HALLELUJAH!!

I'VE FINISHED IT!!!

Okay, if you're just tuning in you might be a tad confused.  I started reading a book (which was on hold at the library which meant waiting weeks to get it) a while back titled Parade's End.  When I first got it, I was unaware of how difficult of a read it would be owing to writing style, dialect, and story line.  Also, the fact that it was four books in one volume (total of 906 pages with minuscule type) didn't help matters.  So I only finished the first book when it was due back at the library...where it was on hold.  Therefore, I had to wait over a month to get the book back and pick up where I left off.  BUT I'M FINISHED!!

The review: I must say that this might be one of the most difficult works I've read.  I can't decide if it's Ford's writing style or his dialogue that I found most perplexing.  I would say that if you're wanting to give this one a whirl make sure that you're prepared and that you stock up on patience.  The story was a riveting one which was the impetus for continuing all the way to the end (and I'm no quitter!).  The ending, however, fell short.  I feel like it ended too suddenly (which is saying something when it's 906 pages).  I don't feel satisfied.  I like having an ending where all the loose ends are tied up neatly.  Not entirely sure I got that with this one.

In the interim when I was waiting on the book to be in my possession again I started reading Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling (have I mentioned this already?).  Another book with a LOT of plot and a TON of characters.  I'll have to figure out where I left off with that one so that I can finish it and write it up for you guys.  The past two months have been busy but I'm hopeful after the holidays to pick up the pace.

Hope you are all doing well and READING!

When the storm comes knocking, I get to reading

Well, the good thing about being stuck in the house is that I get stuff done.  :-)  I've finished up Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels by Deirdre Le Faye and I must say it's put me in the mood for some classic literature.  It's also made me realize that there are two works by Jane that I haven't read: Sanditon and The Watsons which were published together as Minor Works.  I've already added it to my wish list. ;-)  One of the best things about this book was how it tied together everything from the time period with actual paintings.  Also, the accounts from Jane's family about what she thought of the characters and how their lives might have changed after the ends of her books was fascinating.

Next on the agenda is JK Rowling's next creation, Casual Vacancy.  I'm a huge Potterhead so I have to say that I have high expectations for her first work for adults.  I know the bare minimum (which is the way I like to start off a new novel) about this book.  It's set in a small English village and there's an opening on the council (hence the vacancy).  The book is more political than Harry Potter (although it wasn't devoid of subtle political references) and sticks to the normal rather than the paranormal. As I said, I have high expectations but I'll be sure to report my findings be they ill or favorable to you all.

Happy reading and if you're on the east coast like me STAY SAFE (and read a book)!

Pleasantly surprised

I was pleasantly surprised with the humor in From the Earth to the Moon.  It was clear that Jules Verne was definitely making a point about Americans and their inability to see obstacles in their path to impossible dreams. However, he also lauded this ability at the same time.  This book was written in 1865 and details something which would have been almost laughable at the time: a manned spacecraft.  If you're eyes are bulging out of your sockets with the thought of a man this far ahead of his time, then you should read the book.  I do need to warn you, however, that the ending kind of fell flat after the buildup created by the previous chapters.  Fans of classical literature and/or sci-fi will most definitely enjoy this read.

For my next daring adventure into literature I've chosen Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels by Deirdre Le Faye.  The title pretty much explains exactly what this book is all about.  The author discusses Jane's life and the culture of the time period in which each of her books was written.  I'm a huge fan of classical literature and Jane Austen is one my favorites so when I saw it on the shelf I practically leaped over to grab it.  From the quick flip through I see that there are several photographs, maps, and various illustrations which will no doubt further the reader's awareness of the period in which Jane lived.  I can't wait to find out what her inspiration was for Mansfield Park!!

I'm back!

I must first apologize for the lengthy intermission between this post and the last.  There's been a lot of confusion over exactly which book I'm reading right now because Parade's End came in, I read the first of the three books, and then it had to be returned because it was on hold.  Because of all of that hullabaloo, I started reading The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells.  H.G. Wells is an acquired taste in my opinion. I read War of the Worlds about 5 years ago and was entirely unimpressed.  I read The Time Machine in 2008 and LOVED it.  So what did I think of The Island of Dr. Moreau?  Well, I liked it for the most part.  It was well-written and definitely kept my attention throughout the entire narrative.  I would caution anyone with a weak stomach or who has a softness for animals (like myself).  It's not light reading to be sure but it is fascinating the way this particular writer's mind works.  If you like science fiction novels, then you're likely to enjoy this one.

Speaking of sci-fi novels, I picked up an out-of-print book at a bookshop a couple of weeks ago and decided I wanted to give it a whirl while I was waiting out my book on hold.  The Day the World Ended by Sax Rohmer is about 3 men (a Frenchman, an Englishman, and an American which sounds like a bad joke) who arrive in Germany trying to solve three mysteries that turn out to be one and the same.  There is a plot to destroy the earth and they are given a choice if they would rather die with the masses or be spared with the few.  I was a little disappointed at its rather anti-climactic ending but it moved along fairly well and the characters were for the most part very likable.  Again, I'd recommend this one to any hardcore sci-fi book lover.

Of course, because I have serious compulsion issues when it comes to books I grabbed two more books from the library.  I've decided (just now incidentally) that I'm going to start From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne first because I'm in a classics kind of mood. I haven't the foggiest notion what the main plot of the story is other than it discusses space travel (and was mentioned in Back to the Future III).  I promise to be more prompt with my response this time!!

Please let me know how I'm doing and if there is anything you'd like to see more of genre-wise.  Keep those pages turning!!

This is most definitely an adult book!

Word to the wise, if you're looking for a book to read aloud to the kids at night then Water for Elephants is NOT the book for you.  However, if you're looking for a book that will take you into the world of circuses when they were in their heyday then this IS the book for you.  Oh and there's romance (with racy bits which is partly why it's not suitable for the youngsters).  And drama (a trainload of it).  This book was highly recommended to me by two of my classmates from my YA Lit class and I must say they did not lead me astray.  Well-written, engaging, and just plain fun to read, Sara Gruen had me on the edge of my seat the whole way.  I've always been fascinated by the culture of circuses and this has just fueled that fire even more.

Of course, now that I've finished this book I remembered that I was 3/4 of the way through A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and I owe it to science to finish it up.  Sooooo that's what I'm going to do while I wait on my library hold for Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford (now that is a fun name).  I'll let you guys know the verdict just as soon as I can!!

I have a confession.  Sometimes I watch the movie before I read the book.  I know!  That's crazy talk!!  However, in my defense, I don't always realize that there was a book before the movie.  This is one of those times.  In celebration of finishing my Young Adult Literature class, I read Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré. Of course, since I had watched the film I knew the bare bones of the narrative and because of this there should be no surprises.  Right?  WRONG!  This book was so compellingly written, so sprinkled with intrigue and suspicion, that it was impossible not to think of the two stories as separate (but both magnificent).  The story revolves around the British Secret Service and those at the very top of the ladder.  There is a double agent among them.  The entire story is the search for this elusive mole.  If you love mystery and spy stories, this is just the book for you.  I can't wait to get my hands on more of his works!

Sometimes when you walk the aisles of a library or bookstore, a book will jump out at you.  It might be a book that you had heard mentioned and forgot about it or it might be one you had never heard of at all. This next book falls into the former category.  Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was a much talked about book (and movie which I haven't seen by the way) last year even though it came out in 2006.  I was reminded of it by some of my classmates when we were discussing Twilight (Robert Pattinson strikes again) and they were very enthusiastic about it.  Then I just so happened to have it in my hands when I was shelving a few days later.  I had to check it out.  From what I can tell from the back cover and from what my classmates describe the book is a gripping romantic fiction that is set in a circus that is on its last legs  Romance isn't my favorite genre but I have a fascination with circuses (remember when I read The Night Circus?).  There's something compelling about people who travel around the world performing for different audiences each night and all with masks and makeup to conceal their true identities.  I can't wait to see what mysteries await me within the pages of this book!

I've just finished up Mud City by Deborah Ellis which is the third installment of the Breadwinner Trilogy.  It's about a young Afghan girl name Shauzia who is at a refugee camp but would rather be in France (or really anywhere else).  The story focuses on her struggles as she encounters the many obstacles of a country torn apart by war.  She's angry, frustrated, and at odds with everyone around her except for her dog, Jasper.  It was a fairly quick read and while I learned about a country that I'm pretty unfamiliar with, I wasn't blown away by it.  Perhaps if I hadn't unwittingly chosen the third book in a trilogy, it would have been more entertaining.  However, if you're interested in knowing what it would be like to grow up in Afghanistan or Pakistan, I suggest starting with The Breadwinner.

Interesting to note: the royalties from the purchase of this book go to Street Kids International, a non-profit organization that works with children around the world who are living on the streets.  For more information, contact them here or write to them at 38 Camden St, Suite 201, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1V1.