After reading "Gone for Good," this was a big disappointment. There were twists and turns, but I figured them out far before Cohen finally led to them...moreAfter reading "Gone for Good," this was a big disappointment. There were twists and turns, but I figured them out far before Cohen finally led to them. It was if he was writing for the sake of word count, repeating the same thoughts again and again. Bummer. (less)
I only read "Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas" last week, so I'm new to Thompson. I understand that many die-hards often regard this as inferior to hi...moreI only read "Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas" last week, so I'm new to Thompson. I understand that many die-hards often regard this as inferior to his other works, and I'm in no position to compare and contrast. However, I did enjoy this book. A lot. Once again my copy is riddled with sticky notes and arrows marking specific passages. The insight of the main character Kemp -- i.e. Thompson -- made me reexamine my views on "making it" in the world and the cost of success (and failure).
Last but not least, the book reminds me of "The Great Gatsby" although I'm still trying to figure out why exactly. Overall, excellent read. One that I will read again, because it seems it is one of those books that sparks new ideas with each examination.(less)
I love, love, love listening to Kevin Smith. That's really all I can say. You either love 'em or hate 'em. The man can tell a story, and I look to him...moreI love, love, love listening to Kevin Smith. That's really all I can say. You either love 'em or hate 'em. The man can tell a story, and I look to him as someone I want to emulate in my writing one day. (less)
I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to review this book, but here's my best effort. I read the book so I could watch the movie, and the movie adaptation...moreI'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to review this book, but here's my best effort. I read the book so I could watch the movie, and the movie adaptation is one of the best I've seen. I had a lot of technical questions about different things, such as how the Mint 400 worked, etc., and watching the movie cleared up most of these.
I enjoyed the second half of the book much more than the first. More commentary on society; less hallucination. The second half of my copy is riddled with post-its and notations. My favorite part is his flashback to the mid-60's in San Fran. Really poetic in the midst of all that chaos.
Last but not least, I liked the way the book ended much more so than the movie. I'm looking forward to reading more of Thompson's work. (less)
Mackenzie's ideas are already working in our household. We have a strong-willed daughter, but luckily, not one who is a discipline problem to others....moreMackenzie's ideas are already working in our household. We have a strong-willed daughter, but luckily, not one who is a discipline problem to others. Just in the home. And thanks to this book, I realize it's because I don't set clear limits and consequences. Turns out, I'm the problem, not my child.
With that said, some of Mackenzie's notions were extremely oversimplified, especially when it came to what the child was thinking. There was a lot of repetition; I felt as though I could've learned what I needed in half the pages.
But overall, I think his ideas are clear, clean and dead-on, at least when it comes to my house. (less)
I found elements similar to "The Hunger Games" in this book; I also can't decide which would've made the biggest real-time cliffhanger - "Goblet of Fi...moreI found elements similar to "The Hunger Games" in this book; I also can't decide which would've made the biggest real-time cliffhanger - "Goblet of Fire" or "Catching Fire." I would've hated waiting for the next in either series to come out. (less)
How do I write a review about this book? However, the only thing I'll say -- for anyone who hasn't read these -- is that this first one reminded me of...moreHow do I write a review about this book? However, the only thing I'll say -- for anyone who hasn't read these -- is that this first one reminded me of the "Percy Jackson" series. I know from everyone that the books get more advanced, but I liked this simplicity. How else would I have finished so quickly? :)(less)
This was my least favorite of the trilogy. Perhaps I shouldn't have read them all at once, because I caught myself throughout the book thinking, "Okay...moreThis was my least favorite of the trilogy. Perhaps I shouldn't have read them all at once, because I caught myself throughout the book thinking, "Okay, enough with the sex already." I found the first book's storyline the most interesting; this one the least.
And (tiny spoiler): I hate when books wrap the ending up so very neatly and tie it with a bow. A nice, happy ending I like (fully aware of the double entendre there); the "let's make sure everyone knows that everything is blissfully perfect from now until forevermore" is irritating. (less)
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, but did still read it in 24 hours, so that says something. My review is basically a recap of the first, whic...moreI didn't enjoy this as much as the first, but did still read it in 24 hours, so that says something. My review is basically a recap of the first, which you can find here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...(less)
I hesitate to give this four stars, but since I read it so quickly it must be taken into account. The only way I can describe this is a simple (and qu...moreI hesitate to give this four stars, but since I read it so quickly it must be taken into account. The only way I can describe this is a simple (and quite honestly, unbelievable) fairy tale. With a major dose of erotic sex written into the storyline. I must admit, I started reading thinking that Christian Grey would be a character I wouldn't like -- I knew SM was involved and it turned me off immediately. But I was wrong.
The writing is simple and easy to read, with complicated words thrown in -- which I enjoyed. I reiterate -- I wouldn't consider this "literature." So if that's something you're looking for, you'll be disappointed. This is a grown-up fairy tale, albeit a very kinky one. (less)
I'd never heard of this book until I saw a preview for the upcoming movie, and decided immediately that I had to read it. And did so in 24 hours. Whil...moreI'd never heard of this book until I saw a preview for the upcoming movie, and decided immediately that I had to read it. And did so in 24 hours. While I didn't live in a teenage world like Charlie -- meaning I definitely wasn't a wallflower -- I could relate to him on so many levels. And although I'm no longer in high school, it brought back so many memories of the emotions I felt back then. This is an excellent book -- albeit a little depressing -- but one I will read again. And might I add that I'm thrilled Chbosky himself wrote the screen adaptation, and anxiously await the movie. (less)
Jennifer Weiner baffles me. She can write something amazing, such as "In Her Shoes" and "Little Earthquakes" and "Fly Away Home." Then she has books l...moreJennifer Weiner baffles me. She can write something amazing, such as "In Her Shoes" and "Little Earthquakes" and "Fly Away Home." Then she has books like these that are ... eh ... so-so. I couldn't even make myself get into "Goodnight Nobody." I just don't understand the inconsistency, especially when I know how capable she is of writing good, engaging stuff.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed this book. It just wasn't one of those that I was sad to see end. (less)
It's hard to review a book I love so completely. Listening to Elizabeth Gilbert tell her story is an experience: I urge anyone who's read the book to...moreIt's hard to review a book I love so completely. Listening to Elizabeth Gilbert tell her story is an experience: I urge anyone who's read the book to listen to the audio version. It's sheer delight, hearing her voice the dialects and laugh at herself. She brings the characters in her humble tale to life.
I gravitate toward Gilbert because I think she is a modern woman's fairy tale: a female heroine on a mission to save only herself. Gilbert took such extreme leaps to make herself happy because she felt she deserved to be happy. This is a concept so foreign that MILLIONS of women desperately threw themselves onto it, thankful that someone had given them permission to seek out happiness. Thus making it the hit that it was.
This is why just as many criticized it to pieces, as well.
I love it so completely because I can find something applicable to my life in every chapter. Usually more than one, but there are at least 108 truths that I can use in this book. I now own two paperback copies, plus the audio version, just so I can mark the phrases that are important.
It may not hold the same allure to others, but to me, Gilbert's journey was admirable; and her telling of it, remarkable and humble. (less)
A bit anticlimactic compared to other Roberts' novels, but since anyone who reads her books on a regular basis expect that, I don't think it's an issu...moreA bit anticlimactic compared to other Roberts' novels, but since anyone who reads her books on a regular basis expect that, I don't think it's an issue. I found the heroine fascinating (not to mention a badass) and overall enjoyed my two days with her. (less)
As I state almost every time I review one of these, I love listening to the In Death series via audiobook. I've never read one; only listened. This on...moreAs I state almost every time I review one of these, I love listening to the In Death series via audiobook. I've never read one; only listened. This one lacked the normal action, and at times I felt like Robb was trying to fill space. But overall it served its purpose: I got through eight hours of driving.(less)
I had my hands on this book the day it was released, and finished in five days. The history, the intricate plot, the relationships ... I don't know h...more
I had my hands on this book the day it was released, and finished in five days. The history, the intricate plot, the relationships ... I don't know how I'll manage until next year and the release of the final in the trilogy. (less)
Anyone who loved Sookie Stackhouse will love this book. Anyone who half-way enjoyed Sookie will love this book.I can best sum it up as a very scientif...moreAnyone who loved Sookie Stackhouse will love this book. Anyone who half-way enjoyed Sookie will love this book.I can best sum it up as a very scientific, SMART witch/vampire/daemon novel. It's a long read, but I would have devoted myself to it 24/7 if I could've managed.
It is the first of three; the sequel debuts July 10. With the demise of the Sookie books -- it's evident Charlaine Harris has tired of writing them -- I also appreciate knowing there will be only three.
Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in this genre. (less)
Whoa. Didn't see that coming. That's the first reaction I've read from quite a lot of people. Our book club is reading this, and let's just say that G...moreWhoa. Didn't see that coming. That's the first reaction I've read from quite a lot of people. Our book club is reading this, and let's just say that Gillian Flynn's other books are going on my "To Read" list now. Her characters, her plot ... on the mark. I devoured the last half of the book. This is a must-read.(less)