RIP X Wrap-UP

Well, we have reached the end of RIP X. With the ReadaThon and a couple of RALs- I have to say that I had a very successful reading experience. Lots of books were read and finished...

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
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The Quick by Lauren Owen

The Quick by Lauren Owen
About the Book
"London, 1892: James Norbury, a shy would-be poet newly down from Oxford, finds lodging with a charming young aristocrat. Through this new friendship, he is introduced to the drawing-rooms of high society, and finds love in an unexpected quarter. Then, suddenly, he vanishes without a trace. Unnerved, his sister, Charlotte, sets out from their crumbling country estate determined to find him. In the sinister, labyrinthine city that greets her, she uncovers a secret world at the margins populated by unforgettable characters: a female rope walker turned vigilante, a street urchin with a deadly secret, and the chilling “Doctor Knife.” But the answer to her brother’s disappearance ultimately lies within the doors of one of the country’s preeminent and mysterious institutions: The Aegolius Club, whose members include the most ambitious, and most dangerous, men in England.
 
In her first novel, Lauren Owen has created a fantastical world that is both beguiling and terrifying. The Quick will establish her as one of fiction’s most dazzling talents."
My Review
Victorian London. A forbidden affair. A random act of violence. 
The Quick begins quietly then explodes with a unexpected attack, but then quiets down again. I was a bit surprised when James and Christopher were attacked. I was not expecting the "undid". I knew there would be something. This was the Group Read for RIP X, after all. 
Anyway, what happens after this attack is the story. The arrival of James' sister, Charlotte. Her association with Ms. Swift and Shadwell and Mr. Howland who escaped "The Club" with the help of James. I especially liked this part of the story. Their planning and searching for answers on how to help James is what interested me the most. 
The journal entries of Doctor Knife slowed down the story a bit, but did give some background info to the creatures that make London their home. 
All in all, not a bad choice for RIP X. I do wish there had been a bit more interaction with other readers for this Group Read. Wasn't really sure where to do that. 

Happy Reading! _________________________________________

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Click on book cover for details from GoodReads.

"Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America"
Quite a tagline to live up to. 
I just kept wondering which of the 3M's is meant for the architects and builders of the White City. I think all three fit them just fine.
The Devil in the White City tells three simultaneous stories that took place in Chicago, circa 1893. The construction of, and the drama surrounding, the World Fair and the people who envisioned it. Holmes, a serial killer who lured victims to his World Fair Hotel. And a deluded man obsessed with Mayor Harrison.
Larson's storytelling helps make these historical events very palatable. I am usually not very apt to reading nonfiction, but this read almost as fiction- full of suspense and intrigue. I really thought the story of Holmes would be what I enjoyed the most, but it was the building of the World Fair and what went into getting it ready that I found most interesting. 
Really enjoyed this. Perfect read for RIP X. Glad it got picked for Book Group! 
I am hosting our meeting next week. Can't wait to hear if everyone else enjoyed it, too. Those of you who have read it, any ideas for food tie-ins? We like to take ideas from the book, but this one doesn't offer up much in ideas. Cracker Jacks and Pabst Blue Ribbon is what I have so far. :)

Next book: The Quick by Lauren Owen   Happy Reading! _________________________________________

RIP X Read Along: The Quick by Lauren Owen

Went to the library last week and picked up a copy of The Quick by Lauren Owen for the Group Read. I am excited to get started. Kind of fun that it is set in the same time period as the book I just finished. 

"London, 1892: James Norbury, a shy would-be poet newly down from Oxford, finds lodging with a charming young aristocrat. Through this new friendship, he is introduced to the drawing-rooms of high society, and finds love in an unexpected quarter. Then, suddenly, he vanishes without a trace. Unnerved, his sister, Charlotte, sets out from their crumbling country estate determined to find him. In the sinister, labyrinthine city that greets her, she uncovers a secret world at the margins populated by unforgettable characters: a female rope walker turned vigilante, a street urchin with a deadly secret, and the chilling “Doctor Knife.” But the answer to her brother’s disappearance ultimately lies within the doors of one of the country’s preeminent and mysterious institutions: The Aegolius Club, whose members include the most ambitious, and most dangerous, men in England.
 
In her first novel, Lauren Owen has created a fantastical world that is both beguiling and terrifying. The Quick will establish her as one of fiction’s most dazzling talents."
Happy Reading! _________________________________________

Day 1 of RIP X

Current Read: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

I had a chiropractor appointment in the city today. Decided to go for a walk in Golden Gate Park and read my book over lunch at the boathouse on Stow Lake. Just need to remember to get home in time to pick up the little girl from school.