Three things, in no particular order

[jcello]

Saturday's weddings, playing in Jeff's quartet - cheaply done, badly organized. Really amazing how anyone in the 21st century would want something in marriage vows about women submitting to men as they would to God. Add to that the inaccurate scholarship of the first preacher, who tried to say that the Book of Ruth is actually about Boaz as a pre-

Comments

also love SJ Rozan

[callmesandy]

Love, love her books. I find I prefer the ones where Bill is narrating, there's something wonderfully haunting about his voice. And Lydia! Her books are great and yes, the UST is done so well.

Re: also love SJ Rozan

[jcello]

It's rare to come across other Rozan fans, so thanks for letting me know. I enjoy Lydia's voice in the way that I enjoy Amy Tan novels - a chance to dabble in a fascinating culture, narrated by someone with a knowledge of American culture as well. Bill's narration has none of the nasty cynicism we've gotten so tired of in detective fiction. He's a smart guy, educated and musical, and he presents us pieces of his checkered past just a little at a time instead of ladling it out in huge scoops that we have to wade through. The energy between him and Lydia fascinates me, maybe because it either can't go anywhere or that it might combust spontaneously under the right circumstances. But I'm in no hurry. Rozan can go on weaving her stories bit by bit. I'm a patient person.

Re: also love SJ Rozan

[callmesandy]

I enjoy Lydia's voice in the way that I enjoy Amy Tan novels - a chance to dabble in a fascinating culture, narrated by someone with a knowledge of American culture as well.

I'm very impressed with the way Rozan does both worlds so effectively. Bill is so clearly Bill, and Lydia so clearly Lydia with the voice and word choise and view. I actually sent her first book to my friend who also reads murder mysteries, along with the first Julie Smith to get her started on those two series.

The energy between him and Lydia fascinates me, maybe because it either can't go anywhere or that it might combust spontaneously under the right circumstances. But I'm in no hurry. Rozan can go on weaving her stories bit by bit. I'm a patient person.

I really enjoy the complexity of the relationship. Bill's distance and almost paternalistic attitude and Lydia's protective urges towards him and her own strength and desire for respect. As you said, a great, adult, well-written relationship and great UST.

[therealjae]

somehow, 2002 just HAS to be better than 2001

That's what I'm choosing to believe, too. Here's to optimism.

-J