Chick lit it may be, but it is a sweet touching story, and a nice read.
Although I am not usually a reader of the "Chick Lit" genre, with all the attention this book was getting, both in book discussions, and the movie, I had to check it out.
While somewhat predictable in it's "pull on your heartstrings" story, Ahern was able to inject some good laughs as well. Following Holly in her grief process, we are reminded of the many people in our lives we depend on without realizing, and also, the many types of love that touch our lives.
I have not seen the movie, so I cannot comment on how closely it relates to the book, but should I see the movie, I will amend this post.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Children's Hospital paperback sale, Feb 7-9/08
Heads up to all Winnipegers looking for great deals on books!
Children's Hospital Book Market-Paperback
• Location:
• Date: Feb. 7-9, 2008 during Regular Mall Hours
The Children’s Hospital Book Market, sponsored by Dufresne Furniture and Appliances, will hold their ever-popular Paperback Sale from February 7-9, 2008 at St. Vital Centre. Visit the mall during regular hours to find fabulous books at great prices.
Bargain hunters and avid readers will be able to peruse through thousands of books in categories including biographies, fiction, mystery, romance, war, and science fiction. Don’t miss our huge selection of children’s books and comics including titles in French!
Each sale supports the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and allows us to fund pediatric research, equipment and kids programs at Children’s Hospital and the Manitoba Institute of Child Health.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I Am Legend - Richard Matheson
Having seen the movie first, (and having enjoyed it thoroughly), I expected to be dazzled by the book. After all, the book is usually much better.
First, let it be said the two were vastly different from one another. I was surprised to find I quite preferred the movie version over the book. The movie version had more action, and the hero, well, just seemed more heroic. Without divulging too much of what happens, in either the movie, or the book, I can only say, that of the two, the movie had a more realistic slant.
The second half of the book is short horror stories, and truth be told, I'm usually not a fan of horror films, or books, and prefer novels to short stories. Perhaps a true fan of the horror genre would appreciate this book more.
Matheson also authored another book that was made into a movie some time ago. It was in my opinion, a wonderful (if somewhat dark, twisted) movie. I ordered that book at the same time I ordered "I Am Legend", so a review of that book will follow.
Despite finding the book version of "I Am Legend" somewhat disappointing, I would still consider reading Matheson's work, and certainly seeing movies based on his work.
First, let it be said the two were vastly different from one another. I was surprised to find I quite preferred the movie version over the book. The movie version had more action, and the hero, well, just seemed more heroic. Without divulging too much of what happens, in either the movie, or the book, I can only say, that of the two, the movie had a more realistic slant.
The second half of the book is short horror stories, and truth be told, I'm usually not a fan of horror films, or books, and prefer novels to short stories. Perhaps a true fan of the horror genre would appreciate this book more.
Matheson also authored another book that was made into a movie some time ago. It was in my opinion, a wonderful (if somewhat dark, twisted) movie. I ordered that book at the same time I ordered "I Am Legend", so a review of that book will follow.
Despite finding the book version of "I Am Legend" somewhat disappointing, I would still consider reading Matheson's work, and certainly seeing movies based on his work.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Originally released in 1961, this book has rightfully earned it's spot in the category of modern classics.
Set in the time of the depression, and rampant racism, this book shows how any segment of society, contains both the best, and the worst, of what the human race has to give. We watch the story of a town, caught in the midst of a race fueled trial, unfold through the eyes of a young tom-boy. In the beginning, she does not understand the dynamics of the events surrounding her, her family, and her town. While her aunt tries to guide her into becoming a young "lady", her real understanding of what is proper, comes from the events set in motion by this trial.
This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group under the theme, Perennieal Modern Classics.
Set in the time of the depression, and rampant racism, this book shows how any segment of society, contains both the best, and the worst, of what the human race has to give. We watch the story of a town, caught in the midst of a race fueled trial, unfold through the eyes of a young tom-boy. In the beginning, she does not understand the dynamics of the events surrounding her, her family, and her town. While her aunt tries to guide her into becoming a young "lady", her real understanding of what is proper, comes from the events set in motion by this trial.
This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group under the theme, Perennieal Modern Classics.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
A good thought provoking book.
Schlink weaves us a story, with elements of love, loss, secrecy, and coming of age. Tightly packed with moral dilemmas, this book makes you think. How far are you willing to go, to protect your own secrets? How do we judge people in certain situations, only assuming we know all the facts? When is it our responsibility to step in, when someone has chosen a self destructive path?
This book, is relatively short - only 218 pages - but packs a lot of punch in that short time.
Schlink weaves us a story, with elements of love, loss, secrecy, and coming of age. Tightly packed with moral dilemmas, this book makes you think. How far are you willing to go, to protect your own secrets? How do we judge people in certain situations, only assuming we know all the facts? When is it our responsibility to step in, when someone has chosen a self destructive path?
This book, is relatively short - only 218 pages - but packs a lot of punch in that short time.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Lullabies for Little Criminals - Heather O'Neill
Sad and touching. A very well written book about life on the streets, poverty and the loss of innocence.
The most unfortunate aspect of this book, is it's absolute reality. O'Neill writes from the heart, about childhood damaged, almost before it starts. Even as we watch Baby's innocence slip away, O'Neill forces us to remember her as the child she is. Somehow, she manages to hang on to a tiny thread of her innocence, and we cheer for her to pull herself back from the edge using it. It is easy to understand how Jules and Baby end up on the path they are on, but it is no less sad, and we cheer no less for them.
The most unfortunate aspect of this book, is it's absolute reality. O'Neill writes from the heart, about childhood damaged, almost before it starts. Even as we watch Baby's innocence slip away, O'Neill forces us to remember her as the child she is. Somehow, she manages to hang on to a tiny thread of her innocence, and we cheer for her to pull herself back from the edge using it. It is easy to understand how Jules and Baby end up on the path they are on, but it is no less sad, and we cheer no less for them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Invisible Armies - Jon Evans
A high action page turner.
This book draws you in early, and keeps you hooked till the end. Filled with international intrigue, Evans entertains us using everything from high tech drama, to low tech combat, all the while, posing questions about social and ethical issues in the world today. All of these aspects are carefully and seamlessly woven together, to produce a novel well worth reading.
Although I am a believer that the book is always better, this is one book I think could make a wonderful action-thriller movie, if carefully adapted and well casted, sure to be a winner at the box office.
This book draws you in early, and keeps you hooked till the end. Filled with international intrigue, Evans entertains us using everything from high tech drama, to low tech combat, all the while, posing questions about social and ethical issues in the world today. All of these aspects are carefully and seamlessly woven together, to produce a novel well worth reading.
Although I am a believer that the book is always better, this is one book I think could make a wonderful action-thriller movie, if carefully adapted and well casted, sure to be a winner at the box office.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison
A great book for fantasy lovers, by Kim Harrison.
First in "The Hollows" series. It introduces us to Rachel Morgan, and her friends Jenks and Ivy. Exciting and written with a vivid imagination, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy novels. In fact, this is the second book of this series I have read (out of order, obviously), and would recommend the series.
First in "The Hollows" series. It introduces us to Rachel Morgan, and her friends Jenks and Ivy. Exciting and written with a vivid imagination, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy novels. In fact, this is the second book of this series I have read (out of order, obviously), and would recommend the series.
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