lit*chick

The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist trans by Marlaine Delargy

The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, 262 pages

I don't know about you, but most of my experience with dystopian literature occurred when I was forced to read 1984 in high school.  That didn't endear me to the genre. (although I wonder how differently I would respond now...) After reading the description for The Unit, I was curious enough to try again and was captivated.

Originally published in Sweden, The Unit is the story of Dorrit Wegner who upon turning 50 checks into the Second Reserve Bank for biological material aka a fancy retirement village where they experiment on the residents.  In exchange for living out her remaining life in this cushy retreat, she must submit (volunteer) to participate medical testing and organ donation until her "final donation". Resigned to make the best of this rather warped situation, she begins to make friends and enjoy all that The Unit has to offer. Until she meets a gentleman and begins to think more about the implications of falling in love while on a short course to making the ultimate sacrifice.

I found The Unit to be a quick read that managed to examine relevant ethical and moral issues while still being compelling.  It raises some scary and necessary discussion points about how a society should care for it's most vulnerable citizens - think the healthcare debate, timely no?  I found it to be a little sinister, masking the horror of a plan like this by setting it in a resort-like atmosphere. And isn't that usually how dangerous ideas take root - by appearing to be benign, even pleasant?

While the characters talk about the destruction of art or literature they reference the democracy they are living in followed by this:

"Life and existence have no value in themselves. We mean nothing; not even those who are needed mean anything. The only thing of any real value is what we produce." p. 119

This novel would make for a lively bookclub discussion; I know I'm recommending it during the next selection go-round. And it has inspired me to read a few titles that I had written off as too weird. I'd love to know if you plan to read it, and to see your thoughts afterward.

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* Now, copies of the reviews will be posted on the feed for easy reference but will show up on the main site first. I'm back to assembling Evie's mobile which is proving to be a challenge - since I've misplaced the directions.

See more here:

Books on the Nightstand

My Friend Amy

Reviews and Giveaways

I know, 3 posts in the last 48 hours from me is out of control, but maybe nesting has begun....if I'm giving birth to a book.

I have two reviews with giveaways for each up on the feed.Testimony will most likely be June's online bookclub pick and Crossed Wires was a delightful surprise in the chick lit genre.

Also, there is still time to enter the Mama Day Giveaway AND prepare for Children's Book Week.

Have a great weekend!

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I Loved I Lost I Made Spaghetti

reviewed here. With a bonus review/comparison of Cooking and Screaming.

Happy Friday!

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Good Good Friday

The review for An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell is up on the feed.

If you haven't mailed your Round Robin book yet, please get on it.  For many, this is not the only book in their stack - so the more time the better.   I'm opening up comments in the RR section - if you are still waiting for your April book, leave a note there so I can follow up.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend everyone! He is Risen!

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Neither Spring, Nor a Break

Despite evidence to the contrary, I'm still here and still reading. We are on Spring Break this week in which we enjoyed one day of spring-like weather and mama got no break (except for the sleeping in part, thanks grammy).

I have been reading. And have lots to share including a new book review for Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman.

I'm not going to bother writing a review for the icky book I finished this week - The Story of Janeby Catherine Cusset.The premise - a professor at a small New England College finds a package at her door that contains a novel about her. And it is frighteningly accurate.  She begins to read and the story alternates with the "novel" and Jane trying to unravel the mystery. Sounds good, right? It's not. Trust me on this one.

Next week I'll be reviewing my advanced copy of An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell - some British chick lit.

I also finished my Round Robin book - Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody which was totally worthwhile. I won't say anymore and spoil it for the rest of the people in my group. But I highly recommend it as one of those books everyone should read. 

Also to all  of the READING ROUND ROBIN ladies - if you are finished with your books, nothing says you can't mail them early. You should mail them starting next Wednesday April 1 anyhow. If you aren't finished reading your first book - get a move on. :) And yes, I realize some people received their books late because I don't know how to type - my apologies.  If you mailed your book late because life is crazy - well, welcome to the club...mail it earlier this month please. :)

That was the lit*chick brain dump for this week. How's everyone doing? And what are you reading?

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Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

New reviews for The Magician's Book and The Girl She Used to Be on the feed...more to come. I'm on a roll of sorts.

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The Memorist by M.J. Rose

Reviewed as part of TLC Book Tours. Check out the feed.

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Two for Tuesday

Reviews that is....Pomegranate Soup and Revolutionary Road.

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Review Day: This One is Mine by Maria Semple

Throughout the day, reviews will begin popping up on the read feed. Like magic.

Starting with This One is Mine .

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Bulk Book Reviews Part 2

Since I'm all about shortcuts:

• Rules by Cynthia Lord (ya/teen) - Artistic Catherine takes care of her autisic little brother while experiencing the growing pains of 12 year old girls. This is lovely, nothing inappropriate (why do they do that in books for young girls?) and sweet coming of age story. Totally should have won Newbery instead of that stupid Higher Power of Lucky book. 5 stars

• Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (ya/teen) - for slightly older readers (I'd say high school for sure, although I'd also say if you are a parent you should read it first) after calling the cops at a party,  Melinda completely ostracized and begins to withdraw into silence. What happened?  Speak perfectly captures the agony of high school, made even worse by the torment of Melinda's situation. Is Laurie Halse Anderson the Jodi Piccoult of YA? (I hope not, but the thought struck me as I looked through her other books.) 4 stars

• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - finally mooched this for my introduction to Sedaris. Hmmm. A little goes a long way. I still laughed out loud a few times. But he's either way overhyped or I'm coming to the party late or both.  Small doses are best but I'm glad I can see what the fuss is about and that I didn't buy it. :) 3+ stars

• If You Lived Here by Dana Sachs - an older book that has been on my list for quite a while. An international adoption, friendship story  - the first half was great, the second half I anticipated would be even better (when they travel to Vietnam to pick up the baby), but it wasn't. And I'm still not sure why. 3 stars

And I finally got reviews of Snoop, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Gargoyle up on the FEED.

I have quite a few books almost finished, and a few review copies to wolf down this weekend.  And I need to hunt down my cousin Trish's book rec: Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont. Any books you are looking to get your hands on?

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