Monday, January 31, 2011
L #6- The Forgotten Garden
This book is written by Kate Morton. It's about a young girl who is deserted on a ship that is headed for Australia. All she has, in her possession, is a book of fairy tales. The dockmaster and his wife take her in and raise her. They fill her in on how she became theirs when she turns 21. She sets off to find the truth of her identity.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Finished 5- Never Let Me Go
Wow. I honestly don't know what to say. I just finished this book not 2 minutes ago. And I am just blown away. The book is powerful, incredibly so. The story is, at times, heartwarming, but through it all is the undercurrent of devastation. I don't even know how to describe how it made me feel. So many emotions.
There are many "mysteries" throughout this book. Ishiguro leaves you speculating from the very first page, by using terms that don't get defined until much later in the book. And once you feel as though you've figured one out, there's another piece that doesn't quite fit. Without giving away some of the mysteries, I'll say that this book gives you many things to think about. It leaves you questioning whether advances in society are worth it or not.
One thing I found odd was that the characters were not really developed. And the strange thing about that is it somehow isn't a criticism of this book. It worked with the story. I'm not sure how Ishiguro managed to do that. The story is also completely fragmented. Narrated from the memory of Kathy H., it is almost as if you are having a conversation with Kathy. She will start talking about one portion of her life, which reminds her of another time 5 years earlier. And even with all this jumping around, it is still very easy to follow. In fact, I often forgot she had switched gears so completely. I think that's the mark of a great writer. Again, I'm not sure how he pulled that off. But it really worked with the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book. But it is not a light read at all. The message of this book will haunt me for awhile.
There were 288 pages.
There are many "mysteries" throughout this book. Ishiguro leaves you speculating from the very first page, by using terms that don't get defined until much later in the book. And once you feel as though you've figured one out, there's another piece that doesn't quite fit. Without giving away some of the mysteries, I'll say that this book gives you many things to think about. It leaves you questioning whether advances in society are worth it or not.
One thing I found odd was that the characters were not really developed. And the strange thing about that is it somehow isn't a criticism of this book. It worked with the story. I'm not sure how Ishiguro managed to do that. The story is also completely fragmented. Narrated from the memory of Kathy H., it is almost as if you are having a conversation with Kathy. She will start talking about one portion of her life, which reminds her of another time 5 years earlier. And even with all this jumping around, it is still very easy to follow. In fact, I often forgot she had switched gears so completely. I think that's the mark of a great writer. Again, I'm not sure how he pulled that off. But it really worked with the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book. But it is not a light read at all. The message of this book will haunt me for awhile.
There were 288 pages.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
L #5- Never Let Me Go
I am very excited to start this book by Kazuo Ishiguro. I have heard so many great things about it. And, it's being made into a movie. I'm sure the movie will disappoint me (as so many cinematic interpretations do), but I love reading books prior to seeing the movie.
This book is about 3 friends who live at a boarding school in the English countryside. Years later, they reenter each others lives and look back on their past.
This book is about 3 friends who live at a boarding school in the English countryside. Years later, they reenter each others lives and look back on their past.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Finished #4
Finally done with my 4th book. Even though these books are part of a series, they are written in a way that they can be read individually. This one was an easy read, as usual, but was a bit heavy on the psychic aspects. I do wonder, though, how it's possible that in every one of these stories a VERY-rare-strong-psychic meets, and falls in love with, another very-rare-strong-psychic. Seems like way too many coincidences. Even so, I like the fun aspect of these books. It's a temporary break from reality, in every sense of the word. There were 403 pages in this book.
Monday, January 24, 2011
M #6 - Princep's Fury
I am starting my 6th book. It is book 5 in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher, Princep's Fury. Can't wait!!!
M #5 - Captain's Fury
So I started and finished my fifth book in two days. I couldn't put it down. Thus far Captain's Fury has been my favorite book in the series. The main character, Tavi, finally learns who he is and starts to come into his furycrafting. The action and plot twists in this book are amazing and make for a very fast read. This book is also an obvious pivot point for the series and begins to set the stage for the story's conclusion in the next two books.
Normally I would write a bit more substantial review but I am eager to begin book 5 in the series!
Normally I would write a bit more substantial review but I am eager to begin book 5 in the series!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I have a small obsession
Obsession, addiction, fixation, whatever you want to call it. That's me. I can't stop buying books. I have spent countless hours wandering bookstores, searching for the all elusive perfect book. I can't stop.
I love books.
I love the joy of finding a book that fits me. I love bringing it home, opening it for the first time, being drawn into the story, and exiting real life for a brief moment in time.
Suspended reality.
That's what reading is. For a moment you can be someone else, in another place and time entirely. Your job, your worries, your stress. They're gone. All that matters is the world you are absorbed in. A world that is drawn in your head simply by reading words on a page. It's marvelous, really, when you think about the imagination that goes into reading. It isn't just seeing the words; it's giving them meaning.
The characters, the worlds, the plots, they stay with you. They become a part of who you are. Years later, you might be reminded of something you once read in a book. And it will bring a smile to your face.
Reading is rewarding. Yes, I'm like a PSA for reading. But the whole point of that was just so that I could adequately describe my love of reading. And my addiction. The books collect in our house. On shelves, tables, dressers. One of my favorite parts of reading is passing a great book along. I don't keep them after I'm done, unless they are exceptional. The ones that will forever stay in my possession are Jane Austen and Harry Potter.
So here is proof of my latest spending spree. My pile of worlds yet to be indulged in.
Comparatively, here is Matt's pile. He has yet to convince me to give up the traditional book in favor of a Nook ;)
I love books.
I love the joy of finding a book that fits me. I love bringing it home, opening it for the first time, being drawn into the story, and exiting real life for a brief moment in time.
Suspended reality.
That's what reading is. For a moment you can be someone else, in another place and time entirely. Your job, your worries, your stress. They're gone. All that matters is the world you are absorbed in. A world that is drawn in your head simply by reading words on a page. It's marvelous, really, when you think about the imagination that goes into reading. It isn't just seeing the words; it's giving them meaning.
The characters, the worlds, the plots, they stay with you. They become a part of who you are. Years later, you might be reminded of something you once read in a book. And it will bring a smile to your face.
Reading is rewarding. Yes, I'm like a PSA for reading. But the whole point of that was just so that I could adequately describe my love of reading. And my addiction. The books collect in our house. On shelves, tables, dressers. One of my favorite parts of reading is passing a great book along. I don't keep them after I'm done, unless they are exceptional. The ones that will forever stay in my possession are Jane Austen and Harry Potter.
So here is proof of my latest spending spree. My pile of worlds yet to be indulged in.
Comparatively, here is Matt's pile. He has yet to convince me to give up the traditional book in favor of a Nook ;)
Finished M#4!!
Four books down and still on track!
After finishing the third book in this series, I can say with certainty that I am completely hooked. The story keeps getting better and better. It's been a long time since I found my self so attached and invested in characters the way that I am in these books.
In book three, one of the villains, Lord Kalare, seeking to over throw the First Lord and claim Alea's crown makes an overt attempt at civil war. Our young hero Tavi is sent to join a newly formed military legion that should not see any battle. Here the story takes an exciting turn and a plot twist is revealed. Kalare has formed an alliance with the race of Canim (sworn enemies of Alera and brutal foes). Unbeknownst to Kalare, the Canim are plotting to betray their alliance and claim Alera for themselves. They show up with 60k warriors and begin their invasion.....where else than......the port that Tavi's legion has been sent to train. Battle ensues and young Tavi finds himself as Captain of the legion. Still struggling with his lack of furycrafting, Tavi uses wit and courage and manages the impossible....he thrawts the invasion attempt and once again delays the collapse of the kingdom.
In the closing pages of the book the author finally confirms what the reader has been suspecting...Tavi's true identity. He is none other than Gaius Octavian, son of the First Lord's murdered child Septimus, grandson to the First Lord himself, and rightful heir to the crown!
I cannot wait to begin the next entry in the series.....
After finishing the third book in this series, I can say with certainty that I am completely hooked. The story keeps getting better and better. It's been a long time since I found my self so attached and invested in characters the way that I am in these books.
In book three, one of the villains, Lord Kalare, seeking to over throw the First Lord and claim Alea's crown makes an overt attempt at civil war. Our young hero Tavi is sent to join a newly formed military legion that should not see any battle. Here the story takes an exciting turn and a plot twist is revealed. Kalare has formed an alliance with the race of Canim (sworn enemies of Alera and brutal foes). Unbeknownst to Kalare, the Canim are plotting to betray their alliance and claim Alera for themselves. They show up with 60k warriors and begin their invasion.....where else than......the port that Tavi's legion has been sent to train. Battle ensues and young Tavi finds himself as Captain of the legion. Still struggling with his lack of furycrafting, Tavi uses wit and courage and manages the impossible....he thrawts the invasion attempt and once again delays the collapse of the kingdom.
In the closing pages of the book the author finally confirms what the reader has been suspecting...Tavi's true identity. He is none other than Gaius Octavian, son of the First Lord's murdered child Septimus, grandson to the First Lord himself, and rightful heir to the crown!
I cannot wait to begin the next entry in the series.....
Saturday, January 22, 2011
L #4- Fired Up
Take two on book 4, Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz. Apparently sticking to my regular recipe of murder/suspense/romance is the way to go. I'm disappointed that my book choices have been stunted by personal history. But nonetheless, I still enjoy reading anything, even if it's not what I intended to read. So, this is book 7 in the Arcane Society novels. I have only read a few of this series (she does some that take place in the past and future, as well. And I don't personally enjoy the past or future books from her). I enjoy these books as guilty pleasures, or maybe not so guilty since they'll be taking up much of my time now.
Disappointed
Well, we are barely into the year and I have to admit defeat for the first time. Book 4 wasn't for me. The plot sounded great, the writing was very engaging, and I was drawn into the story almost immediately. I made it 200 pages in before I realized that I couldn't finish this book. The suicidal tendencies of one of the main characters didn't become a focus of the book until that point. And since part of it was written from her point of view, including her feelings when she failed to accomplish suicide, it was too much for me to personally bear. I'm saddened to say that I did not finish book 4.
Monday, January 17, 2011
M#4 - Cursors Fury
I am starting the 3rd book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Cursors Fury. I'm VERY excited about the rest of this series, and am thoroughly enjoying the author's work!
Finished #3!
3 down, 49 to go!
I finished book 2, Academ's Fury, of the Codex Alera series. After 2 books, this series keeps getting better. In this book, new character's and intrigues are introduced that continue the plot lines started in the first book. This book starts 2 years after the events in the first book. The main character, Tavi, is a second year student at the Academy, as the patron of the First Lord. In this book, we learn a lot more about Tavi and how his intellect and bravery more than make up for the fact that he has no ability to furycraft. Once again Tavi is at the core of a plot to overthrow the First Lord, and he has to foil the realm's enemies to keep their kingdom from crumbling into civil war.
Additionally, the author continues a sub plot from the first book, involving the Vord. A mysterious race of parasitic beings that can destroy civilizations. Our heroes foil the plans to overthrow the First Lord.....for now. On to book 3, in the series!
I finished book 2, Academ's Fury, of the Codex Alera series. After 2 books, this series keeps getting better. In this book, new character's and intrigues are introduced that continue the plot lines started in the first book. This book starts 2 years after the events in the first book. The main character, Tavi, is a second year student at the Academy, as the patron of the First Lord. In this book, we learn a lot more about Tavi and how his intellect and bravery more than make up for the fact that he has no ability to furycraft. Once again Tavi is at the core of a plot to overthrow the First Lord, and he has to foil the realm's enemies to keep their kingdom from crumbling into civil war.
Additionally, the author continues a sub plot from the first book, involving the Vord. A mysterious race of parasitic beings that can destroy civilizations. Our heroes foil the plans to overthrow the First Lord.....for now. On to book 3, in the series!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
L #4- Goodnight, Beautiful
Goodnight, Beautiful, written by Dorothy Koomson is about a couple who desperately wants a child of their own. They ask the husband's friend to be their surrogate. But the wife, upon fearing her husband is attracted to the surrogate, cancels the arrangement. The surrogate then raises the child.
I found this book while walking through Target the other day. I am sometimes drawn to certain book covers and this one seemed appealing.
I found this book while walking through Target the other day. I am sometimes drawn to certain book covers and this one seemed appealing.
Finished #3
Shanghai Girls was wonderfully written. It's the kind of story that doesn't feel fictional at all. Its real-life catastrophes are so evocative because they could easily be true. In fact, they likely were true for someone who lived during the same time period. Lisa See easily takes the reader into the lives of the 2 sisters. Their struggles and their triumphs are displayed very realistically. Their journey from Shanghai to America is troublesome and devastating. But, above all, the story is about staying strong in times of adversity and holding true to who you are.
My only complaint was that the book was intense. I would normally love a story like this one, but I found the subject matter a little difficult to deal with at times. 309 pages were in this book.
My only complaint was that the book was intense. I would normally love a story like this one, but I found the subject matter a little difficult to deal with at times. 309 pages were in this book.
Monday, January 10, 2011
M#3 - Academ's Fury
Starting book 2 in the Codex Alera series. Let's see if it is as good as the first!
Finished #2!
2 down, 50 to go!
I finished book one of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Furies of Calderon. It was great and has made me very excited to continue the series. The series is comprised of 6 books. I have no idea what the future story lines will but the author does a great job introducing future potential plot lines in this book.
Book one sets the stage for an epic fantasy story (my favorite kind, by the way). It has all the elements you expect from the genre: sweeping story lines, intrigue, betrayal, romance and epic battles. The author also introduces a new spin with the magic system used in the world he created. Magic is called "fury crafting". Every person is born with the ability to control a fury, some stronger and more adeptly than others. Some can even control more than one. Every "fury" is tied to an element, earth, water, wind, fire, etc. The fury is summoned and does the summoner's bidding. Very similar to the daemons from The Golden Compass books, except not always in a physical form. Anyway, it's a nice spin on a genre that sometimes struggles to be original.
The storyline in the first book is solid, as is the authors portrayal of the characters. The main character, Tavi, is a boy without the ability to control a fury. This weakness is overcome by his intellect and bravery. The author also does a great job getting you emotionally invested in the characters....especially the way he writes some of the villains. My only complaint with the first book is the lack of history the author provides. He does a great job portraying the current state of things but leaves you wondering how they got there. We'll see if more unfolds in the future books in the series.
Off to start #3!
I finished book one of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Furies of Calderon. It was great and has made me very excited to continue the series. The series is comprised of 6 books. I have no idea what the future story lines will but the author does a great job introducing future potential plot lines in this book.
Book one sets the stage for an epic fantasy story (my favorite kind, by the way). It has all the elements you expect from the genre: sweeping story lines, intrigue, betrayal, romance and epic battles. The author also introduces a new spin with the magic system used in the world he created. Magic is called "fury crafting". Every person is born with the ability to control a fury, some stronger and more adeptly than others. Some can even control more than one. Every "fury" is tied to an element, earth, water, wind, fire, etc. The fury is summoned and does the summoner's bidding. Very similar to the daemons from The Golden Compass books, except not always in a physical form. Anyway, it's a nice spin on a genre that sometimes struggles to be original.
The storyline in the first book is solid, as is the authors portrayal of the characters. The main character, Tavi, is a boy without the ability to control a fury. This weakness is overcome by his intellect and bravery. The author also does a great job getting you emotionally invested in the characters....especially the way he writes some of the villains. My only complaint with the first book is the lack of history the author provides. He does a great job portraying the current state of things but leaves you wondering how they got there. We'll see if more unfolds in the future books in the series.
Off to start #3!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
L #3- Shanghai Girls
Since my book order hasn't come in yet, I decided to browse the book section in Costco tonight. I've had Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan on my list for a few months now. Didn't come across the Lisa See book I was looking for, but instead found Shanghai Girls. This book sounds very intriguing and I'm excited to get started on it.
2 sisters from Shanghai are sent to marry men from Los Angeles. But the situation is not exactly what they expected. Can't wait to let you know what I think!
2 sisters from Shanghai are sent to marry men from Los Angeles. But the situation is not exactly what they expected. Can't wait to let you know what I think!
Finished book 2
I knew I'd like this book almost immediately. It did not disappoint. It wasn't a very "intelligent" read, but that's exactly what I needed right now. Tons of suspense and a dash of romance. The perfect recipe for imaginative escape. With 369 pages, it was a very quick read.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
M#2 - Furies of Calderon
I decided to try a new fantasy author that I've heard things about so I picked up (and by picked up I mean downloaded to the best reading device ever) the first book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series. I'm excited to give a new author a try and will let you know how it goes! Off to read....
Finished book 1...
51 to go!
I finished Mockingjay and the Hunger Games trilogy. After finishing the third book I have a better understanding of everyone's complaints about the story's conclusion. With about 50 pages left it's almost as if the author just decided she was bored and ready to move on. She wraps everything up as brusquely as possible. You are left trying to figure out how an entire war can be ended and a plot twist revealed in the course of a character taking a nap. This book had so much potential and is a let down compared to to others.
On to #2!
I finished Mockingjay and the Hunger Games trilogy. After finishing the third book I have a better understanding of everyone's complaints about the story's conclusion. With about 50 pages left it's almost as if the author just decided she was bored and ready to move on. She wraps everything up as brusquely as possible. You are left trying to figure out how an entire war can be ended and a plot twist revealed in the course of a character taking a nap. This book had so much potential and is a let down compared to to others.
On to #2!
Monday, January 3, 2011
M #1 - Mockingjay and the Hunger Games
After hearing for months how I needed to read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I finally decided to give them a try. I downloaded the first book to my Nook by Barnes & Noble (shameless plug over) and was immediately drawn into the world that the author had created. I read the first two books in the series in consecutive days....alas they were before the turn of the year so my beautiful bride won't let me count the whole series toward my goal!
I'm almost done with the third and final book in the trilogy, Mockingjay, so I will reserve judgement on how she wraps up the storyline until I finish. I read a lot of reviews of people saying that the third book was the weakest. Again, I haven't finished, but so far I disagree. It's not weaker than the first two books in the series, but it is heavier in a sense. You can tell that the author is trying to make her most profound moral statements in this book so there is less focus on it being an edge of your seat thriller when compared to the other books in the series.
My biggest complaint about the series isn't that it's not a good read.....it's that it could have been so much more. It could have been truly epic. The world that the author creates, Panem, has so much potential. There is so much opportunity to really bring these characters to life. It's not that the books lack character development, but it's really relegated to the main trio. It is a shame because Collins introduces side characters that have truly interesting stories that could have added to the overall experience. Oh well, I digress. Thank you JRR Tolkien for setting the bar so high that I look for every good book to be great.
I'll let you know how I feel about the conclusion of the series when I finish.....until then!
I'm almost done with the third and final book in the trilogy, Mockingjay, so I will reserve judgement on how she wraps up the storyline until I finish. I read a lot of reviews of people saying that the third book was the weakest. Again, I haven't finished, but so far I disagree. It's not weaker than the first two books in the series, but it is heavier in a sense. You can tell that the author is trying to make her most profound moral statements in this book so there is less focus on it being an edge of your seat thriller when compared to the other books in the series.
My biggest complaint about the series isn't that it's not a good read.....it's that it could have been so much more. It could have been truly epic. The world that the author creates, Panem, has so much potential. There is so much opportunity to really bring these characters to life. It's not that the books lack character development, but it's really relegated to the main trio. It is a shame because Collins introduces side characters that have truly interesting stories that could have added to the overall experience. Oh well, I digress. Thank you JRR Tolkien for setting the bar so high that I look for every good book to be great.
I'll let you know how I feel about the conclusion of the series when I finish.....until then!
L #2- Pursuit
I might as well admit this early into the year. I like romance mysteries. That love at first sight stuff? Yes, it really tugs at my heartstrings. I like to believe it exists. But the regular romance novels are overly predictable to me. And so enters the mystery/thriller. I get a kick out of wondering if I solved the crime correctly. I take pride in deducing the answer before it's spelled out for me.
So, Pursuit by Karen Robards seems right up my alley. I have never read a Robards book before. But the synopsis seems to fit my personality. A woman lawyer is in a car crash which kills the First Lady. There are no other witnesses and curiously, the lawyer can't remember what happened. Enter secret service agent, and likely romantic interest.
I think this one will be a quick read!
So, Pursuit by Karen Robards seems right up my alley. I have never read a Robards book before. But the synopsis seems to fit my personality. A woman lawyer is in a car crash which kills the First Lady. There are no other witnesses and curiously, the lawyer can't remember what happened. Enter secret service agent, and likely romantic interest.
I think this one will be a quick read!
Finished book 1
Thankfully!
Turns out nothing happens in this book. The "intrigue", as referenced in the synopsis, just never enters the picture. In fact, the plot doesn't even become interesting until there are only 50 pages left in the book. With a total of 385 pages, 50 pages of minimal interest is not worth reading. The ending is a blend of coincidences that are way too astonishing to actually believe, and it feels forced and rushed. I should have realized when I first opened the book that I wouldn't enjoy it. I adhere to the belief that a good book grabs you immediately. It sucks you in with the first few pages. And the exceptional books manage to suck you in with only the first few sentences. By page 30, I realized this one was a bust. But I am not a fan of quitting books unless they are truly terrible. So, book 1 is done. And now onto something else.
Starting off the year this way was not what I anticipated with this challenge. However, hopefully there is nowhere to go but up!
Turns out nothing happens in this book. The "intrigue", as referenced in the synopsis, just never enters the picture. In fact, the plot doesn't even become interesting until there are only 50 pages left in the book. With a total of 385 pages, 50 pages of minimal interest is not worth reading. The ending is a blend of coincidences that are way too astonishing to actually believe, and it feels forced and rushed. I should have realized when I first opened the book that I wouldn't enjoy it. I adhere to the belief that a good book grabs you immediately. It sucks you in with the first few pages. And the exceptional books manage to suck you in with only the first few sentences. By page 30, I realized this one was a bust. But I am not a fan of quitting books unless they are truly terrible. So, book 1 is done. And now onto something else.
Starting off the year this way was not what I anticipated with this challenge. However, hopefully there is nowhere to go but up!
L #1 -Playing the Game
I started Playing the Game by Barbara Taylor Bradford yesterday. This was an impulse buy. We had actually spent an hour in Barnes and Noble looking for books on our wish lists. I realized that many books were actually cheaper online. So while I wait for my online order to come (and thanks to free shipping for being a member!), I figured this would be a great way to pass the time.
I have only read one book by BTB before. And it was moderately good, though a bit wordy. This one is proving to be just as wordy. But I will save my review for another post.
I have only read one book by BTB before. And it was moderately good, though a bit wordy. This one is proving to be just as wordy. But I will save my review for another post.
Well, really 104
Matt and I have decided that instead of a traditional New Year's resolution, we will instead challenge our minds. Reading is a passion we both love. And sadly, it's taken a backseat to all the other minutia in daily life. This year, we are aiming to rectify that.
This blog is intended to help us keep track of our books, as well as to remember what we loved and despised.
We will both post when we start and/or finish a book. Between the 2 of us, there will be 104 books read (roughly, perhaps we will read some of the same books!)
This blog is intended to help us keep track of our books, as well as to remember what we loved and despised.
We will both post when we start and/or finish a book. Between the 2 of us, there will be 104 books read (roughly, perhaps we will read some of the same books!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)