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
27 September 2010
Pretties by Scott Westerfield
mind.
futuristic.
savage.
I really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book, but that is when it went downhill for me. I can see a potential for the third book in the series to be really great, or a huge failure. I'm a little aprehensive to find out because I want the time spent reading it to be worth a great ending, you know? Let's just say the jury's out on if I would recommend adding this series to your collection. So far there's been one good book amidst the two I've read, as 3/4 of the first book was lacking and last 1/4 of the second. I'll let you know what I think. But if you think it sounds like something you might be into reading based on the back cover, then I'd say go for it. If you are on the fence about it, I'd suggest waiting for my critique so you don't feel like a fraction of your life has been wasted (;
4 out of 5 stars
futuristic.
savage.
I really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book, but that is when it went downhill for me. I can see a potential for the third book in the series to be really great, or a huge failure. I'm a little aprehensive to find out because I want the time spent reading it to be worth a great ending, you know? Let's just say the jury's out on if I would recommend adding this series to your collection. So far there's been one good book amidst the two I've read, as 3/4 of the first book was lacking and last 1/4 of the second. I'll let you know what I think. But if you think it sounds like something you might be into reading based on the back cover, then I'd say go for it. If you are on the fence about it, I'd suggest waiting for my critique so you don't feel like a fraction of your life has been wasted (;
4 out of 5 stars
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
loss.
for.
words.
As I sit here pondering which three words will accurately critique this book, I am at a loss for words. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bleeding Violet is quite unique, and at the same time reminiscent of every book you've ever read combined. (I know this sounds conflicting, but you'll get what I mean if you take a chance on this recommended read.)
I really enjoyed the storyline. It reminded me of one of Tim Burton's animated movies that are really geared toward adults. The plot was creepy, intriguing, and kept my attention throughout.
Dislcaimer: If you are like myself, you might view the bad language used here/there and adolescent sexual content as outside of the realm of our clean fiction bubble. I wish this book were clean because I really enjoyed it otherwise. If you don't mind editing some parts as you read, then I'd say go for it!
4.5 out of 5 stars
for.
words.
As I sit here pondering which three words will accurately critique this book, I am at a loss for words. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bleeding Violet is quite unique, and at the same time reminiscent of every book you've ever read combined. (I know this sounds conflicting, but you'll get what I mean if you take a chance on this recommended read.)
I really enjoyed the storyline. It reminded me of one of Tim Burton's animated movies that are really geared toward adults. The plot was creepy, intriguing, and kept my attention throughout.
Dislcaimer: If you are like myself, you might view the bad language used here/there and adolescent sexual content as outside of the realm of our clean fiction bubble. I wish this book were clean because I really enjoyed it otherwise. If you don't mind editing some parts as you read, then I'd say go for it!
4.5 out of 5 stars
10 September 2010
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
animalistic.
[at times too] sexy.
realistic.
This isn't just another werewolf book. I mean that is a large part of it, but it the way the idea was used was a more realistic portrayal of how life for a teen werewolf might truly be. Clearly a confusing time in any teens life, add to that the confusion of belonging to a pack and to society and trying to fit in and survive in both worlds simultaneously; no simple solution for that dilemma.
The thing that bothered me about this book was how sexually-minded the main character is. In a way it makes sense since she is a wild, beautiful she-werewolf, but it still felt inappropriate to me.
In the end, I was pleased with the outcome. It's a pretty quick read, so pick it up!
4 out of 5 stars
[at times too] sexy.
realistic.
This isn't just another werewolf book. I mean that is a large part of it, but it the way the idea was used was a more realistic portrayal of how life for a teen werewolf might truly be. Clearly a confusing time in any teens life, add to that the confusion of belonging to a pack and to society and trying to fit in and survive in both worlds simultaneously; no simple solution for that dilemma.
The thing that bothered me about this book was how sexually-minded the main character is. In a way it makes sense since she is a wild, beautiful she-werewolf, but it still felt inappropriate to me.
In the end, I was pleased with the outcome. It's a pretty quick read, so pick it up!
4 out of 5 stars
28 August 2010
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
heart-wrenching.
honest.
masterful.
Wow. Initially, I felt like the book started off slowly. But around page 80 it picked up pace, and again around page 270. It was at this point that I couldn't possibly set the book down until I absorbed every last word. I had been wondering where Suzanne Collins could possibly take this third book, given the plot of the first two, but I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps.
This series is everything I can possibly ask for from an author. Crafted in my mind is a painfully vivid and poignant reality--from the capitol and its extravagant personalities, to the districts and their bleak and uncertain existence. The characters are witty, memorable, and believable. Interwoven in the story is a cornucopia of suspense & drama, romance & tragedy, materialism & raw humanity. Suzanne Collins manages to tie it all together with a neat little bow: the effects of war and violence on adolescence. This was her intention, but there's even more depth to the story than that. I could go on and on, but I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who hasn't read the series. That being said, "READ IT!" (Yes, as in right now.)
5 out of 5 stars
Don't forget to start with books one and two in the series:
...Or why not go for all three (=
honest.
masterful.
Wow. Initially, I felt like the book started off slowly. But around page 80 it picked up pace, and again around page 270. It was at this point that I couldn't possibly set the book down until I absorbed every last word. I had been wondering where Suzanne Collins could possibly take this third book, given the plot of the first two, but I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps.
This series is everything I can possibly ask for from an author. Crafted in my mind is a painfully vivid and poignant reality--from the capitol and its extravagant personalities, to the districts and their bleak and uncertain existence. The characters are witty, memorable, and believable. Interwoven in the story is a cornucopia of suspense & drama, romance & tragedy, materialism & raw humanity. Suzanne Collins manages to tie it all together with a neat little bow: the effects of war and violence on adolescence. This was her intention, but there's even more depth to the story than that. I could go on and on, but I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who hasn't read the series. That being said, "READ IT!" (Yes, as in right now.)
5 out of 5 stars
Don't forget to start with books one and two in the series:
...Or why not go for all three (=
22 August 2010
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
magic.
conspiracy.
juvenile.
I would've liked this book a LOT better if I had been fifteen years old when I read it. I typically enjoy young adult fiction, just because its likely to be free of unnecessary vulgarity. This method hasn't steered me wrong yet, but this book comes off as a little too juvenile for me.
It was a little creepy at times so not necessarily ideal for young youth, but it just seemed to me like a storyline that I've heard too many times in too many ways to enjoy the "surprise and suspense" of it all.
That being said, I am 89% sure that I will read the next book in the series because it seemed like the story was just finalled starting to unfold when the book abruptly ended. Of course I want to know what happens, but I won't be scurrying madly to ensure I'm reading book two tonight. I'll casually wait to get it into my hands and read it at some point in the not-too-distant future.
For me,
3.5 out of 5 stars
Next two books in the series:
conspiracy.
juvenile.
I would've liked this book a LOT better if I had been fifteen years old when I read it. I typically enjoy young adult fiction, just because its likely to be free of unnecessary vulgarity. This method hasn't steered me wrong yet, but this book comes off as a little too juvenile for me.
It was a little creepy at times so not necessarily ideal for young youth, but it just seemed to me like a storyline that I've heard too many times in too many ways to enjoy the "surprise and suspense" of it all.
That being said, I am 89% sure that I will read the next book in the series because it seemed like the story was just finalled starting to unfold when the book abruptly ended. Of course I want to know what happens, but I won't be scurrying madly to ensure I'm reading book two tonight. I'll casually wait to get it into my hands and read it at some point in the not-too-distant future.
For me,
3.5 out of 5 stars
Next two books in the series:
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