28 October 2010
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
vivid.
introspective.
confusing.
I love it when adult fiction is narrated first person from a child's perspective. It always reminds me how confusing this crazy world is to little ones, who often have to grapple with experiences that far exceed their understanding or ability to navigate. So, subconsciously, they translate the things they don't understand into their own language, making a sort of sense of thing that make no sense. This book is told from the perspective of a child (and on in to her teen years) who develops the ability to taste others' emotions and moods through food. From the standpoint of someone who loves food, and appreciates vivid descriptive fiction, I really enjoyed the journey, up until the climax, which was deliberately written in a vague way and left me craving answers rather than understanding a revelation. I believe the author did this on purpose--the "child" narrator didn't fully understand it herself. And often in life we don't get the real, concrete answers that movies or stories tend to provide. But the "big revelation" in the book was diminished for me because it was so confusing, I couldn't really put my finger on what actually happened. What I think happened is a very cool story. If only I could know.
3 out of 5 stars
17 October 2010
Numbers by Rachel Ward
couldn't
do
it.
In the first chapter of the book, we learn that the main character Jem can see the date any given person will die, that her mom was a junkie who she found dead from an aparent overdose, and that the author prefers 'colorful' language to illustrate Jem's rough-around-the-edges character. It was then that I came to the conclusion that it didn't really matter how good the story might be if I were to just filter as I read, but unfortunately, that method simply is not conducive to my goal of relaxing while I read. C'est la vie!
07 October 2010
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
royalty.
tragedy.
hope.
This was the first historical fiction book I've attempted reading. I'm pleased to announce that I LOVED IT! Being completely and intentionally ignorant of many historic events, I probably wouldn't have known if the author didn't have her facts correct, but I can tell Michelle Moran did meticulous research. She is an Archaeologist, which fuels her passion for writing. I have much respect for her artistry mingled with historically accurate persons. If she changes certain aspects of history to improve the plot, she clearly lets the reader know that.
As you may know or can imagine, during the rule of Caesar in Rome, slaves led tragic lives and even the royal families were only a small degree away from losing everything at any given moment. This story tugged on my heartstrings too many times, but it also lifted my spirits.
Definitely a recommend!
4.5 out of 5 stars
tragedy.
hope.
This was the first historical fiction book I've attempted reading. I'm pleased to announce that I LOVED IT! Being completely and intentionally ignorant of many historic events, I probably wouldn't have known if the author didn't have her facts correct, but I can tell Michelle Moran did meticulous research. She is an Archaeologist, which fuels her passion for writing. I have much respect for her artistry mingled with historically accurate persons. If she changes certain aspects of history to improve the plot, she clearly lets the reader know that.
As you may know or can imagine, during the rule of Caesar in Rome, slaves led tragic lives and even the royal families were only a small degree away from losing everything at any given moment. This story tugged on my heartstrings too many times, but it also lifted my spirits.
Definitely a recommend!
4.5 out of 5 stars
The Giver by Lois Lowry
control.
burden.
truth.
I was told this book was the first in a series. With only 280 pages, it was an extremely quick read. Good thing too, because I couldn't put it down until I finished it in one evening. I was all too eager to start the next book, but when I started reading it I discovered the "second book" doesn't seem like the same story at all.
With this realization, I reflect on how The Giver ended. I suppose it could have been a real ending, but so much was left unresolved. I'm baffled. If anyone knows what is the deal with this I'd love to hear your thoughts.
All that being said, I was surprised by how invested in the story I became. I would have enjoyed more depth from the Giver himself as the story progressed. It seemed there was a jump in the plot about 3/4 way through the book which is where I feel it was lacking. Again, just too many loose ends. I have lots of questions that might never be answered...and the control freak in me hates that!
4 out of 5 stars
burden.
truth.
I was told this book was the first in a series. With only 280 pages, it was an extremely quick read. Good thing too, because I couldn't put it down until I finished it in one evening. I was all too eager to start the next book, but when I started reading it I discovered the "second book" doesn't seem like the same story at all.
With this realization, I reflect on how The Giver ended. I suppose it could have been a real ending, but so much was left unresolved. I'm baffled. If anyone knows what is the deal with this I'd love to hear your thoughts.
All that being said, I was surprised by how invested in the story I became. I would have enjoyed more depth from the Giver himself as the story progressed. It seemed there was a jump in the plot about 3/4 way through the book which is where I feel it was lacking. Again, just too many loose ends. I have lots of questions that might never be answered...and the control freak in me hates that!
4 out of 5 stars
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
young.
charming.
mystery.
I never quite know where this story is going. I was pleasantly surprised with the evolution of many characters in this book, and one relationship in particular. While I enjoyed this book more than the first, I have to admit I've lost interest in the series, even if only temporarily until I run out of on-hand recommends to keep me busy. Now, life might go on just fine without knowing how the plot resolves. At times the series has showed such promise, but I keep coming back to the problem that the content is not captivating me. It seems like the same predictable and creepy things keep happening, and while there is little progress, so much stays the same, and so much stays unclear. I would recommend this series to a 15 year old girl though, and will certainly read the final book just to wrap it up with a pretty little bow. I must admit I'm still wanting to know what will happen, even though the plot has been painfully slow to progress.
3 out of 5 stars
charming.
mystery.
I never quite know where this story is going. I was pleasantly surprised with the evolution of many characters in this book, and one relationship in particular. While I enjoyed this book more than the first, I have to admit I've lost interest in the series, even if only temporarily until I run out of on-hand recommends to keep me busy. Now, life might go on just fine without knowing how the plot resolves. At times the series has showed such promise, but I keep coming back to the problem that the content is not captivating me. It seems like the same predictable and creepy things keep happening, and while there is little progress, so much stays the same, and so much stays unclear. I would recommend this series to a 15 year old girl though, and will certainly read the final book just to wrap it up with a pretty little bow. I must admit I'm still wanting to know what will happen, even though the plot has been painfully slow to progress.
3 out of 5 stars
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