Miles to Go - Richard Paul Evans

In Richard Paul Evans’ second book in The Walk series main character, Alan’s, journey has come to a hiatus, but his ability to inspire and question has not. Without an ounce of preachiness or condescension, Evans’ characters question the existence of an afterlife, fate, and the continuation of life, encouraging the reader to examine as well. This sequel’s tone is markedly different than the first in its focus on hope and restoring faith, rather than an all-encompassing despair, paralleling the emotional state of Alan. Evans’ tale is obviously well-researched, as the details, from the street signs to the mundane, everyday dialogue gives the impression of a real experience, colored with the insights of the well-traveled. Only one complaint remains in my mind: how long will I have to wait for the next in the series?

Book Chick Rating: YYYYY

Mutant Message Down Under - Marlo Morgan

Marlo Morgan’s dry dictation is far from vivid, but still manages to capture a certain spirit of insight that makes it difficult to stop reading. The message is simple, but stirring and made me question the way I live – the way we all live – and the near-sightedness of American culture. The controversy over the validity of Morgan’s experience has overshadowed the importance of a very real purpose and, unfortunately, had squelched some of the exquisite insight revealed in the story. I must ask myself: should the fact or fiction of this tale change its significance?

Book Chick Rating: YYY

The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton

Kate Morton’s weaving of generational perspective developed an intriguing, if sometimes repetitive, plot. While the mystery at the heart of the tale was not particularly arduous, the intricacies of the characters and the need to feel them succeed generated an emotional attachment and a pressing need to read more. Morton’s narrative illustrated a clear scene of both a past and present English seaside community and a family dynamic polluted with selfishness and resentment. Yet, it is Cassandra’s journey to cope with loss and accept friendship that cements the charm locked both within the plot and the garden of the title.

Book Chick Rating: YYYY

The Walk - Richard Paul Evans

My initial reaction to the first book in Richard Paul Evans’ new series was unpleasant. Not because the plot was lacking or the prose was trite - quite the opposite actually - but because something in me is repelled by the tale of the good person getting crushed by the ugliness of circumstance. (I felt the same way about the first Harry Potter book.)  Through the purposeful painting of sorrow at rock bottom, Evans brought me, his reader, along on Alan’s journey. Only through feeling the utter anguish of the fallen, could I understand the main character and his motivation. How else could I suspend my reality to justify a walk from Seattle to Key West? As always, Evans’ vibrant voice and simplistically real dialogue cast a spell that lured me into a page-turning trance.

Book Chick Rating: YYYYY