Saturday, April 25, 2009

Still Life by Joy Fielding

Well this afternoon after teaching online for a couple of hours, I sat down outside and started reading Still Life. After about an hour, driven by the threat of rain, I moved inside and quickly finished it off. Still Life was just what I needed to jump start the still life that was my reading and I give it a B+.

Back cover:
Beautiful, happily married, and owner of a successful interior design business, Casey Marshall couldn't be more content with her life until a car slams into her at almost 50 miles an hour, breaking nearly every bone in her body, and plunging her into a coma. Lying in her hospital bed, Casey realizes that although she is unable to see or communicate, she can hear everything. She quickly discovers that her friends aren't necessarily the people she thought them to be- and that her accident may not have been an accident after all. As she struggles to break free from her living death, she begins to wonder if what lies ahead could be even worse.

I loved the premise of this book... it just seemed like something completely different and new. Plus it reminded me a bit of one of my all time favorite movies, Rear Window. Who can forget when James Stewart can hear the footsteps of Raymond Burr as he climbs and Mr. Stewart is trapped in his wheelchair? I also enjoyed the way that Ms. Fielding told the story... the accident occurs right in the beginning of the story and the history of Casey and those close to her are told through dreams and people reminicsing while they assume Casey can't hear. The suspense was done well through most of the book, though I did feel like the ending was just a bit of a let down, hence the slightly lower rating. However, this is another great addition by one of my newest favorite authors.

I have already started another book by a new favorite author and this is one is by Greg Iles. I am not sure of the title and the book isn't right in front of me, but I can tell you that I am about 60 pages in and am enjoying it. Though it was written in 1997 and focuses on the internet when it was relatively new, I do think Mr. Iles has done a great job so far. Well, I am off! Happy Reading everyone!

2 comments:

Sharon said...

Still Life sounds like a great book, I may have to look it up! I've been wondering about Greg Iles. I'll be interested to see what you think of that book.

I think you should be able to read any Nevada Barr book out of order, the mysteries are always stand alone. the only thing you'll miss it things that happen to Anna in her private life, but those don't usually affect the story.

Kristie said...

Thanks Sharon! I will have to keep my eyes out for it!