The books I have read

Twins by Marcy Dermasky ( 7 out of 10)

2005-12-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Although this book about individuation and sisterly love was found in the adult fiction section of GPL, I belief it rates a YA (young Adult) shelving. The story concerns identical twin sisters, Cloe and Sue who must overcome typical adolescent pitfalls (sexuality, drug abuse, eating disorders and peer pressure). Although the story contains some harsh realities that may seem "adult" the book's point of view (alternately from the twin's perspective) with ridiculous adult characterizations points to an adolescent audience. Just ask Amanda, my 15 year old who read it first.

originality 8
characterization 5
themes 8

Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins (8 out of 10)

2005-12-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

IF you enjoy Tom Robbins, then chances are that you will enjoy this story of Tanuki and three Viet Nam era MIAs in the new millenium with a hefty dose of silliness. The characters and descriptive narrative make this book a worthwhile diversion although there are some loose ends with the plot. Trying to figure out the meaning lead me to what I believe is the central theme of the book, namely the search for meaning.

Originality-9
Characters-9
Themes-6

Tanuki pictured above

Citizen Girl by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (6 out of 10)

2005-08-17T06:48:00.001-07:00

Girl (the title character) is idealistic, intelligent and ambitious. Her journey in the book will feel familiar to anyone who thought that good values and hard work would be rewarded. The satiric writing and antic filled plot may not be for everyone but I found it a good time and encouraging for my own rocky career path.

Originality 6
Characters 6
Themes 6

She's Got Issues (8 out of 10)

2005-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

She’s Got Issues by Stephanie Lessing
Chloe Rose is a naive, fashion phenom. She lands her first real job with fashion magazine and finds herself cast into a Cinderella role. The best thing about this book is Chloe's relationship with her older sister, who gives her dead-on advice about office politics. The sisters' loyalty and toleration of each other's differences sets this book apart from most chick lit.

Originality -6
Characters- 8
Themes- 10

Dancing on Thorns by Rebecca Horsfall (3 out of 10)

2005-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

This novel was not one that I picked out but given to me for review. In case you think I am the Paula Abdul of book reviewers and only give positive reviews, rest assured I am more critical than that. Dancing On Thorns tells the story of a talented male dancer and his soap opera life. I didn't feel sympathetic towards any of the characters and thought the book was too long. The theme of the artist who sacrifices intimacy for his work is not new and this book did not add anything.

Originality 3
Characters 3
Themes 3

Great Mortality by John Kelly (Non Fiction: 7 out of 10)

2005-07-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Great Mortality : An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time was interesting and not as gruesome as it could have been. It did a decent job of explain how climatic, geological and societal conditions created an environment ideal for the outbreak of the plague. Additionally it interpreted some effects that the plague had on European civilization.

Interest 8
understandability 8
applicability 5

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck (7 out of 10)

2005-06-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

This book was originally published in 1978, so it's not exactly a hot new release. However this book was recommended by a friend and I thought it sounded like an appropriate topic given some of the changes taking place in my life. Overall I found it to be an incredibly insightful book. I think the description could read "Emotional intelligence meets nontraditional sprituality."

1. Interest - 8
2. Understandablity - 6 (A little bit wordy at times)
3. Applicability - 7 (A must read for people facing role changes such as midlife, job change or divorce)

Fish: A Novel by L. S. Matthews (7 out of 10)

2005-06-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

I experienced this story in audio book format while on a car trip with my daughters. Fish tells the story of a young child and her parent's journey through a war torn country to safety. The intended audience for this book is upper elementary aged children but I found the story refreshing. It brings up ethical decisions that face all parents, such as how much of ourselves do we put forth to make the world a better place and what if our altruism places our children at risk? The fish in the story is a good metaphor for human adaptability.

The audio book, experienced with younger ones lead to some great discussion.

originality-7
characters
Themes-7

The Librarian by Larry Beinhart. (6 out of 10)

2005-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

"The librarian" is a middle aged man and head of an academic library. He has a dull life until he gets talked in to moonlighting for a rich, right wing developer who wants to preserve his legacy. This book contains a lot of action but with the librarian maintaining his identity as a thinker. For those in the library field there are fun jabs at the Patriot Act and Homeland security. This book would make a great movie but apparently TNT already did a movie with the same title. All in all it is a bit of fluff but fun anyway.

Originality- 6

characters- 8

Themes- 4

A Nonfiction Rating System

2005-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some guidelines that I will be using to evaluate the nonfiction books that I will be reading:

1. Interest- Although this rating will reflect my tastes, I believe it can also provide some indication of the author's skill in handling the subject.

2. Understandability- How much work does it require to figure out what the author is trying to say.?

3. Applicability- Even books that are not intended for practical use can be useful in the way they make us look at the world in a different way.

Again I will rate each category on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best.

Thanks Adrienne, Ellen and Wendy for your input!

Fortune Cookie by Joanne Meyer (2 out of 10)

2005-06-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

This book merits little discussion,- maybe one sentence.

A psychic legal assistant uses her special abilities to solve a mystery and finds a little romance.

Originality- 4, but I haven't read many romances since junior high.
Characters-2
Themes- O

Lady Chatterly's Lover by DH Lawrence

2005-06-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Again since this novel is a "classic" I will not presume to rate it. However I would like to give you my take on why D.H Lawrence has something to say to the women of today.

1. Lady Chatterly not only goes after what she wants but doesn't seem to have any problem with upsetting the status quo.
2. LC discusses her crises (orgasms) in detail. I mean the technical details. She recognizes that this is important and does not accept the b.s. that is fed to her about the "life of the mind"
3. Despite her feminist leanings Connie is comfortable using her wiles to get what she wants.

Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli (7 out of 10)

2005-06-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Another Young Adult book!

This particular story by award winning, Spinelli tells the story of Star Girl, a Jesus like character. Set in an Arizona high school, the title character is at different times an object of derision and worship. The narrator is a typical teenage boy who comes to admire Star Girl's values but must confront his own need to fit in.

This book really explores the value of individuality, which is a hard issue for most teens.

Originality- 7
Characters-7
Themes-7

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (8 out of 10)

2005-06-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I found this young adult story most unusual. It has aspects of a coming of age story but features forbidden love, wartime hardship and an examination of values. It manages to pull off these ambitious undertakings in a gripping manner. The love story in this book is somewhat controversial as the lovers are related. This book puts me in mind of Margaret Atwood.

Originality-9
Characters-8
Themes-7

Alibi by Joseph Kanon (7 out of 10)

2005-06-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Alibi is set in post WWW Venice. This setting enhances the story, which is dark and full of plot twists. Nothing is as it seems. The protagonist is a recently released American officer who had hunted war criminals in Germany. He travels to Venice to stay with his wealthy, widowed mother. He meets a mysterious young Jewish woman and falls in love. The hero wants to protect the women in his life but misjudges their vulnerability. He ultimately finds that survival makes all men and women do things which seem repugnant during times of peace. Judgment is impossible. This book was upredictable and very dark.

Originality-8

Characters-7

Themes- 6

Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding (7 out of 10)

2005-06-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Some books should be read just for fun and this is one of them. Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination was penned by the author of the Bridget Jones books. While the character is new, the self conscious and self improved heroine still finds herself in many farcical adventures which help the reader put their own petty problems in perspective. I especially enjoyed the "rules for life" bits. For those wanting to recommend this to a younger audience, there is a lot less sex and man chasing than the Bridget Jones stories. It is the kind of book that could lead young women to dream big.

Originality- 7

Characters-7

Themes-7

A Risk Worth Taking by Robin Pilcher (5 1/3 out of 10)

2005-06-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

A Risk Worth Taking is the story of a middle aged business man, who in the wake of 9-11, reexamines his values. His family relationships suffer as he puts time with his family over his role as a financial supporter and changes occur. He inadvertently ends up meeting another quite different family and taking a different direction with his life. While not everything in this book ends happily, I am not convinced of the protagonist's growth to recommend this book. It was enjoyable but forgettable

Originality-4
Characters- 7
Themes-5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling (8 of 10)

2005-06-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

I read HP and the Order of the Phoenix when it first came out but reread it in honor of the anticipated release of HP and the Half Blood Prince. As with the other Harry Potter books this is an enjoyable read, even for an adult. For those who think the Harry Potter series is just about magic, you need to actually read one of these books to find out what they are really about. What JK Rowling does so well is explore the issues of childhood and adolescence in an exciting and entertaining manner. HP tells the classic story of the outsider/orphan. In this last book (the fifth) the issues of identity, popularity, reality testing and emotional control are explored. Even though the plot has a conclusion of sorts, it isn't an entirely happy or neat package (which is a plus in my book.)
originality-8
characters-7
themes-9

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

2005-05-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy.

Having just read another classic of literature, I see a trend in my reading habits.
Once again I will not presume to rate this novel.

This was the first time I have read anything by Hardy, although I have seen movie adaptations. For those not aware, Hardy's novels are mostly tragedies. If you are looking for a happy ending dont read Hardy. Despite that I found much of value in this book. Set in the Victorian Era, it explores how positive characteristics (physical beauty and innocence) are overcome by lust, greed and moral rigidity.

The title character, Tess is beautiful and smart but achingly naive. Despite her intelligence she is maneuvered into forfeiting the only value a woman had in that time. As a ruined woman she accepts her fate but is tricked back into hope only to be cast aside again. The books plot urges us to take responsibility for moral judgment and consider what is truly good.

Blink by Malcom Gladwell (nonfiction/not rated)

2005-05-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell.

Since this is nonfiction I cannot use my regular rating system. I want to point out some of the positives of this book and would welcome any guidelines for rating other nonfiction works I may review in the future.

Blink concerns the instant judgments that we seem to make without realizing. These unconscious processes can be extremely helpful but are also influenced by prejudice and can be disabled when under severe stress. Some other interesting topics that are introduced in the book include research on indexing facial expressions, how to change your racial stereotypes and how to influence behavior with the insertion of seemingly random adjectives.

Overall this book was a fascinating read and filled with real life examples.

Delirious Summer by Ray Blackston (7 out of 10)

2005-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Delirious Summer by Ray Blackston

I just read another pseudo-sequel but it didn’t seem to negatively affect my enjoyment of the story. (It just has some of the same characters as Flabbergasted.) This book concerns a young missionary’s desire to find a wife. He travels from Ecuador to Greenville, NC where he meets a quirky group of characters. I liked this novel because even though it qualifies as Christian fiction the themes are realistic and not overly preachy.

Originality-8

Characters-7

Themes- 6

In Dahlia's Wake by Yona Zeldis McDonough (8 out of 10)

2005-04-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Imagine life as the surface of a pond and a pebble is dropped in. Rings begin to form and they get larger and larger. This is the action portrayed in the novel, In Dahlia's Wake.

The two main characters, Naomi and Rick have been devastated by the loss of their only child, Dahlia. Their relationship has become distant and they begin to look for comfort in other areas. Their actions in turn effect others. Eventually the impact of Dahlia's death comes full circle in a terrifying climax.

The characters in this story were well written. The addition of the grandmother character gave the story a sense of balance and provided for the redemptive ending.

This book was recently published and should be available soon.

Originality -8 Characters- 8 Themes -8

The Fools Tale by Nicole Galland (6 out of 10)

2005-04-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

This novel concerns a small Welsh kingdom in the 12^th century and the efforts of its king to keep it independent from Norman England. An arranged marriage, a childhood friendship and political intrigue combine to create romance with unexpected results. The book starts somewhat slowly but picks up for an exciting ending. The historical detail is well done. I am not sure what the author was trying to say, except possibly that personal freedom comes with high cost.

Originality- 6

Characters-6

Themes- 6

The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore (7 out of 10)

2005-04-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

This book is a sequel of sorts to another Christopher Moore novel, The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Grove. As usual with Moore, this story incorporates the bizarre and commonplace of life, told with a sly wit. Some of these characters are so loveable and realistic you will wonder if they are extended family. The theme in this novel is about the value of love and individuality.

Originality- 7

Characters-8

Themes-6

My advice, Christopher Moore is always a good read if you like off beat humor. If you are going to read only one I would recommend Lamb.

Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L Going (7 out of 10)

2005-04-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Troy is an unhappy and overweight teen whose life changes when he meets punk rocker/homeless Curt. This is another YA book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were well done and the first person humor helped keep the book from taking a preachy tone. I've heard that this book is supposed to be some kind of tribute to dead rocker Curt Cobaine but I don't think it changes how I feel about it. This book tells the Troys of the world the value of facing our fears.

Originality 7

Characters 8

Themes 6

A blog I read and what I think of it....

2005-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ramalamahamdam Revolution Page

Okay, this is a shameless plug. I told my nephew that I would promote his blog if he promotes mine. I see that his has a lot more visitors that I do so I am going to get the better of the deal.

About the blog. It is obviously written by someone who is talented with words but a little lacking in focus. Sometimes I wonder what the blog is supposed to be about but I know that blogs are the domain of all who like to rant, rave, muse and ponder. (just look at my URL!)

Originality 8

Characters -what characters ?

Themes 7-teen angst, bathroom and sexual humor

Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde (6 out of 10)

2005-03-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

The real title of this book is Thursday Next in Lost in a good book: a novel. I actually read this almost a month ago and somehow forgot to review it. The book is a sequel to the first Thursday Next book (reviewed on 2-23-05) and begins with Thursday trying to get her husband back. There are some interesting Orwellian tones that I really enjoyed in the beginning of the book. However, just when the political stuff gets interesting, Thursday is introduced to the characters of “Jurisfiction.” After that the realities of living in a police state are blown away as her ability to "lose herself in a good book" increases. This book still contains lots of tongue in cheek literary references and is a fun read. The part that sticks with me best is the invention that helps you see when entropy is decreasing. I could use one of those.

Originality-8

Characters- 6

Themes- 4

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

2005-03-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished Jane Eyre and was impressed with its feminist heroine. I won’t presume to review it like the other books but thought instead I would offer why Jane is so great.

Why Jane is my Hero.

• Jane’s antidote to self pity is learning.
• Jane knows that the true test of character is during times of greatest temptation.
• Jane values substance over appearance.
• Jane is completely honest with herself.
• Jane is a role model of self reliance and self determination, despite living in the nineteenth century.

The Summons by John Grisham (4 out of 10)

2005-03-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have read other John Grisham books before and they were pretty compelling. However, The Summons was not compelling at all and I had to force myself to finish it.

Usually Grisham gives us a little guy to root for. In this case his protagonist is a middle aged law professor who finds 3 million cash in his deceased father’s house. (How is this guy sympathetic?) The story further centers around the professor's investigations about the money and someone else’s attempts to take it.

The most interesting character is the drug addict brother who is neglected until the very end of the book. The rest of the book features the typical Grisham legal types (old boy lawyer, greedy lawyer and competent private eye.) This book would have been much more enjoyable if Grisham had done more with the character's family.

Originality-4

Characters- 4

Themes- 4

Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (8 out of 10)

2005-03-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Fiery Cross is the fifth installment in the Outlander series, which is a story to live in. The original premise has a post WWII nurse time-travel to 17th Century Scottland where she meets the man of her dreams. Adventure and romance are combined with themes about how to save lives when you have information that is out of time.

The author does such a fantastic job of creating a detailed world and characters that this is the book to read when your life is extremely miserable or boring. I especially enjoyed doing this one in an audio-book format. The narrator, Davina Porter’s crisp English accent really enhanced the tale. If you haven’t read any of this series, start with Outlander.

Fiery Cross picks up with the Frazier clan in Virginia and foreshadows the coming of the revolutionary war. With her 20^th century knowledge Claire tries to figure out how to keep her family safe. Other realities of the time are nicely illustrated and the story of Roger and Brianna is further developed. The only complaint I have about this story is that Gabaldon’s characters seem to have unusually high libidos.

Originality -8

Characters-9

Themes- 7

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sony Sones (7 out of 10)

2005-03-14T06:44:00.001-08:00

Once again I found my self looking for something in print to read and ended up reading my daughter's YA book. Both of my daughters (ages14 and 11) read this book rather fast so I was a little curious about what was so compelling. What My Mother Doesn't Know tells the story of a young high school student who is artistic and boy crazy. The book is written in a poetry format and is extremly quick to read. The character discovers some things that many adults are still trying to figure out about love. It was a little racier than what I would prefer my eleven year old reading but not worse than what she probably sees on TV.

Originality 8

Characters- 6

Themes- 7

Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock (7 out of 10)

2005-03-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

This book is highly original. Griffin and Sabine tells the story of metaphysical love through letters and postcards. Because the book has actual envelopes with stamps, the reader’s disbelief is quickly suspended. The art work is an added bonus.
I must say another "thank you" to my friend Rose, who lent me the book. I was able to read it in about 30 minutes during our commute to work

Originality 10

Characters- 6

Themes- 5

A story for your reading pleasure.

2005-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

A couple goes on vacation to a fishing resort in northern Minnesota. The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read. One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,anchors,and continues to read her book. Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says,

"Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book,"she replies, thinking "Isn't it obvious?"

"You're in a restricted fishing area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing; I'm reading."

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."

"Have a nice day, ma'am," and he left. .

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's probable she can also think.

I do not know who wrote this but it gave me a chuckle. Thanks to Karen B who passed this on to me in an email.

Why I like Janet Evanovich (6 out of 10)

2005-03-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Review of To the Nines by Janet Evanovich

For someone who purports to value originality, why do I find myself reading the Stephanie Plum series? Evanovich clearly uses a formula to write each book. (This is the ninth installment.) I was unsure what the appeal was and needed something to defend my reading this series.
Stephanie is a bumbling, bond enforcement agent/ Jersey girl. She is also extremely endearing and the other characters in the book are a hoot. The sexual content is pretty goo. After thinking this through and trying to find a way to defend my reading of the series I finally came up with what I think is a good theme. Stephanie represents in all of us the insecure and incompetent qualities yet the faith that things will turn out okay.

Originality- 3

Characterizations- 8

Themes (see above)-7

link to the library

2005-03-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Galesburg Public Library

The True Meaning of Cleavage (8 out of 10)

2005-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

The True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Fredricks

This young adult novel tells the story of two friends and how their friendship is tested by one’s secretive and destructive relationship with a popular boy at their school. The teens and the social structure portrayed here are extremely realistic. The book gives enough racy details to be interesting to most teens and highlights the dangers of adolescent sexuality. I read this book based on my 14 year old daughter’s recommendation and it made for an interesting discussion.

Originality- 7
Characterization- 9
Themes- 8

Good Grief by Lolly Winston

2005-02-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Good Grief by Lolly Winston

Sophie Stanton is a newlywed widow. She is not dealing well with the death of her husband. Her take on the grieving process is told in a humorous and touching style. Although the story ends in a happy manner it has enough bumps in the road to make it fairly unpredictable. The theme of the story seems to be finding your strength.

Originality-5

Characterization -7

Themes-6

The Eyre Affair: A Novel by Jasper Fford

2005-02-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

The Eyre Affair: A Novel by Jasper Fford

This book is best described by comparing it to other books. It has certain elements from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Harry Potter. It contains a plethora of literary references, so if you like in jokes, you’ll enjoy this book. The story is set in an alternate England of 1985 where time travel and other seemingly unlikely technologies are possible. The character, Tuesday Next works for the government’s Special Operations’ Literary Division. Her maverick style of solving cases leads to high adventure. A fun book that presents no serious discussion of the human condition.

Originality- 7

Characterization-6

Themes-3

How do you spell Tishomingo?

2005-01-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tishomingo Blues by Elmore Leonard
This book is set in Mississipi and features dare devil, high dive performer, Dennis Lehane as it's main character. He books his act in a small town casino, witnesses a murder and runs afoul of the Dixie Mafia. In true Elmore Leonard style, the character's journey is filled with strange and charismatic criminals and horny women. I especially enjoyed the the parts about the particularities of the Civil War reenactors. This book was a lot of fun but probably won't stay with me long.
origniality 6
characters 7
themes 5

My take on A Case of Conscience by James Blish

2005-01-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

When I first checked out this book, I thought it was a new publication. After I got it home I discovered that it is a reprint that was originally published in 1958. This science fiction work won a Hugo Award when first released and raises some interesting plots.
A Case of Conscience tells the story of a unified Earth that is exploring new planets. A four member team is assigned to Lithia, where some of the first new intelligent life in the Universe is discovered. The team of evaluators comes to widely varying conclusions about the planet, its inhabitants and eventually returns to Earth with an infant Lithian.
One of the team members is a Jesuit priest who comes to see the Lithian's creations of the Devil. The priest risks excommunication for his belief but eventually is vindicated as the Lithian, now an Earth citizen encourages human's to revolt against the current world order.
This book was perhaps a little dryer than what I typically read. However it made you think about how your perceptions, and the actions that follow can have unintended results.
Originality 9
Characters 5
Themes 6

Trust in The Bookman,

2005-01-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Bookman's Promise by John Dunning.
Like other books I have read this one is also part of a series. (All titles have "book"in the title.) It tells the story of Cliff Janeway, an excop turned rare book collector. Even if you do not relish the story you will become more knowledgable about book collecting.
As my description says, I am not a big reader of genre fiction but for Dunning I will make an exception. His characters are good, and you really don't know if it's all going to turn out okay. Dunning also makes his main character very believable. The theme that seems to be explored in this book is the limits of trust, so trust The Bookman's Promise to make the time spent with this one worthwhile
originality 6
characterization 6
themes 8

What the White Rose is not....

2005-01-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

I finished reading White Rose by Rodrigo Garcia Y Roberta. I found out rather early on that this is a sequel to two other books by the same author. The series starts with Knight Errant. It is about a modern day actress who, through witchcraft travels back to 15th Century England in the time of the War of the Roses. She starts an action filled relationship with Edward IV who was considered an heir to the throne.
The book was fun but not up to the standards of my favorite time travel romance, Outlander. The sexual content is titillating and there is a fair amount of humor as the author weighs the pros and cons of Midieval life. Apart from many potential rapes, battles and political plots there is no real conflict. The characters lack depth and you always know that the heroine will be saved.
Originality 4
Characters 4
Themes 3

If it was the Last Day...

2005-01-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is a book that I did not check out from GPL. A friend, Rose Chenoweth lent it to me. However it is availble at the library so if you want to get it, go there.
The book is Last Day by Glenn Kleier. It is about the possible fullfillment of the apocalypse. I found it fun to read, kind of like a John Grisham novel and definately less slanted than the Left Behind books. You are really left guessing up to the very end.
It would be a fun read for those who are less than organized in their spirituality. The themes are pretty much an exploration of "What does God want from us?" and "How would we know if the end times were here?"
Originality 7
Characters 5
Themes 7

My thoughts on How I paid for college...

2005-01-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

This coming of age story is extremly funny. The characters are lovable and fairly realistic. I could totally relate to Edward (the protaganist) and his attempts to prevail. He is the most sympathetic gay character I have read yet.
Even though the story is set in 1980s New Jersey, I actually think it comes off as much more contempory. The sexual encounters in the book seem more like what hight school students are into today than what was mainstream in the 1980s.
The main theme that this book explores is how you can overcome obstacles in unimaginable ways.
Despite this the book was very enjoyable. I
Originality 6
Characters 8
Themes 7

Venison anyone? (my take on Before You Know Kindness)

2004-12-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

The first thing that struck me as I began reading Before You Know Kindness was that it was not going to be fun. None the less, I perservered because I have read books by Chris Bohjalian before (Trans-sister Radio and Midwives) and have felt that he offers a balanced look at some controversial issues.

One issue at stake in this book is animal verses human rights. The story begins with the accidental shooting of an animal rights activist who is mistaken for a deer. The circumstances and relationships surrounding this event are then fleshed out.

Ratings: Originality and unpredicitibility, 8.
Characterization is 6.
Themes of this book is 7.

I enjoyed being insulted (My take on Colors Insulting ...)

2004-12-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

Just finished Colors Insulting to Nature by Cintra Wilson

Colors Insulting to Nature is about one girl’s quirky quest for fame. The heroine, Liza Normal was weaned on a diet of Hollywood dreams and believes that if she just perseveres, her effort will pay off. This conviction leads Liza into many troublesome situations where she learns that real life does not follow a script.

The story begins by mocking the standard happy ending and repeatedly warns the reader that things are not going to occur like they would in a movie. Despite this self conscious boasting, the ending of the novel was a little too tidy for me. I could have used a little more ambiguity. One of the book’s strongest points was its characters and their relationships. The path that Liza takes to achieve her fame was unpredictable and yet maintains cohesiveness through her network of family and friends.

Since this book is about the gap between Hollywood ideals and real life there is ongoing dialogue throughout the book about what Liza is learning. In the end it seems that the lesson is that your dreams are within reach but in a way different than you might have imagined. Additionally the shallowness of fame is explored in a humorous and sometimes frightening manner.

Unpredictability 6
Character Development 8
Exploration of Themes 6

The soul of our nation? (My take on American Gods)

2004-12-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

Shadow is intent on minimizing the risks in his life. After carefully serving a prison sentence, he anticipates a quiet life with his wife. However all of Shadow’s plans are destroyed and, following his release from prison, he is hired by a mysterious con artist and begins a journey.

This book definitely is unpredictable and original, although it compares in ways to The Odyssey. The worse criticism I can give is that it tries to be too many things at once and the character development suffers. Also the plot at times seemed to wander. The best thing I can say about the book is that American values are portrayed in a symbolic and ironic manner. I especially enjoyed Shadow’s trek from Wisconsin through Illinois. Anyone who enjoyed Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robbins will want to read this book.

The themes that I found most prevalent were the idea of how to live one’s life to the fullest and a warning about allowing our leaders to manipulate us through our fears. The author explored these themes in a clever manner and I needed to reflect a little to appreciate them.

Unpredictability 9
Character Development 5
Exploration of Themes 7

What's next?
Colors Insulting to Nature by Cintra Wilson

What I look for in a book

2004-12-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

In looking for a book to read, I tend to have a variety of qualities that I am seeking. One of the most important characteristics that I look for in a novel is originality and unpredicitability. It is because of this requirement that I generally avoid genre fiction.

I would also say that realism is pretty important to me as well, but not in the way one might think. I am perfectly comfortable reading a novel that has some supernatural elements if it's characters and their relationships are realistic. That said, another of the elements I am interested in is whether the book explores the human condition.

I will try to rate the books I have read by three criteria. Each criteria will receive a score of 1-10.
#1 Was this an original work or a fresh perspective of an earlier work?
#2 Are the characters interesting, well developed and interacting with others in a realistic way?
#3 Does the book have anything of value to offer, beyond reading enjoyment?