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