What do You think about Child Of A Rainless Year (2006)?
I first saw this book at Queen Anne Books the day I went there to buy “Through the children’s gate”. I already had three books picked out so I didn’t buy this one; I wouldn’t have regretted it if I had. This one I read while I was home sick, and it drew me in so much that I think I read it in one day. The story is told in the first person, which I don’t often like, but I was drawn in immediately. This is a fantasy book – there’s magic in it, centered around an old house in a small town in New Mexico, but there is nothing fantastical about the narrator – a stocky, sensible middle aged woman – and because of the... solidity... of the narrator, the magic when it shows up is entirely believable, at least to those of us who are able to suspend disbelief about silent women who appear as manifestations of the goodwill of the house towards its occupant. The book appears to be a single title, not part of a series, and really, I couldn’t see how this could be extended into a series, as the heart of the story is the relationship between the narrator and her mother. But I liked this enough that I will try to find other titles by this author, in hopes that the magic of her writing is found in other books as well.
—Jeannen
This was a wonderful idea with a compelling backstory. This would have garnered four stars if not for the fact that the book was bogged down in so many places with meaningless detail (for example, we are treated to full listings of every single meal the characters eat) and stair-stepping action (Mira arrives at a real estate agent's office. They agree to go out to lunch, but Mira must use the bathroom first). It became quite tedious. Also, a major plot thread is introduced that calls the love interest's character into question, but is forgotten just as quickly and never gets resolved.All in all, a good read with some very interesting concepts that could stand better editing and a more even pace.
—Paul
Although the pacing is too slow in the beginning, and much to fast towards the end, this book still captured and held my interest. Written from the perspective of a recently orphaned 50-year old woman, the story follows her journey back home to Las Vegas, New Mexico, and what she finds utterly shakes her entire perception of herself - and reality. An interesting take on a magical story from the perspective of someone other than a headstrong teen, this book offers a deeper and more layered experience. As you start to notice the cracks in space, the story begins to knit itself together. However, the denouement felt too tidy and simple. Another twist at the end would not have been unwelcome in a story as straightforward as this one. Still, the book is filled with magic, mystery, and just a touch of romance. Definitely worth a read if the recent slew of teen paranormal novels have left you with a bad taste in your mouth.
—Riley
