idea of pushing away the craziness of the world brings me to a different kind of recommendation. Lately, I've enjoyed a new habit I'm incorporating into my after-work routine.

Happy music. It's something that's easy to forget, that music can lift your spirits in ways nothing else can. Usually, I play certain standbys that I MUST hear often. Then I scroll through the rest and pull out a few other favorites. 

What got me started with this was hearing the very end of the song "Mornin'" by Al Jarreau one day on the radio. I'd forgotten what a great uplifting feel it had. Got home. Downloaded it.

Let me tell you - on good speakers, this track will cure all illnesses. :) Seriously, the chords, inversions, whatever - everything works together to create happiness. 

Give it a try. Find music that elevates You.

 

Here are the first few of my Gotta-Haves:

 

 

LOVE AND HAPPINESS

CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU

HERE I AM

 

 

MORNIN'

AFTER ALL

 

 

USED TO RULE THE WORLD

SPLIT DECISION

TAKE MY LOVE WITH YOU

IF YOU NEED SOMEBODY

 

 

MISS YOU

DEAR DOCTOR

JUMPIN' JACK FLASH

 

JOHN LEE HOOKER & CARLOS SANTANA

 

THE HEALER

 

JOHN LEE HOOKER & BONNIE RAITT

 

I'M IN THE MOOD

 

 

JAMES BROWN

 

GIVE IT UP, TURN IT LOOSE (Live version)

SEX MACHINE

PAPA DON'T TAKE NO MESS

 

 

STAPLE SINGERS

 

RESPECT YOURSELF

I'LL TAKE YOU THERE

(really, everything of theirs makes me happy)

 

CROWDED HOUSE/NEIL FINN

 

SHE WILL HAVE HER WAY

LAST ONE STANDING

FALL AT YOUR FEET

FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY

(Neil Finn is a genius. Fun surprises and musically unique)

 

 

If you have particular favorites that lift your spirits, please share!

 

 

Comments

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Oh, the soundtrack of Love, Actually.

And because of a facebook post from Rosemary Harris, I thought about Laura Nyro---and just listened to her songs again. SO wonderful.

And do you know the Joni Mitchell song "Carey" ? That instantly makes me sing along.

[Mary S.]

Good ones, Hank!

Oh my, I haven't thought about Carey in ages. Yes, definitely one that pulls you in. That album (Blue) really hooked me w/lots of good sing-along songs. Plus some of them were pretty good short stories too. :)

Thank you - so glad you mentioned these.

[Aubrey Hamilton]

I love Al Jarreau! Theme from Moonlighting is one of my all time favorites. I ran across IGY by Donald Fagen a couple of weeks ago and I've been humming it incessantly ever since.

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Oh, Donald Fagen! Thank you, Aubrey! Now I am humming, too..xoxoo

[Elaine Viets]

Love the books and music, Mary. "The Garderobe of Death" is a perfect spook title, straight out of Monty Python. I like the Smithsonian Collection of Blues, including songs by Mississippi John Hurt.

[Mary S.]

Hey, Aubrey! I do like Fagan's jazziness. The earlier albums Aja, Royal Scam and Gaucho though have the songs I gotta hear every now and then Such great musicianship, not as spare as his solo work tracks. I like lots of stuff going on at once. :)

Elaine, aren't those archives fantastic! And Mississippi John Hurt would also fall into my Happy category. He's a joy to watch.