static.
dark.
enlightening.
I am currently reviewing fiction from my World Literature class I am currently taking, since I don't have a lot of extra time for recreational reading this quarter. The selected literature is in stark contrast to the pop fiction I normally indulge myself with, and it has been a breath of fresh air.
My first descriptive word is "static" which means a character who is unchanging. After reading the first few chapters, I was thinking it has to get better, right?! To my dismay it got worse--much worse. I can tell you because it is stated in the first chapter of the book that Ivan dies a man satisfied with his amends.
The book is pretty dark, but if you know Tolstoy, you know both his parents died when he was a child...he never even knew his mother or even saw pics of her. He had several of 13 children die, as well as a grandmother and two aunts that had a great effect on him. Pondering his mortality was not something Tolstoy was a stranger to. Contrastly, the main character in the book, Ivan doesn't even take a single thought of death until it is staring him in the face.
I found this book ultimately enlightening and it has a depth to it, as does an exceptional work of art.
4 of 5 stars because it's depressing to an extent.
17 April 2010
12 April 2010
My Name is Asher Lev
coming of age.moving.
controversial.It seems only fitting that my first review on Fiction Convert be by my favorite author, even though the book is definitely not new. Chaim Potok, as I mentioned in my "conversion" story, became my obsession in middle school. Potok, a Jewish Rabbi, didn't waste time explaining every Yiddish term or Jewish custom, he simply wove them into the story. His audience reached much farther than his own religious circles. Instead, he is considered one of the great American authors of our time, rather than one of the great Jewish authors.
I now recognize that I was drawn to the Jewish author's stories of Hasidic Jews living in urban America because of my own orthodox Mormon (LDS) background. Here was an incredibly gifted author making no apologies for his faith. He seemed to have the gift of pride in his faith, while simultaneously admitting the shortcomings and almost sinister side of its members, if not the orthodoxy itself. Could it be possible for me, then, to write a story with LDS characters and backdrop, that would be considered not just a Mormon story, but a human story? And one that didn't betray the religion I hold so dear and continue to practice faithfully? The rhetorical question seemed always in the back of my mind, and I loved Potok for his boldness and his insight into the human experience.
My Name is Asher Lev was Potok's third novel (after The Chosen and its sequel, The Promise), but it was my introduction to Potok. Like The Chosen, Asher Lev is a coming of age story, following the title character from early childhood through early adulthood and exploring his artistic inclinations in a time when such pursuits were frowned upon by his fellow Hasidic Jews. Lev must choose between his relationship with those he loves and indulging his compulsion to create art, culminating in a climactic and controversial ending. The book's ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger; luckily it's followed by a sequel, The Gift of Asher Lev.
5 of 5 stars
controversial.It seems only fitting that my first review on Fiction Convert be by my favorite author, even though the book is definitely not new. Chaim Potok, as I mentioned in my "conversion" story, became my obsession in middle school. Potok, a Jewish Rabbi, didn't waste time explaining every Yiddish term or Jewish custom, he simply wove them into the story. His audience reached much farther than his own religious circles. Instead, he is considered one of the great American authors of our time, rather than one of the great Jewish authors.
I now recognize that I was drawn to the Jewish author's stories of Hasidic Jews living in urban America because of my own orthodox Mormon (LDS) background. Here was an incredibly gifted author making no apologies for his faith. He seemed to have the gift of pride in his faith, while simultaneously admitting the shortcomings and almost sinister side of its members, if not the orthodoxy itself. Could it be possible for me, then, to write a story with LDS characters and backdrop, that would be considered not just a Mormon story, but a human story? And one that didn't betray the religion I hold so dear and continue to practice faithfully? The rhetorical question seemed always in the back of my mind, and I loved Potok for his boldness and his insight into the human experience.
My Name is Asher Lev was Potok's third novel (after The Chosen and its sequel, The Promise), but it was my introduction to Potok. Like The Chosen, Asher Lev is a coming of age story, following the title character from early childhood through early adulthood and exploring his artistic inclinations in a time when such pursuits were frowned upon by his fellow Hasidic Jews. Lev must choose between his relationship with those he loves and indulging his compulsion to create art, culminating in a climactic and controversial ending. The book's ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger; luckily it's followed by a sequel, The Gift of Asher Lev.
5 of 5 stars
09 April 2010
The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare
unexpected.
enchanted.
suspenseful.
This second book in the series was more action-filled than the last. More characters are added to the plot, if you can imagine. There were moments when I felt Clare was either spoon-feeding, or withholding info a bit, yet I continued to be intrigued due to unexpected turns of events and emerging romances. I definitely wanted to know how those were gonna work out...or not.
Magnus Bane has been a favorite of mine, and Simon has raised the bar with his maturing throughout the series. There isn't much of a dull moment in this book. I still don't love Clare's writing style but I can certainly appreciate the intricacy that has gone into writing this book...almost makes me want to read the series again so I can remember all the hints and foreshadowing that occurred in previous books.
Keep reading and you won't be disappointed!
4 of 5 stars
enchanted.
suspenseful.
This second book in the series was more action-filled than the last. More characters are added to the plot, if you can imagine. There were moments when I felt Clare was either spoon-feeding, or withholding info a bit, yet I continued to be intrigued due to unexpected turns of events and emerging romances. I definitely wanted to know how those were gonna work out...or not.
Magnus Bane has been a favorite of mine, and Simon has raised the bar with his maturing throughout the series. There isn't much of a dull moment in this book. I still don't love Clare's writing style but I can certainly appreciate the intricacy that has gone into writing this book...almost makes me want to read the series again so I can remember all the hints and foreshadowing that occurred in previous books.
Keep reading and you won't be disappointed!
4 of 5 stars
08 April 2010
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare
characters.
youthful.
other-worldly.
My initial problem with this book is that the narration is in third person, which unfortunately tended to take me out of the story at times. Another writing technique I disliked,was the way the author would start a dialogue, interrupt it by explaining what the character(s) were doing, then continue with the end of the quote. I found this to be extremely distracting throughout the first half of the book. But I eventually got used to Clare's writing style until it wasn't foreign to me anymore and I can honestly say that I can appreciate the reason that she wrote it that way, in the end.
Once I put my pettiness aside, the story and several of the characters started to grow on me. By the end of the first book, I was excited to start the second. And after that one, I couldn't wait to start the third and it got better from there.
This is definitely one of those books that gets progressively better as you go along. The main characters are in their mid teens; the age that is awkward and confusing for us all. Add to the chaos: demons, vampires, werewolves, angels in the city that never sleeps, and things start to get interesting.
My advice would be, if you liked The Twilight Saga, give this series a chance...it pays off in the end.
3.5 of 5 stars
(keep in mind that the ratings go up with each of the following books in the series :D)
youthful.
other-worldly.
My initial problem with this book is that the narration is in third person, which unfortunately tended to take me out of the story at times. Another writing technique I disliked,was the way the author would start a dialogue, interrupt it by explaining what the character(s) were doing, then continue with the end of the quote. I found this to be extremely distracting throughout the first half of the book. But I eventually got used to Clare's writing style until it wasn't foreign to me anymore and I can honestly say that I can appreciate the reason that she wrote it that way, in the end.
Once I put my pettiness aside, the story and several of the characters started to grow on me. By the end of the first book, I was excited to start the second. And after that one, I couldn't wait to start the third and it got better from there.
This is definitely one of those books that gets progressively better as you go along. The main characters are in their mid teens; the age that is awkward and confusing for us all. Add to the chaos: demons, vampires, werewolves, angels in the city that never sleeps, and things start to get interesting.
My advice would be, if you liked The Twilight Saga, give this series a chance...it pays off in the end.
3.5 of 5 stars
(keep in mind that the ratings go up with each of the following books in the series :D)
07 April 2010
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
intelligent.
captivating.
passionate.
Once again, I had no idea this story could be pulled off, while still maintaining intrigue and mystery, but Suzanne has done it again! What a cliff hanger. Ugh! I'm pretty much crazy about Suzanne Collins' writing...she's onto something here and I hope she keeps rolling with it because I can't get enough.
5 of 5 stars
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[SPOILER ALERT!]
06 April 2010
Nikki's Conversion Story
It all started with Green Eggs and Ham. My name is Nikki, and I'm a reading addict.
Books have always provided me more entertainment than a movie could ever hope to. In middle school, my best friend Becky and I became obsessed with Jack Weyland, to the point of writing him a letter, to which he replied! (Side note: years later, as an adult, Weyland's grown son moved to my hometown. I happened to be at a friend's house when the son stopped by. When they told me who he was, you'd have thought I was meeting Brad Pitt, I was so star-struck. And this was just his son!) From Weyland, Becky and I moved on to much deeper and darker material, mostly Chaim Potok novels. I also devoured Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Potok remains my favorite author to this day.
My love of fiction continued through high school where I ate up even assigned books like Lord of the Flies. (Don't get me wrong, though, I hated my share of assigned material just like the rest of the kids. To this day, I have no clue what Beowulf or Heart of Darkness were about.)
After high school, as a young married adult, I read Anna and the King, Les Miserables, and Little Women as I walked to and from work and school every day. Les Miserables was the first non-religious book to make me cry. In a way, it was a turning point in my reading "career." Books could really move me and maybe even change my life. I would later be so moved by books like The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and These is My Words.
Then my beloved babies were born. Between the diaper changes, the lack of sleep, and generally getting the hang of motherhood, I was lucky to get in a book every 6 months (compared to my current 1-2 books per week). My love of fiction, like my love of alternative music, was put on the back burner. Until Twilight. Reading Meyer's heart-wrenching saga awakened my love of fiction and I've been a relapsed addict ever since!
Books have always provided me more entertainment than a movie could ever hope to. In middle school, my best friend Becky and I became obsessed with Jack Weyland, to the point of writing him a letter, to which he replied! (Side note: years later, as an adult, Weyland's grown son moved to my hometown. I happened to be at a friend's house when the son stopped by. When they told me who he was, you'd have thought I was meeting Brad Pitt, I was so star-struck. And this was just his son!) From Weyland, Becky and I moved on to much deeper and darker material, mostly Chaim Potok novels. I also devoured Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Potok remains my favorite author to this day.
My love of fiction continued through high school where I ate up even assigned books like Lord of the Flies. (Don't get me wrong, though, I hated my share of assigned material just like the rest of the kids. To this day, I have no clue what Beowulf or Heart of Darkness were about.)
After high school, as a young married adult, I read Anna and the King, Les Miserables, and Little Women as I walked to and from work and school every day. Les Miserables was the first non-religious book to make me cry. In a way, it was a turning point in my reading "career." Books could really move me and maybe even change my life. I would later be so moved by books like The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and These is My Words.
Then my beloved babies were born. Between the diaper changes, the lack of sleep, and generally getting the hang of motherhood, I was lucky to get in a book every 6 months (compared to my current 1-2 books per week). My love of fiction, like my love of alternative music, was put on the back burner. Until Twilight. Reading Meyer's heart-wrenching saga awakened my love of fiction and I've been a relapsed addict ever since!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
colorful.
humanity.
hope.
Where to begin? This book was everything I could hope for and more. My only thought when I finished the first book, was that I needed to start the second book, Catching Fire immediately...and I did. The only pity is that the third book doesn't come out until August!
I had my doubts when I read the summary of the book, I mean how could an entire book be written about children fighting to the death for food? Sounded like a serious downer to me. I was pleasantly surprised to find the overall plot to be hopeful and heart-warming.
Lionsgate is making a movie and I just hope it will do the book justice because the book, is amazing.
5 of 5 stars
...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here:
[SPOILER ALERT!]
humanity.
hope.
Where to begin? This book was everything I could hope for and more. My only thought when I finished the first book, was that I needed to start the second book, Catching Fire immediately...and I did. The only pity is that the third book doesn't come out until August!
I had my doubts when I read the summary of the book, I mean how could an entire book be written about children fighting to the death for food? Sounded like a serious downer to me. I was pleasantly surprised to find the overall plot to be hopeful and heart-warming.
Lionsgate is making a movie and I just hope it will do the book justice because the book, is amazing.
5 of 5 stars
...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here:
[SPOILER ALERT!]
Kate's "Conversion" Story
My story isn't really a conversion story, as much as just a story.
I come from a long line of fiction readers. I don't remember a time in my life when my Grandparents, Mom and Dad, and siblings weren't reading a book. My parents taught me to read at a young age, and to read often.
My first real love of fiction came in the 2nd grade with The Boxcar Children, and subsequently progressed to The Babysitter's Club. By the 4th grade I had started reading The Work and The Glory Series and fell in love with historical fiction. As a young teen I devoured Jack Weyland and Anita Stansfield books like they were going out of style. I was lucky enough to have a librarian for a mother; so having access to new books on a daily basis kept me in a blissful world of fiction - even 'till the wee hours of the morning on many occasions.
In high school I LOVED my English classes and will never forget the first time I read fantastic works of fiction like The Importance Of Being Earnest, Cold Sassy Tree, Lord Jim, and Wuthering Heights. Not only did I get to read for homework, but I got to dissect the books afterwards and write all my feelings about them on paper. What more could a book lover want from a class?
As an adult I find myself reading all different genres of fiction - mysteries, youth, fantasy, historical, romantic...the options are endless. That is the true joy of reading works of fiction - they can encourage you to learn a skill, remind you of what it felt like to fall in love, treat you to fantastical lands and whimsical peoples, give you a chance to reflect on time gone by and things you take for granted, or they can simply be a sweet escape from a busy and trying time in your life.
In short, I was born and bred to be a fiction reader...and for that I feel very blessed.
I come from a long line of fiction readers. I don't remember a time in my life when my Grandparents, Mom and Dad, and siblings weren't reading a book. My parents taught me to read at a young age, and to read often.
My first real love of fiction came in the 2nd grade with The Boxcar Children, and subsequently progressed to The Babysitter's Club. By the 4th grade I had started reading The Work and The Glory Series and fell in love with historical fiction. As a young teen I devoured Jack Weyland and Anita Stansfield books like they were going out of style. I was lucky enough to have a librarian for a mother; so having access to new books on a daily basis kept me in a blissful world of fiction - even 'till the wee hours of the morning on many occasions.
In high school I LOVED my English classes and will never forget the first time I read fantastic works of fiction like The Importance Of Being Earnest, Cold Sassy Tree, Lord Jim, and Wuthering Heights. Not only did I get to read for homework, but I got to dissect the books afterwards and write all my feelings about them on paper. What more could a book lover want from a class?
As an adult I find myself reading all different genres of fiction - mysteries, youth, fantasy, historical, romantic...the options are endless. That is the true joy of reading works of fiction - they can encourage you to learn a skill, remind you of what it felt like to fall in love, treat you to fantastical lands and whimsical peoples, give you a chance to reflect on time gone by and things you take for granted, or they can simply be a sweet escape from a busy and trying time in your life.
In short, I was born and bred to be a fiction reader...and for that I feel very blessed.
05 April 2010
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
conflicting.
adventure.
love.
The Host was the obvious choice when I was searching for what would be the third fiction book I've ever read. I figured since I was into Stephenie Meyer's writing, then it should be pretty safe. While I can see how some people thinnk this author has plot issues, I actually appreciate the way she writes. The plot builds slowly but steadily and I always think the suspense is worth it in the end. I was glad that the pace of the story kept up throughout this book.
I'd probably compare it to Eclipse in the Twilight Saga because it has quite a bit of action and I had no idea how everything was going to resolve, but it did...beautifully. This book made me laugh and cry. Can't wait to read the next Host book that Stephenie is rumored to be writing.
5 of 5 stars
adventure.
love.
The Host was the obvious choice when I was searching for what would be the third fiction book I've ever read. I figured since I was into Stephenie Meyer's writing, then it should be pretty safe. While I can see how some people thinnk this author has plot issues, I actually appreciate the way she writes. The plot builds slowly but steadily and I always think the suspense is worth it in the end. I was glad that the pace of the story kept up throughout this book.
I'd probably compare it to Eclipse in the Twilight Saga because it has quite a bit of action and I had no idea how everything was going to resolve, but it did...beautifully. This book made me laugh and cry. Can't wait to read the next Host book that Stephenie is rumored to be writing.
5 of 5 stars
04 April 2010
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
shocking.
sexy.
tense.
I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen in this book. It was like watching a car accident...I just couldn't look away. The story did drag on a bit for me but it was well worth it in the end. I was pretty satisfied with the ending, though I'd love to read another series picking up where this one left off someday.
On a side note, I'm not sure how they're going to make this into a movie while keeping it tasteful, but I sure can't wait to find out! Oh, and I'm all about Edward still. He brings out the school girl crush in me (;
4 of 5 stars
sexy.
tense.
I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen in this book. It was like watching a car accident...I just couldn't look away. The story did drag on a bit for me but it was well worth it in the end. I was pretty satisfied with the ending, though I'd love to read another series picking up where this one left off someday.
On a side note, I'm not sure how they're going to make this into a movie while keeping it tasteful, but I sure can't wait to find out! Oh, and I'm all about Edward still. He brings out the school girl crush in me (;
4 of 5 stars
03 April 2010
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
action.
love-triangle.
giggle.
Overlooking the grammatical errors that bothered me to start, I found this book action-packed, engaging, and satisfying. Most memorable for me, was the tent scene that seriously made me laugh out loud.
I remain team Edward at this point. Something about his desire to be with and protect Bella, not to mention his ability to do so makes me a little crazy, in a good way (;
On a side note, Kristin Stewart in the movie really bothers me. I think she acts like a snobby brat. I'm uncertain if she meant to act that way, or if the actress is just like that in real life, but she bugs. In the book, Bella is perhaps naive, yes, but there is an innocence about her inner struggle when you read the book that is lost in the movie.
5 of 5 stars
01 April 2010
Cheryn's "Conversion" Story
My friend, who is a serious bookie, told me that she believes people who claim they don't enjoy fiction just haven't found the right book. I laughed at the time and thought, seriously not for me; I have more pressing and important things to do with my time.
Wow, I had to eat my words, 'cause I am officially a fiction convert. After unintentionally watching Twilight, and really liking the whole star-crossed lovers and vegitarian vampire plot, then watching New Moon, I had to know what happened next! So my friend loaned me her copy of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn [by Stephenie Meyer, who btw, happens to be my friend's, husband's cousin--got that?]. At any rate, I read these books over Christmas Break, and that was the beginning of the end. I am officially hooked. I suppose my vise could be worse, right? Lots of my reading is either while I'm on the eliptical, or while waiting for a doctor's appt, etc. So in my twisted mind, I'm actually being more productive by adding reading here and there in my daily routine.
The purpose of this blog is purely to review and discuss fiction books. I'm hoping the books I read will be clean. Which is to say that I prefer reading to be enjoyable, inspiring, funny, whitty, and relaxing, without every other word being: [censored] and [censored] or [censored] which I find unnecessary and ultimately tiresome. That being said, we are all adults here, so I will overlook a minor infraction here or there if its well-worth it in the grand scheme of the storyline.
Do you have a recommendation or review? Feel free to comment to your heart's content <3 Until then...
HAPPY READING!
Wow, I had to eat my words, 'cause I am officially a fiction convert. After unintentionally watching Twilight, and really liking the whole star-crossed lovers and vegitarian vampire plot, then watching New Moon, I had to know what happened next! So my friend loaned me her copy of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn [by Stephenie Meyer, who btw, happens to be my friend's, husband's cousin--got that?]. At any rate, I read these books over Christmas Break, and that was the beginning of the end. I am officially hooked. I suppose my vise could be worse, right? Lots of my reading is either while I'm on the eliptical, or while waiting for a doctor's appt, etc. So in my twisted mind, I'm actually being more productive by adding reading here and there in my daily routine.
The purpose of this blog is purely to review and discuss fiction books. I'm hoping the books I read will be clean. Which is to say that I prefer reading to be enjoyable, inspiring, funny, whitty, and relaxing, without every other word being: [censored] and [censored] or [censored] which I find unnecessary and ultimately tiresome. That being said, we are all adults here, so I will overlook a minor infraction here or there if its well-worth it in the grand scheme of the storyline.
Do you have a recommendation or review? Feel free to comment to your heart's content <3 Until then...
HAPPY READING!
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