| Year of 2005 |
[02 Jan 2006|01:28pm] |
38. Legends by Debroah Smith - 192 pages
39. Fluke by Christopher Moore - 336 pages
40. Yellow by Janni Visman - 192 pages
41. Worlds Collide by Alison Strobel -384 pgs
42. Kingston by Starlight by Christopher John Farley -336 pgs
43. Pledged by Alexandra Robbins - 384 pgs
44. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - 656 pgs
45. Pure Love by Jason Everet - 35 pgs
46. Pure Womanhood by Crystalina Evert - 41 pgs
47. Neuromancer by William Gibson - 271 pgs
48. Romeo by Elise Title - 528 pgs
49. Waterloo Station by Emily Grayson -304 pages
50. Ransom by Julie Garwood - 576 pgs
50/50 books
17,281 / 15,000 pages
Both Goals completed :D
Total Books Read: 201
|
|
|
[26 Aug 2005|05:07pm] |
30 .The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
3/5 - This was the first of Mitch Albom's books that I read, and had heard great things about both "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and "Tuesdays with Morrie." To begin with, I don't want to compare Five People to Tuesdays, because each book is so different, it's practically two separate genres (a memoir and fiction.) Therefore, this book deserves to be accepted for it's own merit and not praised because it's an Albom book, or ridiculed because it doesn't live up to the Tuesdays hype. That said, I enjoyed parts of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" just like with any other book. In the end that's what it turned out to be, just like any other novel I've read, nothing too outstanding- but certainly not a waste of time. The language itself is easy to read and the plot flies by, so it's a quick and simple read appropriate for all ages and a great family book. The concept of the five people is interesting, although I thought the presentation was lacking because of the simplicity of the back story. My biggest complaint would be that the five people the main character meets in heaven range from interesting to just pain unbelievable. I understand the concept is that you affect other people around you in ways you don't understand and these people can explain parts of your life to you in ways you would never dream. However I thought a few of Albom's choices for the main character were either too predictable or so out there that I doubted they had such an influence on his life. The back story was simple, the story of a rough around the edges but goodhearted man. It was a little too warm and fuzzy for my liking. However I will give Mitch Albom credit for coming up with an extremely unique view on heaven and the life beyond, and further, to publish and win the hearts of so many. After I put the book down, I gave it some thought. Who would my five people be? The most interesting thing is that the main character didn't know a number of his five people and yet they had the most to share with him. It's a confusing and intriguing thought. Other than that, overall, the book was just too clean and easy for my taste, so I only gave it a 3. [synopsis]
31. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
4/5 - This was my second Mitch Albom book and I was very impressed especially since the previous book I read was The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Aside from that, again, I don't want to compare the two. This novel was more of a memoir than a fictional account. Morrie, the dying professor that Albom goes back to visit is an amazing man, human, touching and intelligent. What's more, he's real. Albom captures his Tuesday afternoon "classes" about life with Morrie wonderfully. He slowly but honestly documents Morrie's slow deterioration, just as I would imagine the real Morrie would have wanted him to. The real story here to me isn't the fact that Albom went for lessons on life every Tuesday, but what Morrie shared with him. Morrie looked at his death with an extremely realistic eye, something few people are capable of doing. The novel is inspiring and touching, two people coming back together again through a tragedy. I felt their relationship personally since I have a teacher who I am very close to. There are many men and women out there who have invaluable stories to share with us, we just have to be there and willing to listen to them. Morrie's story is just one of many and a perfect example of how the young can learn from the old. The book was a relatively quick read, and easy to digest. I have never cried while reading a book, by the end of this one I had tears in my eyes. The story Albom tells is one that could touch anyone and Morrie's lessons are sobering even for the most insensitive. This book has often been classified as mushy or over sentimental, but the novel actually reads as intelligent, honest and sharp. I hope everyone has the chance to learn from a man like Morrie or share their life with someone like Albom. My only regret is putting off reading this book for so long. It gets 4 out of 5 from me for being so honest and moving. Since it was more of a memoir I can't credit Albom with creativity and "developing" characters since they were all real. The book really left an impression on me, as I think it would with anyone. [synopsis]
32. The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
4/5 - I was expecting The Dante Club to read along the lines of The Da Vinci code, or The Rule of Four, unfortunately I shouldn't have compared this novel to any other. It is significantly different, a murder mystery set entirely in the past with well known authors as characters and detectives in the story (Longfellow, Holmes, Fields, etc.) The story revolves around four murders that are all committed according to Dante's description of hell in the Inferno. The Dante Club itself is the group of authors who are translating the Inferno from Italian into English much to the annoyance of the college they attended (and work for): Harvard. The other professors, even students and administration at Harvard are presented in a negative light which brought me to wonder if this had anything to do with the author's personal feelings since he graduated from Yale. The four murders are increasingly more gruesome and I found on several occasions my stomach would tie itself into knots and I'd have to set the book down and take a couple deep breaths before I could continue. Pearl's interpretation of the Inferno is interesting and I thought it odd that he was the one thinking up these sick murders. (A product of creative genius perhaps?) The beginning of the book is extremely hard to get into; it probably took me a good week to get through the first half or so. But the last half of the book is absolutely gripping and enthralling as the mysteries become more frequent and everything draws to a close. I think the book would be a must read for Dante enthusiasts, but is easily understandable for those who aren't. Parts of the book do come off as pretentious, "Let me show off everything about Dante I know" but for the most part the Dante ramblings are held to a minimum. I don't entirely understand how this book became a national best seller since it's so hard to get into, but it's deserving of the title in the end. All the ends are drawn together very tightly and the previous questions are all answered soundly. Just a note, both my father and I suspected the same character and we both turned out to be wrong. The ending is a complete surprise, and the book gets a 4 from me for being a well written, old fashioned mystery. [synopsis]
33. The Piano Tuner by Daniel Philippe Mason
5/5 - The Piano Tuner is one of the most beautiful and haunting books I've read this year. Each page I read, I fell more and more in love with the story of Edgar Drake and the location: Mae Lwin. The novel starts off simply, and eases the reader into the bizarre situation that Edgar finds himself suddenly thrown into. He's summoned to Mae Lwin by the English army to tune a broken piano at the request of a slightly eccentric general. Edgar's hesitance is quickly replaced by excitement and the story begins. Mason's descriptions of his travel and the lands he passes through are absolutely beautiful. If the lands aren't as glorious as Mason has written, it doesn't matter, because his language is so engrossing. Edgar is a character out of his element for the sake of something he loves, something everyone can relate to. I found him to be one of the most endearing characters in the entire novel and certainly the most developed. As Edgar slowly falls in love with the land he's been sent to, so does the reader. The ending is ultimately extremely bittersweet to the point of heartbreaking. The reader suffers losses as Edgar does, and the entire story comes full circle. Mason is a master of imagery, which is the best feature of this novel. His descriptions are jaw dropping without being overwhealming. The history he presents is given in small tidbits so they are easy for the reader to digest and understand. Although this wasn't a quick summer read, it was well worth the time I put into it. It's also not the kind of novel I thought I would be interested in; the plot seemed a little far fetched based on the back of the book. However, a few pages in, it's easy to see that this book is about more than just a strange situation. It's an adventure, a romance (of country, travel and woman) and a historical novel all rolled into one while still remaining heartbreakingly beautiful. It's a solid read and I would recommend it to anyone who has the time to really enjoy the writing and characters. [synopsis]
34. Prey by Michael Crichton
3/5 - I'm not a big Michael Crichton fan, nor do I usually enjoy science fiction, but I found this fast paced novel extremely engrossing. I always appreciate a book that attempts to teach as it entertains, and Michael certainly does that with Prey. To understand the effects of nanotechnology and understand the plot of the book, Crichton spends many pages using his characters as professors, slowly feeding information to the readers. He does this in a completely subtle, easy to comprehend way that doesn't draw away from the book. At times the sheer information can be overwhelming, but I found it was easy to skip over such passages and continue with the book without getting lost. My biggest complaint would be that the prologue gave away a significant amount of the book. As the plot went along, you were able to easily predict parts of the ending. Prey has a very real moral to today's readers however, the importance of guarding how far we go with technology, and the dangers of playing god. While the end of the book became increasingly preachy, it also became more engrossing, so the reader really has to take the two hand in hand or reject the book altogether. I read the book while traveling on vacation and could hardly stand to put it down, and was flying through the pages. It would be a great book read provided you aren't around advanced technology. It isn't nearly as violent and bloody as Jurassic Park, so if you're easily queasy, it's a good Crichton novel to read. The characters were a little predictable, but the main character redeemed the supporting cast by being surprisingly interesting (A stay at home dad, or Mr. Mom if you will, who gets wrapped up in a mystery and has to doubt his own wife in order to protect his kids.) In any book, parts of the action were unbelievable and parts were magnificent. It was a nice summer diversion, but not a \"must\" read. Since I was impressed with the novel as a whole considering it's both science fiction and Crichton piece of work I gave the book a 3. I would highly suggest it for people who have an interest in murderous technology, betrayal or are just looking for a good page turning thriller. If it comes off as formulaic, it's probably because it is.[synopsis]
35. The Iliad translated by Robert Fitzgerald
5/5 - The Iliad was one of my (surprisingly very few) summer reading books for A.P. Lit next year. I have always absolutely hated mythology. It didn't matter what kind, Greek, Roman, Irish, I didn't like any of them. Something about the way each tale was told made me hate everything about it and shun it as much as possible. So naturally when I found out we had to read The Iliad this summer I wasn't very happy. However after about two books into the poem (books are the same as chapters in the novel) I found it wasn't too hard to read and I acutally began to enjoy the classic story. Of course I thought I knew everything I needed to know about The Iliad from watching the blockbuster film, Troy. Of course I didn't. I was also expecting the story of the classic Trojan horse to be in the poem, but it's actually NOT a part of The Iliad. So there were a few surprises for me along the way. As I read I kept comparing it to the movie, Troy. I'd read something and go, wait wasn't so-and-so supposed to be the one who does that? And who is this major character that they left out of the movie? That was a major eye opener. After a while the, "so-and-so, son of so-and-so, from such-a-place, who was friends with so-and so" descriptionis got a little out of hand and I began to skim over whole sections of lists of people. (Of course then I realized I had to go back and record ALL of the characters for my summer assignment- yikes!) Of course, since it's a classic story, it's such for a reason. I was constantly going back and forth over which side to root for. I was usually on the Trojan side (surprise for me) but whenever I would switch favorites, I would become violently attatched to the side. It just goes to show how powerful the writing story really is. Of course then you had your running stories of the Gods that went hand in hand with the battle of Troy. The Iliad gets a 5 out of 5 from me, because it's one of the few classics I've read that really lives up to all the hype. I would suggest this translation too (by Robert Fitzgerald) because it's easy to read, lyrical in style, and easy to handle (paperback.) [synopsis]
36. The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander Smith
5/5 - The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency was a new kind of novel for me. I don't usually read ethnic literature or mystery fiction, but the combination between the two was utterly brilliant. Alexander McCall Smith captures daily life in rural Africa smoothly and with an intensity that could only be expressed through a well developed character like Precious Ramotswe. Precious Ramotswe is the heart of Africa; her narration gives the reader a look into the simple life that she cherishes. This isn't your life affirming book, or a page turning thriller. Instead it's the documentation of a woman's love; for her nation, her gender and her life just as it is. The book remains remarkably pro-African and pro-Botswana without cutting down any other country. It's truly a story about a way of life, a strong woman and a unique country. The mysteries aren't huge, but they're important to the everyday life that Precious Ramotswe cherishes. The way she carries herself is a testament to any woman, from her musings about her past failed marriage, her longing for motherhood, to her love of her own (rather large) size and her humble home in her own country. She's a strong character and easy to relate to. I found the small mysteries held my attention and I was far more interested in how Precious Ramotswe handled the cases than the actual end of the mysteries. If I had extra time I would certainly pick up the other books in this series, however part of me doubts any sequel could live up to the simple honesty and warmth of this novel. For a book I would usually characterize as a "soft" book, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It receives a 5 from me for having all the strong elements a novel should: plot, characters, pride and love. [synopsis]
37. When the Wind Blows by James Patterson
3/5 - I picked up When the Wind Blows from one of our (many) bookshelves downstairs. My dad had originally picked it up a couple years ago as a beach read (complete with sand falling out of the pages) and said it was a nice, quick read. I thought hte idea originall yof flying children was a little odd, and highly doubted if the author could pull off the whole "Science experiment with flying people gone wrong" plot. Most of it however was pretty good, the characters weren't too developed, but nor were they astonishingly shallow. The children all seemed to blend into one with the exception of the original one. I thought hte end was great, but still didn't quite understand WHY the children with wings were made. I picked up it was something about extending the life of humans and the winged children were actually rejects, but then why were they auctioning them off? The other thing that confused me was the children were forbidden from flying... wouldn't that be an incredible advancement? So some of the motivs in the book left me a little baffled, but I did enjoy the suspense and easy to read narrative. If you're going to go for a "technology getting out of hand" or "humans trying to play god" book I would recommend Prey instead. It was a lot more science instead of just shock and suspense. The author does have my respect for coming up with such a bizzare plot though, flying people? It does sound a little incredible. Anyway, I gave the book a 3 because while I was reading it I could find very little wrong with it. Of course, when I was done I could pick out little things, but it was for the most part enjoyable. [synopsis]
37/50 = 74%
13,046/15,000 = 87%
|
|
|
[23 Jul 2005|04:01pm] |
23. The Stranger by Albert Camus
3/5 - I was actually a little disappointed in this book. I've been using the name "TheStranger" as a screen name since about the 7th grade, and really had high hopes for the novel I found by the same name. However, false expectations aside, it was a pretty good book. Not the quick summer read I was hoping for when I first picked it up. I really enjoyed the first half to two thirds of the book and the last page. However, I thought the trial and incidents in jail were repeating the first half, only in a slower, duller way. The quirky, vibrant characters that surround him only strengthen the main character’s extreme apathy. The more I read the book, the more I realized that the main character is interesting because there is nothing outstanding about him. Each of the other “ordinary” characters had something that set them apart from the crowd, but the narrator stood out by blending in. The novel is also appealing in that it comes full circle, from beginning to the end. It begins with a death that the narrator should be extremely affected by and ends the same way. One is a natural death, perhaps aided by the narrator, the second a direct murder. Either way, Camus does a wonderful job of developing his character through the situations. The character’s apathy never ceases, but his outlook on the rest of society and humanity changes rapidly up until the very moment of his death. Overall, I think I set myself up for the let down, and wish I had read the book earlier so my rating remains a 3. [synopsis]
24. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Wiliams
3/5 - This was the only play of Tennessee William's that was on my summer reading list, and single-handedly the reason I became a Tennessee Williams fan. It was the first play I read, and although it wasn't as good as I was hoping, it intrigued me enough to pick up a few other plays of his, all of which I thought were much more original, exciting and worth reading. I think this one gets it's reputation from the movie it was made into, and although the play itself is not bad- (How could anything Williams wrote be bad?) it wasn't the best. Williams takes on some controversial issues with a delicate pen, using offstage references and taking the more “shocking” acting to the wings. Although I appreciated the characters, which were vivid and alive, I couldn’t relate or sympathize with any of them. I didn’t like their actions, thoughts, past, treatment of each other, etc. I found a reason to dislike each character as I read. However, it made the play that much more realistic. These were flawed characters in a flawed situation, much like real life. After reading some more of Tennessee William’s works though, I realized just how capable Williams is of writing a touching play that really resonates with the reader or viewer. And since that’s my personal taste over a sense of remote attachment, I would strongly recommend the Glass Menagerie over A Streetcar Named Desire, unless you're a diehard fan of the movie. [synopsis]
25. Rabbit Is Rich by John Updike
4/5 - I've always had a fondness for John Updike, since one of my favorite teachers read an excerpt of his in class. So naturally I was excited to see it on the summer reading list this year. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this was the 3rd in a series, but luckily understood the book anyways. I really enjoy Updike's familiar, casual style and adore his rolling, unique descriptions. I'll probably be picking up the rest of the series soon. Rabbit Is Rich describes Rabbit’s (the main character) life through middle age in classic suburban America. He sells cars, has a wife and a son, and a close group of friends. The book clearly shows how the smallest things can take over a life and consume a mind. It also deals with appearance versus truth. The group of friends looks like a tight-knit group of older men and women who have settled into their lives and each other as they’ve grown older. But each one has secret hidden desires: for each other, for a different life, desperate hopes for their children, and for independence as an adult. All of the characters are seen through Rabbit’s eyes and leave the reader wondering how much more is hidden that we cannot see through him. Updike writes with a tone that says, “this happens all the time, to everyone, get used to it” which takes away some of the “shock.” [synopsis]
26. The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
4/5 - Out of the 3 Tennessee Williams plays I've read, this is by far my favorite. I thought I would like A Streetcar Named Desire, but there was something about the simplicity of this one's plot, and the wonderful depth of the characters: the overworked, somewhat self-absorbed mother, the ambitious dreamer of a son, the otherworldly daughter and of course, Jim "The gentleman caller" that sweeps their world upside down. I think there is something human and worth relating too in each of these characters more so than in A Streetcar Named Desire. The play is told through the son’s memories, so Williams was able to take certain liberties to emphasize moments or important images. In particular, I loved the television that reflected what was going on onstage and the feelings of the characters through clips of TV shows and old commercials. There is so much none of the characters have to say, and so much action that doesn’t have to go on directly on stage because it’s shown through the television. On top of that, the interaction of the characters and bittersweet ending stayed in my mind long after I had put the book down. This isn’t a one time book, it’s a play that can be read over and over again without growing old or repetitive. Definitely a must read, and a classic that's worth being called a classic. [synopsis]
27. Battle of Angels by Tennessee Williams
4/5 - Battle of Angels was another wonderful insight into Tennessee William's mind. He's an amazing playwright, and I thought after the Glass Menagerie one of his best works. Again, he constructed these incredible characters that stuck in my head long after I put the book down. Of course, the interesting back stories of the main characters, the foreshadowing of the prologue and the lover's romances and tiffs all created a completely enthralling read. From the very beginning, the play is pushed on through suspense. Each character that enters the play only adds to a growing sense that something is going to go very wrong, very soon. It’s not until the ultimate “problem” is revealed that the play begins to fall into place. Suddenly the tight, suspenseful feeling is replaced by one of complete panic and pain. The ending of the play was magnificent even though the majority of it was only implied or added in the prologue or the epilogue. I can’t decide which play, this one or The Glass Menagerie, is my favorite by Williams. I only wish I could see it on stage, the way Tennessee Williams wrote it to be performed. [synopsis]
28. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
5/5 - *SPOILERS* After throwing OotP across the room in a blind, mad rage at Rowling, I was quick to forgive with The Half-Blood Prince. I missed the book on release day, but did a tiny victory dance in the middle of the grocery store when I swooped up one of their last two copies the next day. (I am now devoted to Safeway forever.) Anyway, the subplots are amazing. The death of angst-y Harry is WONDERFUL, the last book had me so furious at his behavior. Umbridge out of the picture is even better... my outrage at her left several dents in the wall where the book hit it. I must say I absolutely adore the Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny relationships, they were played out nicely and realistically I thought, without the drama of the fourth book. The characters are obviously maturing, thank god. I thought the plot was much more subtle, setting Harry and the crew up for the 7th book, which is taking a completely new direction that I wasn't expecting at all. Dumbledore's death wasn't too much of a surprise to me, I expected it in OotP actually. I was more crushed by Sirius' death than our dear headmaster's. For some reason the last book gave me a bad taste about Dumbledore and it still hasn't gone away. I think Harry has been able to handle his future for a while now, and Dumbledore has been holding him back to a point, creating a "too-safe" setting for him. On the other hand, I don't believe that Snape is truly on the Dark Side either. I still don't like the man, but I think there's more to him than meets the eye, he's one of the most complex characters in the books as far as I'm concerned. Of course, like any fan, I'm devastated Hogwarts might not be coming back for the 7th book, but I think this hurls the series in a radically new direction and I'm incredibly excited about it. All in all, I think it's my favorite after the 3rd one. Write on Rowling, write on. [synopsis]
29. It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong
4/5 – I’m giving “It’s Not About the Bike” a 4 out of 5, not for it’s writing (which wasn’t the best) or for it’s heartbreaking comeback story (which isn’t focused on too much) but merely because I found it so irresistibly interesting. I’ve always been a Tour de France fan, and as an American, a Lance Armstrong supported proudly sporting my LiveStrong bracelet since early last summer. Armstrong describes so much of the unwritten etiquette and unspoken rules within the peloton and the Tour itself. I’ve always respected him since he seems so sincere about the race and races smart, with strategy. However in “It’s Not About the Bike” he describes how he wasn’t always the rider he is today. He used to break all of the unwritten rules and was a rough, disrespectful Texan in a foreign country. His personal development through his cancer treatments is inspiring to anyone. Armstrong doesn’t play it up in the book, rarely describing the pain he was in. Instead he focuses more on talking about how his relationships changed. His relationships with his girlfriend, mother, friends, sponsors and cycling. He brings “Armstrong 6 time Tour de France winner” down to a human level. I was impressed simply with the amount of cycling knowledge he presents through the book without overwhelming his story. [synopsis]
Status:
29/50 = 58%
10,040/15,000 = 67%
|
|
|
[26 Jun 2005|07:48pm] |
17. Dakota Dreams by Constance O'Banyon
1/5 - Oh man, how to explain this book? Lets start by saying it was a joke between a friend of mine and myself. We were really bored at the beach and this was the only book she had. She had bought it as a joke for 50 cents at a yard sale saying her library wasn't complete without at least one trashy romance. So we got it out and started to read it, laughing at the worst parts of it etc. So there was a reason I lowered myself to this standard. On that note however, I have to admit I did take it home and finish reading it, as trashy and mind numbing as it was. Oh come on I know you all have a trashy romance novel hiding somewhere under your bed too. ;) The really funny part is that neither Barnes and Nobel nor Amazon have a description of the book, but they both have reviews from avid fans. Seems like everyone loves a good romance... the good part being completely subjective of course.[synopsis]
18. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
4/5 - This was one of those books that took me forever to get into and forever to finish. It steadily but slowly built momentum until the last one third of the book or slow when it became an out of control ride to the end. I absolutely loved Bel Canto. Through the first half of the book I never thought I would end up writing a positive review of it, but here I am, and there you go. Bel Canto pulls apart it’s characters, analyzes them, throws them into bizarre situations and desires, attempts to put them back together again and then sits back to watch how they react. Each character (and there are many as dictated by the deceivingly simple plot- terrorists take a dinner party hostage) is focused on separately, than as part of the group, than in pairs again, each time revealing something new about the character. Most of all the novel filled me with this unexplainable desire to play the piano and speak foreign languages. Music and translation are the backbone of this novel, knitting the extremely different characters together. The focus is taken off the situation as it gradually over time and throughout the book recedes into the background. In this awkward, beautiful way the music becomes the hero of the novel, leaving the rest of the characters as equally important side-kicks. If you have the time and patience to struggle through the slow start, it’s well worth the read. Ultimately I think I liked it better than Patron Saint of Liars (yes, I’m shocked as well.) [synopsis]
19. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
3/5 – While chick lit is always good for an easy, quick read, it always leaves me feeling more than a little empty and unsatisfied. I’ve only found one or two books of that genre that I have truly adored (Gossip Girl series for example) and unfortunately, The Nanny Diaries was not one of those books. I actually had higher expectations when I heard it was based off two young women’s real experiences in New York City in nanny-ing. Great setting, interesting subject, two authors… what could be too bad? Well, a lot. To begin with, the whole plot of the book doesn’t really begin to come together until late in the novel, leaving the reader to wonder when, and more importantly, if the characters are going to have a purpose. To add to the credibility I thought it had (and therefore consequentially, my hopes and expectations) my favorite literature teacher had recommended it a while ago. In retrospect, she was offering the suggestion to a room full of teenage girls, who gave book reports other such examples of “fine” literature (Shopoholic series, The A-List, etc) and I should have taken that as a warning. My hopes were dashed within the first few chapters. I found the main character shallow, judgmental, and annoyingly devoted to a job she despised. The only redeeming feature was the young boy and the humor laced throughout the book. I guess it’s just not for everyone. If a quick, funny, somewhat “posh-insiders-look” novel is what appeals to you, by all means, read it. If not… read Bel Canto instead. [synopsis]
20. Elphame's Choice by P.C. Cast
3.5/5 – I adore fantasy books. Rich, historically based, well developed, well written, unique fantasy novels. I even enjoy the somewhat “overrated” Harry Potter series, and quite frankly worship Tolkien, his Lord of the Rings Middle Earth fun and his beautiful Silmarlillion masterpiece. I picked up Elphame’s Choice wondering by the “NEW BOOKS” section in the library, gave it a nervous once over, and stuck it in my bag. I had every right to be nervous about it, and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the book. So here’s the good and the bad: the good is it has a unique plot, interesting if somewhat original characters (half demon half human creatures, goddess incarnate, half centaur half human woman, etc.) there isn’t a fairy, pixie, elf, or overused creature in sight and the writing is generally decent. The bad: the characters lack a certain depth needed to really be absorbed into their world, there’s an awful lot of debating and very little action in the plot, the plot doesn’t form until the very (and I mean very) end, and the beginning is slightly confusing because P.C. Cast chooses to wait until later in the book to explain the origins of her characters. If your standard’s aren’t up at Tolkien’s level, then you’re in for a good read, if they are, go back and pick up Unfinished Tales instead. [synopsis]
21. Clear: A Transparent Novel by Nicola Barker
4/5 – Clear is half a story about David Blaine’s 44 days in a plastic box above the Thames river in London, and half a story about Adie. Adie: your (somewhat) normal Londoner, and the people around him who are inevitably affected by Blaine’s stunt, for better or worse. It’s an analysis on the crowd reaction, Blaine’s motives, and simple human interaction and response. It’s funny, it’s witty, it’s meaningful and pointless all at the same time. The most brilliant thing about Clear is simply the way it’s written. The voice, Adie’s voice, Nicola Barker’s voice is loud, different, funny but most of all *clear.* The novel begins and ends with Adie’s inner ramblings about balls. Yes, testicles, but not in the middle school “ewwwww” way. It makes a statement, and then chides itself for making a statement at all. It’s a crude, rough around the edges but honest narrative that just kind of laughs at everything that’s going on around it. The characters are as eccentric as David Blaine himself, in fact, Blaine begins to look like the only normal, sane one in London. While the book alone wouldn’t be bad, the voice really pushes it from “not bad” to “really good.” Whether or not you have an interest in David Blaine’s “Above the Below” stunt, you should read the book just for the writing itself. [synopsis]
22. The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan
2/5 – I am generally an Ian McEwan fan, but I was severely disappointed in this book. I read Atonement and Enduring Love last year and absolutely loved both of them. Mc Ewan has this way of capturing the reader and leading them on. He’s a master of suspense and intrigue, wrapping everything in subtle narration until –BAM- he hits you with the underlying meaning of the novel. Usually it works brilliantly. Sadly, in The Comfort of Strangers, he fails to ever establish the atmosphere needed to support his freakish, haunting climax. A good climax without a good plot is just no good at all, and unfortunately that’s the case here. The novel is short to begin with, and I ripped through half the book mindlessly, wondering where it all was leading. I read, and read and read until I suddenly stopped, I had hit the last page. Wait? Where was the rest of the book? There is no “rest of the book” because there is barely a book at all. I would never insult Mc Ewan’s writing, The Comfort of Strangers is still magnificently written and effortless to read. The basis of the story calls on the modern day tourist to ask some basic fundamental questions that no one on vacation wants to ask. It has the promise of being a great, thought provoking, society questioning, moral testing, complete and fulfilling novel, but somewhere between page 25 and 125 it falls flat. It ends up looking like an attempt at pretentiousness, which is not something I appreciate in a novel. (Few people do) So The Comfort of Strangers only receives a 2 out of 5, out of disappointment and annoyance. Ian Mc Ewan is still a highly capable talented writer, but given this was only his second novel, his later works are obviously more developed. And better off for it. I would recommend Atonement or Enduring Love instead (particularly Enduring Love, it’s a favorite of mine.)[synopsis]
Status:
22/50 = 44%
7,969/15,000 = 53%
|
|
| 15,000 Page Challange: 5,814 pages |
[23 Jun 2005|06:33pm] |
569 - Angels and Demons
260 - Diary
237 - Bird by Bird
464 - Land
939 - Iberia
307 - On the Road
224 - Death Be Not Proud
371 - Kite Runner
187 - Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye
336 - Patron Saint of Liars
231 - Gossip Girl: Nobody Does It Better (#7)
358 - Bookends
320 - The Virgin Blue
272 - Loose Lips
355 - A Rare and Curious Gift
384 - Digital Fortress
___________
5814 - Total
5814/15000 pages = 38.76%
16/50 books = 32%
|
|
| 50 Book Challange: Books 1-16 |
[23 Jun 2005|06:17pm] |
| [ |
music |
| |
Sugar, We're Going Down ~ Fall Out Boy |
] |
1. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
4/5 - I definitely liked Angels and Demons MUCH better than Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code (yes I've read both). I understand where the novelty came from for The DaVinci Code, but Angels and Demons is written so much better. It has more of a substantial plot, and although Dan Brown's characters are lacking in depth (a usual flaw) the novel itself is unpredictable, unique and intriguing. I read it in less than a day, literally unable to put it down. I was attempting to hold my 2 year old cousin, cook Mac N' Cheese, and read Angels and Demons all at the same time it was so compelling. Of course, it's a light read, and relative quick, but all around enjoyable. I would recommend Angels and Demons before The DaVinci Code to anyone, especially if you highly value depth in a novel rather than just "shock and awe" value. On that note I have to say that Angels and Demons does have its own share of shocking events and does deal with the Catholic Church as well. However, it gets a 4 out of 5 from me, whereas The DaVinci Code only received a 3.5. If you're not a Dan Brown fan, or if you haven't read any of his books, start with this one. [Synopsis]
2. Diary by Chuck Palahniuk
5/5 - I have to preface the rest of my comment by saying Chuck Palahniuk is my ABSOLUTE favorite author. Yeah, so this may just be a *tiny* bit biased. After reading almost every one of Palahniuk's other books I thought for sure I was getting used to his style and weird literary sense. I was wrong. The best thing about dear old Chuck is how he continually manages to shock and surprise. Each one of his novels is weirder, more complex and better than I expected. Out of all of his books, Diary was not my favorite. I suppose the plot (well formulated, strange ending, wonderfully alienated characters) just didn't connect with me as much as his others. As always Palahniuk leaves the ending open, and I spent hours thinking, thinking and thinking about the book. I was slightly more disgusted by some of the "events" in the book, and it seems to be one of more "tough-stomach" books. If you're easily queasy, I wouldn't suggest reading it, pick up another one of his books instead. Diary gets a 5 out of 5 from me because standing alone, it's a spectacular novel and Palahniuk's unique writing style fits the plot perfectly. [Synopsis]
3. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamot
2/5 - I had to read Bird by Bird for a class I'm taking and wasn't happy with it at all. I wasn't happy with the fact we were forced to read it, I wasn't happy with Anne Lamot's advice within the book, I wasn't happy with the anecdotes she puts in, and I wasn't happy when I realized I considered half of the book pointless. Now, that's not to say that reading the book was worthless, she does provide some valuable insight to the life of a published author. But by the third personal story or so the, "Being a famous writer isn't all it's cracked up to be" vibe turns into a, "Woe is me, I'm making millions and rolling in fame, but heaven forbid I have to listen to my editor" complaint. Considering the book is 75% personal narration, it gets annoying after a while. It does offer good advice on writing, but it's mainly advice I've heard before and it's mixed in with tons of description. All the advice written metephorically began to give me and headache after a while. She even contradicts hereself sometimes. Let's just say I'll stick to my Elements of Style for writing rules, instead of a narrative. It's not something I would recommend unless you're desperate for a novel about writing... and I mean *desperate*[Synopsis]
4. Lamb by Christopher Moore
5/5 - Lamb was recommended to me by a friend who doesn't read very often. It's not that she doesn't like to, she just doesn't always have the time or if she does, she doesn't find a book she likes enough to sit down and read. So when she gave me her beat up copy to read and return I decided there had to be something good about it. From the first page I was laughing, and seriously laughing aloud. For about 3 days my family, friends and teachers thought I had gone insane. (Imagine a quiet classroom, I'm reading under my desk and suddenly burst out in giggles. The teacher wasn't too happy.) Moore has a talent, (and I mean a TALENT) for humor. Lamb is the story of Jesus told from the point of view of his obnoxious, socially inept, hilarious, best friend, Biff. The plot is VERY original... it talks about Jesus' teen years which are never mentioned in the Bible. Moore takes artistic liberty to describe Jesus' and Biff's adventures during these years. I found it incredibly realistic being a teen myself, they did/thought a lot of things I do, which in itself, lent to the humor. The book gets a 5 out of 5 for putting Jesus, friendship, pranks, sex, and humor together without being sacrilegious at all. [Synopsis]
5. Iberia: Spanish Travels and Reflections by James A. Michener
3/5 - I read Iberia for another class I'm taking. I can tell you right off the length alone was intimidating. I didn't want to read it. It was too long, and about a subject I had no interest in. However, after steadily plugging through it for a couple months, I decided it was worth the read. I now know more about Spain than I probably will ever need to know, plus a few valuable tips I'll remember should I ever visit the great country of Espana. It's a travelogue so it's a relatively easy read. But since it was Michener's experiences, they aren't always that interesting. It's probably one of the most accurate portraits of modern, native Spain. It only received a 3 though, because unless you're in love with Spain, it gets to be a little too much sometimes.[Synopsis]
6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
4/5 - What a mind spin. On the Road is more of a character driven novel than a plot based one by far. Although the plot is always interesting (I could never guess what was going to happen next because mainly, neither could the main characters) it also can be confusing to keep all the characters and their friends connected and straight. The novel is written beautifully though, and I could read parts of it over and over again simply to revel in the magnificence of the language. Kerouac is particularly skilled at describing the strangest ticks and traits of the characters. They come to life and take over your brain, and not all too kindly. Wonderful book in the end though, if simply for the beauty of it.[Synopsis]
7. Death Be Not Proud: A Memoir by John Gunther
3.5/5 - Death Be Not Proud was given to me by a teacher I had, with the instructions to return it when I felt I could let go of it. I originally laughed at her (to myself of course) and tucked the book away on my bookshelf. When I finally dredged it out again and read it, I was pleasantly surprised. While it's a depressing story, the end remains surprisingly uplifting. There was a lot of medical mumbo-jumbo that I didn't always understand, but the book is basically a character study based off of a real person. (It's a memoir) I gave it a 3.5 because it wasn't exactly gripping in the thriller bestseller kind of way, but it has a very poignant message.[Synopsis]
8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
5/5 - I fell in love with The Kite Runner almost as soon as I picked it up. From the very first word, until the last page, The Kite Runner is a gripping, intelligent and emotional novel. Parts of it sickened, saddened, cheered, and enlightened me. It’s set in Afghanistan and gives an excellent glimpse into the culture and history of Afghanistan. It profiles a few characters who are entirely too human, almost painfully so. I had to pace myself while I read, if I read too much in one day I found myself thrown into a subdued, thoughtful, slightly depressed mood. I had to stop, put the book down, and come back to it. I recommend the book to anyone and everyone, it was extremely powerful and unforgettable. I know I’ll be reading it over and over again in the future.[Synopsis]
9. Find A Stranger Say Goodbye by Louis Lowry
1/5 – Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye had been sitting on my bookshelf since I was in sixth grade and I decided to finally read it and get it off of there so I could make space for newer, better books. I should have just thrown it away. It’s the story of a girl who despite her amazing life feels the need to find her adoptive mother. She does, throws her adoptive family into pieces and eventually realizes how much they mean to her. The book was predictable, sappy, and complete trash for lack of a better word. Don’t waste your time, this storyline has been written a hundred times, and this version is just as bad as any of the others. I was expecting a lot more from an author like Louis Lowry.[Synopsis]
10. The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
4/5 – I read this book on a recommendation from the same teacher who gave me Death Be Not Proud and made me read Bird by Bird for class. However, this suggestion turned out much better than the other two. I initially fell in love with the characters, but by the end of the novel had a real issue with the main woman. I've always felt that characters are supposed toe develop and change as a novel goes on, this one doesn't. However, the way Ann Patchett writes, it seems to fit both the character, the novel and the plot as just a reflection of the way people are in real life. It was a very honest look at what people do when thrown into different situations, or even different people in the same situation. The book left me feeling unsettled, but I thought it fit the plotline of the novel perfectly. I spent a couple days running through "What ifs" about the book in my head. You have to have a little imagination and faith in humankind to truly enjoy this book. [Synopsis]
11. Gossip Girl: Nobody Does It Better by Cecily von Ziegesar
3/5 – GG: Nobody Does It Better gets a 3 merely on the fact that it is smutty, cheap, young adult chick lit and everything I shouldn’t be reading. That said, if it wasn’t I’d give it a 5 out of 5. The Gossip Girl books are like drugs, terrible for you, but incredibly addicting. They’re catty, petty and vain, but gag-inducing realistic. I eagerly await each of these books and buy them usually the very day they come out because I’m such an addict. Just in case you *haven’t* heard of them, they’re set in New York City and follow the lives of the socially elite teens in the city. A quick read, Nobody Does It Better was my indulgence book of the month. They’re funny, quirky, dirty and amusing… what more could you ask for in a book? (Yeah I know, I know, a little depth would be nice too.)[Synopsis]
12. Bookends by Jane Green
3/5 – Even the chick lit books I read are book related! I’m actually not sure why I picked this book up, except I needed a break from the heavy literature we were reading in school. It was good, slightly shallow, and somewhat disjointed. But the characters were believable and the plot for the most part was realistic and interesting enough to get me from beginning to end quickly. It’s good if you’re looking for a chick lit book that won’t entirely fry your brain and insult your intelligence. (Especially if you have a soft spot for bookshops like I do.)[Synopsis]
13. The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier
4.5/5 – This was another novel I simply couldn’t put down. I read it in a few hours after I had checked it out of the library. It’s different from Girl With a Pearl Earring because it’s entirely set in historical times, nor does the entire plot revolve around a painting. The inspiration for the novel seems to have come from the painting, but that’s it. Half of it is set in modern day France, and the other half in historical France. The Virgin Blue is also more romantically driven than Girl With a Pearl Earring, which I actually liked. All of the romance in Girl With a Pearl Earring is in subtext, but that’s not the case with this book. Out of the two though, I would have to say I liked the other one better. The Virgin Blue is well written of course too, but the plot lacks the beauty of it’s sibling book. I still highly recommend this one though, Tracy Chevalier is a great writer, plain and simple. Because I have a terrible habit of comparing author's books to other books they've written, The Virgin Blue only received a 4.5, because Girl With a Pearl Earring was a 5. [Synopsis]
14. Loose Lips by Claire Berlinski
2/5 - Wow I’ve been on a chick lit roll lately haven’t I? Too bad, this one wasn’t even that great. From the back cover it looked like it had a lot of potential, about a woman in the CIA and her clandestine romance. Didn’t turn out to be so great. Some of the description of the CIA training was interesting but that was about it. Her romance fails, her career fails, and the final half of the book is a self narrated pity party and incredibly frustrating. That said, it was a quick and easy read and would have been much better if I could have just stopped halfway into it. [Synopsis]
15. A Rare and Curious Gift by Pauline Holdstock
3/5 – A Rare and Curious Gift would have had a much higher rating from me if it was for the fact that it’s written in present tense. (You know, she says he says, not she said he said.) I found reading the pages of description written this way was really hard, I couldn’t concentrate on it because my gut was telling me something wasn’t quite right. The novel itself is excellent, great historical fiction, good plot, believable, honest characters and relatively well written. But I’m sure I would have appreciated the book much more if it hadn’t been written in the annoying present tense. I'm an avid fan of historical fiction, so I didn't expect to like the book as much as I did. Looking back, I'm not sure how much research the author would have needed to do to write the book, all of the historical influence was reflected more in the way the character's actions were received rather than important events or locations. (Although they did play a minor role as well.) Unfortunately the tense really got in the way of getting into the novel. It was like having a wall between me and the novel so I could never really lose myself in the book the way I like too. But if that feature wouldn’t bother you at all, the book is *excellent.*[Synopsis]
16. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
3/5 – After figuring out that Dan Brown’s books were a quick, but intelligent read, I picked this one up hoping for the same. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say I actually do like Dan Brown. I’m sure his critics probably want to throw things at me right now, but I enjoy his writing. It may not be worth all the hype it gets, but it’s still good fiction. However he *is* a formula writer, all of his novels seem to follow the same pattern as the one before it, and Digital Fortress is no exception. I was actually able to pick out the “bad guy” and figure out most of the twists in the plot before getting to them. They were still good twists, just not as surprising by the third time around. All in all, it was a nice, relatively intelligent easy read.[Synopsis]
|
|
| Biblioholism... |
[23 Jun 2005|03:58pm] |
While the other teenage girls are blogging about boys and bras... I'm blogging books. Biblioholism was made because I needed a place to list all the books I have read. I kept a written list, but lost it, then a list in My Documents and lost it, so now it's here. Plus its a great way to tell anyone and everyone who stumbles by what I think of the books I've read. I know I'm always asking people for suggestions in reading material since I've already read so much. It's always surprising to see who suggests what and discovering new genres, authors or books.
So here's the list of my recommended reading, split up my time periods, with a rating in stars, rating for the content of the book, a genre label so you can find it at the book store easier, my own comments about it and a link to amazon so you can purchase it or read more about it. Well, maybe eventually. For now lets just say anything book related is going to go here. Lists to read, that I have read, etc. Goals for the future, bookclub discussions, reviews, rants, raves, and so on. Basically, anything a biblioholic would love.
Anyway, feel free to read about, comment, etc. I love a good discussion/debate, so don't hesitate to comment.
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
most recent entries |
] |
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
biblioholism's journal