Colossal Catch-Up - Part One

Very behind on my book reviews as of late, so a quick summary of what I've read and what I've liked/disliked.

Swamplandia-Karen Russell.  When I picked this book up, I had just finished a series of mysteries and was ready for something different.  This definitely fit that category.  It reads almost like an Odyssey-type adventure that takes place in Florida's Swampland.   The main character (Ava) is a young girl who lives on a remote island in the Florida Swamps and has just lost her mother.  The family is known for its prowess in alligator wrestling.  Ava's sister has just taken off to follow a "ghost ship" and Ava takes off after her with the Birdman (a character of whom we are initially unsure).  Running parallel to Ava's story is the story of her brother's adventure on the mainland (having until recently lived in the Swamps all his life).  While I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would, it was a great change from my regular reading routine. 3/5 Stars

A Reliable Wife - Robert Goolrick.  This book was okay.  It tells the story of a woman who takes on a role as a "mail order" wife, but is really only interested in killing her husband to gain his fortune for her young lover.  There are twists and turns from there that make the book worth finishing, but the characters never really resonated with me.  3/5 Stars.

Waiting for Columbus - Thomas Trofimuk.  Loved this book!  Takes place in a psychiatric hospital and follows the daily life a patient who believes himself to be Christopher Columbus.  The genius of this book is we gradually see this illusion cracking through inconsistencies in the Columbus story.  For this reason, it would make a great re-read as well.  The characters are well described and on the whole, sympathetic.  5/5 Stars.

Year of Wonders - Geraldine Brooks.  Another great read!  This takes place during the time of the plague and describes the story of a small village that essentially quarantined themselves.  After it became apparent that they were being badly ravaged by the plague, the local Minister suggested that they could perhaps best serve God's will by quarantining themselves.  The book describes both the physical and psychological consequences of this decision in a gripping manner.  The appeal of this book can be largely attributed to the quality of the narration.  Anna is an intelligent and engaging character that draws us all into her story. 5/5 Stars.