This novel follows the story of Ruthie, and her sister Lucille. Through several tragedies, they find themselves orphaned and put in the care of , first two great aunts - unsuited for raising two young girls, and then their aunt Sylvie, a drifter.
Life for the young girls is difficult living with their eccentric aunt, amid the mountains, and soon the sisters who were once so close, drift apart. Lucille leaves, looking for and finding social acceptance, and Ruth is now alone with Sylvie, drifting further from the socially accepted norm. She comes to be close to, and depend on Sylvie, as in her own way, Sylvie depends on her.
While not the most memorable novel I have read, it is a good book.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides
Winner of the Pulitzer prize for fiction in 2003.
This novel spans several generations of Greek immigrants, as they lead up to the life events of "Cal/Callie" a hermaphrodite that is undiagnosed until his/her teens. Raised as a female, we see life through her socially awkward eyes. We feel for her, in her inability to fit in, and the crushing blows and life altering events that are visited upon her in her teens. We come to like Callie, and we come to accept Cal.
This novel is not dry, although it's subject matter is serious. Eugenides takes us on a long journey, but entertains us the whole way.
This novel spans several generations of Greek immigrants, as they lead up to the life events of "Cal/Callie" a hermaphrodite that is undiagnosed until his/her teens. Raised as a female, we see life through her socially awkward eyes. We feel for her, in her inability to fit in, and the crushing blows and life altering events that are visited upon her in her teens. We come to like Callie, and we come to accept Cal.
This novel is not dry, although it's subject matter is serious. Eugenides takes us on a long journey, but entertains us the whole way.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
One of the best books I have ever read!
It is no wonder that this book won many titles; the Giller Prize in 1995, the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book in 1996, The Los Angeles Book Award for fiction in 1996, among others, as well as being shortlisted for several other highly regarded awards, such as the Booker Prize.
Mistry is a master storyteller.
A Fine Balance, is a touching, beautiful, and yet sad tale. Intricately woven, and multi-dimensional this book will stay with you. Set in India, during a time political upheaval, corruption, and crushing poverty, four lives intermingle with each other. Though their initial meeting have them suspicious of each other, as they each face crises they come to depend on and bond with each other, in a deep and beautiful way. This books presents the best and the worst of what the human race has to offer.
It is hard to put into words my feelings on this book without saying too much for someone who has not yet read this book, but will read it. I can only say, as cliche as it is, this is a must read!
It is no wonder that this book won many titles; the Giller Prize in 1995, the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book in 1996, The Los Angeles Book Award for fiction in 1996, among others, as well as being shortlisted for several other highly regarded awards, such as the Booker Prize.
Mistry is a master storyteller.
A Fine Balance, is a touching, beautiful, and yet sad tale. Intricately woven, and multi-dimensional this book will stay with you. Set in India, during a time political upheaval, corruption, and crushing poverty, four lives intermingle with each other. Though their initial meeting have them suspicious of each other, as they each face crises they come to depend on and bond with each other, in a deep and beautiful way. This books presents the best and the worst of what the human race has to offer.
It is hard to put into words my feelings on this book without saying too much for someone who has not yet read this book, but will read it. I can only say, as cliche as it is, this is a must read!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Of Mice and Men - Jon Steinbeck
This of course, is a long time classic. A very short, but very good book.
I am convinced that the classics should be read as adults, and not as teenagers. In my youth, I would have not really appreciated this story in the proper way.
There is little for me to say about the story-line in this book. Even if like me, you haven't read it before, you have heard enough about it to know the basics. Even knowing that, it still brought tears to my eyes as I read the last pages.
This book does find itself on the lists of banned and challenged books. While there are racist terms, there is no racist message to the book. While there is violence, it is not overly graphic and does not promote a message of violence. Once again, this is a result of zealots who refuse to examine the work, in it's entirety, in the context of the time and place in which it is set, or was written. I think society would be better served to just ban the zealots instead!
I am convinced that the classics should be read as adults, and not as teenagers. In my youth, I would have not really appreciated this story in the proper way.
There is little for me to say about the story-line in this book. Even if like me, you haven't read it before, you have heard enough about it to know the basics. Even knowing that, it still brought tears to my eyes as I read the last pages.
This book does find itself on the lists of banned and challenged books. While there are racist terms, there is no racist message to the book. While there is violence, it is not overly graphic and does not promote a message of violence. Once again, this is a result of zealots who refuse to examine the work, in it's entirety, in the context of the time and place in which it is set, or was written. I think society would be better served to just ban the zealots instead!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
An excellent book
A sad but true story of a young man who embarks on an adventure, into the wilds of Alaska, only to die alone.
Krakauer does a superb job of telling Chris McCandless' story. Not only are his narratives artful and vivid, but his research of McClandless is so complete, you feel not only that Krakauer knew him, but you did as well. Krakauer is himself an adventurer, and his own experiences add to the overall feeling of the book, as well as add some insights that could only come from another who has truly experienced similar adventures.
I have not yet seen the movie, but fully intend to, I will amend this review at that time.
A sad but true story of a young man who embarks on an adventure, into the wilds of Alaska, only to die alone.
Krakauer does a superb job of telling Chris McCandless' story. Not only are his narratives artful and vivid, but his research of McClandless is so complete, you feel not only that Krakauer knew him, but you did as well. Krakauer is himself an adventurer, and his own experiences add to the overall feeling of the book, as well as add some insights that could only come from another who has truly experienced similar adventures.
I have not yet seen the movie, but fully intend to, I will amend this review at that time.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
We Are Now Beginning Our Descent (Advanced Reading Copy) - James Meeks
A good read.
This book follows Adam Kellas - a London based war reporter- as he explores not only the war torn regions of Afghanistan, but the war torn regions of the human condition as well.
Meeks characters are very well developed and believable, and we come to know them in a multi-faceted manor. Most are likable, but none are perfect.
Ironically, Kellas is writing a novel about terrorists, when terrorist action prompts a war. While in Afghanistan covering that war, he meets another reporter, Astrid. Suddenly separated, Kellas spends a year thinking about this woman. One day, while already emotionally volatile, he recieves a sudden email asking him to go to her. While his life seems to be falling apart around him, he finds himself questioning much of what he believed about not only her, but himself as well.
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
This book follows Adam Kellas - a London based war reporter- as he explores not only the war torn regions of Afghanistan, but the war torn regions of the human condition as well.
Meeks characters are very well developed and believable, and we come to know them in a multi-faceted manor. Most are likable, but none are perfect.
Ironically, Kellas is writing a novel about terrorists, when terrorist action prompts a war. While in Afghanistan covering that war, he meets another reporter, Astrid. Suddenly separated, Kellas spends a year thinking about this woman. One day, while already emotionally volatile, he recieves a sudden email asking him to go to her. While his life seems to be falling apart around him, he finds himself questioning much of what he believed about not only her, but himself as well.
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes
A great book that has withstood the test of time.
Originally copyrighted in 1959, this book is still available for purchase brand new. The story is as viable today, as it was in 1959, and still as meaningful. Warm, thoughtful and touching, Keyes deserved the accolades and awards given for this book, including the Hugo Award in 1960, and the Nebula Award in 1966.
The story went on to be adapted for stage, T.V., and movie (incidentally winning the lead actor Cliff Robertson an Oscar Award).
The story follows Charlie, a mentally impaired person in his quest to become "smart". He is brought to a lab and introduced to Algernon, a mouse who has had an operation, that has greatly increased his intelligence. Charlie soon receives the same treatment, and before long has reached genius status. Soon, our new genius notices changes in Algernon, and must come to terms with what these changes mean to him.
A social commentary on how we treat our mentally challenged segment of society, as well as the ethics of medical experimentation.
Originally copyrighted in 1959, this book is still available for purchase brand new. The story is as viable today, as it was in 1959, and still as meaningful. Warm, thoughtful and touching, Keyes deserved the accolades and awards given for this book, including the Hugo Award in 1960, and the Nebula Award in 1966.
The story went on to be adapted for stage, T.V., and movie (incidentally winning the lead actor Cliff Robertson an Oscar Award).
The story follows Charlie, a mentally impaired person in his quest to become "smart". He is brought to a lab and introduced to Algernon, a mouse who has had an operation, that has greatly increased his intelligence. Charlie soon receives the same treatment, and before long has reached genius status. Soon, our new genius notices changes in Algernon, and must come to terms with what these changes mean to him.
A social commentary on how we treat our mentally challenged segment of society, as well as the ethics of medical experimentation.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
What Dreams May Come - Richard Matheson
I saw the movie a long time ago. I remembered it being a really good movie, although dark and twisty. After my experience with another of Matheson's books/movies - "I Am Legend" (see recent reiveiw), I was a little apprehensive about reading this book. I had no need to worry.
Yes, it is dark and twisty at times, but a good read. There is a lot that differs between this book and the movie, but both are worth the time. While the book chronicles the journey of one man, through what can only be easily described as "hell", it is ultimately a love story as well, as he does this willingly, in search of his beloved wife. In the end, it does what so many books do, it encourages us to examine ourselves, and be the best people we can be.
Yes, it is dark and twisty at times, but a good read. There is a lot that differs between this book and the movie, but both are worth the time. While the book chronicles the journey of one man, through what can only be easily described as "hell", it is ultimately a love story as well, as he does this willingly, in search of his beloved wife. In the end, it does what so many books do, it encourages us to examine ourselves, and be the best people we can be.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
P.S. I Love You - Cecelia Ahern
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wicked Lovely - Melissa Marr
A wonderful fantasy filled novel
This novel marketed towards teens, is a great novel for fantasy lovers of all ages. Set in a world where faeries live among humans, this story tests the bonds of love. I liked that the story did have a happy ending, though it was not what one would have thought "happy" would be. Ash and Keenan were both able to have what they really wanted, once they were able to "think outside of the box", and allow themselves to want what they thought was not possible. A wonderful story with a good message for our youth!
This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group, as a crossover event with the theme of books for teens, that adults would enjoy as well.
This novel marketed towards teens, is a great novel for fantasy lovers of all ages. Set in a world where faeries live among humans, this story tests the bonds of love. I liked that the story did have a happy ending, though it was not what one would have thought "happy" would be. Ash and Keenan were both able to have what they really wanted, once they were able to "think outside of the box", and allow themselves to want what they thought was not possible. A wonderful story with a good message for our youth!
This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group, as a crossover event with the theme of books for teens, that adults would enjoy as well.
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
I quite enjoyed this book
The story is of a woman who has spent over 60 years in a mental hospital. When the hospital is set to close, they contact a relative, who had no idea of her existence. Initially Iris is concerned about her long lost relative's mental stability, and whether it is safe to be with her. Iris however, soon warms to her Grandmother's sister. She searches for the reason why Esme has been locked up for so long, and can find only sketchy records at the institution. Her grandmother, Esme's sister, suffers from Alzheimer's, and can offer little to no help. We are able to view bits of Esme's patchy memory throughout the book, giving us only clues as to the events that led to her institutionalization. In the end, the truth comes, but too late.
This book started it's journey in the U.K. by a bookcrosser who mailed it to a bookcrosser here in Winnipeg. I picked it up at a local bookcrossing meeting.
The story is of a woman who has spent over 60 years in a mental hospital. When the hospital is set to close, they contact a relative, who had no idea of her existence. Initially Iris is concerned about her long lost relative's mental stability, and whether it is safe to be with her. Iris however, soon warms to her Grandmother's sister. She searches for the reason why Esme has been locked up for so long, and can find only sketchy records at the institution. Her grandmother, Esme's sister, suffers from Alzheimer's, and can offer little to no help. We are able to view bits of Esme's patchy memory throughout the book, giving us only clues as to the events that led to her institutionalization. In the end, the truth comes, but too late.
This book started it's journey in the U.K. by a bookcrosser who mailed it to a bookcrosser here in Winnipeg. I picked it up at a local bookcrossing meeting.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Christmas Train - David Baldacci
A delightful "feel good" Holiday novel. Light reading, perfect for this busy, stressful holiday time.
This book delivers the usual elements of holiday fare, but in the end, that is why we choose holiday themed books this time of year. Brimming with love, hope, kindness to strangers, and second chances, this book will give you the warm fuzzies you might not be able to find being elbowed in the mall, and having the parking spot you've waited 5 min. for be taken by someone who just drove up that second from the other direction!
I will be releasing this book immediately through bookcrossing, in the hopes of giving someone else the warm fuzzies this Christmas season!
This book delivers the usual elements of holiday fare, but in the end, that is why we choose holiday themed books this time of year. Brimming with love, hope, kindness to strangers, and second chances, this book will give you the warm fuzzies you might not be able to find being elbowed in the mall, and having the parking spot you've waited 5 min. for be taken by someone who just drove up that second from the other direction!
I will be releasing this book immediately through bookcrossing, in the hopes of giving someone else the warm fuzzies this Christmas season!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Swinging Bridge - Ramabai Espinet
A good book by a Canadian Author.
This book really studies the need for all of us to have "roots", and how those roots may be tied to land, traditions, family, and history, or a combination thereof. I really felt that Mona found her roots in the end, and that while some of those roots were tied to the land of her childhood, she could accept those roots, despite being elsewhere physically. Mona was able to find peace in her life once she was able to define her roots and their origins.
Thanks to HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
This book really studies the need for all of us to have "roots", and how those roots may be tied to land, traditions, family, and history, or a combination thereof. I really felt that Mona found her roots in the end, and that while some of those roots were tied to the land of her childhood, she could accept those roots, despite being elsewhere physically. Mona was able to find peace in her life once she was able to define her roots and their origins.
Thanks to HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Assassin's Song - M.G. Vassanji
This book was well worthy of it's nomination for the Giller Prize, and it's subsequent short-listing. It would have been worthy of the prize had it won.
A stunning novel about living with the pressures that come from religious, cultural, political, traditional and familial sources, and the difficulties in amalgamating these pressures with our own wants and desires, and how in our youth, it is often difficult to define our wants and desires.
This story is set during turbulent times in India, and follows a young boy named Karsan, from his earliest days with his parents and brother, living at a shrine. He is next in line to succeed his father as Guru and caretaker of the shrine. Though is father tries to keep him in the traditional ways, he soon rebels and seeks his own life in America. But soon Karsan finds it is not always so easy to escape your past.
The book ends with a subtle but delicious twist at the end. A fine work by Vassanji.
A stunning novel about living with the pressures that come from religious, cultural, political, traditional and familial sources, and the difficulties in amalgamating these pressures with our own wants and desires, and how in our youth, it is often difficult to define our wants and desires.
This story is set during turbulent times in India, and follows a young boy named Karsan, from his earliest days with his parents and brother, living at a shrine. He is next in line to succeed his father as Guru and caretaker of the shrine. Though is father tries to keep him in the traditional ways, he soon rebels and seeks his own life in America. But soon Karsan finds it is not always so easy to escape your past.
The book ends with a subtle but delicious twist at the end. A fine work by Vassanji.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
A wonderful novel about how the line between right and wrong can blur, how secrets can damage our relationships, and split second decisions can haunt us always.
The story starts in 1964, when Dr. David Henry ( an orthopedic surgeon) delivers his own twins during a bad snowstorm. The first, born healthy, and the second with Down syndrome. He makes a split second decision, and hands this baby to his nurse with instructions to bring her to an institution. The nurse in turn, makes a split second decision, NOT to leave her in the institution. The novel follows the impact of these decisions for decades to follow.
Edwards navigates this psychologically and emotionally complicated tale with compassion, and leaves you feeling a connection with all the characters, disliking none of them. A Good read.
The story starts in 1964, when Dr. David Henry ( an orthopedic surgeon) delivers his own twins during a bad snowstorm. The first, born healthy, and the second with Down syndrome. He makes a split second decision, and hands this baby to his nurse with instructions to bring her to an institution. The nurse in turn, makes a split second decision, NOT to leave her in the institution. The novel follows the impact of these decisions for decades to follow.
Edwards navigates this psychologically and emotionally complicated tale with compassion, and leaves you feeling a connection with all the characters, disliking none of them. A Good read.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Autobiography of a Face
A touching story of a childhood cancer survivor, seriously disfigured by the disease.
Lucy Grealy holds nothing back while describing the thoughts and emotions going through her while fighting the cancer that took almost half her jaw at a very young age, even when those thoughts and emotions might have cast her in a less than complimentary light. While not only dealing with the physical effects of the disease and it's treatments, she also had to deal with the emotional scars caused by how other people saw her. From childhood cruelty, to teenage angst, to young adulthood, you see how the pain of other peoples perceptions affected her, and how she came to grow both because of it, and in spite of it at the same time.
In short, a wonderfully honest piece of work.
Lucy Grealy holds nothing back while describing the thoughts and emotions going through her while fighting the cancer that took almost half her jaw at a very young age, even when those thoughts and emotions might have cast her in a less than complimentary light. While not only dealing with the physical effects of the disease and it's treatments, she also had to deal with the emotional scars caused by how other people saw her. From childhood cruelty, to teenage angst, to young adulthood, you see how the pain of other peoples perceptions affected her, and how she came to grow both because of it, and in spite of it at the same time.
In short, a wonderfully honest piece of work.
The Shadow lines - Amitav Ghosh
A very good book.
This book requires some time without distractions to read, as the constant back and forth shifting of time could be problematic should you be distracted. It is well worth the read should you find that quiet time though.
The story follows a Bengali family and an English family as their lives intertwine during a period of great political unrest. Ghosh examines the difficulties within families against this back-drop of political upheaval, and brings it together beautifully, while adding elements of time and memory to the story being told. A wonderful story well worth reading.
This book requires some time without distractions to read, as the constant back and forth shifting of time could be problematic should you be distracted. It is well worth the read should you find that quiet time though.
The story follows a Bengali family and an English family as their lives intertwine during a period of great political unrest. Ghosh examines the difficulties within families against this back-drop of political upheaval, and brings it together beautifully, while adding elements of time and memory to the story being told. A wonderful story well worth reading.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Ines of My Soul - Isabel Allende
I received this book in error, and I have to admit, I would have never picked it up on my own. I must also admit that I was extremely and pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!!! Allende has a writing style so smooth and passionate, that you can't help but be pulled in to the story. Love, lust, compassion, savagery and brutality all spill from these pages, which tell the story of the birth of the city of Santiago, Chile, from the perspective of the woman who helped found it. I would definitely recommend this book.
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