I loved loved loved this book. I laughed, felt guilty for laughing at something so horrible and true, and then realized that laughter is sometimes the only option. I liked this book so much that I made Andrew read it. And read almost half of it to him while on a road trip to Yakima. The word resiliency keeps coming to mind when I think of this book. I highly recommend it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Glass Castle
I loved loved loved this book. I laughed, felt guilty for laughing at something so horrible and true, and then realized that laughter is sometimes the only option. I liked this book so much that I made Andrew read it. And read almost half of it to him while on a road trip to Yakima. The word resiliency keeps coming to mind when I think of this book. I highly recommend it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Lion Among Men
By Gregory Maguire
This is the reason that I reread the previous two books. I picked up this third book in the Wicked Years at Barnes and Noble a while back and have been wanting to read it. But I hate reading a book in a series without reading the books that come before it. Obsessive I know. This book is the story of the Cowardly Lion. It covers both before and after the incident with Dorothy. In a very nice, coherent manner. And I like it. My only complaint is that Son of a Witch left me hanging with Liir and I wish that I found out more about what happened to him in this book. But that is only my complaint. The story is good and I love the history that is woven around this character. Now I want to know more about what happens to him next. I also want to have a meeting with all of the characters in these stories and set them straight about how they could have just all been friends, without all of the intrigue. But I guess that would ruin the story.
This is the reason that I reread the previous two books. I picked up this third book in the Wicked Years at Barnes and Noble a while back and have been wanting to read it. But I hate reading a book in a series without reading the books that come before it. Obsessive I know. This book is the story of the Cowardly Lion. It covers both before and after the incident with Dorothy. In a very nice, coherent manner. And I like it. My only complaint is that Son of a Witch left me hanging with Liir and I wish that I found out more about what happened to him in this book. But that is only my complaint. The story is good and I love the history that is woven around this character. Now I want to know more about what happens to him next. I also want to have a meeting with all of the characters in these stories and set them straight about how they could have just all been friends, without all of the intrigue. But I guess that would ruin the story.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Son of a Witch
By Gregory Maguire
This is the sequel to Wicked, also a reread for me, and also a book that I own. This book follows the story of Liir, the boy who may or may not be the son of the Wicked Witch of the West. This book doesn't captivate me quite the same way that Wicked does, probably because it isn't a well known story, but it is a good book. I like the story, the characters are still well planned and thought out, and you still keep bumping into people you do know and love. It just doesn't have quite the same appeal as Wicked. If you liked Wicked though, this is worth your time.
This is the sequel to Wicked, also a reread for me, and also a book that I own. This book follows the story of Liir, the boy who may or may not be the son of the Wicked Witch of the West. This book doesn't captivate me quite the same way that Wicked does, probably because it isn't a well known story, but it is a good book. I like the story, the characters are still well planned and thought out, and you still keep bumping into people you do know and love. It just doesn't have quite the same appeal as Wicked. If you liked Wicked though, this is worth your time.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wicked
By Gregory Maguire
This is a reread for me. I even own it. I really liked it the first time, but I wasn't really in the mood to read it again. You will see why I did read it in not the next post, but the post after. Even though I wasn't in the mood to read this book, I still liked it. It is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz, but it adds so much more. The characters are more real; they have histories and motivations for their actions. I like it. In some ways, I liked reading it more this time around because I wasn't so caught up in getting to end to know the story. I could slow down and really enjoy the history that the author created for each of the characters. If you haven't read it you should.
This is a reread for me. I even own it. I really liked it the first time, but I wasn't really in the mood to read it again. You will see why I did read it in not the next post, but the post after. Even though I wasn't in the mood to read this book, I still liked it. It is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz, but it adds so much more. The characters are more real; they have histories and motivations for their actions. I like it. In some ways, I liked reading it more this time around because I wasn't so caught up in getting to end to know the story. I could slow down and really enjoy the history that the author created for each of the characters. If you haven't read it you should.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Primate's Memoir
By Robert M. Sapolsky
This book is hilarious. It was recommended to Andrew by our friend Robin. After hearing him laugh out loud several times, I decided that I needed to read it too. The book is a non-fiction account, written by a neuroscientist who studies a troop of baboons in Africa. Robert, the neuroscientist, has an easily apparent love for the baboons. The baboons are mostly named after Old Testament characters. Robert has a funny perspective on their lives and on their very unique personalities. Much of the book focuses not only on the baboons, but on what is happening to him, living in Africa, as he is studying the baboons.
Andrew and I were discussing what we liked about this book, and we decided that it had something to do with the way that the author writes about himself. Robert is frequently getting into predicaments and having hilarious things happen to him. But he doesn't try to make himself look better or like he always new what he was doing. He is brutally honest about how he got into many of his predicaments. And he had some great stories to tell.
This book is hilarious. It was recommended to Andrew by our friend Robin. After hearing him laugh out loud several times, I decided that I needed to read it too. The book is a non-fiction account, written by a neuroscientist who studies a troop of baboons in Africa. Robert, the neuroscientist, has an easily apparent love for the baboons. The baboons are mostly named after Old Testament characters. Robert has a funny perspective on their lives and on their very unique personalities. Much of the book focuses not only on the baboons, but on what is happening to him, living in Africa, as he is studying the baboons. Andrew and I were discussing what we liked about this book, and we decided that it had something to do with the way that the author writes about himself. Robert is frequently getting into predicaments and having hilarious things happen to him. But he doesn't try to make himself look better or like he always new what he was doing. He is brutally honest about how he got into many of his predicaments. And he had some great stories to tell.
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Lost Symbol
By Dan Brown
If you liked Dan Brown's other books you will like this one. More of the same style of writing, "smart thriller", I think is one of the quotes on the cover of the book. Robert Langdon is the main character in this one as well, with The Lost Symbol taking place after Angels and Demons and Da Vinci Code. The subject matter of this one focused on the Masons and Noetics, a newer branch of science. I did find myself interested in the science aspects of it, ALMOST enough to prompt me to go do some research on Noetics and the Masons. Just to see how much was fact and how much was fiction. It is funny, I feel the same way after reading all of Dan Brown's books. I am curious and want to know how much is fact and how much is fiction. And I think once or twice about researching the topic more. And then I decide that I really don't care. What does that say about me?
If you liked Dan Brown's other books you will like this one. More of the same style of writing, "smart thriller", I think is one of the quotes on the cover of the book. Robert Langdon is the main character in this one as well, with The Lost Symbol taking place after Angels and Demons and Da Vinci Code. The subject matter of this one focused on the Masons and Noetics, a newer branch of science. I did find myself interested in the science aspects of it, ALMOST enough to prompt me to go do some research on Noetics and the Masons. Just to see how much was fact and how much was fiction. It is funny, I feel the same way after reading all of Dan Brown's books. I am curious and want to know how much is fact and how much is fiction. And I think once or twice about researching the topic more. And then I decide that I really don't care. What does that say about me?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
By Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
My mother-in law recommended this book to my mom, who also liked it, so I decided that I should probably read it. It is a very fast read, and very enjoyable. The story takes place just after the end of World War II and the characters, who are all British, are trying to figure out what life after the war is like. The book is written in the form of letters between an author, various friends, and a group of people that she becomes pen pals with. The premise of the book doesn't sound amazing or fascinating but the characters are. All of the characters are readers, some unintentionally. I like that about them. And they have interesting, funny conversations about books. The characters are all struggling to come to terms with what has happened to their lives, but are amazingly happy and resilient and kind hearted. The book is funny, with little everyday humor and people who are hilarious and don't even know it. And it is very personable, with the characters really coming to life through the letters that they write to each other.
I recommend it. It really won't take much time to read either. I was sad when it was over. And had this funny urge to write someone a letter.
My mother-in law recommended this book to my mom, who also liked it, so I decided that I should probably read it. It is a very fast read, and very enjoyable. The story takes place just after the end of World War II and the characters, who are all British, are trying to figure out what life after the war is like. The book is written in the form of letters between an author, various friends, and a group of people that she becomes pen pals with. The premise of the book doesn't sound amazing or fascinating but the characters are. All of the characters are readers, some unintentionally. I like that about them. And they have interesting, funny conversations about books. The characters are all struggling to come to terms with what has happened to their lives, but are amazingly happy and resilient and kind hearted. The book is funny, with little everyday humor and people who are hilarious and don't even know it. And it is very personable, with the characters really coming to life through the letters that they write to each other.I recommend it. It really won't take much time to read either. I was sad when it was over. And had this funny urge to write someone a letter.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mistborn: The Hero of Ages
By Brandon Sanderson
Do you notice that I haven't told you much about the plot of the book yet? That's because it is complicated and detailed and I would give a lot away if I described it to you. But those of you who know me know that I care a lot about how a story ends. Let me tell you that this story, the third and final book, ends perfectly. Not a mushy, happy, fairy tale ending. That wouldn't fit with the book and realness of the characters. But not a sad, hopeless ending either. The end of the story perfectly matches the bulk of the saga. Full of struggle and tragedy and perseverance and strength and hope.
P.S. I read the ending. And then the next day picked up the book and reread the last 6 or 7 chapters again. Just because I wanted to experience it one more time.
Do you notice that I haven't told you much about the plot of the book yet? That's because it is complicated and detailed and I would give a lot away if I described it to you. But those of you who know me know that I care a lot about how a story ends. Let me tell you that this story, the third and final book, ends perfectly. Not a mushy, happy, fairy tale ending. That wouldn't fit with the book and realness of the characters. But not a sad, hopeless ending either. The end of the story perfectly matches the bulk of the saga. Full of struggle and tragedy and perseverance and strength and hope.
P.S. I read the ending. And then the next day picked up the book and reread the last 6 or 7 chapters again. Just because I wanted to experience it one more time.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
By Brandon Sanderson
So I realized a few other things that I like about these books:
1) The plot is fast paced. And not in a bad way. Sometimes authors tend to throw in action packed scenes or mushy details that are interesting but don't really move the story along. This story is always moving along. And it doesn't bog down. There are battles and action, but it is very practical without being dry.
2) I think I mention this in the post about the first book. But the characters doubt themselves. And realize that they don't always know what they are doing or what to believe in. But they keep trying to do what they think is right anyway.
3) The author worked out the entire story before he started writing. I like when the fantasy world that is created is well thought out. Lord of the Rings style. Without writing each little detail down and explaining it so minutely.
So I realized a few other things that I like about these books:1) The plot is fast paced. And not in a bad way. Sometimes authors tend to throw in action packed scenes or mushy details that are interesting but don't really move the story along. This story is always moving along. And it doesn't bog down. There are battles and action, but it is very practical without being dry.
2) I think I mention this in the post about the first book. But the characters doubt themselves. And realize that they don't always know what they are doing or what to believe in. But they keep trying to do what they think is right anyway.
3) The author worked out the entire story before he started writing. I like when the fantasy world that is created is well thought out. Lord of the Rings style. Without writing each little detail down and explaining it so minutely.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Mistborn: The Final Empire
By Brandon Sanderson
So I actually read this book while we were in Priest Lake, ID, way back in August. And I liked it so much that I came home, bought the entire trilogy, and promptly reread it. Yes, that is right. I finished my borrowed copy, gave it back, bought a new copy, and promptly started rereading it. I liked it that much. I also felt like I was so caught up in the action and the plot the first time that I was missing some of the important details about this world and the skills that the Mistborn have.
This book could have stood alone and I would have been pretty happy. It is thought out down to the detail, full of action, good thinking, and great characters. It falls into the fantasy/science fiction category but I hate to put that label on it as it doesn't fit the stereotype. The characters have more depth and they aren't perfect. They question themselves and give you the freedom to question them too. I found myself respecting each of the characters, but not to the point of wanting to be them. They had to go through too much to really want to be them. Yet they were happy and they keep on surviving. I liked it. And I was pretty happy when I found out that there were two more more books to read.
So I actually read this book while we were in Priest Lake, ID, way back in August. And I liked it so much that I came home, bought the entire trilogy, and promptly reread it. Yes, that is right. I finished my borrowed copy, gave it back, bought a new copy, and promptly started rereading it. I liked it that much. I also felt like I was so caught up in the action and the plot the first time that I was missing some of the important details about this world and the skills that the Mistborn have.
This book could have stood alone and I would have been pretty happy. It is thought out down to the detail, full of action, good thinking, and great characters. It falls into the fantasy/science fiction category but I hate to put that label on it as it doesn't fit the stereotype. The characters have more depth and they aren't perfect. They question themselves and give you the freedom to question them too. I found myself respecting each of the characters, but not to the point of wanting to be them. They had to go through too much to really want to be them. Yet they were happy and they keep on surviving. I liked it. And I was pretty happy when I found out that there were two more more books to read.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hello
So I have been neglecting this journal. For a while I neglected the journaling and kept reading. Then I started to neglect both because I felt guilty. So here I am back again. But I am giving myself permission not to worry about making it perfect and that I don't have to go back and make it all up. I listed the books that I read so that I can remember. But I don't want to keep waiting until I have time to write about them all. So I am done waiting. Just know that I loved them all. Every single book that I have read this summer (this was done intentionally) has been excellent. They have been just the escape that I needed and have had that ability to suck me in to a new world and make me forget about the one that I am in. Keep throwing book suggestions my way, I need to keep reading!
Tear Soup
By Pat Schweibert & Chuck DeKlyen
My mom gave me this book. It is a quick read that you want to read alone and repeatedly. And I highly recommend it for anyone who is grieving (about anything) or someone who has a close friend who is grieving and doesn't know what to do. It said what I was feeling better than I could. You should read it. Call me if you want to make some tear soup.
My mom gave me this book. It is a quick read that you want to read alone and repeatedly. And I highly recommend it for anyone who is grieving (about anything) or someone who has a close friend who is grieving and doesn't know what to do. It said what I was feeling better than I could. You should read it. Call me if you want to make some tear soup.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Deception Point
By Dan Brown
Click here for the wikipedia plot summary. I know that it is lame to use wikipedia as a plot summary. But I don't feel like explaining what the book was about it. It was complicated. And I liked the book. I couldn't put it down. My mom couldn't put it down. And my 13 year old brother couldn't put it down. That's a pretty good recommendation for just about anyone. Again, I feel like I learned a lot. I liked this book quite a bit better than Digital Fortress, the characters were better and I liked the topic that I was learning about. It was up there with Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons in my mind.
Click here for the wikipedia plot summary. I know that it is lame to use wikipedia as a plot summary. But I don't feel like explaining what the book was about it. It was complicated. And I liked the book. I couldn't put it down. My mom couldn't put it down. And my 13 year old brother couldn't put it down. That's a pretty good recommendation for just about anyone. Again, I feel like I learned a lot. I liked this book quite a bit better than Digital Fortress, the characters were better and I liked the topic that I was learning about. It was up there with Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons in my mind.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Digital Fortress
By Dan Brown
Wikipedia plot summary (slightly altered to be less cheesy): When the National Security Agency's code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious and ingeniously complex code called Digital Fortress that it cannot break, the agency calls in Susan Fletcher, a brilliant mathematician and their head cryptographer, to crack it. Fletcher discovers that the code, which is written in Japanese, is a viral program designed to break down the NSA's firewall and encryption systems, allowing anyone anywhere to access all of the NSA's files. She also discovers that it was written by Ensei Tankado, a former NSA employee who became displeased with the NSA's intrusion into people's private lives. Tankado, essentially holding the NDS hostage, intends to auction the code's algorithm on his website, and release it for free if he dies, threatening to cripple U.S. intelligence. Fletcher, along with her fiancé, David Becker, a skilled linguist, are thrust into a global chase as they must find a way to stop the spread of the code.
Wikipedia plot summary (slightly altered to be less cheesy): When the National Security Agency's code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious and ingeniously complex code called Digital Fortress that it cannot break, the agency calls in Susan Fletcher, a brilliant mathematician and their head cryptographer, to crack it. Fletcher discovers that the code, which is written in Japanese, is a viral program designed to break down the NSA's firewall and encryption systems, allowing anyone anywhere to access all of the NSA's files. She also discovers that it was written by Ensei Tankado, a former NSA employee who became displeased with the NSA's intrusion into people's private lives. Tankado, essentially holding the NDS hostage, intends to auction the code's algorithm on his website, and release it for free if he dies, threatening to cripple U.S. intelligence. Fletcher, along with her fiancé, David Becker, a skilled linguist, are thrust into a global chase as they must find a way to stop the spread of the code.I liked this book quite a bit. It moved fast, kept you on your toes, and it had that Dan Brown book feel where you feel like you might be learning something as you get sucked in. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My one complaint: I don't think that Dan Brown writes about a woman main character well. I didn't like her. Oh well. The book was still good.
Monday, August 17, 2009
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