Thursday, July 31, 2008
I listened to bits and pieces of Lake Wobegone Days read by the author and thought it hilarious. Too bad my Ipod was acting up. So I thought Pontoon would be equally enjoyable. It was a disappointment. While there were shining moments and some laugh-out-loud scenes (the final chapter was wonderfully funny), mostly the book seemed slow. I was put off by some surprisingly graphic sexual content, not a lot, but enough and the depressing nature of most of the characters. Plus the narrator had the most mournful voice. Was it the author??
When Barbara finds her mother, Evelyn, dead in her bed, it sets off a whole chain of events as the family gathers to honor her final wishes. The story includes history on the dead woman and her relationships with others. A side story incudes Debbie, who left home at nineteen; and, twenty years later, returns home to get married. Again, we learn a lot of Debbie's history. Both Evelyn's memorial and Debbie's wedding are planned to take place on Saturday at Lake Wobegone. Which does lead to a hilarious climax. Yes, Keillor does a fantastic job of creating characters who are real and are easy to identify with. They're just weren't incredibly likable people except Evelyn, and she's dead. I found it a bit whiny with rays of sunshine thrown in occasionally.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 3:20 PM
5 comments:
Ben said...
Garrison Keillor does have a pretty 'mournful' voice. I love it.He does a couple shows for NPR. One of them is the writers almanac which is just a 5 minute show in which he gives a little literary history of this date and reads a poem. It used to be on right when I'd drive to the commuter lot, but they've moved it so now I don't get to hear it anymore. I always enjoyed it as a quirky little start to the day.He also does (and is mainly known for) The Prarie Home Companion which is a radio variety show that is also pretty good.
8/01/2008 7:16 AM
Stephanie said...
I've never actually read any Garrison Keillor. I've seen him on TV a few times, doing interviews, and he actually cracks me up. Very smart. Sorry this one was a disappointment. I hate when that happens!
8/01/2008 11:49 AM
Susan said...
My husband and I saw Garrison Keillor "in concert" not too long ago. I think he's hilarious, but I was surprised by how raunchy he was. I haven't read any of his books, and don't think I will. Sorry you wasted your time on this one.
8/01/2008 3:21 PM
Les said...
Oh, dear. I had a customer tell me how funny this book is. Laugh out loud funny, and I was tempted to buy a copy, but now I'll hold off and get it from the library. Sorry it was a bit of a disappointment for you.Have you seen the movie, A Prairie Home Companion? I rarely ever listen to the program on NPR, but I loved the movie! Meryl Streep is fabulous in it. What a voice!! I was brought to tears a couple of times as I watched it.
8/03/2008 7:34 AM
Bobbi said...
I agree, I did not enjoy this Keillor book; although I have enjoyed other ones.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Valley of Light by Terry Kay
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Challenges
Heard It Through the Grapevine
I read about this on Sage's book blog some months ago. It sounded like a pleasant reading experience so when I got the chance to mooch it, I did. The story is about Noah Locke, a gifted fisherman, who shows up in Bowertown, North Carolina (the Valley of Light) in 1948. When he returned from the war in Europe four years earlier, he found his parents gone and his brother in jail. So he spent the next few years traveling around the country and supporting himself by fishing and doing odd jobs. Immediately, Noah is accepted by the people of Bowerton, who are impressed by his fishing prowess and charmed by his quietness and hard work. He meets a widow and develops a friendship with her. Just when you think Noah has found a place to stay, a tragedy happens that changes everything.
I'm not into fishing at all, but this story is about so much more. Kay develops his characters deeply, bringing out humor, sadness, and caring in a beautiful manner. The writing is gorgeous, the descriptions lovely and the pace is as slow as sitting on the side of the bank waiting for the fish to bite. I can't believe I said that. I think fishing is boring and this book is decidedly not. Maybe I should compare it to slow Southern charm. I read that there are some biblical allegories here which I completely missed since I was not looking for the deeper meanings. On my second reading in the far away future, I will try to be more of a thinking reader. This time was purely for the joy of reading a well-written book.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 9:15 PM
4 comments:
Les said...
My husband has read a few of Terry Kay's books (as has my mom) and I keep hearing great things about this author. This book sounds wonderful. I need to read it! I think my husband will love it, too. Thanks for the review.
7/28/2008 7:51 PM
Stephanie said...
If that isn't a glowing review, I don't know what is! I've never heard of this book, or even the author for that matter. But I will definitely put it on my list. It sounds wonderful!
7/29/2008 1:03 AM
Booklogged said...
Maybe this is why I haven't been blogging lately - too many books already lined up on my shelves and jotted down on lists! But I will be adding this one as it sounds so good. Candleman's been trying to find a good book to settle into. I think this sounds like one he'd like. Off to mooch.com...
7/29/2008 6:22 PM
Carrie said...
Oh well this sounds very nice. Thanks for the mention of it.Unrelated note: totally enjoyed your "I heard it through the grapevine" thing on your sidebar. I used to LOVE the CA Raisins. ;D
Challenges
Heard It Through the Grapevine
I read about this on Sage's book blog some months ago. It sounded like a pleasant reading experience so when I got the chance to mooch it, I did. The story is about Noah Locke, a gifted fisherman, who shows up in Bowertown, North Carolina (the Valley of Light) in 1948. When he returned from the war in Europe four years earlier, he found his parents gone and his brother in jail. So he spent the next few years traveling around the country and supporting himself by fishing and doing odd jobs. Immediately, Noah is accepted by the people of Bowerton, who are impressed by his fishing prowess and charmed by his quietness and hard work. He meets a widow and develops a friendship with her. Just when you think Noah has found a place to stay, a tragedy happens that changes everything.
I'm not into fishing at all, but this story is about so much more. Kay develops his characters deeply, bringing out humor, sadness, and caring in a beautiful manner. The writing is gorgeous, the descriptions lovely and the pace is as slow as sitting on the side of the bank waiting for the fish to bite. I can't believe I said that. I think fishing is boring and this book is decidedly not. Maybe I should compare it to slow Southern charm. I read that there are some biblical allegories here which I completely missed since I was not looking for the deeper meanings. On my second reading in the far away future, I will try to be more of a thinking reader. This time was purely for the joy of reading a well-written book.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 9:15 PM
4 comments:
Les said...
My husband has read a few of Terry Kay's books (as has my mom) and I keep hearing great things about this author. This book sounds wonderful. I need to read it! I think my husband will love it, too. Thanks for the review.
7/28/2008 7:51 PM
Stephanie said...
If that isn't a glowing review, I don't know what is! I've never heard of this book, or even the author for that matter. But I will definitely put it on my list. It sounds wonderful!
7/29/2008 1:03 AM
Booklogged said...
Maybe this is why I haven't been blogging lately - too many books already lined up on my shelves and jotted down on lists! But I will be adding this one as it sounds so good. Candleman's been trying to find a good book to settle into. I think this sounds like one he'd like. Off to mooch.com...
7/29/2008 6:22 PM
Carrie said...
Oh well this sounds very nice. Thanks for the mention of it.Unrelated note: totally enjoyed your "I heard it through the grapevine" thing on your sidebar. I used to LOVE the CA Raisins. ;D
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Challenges
Classics
Herd Cats
I have put off reading this book for so long because I thought it was going to be depressing. I was wrong. This is a story about Francie Nolan growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1900's. Her father is alcoholic and her mom works at cleaning tenements. Sometimes there was nothing to eat, clothing was worn out, and she did not fit in with other children. Even so, Francie is as tough as the tree growing in a small square of sour ground. She finds escape through reading and writing. At the age of fourteen, she has to quit school, find a job and help support the family. Her mom is determined that the younger brother will be a doctor so he stays in school. By the time, Francie is seventeen, she has managed to get accepted to college and this is where the book ends. Even though Francie and her family live in tough times, they are a close family and find ways to enjoy their life. I thought it was a great book and really enjoyed reading it. To make it even more meaningful, I was reading a copy that belonged to my paternal grandmother. She signed her name and May 14, 1944. How neat is that?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 4:26 PM
6 comments:
Lynne said...
This is one of my favorite books. One I could read over and over again. I saw the movie which was done probably back in the late 40's or early 50's. Not as good as the book.
7/24/2008 5:52 PM
Nicola said...
This is one book I've always meant to get to but never seem to get around to it. I don't even own a copy at the moment. I'll have to rectify that!
7/24/2008 7:19 PM
Trish said...
Well, that makes me feel much better about defiling my books by putting my name in the covers after I've read them (along with the date). I have a few copies signed by my great aunt and her first husband (who died in WWII) and I treasure those books. Glad you liked this one! I recently read it as well.
7/24/2008 7:44 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that is so cool. How special to have a copy signed and dated by your grandmother!!!
7/26/2008 7:34 PM
Cath said...
Just reading this myself. Loving it.
7/27/2008 5:21 AM
Charley said...
This is one of my favorites. It took me a while to get through it, but I thought Francie Nolan was just so wonderful. She has become one of my favorite protagonists of all time.
Challenges
Classics
Herd Cats
I have put off reading this book for so long because I thought it was going to be depressing. I was wrong. This is a story about Francie Nolan growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1900's. Her father is alcoholic and her mom works at cleaning tenements. Sometimes there was nothing to eat, clothing was worn out, and she did not fit in with other children. Even so, Francie is as tough as the tree growing in a small square of sour ground. She finds escape through reading and writing. At the age of fourteen, she has to quit school, find a job and help support the family. Her mom is determined that the younger brother will be a doctor so he stays in school. By the time, Francie is seventeen, she has managed to get accepted to college and this is where the book ends. Even though Francie and her family live in tough times, they are a close family and find ways to enjoy their life. I thought it was a great book and really enjoyed reading it. To make it even more meaningful, I was reading a copy that belonged to my paternal grandmother. She signed her name and May 14, 1944. How neat is that?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 4:26 PM
6 comments:
Lynne said...
This is one of my favorite books. One I could read over and over again. I saw the movie which was done probably back in the late 40's or early 50's. Not as good as the book.
7/24/2008 5:52 PM
Nicola said...
This is one book I've always meant to get to but never seem to get around to it. I don't even own a copy at the moment. I'll have to rectify that!
7/24/2008 7:19 PM
Trish said...
Well, that makes me feel much better about defiling my books by putting my name in the covers after I've read them (along with the date). I have a few copies signed by my great aunt and her first husband (who died in WWII) and I treasure those books. Glad you liked this one! I recently read it as well.
7/24/2008 7:44 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that is so cool. How special to have a copy signed and dated by your grandmother!!!
7/26/2008 7:34 PM
Cath said...
Just reading this myself. Loving it.
7/27/2008 5:21 AM
Charley said...
This is one of my favorites. It took me a while to get through it, but I thought Francie Nolan was just so wonderful. She has become one of my favorite protagonists of all time.
And There was Light by Jacques Lusseyran
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Challenges
In Their Shoes
Back to History
Non Fiction Five
Jacques Lusseyran wrote his autobiography about the first twenty years of his life. Unusual as that was, there are many unusual aspects of this unique man's life. Blinded at the age of eight, Jacques found an inner light that enabled him to develop his remaining senses as well as other senses most people do not have access to. He could see objects through the force fields they projected. He became an astute judge of men by listening to their speech. In the first half of the book, Jacques describes the inner light and how profound a blessing his blindness became. At the age of sixteen, he forms a resistance group to the conquering Nazis and talks about their triumphs as well as their seeming defeat. He spent the last eighteen months of the war in the concentration camp, Buchenwald; and still maintained a indomitable spirit that encouraged other prisoners. His story ends after he is released from the camp and reunited with one of the few remaining survivors of hte resistance group. I read on Amazon that this book is included on a list of the top 100 Most Spiritual Books of the 20th Century. Although, he doesn't discuss too much organized religion, he and his fellow resistance fighters followed the Christian creed. Regardless of religious belief, Lusseyran was able to develop his inner light in such a way that strengthened and sustained himself as well as those around him. I love the final two paragraphs of the book where Lusseyran talks about himself in the third person: ". . .wanting to show his gratitude, he could find no better way of expressing it than in these two truths, intimately known to him and reaching beyond all boundaries.
The first of these truths is that joy does not come from outside, for whatever happens to us it is within. The second truth is that light does not come to us from without. Light is in us, even if we have no eyes."
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 5:17 PM
5 comments:
Carrie K. said...
Psst! I nominated you for a blog award. :)
7/22/2008 8:08 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds amazing. I just added it to my wish list. Thanks!
7/22/2008 8:42 PM
Booklogged said...
I bought this a couple of years ago but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I like that quote.
7/23/2008 4:24 PM
Cassie said...
I'm just commenting for support of your blog. And another challenge? Wow.
7/24/2008 1:40 PM
Framed said...
Booklogged, this is the book you had me return to Pam. She talked me into reading it. I thought you had already read it.
Challenges
In Their Shoes
Back to History
Non Fiction Five
Jacques Lusseyran wrote his autobiography about the first twenty years of his life. Unusual as that was, there are many unusual aspects of this unique man's life. Blinded at the age of eight, Jacques found an inner light that enabled him to develop his remaining senses as well as other senses most people do not have access to. He could see objects through the force fields they projected. He became an astute judge of men by listening to their speech. In the first half of the book, Jacques describes the inner light and how profound a blessing his blindness became. At the age of sixteen, he forms a resistance group to the conquering Nazis and talks about their triumphs as well as their seeming defeat. He spent the last eighteen months of the war in the concentration camp, Buchenwald; and still maintained a indomitable spirit that encouraged other prisoners. His story ends after he is released from the camp and reunited with one of the few remaining survivors of hte resistance group. I read on Amazon that this book is included on a list of the top 100 Most Spiritual Books of the 20th Century. Although, he doesn't discuss too much organized religion, he and his fellow resistance fighters followed the Christian creed. Regardless of religious belief, Lusseyran was able to develop his inner light in such a way that strengthened and sustained himself as well as those around him. I love the final two paragraphs of the book where Lusseyran talks about himself in the third person: ". . .wanting to show his gratitude, he could find no better way of expressing it than in these two truths, intimately known to him and reaching beyond all boundaries.
The first of these truths is that joy does not come from outside, for whatever happens to us it is within. The second truth is that light does not come to us from without. Light is in us, even if we have no eyes."
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 5:17 PM
5 comments:
Carrie K. said...
Psst! I nominated you for a blog award. :)
7/22/2008 8:08 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds amazing. I just added it to my wish list. Thanks!
7/22/2008 8:42 PM
Booklogged said...
I bought this a couple of years ago but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I like that quote.
7/23/2008 4:24 PM
Cassie said...
I'm just commenting for support of your blog. And another challenge? Wow.
7/24/2008 1:40 PM
Framed said...
Booklogged, this is the book you had me return to Pam. She talked me into reading it. I thought you had already read it.
The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie (Audio)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
I listened to a dramatic enactment of this book while driving to Salt Lake yesterday. That was fun for a change. Each character had its own actor and there were sound effects for the wind and the knocking table. The story begins with a group of people trying table turning as their parlor game for the evening. The table spells out that a old friend of one of the participants has just been murdered. Of course, everyone is shocked but don't believe it is true. Unfortunately, it is true and he was murdered at the time the game was taking place! The rest of the story tells how the police, a reporter and the fiance of the accused solve the mystery. I had guessed the correct murderer early on but had no idea how he actually pulled it off. All in all, it was a fun mystery to listen to and just the right length for my trip. I have a couple of Christie books sitting on the shelf that I think I will enjoy as well.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:40 AM
2 comments:
Lynne said...
I've never heard of this book. I'm going to look for it - sounds good. I love Agatha Christie!
7/19/2008 10:15 AM
pussreboots said...
Even with actively reading Agatha Christie for twenty years, I'm still finding titles I haven't read. Now I can add The Sittaford Mystery to that list.
I listened to a dramatic enactment of this book while driving to Salt Lake yesterday. That was fun for a change. Each character had its own actor and there were sound effects for the wind and the knocking table. The story begins with a group of people trying table turning as their parlor game for the evening. The table spells out that a old friend of one of the participants has just been murdered. Of course, everyone is shocked but don't believe it is true. Unfortunately, it is true and he was murdered at the time the game was taking place! The rest of the story tells how the police, a reporter and the fiance of the accused solve the mystery. I had guessed the correct murderer early on but had no idea how he actually pulled it off. All in all, it was a fun mystery to listen to and just the right length for my trip. I have a couple of Christie books sitting on the shelf that I think I will enjoy as well.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:40 AM
2 comments:
Lynne said...
I've never heard of this book. I'm going to look for it - sounds good. I love Agatha Christie!
7/19/2008 10:15 AM
pussreboots said...
Even with actively reading Agatha Christie for twenty years, I'm still finding titles I haven't read. Now I can add The Sittaford Mystery to that list.
The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Challenge
In their Shoes
I've always been blown away by Sidney Poitier's acting. He dominates the screen and emotes so much intelligence and dignity. So I was excited to read his book and learn more about the person behind the persona. As the title says, this is a spiritual autobiogrpahy, so Poitier mostly tells about the events in his life that helped him develop certain values and philosopies about life. I was disappointed not to learn more about his life and the people close to him, but he does share some details especially about growing up in poverty on Cat Island in the Bahamas. This humble beginning gave him fearlessness, imagination, a sense of self and his place in the world. He feels that is why he refused to be pigeoned-holed as a less-worthy member of society because of his color when he finally arrived in Miami. He was always striving to become better as a person and an actor. He seems to be a deeply religious man but not in the conventional sense, believing in a consciousness that permeates the universe but not necessarily God as most of us know Him. I found his chapter where he discusses racial inequality and how he dealt with his understandable rage very relevant. "This injustice of the world inspires a rage so intense that to express it fully would require homicidal action; it's self-destructive, destroy-the-world rage. Simply put, I've learned that I must find a way to channel that anger to the positive, and the highest positive is forgiveness." Poitier acknowledges that he was not one of the brave people who put themselves in harm's way physically to forward the civil rights movement. Many African-Americans condemned him for this attitude, but he felt an obligation to participate only in those films which would help improve the human condition and bring attention to those issues that needed to be corrected. He discusses several of his movies and what he wanted to accomplish with each one. Another chapter of the book explains its title. Poitier's father always told him, "The measure of a man is how he cares for his children." He describes the intense guilt he felt when his first marriage failed because of his infidelity and how hard he worked to remain a key player in his daughters' lives. He talks about other things that are a measure of a man throughout the book. The book ends with these lines: "So what we do is we stay within the context of what's practical, what's real, what dreams can be fashioned into reality, what values can send us to bed comfortably and make us courageous enough to face our end with character. That's what we're seeking. That's what it's all about, you know? We're all of us a little greedy. (Some of us are plenty greedy.) We're all somewhat courageous, and we're all considerably cowardly. We're all imperfect, and life is simply a perpetual, unending struggle against those imperfections."
As always, I'm sobered when I read about our society from the point of view of an African-American. And I appreciate Poitier's quest for excellence. I didn't agree with a lot of his philosophies, but how he reached them made for intersting reading. However, I did founder a bit when he discusses those views at length. I wonder if I will ever develop into a thoughtful reader.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 PM
4 comments:
Carrie K. said...
I also enjoyed this. I listened to it on audiobook, read by Poitier himself - his voice is wonderful. I was hoping for a little more insight into his career and personal life, too, but still enjoyed it.
7/13/2008 10:03 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Your e-mail address still hates me. You wouldn't happen to have a third one, would you? :) I'm trying to answer your questions about J Scott Savage and about my book tour, and it keeps coming back. Would you mind if I left you the information in a blog comment?
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Oops, forgot to sign up for follow up comments. So now I'm signing up! :)
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
It's me again . . . I gave you an award. Come get it!http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2008/07/ive-been-awarded.html
Challenge
In their Shoes
I've always been blown away by Sidney Poitier's acting. He dominates the screen and emotes so much intelligence and dignity. So I was excited to read his book and learn more about the person behind the persona. As the title says, this is a spiritual autobiogrpahy, so Poitier mostly tells about the events in his life that helped him develop certain values and philosopies about life. I was disappointed not to learn more about his life and the people close to him, but he does share some details especially about growing up in poverty on Cat Island in the Bahamas. This humble beginning gave him fearlessness, imagination, a sense of self and his place in the world. He feels that is why he refused to be pigeoned-holed as a less-worthy member of society because of his color when he finally arrived in Miami. He was always striving to become better as a person and an actor. He seems to be a deeply religious man but not in the conventional sense, believing in a consciousness that permeates the universe but not necessarily God as most of us know Him. I found his chapter where he discusses racial inequality and how he dealt with his understandable rage very relevant. "This injustice of the world inspires a rage so intense that to express it fully would require homicidal action; it's self-destructive, destroy-the-world rage. Simply put, I've learned that I must find a way to channel that anger to the positive, and the highest positive is forgiveness." Poitier acknowledges that he was not one of the brave people who put themselves in harm's way physically to forward the civil rights movement. Many African-Americans condemned him for this attitude, but he felt an obligation to participate only in those films which would help improve the human condition and bring attention to those issues that needed to be corrected. He discusses several of his movies and what he wanted to accomplish with each one. Another chapter of the book explains its title. Poitier's father always told him, "The measure of a man is how he cares for his children." He describes the intense guilt he felt when his first marriage failed because of his infidelity and how hard he worked to remain a key player in his daughters' lives. He talks about other things that are a measure of a man throughout the book. The book ends with these lines: "So what we do is we stay within the context of what's practical, what's real, what dreams can be fashioned into reality, what values can send us to bed comfortably and make us courageous enough to face our end with character. That's what we're seeking. That's what it's all about, you know? We're all of us a little greedy. (Some of us are plenty greedy.) We're all somewhat courageous, and we're all considerably cowardly. We're all imperfect, and life is simply a perpetual, unending struggle against those imperfections."
As always, I'm sobered when I read about our society from the point of view of an African-American. And I appreciate Poitier's quest for excellence. I didn't agree with a lot of his philosophies, but how he reached them made for intersting reading. However, I did founder a bit when he discusses those views at length. I wonder if I will ever develop into a thoughtful reader.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 PM
4 comments:
Carrie K. said...
I also enjoyed this. I listened to it on audiobook, read by Poitier himself - his voice is wonderful. I was hoping for a little more insight into his career and personal life, too, but still enjoyed it.
7/13/2008 10:03 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Your e-mail address still hates me. You wouldn't happen to have a third one, would you? :) I'm trying to answer your questions about J Scott Savage and about my book tour, and it keeps coming back. Would you mind if I left you the information in a blog comment?
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Oops, forgot to sign up for follow up comments. So now I'm signing up! :)
7/14/2008 9:37 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
It's me again . . . I gave you an award. Come get it!http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2008/07/ive-been-awarded.html
Deja Dead by kathy Reichs
Friday, July 11, 2008
Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
Canadian Challenge II
I first read about this book on SuzieQ's blog and then it turned up on several other blogs. I was in the mood for a good mystery so I jumped right in. Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who works in both South Carolina and Montreal. Deja Dead takes place in Montreal and involves a series of killings that Tempe is sure are the work of one monster. The police are not convinced since there are discrepancies with each murder. As she investigates the crimes, trying to find how they tie in, the killer starts to focus attention on her. There are lots of gory details and a terrifying confrontation at the end. Two or three years ago, I devoured books like this, but this one missed being a hit with me. The story is just as gripping as Patricia Cornwell's forensic mysteries, and I like Tempe as much as Kay Scarpetta, but maybe the genre has run its course with me. It bothered me when Tempe had lecherous thoughts about one of the detectives. They seemed out of character to me. And there were several times, when she was being stupid and investigating on her own and in danger, I thought, "Where's your damn cell phone?" Then I would remind myself that the book was published in 1997. I did like the details that Reich included about Montreal, the language differences, and different locales. And there is a map, but the writing is too small for me to see. Anyway, I am surprised I didn't like this book better, but I think it was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me. I was probably sated by all the crime and inhumanity involved in The Fatal Shore.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 9:02 PM
4 comments:
Nicola said...
Aww, I'm sorry you didn't like this much. She is one of my favourites. But it's probably because her books were the very first forensics I ever read so I have a soft spot for her.
7/12/2008 6:23 AM
Stephanie said...
I picked this one up at a library sale for about $.50, but I haven't read it yet. I can only take books like this in small doses. I read the first handful of Scarpetta books, and really liked them. And the first two Body Farm books. One of these days I'll get to it!
7/12/2008 9:38 AM
Lisa said...
This one was so unremarkable for me that I'd read it halfway a second time before it seemed familiar. That is NOT something I ever do. I'd heard that the series gets better though, so have considered giving her a second chance.
7/12/2008 1:23 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Hey, I'm setting up a virtual blog tour for a friend and wonder if you'd like to be a host. Would you pop me a note at tristi AT tristipinkston.com and I'll share details?
Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
Canadian Challenge II
I first read about this book on SuzieQ's blog and then it turned up on several other blogs. I was in the mood for a good mystery so I jumped right in. Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who works in both South Carolina and Montreal. Deja Dead takes place in Montreal and involves a series of killings that Tempe is sure are the work of one monster. The police are not convinced since there are discrepancies with each murder. As she investigates the crimes, trying to find how they tie in, the killer starts to focus attention on her. There are lots of gory details and a terrifying confrontation at the end. Two or three years ago, I devoured books like this, but this one missed being a hit with me. The story is just as gripping as Patricia Cornwell's forensic mysteries, and I like Tempe as much as Kay Scarpetta, but maybe the genre has run its course with me. It bothered me when Tempe had lecherous thoughts about one of the detectives. They seemed out of character to me. And there were several times, when she was being stupid and investigating on her own and in danger, I thought, "Where's your damn cell phone?" Then I would remind myself that the book was published in 1997. I did like the details that Reich included about Montreal, the language differences, and different locales. And there is a map, but the writing is too small for me to see. Anyway, I am surprised I didn't like this book better, but I think it was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me. I was probably sated by all the crime and inhumanity involved in The Fatal Shore.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 9:02 PM
4 comments:
Nicola said...
Aww, I'm sorry you didn't like this much. She is one of my favourites. But it's probably because her books were the very first forensics I ever read so I have a soft spot for her.
7/12/2008 6:23 AM
Stephanie said...
I picked this one up at a library sale for about $.50, but I haven't read it yet. I can only take books like this in small doses. I read the first handful of Scarpetta books, and really liked them. And the first two Body Farm books. One of these days I'll get to it!
7/12/2008 9:38 AM
Lisa said...
This one was so unremarkable for me that I'd read it halfway a second time before it seemed familiar. That is NOT something I ever do. I'd heard that the series gets better though, so have considered giving her a second chance.
7/12/2008 1:23 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
Hey, I'm setting up a virtual blog tour for a friend and wonder if you'd like to be a host. Would you pop me a note at tristi AT tristipinkston.com and I'll share details?
The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Challenges
Back to History
Non Fiction 5
Chunkster Challenge
I can't believe it took me more than two weeks to read this book. I am so ready for it to be over. Robert Hughes has written an in-depth, extremely well-researched tome about the founding of Australia. Most people know that the continent was used as a penal colony to empty England's over-stuffed prisons and river hulks of its human refuse. Hughes argues the point that most of these people committed petty crimes they were driven to by poor economic conditions. However, a few pages later he presents an opposing view that a large majority of the people transported were habitual criminals, lest Australians become too complacent about their ancestry. There are several incidences in the book where Hughes brings out opposite sides of a situation in a confusing way. I'm sure both sides occurred but I found his presentation on those to be contradictory. Mostly the book portrays the horrific treatment of the prisoners, the aborigines, and some of the free settlers. Australia was not the most welcoming climate and the early convicts, guards and settlers really suffered. The aborigines became completely extinct on the Tasmanian island and were used and abused on the continent. The cruelty, mistreatment, torture, bigotry and inhumanity displayed during the eighty years that transportation was practised were truly appalling. It is certainly not the picture that I had in my mind of Australia and probably a testament to Australians that the country developed into such a unique and inviting culture. I found the book to be very interesting until about halfway through when it seems I just buckled under the burden of it all. Plus Hughes didn't write the book chronologically, more by different locales and issues, which was harder for me to follow. He probably couldn't have covered the whole subject so exhaustively in less than 600 pages, but I sure had a hard time getting to the end of it. I found it easy to draw correlations to the colonization of other countries, especially the mistreatment of African slaves and the Native Americans in the United States. It was pretty disturbing. A hard book to rate because it presents some great insights into world events at that time, the penal system and rehabilitation, and interesting facts about Australia, but it was way too long and difficult to read because of the harsh subject matter.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 9:13 PM
4 comments:
Jeane said...
I'm grateful of your review because I just added this one to my TBR after reading Carnivorous Nights. It sounds exhausting and if I do pick it up, I'll probably feel like you did at the end- relieved to have turned the last page! Thanks for the heads-up.
7/02/2008 5:24 AM
Bookfool said...
I've got this one and I admit I'm terrified of it. So, hard reading, eh? I still plan to read it, someday, but man. Not encouraging! :)
7/03/2008 8:54 PM
Candace E. Salima said...
Ugh, sounds like painful read.By the way, I’m arranging virtual book tours for authors Barry K. Phillips, Abel Keogh and Barbara Salsbury. “Caught in the Headlights” is a sartorial look at what we think we want in life but end up with what we really need. I really enjoyed it and it’s by Barry K. Phillips. It has a foreword by Glenn Beck, so you can guess the comedic, yet serious, tone of the book.“Room for Two” is Abel Keogh’s autobiographical account of the suicide of his wife and being the one left behind forced to live. Fantastic book.“Preparedness Principles” is a book which covers the four areas of preparedness: provident living (job loss, illness, etc.), isolation (food available in the next town but you’re not allowed to get to it or even leave your house, natural disaster without utilities for up to 6 to 12 weeks without support, and total destruction where you must flee your home. It is a fantastic book and one which I am using to establish my food storage, one more time.They are all beginning their VBT July 15th and will run through August 15th. Would you be willing to review these books, and if so, please pick a day during that month you’d be willing to review each one? They are all LDS authors, but the books are written for a general market.The only dates currently available are:Caught in the Headlights: July 17, 20-24, 26-27, 29 and August 4-12, 14-15Room for Two: July 17-24, 26-28, and August 3-5, 7-8, 10, 12, 14Preparedness Principles: July 16-23, 26-30 and August 2-5, 10-12If you’re willing to do this please email me your mailing address so that I can have the publisher mail them to you. This is a great way to get free books. I hope you’ll be able to do this.Candace
7/04/2008 8:14 AM
Carrie K said...
A little too even handed. It does sound interesting though and I needed another book for my Amazon click order.....The Hollow Crown I finished last month had a similar what felt a virtually random approach to the subject matter. Lots of interesting bits about the people and the culture but I had a hard time figuring out the timelines.
Challenges
Back to History
Non Fiction 5
Chunkster Challenge
I can't believe it took me more than two weeks to read this book. I am so ready for it to be over. Robert Hughes has written an in-depth, extremely well-researched tome about the founding of Australia. Most people know that the continent was used as a penal colony to empty England's over-stuffed prisons and river hulks of its human refuse. Hughes argues the point that most of these people committed petty crimes they were driven to by poor economic conditions. However, a few pages later he presents an opposing view that a large majority of the people transported were habitual criminals, lest Australians become too complacent about their ancestry. There are several incidences in the book where Hughes brings out opposite sides of a situation in a confusing way. I'm sure both sides occurred but I found his presentation on those to be contradictory. Mostly the book portrays the horrific treatment of the prisoners, the aborigines, and some of the free settlers. Australia was not the most welcoming climate and the early convicts, guards and settlers really suffered. The aborigines became completely extinct on the Tasmanian island and were used and abused on the continent. The cruelty, mistreatment, torture, bigotry and inhumanity displayed during the eighty years that transportation was practised were truly appalling. It is certainly not the picture that I had in my mind of Australia and probably a testament to Australians that the country developed into such a unique and inviting culture. I found the book to be very interesting until about halfway through when it seems I just buckled under the burden of it all. Plus Hughes didn't write the book chronologically, more by different locales and issues, which was harder for me to follow. He probably couldn't have covered the whole subject so exhaustively in less than 600 pages, but I sure had a hard time getting to the end of it. I found it easy to draw correlations to the colonization of other countries, especially the mistreatment of African slaves and the Native Americans in the United States. It was pretty disturbing. A hard book to rate because it presents some great insights into world events at that time, the penal system and rehabilitation, and interesting facts about Australia, but it was way too long and difficult to read because of the harsh subject matter.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 9:13 PM
4 comments:
Jeane said...
I'm grateful of your review because I just added this one to my TBR after reading Carnivorous Nights. It sounds exhausting and if I do pick it up, I'll probably feel like you did at the end- relieved to have turned the last page! Thanks for the heads-up.
7/02/2008 5:24 AM
Bookfool said...
I've got this one and I admit I'm terrified of it. So, hard reading, eh? I still plan to read it, someday, but man. Not encouraging! :)
7/03/2008 8:54 PM
Candace E. Salima said...
Ugh, sounds like painful read.By the way, I’m arranging virtual book tours for authors Barry K. Phillips, Abel Keogh and Barbara Salsbury. “Caught in the Headlights” is a sartorial look at what we think we want in life but end up with what we really need. I really enjoyed it and it’s by Barry K. Phillips. It has a foreword by Glenn Beck, so you can guess the comedic, yet serious, tone of the book.“Room for Two” is Abel Keogh’s autobiographical account of the suicide of his wife and being the one left behind forced to live. Fantastic book.“Preparedness Principles” is a book which covers the four areas of preparedness: provident living (job loss, illness, etc.), isolation (food available in the next town but you’re not allowed to get to it or even leave your house, natural disaster without utilities for up to 6 to 12 weeks without support, and total destruction where you must flee your home. It is a fantastic book and one which I am using to establish my food storage, one more time.They are all beginning their VBT July 15th and will run through August 15th. Would you be willing to review these books, and if so, please pick a day during that month you’d be willing to review each one? They are all LDS authors, but the books are written for a general market.The only dates currently available are:Caught in the Headlights: July 17, 20-24, 26-27, 29 and August 4-12, 14-15Room for Two: July 17-24, 26-28, and August 3-5, 7-8, 10, 12, 14Preparedness Principles: July 16-23, 26-30 and August 2-5, 10-12If you’re willing to do this please email me your mailing address so that I can have the publisher mail them to you. This is a great way to get free books. I hope you’ll be able to do this.Candace
7/04/2008 8:14 AM
Carrie K said...
A little too even handed. It does sound interesting though and I needed another book for my Amazon click order.....The Hollow Crown I finished last month had a similar what felt a virtually random approach to the subject matter. Lots of interesting bits about the people and the culture but I had a hard time figuring out the timelines.
The Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Challenges
TBR
What's in a Name (Place)
Herd Cats Challenge
Book Around the States (Ohio)
This is the true story of a 1950's housewife who supports her family of a drinking husband and nine children by writing poems, jingles and sayings to win contests. It is a interesting look at that era and the contest business (which was organized and huge). Terry Ryan is Evelyn's fifth child and she provides an insider look into a family who really had to scrape the bottom of the barrel in order to survive. Quite often, Evelyn would win a check just at the crucial period. She won a washer and dryer just as the old ones gave up. The thought processes that went into creating a winning entry were pretty phenomenal. I enjoyed a look into the dynamics of this family and the creative and tenacious woman who kept them going.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:28 PM
7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I read this a couple of year ago and really enjoyed it.
6/12/2008 9:27 PM
raidergirl3 said...
Did you know there was a movie made from this book? It was cute from what I remember. I had never heard of book or movie when I watched it.
6/13/2008 11:26 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I liked the movie, but never read the book.
6/13/2008 4:25 PM
gautami tripathy said...
THis is something I can read!
6/14/2008 1:02 AM
Carrie said...
I, too, watched the movie but have yet to read the book. Every so often someone writes a review of it and I click on the review to read it. I always leave thinking that I really do need to get around to reading the book! Yet again!Thanks for the reminder.
6/14/2008 1:31 PM
Petunia said...
I read this for my book group last month. I really liked both the book and the movie, though they aren't too much alike.
6/14/2008 5:35 PM
Laura H said...
I read this book recently and liked it alot.
Challenges
TBR
What's in a Name (Place)
Herd Cats Challenge
Book Around the States (Ohio)
This is the true story of a 1950's housewife who supports her family of a drinking husband and nine children by writing poems, jingles and sayings to win contests. It is a interesting look at that era and the contest business (which was organized and huge). Terry Ryan is Evelyn's fifth child and she provides an insider look into a family who really had to scrape the bottom of the barrel in order to survive. Quite often, Evelyn would win a check just at the crucial period. She won a washer and dryer just as the old ones gave up. The thought processes that went into creating a winning entry were pretty phenomenal. I enjoyed a look into the dynamics of this family and the creative and tenacious woman who kept them going.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:28 PM
7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I read this a couple of year ago and really enjoyed it.
6/12/2008 9:27 PM
raidergirl3 said...
Did you know there was a movie made from this book? It was cute from what I remember. I had never heard of book or movie when I watched it.
6/13/2008 11:26 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I liked the movie, but never read the book.
6/13/2008 4:25 PM
gautami tripathy said...
THis is something I can read!
6/14/2008 1:02 AM
Carrie said...
I, too, watched the movie but have yet to read the book. Every so often someone writes a review of it and I click on the review to read it. I always leave thinking that I really do need to get around to reading the book! Yet again!Thanks for the reminder.
6/14/2008 1:31 PM
Petunia said...
I read this for my book group last month. I really liked both the book and the movie, though they aren't too much alike.
6/14/2008 5:35 PM
Laura H said...
I read this book recently and liked it alot.
Consequences by Penelope Lively
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Consequences has been on my TBR list for some time so when I saw the CD in the library, I promptly checked it out and downloaded it to my Ipod. The story begins with Lorna and Matt who meet in a park and fall in love. Lorna is upper class and Matt is a struggling artist. They marry, move into a small cottage where Lorna become a houswife extraordinaire and Matt creates beautiful woodcuts for high-price books. They have a child, Molly; and soon the book becomes about her. This is where I became a little exasperated because I was really enjoying the story about Matt and Lorna and suddenly that part is over. Then just when I become reconciled to Molly, she has a daugher who shortly becomes the focus. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the voice of the narrator; but I would have liked it much better if it had stuck with Lorna and Matt. Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 8:18 PM
2 comments:
Carrie K said...
So not so much "Consequences" as "Generations"? ;)
6/13/2008 2:24 PM
Les said...
My thoughts exactly!! I wanted more of Matt & Lorna and was so disappointed when their story ended so abruptly. My review is here, if you're interested.
Consequences has been on my TBR list for some time so when I saw the CD in the library, I promptly checked it out and downloaded it to my Ipod. The story begins with Lorna and Matt who meet in a park and fall in love. Lorna is upper class and Matt is a struggling artist. They marry, move into a small cottage where Lorna become a houswife extraordinaire and Matt creates beautiful woodcuts for high-price books. They have a child, Molly; and soon the book becomes about her. This is where I became a little exasperated because I was really enjoying the story about Matt and Lorna and suddenly that part is over. Then just when I become reconciled to Molly, she has a daugher who shortly becomes the focus. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the voice of the narrator; but I would have liked it much better if it had stuck with Lorna and Matt. Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 8:18 PM
2 comments:
Carrie K said...
So not so much "Consequences" as "Generations"? ;)
6/13/2008 2:24 PM
Les said...
My thoughts exactly!! I wanted more of Matt & Lorna and was so disappointed when their story ended so abruptly. My review is here, if you're interested.
The Law of Attraction by Michael Losier
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Challenges
Spring Reading
Non Fiction 5
A year or so ago, my boss introduced my colleagues and me to "The Secret." At least we watched the movie and he really encouraged us to learn more about it. I even created Dream Board. I decided to get the book and, while finding it on Amazon, I find a couple of other books about the Law of Attraction which had better ratings. I finally read this one. Basically, the Law of Attraction states that whatever energy we put off, that is what we attract. Positive energy or thoughts will attract positive outcomes. So I can buy that to a certain point. I can't quite accept that the bad things that happen to people are results of their negative energy. I know tons of wonderful, positive people who have experienced tragedy, loss, set backs, etc. And I know people who always dwell on negative outcomes and seem to realize them. The book also explains that we should think about what we want instead of what we don't want. Wow, the list is so long. I guess I'm not converted but I do think I need to spend more energy on the positive outcomes I'd like to see in my life and not dwell on negative things. If nothing else, it will make me a funner person to be around. I may still read the other book, Irresistible Attraction, but I'm mooching off The Secret. From what I've observed, it concentrates more on money and possessions than I am comfortable with and the other seems to deal more with emotional, mental and spiritual matters.
Rating: 2.5 (Actually not a bad rating because I truly dislike self-help books)
Posted by Framed at 8:05 PM
2 comments:
Carrie K said...
While I do agree that sometimes you reap what you think, in a lot of ways, it's just another way to blame the victim. It's one thing to be a sour faced complainer who (oddly enough) nothing "good" ever happens, it's another to have a disabled child, be in a car wreck, have cancer diagnosed, ....that makes me crazy about the "power" of thought. Uh, not that I have strong feelings about this or anything. :)
6/13/2008 2:28 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
My mom is the biggest believer in the law of attraction and had me read The Secret (and I admit that I only read the first half). I do believe that your attitude does have a large effect on what happens in your life. When you are thinking about the negative, that's all that you tend to see and vice-versa. But bad things do happen to good people. I don't think it's their fault.
Challenges
Spring Reading
Non Fiction 5
A year or so ago, my boss introduced my colleagues and me to "The Secret." At least we watched the movie and he really encouraged us to learn more about it. I even created Dream Board. I decided to get the book and, while finding it on Amazon, I find a couple of other books about the Law of Attraction which had better ratings. I finally read this one. Basically, the Law of Attraction states that whatever energy we put off, that is what we attract. Positive energy or thoughts will attract positive outcomes. So I can buy that to a certain point. I can't quite accept that the bad things that happen to people are results of their negative energy. I know tons of wonderful, positive people who have experienced tragedy, loss, set backs, etc. And I know people who always dwell on negative outcomes and seem to realize them. The book also explains that we should think about what we want instead of what we don't want. Wow, the list is so long. I guess I'm not converted but I do think I need to spend more energy on the positive outcomes I'd like to see in my life and not dwell on negative things. If nothing else, it will make me a funner person to be around. I may still read the other book, Irresistible Attraction, but I'm mooching off The Secret. From what I've observed, it concentrates more on money and possessions than I am comfortable with and the other seems to deal more with emotional, mental and spiritual matters.
Rating: 2.5 (Actually not a bad rating because I truly dislike self-help books)
Posted by Framed at 8:05 PM
2 comments:
Carrie K said...
While I do agree that sometimes you reap what you think, in a lot of ways, it's just another way to blame the victim. It's one thing to be a sour faced complainer who (oddly enough) nothing "good" ever happens, it's another to have a disabled child, be in a car wreck, have cancer diagnosed, ....that makes me crazy about the "power" of thought. Uh, not that I have strong feelings about this or anything. :)
6/13/2008 2:28 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
My mom is the biggest believer in the law of attraction and had me read The Secret (and I admit that I only read the first half). I do believe that your attitude does have a large effect on what happens in your life. When you are thinking about the negative, that's all that you tend to see and vice-versa. But bad things do happen to good people. I don't think it's their fault.
The Fireman's Fair by Josephine Humphreys
Saturday, June 07, 2008
"This is a wonderful novel about a man who is sleeping through life, and then one day a hurricane hits. And the man decides that he doesn't really like the practice of law anymore, so he's going to do something about that. And the man's been fantasizing about women his entire life, and so now he's going to do something about that, too. A really remarkable book! One thing that's interesting about Humphreys work is that she focuses so strongly on one character. In this book we are privy to all of Rob's thoughts--and he has a lot of them!--but none of the other characters, and so they remain mysterious, both to us and to Rob. We're not sure why they do things. The hurricane, which one character calls an "act of God," strongly suggests that there are not only people, but forces Rob does not understand, and will never understand, let alone control. One imagines that the characters who interact with Rob in the book suspect that he is in the midst of a self-destructive part of his life--again, the hurricane metaphor--and yet we, who are privy to all his thoughts, realize that he is at his most alive, and in his center he is totally calm."
Review on Amazon written by Taylor Carmichael.
I usually try to write my own reviews but this book was hard for me to describe and this Amazon review really did it well. At first, I thought the story was not worth pursuing, but I'm glad I did. Humphreys writes so beautifully and the characters, especially Rob, are captivating. Not an especially happy book, still the ending is very up beat and affirming. My first thought was that I would mooch the book as soon as I finished it, but decided to keep it for a re-read someday. There are layers there that I need to spend more time with. And I plan to read some others by Humphreys
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:24 AM
3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
You read the most interesting books. I wish I could find those books here!
6/07/2008 8:05 PM
Trish said...
I want to say I read another of her books "Rich in Love" but I could be thinking of a different author. Like you I wasn't sure how good it was going to be until I got further into it.
6/11/2008 5:25 AM
Andrea said...
This sounds intriguing, I'll have to add it to my list!
"This is a wonderful novel about a man who is sleeping through life, and then one day a hurricane hits. And the man decides that he doesn't really like the practice of law anymore, so he's going to do something about that. And the man's been fantasizing about women his entire life, and so now he's going to do something about that, too. A really remarkable book! One thing that's interesting about Humphreys work is that she focuses so strongly on one character. In this book we are privy to all of Rob's thoughts--and he has a lot of them!--but none of the other characters, and so they remain mysterious, both to us and to Rob. We're not sure why they do things. The hurricane, which one character calls an "act of God," strongly suggests that there are not only people, but forces Rob does not understand, and will never understand, let alone control. One imagines that the characters who interact with Rob in the book suspect that he is in the midst of a self-destructive part of his life--again, the hurricane metaphor--and yet we, who are privy to all his thoughts, realize that he is at his most alive, and in his center he is totally calm."
Review on Amazon written by Taylor Carmichael.
I usually try to write my own reviews but this book was hard for me to describe and this Amazon review really did it well. At first, I thought the story was not worth pursuing, but I'm glad I did. Humphreys writes so beautifully and the characters, especially Rob, are captivating. Not an especially happy book, still the ending is very up beat and affirming. My first thought was that I would mooch the book as soon as I finished it, but decided to keep it for a re-read someday. There are layers there that I need to spend more time with. And I plan to read some others by Humphreys
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:24 AM
3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
You read the most interesting books. I wish I could find those books here!
6/07/2008 8:05 PM
Trish said...
I want to say I read another of her books "Rich in Love" but I could be thinking of a different author. Like you I wasn't sure how good it was going to be until I got further into it.
6/11/2008 5:25 AM
Andrea said...
This sounds intriguing, I'll have to add it to my list!
Too Soon to Say Goodbye by Art Buchwald
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Challenges
In Their Shoes
To Be Read
Non Fiction 5
Art Buchwald was a celebrated politcial satirist and humorist. In February, 2006, after having his leg amputated, he decided to forego life-saving dialysis and checked into a hospice to await his death. Five months later, his kidneys began functioning again and he left to live out his life at Martha's Vineyard. This memoir tells about his five months in hospice interspersed with vignettes from other periods of his life. I believe I would have liked this book better if I was more familiary with Buchwald's brand of humor. It is very dry and pretty biting; and I felt like I just didn't get it. There was a lot of name-dropping. Buchwald obviously was friends with some very important and famous people. And he certainly was vocal in his dislikes and grudges. Sometimes I did enjoy his humor but not nearly enough for such a short book. I did get an idea for a meme for my other blog. I'll have to remember to do that soon.
Rating: 3
Challenges
In Their Shoes
To Be Read
Non Fiction 5
Art Buchwald was a celebrated politcial satirist and humorist. In February, 2006, after having his leg amputated, he decided to forego life-saving dialysis and checked into a hospice to await his death. Five months later, his kidneys began functioning again and he left to live out his life at Martha's Vineyard. This memoir tells about his five months in hospice interspersed with vignettes from other periods of his life. I believe I would have liked this book better if I was more familiary with Buchwald's brand of humor. It is very dry and pretty biting; and I felt like I just didn't get it. There was a lot of name-dropping. Buchwald obviously was friends with some very important and famous people. And he certainly was vocal in his dislikes and grudges. Sometimes I did enjoy his humor but not nearly enough for such a short book. I did get an idea for a meme for my other blog. I'll have to remember to do that soon.
Rating: 3
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Murder on a Girls' Night Out by Anne George
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
This series was recommended to me by Booklogged several months ago. Since Booklogged is also my sister, it was fun to read this mystery involving two older sisters and their interesting relationship. Of course, Booklogged and I are much younger than Patricia Ann and Mary Alice. But these two women are true Southern ladies. Mary Alice, excited about her purchase of the Skoot n' Boot bar, loses some enthusiasm when the former owner is found murdered in the bar's fountain. Patricia Ann, a former school teacher, is dragged along and becomes reacquainted with one of her favority former pupils. Henry is also a major suspect. This mystery oozes southern charm and humor. Even though it is light and frothy, I look forward to reading the next one.
Rating: 3.75
Posted by Framed at 8:54 PM
9 comments:
Joy said...
Hi Framed! The second one in this series is even better. I thoroughly enjoyed the sisters - you must read it! :) Maybe you could pick it up for the 2nds Challenge coming in September.
6/03/2008 5:11 AM
SuziQoregon said...
I added it to my TBR list when Booklogged reviewed it too. Good to hear your thoughts. Might need to work this one into the summer reading plans.
6/03/2008 12:19 PM
Booklogged said...
Glad you liked it. Isn't the older sister fat, obnoxious and loud and the younger one is thin, cute and a bit more reserved? Let's don't tell anyone who's the oldest sister in our family, okay?
6/03/2008 2:46 PM
Bookfool said...
I was just trying to remember which blogger is your sister. Thanks for that. I read Murder On a Girl's Night Out eons ago. Anne George was still alive, then, and I remember thinking she lived somewhere around Birmingham when I was there for a conference. I liked it, but I've never read another of her books -- I have no idea why!
6/03/2008 5:47 PM
Framed said...
Joy, are you hosting another challenge?? When do you find time to read? I have the second book so I will gladly read it for that challenge.SuzieQ, it's a great summer read.Booklogged, Personally, I thought the older sister was full of enthusiasm and a lover of life and the younger was a bit of a wet rag, but have it your way.Bookfool, I don't know a lot about this author. How many books did she write?
6/03/2008 9:27 PM
Joy said...
Yes, I'll be hosting the 2nds Challenge from September thru December (4 months). Last year I began it in October. I'm looking forward to more time for seconds. My current job allows me to listen to audiobooks during the day. I literally pick up a handheld version in the evenings, but end up not reading too much because I've "read" a lot all day.I'm so glad you'll be joining me in the 2nds Challenge. Murder on a Bad Hair Day is a great choice! :)
6/04/2008 5:16 AM
heatherlo said...
Hi, I am really sorry but I went to send Change of Heart to you today, and I realized I accidentally deleted the email with your address in it. Would you be kind enough to send that to me again and I'll send out the book as soon as possible. I'm so sorry!heather.oroark@comcast.net
6/05/2008 11:27 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I enjoyed this series a lot, too!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Sharon said...
I really liked this series! Mouse and Sister crack me up.
Challenges
1st in Series
Heard It Through the Grapevine
This series was recommended to me by Booklogged several months ago. Since Booklogged is also my sister, it was fun to read this mystery involving two older sisters and their interesting relationship. Of course, Booklogged and I are much younger than Patricia Ann and Mary Alice. But these two women are true Southern ladies. Mary Alice, excited about her purchase of the Skoot n' Boot bar, loses some enthusiasm when the former owner is found murdered in the bar's fountain. Patricia Ann, a former school teacher, is dragged along and becomes reacquainted with one of her favority former pupils. Henry is also a major suspect. This mystery oozes southern charm and humor. Even though it is light and frothy, I look forward to reading the next one.
Rating: 3.75
Posted by Framed at 8:54 PM
9 comments:
Joy said...
Hi Framed! The second one in this series is even better. I thoroughly enjoyed the sisters - you must read it! :) Maybe you could pick it up for the 2nds Challenge coming in September.
6/03/2008 5:11 AM
SuziQoregon said...
I added it to my TBR list when Booklogged reviewed it too. Good to hear your thoughts. Might need to work this one into the summer reading plans.
6/03/2008 12:19 PM
Booklogged said...
Glad you liked it. Isn't the older sister fat, obnoxious and loud and the younger one is thin, cute and a bit more reserved? Let's don't tell anyone who's the oldest sister in our family, okay?
6/03/2008 2:46 PM
Bookfool said...
I was just trying to remember which blogger is your sister. Thanks for that. I read Murder On a Girl's Night Out eons ago. Anne George was still alive, then, and I remember thinking she lived somewhere around Birmingham when I was there for a conference. I liked it, but I've never read another of her books -- I have no idea why!
6/03/2008 5:47 PM
Framed said...
Joy, are you hosting another challenge?? When do you find time to read? I have the second book so I will gladly read it for that challenge.SuzieQ, it's a great summer read.Booklogged, Personally, I thought the older sister was full of enthusiasm and a lover of life and the younger was a bit of a wet rag, but have it your way.Bookfool, I don't know a lot about this author. How many books did she write?
6/03/2008 9:27 PM
Joy said...
Yes, I'll be hosting the 2nds Challenge from September thru December (4 months). Last year I began it in October. I'm looking forward to more time for seconds. My current job allows me to listen to audiobooks during the day. I literally pick up a handheld version in the evenings, but end up not reading too much because I've "read" a lot all day.I'm so glad you'll be joining me in the 2nds Challenge. Murder on a Bad Hair Day is a great choice! :)
6/04/2008 5:16 AM
heatherlo said...
Hi, I am really sorry but I went to send Change of Heart to you today, and I realized I accidentally deleted the email with your address in it. Would you be kind enough to send that to me again and I'll send out the book as soon as possible. I'm so sorry!heather.oroark@comcast.net
6/05/2008 11:27 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I enjoyed this series a lot, too!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Sharon said...
I really liked this series! Mouse and Sister crack me up.
Don't You Mayy the Mormon Boys by Janet Kay Jensen
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Don't be alarmed. This is neither an anti-mormon tract or a book out to prove that Mormon boys make the best husbands. It is just a fun, well-written novel that the author asked me to review.
Andy and Louisa meet while in medical school at the University of Utah. He is a returned missionary for the LDS church and she comes from a small-town in southern Utah that is peopled by a sect of Fundamendalist polygamists. They fall in love, but realize at graduation that the relationship can go no farther. She is set on returning to Gabriel's Landing to provide medical services for the community, a place where Andy would be patently unwelcome. Four years later, with their residencies on separate sides of the country out of the way, Louisa returns to her family and Andy moves to a small town in Kentucky to set up shop. The Kentuckian characters are fantastic and provide much of the humor in this story. The polygamists. . . not so much. Jensen does not do a hatchet job on this group which could be easy based on recent events. However, the leaders of the town have lost sight of one basic tenet of true religion and that is free agency. They are portrayed as basically good men who have let power lead them into a circumstance of unrighteous dominion. But Jensen does show the love and respect in Louisa's own family whose father has had three wives, two of whom are still alive. So the situation is not black or white. One issue that was raised is that of inbreeding and the serious medical conditions that can result. Also, don't forget the lingering longings for lost love (love the rolling l's) which afflict both Andy and Louisa. I found this book to be a a very enjoyable and quick read with great characters and a great story. It doesn't sugar coat hard topics and it doesn't preach. Very entertaining and thought-provoking. I do feel that the story would have been better told in two different books: the first dealing with Andy and Louisa's relationship and the conclusion of that conflict; and the second, telling about what happens next. What happens next occupies less than a fourth of this book. Jensen writes so well that I believe she could have told this part of the story with more detail and without skipping four years. It feels like things were left out somehow. Like more of those colorful neighbors and pets. But the chase scene at the end is hilarious, especially when I could see the children were not in peril.
Rating: 4.25
I just visited Janet's website and read about her cookbook, The Book Lover's Cookbook. Any of you readers who would like a literary reference to go along with your recipes should definitely checks this book out. And it looks like there is a sequel to Mormon Boys coming out soon.
Posted by Framed at 5:16 PM
5 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds fun. My mother gave me the BookLover's Cookbook for my birthday a few years ago. It is lovely.Wanted to let you know that you won the book drawing on my blog. I'll get Did I Expect Angels? to you soon. Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
6/01/2008 3:13 PM
Les said...
I have the cookbook and have enjoyed reading the literary references, as well as sampling several recipes (which have been winners!). Thanks for the reminder to get it out again.
6/02/2008 4:50 PM
Trish said...
Interesting! I went to Ricks my freshman year (back when it was still Ricks) and the big joke was that the RMs (return missionaries) were all out to find a wife as quickly as possible. Many of the girls in my dorm were engaged quickly--some just six weeks after knowing their fiances! :) I'll have to pass this title on to some friends.
6/04/2008 8:09 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
This really was a good book - and thanks for the review!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
I've seen this titles floating around and had no idea what it was about. But now I do and I might be likely to pick it up. Thanks!
Don't be alarmed. This is neither an anti-mormon tract or a book out to prove that Mormon boys make the best husbands. It is just a fun, well-written novel that the author asked me to review.
Andy and Louisa meet while in medical school at the University of Utah. He is a returned missionary for the LDS church and she comes from a small-town in southern Utah that is peopled by a sect of Fundamendalist polygamists. They fall in love, but realize at graduation that the relationship can go no farther. She is set on returning to Gabriel's Landing to provide medical services for the community, a place where Andy would be patently unwelcome. Four years later, with their residencies on separate sides of the country out of the way, Louisa returns to her family and Andy moves to a small town in Kentucky to set up shop. The Kentuckian characters are fantastic and provide much of the humor in this story. The polygamists. . . not so much. Jensen does not do a hatchet job on this group which could be easy based on recent events. However, the leaders of the town have lost sight of one basic tenet of true religion and that is free agency. They are portrayed as basically good men who have let power lead them into a circumstance of unrighteous dominion. But Jensen does show the love and respect in Louisa's own family whose father has had three wives, two of whom are still alive. So the situation is not black or white. One issue that was raised is that of inbreeding and the serious medical conditions that can result. Also, don't forget the lingering longings for lost love (love the rolling l's) which afflict both Andy and Louisa. I found this book to be a a very enjoyable and quick read with great characters and a great story. It doesn't sugar coat hard topics and it doesn't preach. Very entertaining and thought-provoking. I do feel that the story would have been better told in two different books: the first dealing with Andy and Louisa's relationship and the conclusion of that conflict; and the second, telling about what happens next. What happens next occupies less than a fourth of this book. Jensen writes so well that I believe she could have told this part of the story with more detail and without skipping four years. It feels like things were left out somehow. Like more of those colorful neighbors and pets. But the chase scene at the end is hilarious, especially when I could see the children were not in peril.
Rating: 4.25
I just visited Janet's website and read about her cookbook, The Book Lover's Cookbook. Any of you readers who would like a literary reference to go along with your recipes should definitely checks this book out. And it looks like there is a sequel to Mormon Boys coming out soon.
Posted by Framed at 5:16 PM
5 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds fun. My mother gave me the BookLover's Cookbook for my birthday a few years ago. It is lovely.Wanted to let you know that you won the book drawing on my blog. I'll get Did I Expect Angels? to you soon. Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
6/01/2008 3:13 PM
Les said...
I have the cookbook and have enjoyed reading the literary references, as well as sampling several recipes (which have been winners!). Thanks for the reminder to get it out again.
6/02/2008 4:50 PM
Trish said...
Interesting! I went to Ricks my freshman year (back when it was still Ricks) and the big joke was that the RMs (return missionaries) were all out to find a wife as quickly as possible. Many of the girls in my dorm were engaged quickly--some just six weeks after knowing their fiances! :) I'll have to pass this title on to some friends.
6/04/2008 8:09 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
This really was a good book - and thanks for the review!
6/06/2008 11:41 AM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
I've seen this titles floating around and had no idea what it was about. But now I do and I might be likely to pick it up. Thanks!
An Ocean of Air, Why the Wind Blows and Other Mysteries of the Atmospher by Gabrielle Walker
Friday, May 30, 2008
Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Non Fiction 5
I read about this book on Jill's blog (I really need to keep more information on where I get my recommendations) and she absolutely raved about it. Enough to overcome my reluctance to read what seemed to me to be a science book. Granted, there is a lot of scientific information in the book and I did not understand half of it; but Walker presents the facts in such a wonderful way that I was completely engrossed. More than science, this book gives the history of the study of the earth's atmosphere and the people who developed theories and equations and how they learned what they did about the ocean above us. I was totally engrossed in the men (can't remember any women) and their motivations and personalities and the chain of events that led to such mind-boggling discoveries. Some of these people were eccentric, some shy and retiring, some bombastic; but all had a natural curiousity, a thirst for knowledge and brilliant minds. I learned so much these scientfic explorers and about the air around us, how it works, how it sustains life and how it protects life. Absolutely fascinating, well-written, and thought-provoking.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 AM
5 comments:
Joy said...
Glad to see that you had a great non-fiction read! Don't forget to link it on Mister Linky. :)
5/30/2008 11:58 AM
Carrie K said...
I think that's one of the draws for me to non fiction - it's not just stuffy particular research, it's the passion, thought and leaps that went into most discoveries.
5/30/2008 4:26 PM
writer2b said...
Same for me... If it's somehow incorporated into a story, factual material is so much easier for me to absorb. This book sounds like it succeeds.
5/31/2008 5:48 AM
Booklogged said...
You've convinced me to read this one. I'll have to wait for my non-reading mood to lift, tho.
5/31/2008 5:09 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds like a really fun read! Thanks for the review!
Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Non Fiction 5
I read about this book on Jill's blog (I really need to keep more information on where I get my recommendations) and she absolutely raved about it. Enough to overcome my reluctance to read what seemed to me to be a science book. Granted, there is a lot of scientific information in the book and I did not understand half of it; but Walker presents the facts in such a wonderful way that I was completely engrossed. More than science, this book gives the history of the study of the earth's atmosphere and the people who developed theories and equations and how they learned what they did about the ocean above us. I was totally engrossed in the men (can't remember any women) and their motivations and personalities and the chain of events that led to such mind-boggling discoveries. Some of these people were eccentric, some shy and retiring, some bombastic; but all had a natural curiousity, a thirst for knowledge and brilliant minds. I learned so much these scientfic explorers and about the air around us, how it works, how it sustains life and how it protects life. Absolutely fascinating, well-written, and thought-provoking.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 8:14 AM
5 comments:
Joy said...
Glad to see that you had a great non-fiction read! Don't forget to link it on Mister Linky. :)
5/30/2008 11:58 AM
Carrie K said...
I think that's one of the draws for me to non fiction - it's not just stuffy particular research, it's the passion, thought and leaps that went into most discoveries.
5/30/2008 4:26 PM
writer2b said...
Same for me... If it's somehow incorporated into a story, factual material is so much easier for me to absorb. This book sounds like it succeeds.
5/31/2008 5:48 AM
Booklogged said...
You've convinced me to read this one. I'll have to wait for my non-reading mood to lift, tho.
5/31/2008 5:09 PM
Bookfool said...
That sounds like a really fun read! Thanks for the review!
Fatal by Michael Palmer (Audio)
Friday, May 30, 2008
This book wasn't listed for any challenges. I just picked up the audio CD's at the library so I could have something to listen to as I traveled to Provo and back this week. I find listening to mysteries is a great way to stay awake while driving. And this book certianly kept me awake. At first the narrator seemed a bit monotone, but as the suspense built, he was able to add to it with his voice. And he did a pretty good job portraying the various characters. I did have some problems with parts of the narration being skipped. I'm not sure if that is a problem with my Ipod or with the original CD's. But even though I missed some large portions of the narrative, I was able to figure out what was going on and followed the story very well.
There are three different stories going on at first that all converge in the finale. Matt is a doctor in a small West Virginia town who feels that a mysterious condition that has afflicted several patients is being caused by carelessness at the local mine. Nicole is a pathologist in Boston whose roommate develops the same condition, goes insane and eventually dies. Ellen is a retired schoolteacher in Baltimore who has been selected to serve on a committee that researches the approval of a new super vaccine that will protect children from about twenty diseases. There is something sinister about the vaccine; and this becomes more evident as the story progresses. Like other Palmer books I have read, the suspense is great, the medical facts seem on target, and the romance factor is a bit stretched. I like his books and have three more sitting on my shelves to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:00 AM
2 comments:
twiga92 said...
I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Palmer is one of my favorite authors for medical thrillers.
5/30/2008 12:39 PM
Booklogged said...
Didn't recognize the cover, but did remember the story. I enjoyed it, too. As I recall Candleman and I listened to it on a trip to Moab and Arches several years ago. I like listening to books on trips because it helps me remember the trip and the book better.
This book wasn't listed for any challenges. I just picked up the audio CD's at the library so I could have something to listen to as I traveled to Provo and back this week. I find listening to mysteries is a great way to stay awake while driving. And this book certianly kept me awake. At first the narrator seemed a bit monotone, but as the suspense built, he was able to add to it with his voice. And he did a pretty good job portraying the various characters. I did have some problems with parts of the narration being skipped. I'm not sure if that is a problem with my Ipod or with the original CD's. But even though I missed some large portions of the narrative, I was able to figure out what was going on and followed the story very well.
There are three different stories going on at first that all converge in the finale. Matt is a doctor in a small West Virginia town who feels that a mysterious condition that has afflicted several patients is being caused by carelessness at the local mine. Nicole is a pathologist in Boston whose roommate develops the same condition, goes insane and eventually dies. Ellen is a retired schoolteacher in Baltimore who has been selected to serve on a committee that researches the approval of a new super vaccine that will protect children from about twenty diseases. There is something sinister about the vaccine; and this becomes more evident as the story progresses. Like other Palmer books I have read, the suspense is great, the medical facts seem on target, and the romance factor is a bit stretched. I like his books and have three more sitting on my shelves to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:00 AM
2 comments:
twiga92 said...
I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Palmer is one of my favorite authors for medical thrillers.
5/30/2008 12:39 PM
Booklogged said...
Didn't recognize the cover, but did remember the story. I enjoyed it, too. As I recall Candleman and I listened to it on a trip to Moab and Arches several years ago. I like listening to books on trips because it helps me remember the trip and the book better.
Water Song by Suzanne Weyn
Monday, May 26, 2008
Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Unlike most retold fairy tales I've read lately, this book has not magic just a bit of mysticsm. If I remember the tale, The Frog Prince, has a prince who has been turned into a frog waiting for a princesses kiss. Again, no frogs and no princesses. Still the story has a very interesting premise that makes up for the lack. Emma Winthrop is trapped on her family's estate in Belgium as World War I rages about her. An American soldier escapes from enemy troops by hiding in the well (he does hold his breath very well, that is the froglike characteristic) and Emma discovers him. To save him, they pretend to be married and kept hostage in the estate when it is taken over by Germans. The two quarrel and misunderstand each other, but you know where the story is going. While this certainly wasn't my favorite retold fairy tale, I appreciate the setting and how the story was modernized. The biggest fault in my eyes is that the book is a total romance; and I have a hard time with them.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 7:58 PM
1 comments:
Booklogged said...
The setting does sound interesting, but I can easily pass on a romance.
Challenges
Spring Reading Challenge
Unlike most retold fairy tales I've read lately, this book has not magic just a bit of mysticsm. If I remember the tale, The Frog Prince, has a prince who has been turned into a frog waiting for a princesses kiss. Again, no frogs and no princesses. Still the story has a very interesting premise that makes up for the lack. Emma Winthrop is trapped on her family's estate in Belgium as World War I rages about her. An American soldier escapes from enemy troops by hiding in the well (he does hold his breath very well, that is the froglike characteristic) and Emma discovers him. To save him, they pretend to be married and kept hostage in the estate when it is taken over by Germans. The two quarrel and misunderstand each other, but you know where the story is going. While this certainly wasn't my favorite retold fairy tale, I appreciate the setting and how the story was modernized. The biggest fault in my eyes is that the book is a total romance; and I have a hard time with them.
Rating: 3
Posted by Framed at 7:58 PM
1 comments:
Booklogged said...
The setting does sound interesting, but I can easily pass on a romance.
Making Money by Terry Pratchett (audio)
Friday, May 23, 2008
I have been listening to this audiobook for months. That's probably not the best way to listen to a Pratchett book since my experience is that there are a lot of characters and lots going on so it's best to keep on top of things. I did finally catch on to this book and I think I have a pretty good bead on most of the characters. On my way back from Salt Lake to day, I was able to finish listening to it. It is hilarious. I'll try to give you an idea but pardon me if I spell the names wrong.
Moist Lipvig is the postmaster of the city of Ankmorpork (sp). His life before that is shadowy. He was known in his former life as Albert Spangler, and petty criminal and bank robber and was nearly hanged. Having survived that, Lord Vetinari, the tyrant of the city gives him the job of postmaster. Moist does a fantastic job of turning the operation around and Vetinari decides to give him the job of managing the city's main bank. He inherits a dog, Mr. Fusspot, who inherits the controlling shares of the bank and then has to protect the dog from the othe heirs of the estate. One of those heirs, Cosmo Lavish, not only wants to destroy Moist but also wants to become Lord Vetinari. Then there is Moist's girlfriend who is works for the Golem's Trust and protects the golems from exploitation. Gladys, Moist's golem assistant, is particularly side-splitting. There is much more happening, (I didn't even get into the printing money part) more strange characters and the courtroom scene is so funny, I almost had to pull over to listen to it. I am definitely going to have to read more of Pratchett's books but the narrator of this audiobook did such a delightful job of capturing the different voices and giving them such great nuances that I can't imagine reading can be better.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 10:46 PM
5 comments:
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Stephanie said...
Ok. That's it. I've got to read some Terry Pratchett. I keep saying that, but I really have to!!
5/25/2008 12:36 PM
Booklogged said...
Looking forward to reading this one and all Pratchett's books.
5/26/2008 12:50 AM
Nymeth said...
I really need to read this one. It's been eyeing me from the shelf for a while now. I'm very glad you enjoyed it!
I have been listening to this audiobook for months. That's probably not the best way to listen to a Pratchett book since my experience is that there are a lot of characters and lots going on so it's best to keep on top of things. I did finally catch on to this book and I think I have a pretty good bead on most of the characters. On my way back from Salt Lake to day, I was able to finish listening to it. It is hilarious. I'll try to give you an idea but pardon me if I spell the names wrong.
Moist Lipvig is the postmaster of the city of Ankmorpork (sp). His life before that is shadowy. He was known in his former life as Albert Spangler, and petty criminal and bank robber and was nearly hanged. Having survived that, Lord Vetinari, the tyrant of the city gives him the job of postmaster. Moist does a fantastic job of turning the operation around and Vetinari decides to give him the job of managing the city's main bank. He inherits a dog, Mr. Fusspot, who inherits the controlling shares of the bank and then has to protect the dog from the othe heirs of the estate. One of those heirs, Cosmo Lavish, not only wants to destroy Moist but also wants to become Lord Vetinari. Then there is Moist's girlfriend who is works for the Golem's Trust and protects the golems from exploitation. Gladys, Moist's golem assistant, is particularly side-splitting. There is much more happening, (I didn't even get into the printing money part) more strange characters and the courtroom scene is so funny, I almost had to pull over to listen to it. I am definitely going to have to read more of Pratchett's books but the narrator of this audiobook did such a delightful job of capturing the different voices and giving them such great nuances that I can't imagine reading can be better.
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 10:46 PM
5 comments:
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Rhinoa said...
I enjoyed Going Postal which is the first book about Moist when he manages the post office and am waiting for this to come out in paperback (I might cave and pinch my husbands signed hardback when he isn't looking!). It sounds like Pratchett is on good form and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
5/24/2008 3:03 AM
Stephanie said...
Ok. That's it. I've got to read some Terry Pratchett. I keep saying that, but I really have to!!
5/25/2008 12:36 PM
Booklogged said...
Looking forward to reading this one and all Pratchett's books.
5/26/2008 12:50 AM
Nymeth said...
I really need to read this one. It's been eyeing me from the shelf for a while now. I'm very glad you enjoyed it!
Dandelion: The Extraordinary Life of a Misfit by Sheelaugh Mawe
Friday, May 23, 2008
Challenge: Another Blooming Challenge
Do you know how hard it is to find books that have the same flower in the title? I had one book with a flower, Dandelion Wine, so it seemed serendipitous (great word) when I was able to mooch another Dandelion book.
Dandelion is a young horse whose parents are Clydesdales. However, she seems to be a throwback to an ancient Arabian ancestor and it just funny looking. The story follows her development from a foal whose crazy antics irritate her sullen owner who just wanted another work horse like the mother, Daisy. Her second year, Dandelion pastures with the neighbor's race horses and decides she will be a race horse also. Of course, that is not to be; and soon enough she is yoked up with her mother to do farm work. The situation deteriorates when Daisy dies; and Dandelion can't even come close to measuring up to her mother in the farmer's eyes. Eventually she escapes, almost starves to death and meets a wise old horse who teaches her to find the answers to her life's journey inside herself. She has to imagine what she will be and then it will happen. Yes, you guessed it. This is a self-improvement book couched within a cute horse story. It is all about finding your way by listening to your inner self and be guided by your intuitions. Then you must focus on what that outcome is to be.
So if you like horse stories or self-improvement book, you would probably enjoy this book. I'm not too big on either, so it was just so-so for me.
Rating: 2.5
Posted by Framed at 10:35 PM
2 comments:
Jeane said...
My toddler has a picture book about a lion named Dandelion who goes to a party! Is this one of the horse juvenile fic? Sounds like aimed at middle grade, but if it's written for an older audience I might be curious of it.
5/24/2008 4:00 AM
gautami tripathy said...
Actually this sounds like a cool book for children!
Challenge: Another Blooming Challenge
Do you know how hard it is to find books that have the same flower in the title? I had one book with a flower, Dandelion Wine, so it seemed serendipitous (great word) when I was able to mooch another Dandelion book.
Dandelion is a young horse whose parents are Clydesdales. However, she seems to be a throwback to an ancient Arabian ancestor and it just funny looking. The story follows her development from a foal whose crazy antics irritate her sullen owner who just wanted another work horse like the mother, Daisy. Her second year, Dandelion pastures with the neighbor's race horses and decides she will be a race horse also. Of course, that is not to be; and soon enough she is yoked up with her mother to do farm work. The situation deteriorates when Daisy dies; and Dandelion can't even come close to measuring up to her mother in the farmer's eyes. Eventually she escapes, almost starves to death and meets a wise old horse who teaches her to find the answers to her life's journey inside herself. She has to imagine what she will be and then it will happen. Yes, you guessed it. This is a self-improvement book couched within a cute horse story. It is all about finding your way by listening to your inner self and be guided by your intuitions. Then you must focus on what that outcome is to be.
So if you like horse stories or self-improvement book, you would probably enjoy this book. I'm not too big on either, so it was just so-so for me.
Rating: 2.5
Posted by Framed at 10:35 PM
2 comments:
Jeane said...
My toddler has a picture book about a lion named Dandelion who goes to a party! Is this one of the horse juvenile fic? Sounds like aimed at middle grade, but if it's written for an older audience I might be curious of it.
5/24/2008 4:00 AM
gautami tripathy said...
Actually this sounds like a cool book for children!
Lud-in-the-Mist by Helen Mirrlees
Friday, May 23, 2008
Challenges
Decades Challenge - 1920's
Once Upon a Time II Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
Once Upon a Time Challenge - Since I first read about this book on Carl's blog, I felt his challenge was the best time to finally read it. Here is a breakdown from Amazon on the story: "Lud-in-the-Mist, the capital city of the small country Dorimare, is a port at the confluence of two rivers, the Dapple and the Dawl. The Dapple has its origin beyond the Debatable Hills to the west of Lud-in-the-Mist, in Fairyland. In the days of Duke Aubrey, some centuries earlier, fairy things had been look upon with reverence, and fairy fruit was brought down the Dapple and enjoyed by the people of Dorimare. But after Duke Aubrey had been expelled from Dorimare by the burghers, the eating of fairy fruit came to be regarded as a crime, and anything related to the Fairyland was unspeakable. Now, when his son Ranulph is believed to have eaten fairy fruit, Nathaniel Chanticleer, the mayor of Lud-in-the-Mist, finds himself looking into old mysteries in order to save his son and the people of the city. " I especially enjoyed Mirrlees magical descriptions of the land of Dorimare and the fanciful names of some of the characters: Endymion Leer, Miss Primrose Crabapple, the school mistress, as examples. The hero, Nat, is unexpectedly middle-aged, the leader of the country, and quite stodgy. This is not an easy, light-hearted fantasty. It takes some time and thought to really get into the story. As one who likes to breeze through books, I will probably have to read this one several times in order to enjoy all the layers.
Decades Challenge: Mirrlees was born in 1887 and lived with with Jane Harrison, another author for many years. She only wrote three novels of which Lud is the most famous. The language of the novel dates back to the twenties which I found very charming. Neil Gaiman wrote the forword in my copy in which he states, "The single most beautiful, solid, unearthly and unjustifiably forgotten novel of the twentieth century."
Spring Reading Challenge: There is something about fantasies which just seem to go along with spring. Maybe it's the flowers springing forth and all the warmth and rebirth, fairy breezes, and magical mists.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 12:29 PM
4 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds like one I will want to read, but WHEN?! You'd think with all I want to read that I would be doing nothing but reading. Not so - I've had a very slow reading month. I finally bought Odd Hours, thinking that Dean Koontz would surely get me back in the mood. I guess the next step is to pick it up and open the cover!
5/23/2008 5:30 PM
gautami tripathy said...
The Title is so fascinating! I want to read this!
5/24/2008 7:24 PM
Nymeth said...
Her use of language really is charming. I fell in love with this novel when I read it last year. I'm glad you did, too :)
5/26/2008 9:54 AM
Trish said...
I've seen this on a lot of lists for the OUT2 challenge--I really need to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the review.
Challenges
Decades Challenge - 1920's
Once Upon a Time II Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
Once Upon a Time Challenge - Since I first read about this book on Carl's blog, I felt his challenge was the best time to finally read it. Here is a breakdown from Amazon on the story: "Lud-in-the-Mist, the capital city of the small country Dorimare, is a port at the confluence of two rivers, the Dapple and the Dawl. The Dapple has its origin beyond the Debatable Hills to the west of Lud-in-the-Mist, in Fairyland. In the days of Duke Aubrey, some centuries earlier, fairy things had been look upon with reverence, and fairy fruit was brought down the Dapple and enjoyed by the people of Dorimare. But after Duke Aubrey had been expelled from Dorimare by the burghers, the eating of fairy fruit came to be regarded as a crime, and anything related to the Fairyland was unspeakable. Now, when his son Ranulph is believed to have eaten fairy fruit, Nathaniel Chanticleer, the mayor of Lud-in-the-Mist, finds himself looking into old mysteries in order to save his son and the people of the city. " I especially enjoyed Mirrlees magical descriptions of the land of Dorimare and the fanciful names of some of the characters: Endymion Leer, Miss Primrose Crabapple, the school mistress, as examples. The hero, Nat, is unexpectedly middle-aged, the leader of the country, and quite stodgy. This is not an easy, light-hearted fantasty. It takes some time and thought to really get into the story. As one who likes to breeze through books, I will probably have to read this one several times in order to enjoy all the layers.
Decades Challenge: Mirrlees was born in 1887 and lived with with Jane Harrison, another author for many years. She only wrote three novels of which Lud is the most famous. The language of the novel dates back to the twenties which I found very charming. Neil Gaiman wrote the forword in my copy in which he states, "The single most beautiful, solid, unearthly and unjustifiably forgotten novel of the twentieth century."
Spring Reading Challenge: There is something about fantasies which just seem to go along with spring. Maybe it's the flowers springing forth and all the warmth and rebirth, fairy breezes, and magical mists.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 12:29 PM
4 comments:
Booklogged said...
Sounds like one I will want to read, but WHEN?! You'd think with all I want to read that I would be doing nothing but reading. Not so - I've had a very slow reading month. I finally bought Odd Hours, thinking that Dean Koontz would surely get me back in the mood. I guess the next step is to pick it up and open the cover!
5/23/2008 5:30 PM
gautami tripathy said...
The Title is so fascinating! I want to read this!
5/24/2008 7:24 PM
Nymeth said...
Her use of language really is charming. I fell in love with this novel when I read it last year. I'm glad you did, too :)
5/26/2008 9:54 AM
Trish said...
I've seen this on a lot of lists for the OUT2 challenge--I really need to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the review.
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
Friday, May 16, 2008
Challenges
What's in a Name (Thunderbolt)
Book Around the States (Iowa)
In Their Shoes
Bill Bryson hilarious book is a great walk through memory lane, especially the 50's. Bryson shares his "slightly" exaggerated memories of growing up (he was born in 195l) in Des Moines, Iowa. I laughed so often at the antics of this boy and his imagination. The Thunderbolt Kid is his non de plume and he withers sarcastic adults and flatulent friends with his Thunder Glare. Along with the humor are some great trivia items about Des Moines and how it has changed since the idyllic days of Bryson's boyhood, the world at large, communism and McCarthyism, and the nuclear terror. We tend to think life was so much better then, but perhaps not. Besides the strange things happening in the world, Bryson fills us in on the cholestrol-laden eating habits of the fifties, the cigarettes and second-hand smoke and low-budget horror movies. Even though the facts were interesting and the stories funny, the book itself lost interest for me after a while. I think it's a book to pick up and read occasionally, and that's not my style. Also, I found the use of the F-bomb when describing the thoughts of a five or six-year-old boy disconcerting and unnecessary. I don't care for profanity much anyway and felt it truly detracted from this book.
I had also listed this book for the Nonfiction Challenge, but after reading it; I couldn't justify the non-fiction genre. It may be Bryson's memoir, but . . . I guess I'll find another nonfiction.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:36 PM
7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I so want to read this book! I really enjoy Bill Bryson. This book has been on my TBR list for months but it keeps getting pushed back. Hate it when that happens! :-)
5/16/2008 9:14 PM
gautami tripathy said...
Great!I have wanted to read this for long. Just never got around it. Your review might change that. I love Bryson!
5/17/2008 5:49 AM
Framed said...
I really did enjoy his humor but not for long stretches at a time.
5/17/2008 8:12 AM
raidergirl3 said...
I just started this and it is hilarious! I'm reading it for the exact same challenges as you. I hope the humor holds up for the next 200 pages, and bad words don't bother me. I found myself giggling last night while I was reading it.
5/17/2008 9:43 AM
Framed said...
Raidergirl, there are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments. I think I will keep the book to read a chapter when I need a pick-me-up. I'll just have to skip the swearing.
5/17/2008 10:47 PM
MizB said...
Hey, Framed -- thanks for your comment on my new "Raved-About Reads Challenge" blog. ;o)As for my comments on "The Book Thief", I already tried to read it this year, and -- while I found it to be REALLY interesting, and a good book -- I found it to be very "slow", and it was taking me MONTHS to get through it! I got to only page 200 (out of 500+ pages), and that alone took me about 3 months! So, I put it aside.But, it's on my list for that challenge because I *would* like to try to finish it. I think it's more of a "summer read" for me. ;o)
5/20/2008 8:46 AM
SuziQoregon said...
Hmm - I also have it on my NF5 Challenge list, but I'm already swapping out books for that challenge because I've found others after I posted my original list. I currently have this out from the library but haven't started it yet. I'll see how it goes but if I don't love it I don't have to read it for the challenge.
Challenges
What's in a Name (Thunderbolt)
Book Around the States (Iowa)
In Their Shoes
Bill Bryson hilarious book is a great walk through memory lane, especially the 50's. Bryson shares his "slightly" exaggerated memories of growing up (he was born in 195l) in Des Moines, Iowa. I laughed so often at the antics of this boy and his imagination. The Thunderbolt Kid is his non de plume and he withers sarcastic adults and flatulent friends with his Thunder Glare. Along with the humor are some great trivia items about Des Moines and how it has changed since the idyllic days of Bryson's boyhood, the world at large, communism and McCarthyism, and the nuclear terror. We tend to think life was so much better then, but perhaps not. Besides the strange things happening in the world, Bryson fills us in on the cholestrol-laden eating habits of the fifties, the cigarettes and second-hand smoke and low-budget horror movies. Even though the facts were interesting and the stories funny, the book itself lost interest for me after a while. I think it's a book to pick up and read occasionally, and that's not my style. Also, I found the use of the F-bomb when describing the thoughts of a five or six-year-old boy disconcerting and unnecessary. I don't care for profanity much anyway and felt it truly detracted from this book.
I had also listed this book for the Nonfiction Challenge, but after reading it; I couldn't justify the non-fiction genre. It may be Bryson's memoir, but . . . I guess I'll find another nonfiction.
Rating: 3.5
Posted by Framed at 8:36 PM
7 comments:
Jeanette said...
I so want to read this book! I really enjoy Bill Bryson. This book has been on my TBR list for months but it keeps getting pushed back. Hate it when that happens! :-)
5/16/2008 9:14 PM
gautami tripathy said...
Great!I have wanted to read this for long. Just never got around it. Your review might change that. I love Bryson!
5/17/2008 5:49 AM
Framed said...
I really did enjoy his humor but not for long stretches at a time.
5/17/2008 8:12 AM
raidergirl3 said...
I just started this and it is hilarious! I'm reading it for the exact same challenges as you. I hope the humor holds up for the next 200 pages, and bad words don't bother me. I found myself giggling last night while I was reading it.
5/17/2008 9:43 AM
Framed said...
Raidergirl, there are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments. I think I will keep the book to read a chapter when I need a pick-me-up. I'll just have to skip the swearing.
5/17/2008 10:47 PM
MizB said...
Hey, Framed -- thanks for your comment on my new "Raved-About Reads Challenge" blog. ;o)As for my comments on "The Book Thief", I already tried to read it this year, and -- while I found it to be REALLY interesting, and a good book -- I found it to be very "slow", and it was taking me MONTHS to get through it! I got to only page 200 (out of 500+ pages), and that alone took me about 3 months! So, I put it aside.But, it's on my list for that challenge because I *would* like to try to finish it. I think it's more of a "summer read" for me. ;o)
5/20/2008 8:46 AM
SuziQoregon said...
Hmm - I also have it on my NF5 Challenge list, but I'm already swapping out books for that challenge because I've found others after I posted my original list. I currently have this out from the library but haven't started it yet. I'll see how it goes but if I don't love it I don't have to read it for the challenge.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Friday, May 16, 2008
Challenges
19th Century Women Authors
"Heidi" is a wonderful, classic children's book especially for little girls. At the age of four, Heidi is hauled up the mountain by her aunt to live with her grandfather. Of course, the Alm's Uncle is a hermit and everyone in the village below is frightened of him. But Heidi charms him as well as everyone else she comes in contact with, except for that aunt. The story tells of the wonders of living high up on a mountain, cavorting with the goats, and living on bread and cheese. After a few years, the aunt returns and takes Heidi to Frankfurt to be a companion to an older crippled girl, Klara. Again she charms everyone except for the housekeeper. Heidi pines away for her grandfather and is eventually returned to him. Klara comes to visit the mountain, etc. etc. There is a heart felt ending that I don't want to give away if you haven't read this story. Although not nearly as well-written and interesting as "Anne of Greene Gables", I can see "Heidi" as a precursor for the later book. It's a fun book to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:22 PM
3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
This is one of all time favourite books. Now my copy is owne by my youngest niece!Thanks!
5/17/2008 5:51 AM
Nicola said...
Oh, I loved this so much as a little girl! I've never re-read it though, maybe it's time!
5/17/2008 7:27 AM
Jeane said...
My mother read Heidi to me when I was young, and it has remained a favorite. I'm going to read it to my daughter soon.
Challenges
19th Century Women Authors
"Heidi" is a wonderful, classic children's book especially for little girls. At the age of four, Heidi is hauled up the mountain by her aunt to live with her grandfather. Of course, the Alm's Uncle is a hermit and everyone in the village below is frightened of him. But Heidi charms him as well as everyone else she comes in contact with, except for that aunt. The story tells of the wonders of living high up on a mountain, cavorting with the goats, and living on bread and cheese. After a few years, the aunt returns and takes Heidi to Frankfurt to be a companion to an older crippled girl, Klara. Again she charms everyone except for the housekeeper. Heidi pines away for her grandfather and is eventually returned to him. Klara comes to visit the mountain, etc. etc. There is a heart felt ending that I don't want to give away if you haven't read this story. Although not nearly as well-written and interesting as "Anne of Greene Gables", I can see "Heidi" as a precursor for the later book. It's a fun book to read.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 8:22 PM
3 comments:
gautami tripathy said...
This is one of all time favourite books. Now my copy is owne by my youngest niece!Thanks!
5/17/2008 5:51 AM
Nicola said...
Oh, I loved this so much as a little girl! I've never re-read it though, maybe it's time!
5/17/2008 7:27 AM
Jeane said...
My mother read Heidi to me when I was young, and it has remained a favorite. I'm going to read it to my daughter soon.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Friday, May 09, 2008
Challenges
19th Century Women Writers
Spring Reading Thing
I'm not sure that reading this book right after Sacred Cows was such a good idea. It took me quite a few pages to make the adjustment from Karen Olsen's straight talk to Austen's flowery and long-winded prose. But once I got into the rhythm of Regency England conversation, I really enjoyed this book. Anne Elliott is portrayed as the ugly duckling of the three Elliott sisters, but everyone seems to like her best. She certainly is not as self-involved as her two sisters are. Quite a bit into the book, we learn that she broke off an engagement to Fredrick Wentworth when she was persuaded that he was not good enough for her and would never be able to make his way in the world with her as his wife. Wentworth seems the perfect man and Anne suffers for years because of her failed love affair. The two come into contact again. Wentworth is a succesful sea captain and looking for a wife among close friends of Anne. The ending seems inevitable; and I saw a number of similarities to Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed Austen's wit in her portrayals of the foibles of acceptable social interaction in her time. It's probably what I like best about her books. I still need to read Sense and Sensibility and Emma to say I've read all the Austen books. Does it count that I've seen the movies?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:43 PM
10 comments:
Jeanette said...
Persuasion-One of my favorites, but wait! All of Jane Austen's books are my favorites! :-)No watching the movies does not count. You have to read them! :-p
5/10/2008 7:09 AM
Ana said...
Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, by far. Anne Elliott is such a terrific heroine. I heartly recommend you to watch, if you haven't done so yet, the 1996 (I think) verion from BBC with Chiaran Hinds.
5/10/2008 7:53 AM
Literary Feline said...
I really enjoyed this novel too. I love Jane Austen's writing. I still have a ways to go before I can claim I've read all her books, but I'm working on it.
5/10/2008 9:12 AM
Becky said...
I'm glad you enjoyed Persuasion. It is my favorite Austen. I don't know if you're signed up for my Austen challenge or not, but for the purposes of that challenge at least movies do count :)
5/10/2008 10:27 AM
hopeinbrazil said...
Persuasion is a book that I did not like at first. When I saw the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds movie I saw Ann in a whole different angle. I've re-read the book several times now and it's one of my favorites.
5/10/2008 5:02 PM
Petunia said...
I reread this one a couple of months ago. It's not my favorite Austen but Anne Elliot is a character of quality and integrity. I watched the new Masterpiece movie yesterday. How disappointing. The Hinds/Root movie was much better.
5/12/2008 6:12 PM
Stephanie said...
Oh...I loved this book!! It's actually the only Austen I've ever read. But it was such a great story!! Anne Elliot is a great heroine!
5/13/2008 8:41 AM
Booklogged said...
I didn't read the book, but loved the BBC video. I tagged you for a meme, if you feel like doing it. Well, I tagged you even if you don't feel like doing it. But do it only if you feel like it. Good grief!
5/13/2008 11:44 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I think it totally counts! Like, totally! :)
5/14/2008 11:48 AM
Susan said...
No, seeing the movie is not the same as reading the book! sorry! there is so much more to the book (in my opinion anyway) and even though Austen translates well to the screen, some of her characterizations and comments are so spot-on and witty and ironic that they have to be read to be enjoyed. This is my favourite book by her, too. I love Anne! and her family is awful! Though, watching the movies is fun. You could get bonus points for that!!
Challenges
19th Century Women Writers
Spring Reading Thing
I'm not sure that reading this book right after Sacred Cows was such a good idea. It took me quite a few pages to make the adjustment from Karen Olsen's straight talk to Austen's flowery and long-winded prose. But once I got into the rhythm of Regency England conversation, I really enjoyed this book. Anne Elliott is portrayed as the ugly duckling of the three Elliott sisters, but everyone seems to like her best. She certainly is not as self-involved as her two sisters are. Quite a bit into the book, we learn that she broke off an engagement to Fredrick Wentworth when she was persuaded that he was not good enough for her and would never be able to make his way in the world with her as his wife. Wentworth seems the perfect man and Anne suffers for years because of her failed love affair. The two come into contact again. Wentworth is a succesful sea captain and looking for a wife among close friends of Anne. The ending seems inevitable; and I saw a number of similarities to Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed Austen's wit in her portrayals of the foibles of acceptable social interaction in her time. It's probably what I like best about her books. I still need to read Sense and Sensibility and Emma to say I've read all the Austen books. Does it count that I've seen the movies?
Rating: 4.25
Posted by Framed at 10:43 PM
10 comments:
Jeanette said...
Persuasion-One of my favorites, but wait! All of Jane Austen's books are my favorites! :-)No watching the movies does not count. You have to read them! :-p
5/10/2008 7:09 AM
Ana said...
Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, by far. Anne Elliott is such a terrific heroine. I heartly recommend you to watch, if you haven't done so yet, the 1996 (I think) verion from BBC with Chiaran Hinds.
5/10/2008 7:53 AM
Literary Feline said...
I really enjoyed this novel too. I love Jane Austen's writing. I still have a ways to go before I can claim I've read all her books, but I'm working on it.
5/10/2008 9:12 AM
Becky said...
I'm glad you enjoyed Persuasion. It is my favorite Austen. I don't know if you're signed up for my Austen challenge or not, but for the purposes of that challenge at least movies do count :)
5/10/2008 10:27 AM
hopeinbrazil said...
Persuasion is a book that I did not like at first. When I saw the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds movie I saw Ann in a whole different angle. I've re-read the book several times now and it's one of my favorites.
5/10/2008 5:02 PM
Petunia said...
I reread this one a couple of months ago. It's not my favorite Austen but Anne Elliot is a character of quality and integrity. I watched the new Masterpiece movie yesterday. How disappointing. The Hinds/Root movie was much better.
5/12/2008 6:12 PM
Stephanie said...
Oh...I loved this book!! It's actually the only Austen I've ever read. But it was such a great story!! Anne Elliot is a great heroine!
5/13/2008 8:41 AM
Booklogged said...
I didn't read the book, but loved the BBC video. I tagged you for a meme, if you feel like doing it. Well, I tagged you even if you don't feel like doing it. But do it only if you feel like it. Good grief!
5/13/2008 11:44 PM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I think it totally counts! Like, totally! :)
5/14/2008 11:48 AM
Susan said...
No, seeing the movie is not the same as reading the book! sorry! there is so much more to the book (in my opinion anyway) and even though Austen translates well to the screen, some of her characterizations and comments are so spot-on and witty and ironic that they have to be read to be enjoyed. This is my favourite book by her, too. I love Anne! and her family is awful! Though, watching the movies is fun. You could get bonus points for that!!
Northern Lights, The Soccer Trails, by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak
Friday, May 09, 2008
Challenge
Canadian Reading Challenge: NW Territory
This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the story of Kataujaq, an young Inuit girl. First we learn many of the customs of this northern land as well as Kataujaq's close relationship with her mother. Then the mother dies. Kataujaq's grandmother comforts the little girl by telling her that the ones who have gone on before are playing soccer, chasing a walrus head all over the sky and creating the northern lights. It's a wonderful legend and this is an enchanting book. The illustrator, Vladyana Krykorka, does a fantastic job of capturing the flavor of the story with her mystical drawings. It will be fun to share this book with my grandson five or six years from now.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 9:38 PM
3 comments:
John Mutford said...
Congratulations on finishing!I'm so glad Michael Kusugak was finally picked for this challenge. I lived in Rankin Inlet, his current hometown, for four years and met him a few times. My nieces, nephews and cousins probably all recieved autographed Kusugak books for Christmas at one point. My kids' favourite is Hide and Sneak.See you in round 2!
5/10/2008 4:16 AM
Booklogged said...
Sounds like a good story.
5/10/2008 11:08 PM
Teddy Rose said...
This sounds like a really sweet book.
Challenge
Canadian Reading Challenge: NW Territory
This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the story of Kataujaq, an young Inuit girl. First we learn many of the customs of this northern land as well as Kataujaq's close relationship with her mother. Then the mother dies. Kataujaq's grandmother comforts the little girl by telling her that the ones who have gone on before are playing soccer, chasing a walrus head all over the sky and creating the northern lights. It's a wonderful legend and this is an enchanting book. The illustrator, Vladyana Krykorka, does a fantastic job of capturing the flavor of the story with her mystical drawings. It will be fun to share this book with my grandson five or six years from now.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 9:38 PM
3 comments:
John Mutford said...
Congratulations on finishing!I'm so glad Michael Kusugak was finally picked for this challenge. I lived in Rankin Inlet, his current hometown, for four years and met him a few times. My nieces, nephews and cousins probably all recieved autographed Kusugak books for Christmas at one point. My kids' favourite is Hide and Sneak.See you in round 2!
5/10/2008 4:16 AM
Booklogged said...
Sounds like a good story.
5/10/2008 11:08 PM
Teddy Rose said...
This sounds like a really sweet book.
Season of Sacrifice by Tristi Pinkston
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Challenges
Spring Reading Thing
Tristi Pinkston took the material she found in her ancestors' journals and turned it into this historical fiction. At the end of the book, she details how the events in each chapter are taken from the journals and how much is literary invention. The story follows Ben Perkins as he travels from Wales to join the Mormons in Utah. He is soon followed by his fiance, Mary Ann Williams, and later her sister, Sarah. The main event involves these three as they join others in crossing southern Utah, from Cedar City to the San Juan River valley, to begin a new colony of Saints. It is absolutely astounding how this group of pioneers were able to traverse such treacherous landscape mostly in the dead of winter without any loss of life. The details of how Ben creates a dugway by drilling holes and inserting poles into the side of a cliff which then formed a road that the wagon train used to descend to the valley floor was nothing short of miraculous. Of course, I wished there had been a map showing the course of the trek, but I guess you can't have everything. Reading about this intrepid group and how they created roads up and down the sides of mesas, finally reaching their destination was very inspiring especially when you realize these events actually happened. I would have made a terrible pioneer. I also appreciated Tristi's handling of the question of polygamy. She portrayed the hard facts of the issue and didn't glamorize or create victims through its use; and presented some interesting reasons for it. At least in the lives of these three people and their families, polygamy was a principle that took tremendous faith to follow and, even then, it created sadness and ill-feelings even though the participants strived to accept. I believe most Latter-Day-Saints today breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing it's not something we will be asked to do, especially since many of us have a hard time accepting its use in the past. The final item I really enjoyed was the pictures Tristi included of her ancestors. When I read about people who actually existed I always want to know what they looked like. Sarah and Ben's picture was taken later in life; and, in keeping with the times, they look a little grim, but still you can see the glimmer of humor in Ben's eyes.
Rating: 4
If you want to see pictures of Hole-in-the-Rock to show how treacherous the trail was, I suggest you use Google and look for the Utah or Moab pictures. As you look at the terrain, you'll find it hard to imagine anyone going through it with horse and wagons. Many pictures show 4x4's and even that looks dangerous.
Posted by Framed at 5:30 AM
9 comments:
Tristi Pinkston said...
Thanks for this great review, Framed! If any of your readers have any questions, I'll be back around to answer them.
5/03/2008 5:40 PM
Danyelle Ferguson said...
I agree with you, Framed - I would have made a terrible pioneer! :) Thank goodness I was born during the time of washing machines, dish washers, and automobiles!
5/04/2008 9:34 AM
Jen said...
Yes, the pictures were a great addition to the story, weren't they? Add me to the list of people who wouldn't be able to hack it as a pioneer! Thanks for your review!
5/04/2008 10:34 AM
Booklogged said...
I can't even 'make it' as a modern woman - I'd be a complete disaster as a pioneer.
5/05/2008 12:29 PM
Jill said...
This title looks interesting. My only experience with pioneer existence is playing Oregon Trail with my sons on the home computer and with friends on Facebook.
5/06/2008 6:36 PM
Trish said...
As I said before :) this one sounds fascinating, especially because my grandmother grew up in Monticello in the San Juan Valley and my great great grandmother and grandfather helped settle when the first Mormons went down to Southern Utah. It is a place that I would love to visit one day. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
5/06/2008 8:48 PM
Susan said...
I agree, Framed - I would have made a horrible pioneer and polygamist's wife :) Still, I am always amazed by what the Mormon pioneers did - their stories constantly inspire me.I should be getting this one in the mail soon. I'm excited to read it, especially after your review. Thanks!
5/08/2008 6:41 AM
Janet Kay Jensen said...
Dear Framed,would you be interested in reviewing my book, Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys? It is published by Cedar Fort and has been nominated for four national awards. Please contact me at janet.jensen@comcast net and I'll see that you get a review copy. And visit my blog, www.janetkayjensen2.blogspot.com, for more information about the book. Tristi liked it!Thanks,Janet Jensen
5/17/2008 11:25 AM
Heather B. Moore said...
This book was VERY interesting. I was impressed that the author turned her family history into fiction this way.
Challenges
Spring Reading Thing
Tristi Pinkston took the material she found in her ancestors' journals and turned it into this historical fiction. At the end of the book, she details how the events in each chapter are taken from the journals and how much is literary invention. The story follows Ben Perkins as he travels from Wales to join the Mormons in Utah. He is soon followed by his fiance, Mary Ann Williams, and later her sister, Sarah. The main event involves these three as they join others in crossing southern Utah, from Cedar City to the San Juan River valley, to begin a new colony of Saints. It is absolutely astounding how this group of pioneers were able to traverse such treacherous landscape mostly in the dead of winter without any loss of life. The details of how Ben creates a dugway by drilling holes and inserting poles into the side of a cliff which then formed a road that the wagon train used to descend to the valley floor was nothing short of miraculous. Of course, I wished there had been a map showing the course of the trek, but I guess you can't have everything. Reading about this intrepid group and how they created roads up and down the sides of mesas, finally reaching their destination was very inspiring especially when you realize these events actually happened. I would have made a terrible pioneer. I also appreciated Tristi's handling of the question of polygamy. She portrayed the hard facts of the issue and didn't glamorize or create victims through its use; and presented some interesting reasons for it. At least in the lives of these three people and their families, polygamy was a principle that took tremendous faith to follow and, even then, it created sadness and ill-feelings even though the participants strived to accept. I believe most Latter-Day-Saints today breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing it's not something we will be asked to do, especially since many of us have a hard time accepting its use in the past. The final item I really enjoyed was the pictures Tristi included of her ancestors. When I read about people who actually existed I always want to know what they looked like. Sarah and Ben's picture was taken later in life; and, in keeping with the times, they look a little grim, but still you can see the glimmer of humor in Ben's eyes.
Rating: 4
If you want to see pictures of Hole-in-the-Rock to show how treacherous the trail was, I suggest you use Google and look for the Utah or Moab pictures. As you look at the terrain, you'll find it hard to imagine anyone going through it with horse and wagons. Many pictures show 4x4's and even that looks dangerous.
Posted by Framed at 5:30 AM
9 comments:
Tristi Pinkston said...
Thanks for this great review, Framed! If any of your readers have any questions, I'll be back around to answer them.
5/03/2008 5:40 PM
Danyelle Ferguson said...
I agree with you, Framed - I would have made a terrible pioneer! :) Thank goodness I was born during the time of washing machines, dish washers, and automobiles!
5/04/2008 9:34 AM
Jen said...
Yes, the pictures were a great addition to the story, weren't they? Add me to the list of people who wouldn't be able to hack it as a pioneer! Thanks for your review!
5/04/2008 10:34 AM
Booklogged said...
I can't even 'make it' as a modern woman - I'd be a complete disaster as a pioneer.
5/05/2008 12:29 PM
Jill said...
This title looks interesting. My only experience with pioneer existence is playing Oregon Trail with my sons on the home computer and with friends on Facebook.
5/06/2008 6:36 PM
Trish said...
As I said before :) this one sounds fascinating, especially because my grandmother grew up in Monticello in the San Juan Valley and my great great grandmother and grandfather helped settle when the first Mormons went down to Southern Utah. It is a place that I would love to visit one day. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
5/06/2008 8:48 PM
Susan said...
I agree, Framed - I would have made a horrible pioneer and polygamist's wife :) Still, I am always amazed by what the Mormon pioneers did - their stories constantly inspire me.I should be getting this one in the mail soon. I'm excited to read it, especially after your review. Thanks!
5/08/2008 6:41 AM
Janet Kay Jensen said...
Dear Framed,would you be interested in reviewing my book, Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys? It is published by Cedar Fort and has been nominated for four national awards. Please contact me at janet.jensen@comcast net and I'll see that you get a review copy. And visit my blog, www.janetkayjensen2.blogspot.com, for more information about the book. Tristi liked it!Thanks,Janet Jensen
5/17/2008 11:25 AM
Heather B. Moore said...
This book was VERY interesting. I was impressed that the author turned her family history into fiction this way.
Sacred Cows by Karen E Olson
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Challenges
What's in a Name - Animal
1st in Series
Book Around the States - Connecticut
Annie Seymour is a cop reporter in New Haven, CT, the home of Yale University. She is having a sort of relationship with Tom, a homicide detective, but during the course of this book, she develops an attraction for Vinny. She remembers Vinny as a science geek from high school, but now he is a Frank Sinatra look-a-like private eye hired by Annie's mother's law firm. All of this relationship angst plays around the murder of two Yale co-eds, and Annie just wants to get the scoop. The murderer is known early on so the main plot is how Annie, Vinny and Tom capture him and prove the case.
I was really in the mood for a good mystery. Unfortunately, this one did not satisfy me. None of the characters were terribly appealing to me, the profanity was over the top, and the sexual inuendos sophomoric. I'm probably being harsher than normal but I was pretty disappointed. The cow sculptures displayed around the city play a small part in the story, very small. In the end, this book just wasn't for me.
Rating: 2
Posted by Framed at 9:56 PM
5 comments:
Terri B. said...
I read this one for 1st in a Series too. I wasn't overly impressed either. I wanted to like it more than I did.
5/02/2008 5:35 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that's interesting! The other review I read was so positive. You've mentioned things that turn me off (sexual innuendo and profanity). I'm not much of a mystery reader, but those things definitely can ruin a read for me. It depends on my mood, I guess.
5/02/2008 7:54 PM
Joy said...
I think I rated this one a 3.25/5 and I was being gracious. I agree 100% with your reasoning.
5/03/2008 1:45 PM
Booklogged said...
One good thing about reading this book is that you don't feel compelled to read any more in this series.
5/03/2008 7:45 PM
Liz said...
I'm so disappointed -- this one looked like it really had potential. It looked and sounded amusing, which can be a really under-rated kind of mystery. For example, I recently read "Landmark Status" by Alan Rolnick. Think Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry and you'll be close -- and like Hiaasen, Alan Rolnick has set this book in Florida, complete with people who want to pave paradise to put up a parking lot, so to speak. (In this case developers want to knock down a notorious nightspot to bury it under a fabulous high-rise.This is a laugh riot -- I was hooked from opening wrecking ball to final explosion.
Challenges
What's in a Name - Animal
1st in Series
Book Around the States - Connecticut
Annie Seymour is a cop reporter in New Haven, CT, the home of Yale University. She is having a sort of relationship with Tom, a homicide detective, but during the course of this book, she develops an attraction for Vinny. She remembers Vinny as a science geek from high school, but now he is a Frank Sinatra look-a-like private eye hired by Annie's mother's law firm. All of this relationship angst plays around the murder of two Yale co-eds, and Annie just wants to get the scoop. The murderer is known early on so the main plot is how Annie, Vinny and Tom capture him and prove the case.
I was really in the mood for a good mystery. Unfortunately, this one did not satisfy me. None of the characters were terribly appealing to me, the profanity was over the top, and the sexual inuendos sophomoric. I'm probably being harsher than normal but I was pretty disappointed. The cow sculptures displayed around the city play a small part in the story, very small. In the end, this book just wasn't for me.
Rating: 2
Posted by Framed at 9:56 PM
5 comments:
Terri B. said...
I read this one for 1st in a Series too. I wasn't overly impressed either. I wanted to like it more than I did.
5/02/2008 5:35 PM
Bookfool said...
Oh, that's interesting! The other review I read was so positive. You've mentioned things that turn me off (sexual innuendo and profanity). I'm not much of a mystery reader, but those things definitely can ruin a read for me. It depends on my mood, I guess.
5/02/2008 7:54 PM
Joy said...
I think I rated this one a 3.25/5 and I was being gracious. I agree 100% with your reasoning.
5/03/2008 1:45 PM
Booklogged said...
One good thing about reading this book is that you don't feel compelled to read any more in this series.
5/03/2008 7:45 PM
Liz said...
I'm so disappointed -- this one looked like it really had potential. It looked and sounded amusing, which can be a really under-rated kind of mystery. For example, I recently read "Landmark Status" by Alan Rolnick. Think Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry and you'll be close -- and like Hiaasen, Alan Rolnick has set this book in Florida, complete with people who want to pave paradise to put up a parking lot, so to speak. (In this case developers want to knock down a notorious nightspot to bury it under a fabulous high-rise.This is a laugh riot -- I was hooked from opening wrecking ball to final explosion.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Challenge
Spring Reading Thing
I'm sure there are worse childhoods and more dysfunctional families in this world, but this is still an amazing story. That Jeanette survived hunger, major burns, and falling out of a moving car and to tell about it in such a matter-of-fact way with no evidence of self-pity makes this book more moving and interesting than a more sentimental or sensational treatment would have. She also expressed very real emotions that any child would feel: love for her parents and siblings, sadness at leaving behind favorite possessions, embarrassment for not fitting in with other children and about her parents odd behavior, pride at her accomplishments. I had heard so much about the book and Walls' alcoholic father and self-absorbed mother, that I was surprised that they weren't the monsters I had pictured. Certainly flawed, nonconforming and eccentric, they did teach their children many things about survival, self-reliance and independence. There were also lessons about petty theft, running out when things got tense or possible trouble with the law loomed ahead, or even the evils of anyone in authority. Even so, all three children grew up and joined main-stream society and seem to have become successful adults. I enjoyed the book. Sometimes I laughed, others times I was appalled, but never bored.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:14 PM
10 comments:
Trish said...
Seems like this might be a tough read. I've seen this one around but didn't know what it was about; thanks for the review.
4/29/2008 8:40 PM
Framed said...
Actually it wasn't that hard. Walls doesn't play on your emotions at all. I think when she was a child, she thought most things were great.
4/29/2008 10:12 PM
Les said...
It seems odd to say that I enjoyed this book, but I did. In spite of all the awful experiences those kids went through. I still grimace, thinking about eating butter -- or cooking hot dogs at the age of 3 (or 4?)! Very well-written and moving. I, too, laughed (and gasped).Have you read Jennifer Lauck's Blackbird? You might like it, too. I read it and the sequel (Still Water).
4/30/2008 8:36 PM
Em said...
What a great review! I loved this book. It was sad, the whole family situation, but it made me laugh sooo much. I've recommended it to tons of people since I read it.
5/01/2008 5:33 PM
Stephanie said...
I read this a couple of years ago. I have a lot of admiration for Ms. Walls. Personally, though, I was probably more appalled than you were by her parents. Still an excellent book!
5/01/2008 9:34 PM
Joy said...
Most definitely never bored. I found it to be absolutely fascinating and appalling at the same time.
5/03/2008 1:47 PM
Jennifer, Snapshot said...
Add me to the list of those who enjoyed this book. It was tragic--the level of poverty that her parents chose to keep them in--but I think that there was something hopeful about it--perhaps the fact that she survived in spite of it.
5/03/2008 6:41 PM
Carrie K said...
I thought it was a fabulous book and it was such a loving book. Her parents were just something else. She was at an auhor's talk in our town and she was just as genuine in person.
5/05/2008 4:24 PM
Susan said...
Her parents were something else, all right. I can't get over her mother eating a chocolate bar and not sharing any of it with her kids - they had to scrounge for food to live on! At that point I lost all sympathy for the mother. It is an incredible book, full of humour and pathos, unforgettable that they survived. Good review.
5/14/2008 5:04 PM
Heather B. Moore said...
I laughed and was appalled too. Then I gave the book to my mom to read. I still can't believe some of the things that happened.
Challenge
Spring Reading Thing
I'm sure there are worse childhoods and more dysfunctional families in this world, but this is still an amazing story. That Jeanette survived hunger, major burns, and falling out of a moving car and to tell about it in such a matter-of-fact way with no evidence of self-pity makes this book more moving and interesting than a more sentimental or sensational treatment would have. She also expressed very real emotions that any child would feel: love for her parents and siblings, sadness at leaving behind favorite possessions, embarrassment for not fitting in with other children and about her parents odd behavior, pride at her accomplishments. I had heard so much about the book and Walls' alcoholic father and self-absorbed mother, that I was surprised that they weren't the monsters I had pictured. Certainly flawed, nonconforming and eccentric, they did teach their children many things about survival, self-reliance and independence. There were also lessons about petty theft, running out when things got tense or possible trouble with the law loomed ahead, or even the evils of anyone in authority. Even so, all three children grew up and joined main-stream society and seem to have become successful adults. I enjoyed the book. Sometimes I laughed, others times I was appalled, but never bored.
Rating: 4
Posted by Framed at 7:14 PM
10 comments:
Trish said...
Seems like this might be a tough read. I've seen this one around but didn't know what it was about; thanks for the review.
4/29/2008 8:40 PM
Framed said...
Actually it wasn't that hard. Walls doesn't play on your emotions at all. I think when she was a child, she thought most things were great.
4/29/2008 10:12 PM
Les said...
It seems odd to say that I enjoyed this book, but I did. In spite of all the awful experiences those kids went through. I still grimace, thinking about eating butter -- or cooking hot dogs at the age of 3 (or 4?)! Very well-written and moving. I, too, laughed (and gasped).Have you read Jennifer Lauck's Blackbird? You might like it, too. I read it and the sequel (Still Water).
4/30/2008 8:36 PM
Em said...
What a great review! I loved this book. It was sad, the whole family situation, but it made me laugh sooo much. I've recommended it to tons of people since I read it.
5/01/2008 5:33 PM
Stephanie said...
I read this a couple of years ago. I have a lot of admiration for Ms. Walls. Personally, though, I was probably more appalled than you were by her parents. Still an excellent book!
5/01/2008 9:34 PM
Joy said...
Most definitely never bored. I found it to be absolutely fascinating and appalling at the same time.
5/03/2008 1:47 PM
Jennifer, Snapshot said...
Add me to the list of those who enjoyed this book. It was tragic--the level of poverty that her parents chose to keep them in--but I think that there was something hopeful about it--perhaps the fact that she survived in spite of it.
5/03/2008 6:41 PM
Carrie K said...
I thought it was a fabulous book and it was such a loving book. Her parents were just something else. She was at an auhor's talk in our town and she was just as genuine in person.
5/05/2008 4:24 PM
Susan said...
Her parents were something else, all right. I can't get over her mother eating a chocolate bar and not sharing any of it with her kids - they had to scrounge for food to live on! At that point I lost all sympathy for the mother. It is an incredible book, full of humour and pathos, unforgettable that they survived. Good review.
5/14/2008 5:04 PM
Heather B. Moore said...
I laughed and was appalled too. Then I gave the book to my mom to read. I still can't believe some of the things that happened.
Peter Pan by J M Barrie
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Challenges
Decades 1900
Young Adult Challenge
Once Upon a Time II
Spring Reading Challenge
The orignal play of "Peter Pan" was written and produced in 1904. He then published Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens in 1906. The book Peter and Wendy which later became Peter Pan was published in 1911, so maybe I'm cheating by using this book for the 1900's but so be it. My version also contains the final chapter called "Wendy Grows Up" which wasn't added until 1957. My book also contains a biography of J M Barrie. It seems he was a very interesting and ecccentric man. The movie with Johnny Depp insinuates a romantic conection between Barrie and Mrs. Davis, which would have been completely out of character for the real Barrie.
Grace Isabel Colbron wrote in Dec, 1911:
Peter Pan has come to us again, Peter Pan, who was neither all a boy nor all a fairy, but something of both. He comes to us in a book which is neither a boy's book, nor a girl's book, nor a fairy book, nor anything but just a book which is a delight for everybody. And now that we meet him in Barrie's charming story, Peter and Wendy, we realise that this dainty conceit is too fairy-like to stand the necessary artificiality of the stage, too frail not to be harmed by impersonating in human shape.
The slow unfolding of the tale possible in a book, the myriad delicious details that had to be sacrificed to drama needs, surround our old friends Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana the faithful nurse, the Lost Boys, the terrible Hook, the fair Tiger Lily and her Redskins, sentimental Smee, with a setting which brings them nearer to us, makes them the more human because no other human prsonality comes between them and us. What delight to have them in such shape that we can slip them all under the pillow at night and take them out the first thing in the morning for a stolen chat! And so many lovely new things to learn about them. Did we ever know before that Peter's greatest charm, the one which won him the hearts of all women creatures young or old, was that he had all his first teeth? And of Mrs. Darling, who walks through a few scene in the play, a meaningless figure, we hear that she is in reality a lovely lady with a romantic mind and a sweet mocking mouth.
I loved that review. It expresses my thoughts so well. There are so many things in the book that we don't know if all we've seen are the play or the movies. Peter is not nearly as likeable unless you are one of the children he spirits away to Neverland and much younger. Although arrogant, selfish, and self-centered, it is his cockiness that makes such a great enemy of Capt. Hook. Plus there is a lot of killing and I don't remember any of that. The fairies and mermaids are pretty spiteful, the children are hungry quite often as they don't pretend as well as Peter; and Captain Hook is a much more developed and multi-layered character. And all of those reasons just add to the wonderment of this book. It is darker and deeper than I ever imagined. A must read. I'll share one delightful quote with you.
"When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies."
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 11:07 AM
14 comments:
Andi said...
Thanks for reminding me that I never read this book . . . I need to. When I was in England, in the Cotswolds somewhere but can't remember the exact house, my program director told a story about Barrie seeing a twinkle in the window while he was watching a cricket match - that twinkle became Tinkerbell. I love that tidbit. Thanks.And thanks for commenting on my blog, too.
4/27/2008 5:33 PM
Lisa said...
I guess I need to find a copy of the book, I'm really disliking the movie. I know Disney changes everything, but in the Disney version everything is horrible. The Dad is a jerk, Tinkerbell is worried about the size of her hips, Peter is a self-centered frat boy, they are all so mean to the other kids, etc etc. Granted, I also am forced to watch it as often as possible by the pirate lover in my house so that may contribute to my dislike of it.
4/27/2008 6:34 PM
Booklogged said...
I didn't like it as well as you. There was something unsettling about it that I can't quite put my finger on - none of the things you mention, but something vague. I may never figure it out.
4/27/2008 7:00 PM
Nicola said...
Glad to hear you liked this! Unfortunately, I had the opposite reaction. Too smug for my liking.I just love the way you can read one book and hit 5 or more challenges! You must be a challenge pro. Hats off to you!
4/27/2008 7:05 PM
Trish said...
You are just truckin' along with these challenges! I've always loved this book, but I really need to re-read it. I loved going to Kensington Gardens and seeing the Peter Pan statue--such a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.
4/27/2008 8:29 PM
SuziQoregon said...
I didn't love this. As an adult reader it was a fun adventure, but I'm not sure I'd read it to a child. Lots and lots of killing and I really didn't like Peter much at all.I am thoroughly enjoying the first of the 'Prequels' written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, however. I'm about halfway through listening to Peter and the Starcatchers and having just a wonderful time.
4/27/2008 9:29 PM
Joy said...
I have never had an interest in reading Peter Pan. I'm glad to see that you loved it, though. I guess it's not a classic for nothing. :)
4/28/2008 6:12 AM
Cassie said...
I don't really remember how I felt about Peter Pan other than how different it was from the Disney movie but I guess those movies are completely different but I think I found it refreshing. I'm tempted to read it again to remind myself. I'll have to pull out my copy from somewhere.
4/28/2008 9:03 AM
Nymeth said...
I love this book, and I need to revisit it sometime soon. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!
4/28/2008 9:52 AM
Rhinoa said...
Your version sounds lovely. Have you seen Finding Neverland? It's a lovely film with a romanticised version of JM Barrie, but definitely worth seeing. I need to re-read this, it's been far too long.
4/28/2008 1:33 PM
The Never Fairy said...
Hey there!I thought you might like to know about a new Peter Pan book that is coming soon...Though things like "Peter and the Starcatchers" are wonderful adventure tales, the fact is they contradict the facts of the original stories by J.M. Barrie.But this new novel does not...in fact, it's based on his notes for the continuation of Pan's adventures...Click on my name for the announcement page!Believe!
4/28/2008 3:31 PM
Stephanie said...
You know, I don't think I've ever actually READ the book, Peter Pan. But I just love the story so much. I loved it!!
4/28/2008 9:24 PM
Heather said...
I've never read this! Adding it to the Mountain.
5/08/2008 6:24 AM
Jeane said...
I really like this book, though I don't remember it being as dark as you describe. The quote you include at the end is one of my favorites!
Challenges
Decades 1900
Young Adult Challenge
Once Upon a Time II
Spring Reading Challenge
The orignal play of "Peter Pan" was written and produced in 1904. He then published Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens in 1906. The book Peter and Wendy which later became Peter Pan was published in 1911, so maybe I'm cheating by using this book for the 1900's but so be it. My version also contains the final chapter called "Wendy Grows Up" which wasn't added until 1957. My book also contains a biography of J M Barrie. It seems he was a very interesting and ecccentric man. The movie with Johnny Depp insinuates a romantic conection between Barrie and Mrs. Davis, which would have been completely out of character for the real Barrie.
Grace Isabel Colbron wrote in Dec, 1911:
Peter Pan has come to us again, Peter Pan, who was neither all a boy nor all a fairy, but something of both. He comes to us in a book which is neither a boy's book, nor a girl's book, nor a fairy book, nor anything but just a book which is a delight for everybody. And now that we meet him in Barrie's charming story, Peter and Wendy, we realise that this dainty conceit is too fairy-like to stand the necessary artificiality of the stage, too frail not to be harmed by impersonating in human shape.
The slow unfolding of the tale possible in a book, the myriad delicious details that had to be sacrificed to drama needs, surround our old friends Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana the faithful nurse, the Lost Boys, the terrible Hook, the fair Tiger Lily and her Redskins, sentimental Smee, with a setting which brings them nearer to us, makes them the more human because no other human prsonality comes between them and us. What delight to have them in such shape that we can slip them all under the pillow at night and take them out the first thing in the morning for a stolen chat! And so many lovely new things to learn about them. Did we ever know before that Peter's greatest charm, the one which won him the hearts of all women creatures young or old, was that he had all his first teeth? And of Mrs. Darling, who walks through a few scene in the play, a meaningless figure, we hear that she is in reality a lovely lady with a romantic mind and a sweet mocking mouth.
I loved that review. It expresses my thoughts so well. There are so many things in the book that we don't know if all we've seen are the play or the movies. Peter is not nearly as likeable unless you are one of the children he spirits away to Neverland and much younger. Although arrogant, selfish, and self-centered, it is his cockiness that makes such a great enemy of Capt. Hook. Plus there is a lot of killing and I don't remember any of that. The fairies and mermaids are pretty spiteful, the children are hungry quite often as they don't pretend as well as Peter; and Captain Hook is a much more developed and multi-layered character. And all of those reasons just add to the wonderment of this book. It is darker and deeper than I ever imagined. A must read. I'll share one delightful quote with you.
"When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies."
Rating: 5
Posted by Framed at 11:07 AM
14 comments:
Andi said...
Thanks for reminding me that I never read this book . . . I need to. When I was in England, in the Cotswolds somewhere but can't remember the exact house, my program director told a story about Barrie seeing a twinkle in the window while he was watching a cricket match - that twinkle became Tinkerbell. I love that tidbit. Thanks.And thanks for commenting on my blog, too.
4/27/2008 5:33 PM
Lisa said...
I guess I need to find a copy of the book, I'm really disliking the movie. I know Disney changes everything, but in the Disney version everything is horrible. The Dad is a jerk, Tinkerbell is worried about the size of her hips, Peter is a self-centered frat boy, they are all so mean to the other kids, etc etc. Granted, I also am forced to watch it as often as possible by the pirate lover in my house so that may contribute to my dislike of it.
4/27/2008 6:34 PM
Booklogged said...
I didn't like it as well as you. There was something unsettling about it that I can't quite put my finger on - none of the things you mention, but something vague. I may never figure it out.
4/27/2008 7:00 PM
Nicola said...
Glad to hear you liked this! Unfortunately, I had the opposite reaction. Too smug for my liking.I just love the way you can read one book and hit 5 or more challenges! You must be a challenge pro. Hats off to you!
4/27/2008 7:05 PM
Trish said...
You are just truckin' along with these challenges! I've always loved this book, but I really need to re-read it. I loved going to Kensington Gardens and seeing the Peter Pan statue--such a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.
4/27/2008 8:29 PM
SuziQoregon said...
I didn't love this. As an adult reader it was a fun adventure, but I'm not sure I'd read it to a child. Lots and lots of killing and I really didn't like Peter much at all.I am thoroughly enjoying the first of the 'Prequels' written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, however. I'm about halfway through listening to Peter and the Starcatchers and having just a wonderful time.
4/27/2008 9:29 PM
Joy said...
I have never had an interest in reading Peter Pan. I'm glad to see that you loved it, though. I guess it's not a classic for nothing. :)
4/28/2008 6:12 AM
Cassie said...
I don't really remember how I felt about Peter Pan other than how different it was from the Disney movie but I guess those movies are completely different but I think I found it refreshing. I'm tempted to read it again to remind myself. I'll have to pull out my copy from somewhere.
4/28/2008 9:03 AM
Nymeth said...
I love this book, and I need to revisit it sometime soon. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!
4/28/2008 9:52 AM
Rhinoa said...
Your version sounds lovely. Have you seen Finding Neverland? It's a lovely film with a romanticised version of JM Barrie, but definitely worth seeing. I need to re-read this, it's been far too long.
4/28/2008 1:33 PM
The Never Fairy said...
Hey there!I thought you might like to know about a new Peter Pan book that is coming soon...Though things like "Peter and the Starcatchers" are wonderful adventure tales, the fact is they contradict the facts of the original stories by J.M. Barrie.But this new novel does not...in fact, it's based on his notes for the continuation of Pan's adventures...Click on my name for the announcement page!Believe!
4/28/2008 3:31 PM
Stephanie said...
You know, I don't think I've ever actually READ the book, Peter Pan. But I just love the story so much. I loved it!!
4/28/2008 9:24 PM
Heather said...
I've never read this! Adding it to the Mountain.
5/08/2008 6:24 AM
Jeane said...
I really like this book, though I don't remember it being as dark as you describe. The quote you include at the end is one of my favorites!
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Challenges
Book Around the States - Illinois
What's in a Name - Dandelion (Plant)
Decades Challenge - 1940's
Another Bloomin' Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
TBR Challenge
Young Adult Challenge
Wow, seven challenges in one. I'm exhausted, no, make that elated. I started this book once but couldn't get past the first chapter. Too many analogies, metaphors, and flights of fancy. But then, there were seven challenges, so I trudged back to it a month later. I don't know what my mood was the first time I picked the book up because I really enjoyed reading it this time. Douglas is twelve years old at the beginning of the summer of 1928. He has an incredible imagination which he gives free reign and creates many adventures, some real and some not so real. Bradbury has created a masterpiece of poignancy and nostalgia as he tells about Douglas, his family, friends and the other wonderful characters who inhabit Green Town, Illinois. There are so many great stories in this book, but I loved the one about Grandma's cooking and how Aunt Rose tries to get the kitchen organized and Grandma to keep recipes. Here's a few quote I marked:
Grandfather's rant when a boarder tries to plant grass that will never need to be mowed:
"Lilacs on a bush are better than orchids. And dandelions and devil grass are better! Why? Because they bend you over and turn you away from all the people and the town for a little while and sweat you and get you down where you remember you got a nose again. And when you're all to yourself that way, you're really yourself for a little; you get to thinking things through, alone."
Great-grandma on the night she dies from old-age.
"I'm not really dying today. No person ever died that had a family. I'll be around a long time. A thousand years from now a whole township of my offspring will be biting sour apples in the gumwood shade."
I loved the descriptions of sitting on the porch in the evenings, night games of kick-the-can and freeze, the trolley car's last route; and bottling up summer's memories in the dandelion wine.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 10:07 AM
6 comments:
Nymeth said...
Bradbury is definitely an author I need to be in the mood for. I love his writing, but I find it a little demanding, and if I'm not giving it my full attention it just goes over my head.I haven't read this one yet, but it sounds beautiful.
4/26/2008 1:47 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
Whoa baby, what a feat on cross-posting those challenges!I think time/setting/life situations make a big difference on how we enjoy a book. I'm certain that there are many I've enjoyed simply because of my attitude at the time. I haven't read much of Ray Bradbury except in high school (a prime example of attitude!), so I should rediscover this author.
4/26/2008 2:57 PM
Booklogged said...
I haven't read any of Bradbury. Must amend that. Loved the two quotes you shared.
4/26/2008 3:19 PM
Trish said...
Sometimes it's just timing. I know that I've reshelved some books to really enjoy them after revisiting them. I haven't read this one but I really enjoyed Fahrenheit 451. Thanks for the review!
4/27/2008 9:38 AM
Les said...
I read this back in the mid-'70s (I was in Junior High) and absolutely loved it. I tried to read it again a year or two ago and couldn't get interested. I still want to try again someday.
4/27/2008 7:25 PM
Terri B. said...
This is one of my all time favorite books along with Something Wicked This Way Comes. They are so very atmospheric. I've got his sequel to Dandelion Wine (Farewell Summer) on my book tower. I'm saving it for, of course, summer!
Challenges
Book Around the States - Illinois
What's in a Name - Dandelion (Plant)
Decades Challenge - 1940's
Another Bloomin' Challenge
Spring Reading Challenge
TBR Challenge
Young Adult Challenge
Wow, seven challenges in one. I'm exhausted, no, make that elated. I started this book once but couldn't get past the first chapter. Too many analogies, metaphors, and flights of fancy. But then, there were seven challenges, so I trudged back to it a month later. I don't know what my mood was the first time I picked the book up because I really enjoyed reading it this time. Douglas is twelve years old at the beginning of the summer of 1928. He has an incredible imagination which he gives free reign and creates many adventures, some real and some not so real. Bradbury has created a masterpiece of poignancy and nostalgia as he tells about Douglas, his family, friends and the other wonderful characters who inhabit Green Town, Illinois. There are so many great stories in this book, but I loved the one about Grandma's cooking and how Aunt Rose tries to get the kitchen organized and Grandma to keep recipes. Here's a few quote I marked:
Grandfather's rant when a boarder tries to plant grass that will never need to be mowed:
"Lilacs on a bush are better than orchids. And dandelions and devil grass are better! Why? Because they bend you over and turn you away from all the people and the town for a little while and sweat you and get you down where you remember you got a nose again. And when you're all to yourself that way, you're really yourself for a little; you get to thinking things through, alone."
Great-grandma on the night she dies from old-age.
"I'm not really dying today. No person ever died that had a family. I'll be around a long time. A thousand years from now a whole township of my offspring will be biting sour apples in the gumwood shade."
I loved the descriptions of sitting on the porch in the evenings, night games of kick-the-can and freeze, the trolley car's last route; and bottling up summer's memories in the dandelion wine.
Rating: 4.75
Posted by Framed at 10:07 AM
6 comments:
Nymeth said...
Bradbury is definitely an author I need to be in the mood for. I love his writing, but I find it a little demanding, and if I'm not giving it my full attention it just goes over my head.I haven't read this one yet, but it sounds beautiful.
4/26/2008 1:47 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
Whoa baby, what a feat on cross-posting those challenges!I think time/setting/life situations make a big difference on how we enjoy a book. I'm certain that there are many I've enjoyed simply because of my attitude at the time. I haven't read much of Ray Bradbury except in high school (a prime example of attitude!), so I should rediscover this author.
4/26/2008 2:57 PM
Booklogged said...
I haven't read any of Bradbury. Must amend that. Loved the two quotes you shared.
4/26/2008 3:19 PM
Trish said...
Sometimes it's just timing. I know that I've reshelved some books to really enjoy them after revisiting them. I haven't read this one but I really enjoyed Fahrenheit 451. Thanks for the review!
4/27/2008 9:38 AM
Les said...
I read this back in the mid-'70s (I was in Junior High) and absolutely loved it. I tried to read it again a year or two ago and couldn't get interested. I still want to try again someday.
4/27/2008 7:25 PM
Terri B. said...
This is one of my all time favorite books along with Something Wicked This Way Comes. They are so very atmospheric. I've got his sequel to Dandelion Wine (Farewell Summer) on my book tower. I'm saving it for, of course, summer!
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Friday, April 18, 2008
Challenges
Twisted Fairy Tales
Spring Reading Thing
Once Upon a Time
In Robin McKinley's take on the original fairy tale, Beauty is not very pretty. She is thin, awkward and undersized, with big hands and feet and consders herself to be very plain. In fact, she was named Honour at birth but requested the name, Beauty, when she was five; and the name stuck. This version tells how Beauty and her two beautiful sisters live with their rich father in a city until misfortune strikes and they are forced to move with one sister's fiance to a small town, living in a cottage next to a dark forest. Yes, the forest is enchanted; and eventually, the father encounters the Beast. At this point, the story follows pretty much the way I remembered it; just with more interesting characters and great details. I love how McKinley describes the enchantment in the castle; and the gradual feelings that grow in Beauty for the Beast. The author even throws humor into the mix, always a good thing. I found this book to be a great one for both challenges and recommend it highly. McKinley writes wonderfully with beautful descriptions and great characters.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:48 PM
11 comments:
Ana said...
I really liked this book too! :)I am reading next another one by her: Spindler's End, It seems it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty!
4/19/2008 2:50 AM
Rhinoa said...
I am so looking forward to reading this. I have a couple of books I want to read first, but it is pretty near the top of my list now. I hope to read more of McKinleys books after this one.
4/19/2008 8:11 AM
Nymeth said...
I enjoyed this one a lot. I'm glad you did too :)
4/19/2008 11:42 AM
Booklogged said...
Are you going to mooch this book? Sounds like a fun retelling.
4/19/2008 1:38 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
This one sounds like a lot of fun. I'll look into it. Did you go to the SLC library book sale this morning? Fun, fun!
4/19/2008 1:44 PM
Stephanie said...
I didn't have this one on my list to read for the Once Upon a Time Challenge....but I definitely need to read this one. I've already read a couple of really good reviews for it!!
4/19/2008 3:20 PM
Noel De Vries said...
Without a doubt one of my very favorite fairy tale renditions.
4/19/2008 7:36 PM
Cath said...
I'm reading this one for Carl's challenge too and am looking forward to it very much. I'm not a huge lover of retold fairy tales but Beauty and the Beast is one I do actually enjoy.
4/20/2008 3:42 AM
Carl V. said...
I've mentioned on other people's reviews of this book that this is definitely one I want to read. I think it sounds good every time I read someone's review of it.
4/20/2008 10:30 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I'm so glad you liked this book! It's one of my favs of all time.
4/20/2008 11:56 PM
Jeane said...
This was the first Robin McKinley book I ever read, and it remains my favorite of hers
Challenges
Twisted Fairy Tales
Spring Reading Thing
Once Upon a Time
In Robin McKinley's take on the original fairy tale, Beauty is not very pretty. She is thin, awkward and undersized, with big hands and feet and consders herself to be very plain. In fact, she was named Honour at birth but requested the name, Beauty, when she was five; and the name stuck. This version tells how Beauty and her two beautiful sisters live with their rich father in a city until misfortune strikes and they are forced to move with one sister's fiance to a small town, living in a cottage next to a dark forest. Yes, the forest is enchanted; and eventually, the father encounters the Beast. At this point, the story follows pretty much the way I remembered it; just with more interesting characters and great details. I love how McKinley describes the enchantment in the castle; and the gradual feelings that grow in Beauty for the Beast. The author even throws humor into the mix, always a good thing. I found this book to be a great one for both challenges and recommend it highly. McKinley writes wonderfully with beautful descriptions and great characters.
Rating: 4.5
Posted by Framed at 8:48 PM
11 comments:
Ana said...
I really liked this book too! :)I am reading next another one by her: Spindler's End, It seems it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty!
4/19/2008 2:50 AM
Rhinoa said...
I am so looking forward to reading this. I have a couple of books I want to read first, but it is pretty near the top of my list now. I hope to read more of McKinleys books after this one.
4/19/2008 8:11 AM
Nymeth said...
I enjoyed this one a lot. I'm glad you did too :)
4/19/2008 11:42 AM
Booklogged said...
Are you going to mooch this book? Sounds like a fun retelling.
4/19/2008 1:38 PM
Natasha @ Maw Books said...
This one sounds like a lot of fun. I'll look into it. Did you go to the SLC library book sale this morning? Fun, fun!
4/19/2008 1:44 PM
Stephanie said...
I didn't have this one on my list to read for the Once Upon a Time Challenge....but I definitely need to read this one. I've already read a couple of really good reviews for it!!
4/19/2008 3:20 PM
Noel De Vries said...
Without a doubt one of my very favorite fairy tale renditions.
4/19/2008 7:36 PM
Cath said...
I'm reading this one for Carl's challenge too and am looking forward to it very much. I'm not a huge lover of retold fairy tales but Beauty and the Beast is one I do actually enjoy.
4/20/2008 3:42 AM
Carl V. said...
I've mentioned on other people's reviews of this book that this is definitely one I want to read. I think it sounds good every time I read someone's review of it.
4/20/2008 10:30 AM
Tristi Pinkston said...
I'm so glad you liked this book! It's one of my favs of all time.
4/20/2008 11:56 PM
Jeane said...
This was the first Robin McKinley book I ever read, and it remains my favorite of hers
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