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Find your family story.

In the Territory of Lies [Book Review]

4/28/2012

24 Comments

 
Picture
Book Review
I dare you to read the first sentence of Chapter 1 in the book In the Territory of Lies by authors Lois Stickell and Peg Robarchek and not buy the book.

Stickell and Robarchek got me on the hook with the first line, reeled me in with the first chapter, and before I even knew what happened, I was a dusty fish story by the end of their book. Seriously.

In the Territory of Lies, two women are ultimately brought together by genealogy, family history, and the internet. And, oh yeah. A family mystery to solve too.

Interestingly, the internet is the main setting for this book, but it's also a character in the book. And I would go so far as to say it's a literary device. [But only because I need to justify all that time and money to have that English degree hanging above me on my wall as I write this review. ;) ] This novel is uniquely written within emails and online message boards, and the 2 main characters are perfectly flawed as all good main characters should be.

When I began to read a sample of this novel sent to me by Peg Robarchek, one of the authors, I went from curious to laughing to oh-my-gosh-that's-not-so-funny-anymore by the end of the first chapter. I promptly emailed Ms. Robarchek back, and eagerly explained that I was going to buy it and review it, and she offered to send me a review copy, which I patiently waited for [Read: checked the mailbox twice daily.] until it arrived. Once I began reading it, I never stopped until I finished it less than 24 hours of receiving it.

Afterwards, I asked myself why I really clicked with their fabulous book and this is what I came up with:
  • The book involves genealogy and family history. [No explanation needed on that one.]
  • The book has a mystery to solve. And it does it so very well.
  • The characters are raw and real, and that made me empathize with them oh so much more.
  • It made me laugh.
  • It took 2 very unlikely characters and brought them together.
  • It happened on the internet in exactly the same way I've met people online while doing research. [Okay. Almost the same way.]
Speaking of the internet, indeed, it is the main setting in this book. And I mentioned above it's also a character. Although, it's more than both of those, I think. It's a literary device [or could be if more writers used it in this manner]. This book would not be the same written any other way. The use of the internet is an integral part of telling this story. Why? Because times have changed and the internet as a means for communication is becoming more and more prominent. Additionally, this type of communication is done very well, if not in one of the best ways, in the online and genealogy and family history world. Stickell and Robarchek are ingenious for using this device in such a way that many of us could relate to it so well.

There are so many facets of this book that genealogy and family history researchers can relate to that even if you're not really into suspense mystery novels that weave genealogy and family history into their plots with deft finesse, you're going to want to read this 253-paged book of awesomeness.

I'm Forming a Genealogy and Family History Reader's Group
I really cannot say enough good things about In the Territory of Lies. [As if you couldn't already tell.] So. I thought of something cool for us to do.The authors included in the back of their book a reader's guide that contains a list of discussion questions for a reader's group.

And we're [me and the mouse in my pocket] are forming a genealogy and family history reader's group. [Ingenious. I know.] One book per month with a discussion done via my Spreecast channel. This way if you don't want to be on video [or don't have the equipment to do so], then you can participate via the chat room on my Spreecast Channel. This platform affords us ways to handle questions for those in the chat room as well.

As you've already guessed, I've chosen the first book to be In the Territory of Lies by Lois Stickell and Peg Robarchek. It's available from Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle editions at the product links listed below. If you don't have a Kindle, you can also download the free Kindle app for your smartphone, and that link is located on the product page once you click on one of the image links below.

If you are going to participate in the Reader's Group, please contact me, and let me know. This is not a big commitment. If you're there, you're there. If you're not, you're not. This just allows me the courtesy of knowing if I and the mouse in my pocket will be the only ones participating in my Reader's Group Spreecast. The date of which I'll set-up when we get a little closer to the one-month mark. [And don't worry. It won't be Memorial Day weekend. I'm going to be on a beach on an island that weekend. With a book.] Mainly I'm just looking for interest level in this kind of thing. However, the kicker is this: you must purchase the book, check it our from the library, or borrow it from someone AND you must read it before the Spreecast Reader's Group meeting in a little over a month.

So? In case you couldn't tell, I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. It's that good. ;)

You game?

~Caroline

Amazon - Paperback
Amazon - Kindle

Disclaimer: Peg Robarchek contacted me and provided me a copy of her and Lois Stickell's book to read and to review. All opinions of their book are my own and are not influenced by them gifting me their book. Their book is full of all kinds of awesomeness, and if it wasn't, I wouldn't have said it was. Additionally, I am an affiliate of Amazon.com, and if you click on a link or image advertising this book on my site and buy it [or anything else while you're perusing Amazon.com on that link click], I do receive a small commission for referring you.
24 Comments
Beth
4/28/2012 10:01:17 am

Would love to be a part of that book group. However I don't have the time to read anything more than 50 pages, and most of them involve trucks, bulldozers, or whatever else my 4 year-old son likes. If/When I get a vacation from being Mommy, maybe I can read a book. I used to read books at work, but now I quit. :-(

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
4/28/2012 11:24:55 am

That's too bad, Beth. Perhaps sometime in the future you could join us when things settle down.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. =)

~C

Reply
Patti Loya
4/28/2012 10:04:04 am

I would love to participate. How much time do we have to get the book read and be ready? I've not got a copy yet. Not sure if I can access all the computer stuff to meet with the group but I'll give it a whirl!

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
4/28/2012 11:27:31 am

That's great Patti! Generally, you'll have about a month. In this case, it'll be a little over a month as I'll [and my mouse] will be busy Memorial Day weekend. LOL.

It's 253 pages, so that's more than enough time to buy and read before then.

Closer to the discussion, I'll post info about the Spreecast so everyone can figure it out.

Thanks so much for joining us and reading my blog. I appreciate it. =)

~C

Reply
Cathi Desmarais link
4/28/2012 01:46:19 pm

I just ordered it. The Kindle edition was only 4.99 - such a deal! Thanks for recommending it.

Reply
Diana Ritchie link
4/29/2012 10:59:51 pm

I read this book in one day - and if I get less than my usual stellar grades on my assignments that I had to turn in yesterday I shall totally blame YOU Caroline ;-) But really, thanks so much for recommending it though - can't wait for the virtual book club meeting!!

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
4/30/2012 03:33:09 pm

ME? I didn't make you! LOL. It was a good book wasn't it?

~C

Reply
Diana Ritchie link
4/30/2012 10:50:22 pm

As my favorite poster says, "I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going to blame you" LOL I was a great book - can't wait until their next one comes out!!

Terri Fraser
4/30/2012 12:25:32 pm

Caroline,

I've considered joining book clubs in the past, but never did. I like the idea of a genealogy and family history reader's group. This sounds like fun. I read all the time and look for recommended books to read. Please add me to the list of members. I have a couple of Twitter and geneablogger friends who may be interested in joining as well.

Regards, Terri Fraser

Reply
Cheryl Palmer link
4/30/2012 01:09:37 pm

Hi Caroline! Terri, above sent me a message to see this, and yes please add me to the list! I am overly busy most of the time anymore, but Would love to read genealogy related books. I know there are a couple out there I have wanted to read and still haven't. :-( I can think of one of them right now, but that is all. So, I wonder if this book is available for the Nook? I will check that out. I have been trying not to purchase hard back books if I can help it, but if I have to I will for this one! Thanks for the review, I want to read it! See you at Jamboree? I will be there!

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
4/30/2012 03:34:00 pm

Awesome & welcome! The more, the merrier!

~C

Reply
Linda McCauley link
4/30/2012 01:26:20 pm

So far, loving it.

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Caroline M. Pointer
4/30/2012 03:34:42 pm

It's a great read, isn't it? Love Gaelic Gal. =)

~C

Reply
Chuck Livermore link
4/30/2012 03:24:13 pm

Can I be the token male in the group? I love books and genealogy so this seems like a perfect fit for me. Would you always read novels or are planning to throw in some nonfiction too?

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
4/30/2012 03:37:52 pm

Absolutely, Chuck! We'll definitely be reading nonfiction as well. In fact, most of the time it'll be nonfiction. Whenever I can find fiction involving genealogy, it'll be thrown into the mix. I just wanted to start with this fiction novel because online so much I felt that we could all really relate to it.

Plus the authors gave me the idea with their reader's group discussion in the back of the book.

Welcome!
~C

Reply
Joyce Johnson
5/1/2012 09:35:32 am

I would love to be a part of this reader's group. Finances are a bit tight at times, so I may not be able to participate every single month, but I definitely want in! Can't wait to buy and read the first book!

Reply
Caroline M. Pointer
5/1/2012 09:58:39 am

Excellent, Joyce! Whatever level of participation you can do is fine with me. Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by! =)

!C

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kristin link
5/3/2012 12:29:27 am

I'm so glad you recommended this book. finished it yesterday and enjoyed it. it's the first book I read on my new kindle and I enjoyed that too.

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Jackie
5/5/2012 01:35:42 pm

Thanks for recommending 'In the Territory of Lies". I just finished reading it tonight. It was really good. Also, a book club is a great idea.

Reply
4YourFamilyStory
5/6/2012 08:47:27 pm

Thanks, Jackie! I'm glad you liked it.

And thanks for stopping by & reading! :)

~C

Reply
4YourFamilyStory
5/6/2012 08:50:27 pm

Kristin, I'm so glad you liked the book, especially since it was your first book on your new Kindle.

Also, I really appreciate you stopping by & commenting. :)

~C

Reply
Ann Hinds
2/19/2014 03:22:59 am

I'm in. One the way to the library.

Reply
Carlyn
3/3/2014 04:12:23 am

Thank you so much for reviewing the book, "In the Territory of Lies." Although I love the feel of a real book, thank goodness for Kindle! Less expensive; no waiting for an Amazon (really quick, "normal") shipment; and the ability to read it from apps on a variety of devices. I started reading it within minutes of buying it for $4.99. Thank you so much for posting the book information, as well as hosting the Readers' Group. I am really looking forward to this.

Reply
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3/21/2022 11:54:14 pm

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