Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Shelfari
Shelfari is a site run by Amazon that,
from what I can tell, is similar to Goodreads. The kiddo had to sign
up on Shelfari for school in 6th grade, so the hubby and I
joined also. This social media site lets you log in books you have
read, books you are reading, or those you want to read. You can also
write reviews, update information about the books, and keep track of
your copies. There are various social groups you can join, and you
can follow people. The site provides lists of books and can also
provide recommendations based on your reading history.
Now, over the years (25 years to be
exact), I kept track of every book I have read in a journal. At one
point, I also started tracking the dates when I finished the books.
In my “Book of Books”, I also had everything color coded as to
whether the book was a graphic novel, if I had re-read it, or
listened to it as an audiobook. Can you tell I'm a little neurotic
about my books?!?
This was actually really great when I
finally joined Shelfari. After inputting my most recent books with
mini reviews of 10 words or less, I went back and put in my entire
reading history. For those of us who are interested, it gives all
kinds of stats like how many books you've read in which categories
and how many pages that is. At this point, I have a little over 900
books on my list totaling almost 300,000 pages. :) I do also have a
partial “to read” list on the site, but haven't yet imported my
full list.
Interested? Check out my bookshelf on
the side of the page. You can link to my full Shelfari profile from
there. Feel free to follow me!
My complaints? My biggest gripe is
that they don't have a mobile app. I also found that you can't sort
your bookshelf by completed date, just by entered date, which for me
isn't the same. Other than that, it's a nice little site for the
general user.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Planets by Dava Sobel
Those who know me know that I will read anything I can get my hands on. If it looks like something I might like, is a topic I want to learn more about, or even just something I run across when I'm bored, I'll read it. I have only put down around 3 books unfinished (that weren't required reading in high school- British Lit kicked my butt). So when I struggle to finish something and choose to do other things than read, it's a big deal.
I recently read The Planets by Dava Sobel. We had picked it up, if I remember correctly, at Dollar Tree. You might be thinking, a dollar store book? What did she expect? Well, my family has actually had pretty good luck at discount stores, particularly with Punk Rock Dad by Jim Lindberg (the lead singer of Pennywise).
It wasn't that long, less than 250 pages excluding the glossary and index. I love astronomy and minored in it in college. I will read anything I can on the subject and will resort to textbooks if need be. I thought this book would be a quick, easy read. It even had pictures on the hardcover below the book jacket. Needless to say, I was optimistic.
I was completely mistaken.
The author's writing style made the subject very confusing, which I found remarkable since I already knew most of the information. It felt like the author was trying to be overly complicated in the language, like I needed to have a dictionary next to me to understand what was being said. I had to read many sections two or three times to make sure I was following. And again, this was knowing most of the content trying to be conveyed!
Even with the bad, there was some good mixed in. Two chapters stand out in particular. The book was about the solar system, so each chapter was devoted to a major body. The chapter on Mars was interesting because it was written from a first person perspective (not saying who in case someone chooses to read it after this). The section on Neptune and Uranus was mostly in the form of a letter between famous female astronomers. I think the change in perspective for these two sections gave the text an easier feel. It still provided all of the information, but it was not like reading stereo instructions written in iambic pentameter.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed in this book. Based on the cover and subject matter, I had hoped to pass it on to my daughter. After reading even just the first few pages, I knew I couldn't do that.
I recently read The Planets by Dava Sobel. We had picked it up, if I remember correctly, at Dollar Tree. You might be thinking, a dollar store book? What did she expect? Well, my family has actually had pretty good luck at discount stores, particularly with Punk Rock Dad by Jim Lindberg (the lead singer of Pennywise).
It wasn't that long, less than 250 pages excluding the glossary and index. I love astronomy and minored in it in college. I will read anything I can on the subject and will resort to textbooks if need be. I thought this book would be a quick, easy read. It even had pictures on the hardcover below the book jacket. Needless to say, I was optimistic.
I was completely mistaken.
The author's writing style made the subject very confusing, which I found remarkable since I already knew most of the information. It felt like the author was trying to be overly complicated in the language, like I needed to have a dictionary next to me to understand what was being said. I had to read many sections two or three times to make sure I was following. And again, this was knowing most of the content trying to be conveyed!
Even with the bad, there was some good mixed in. Two chapters stand out in particular. The book was about the solar system, so each chapter was devoted to a major body. The chapter on Mars was interesting because it was written from a first person perspective (not saying who in case someone chooses to read it after this). The section on Neptune and Uranus was mostly in the form of a letter between famous female astronomers. I think the change in perspective for these two sections gave the text an easier feel. It still provided all of the information, but it was not like reading stereo instructions written in iambic pentameter.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed in this book. Based on the cover and subject matter, I had hoped to pass it on to my daughter. After reading even just the first few pages, I knew I couldn't do that.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Running with Scissors
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Completed: 12/14/09
This book is a memoir by the brother of John Elder Robison, of whom I've already discussed his book Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's. This tells of the time after Robison left home and it was Burroughs and his mother. His mother was mentally unstable and spent the majority of Burroughs' childhood in and out of psych wards. Eventually, he winds up getting intimately involved with the family of his mother's psychiatrist and spends very little time with her.
Not only could I not put this book down, but it was a very quick read. I was flying through this book and able to read several medium-sized chapters during a 30 minute train ride. This book reads like fiction. The circumstances relayed and the provided stories are so out there that you think they can't possibly be true. I guess the saying that “truth can be stranger than fiction” really is true in this case.
Upon completion of this book, I went and looked up the other books by Burroughs and decided I just had to read them. They have now been added to my extensive reading list, and I am looking forward to getting to them.
10 words or less: Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Completed: 12/14/09
This book is a memoir by the brother of John Elder Robison, of whom I've already discussed his book Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's. This tells of the time after Robison left home and it was Burroughs and his mother. His mother was mentally unstable and spent the majority of Burroughs' childhood in and out of psych wards. Eventually, he winds up getting intimately involved with the family of his mother's psychiatrist and spends very little time with her.
Not only could I not put this book down, but it was a very quick read. I was flying through this book and able to read several medium-sized chapters during a 30 minute train ride. This book reads like fiction. The circumstances relayed and the provided stories are so out there that you think they can't possibly be true. I guess the saying that “truth can be stranger than fiction” really is true in this case.
Upon completion of this book, I went and looked up the other books by Burroughs and decided I just had to read them. They have now been added to my extensive reading list, and I am looking forward to getting to them.
10 words or less: Truth really is stranger than fiction.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Completed: 12/9/09
This children's book is written in the form of a diary our journal in a kid's handwriting and pictures. It covers the span of a school year of a middle-schooler and reviews the various schemes he gets involved in. And he certainly seems to get involved in a lot of trouble.
This was a really cute chapter book for kids. The writing is easy but challenging enough for someone just starting out on chapter books. I can understand why kids enjoy this series, and this was just the first one. This was one of the longer chapter books my second grader has read, and she really enjoyed it as well.
10 words or less: Decent series for kids, and good intro to graphic novels.
Completed: 12/9/09
This children's book is written in the form of a diary our journal in a kid's handwriting and pictures. It covers the span of a school year of a middle-schooler and reviews the various schemes he gets involved in. And he certainly seems to get involved in a lot of trouble.
This was a really cute chapter book for kids. The writing is easy but challenging enough for someone just starting out on chapter books. I can understand why kids enjoy this series, and this was just the first one. This was one of the longer chapter books my second grader has read, and she really enjoyed it as well.
10 words or less: Decent series for kids, and good intro to graphic novels.
Flinx Transcendent
Author: Alan Dean Foster
Completed: 12/7/09
This book is the 10th in the Pip and Flinx series, and supposedly the last according to the author. We see our protagonists traveling the universe trying to everything in it from mass destruction. Along the way, we see the usual cast of characters that help him along, but also some new friends. Likewise for enemies.
I found that the story during the first 150 pages, while good, really didn't have much to do with the rest of the book. It was a very interesting thriller of a story, but did not fit in to the rest of the book until the last 5 pages or so.
Foster does a very good job incorporating pieces from every book in the series into this volume. In a way, it was a really nice summing-up of the series, and it even brought in parts of the Pip and Flinx universe addressed in other books outside of the series itself. However, Foster admits on his website that he leaves things open at the end. I have a feeling that, with the way it ended, we may see these characters again.
10 words or less: Will this really be the end?
Completed: 12/7/09
This book is the 10th in the Pip and Flinx series, and supposedly the last according to the author. We see our protagonists traveling the universe trying to everything in it from mass destruction. Along the way, we see the usual cast of characters that help him along, but also some new friends. Likewise for enemies.
I found that the story during the first 150 pages, while good, really didn't have much to do with the rest of the book. It was a very interesting thriller of a story, but did not fit in to the rest of the book until the last 5 pages or so.
Foster does a very good job incorporating pieces from every book in the series into this volume. In a way, it was a really nice summing-up of the series, and it even brought in parts of the Pip and Flinx universe addressed in other books outside of the series itself. However, Foster admits on his website that he leaves things open at the end. I have a feeling that, with the way it ended, we may see these characters again.
10 words or less: Will this really be the end?
Three Girls and Their Brother
Author: Theresa Rebeck
Completed: 12/3/09
This book is, obviously, is about three girls and their brother as the girls break into the world of modeling. The girls, after a picture in The New Yorker, become the new “It” girls in the fashion industry in New York. As the girls become sucked into the business more and more, the brother keeps getting pushed out of their lives. Their mother cares only about the girls' success and essentially gives up on mothering.
If this story is even remotely true, it is absolutely appalling. I realize this was a work of fiction, but I believe similar circumstances occur with celebrity parents. I wanted to strangle the mother, and couldn't even imagine a punishment cruel enough for the agent. I listened to this book, and even my 7 year old daughter, and even she was getting mad at how awful the adults were in this book. The brother is very protective of his youngest sister, and the way he gets shut out was crushing to me.
I really liked this book due to the pure emotional response it elicited from me. I find that any book that moves me, whether it is to laugh out loud or cry like a baby, is a good book. I wind up recommending these kinds of books to other people, as I have done with this one.
10 words or less: Families and the fashion industry don't mix.
Completed: 12/3/09
This book is, obviously, is about three girls and their brother as the girls break into the world of modeling. The girls, after a picture in The New Yorker, become the new “It” girls in the fashion industry in New York. As the girls become sucked into the business more and more, the brother keeps getting pushed out of their lives. Their mother cares only about the girls' success and essentially gives up on mothering.
If this story is even remotely true, it is absolutely appalling. I realize this was a work of fiction, but I believe similar circumstances occur with celebrity parents. I wanted to strangle the mother, and couldn't even imagine a punishment cruel enough for the agent. I listened to this book, and even my 7 year old daughter, and even she was getting mad at how awful the adults were in this book. The brother is very protective of his youngest sister, and the way he gets shut out was crushing to me.
I really liked this book due to the pure emotional response it elicited from me. I find that any book that moves me, whether it is to laugh out loud or cry like a baby, is a good book. I wind up recommending these kinds of books to other people, as I have done with this one.
10 words or less: Families and the fashion industry don't mix.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Scarpetta
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Completed: 11/8/09
This book is focused on Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner who is specifically requested in a case. She is dealing with various personal issues and is faced with several of the people involved. This is one of the most recent books in a series revolving around this character. However, this is the only one I have read.
I was recommended this book by my mother. After I got about 10 pages into the book, I started asking if it was part of a series because it felt like I was missing pieces of the story, particularly in reference to Scarpetta’s past. If I had looked it up earlier and found that it was part of a series, I probably wouldn’t have read it when I did. That being said, I was able to follow pretty well.
The story was well contained in this book. Even though there were references to circumstances from previous books, there was enough background provided in the story that I was able to gather what had happened and how it related to the present tale. This was a long book at 600 pages, but once the investigation really got going it was able to hold my attention pretty well. I’m not sure if I’ll read the others in the series, but this wasn’t a bad book on its own.
10 words or less: May have been better if I’d read the series.
Completed: 11/8/09
This book is focused on Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner who is specifically requested in a case. She is dealing with various personal issues and is faced with several of the people involved. This is one of the most recent books in a series revolving around this character. However, this is the only one I have read.
I was recommended this book by my mother. After I got about 10 pages into the book, I started asking if it was part of a series because it felt like I was missing pieces of the story, particularly in reference to Scarpetta’s past. If I had looked it up earlier and found that it was part of a series, I probably wouldn’t have read it when I did. That being said, I was able to follow pretty well.
The story was well contained in this book. Even though there were references to circumstances from previous books, there was enough background provided in the story that I was able to gather what had happened and how it related to the present tale. This was a long book at 600 pages, but once the investigation really got going it was able to hold my attention pretty well. I’m not sure if I’ll read the others in the series, but this wasn’t a bad book on its own.
10 words or less: May have been better if I’d read the series.
Priestblock 25487
Author: Jean Bernard
Completed: 11/11/09
This book was written by a Catholic priest from Luxemburg who survived WWII in the concentration camp Dachau. At this camp, priests were housed separately from the general population after the initial acclimation period and originally received special privileges. This did not mean, however, that they were exempt from the horrors of the camp.
The book is a memoir specifically of Fr. Bernard’s time in the camp. He was released approximately two years into his stay primarily due to interventions by his brother. He also experienced an unprecedented temporary release from the camp which allowed him time to travel back to his home country.
This was a very short and gripping read. People tend to forget that non-Jewish people were sent to and killed in concentration camps by the Nazis. In this case, there was a section of Dachau set aside just for Catholic priests, who tended to be charged with resistance against the Nazi movement. This was the case for Fr. Bernard. The details are horrifying. It was like a gruesome car crash, where you are bewildered by the destruction and loss of life by cannot rip your eyes away from it. I flew through this book in a matter of days, primarily because I needed to know what horrors came next.
10 words or less: Quick yet horrifying look into concentration camp life.
Completed: 11/11/09
This book was written by a Catholic priest from Luxemburg who survived WWII in the concentration camp Dachau. At this camp, priests were housed separately from the general population after the initial acclimation period and originally received special privileges. This did not mean, however, that they were exempt from the horrors of the camp.
The book is a memoir specifically of Fr. Bernard’s time in the camp. He was released approximately two years into his stay primarily due to interventions by his brother. He also experienced an unprecedented temporary release from the camp which allowed him time to travel back to his home country.
This was a very short and gripping read. People tend to forget that non-Jewish people were sent to and killed in concentration camps by the Nazis. In this case, there was a section of Dachau set aside just for Catholic priests, who tended to be charged with resistance against the Nazi movement. This was the case for Fr. Bernard. The details are horrifying. It was like a gruesome car crash, where you are bewildered by the destruction and loss of life by cannot rip your eyes away from it. I flew through this book in a matter of days, primarily because I needed to know what horrors came next.
10 words or less: Quick yet horrifying look into concentration camp life.
The Runner's Rulebook
Author: Marc Remy
Completed: 11/16/09
This book is a humorous list of rules that a runner should live by. Examples include (paraphrased as I couldn’t remember the exact wording): Dogs are harmless, unless they’re not; and Get to know and love the snot rocket. It tries to give a glance at runner’s etiquette and yet also describes the contradictions that any list of rules inherently has.
Let me preface this part by saying that I am not a runner, but for years now I have been an “athletic supporter” for my husband. His life revolves around running, thus so does mine. And because I am a voracious reader, any books on running he reads get passed along to me. Therefore, even though I most certainly am not a runner, I have enough background on the subject to understand the inside jokes and parts specifically geared toward runners.
Now then, this book was hilarious. I could totally see the rules playing out, particularly in the section on races. The list of guidelines at the end of the book were also very helpful, and some can even be applied to non-runners or non-running events. Overall, a good book that can probably be enjoyed by all, even if not involved in running.
10 words or less: You’re not a runner if you don’t untie your shoes.
Completed: 11/16/09
This book is a humorous list of rules that a runner should live by. Examples include (paraphrased as I couldn’t remember the exact wording): Dogs are harmless, unless they’re not; and Get to know and love the snot rocket. It tries to give a glance at runner’s etiquette and yet also describes the contradictions that any list of rules inherently has.
Let me preface this part by saying that I am not a runner, but for years now I have been an “athletic supporter” for my husband. His life revolves around running, thus so does mine. And because I am a voracious reader, any books on running he reads get passed along to me. Therefore, even though I most certainly am not a runner, I have enough background on the subject to understand the inside jokes and parts specifically geared toward runners.
Now then, this book was hilarious. I could totally see the rules playing out, particularly in the section on races. The list of guidelines at the end of the book were also very helpful, and some can even be applied to non-runners or non-running events. Overall, a good book that can probably be enjoyed by all, even if not involved in running.
10 words or less: You’re not a runner if you don’t untie your shoes.
People of the Book
Author: Geraldine Brooks
Completed: 11/17/09
This is a story about trying to discover the origins of a very rare book, essentially a Jewish prayer book. What makes it so unusual is that there are gilded pictures from a time when the Jewish people believed that putting an image of a person on paper took a bit of their soul. It looks at both the investigation into the history of the book, and then digs deeper into the people involved with the book throughout its history. We are given snapshots into lives during WWII, the Spanish Inquisition, and war-torn Yugoslavia.
People have compared this book to The Da Vinci Code, but I see them as very different. I loved how this book had a main storyline in the present, but then jumped back chronologically to all the people who handled the book. The Da Vinci Code had a few flashback and looked into the history, but didn't actually take you back to the time and get you involved with the people as this did. It was amazing seeing it from other points of view and other time periods in history. The snapshots in time not only provided us with the history but also gave insight to the investigators.
I actually listened to this book, and couldn't wait to listen to more. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy history, but it would also work well for mystery lovers.
10 words or less: Gripping, and much better than the comparisons.
Completed: 11/17/09
This is a story about trying to discover the origins of a very rare book, essentially a Jewish prayer book. What makes it so unusual is that there are gilded pictures from a time when the Jewish people believed that putting an image of a person on paper took a bit of their soul. It looks at both the investigation into the history of the book, and then digs deeper into the people involved with the book throughout its history. We are given snapshots into lives during WWII, the Spanish Inquisition, and war-torn Yugoslavia.
People have compared this book to The Da Vinci Code, but I see them as very different. I loved how this book had a main storyline in the present, but then jumped back chronologically to all the people who handled the book. The Da Vinci Code had a few flashback and looked into the history, but didn't actually take you back to the time and get you involved with the people as this did. It was amazing seeing it from other points of view and other time periods in history. The snapshots in time not only provided us with the history but also gave insight to the investigators.
I actually listened to this book, and couldn't wait to listen to more. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy history, but it would also work well for mystery lovers.
10 words or less: Gripping, and much better than the comparisons.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's
Author: John Elder Robeson
Completed: 10/20/09
This book is a memoir of a man who lived the majority of his life not knowing he has Asperger's Syndrome. Most people thought he was “funny”, or a troublemaker, or just plain weird. The author details living with his quirks, which were actually very common traits of Asperger's.
Asperger's Syndrome is on the autism scale of disorders. People with Asperger's tend to have trouble with crowds and do not look at people directly. They are often very mechanically inclined, and have great difficulties making friends and having conversations. Some people have called it “high-functioning autism”, as the two have quite a bit in common, almost like Asperger's is a lesser version of autism.
Despite his childhood of difficulties, the author led quite an amazing life. His interest in mechanics and electronics started when he was young, and later fell into a career using his skills. He toured with some of the biggest music acts of the day creating special lighting effects and customized guitars. He then went to work at a toy company, and used his self-taught knowledge to excel in engineering.
His social life was not quite as smooth as his work, not to say that work was always easy. His home life was difficult to say the least, and he moved out when he was very young. Once out on his own, he did invite his younger brother, memoirist Augusten Burroughs, along on several of his trips. However, the Asperger's interfered as mentioned above in his interactions with others, making for difficult situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the note submitted by his brother. While some of the situations seemed absolutely ridiculous, I was also able to relate quite closely with some of his idiosyncrasies. Some parts had me absolutely rolling with laughter, which I must say doesn't happen very often.
While particularly interesting for anyone researching problems of the mind, this book is gripping enough for anyone to enjoy. There is something there for everyone, from gearheads to music lovers to geeks.
10 words or less: Highly recommended. Excellent memoir in a true voice.
Completed: 10/20/09
This book is a memoir of a man who lived the majority of his life not knowing he has Asperger's Syndrome. Most people thought he was “funny”, or a troublemaker, or just plain weird. The author details living with his quirks, which were actually very common traits of Asperger's.
Asperger's Syndrome is on the autism scale of disorders. People with Asperger's tend to have trouble with crowds and do not look at people directly. They are often very mechanically inclined, and have great difficulties making friends and having conversations. Some people have called it “high-functioning autism”, as the two have quite a bit in common, almost like Asperger's is a lesser version of autism.
Despite his childhood of difficulties, the author led quite an amazing life. His interest in mechanics and electronics started when he was young, and later fell into a career using his skills. He toured with some of the biggest music acts of the day creating special lighting effects and customized guitars. He then went to work at a toy company, and used his self-taught knowledge to excel in engineering.
His social life was not quite as smooth as his work, not to say that work was always easy. His home life was difficult to say the least, and he moved out when he was very young. Once out on his own, he did invite his younger brother, memoirist Augusten Burroughs, along on several of his trips. However, the Asperger's interfered as mentioned above in his interactions with others, making for difficult situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the note submitted by his brother. While some of the situations seemed absolutely ridiculous, I was also able to relate quite closely with some of his idiosyncrasies. Some parts had me absolutely rolling with laughter, which I must say doesn't happen very often.
While particularly interesting for anyone researching problems of the mind, this book is gripping enough for anyone to enjoy. There is something there for everyone, from gearheads to music lovers to geeks.
10 words or less: Highly recommended. Excellent memoir in a true voice.
A Brother's Journey / A Teenager's Journey
Author: Richard Pelzer
Completed:
A Brother's Journey: 10/19/09
A Teenager's Journey: 10/23/09
These books are memoirs by a man who, as a child, experienced one of the most horrible cases of child abuse in history. Possibly the only person exposed to worse abuse at the hand of a parent was Mr. Pelzer's older brother, Dave.
Dave, Richard's brother, had previously written about his story in a series of memoirs of his own. When Richard was young, Dave was taken away by child services. Their mother, in both cases, chose to single out an individual sibling and pit all of the others against the one. With Dave gone, Mrs. Pelzer chose Richard as her next victim.
The two books cover his life from prior to his brother leaving to his young adulthood. We got views of his abuse, and also the abuse he inflicted on himself. We got to see his life spiral out of control at the hands of a sadistic and ill mother, then continue at his own hands.
I had read Dave Pelzer's series of memoirs several years ago. So when I heard about these, and the fact that Richard essentially took over Dave's position in the family, I knew I had to read them. These books were good, and fairly quick reads. The story was compelling and shocking, much like that of his brother. The only real down side is that you can't really read these books without having read his brother's. He refers back to them several times, and also mentions throughout the story that he was too young to fully understand what went on while his brother was still living there but knows now from the books.
10 words or less: Read his brother's books, then read these.
Completed:
A Brother's Journey: 10/19/09
A Teenager's Journey: 10/23/09
These books are memoirs by a man who, as a child, experienced one of the most horrible cases of child abuse in history. Possibly the only person exposed to worse abuse at the hand of a parent was Mr. Pelzer's older brother, Dave.
Dave, Richard's brother, had previously written about his story in a series of memoirs of his own. When Richard was young, Dave was taken away by child services. Their mother, in both cases, chose to single out an individual sibling and pit all of the others against the one. With Dave gone, Mrs. Pelzer chose Richard as her next victim.
The two books cover his life from prior to his brother leaving to his young adulthood. We got views of his abuse, and also the abuse he inflicted on himself. We got to see his life spiral out of control at the hands of a sadistic and ill mother, then continue at his own hands.
I had read Dave Pelzer's series of memoirs several years ago. So when I heard about these, and the fact that Richard essentially took over Dave's position in the family, I knew I had to read them. These books were good, and fairly quick reads. The story was compelling and shocking, much like that of his brother. The only real down side is that you can't really read these books without having read his brother's. He refers back to them several times, and also mentions throughout the story that he was too young to fully understand what went on while his brother was still living there but knows now from the books.
10 words or less: Read his brother's books, then read these.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Searching for Schindler
Author: Thomas Keneally
Completed: 10/14/09
This book, by the author of Schindler's List, about the writing of the book and then the production of the movie. Basically, this is the tale of the author's involvement in the story of Schindler. It starts with Mr. Keneally learning about Schindler from a salesperson and store owner who was saved by him in the war and had been collecting information for years. As the author learned more about the history of the Schindler Jews through interviews, letters, and historical documents, he felt more and more compelled to write the tale.
The book Schindler's List was written and became a critically acclaimed and award winning hit. It got into the hands of Stephen Spielberg, who wanted to make it into a movie but was involved with other projects at the time. He did keep it in the queue. 10-15 years after the book was written, the movie director felt it was finally time to make the film, and that he could do it the justice it deserved. Keneally and the person who started the book's journey were on-site during the construction and filming. They were even able to accompany the filmmakers to awards shows.
This was a very interesting book. Prior to reading this, I had only seen the movie. Since seeing this and learning more of the story behind the film, I have decided that I need to read the book and learn the parts the movie left out or changed. And anything that leads me to want to read and learn more is good in my book.
10 words or less: Made me want to read more of the story.
Completed: 10/14/09
This book, by the author of Schindler's List, about the writing of the book and then the production of the movie. Basically, this is the tale of the author's involvement in the story of Schindler. It starts with Mr. Keneally learning about Schindler from a salesperson and store owner who was saved by him in the war and had been collecting information for years. As the author learned more about the history of the Schindler Jews through interviews, letters, and historical documents, he felt more and more compelled to write the tale.
The book Schindler's List was written and became a critically acclaimed and award winning hit. It got into the hands of Stephen Spielberg, who wanted to make it into a movie but was involved with other projects at the time. He did keep it in the queue. 10-15 years after the book was written, the movie director felt it was finally time to make the film, and that he could do it the justice it deserved. Keneally and the person who started the book's journey were on-site during the construction and filming. They were even able to accompany the filmmakers to awards shows.
This was a very interesting book. Prior to reading this, I had only seen the movie. Since seeing this and learning more of the story behind the film, I have decided that I need to read the book and learn the parts the movie left out or changed. And anything that leads me to want to read and learn more is good in my book.
10 words or less: Made me want to read more of the story.
Y: The Last Man- Unmanned
Author: Brian K. Vaughn, Pia Guerra, Jose Marzan Jr.
Completed: 10/29/09
This graphic novel is about the world after a virus wipes out all living creatures with a Y chromosome. Or so it appears at first. It then turns out that there are two known males remaining in the world, a man and his monkey. At this point, however, the world, or at least the United States, is in total disarray. The women have split into factions, some who want to take over the formerly male roles held by their significant others, Amazons who follow in their namesake's path, and women who want to change how the world works. It has become very much a fend-for-yourself society where one of the most important possessions is a motorcycle.
The lone guy, on the other hand, wants nothing other than to travel to Australia and find his girlfriend, whom he wants to marry. He and his monkey are threatened by every woman they meet on their way to Washington DC, where he encounters his mother. She and a few others figure that he could be the answer to the future of the species, and they send him on a mission to find a doctor's research in Boston. He must travel in disguise, but they start their trip.
I really liked this book. After I finished reading this, I was so upset because there wasn't more. Unfortunately, I only had the first volume, but I will definitely have to pick up more in the series.
10 words or less: Must read more...
Completed: 10/29/09
This graphic novel is about the world after a virus wipes out all living creatures with a Y chromosome. Or so it appears at first. It then turns out that there are two known males remaining in the world, a man and his monkey. At this point, however, the world, or at least the United States, is in total disarray. The women have split into factions, some who want to take over the formerly male roles held by their significant others, Amazons who follow in their namesake's path, and women who want to change how the world works. It has become very much a fend-for-yourself society where one of the most important possessions is a motorcycle.
The lone guy, on the other hand, wants nothing other than to travel to Australia and find his girlfriend, whom he wants to marry. He and his monkey are threatened by every woman they meet on their way to Washington DC, where he encounters his mother. She and a few others figure that he could be the answer to the future of the species, and they send him on a mission to find a doctor's research in Boston. He must travel in disguise, but they start their trip.
I really liked this book. After I finished reading this, I was so upset because there wasn't more. Unfortunately, I only had the first volume, but I will definitely have to pick up more in the series.
10 words or less: Must read more...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Slaughterhouse Five
Author: Kurt Vonnegat
Completed: 9/30/09
This classic novel was written from the perspective of a man who gets “unstuck in time”, after is kidnapped by aliens from Tralfamadore. Therefore, we experience his life in a scrambled manner, jumping from one important event to another in no particular order. There is particular attention paid to his time in WWII, where he experienced the firebombing of Dresden and was deeply shaken by it.
Parts of this novel are based on Vonnegat's own experiences. He was an American prisoner in Dresden during the bombing and was, rightfully, deeply shaken by the event.
I enjoyed this book. I did wind up listening to it, but at some point I may go back and read the hard copy. I love books that jump around as this did, and the prose was interesting. The story kept me involved, but I think that by listening to it I was more easily confused.
10 words or less: Need to pick up a hard copy.
Completed: 9/30/09
This classic novel was written from the perspective of a man who gets “unstuck in time”, after is kidnapped by aliens from Tralfamadore. Therefore, we experience his life in a scrambled manner, jumping from one important event to another in no particular order. There is particular attention paid to his time in WWII, where he experienced the firebombing of Dresden and was deeply shaken by it.
Parts of this novel are based on Vonnegat's own experiences. He was an American prisoner in Dresden during the bombing and was, rightfully, deeply shaken by the event.
I enjoyed this book. I did wind up listening to it, but at some point I may go back and read the hard copy. I love books that jump around as this did, and the prose was interesting. The story kept me involved, but I think that by listening to it I was more easily confused.
10 words or less: Need to pick up a hard copy.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tricks
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 9/29/09
This book is another one of Ms. Hopkins wonderful works of poetry, yet told a very striking story. This volume tells the story of a set of very different teenagers who find themselves in remarkably similar situations. Each comes from a different background, and make trips to the same destination based on their circumstances. Yet the stories all become intertwined, more so than originally disclosed.
I was probably disturbed by the story of this book than any other I have yet read by this author. While all of her books focus on teenagers in dangerous or disturbing situations, this one explored what to me is an even darker topic. If a teenager were to read this, they need to understand that it is a story of what not to do and not try to emulate it. Although fiction, it provided a stark view of reality for many teens.
10 words or less: A stark look at a disturbing subject matter.
Completed: 9/29/09
This book is another one of Ms. Hopkins wonderful works of poetry, yet told a very striking story. This volume tells the story of a set of very different teenagers who find themselves in remarkably similar situations. Each comes from a different background, and make trips to the same destination based on their circumstances. Yet the stories all become intertwined, more so than originally disclosed.
I was probably disturbed by the story of this book than any other I have yet read by this author. While all of her books focus on teenagers in dangerous or disturbing situations, this one explored what to me is an even darker topic. If a teenager were to read this, they need to understand that it is a story of what not to do and not try to emulate it. Although fiction, it provided a stark view of reality for many teens.
10 words or less: A stark look at a disturbing subject matter.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Naked
Author: David Sedaris
Completed: 9/18/09
This memoir features snippets of the author's life that are pieced together chronologically. He is an observer of nature, and provides witty commentary about his history.
This book, and this author in general, have received rave reviews. Honestly, I didn't think that much of it. I had a really hard time getting through it. And for being one of America's most renowned humorists today, I really didn't find it that funny. There were some points that made me smile or even chuckle, but those were few and far between.
10 words or less: I don't get what all the fuss is about.
Completed: 9/18/09
This memoir features snippets of the author's life that are pieced together chronologically. He is an observer of nature, and provides witty commentary about his history.
This book, and this author in general, have received rave reviews. Honestly, I didn't think that much of it. I had a really hard time getting through it. And for being one of America's most renowned humorists today, I really didn't find it that funny. There were some points that made me smile or even chuckle, but those were few and far between.
10 words or less: I don't get what all the fuss is about.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Blasphemy
Author: Douglas Preston
Completed: 9/4/09
This book is a story about a government experiment where a computer makes people believe it is “God”. The program had been delayed for several months, and was disgracing the government by conservative public speakers being very vocally against it. There were tensions with the local Native Americans because the workers did not support the local economy as they previously indicated they would. There is also a person who enters the group working on the project placed there by the government to report back on the progress as well as act as a liaison with the locals.
I listened to this book, and it literally took me months to finish. I really didn't enjoy this book. I thought it was very slow, not very exciting, and it just couldn't hold my attention. Usually I remember things I read, listen to, or watch very well, at least a very basic description. However, with this piece, I could barely remember what had happened the last time I was involved with it. Very disappointing.
10 words or less: Boring.
Completed: 9/4/09
This book is a story about a government experiment where a computer makes people believe it is “God”. The program had been delayed for several months, and was disgracing the government by conservative public speakers being very vocally against it. There were tensions with the local Native Americans because the workers did not support the local economy as they previously indicated they would. There is also a person who enters the group working on the project placed there by the government to report back on the progress as well as act as a liaison with the locals.
I listened to this book, and it literally took me months to finish. I really didn't enjoy this book. I thought it was very slow, not very exciting, and it just couldn't hold my attention. Usually I remember things I read, listen to, or watch very well, at least a very basic description. However, with this piece, I could barely remember what had happened the last time I was involved with it. Very disappointing.
10 words or less: Boring.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Glass
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 8/27/09
In this sequel to Crank, Ellen Hopkins once again provides an intimate look into the world of a methamphetamine addict. It picks up shortly after the previous book and continues telling the narrative in verse. We see the recovering addict relapse and fall even deeper into her addiction. Even when she tries to do the right thing and come down when she knows she will need to be alert and in her right mind, everything seems to fall apart.
This was yet another wonderful book by Ms. Hopkins. I truly enjoy her poetry, which is something I don't say about many people. I look forward to reading her next book, and the upcoming third in this series.
10 words or less: Had to remind myself it was based on truth.
Completed: 8/27/09
In this sequel to Crank, Ellen Hopkins once again provides an intimate look into the world of a methamphetamine addict. It picks up shortly after the previous book and continues telling the narrative in verse. We see the recovering addict relapse and fall even deeper into her addiction. Even when she tries to do the right thing and come down when she knows she will need to be alert and in her right mind, everything seems to fall apart.
This was yet another wonderful book by Ms. Hopkins. I truly enjoy her poetry, which is something I don't say about many people. I look forward to reading her next book, and the upcoming third in this series.
10 words or less: Had to remind myself it was based on truth.
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