The Hunger Games

Yeeeeeeeee!

Mortal Instruments

I have mixed feelings about the actor cast as Jace. He is too "pretty boy," in my opinion; as in straight out of a calvin klein ad. Hopefully they can rough him up a bit for the role. I remain optimistic about this movie...time shall reveal!

One for the Money

I've started this book and can't wait to get into the series. My friend Amanda tells me that by book four, you realize how laugh-out-loud hysterical Stephanie Plum is. As a bonus, One for the Money, the movie is releasing later this month [starring Katherine Heigl], so what better time to pick up the book and enjoy?!

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

bold.
contemptible.
triumphant.

I knew there was something special about this book when I started bawling like a baby after just a few short chapters. Ken Follett masterfully develops characters and entwines their lives in a way that is striking and full of raw human emotion. His readers experience terror, trepidation, peace, and every victory--big and small--alongside companionable protagonists and formidable foes.

This story is told in third person, limited-omniscient, so you gain a true sense of each individuals character—and there are many. I'm not going to lie; it took me the first five hundred pages to acclimate to Follett's writing style and the plethora of important characters in the plot, but it was all downhill from there. I found that I couldn't get enough--eat, read. sleep, read. kids, read. classes, read. and repeat.

Follett proves there is an artwork to creating characters that you feel you are psychically and invariably connected to. There are villains that you love to hate, yet for whom you feel a deep sense of pity and share their regret in the end. There are also people like you and I, who strive to make good choices in their lives, yet they suffer unspeakable acts and face ostensibly insurmountable challenges.

This novel is brimming with the dark and dreary side of humanity, and likewise, it glistens with the light of hope; for one cannot exist without the other, as they are complimentary parts of the whole.

5 out of 5 stars

I will read the sequel.

Laughable Loves by Milan Kundera

pitiful.
laughable.
naive.

My friend Kiel introduced me to a band called "The Airborne Toxic Event," who I had heard on the radio, but hadn't researched any further songs belonging to them. I also used one of their tracks "All I Ever Wanted--" the one played on the radio, actually--for a Sociology Media Analysis. Turns out that my analysis of the lyrics have nothing to do with the true meaning of the song.

Of course this piqued my interest and I ended up locating the short story that the song is written about, called "The Hitchhiking Game" from this book, Laughable Loves by Kundera.

I was hoping that learning more about the original short story would enhance my adoration of this emotion-filled song. Rather it had the opposite effect. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion--it got worse and worse. I have no qualms about Kundera's writing. It's the content that I am disagreeable toward. Perhaps it is due to the abundance of wisdom I've acquired in nearly thirty years, but probably not. I felt that the characters in each of the short stories were naive and didn't think things through all the way, which I found irritating as a reader.

This book ought to be titled "Pitifully Laughable Lust."

2.5 out of 5 stars

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

family.
friends.
maturing.

After being married for nearly ten years with three kids of my own, and feeling like I suddenly woke up feeling like I reverted to my 20 years old self, but with evidence of time passing, I connected instantly with this book's summary.

While the plot was unique and I favored the final outcome of the story, I remained underwhelmed by the quality of writing. I tend to be snobby about things that I have a preference--I just want what I waaaant! Maybe that's why I expect a certain level of prose from an author, even in a novel. It should flow in his or her own unique style, becoming the underlying melody of the story. Unfortunately there was no such magic at work here.

The story was okay, but it could have been told so much better, in my truly humble, cannot-fathom-the-overwhelming-task-of-writing-a-novel, opinion. In the end, this book was a unique idea with potential that ultimately fell flat.

3 out of 5 stars

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

menagerie.
menacing.
memories.

The first word above is notoriously strewn about this novel and summarizes in one word what this book is about.

me·nag·er·ie

 

A place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition; a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition.

 

The most captivating aspect of the storyline, for me, was the interactions between the animals and humans. While the wild animals themselves pose an obvious danger, the other characters prove to be a far greater threat in the plot. Ironically, The humans exude animalistic qualities in the way they treat each other, while the animals show more humanity than their caretakers. 

I also enjoyed the current day story Sara kept coming back to throughout her novel. It is humbling to imagine feeling like what constitutes "you" on the inside, doesn't match your old moderately decrepit and deteriorating exterior. It must be terrible to feel like someone is condescendingly placating you when you have more life experience and valid reasons for acting the way you do; constantly struggling with your limited and infuriating mobility and cogency challenges.

 

This book was a quick and easy read. The plot easily kept my attention and many of the characters were beautifully depicted...even the "ugly" ones. My main qualm with the plot, is the lack of story in the romance department. There was more risque sand crude sex and unnecessary "f" bombs than I care for. Clearly the main characters of the story are passionate, driven individuals. Why must the romantic culmination fall so FLAT?

 

I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend you pick it up before watching the movie...

 

4 out of 5 stars

Fire by Kristin Cashore

vivid.
attachments.
self actualization.

The characters and places Kristin Cashore creates, masterfully lures her audience in. This companion book to Graceling didn't have as strong as a start to its predecessor, but it grew on me. I was a little put off by the same main power being used in both books, though each had an important role in its own book. Unfortunately the overlap took away a little bit of the uniqueness that each book deserved to command. Some moments were a little disjointed when skipping from one scene to the next with little or no transition. That being said, I was not let down by this read.

However, there was a slow and steady climb toward realizing the pinnacle of attachments and characters growing and interweaving throughout the novel. This book is what I consider to be a "chick flick," because the protagonist is cursed with monstrous beauty & super powers, and is surrounded by people who adore her. What an unfortunate challenge, right?! Poor soul. This one is definitely a must read, though I admittedly hold Graceling closer to my heart.

4 out of 5 stars

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

pretense.
perseverance.
enrapture.

I was blown away by this novel. It always helps to have no preconceived notions when beginning a new book with a new [to me] author--as was the advantage in this instance. Never a dull moment, this literary journey was filled with adventure and emotion.

I suffered with Katsa, experienced falling in love, and laughed out loud at her absurd and often comical brutal nature. It was a pleasure for me to share in her evolution, and the progression of the seven kingdoms and her inhabitants. Cashore is skilled at carefully weaving characters into the plot that are flawlessly imperfect yet endearing. (I personally feel Po is quite nearly perfect though :D)

This story confirms the resilience of the human spirit and reminds readers of what a person can prove capable of, surprising even themselves in the process.

5 out of 5 stars

I hope the next book rivals this one, though I remain unpretentiously minded about it. I'll keep you posted...

Matched by Ally Condie

conditioned.
contradictory.
complimentary.

The first 316 pages of the book where the tiniest bit tormenting for me. Its not that the book up to this point was bad, by any means. It was just so "cookie cutter," so "perfect" in its imperfection that it made me sick. Even in Cassia's attempted inner rebellion, she still follows the rules on the outside! I kinda wanted to scream at her.

It wasn't until chapter 29 that everything that I despised about the story finally found its purpose. In that moment, I felt the journey had been worth it. I understood the necessity to feel the emotions I experienced leading up to that point. I am pleased to report that I was happily surprised to realize how much I ended up appreciating this book. And guess what...100% clean read! Wow, now that is a feat.

3.5 out of 5 stars

The next book is slated to be released Nov 1st, 2011...oh, and planned to hit the big screen in the future as well. Enjoy...

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

steampunk.
refreshing.
twisted.

I only recently learned about the steampunk genre, which I find weird because I totally dig it...would've thought I'd stumbled upon it before now. This book IS steampunk. You can tell from the book summary that this is a dark and twisted tale, but Kittredge brings new life to this melancholic dystopian storyline. Maybe I haven't read enough books to sense this plot being reminiscent of similar tales, but I found this story refreshingly ingenious. I honestly couldn't have guessed where the plot line would take me but I was happy to be helplessly and intoxicatingly strung along.

Kittredge used just the right amount of eccentric words masterfully interspersed in the novel. One thing that bugged me initially was the unknown to me pronunciation of the main character's name "Aoife." By the third chapter, I had to look it up online before I could read another word. I found that the name is an Irish name, similar to Eva or Ava in English, and is pronounced "Ee-fa."

I was a teensy bit miffed about the unsatisfying ending. To me, this is defined as more lingering questions than answers at the turn of the last page. To some, this may be an intriguing cliff-hanger, but I was left wanting. Now comes the waiting game until the second novel is released...

4.5 out of 5 stars

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

pursuit.
menace.
value.

First off I have to say, the movie based on this book was TERRIBLE. Don't let that keep you from reading this series.

The book is Sci-Fi based, so that's a bonus if you're into that sort of thing. It's a quick and enjoyable read. I'm pretty sure the margins are larger than average so you're under the illusion that the book is longer than it is. The next book in the series is called "The Power of Six." I'm ready to find out what adventures these characters stumble upon next.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

inventive.
abstract.
lingering.

The idea behind the plot in this story is intriguing and creative. Certain points in the story I found moderately predictable, while others I found mystifying. At times it was unclear what was happening because the written words were not forming a relevant picture in my mind which confused me, and not in a good way. However, I liked the overall concept and never found myself bored.. I would have read the book from start to finish in one sitting if time had allowed. The ending was somewhat satisfying, yet left unanswered questions lingering just out of reach, beyond the last page. I will definitely read the next book in the trilogy "Sapphique."

3.5 out of 5 stars

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

marketing ploy.
mysterious.
chilling.

First, I need to get something off my chest. When I saw the previews for the movie of the same title of this book, I was intrigued by the possibility of a new take on a timeless classic. I was disgruntled when I discovered that the "bonus chapter" was not included in the original book published, but would become available online to read once the movie officially released. To say this irked me is an understatement. The book shown at TOP left is actually a different version that is being sold now (lower left), and I have to wonder if the newer version has the "bonus chapter" included in it. If anyone is privy to this info, I'd be curious to hear. It may be too late for me to purchase the book in its entirety because there is something wrong with contributing any more money to this marketing ploy, but that doesn't mean its too late for you.

The book is prefaced with the director of the screenplay telling readers about the author and how she is the perfect person to accurately portray the vision of the storyline. I wish this info came after the story so that I wasn't being so critical of her writing style, since I had recently discovered that this was the author's first novel post-graduation. Because of this, I found certain scenes to be overly descriptive which took away from the story at times.

That all being said, I did enjoy the mystery of the story and am still dying to know what happens in the final chapter. I happened to forget that it is available online (or maybe I blacked it out). Nevertheless, I am at a place where I can sit down and read the last dozen or so pages. I just hope that the wait will be well worth it in the end and that I will find satisfaction in whatever resolution of the story awaits me.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Because I'm still bitter...hey, I'm just being honest (;
Read BONUS CHAPTER here.

Extremely Loud and Incrediby Close by Jonathon Safran Foer

unassuming.
death.
love.

What originally drew me to this book, was the main character, a nine-year-old boy whose intelligence far exceeds his years. He reminded me of my eight-year-old daughter, who embodies the title of this book. She, too, is smart, and will talk your ear off in a heartbeat. She doesn't understand the need for personal space, and I'm pretty sure she is incapable of thinking internally.  She shares many similarities to Oskar in the story, and is equally endearing.

This book explores the hope and heartache of personal tragedies through generations of Oskar's family--flawed beings who love imperfectly. The book itself seems to be searching for the answer to an impossible question; a question that dwindles throughout a lengthy and painful search for meaning and purpose in lives that are lacking.

In the end, the lesson that was reinforced in my mind is the need to be loved and to share your love in the very moment that precedes the next. It is stated in the book that death is easy; living is hard. And that the biggest regrets are not things that you wish you had done differently, but rather the things you don't do at all. Or say.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was full of emotion: sadness, hope, anger, exhilaration, and regret. One could sit and read this book for hours, but also put it down for a couple days before picking right back up where you left off. The plot exudes a certain leisurely depth to it, which reminds us how complicated life can be, and it's simple remedy.

*beware of the occasional (and rare) f-bomb.

4 out of 5 stars

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

melancholic.
unexpected.
nostalgic.

I wasn't sure what to expect based on the title and description of this book. I had the book placed on hold a month or so before Nikki recommended it to me, and couldn't wait to read it once I heard she was dying to discuss it.

This book offers a delectable and unique plot that I couldn't have predicted at the start of the story. I enjoyed savoring Aimee's writing style and lulling off to dreamland before my eyelids closed each night.

This book wasn't uplifting or terribly depressing...melancholic, perhaps.  Yet I thoroughly enjoyed that realistic aspect, because I was able to immerse myself in the plot and soak up its raw-ness; the story wasn't showy, prideful or boastful.  It just WAS.

Hallelujah for authors like this, who write outside the box, crafting a story that defies time and logic. Nothing makes sense in this book, except for it's embodiment of the very essence of nostalgia, which I felt keenly.  Like the warmth and newness of a first love.  To sum it up, this book is about deciding what to do when life gives you lemons...and I loved it tart, fresh, and all!

5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Beware of the "F" bomb dropped a handful of times.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

good girl.
bad boy.
predictable.

There were things I liked about this book. I enjoyed the main character's personality and the fact that she was the goody-two-shoes daughter of a preacher. She had morals and humor which is a nice change of pace.

I wanted to like this book more than I did, and found myself disappointed after the drawn-out conclusion. I'm not even sure there was a purpose to the story. There wasn't a great lesson learned or HUGE accomplishment realized.  I give this book an solidly average

2.5 out of 5 because it was just OK.
Recommended for a 12 year old who likes werewolves. That's all I'm saying (;

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!

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

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