Books I spotted vacationers reading on the beach or by the pool in Hawai'i:
Deception Point-- Dan Brown
Angels & Demons-- Dan Brown
Eclipse-- Stephenie Meyer
New Moon-- Stephenie Meyer
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The Glass Castle-- Jeannette Walls
The Great Gatsby-- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Girl, Interrupted-- Susanna Kaysen
Something Blue-- Emily Giffin
These are just the ones I remember... I tried not to stare too much. I think because I've read most of these, they stick out in my memory. What are y'all reading? I've got "Second Chance" by Jane Green, "City of Bones", and "Best Friends Forever" (or something like that) by Jennifer Weiner.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Host
I have not written in a while, which is not to say that I have not read anything in a while. In fact, I have read a number of books lately, all with varying levels of interest. Only one has prompted me to blog.
I finished THE HOST a minute ago. Written by Stephenie Meyer, it mimics almost nothing from the TWILIGHT series-- except the idea of not fitting in, of being an oddity in an odd world. In TWILIGHT, of course, Bella (the human) falls in love with Edward (the vampire) and battles her feelings for Jacob (the werewolf). In THE HOST, Souls take over multiple planets (becoming spiders, bats, flowers, and bears, just to name a few). They also take over Earth, inhabiting bodies and enforcing a purely peaceful society. People work for no money, take from stores only that which they need. Violence is a non-issue, and sicknesses of all kinds are cured.
But the central conflict is evident from the very beginning of the text. Humans don't want to be Hosts for the Souls. They have been taken over by numbers, unable to resist the take-over which leaves their bodies undamaged but their minds erased. Most of the time. Wanderer, the narrator of THE HOST, is a Soul who has lived eight lifetimes on eight different planets. She has asked to be placed in an adult human host, despite the fact that adult human hosts are volatile and sometimes unable to be conquered. Such is the case with Melanie, the body Wanderer inhabits.
To further complicate things, Melanie/Wanderer stumbles upon a human 'rebel' outpost and must fight for her life repeatedly-- first as an outsider, then as an insider.
The story is compelling, forcing the reader to consider the merits and challenges of colonization. It is also fodder for young female minds, with complicated male/female relationships and a fair amount of strained romance.
THE HOST is a great read, particularly for readers interested in science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings. And while I have heard several TWI-hards note that THE HOST is even better than the ubiquitous vampire series, I am not sure I agree. Still, THE HOST demands attention.
I finished THE HOST a minute ago. Written by Stephenie Meyer, it mimics almost nothing from the TWILIGHT series-- except the idea of not fitting in, of being an oddity in an odd world. In TWILIGHT, of course, Bella (the human) falls in love with Edward (the vampire) and battles her feelings for Jacob (the werewolf). In THE HOST, Souls take over multiple planets (becoming spiders, bats, flowers, and bears, just to name a few). They also take over Earth, inhabiting bodies and enforcing a purely peaceful society. People work for no money, take from stores only that which they need. Violence is a non-issue, and sicknesses of all kinds are cured.
But the central conflict is evident from the very beginning of the text. Humans don't want to be Hosts for the Souls. They have been taken over by numbers, unable to resist the take-over which leaves their bodies undamaged but their minds erased. Most of the time. Wanderer, the narrator of THE HOST, is a Soul who has lived eight lifetimes on eight different planets. She has asked to be placed in an adult human host, despite the fact that adult human hosts are volatile and sometimes unable to be conquered. Such is the case with Melanie, the body Wanderer inhabits.
To further complicate things, Melanie/Wanderer stumbles upon a human 'rebel' outpost and must fight for her life repeatedly-- first as an outsider, then as an insider.
The story is compelling, forcing the reader to consider the merits and challenges of colonization. It is also fodder for young female minds, with complicated male/female relationships and a fair amount of strained romance.
THE HOST is a great read, particularly for readers interested in science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings. And while I have heard several TWI-hards note that THE HOST is even better than the ubiquitous vampire series, I am not sure I agree. Still, THE HOST demands attention.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Naked
When I typed the title for this entry, I was reminded of the sign on a mechanic's shop in Auburn: "Sex! (Now that we've got your attention...)". But I promise my title is not a ploy.
NAKED by David Sedaris is a collection of memoirs, arranged a bit sporadically, each peppered with raw wit. I wish that I could say that it was a fabulous book. A student in Read For Yourself recommended it and insisted that I read one of Sedaris' books, so I did. Maybe it is telling that I started the book in the fall and have just closed the cover for the last time. It took me forever to read!
The beginning of the book was a great introduction to Sedaris' voice, to his humor, to his family (the center of all things for him, it seems). I was drawn in by the laughter I could hear through words printed on a page. But he lost me in the middle. While I plowed through the first three chapters, I stalled unceremoniously in the interim, coming back only at the end, when I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, this is not a tunnel I plan to traverse again.
The writing was not particularly illuminating. He rarely shed light on issues in a way that appealed to me. And, as I write that, I think, "This book is not written for me." And I know that I am right.
That said, I did like this bit:
"My hands tend to be full enough dealing with people who hate me for who I am. Concentrate too hard on the millions who hate you for what you are and you're likely to turn into one of those unkempt, sloppy dressers who sag beneath the weight of the two hundred political buttons they wear pinned to their coats and knapsacks. I haven't got the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.
I would recommend Sedaris because I know he has reached a lot of readers. He may not be the right fit for you, but I'm glad I gave him a shot.
Happy reading!
NAKED by David Sedaris is a collection of memoirs, arranged a bit sporadically, each peppered with raw wit. I wish that I could say that it was a fabulous book. A student in Read For Yourself recommended it and insisted that I read one of Sedaris' books, so I did. Maybe it is telling that I started the book in the fall and have just closed the cover for the last time. It took me forever to read!
The beginning of the book was a great introduction to Sedaris' voice, to his humor, to his family (the center of all things for him, it seems). I was drawn in by the laughter I could hear through words printed on a page. But he lost me in the middle. While I plowed through the first three chapters, I stalled unceremoniously in the interim, coming back only at the end, when I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, this is not a tunnel I plan to traverse again.
The writing was not particularly illuminating. He rarely shed light on issues in a way that appealed to me. And, as I write that, I think, "This book is not written for me." And I know that I am right.
That said, I did like this bit:
I would recommend Sedaris because I know he has reached a lot of readers. He may not be the right fit for you, but I'm glad I gave him a shot.
Happy reading!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Too Long
It has truly been far too long since my last post! And, as I am sure you can imagine, I have been reading (and listening) in the interim.
On my drives to and from Massachusetts, I have listened to several (have not been counting) audio books. The ones that come to mind are "The Collectors" and "The Camel Club" by David Baldacci, a couple by Robert Parker, and a couple by James Patterson. Baldacci is my favorite, by far. He writes about interesting topics, and I love the setting. Besides that, he has some "serial" characters (the Camel Club lead by the old-but-intrepid Oliver Stone and Michelle Maxwell/Sean King). One of the things that is most troubling about good literature, to me, is that when the book is finished, so are the people we meet on the pages. It might be sappy, but when I finish a Billie Letts book, for example, I feel like I am losing friends. To have a series featuring the same dynamic and complex characters solving a continuing mystery is a treat. I think that is one of the reasons why science fiction and fantasy books are reaching a new height of popularity; people want their stories to continue. How many of use are STILL wishing for and eighth Harry Potter or a fifth Twilight? My guess: too many of us to count!
As far as novels I have picked up to read, I finished "Beach House" by Jane Green a couple weeks ago. I love Jane Green's earlier works, which feature twenty- and thirty-somethings who are struggling to balance their personal and professional lives. In a way, her characters used to represent the same or similar existential struggles, and I could relate to their tales. "Beach House", however, features more mature characters, and I think it represents a shift in Jane Green's inspiration. The central character in "Beach House" is an older woman, in her sixties, who owns a large home on Nantucket. The house is in disrepair, and she just discovers that her late husband had swindled all of their money, and she has run out. Rather than sell the home, she decides to rent out rooms. Meanwhile, Green introduces three other families, disparate (at first), but struggling with demons of their own. One family has divorced parents and a very unruly teenage daughter. Another has a husband who has just come out of the closet and whose marriage, his wife is chagrined to learn, was a total sham. As I am sure you can deduce, these people are brought together by circumstances and a collective need for simplicity and distance. Ironically, as they run from their previous lives, they find each other and start rebuilding.
Normally, I would say that when I read, I see the passages as a movie in my head. In this case, I see this entire book as a movie. The screenplay would be simple, the characters warm and familiar. The setting-- oh, my. The setting would make all movie-goers wistful. It would easily feature an ensemble cast of understated actors and draw in crowds of key demographics: house wives, gay men, and elderly women. Okay. Maybe those aren't key demographics-- but they're nothing to sneeze at!
I have started reading "Naked" by David Sedaris. He is a funny man. In addition, I am scouring "The Book Thief" to prepare for the third quarter novel unit. My mom brought home "Kingdom Keepers II", a piece of juvenile literature in which kids (whose holograms serve as tour guides at Disney World) are able to infiltrate the Magic Kingdom at night in order to protect it from the characters who come to life each night. Yeah, I know it sounds pretty juvenile, but it fulfills a need in my life to be in Disney World overnight. God, how I would love that.
Anyway, that concludes my current recap of the last two months of my reading life. I will update with more regularity, I promise. Though, at this point, I'm not sure anyone is reading this. Ah, well. Writing for writing's sake retains purpose and benefit.
Happy reading!
On my drives to and from Massachusetts, I have listened to several (have not been counting) audio books. The ones that come to mind are "The Collectors" and "The Camel Club" by David Baldacci, a couple by Robert Parker, and a couple by James Patterson. Baldacci is my favorite, by far. He writes about interesting topics, and I love the setting. Besides that, he has some "serial" characters (the Camel Club lead by the old-but-intrepid Oliver Stone and Michelle Maxwell/Sean King). One of the things that is most troubling about good literature, to me, is that when the book is finished, so are the people we meet on the pages. It might be sappy, but when I finish a Billie Letts book, for example, I feel like I am losing friends. To have a series featuring the same dynamic and complex characters solving a continuing mystery is a treat. I think that is one of the reasons why science fiction and fantasy books are reaching a new height of popularity; people want their stories to continue. How many of use are STILL wishing for and eighth Harry Potter or a fifth Twilight? My guess: too many of us to count!
As far as novels I have picked up to read, I finished "Beach House" by Jane Green a couple weeks ago. I love Jane Green's earlier works, which feature twenty- and thirty-somethings who are struggling to balance their personal and professional lives. In a way, her characters used to represent the same or similar existential struggles, and I could relate to their tales. "Beach House", however, features more mature characters, and I think it represents a shift in Jane Green's inspiration. The central character in "Beach House" is an older woman, in her sixties, who owns a large home on Nantucket. The house is in disrepair, and she just discovers that her late husband had swindled all of their money, and she has run out. Rather than sell the home, she decides to rent out rooms. Meanwhile, Green introduces three other families, disparate (at first), but struggling with demons of their own. One family has divorced parents and a very unruly teenage daughter. Another has a husband who has just come out of the closet and whose marriage, his wife is chagrined to learn, was a total sham. As I am sure you can deduce, these people are brought together by circumstances and a collective need for simplicity and distance. Ironically, as they run from their previous lives, they find each other and start rebuilding.
Normally, I would say that when I read, I see the passages as a movie in my head. In this case, I see this entire book as a movie. The screenplay would be simple, the characters warm and familiar. The setting-- oh, my. The setting would make all movie-goers wistful. It would easily feature an ensemble cast of understated actors and draw in crowds of key demographics: house wives, gay men, and elderly women. Okay. Maybe those aren't key demographics-- but they're nothing to sneeze at!
I have started reading "Naked" by David Sedaris. He is a funny man. In addition, I am scouring "The Book Thief" to prepare for the third quarter novel unit. My mom brought home "Kingdom Keepers II", a piece of juvenile literature in which kids (whose holograms serve as tour guides at Disney World) are able to infiltrate the Magic Kingdom at night in order to protect it from the characters who come to life each night. Yeah, I know it sounds pretty juvenile, but it fulfills a need in my life to be in Disney World overnight. God, how I would love that.
Anyway, that concludes my current recap of the last two months of my reading life. I will update with more regularity, I promise. Though, at this point, I'm not sure anyone is reading this. Ah, well. Writing for writing's sake retains purpose and benefit.
Happy reading!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Stone Cold
I should also mention that I finished listening to "Stone Cold" by David Baldacci. These audiobooks, for the record, are wonderful brain candy for a person with a long commute (a couple times a week).
"Stone Cold" left me feeling like I needed a character web to follow along, but once I grew accustomed to the characters and to their relationships with one another, I was able to just relax, drive, and enjoy the story.
Happy listening!
"Stone Cold" left me feeling like I needed a character web to follow along, but once I grew accustomed to the characters and to their relationships with one another, I was able to just relax, drive, and enjoy the story.
Happy listening!
Interpreter of Maladies
I finished the last available Jhumpa Lahiri book Wednesday. It is a short story collection titled "Interpreter of Maladies." Like her other short story collection, An Unaccustomed Earth, and her novel, The Namesake, Interpreter of Maladies focuses on the lives of Bengalis, primarily, as well as Indians. Every story centers on a single relationship: man and wife, man and landlady, impoverished old woman and her community (x2). The stories are short and well-written, in Lahiri's typical laid-back, easy style, but the storylines seemed tired and overdone. Two stories about old, unmarried women neglected by their communities? Seems a little redundant.
Unlike "An Unaccustomed Earth", which featured a variety of stories in a variety of locations, "Interpreter of Maladies" seemed to spend copious amounts of time in dirty hallways or on lonely benches. The stories lacked the spark of culture clashes, and it failed to deliver a certain amount of modernity. The stories felt old, I think.
Still, this read, though, for me, a bit banal, comparatively speaking, is a light and pleasurable read. I did not devour it voraciously, as I did the first two books, but I enjoyed it nonetheless (just over time).
On tap: I really do not know. I have a small pile of books gathering beside my bed. Perhaps I will read "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. This would fulfill a promise I made to a student, and I do love a good mystery.
Happy reading!
Unlike "An Unaccustomed Earth", which featured a variety of stories in a variety of locations, "Interpreter of Maladies" seemed to spend copious amounts of time in dirty hallways or on lonely benches. The stories lacked the spark of culture clashes, and it failed to deliver a certain amount of modernity. The stories felt old, I think.
Still, this read, though, for me, a bit banal, comparatively speaking, is a light and pleasurable read. I did not devour it voraciously, as I did the first two books, but I enjoyed it nonetheless (just over time).
On tap: I really do not know. I have a small pile of books gathering beside my bed. Perhaps I will read "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. This would fulfill a promise I made to a student, and I do love a good mystery.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
First Family
I have also been listening to audiobooks on my drives to Massachusetts and back. I listened to First Family, a novel written by David Baldacci. The story unfolds as the President's niece is abducted and brought to a farm/mine in Alabama, the mother of one of the investigators is murdered, and the First Lady plots to hide dangerous family secrets.
The mystery unravels over twelve CDs, and, I have to say, listening to the rendition really makes a drive go more quickly. In fact, with First Family, I found myself looking forward to getting into my car, grateful for trips to the grocery store because they meant twenty more minutes of story time.
I think this goes to show that humans are never too old to be read to. Since First Family, I began my second foray into Baldacci, and I am now listening to Stone Cold. It is a little more confusing (characters abound!), but now that I am five CDs in, the story is becoming clearer.
Happy reading-- and listening!
The mystery unravels over twelve CDs, and, I have to say, listening to the rendition really makes a drive go more quickly. In fact, with First Family, I found myself looking forward to getting into my car, grateful for trips to the grocery store because they meant twenty more minutes of story time.
I think this goes to show that humans are never too old to be read to. Since First Family, I began my second foray into Baldacci, and I am now listening to Stone Cold. It is a little more confusing (characters abound!), but now that I am five CDs in, the story is becoming clearer.
Happy reading-- and listening!
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