After the heaviness of Poisonwood, I ripped through this book in a day. This is another YA.
In this book, a high school boy receives a mysterious package of 7 cassette tapes (what are those?). When he pops in the first tape, he hears the voice of a girl he once kissed as she explains why she killed herself.
I go back and forth on whether or not I like this book. I think it's probably good that kids are reading it, because it does a good job of showing how little things can make a big impact on teens. But, it irritated me at times that this girl who committed suicide is so torn apart by little tiny things and blames a lot of people for her decision to kill herself. Can you really blame someone who says you have the nicest ass of the Freshman class? I mean, how terrible is that, really?
It was a very quick read and pretty interesting. I guess if you've got a day and an interest, I would read this.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Book 31-The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
This book will go on my list of best books of all time. Normally, I take some time with books before reviewing because I need to marinate on them for a while before I make my recommendation. Not with this one! I finished it at 11:00 at night and immediately knew that it had been an amazing ride. With soooooo much to think about and ponder and WOW!
This is the story of a family of missionaries in Africa (Congo, to be exact) told in different voices. We hear from the mom and try to decide if she is a strong character or a big weenie. We hear from Rachel, the oldest daughter who is more obsessed with her mirror and her hair than in finding food to eat in the Congo. We hear from Leah, the "whole" twin who learns many lessons from living a rough life alongside the Africans. We hear from Adah, the "half" twin who was born with only half her brain working and refuses to talk, although she is the only one in her family who has learned French, the language of business in their area. And finally, we hear from the baby, Ruth Mae. The author does an amazing job of giving us 5 very distinct voices to read and experience the story through.
I loved this book. Loved loved loved this book. Read it!
This is the story of a family of missionaries in Africa (Congo, to be exact) told in different voices. We hear from the mom and try to decide if she is a strong character or a big weenie. We hear from Rachel, the oldest daughter who is more obsessed with her mirror and her hair than in finding food to eat in the Congo. We hear from Leah, the "whole" twin who learns many lessons from living a rough life alongside the Africans. We hear from Adah, the "half" twin who was born with only half her brain working and refuses to talk, although she is the only one in her family who has learned French, the language of business in their area. And finally, we hear from the baby, Ruth Mae. The author does an amazing job of giving us 5 very distinct voices to read and experience the story through.
I loved this book. Loved loved loved this book. Read it!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Book 30-Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
I really liked this book because it took me to another time and place: China in the days of footbinding. This book gave me a great understanding of women's places in this time period, the geography of life, and so much more.
This is the story of Lily, from around age 6 to her death, and her relationship with her "old same." An "old same" is, as far as I understand it, another girl from another town who is contracted to be a lifelong best friend. This is also the story of women in China, from their secret language to their losses and the ancient stories and songs that get passed down through generations.
I found a lot of similarities between this book and Memoirs of a Geisha...it's a fascinating look into a culture and time period that I was completely ignorant of. The footbinding story was unbelievable to me and I had to look up pictures online before I could really picture what Lily and her friends were going through. Yikes!
This is the story of Lily, from around age 6 to her death, and her relationship with her "old same." An "old same" is, as far as I understand it, another girl from another town who is contracted to be a lifelong best friend. This is also the story of women in China, from their secret language to their losses and the ancient stories and songs that get passed down through generations.
I found a lot of similarities between this book and Memoirs of a Geisha...it's a fascinating look into a culture and time period that I was completely ignorant of. The footbinding story was unbelievable to me and I had to look up pictures online before I could really picture what Lily and her friends were going through. Yikes!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Borders book store closing
I am so sad that Borders is closing...I love bookstores and could spend days in them. And now the closest bookstore to me is closing. Where am I going to go to browse books?? I understand that most people buy online, but there is just something about feeling the books in my hands...
Book 29-Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
This is the story of a girl who disguised herself as a boy in order to receive a decent education in a time where women were there for baby-making and man-taking-care-of. As she continues her education, she moves up the heirarchy of the Catholic church until she is eventually elected Pope.
I really enjoyed the history behind these tales and will admit that the storyline is very captivating. But...the storyline seemed pretty dang contrived. Everything happened so wonderfully by chance. Pretty far-fetched, if you ask me.
I would recommend this to someone interested in Catholic history (although this particular chapter either doesn't exist or was erased) or historical fiction.
I really enjoyed the history behind these tales and will admit that the storyline is very captivating. But...the storyline seemed pretty dang contrived. Everything happened so wonderfully by chance. Pretty far-fetched, if you ask me.
I would recommend this to someone interested in Catholic history (although this particular chapter either doesn't exist or was erased) or historical fiction.
Book 28-Prague by Arthur Phillips
I read this book on advice from my sister Emily. I don't know if I thought it was quite a great as she did, but it was worth the read.
This is the story of several ex-pats living in Budapest in a time when everything is happening in Prague. There is always this underlying idea that they are not living the best life they could be living because they are in Budapest and not Prague. The usual stuff happens: they get jobs, lose jobs, find girls, and get denied by girls. Usual plotlines for a book, but it all happens in a foreign country!
At the end of this book, there were only one or two characters that I didn't absolutely hate. In the quest for fame and fortune, some of the characters did some pretty crappy things. I'm having a hard time talking about this book without giving away too much of the plot. There is a lot there and it would be a great book club book.
This is the story of several ex-pats living in Budapest in a time when everything is happening in Prague. There is always this underlying idea that they are not living the best life they could be living because they are in Budapest and not Prague. The usual stuff happens: they get jobs, lose jobs, find girls, and get denied by girls. Usual plotlines for a book, but it all happens in a foreign country!
At the end of this book, there were only one or two characters that I didn't absolutely hate. In the quest for fame and fortune, some of the characters did some pretty crappy things. I'm having a hard time talking about this book without giving away too much of the plot. There is a lot there and it would be a great book club book.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Book 27-Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Another YA! This one is nominated for the 2011-2012 Gateway Award. This is the love story of Grace and Sam. For Grace, it was love at first sight when she saw Sam for the first time...as a wolf in her backyard. Strange? Okay. But after all of the funky things that have been written for YA lately, I can buy it. When Grace sees Sam as a boy, the love is magnified...but then she realizes that Sam is running out of time to be a boy!
There, that's my summary. I liked this book, I guess. It was a page-turner, which is what I needed after trying to read some heavier stuff this summer while my kids run around and ask questions and watch iCarly. I need something a little easier. This is certainly easy. As a YA reader, I was glad that there wasn't a love triangle in this book. Those get sooooo tiresome. Yes, the heroine is so beautiful (but she never realizes it, of course) that she has multiple men who would lay down their lives for her. Yawn. Not in this book. The main characters only have eyes for each other. However, the absentee/oblivious parents were present. That's kind of a bummer...
I would pick this book up if you need something for a car ride or the beach (if you are so lucky)...
There, that's my summary. I liked this book, I guess. It was a page-turner, which is what I needed after trying to read some heavier stuff this summer while my kids run around and ask questions and watch iCarly. I need something a little easier. This is certainly easy. As a YA reader, I was glad that there wasn't a love triangle in this book. Those get sooooo tiresome. Yes, the heroine is so beautiful (but she never realizes it, of course) that she has multiple men who would lay down their lives for her. Yawn. Not in this book. The main characters only have eyes for each other. However, the absentee/oblivious parents were present. That's kind of a bummer...
I would pick this book up if you need something for a car ride or the beach (if you are so lucky)...
Bonus post-Books that stuck with me
After spending an hour in a bookstore with another reader friend (shout out Chris!), I thought I would blog about some books that I've read in years past that really stuck with me. The books that I still think about or that I would still recommend today after years of stagnation in my mind. Because some of them were read so long ago, the descriptions might be lacking...
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides-This book was a fantastic look into a family of recent immigrants who moved to Detroit to find work in the auto industry. Really good stuff about what life was like for them as Detroit grew...and then faded. Oh, and the main character is a hermaphrodite.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe-I read this MANY years ago, but this is what I remember. This is the story of a village in Africa that is "invaded" by missionaries. The author does an amazing job of showing the similarities between the tribe's "pagan" religion and Christianity.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel-When I recommended this to Chris last night, I realized that you really shouldn't know anything about the book before you read it. It is fantastic. But if I tell you what it's about, chances are you won't pick it up. It's worth it!
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini-I think of the author's two books, this one was my favorite because it deals with female friendship. The Kite Runner is definitely worth reading, but if I had to choose again, I'd pick this one.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks-I love this book because of the way it is written. This is the story of a Jewish book of prayers and the woman who is trying to find its history through the tiny fibers she finds in the creases of the pages. Each fiber tells a different story in the life of the book and the life of a persecuted religion. But instead of being a "woe is me" story about the tragedies of Jewish history, there is hope in these pages of cooperation and peace and understanding between religions.
Let me know if you've read any of these or if you have a book to add!
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides-This book was a fantastic look into a family of recent immigrants who moved to Detroit to find work in the auto industry. Really good stuff about what life was like for them as Detroit grew...and then faded. Oh, and the main character is a hermaphrodite.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe-I read this MANY years ago, but this is what I remember. This is the story of a village in Africa that is "invaded" by missionaries. The author does an amazing job of showing the similarities between the tribe's "pagan" religion and Christianity.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel-When I recommended this to Chris last night, I realized that you really shouldn't know anything about the book before you read it. It is fantastic. But if I tell you what it's about, chances are you won't pick it up. It's worth it!
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini-I think of the author's two books, this one was my favorite because it deals with female friendship. The Kite Runner is definitely worth reading, but if I had to choose again, I'd pick this one.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks-I love this book because of the way it is written. This is the story of a Jewish book of prayers and the woman who is trying to find its history through the tiny fibers she finds in the creases of the pages. Each fiber tells a different story in the life of the book and the life of a persecuted religion. But instead of being a "woe is me" story about the tragedies of Jewish history, there is hope in these pages of cooperation and peace and understanding between religions.
Let me know if you've read any of these or if you have a book to add!
Book 26-A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooo. What a waste of time. I listened to this book the last month of school and then had to find time to be in the car alone to finish it this summer. First off, it's a story about a Parisian man, but the guy who read it on the CD was a pompous English man. Yuck. It made my skin crawl to listen to him...especially during the sex scenes, which were pretty explicit. Secondly, it was a bad book. I read it because I was looking for something light to listen to in the car and I had already read Sarah's Key by the author. Mistake.
This is the story of a Parisian man with old family secrets that he spends the length of the book trying to discover. No big crescendo of plot. No real character development. I would NOT recommend this book.
This is the story of a Parisian man with old family secrets that he spends the length of the book trying to discover. No big crescendo of plot. No real character development. I would NOT recommend this book.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Book 25- Lies by Michael Grant
This is the 3rd book in a YA series that is slightly Stephen King-ish.
In the series, everyone over the age of 15 disappears from the town of Perdido Beach in one moment. As the remaining children struggle to survive, some of them start developing X-Men-like powers.
I really enjoy this series. The first book especially is really hard to read because the author doesn't shy from talking about really horrible stuff, like dead children and child on child violence. But the story is so fascinating. Yes, there are some funky things that happen in the book, but it's worth the ride.
In the series, everyone over the age of 15 disappears from the town of Perdido Beach in one moment. As the remaining children struggle to survive, some of them start developing X-Men-like powers.
I really enjoy this series. The first book especially is really hard to read because the author doesn't shy from talking about really horrible stuff, like dead children and child on child violence. But the story is so fascinating. Yes, there are some funky things that happen in the book, but it's worth the ride.
Book 24-The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall
I finished this book last week, but I needed to simmer on it for a while before blogging about it.
This is the story of Golden, a polygamist with four wives. The family is in shambles and this is their story.
It took me a long time to get into the book. I HATED it the first 40 or so pages and almost put it down, but I suffered through it. I think this would be for people who enjoyed The Corrections or other books where the characters make horrible decisions and are just generally not really good people. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I am glad that I finished it. The fourth wife was a really good character and I would rather have had the entire book center on her.
This is the story of Golden, a polygamist with four wives. The family is in shambles and this is their story.
It took me a long time to get into the book. I HATED it the first 40 or so pages and almost put it down, but I suffered through it. I think this would be for people who enjoyed The Corrections or other books where the characters make horrible decisions and are just generally not really good people. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I am glad that I finished it. The fourth wife was a really good character and I would rather have had the entire book center on her.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Book 23-The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebeeca Skloot
Yum! I love non-fiction books with a good "plot." This book was amazing.
This is the story of Henrietta Lacks, who died in the 50s of cervical cancer (and probably radiation poisoning). The doctors took some of her cancer cells to try and grow them in a lab, something that they had been doing for years, with disappointing results. But lo and behold! Henrietta's cells grew like gangbusters! Over the years, scientists used her cells to test vaccines, the atomic bomb, and even the effects of space travel on human cells. But this is only half the story. The other half of the story is the beautiful relationship the author developed with Henrietta's children: specifically her only living daughter, Deborah.
While labs are selling vials of HeLa cells for hundreds of dollars, Henrietta's children and grandchildren struggle with poverty.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys really interesting non-fiction. Like Devil in the White City or Outliers...
This is the story of Henrietta Lacks, who died in the 50s of cervical cancer (and probably radiation poisoning). The doctors took some of her cancer cells to try and grow them in a lab, something that they had been doing for years, with disappointing results. But lo and behold! Henrietta's cells grew like gangbusters! Over the years, scientists used her cells to test vaccines, the atomic bomb, and even the effects of space travel on human cells. But this is only half the story. The other half of the story is the beautiful relationship the author developed with Henrietta's children: specifically her only living daughter, Deborah.
While labs are selling vials of HeLa cells for hundreds of dollars, Henrietta's children and grandchildren struggle with poverty.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys really interesting non-fiction. Like Devil in the White City or Outliers...
Book 22-Matched by Ally Condie
This is a young adult novel that my friend gave me to read. I think there is already talk of making a movie of the trilogy...and Ally's only written the first book!
This is the story of a distopian society where all choice is taken away. The powers that be have used statistics to pick which people will be happy together (and make the best babies), what job each person would be best at, when people should have babies, etc. Anyone with an independent thought is labelled an aberration and kicked out of "the good life."
This follows the typical YA format in that there is a heroine who has two guys who are in love with her and she has to choose between her best friend and the guy who makes her heart go flutter.
I enjoyed the book as entertainment. It was a quick, easy read and I will probably read the other two books in the trilogy once they come out. BUT it was not nearly as awesome as the Hunger Games.
This is the story of a distopian society where all choice is taken away. The powers that be have used statistics to pick which people will be happy together (and make the best babies), what job each person would be best at, when people should have babies, etc. Anyone with an independent thought is labelled an aberration and kicked out of "the good life."
This follows the typical YA format in that there is a heroine who has two guys who are in love with her and she has to choose between her best friend and the guy who makes her heart go flutter.
I enjoyed the book as entertainment. It was a quick, easy read and I will probably read the other two books in the trilogy once they come out. BUT it was not nearly as awesome as the Hunger Games.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Book 21-Incendiary by Chris Cleave
I picked this book up because I enjoyed his other book, Little Bee. I LOVED this book, a whole lot more than I liked Little Bee.
This is a letter to Osama Bin Laden from a mother who lost her husband and son in a terrorist attack. This is a fictional tale and even the bombing is entirely fictional.
What did I love about this book? I loved the tone of the writing. It was very raw and followed the mother's stream of consciousness. I loved the plot of the book and the way it flowed. I loved the questions that it raised. Questions like: How much freedom should we give up to feel safe? What is humanity and what can take that away? How much is one life worth? And so many others that I can't write without giving away some key elements of the story. It was just really really good.
If, however, you are squeamish and don't like torrid details and people behaving badly, this is not the book for you. It is not pretty. But I think it's worth the ride.
This is a letter to Osama Bin Laden from a mother who lost her husband and son in a terrorist attack. This is a fictional tale and even the bombing is entirely fictional.
What did I love about this book? I loved the tone of the writing. It was very raw and followed the mother's stream of consciousness. I loved the plot of the book and the way it flowed. I loved the questions that it raised. Questions like: How much freedom should we give up to feel safe? What is humanity and what can take that away? How much is one life worth? And so many others that I can't write without giving away some key elements of the story. It was just really really good.
If, however, you are squeamish and don't like torrid details and people behaving badly, this is not the book for you. It is not pretty. But I think it's worth the ride.
Book 20-Tar Baby by Toni Morrison
I listened to this CD in the car and the plot really had me looking forward to my commute. There are so many tiny points of how we treat each other as people, friends, employees/employers, etc. I really thought I was going to love this book, but it killed me at the end.
The more time I spend stewing on this book, the more I like it, but I still feel like I'm missing some answers to my questions as a reader. Kind of like a European film-it just ended abruptly.
Here is what I got from the book: the value of every soul. I think that was the point... This is the story of several people living on a tiny Caribbean island. There is Valerian (I don't really know how the names are spelled since I listened to it) Street, a rich American recluse who lives in a huge house he had built on the island, his wife, his two employees (a married black couple), their niece Jadine, and a stranger who shows up on the island. There are also a couple of locals who take care of the yard and laundry. The book questions whether Mr. Street respects and loves his servants and their niece or whether they are simply there to cook his food.
There is a lot here to think about and I think it would be great for a book club, where several people can try to talk through it.
The more time I spend stewing on this book, the more I like it, but I still feel like I'm missing some answers to my questions as a reader. Kind of like a European film-it just ended abruptly.
Here is what I got from the book: the value of every soul. I think that was the point... This is the story of several people living on a tiny Caribbean island. There is Valerian (I don't really know how the names are spelled since I listened to it) Street, a rich American recluse who lives in a huge house he had built on the island, his wife, his two employees (a married black couple), their niece Jadine, and a stranger who shows up on the island. There are also a couple of locals who take care of the yard and laundry. The book questions whether Mr. Street respects and loves his servants and their niece or whether they are simply there to cook his food.
There is a lot here to think about and I think it would be great for a book club, where several people can try to talk through it.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Book 19-The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
Hmmmm...I picked up this book because it was recommended on Borders.com. Pretty lame reason to read something, I guess, but I've found several good gems this way in the past.
This is the story of several employees of an English-language newspaper headquartered in Rome. Each chapter is the story of one character, with in-between vignettes of the history of the paper. There's the story of the washed-up Paris-based reporter. The balls-clenching editor-in-chief. The newbie trying to make it in Cairo.
Each of these stories, when taken as a piece, is fantastic. I loved reading the stories of these...well....losers. Each one of them sucked for a different reason (I hope I'm not giving away too much), whether it be being too bull-headed, too pansy, too sex-driven, etc. I really liked the stories, but I have to admit that I was hoping for some big, bring-it-on-home moment a la Crash or Babel (movies with intertwining stories that all mesh together in the end). Instead, it just ended. No redemption. No climax to the story. Just a big let-down.
So I guess if you take each chapter as its own short story, I would recommend this book. But as a whole, I was disappointed!
This is the story of several employees of an English-language newspaper headquartered in Rome. Each chapter is the story of one character, with in-between vignettes of the history of the paper. There's the story of the washed-up Paris-based reporter. The balls-clenching editor-in-chief. The newbie trying to make it in Cairo.
Each of these stories, when taken as a piece, is fantastic. I loved reading the stories of these...well....losers. Each one of them sucked for a different reason (I hope I'm not giving away too much), whether it be being too bull-headed, too pansy, too sex-driven, etc. I really liked the stories, but I have to admit that I was hoping for some big, bring-it-on-home moment a la Crash or Babel (movies with intertwining stories that all mesh together in the end). Instead, it just ended. No redemption. No climax to the story. Just a big let-down.
So I guess if you take each chapter as its own short story, I would recommend this book. But as a whole, I was disappointed!
Book 18-I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Okay, I admit that I finished this a while ago and haven't had time to blog about it. AND this was actually my second time reading the book.
I've actually read all of Maya's autobiographical fare and have seen her speak in person. I think she is just amazing. Her voice is like honey and this time, I got to hear her read the words she wrote as I drove to and from school each day. Not only did she read, but she sang the gospel hymns she references in the book. I think I finally realized why those old gospel numbers sound so much better when sung by black folk. It's because we in the Catholic church try to sing them at such a high octave that it couldn't possibly sound good. If we would only lower the pitch just a tidge...or a ton, I don't know...
I'm sure that most readers have read at least one of Maya's books, but this is the first, following her life from about 4 (?) to 16 or 17.
One of the things, besides the singing, that hit me this time is the idea of respect and disrespect. I did my student teaching in a pretty urban (read, black) school and the kids always talked about "calling someone out of their name." I had never heard this term before, but I began to use it anytime a student didn't use another student's proper name. It came up in this book...that very phrase that I had never heard until a few years back. Names should be honored. Nicknames should be given with love. And hateful names should be banished, or at least punished. I don't know exactly where I want to go with this, but it seemed important that I, as a teacher, respect the names that students have and stand up for those names when others want to "call them out of their name."
Another thing that Maya tried to explain that I didn't quite understand is the reason why those in poverty choose to live in a shack but drive a brand new Cadillac. Maybe I missed her explanation in one of my drives, but she seemed to think it was reasonable or at least explanable. As a Dave Ramsey baby-stepper...I don't get it.
I would definitely recommend these autobiographies to anyone. They are fascinating reads because Maya has lived a life that seems more fiction than real-life.
PS-When I talk about books, I often refer to the author by their first name. I certainly don't mean any disrespect in this...but I always feel a certain kinship to an author after I spend hours delving into their mind through their books... Hope none of you are offended!
I've actually read all of Maya's autobiographical fare and have seen her speak in person. I think she is just amazing. Her voice is like honey and this time, I got to hear her read the words she wrote as I drove to and from school each day. Not only did she read, but she sang the gospel hymns she references in the book. I think I finally realized why those old gospel numbers sound so much better when sung by black folk. It's because we in the Catholic church try to sing them at such a high octave that it couldn't possibly sound good. If we would only lower the pitch just a tidge...or a ton, I don't know...
I'm sure that most readers have read at least one of Maya's books, but this is the first, following her life from about 4 (?) to 16 or 17.
One of the things, besides the singing, that hit me this time is the idea of respect and disrespect. I did my student teaching in a pretty urban (read, black) school and the kids always talked about "calling someone out of their name." I had never heard this term before, but I began to use it anytime a student didn't use another student's proper name. It came up in this book...that very phrase that I had never heard until a few years back. Names should be honored. Nicknames should be given with love. And hateful names should be banished, or at least punished. I don't know exactly where I want to go with this, but it seemed important that I, as a teacher, respect the names that students have and stand up for those names when others want to "call them out of their name."
Another thing that Maya tried to explain that I didn't quite understand is the reason why those in poverty choose to live in a shack but drive a brand new Cadillac. Maybe I missed her explanation in one of my drives, but she seemed to think it was reasonable or at least explanable. As a Dave Ramsey baby-stepper...I don't get it.
I would definitely recommend these autobiographies to anyone. They are fascinating reads because Maya has lived a life that seems more fiction than real-life.
PS-When I talk about books, I often refer to the author by their first name. I certainly don't mean any disrespect in this...but I always feel a certain kinship to an author after I spend hours delving into their mind through their books... Hope none of you are offended!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Book 17-One Day by David Nicholls
This is the story of Emma and Dexter and begins the morning after their graduation from college. It's a Harry Met Sally type of story, but here's the twist: the story is told over the span of 20 or so years...but through the events that happen on one day and one day only: July 15th. This lends a sort of "what if" to each chapter. What if she had said this? What if he had only given her the flower?
I really really loved this book. It was a very quick, easy read, but with so much character development and insight. I don't want to say too much because a lot of the fun is in what happens next...and then what happens....and then what happens... But from the first page, I wanted to know more.
I really really loved this book. It was a very quick, easy read, but with so much character development and insight. I don't want to say too much because a lot of the fun is in what happens next...and then what happens....and then what happens... But from the first page, I wanted to know more.
Book 16-Hunger by Michael Grant
This is the second book in the Gone series. In this book, the students have broken into two distinct groups again...the "bad" kids and the "good" kids. They are all starving after wasting a lot of the resources by being, well, kids!
This series is hard to read, with its theme of destruction and anarchy among children. The kids are running wild and the lack of adults has made some students step up and act better, while a lot of kids use the wildness of the times to act evil. There are crazy mobs and beatings and thoughts of cannibalism. It's not a light read, by any means. But it's good in a Stephen King way. My only complaint is that the books are so long and there are supposed to be 7 total in the series. Can I really handle reading 600 more pages...5 more times??
This series is hard to read, with its theme of destruction and anarchy among children. The kids are running wild and the lack of adults has made some students step up and act better, while a lot of kids use the wildness of the times to act evil. There are crazy mobs and beatings and thoughts of cannibalism. It's not a light read, by any means. But it's good in a Stephen King way. My only complaint is that the books are so long and there are supposed to be 7 total in the series. Can I really handle reading 600 more pages...5 more times??
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Book 15-The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio by Terry Ryan
I read this book for book club... It is the story of a mother of 10 children, trying to support all the kids with no job and an abusive and alcoholic husband. She earns money and prizes by entering jingle contests that were apparently all the rage in the 40s and 50s. At first, I had a hard time understanding her little one- and two-line jingles, but I got used to them eventually. This book and the characters really seemed too good to be true to me. I've been accused of reading only sad and depressing books, but this is one book that is definitely neither. And guess what?! I didn't like it. I guess I need something to think about when I read a book. If it had been a book where the hard-luck family had survived by doing something that I could do today, maybe I would have gotten more out of it. But as it was...eh. Certainly not my favorite book.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Recommendation: Cane River by Lalita Tademy
I read this book last year, but, as I haven't been finishing books fast enough to keep this blog going, I thought I would recommend it now! I loved this book soooo much. The author was high up in the corporate world, but couldn't stop thinking about the stories of her ancestors she had grown up hearing. So she quit her job and starting researching her geneology full-time. What she found could have filled a book! So she wrote that book. This story starts with her great-great-great grandmother (I think...), who was born into slavery, and follows the lineage down to her great-grandmother. But this is no dull read. Tademy took a risk and wrote the book as a narrative fictional tale and it paid off. Unfortunately, I listened to the book on CD...the actual book is filled with pictures and contracts and all sorts of historical documents that I didn't get to see. This book gave me such an insight into the lives of slaves. Granted, as Americans, we spend a lot of time hearing about and learning about slavery, but I don't think I ever saw it humanized as much as I did while listening to this book. For example, this book drives home the point that slaves had NO possessions. Not the clothes on their backs, not the furniture they carved out of wood, not even the children they bore. Wow. Please, pick up this book and read it. Tademy also wrote about her father's family tree in Red River, but I haven't had a chance to read that one yet.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Book 14-April in Paris by Michael Wallner
An adult novel!!! Hooray! This is the story of a German soldier in Paris during the occupation who tires of being the object of French disdain. With his perfect French accent, he starts dressing in civilian clothes and walking the streets of Paris as a Frenchman in the evenings and translating the confessions of Resistance members during the day. I loved this story. There was so much in it to think about...who is the real enemy? Why are wars so cruel? What does it mean to be accepted? The main character struggles so much with finding where he fits in. This relatively short novel is not an "easy" read, but it is well worth the read. The novel was originally written in German and translated into English...and there are lots of French phrases without an English translation. Might be frustrating for non-French speakers, but I liked it!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Book 13-The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
Yet another YA that I read because it was nominated for the Gateway Award. I feel terrible writing a "review" to these books when I know that very few of my followers are interested in this drivel. This one was pretty bad. It was about a girl at a very exclusive New England boarding school and how she tries to infiltrate the secret boys club. It's not overly immature, but the author used the words "nimrod" and "dog" waaaaaay too many times for my liking. Yuck! Would not recommend.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Book 12-The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman
Another young adult novel that I read because it was nominated for a Gateway Award.
This is the story of three juvenile delinquents who are saved from years of incarceration to live in a "halfway house" in NYC with a guy who wants to do good deeds. In the first week, though, the main guy (Mr. Healy) is injured in a scuffle and loses his memory. Instead of running away with their new found freedom, the kids continue to act as if nothing happened: going to school, therapy, and community service without Mr. Healy telling them to.
I really didn't enjoy this book very much at all. It was unrealistic and fluffy. I know that it was chosen for a Gateway to try and appeal to male readers, but I have to believe that there are better choices out there.
This is the story of three juvenile delinquents who are saved from years of incarceration to live in a "halfway house" in NYC with a guy who wants to do good deeds. In the first week, though, the main guy (Mr. Healy) is injured in a scuffle and loses his memory. Instead of running away with their new found freedom, the kids continue to act as if nothing happened: going to school, therapy, and community service without Mr. Healy telling them to.
I really didn't enjoy this book very much at all. It was unrealistic and fluffy. I know that it was chosen for a Gateway to try and appeal to male readers, but I have to believe that there are better choices out there.
Book 11-A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
This was my second time reading this book, which I've always said is the best book I've ever read. I hadn't read the book in ten years, so a lot of the details were pretty fuzzy.
This book is the story of the life of Owen Meany, a strange little child with a strange voice who never seemed to grow. Owen Meany is a strong character who never hesitates to make a decision or put himself in the spotlight despite the strangeness of his person. The narrator is John Wheelright, Owen's best friend. John is the antithesis of Owen. Where Owen is poor, John is rich. Where Owen is center-stage, John sits to the sidelines. It's almost as if John watches his life happening from above. For this reason, he is the perfect person to narrate this story.
John Irving, the author, is my favorite author of all time. He has a way of describing the tiniest of events or characters in a way that interests the reader rather than boring him/her to death. In this book, the story meanders between time periods...but I never got lost. Such a great book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is an interesting story, for those who aren't too interested in the deeper themes that permeate the novel. A long read, yes...but well worth it!
This book is the story of the life of Owen Meany, a strange little child with a strange voice who never seemed to grow. Owen Meany is a strong character who never hesitates to make a decision or put himself in the spotlight despite the strangeness of his person. The narrator is John Wheelright, Owen's best friend. John is the antithesis of Owen. Where Owen is poor, John is rich. Where Owen is center-stage, John sits to the sidelines. It's almost as if John watches his life happening from above. For this reason, he is the perfect person to narrate this story.
John Irving, the author, is my favorite author of all time. He has a way of describing the tiniest of events or characters in a way that interests the reader rather than boring him/her to death. In this book, the story meanders between time periods...but I never got lost. Such a great book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is an interesting story, for those who aren't too interested in the deeper themes that permeate the novel. A long read, yes...but well worth it!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Book 10: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
An adult book! Woo hoo! This book takes a serious look at the French responsibility during WWII for the deportation and round-up of thousands of French Jews. It follows the heartbreaking story of Sarah, a young girl who survived the round-up and a modern-day American living in France with her French husband.
The story here is really touching and heartbreaking, but I have a problem with the execution. The author bounced between Sarah and Julia's story, which I really enjoyed because it gave my emotions a break every so often from the horror of what Sarah survived. But I feel like I needed more towards the end. I don't know if it was Julia's story that was lacking or if I've been reading too many stories where the character development is super strong...
I would recommend this book for knowledge. I think that it's very important that I learned what the French did to Jews during WWII. Before this, I had gotten a rosy picture of French people either hiding Jews or supporting them silently for fear of retribution...this book paints another picture.
The story here is really touching and heartbreaking, but I have a problem with the execution. The author bounced between Sarah and Julia's story, which I really enjoyed because it gave my emotions a break every so often from the horror of what Sarah survived. But I feel like I needed more towards the end. I don't know if it was Julia's story that was lacking or if I've been reading too many stories where the character development is super strong...
I would recommend this book for knowledge. I think that it's very important that I learned what the French did to Jews during WWII. Before this, I had gotten a rosy picture of French people either hiding Jews or supporting them silently for fear of retribution...this book paints another picture.
Book 9: The Hate List by Jennifer Brown
This is yet another YA book that I read to be "cool" for my students. This book is about a couple who is bullied and the struggle the girl has to cope after her boyfriend takes matters into his own hands and shoots the bullies and himself. Is she guilty? Is she a hero?
I liked the premise of the book and I really like that my students are reading it. I hope that some of them will realize that they are not alone in being bullied and they can survive. I also hope that some potential bullies read it and realize that what they are doing is very hurtful. And I hope that some neutral kids will read it and decide to stand up for the bullied instead of being bystanders.
I thought that the end kind of wrapped up too quickly and there were some things that the author did in the end that I really didn't agree with.
I would recommend this book because the author is a Lee's Summit graduate and a current resident of Liberty. Buy local! Support local authors!
I liked the premise of the book and I really like that my students are reading it. I hope that some of them will realize that they are not alone in being bullied and they can survive. I also hope that some potential bullies read it and realize that what they are doing is very hurtful. And I hope that some neutral kids will read it and decide to stand up for the bullied instead of being bystanders.
I thought that the end kind of wrapped up too quickly and there were some things that the author did in the end that I really didn't agree with.
I would recommend this book because the author is a Lee's Summit graduate and a current resident of Liberty. Buy local! Support local authors!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Movie Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Joe and I watched this movie and I LOVED it! I thought the director did a great job of adapting this book, which has a bajillion pages, into a not-too-long movie. The movie grasped the feel of the book perfectly without leaving out any essential part. I say essential even though the movie left out the oversexed life of Mikael, parts that Hollywood would jump to add in in their quest for more sex in movies.
Noomi was perfect as Lisbeth. Absolutely perfect! Not so sure about Mikael...but oh well. Maybe he's really sexy in Sweden. I can't wait to watch the next one!!
Noomi was perfect as Lisbeth. Absolutely perfect! Not so sure about Mikael...but oh well. Maybe he's really sexy in Sweden. I can't wait to watch the next one!!
Book 8: The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
I'm finally done with this book!!!! It took me a really really long time to finish reading this book, and I'll tell you why. It is 100% non-fiction. There are a lot of dates and names and geographical locations. Whew! But I won and finished it!
This is a book tracing the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I became interested in this topic after reading "The Faith Club" and reading about the conflict between two American women, one a Jew and one a former Palestinian. From there, I read "Mornings in Jenin," a FANTASTIC book about the life of a Palestinian woman born in a refugee camp during the beginning stages of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That book was super easy to read, but it was a fictional account.
This book is based on an incredible amount of research and interviews by Mr. Tolan. He put no dialogue in quotation marks unless he had proof that it had been said. You can imagine that the book is dry at times. But it gave me a great amount of information about the history of this conflict. It gave me a new insight into how much our government has overstepped its bounds in supporting the nation of Israel at all costs. There have been mistakes made on both sides, to be sure...but one side is supported by the most powerful nation in the world.
At its core, this book is about the unlikely relationship between Dalia, a Bulgarian Jew transported to Israel after WWII and Bashir, a Palestinian Arab forced from his home and living his life as a refugee. At the heart of their relationship is the home built by the hands of Bashir's father and the settling place for Dalia's family. Both families feel a deep connection to the house and the land around them. Both families have different views on what an acceptable compromise would be for the conflict. But they are drawn together somehow, and create a relationship of respect and even love for one another (not romantic love...this isn't a Hollywood movie!).
I would recommend this book if you have any interest in the history of this area, but know that it is a slow read. I would recommend more the book Mornings in Jenin, as long as you understand that it is but one side of the story. But since we've all heard the other side daily in the form of the color-coded National Terror Alert, I think we can balance the two.
Speaking of terror, one thing that was fascinating to me as I read this book was that Hamas and Hezbollah were actually created from this conflict. It makes me wonder if the United States is really a target for terrorist organizations because of our lifestyle or if it's because we are so supportive of Israel and other anti-Arab governments in the Middle East....just wondering....
This is a book tracing the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I became interested in this topic after reading "The Faith Club" and reading about the conflict between two American women, one a Jew and one a former Palestinian. From there, I read "Mornings in Jenin," a FANTASTIC book about the life of a Palestinian woman born in a refugee camp during the beginning stages of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That book was super easy to read, but it was a fictional account.
This book is based on an incredible amount of research and interviews by Mr. Tolan. He put no dialogue in quotation marks unless he had proof that it had been said. You can imagine that the book is dry at times. But it gave me a great amount of information about the history of this conflict. It gave me a new insight into how much our government has overstepped its bounds in supporting the nation of Israel at all costs. There have been mistakes made on both sides, to be sure...but one side is supported by the most powerful nation in the world.
At its core, this book is about the unlikely relationship between Dalia, a Bulgarian Jew transported to Israel after WWII and Bashir, a Palestinian Arab forced from his home and living his life as a refugee. At the heart of their relationship is the home built by the hands of Bashir's father and the settling place for Dalia's family. Both families feel a deep connection to the house and the land around them. Both families have different views on what an acceptable compromise would be for the conflict. But they are drawn together somehow, and create a relationship of respect and even love for one another (not romantic love...this isn't a Hollywood movie!).
I would recommend this book if you have any interest in the history of this area, but know that it is a slow read. I would recommend more the book Mornings in Jenin, as long as you understand that it is but one side of the story. But since we've all heard the other side daily in the form of the color-coded National Terror Alert, I think we can balance the two.
Speaking of terror, one thing that was fascinating to me as I read this book was that Hamas and Hezbollah were actually created from this conflict. It makes me wonder if the United States is really a target for terrorist organizations because of our lifestyle or if it's because we are so supportive of Israel and other anti-Arab governments in the Middle East....just wondering....
Book 7: Gone by Michael Grant
Yet another young adult series. This one could have been written by Stephen King because it takes quite the sci fi turn. This is the story of a small town that is suddenly isolated from the rest of the world by an impenetrable force field. Not only is the town isolated, but anyone over the age of 15 has disappeared.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as it was a face-paced read with lots of intrigue caused by the "mutations" of animals and children, giving them special powers. There were some down sides to reading it, though...as a parent, trying to imagine a life without mature adults is really hard. Especially when they talk about the infants and the adolescents who are left to try and protect and raise them.
I would recommend the book if it sounds interesting, but I'm kind of bummed to hear that there is a 4th book coming out soon...making me scared for the future of these kids if the isolation doesn't end.
One of the reviewers on the back of the book described it as "Lord of the Flies if it had been written by Stephen King." I can get that...it's pretty dark with lots of study into the psyche of power, leadership, etc.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as it was a face-paced read with lots of intrigue caused by the "mutations" of animals and children, giving them special powers. There were some down sides to reading it, though...as a parent, trying to imagine a life without mature adults is really hard. Especially when they talk about the infants and the adolescents who are left to try and protect and raise them.
I would recommend the book if it sounds interesting, but I'm kind of bummed to hear that there is a 4th book coming out soon...making me scared for the future of these kids if the isolation doesn't end.
One of the reviewers on the back of the book described it as "Lord of the Flies if it had been written by Stephen King." I can get that...it's pretty dark with lots of study into the psyche of power, leadership, etc.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Book 6: Fade by Lisa McMann
This is the sequel to the book Wake, about a high school girl who gets sucked into the dreams of those around her.
I can't tell you much more than that...it follows her story and we get to see another semester in her senior year. This book is pure bubblegum. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but I wouldn't tell you not to read it either. It's quick and easy and entertaining. My criticism of the book is that it tries to hard to appeal to the young adult crowd. There is drinking, drugs, sex, and foul language. Excuse me, but I thought that's what Adult Fiction was for!
I am still reading "adult" books, but I'm stuck on a really heavy adult book, so it might be a while before I get it finished and blogged.
I can't tell you much more than that...it follows her story and we get to see another semester in her senior year. This book is pure bubblegum. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but I wouldn't tell you not to read it either. It's quick and easy and entertaining. My criticism of the book is that it tries to hard to appeal to the young adult crowd. There is drinking, drugs, sex, and foul language. Excuse me, but I thought that's what Adult Fiction was for!
I am still reading "adult" books, but I'm stuck on a really heavy adult book, so it might be a while before I get it finished and blogged.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Book 5: The Compoud by S.A. Bodeen
This book is a young adult take on what a nuclear bomb shelter would be like if it was built by the richest man in the world. Part of the book is spent on telling the reader all about the awesome gadgets inside and another part is spent on the psychological effects of being stuck underground for 6 years. The narrator is 15 year old Eli who has been in the shelter for six years, since the night when the US was attacked and his family ran for their compound. Unfortunately, two members of the family did not make it, including Eli's twin brother.
I thought it was a very interesting, quick read. It was more young adult-ish than the Hunger Games series, but it wasn't too mindless and child-like. Some parts are obviously unbelievable... But I liked it overall.
I thought it was a very interesting, quick read. It was more young adult-ish than the Hunger Games series, but it wasn't too mindless and child-like. Some parts are obviously unbelievable... But I liked it overall.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Book 4: Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors
I read this book on recommendation from Mateo after recommending Devil in the White City to him. That is a fabulous book that I wouldn't mind re-reading at some point.
This book is a fictional account of the building of the Taj Mahal and the unrest in a royal family. I wish I knew more of how much of the story is based on truth and how much is made up. It's a fascinating book and made me want to travel to India to see this huge white beast for myself. The book follows the story of the daughter of the Emperor of India and his favorite wife, who inspired the Taj Mahal. Jahanara must deal with being born a woman in a time when women were not allowed to have opinions. At the same time, she has to watch as one brother because blood and power thirsty and plots to kill her other brother, a sweet-natured scholar determined to bring the Hindus and Muslims together under his future rule.
A good read for those who like being transported to another world and time...
This book is a fictional account of the building of the Taj Mahal and the unrest in a royal family. I wish I knew more of how much of the story is based on truth and how much is made up. It's a fascinating book and made me want to travel to India to see this huge white beast for myself. The book follows the story of the daughter of the Emperor of India and his favorite wife, who inspired the Taj Mahal. Jahanara must deal with being born a woman in a time when women were not allowed to have opinions. At the same time, she has to watch as one brother because blood and power thirsty and plots to kill her other brother, a sweet-natured scholar determined to bring the Hindus and Muslims together under his future rule.
A good read for those who like being transported to another world and time...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Book 3: The Irresistible Henry House by LIsa Grunwald
I bought this book on Amazon, not knowing anything about it except that it was highly recommended by Amazon. Also, the fact that a book reviewer compared Henry House to Garp made it a lot more attractive to me.
This is the story of Henry House, who was a "practice" baby in a college home economics program. Apparently, colleges used to offer classes on how to raise babies, clean houses, etc. There's no big surprise to me there. What was surprising was that these colleges would take an orphan baby and then have a group of college students take turns being this babies mother. Then, when the child was a year old, they would give the baby back to the orphanage. Wow! That's a little shocking, don't you think?! Henry was one of these babies who now struggles with feeling abandoned, lost, and mistrustful of women. Of course, he doesn't know that he's struggling with these feelings...he's just an ass.
I really liked this book, even though the main character was not a typical protagonist. Recommended!
This is the story of Henry House, who was a "practice" baby in a college home economics program. Apparently, colleges used to offer classes on how to raise babies, clean houses, etc. There's no big surprise to me there. What was surprising was that these colleges would take an orphan baby and then have a group of college students take turns being this babies mother. Then, when the child was a year old, they would give the baby back to the orphanage. Wow! That's a little shocking, don't you think?! Henry was one of these babies who now struggles with feeling abandoned, lost, and mistrustful of women. Of course, he doesn't know that he's struggling with these feelings...he's just an ass.
I really liked this book, even though the main character was not a typical protagonist. Recommended!
Book 2: Eragon by Christopher Paolini
I finally finished this book on CD. It is a young adult book about dragons and elves and dwarfs. It reminded me a lot of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I don't know...I think I'm pretty ambivalent about this book. I'm not jumping up and down, but I might read the next book in the series if I have time. I wonder if my feelings would have been different had I read it instead of listening to it. The dragon's voice really bothered me because it sounded like the actor was going to start coughing at any minute.
I would recommend this book to people who like Lord of the Rings and need something new to read...or to adolescents who are looking for something to sink their teeth in to.
I would recommend this book to people who like Lord of the Rings and need something new to read...or to adolescents who are looking for something to sink their teeth in to.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A book from 2010-Room by Emma Donoghue
Since I'm not reading as quickly as I'd like, I thought I'd give a review of a fabulous book I read in 2010. I actually bought this book with an Amazon gift card I got for being healthy (yeah insurance, I guess) and bought it because it was highly recommended.
This is the story of Jack, who was born into captivity...but doesn't know it. His mom was kidnapped by an obviously deranged man and held in his tiny sound-proof garden shed a la whats-her-name Dugard. So 5-year old Jack has no idea about the outside world. The story is told from his point of view, so we feel his innocence and struggle with understanding his mom's sporadic bouts of depression.
I really liked this book a lot. It was innovative and a great study into the psychology of parenting, depression, being held captive, etc.
Since it talks about escape in the summary, I guess I won't be spoiling anything if I tell you that my favorite part was watching Jack and his mother adjust to life on the outside after being everything to each other for 5 years and living in a tiny tiny space. One example of something that Emma Donoghue wrote about that you wouldn't even think of is that Jack has never seen a stair. So at five years old, he is terrified of the stairs and starts out by going down on his butt or his stomach like a year old. I like the way this author's brain works. It makes me think...
This is the story of Jack, who was born into captivity...but doesn't know it. His mom was kidnapped by an obviously deranged man and held in his tiny sound-proof garden shed a la whats-her-name Dugard. So 5-year old Jack has no idea about the outside world. The story is told from his point of view, so we feel his innocence and struggle with understanding his mom's sporadic bouts of depression.
I really liked this book a lot. It was innovative and a great study into the psychology of parenting, depression, being held captive, etc.
Since it talks about escape in the summary, I guess I won't be spoiling anything if I tell you that my favorite part was watching Jack and his mother adjust to life on the outside after being everything to each other for 5 years and living in a tiny tiny space. One example of something that Emma Donoghue wrote about that you wouldn't even think of is that Jack has never seen a stair. So at five years old, he is terrified of the stairs and starts out by going down on his butt or his stomach like a year old. I like the way this author's brain works. It makes me think...
Monday, January 10, 2011
Book 1-I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Before you judge, I read this book for my book club. We were looking for something light and humorous to read during the Christmas holidays since we would be discussing it in early January. Yuck! I didn't really like this book at all. Most of Nora's observational essays were things that other writers have already observed in a much more humorous way. I was bored through most of this book.
Nora writes about cooking, aging, parenting, self-maintenance, purses, etc. Ha ha. Not really. Not a single Ha in the whole book, as far as I'm concerned. Could be that I'm not old enough to really understand the humor in what she writes, but I doubt it. I'll probably find out when we have our discussion meeting.
If you do happen to find yourself in the presence of this book and a few minutes, I would recommend reading the last chapter. In my opinion, the last essay is actually very heart-felt and touching. Maybe it's because Nora didn't feel like trying to be funny about the topic of death...but she lost her neurotic Woody-Allen like tone and actually had some novel things to say.
Hopefully my next book will be better!!
Nora writes about cooking, aging, parenting, self-maintenance, purses, etc. Ha ha. Not really. Not a single Ha in the whole book, as far as I'm concerned. Could be that I'm not old enough to really understand the humor in what she writes, but I doubt it. I'll probably find out when we have our discussion meeting.
If you do happen to find yourself in the presence of this book and a few minutes, I would recommend reading the last chapter. In my opinion, the last essay is actually very heart-felt and touching. Maybe it's because Nora didn't feel like trying to be funny about the topic of death...but she lost her neurotic Woody-Allen like tone and actually had some novel things to say.
Hopefully my next book will be better!!
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