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).