Book Title: A Density of Souls
Author: Christopher Pike
Version: Paperback
ISBN: 9780330489331
Voice: Third Person
Publisher: Hyperion Books
First Published: 2000
Number of Pages: 274
Genre: Fiction, gothic thriller
SYNOPSIS: Meredith, Brandon, Stephen, and Greg are four best friends living in New Orleans. While growing up they were inseperable, riding bikes everywhere, playing hide and seek every weekend in the local cemetery. As kids nothing touches them, although they each have families that may not be perfect, they find solace with each other. They have a friendship that seems like it could last forever. This all changes when they enter high school, Brandon and Greg gravitate towards the jock crowd and soon distinguish themselves as emerging football stars. Greg and Brandon are able to pretend that what they used to do in each other's bedrooms with Stephen when they were kids never happened. Stephen on the other hand is shunned by everyone and constantly faces pain and humiliation due to the homophobia that runs rampant in the school. The worst part is his friends have all abandoned him. While Stephen is walking around with his head down and Brandon and Greg are strutting through the halls Meredith is trying her best to fit into the in-crowd by becoming a bulimic.
Each of them is struggling in their own ways, basically doing their best to survive high school alive. While they are struggling with their own lives, two horrible and grisly deaths rock the world that they have grown to know. When they all gather together five years later a dramatic revelation proves to be the beginning of the end. One of the deaths that had rocked the town five years before turns out to have been a murder. When this secret is revealed it becomes the starting point for all the other secrets that had been kept hidden. What was once thought to be a simple group of friends turns out to be such a tangled web of lies and secrets that the unraveling of it might just end with death.
REVIEW: It's been years since I read "A Density of Souls" written by Christopher Pike, so the synopsis is a little weak. I apologize for that but I really loved this book, that much I remember clearly. I wanted to review this book today (without rereading it) because I haven't yet reviewed a truly dark tale yet. And that is what this is, a dark tale that really never lets up in that darkness. Don't mistake me though the darkness is nothing to stay away from, with this book it is something to be embraced. I think this book is just fantastic and I am ready to read it again.
The writing is a mix of amateur and utter professional. After reading this I assumed that Christopher Pike was an established writer but it turns out this was his first novel. It was a surprise to realize that the person that wrote this had never been published before. The writing flows in and out of a kind of dark beauty that literally took my breath away a couple of times. It was so good that I continue to seek out Christopher Pike's writing today.
The story itself was a coming of age story that had some twists and turns. It is a story of a gay boy that is trying to learn what it means to be gay when the rest of his world is straight and homophobic. And it is the story of four friends that are trying to figure out what it means to be friends in a world filled with secrets and lies. It is a story that is filled with darkness, murder, secrets, and four teenagers that are trying to grow up.
I think that this is a fantastic book, a fantastic story, and a truly great debut novel. Christopher Pike takes a simple coming of age story and turns it into a surprisingly dark and mysterious novel. I highly recommend this book because of so many reasons, the most important one being that it's just good. As I have stated a few times it is a darker novel so be prepared for that. But if you can stomach something that is a bit of a downer and has a sense of menace through out this is worth the read.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Greatest Road Trip of All-A Review of "On The Road"
Book Title: On The Road
Author: Jack Kerouac
Version: Paperback
ISBN: 9780140042597
Voice: First Person
Publisher: Viking Press
First Published: 1957
Number of Pages: 307
SYNOPSIS: This is a semi-autobiographical story of Jack Kerouac. The narrator and main character is Sal Paradise a recently divorced man who meets Dean Moriarty a carefree, wild, and utterly intriguing wanderer who promises to introduce quiet Sal to the wide world. Dean takes Sal to New York and introduces him to the wide slightly underground world of the poets and writers that eventually become inspiration for Sal. From New York Sal sets off on his own traveling around and running into slightly off kilter characters that give more color to Sal's once dull life.
Eventually Sal ends up in Denver with Dean and poet Carl Marx. There are parties and adventures galore but Sal is still searching for something and so heads to San Francisco. There he meets up with Remi Boncoeur and his girlfriend Lee Ann and hangs around long enough for Remi to get Sal a job. Although Sal is grateful for the money and the job he doesn't stick around for long. He leaves his job and San Francisco behind and once more hits the road. On the bus to Los Angeles he meets Terry with whom he falls in love and she takes him to Sabinal, Mexico her hometown and introduces him to her brother. Sal begins to work in their cotton fields and learn from Ricky, Terry's brother, but quickly discovers he isn't cut out for that type of work. Leaving Terry behind he sets out for life on the road once more, searching for adventure and meaning.
Continuing to travel all around the country sometimes meeting up with Dean and whoever his girlfriend or wife is at the time and sometimes going off on his own Sal finds that life on the road isn't something that can easily be stopped. The book goes on for five parts with Sal moving from place to place and adventure to adventure.
REVIEW: This was the first 'beat' book that I read and I fell in love with it. I fell in love with Jack Kerouac beacause of this book. As I said before this book is supposed to be semi-autobiographical with Sal Paradise representing Jack, Dean Moriarty representing Neal Cassidy, and Carl Marx standing in for Allen Ginsberg. Most of the stories that are told are based on real events that happened to Jack. I find that the reality of it makes the book so much better in my opinion. The idea that the man that wrote the book actually went through what some of the characters in the book went through is almost a high. There's just something about it that makes it more tangible and delicious even.
The writing style is flowing, it just moves so easiy across the pages. It's a little difficult to get into the groove of it at first but once you do it's hard to get out of. There is definitely a very unique style to the 'beat' writing and Jack Kerouac is the epitome of that style. It's part rambling prose and part poetry which for the stories that were told was the perfect mixture. It's not really something that can be described it is a style of writing that has to be experienced.
The truth of this book, which I think should be considered a classic, is that it really does need to be read to be appreciated. "On The Road" is one long love letter to a life of adventure and the search for meaning. It is a love letter that should be read and savored again and again. I truly fell in love with this book when I read it and I went in search of more 'beat' writings that I could fall in love with. I hope that you go out and find a copy of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac and get lost in a brand new world that not many people enter. It's a little bit of a strange world that some may really not enjoy but you'll never know until you give it a try. And this is the perfect introduction to that world because it is an excellent story and amazingly written. I hope that you go out and find a copy of the book and give it a try. I think that this is very much worth your time. It's an awesome book and the start of an adventure that could last a lifetime, a love for a new genre and really a whole new experience.
Author: Jack Kerouac
Version: Paperback
ISBN: 9780140042597
Voice: First Person
Publisher: Viking Press
First Published: 1957
Number of Pages: 307
SYNOPSIS: This is a semi-autobiographical story of Jack Kerouac. The narrator and main character is Sal Paradise a recently divorced man who meets Dean Moriarty a carefree, wild, and utterly intriguing wanderer who promises to introduce quiet Sal to the wide world. Dean takes Sal to New York and introduces him to the wide slightly underground world of the poets and writers that eventually become inspiration for Sal. From New York Sal sets off on his own traveling around and running into slightly off kilter characters that give more color to Sal's once dull life.
Eventually Sal ends up in Denver with Dean and poet Carl Marx. There are parties and adventures galore but Sal is still searching for something and so heads to San Francisco. There he meets up with Remi Boncoeur and his girlfriend Lee Ann and hangs around long enough for Remi to get Sal a job. Although Sal is grateful for the money and the job he doesn't stick around for long. He leaves his job and San Francisco behind and once more hits the road. On the bus to Los Angeles he meets Terry with whom he falls in love and she takes him to Sabinal, Mexico her hometown and introduces him to her brother. Sal begins to work in their cotton fields and learn from Ricky, Terry's brother, but quickly discovers he isn't cut out for that type of work. Leaving Terry behind he sets out for life on the road once more, searching for adventure and meaning.
Continuing to travel all around the country sometimes meeting up with Dean and whoever his girlfriend or wife is at the time and sometimes going off on his own Sal finds that life on the road isn't something that can easily be stopped. The book goes on for five parts with Sal moving from place to place and adventure to adventure.
REVIEW: This was the first 'beat' book that I read and I fell in love with it. I fell in love with Jack Kerouac beacause of this book. As I said before this book is supposed to be semi-autobiographical with Sal Paradise representing Jack, Dean Moriarty representing Neal Cassidy, and Carl Marx standing in for Allen Ginsberg. Most of the stories that are told are based on real events that happened to Jack. I find that the reality of it makes the book so much better in my opinion. The idea that the man that wrote the book actually went through what some of the characters in the book went through is almost a high. There's just something about it that makes it more tangible and delicious even.
The writing style is flowing, it just moves so easiy across the pages. It's a little difficult to get into the groove of it at first but once you do it's hard to get out of. There is definitely a very unique style to the 'beat' writing and Jack Kerouac is the epitome of that style. It's part rambling prose and part poetry which for the stories that were told was the perfect mixture. It's not really something that can be described it is a style of writing that has to be experienced.
The truth of this book, which I think should be considered a classic, is that it really does need to be read to be appreciated. "On The Road" is one long love letter to a life of adventure and the search for meaning. It is a love letter that should be read and savored again and again. I truly fell in love with this book when I read it and I went in search of more 'beat' writings that I could fall in love with. I hope that you go out and find a copy of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac and get lost in a brand new world that not many people enter. It's a little bit of a strange world that some may really not enjoy but you'll never know until you give it a try. And this is the perfect introduction to that world because it is an excellent story and amazingly written. I hope that you go out and find a copy of the book and give it a try. I think that this is very much worth your time. It's an awesome book and the start of an adventure that could last a lifetime, a love for a new genre and really a whole new experience.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
"Tempest Rising"
Book Title: Tempest Rising
Author: Nicole Peeler
Version: ebook
ISBN: 9780316076036
Voice: First Person
Publisher: Orbit
First Published: October 27th, 2009
ebook Published: Noverember 1st, 2009
Number of ebook pages: 368
SYNOPSIS: I originally went in search of this book because there was a snippet of it at the end of the last book in a series that I have grown to love, the Jaz Parks series written by Jennifer Rardin you can read a partial review of that series here http://girlinthetinyhat.blogspot.com/2011/06/mixed-bag.html. I totally fell in love with Jaz Parks and the series so I figured that something that was recommended in the same book would be something worth checking out.
It is the story of Jane True a slightly strange and outcast young woman living in Rockabill, Maine with her father. Ever since her boyfriend's death years before, a death that was looked at a little suspiciously one that she was witness to, she has been shunned from what is considered "normal society." She really only has three things in her life, her job at the local bookstore with the lesbian couple owners, her father whom she takes care of, and her nightly swims. Although seeing as it is in the dead of winter and the bit of ocean she swims in happens to be the mouth of a giant whirlpool she keeps the swimming to herself. One night Jane discovers a body floating in the ocean and risks her life to pull it out and place it in such a place that it is discovered. Once the body is discovered however the town is in an uproar and curious glances seem to follow Jane wherever she goes.
In the wake of the investigation a mysterious stranger shows up, a gorgeous unbelieveably sexy stranger named Ryu who seems to be quite taken with Jane. When Ryu takes her out and begins to tell her a little bit about himself, he is a powerful vampire, and who she really is, half selkie, she finds herself swept up in a world of magic and power that has more intrigue and deception than an episode of "The Sopranos." While Ryu introduces her into the world that Jane rightfully belongs to he also introduces her to the world of passion and pleasure.
When the dead man turns out to be a member of the super secret magical society that lives all around Jane, Ryu takes Jane to the head quarters of the magical kingdom to launch an internal investigation. While there Jane is introduced to more vampires, witches, shapeshifters, genies, and many other kinds of creatures that Jane had thought the stuff of legends and fairy tales. And while Jane is taking all the pleasure from Ryu that he has to offer she also finds herself fighting for her life and the truth.
REVIEW "Tempest Rising" by Nicole Peeler wasn't all that bad. It was a rather simple read, some of it was fun, but for the most part it was easy. By that I mean that there wasn't anything surprising or incredible about it. I wasn't shocked at any point nor was I on the edge of my seat. The writing was simple and almost lazy at times often taking the path of least resistance. The mystery of the book was lacking a bit but Nicole Peeler can write a sex scene. And although this book is classified as a paranormal romance, I think, there weren't that many sex scenes but they were well written.
I figured that I should post this review because I have said that I try to read all sorts of books and this is one type that I hadn't reviewed yet. I didn't hate the book it had a pretty solid story, one that has been done before but with a few interesting twists. The book was pretty short and I read it from beginning to end so that has to say something. There were even parts that had me smiling, not laughing out loud but smiling none the less. "Tempest Rising" is the beginning of a new series that Nicole Peeler is working on and it might be a series that I continue on with. I am willing to give it a second try when the next book comes out but I don't know if I care. However I think that this is a book that really is based on each individual reader. So if you are looking for a paranormal kind of romance book that could be the beginning of a new favorite series go out and find a copy. Although it is a world that I didn't find myself lost in and loving, it could be just what you are looking for.
Author: Nicole Peeler
Version: ebook
ISBN: 9780316076036
Voice: First Person
Publisher: Orbit
First Published: October 27th, 2009
ebook Published: Noverember 1st, 2009
Number of ebook pages: 368
SYNOPSIS: I originally went in search of this book because there was a snippet of it at the end of the last book in a series that I have grown to love, the Jaz Parks series written by Jennifer Rardin you can read a partial review of that series here http://girlinthetinyhat.blogspot.com/2011/06/mixed-bag.html. I totally fell in love with Jaz Parks and the series so I figured that something that was recommended in the same book would be something worth checking out.
It is the story of Jane True a slightly strange and outcast young woman living in Rockabill, Maine with her father. Ever since her boyfriend's death years before, a death that was looked at a little suspiciously one that she was witness to, she has been shunned from what is considered "normal society." She really only has three things in her life, her job at the local bookstore with the lesbian couple owners, her father whom she takes care of, and her nightly swims. Although seeing as it is in the dead of winter and the bit of ocean she swims in happens to be the mouth of a giant whirlpool she keeps the swimming to herself. One night Jane discovers a body floating in the ocean and risks her life to pull it out and place it in such a place that it is discovered. Once the body is discovered however the town is in an uproar and curious glances seem to follow Jane wherever she goes.
In the wake of the investigation a mysterious stranger shows up, a gorgeous unbelieveably sexy stranger named Ryu who seems to be quite taken with Jane. When Ryu takes her out and begins to tell her a little bit about himself, he is a powerful vampire, and who she really is, half selkie, she finds herself swept up in a world of magic and power that has more intrigue and deception than an episode of "The Sopranos." While Ryu introduces her into the world that Jane rightfully belongs to he also introduces her to the world of passion and pleasure.
When the dead man turns out to be a member of the super secret magical society that lives all around Jane, Ryu takes Jane to the head quarters of the magical kingdom to launch an internal investigation. While there Jane is introduced to more vampires, witches, shapeshifters, genies, and many other kinds of creatures that Jane had thought the stuff of legends and fairy tales. And while Jane is taking all the pleasure from Ryu that he has to offer she also finds herself fighting for her life and the truth.
REVIEW "Tempest Rising" by Nicole Peeler wasn't all that bad. It was a rather simple read, some of it was fun, but for the most part it was easy. By that I mean that there wasn't anything surprising or incredible about it. I wasn't shocked at any point nor was I on the edge of my seat. The writing was simple and almost lazy at times often taking the path of least resistance. The mystery of the book was lacking a bit but Nicole Peeler can write a sex scene. And although this book is classified as a paranormal romance, I think, there weren't that many sex scenes but they were well written.
I figured that I should post this review because I have said that I try to read all sorts of books and this is one type that I hadn't reviewed yet. I didn't hate the book it had a pretty solid story, one that has been done before but with a few interesting twists. The book was pretty short and I read it from beginning to end so that has to say something. There were even parts that had me smiling, not laughing out loud but smiling none the less. "Tempest Rising" is the beginning of a new series that Nicole Peeler is working on and it might be a series that I continue on with. I am willing to give it a second try when the next book comes out but I don't know if I care. However I think that this is a book that really is based on each individual reader. So if you are looking for a paranormal kind of romance book that could be the beginning of a new favorite series go out and find a copy. Although it is a world that I didn't find myself lost in and loving, it could be just what you are looking for.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
"The Wolf Gift"
Book Title: The Wolf Gift
Author: Anne Rice
Version: Advanced ebook
ISBN for ebook: 9780307700476
Voice: Omniscient
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
First Published: February 14th
Number of ebook pages: 400
SYNOPSIS: I am priviledged to be working at a book store, which means that I can usually get advanced reader copies of some books. Anne Rice's "The Wolf Gift" was one of these. Now I haven't read a whole lot of Anne Rice. In fact the only two books I have read by her wer singular books, not part of any of her series. I was interested in this book however because I knew that Anne Rice was going to be in my store to sign the book so I was thinking about reading it. Then a manager at work told me he was in the middle of reading the advanced ebook and 'suggested' that I download it and read it. So that is what I did.
The story starts with Reuben Golding walking through a forrest with Marchant Nideck looking at the magnificent house that Reuben is writing an article on for the San Francisco Observer. For the first time since the house was built hundreds of years ago it is going up for sale. Marchant's Uncle Felix has been missing for long enough that he has been declared dead and Marchant has taken on the duty of packing up and selling the house. Because the house is so far away from the city Reuben is invited to stay the night. Marchant and Reuben spend a passionate night of talk and love making one that leaves a deep impression on Reuben's life. He is lost in dreams of what life with Marchant could be like when he is awoken by the sounds of glass breaking and a scream coming from the kitchen. Reuben rushes downstairs and sees two men breaking in to the silver cabinet and Marchant lying dead on the floor. Reuben, enraged, tries to stop the men but they attack him. As Reuben lies bleeding and broken on the floor he hears a crash and some great beast comes flying through the kitchen door and with a swipe of it's paws and the snap of it's jaws it kills the two attackers and almost kills Reuben but leaves him his life.
While recuperating in the hospital Reuben begins to notice some changes occuring within himself. His doctor, who is also his mother, notices it as well. His wounds start to heal very quickly his body is burning up, but he has no infection. Everytime he gets his blood drawn it disappears before it gets to the lab. He begins to hear voices from the other floors of the hospital. These changes come to a head one night when all of a sudden an orgasmic change ripples through him and the wolf that was inside finally comes out. He relishes the feeling that his new shape gives him one of power and deep satisfcation. When he hears screaming coming out of the nighttime he has an instictual response and jumping through the window he goes in search of the evil he feels. What follows is a night full of pleasure and gore and an addiction that begins to attract the attention of not just the police but the media, scientists and a mysterious group of men that seem to hold some of the answers that haunt Reuben.
REVIEW: As I said before I have not read a lot of Anne Rice books, in fact I think after this book I will have only read three. However I have read a lot of books about werewolves and a lot of books in general. I was not impressed with the book, it was over done and I honestly felt as if she tried to hard. Everyone had iPhones and was on Facebook. The writing while not necessarily bad wasn't anything that blew me away. I felt as if she used too many words and took too long to describe certain scenes. It was as if she was really trying to make the story modern and accesible to a younger crowd but she missed the mark.
The writing seemed forced and strained, almost as if she had to make herself continue writing. The story seemed like it was floating in too many different directions. Anne Rice tried to add in a sense of forbiding and mystery but I ended up just not caring about what happened to any of the characters. It just didn't matter to me. When that happens I know that the book is going to let me down. I finished it only because I was sure that I was going to be quized on it by the manager that suggested it to me. But if I had just picked it up to read I probably would have put it down. I gave it 2 stars on goodreads.com which means I think that it was "ok" because I didn't hate it and there were parts that had me wanting to know 'what's going to happen next?' But those parts were few and far between. I honestly don't think that I can recommend the book. But I am not giving up on Anne Rice, I am interested in her vampire books and the other books I read by her which were "Cry to Heaven" and "Servant of the Bones" I really enjoyed. I was just disappointed with "The Wolf Gift," and it was a shame to because I think that Anne Rice is really talented. Unfortunately this was not her best work so if you were thinking of picking up the newest Anne Rice skip it. I don't think that it is worth the money or the time, it's a sad thing but there it is.
Author: Anne Rice
Version: Advanced ebook
ISBN for ebook: 9780307700476
Voice: Omniscient
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
First Published: February 14th
Number of ebook pages: 400
SYNOPSIS: I am priviledged to be working at a book store, which means that I can usually get advanced reader copies of some books. Anne Rice's "The Wolf Gift" was one of these. Now I haven't read a whole lot of Anne Rice. In fact the only two books I have read by her wer singular books, not part of any of her series. I was interested in this book however because I knew that Anne Rice was going to be in my store to sign the book so I was thinking about reading it. Then a manager at work told me he was in the middle of reading the advanced ebook and 'suggested' that I download it and read it. So that is what I did.
The story starts with Reuben Golding walking through a forrest with Marchant Nideck looking at the magnificent house that Reuben is writing an article on for the San Francisco Observer. For the first time since the house was built hundreds of years ago it is going up for sale. Marchant's Uncle Felix has been missing for long enough that he has been declared dead and Marchant has taken on the duty of packing up and selling the house. Because the house is so far away from the city Reuben is invited to stay the night. Marchant and Reuben spend a passionate night of talk and love making one that leaves a deep impression on Reuben's life. He is lost in dreams of what life with Marchant could be like when he is awoken by the sounds of glass breaking and a scream coming from the kitchen. Reuben rushes downstairs and sees two men breaking in to the silver cabinet and Marchant lying dead on the floor. Reuben, enraged, tries to stop the men but they attack him. As Reuben lies bleeding and broken on the floor he hears a crash and some great beast comes flying through the kitchen door and with a swipe of it's paws and the snap of it's jaws it kills the two attackers and almost kills Reuben but leaves him his life.
While recuperating in the hospital Reuben begins to notice some changes occuring within himself. His doctor, who is also his mother, notices it as well. His wounds start to heal very quickly his body is burning up, but he has no infection. Everytime he gets his blood drawn it disappears before it gets to the lab. He begins to hear voices from the other floors of the hospital. These changes come to a head one night when all of a sudden an orgasmic change ripples through him and the wolf that was inside finally comes out. He relishes the feeling that his new shape gives him one of power and deep satisfcation. When he hears screaming coming out of the nighttime he has an instictual response and jumping through the window he goes in search of the evil he feels. What follows is a night full of pleasure and gore and an addiction that begins to attract the attention of not just the police but the media, scientists and a mysterious group of men that seem to hold some of the answers that haunt Reuben.
REVIEW: As I said before I have not read a lot of Anne Rice books, in fact I think after this book I will have only read three. However I have read a lot of books about werewolves and a lot of books in general. I was not impressed with the book, it was over done and I honestly felt as if she tried to hard. Everyone had iPhones and was on Facebook. The writing while not necessarily bad wasn't anything that blew me away. I felt as if she used too many words and took too long to describe certain scenes. It was as if she was really trying to make the story modern and accesible to a younger crowd but she missed the mark.
The writing seemed forced and strained, almost as if she had to make herself continue writing. The story seemed like it was floating in too many different directions. Anne Rice tried to add in a sense of forbiding and mystery but I ended up just not caring about what happened to any of the characters. It just didn't matter to me. When that happens I know that the book is going to let me down. I finished it only because I was sure that I was going to be quized on it by the manager that suggested it to me. But if I had just picked it up to read I probably would have put it down. I gave it 2 stars on goodreads.com which means I think that it was "ok" because I didn't hate it and there were parts that had me wanting to know 'what's going to happen next?' But those parts were few and far between. I honestly don't think that I can recommend the book. But I am not giving up on Anne Rice, I am interested in her vampire books and the other books I read by her which were "Cry to Heaven" and "Servant of the Bones" I really enjoyed. I was just disappointed with "The Wolf Gift," and it was a shame to because I think that Anne Rice is really talented. Unfortunately this was not her best work so if you were thinking of picking up the newest Anne Rice skip it. I don't think that it is worth the money or the time, it's a sad thing but there it is.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Family Always-A Review of "Little Women"
Book Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Version: Children's Classics Hardback
Voice: Omniscient
ISBN: 9781857159264
Original Publisher: Roberts Brothers
First Published: 1868-1869
Edition Publisher: Everyman's Library
Published: October 6th, 1994
Number of Pages: 528
SYNOPSIS: I didn't read "Little Women" until I was in my teens but I ended up loving it so much that I went out and bought myself a gorgeous hardback copy and have preceeded to read it almost every year since. It is one of my all time favorite books and I wanted to share it with all of you.
It is the story of the March family, a family of women. Meg, is the eldest at sixteen and already a woman in her eyes, Jo the second eldest is the tomboy of the family and since her father left for war the 'man' of the house, fragile Beth is the third in line but protected as if she were the baby, and little Amy, stubborn, willful and utterly convinced that she has to have a Grecian nose in order to be a true beauty. These four girls are the heart of the story but the heart of the March family is their Marmee, Mrs. March, the big hearted mother that is literally the cure to all their ailments and woes.
The book starts during Christmas Eve and the March sisters sit around talking as they wait for their mother to return. The March's are poor people and the sisters never feel it more then around Christmas. They are sitting around complaining about not getting any presents when their mother walks in with a gift more precious than any gift of silk or jewels, a letter from their father. In it he reminds them that there is more to life then money and material things, he reminds them all that they are kind, special in their own ways, and loved by him, their mother and God. His letter leaves them all feeling as if they had let him down and they each make a promise to be the girls, or in Jo's case the 'boy,' that their father believes them to be. What starts out as a simple Christmas promise turns into a lifetime of struggles and triumphs that shape each girl into a beautiful woman.
Jo wants more then anything to be a published writer and so she goes out to have gentlemanly experiences which becomes much easier once she befriends the boy next door. A young, wealthy, friendly boy by the name of Theodore Lawerence, called Laurie by every one except Jo who calls him by a special nickname that only she is allowed to use, Teddy. They form a friendship that more often then not lands them both in some scrape or another and as they grow their feelings of friendship turn into something more. Meg who is old enough to remember what it was like when the March's had money, simply wants the finer things in life. She goes to parties and balls with women and men that are wealthy and treat as if she is a poor project to be played with and then forgotten. What she discovers about herself though is that she is perfectly content to be poor as long as she is surrounded by those she loves. Soft spoken Beth seems to be the angel of the family, she is quiet and humble, and is perfectly content to be at home playing with her dolls and helping around the house. Beth is treated as the baby because she is fragile and frigthened most of the time. But she is really the eyes and ears of the March family and she knows all that goes on around her. Amy is obsessed with becoming rich and she decides that the best way to do that is marry a very rich man whether she loves him or not. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to art and the finer points of beauty. And as she grows she learns little lessons that help her turn into a lady.
The sisters go through ups and downs, they fall and they rise all with their sisters by their side. Their Marmee is there for them when they need advice from her but their main support and the real loves of their lives are each other. Though they learn things the hard way some of the time they each find ways to overcome the hardtimes and find within themselves true and beautiful women.
REVIEW: I chose to talk mainly about the characters because that is what the book is. The sisters are what drive the book, they are what make the stories come alive. What Louisa May Alcott has done is bring to life four very real and tangible girls that are each a little piece of us. Her writing is simple and pure and at times, at least for me, too full of religious rights and wrongs. However for the time that it was written it is exactly right. In today's modern world it may be a little more difficult for young girls to be swept up in but not much.
I have loved this book for years and I am an all modern girl. But there is something about the world of the March sisters that truly fascinates me. Every time I start reading Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" it feels as if it is for the very first time. The stories that are told and the lessons that are learned are beautiful, there really is no other word for them. Louis May Alcott has brought to life a world that not many people get to see and it's a world that is well worth a peak. Like I said the writing is simple, it isn't pretenious or over done in any way. She is simply telling a story about four little girls that learn to be women. I truly feel that this should be considered a classic, and not just a children's classic, and so even though it is called "Little Women" I think that there are boys and men that will enjoy it. Jo is such a tomboy and with Teddy by her side there is quite enough adventure in the book to satisfy the male element.
"Little Women" is a fantastic book. That's really all there is to it, it is well written and full of emotion and characters that make you fall in love with them. I highly, highly recommend this book to all those readers out there that want to curl up with a book that will simply make you feel good. I know that each time I open the book to start reading I find myself lost and smiling, and I know that, that will happen to you as well.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Version: Children's Classics Hardback
Voice: Omniscient
ISBN: 9781857159264
Original Publisher: Roberts Brothers
First Published: 1868-1869
Edition Publisher: Everyman's Library
Published: October 6th, 1994
Number of Pages: 528
SYNOPSIS: I didn't read "Little Women" until I was in my teens but I ended up loving it so much that I went out and bought myself a gorgeous hardback copy and have preceeded to read it almost every year since. It is one of my all time favorite books and I wanted to share it with all of you.
It is the story of the March family, a family of women. Meg, is the eldest at sixteen and already a woman in her eyes, Jo the second eldest is the tomboy of the family and since her father left for war the 'man' of the house, fragile Beth is the third in line but protected as if she were the baby, and little Amy, stubborn, willful and utterly convinced that she has to have a Grecian nose in order to be a true beauty. These four girls are the heart of the story but the heart of the March family is their Marmee, Mrs. March, the big hearted mother that is literally the cure to all their ailments and woes.
The book starts during Christmas Eve and the March sisters sit around talking as they wait for their mother to return. The March's are poor people and the sisters never feel it more then around Christmas. They are sitting around complaining about not getting any presents when their mother walks in with a gift more precious than any gift of silk or jewels, a letter from their father. In it he reminds them that there is more to life then money and material things, he reminds them all that they are kind, special in their own ways, and loved by him, their mother and God. His letter leaves them all feeling as if they had let him down and they each make a promise to be the girls, or in Jo's case the 'boy,' that their father believes them to be. What starts out as a simple Christmas promise turns into a lifetime of struggles and triumphs that shape each girl into a beautiful woman.
Jo wants more then anything to be a published writer and so she goes out to have gentlemanly experiences which becomes much easier once she befriends the boy next door. A young, wealthy, friendly boy by the name of Theodore Lawerence, called Laurie by every one except Jo who calls him by a special nickname that only she is allowed to use, Teddy. They form a friendship that more often then not lands them both in some scrape or another and as they grow their feelings of friendship turn into something more. Meg who is old enough to remember what it was like when the March's had money, simply wants the finer things in life. She goes to parties and balls with women and men that are wealthy and treat as if she is a poor project to be played with and then forgotten. What she discovers about herself though is that she is perfectly content to be poor as long as she is surrounded by those she loves. Soft spoken Beth seems to be the angel of the family, she is quiet and humble, and is perfectly content to be at home playing with her dolls and helping around the house. Beth is treated as the baby because she is fragile and frigthened most of the time. But she is really the eyes and ears of the March family and she knows all that goes on around her. Amy is obsessed with becoming rich and she decides that the best way to do that is marry a very rich man whether she loves him or not. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to art and the finer points of beauty. And as she grows she learns little lessons that help her turn into a lady.
The sisters go through ups and downs, they fall and they rise all with their sisters by their side. Their Marmee is there for them when they need advice from her but their main support and the real loves of their lives are each other. Though they learn things the hard way some of the time they each find ways to overcome the hardtimes and find within themselves true and beautiful women.
REVIEW: I chose to talk mainly about the characters because that is what the book is. The sisters are what drive the book, they are what make the stories come alive. What Louisa May Alcott has done is bring to life four very real and tangible girls that are each a little piece of us. Her writing is simple and pure and at times, at least for me, too full of religious rights and wrongs. However for the time that it was written it is exactly right. In today's modern world it may be a little more difficult for young girls to be swept up in but not much.
I have loved this book for years and I am an all modern girl. But there is something about the world of the March sisters that truly fascinates me. Every time I start reading Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" it feels as if it is for the very first time. The stories that are told and the lessons that are learned are beautiful, there really is no other word for them. Louis May Alcott has brought to life a world that not many people get to see and it's a world that is well worth a peak. Like I said the writing is simple, it isn't pretenious or over done in any way. She is simply telling a story about four little girls that learn to be women. I truly feel that this should be considered a classic, and not just a children's classic, and so even though it is called "Little Women" I think that there are boys and men that will enjoy it. Jo is such a tomboy and with Teddy by her side there is quite enough adventure in the book to satisfy the male element.
"Little Women" is a fantastic book. That's really all there is to it, it is well written and full of emotion and characters that make you fall in love with them. I highly, highly recommend this book to all those readers out there that want to curl up with a book that will simply make you feel good. I know that each time I open the book to start reading I find myself lost and smiling, and I know that, that will happen to you as well.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Final Chapter: "Mockingjay"
Book Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Version: Hardback
Voice: First Person
ISBN: 9780439023511
Publisher: Scholastic
First Published: August 24th, 2010
Number of Pages: 390
Alright there was a hitch yesterday and I was unable to post my final review of the trilogy. However here I am today and I am all ready to post. CAUTION: This review contains some spoilers.
In the third and final installment of "The Hunger Games" trilogy Katniss is recuperating in the underground city of District 13. She has learned that her own district has been bombed to the ground and though her family, Gale and many others that Katniss cares about escaped to safety she is struggling with the knowledge that Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. In District 13 there is a very tight regimen to follow, each person has a schedule that they have to stick to but Katniss spends most of her time wandering around and avoiding everyone.
Katniss has discovered that everything after her original win has been carefully planned out and the rebellion that is starting to really take off is supposed to be lead by her. She has become the figurehead that everyone is hoping to follow. And though she agrees that something has to be done to stop the Capitol she doesn't want to be in charge of everyone's lives, she was in that position twice in The Games. Finally she decides to take the helm when Peeta is rescued and it becomes clear that he has been brainwashed and tortured into believing that Katniss is the enemy and needs to die.
Hurt and confused Katnisss starts leading the rebellion through each district. Gathering forces and fighting off those that disagree with them. As the rebels get closer and closer to the Capitol the districts fight harder to hold back the rebels but they continue to push forward. Finally a small group, including Katniss, Gale, and a recovering Peeta, makes it to the Capitol and goes in search of President Snow.
The final chapter of "The Hunger Games" trilogy is all about the uprising. There are many more losses in this book, some that wrenched the heart and brought me to tears. Suzanne Collins has a unique way of making the characters so tangible and real that you can't help but become invested with them. Each triumph one that we celebrate with them, each failure one we suffer with them. Although this trilogy is considered teen fiction it has so many more layers that make it accessible and enjoyable to all ages. Suzanne Collins' books are a great read. They keep the reader interested and invested which can sometimes be hard with a plotline this dark. And do not be fooled it is a dark story but one that is well worth reading.
It is a strange world and one that is a little scary because it one that is more possible then some of the other 'end of the world as we know it' stories. But it is a world that is well worth the visit because there is so much to it, such pain and beauty, so many layers of emotion. If you are looking for a series of books that you can really sink your teeth into go out and buy a copy of the first book "The Hunger Games." I warn you though, once you get started you won't want to stop.
Author: Suzanne Collins
Version: Hardback
Voice: First Person
ISBN: 9780439023511
Publisher: Scholastic
First Published: August 24th, 2010
Number of Pages: 390
Alright there was a hitch yesterday and I was unable to post my final review of the trilogy. However here I am today and I am all ready to post. CAUTION: This review contains some spoilers.
In the third and final installment of "The Hunger Games" trilogy Katniss is recuperating in the underground city of District 13. She has learned that her own district has been bombed to the ground and though her family, Gale and many others that Katniss cares about escaped to safety she is struggling with the knowledge that Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. In District 13 there is a very tight regimen to follow, each person has a schedule that they have to stick to but Katniss spends most of her time wandering around and avoiding everyone.
Katniss has discovered that everything after her original win has been carefully planned out and the rebellion that is starting to really take off is supposed to be lead by her. She has become the figurehead that everyone is hoping to follow. And though she agrees that something has to be done to stop the Capitol she doesn't want to be in charge of everyone's lives, she was in that position twice in The Games. Finally she decides to take the helm when Peeta is rescued and it becomes clear that he has been brainwashed and tortured into believing that Katniss is the enemy and needs to die.
Hurt and confused Katnisss starts leading the rebellion through each district. Gathering forces and fighting off those that disagree with them. As the rebels get closer and closer to the Capitol the districts fight harder to hold back the rebels but they continue to push forward. Finally a small group, including Katniss, Gale, and a recovering Peeta, makes it to the Capitol and goes in search of President Snow.
The final chapter of "The Hunger Games" trilogy is all about the uprising. There are many more losses in this book, some that wrenched the heart and brought me to tears. Suzanne Collins has a unique way of making the characters so tangible and real that you can't help but become invested with them. Each triumph one that we celebrate with them, each failure one we suffer with them. Although this trilogy is considered teen fiction it has so many more layers that make it accessible and enjoyable to all ages. Suzanne Collins' books are a great read. They keep the reader interested and invested which can sometimes be hard with a plotline this dark. And do not be fooled it is a dark story but one that is well worth reading.
It is a strange world and one that is a little scary because it one that is more possible then some of the other 'end of the world as we know it' stories. But it is a world that is well worth the visit because there is so much to it, such pain and beauty, so many layers of emotion. If you are looking for a series of books that you can really sink your teeth into go out and buy a copy of the first book "The Hunger Games." I warn you though, once you get started you won't want to stop.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Second Installment: "Catching Fire"
Book Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Version: Hardback
Voice: First Person
ISBN: 9780439023498
Publisher: Scholastic
First Published: September 1st, 2009
Number of Pages: 391
CAUTION: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!! IF YOU DO NOT WANT A FEW PLOT POINTS RUINED SKIP THIS REVIEW AND COME BACK AFTER YOU HAVE READ THE BOOKS.
In the second book of "The Hunger Games" trilogy Katniss and Peeta are about to start out on their Victory Tour. Peeta, burned after finding out that Katniss's feelings for him were all an act for The Games, is doing his best to ignore her. Katniss's best friend Gale, believing that Katniss is truly in love with Peeta, keeps her at bay as well. With her win and newfound riches Katniss should be on top of the world but she isn't because of her isolation and the rumors she has been hearing about an uprising against the Capitol. One that she and Peeta are rumoured to have started.
To protect themselves and do their best to appear as if they are helping to stop the rebellion Katniss and Peeta have to go on their Victory Tour in their guise as the perfect couple. The President of Panem has come to District 12 to see them off. He took Katniss aside and threatened her, telling her that he doesn't believe the little story that they concocted during The Games about Peeta and Katniss being so in love that they just couldn't live without each other. That if it turns out the two of them aren't in love there will be no end to the punishment that shall reign down upon them.
To further protect their families and put President Snow off their trail Peeta proposes publically to Katniss and she accepts. This however does nothing to appease Snow nor end the growing rebellion in the Districts. The 75th Hunger Games are right around the corner and because they are what is called a Quarter Quell the Capitol can put a new spin on it. They decree that 24 winners from the past Games will come to the Capitol and compete in a specially designed arena. Because District 12 still has three living tributes Katniss knows that there is a choice to be made. Katniss is determined to be one of the tributes but Peeta is just as determined to keep her out of the arena. Though Peeta makes a big fuss on TV telling everyone that Katniss and he are married and expecting a baby they both end up back in the Capitol for the 75th Hunger Games.
The arena this time around is filled not only with past winners of all ages but more twists, turns and deadly surprises then ever before. Peeta and Katniss form an alliance with a few other past winners hoping to survive not only the other tributes but the arena itself as well.
The second installment "Catching Fire" of the Hunger Games trilogy is just as filled with suspense and heartbreak as the first. For some reason though I wasn't as thrilled with this book as I was with the first one. Katniss's voice was still there to help move the story along and all the characters were just as present but I think the newer characters were tough to take mainly because of their pain and slight psychosis. This book had an even darker edge to it in a way. It really held nothing back when it came to showing how horrible the Capitol is. It is well written though and again an easy read but it is more mature then a teen fiction book. There is more to it then that and it is all hidden in the pages. I recommend this book just as highly as the first. This is a trilogy that is well worth reading through all the way to the end. It is a world that once you enter it you won't be able to leave.
Author: Suzanne Collins
Version: Hardback
Voice: First Person
ISBN: 9780439023498
Publisher: Scholastic
First Published: September 1st, 2009
Number of Pages: 391
CAUTION: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!! IF YOU DO NOT WANT A FEW PLOT POINTS RUINED SKIP THIS REVIEW AND COME BACK AFTER YOU HAVE READ THE BOOKS.
In the second book of "The Hunger Games" trilogy Katniss and Peeta are about to start out on their Victory Tour. Peeta, burned after finding out that Katniss's feelings for him were all an act for The Games, is doing his best to ignore her. Katniss's best friend Gale, believing that Katniss is truly in love with Peeta, keeps her at bay as well. With her win and newfound riches Katniss should be on top of the world but she isn't because of her isolation and the rumors she has been hearing about an uprising against the Capitol. One that she and Peeta are rumoured to have started.
To protect themselves and do their best to appear as if they are helping to stop the rebellion Katniss and Peeta have to go on their Victory Tour in their guise as the perfect couple. The President of Panem has come to District 12 to see them off. He took Katniss aside and threatened her, telling her that he doesn't believe the little story that they concocted during The Games about Peeta and Katniss being so in love that they just couldn't live without each other. That if it turns out the two of them aren't in love there will be no end to the punishment that shall reign down upon them.
To further protect their families and put President Snow off their trail Peeta proposes publically to Katniss and she accepts. This however does nothing to appease Snow nor end the growing rebellion in the Districts. The 75th Hunger Games are right around the corner and because they are what is called a Quarter Quell the Capitol can put a new spin on it. They decree that 24 winners from the past Games will come to the Capitol and compete in a specially designed arena. Because District 12 still has three living tributes Katniss knows that there is a choice to be made. Katniss is determined to be one of the tributes but Peeta is just as determined to keep her out of the arena. Though Peeta makes a big fuss on TV telling everyone that Katniss and he are married and expecting a baby they both end up back in the Capitol for the 75th Hunger Games.
The arena this time around is filled not only with past winners of all ages but more twists, turns and deadly surprises then ever before. Peeta and Katniss form an alliance with a few other past winners hoping to survive not only the other tributes but the arena itself as well.
The second installment "Catching Fire" of the Hunger Games trilogy is just as filled with suspense and heartbreak as the first. For some reason though I wasn't as thrilled with this book as I was with the first one. Katniss's voice was still there to help move the story along and all the characters were just as present but I think the newer characters were tough to take mainly because of their pain and slight psychosis. This book had an even darker edge to it in a way. It really held nothing back when it came to showing how horrible the Capitol is. It is well written though and again an easy read but it is more mature then a teen fiction book. There is more to it then that and it is all hidden in the pages. I recommend this book just as highly as the first. This is a trilogy that is well worth reading through all the way to the end. It is a world that once you enter it you won't be able to leave.
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