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Check out the July Challenge!
Do you have a book you read in school that you swore was the worst book ever? Have you ever thought that maybe your teachers weren't out to torture you, and there may have been a method to their madness after all? Then the July Challenge is for you!
Details on the challenge can be found here...check it out, and join us!
Details on the challenge can be found here...check it out, and join us!
Just a quick review. I picked this up yesterday at the library and was done it by midnight. Its told from the perspective of Vanessa, an overachiever about to go into grade 12 ( or be a senior, for you americans out there). She thinks she has her future mapped out perfectly until her parents drop the bombshell - she has a half brother named Reed Vaughn. And he's the Hollywood equivalent of a young Colin Farrel, namely trouble. He's also coming to stay with them for his last year of high school which throws Vanessa's schedules and preconcieved notions out the door.
It actually wasn't as out there and completely fluffy as it sounds, the author Jenny O'Connell somehow makes it seem pretty much honest for the most part. There are a few emotional subplots such as her problems with her boyfriend Patrick, rebelling against her "artistic" parents by being a model academic and her relationship with Reed. Her observations reminded me at times of a less brilliant and cynical Jessica Darling although that series was definately a cut above this MTV novel.
Overall, I enjoyed Plan B. It was a quick read that found the middle ground between shallow and deep insightfulness. The characters were relatable, the plot believable and the book wasn't one giant cliche (which is what i was expecting.)
3.5/5
288 pages
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It actually wasn't as out there and completely fluffy as it sounds, the author Jenny O'Connell somehow makes it seem pretty much honest for the most part. There are a few emotional subplots such as her problems with her boyfriend Patrick, rebelling against her "artistic" parents by being a model academic and her relationship with Reed. Her observations reminded me at times of a less brilliant and cynical Jessica Darling although that series was definately a cut above this MTV novel.
Overall, I enjoyed Plan B. It was a quick read that found the middle ground between shallow and deep insightfulness. The characters were relatable, the plot believable and the book wasn't one giant cliche (which is what i was expecting.)
3.5/5
288 pages
- Location:work
- Mood:
good - Music:put your records on - corinne bailey rae
Book 13 - Dead Sexy by Tate Hallaway (paranormal chicklit)
This turned out to be a sequel, which I didn't expect. There were a few disconnects because of that, but it was amusing nonetheless. It dealt with events spawned in book one, which was a bit awkward at times for a reader.
Book 14 - Princess of Wands by John Ringo (urban fantasy)
This was the second time I've read this book, and it was just as enjoyable. The main character feels real, even though she has an unusual background... She's a housewife who happens to be a black belt martial artist, deadly with handguns, and devoutly religious. The idea is that she's called (by God) to combat the incursions of demons into the world.
This turned out to be a sequel, which I didn't expect. There were a few disconnects because of that, but it was amusing nonetheless. It dealt with events spawned in book one, which was a bit awkward at times for a reader.
Book 14 - Princess of Wands by John Ringo (urban fantasy)
This was the second time I've read this book, and it was just as enjoyable. The main character feels real, even though she has an unusual background... She's a housewife who happens to be a black belt martial artist, deadly with handguns, and devoutly religious. The idea is that she's called (by God) to combat the incursions of demons into the world.
basic info -
written by gordon cope
213 pages
3.5/5
i'd started reading this book last summer i believe but only got just over a third of the way through before i had to return it to the library. seeing as i'll be going to the south pacific next feb. i figured it was as good a time as any to finish it.
its a travel novel by a canadian who -along with his wife- decides to sell most of their belongings, leave another harsh canadian winter and spend a year or so travelling through the south pacific.
they don't really have plan, its all rhyme or reason, happenstance and circumstance.
i really liked this book for what it was, a short, funny, simple account of their time halfway across the world. the first half of the book is much more fun, mostly because it seems like they just happened to find people and places that they adored in the cook islands and australia, more than fiji or new zealand.
my favorite author (bill bryson) is a brilliant travel author so its often hard not to critique other books of the same genre but i like the way cope lays out their journey and most of all the characters and routines they settle into.
all in all i'd recommend it for anyone wanting an easy, first person account of some interesting tales from faraway lands.
written by gordon cope
213 pages
3.5/5
i'd started reading this book last summer i believe but only got just over a third of the way through before i had to return it to the library. seeing as i'll be going to the south pacific next feb. i figured it was as good a time as any to finish it.
its a travel novel by a canadian who -along with his wife- decides to sell most of their belongings, leave another harsh canadian winter and spend a year or so travelling through the south pacific.
they don't really have plan, its all rhyme or reason, happenstance and circumstance.
i really liked this book for what it was, a short, funny, simple account of their time halfway across the world. the first half of the book is much more fun, mostly because it seems like they just happened to find people and places that they adored in the cook islands and australia, more than fiji or new zealand.
my favorite author (bill bryson) is a brilliant travel author so its often hard not to critique other books of the same genre but i like the way cope lays out their journey and most of all the characters and routines they settle into.
all in all i'd recommend it for anyone wanting an easy, first person account of some interesting tales from faraway lands.
- Location:bedroom
- Mood: calm
- Music:viva la vida by coldplay is running through my head
Book: #8
Title: The Poisonwood Bible
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Rating: 5/5
Pages: ?
Genre: Novel - Fiction
Excellent book. I've been wanting to read it for years and regret not picking it up at a Border's Outlet once when I saw it on clearance. Then, once Oprah got her Book Club fingers on it, it was impossible to find. Finally I picked it up used. It's been laying around the house but I decided to give it a look and I didn't put it down until the next morning.
Book: #9
Title: Quest for a Maid
Author: Frances Mary Hendry
Rating: 3/5
Pages: ?
Genre: Children's Historical Fantasy
Written for ages 9-13 based on facts surrounding the death of Alexander, King of Scotland and the fight of right to ascend the throne, eventually falling to Robert the Bruce. This story is about a three youths caught up in the tumultuous events of those years. Magic, shipwrecks, a witch trial, misadventures, misunderstandings, a princess who does not want to be queen tossed in among the day to day living of that time period.
Title: The Poisonwood Bible
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Rating: 5/5
Pages: ?
Genre: Novel - Fiction
Excellent book. I've been wanting to read it for years and regret not picking it up at a Border's Outlet once when I saw it on clearance. Then, once Oprah got her Book Club fingers on it, it was impossible to find. Finally I picked it up used. It's been laying around the house but I decided to give it a look and I didn't put it down until the next morning.
Book: #9
Title: Quest for a Maid
Author: Frances Mary Hendry
Rating: 3/5
Pages: ?
Genre: Children's Historical Fantasy
Written for ages 9-13 based on facts surrounding the death of Alexander, King of Scotland and the fight of right to ascend the throne, eventually falling to Robert the Bruce. This story is about a three youths caught up in the tumultuous events of those years. Magic, shipwrecks, a witch trial, misadventures, misunderstandings, a princess who does not want to be queen tossed in among the day to day living of that time period.
- Location:Somewhere West of the Rising Sun
- Mood:
tired - Music:Morning Birds
Book: #1
Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Rating: 5/5
Pages: 896
Genre: Historical Fantasy
I just finished re-reading OUTLANDER a few days ago and it's the first in a series of historical fantasy novels by Diana Gabaldon. I enjoyed it much more thoroughly the second read. The first time, in December, I first read it immediately after finishing "The Other Boleyn Girl" -- Philippa Gregory and I was annoyed that OUTLANDER was going to be another version of Gregory with silly gratuitous "adult situations". Romance novels are not my particularly favorite genre though I have read some standouts, especially in historical fiction. But, after being assured by a friend who recommended the book that it was an excellent read, eventually, I came to see how well written OUTLANDER was and I was hooked.
It's one of those series of books I hate to read because it has to come to end eventually and we're left waiting for the next story or the writer ends the series. Either way, we're left wanting more.
The characters in OUTLANDER are really well developed and relationships between characters are complex. The 18th century comes to life in her hands and seems very well researched. It has become one of my all time favorite series of books.
Book: #2
Title: The Forest Wife
Author: Theresa Tomlinson
Rating: 4/5
Pages: 170
Genre: Juvenile Fiction; Historical Fiction
It's another take on the Robin Hood/Maid Marian tale from the 12th century except this tale focuses on Maid Marian and Robin or Robert is only a secondary character. It's a young adult read from probably 9-12 years. It's strong points are that Marian is a very strong and independent girl. Many of the women characters in this story are very strong and independent and the men definitely play a more secondary role, not because they're not important, but because the story isn't about them.
The Forest Wife is a healer deep in the woods that people come to for healing or aid. She is well respected within the community as a sort of matriarch or "mother" figure. The story centers around the Forest Wife and a growing motley group of outcasts that find their way to her for one reason or another. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this book. The characters seemed real to me and the relationships were reasonably complex. The Robin Hood/Maid Marian theme remains relevant throughout and other familiar characters such as Gisbourne, King John, King Richard, the Sheriff and the Crusades are in subdued counterpoint to the main story. It's an old story with a refreshing twist and a great book for girls if you're looking for an alternative to the damsel in distress.
Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Rating: 5/5
Pages: 896
Genre: Historical Fantasy
I just finished re-reading OUTLANDER a few days ago and it's the first in a series of historical fantasy novels by Diana Gabaldon. I enjoyed it much more thoroughly the second read. The first time, in December, I first read it immediately after finishing "The Other Boleyn Girl" -- Philippa Gregory and I was annoyed that OUTLANDER was going to be another version of Gregory with silly gratuitous "adult situations". Romance novels are not my particularly favorite genre though I have read some standouts, especially in historical fiction. But, after being assured by a friend who recommended the book that it was an excellent read, eventually, I came to see how well written OUTLANDER was and I was hooked.
It's one of those series of books I hate to read because it has to come to end eventually and we're left waiting for the next story or the writer ends the series. Either way, we're left wanting more.
The characters in OUTLANDER are really well developed and relationships between characters are complex. The 18th century comes to life in her hands and seems very well researched. It has become one of my all time favorite series of books.
Book: #2
Title: The Forest Wife
Author: Theresa Tomlinson
Rating: 4/5
Pages: 170
Genre: Juvenile Fiction; Historical Fiction
It's another take on the Robin Hood/Maid Marian tale from the 12th century except this tale focuses on Maid Marian and Robin or Robert is only a secondary character. It's a young adult read from probably 9-12 years. It's strong points are that Marian is a very strong and independent girl. Many of the women characters in this story are very strong and independent and the men definitely play a more secondary role, not because they're not important, but because the story isn't about them.
The Forest Wife is a healer deep in the woods that people come to for healing or aid. She is well respected within the community as a sort of matriarch or "mother" figure. The story centers around the Forest Wife and a growing motley group of outcasts that find their way to her for one reason or another. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this book. The characters seemed real to me and the relationships were reasonably complex. The Robin Hood/Maid Marian theme remains relevant throughout and other familiar characters such as Gisbourne, King John, King Richard, the Sheriff and the Crusades are in subdued counterpoint to the main story. It's an old story with a refreshing twist and a great book for girls if you're looking for an alternative to the damsel in distress.
- Location:Early Morning Inspiration
- Mood:
blah - Music:Evil Girls -- The Days
stupid and contagious
by caprice crane
314 pages
4/5
my friend lent me this book a couple months ago and it just sat around my room until a couple days ago when i picked it up and ended up reading the whole thing in a day.
it was a suprisingly sweet, original, realistic feeling love story. it didn't even really seem to know it was a love story so it wasn't cheesey or completely predictable.
heaven and brady end up living in the apartments next to each other and just gradually go from hating each other to friends without really assessing the relationship. they're both having a tough time career wise, trying to be adults but failing miserably at times.
the chapters are written in first person from heaven and brady alternating. i didn't find it confusing at all, in fact it was rather unique and interesting.
all in all i seriously enjoyed this novel. it was fun and felt honest.
4/5
by caprice crane
314 pages
4/5
my friend lent me this book a couple months ago and it just sat around my room until a couple days ago when i picked it up and ended up reading the whole thing in a day.
it was a suprisingly sweet, original, realistic feeling love story. it didn't even really seem to know it was a love story so it wasn't cheesey or completely predictable.
heaven and brady end up living in the apartments next to each other and just gradually go from hating each other to friends without really assessing the relationship. they're both having a tough time career wise, trying to be adults but failing miserably at times.
the chapters are written in first person from heaven and brady alternating. i didn't find it confusing at all, in fact it was rather unique and interesting.
all in all i seriously enjoyed this novel. it was fun and felt honest.
4/5
- Location:work
- Mood:working
- Music:stuttering - ben's brother
i read the john grisham novel playing for pizza this past week
it was about an nfl player who moves to italy to join their football league and his time spent in the city of Parma after blowing his last chance in the u.s. league.
i liked it, it was a usually serious, thrill & chills writer taking a break to write a lighthearted novel. he obviously went to italy and wanted to write a book about it but i like what he did with the story. i did NOT get the last 2 sentences but oh well, the rest was definately worth reading
i think it was around 250 pages and i would give it 3.75/5
it was about an nfl player who moves to italy to join their football league and his time spent in the city of Parma after blowing his last chance in the u.s. league.
i liked it, it was a usually serious, thrill & chills writer taking a break to write a lighthearted novel. he obviously went to italy and wanted to write a book about it but i like what he did with the story. i did NOT get the last 2 sentences but oh well, the rest was definately worth reading
i think it was around 250 pages and i would give it 3.75/5
- Location:bedroom
- Mood:dandy
- Music:the office season 3
Books five, six, and seven were all Discworld books by Terry Pratchett. They were, in the order I read them in: Hogfather, Guards! Guards!, and Men at Arms. Hogfather I loved because it has my top two favorite characters in it, namely Susan StoHellit and Death. Death is just an amazing character, and Susan is fabulous as well, since she's a lot like her Grandfather, but more...human because she is. Mostly. Essentially, Death has to save the Disc-quivalent of Christmas. It's well written, a fantastic story, and of course, hilarious. Guards! Guards! and Men at Arms are part of the series focusing on the Nightwatch. I normally don't like mystery stories, but these are AMAZINGLY good. I think I'm going to be reading straight through this series since they are my boyfriend's favorite books and he keeps shoving them onto me and insisting I read them...I can see why. What I've noticed about Terry Pratchett is that he's a fantastic storyteller and the characters are just incredible. They're what keep me going back again and again. I know I'm going to get a good story, yes, but I can't get enough of the characters in the stories.
Book eight was something I picked up and read while eating dinner at Border's on Valentine's Day. Girls Are Weirdos But They Smell Pretty by Todd Harris Goldman was a complete and total piece of crap. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to be able to count it towards fifty books. At first, it was funny with things like "Girls have too many shoes"...which is something that made me giggle because I do. But eventually became something that was either satire or a piece of male chauvanism...and the problem with the writing is that I couldn't tell the difference. While I wouldn't say the book should be burned, since I'm against that on principle, I don't think anyone should actually READ it because it was so poorly written and not really all that funny past page 4 or 5.
Book eight was something I picked up and read while eating dinner at Border's on Valentine's Day. Girls Are Weirdos But They Smell Pretty by Todd Harris Goldman was a complete and total piece of crap. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to be able to count it towards fifty books. At first, it was funny with things like "Girls have too many shoes"...which is something that made me giggle because I do. But eventually became something that was either satire or a piece of male chauvanism...and the problem with the writing is that I couldn't tell the difference. While I wouldn't say the book should be burned, since I'm against that on principle, I don't think anyone should actually READ it because it was so poorly written and not really all that funny past page 4 or 5.
( The List )
1. Atonement - Ian McEwan.
I really enjoyed this novel. I've read a couple of his before, but this was the best by far. It follows the story of the Tallis family and begins in the summer of 1935. The youngest daughter, Briony, claims to have witnessed a crime and accuses her sister's lover. From there the couple are separated, with Robbie going off to fight in the second World War. The story unfolds from there. It is a beautifully written book.
2. An Introduction to: Psychology
Since I'm studying it this book was very interesting to read. Pictures and cartoons are funny, turning a previously difficult subject into a funny and understandable one.
3. The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man - James Joyce
This book is a classic. My English teacher has been harping on at us for ages now to read it, so I decided that I would try it. It was hard to read it, I'm not going to lie, but the story was very thought-provoking, and I'm pleased that I managed to read it all the way through.
4. The Interpretation of Murder - Jed Rubenfeld
This is a murder mystery. I don't normally read this, but this one grabbed my attention. Freud took one trip to America in the early 1900's, and wouldn't talk about what happened there. This story is part speculation part fact about his time in America. An attractive young debutante is found bound, whipped and strangled in a hotel in New York appartment, and later another narrowly escapes the same fate. Freud and Younger, an American psychologist, spend their time trying to solve the murders.
5. Mercy - Jodi Picoult
Another one in a long line of her books. This is the weakest one of hers that I've read so far. The plot was good, and it did hang together, but the beginning and end weren't as dramatic as her previous books. It tells the story of a married couple living in the small town of Wheelock. One day a man comes to town saying that his wife, who had been battling with cancer, had asked him to kill her. The case divides the small town, tearing the marriage of the Police Chief as his wife apart.
6. Before I Die - Jenny Downham
This book is about a 16 year old girl with cancer. She makes a list of all the things she wants to do before she dies, top of the list is sex and drugs. It's a very sad book, and the ending is spectacular. It really gives you an idea of what it must be like to be about to die.
Currently reading: Possible Side Effects - Augusten Burroughs
6/50 books read!
Travelling across the country has put me a wee bit behind how awesomely I was doing to start the year. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into the reading groove.
Book 4 was Soul Music by Terry Pratchett. I don't think I can say how much I adore the discworld books. This one was fantastically funny and introduces my now second favorite character, Susan, to the series (my favorite being Death). Basically, rock music i.e. music with rocks in, gets introduced to the disc via some meddling god-type and it sweeps the disc in it's fever. Susan ends up doing Death's job for him since he is...trying to sort some things out, essentially. And as always, while the book is hilariously funny, there's a lot of deep stuff lying underneath the giggles.
I finished this book up shortly after driving across the country. Most of it was read out loud by either myself or my boyfriend to keep the person driving alert and awake. And also snickering.
Book 4 was Soul Music by Terry Pratchett. I don't think I can say how much I adore the discworld books. This one was fantastically funny and introduces my now second favorite character, Susan, to the series (my favorite being Death). Basically, rock music i.e. music with rocks in, gets introduced to the disc via some meddling god-type and it sweeps the disc in it's fever. Susan ends up doing Death's job for him since he is...trying to sort some things out, essentially. And as always, while the book is hilariously funny, there's a lot of deep stuff lying underneath the giggles.
I finished this book up shortly after driving across the country. Most of it was read out loud by either myself or my boyfriend to keep the person driving alert and awake. And also snickering.
( The List )
( books 8 and 9 )
10) When He was Wicked by Julia Quinn / Romance /
I like the fact that the conflict in this novel comes completely from the lives and troubles of her characters--no evil villains.
However, I don't advise you read this one if wanting a lighthearted escape. It's a lot more involved than Julia Quinn's other novels, but just as high quality. I hope you do enjoy this book if you read romances (or even if you normally don't)
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I did it. I didn't actually think I would, but I read fifty books this year.
Book 46 was Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. This was a really well written piece of historical fiction, centering on the Dark Ages legend of Pope Joan, a woman who disguised herself as a man, joined a monastic order, became a priest, and eventually became Pope. The only sort of hokey part of the book was when, after she has disguised herself as a man, she runs into her father, who gets so upset by the fact that she's dressed as her now dead brother, he has a stroke, and thus he can not give her away. My favorite part was the rich historical setting the book was placed in. I recommend this one.
Book 47 was A Cup of Tea By Amy Ephron. This was a very short book that I believe came to me from my Aunt a year or two ago. I read this one in a little over a day (probably 2.5 hours of reading total before/after work). The story is set in 19teens New York City (right before, during/just after America's involvement in WWI) and is about Eleanor. Eleanor is a poor woman who is taken in and given a cup of tea by Rosemary, a rich society woman. When Rosemary's fiance, Philip, is struck by Eleanor's beauty, Rosemary hurries her out the door with fifteen dollars. Jane, a mutual friend of Philip and Rosemary's intrudes on Eleanor a bit, finding her a job. The rest of the story is how all the character's lives are affected by this one, simple act. The beauty of the story is that some of the most inconsequential things in the book end up being very significant. I'd say more, but that would ruin the book and the story.
Book 48 was a free book that I downloaded from WOWIO (www.wowio.com. It's free to join, you can download three books a day. For free.) Fertility Goddesses, Groundhog Bellies, and the Coca Cola Company: the origins of modern holidays by Gabriella Kalapos was...an interesting read. The history behind the different holidays covered in the book WERE genuinely interesting. However, I didn't care much for the author's bias slamming itself in my face ever few pages. She seems to have expected ancient (I do mean ANCIENT) man to have had the same sort of appreciation for science that we have today. And I have some empathy for her damage with organized religion (especially Christianity) but she needs to tone it down. I think her book would've been more thought provoking without her constant intrusions.
Book 49 was another WOWIO book: A History of Britain: the key events that have shaped Britain from Neolithic times to the 21st century by Richard Dargie. This was just really fascinating. It didn't go into a lot of depth into the history it covered, but how could it? A great book if you want an overview of ALL the important highlights in British history from...well...the Neolithic until about 2006/2007.
Book 50 was one I snagged from my sister. A Steampunks' Guide to the Apocalypse by Margaret Killjoy was just fun. It's a very short basic survival guide written in a Victorian steam-punk style that gives tips on how to survive the Apocalypse. There wasn't a lot of instruction on how to fashion your own steam engine, however it recommends learning how to do so BEFORE the coming crisis, so that the tips in the book can be fully realized.
( The List )
Hopefully I'll post a few more books before the end of the year. :)
- Mood: ecstatic
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44 / 50 (88.0%) |
Book 44 was World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks. My GOD this book was fantastic. It was on one of those lovely "buy one, get one half off" tables at Border's and I remember how sad I was that I never read my ex's copy. This is a piece of survival zombie horror, told after humanity fights the Zombie hordes. It's told to the collector of the stories and is basically people's recollections and memories of what they did, where they were, etc when the zombies attacked/they fought the zombies off. It's everyone from people who fought in the war effort, contributed to civilian efforts, found zombies (including the doctor who found China's first case), created plans to deal with the threat, and government leaders who could've done more but for whatever reason didn't.
My only complaints are that the voices of the different people could've been slightly more different and that I had a hard time sleeping for a few nights after reading the book. The last part is my bizarre and latent fear of all things zombie, caused by the terrifying-ness that was the remake of Dawn of the Dead. However, overall I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who likes anything zombie.
( The List )
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43 / 50 (86.0%) |
Book 43 was a work of fiction/historical fiction by Michael Faber called The Crimson Petal and the White which was fantastic. The main character, Sugar, is a prostitute in Victorian era London who begins to climb the social ranks through her lover, William Rackham. William, however, is plagued with his own difficulties ( cut for some spoilers )
( The list thus far )
Here's a quick update, sans pictures this time. Not really in the mood for it today.
18. A Brief History of the Celts Peter Berresford Ellis
Excellent book. Very informative. Some of it was poorly organized and/or worded at some points though.
19. Le Petit Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Very good book, sad too. Lots of different meanings in it depending on where you are in your life. I reccomend it to everyone, and don't worry you can get it in English :P The Little Prince
20. American Gods Neil Gaiman
Oh.My.God. This book was amazing. I loved every word. It is very well written and kept me interested through the whole thing. And want to know something else? It's a fantasy novel. And I usually have an extremely difficult time reading fantasy novels. This one is set in present day america. It's very very good. The main character is an ex con who finds out his wife died when he is released from prison, then on the flight home for the funeral he is approached by a man who seems to know everything about him. Has a lot of unexpected twists.
21. Harry Potter And the Half-Blood Prince J.K. Rowling
Much better than The Order of the Phoenix. Book 5 was why it took me so long to get around to reading book 6. I've had it since it was released, but i was so bored out of my mind by book 5 that the thought of reading another harry potter book was brutal. but like i said, much better.
So for now I have to finish reading The Deathly Hallows. Then, I have Traitor to the Blood [yay!], and Eclipse comes out tomorrow {O_O Uber excitement], bizenghast 3 [if i can find a copy >_<], minion, and broken. After that, we'll see where I'm at for what to read.
18. A Brief History of the Celts Peter Berresford Ellis
Excellent book. Very informative. Some of it was poorly organized and/or worded at some points though.
19. Le Petit Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Very good book, sad too. Lots of different meanings in it depending on where you are in your life. I reccomend it to everyone, and don't worry you can get it in English :P The Little Prince
20. American Gods Neil Gaiman
Oh.My.God. This book was amazing. I loved every word. It is very well written and kept me interested through the whole thing. And want to know something else? It's a fantasy novel. And I usually have an extremely difficult time reading fantasy novels. This one is set in present day america. It's very very good. The main character is an ex con who finds out his wife died when he is released from prison, then on the flight home for the funeral he is approached by a man who seems to know everything about him. Has a lot of unexpected twists.
21. Harry Potter And the Half-Blood Prince J.K. Rowling
Much better than The Order of the Phoenix. Book 5 was why it took me so long to get around to reading book 6. I've had it since it was released, but i was so bored out of my mind by book 5 that the thought of reading another harry potter book was brutal. but like i said, much better.
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21 / 50 (42.0%) |
So for now I have to finish reading The Deathly Hallows. Then, I have Traitor to the Blood [yay!], and Eclipse comes out tomorrow {O_O Uber excitement], bizenghast 3 [if i can find a copy >_<], minion, and broken. After that, we'll see where I'm at for what to read.
- Mood:
crappy - Music:Gogol Bordello - Harem In Tuscany [Taranta]
I see this question asked from time to time, and I thought I'd make these instructions its own entry so that I can link it in the sidebar.
There are two fairly good ways to find your old posts in this community:
Once you find your entries, you can add them to your personal LJ memories for future reference by clicking the "Memories" link at the top of the page while you're viewing the individual entry.
Hope this is helpful!
There are two fairly good ways to find your old posts in this community:
- If you remember the last book you posted about, then you're best off using LJ Seek to search on the book title. Your entry should be listed among the search results.
- If you remember approximately the last time you posted, then I recommend using the Archive method of searching. The Archive link will take you to page showing the current year's calendar for this community. At the upper right corner of each calendar month, there's a link that says View subjects (example link goes to the July 2007 list). That shows you a list of every entry made during the month, and includes the user name and subject line of the post. You can do a standard text search (CTRL-F) to search for your own user name.
Once you find your entries, you can add them to your personal LJ memories for future reference by clicking the "Memories" link at the top of the page while you're viewing the individual entry.
Hope this is helpful!
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16 / 50 (32.0%) |
I just recently finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman. This was seriously the best book I think I've ever read. The imagery and writing style are beautiful. The story is amazing. It's fairy tale. Now, it helps that I adore fairy tales, but the writing is beautiful, the story is perfect. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
It's about Tristran Thorn in his quest to find a fallen Star in order to win his heart's desire from the most beautiful girl in the village of Wall. However, to get the star, he must travel into Faerie and brave the dangers of the land, plus find the Star before the other people searching for it find it.
Book Challenge
Started: 5-1-07
Rating System - (1-5)
The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory ~ 672 Pages (4)
The Queen's Fool – Philippa Gregory ~ 512 Pages (2)
The Boleyn Inheritance – Philippa Gregory ~ 528 Pages (4)
The Constant Princess – Philippa Gregory ~ 416 Pages (2 ½)
The 6 Wives Of Henry VIII – Alison Weir ~ 656 Pages (3)
Boomsday – Christopher Buckley ~ 336 Pages (5)
The White House Mess – Christopher Buckley ~ 224 Pages (2 ½)
Little Green Men – Christopher Buckley ~ 301 Pages (currently reading)
Book # 6 Boomsday by Christopher Buckley
This was the first book i had ever read by Christopher Buckley, but damn if it didn't end up making me a fan for life. This satirical little gem, begins with an absurd premise: a 29 yr old PR exec during the day, angry blogger by night, finds herself outraged by the thought that her generation has to fit the bill for millions of Baby Boomers nearing retirement. She purposes a policy called "voluntary transitioning"...offering incentives (no taxes, free botox) to boomers who agree to kill themselves by age 70. An absurd idea, that actually starts to catch on with the masses and a more then a lil needy presidential candidate desperate for the youth vote.
This is by far the most entertaining, and fast moving novel i've read in AGES. Buckley takes a premise that is completely off the wall, and makes it believable. If ever there was a book that screamed "movie", this is it. :)
::My Rating ~ 5::
This book fulfills the potential that The Difference Engine (the last book I read) failed to live up to. Stephen Hunt mixes fantasy and politics with a bit of steampunk and the result is an fast-moving, uniquely-detailed novel.
The story is set in the Kingdom of Jackals, a country that resembles Victorian England at the start of the Industrial Revolution, but with magic users and steam-driven computers, and craynarbians and steammen mixing with humans.
Two orphans are being hunted down for their genetic heritage, which they're unaware of. Molly Templar narrowly escapes an attempted murder on her first day as a working girl in a brothel. After discovering that the rest of her fellow orphans have been killed at the poorhouse where she was raised, Molly flees to the underground city to hide among political exiles and misfits. There she discovers a plot to destroy the country and is rescued by a tabloid reporter who believes the attempts on Molly's life are connected to a spate of murders.
Meanwhile in the countryside, Oliver Brooks is on the run after being framed for his uncle's murder. Oliver's fey background makes him the perfect scapegoat as many of his kind are deranged and imprisoned in asylums where they're tortured and experimented on.
Accompanying Oliver is the devious Harry, his uncle's friend and an agent of a secret government organisation called The Court of the Air. From Harry, Oliver learns that his uncle was also a Court agent and was killed to cover up a political conspiracy. Together they travel across the country to uncover the conspiracy while eluding Court agents, who want Harry dead, and the police, who want Oliver locked up in an asylum.
The story is set in the Kingdom of Jackals, a country that resembles Victorian England at the start of the Industrial Revolution, but with magic users and steam-driven computers, and craynarbians and steammen mixing with humans.
Two orphans are being hunted down for their genetic heritage, which they're unaware of. Molly Templar narrowly escapes an attempted murder on her first day as a working girl in a brothel. After discovering that the rest of her fellow orphans have been killed at the poorhouse where she was raised, Molly flees to the underground city to hide among political exiles and misfits. There she discovers a plot to destroy the country and is rescued by a tabloid reporter who believes the attempts on Molly's life are connected to a spate of murders.
Meanwhile in the countryside, Oliver Brooks is on the run after being framed for his uncle's murder. Oliver's fey background makes him the perfect scapegoat as many of his kind are deranged and imprisoned in asylums where they're tortured and experimented on.
Accompanying Oliver is the devious Harry, his uncle's friend and an agent of a secret government organisation called The Court of the Air. From Harry, Oliver learns that his uncle was also a Court agent and was killed to cover up a political conspiracy. Together they travel across the country to uncover the conspiracy while eluding Court agents, who want Harry dead, and the police, who want Oliver locked up in an asylum.
8. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
( Summary/Review )
(5/5 stars) Recommend to everyone!
9. Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty
( Summary/Review )
(3/5 stars)
Currently Reading: The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
- Mood:
contemplative
5. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt (excellent!)
True story of Jim Williams and the murder of his young lover. If you like nonfiction books that go down as well as any fiction tale, you'll like this book. (Of course, just about everyone in the history of the universe has read this except me . . . )
6. The Serpent and the Rainbow - Wade Davis (excellent!)
Another terrific nonfiction book about Haiti culture and how voudouism plays a role. The author, an anthropologist and ethnobotanist, weaves an eerie tale of his search for the biological foundation of the occurances of zombies in Haiti. Soon he is caught up in finding out not only how these zombies are created, but why. Includes Haitian secret societies!
On a nonfiction kick.
6 / 50 words. 12% done!
True story of Jim Williams and the murder of his young lover. If you like nonfiction books that go down as well as any fiction tale, you'll like this book. (Of course, just about everyone in the history of the universe has read this except me . . . )
6. The Serpent and the Rainbow - Wade Davis (excellent!)
Another terrific nonfiction book about Haiti culture and how voudouism plays a role. The author, an anthropologist and ethnobotanist, weaves an eerie tale of his search for the biological foundation of the occurances of zombies in Haiti. Soon he is caught up in finding out not only how these zombies are created, but why. Includes Haitian secret societies!
On a nonfiction kick.
- Location:Chicago, Illinois, Lincoln Park
- Mood:
bouncy - Music:Tom Waits
Underground is a hilarious satire of what Australia could be like in the near future if the War on Terror is taken to its logical conclusion.
In the author's vision of Australia, the country is under martial law and detention without trial is the norm. Driving anywhere is impossible without passing through Citizen Verification Stations, where citizens must present their Australia Safe ID card. (Those without a valid card must complete a "Citizenship Verification Test" and recite an oath of allegiance to Australia and the US). The government has imprisoned ethnic minorities in ghettoes for their own protection. And according to Leo James, the narrator of the story, "noone wants to play cricket with us anymore".
Leo is the brother of Bernard James, who happens to be the Prime Minister of Australia and the man behind these anti-terrorist measures. But the family connection proves to be useless when Leo is kidnapped by terrorists and ends up falsely accused of being one. His adventures as an innocent person on the lam are interjected with his recollections of daily life in Australia before and after 9/11.
This story could've become unbelievably silly (especially towards the end) but the author avoids this by maintaining plausible explanations for events. The result is a funny, but disturbingly believable portrayal of Australia in 5 or 10 years' time.
In the author's vision of Australia, the country is under martial law and detention without trial is the norm. Driving anywhere is impossible without passing through Citizen Verification Stations, where citizens must present their Australia Safe ID card. (Those without a valid card must complete a "Citizenship Verification Test" and recite an oath of allegiance to Australia and the US). The government has imprisoned ethnic minorities in ghettoes for their own protection. And according to Leo James, the narrator of the story, "noone wants to play cricket with us anymore".
Leo is the brother of Bernard James, who happens to be the Prime Minister of Australia and the man behind these anti-terrorist measures. But the family connection proves to be useless when Leo is kidnapped by terrorists and ends up falsely accused of being one. His adventures as an innocent person on the lam are interjected with his recollections of daily life in Australia before and after 9/11.
This story could've become unbelievably silly (especially towards the end) but the author avoids this by maintaining plausible explanations for events. The result is a funny, but disturbingly believable portrayal of Australia in 5 or 10 years' time.
1. I Am Legend - Richard Matheson (excellent!)
2. The Shining (reread) - Stephen King (excellent - as always)
3. "A" is for Alibi - Sue Grafton*
4. Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman (excellent!)
5. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt (reads as well as any novel; hilarious in some parts)
Am working on The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis. Next may be Parasite Rex (forget the author), but maybe not. Depends on my mood. At the moment my tastes have swung into nonfiction. Here's a link to some interesting nonfiction/anthropology/history books I will be reading in the future. Hope you'll be reading them, too.
http://crowleycrow.livejournal.com/3886
*My mama always told me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, keep your trap shut."
2. The Shining (reread) - Stephen King (excellent - as always)
3. "A" is for Alibi - Sue Grafton*
4. Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman (excellent!)
5. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt (reads as well as any novel; hilarious in some parts)
Am working on The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis. Next may be Parasite Rex (forget the author), but maybe not. Depends on my mood. At the moment my tastes have swung into nonfiction. Here's a link to some interesting nonfiction/anthropology/history books I will be reading in the future. Hope you'll be reading them, too.
http://crowleycrow.livejournal.com/3886
*My mama always told me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, keep your trap shut."
- Location:Chicago, Illinois
- Mood:busy
- Music:NPR Morning Edition
I wish to report that my 14 year old son told me this week that he thought there was something wrong with anyone who could take 12 books out of the library at one time. So I didn't tell him today when 4 of the books I'd placed a hold on came in. He can add 12 and 4.
Book number 21 was Kiran Desai's 'The Inheritance of Loss'. This was a really good read. I love Indian novels written in English, and I was really surprised to discover that Anita Desai's daughter was now a reputed novelist. [Where have I been hiding?] Not wonderful or spectacular, but a good read. Dramatic.
Book number 22 was Mark Haddon's 'the curious incident of the dog in the night-time'. As it's on the list of most enjoyed books in the poll, I don't need to say much about this book, except that I loved it, and was really upset by the turbulence in it - Mr. Haddon made me feel almost as mixed up and scared and sick as the boy in the book, which takes some powerful writing skill. Excellent book, really top-notch, I can see why it's well-beloved.
Book number 21 was Kiran Desai's 'The Inheritance of Loss'. This was a really good read. I love Indian novels written in English, and I was really surprised to discover that Anita Desai's daughter was now a reputed novelist. [Where have I been hiding?] Not wonderful or spectacular, but a good read. Dramatic.
Book number 22 was Mark Haddon's 'the curious incident of the dog in the night-time'. As it's on the list of most enjoyed books in the poll, I don't need to say much about this book, except that I loved it, and was really upset by the turbulence in it - Mr. Haddon made me feel almost as mixed up and scared and sick as the boy in the book, which takes some powerful writing skill. Excellent book, really top-notch, I can see why it's well-beloved.
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22 / 100 (22.0%) |
- Location:at home
- Mood: contemplative
- Music:humming of the computer
The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
552 pages
This book tells the story of a young girl, Liesel, who lives near Munich during World War II. The story is set in the early 1940s and is told by "Death," who is quite busy claiming recently-departed souls. Liesel is placed in foster care and gradually assimilates into a new community and a new family. Her new family is poor, and she takes to stealing books in order to feed a reading habit. The story develops when Liesel's family takes in a Jewish man named Max, the son of someone her "Papa" fought with in the first world war. Liesel becomes close to Max, and also befriends a local boy named Rudy. The story intensifies as the war progresses and the Allies begin bombing Germany.
I very much enjoyed this author's writing style and the unique point of view of this story. I became attached to the characters and the relationships. Many of the events are foreshadowed again and again, so when the climax occurs it is not a huge surprise but still very sad. The last 100 pages or so were gripping.
This book left me pensive and contemplative, as it caused me to reflect once again on the holocaust and its terror and devastation.
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