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.