Title: I’d Know You Anywhere: A Novel
Author: Laura Lippman
Pages: 384
Bookworm: I finally finished our book last night. It was down to the wire this time! Ready to discuss?
Bookworm: Well, I have to say I didn't like it that much. The novel never really seemed to pick up steam, I never felt held in suspense and I felt the ending was anticlimactic. I like her writing but I didn't think that her plot was developed enough. What did you think?
Me: I liked it. And was actually really interested to see what would happen when they came face to face. And I liked that Walter at least owned up to two more crimes. And I'm glad Eliza didn't save him.I HATED, HATED, HATED the character of Barbara LaFortuny. She was horrible. Not one of my favorite books. I wouldn't rave about it or anything. But it was decent.I think the weirdest thing was that I never connected to any of the characters in the story. It was like reading behind the scenes of a newspaper article. No emotion. Or connection. I don't feel like I knew them.
Bookworm: I agree with the hate you felt towards Barbara. I didn't like her either. I thought who she became after her own attack was an odd outcome of what she had suffered through. I would think that being knifed would make you a little softer, more grateful for life. She just seemed more cynical.I connected a bit with Eliza, or maybe I wanted to but never felt like I could. I didn't feel like the characters were developed well enough on an emotional level. I wish the author would have gotten into the day she was returned home, the family's reaction to her return, how she became relatively well adjusted. I guess I yearned for more emotion.It's not a book I would recommend to others, but it wasn't bad; just unimpressive.There were some interesting lines in there, like the one about the state killing the Walter that no longer existed. That made me think about the death penalty for a while.What about you? Did this book make you think about anything in particular, such as the death penalty?
Me: I agree the author could have put in a lot more detail and emotion. Like I wonder how Eliza was traumatized but still able to end up with a great husband like Peter, and great kids. Even a little bit about her going through therapy or something. One of the big things I thought about was forgiveness and the nature of it. It's such a big concept and one I struggle with. I have a really hard time forgiving people. I tend to hold on to hurts for a long time. I wonder if Eliza was able to forgive Walter truly. And if she was ever able to forgive herself. What did you think of the death penalty? In general? And in the case of Walter? Weirdly I never understood why Walter did what he did. Maybe that's more true to real life.
Bookworm: I am against the death penalty, though I can certainly understand those who are for it. I just see it as yet another murder being committed. However, I think prisons really need to be reformed so that it may possibly deter people from making bad choices. No TV, no higher learning, no options to buy fast food- a lot tougher, basically. In the case of Walter this is still my opinion. I, like you, never fully understood why Walter did what he did, and I liked that. As you said, it felt closer to real life.
Me: What did you think about the relationship between Walter and Eliza? Too friendly?
Bookworm: Um, I'm not sure. I think the friendliness (though I'm not sure if that's the right word for how I saw their relationship) speaks to the level of control he had over her and the odd relationship she developed with him when she could have escaped multiple times. I have never understood Stockholm syndrome. What did you think about it?
Me: It was so strange. She seemed to like him too much. I can see why the author character (sorry, I forgot his character name and I turned the book back into the library), said that something more was going on. I think she was too eager to please people. And she and Walter formed almost a strange friendship. It created a Stockholm syndrome.
My final verdict: 2 out of 5 stars
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Book of the Month
Title: A Wolf at the Table: A Memoir of My Father
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Pages: 256
I can’t believe December and Christmas is here and upon us already. Bring on the stress and the food! As you know, each month it gets harder and harder to pick my book. Sometimes, I pick a book inspired by the holiday of that month. Sometimes I just pick the “it” book of the moment; you know, the one everyone’s talking about. Sometimes I pick something by a favorite author or just something I am looking forward to reading. This month’s pick I think takes all these ideas and rolls them into one. Not only have I read Augusten Burroughs before and enjoyed him but I have been looking for just the right book of his to read next. Plus whenever I mention that I love David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs comes up. It seems like a book that has been staring at me but that no one I know has read. And when I think Christmas I think of families and their relationships. And the relationship between father and son is one that has always fascinated me. It seems like this relationship above all others shapes the son. It’s the one relationship on which the most hangs. And in this book Burroughs takes a look at his life with his own father. Burroughs brings us behind the curtain and down the rabbit hole. It may not make for light fluffy reading but I for one can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. Give it a try and hopefully you will be reading my thoughts on it soon.
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Pages: 256
I can’t believe December and Christmas is here and upon us already. Bring on the stress and the food! As you know, each month it gets harder and harder to pick my book. Sometimes, I pick a book inspired by the holiday of that month. Sometimes I just pick the “it” book of the moment; you know, the one everyone’s talking about. Sometimes I pick something by a favorite author or just something I am looking forward to reading. This month’s pick I think takes all these ideas and rolls them into one. Not only have I read Augusten Burroughs before and enjoyed him but I have been looking for just the right book of his to read next. Plus whenever I mention that I love David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs comes up. It seems like a book that has been staring at me but that no one I know has read. And when I think Christmas I think of families and their relationships. And the relationship between father and son is one that has always fascinated me. It seems like this relationship above all others shapes the son. It’s the one relationship on which the most hangs. And in this book Burroughs takes a look at his life with his own father. Burroughs brings us behind the curtain and down the rabbit hole. It may not make for light fluffy reading but I for one can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. Give it a try and hopefully you will be reading my thoughts on it soon.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Dark Half
Title: The Dark Half
Author: Stephen King
Pages: 496
A Book Club Discussion: (SPOILERS)
Bookworm:
First, what did you think of the book over all? I know that you've read King before, but what did you think about his writing style? Also, King referred to the duality that exists within writers. What is your opinion in regard to that?
Me:
I really liked it over all. EXCEPT....I felt like I had a better ending in my own head than the book had. (P.S. This is one of my main King complaints...he never gets the ending quite right for me) But I love the way King writes his characters. That's something he excels in. And I usually fall in love with the people that live between his pages. Writers ARE two people. At least I think I am. There's the world you really live in and the world you create in your head. While I come up with some questions it's your turn to answer.
Me:
As a first time King reader, what did you think? Would you read anything by him again? Was it too scary? Or too gory?
Bookworm:
I liked the book very much with the exception of the ending. I would have liked a bit more follow through on that. But I was happy that everyone made it out alive (the exception being Stark and his victims of course) because I did fall in love with his characters. In this regard, he reminds me very much of Dean Koontz. I agree with the duality of a writer, though I have trouble sometimes trying to keep myself out of my characters. As for his writing style, I don't like the amount of cussing but even that I could deal with. He is crass at times and that really turns me off. He definitely isn't too gory for me, and this book wasn't scary at all so yes, I would read another book of his.
Me:
How would you have ended the book? Before William and Wendy were born, Liz was pregnant with and lost a set of twins, does this mean that the cycle could continue? Does each twin have it's own ghost twin?
Bookworm:
For an ending I like something very tidy. I would have liked to see Alan, Thad and Liz 3 months later enjoying coffee together, watching the twins play. I really wanted to know that Alan got over blaming Thad. As for having a ghost twin, I don't quite know. I think Thad's situation was different from other similar situations in that he was a writer. I think the duality of a writer's personality actually had more to do with the creation of Stark than the fact that Thad was his twin. What do you think? And did you have a favorite quote or part of the book? I did. My favorite quote: "...writers INVITE ghosts, maybe; along with actors and artists, they are the only totally accepted mediums of our society. They make worlds that never were, populate them with people who never existed, and then invite us to join them in their fantasies. And we do, don't we? Yes. We PAY to do it."
Me:
My ending would have been Thad using his writing to vanquish Stark. And then fast forward to Thad having a best selling book on his own and living happily with Liz and Wendy and William. Sadly I read online that in King's book "Bag of Bones", it is revealed that Thad committed suicide. Knowing that, does it change your perception of Thad or the book?I think King is saying being a writer is almost the same as a ghost twin. Two people in one body. The duality of man. Favorite Quotes: I wrote down a couple. But I will only list my top two."When you put a bunch of English teachers together with an almost unlimited supply of booze, you could burn down a weekend." (Pg 88-24)"Thad closed the eyes God had put in his face and opened the one God had put in his mind, the eye which persisted in seeing even the things he didn't want to look at." Pg. 157
Me:
Many of Stephen King's characters are writers including: Thad (The Dark Half), Ben Mears (Salem's Lot), Paul Sheldon (Misery), Mike Noonan (Bag of Bones), Scott Landon (Lisey's Story), William Denbrough (It), Jack Torrance (The Shining), and Roberta (Bobbi) Anderson (Tommyknockers). Why is that?
Bookworm:
I'm so sad to hear about Thad killing himself!!!!!!!! Hell yes it changes my perception of the book though it shouldn't since it doesn't actually occur in this novel. I have to say I like the story a little less. What about you? Does it change your perception of Thad or the book? To answer your question about so many characters being writer's I'm guessing that it has to do with writing what you know. I know I find myself writing characters who are writers or in some way related to writing (editor, literary agent). I also find that I write many of my female characters as I am. What's your take on that?
Me:
Poor Thad! I feel so bad for him. And it opens up so many questions. Why did he do what he did? Was it because of a failing relationship with Liz? Was he afraid of himself? Did he feel George returning? I think King writes about writers mostly because it's a subject he knows well. But I also think that he chooses writers because of a writers mind. A writer would much more easily believe the weird things happening (ghosts, monsters, witches, etc), because they have the kind of mind that is more open to possibility and uses more imagination.
Bookworm:
Have you read bag of bones? I kind of want to now just to follow up with Thad.
Me:
Yes, I have read Bag of Bones. And I remember not caring for it very much. Probably not worth reading it just for follow up on Thad. Especially since it's probably just a passing sentence and we already know what it says. If you read another King, please read The Green Mile.
Final Thoughts:
This was not my most favorite King novel. Not by a long shot. But it was decent and entertaining. And I loved Thad and George. I have to give this one 2 and a half stars.
Author: Stephen King
Pages: 496
A Book Club Discussion: (SPOILERS)
Bookworm:
First, what did you think of the book over all? I know that you've read King before, but what did you think about his writing style? Also, King referred to the duality that exists within writers. What is your opinion in regard to that?
Me:
I really liked it over all. EXCEPT....I felt like I had a better ending in my own head than the book had. (P.S. This is one of my main King complaints...he never gets the ending quite right for me) But I love the way King writes his characters. That's something he excels in. And I usually fall in love with the people that live between his pages. Writers ARE two people. At least I think I am. There's the world you really live in and the world you create in your head. While I come up with some questions it's your turn to answer.
Me:
As a first time King reader, what did you think? Would you read anything by him again? Was it too scary? Or too gory?
Bookworm:
I liked the book very much with the exception of the ending. I would have liked a bit more follow through on that. But I was happy that everyone made it out alive (the exception being Stark and his victims of course) because I did fall in love with his characters. In this regard, he reminds me very much of Dean Koontz. I agree with the duality of a writer, though I have trouble sometimes trying to keep myself out of my characters. As for his writing style, I don't like the amount of cussing but even that I could deal with. He is crass at times and that really turns me off. He definitely isn't too gory for me, and this book wasn't scary at all so yes, I would read another book of his.
Me:
How would you have ended the book? Before William and Wendy were born, Liz was pregnant with and lost a set of twins, does this mean that the cycle could continue? Does each twin have it's own ghost twin?
Bookworm:
For an ending I like something very tidy. I would have liked to see Alan, Thad and Liz 3 months later enjoying coffee together, watching the twins play. I really wanted to know that Alan got over blaming Thad. As for having a ghost twin, I don't quite know. I think Thad's situation was different from other similar situations in that he was a writer. I think the duality of a writer's personality actually had more to do with the creation of Stark than the fact that Thad was his twin. What do you think? And did you have a favorite quote or part of the book? I did. My favorite quote: "...writers INVITE ghosts, maybe; along with actors and artists, they are the only totally accepted mediums of our society. They make worlds that never were, populate them with people who never existed, and then invite us to join them in their fantasies. And we do, don't we? Yes. We PAY to do it."
Me:
My ending would have been Thad using his writing to vanquish Stark. And then fast forward to Thad having a best selling book on his own and living happily with Liz and Wendy and William. Sadly I read online that in King's book "Bag of Bones", it is revealed that Thad committed suicide. Knowing that, does it change your perception of Thad or the book?I think King is saying being a writer is almost the same as a ghost twin. Two people in one body. The duality of man. Favorite Quotes: I wrote down a couple. But I will only list my top two."When you put a bunch of English teachers together with an almost unlimited supply of booze, you could burn down a weekend." (Pg 88-24)"Thad closed the eyes God had put in his face and opened the one God had put in his mind, the eye which persisted in seeing even the things he didn't want to look at." Pg. 157
Me:
Many of Stephen King's characters are writers including: Thad (The Dark Half), Ben Mears (Salem's Lot), Paul Sheldon (Misery), Mike Noonan (Bag of Bones), Scott Landon (Lisey's Story), William Denbrough (It), Jack Torrance (The Shining), and Roberta (Bobbi) Anderson (Tommyknockers). Why is that?
Bookworm:
I'm so sad to hear about Thad killing himself!!!!!!!! Hell yes it changes my perception of the book though it shouldn't since it doesn't actually occur in this novel. I have to say I like the story a little less. What about you? Does it change your perception of Thad or the book? To answer your question about so many characters being writer's I'm guessing that it has to do with writing what you know. I know I find myself writing characters who are writers or in some way related to writing (editor, literary agent). I also find that I write many of my female characters as I am. What's your take on that?
Me:
Poor Thad! I feel so bad for him. And it opens up so many questions. Why did he do what he did? Was it because of a failing relationship with Liz? Was he afraid of himself? Did he feel George returning? I think King writes about writers mostly because it's a subject he knows well. But I also think that he chooses writers because of a writers mind. A writer would much more easily believe the weird things happening (ghosts, monsters, witches, etc), because they have the kind of mind that is more open to possibility and uses more imagination.
Bookworm:
Have you read bag of bones? I kind of want to now just to follow up with Thad.
Me:
Yes, I have read Bag of Bones. And I remember not caring for it very much. Probably not worth reading it just for follow up on Thad. Especially since it's probably just a passing sentence and we already know what it says. If you read another King, please read The Green Mile.
Final Thoughts:
This was not my most favorite King novel. Not by a long shot. But it was decent and entertaining. And I loved Thad and George. I have to give this one 2 and a half stars.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Last Time I Saw You
Title: The Last Time I Saw You
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Pages: 288
Our book club discussion:
Me:
So what did you think of "The Last Time I saw You"? Favorite Characters? And/or moments?
Bookworm:
Overall, I thought the book was okay. In the beginning I couldn't stand her writing style- it seemed choppy. The only characters I liked were Mary Alice, Lester and Candy. I couldn't stand Dorothy and her friends, and I couldn't sympathize with Pete at all. He never seemed truely sorry. I think the last chapter would have to be the best part of the book for me. I liked seeing how it all ended up. Other than that, my feeling toward the book is pretty mediocre. What did you think? What were your favorite parts/characters?
Me:
Haha...it's scary how much we think alike. I thought this book was just "ok"; not great and not horrible. My favorites were definitely Mary Alice and Lester. My most favorite part of the whole book was the table o' truth. Although I doubt anything like that could happen in real life, I thought it was a great idea and I know I wanted to sit there and listen in. It did make me reflect back on my own high school days. In the story, Dorothy had a high school crush on Pete Decker, who was your Pete Decker?
Bookworm:
I liked the idea of the table of truth but found it hard to relate to on some subjects because of the age difference. Overall, her story rang true to me- I'm guessing a reunion would be one huge mean-spirited gossip-fest. As for my Pete Decker, it would have had to have been John Doe!!!! He looked like Keanu Reeves and was just a pleasure to look at. Then I finally talked to him and it shattered the fantasy. Every other word was f#%* and someone told me he was a drug dealer. Did you have a Pete Decker before Mr X? Would you ever read any of her books again?
Me:
Would you ever go to one of our high school reunions? Hmmm....was there life before Mr. X? Hahaha. I had a couple of crushes. Let me go home and consult my year book. The big one I remember is that I liked a boy in middle school (who then ended up at high school) and he was blonde and popular and out of my league. He wasn't very nice to me. But now, I don't even really remember his name. Andy maybe? LoL.
Bookworm:
I might someday. Would you?
Me:
At this moment, probably not. But you know what they say, "Never Say Never". In the book, there is a lot of discussion about change. How have you changed since high school? Do you think people basically remain the same? If people change, do we accept the change or see them as they were? And did your life turn out how you thought?
Bookworm:
Dang, you ask great questions! I have changed alot since high school, I think. I'm less self-centered. In high school I had such a hard time at home that my emotions were all I ever thought of. Now, I think I'm a better person. I think people do basically stay the same unless one seeks counseling. I found that I changed drastically after that!! Seeing change in others can be hard, because of initial impressions. And finally, no, my life has not turned out the way that I thought. I always believed I would have at least 3 kids by the time I was 30. Considering I 'm 29 for only 24 more days, I don't see that happening. Your turn to answer all your fabulous questions!
Me:
Did my life turn out how I thought? Yes and No. I accomplished some things that I wanted to by now, like the dream of owning my own home, and becoming Mrs. X by marrying the love of my life. BUT I was also supposed to be a high school English teacher who also happened to be a best selling novelist. No way did I think that I would be a 30 year old receptionist. Do people change? They can! But it takes a lot of hard work. If people change, do we accept the change? Not right away. I think we are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe if you spend some time with that person and witness the change, then you come to see it and accept it. Have I changed? I don't know have I? In a lot of ways I feel exactly the same. I think the biggest change is that now I'm not afraid to be different or nerdy or even disagree with a friend. Like in high school I would NEVER have admitted to reading and loving the Harry Potter series because I would have been afraid of what others thought of me. Now, I could care less. I like it and it makes me happy. I'm becoming more me. I'm letting out the stuff I used to hide. I'm still working on it but it's better than it was in high school.
Bookworm:
I think we've all changed (for the better I hope) since breaking free from the confines of high school. Maybe change isn't the best word for it. I like the way you stated it- I'm becoming more me. Brilliant! And by the way, it's not too late to write your novel :)
Final thoughts:
Pretty Medicore! 2 out of 5 stars.
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Pages: 288
Our book club discussion:
Me:
So what did you think of "The Last Time I saw You"? Favorite Characters? And/or moments?
Bookworm:
Overall, I thought the book was okay. In the beginning I couldn't stand her writing style- it seemed choppy. The only characters I liked were Mary Alice, Lester and Candy. I couldn't stand Dorothy and her friends, and I couldn't sympathize with Pete at all. He never seemed truely sorry. I think the last chapter would have to be the best part of the book for me. I liked seeing how it all ended up. Other than that, my feeling toward the book is pretty mediocre. What did you think? What were your favorite parts/characters?
Me:
Haha...it's scary how much we think alike. I thought this book was just "ok"; not great and not horrible. My favorites were definitely Mary Alice and Lester. My most favorite part of the whole book was the table o' truth. Although I doubt anything like that could happen in real life, I thought it was a great idea and I know I wanted to sit there and listen in. It did make me reflect back on my own high school days. In the story, Dorothy had a high school crush on Pete Decker, who was your Pete Decker?
Bookworm:
I liked the idea of the table of truth but found it hard to relate to on some subjects because of the age difference. Overall, her story rang true to me- I'm guessing a reunion would be one huge mean-spirited gossip-fest. As for my Pete Decker, it would have had to have been John Doe!!!! He looked like Keanu Reeves and was just a pleasure to look at. Then I finally talked to him and it shattered the fantasy. Every other word was f#%* and someone told me he was a drug dealer. Did you have a Pete Decker before Mr X? Would you ever read any of her books again?
Me:
Would you ever go to one of our high school reunions? Hmmm....was there life before Mr. X? Hahaha. I had a couple of crushes. Let me go home and consult my year book. The big one I remember is that I liked a boy in middle school (who then ended up at high school) and he was blonde and popular and out of my league. He wasn't very nice to me. But now, I don't even really remember his name. Andy maybe? LoL.
Bookworm:
I might someday. Would you?
Me:
At this moment, probably not. But you know what they say, "Never Say Never". In the book, there is a lot of discussion about change. How have you changed since high school? Do you think people basically remain the same? If people change, do we accept the change or see them as they were? And did your life turn out how you thought?
Bookworm:
Dang, you ask great questions! I have changed alot since high school, I think. I'm less self-centered. In high school I had such a hard time at home that my emotions were all I ever thought of. Now, I think I'm a better person. I think people do basically stay the same unless one seeks counseling. I found that I changed drastically after that!! Seeing change in others can be hard, because of initial impressions. And finally, no, my life has not turned out the way that I thought. I always believed I would have at least 3 kids by the time I was 30. Considering I 'm 29 for only 24 more days, I don't see that happening. Your turn to answer all your fabulous questions!
Me:
Did my life turn out how I thought? Yes and No. I accomplished some things that I wanted to by now, like the dream of owning my own home, and becoming Mrs. X by marrying the love of my life. BUT I was also supposed to be a high school English teacher who also happened to be a best selling novelist. No way did I think that I would be a 30 year old receptionist. Do people change? They can! But it takes a lot of hard work. If people change, do we accept the change? Not right away. I think we are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe if you spend some time with that person and witness the change, then you come to see it and accept it. Have I changed? I don't know have I? In a lot of ways I feel exactly the same. I think the biggest change is that now I'm not afraid to be different or nerdy or even disagree with a friend. Like in high school I would NEVER have admitted to reading and loving the Harry Potter series because I would have been afraid of what others thought of me. Now, I could care less. I like it and it makes me happy. I'm becoming more me. I'm letting out the stuff I used to hide. I'm still working on it but it's better than it was in high school.
Bookworm:
I think we've all changed (for the better I hope) since breaking free from the confines of high school. Maybe change isn't the best word for it. I like the way you stated it- I'm becoming more me. Brilliant! And by the way, it's not too late to write your novel :)
Final thoughts:
Pretty Medicore! 2 out of 5 stars.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Book of the Month
November? What happened to October? Well my friends, I have been a bad, bad blogger! I kept putting it off and putting it off and before I knew it October 2010 was gone and November was here. (Note to self: Stop procrastinating!) Well in October, my book club selection was “The Dark Half” by Stephen King (review coming soon!) The main character in that book, like many of King’s characters, and like King himself, is a writer. And it got me thinking about my own writing. I even had an idea for a story! My first story idea in five years! Talk about writer’s block. Actually, it’s just because I’m incredibly shy about letting people inside my head. I’m always worried that I’m not good enough. So for this month’s book of the month, I picked “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King himself. Which is part biography and part handbook. And I know that I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I hope I can get it soon and begin my own writing journey.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
White Oleander
Title: White Oleander
Author: Janet Finch
Pages: 480
SPOILERS……….
Astrid Magnussen is the daughter of the deadly and beautiful poet Ingrid Magnussen. And when Ingrid begins dating Barry Kolker, all of their lives will change forever. And as a result, Ingrid will end being sentenced to life in prison and Astrid will be forced into the child service system. Her first home is with Starr, an ex-drinker and ex-stripper that has been saved by Jesus. Also in the household are Starr’s real children Davy and Carolee; two other foster children named Owen and Peter; and Ray (or Uncle Ray), Starr’s carpenter boyfriend who is also already married. In Starr’s household, Astrid begins to learn about religion, as she is baptized into the Truth Assembly of Christ, and she begins to learn about nature, stars, trails, rabbits, and snakes from Davy. But it’s Ray, she’s most attracted to. And eventually the two begin a sexual relationship. As the relationship between Ray and Astrid grows, the relationship between Starr and Ray begins to deteriorate, so much so that Starr begins drinking again. And with her drinking Carolee decides to leave for good and Starr has a confrontation with Davy that results in a broken arm. Things continue to spiral and get worse until one night when Starr and Ray are having a loud argument, Starr storms into Astrid’s room and shoots her. Astrid is saved by Davy, who calls 911 and allows her to be taken into the hospital. After a few weeks stay in the hospital, Astrid is sent to her next home with the Turlock’s. This time Astrid meets Marvel and Ed Turlock and their two small children Caitlin and Justin. But it’s not long until she discovers her true purpose in the Turlock household, babysitter, pot scrubber, laundry maid, and beautician. And then Astrid befriends the rich beautiful black neighbor Olivia Johnstone. Immediately Astrid feels a connection to Olivia and sets out to befriend her. Only to learn the Olivia is also a prostitute. Soon Astrid begins drinking, and using drugs and even indulging in sexual acts for favors. One night Astrid sneaks out of the Turlock home in an attempt to visit Olivia, which results in a dog attack. The dog attack once again lands Astrid in the hospital with scars on her face and arms. And Marvel starts to become suspicious of Astrid’s behavior. One day without warning Marvel calls child services and has Astrid picked up from school and returned into the system. And that is when Astrid comes to live with Amelia Ramos, who has other foster daughters already including Kiki, Lina, Silvana, Micaela, and Nidia. To celebrate her arrival the entire clan has a giant meal. But the happiness is cut short, when the next morning Astrid discovers the fridge padlocked shut. And the entire house of foster girls go hungry all time. So Astrid steals food out of trash cans and does anything she can to survive all the while trying to reach child services and ask for new placement. It’s not until case worker Joan Peeler arrives that Astrid is finally able to leave Amelia’s house. And this will lead to Astrid’s happiest time. Joan places her with Claire Richards, a former actress and her film maker husband Ron. At first, it is just Claire and Astrid. They ate out of fast food cartons, told stories, thumbed through photo albums, listened to Opera’s, attended art museums, watched movies, and really formed a friendship and a love for one another. And Astrid flourishes, getting good grades and attending art classes all while planning a future in college. But when Ron would arrive home, Claire would become another person, only to be left crushed and devastated when he had to leave again. It is this weakness which Ingrid exploits. And Claire eventually takes a bottle of pills and commits suicide, leaving Astrid alone and heartbroken. And Astrid just stops trying. This leads into a placement in the MacLaren Children’s Center (aka Mac). Life at Mac would be the worst it’s ever been. Astrid is constantly beat up by the other girls, who are threatened that their boyfriends will find Astrid more beautiful. So Astrid chops off all her hair. She shuts her self off and she shuts down. It is during this time that she meets, Paul Trout. Paul Trout is also a foster child in Mac, and he is also an artist like Astrid. Eventually Paul is able to get Astrid to talk and the two become close friends and kindred spirits. Until the day Rena Grushenka arrives and Astrid is placed for her final time. Rena also has two other foster girls; Nikki, a rock and roll singer, and Yvonne a pregnant teen who must give up her baby for adoption. Rena teaches them all the importance of money. The dig through other people’s trash and sell anything they can to survive. Rena has the girls set up to do art projects that they can also sell. Meanwhile Astrid begins to dabble in drugs and sex with Sergei, Rena’s boyfriend. During this time a new lawyer appears on the scene for Astrid’s mom. The lawyer and Ingrid think that Ingrid can be released from prison with the help of Astrid’s testimony. Astrid finally agrees to testify but only if she can meet with her mother first and get some questions answered. So Astrid and Ingrid meet in the prison to talk about Astrid’s father and how Ingrid left Astrid for a whole year when she was a baby. Astrid explains to her mother how much she has poisoned her life. She wishes for Ingrid to choose between the corrupt Astrid, by having her lie in court or for having Astrid whole again. In the end, Ingrid chooses to not have Astrid lie for her. At the end of the book, Astrid is leaving in Germany with Paul and both are artists. Astrid is working on pieces about her life, which she puts into suitcases. Paul brings home an American newspaper one day and Astrid discovers that her mother has been released from prison and is now living in California. Astrid contemplates returning back to her former life with her mother but decides that while she may always fantasize about a life with her mother, she is no longer that person, she is now what she has become and a family with Paul.
Final thoughts:
Sad. And I lost a little interest after Claire died.
Book VS. Movie: The movie is great but left out Astrid’s time with the Turlocks and with Amelia.
3 stars out of 5.
Author: Janet Finch
Pages: 480
SPOILERS……….
Astrid Magnussen is the daughter of the deadly and beautiful poet Ingrid Magnussen. And when Ingrid begins dating Barry Kolker, all of their lives will change forever. And as a result, Ingrid will end being sentenced to life in prison and Astrid will be forced into the child service system. Her first home is with Starr, an ex-drinker and ex-stripper that has been saved by Jesus. Also in the household are Starr’s real children Davy and Carolee; two other foster children named Owen and Peter; and Ray (or Uncle Ray), Starr’s carpenter boyfriend who is also already married. In Starr’s household, Astrid begins to learn about religion, as she is baptized into the Truth Assembly of Christ, and she begins to learn about nature, stars, trails, rabbits, and snakes from Davy. But it’s Ray, she’s most attracted to. And eventually the two begin a sexual relationship. As the relationship between Ray and Astrid grows, the relationship between Starr and Ray begins to deteriorate, so much so that Starr begins drinking again. And with her drinking Carolee decides to leave for good and Starr has a confrontation with Davy that results in a broken arm. Things continue to spiral and get worse until one night when Starr and Ray are having a loud argument, Starr storms into Astrid’s room and shoots her. Astrid is saved by Davy, who calls 911 and allows her to be taken into the hospital. After a few weeks stay in the hospital, Astrid is sent to her next home with the Turlock’s. This time Astrid meets Marvel and Ed Turlock and their two small children Caitlin and Justin. But it’s not long until she discovers her true purpose in the Turlock household, babysitter, pot scrubber, laundry maid, and beautician. And then Astrid befriends the rich beautiful black neighbor Olivia Johnstone. Immediately Astrid feels a connection to Olivia and sets out to befriend her. Only to learn the Olivia is also a prostitute. Soon Astrid begins drinking, and using drugs and even indulging in sexual acts for favors. One night Astrid sneaks out of the Turlock home in an attempt to visit Olivia, which results in a dog attack. The dog attack once again lands Astrid in the hospital with scars on her face and arms. And Marvel starts to become suspicious of Astrid’s behavior. One day without warning Marvel calls child services and has Astrid picked up from school and returned into the system. And that is when Astrid comes to live with Amelia Ramos, who has other foster daughters already including Kiki, Lina, Silvana, Micaela, and Nidia. To celebrate her arrival the entire clan has a giant meal. But the happiness is cut short, when the next morning Astrid discovers the fridge padlocked shut. And the entire house of foster girls go hungry all time. So Astrid steals food out of trash cans and does anything she can to survive all the while trying to reach child services and ask for new placement. It’s not until case worker Joan Peeler arrives that Astrid is finally able to leave Amelia’s house. And this will lead to Astrid’s happiest time. Joan places her with Claire Richards, a former actress and her film maker husband Ron. At first, it is just Claire and Astrid. They ate out of fast food cartons, told stories, thumbed through photo albums, listened to Opera’s, attended art museums, watched movies, and really formed a friendship and a love for one another. And Astrid flourishes, getting good grades and attending art classes all while planning a future in college. But when Ron would arrive home, Claire would become another person, only to be left crushed and devastated when he had to leave again. It is this weakness which Ingrid exploits. And Claire eventually takes a bottle of pills and commits suicide, leaving Astrid alone and heartbroken. And Astrid just stops trying. This leads into a placement in the MacLaren Children’s Center (aka Mac). Life at Mac would be the worst it’s ever been. Astrid is constantly beat up by the other girls, who are threatened that their boyfriends will find Astrid more beautiful. So Astrid chops off all her hair. She shuts her self off and she shuts down. It is during this time that she meets, Paul Trout. Paul Trout is also a foster child in Mac, and he is also an artist like Astrid. Eventually Paul is able to get Astrid to talk and the two become close friends and kindred spirits. Until the day Rena Grushenka arrives and Astrid is placed for her final time. Rena also has two other foster girls; Nikki, a rock and roll singer, and Yvonne a pregnant teen who must give up her baby for adoption. Rena teaches them all the importance of money. The dig through other people’s trash and sell anything they can to survive. Rena has the girls set up to do art projects that they can also sell. Meanwhile Astrid begins to dabble in drugs and sex with Sergei, Rena’s boyfriend. During this time a new lawyer appears on the scene for Astrid’s mom. The lawyer and Ingrid think that Ingrid can be released from prison with the help of Astrid’s testimony. Astrid finally agrees to testify but only if she can meet with her mother first and get some questions answered. So Astrid and Ingrid meet in the prison to talk about Astrid’s father and how Ingrid left Astrid for a whole year when she was a baby. Astrid explains to her mother how much she has poisoned her life. She wishes for Ingrid to choose between the corrupt Astrid, by having her lie in court or for having Astrid whole again. In the end, Ingrid chooses to not have Astrid lie for her. At the end of the book, Astrid is leaving in Germany with Paul and both are artists. Astrid is working on pieces about her life, which she puts into suitcases. Paul brings home an American newspaper one day and Astrid discovers that her mother has been released from prison and is now living in California. Astrid contemplates returning back to her former life with her mother but decides that while she may always fantasize about a life with her mother, she is no longer that person, she is now what she has become and a family with Paul.
Final thoughts:
Sad. And I lost a little interest after Claire died.
Book VS. Movie: The movie is great but left out Astrid’s time with the Turlocks and with Amelia.
3 stars out of 5.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Living Dead in Dallas
Title: Living Dead In Dallas
Author: Charlaine Harris
Subtitles” “A Sookie Stackhouse Novel” or “Southern Vampire Mysteries”
AKA: HBO’s True Blood: Season 2
Pages: 291
Confession time: I read this AFTER I had already seen HBO’s True Blood Season 2, so it may be nearly impossible for me to separate the two.
SPOILERS!!!!
Telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse knew falling in love with vampire Bill Compton, would be dangerous. But what she couldn’t have known was that by loving Bill a whole door of the supernatural would be opened and her life would never be the same. So when a dead body turns up in the back of detective Andy Bellefleur’s car in the parking lot of Merlotte’s, it’s just the beginning for Sookie. Who is then called upon to by Eric Northman to investigate the case of missing vampire in Dallas Texas. But in route Sookie is attacked by a maenad who has message for Eric. Upon arrival in Dallas, Bill and Sookie turn their attention to The Fellowship of the Sun, a religious organization of anti-vampire politics. So Sookie and Hugo (the human lover of a Dallas vampire) decide to go undercover at the Dallas church in an attempt to find vampires Godfrey and Farrell for Eric. But upon arrival at the church, Sookie is discovered as a spy and locked in the church basement, where she discovers Godfrey and Farrell are also being kept. When her jailer attempts to rape her, Sookie escapes the basement and then with the help of a werewolf/shapeshifter named Luna, escapes the church. The next day Sookie travels back to the church where she stays with Godfrey as he “meets the sun”. That night The Fellowship of the Sun attack the vampires Dallas lair and many humans are killed. In the explosion Eric is hit by a bullet which he convinces Sookie must be sucked out. Sookie agrees and accidentally ingests some of Eric’s blood, which will forge a connection between the two. Sookie, angered travels back to her home to try and help Andy Bellefleur solve the murder case there. Only to discover there may be a sex ring in town. Since she is still mad at Bill during this time, she invites Eric to go to the sex party with her to try and fish out the killer. During the party, the maenad arrives and kills all the responsible humans and then disappears into the woods. Eric and Bill burn the house to cover the evidence and glamour the remaining humans so that they have no memory of the sex party. And Bill and Sookie are reunited.
TV VS. BOOOK
Some differences: Where’s Jessica? Tara is just introduced in this book, whereas on tv she has been Sookie’s best friend for years. Jason is hardly mentioned in the book. Where’s Luna in the tv show? Godfrey’s name is changed to Godric and the tv show does not let us know that he is a child molester. Unlike the show, Godric is not mentioned as Eric’s maker, nor does it seem that the two have any prior relationship. In the book, Lafayette dies. Unlike the television show, there is no mention of the drug V. Unlike the show, we have yet to meet Bill’s maker. The Queen of Louisiana makes the show, but not the novel. The book features way less maenad story line and gives the maenad a different name. In the book Sam is having a sexual relationship with the maenad, in the show the maenad wants to kill Sam and Sam is having a relationship with another shapeshifter.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I think I still enjoy the HBO version better. But it’s a solid and entertaining book. 3 out of 5 stars.
Author: Charlaine Harris
Subtitles” “A Sookie Stackhouse Novel” or “Southern Vampire Mysteries”
AKA: HBO’s True Blood: Season 2
Pages: 291
Confession time: I read this AFTER I had already seen HBO’s True Blood Season 2, so it may be nearly impossible for me to separate the two.
SPOILERS!!!!
Telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse knew falling in love with vampire Bill Compton, would be dangerous. But what she couldn’t have known was that by loving Bill a whole door of the supernatural would be opened and her life would never be the same. So when a dead body turns up in the back of detective Andy Bellefleur’s car in the parking lot of Merlotte’s, it’s just the beginning for Sookie. Who is then called upon to by Eric Northman to investigate the case of missing vampire in Dallas Texas. But in route Sookie is attacked by a maenad who has message for Eric. Upon arrival in Dallas, Bill and Sookie turn their attention to The Fellowship of the Sun, a religious organization of anti-vampire politics. So Sookie and Hugo (the human lover of a Dallas vampire) decide to go undercover at the Dallas church in an attempt to find vampires Godfrey and Farrell for Eric. But upon arrival at the church, Sookie is discovered as a spy and locked in the church basement, where she discovers Godfrey and Farrell are also being kept. When her jailer attempts to rape her, Sookie escapes the basement and then with the help of a werewolf/shapeshifter named Luna, escapes the church. The next day Sookie travels back to the church where she stays with Godfrey as he “meets the sun”. That night The Fellowship of the Sun attack the vampires Dallas lair and many humans are killed. In the explosion Eric is hit by a bullet which he convinces Sookie must be sucked out. Sookie agrees and accidentally ingests some of Eric’s blood, which will forge a connection between the two. Sookie, angered travels back to her home to try and help Andy Bellefleur solve the murder case there. Only to discover there may be a sex ring in town. Since she is still mad at Bill during this time, she invites Eric to go to the sex party with her to try and fish out the killer. During the party, the maenad arrives and kills all the responsible humans and then disappears into the woods. Eric and Bill burn the house to cover the evidence and glamour the remaining humans so that they have no memory of the sex party. And Bill and Sookie are reunited.
TV VS. BOOOK
Some differences: Where’s Jessica? Tara is just introduced in this book, whereas on tv she has been Sookie’s best friend for years. Jason is hardly mentioned in the book. Where’s Luna in the tv show? Godfrey’s name is changed to Godric and the tv show does not let us know that he is a child molester. Unlike the show, Godric is not mentioned as Eric’s maker, nor does it seem that the two have any prior relationship. In the book, Lafayette dies. Unlike the television show, there is no mention of the drug V. Unlike the show, we have yet to meet Bill’s maker. The Queen of Louisiana makes the show, but not the novel. The book features way less maenad story line and gives the maenad a different name. In the book Sam is having a sexual relationship with the maenad, in the show the maenad wants to kill Sam and Sam is having a relationship with another shapeshifter.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I think I still enjoy the HBO version better. But it’s a solid and entertaining book. 3 out of 5 stars.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Honeymoon With My Brother
Title: Honeymoon With My Brother: A Memoir
Author: Franz Wisner
Pages: 288
A Book Club Discussion:
Me: What did you think?
Bookworm:
I loved it! i cried at three parts- the story of Quincy, the chapter titled this poor ole world of ours, and when Larue died. The chapter about how poor the rest of the world is hit me the hardest. Some of my family complains about politics... on a daily basis, always focusing on negativity, while there are people in third world countries who have no food or running water and still smile everyday. This book reinforced my philosophy- always look for the positive. I also loved that by the end, they were more than brothers, they were best friends. There's such a lesson in that. I was a little disappointed in Africa. i wanted a bit more detail like they provided in the other countries they visited. How did you feel about the book?
Me:
I really liked it too. My favorite thing? LaRue! I just loved her. I nearly cried in the end. I also loved the relationship between the brothers. Their relationship between the brothers before the "honeymoon" was something I could really relate too. What where your favorite countries or places? And what did you think about how 9/11 affected the story?
Bookworm:
I liked the Asian leg of the trip (interesting to find out that the Vietnamese hold no ill will towards Americans) but i loved Africa. Something about sipping a sundowner in front of my "tent" just looking out over the Savannah. And getting... to see animals that we have only seen in zoos roam freely would be amazing. I had a hard time reading about 9/11; I always do. I almost skipped it. Iinteresting that the brothers didn't see a real change in airport security after that. I think it probably gave credence to their honeymoon trip and their feeling that what they were doing- building a closer relationship- was more important than work. What was your favorite part? Do you have trouble reading anything to do with 9/11?
Me:
I loved Vietnam and Brazil. And I love the chapter on the worst taxi driver. LoL! I so wish I could go on a world trip. Or at least travel more. I would love to follow in some of their footsteps.9/11 is always hard for me. I can't stand the... month of September when all the Discovery channels/History channels so a billion 9/11 shows. But I liked how in the book the brothers weren't afraid to travel and be a part of the world. The real affect for them was an even deeper appreciation of family. Their blood family and their world family. I was glad it didn't stop them.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Author: Franz Wisner
Pages: 288
A Book Club Discussion:
Me: What did you think?
Bookworm:
I loved it! i cried at three parts- the story of Quincy, the chapter titled this poor ole world of ours, and when Larue died. The chapter about how poor the rest of the world is hit me the hardest. Some of my family complains about politics... on a daily basis, always focusing on negativity, while there are people in third world countries who have no food or running water and still smile everyday. This book reinforced my philosophy- always look for the positive. I also loved that by the end, they were more than brothers, they were best friends. There's such a lesson in that. I was a little disappointed in Africa. i wanted a bit more detail like they provided in the other countries they visited. How did you feel about the book?
Me:
I really liked it too. My favorite thing? LaRue! I just loved her. I nearly cried in the end. I also loved the relationship between the brothers. Their relationship between the brothers before the "honeymoon" was something I could really relate too. What where your favorite countries or places? And what did you think about how 9/11 affected the story?
Bookworm:
I liked the Asian leg of the trip (interesting to find out that the Vietnamese hold no ill will towards Americans) but i loved Africa. Something about sipping a sundowner in front of my "tent" just looking out over the Savannah. And getting... to see animals that we have only seen in zoos roam freely would be amazing. I had a hard time reading about 9/11; I always do. I almost skipped it. Iinteresting that the brothers didn't see a real change in airport security after that. I think it probably gave credence to their honeymoon trip and their feeling that what they were doing- building a closer relationship- was more important than work. What was your favorite part? Do you have trouble reading anything to do with 9/11?
Me:
I loved Vietnam and Brazil. And I love the chapter on the worst taxi driver. LoL! I so wish I could go on a world trip. Or at least travel more. I would love to follow in some of their footsteps.9/11 is always hard for me. I can't stand the... month of September when all the Discovery channels/History channels so a billion 9/11 shows. But I liked how in the book the brothers weren't afraid to travel and be a part of the world. The real affect for them was an even deeper appreciation of family. Their blood family and their world family. I was glad it didn't stop them.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Book of the Month - September
Well it’s finally September which means that it’s all about Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. And let me just tell you that I can not wait to get my grubby little hands on it! It is the third and final book in the story of Katniss, following Hunger Games and Catching Fire, both of which I read and really enjoyed. I can not wait to see how it all ends! What has happened to Katniss’ beloved district 12? Does district 13 really exist? Can they save Peeta? And who will she choose, Peeta or Gale? And can she save them all from the Capitol?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle
Title: The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle
Author: David Wroblewski
Pages: 608
Summary:
What is a Sawtelle dog? When John Sawtelle moves onto a rural farm he begins to spot dogs with unusual qualities and he begins to breed and create his own line of animals. Soon John teaches his son Gar everything he knows about dogs and what makes them special. Gar eventually grows up and marries Trudy and the two of them continue the business of the Sawtelle dogs. After a devastating still birth, Trudy and Gar are finally able to welcome their own son, Edgar into the world. But Edgar is not like other babies. And when he is born he fails to make a sound. It is soon discovered that although Edgar can hear, he can not speak or make any noise. So Trudy begins to teach Edgar sign language and Edgar is adopted by a Sawtelle dog named Almondine, who becomes like a service dog for him. And it is Almondine who completes Edgar as a person. Edgar grows up with a wonderful life, until the day his father’s brother, Claude comes back into town. And with Claude’s arrival comes trouble that threatens to disturb the harmony of the Sawtelle farm. And life continues to spiral out of control when Gar mysteriously dies and it seems like Trudy may be falling for Claude. But the worst is yet to come, when a family friend dies on the Sawtelle property and it looks like Edgar may be the cause. Scared, frightened, and confused, Edgar and three Sawtelle dogs flee into the wilderness. After months on his own Edgar encounters Henry, who changes Edgar’s perception of life. And Edgar wonders, can he go back home? Can he save his mother from Claude? Does she want to be saved? Can he discover what makes his dogs so special? And where will it all end?
My thoughts:
I have to say that I practically hated this book. The first thing that bothered me was the pacing. Can you say slow? But my biggest complaint had to be the story itself. It was depressing and confusing, and I kept wondering what the point of it was. I was left glum and with questions and it just ended up as an experience I didn’t enjoy.
1 out of 5 stars.
Author: David Wroblewski
Pages: 608
Summary:
What is a Sawtelle dog? When John Sawtelle moves onto a rural farm he begins to spot dogs with unusual qualities and he begins to breed and create his own line of animals. Soon John teaches his son Gar everything he knows about dogs and what makes them special. Gar eventually grows up and marries Trudy and the two of them continue the business of the Sawtelle dogs. After a devastating still birth, Trudy and Gar are finally able to welcome their own son, Edgar into the world. But Edgar is not like other babies. And when he is born he fails to make a sound. It is soon discovered that although Edgar can hear, he can not speak or make any noise. So Trudy begins to teach Edgar sign language and Edgar is adopted by a Sawtelle dog named Almondine, who becomes like a service dog for him. And it is Almondine who completes Edgar as a person. Edgar grows up with a wonderful life, until the day his father’s brother, Claude comes back into town. And with Claude’s arrival comes trouble that threatens to disturb the harmony of the Sawtelle farm. And life continues to spiral out of control when Gar mysteriously dies and it seems like Trudy may be falling for Claude. But the worst is yet to come, when a family friend dies on the Sawtelle property and it looks like Edgar may be the cause. Scared, frightened, and confused, Edgar and three Sawtelle dogs flee into the wilderness. After months on his own Edgar encounters Henry, who changes Edgar’s perception of life. And Edgar wonders, can he go back home? Can he save his mother from Claude? Does she want to be saved? Can he discover what makes his dogs so special? And where will it all end?
My thoughts:
I have to say that I practically hated this book. The first thing that bothered me was the pacing. Can you say slow? But my biggest complaint had to be the story itself. It was depressing and confusing, and I kept wondering what the point of it was. I was left glum and with questions and it just ended up as an experience I didn’t enjoy.
1 out of 5 stars.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Brightest Star in the Sky
Title: The Brightest Star in the Sky
Author: Marian Keyes
Pages: 480
A Book Club discussion:
Bookworm: What did you think of it? Did I pick a dud or did you enjoy it?
Me: I really liked it! I was worried because I'm not much for chick lit and I was worried before I read it. But it hooked me instantly. I think it was the writing. Who was your favorite character? Favorite story line?
Bookworm:
My favorite stroyline was probably Katie and Connall although I was most curious about the secrets of Matt and Maeve. My favorite character though had to be Lydia. I loved her personality! And the language used in the book was contagious. I'm still running around saying "feck" and "jesus christ and all the angels". I'm wondering if this will be a trend with our book club selections- me speaking with a different accent or using foreign verbage every month. What about you? Favorite character? Favorite storyline? What did you think of the authors use of the spirit's perspective to tell the story?
Me:
My favorite story line was Matt and Maeve! I was immediately drawn into them and their story and what was going on there. And can I just say, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED how things ended between them and how David got his just desserts! My favorite character was Connall. Which is weird because when the book started I practically hated him! He seemed like a rich, flashy, know it all who didn't really care for Katie. But I love the transformation he made. And it was believable! And I was glad the second spirit chose him! Can I also say that I loved Grudge! I loved that Grudge was his name and his personality! And I love how possessive he was over Jemima.And I am also running around saying "fecking"! LOL! What is it with our book club selections??? Hahahaha! I liked the use of the spirit's voice. I felt like we had this "person" who could see everything and give us the whole story and an opinion but without it being overpowering or distracting.So I have to know....what was the part the made you stop breathing?Did you see the end coming?Any characters you didn't like? (I had two.)
Bookworm:
I have to agree with you about grudge! His personality was among the most amusing. As for those i didn't like, I would say I have a love hate thing with Lydia. Actually the more I think about her, the more I hate her. I liked her spunkiness... and that she wasn't afraid to tell it like it is, but I never warmed to her. I retract my previous statement regarding her as my favorite. Maeve was probably my favorite. I like that she went from weak and passive to angry and strong. And it was nice to see both she and Matt give voice to their anger and then be able to move on. (By the way, I hated Fionn from the moment he entered the story!) I loved the spirit as the narrator. It was a brilliant tool to move into each character's lives at only the most interesting of times. I felt it really helped the stories to progress. The part that took my breath away was when I realized Matt was in the apartment! I knew then that something wasn't right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I didn't see that coming, and usually I see many of the twists from a mile away. It was nice to be fully swept up in it. Similarly, I didn't see what the spirit would become until it became obvious. I loved that- I was guessing until the author decided I needed to know- brilliant! And I loved the end- it was happy, funny and tidied up nicely. Just the way i like my stories to end! So who did you hate?
Me:
I hated Fionn! Urgh! He wasn't very nice to his foster mom either! I also hated Rosie....the last virgin in Ireland. Hahaha! I loved the end too. But I'm a sucker for a happy ending. And I had a pretty good idea about the spirit becoming someone's baby once we got the children's fairytale. So I saw that coming. But I never thought Matt would do what he did though. That was a shock! I thought Maeve was the one who was going to have something horrible happen. Actually I suspected of her of getting hit by a car while on her bike...maybe even hit by Lydia. So I like that the author was able to throw me for a loop there! Whenever there is a mystery, I like to try to figure out what's going to happen and I like being surprised! I would totally read more books from this author now. It was my first time reading her.
Bookworm:
By the way, when I was looking at the reviews for this book, many readers said that her other novels were way better. I personally loved this one so I can't wait to get my hands on another one of hers! I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as i did!
Final Verdict:
4 (maybe 4 1/2 stars out of 5)
Author: Marian Keyes
Pages: 480
A Book Club discussion:
Bookworm: What did you think of it? Did I pick a dud or did you enjoy it?
Me: I really liked it! I was worried because I'm not much for chick lit and I was worried before I read it. But it hooked me instantly. I think it was the writing. Who was your favorite character? Favorite story line?
Bookworm:
My favorite stroyline was probably Katie and Connall although I was most curious about the secrets of Matt and Maeve. My favorite character though had to be Lydia. I loved her personality! And the language used in the book was contagious. I'm still running around saying "feck" and "jesus christ and all the angels". I'm wondering if this will be a trend with our book club selections- me speaking with a different accent or using foreign verbage every month. What about you? Favorite character? Favorite storyline? What did you think of the authors use of the spirit's perspective to tell the story?
Me:
My favorite story line was Matt and Maeve! I was immediately drawn into them and their story and what was going on there. And can I just say, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED how things ended between them and how David got his just desserts! My favorite character was Connall. Which is weird because when the book started I practically hated him! He seemed like a rich, flashy, know it all who didn't really care for Katie. But I love the transformation he made. And it was believable! And I was glad the second spirit chose him! Can I also say that I loved Grudge! I loved that Grudge was his name and his personality! And I love how possessive he was over Jemima.And I am also running around saying "fecking"! LOL! What is it with our book club selections??? Hahahaha! I liked the use of the spirit's voice. I felt like we had this "person" who could see everything and give us the whole story and an opinion but without it being overpowering or distracting.So I have to know....what was the part the made you stop breathing?Did you see the end coming?Any characters you didn't like? (I had two.)
Bookworm:
I have to agree with you about grudge! His personality was among the most amusing. As for those i didn't like, I would say I have a love hate thing with Lydia. Actually the more I think about her, the more I hate her. I liked her spunkiness... and that she wasn't afraid to tell it like it is, but I never warmed to her. I retract my previous statement regarding her as my favorite. Maeve was probably my favorite. I like that she went from weak and passive to angry and strong. And it was nice to see both she and Matt give voice to their anger and then be able to move on. (By the way, I hated Fionn from the moment he entered the story!) I loved the spirit as the narrator. It was a brilliant tool to move into each character's lives at only the most interesting of times. I felt it really helped the stories to progress. The part that took my breath away was when I realized Matt was in the apartment! I knew then that something wasn't right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I didn't see that coming, and usually I see many of the twists from a mile away. It was nice to be fully swept up in it. Similarly, I didn't see what the spirit would become until it became obvious. I loved that- I was guessing until the author decided I needed to know- brilliant! And I loved the end- it was happy, funny and tidied up nicely. Just the way i like my stories to end! So who did you hate?
Me:
I hated Fionn! Urgh! He wasn't very nice to his foster mom either! I also hated Rosie....the last virgin in Ireland. Hahaha! I loved the end too. But I'm a sucker for a happy ending. And I had a pretty good idea about the spirit becoming someone's baby once we got the children's fairytale. So I saw that coming. But I never thought Matt would do what he did though. That was a shock! I thought Maeve was the one who was going to have something horrible happen. Actually I suspected of her of getting hit by a car while on her bike...maybe even hit by Lydia. So I like that the author was able to throw me for a loop there! Whenever there is a mystery, I like to try to figure out what's going to happen and I like being surprised! I would totally read more books from this author now. It was my first time reading her.
Bookworm:
By the way, when I was looking at the reviews for this book, many readers said that her other novels were way better. I personally loved this one so I can't wait to get my hands on another one of hers! I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as i did!
Final Verdict:
4 (maybe 4 1/2 stars out of 5)
August - The Book of the Month
Well....it's finally happened, I have run out of book recommendations. So I am going to take this section and modify it. From now on it's going to be called "The Book Of The Month" or "The Book of August". The book of the month could be anything from a book I have read and would recommended, to a book that I would like to read. If it appeals to me, or I think you should know about it, then "The Book Of The Month" is where it will be. So let's get on with our first one:
This month's book is: "The Art Of Racing In the Rain" by Garth Stein.
The story is told from the point of view of a dog named Enzo whose master is a race car driver. When his driver falls on hard times, it is up to Enzo to save him.
It is a book I am dying to read. I have heard a TON of great things about it. (759, 5 star reviews on Amazon.com!). So, I am putting this book on my to be read list and I am hoping to get to it in the next month or two. So keep your eyes peeled for my future review.
This month's book is: "The Art Of Racing In the Rain" by Garth Stein.
The story is told from the point of view of a dog named Enzo whose master is a race car driver. When his driver falls on hard times, it is up to Enzo to save him.
It is a book I am dying to read. I have heard a TON of great things about it. (759, 5 star reviews on Amazon.com!). So, I am putting this book on my to be read list and I am hoping to get to it in the next month or two. So keep your eyes peeled for my future review.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Clockwork Orange
Title: A Clockwork Orange
Author: Anthony Burgess
Pages: 240
Today's post is a little different. Bookworm and I have started our own book club. We both read A Clockwork Orange and here is the discussion that followed:
Discussion Questions:
1.) The copy I read did NOT include a glossary. Discuss the language Burgess invents in the book. Were you able to understand it? What was the writer’s purpose? How does it change the story?
2.) Talk about the title A Clockwork Orange, what does it mean?
3.) When the book was first released the last chapter (chapter 21) was not included for the U.S. editions. Discuss the last chapter. How does it change the story?When the book was first released the last chapter (chapter 21) was not included in the U.S. editions. Discuss the last chapter. How does it change the story?
4.) Discuss the importance of music and the connection Alex feels to it.
5.) Discuss Alex’s dream (page 36). Are they telling him something? Foreshadowing the future?
6.) Did you ever feel sorry for Alex? How does the writer accomplish making you feel for Alex when he is a villain?
7.) How do we punish Alex? How do we stop children from becoming like him? Is there a solution?
8.) How does society view violence?
9.) Discuss these quotes: “When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man” and “What does God want? Does God want goodness or the choice of goodness? Is a man who chooses he bad perhaps in some way better than a man who has goodness imposed upon him?”
10.) Final thoughts/feelings?
Bookworm:
1) My copy did not have a glossary either, and I think my experience with the story was better for it. Though I had a hard time at first, it eventually helped me to become fully involved in the world burgess created.
2) The title aptly describes the effect of the ludovico technique, but I do have trouble connecting the description of the orange (full of juice and sweetness) with Alex in particular.
3) When I read the author’s forward and realized that the 21st chapter was omitted from the us edition, i was shocked. without the final chapter, the story becomes something else entirely. had i not read the 21st chapter, i confess i probably would have hated the book. i need a bit of a happy ending, at least one with a shred of hope. however i do disagree with burgess chalking up alex's transgressions to youth. can one really be expected to believe that in any world rape, murder, and systematic beatings are really just a result of being young and bored?that the 21st chapter was omitted from the US edition, I was shocked. Without the final chapter, he story becomes something else entirely. Had I not read the 21st chapter, I confess I probably would have hated the book. I need a bit of a happy ending, at least one shred of hope. However I do disagree with Burgess chalking up Alex’s transgressions to youth. Can one really be expected to believe that in any world rape, murder, and systematic beatings re really just a result of being young and bored?
4) Alex’s love of music was something that helped me to see him as a human rather than the personification of evil.
5) In regard’s to Alex’s dream: It definitely foreshadowed the future, but was a little obvious for my taste. I think he reader can be trusted to pick up on the coming revolt of Alex’s droogs without the dream paving the way.
6) Nope, I can’t say I ever felt sorry for Alex. I could never get past what his victims must have felt. I disagreed with the technique to “cure” him, but my heart never hurt for him.
7&8) Punishment for Alex would have been prison, more specifically, a lifetime of solitary where the potential for violence against others is moot. To prevent children from becoming Alex lies with parental involvement. The downfall of Burgess’s society seemed to be the collective apathy toward violence; acceptance of a world without morals and one’s powerlessness to change it.
9.) I marked these same quotes in my copy! God wants us to choose our way, hence the free will he bestowed upon us. What satisfaction can he get from a people forced into submission? The man who chooses to do bad is not better than the man who has good imposed on him, but he is truer. At least in making a choice he is exercising free will, choice. I don’t want to live in a world of clockwork oranges. “Good” is subjective. I don’t want someone else’s ideas of good pushed upon me.
10.) My final thoughts on the book are this: I’m glad to have read it and liked it more than I thought I would have. It was a real horrorshow of a first book club choice!
Me:
1.) The language was my hardest barrier. I got two pages in and realized I had no idea what was going on and what I had just read. I nearly gave up then. And was I worried that I picked this book. So I went back and started over and read slower. The more I read the more I understood. Pretty soon I was able to translate almost anything said and I even found myself wanting to talk that way. At the end I realized this story couldn't be told any other way. The language gives the reader insights into the society and Alex and his droogs.
2.) To me "A Clockwork Orange" is taking something that is living and turning it into something mechanical. Turning humans into robots or turning oranges into mechanical pieces.
3.) Aww...the 21st chapter. It really does change the WHOLE story. Without chapter 21, Alex goes back to his life of violence. But in chapter 21, Alex begins to change. He even has the urge to father children. It shows how much a person can change from the ages of 15 to 18. How much life can change or a person can change. Although I tend to think it takes more than running into an old friend. I think chapter 21 is Burgess' version of a mid life crisis. Something that will change Alex.
4.) Music is what fuels Alex. It's his one true passion and love. It's the only thing he has any respect for. It is his being. That's why when the doctors use Beethoven to cure Alex it is a particularly brutal and cruel thing to do. They are taking the one thing from him he cares about. When they destroy his music, they destroy him.
5.) Alex's dreams always seem to have a prophetic property. I was struck by the image of Dim as a General. But I would have preferred to find out about Dim later, when Alex is "cured".
6.) I guess I'm a sucker. I felt bad for Alex. I think because Alex is our narrator and his victims never really have names, Burgess is able to make Alex human, so that I do feel for him when he's in prison and getting treatment.
7.) I think punishment and solutions are the hardest problem in the book. What is the solution? No idea so far. Alex seems to have nice, caring parents. Maybe one could work less? Stay home with him more? Or maybe if Alex had more access to more outlets for his energy? Maybe if he read or was encouraged to play an instrument? Punishment is a difficult subject to. Is putting someone in a prison that promotes violence, going to cure them of violence or just teach them new things? The Ludovico technique doesn't work either because it takes away the ability to do violence but doesn't cure the choice of action on violence. As with real life, this is a subject I can not find an answer to.....
8.) Violence begets violence. Hey are you a violent criminal? Come join the police squad! I also don't think it helps that there aren't really books in Alex's world. And newspapers and television are all run by the government. Thru the worldcast television, they tell people what to think. (Reminded me of the world in the book 1984 by George Orwell).
9.) Choice is what a person human. By removing choice humans become "clockwork" pieces. Robots. Zombies.
10.) Last thoughts? I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. Although I was quite worried about how you would like it. I didn't want to ruin our first book club pick. LOL! And I think Kubrick did an excellent job with the movie! Malcolm McDowell is the most perfectly casted Alex! That's all my droogie!
Author: Anthony Burgess
Pages: 240
Today's post is a little different. Bookworm and I have started our own book club. We both read A Clockwork Orange and here is the discussion that followed:
Discussion Questions:
1.) The copy I read did NOT include a glossary. Discuss the language Burgess invents in the book. Were you able to understand it? What was the writer’s purpose? How does it change the story?
2.) Talk about the title A Clockwork Orange, what does it mean?
3.) When the book was first released the last chapter (chapter 21) was not included for the U.S. editions. Discuss the last chapter. How does it change the story?When the book was first released the last chapter (chapter 21) was not included in the U.S. editions. Discuss the last chapter. How does it change the story?
4.) Discuss the importance of music and the connection Alex feels to it.
5.) Discuss Alex’s dream (page 36). Are they telling him something? Foreshadowing the future?
6.) Did you ever feel sorry for Alex? How does the writer accomplish making you feel for Alex when he is a villain?
7.) How do we punish Alex? How do we stop children from becoming like him? Is there a solution?
8.) How does society view violence?
9.) Discuss these quotes: “When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man” and “What does God want? Does God want goodness or the choice of goodness? Is a man who chooses he bad perhaps in some way better than a man who has goodness imposed upon him?”
10.) Final thoughts/feelings?
Bookworm:
1) My copy did not have a glossary either, and I think my experience with the story was better for it. Though I had a hard time at first, it eventually helped me to become fully involved in the world burgess created.
2) The title aptly describes the effect of the ludovico technique, but I do have trouble connecting the description of the orange (full of juice and sweetness) with Alex in particular.
3) When I read the author’s forward and realized that the 21st chapter was omitted from the us edition, i was shocked. without the final chapter, the story becomes something else entirely. had i not read the 21st chapter, i confess i probably would have hated the book. i need a bit of a happy ending, at least one with a shred of hope. however i do disagree with burgess chalking up alex's transgressions to youth. can one really be expected to believe that in any world rape, murder, and systematic beatings are really just a result of being young and bored?that the 21st chapter was omitted from the US edition, I was shocked. Without the final chapter, he story becomes something else entirely. Had I not read the 21st chapter, I confess I probably would have hated the book. I need a bit of a happy ending, at least one shred of hope. However I do disagree with Burgess chalking up Alex’s transgressions to youth. Can one really be expected to believe that in any world rape, murder, and systematic beatings re really just a result of being young and bored?
4) Alex’s love of music was something that helped me to see him as a human rather than the personification of evil.
5) In regard’s to Alex’s dream: It definitely foreshadowed the future, but was a little obvious for my taste. I think he reader can be trusted to pick up on the coming revolt of Alex’s droogs without the dream paving the way.
6) Nope, I can’t say I ever felt sorry for Alex. I could never get past what his victims must have felt. I disagreed with the technique to “cure” him, but my heart never hurt for him.
7&8) Punishment for Alex would have been prison, more specifically, a lifetime of solitary where the potential for violence against others is moot. To prevent children from becoming Alex lies with parental involvement. The downfall of Burgess’s society seemed to be the collective apathy toward violence; acceptance of a world without morals and one’s powerlessness to change it.
9.) I marked these same quotes in my copy! God wants us to choose our way, hence the free will he bestowed upon us. What satisfaction can he get from a people forced into submission? The man who chooses to do bad is not better than the man who has good imposed on him, but he is truer. At least in making a choice he is exercising free will, choice. I don’t want to live in a world of clockwork oranges. “Good” is subjective. I don’t want someone else’s ideas of good pushed upon me.
10.) My final thoughts on the book are this: I’m glad to have read it and liked it more than I thought I would have. It was a real horrorshow of a first book club choice!
Me:
1.) The language was my hardest barrier. I got two pages in and realized I had no idea what was going on and what I had just read. I nearly gave up then. And was I worried that I picked this book. So I went back and started over and read slower. The more I read the more I understood. Pretty soon I was able to translate almost anything said and I even found myself wanting to talk that way. At the end I realized this story couldn't be told any other way. The language gives the reader insights into the society and Alex and his droogs.
2.) To me "A Clockwork Orange" is taking something that is living and turning it into something mechanical. Turning humans into robots or turning oranges into mechanical pieces.
3.) Aww...the 21st chapter. It really does change the WHOLE story. Without chapter 21, Alex goes back to his life of violence. But in chapter 21, Alex begins to change. He even has the urge to father children. It shows how much a person can change from the ages of 15 to 18. How much life can change or a person can change. Although I tend to think it takes more than running into an old friend. I think chapter 21 is Burgess' version of a mid life crisis. Something that will change Alex.
4.) Music is what fuels Alex. It's his one true passion and love. It's the only thing he has any respect for. It is his being. That's why when the doctors use Beethoven to cure Alex it is a particularly brutal and cruel thing to do. They are taking the one thing from him he cares about. When they destroy his music, they destroy him.
5.) Alex's dreams always seem to have a prophetic property. I was struck by the image of Dim as a General. But I would have preferred to find out about Dim later, when Alex is "cured".
6.) I guess I'm a sucker. I felt bad for Alex. I think because Alex is our narrator and his victims never really have names, Burgess is able to make Alex human, so that I do feel for him when he's in prison and getting treatment.
7.) I think punishment and solutions are the hardest problem in the book. What is the solution? No idea so far. Alex seems to have nice, caring parents. Maybe one could work less? Stay home with him more? Or maybe if Alex had more access to more outlets for his energy? Maybe if he read or was encouraged to play an instrument? Punishment is a difficult subject to. Is putting someone in a prison that promotes violence, going to cure them of violence or just teach them new things? The Ludovico technique doesn't work either because it takes away the ability to do violence but doesn't cure the choice of action on violence. As with real life, this is a subject I can not find an answer to.....
8.) Violence begets violence. Hey are you a violent criminal? Come join the police squad! I also don't think it helps that there aren't really books in Alex's world. And newspapers and television are all run by the government. Thru the worldcast television, they tell people what to think. (Reminded me of the world in the book 1984 by George Orwell).
9.) Choice is what a person human. By removing choice humans become "clockwork" pieces. Robots. Zombies.
10.) Last thoughts? I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. Although I was quite worried about how you would like it. I didn't want to ruin our first book club pick. LOL! And I think Kubrick did an excellent job with the movie! Malcolm McDowell is the most perfectly casted Alex! That's all my droogie!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Kitchen Confidential
Title: Kitchen Confidential
Subtitle: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Author: Anthony Bourdain
Pages: 302
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
Kitchen Confidential tells the story of Anthony Bourdain’s journey from dishwasher to executive chef.
(SPOLIER INFO)
Welcome to the kitchen. The real kitchen. At the age of 10, young Anthony Bourdain’s life is changed when a meal of cold soup is served aboard the Queen Mary. With that one meal the whole world of food begins to open for him. But it wasn’t until he turned 18 and took his first job as a dishwasher that he knew he wanted to be a chef. So he begins his journey traveling from restaurant to restaurant and even earning a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Along the way he reveals the secrets of his trade including telling us who is doing the actual cooking in that fancy French restaurant. And why he never orders fish on a Monday and what’s really in those brunch menus. Want to cook like a pro? Anthony will tell you how. Telling you everything you want to know from the chef’s knife, to pans, to butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, stock, demi-glace, chervil, basil tops, chive sticks and mint tops. How a simple squeeze bottle, metal ring, or pastry bag can transform a dish into the plate of a professional. But restaurants are not only about the chef, as we come to learn when Anthony focuses on the strange and terrible affliction of being an owner. Once we know the ins and outs of cooking and the restaurant world, Anthony takes us on his personal journey. Starting with his time with Bigfoot, his experience at the Rainbow Room, the happiness of Work Progress, being the chef of the future, the apocalypse of Gino’s, the wilderness years, knowledge of meat, a Tuscan interlude, a day in his life, the importance of the sous-chef, the discourse in a kitchen, runners, porters, bartenders, bakers like Adam, trying to live up to the famous Scott Bryan, his mission to Tokyo, and how he wouldn’t change any of it for the world.
(VERDICT)
3 out of 5 stars. I really liked it but would probably only recommend it to my foodie friends. You know the chefs, the wannabe chefs, the wannabe restaurateurs, and quite simply the lovers of food. If you watch the food network constantly or shows like Top Chef, No Reservations, or Hell’s Kitchen, then this is the book for you!
Subtitle: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Author: Anthony Bourdain
Pages: 302
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
Kitchen Confidential tells the story of Anthony Bourdain’s journey from dishwasher to executive chef.
(SPOLIER INFO)
Welcome to the kitchen. The real kitchen. At the age of 10, young Anthony Bourdain’s life is changed when a meal of cold soup is served aboard the Queen Mary. With that one meal the whole world of food begins to open for him. But it wasn’t until he turned 18 and took his first job as a dishwasher that he knew he wanted to be a chef. So he begins his journey traveling from restaurant to restaurant and even earning a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Along the way he reveals the secrets of his trade including telling us who is doing the actual cooking in that fancy French restaurant. And why he never orders fish on a Monday and what’s really in those brunch menus. Want to cook like a pro? Anthony will tell you how. Telling you everything you want to know from the chef’s knife, to pans, to butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, stock, demi-glace, chervil, basil tops, chive sticks and mint tops. How a simple squeeze bottle, metal ring, or pastry bag can transform a dish into the plate of a professional. But restaurants are not only about the chef, as we come to learn when Anthony focuses on the strange and terrible affliction of being an owner. Once we know the ins and outs of cooking and the restaurant world, Anthony takes us on his personal journey. Starting with his time with Bigfoot, his experience at the Rainbow Room, the happiness of Work Progress, being the chef of the future, the apocalypse of Gino’s, the wilderness years, knowledge of meat, a Tuscan interlude, a day in his life, the importance of the sous-chef, the discourse in a kitchen, runners, porters, bartenders, bakers like Adam, trying to live up to the famous Scott Bryan, his mission to Tokyo, and how he wouldn’t change any of it for the world.
(VERDICT)
3 out of 5 stars. I really liked it but would probably only recommend it to my foodie friends. You know the chefs, the wannabe chefs, the wannabe restaurateurs, and quite simply the lovers of food. If you watch the food network constantly or shows like Top Chef, No Reservations, or Hell’s Kitchen, then this is the book for you!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Recommended Reading
Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Pages: 768
Time for a confession dear reader….I love “Young Adult” books! And I think there is no better time to read YA fantasy than summer time. So for the month of July, I have a special treat for you and it is called Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It is the story of Eragon, a farm boy, whose whole life changes when he discovers a mysterious blue stone in the forbidden mountains surrounding his home. Finding the stone sends him on a fantastic journey where he will meet dragons, elves, Shades, Urgals, dwarves, the Ra’zac, and evil Kings. Along the way he must avenge his uncle’s death, discover who he can trust, find out the meaning of family, become what destiny has foretold, and fall in love.
A quick side warning to you though: most people think that Paolini ripped off The Lord of the Rings books. And I can see why. They both share dwarves and elves and some themes. But I have to say that I enjoyed Eragon more than I did The Lord of the Rings. First, it’s just an easier read! And second, I grew closer to the characters. And lastly, the series just gets better and grows as it goes.
So be sure to pick up your copy of Eragon this month. As a matter of fact, if you like you can pick up the whole Inheritance series (Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr). But you can skip the Eragon movie….it is just a sad attempt at capturing the magic of the book.
Author: Christopher Paolini
Pages: 768
Time for a confession dear reader….I love “Young Adult” books! And I think there is no better time to read YA fantasy than summer time. So for the month of July, I have a special treat for you and it is called Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It is the story of Eragon, a farm boy, whose whole life changes when he discovers a mysterious blue stone in the forbidden mountains surrounding his home. Finding the stone sends him on a fantastic journey where he will meet dragons, elves, Shades, Urgals, dwarves, the Ra’zac, and evil Kings. Along the way he must avenge his uncle’s death, discover who he can trust, find out the meaning of family, become what destiny has foretold, and fall in love.
A quick side warning to you though: most people think that Paolini ripped off The Lord of the Rings books. And I can see why. They both share dwarves and elves and some themes. But I have to say that I enjoyed Eragon more than I did The Lord of the Rings. First, it’s just an easier read! And second, I grew closer to the characters. And lastly, the series just gets better and grows as it goes.
So be sure to pick up your copy of Eragon this month. As a matter of fact, if you like you can pick up the whole Inheritance series (Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr). But you can skip the Eragon movie….it is just a sad attempt at capturing the magic of the book.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wizard's First Rule
Title: Wizard’s First Rule
Subtitle: Sword of Truth Series, Book 1
AKA: Legend of the Seeker
Author: Terry Goodkind
Pages: 820
(INFO)
When Richard Cypher’s father is killed the clues lead him into the forest where he meets a beautiful, exotic woman named Kahlan, whom he falls head over heels in love with. But Kahlan is in trouble. And as it turns out Kahlan and Richard’s quest might be one in the same. So they head out into the lands beyond the boundary of Richard’s home, into D’Hara and the Midlands. Along the way he will discover that his friends Zedd and Chase and his brother Michael have been keeping secrets and aren’t what they appear to be. Richard will also meet others including: the Mud people, a tribe of hunters with spirit links that maybe able to help them; Denna a Mord-Sith, women who specialize in torture and pain; Shota, a witch woman who sees a terrible vision of the future for Richard; Queen Milena and Princess Violet, who rule the city of Tamarang viciously decapitating its citizens; Adie, an old and clever sorceress; Brophy, a wolf with a secret past; Samuel, a strange twisted creature that just might hold some clues into Richard’s destiny; Scarlet, a strong, intelligent red dragon; Demmin Nass, a cruel man with a penchant for little boys; and Darken Rahl, a powerfully evil ruler and wizard with ties to the underworld. Will Richard be able to save his home of Westland? Will be able to save all those of D’Hara and the Midlands as well? Will he be able to restore the boarder? Should he face his destiny or run from it? And what of his love for Kahlan? Does Kahlan love him in return? Is it even safe for Richard to love her? And most importantly will he be able to find the answers to the questions he seeks? If he doesn’t the world may be lost in ash and fire.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars! A truly epic fantasy story. Loved it! More please!!!!
Subtitle: Sword of Truth Series, Book 1
AKA: Legend of the Seeker
Author: Terry Goodkind
Pages: 820
(INFO)
When Richard Cypher’s father is killed the clues lead him into the forest where he meets a beautiful, exotic woman named Kahlan, whom he falls head over heels in love with. But Kahlan is in trouble. And as it turns out Kahlan and Richard’s quest might be one in the same. So they head out into the lands beyond the boundary of Richard’s home, into D’Hara and the Midlands. Along the way he will discover that his friends Zedd and Chase and his brother Michael have been keeping secrets and aren’t what they appear to be. Richard will also meet others including: the Mud people, a tribe of hunters with spirit links that maybe able to help them; Denna a Mord-Sith, women who specialize in torture and pain; Shota, a witch woman who sees a terrible vision of the future for Richard; Queen Milena and Princess Violet, who rule the city of Tamarang viciously decapitating its citizens; Adie, an old and clever sorceress; Brophy, a wolf with a secret past; Samuel, a strange twisted creature that just might hold some clues into Richard’s destiny; Scarlet, a strong, intelligent red dragon; Demmin Nass, a cruel man with a penchant for little boys; and Darken Rahl, a powerfully evil ruler and wizard with ties to the underworld. Will Richard be able to save his home of Westland? Will be able to save all those of D’Hara and the Midlands as well? Will he be able to restore the boarder? Should he face his destiny or run from it? And what of his love for Kahlan? Does Kahlan love him in return? Is it even safe for Richard to love her? And most importantly will he be able to find the answers to the questions he seeks? If he doesn’t the world may be lost in ash and fire.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars! A truly epic fantasy story. Loved it! More please!!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
High Fidelity
Title: High Fidelity
Author: Nick Hornby
Pages: 336
(Non-Spoiler Info)
When Robs breaks up with his latest girlfriend, he begins to re-examine his life with women, school, jobs, and music.
(My Thoughts)
Sadly I had a terribly difficult time separating the book High Fidelity from the movie High Fidelity. And I’m not sure how I would have felt about the story had I not seen the film. While High Fidelity is wonderfully written, it is one of those rare novels, where I believe the film surpasses the author. There is just something about actor John Cusack and the voice he gives to the character Rob, and the visuals the director gives us with Rob’s top 5 lists. I am not saying that I disliked the book. I just wish I had read the book without the influence of the movie, so that I could judge it by itself. So my final thoughts are pick up the book but only if you haven't seen the movie yet. If however you have seen the movie, just pop it into your DVD player again and save your time.
3 out of 5 stars.
Author: Nick Hornby
Pages: 336
(Non-Spoiler Info)
When Robs breaks up with his latest girlfriend, he begins to re-examine his life with women, school, jobs, and music.
(My Thoughts)
Sadly I had a terribly difficult time separating the book High Fidelity from the movie High Fidelity. And I’m not sure how I would have felt about the story had I not seen the film. While High Fidelity is wonderfully written, it is one of those rare novels, where I believe the film surpasses the author. There is just something about actor John Cusack and the voice he gives to the character Rob, and the visuals the director gives us with Rob’s top 5 lists. I am not saying that I disliked the book. I just wish I had read the book without the influence of the movie, so that I could judge it by itself. So my final thoughts are pick up the book but only if you haven't seen the movie yet. If however you have seen the movie, just pop it into your DVD player again and save your time.
3 out of 5 stars.
Recommended Reading
Welcome to summer my dear readers. Sorry it has been so terribly long since I last checked in. But this month has been crazy. Besides I don’t think anyone really follows this blog anyways. But just in case you are out there and looking for something to add to your reading list, here I am. For June, I wanted a short, quick, fun read that reminded me of summer. So this month I am recommending Holes by Louis Sachar. Holes is the story Stanley Yelnats whose family is said to be cursed. Never does Stanley feel the curse more than when he is sent to Camp Green Lake, where he must dig his way to truth and friendship. Making Holes a story is sure to bring a smile to your face. So pick it up for a fast and easy treat.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sellevision
Title: Sellevision
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Pages: 240
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
An inside look at 4 hosts of the home retail channel Sellevision that might be a little to close for comfort.
(SPOILER INFO)
Max: Gay Sellevision host who loses his job after his penis is accidentally exposed while on air. Max must now figure out what he is going to do for a living.
Peggy Jean: One day Peggy Jean receives an e-mail from a viewer complaining about how hairy Peggy Jean is. So, she waxes but the torment continues and Peggy Jean starts to stuff her emotions with bills and booze instead.
Bebe: Sellevision’s top host who finds love when she meets Eliot. But can she overcome her shopping addiction? And what will she do, when she finds out Eliot may be “closer” to her than she realized?
Leigh: The youngest and newest Sellevision host who is also having an affair with her older married executive producer Howard.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars. Sarcastic, painfully honest, and down right hilarious and awkward.
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Pages: 240
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
An inside look at 4 hosts of the home retail channel Sellevision that might be a little to close for comfort.
(SPOILER INFO)
Max: Gay Sellevision host who loses his job after his penis is accidentally exposed while on air. Max must now figure out what he is going to do for a living.
Peggy Jean: One day Peggy Jean receives an e-mail from a viewer complaining about how hairy Peggy Jean is. So, she waxes but the torment continues and Peggy Jean starts to stuff her emotions with bills and booze instead.
Bebe: Sellevision’s top host who finds love when she meets Eliot. But can she overcome her shopping addiction? And what will she do, when she finds out Eliot may be “closer” to her than she realized?
Leigh: The youngest and newest Sellevision host who is also having an affair with her older married executive producer Howard.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars. Sarcastic, painfully honest, and down right hilarious and awkward.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Rebecca
Title: Rebecca
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Pages: 416
NON-SPOILER INFO:
The ghost of the first Mrs. de Winter, the ghost of Rebecca, haunts her husband Max’s new marriage, his home, and his servants like Mrs. Danvers.
MY THOUGHTS:
Many years ago, I saw the Hitchcock film version of this story, so I sort of remembered a lot of the story going into the book. As a result this book started very slowly for me and I nearly gave it up. But I stuck with it and 100 pages in met the mysterious Jack Favell. And this for me was the real start of the book. Once the mystery set in, I couldn’t stop reading. I couldn’t wait to find out the truth about Favell, Mrs. Danvers, and Rebecca. And the conclusion didn’t disappoint. It was shocking and yet it brought all the little clues from the story together to make a complete account of the infamous Rebecca.
MY VERDICT:
4 out of 5 stars. I want to find the movie and own it now!
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Pages: 416
NON-SPOILER INFO:
The ghost of the first Mrs. de Winter, the ghost of Rebecca, haunts her husband Max’s new marriage, his home, and his servants like Mrs. Danvers.
MY THOUGHTS:
Many years ago, I saw the Hitchcock film version of this story, so I sort of remembered a lot of the story going into the book. As a result this book started very slowly for me and I nearly gave it up. But I stuck with it and 100 pages in met the mysterious Jack Favell. And this for me was the real start of the book. Once the mystery set in, I couldn’t stop reading. I couldn’t wait to find out the truth about Favell, Mrs. Danvers, and Rebecca. And the conclusion didn’t disappoint. It was shocking and yet it brought all the little clues from the story together to make a complete account of the infamous Rebecca.
MY VERDICT:
4 out of 5 stars. I want to find the movie and own it now!
Recommended Reading
Title: Inkheart
Author: Cornelia Funke
Pages: 576
Welcome to the month of mothers, anniversaries, and spring. Or should I just say welcome to May. It is getting harder and harder to recommend a book everyone each month. At first it was easy and I told you all about my most favorite reads. But now it’s getting harder. So I just try to picture you dear read as my friend and if I knew you in real life, what book would recommend for you to read? Well, after much thought, this month I want to tell you all to read Inkheart. It is the story of Mo a bookbinder and his daughter Meggie. One day Meggie discovers Mo’s hidden secret, he has the ability to read literary characters into being. And so there adventure begins. I just love the idea of the story and the relationship Meggie forms with the other characters along the way. But a side note, Inkheart is the first book in a trilogy but I wouldn’t recommend the other two at all. I pretty much hated book two and three and book one ends well enough, so that a second and third book is not required. So my suggestion would be to read Inkheart and stop the story there. Enjoy!
Author: Cornelia Funke
Pages: 576
Welcome to the month of mothers, anniversaries, and spring. Or should I just say welcome to May. It is getting harder and harder to recommend a book everyone each month. At first it was easy and I told you all about my most favorite reads. But now it’s getting harder. So I just try to picture you dear read as my friend and if I knew you in real life, what book would recommend for you to read? Well, after much thought, this month I want to tell you all to read Inkheart. It is the story of Mo a bookbinder and his daughter Meggie. One day Meggie discovers Mo’s hidden secret, he has the ability to read literary characters into being. And so there adventure begins. I just love the idea of the story and the relationship Meggie forms with the other characters along the way. But a side note, Inkheart is the first book in a trilogy but I wouldn’t recommend the other two at all. I pretty much hated book two and three and book one ends well enough, so that a second and third book is not required. So my suggestion would be to read Inkheart and stop the story there. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Abarat
Title: Abarat
Author: Clive Barker
Pages: 388
(NON-SPOLIER)Seemingly ordinary Candy Quackenbush from Chickentown Minnesota goes on a journey to the land of Abarat and meets many colorful characters along the way.
ABARAT:The land of Abarat is composed of 25 islands. Each island is a time of day except for the 25th island.
Yzil, the island of Noon, is a place of exceptional beauty and fruitfulness.
Hobarookus, the island at One O’clock is a haunt of saw bandits and buccaneers.
Orlando’s Cap, the island at Two o’clock, and an asylum for the insane.
Nonce, the island at Three o’clock, is the island where life began.
Gnomon, the island at Four o’clock, is littered with ruins of temples and oracular sites.
Sona Plume, the island at Five o’clock, is home to Ziggurat the place of burial.
Babilonium, the island at Six o’clock, is a most pleasurable hour.
Scoriae, also called The Island of Lengthening Shadows, at Seven o’clock, are an ashen depressing place.
Yebba Dim Day, the island at Eight o’clock, is also called The Great Head and is the last hurrah of daylight.
Huffaker, the island at Nine o’clock, is home to Hap’s Vault the home of the thread that joins all things.
Ninnyhammer, the island at Ten o’clock, is home to a tribe of tarrie-cats and a certain wizard.
Jibarish, the island at Eleven o’ clock, is a place of paradoxes.
Gorgossium, the island of Midnight, is home to the Carrion family and Christopher Carrion the lord of midnight.
The Six Pyramids of Xuxu, the island at one o’clock, are sites of mystery and tragedy.
Idjit, the island at two o’clock, is an immensely charming island plagued by lightning.
Pyron, the island at three o’clock, is owned by Rojo Pixler who builds the largest brightest city called Commexo City. Pixler is also the maker of Panacea and its salesman the Commexo Kid.
The Isle of the Black Egg, the island at four o’clock, is home to mountainous ranges.
Speckle Few, the island at five o’ clock, is home to a wide variety of species.
Efreet, the island at six o’ clock, is home to the city of Koy the most cultured city in the Abarat.
Autland, the island at seven o’clock, home to Queen Muzzel McCray’s dream palace.
Obadiah, the island at eight o’ clock is an island of extraordinary flora.
Qualm Hah, the island at nine o’clock, is home to Tazamagor a seaport town with good food and happy people.
Spake, the island at ten o’clock, is a splendid green place.
Nully, at eleven o’clock, is home to the Repository of Remembrance filled with objects once beloved by the mighty.
And finally, The Twenty-Fifth Hour, or Odom’s Spire, is the greatest mystery in the Abarat. Those who travel there are either never seen again or return insane.
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS:
The John Brothers: John Mischief is a gentleman with a pair of antlers. On the antlers are 7 heads, or seven brothers. They are John Fillet, John, Sallow, John Moot, John Drowze, John Pluckitt, John Serpent, and John Slop. They are the first being from Abarat that Candy meets and her guide to the other side.
Mendelson Shape: A servant of Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight. Sent to fetch a key from the John Brothers and later sent to find Candy. He dies after a fall from a moth.
Deaux-Deaux, Tropella, and Pux: sea-skippers who help save John and Candy from the sea.
Izarith: Mother of Maiza and wife of Ruthus, who lives in the Yebba Dim Day and offers Candy food and shelter.
Christopher Carrion: The Lord of Midnight: The lower half of his face is filled with a fluid in with streams nightmares. He breathes the nightmares in and out. He wants to find Candy.
Otto Houlihan: The Criss-Cross Man, a trusted lieutenant of Carrion.
Requiax: evil creatures similar to dragons that live in the sea.
Mater Motley: Grandmother to Christopher Carrion, she lives in the Thirteenth tower of midnight and makes stitchlings, creatures sewn together from skin, leather, and fabric.
Samuel Hastrim Klepp the Fifth: Maker of Klepp’s Almenak which details everything Abarat.
Rojo Pixler: builder of the largest, brightest city in Abarat Commexo City. Maker of Panacea (a type of all purpose medicine). Pixler also created the Commexo Kid an advertising device to sell his creations. The Commexo Kid can be seen everywhere. Pixler wants more science and less magic.
Geneva Peachtree, Captain Hemmett McBean, Two-Toed Tom, “Kiss Curl” Carlotti, and Tria: A band of sailors who hook up with the John brothers in search of Finnegan Hob and who battle dragons.
Kaspar Wolfswinkel: a magician imprisoned on Ninnyhammer. He is short and wears a banana yellow suit with several hats on his head. He is also very cruel.
Malingo: a geshrat slave to Wolfswinkel who helps Candy escape and then accompanies her on the rest of her journey.
Jimothi Tarrie: leader of the tarrie-cats of Ninnyhammer. Tarrie-cats can see through Wolfswinkel’s magic and he is afraid of them. Jimothi also helps Candy and Malingo escape.
Diamanda Murkitt, Joephi, and Mespa: The sisters of Fantomaya who are connected to Candy in some way. Possibly seers or witches.
VERDICT:
3 out 5 stars. I was really getting into it when it ended. I can’t wait to pick up the next one so the story can continue.
Author: Clive Barker
Pages: 388
(NON-SPOLIER)Seemingly ordinary Candy Quackenbush from Chickentown Minnesota goes on a journey to the land of Abarat and meets many colorful characters along the way.
ABARAT:The land of Abarat is composed of 25 islands. Each island is a time of day except for the 25th island.
Yzil, the island of Noon, is a place of exceptional beauty and fruitfulness.
Hobarookus, the island at One O’clock is a haunt of saw bandits and buccaneers.
Orlando’s Cap, the island at Two o’clock, and an asylum for the insane.
Nonce, the island at Three o’clock, is the island where life began.
Gnomon, the island at Four o’clock, is littered with ruins of temples and oracular sites.
Sona Plume, the island at Five o’clock, is home to Ziggurat the place of burial.
Babilonium, the island at Six o’clock, is a most pleasurable hour.
Scoriae, also called The Island of Lengthening Shadows, at Seven o’clock, are an ashen depressing place.
Yebba Dim Day, the island at Eight o’clock, is also called The Great Head and is the last hurrah of daylight.
Huffaker, the island at Nine o’clock, is home to Hap’s Vault the home of the thread that joins all things.
Ninnyhammer, the island at Ten o’clock, is home to a tribe of tarrie-cats and a certain wizard.
Jibarish, the island at Eleven o’ clock, is a place of paradoxes.
Gorgossium, the island of Midnight, is home to the Carrion family and Christopher Carrion the lord of midnight.
The Six Pyramids of Xuxu, the island at one o’clock, are sites of mystery and tragedy.
Idjit, the island at two o’clock, is an immensely charming island plagued by lightning.
Pyron, the island at three o’clock, is owned by Rojo Pixler who builds the largest brightest city called Commexo City. Pixler is also the maker of Panacea and its salesman the Commexo Kid.
The Isle of the Black Egg, the island at four o’clock, is home to mountainous ranges.
Speckle Few, the island at five o’ clock, is home to a wide variety of species.
Efreet, the island at six o’ clock, is home to the city of Koy the most cultured city in the Abarat.
Autland, the island at seven o’clock, home to Queen Muzzel McCray’s dream palace.
Obadiah, the island at eight o’ clock is an island of extraordinary flora.
Qualm Hah, the island at nine o’clock, is home to Tazamagor a seaport town with good food and happy people.
Spake, the island at ten o’clock, is a splendid green place.
Nully, at eleven o’clock, is home to the Repository of Remembrance filled with objects once beloved by the mighty.
And finally, The Twenty-Fifth Hour, or Odom’s Spire, is the greatest mystery in the Abarat. Those who travel there are either never seen again or return insane.
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS:
The John Brothers: John Mischief is a gentleman with a pair of antlers. On the antlers are 7 heads, or seven brothers. They are John Fillet, John, Sallow, John Moot, John Drowze, John Pluckitt, John Serpent, and John Slop. They are the first being from Abarat that Candy meets and her guide to the other side.
Mendelson Shape: A servant of Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight. Sent to fetch a key from the John Brothers and later sent to find Candy. He dies after a fall from a moth.
Deaux-Deaux, Tropella, and Pux: sea-skippers who help save John and Candy from the sea.
Izarith: Mother of Maiza and wife of Ruthus, who lives in the Yebba Dim Day and offers Candy food and shelter.
Christopher Carrion: The Lord of Midnight: The lower half of his face is filled with a fluid in with streams nightmares. He breathes the nightmares in and out. He wants to find Candy.
Otto Houlihan: The Criss-Cross Man, a trusted lieutenant of Carrion.
Requiax: evil creatures similar to dragons that live in the sea.
Mater Motley: Grandmother to Christopher Carrion, she lives in the Thirteenth tower of midnight and makes stitchlings, creatures sewn together from skin, leather, and fabric.
Samuel Hastrim Klepp the Fifth: Maker of Klepp’s Almenak which details everything Abarat.
Rojo Pixler: builder of the largest, brightest city in Abarat Commexo City. Maker of Panacea (a type of all purpose medicine). Pixler also created the Commexo Kid an advertising device to sell his creations. The Commexo Kid can be seen everywhere. Pixler wants more science and less magic.
Geneva Peachtree, Captain Hemmett McBean, Two-Toed Tom, “Kiss Curl” Carlotti, and Tria: A band of sailors who hook up with the John brothers in search of Finnegan Hob and who battle dragons.
Kaspar Wolfswinkel: a magician imprisoned on Ninnyhammer. He is short and wears a banana yellow suit with several hats on his head. He is also very cruel.
Malingo: a geshrat slave to Wolfswinkel who helps Candy escape and then accompanies her on the rest of her journey.
Jimothi Tarrie: leader of the tarrie-cats of Ninnyhammer. Tarrie-cats can see through Wolfswinkel’s magic and he is afraid of them. Jimothi also helps Candy and Malingo escape.
Diamanda Murkitt, Joephi, and Mespa: The sisters of Fantomaya who are connected to Candy in some way. Possibly seers or witches.
VERDICT:
3 out 5 stars. I was really getting into it when it ended. I can’t wait to pick up the next one so the story can continue.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
My Last Supper
Title: My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals
Author: Melanie Dunea
Pages:203 (Pages 1-146 interviews and pictures. Page 150-203 recipes)
NON-SPOILER INFO:
Melanie Dunea asked 50 great chefs the same 6 questions:
1.) What would be your last meal on earth?
2.) What would be the setting for the meal?
3.) What would you drink with your meal?
4.) Would there be music?
5.) Who would be your dining companions?
6.) Who would prepare the meal?
What she discovered are answers as varied as their chefs. Some chefs want the simple foods that remind them of home or family. For example, Tyler Florence wants to indulge in fried chicken. While other chefs, want the best of the best, like caviar and truffles, or the most exotic, like bone marrow.
VERDICT:
3 out of 5 stars. Interesting read. Although I’m not sure I would ever make the recipes in the back.
Author: Melanie Dunea
Pages:203 (Pages 1-146 interviews and pictures. Page 150-203 recipes)
NON-SPOILER INFO:
Melanie Dunea asked 50 great chefs the same 6 questions:
1.) What would be your last meal on earth?
2.) What would be the setting for the meal?
3.) What would you drink with your meal?
4.) Would there be music?
5.) Who would be your dining companions?
6.) Who would prepare the meal?
What she discovered are answers as varied as their chefs. Some chefs want the simple foods that remind them of home or family. For example, Tyler Florence wants to indulge in fried chicken. While other chefs, want the best of the best, like caviar and truffles, or the most exotic, like bone marrow.
VERDICT:
3 out of 5 stars. Interesting read. Although I’m not sure I would ever make the recipes in the back.
The Bride's Farewell
Title: The Bride’s Farewell
Author: Meg Rosoff
Pages: 214
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
The year is 1850, and Pell Ridley wakes up on her wedding day determined to never marry anyone. So Pell grabs her pure white horse Jack and her mute brother Bean and sets out into the world on her own adventure.
(MY THOUGHTS [SPOILERISH])
What I liked about this book was the way Rosoff brought all the stories together at the end, like the story of Jack; the story of Bean, the gypsy, and Pell’s father; the story of Dogman, Harris, and Pell; and the story of Pell’s mom and sisters. What I didn’t like about this book was the fact that it was mostly a sad story. Also I didn’t like how unattached to the secondary characters I was. While reading, I knew Pell and felt her but I couldn’t really feel Bean (or the other characters) except for to see how Pell felt for him. My heart broke because Pell’s did, not because Bean was abused. In the end I have to say it was just ok.
VERDICT:
3 out of 5 stars. Good, not great.
Author: Meg Rosoff
Pages: 214
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
The year is 1850, and Pell Ridley wakes up on her wedding day determined to never marry anyone. So Pell grabs her pure white horse Jack and her mute brother Bean and sets out into the world on her own adventure.
(MY THOUGHTS [SPOILERISH])
What I liked about this book was the way Rosoff brought all the stories together at the end, like the story of Jack; the story of Bean, the gypsy, and Pell’s father; the story of Dogman, Harris, and Pell; and the story of Pell’s mom and sisters. What I didn’t like about this book was the fact that it was mostly a sad story. Also I didn’t like how unattached to the secondary characters I was. While reading, I knew Pell and felt her but I couldn’t really feel Bean (or the other characters) except for to see how Pell felt for him. My heart broke because Pell’s did, not because Bean was abused. In the end I have to say it was just ok.
VERDICT:
3 out of 5 stars. Good, not great.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The White Queen
Title: The White Queen
Author: Philippa Gregory
Pages: 464
NON-SPOILER INFO:
The fictional account of Elizabeth Woodville, who would marry King Edward IV and give birth to 10 of his children all while fighting with the house of the Lancaster’s in the “Cousin’s War” or The War of the Roses.
MY THOUGHTS:
I love, love, love Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl. That book stared my love/obsession with the Henry VIII and his wives. A love that carried over into reading The Constant Princess (Henry’s first wife) and The Boleyn Inheritance (Henry’s 4th and 5th wife) both by Gregory, as well as The Last Wife of Henry VIII by Carolly Erickson. So when I heard that Gregory was going to start a new series about the War of the Roses and the grandmother of Henry VIII, I was VERY excited! But the book was sort of a disappointment. First I couldn’t stand all the stuff Gregory inserted about Elizabeth being descended from Melusina the water goddess and therefore having special powers. I could have lived with it and believed it more if Elizabeth thought herself a witch casting spells. I also felt no connection to Elizabeth or her husband Edward as characters. And I definitely didn’t feel the love between them. Edward risked everything to marry Elizabeth in secret and I felt no passion, no lust, no love, not anything. The most intriguing part of the book was the mystery of the two princes. Elizabeth’s son’s Edward and Richard were both taken into the Tower of London where they eventually disappeared without a trace. To this day no one knows if the princes were killed; and by who, or if they someone escaped in secret, or if they simply died of an illness in the Tower of London and were given a hasty burial to hide the truth. Gregory has a theory on what may have happened but I won’t tell, just in case you plan on reading this.
VERDICT: 2 and half stars out of 5. Read the Tudor Series instead!
Author: Philippa Gregory
Pages: 464
NON-SPOILER INFO:
The fictional account of Elizabeth Woodville, who would marry King Edward IV and give birth to 10 of his children all while fighting with the house of the Lancaster’s in the “Cousin’s War” or The War of the Roses.
MY THOUGHTS:
I love, love, love Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl. That book stared my love/obsession with the Henry VIII and his wives. A love that carried over into reading The Constant Princess (Henry’s first wife) and The Boleyn Inheritance (Henry’s 4th and 5th wife) both by Gregory, as well as The Last Wife of Henry VIII by Carolly Erickson. So when I heard that Gregory was going to start a new series about the War of the Roses and the grandmother of Henry VIII, I was VERY excited! But the book was sort of a disappointment. First I couldn’t stand all the stuff Gregory inserted about Elizabeth being descended from Melusina the water goddess and therefore having special powers. I could have lived with it and believed it more if Elizabeth thought herself a witch casting spells. I also felt no connection to Elizabeth or her husband Edward as characters. And I definitely didn’t feel the love between them. Edward risked everything to marry Elizabeth in secret and I felt no passion, no lust, no love, not anything. The most intriguing part of the book was the mystery of the two princes. Elizabeth’s son’s Edward and Richard were both taken into the Tower of London where they eventually disappeared without a trace. To this day no one knows if the princes were killed; and by who, or if they someone escaped in secret, or if they simply died of an illness in the Tower of London and were given a hasty burial to hide the truth. Gregory has a theory on what may have happened but I won’t tell, just in case you plan on reading this.
VERDICT: 2 and half stars out of 5. Read the Tudor Series instead!
April Recommended Reading
Title: Like Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Pages: 350
When his parents are killed, leaving him with no money, Jacob Jankowski joins the circus and uses his expertise to work with the animals. On arrival at the circus Jacob encounters many colorful characters including Kinko a dwarf clown; Uncle Al the power hungry and creepy circus boss, and August the head animal trainer who is both charming and brutal. And then there is Marlena, the beautiful star of the circus, who Jacob falls madly in love with. But Marlena is already married to the vicious and cruel August. So, Jacob is left to wonder if Marlena loves him back and if she does how dangerous it could be for all of them.
Author: Sara Gruen
Pages: 350
When his parents are killed, leaving him with no money, Jacob Jankowski joins the circus and uses his expertise to work with the animals. On arrival at the circus Jacob encounters many colorful characters including Kinko a dwarf clown; Uncle Al the power hungry and creepy circus boss, and August the head animal trainer who is both charming and brutal. And then there is Marlena, the beautiful star of the circus, who Jacob falls madly in love with. But Marlena is already married to the vicious and cruel August. So, Jacob is left to wonder if Marlena loves him back and if she does how dangerous it could be for all of them.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
When You Are Engulfed In Flames
Title: When You Are Engulfed In Flames
Author: David Sedaris
Pages: 323
(NON-SPOILER INFO)A collection of short stories from author David Sedaris’ life with subjects that include a parasitic worm, an encounter with a dingo, the buying of a human skeleton, and attempting to learn Japanese in Tokyo.
(SPOILER INFO)It’s Catching: The story of germs and how some people see them everywhere.
Keeping Up: A fight between a couple on the street reminds David of his relationship with Hugh and how Hugh always walks ahead of him.
The Understudy: An experience with a horrible babysitter named Mrs. Peacock.
This Old House: David’s obsession with old fashioned things leads him to an old house with a like-minded roommate Rosemary.
Buddy, Can You Spare a Tie?: David’s experiences and quest for manly accessories.
Road Trips: David has experiences with admitting his sexuality.
What I Learned: David’s experiences with Princeton.
That’s Amore: David becomes friends with his cantankerous neighbor Helen.
The Monster Mash: A fascination with the dead.
In the Waiting Room: Unable to understand French, David ends up in a hospital waiting room in nothing but his underwear.
Solution to Saturday’s Puzzle: While on an airplane ride, David encounters a pushy passenger.
Adult Figures Charging Toward a Concrete Toadstool: David’s parents become interested in art.
Memento Mori: David buys Hugh a skeleton for his birthday and later regrets it.
All the Beauty You Will Ever Need: David buys marijuana from a trailer home.
Town and Country: A story of how a person looks and how the act differs greatly.
Aerial: Birds begin to attack the Sedaris home.
The Man In the Hut: David befriends the neighbor suspected to being a child molester.
Of Mice and Men: David practices for conversations with articles from the newspaper.
April In Paris: David starts studying and the loving the spiders in his window.
Crybaby: David must sit next to a Polish man on an airplane who was just lost his mother.
Old Faithful: What being in a monogamous relationship means.
The Smoking Section: David tries to quit smoking by moving to Tokyo for three months.
(MY VERDICT)
My favorite story was definitely The Smoking Section, as I related to it so much. Overall I gave the entire book 3 and ½ stars.
Author: David Sedaris
Pages: 323
(NON-SPOILER INFO)A collection of short stories from author David Sedaris’ life with subjects that include a parasitic worm, an encounter with a dingo, the buying of a human skeleton, and attempting to learn Japanese in Tokyo.
(SPOILER INFO)It’s Catching: The story of germs and how some people see them everywhere.
Keeping Up: A fight between a couple on the street reminds David of his relationship with Hugh and how Hugh always walks ahead of him.
The Understudy: An experience with a horrible babysitter named Mrs. Peacock.
This Old House: David’s obsession with old fashioned things leads him to an old house with a like-minded roommate Rosemary.
Buddy, Can You Spare a Tie?: David’s experiences and quest for manly accessories.
Road Trips: David has experiences with admitting his sexuality.
What I Learned: David’s experiences with Princeton.
That’s Amore: David becomes friends with his cantankerous neighbor Helen.
The Monster Mash: A fascination with the dead.
In the Waiting Room: Unable to understand French, David ends up in a hospital waiting room in nothing but his underwear.
Solution to Saturday’s Puzzle: While on an airplane ride, David encounters a pushy passenger.
Adult Figures Charging Toward a Concrete Toadstool: David’s parents become interested in art.
Memento Mori: David buys Hugh a skeleton for his birthday and later regrets it.
All the Beauty You Will Ever Need: David buys marijuana from a trailer home.
Town and Country: A story of how a person looks and how the act differs greatly.
Aerial: Birds begin to attack the Sedaris home.
The Man In the Hut: David befriends the neighbor suspected to being a child molester.
Of Mice and Men: David practices for conversations with articles from the newspaper.
April In Paris: David starts studying and the loving the spiders in his window.
Crybaby: David must sit next to a Polish man on an airplane who was just lost his mother.
Old Faithful: What being in a monogamous relationship means.
The Smoking Section: David tries to quit smoking by moving to Tokyo for three months.
(MY VERDICT)
My favorite story was definitely The Smoking Section, as I related to it so much. Overall I gave the entire book 3 and ½ stars.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Moloka'i
Title: Moloka’i
Author: Alan Brennert
Pages: 400
NON-SPOILER INFO:
In the 1890’s at the age of seven, Rachel Kalama is diagnosed with leprosy and forced to leave her family and friends behind for the island of Molokai, Hawaii.
SPOILER INFO:
The year is 1891 and Rachel Kalama is a seven year old Hawaiian girl who lives with her father Henry, a sailor; her mother Dorothy, her two brothers Ben and Kimo, and her sister Sarah. At the tender age of seven, Rachel is diagnosed with leprosy and forced to leave her family behind for the island of Molokai. Upon arrival at Molokai, Rachel finds a new family including Haleola, a native healer who becomes her adopted auntie; Sister Mary Catherine, one of the nuns charged with caring for the children of the island; Leilani, Rachel’s best friend, who is hiding a secret from the world; and Kenji, a Japanese boy who will eventually become Rachel’s husband. As Rachel finds herself loving a new family and creating a life despite the disease, Alan Brennert inserts historical moments including, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the overthrowing of Queen Liliuokalani, the invention of airplanes and movies, and the introduction of electricity to the island. All the while, Rachel lives her life to the fullest, including her first kiss, her first dance, her first drink of alcohol, her first friend, her surfing, her job, her marriage, and her eventual daughter. But sadly Rachel is forced to give her daughter Ruth up for adoption so that she does not come into contact with the disease. And so Rachel lives 50 years of Moloaki, until the day sulfa drugs release her from Molokai and she is free to search the world, not only for her daughter Ruth, but for her former Kalama family. In the end Rachel learns that home is where your heart is and family is not always defined by blood.
MY VERDICT:
3 ½ stars out of 5.
Beautifully sad and wonderful.
Author: Alan Brennert
Pages: 400
NON-SPOILER INFO:
In the 1890’s at the age of seven, Rachel Kalama is diagnosed with leprosy and forced to leave her family and friends behind for the island of Molokai, Hawaii.
SPOILER INFO:
The year is 1891 and Rachel Kalama is a seven year old Hawaiian girl who lives with her father Henry, a sailor; her mother Dorothy, her two brothers Ben and Kimo, and her sister Sarah. At the tender age of seven, Rachel is diagnosed with leprosy and forced to leave her family behind for the island of Molokai. Upon arrival at Molokai, Rachel finds a new family including Haleola, a native healer who becomes her adopted auntie; Sister Mary Catherine, one of the nuns charged with caring for the children of the island; Leilani, Rachel’s best friend, who is hiding a secret from the world; and Kenji, a Japanese boy who will eventually become Rachel’s husband. As Rachel finds herself loving a new family and creating a life despite the disease, Alan Brennert inserts historical moments including, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the overthrowing of Queen Liliuokalani, the invention of airplanes and movies, and the introduction of electricity to the island. All the while, Rachel lives her life to the fullest, including her first kiss, her first dance, her first drink of alcohol, her first friend, her surfing, her job, her marriage, and her eventual daughter. But sadly Rachel is forced to give her daughter Ruth up for adoption so that she does not come into contact with the disease. And so Rachel lives 50 years of Moloaki, until the day sulfa drugs release her from Molokai and she is free to search the world, not only for her daughter Ruth, but for her former Kalama family. In the end Rachel learns that home is where your heart is and family is not always defined by blood.
MY VERDICT:
3 ½ stars out of 5.
Beautifully sad and wonderful.
March Reading
What should you read for March? Well if you are anything like me, you are totally excited for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. So this month, let's get back to our roots, and read "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass" by Lewis Carroll. Besides what better time is there to read about the March Hare? So go my dear readers!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Road
Title: The Road
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Pages: 304
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
A man and his son travel along the road in a post apocalyptic world.
(SPOILER INFO)
Something bad has happened to the world. The trees and buildings have burned, all the animals have died, and the world is covered in gray and ash. Into this world a young boy is born. Shortly after he is born, his mother commits suicide, leaving her husband, the boy’s father to care for him. This is the story of how the boy and the man try to travel to the coast where they hope it will be warmer. Along the way they must protect themselves from human cannibals, they must find food, water, and shelter, and they must figure out a way to survive and hold onto their humanity. My favorite episode along the road is when they stumble across an underground bunker that is fully stocked and it is the first real hope for the man and the boy. But such episodes are few and far between, as I'm sure they would be in real life. Maybe this book was just to real for me. It left me feeling depressed and hungry for more story. So....
(VERDICT)
I give it 2 out of 5 stars. I think it will make a better movie than a book.
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Pages: 304
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
A man and his son travel along the road in a post apocalyptic world.
(SPOILER INFO)
Something bad has happened to the world. The trees and buildings have burned, all the animals have died, and the world is covered in gray and ash. Into this world a young boy is born. Shortly after he is born, his mother commits suicide, leaving her husband, the boy’s father to care for him. This is the story of how the boy and the man try to travel to the coast where they hope it will be warmer. Along the way they must protect themselves from human cannibals, they must find food, water, and shelter, and they must figure out a way to survive and hold onto their humanity. My favorite episode along the road is when they stumble across an underground bunker that is fully stocked and it is the first real hope for the man and the boy. But such episodes are few and far between, as I'm sure they would be in real life. Maybe this book was just to real for me. It left me feeling depressed and hungry for more story. So....
(VERDICT)
I give it 2 out of 5 stars. I think it will make a better movie than a book.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February Reading
I had a really hard time trying to decide what book to recommend for the month of February. Do I recommend a love story in honor of Valentine's Day? Do I recommend something about Lincoln or Washington in honor of President's Day? Do I recommend a book that's personal or says something about me in honor of my own birthday? In the end, I just decided to recommend a book that I had read and really liked and not worry about trying to fit it into some special category. So the book I recommend for the month of February is...The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. The Other Boleyn Girl is the fascinating story of Anne Boleyn's rise to Queen in the court of Henry VIII as seen through the eyes of her sister Mary, who also has a relationship with the king. I devoured all 672 pages and I think you will to. Enjoy!
Stardust
Title: Stardust
Author: Neil Gaiman
Pages: 288
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
What would you do for love? When young Tristan Thorn promises the beautiful Victoria Forester anything she wants for her hand in marriage, she asks for the impossible, the fallen star that she just saw. And so Tristan must cross from his world of Wall into the realm of Faerie. But Faerie is a magical land where anything can happen including; talking trees, pirate lightening catchers, witches, evil lords, humans trapped in animal form, and a fallen star that is really a woman. Can Tristan protect the star and make his way back home to Wall?
(SPOILER INFO)
The story starts out with young Dunstan Thorn getting ready for market day, the one day every nine years when the citizens of Wall cross the boundary into Faerie. When Dunstan offers a strange man his own home, the man promises Dunstan anything his heart desires. The next day Dunstan crosses over Wall and finds a beautiful young slave girl and they share one magical day together. Nine months later Dunstan Thorn finds a baby next to the gap in the wall with a note naming him Tristan Thorn. At the age of 17 Tristan promises his love, the lovely Victoria Forester anything she wants, if she will give him her hand in marriage. At that moment Tristan and Victoria see a falling star and Victoria requests that Tristan bring her the exact star they just saw. So Tristan sets off into Faerie. But he is shocked to find out that the fallen star is actually a girl named Yvaine. Meanwhile, the three lords of Stormhold are also looking for the fallen star. For which ever surviving member of the Stormhold king finds the star will inherit the kingdom. But the lords of Stormhold aren’t the only ones looking for Yvaine. Three witch sisters, want to find the star and cut out its heart so that they can revive their youth. And so the race is on. And Tristan must protect the star and get her back to Wall so that he can claim the hand of Victoria.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars! I really liked this book BUT I think I would have absolutely LOVED it, if I hadn’t already seen the movie. My favorite bits were the part not included in the movie like the Unicorn and the talking tree! So go read this book, and then rent the movie.
Author: Neil Gaiman
Pages: 288
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
What would you do for love? When young Tristan Thorn promises the beautiful Victoria Forester anything she wants for her hand in marriage, she asks for the impossible, the fallen star that she just saw. And so Tristan must cross from his world of Wall into the realm of Faerie. But Faerie is a magical land where anything can happen including; talking trees, pirate lightening catchers, witches, evil lords, humans trapped in animal form, and a fallen star that is really a woman. Can Tristan protect the star and make his way back home to Wall?
(SPOILER INFO)
The story starts out with young Dunstan Thorn getting ready for market day, the one day every nine years when the citizens of Wall cross the boundary into Faerie. When Dunstan offers a strange man his own home, the man promises Dunstan anything his heart desires. The next day Dunstan crosses over Wall and finds a beautiful young slave girl and they share one magical day together. Nine months later Dunstan Thorn finds a baby next to the gap in the wall with a note naming him Tristan Thorn. At the age of 17 Tristan promises his love, the lovely Victoria Forester anything she wants, if she will give him her hand in marriage. At that moment Tristan and Victoria see a falling star and Victoria requests that Tristan bring her the exact star they just saw. So Tristan sets off into Faerie. But he is shocked to find out that the fallen star is actually a girl named Yvaine. Meanwhile, the three lords of Stormhold are also looking for the fallen star. For which ever surviving member of the Stormhold king finds the star will inherit the kingdom. But the lords of Stormhold aren’t the only ones looking for Yvaine. Three witch sisters, want to find the star and cut out its heart so that they can revive their youth. And so the race is on. And Tristan must protect the star and get her back to Wall so that he can claim the hand of Victoria.
(VERDICT)
4 out of 5 stars! I really liked this book BUT I think I would have absolutely LOVED it, if I hadn’t already seen the movie. My favorite bits were the part not included in the movie like the Unicorn and the talking tree! So go read this book, and then rent the movie.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Catching Fire
Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 400
***Please note that this ENTIRE review contains SPOILERS for the book The Hunger Games***
(NON-SPOILER INFO FOR CATCHING FIRE)
At the end of The Hunger Games, Katniss had pulled a stunt to save both herself and Peeta and for the first time in the history of Panem, the Hunger games had two winners. But now she has returned home and must deal with the consequences of playing such a dangerous game. First, she must confess to Peeta that most of her actions in the arena were for the benefit of the cameras. But does she love him or was it really all an act? And how will Peeta feel? And there is Gale to think of. Gale, the boy she left behind in district 12, her best friend, and her other half. What will Gale make of what happened in the arena? Will he be able to forgive and forget? But the worst is yet to come, when President Snow arrives on Katniss’s doorstep to talk to her alone and the word “uprising” and “rebellion” are whispered. Can Katniss save Gale, Peeta, and her family? What will become of District 12? Can she stop the uprisings and save them all? Or should she fight the Capitol and the President and free them all?
(SPOILER INFO)Katniss and Peeta have returned as victors of the Hunger Games. But in a ploy for survival for them both Katniss pulled a trick in the arena and the Capitol is not happy. Upon arriving home, Katniss gets a surprise visit from President Snow. And the President knows the truth about Gale and Peeta and the berries and is worried about uprisings and rebellions. So President Snow, threatens Katniss. Her first duty while she and Peeta are on the victory tour is that she must convince everyone, including the President, that she really is crazy in love with Peeta. There is even talk of a wedding between Katniss and Peeta. While all this is going on, the capitol is planning the 75th Hunger Games, which promises to be the most brutal of all. But despite his assurances, President Snow has evil plans for them all. When the 75th Hunger Games are announced, it is with horror that he says each district must send two of its victor’s back into the arena. This means, since Katniss is the only female victor for District 12 she is going back into the arena, just one year later. She must decide if she wants to fight the Capital and lead the rebellions or will she try to make a run for it? But how do you fight the Capital? Will she live through the arena again? And if she does survive, what becomes of Peeta, Gale, her family, and her district?
VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars! LOVE! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 400
***Please note that this ENTIRE review contains SPOILERS for the book The Hunger Games***
(NON-SPOILER INFO FOR CATCHING FIRE)
At the end of The Hunger Games, Katniss had pulled a stunt to save both herself and Peeta and for the first time in the history of Panem, the Hunger games had two winners. But now she has returned home and must deal with the consequences of playing such a dangerous game. First, she must confess to Peeta that most of her actions in the arena were for the benefit of the cameras. But does she love him or was it really all an act? And how will Peeta feel? And there is Gale to think of. Gale, the boy she left behind in district 12, her best friend, and her other half. What will Gale make of what happened in the arena? Will he be able to forgive and forget? But the worst is yet to come, when President Snow arrives on Katniss’s doorstep to talk to her alone and the word “uprising” and “rebellion” are whispered. Can Katniss save Gale, Peeta, and her family? What will become of District 12? Can she stop the uprisings and save them all? Or should she fight the Capitol and the President and free them all?
(SPOILER INFO)Katniss and Peeta have returned as victors of the Hunger Games. But in a ploy for survival for them both Katniss pulled a trick in the arena and the Capitol is not happy. Upon arriving home, Katniss gets a surprise visit from President Snow. And the President knows the truth about Gale and Peeta and the berries and is worried about uprisings and rebellions. So President Snow, threatens Katniss. Her first duty while she and Peeta are on the victory tour is that she must convince everyone, including the President, that she really is crazy in love with Peeta. There is even talk of a wedding between Katniss and Peeta. While all this is going on, the capitol is planning the 75th Hunger Games, which promises to be the most brutal of all. But despite his assurances, President Snow has evil plans for them all. When the 75th Hunger Games are announced, it is with horror that he says each district must send two of its victor’s back into the arena. This means, since Katniss is the only female victor for District 12 she is going back into the arena, just one year later. She must decide if she wants to fight the Capital and lead the rebellions or will she try to make a run for it? But how do you fight the Capital? Will she live through the arena again? And if she does survive, what becomes of Peeta, Gale, her family, and her district?
VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars! LOVE! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Outlander
Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Pages: 656
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
Claire Randall and her husband Frank, the history buff, decide to take a honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands in 1945. One day while roaming the countryside alone, Claire walks through a stone circle, only to be transported to 1743. Cast back in time, Claire meets her husband’s ancestor, the evil Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall and a Scottish clan named MacKenzie. While traveling with the MacKenzie’s, Claire uses her training as a nurse, to heal a young Scots warrior named James (or Jamie) Fraser. Thrust together by circumstance Claire begins to have feelings for Jamie. But how can she let herself love another man when she is already married? Will she be able to return to her own time and Frank? Can she escape Randall before it’s too late? And how will she affect all of history, including her own?
(SPOILER INFO AND MY THOUGHTS)
First off, I have to let you know that Diana Gabaldon is a very detailed writer, right down to describing the stain on someone’s sock. Because of Gabaldon’s long descriptions it was hard to fall into this book right away. As a matter of fact, I almost gave up after about 100 pages. But then Claire and Jamie marry and the book starts to pick up. But it’s at its best when Claire and Jamie are battling together to escape the evil Randall. And when that happens, Outlander becomes a page turner. I still had some problems with the story. My main issue with the plot is the fact that war separated Frank and Claire for SIX years and neither of them had affairs while apart, but a few months tossed back in time and Claire is already sharing the bed of another man. A few other issues I had with the book are the beating Claire receives from a man that loves her, Jamie’s rape which felt unnecessary, and Claire’s pregnancy at the end which felt tacked on and too good to be true. But for the most part, Claire and Jamie are written in a way that makes you care for them. You want to know what happens and you want it to work out for the best. I don’t know if I will read any others in the series but I liked Outlander enough that I might give them a try.
3 out of 5 stars!
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Pages: 656
(NON-SPOILER INFO)
Claire Randall and her husband Frank, the history buff, decide to take a honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands in 1945. One day while roaming the countryside alone, Claire walks through a stone circle, only to be transported to 1743. Cast back in time, Claire meets her husband’s ancestor, the evil Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall and a Scottish clan named MacKenzie. While traveling with the MacKenzie’s, Claire uses her training as a nurse, to heal a young Scots warrior named James (or Jamie) Fraser. Thrust together by circumstance Claire begins to have feelings for Jamie. But how can she let herself love another man when she is already married? Will she be able to return to her own time and Frank? Can she escape Randall before it’s too late? And how will she affect all of history, including her own?
(SPOILER INFO AND MY THOUGHTS)
First off, I have to let you know that Diana Gabaldon is a very detailed writer, right down to describing the stain on someone’s sock. Because of Gabaldon’s long descriptions it was hard to fall into this book right away. As a matter of fact, I almost gave up after about 100 pages. But then Claire and Jamie marry and the book starts to pick up. But it’s at its best when Claire and Jamie are battling together to escape the evil Randall. And when that happens, Outlander becomes a page turner. I still had some problems with the story. My main issue with the plot is the fact that war separated Frank and Claire for SIX years and neither of them had affairs while apart, but a few months tossed back in time and Claire is already sharing the bed of another man. A few other issues I had with the book are the beating Claire receives from a man that loves her, Jamie’s rape which felt unnecessary, and Claire’s pregnancy at the end which felt tacked on and too good to be true. But for the most part, Claire and Jamie are written in a way that makes you care for them. You want to know what happens and you want it to work out for the best. I don’t know if I will read any others in the series but I liked Outlander enough that I might give them a try.
3 out of 5 stars!
January Reading
Title: The Time Traveler’s Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Pages: 560
January is a month when we reflect on time and where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. So for this month’s must read book, I was thinking of time and reflection when I thought of “The Time Traveler’s Wife”. It is the story of Henry who suffers from “Chrono Displacement” a disorder which causes him to disappear suddenly, only to find himself in the past or the future. Henry can not control when he will travel or where he will travel to but the one constant in his life is that he always seems to travel to Clare, who will become his greatest love. And that’s what this story is really about, the power of love. And that is why I am making it this month's recomendation. Once you get past all the time jumping....which can be confusing, it is really one of the best love stories you will EVER read. So go read and enjoy!
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Pages: 560
January is a month when we reflect on time and where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. So for this month’s must read book, I was thinking of time and reflection when I thought of “The Time Traveler’s Wife”. It is the story of Henry who suffers from “Chrono Displacement” a disorder which causes him to disappear suddenly, only to find himself in the past or the future. Henry can not control when he will travel or where he will travel to but the one constant in his life is that he always seems to travel to Clare, who will become his greatest love. And that’s what this story is really about, the power of love. And that is why I am making it this month's recomendation. Once you get past all the time jumping....which can be confusing, it is really one of the best love stories you will EVER read. So go read and enjoy!
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