Weekly Geeks! Interviewing Melody

Unfortunately, I don't always have a chance to participate in Weekly Geeks. Partly because it often involves a camera and that always makes me feel overwhelmed! This week seemed like a super fun idea, to swap interviews about a book, so I signed on!

Here's my interview with Melody of Mel's Reading Corner. By the way, I've just gotten to know her via BBAW, but she seems pretty awesome, so I hope you go check out her blog. I asked Melody about In the Woods, a book I recently bought and have heard great things about.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I picked up this book while browsing at the bookstore one day. I was hooked by the intriguing blurb, and then of course I am a huge fan of crime thrillers. I did not read this book immediately; I tend to stack them in my TBR pile until the mood strikes do I pick up the books to read. It was after reading a review by a fellow book blogger that I decided to read this book, because she made it sounds so good!

Were there any elements about this book that surprised you?

Yes! There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. The psychological element is the one that get to me. You can just feel all the emotions in this story. It makes me ponder about things like: sometimes a person who appears to be strong (both physically or mentally) does not necessary means so, and vice versa.

Were you able to empathize with the characters?

Yes, I do. The author has done a great job in weaving this story with very good descriptions. I felt the most with the protagonist amongst all in this story.

Was this a compulsive page turner or a leisurely read at will sort of book?

Definitely a compulsive page turner to me. I could not put the book down; I wish I had read it earlier.

How did this book compare to other books in the same genre?

Each crime thriller author has his/her own writing style and therefore, each book is unique to me. What I find this story refreshing is reading the issue and the dilemma the protagonist has to deal with, given his profession being a detective and also one of the victims of a disappearance case during his childhood days. I had wondered how the author would pull this off towards the end, and I think she had done it nicely.

Will you read more books by this author?

Yes! In fact, I am currently reading her next instalment – The Likeness. It is much better than In the Woods in my opinion.

I have this book in my TBR pile...should I bump it up?

I would highly recommend this book! This is one of my favourite reads this year. I am hoping to read your review on it soon.

And her interview with me about Up Pops the Devil.

What made you read this book? Have you read anything by this author?
I was offered this book for review by a blog tour group I belong to. I've never read anything by this author, but I've seen her book The Amen Sisters around in the stores. I have to admit the cover and the title were very attractive...I'm easily swayed. ;)

I learnt from the blurb that this novel is leaning more towards Christian fiction, do you think non-Christians readers will enjoy this story too? Will you recommend this novel to them? Why?
I have to admit, I was really surprised this book wasn't under the Avon Inspire imprint, which is the inspirational or Christian imprint of Harper Collins Avon. I read a great deal of Christian fiction and it really varies, from books that may only mention God once to books that are a bit more, uh, direct. This book talks about God a lot. My guess is that someone with different beliefs would still enjoy this very human story and struggle for redemption. As far as recommending it, it would depend on the person. Some people enjoy reading Christian fiction because it tends to be free of foul language and explicit sexual scenes even if they believe differently. Others can't stomach any of it. So I would need to know their feelings on that first.

What do you think of Preacher, who is the protagonist of this story? Is there any characters you like or hate? Why?
Preacher is extremely likeable as he wants to change his life around and atone for his past mistakes. Sadly, the women in this story get on my nerves. They each have their own agendas.

Why do you think the women in Preacher's life are making things difficult for him?
I think they each have different goals and expectations. They want him to be the person he used to be before prison, but he's changed and they have to come to terms with that, and it's difficult for them.

What is most inspiring about this book?
That love and forgiveness are the keys to beating the devils in our lives. ;)