Second Glance

Hello everyone! I really did think I'd be posting more on this blog than I actually have, but it turns out that blogs take time and effort, and when I finish work I'm too tired. ANYWAY. I said that this week I would be reviewing 'Second Glance' by Jodi Picoult which I am going to. But first, I am going to give you all a quick rundown of the other books I've read this week.

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead: This is the third book in a series of four (I think) about a shaman who happens to be the queen of a land in the otherworld. That did kind of happen by accident, but this book is about the struggles she encounters whilst trying to rule the kingdom fairly. overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it, a good addition to the series!
My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent: Once again this is also the third book in the series about banshees, or 'bean sidhes'. Its a young adult series and I have to say I'm finding it very enjoyable so far. The series has covered some complicated issues that every teen can relate to in a very subtle and decent manner. It could very easily become condescending but the tone is perfect and the characters are easily accessible and in places, hilarious.
Stray by Rachel Vincent: I know, I know, another Rachel Vincent! But she's just so damn good. This is the first book in Rachel Vincent's series about werecats. Now this is an adult series, so there's a lot more sexual references etc. which I dont mind in the slightest, but some might. The book is fast moving and the plot is fantastic! This author knows a thing or two about how to create a slimy enough bad guy that you can't wait to see him get his ass kicked. I loved every second of this book and I've already started the second one in the series!

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult
Right, back to business. I have to say that I started reading 'Second Glance' with an open mind. Sometimes I find Jodi Picoult's books to be a bit hit and miss. Her novels are always well written and well researched, but I find that sometimes something just doesn't add up. This particular novel though, was different from her usual works from the start. The main difference for me, is that this novel is essentially a ghost story. Normally, Picoult deals with issues that are very much about the living, whereas this novel is all about the dead, and those who wish to be reunited with them.
The novel follows the story of Ross, whose fiancee was killed in a car accident. Ross is finding life hard, he's tried to kill himself several times, and now he has decided to start ghost hunting. He starts by working for a TV programme (similar in my mind to 'Most Haunted') but then he hears about some strange happenings in Comtosook which is near where his sister lives. There is an ancient burial ground which protesters are trying to keep from being built on, with a ghosts help. He heads down there, only to meet Lia, who turns out to have some interesting and dark secrets of her own.
The book tends to alternate viewpoints throughout, and at one point its almost as if its broken off into a story within a story, which I actually really appreciated. It comes at just the right time to avoid being too confusing and answers any questions the reader may have been harbouring. The novel also covers some interesting topics, Eugenics for one, and Indian culture. Indian culture is not a topic that Picoult has shyed away from in any of her books. In fact it seems to be an almost comfortable theme in her work, and she writes about it fluently. The Eugenics side of the story is fascinating and I was very interested to read about the attitudes that people had in the 1920's and 30's. It was obviously a very dark period of time for those in Vermont, as bills were passed legalising the sterilisation of those deemed mentally unstable or unsuitable to society.

Once again, Picoult has managed to combine highly interesting topics with an extremely engaging and thrilling storyline that really capture the imagination of the reader. This is a book that I would readily recommend to anyone, and out of ten, I am going to have to give it a gorgeous 8!

Now as I said earlier, I am currently working my way through Rachel Vincent's werecat series. there are six books in total so I may not have anything interesting to review next week, but we'll see!

bai now :)