Written in Bone (↑)

I've finished another book called Written in Bone by Simon Beckett. I decided to try out another mystery novel. I haven't read one in quite awhile, and I needed a bit of a change from my usual fiction books. This one is especially good because it's using forensic anthropology which is really cool. I've been on a Bones fix lately, so this book fits in perfectly.

This book follows a forensic anthropologist (Dr. David Hunter) who is called to help identify remains found on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland. He is caught in a storm there, and so tries to help the police and detective solve the murder before more people end up dead. It goes along with a typical murder fashion, ending with an expected twist. I suppose that's probably the reason I don't especially like murder mysteries (or really mysteries in general). They're so predictable that I tend to get bored with them. But they're nice to read every once in awhile. I rated this book highly because it's fast paced, but also because of the forensic anthropology aspect. It reminds me quite a lot of Bones although Dr. Hunter is not quite as Aspergian. I don't think I'd keep it to read again (after reading a mystery once, what's the point in reading it again?), but I definitely will keep my eye out for more novels by Simon Beckett.

Onward to another book! I've finished school (except for placement) so I definitely have more free time, so that means I will be finishing books more quickly! Anyway, until next time, Happy Reading!

Plain Truth (~)

I've finished another Jodi Picoult book, Plain Truth. It was an alright read, nothing spectacular like the one I read previously. It does make me think about how important family is and the lengths parents and family members will go to save and protect their family members. This novel is about the Amish. Although my family is not Amish, I wonder if perhaps my family is similar to them and would protect me from things, or if they would rather I learn from my 'mistakes'. I don't know which is better, being sheltered and protected from you life and living without consequences, or to be sent out into the world and attempt to survive without help. Well I doubt my parents would let me drown out in the world, they'd help where they could, but I hope you understand my meaning.

This book is about a neonaticide in an Amish community. It follows the complete trial, and discusses how the Amish feel about confessing. It's different than from the English way of things. When you confess guilt, you are condemned for it, but for the Amish, if you confess guilt, you are then forgiven and not punished. I don't know which is better. To confess and then be severely punished by prison, or to confess guilt and be forgiven, but shunned for a few weeks. I suppose depending on the criminal, one would be better than the other. For a hardened psychopathic criminal, they wouldn't care. So doing time in prison might be the best thing for them, rather than to shun them and let them go free. While for a person who was just doing something to save their family or something similar, shunning them and then forgiving them would be okay. But it also depends on what type of community they lived in. If they lived in a little rural town like I do, then it would have more of an impact, but if they lived in a big city, then obviously the shunning wouldn't be quite as effective. I guess the Amish way of dealing with criminal acts really wouldn't work unless everyone knew everyone. It's still interesting to think about.

Anyway, I'm not sure what I will be reading next, but until next time, Happy Reading!

House Rules (↑)

I've finished another novel called House Rules by the lovely Jodi Picoult. I really really enjoyed this book mostly because the main character had Aspergers and I could really relate things back to what I've been learning in the program I am taking. There were a few things I really didn't like...The portrayal of Jacob (the kid with Aspergers) didn't seem very true to the typical Aspergian theme. But of course I don't really know what it's like to have Aspergers seeing as I'm a neurotypical human. I've read a book that also used a high-functioning autistic person as the main character it seemed a little bit more realistic. Although I didn't really think her description of how Aspie kids think was accurate, it was still an interesting take on it and I guess it makes it a little easier to understand how kids with autism feel and why they do certain things. Another thing I didn't really like was the ending. It didn't really tie up the loose ends although it was apparent what was going to happen. It just would've been nice to have a bit more clarity on it. I guess I have that complaint with most of her books, but honestly, it's only a minor thing. I still enjoy reading her stuff.

So, this book was about a kid with Asperger's who becomes implicated in the murder of his social skills teacher, when she is found dead in the house she is looking after. It switches from Jacob (the Aspie kid), his brother Theo, his mother Emma, his lawyer Oliver, and the police officer Rich. It follows the whole investigation including to the end of the trial where some new evidence comes up which might change the outcome of the trial (although you never learn what happens, which is frustrating! I hate cliff-hangers! Well I don't mind them when they are in a series, but with a book like this, it's not a series so it needs to have a good ending!).

Reading this book makes me want to write a book myself about the hardships a family with a child with disabilities must endure in trying to get the supports they need. However, I would put a bit of a twist on it, and instead of having a family that has 'adult' parents, I will put parents that are young 20's or even teenagers. I haven't quite decided how it will play out, but I want to plan it more so that I can write it (even just for myself).

Anyway, I'm going to read another Jodi Picoult book, so I will probably be writing another blog quite quickly, so until then, Happy Reading!