THE LOST SYMBOL (Dan Brown) - October 30/09

This third Robert Langdon adventure ultimately feels like the longest, as Dan Brown simply goes crazy with the descriptive stuff this time around. It's the expectedly propulsive narrative that keeps us interested, however, as Brown packs the book with a number of exciting sequences - with an incredibly thrilling pursuit through a pitch-black "pod" undoubtedly the highlight of the novel (and probably of Brown's career). And although the build-up to the climax is pretty darn effective - ie the twist that the villain was actually Solomon's son was completely unexpected - the book boasts a final 50 pages that couldn't possibly be more anti-climactic. Brown resorts to preachiness in the final stretch as Langdon essentially discovers his faith, and the inclusion of countless facts and tidbits about various religions is simply not as interesting as Brown clearly believes it to be. Oh, well, the book's still worth a read if only for some of the outlandish plot twists (ie Langdon is submerged in a breathable liquid!) *** out of ****

THE HOST (Stephenie Meyer) - October 22/09

I'm kind of conflicted about this one. On the one hand, I really came to enjoy the book as it progressed and the characters were just so sharply drawn and well developed (and flat-out likeable!) On the other hand, it's undeniably overlong. It took me a long time to get into it, and the whole midsection - set entirely within the caves - just feels needlessly epic length. It's like reading three or four separate books in one. Still, the book really grew on me as it went on. Meyer's penchant for ridiculously happy endings is in full effect here, yet it almost did seem as though she had actually killed off Wanda. I also have to give props to Meyer for eschewing the showdown I kept expecting between the humans and the Seekers; that the story ended on a much more low-key and introspective note was surprising and appreciated. I guess it's really a three star book just 'cause of overlength, but because I liked the characters so much, I'll give it ***1/2 out of ****

BATMAN: CACOPHONY (Kevin Smith) - October 7/09

This enjoyable Batman story benefits from Smith's expectedly witty dialogue and also the love/hate relationship between Batman and the Joker. The book is at its best during their scenes, with their final confrontation undoubtedly the highlight. *** out of ****

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU (Jonathan Tropper) - October 5/09

Another stellar, truthful effort from Jonathan Tropper, This Is Where I Leave You boasts a typically engaging protagonist as he's forced to re-evaluate his life in the wake of his father's death and his wife's adultery. Though the book does contain several less-than-enthralling moments revolving around the technical aspects of the Jewish wake, there's plenty here that kept me entertained and moved - with the highlight being the central character's ongoing efforts at struggling with his wife and also his rekindled friendship/relationship with childhood crush Penny. The proliferation of astoundingly well-developed periphery characters cements the book's success, although I did find the vague conclusion a little frustrating (did he wind up with Jen or with Penny?) ***1/2 out of ****