I’ve had a little extra time here in Jiamusi and have used it to catch up on some reading. I plan on using this page to channel my inner critic.
Posted March 28, 2012
This will be my last posting to SHE Read. I’m not done reading for pleasure and criticizing for fun but I’m only going to subject a close few to my book reviews. Yes, that includes the golf girls -you have been warned. But for the record I’ve read 60 books over the last 18 months. I’m not sure if that sounds like a lot, sometimes I think that number should be higher. Probably because as we are preparing to return to the US -I actually have unread books in the “to-be” shipped pile.
#57.) A Montanha e o Rio by Da Chen I picked this book because it was written in Portuguese about China. And we were heading to Brazil -what better way to brush up on my Portuguese then reading out-loud and annoying the housekeeper. I got the gist but I think I would like to re-read this book under Brazilian supervision for clarification. But the gist is it takes place during China’s Cultural Revolution. A general has two sons, one from his wife that is raised in China’s upper class and the other is born to a mistress and grows up in poverty. Two extremely different lives that come together when the two sons fall in love with the same woman. Enter conflict. I’m not sure if this book is offered in English, if so could be an interesting read with historical relevance. 2.5 out 5 stars
#58.) Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms again another interesting book by Hemingway this one talks about War, Duty, Friendship, Love and Loss. Its written in Hemingway’s typical narrative fashion that gives you a glimpse into his life and about the period it was written. 4 out 5
#59). The Impossible Bird by Patrick OLeary This was an original concept for a book but somewhere it took a weird turn. Its about aliens giving humming birds the ability to make copies of people lives and when they die they are brought back to life but not on earth -I really don’t understand where. Its just a replica of the world but with only dead people from the last ten years. Exactly, original but weird. The author tries to convey that without death how can you appreciate life. 2 out 5 stars
#60.) Jennet Conant’s A Covert Affair A good read about how Julia and Paul Child were caught up in McCarthy’s Red Spy Hunt in the 1950s. 4 out of 5 stars
Posted February 12, 2012
Currently reading A Montanha e o Rio by Da Chen
Seven books to Review:
- Michael Moore’s Here Comes Trouble
- Ken Follett’s Fall of Giants
- Sarah Silver’s Bedwetters
- Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet
- Steve Martin’s An Object of Beauty
- Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
- Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises
#50 Michael Moore’s Here Comes Trouble this book is a cross between Forrest Gump and Mr Smith goes to Washington. What does this mean? In the movie Forrest Gump, Forrest’s life crosses with a variety of historic events and famous people, and because Michael Moore portrays himself as a man who witnesses corruption from the inside, and doesn’t take it lying down. Overall it was a good read, the final few chapters are little blah but definitely worth the read. 4 out 5.
#51 Fall of Giants by Ken Follett is a must read. This book is the first in a to be written century trilogy (number two is due out in September 2012). It is 4 inches thick and has a 1000 pages but it leaves you wanting more. Ken Follett weaves a fictional story based on historic facts and actually makes history fun and interesting. Note: this book does contain a lot of “love” scenes. It is definitely inappropriate for those under 18. But for the rest of us -read on! I give it 5 out of 5. I’ve already pre-ordered via Amazon The Pillars of the Earth.
#52. The Bedwetter by Sarah Silverman. Just okay. I laughed in parts. Its another comedian cashing in on their name. Warning: she tells some pretty sick and twisted stories (you were warned). 1 out 5 starts
#53. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford takes place in Seattle around World War II. Its about a Chinese boy, Henry who falls in love with a Japanese girl, Keiko but it was not meant to be. The are separated by culture, war and family honor/duty. The book’s underlining story is about prejudice and its affected on two kids. This was an easy read with a happy ending, I give it 4 out 5.
#54. An Object of Beauty a Novel by Steve Martin is about one woman’s (Lacey) unbridled ambition in NY’s art-world. This book says more about Martin than his characters. I find him smart, witty and insightful on human behavior. If you like his writing, I recommend this book but I know he’s not for everyone. 4 out of 5
#55. Ernest Hemming’s The Old Man and the Sea. Hemming’s writing style mirror’s his own life style and interests in his characters. For example, he likes to fish, in the novel The Old Man and the Sea the old man goes on a fishing trip and it tells of his experiences during it. I enjoyed the story. 4 out of 5
#56. Ernest Hemming’s The Sun Also Rises. Again, his writing reflects his life. This story takes place in post WWI and follows the deprived antics of a group of ex-patriots in Europe. An interesting glimpse into post war life, Hemingway presents his notion of a “Lost Generation”, a group of decadent, dissolute and irretrievably damaged by WWI. Again, an interesting story. 4 out 5
Posted December 5, 2011
#48 One Thousand White Women -the Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus
This novel is built on the premise that in 1875 the Cheyenne tribe made an agreement with the Grant administration to bring 1000 white women to their lands as sort of mail-order brides in order to promote civilization where the next generation would be treated as equals. The government finds some volunteers (50 volunteers) and fills out the allotment of 1000 women (1000 is never achieved) with inmates from prisons and insane asylums. The book is written as diary entries and letters from woman named May Dodd, she was placed in an asylum by her well-off family because she lived out of wedlock and bore children to a man of a lower class.
The positive aspects of this book is that May and her compatriots find love and much to admire in their new home, a reverse Dances With Wolves. The negative, May while appreciating her new husband and free lifestyle never stops referring to the Indians as savages. The book comes to a sad but inevitable end as the Americans lust for land leads to the annihilation of the Cheyenne (white women included). This was an interesting read but I found Fergus as a writer unable to deliver the voice of a female character… the book was just okay….3 out of 5 stars.
#49. Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. A captivating read about the history of the leprosy in the Hawaiian Islands. The story starts in the 1890’s and chronicles the life of the fictional character Rachael, who at the time is 8 years old when she is sent to Moloka’i because she has leprosy. The book intertwines a lot of historical facts: history of leprosy (Hansen’s disease), how Hawaii became part of the U.S., early aviation, when electricity, movies, cars first come to the island and much more. I give this book 4 out of 5 starts
Posted November 16, 2011
- #46 Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J Fox, a sequel to his original memoir Lucky Man. This book deals specifically with the past 10 years of his life, divided into four themed sections: Work, Politics, Faith and Family. I found this book very uplifting and insightful to the plight of people with Parkinson’s . Overall I found it an easy read and would recommend it to anyone. 4 out of 5.
- #47 The Valkyries by Paulo Coelho. I picked up this book because I read Coelho’s book The Alchemist and enjoyed it. This book though is a little different. Its a loosely based autobiography, about Paulo and his wife as they embark on an adventure to find and speak with his guardian angel. This book is not for everyone but its short and entertaining. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
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Addition to November 4, 2011 Posting
- #45 eating mammals by John Barlow. This book consists of three novellas based on an apparently authentic historical oddities. The first story is about a man that eats ANYTHING (bugs, snakes, furniture, etc..), second story is about a cat born with wings and the final story is about a wedding that had 32 donkeys. It is an odd book and just an okay read. I give it 3 out 5 stars.
- #44 Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote, the 50th Anniversary Edition. This edition has not only Breakfast at Tiffany’s but also House of Flowers, A Diamond Guitar and A Christmas Story. Basically, I loved it. I found his writing nervy, provocative, and original (even 50 years later). I would recommend this book 5 out 5 stars.
Posted October 11, 2011 and Completed November 4, 2011
- # 33. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I found this book just okay. It is laid out in an interesting fashion -three parts: Eats her way through Italy, Prays her way through India and Loves her way through Bali. One could argue that Gilbert wrote this book in such a way that the reader’s emotions mirror the character’s journey. I found myself frustrated and angry with her character in the beginning and slowly over the duration of the book I felt a sort of calm, and in the end started to like her and enjoy her story. Basically, I did struggle with the beginning of the book but enjoyed the late middle to the end of the book. I haven’t seen the movie, and probably will wait till its on TBS. I give this read 2.5 stars.
- #34. Lulu in Marrakesh by Diane Johnson is a chic spy novel that takes place in Marrakesh, Morocco (Northwest Africa). The story line was just okay, drags in parts but I did learn a lot about women’s issues in the Muslim religion. I give this book 2.5 stars.
- #35. Geisha of Gion by Mineko Iwasaki this is a biography of Mineko, she describes her early life in a chaotic and loving home with her artists parents and how on seeing her beauty, the owner of a geisha house- attempts to convince her parents that this would be a good career for her. I would have assumed before this book that there was stigma regarding such a profession and Iwasaki does say that outside of Japan there is an incorrect belief that the work of a Geisha is akin to prostitution. She insists that it is an art form specializing in dance, conversation and the intricate tea ceremony. The biggest chunk of the book is taken with the details of a Geisha’s training – learning to wear the clothes, learning various forms of very controlled dance, learning how to talk to and entertain people, how to enter a room, how to network with other okiya (geisha houses) and with the tea-houses and perfecting the tea ceremony. The rest of the book details Iwasaki’s rise as she becomes famous in Japan and her subsequent disillusionment with the hierarchy and restrictions within the profession, her search for love and her decision to leave the geisha life. Overall very informative and interesting, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
- #36. Witch by Glenn Puit. This book is a true crime thriller; a story about a very odd, dysfunctional, troubled, and ultimate violent family. Brookey Lee West was convicted of murdering her mother and disposing of her remains in a garbage can in a Las Vegas storage facility. The murderous daughter, West, may have been responsible for the death of her brother and her husband as well, and left a trail of mayhem, frightened neighbors, and bad feelings everywhere she went. The title is derived from court testimony implying but no actual proof that Brookey was a practicing witch. This book is the first novel by Puit and only worthy of 2 stars.
- #37. Collection of Aesop Fables (classically illustrated) Now I know where most bugs bunny carton ideas came from. I recommend watching bugs.
- #38. Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. I just love Tina Fey: love her on tv, love how she tells a story, love the stories -just good fun. My only criticism is that the last couple of chapters felt like filler chapters. I would classify this book as an easy read and definitely a “chic” book….so ladies enjoy – I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
- #39. Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin (a memoir) This is an easy read. I found the story of her life interesting -from her modest middle class Chicago family to her glamours and bumpy ride to Hollywood’s D list. I would give this a 4 out 5 -so “suck it” (its from the book -read it).
- #40. I Married You for Happiness by Lily Tuck. I picked up this book thinking I was picking up a classic love story, its definitely not your typical love story. The book is one woman’s look back on 42 years of marriage after her husband’s death -it describes falling in love, compromises, hopes, secrets, disappointments, truths omitted (to protect loved ones) and how easy daily life can turn to routine. I’d like to believe the last few pages really do show that it was a marriage of love and happiness -that’s why they ended up together. This is a hard book to rate because I have a love hate thing for it. I’m going to give it a 4 out of 5.
- #41. Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster This is a book that you can describe as having two parts. First half of the book you HATE Jen, her materialistic over the top attitude is despicable. This persona is ripped away after a year of unemployment, moving to the slums ($1800/mo rent) and selling off (at a significant discount) all her favorite things (clothes, purses to her car); in the process (second half of the book) she somehow discovers her soul. However, I found this part a bit preachy, she starts to look down at the people who emulate who she once was. This book has some interesting stories but over all the its just plain outlandish. I give it a 2 out 5.
- #42. Kosher Chinese by Michael Levy If you don’t believe our blog read this book. I have never read a book before that gave me so much validation. 5 out of 5 stars.
- #43. House of Rain by Craig Childs. Childs retraces the steps of the Anasazi throughout the midwest and speculates on what happened to this tribe. If you like archaeology or historical books -this one is for you. 3.75 out of 5
Posted August 12, 2011
CURRENTLY READING (#33.) Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
#30. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Loved it. I’m not exactly sure its a children’s book (written in pirate talk and “ye olde” speak -some parts are a little challenging to read) but definitely an excellent prequel to Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. This book has everything: high seas adventure, pirates, treasure, and even mutiny. This is a 5 out of 5 book and a must read. Enjoy.
#31./32. Greek Mythology and Genghis Khan by Jacob Abbott are from the Bedtime Reading Series. I lumped these to two together because they are a part of series called the Beadtime Reading Series. Which targets English language students. At the end of each chapter there were vocabulary words and study questions (I think, it was in Chinese). Bottom line, don’t think you’ll get these books in the US and they were informative but poorly written. 2 stars out of 5 (that’s 1 star for each).
Posted July 17, 2011
This hasn’t been a big read month for me. I picked up the book Tender is the Night and after 87 pages decided that one might be better for a cold winter day. But then again everything I read this last month was a bit of work.
#28. What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell. If you are only going to read one of Gladwell’s books read Blink, not this one. This one was good and had the Gladwell interesting tid-bits. The best chapter was the title chapter on Caesar Milan, but then again I like dogs. I know that most of these chapters were published in the New Yorker, I guess I’m not the New Yorker’s target market -“fine by me”. I know lots of people love his books, I just found this one dry. I give it 3 out 5 stars.
#29. The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salman Rushdie: I don’t know where to begin on this one. First, if I was at a cocktail party and Salman Rushdie came up to me and started talking, I would excuse myself and hide. This guy enjoys taking one sentence and expanding it to two pages of long winded description. He also loves to use obscure references -that apparently you should know (ie Orpheus/ Eurydice myth). Apparently, the US school system let me down. Second, the story did not get interesting until about 100 pages in and even then the plot didn’t start till the mid 200s. Note that this book has 598 pages. Okay now to the story: It’s a love triangle that takes place in a parallel universe where history and events are similar with a slight differences. I give this book 2 out 5 stars.
Posted June 22, 2011
#27. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. This was a book I picked up at the TEDA Marriott -that’s my disclaimer if you’ve read this. The Glass Castle is a memoir and an intimate look at a deeply dysfunctional and unique family. The first third of the book I enjoyed. She shares some very funny, insightful and cherished memories. The remaining two thirds is all about neglect and dysfunction. Her father was an alcoholic and the mother a self proclaimed artist (aka manic depressant) and in the end they choose a life of living on the streets of New York. Its a story of coming to terms with who an individual is and accepting them for who they are, short comings and all. If you liked Running with Scissors, you would like this book. I give this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5 starts -in parts its just too disturbing to give it 4.
#26. True Grit by Charles Portis. Have you ever seen the movie Paint Your Wagon starring Lee Marvin and Clinton Eastwood? Its a musical film about the California gold rush in the mid 1800s. Well, I did when I was a kid. I still have a few of the quant diddys in my head, like the classic “Hand me down that can of beans” song. With such wonderful lyrics as…
Well hand me down that can o’beans
Hand me down that can o’beans
Hand me down that can o’beans
I’m throwing it away
Out the winder go the beans
Out the winder go the beans
Out the winder go the beans
I had a lucky day
Mary, my Mary, my sweet young Mary
We’re going out this evening
Mary, my Mary
I’m gonna take you out tonight
So hand me down that can o’beans
Hand me down that can o’beans
Hand me down that can o’beans
I’m throwing it away….
It goes on like this for like 5 more minutes. But trust me it is way catchy -you hear and you will never get it out of your head.
Since seeing this film, I’ve shied away from country or western films. I even had no desire to see Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. I did finally see it with HE and I did enjoy it. But because of this earlier film, I avoided seeing True Grit or even read it. But with the recent popularity of the remake; I was curious and its only 235 pages.
The story is told by Mattie Ross, who at age 14 leaves home to avenge her father’s death. He was shot by their hired hand Tom Chaney. Mattie teams up with Rooster Cogburn to pursue Tom in the Indian Territory. It is a quick read but it is also very entertaining. I give it 4 out of 5. Now I can hardly wait to see the original and the remake.
#25. The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This book is a great snap shot into the symbiotic relationships of blacks and whites in 1962 Mississippi. The main character Skeeter, with the help of two black women, interviews 13 maids to put together a book about “life as a maid” in Jackson Mississippi. These women take an enormous risk putting these stories together and at times the book is very suspenseful. It is an easy read and I would recommend this book to an avid reader. I give this book 4 out of 5.
Posted June 1, 2011
#22/#23 / #24. Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire & Mockingjay)
This series was recommended by a friend. She said that the topic sounds odd but it actually is a page turner. Later I was mentioning this book to my golfing buddy and she stated that her grand daughter was reading this in High School and yes, the subject makes you wonder.
When the book opens, in North America 74 years after the “Dark Days” and is now divided into 12 districts, ruled by an oppressive government located at the “Capitol”. The lead character is Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to takes her younger sister’s place as one of 24 “tributes” selected to participate in the annual Hunger Games.
The Games pit children from ages 12 to 18 against each other in a fight to the death in a custom arena (did I lose you?). Katniss must not only survive the Games, while deciding if she is willing to kill strangers her own age as a pawn of an oppressive government. I will stop there. I don’t want to add to much and ruin the plot for the following two books.
I found this trilogy similar to the Twilight Series in that its easy to read, it targets the young adult crowd and it has an Edward vs. Jacob aspect…who will she choose Gale or Peeta?? I found myself unable to put it down, its full of action and suspense. I recommend it only if you liked the Twilight Series. I give it 5 out of 5. If you don’t want to read it, the movie will be out in 2012 (yes, way).
#18/#19 /#20 /#21. I’m going to combine my review for the last four books of the Anne of Green Gables Series. I’m glad I’m done with this set. This was definitely not a page turner (for me). I believe LM Montgomery created Anne’s character in her image. In the third book, Anne receives criticisms from another charter on her writing. Stating that its too flowery and she should just say the sun in setting and not describe it for two pages. Exactly! She makes the adjustment in her writing and I can honestly say from the point on I started to actually enjoy the story. I found the fourth and fifth books to the best of the series. I honestly feel that finishing this was an accomplishment. If you are interesting in reading this series, stop by the Beijing Marriott -the set is waiting for you. I give the series 3 out 5 and I give myself an A+ and a big pat on the back for sticking this one out.
Side note: The Canadian Press has a story regarding the new royal couple and Prince Edward Island (Anne’s Island).
“Tourism promoters in Prince Edward Island are abuzz over reports that the “Anne of Green Gables” novel may have inspired Prince William and Kate Middleton’s upcoming trip to the province this summer. The Daily Mail in the U.K., quoting an unidentified source, recently reported that the new Duchess of Cambridge wanted to make a stop in the province during the royal visit in July because she was a fan as a child of the book written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.”
Full story at http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5g7G0zqR0WUsHqFkxC0AMMejRLIjA?docId=6966398
Posted March 26, 2011
I forgot a couple of books in my last update.
#14/#15. I’m going to combine this review for two reasons: same author and both books SUCKED (no sugar coating here)! Chelsea Handler’s Are You There, Vodka? It’s me, Chelsea & My Horizontal Life. I believe the books are based on some shred of reality but she took too much liberty in her embellishments, so much so, that it became just to weird. I give this ZERO stars out of 5 stars.
#16. Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink is a good read. It discusses the decisions that we are able to formulate in the blink of an eye. I give this book 4 out 5. Not all books can be 5 out 5.
#17. Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest
This was the best out of the trilogy. I don’t want to give away the plot -so I’m not going to give a description. But just know that the trilogy is worth the read. 5 out of 5 stars!!
Posted March 18, 2011
I would like to thank my mother for being the first critic of the book review critic -love it! She actually does belong to a book club, has wonderful insight and its true I do need the kick in the pants every once in awhile. So thank you mom -the apple does not fall far from the tree. *See February 8, 2011 Book Review Responses
I admit that I have been remiss in expressing my inner critic and have about two and half months worth to catch you up on. Sit back, relax and here it goes….
#8.Willie Geist’s American Freak ShowI can not express how disappointed I was in this book -maybe I just did. Willie Geist is the host of Way to Early with Willie Geist and a regular on Mornings with Joe, staring former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-FL) and Mika Brzezinski who has great hair (her father is a famous foreign policy expert and former National Security Advisor -Zbigniew Brzezinski). By the way, Willie’s dad is Bill Geist; you might have seen him on CBS’ Sunday Morning. Like his father, Willie adds a touch of comedy to the show. So I was inclined to believe his book would be laugh out loud funny. I’m sorry to say -it’s not. It’s a collection of fictional what if’s and make believe. Save your money -just get up early M-F and turn on MSNB and get your fill of Willie. I give it 0.5 out of 5 stars. Yes, its that bad.
#9. Jodi Picoult’s House RulesThis is the first book that I’ve read by Picoult; I found it very intersting and easy to read. House Rulesis about a boy with Asperger’s syndrome that is accused of murder. Picoult shifts viewpoints and examines the prejudices surrounding the boy’s social disability. One complaint I’ve heard is that there wasn’t proper closure in the ending -I didn’t have a problem with the ending. I would recommend this book. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
#10. Garth Stein’s Raven Stole the Moon. This was written and published before The Art of Racing In the Rain but the publisher re-released with the success of that book. I would say this book is not for everyone and sounds kind of weird when you try describe it….
The main character’s son dies in a boating accident in Alaska. Did he really die or was his soul taken by the otter people. Yes you heard me Otter People that have the ability to shape-shift into people. Have I lost you yet? Let me just say that there’s a lot of Tlingits (Alaskan Indian tribe) folklore in this book. And you have to be very open minded to enjoy this book. It is an easy read. I give it 2 out of 5 possible stars.
#11. Lisa See’s Shanghai Girls. I am going to come out and say that I really like this book. I think that it gives great insight to the Chinese Culture while giving a face to a very common story . The book starts in 1937, when two sisters, born into the upper class society in Shanghai, escape the Japanese invasion and flee for their lives to America. Where they try to establish a new life as second class citizens. They are bound by old traditions and family obligations. I give this book 5 out of 5.
#12. Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoois about a journalist, Mikael Blomkvist hired to help uncover the mystery of Harriet Vanger’s murder in 1960. That is all I’m going to say about the plot -I don’t want to give anything away. It is an easy read and another book I enjoyed, however it does contain disturbing content. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!!!
#13. Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Played with Fire This is the second book in the Trilogy and is another excellent book in the collection. It picks up where the last book left off but now Blomkvist needs to help the girl with the dragon tattoo solve a triple murder that she is accused of committing. . I enjoyed this book so much -I’ve already ordered the DVDs. It is an intriguing mystery and a real page turner. It gets the 5 out of 5.
Posted January 5, 2011
#6. Gulliver’s Travelsby Jonathan Swift is not really an easy read but probably when it was first published in the earily 1700’s. The book describes four voyages of a ship’s surgeon Lemuel Gulliver, as he encounters tiny people, land of giants, a flying island and a land ruled by horses. With each opportunity he lectures about the strengthens and weaknesses of society; sometimes his social commentary got a little preachy. I would recommend seeing the movie. I give this book 1 star out of 5 (yup, that painful).
#7. Cracking the Codeby Paul Azinger gave a great insight to the 2008 Ryder Cup win. Azinger describes his management style and team building that contributed to the 2008 win. This is an easy read and I would recommend this book if you like golf. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Posted December 29, 2010
#5. Anne of Green Gables written by L.M. Montgomery (originally released in 1908 – A Classic) has a Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) feel to it -same era but set in Canada. The star of this book is Anne an orphan that is wrongly adopted by an older couple (siblings) that were looking to adopt a boy for cheap labor on their farm (true story). Anne grows on them with her non stop babbling, so they keep her (yup). It’s cute at first but let me take a line from classic bugs bunny, “Shut-up, shutting up.” I found this book an easy read because as soon as Anne would start one of her monologues I would skim the next couple of paragraphs till she was done. Other than the constant chatter coming from Anne, its about a girl that gets herself in lots of trouble and how she matures into a smart, beautiful women that everyone loves -even the reader (I was shocked too). Well, I have the next four books in this series but I think I will take a break from Anne for a little while. I will give this book four out of five stars because the chapters are short and it reads like a sitcom.
Posted December 13, 2010
#4. “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave
This is a typical Oprah Book Club recommendation, which compartmentalizes a situation, good vs. bad, poor vs. rich, black vs. white, etc.. It’s an easy read but be forewarned that this book includes descriptions of disturbing scenes. I would not put this book into the “feels good” category but it definitely makes you appreciate your life and minuscule problems. I give this book 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Posted December 3, 2010
#3) Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss
The author, Weiner, sets out on a yearlong quest to find the world’s happy places. As an experienced world traveler, the author worked for years as an NPR foreign correspondent, and has visited many obscure spots. For the book, he traveled to countries like Iceland, Bhutan, Qatar, Holland, Switzerland, Thailand and India to try to figure out why residents tell positive psychology researchers that they’re actually quite happy.
I had high expectations when I picked up this book. It’s a good book, not a great book; it had a strong start but then just kind of “petered out”. My recommendation would be… save yourself the $13.99. If you are traveling, stop at the airport’s book store and read the last chapter. Because his last chapter, in the typical NPR story fashion -is a straight forward summary. And in the words of Pamela Paul:
“According to a recent study, Denmark’s key to happiness is lowered expectations. With that in mind, readers will find pleasure, however fleeting, in these pages”.
So, keep your expectations low- I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. Because of the baseline -it is in English and easy read but did offer some interesting insights.
Posted November 26, 2010
#1) Russell Brand’s My Booky Wook
Do not confuse My Booky Wook withMy Booky Wook 2. Yes, this book left people demanding more -so they published a sequel. The original book is described as…
“Russell Brand learned early on to make a joke of fear and failure. From a troubled childhood in industrial Essex, England, to his descent into addictions to alcohol, drugs, and sex in the seamy underbelly of London, Brand has seen his share of both and miraculously lived to tell the tale.”
I found this book lacked any real chronological order. It’s as if his only connection to the book is that it is his life and that most likely he did dictate it. I did find that the book had two strengthens: it was in English and was an easy read. I would put this book into the Shopoholic Book League; I give it 2 stars out of 5 stars.
#2) Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain
Finally, there is a book for people that love Race Cars and their dog:-) Once again, this is an easy read, in my favorite language (English), with the addition that its a book for animal lovers. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.
Warning : the first chapter will tug on your heart strings / possibility of tears.
5 Responses to She Read (Book Review)