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Review: Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding (v.g.).
If you didn't catch on v.g. = very good.

I don't really come across good comedy books often, but this book was definitely one of them. However, I think the readers who would enjoy this book will mostly be of the female sort. In the book/diary, Bridget has very entertaining "men are bastards" fests and lots of self-conscious and boyfriend drama. While Bridget may be an extreme case, I think there are facets of Bridget in every girl (certainly there are quite a number that I related too - mostly embarrassing ones). This is why I think the book is so funny (seriously, LOL funny) for us, because it is SO TRUE. Also, being that the book was written (very well I might add) as a diary, it seemed like Bridget actually wrote this. I highly recommend this book for women, especially reading in the tub with a glass of wine. If you have already seen the movie that's alright, I had and still thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, the book would be much better if you hadn't.

Review: The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman

The Golden Compass, aka Northern Lights, is the first book of His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. This story has caused quite a controversy, one that I anticipated to be greatly unfounded. However, after reading the first book, I think that there is legitimacy to some complaints. The novel quotes the bible with some alterations and makes the church seem almost scary. While this ties the plot together, this is not the point of the story. I think that no real damage can be done and there is no cause to become so outraged over a fictional book that is so obviously a fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Golden Compass. The adventure and danger made this extremely exciting and made me forget at times that I was reading a young adult novel. In addition, the plot is very creative such that you cannot help but be intrigued. Pullman weaves daemons, witches, armed bears, and dust into a magical story, which took me to another world so entirely different from any other fantasy I have ever read, watched, or heard of. This is a fantasy and adventure novel for young adults, but I would recommend any lovers of this type of story, young or old, to give The Golden Compass a go. Ready to start book two.

Article: Libraries Cut E-Book Deal With Penguin

This article discusses Penguin's new deal for a one year pilot run of e-books in two NYC libraries. I think that libraries are one of the greatest places on earth. Allowing them to provide e-books means they are not limited by space constraints. This is a great idea. However, I think a major problem is that this will make copying the books much easier. Still, HarperCollins and Random House are both successful at it. Check out the article; the link is provided under the Interesting Articles and Websites on the right.

Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's Persuasion, to me, is only second best to Pride and Prejudice. I recommend that if you want to get a feel for Austen's books, to read this one first. This book is a great introduction to her work, the language is much easier to understand and the story is not as tedious as some of her other books. Also, the story is rather sweet. Everyone knows that Austen only wrote novels that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and this book is no exception. Persuasion is a story about a young woman, Anne Elliot, who must face the man she once turned down, Mr. Wentworth.  Their romance is fraught with regret, hurt, and jealousy as she tries to discover if she could ever win his love again. I definitely recommend this book to any romantics and those interested in reading Austen. I have nothing really bad to say about the story, except that sometimes I wanted to push Henrietta and Louisa Musgrove out of the way and scratch Anne's sister from the book. Note: the latter is representated well (just as irritating) in the BBC movie. Happy Austen Reading!

Review: Interview with a Vampire - Anne Rice

This book was definitely a page turner. I admit, I think the intro is a little slow, but once the story gets out of his human life the pace picks up. The story is the retelling of the life of a vampire. The main character, Louis, struggles with his new life and the vampire he must live with. This seems like a rather simple and unoriginal plot, but the way in which things happened kept me captivated. Interview with a vampire is a great read, which makes the twilight novels seem lame in comparison. It's more in the same spectrum as Dracula by Bram Stoker, but not as tedious. Sometimes I think that supernatural novels can be on the cheesy side, but this one wasn't. I recommend that if you like supernatural novels, to read this one.

Review: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - David Wroblewski

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a very unique book to me. The plot is not necessarily strange, but the way in which it occurs is different from many other books. The story is about a mute boy, Edgar Sawtelle, and his search to answer some burning questions about his father's death, which leads to more problems and greater danger. I recommend that if you decide to read this book to not read the synopsis on the cover. I personally think it reveals too much. In regards to the enjoyment of this book. It wasn't the most exciting story, but it was definitely intriguing and had a subtle intensity. I wouldn't say this book was a thrilling page turner, it's just a really good story. (Oh!) How remiss of me, I have yet to mention the other important characters, the Sawtelle dogs. Though this story is not about dogs, they play an important role in the story and their relationship with Edgar is what makes this story so touching. This would be a great summer read for anyone, but especially dog lovers. Oh and by the way even Oprah likes this book. So if you don't trust me, I have the Lady O to back me up.

Review: A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin

I need to find a way to contact Mr. Martin to tell him how much this amazing book frustrated the hell out of me. After finishing the book, I ended up pacing the room in an anger that had no outlet. I couldn't sleep, even though I kept telling myself "it's fiction...get over it!" But I can't. I loved this book so much and after committing myself to the 800 or so pages, I don't know how he could just leave my happiness hanging in the balance like that. I will not give spoilers, but I will give a warning: this is a great book, but keep in mind it is a series and though you may be tempted to think there will be closure after 800 pages, you will be sadly mistaken, as I was. Of course, now I have to go get the second book so that I will feel whole again, hopefully. Now with less steam, I would like to say that the characters and the plots in this book were very intricate. Also, I was shocked at and yet enjoyed how raw and graphic this book was. I realize how creepy that sounds, but it is true. It brought the intensity of the plot and my feelings toward characters way up. I recommend this book only if you have the time to read them all. I haven't had time necessarily and am paying for it, because there is no chance I can stop now.

Update: Started Reading

I have started reading Game of Thrones, but please be patient with me. These past couple of weeks have been extremely busy for me. I am about 1/4 of the way into the book and find that it is very frustrating, yet very good so far. I will let you know my final thoughts, hopefully by the end of this week.

Review: Cupid and Psyche by Apuleius

This story is in Edith Hamilton's book Mythology. I enjoyed that in this story the woman was a heroine instead of a damsel in distress. Also, I loved the play on words and names of love and soul (aka Cupid and Psyche). I would definitely rate this as one of my favorite mythology stories. Although quite short, the story does not lack depth. This was a sweet romantic tale about two lovers that were hurt by a lack of trust and who had to fight to get it back. I definitely recommend reading this story. It won't take much time and I doubt you will be unsatisfied. Of course, there are some things that may be a bit difficult to understand without knowing some Greek/Roman mythology, but this does not substantially change the story. If you like this one there are, of course, other great hero and love stories in Hamilton's book.