I quite enjoyed this book.
This story's hero travels back and forth in time, while the heroine, travels time in a straight line.
The logistics of this story can be mind-boggling, but Niffegger does it with style. This story is touching and sweet, with out going over the top.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Girls - Lori Laansens
A beautiful, touching story.
Lansens portrayal of craniopagic congjoined twins is simply superb. Witty at times and touching at others, and always with an element of real life. I cannot imagine that truly conjoined twins would find her descriptions of their lives and challenges anything other than believable. Though you realize very early on how the book will end, you find yourself interested in the journey to that end.
Simply put, a brilliant piece of work.
Lansens portrayal of craniopagic congjoined twins is simply superb. Witty at times and touching at others, and always with an element of real life. I cannot imagine that truly conjoined twins would find her descriptions of their lives and challenges anything other than believable. Though you realize very early on how the book will end, you find yourself interested in the journey to that end.
Simply put, a brilliant piece of work.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Atonement - Ian McEwan
I have to say, I struggled with the overpowering temptation to put this book down and never pick it up again. I found it monotonous and pointless and did not feel at all entertained by this book...until the second half.
Should one gather enough patience to finish this book, it is rather rewarding. When taken as a whole, it is a very worthwhile read; and in finishing it, my overall opinion of the book is positive.
This book has been adapted to film, and was recently in theaters.
Should one gather enough patience to finish this book, it is rather rewarding. When taken as a whole, it is a very worthwhile read; and in finishing it, my overall opinion of the book is positive.
This book has been adapted to film, and was recently in theaters.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Complicated Kindness - Miriam Toews
I was a little disappointed with this book.
That is not to say that the book was bad, only that it did not live up to my expectations of it. This book won the 2004 Governor General's Award for literary fiction, and was a finalist for the Giller.
I found it incredibly difficult to connect with the lead character, or perhaps it was more a matter of not being particularly sympathetic to her, as I did not find her to be extraordinary in any way. All adolescents have difficulty fitting in and feeling like they belong. I did not feel her to be much different than any other person her age; drinking, smoking, staying out late, and other forms of challenging authority are normal - and her family’s religious affiliation just did not make it enough of a stretch for me. Only as I came to the end, did things seem to stray from the normal, and then the pendulum had swung too far, and it just seemed bizarre , but without substance.
That is not to say that the book was bad, only that it did not live up to my expectations of it. This book won the 2004 Governor General's Award for literary fiction, and was a finalist for the Giller.
I found it incredibly difficult to connect with the lead character, or perhaps it was more a matter of not being particularly sympathetic to her, as I did not find her to be extraordinary in any way. All adolescents have difficulty fitting in and feeling like they belong. I did not feel her to be much different than any other person her age; drinking, smoking, staying out late, and other forms of challenging authority are normal - and her family’s religious affiliation just did not make it enough of a stretch for me. Only as I came to the end, did things seem to stray from the normal, and then the pendulum had swung too far, and it just seemed bizarre , but without substance.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Late Nights on Air - Elizabeth Hay
I found this book a little difficult to "get into". That being said, once I did, it was a good book.
This book won the 2007 Giller prize, and although good, my own preference would have been to
M.G. Vassanji's "The Assassin's Song", since I found the characters in that book immediately more engaging.
It is easy, however to see why the critics liked this book. The relationships in this book are real and complex, and the rugged, barren, backdrop of the North provides a perfect setting. Hay's characters navigate their lives, sometimes with the help of, and sometimes in spite of, each other, as they share their most life defining experiences
This book won the 2007 Giller prize, and although good, my own preference would have been to
M.G. Vassanji's "The Assassin's Song", since I found the characters in that book immediately more engaging.
It is easy, however to see why the critics liked this book. The relationships in this book are real and complex, and the rugged, barren, backdrop of the North provides a perfect setting. Hay's characters navigate their lives, sometimes with the help of, and sometimes in spite of, each other, as they share their most life defining experiences
Breath (Advance Reading Copy) - Tim Winton
Set on the Australian coast, amid the surf and sand. A good summer read!
A coming of age novel about two boys growing up in a small town, always daring and challenging each other. They learn their life lessons on surf boards, with their aging, surfer "guru".
An engaging work pairing the turbulence of adolescence with the turbulence of the sea. Winton's descriptions are so enchanting, you can almost feel the ocean mist on your face!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
A coming of age novel about two boys growing up in a small town, always daring and challenging each other. They learn their life lessons on surf boards, with their aging, surfer "guru".
An engaging work pairing the turbulence of adolescence with the turbulence of the sea. Winton's descriptions are so enchanting, you can almost feel the ocean mist on your face!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
Ink Exchange (Advance Reading Copy) - Melissa Marr -
A wonderful, fun sequel to "Wicked Lovely".
Our heroes and heroine are back. Once again Aislinn must morally try to balance the needs of her mortal world, with the summer court. With the fairy courts on the verge of war, her attention is drawn from her mortal world, and soon she finds that one of her best friends is being drawn into the dark court, and must struggle to save her.
If you liked "Wicked Lovely" you will like "Ink Exchange". I look forward to Marr's next book!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
Our heroes and heroine are back. Once again Aislinn must morally try to balance the needs of her mortal world, with the summer court. With the fairy courts on the verge of war, her attention is drawn from her mortal world, and soon she finds that one of her best friends is being drawn into the dark court, and must struggle to save her.
If you liked "Wicked Lovely" you will like "Ink Exchange". I look forward to Marr's next book!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
Another great, moving novel by Hosseini.
One cannot help but be touched by the depth of relationships portrayed in Hosseini's work.
Both this book, and his previous "The Kite Runner", explore the depths of human relationships in great detail. Set against a background of political and social unrest, his characters are very well developed and deeply engaging.
This book follows the lives of two women, both coming from difficult circumstances, as they become unlikely allies in life, living under Taliban rule.
If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner", you are sure to enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well.
One cannot help but be touched by the depth of relationships portrayed in Hosseini's work.
Both this book, and his previous "The Kite Runner", explore the depths of human relationships in great detail. Set against a background of political and social unrest, his characters are very well developed and deeply engaging.
This book follows the lives of two women, both coming from difficult circumstances, as they become unlikely allies in life, living under Taliban rule.
If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner", you are sure to enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well.
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Inheritance of Loss - Kiran Desai
A very good book.
Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2006, and deserving of it.
Set mainly in India during Nepal's fight for independence, it also follows one character to New York.
As the struggle for independence goes on, relationships are challenged. Differences in culture, religion and social standing, formerly meaningless, suddenly have great impact, and tear some apart, while bringing others together. Desai's characters are well developed and believable.
Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2006, and deserving of it.
Set mainly in India during Nepal's fight for independence, it also follows one character to New York.
As the struggle for independence goes on, relationships are challenged. Differences in culture, religion and social standing, formerly meaningless, suddenly have great impact, and tear some apart, while bringing others together. Desai's characters are well developed and believable.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Executive privilege - Phillip Margolin - Advance Readers Copy
Margolin, is a long time favorite of mine when it comes to legal thrillers. His latest work, shows he still has it!
An exciting, thrilling book, I raced through it in almost no time! Margolin is expert at plotting lines that leave you not wanting to put down the book, until you know how it ends! With high level political intrigue, and plot twists that will keep you guessing, this book will keep you going till the end!
Due out in June '08.
This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
An exciting, thrilling book, I raced through it in almost no time! Margolin is expert at plotting lines that leave you not wanting to put down the book, until you know how it ends! With high level political intrigue, and plot twists that will keep you guessing, this book will keep you going till the end!
Due out in June '08.
This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
The Devil and Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho
A very enjoyable book.
Paulo Coelho spins a tale of myth-like quality. Featuring the common myth-like theme of good battling evil, this book, though short, is a very worthwhile read. Coelho's smooth style, finds pages turning rapidly, and soon leaves you wishing the book were not yet over. A modern book of classic quality!
Paulo Coelho spins a tale of myth-like quality. Featuring the common myth-like theme of good battling evil, this book, though short, is a very worthwhile read. Coelho's smooth style, finds pages turning rapidly, and soon leaves you wishing the book were not yet over. A modern book of classic quality!
Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
A very good book.
This story probes the depths of the human heart, in a way that few others can. Even when we are limited in our futures, we can dream beyond, and often these dreams make us who we really are. We cannot deny our upbringing, but we can blossom beyond what is expected of us, and our love means no less if limited by time.
A beautiful story of love, morals and ethics. Touching and moving.
This story probes the depths of the human heart, in a way that few others can. Even when we are limited in our futures, we can dream beyond, and often these dreams make us who we really are. We cannot deny our upbringing, but we can blossom beyond what is expected of us, and our love means no less if limited by time.
A beautiful story of love, morals and ethics. Touching and moving.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Incendiary - Chris Cleave
A touching novel, written in the form of a mother's letter to the terrorist responsible for her family's death.
Cleave weaves together, not only the state of the mother writing the letter, but also the whole city she lives in. While the lead character is not perfect, we come to feel for her, as we watch her mental state decay.
In this day and age, we seem to live with the constant threat of terrorism over our heads, and forget what it must be like to those have suffered from it's hand. Cleave has brought it to a level that can be understood by all.
Well written, and poignant. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Cleave weaves together, not only the state of the mother writing the letter, but also the whole city she lives in. While the lead character is not perfect, we come to feel for her, as we watch her mental state decay.
In this day and age, we seem to live with the constant threat of terrorism over our heads, and forget what it must be like to those have suffered from it's hand. Cleave has brought it to a level that can be understood by all.
Well written, and poignant. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Birth House - Amy McKay
Set in the early 1900's in beautiful Nova Scotia, this book highlights the importance that midwives played in that time, as well as the struggle between the traditional ways, and modern medicine.
As an aging midwife, Miss Babineau chooses a young girl Dora to inherit her knowledge. At about the same time, modern medicine is trying to force it's way into the community. Soon Miss B disappears, leaving Dora to care for the needs of the community, which includes fighting the aggressive Dr. Thomas, in his attempts to take over the health care of women in the area, regardless of their wishes. Initially reluctant, she soon takes over this role with strength and spirit.
A wonderfully captivating and realistic story.
As an aging midwife, Miss Babineau chooses a young girl Dora to inherit her knowledge. At about the same time, modern medicine is trying to force it's way into the community. Soon Miss B disappears, leaving Dora to care for the needs of the community, which includes fighting the aggressive Dr. Thomas, in his attempts to take over the health care of women in the area, regardless of their wishes. Initially reluctant, she soon takes over this role with strength and spirit.
A wonderfully captivating and realistic story.
The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
A wonderful epic story of a family who serve as missionaries in the Congo. The story spans several decades after their arrival in the Belgian Congo in 1959.
The story is told in turns by the wife and children of Nathan Price, a tumultuous baptist minister, who is already haunted by the ghosts of his past. Ill prepared both in terms of supplies and mindset, the family faces many obstacles both internal and external, illness, tragedies, and heartache during their time in Africa.
In the end, the Congo changes the family as a whole, as well as each of the individuals.
Well written, this book is holds elements of adventure, personal growth, tragedy, and hope, all woven into a smooth fabric.
The story is told in turns by the wife and children of Nathan Price, a tumultuous baptist minister, who is already haunted by the ghosts of his past. Ill prepared both in terms of supplies and mindset, the family faces many obstacles both internal and external, illness, tragedies, and heartache during their time in Africa.
In the end, the Congo changes the family as a whole, as well as each of the individuals.
Well written, this book is holds elements of adventure, personal growth, tragedy, and hope, all woven into a smooth fabric.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Housekeeping - Marilynne Robinson
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.
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.
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.
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