Evergreen // Rebecca Rasmussen. Rasmussen’s sophomore novel is a beautiful, multigenerational tale with a lovely sense of place. Emil and Eveline move to the remote Minnesota wilderness with only love and nature to provide what they need. Emil returns to Germany and is detained during the outbreak of the second world war, while Eveline is to stay with her parents and await Emil’s return. In a split second decision, Eveline decides to stay in their cabin. That decision will haunt her and her family for decades. A perfect novel to curl up with on a cold and snowy day.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies // Seth Grahame-Smith. I imagine the publishing house reading this book pitch, getting to the title, and throwing buckets of money at the author. Content need not be of concern. To be fair, the title is amazing and it was released just before the height of the zombie craze, which makes it perfect. The idea is absolutely glorious and though the execution is slightly less so, it’s a good idea nonetheless. Grahame-Smith uses a good portion of the original text, so you will still get quite a bit of Austen’s actual writing and plot. However, about a quarter of the book is pure zombie mayhem. Is it a gimmick? Absolutely, but it’s a fun one. Read at your own risk.
Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories // Roald Dahl (editor). Although the title is a bit misleading, I fully accept my own responsibility in requesting this book (as a gift). I initially thought the stories were written by Dahl himself, whereas, in reality, it’s a collection of ghost stories he liked. After an odd introduction pondering the merits of women writers, the collection itself is quite satisfying in an “old English ghost story” kind of way. Edith Wharton and Rosemary Timperley are the highlights.
flannel and folklore 
EVERGREEN sounds worth checking out. I will have to make note of it!
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I’m intrigued by the description of Evergreen. I already want to know why does it haunt them? I would totally think those stores were written Roald Dahl based on the title.
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I’ll give the zombies-meet-Austen a miss (I like my Austen of the plain, traditional variety) but Evergreen looks fantastic.
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Evergreen sounds like my kind of book. Someone alone in a cabin in the wilderness? Yes, please!
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I like you take on P&P&Z. Was the execution perfect? Nah. Was it a good time anyway? Totally.
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Have you read Roald Dahl’s short stories? One he wrote, I mean. The Story of Henry Sugar and Six More is heartbreaking and wonderful.
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I’ve read Champion of the World, but that’s it. That being said, I love reading his children’s books to my son, so I’m a fan of almost anything he writes.
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Evergreen sounds very promising.
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It is – quiet, but excellent.
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This tiny review format is great! I think I will check out Evergreen. Sounds really good and I haven’t heard of it before.
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Thanks! I like it too. I’d definitely give Evergreen a shot, it’s the best of the bunch.
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I’ve been eyeing the whole P&P&Z craze with a wary eye. I’m sorry of vaguely curious about the film, but after the whole Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter thing (which in my opinion was a complete disaster) I’m not sure if I want to go there or not.
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It absolutely was a disaster, it ranks as one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.
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I’m cross that the ghost stories aren’t BY Roald Dahl! He writes excellent and creepy ghost stories, surely they could make a book of them?
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Me too! I honestly thought they were and then I opened the book….
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I want to read all 3 books, especially Evergreen, because 1) it sounds good and 2) the cover is awesome.
With winter coming up (although without snow) I’ll pick this up.
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I love muted, retro looking covers! It’s one of the reasons I was drawn to it.
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I’m so glad you liked Evergreen! I thought it was beautifully written and compelling- went in some surprising ways.
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