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.

Update: Poll Winner

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin was the winner of the last poll. I will be starting the book as soon as possible to let everyone know how it goes. I have heard only really great things about this book and so I am very excited to begin. However, it is a good thing they tell you not to judge a book by the cover, because if that was the case I would expect this book to turn out to be a rated R romance novel.

Question: From Real Simple

Real Simple Magazine, which I love, has posted the No-Obligation Book Club question for July. I thought the question was interesting: What book turned you into a reader? My answer: Call of the Wild by Jack London. I was only 9 years old when I read it, but this book certainly left an impression with me and made me the avid reader I am today. So thanks Dad for suggesting such a great book. Feel free to let me know what your answer would be.

http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2012/03/27/question-for-the-july-issue/

Review: Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut

Stupid! I absolutely hated this book. I was bored throughout the whole thing and had to force myself, literally, to finish it. But here are a few redeeming factors: it was short and occasionally funny (more so in the beginning when you are not as frustrated). Still even though I cannot see how it is possible, I know people love this book. I guess I am just not a fan of Kurt Vonnegut stories, because I also did not like Slaughter-House Five. If you enjoyed that you will definitely enjoy Cat's Cradle too and vice versa. To be clear, I just did not like how plain the story was. The whole thing was very straight forward and predictable. I guess there were some unique elements like an entirely made up religion, but overall it felt lifeless. No character felt personal. I like characters that come alive. If all the characters in this story died I know it would not affect me at all like I think a good book should.

Update: Book Machine Reviews Ask You

I loved the outcome of the last poll asking what book I should read next. So I decided to do it again. I am asking you to check the poll and vote for which book you recommend I read or the book you would like me to review for you. Don't worry if it sucks I won't blame you...most likely.

Review: A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

Oh what the Dickens?! Why did this book have to be so dry? I loved the story, but everything was just on the surface. The story was so elaborate with dynamic characters, but Dicken's writing is just so plain. I had a hard time finishing this book, simply because the writing bored me. I will say that it picks up at the end, which is so heartbreaking (I almost cried!) and has some segments that are really good, but overall it was slow. I usually think if a book can make you feel any strong emotion at the end then it must be good. However, the time it took to make me feel that was not worth the effort to get there. I wish this book was more condensed. The story would have been better if some of the boring sections were just eliminated and extended the exciting parts. I am sorry if I offend anyone by hating on this literary classic. I can see why it is a classic, but as far as reading for enjoyment goes, this one doesn't come out on the top of my list.

Review: Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card

On the last poll, asking what book I should read next, Ender's Game won and I couldn't be happier. This book was amazing. I had to reshuffle my favorite books to move this one into the top. It is a science-fiction novel that follows a young boy through his training to become a leader who will save Earth and the human race. Of course I love science-fiction, but this was unlike a lot of others I have read. It was also very shocking. I don't recommend finishing the novel too quickly when you are nearing the end, because you need to let some things seep in. I got so caught up in the book that I was rushing to see what would happened and was so completely startled when I got there, that I had to go back and make sure I read it correctly. I recommend that anyone who loves science-fiction read this book. It is a definite must for sci-fy lovers. This would also be good for anyone who is in a leadership position or hopes to be in the future. There is a lot of insightful information on how to be a great leader that can be quite inspirational.

Note: Look for the movie that is supposed to be coming out in 2013.

Review: Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

I thought this book was decent. This was not the typical happy run off and join the circus story. The novel is an old man's recounting of his experience joining the circus during the time of the Great Depression. This book was great at making it very realistic. Additionally, I would say that this book is sad, frustrating, dirty, embarrassing, romantic, and funny. What should be asked is what emotion the book doesn't portray, because it does a great job of combining so many. Again, this adds more realism to the book. Although this was a good book, I would not put it in as one of my favorites. It was enjoyable, but it isn't one of those books that you put your own life on hold just to finish. Still you may just as easily fall in love with this book, it just depends on what you like. The book has a lot of emotional turmoil rather than action. So while that's not what I like, it may be something you love in books. Furthermore, if you have seen the movie and loved that, you will probably love the book too (which of course is much much better).

Review: The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov

I absolutely loved this book. READ THIS! The novel is about a strange person and his very unusual gang of trouble makers who visit Moscow around the 1930s and their relationship with a writer. I refuse to mention anything else about the story, I recommend not to read the synopsis either. I think it would be a lot more exciting when you don't know who the characters will be. The novel is funny, though sometimes you feel guilty for laughing, but do so anyway. Also, it's very weird. The closest thing I can compare the strangeness too is Alice in Wonderland. However, the stories themselves are not alike at all. From the very beginning of this book I was hooked. The action doesn't have a long build up; right from the first chapter, the strange things begin and they only get better...or worse if you were in Moscow.  The only flaw I found was that the writing was kind of choppy. I think when it was translated it must have lost some fluidity. Still I don't think this makes much of a difference, it is just noticeable. Furthermore, I know that there are some insightful things about the culture of Moscow during this time, but I don't care about that. This book was just fun and exciting to read. However, for some guarded religious people this book could be offensive, probably really offensive. 

Review: The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

This book went through ups and downs, but came out on top overall. Although the story is very drawn out, it had to be this way for everything to come together. In the novel, there was also quite a lot of references to actual occurrences in history, so the story almost feels as if Edmond Dantes was a real person. Furthermore, there were multiple stories within the novel. Characters would recite a tale in the book, which are themselves interesting to read. Overall, I found that I did feel at times that the book took a while to getting to what you wanted. However, I think that the details kept you interested and when you finally get to it, you completely forget that you were frustrated it took so long in the first place.  I definitely recommend reading this book, but when you have the time to do so. It is a long book, stopping and starting this book between long spans of time is not a good idea. There are many intricate details or characters that you might forget.

Review: Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Twilight...what can I say. I both loved and hated this book. The first one was good, I admit I was drawn in. It took vampire romance to a totally new level. Still, the huge problem I had with the series is that it just went all down hill from there. Yeah sure I was a crazy fanatic like every other girl and had to get the next book as soon as it came out, but that was only because I became addicted. It's like smoking I guess; people know it's bad, but they do it anyway. The reason I say this is after the first novel, which I still say is amazing, the rest of them were mediocre. You only continued reading because you are already caught up in the story. Well for all the bad impression I am giving this novel, I still say if you like romance you MUST read this. The story takes place in high school and it is written for young adults, but I haven't found a single lady who didn't like this book. Just know up front that they don't get better than the first book. Also, if you enjoyed this book you should read The Host, also by Stephenie Meyer.

Seriously though, an entire section just for Twilight is a bit much

Review: The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien

This is one of the really great novels of all time. It is written about a group of soldiers in Vietnam during the war. However, you do not have to have a particular interest in the war to enjoy this book. It's one of those really great novels that transcends all genres. The book is so powerful in making the reader feel what the characters must have felt. By exaggerating occurrences in the novel, the emotions conveyed are more realistic than if they were written completely accurate. I also like that each chapter is its own short story. Each chapter can stand alone and still be powerful. Though this book is not directly focused on it, it is very psychological and leaves a strong impression. I recommend that when you read this book to devote yourself to each chapter and not try to rush through or just scratch the surface, this book should be appreciated. I can't really say anything I didn't like about this book. Also it is very short, so it would be great if you have nothing to do on a rainy day or during a plane ride.

Review: Freakonomics - Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

This book was extremely interesting and a lot of fun. This book does not look at the business or state economy side of economics. It uses the fundamental principles to look at topics that are surprising and that I think everyone has a secret desire to know more about. In example, this book looks at discrimination on T.V. game shows and on-line dating, baby names, parenting, the drug dealing appeal, and how cheating teachers are like sumo wrestlers. The list goes on and on. This book makes economics fun and though the book is all over the place with no real point, you can understand it this way. It takes you through the sequential thinking of the authors and not according to some familiar literary structure. I loved this book and I recommend it to all readers. No economic principles or background is necessary to understand and enjoy this book. If you are unsure whether or not you want to read it still, take a look at the explanatory note. This will hook you in, if this is something you will enjoy, I know I did.

Review: A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess

So you have to be okay with violence in order to get through A Clockwork Orange. This is a (don't be too surprised) a coming of age novel; the book follows a teenager of the future as he becomes an adult. Teenagers in Burgess' future are extremely violent and criminal. So there is quiet a lot of that described in the novel. Furthermore, the teenagers use a new slang. Initially I think that this makes the novel extremely difficult to understand. However, just like classic books you get used to the dialog and what different slang means. Still, I recommend that you get the audio book version, if you can. I liked the one narrated by Tom Hollander. This uses the words in tones that makes it easier to identify their meaning. If that doesn't work, don't be afraid to look at the back of the book, there is a dictionary of the slang words (at least in mine). Also, if you enjoy psychology or are interest in it, you will appreciate the use of classical/operant conditioning (think Pavlov's dog). My opinion of this book was that it was enjoyable, but not my favorite. I think if you liked Fight Club, you will enjoy this book and vice versa. They both mix violence and psychology in a way that is exciting and terrible (in a good way) at the same time. The future slang writing was also interesting, just make sure you don't start saying them or people will think you're crazy.

Review: And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie

I thought that this book was was really good and very intense. However, this book is a mystery and the one problem I had was that I don't think that enough evidence was given to allow the reader to solve the mystery themselves. Nonetheless, I guarantee despite what I said you will be forming your own theories about who you think the killer is and I would bet more than likely this will change through the book and in the end you will be wrong (let me know how it worked out for you). This book was really intense in that there is not a moment of dullness in the book, because you are constantly wondering who will be killed next, when, and how. I definitely recommend everyone to read this, unless your a really nervy person. It's not gory or anything, but I will tell you up front the title is true, "And Then There Were None." I won't say anymore, except this was an exciting book to "play" and a great read.

Review: Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter… I am going to give it a “meah”. In middle school these books were fun and entertaining but by the last book I was too old and the books became slightly embarrassing (too over-the-top with the whole teen romance thing). Don't get me wrong, I loved these books and was so tied up in the story I had to know how it ended, but I think that I outgrew them. There are lots of holes in books based on the assumption that they are written in these times. Rowling did not write about some alter magical land or a galaxy far far away, but instead recounted the tale of teenage wizards supposedly amongst us "muggles." In the end, the books are childish and won't work for an adult audience. Even in the Harry Potter reality, SEAL Team 6 would take out Voldemort in every book, until he no longer existed, he wouldn’t hear the stealth helicopters coming. Still, if you can hold back reality and immerse yourself in the fantasy than these books may work for you. Though, it may sound as if I give this series a bad rap, I still actually enjoyed reading these books. That being said, I wouldn't recommend anyone older than their teens to take up these novels. These books are one of the best, but for the 8-16 year old range.

Review: Broca's Brain - Carl Sagan

This was a very interesting non-fiction science book. I don't really have a particular interest in science and I still found this extremely intriguing. The book not only looks at theories of the universe, but also about religion. I found the part about near death experiences the most interesting. The book also takes a very unbiased view on the topics he discusses. I enjoyed this book for the most part. However, the middle part was a bit boring to me. I read the book cover to cover, but if you don't want to do that you don't have to. The parts as a whole are related, but you still can take the book chapter by chapter and read through the ones that interest you the most without missing out; you don't have to know what happened in the prior chapters to understand. I recommend this book if you are looking for an interesting non-fiction book no matter what background you have.

Review: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

If you are a girl who likes romance, you can't help but love Pride and Prejudice. This story is generally regarded as Austen's best work and having read many of her novels, I would agree. The only complaint that I have is that the story is a little too perfect. I don't like when everything is perfect because I think it loses a sense of reality, but that's me. However, I should warn readers that it is initially difficult to get into the story, because Austen goes into an extensive set-up of the story and the dialect is a lot different from today. Still I think that as you continue reading, it becomes smoother and easier to catch on. I think it is worth the initial struggle to get into the story, because Darcy and Elizabeth are the classic story of love and hate. I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good romance novel that is not too hot for T.V.

Review: Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

Though I personally was not interested in this book, I know a couple of people that I think would love it. I just wasn't captivated by the setting or the pace of the novel. It was a little too heavy, too serious, too slow for me. However, people who liked the movie Apocalypse Now (I didn't) would probably love this book since this was the inspiration for that movie, which does a great job of capturing the mentality of this novel. They basically follow the same plot, but Heart of Darkness takes place during Belgium's colonizations of Africa, instead of Vietnam. I have nothing against this book, other than my own preference.

Note: I labeled this novel in War even though it's not about a war, but colonization. Still, I think it captures that type of mentality and because of it's relation to Apocalypse Now.

Review: The Mist - Stephen King

I found that this book started off so well, but ended really bad. There was a lot of great excitement at the beginning of the book then it just fell flat. There was no explanation of anything. This book just felt as if King was really excited about the idea at first, but then couldn't figure out how to have it make sense and just left it like that. The story is entirely pointless and completely unbelievable, even for a work of fiction. If you are looking for a good scary book do not read this one.Though the first chapters are intriguing, don't be fooled or else, like me, you'll be left frustrated at the end. I kept reading thinking that perhaps everything would be tied together at the end, but it did not happen. Do not put yourself through the same frustration.

Review: The Belgariad - David Eddings

The Belgariad is actually the compilation of a five book series; Pawn of the Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit, Castle of Wizardry, and Enchanter's End Game. The series is a fantasy quest story about a group of characters that must set the world/future back on its course, in relation to destiny (the plot is a bit complicated to explain). Compared to some other fantasy books this one has not got much attention, but this is one of my favorite books. I know that some things are not explained very well or at all, but when you're reading you don't care. I actually think that this helped the story. Instead of halting the story to make tedious explanations, Eddings continues (making the assumption that it just works) and keeps the momentum going. Additionally, the characters are so welcoming, fun, and very distinct, that you forget that it doesn't make sense how things happen sometimes. Furthermore, the story is great combining a lot of action, romance, seriousness, and comedy as these characters go on their quest. I absolutely love this book. I am a junkie when it comes to these characters; I have read the sequel to this story, The Mallorean, as well as the character books: Polgara, the Sorceress and Belgarath, the Sorcerer and also the Rivan Codex. So as you can see, I love this series. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes the fantasy genre, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Review: Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand

This book definitely gets top marks from me. The writing was descriptive without being too poetic. However, Rand can get too long-winded at times and repetitive. Furthermore, though I am not one to fear long books, this one was extremely long with parts that I believe could have been condensed to be more captivating. The momentum got lost in the dialog at times. Still, the plot and the characters were dynamic. They represent an extreme type of person, but still maintain a warm quality about them. I really liked Dagny, the main character in the story, who represented a strong woman without having any feminist motives. Without giving anything away, the book is about an alter United States in which the government is becoming more socialist controlling businesses and at the same time becoming more corrupt. The story focuses around the struggle of major industry players who fight for capitalism and the right to control their own destiny, but in a surprising way. I am a complete fan of this book and recommend this book to readers who like a good philosophical story.

Review: The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

This book shocked me; it was not what I expected at all. I really don't want to say much about the plot, but to give you an idea: its in the supposed future where some women play a new role based on a story from the bible, but one that people will find appalling, seriously appalling. Though I felt that the book was just okay, the story was so unique that you couldn't help but be slightly intrigued. Also, though the writing was different, I found it kind of off-putting. This is by no means my favorite, but as I said, it can still be captivating. Also, this novel has an underlying intensity, which is not from action but from the nervousness and fear for the characters. I recommend this book if you are looking for a unique story.

Review: Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk

This book was awesome. Surprisingly, I didn't find that it was as violent as it sounds. Don't get me wrong it is violent, there are fights and lots of mayhem. However, I think there is also a lot of witty dialog between the characters that draws you in and philosophy about the nature of people today, which I did not expect. The characters in this book are outrageous, yet somehow believable. I loved this book, because it was very convincing and the best shocker. For those tempted, DO NOT watch the movie it will give it away and the whole book will not have the same effect. For those who have already seen the movie, this book is still good and is fun in that you are able to catch the subtleties and hints. I am a fan of this book and although it tends to have a masculine draw, I think ladies will enjoy this book too (for you semi-romantics, you will never read about a stranger love triangle). I recommend this book for anyone who wants something that has good (but maybe a little crude) humor, and lots of action.

Review: On the Road - Jack Kerouac

Ughh, I absolutely hated this book. I understand that it's a book that described a generation, but I just got fed up with the characters' lives and their complete lack of responsibility. The worst was that the book seemed entirely pointless. It's kind of like the blog I wrote about my time in Edinburgh; it was enjoyable for people who knew me, but no one else would have cared. This book left me completely unaffected, well except for the frustration in that I had to force myself to finish it. I think if you like stories that follow the life and the growth of characters you may like this novel, but I felt like I was dragging my feet to finish this book. The development was slow and though I enjoyed some of the descriptions and culture, it was about as often as a blind squirrel finds a nut.

Review: 1984 - George Orwell

I enjoyed this book, mostly for the surprises and intensity. However, I became so frustrated with the characters. Still I guess if a book can make you feel something at all that is a good thing. I thought that the idea was a great take on a now widely popular theme of a future world controlled by a select few leaders in which the people are repressed, but brain washed into thinking its right. What's good about this one are the twists on that now familiar story. Though 1984 has come and gone, this story is still intriguing and advanced in some ways even now. Readers if you enjoy an intense book with a little bit of beautiful, yet sinful intrigue as well as shocking twists, this is definitely for you.