Lovely little book. The story is about Millicent, living on the top of a mountain, without any friends. When she is out alone, she finds the wind is a...moreLovely little book. The story is about Millicent, living on the top of a mountain, without any friends. When she is out alone, she finds the wind is a good playmate.
When they do down to the village to shop, Millicent meets other kids, but since one of them hurts her, her friend the wind 'punishes' him. The other kids ran away.
Back home again, the wind finds Millicent a child to play with.
Easy story, for younger children. I loved the drawings very much!(less)
This book arrived yesterday. Although there are many others to read too, it kept calling out, trying my curiosity. And this morni...moreChristmas present :-)
This book arrived yesterday. Although there are many others to read too, it kept calling out, trying my curiosity. And this morning I just couldn't resist and I 'read' it.
I loved it very much. The drawing is beautiful, it very clearly tells a story for which no words are needed. I think if words would be added, it would roin the story. I liked the blurp on the back cover, because now I had an idea (at the start) what the book was about. And then after the first few pages the story unfolded itself. I loved it!! Sorry there are no half stars to give, I would have given it 4,5. (less)
Finally I have finished this book. That it took me so long to read was only partially the book's fault: there were so many things going on, that I did...moreFinally I have finished this book. That it took me so long to read was only partially the book's fault: there were so many things going on, that I did not have much time to read. And when the book I read has a main character that I could not really relate to, I didn't feel the urge to go back to the book at all.
It was not so bad that I couldn't finish, but I didn't have any clue where it was taking me, what was really going on. Probably because I read it in parts with long gaps of time in between, but like I said, it wasn't a book that I got excited about.
Maybe, just to compare / find out what the book is about apart from a girl groing up having problems, I might try to find a Dutch copy somewhere. But not just yet, since there are many others to read first. (less)
Despite it took me only one day to read this book, I was very impressed with it. I'm very happy with this book. By writing it, Wessel took me with him...moreDespite it took me only one day to read this book, I was very impressed with it. I'm very happy with this book. By writing it, Wessel took me with him into his head and showed me what is going on there. As far as I gan imagine that, of course. It gave me more insight in how a person with autism / Asperger functions and that is something I was looking for. Not that things are going to be easier, but information like this makes it easier for me to put myself in another person's place and try to understand how and why. (less)
That is very true. But despite that life is serious business, there's also lots of room for fun, love and many other 'not...more"Die lewe is nie 'n grap nie"
That is very true. But despite that life is serious business, there's also lots of room for fun, love and many other 'not very functional' things. That's what makes it all bearable.
I loved the first 2/3's of the book the most. There's Braam very naive, he is trying to help people out, just using his juvenile common sense and that works out fine. When the book gets more philosophical / biblical I noticed that my thoughts drifted away, making it a lot harder to read the Afrikaans than in the first part. Nevertheless I enjoyed it very much :-) and I'm glad I got the opportunity to join this BC-ring. Otherwise I would never have crossed paths with this book. (less)
Allthough not listed here on GR, this book has been on my MTBR for a year or so.
I loved reading this little book. With the first story however, the 2...moreAllthough not listed here on GR, this book has been on my MTBR for a year or so.
I loved reading this little book. With the first story however, the 26 things one should dare to do, I had a thought crossing my mind like 'well spoken, but not for all of them very realistic'. If all stories are like this little list, I dont think I'll like the book. But they weren't. I liked all the stories, but there were a few that jumped out. Either because I recognised a lot in it, because of the humor, or just because of the string it moved. They are (in the order they appear in the book): Paper Suits Me, The Piranha, Freedom, What Mothers Teach andWhat Do You Have to Say for Yourself?(less)
Taken home with me from the table at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
I liked this book. Despite I think it is in the core a sad book, full of misery, bad...moreTaken home with me from the table at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
I liked this book. Despite I think it is in the core a sad book, full of misery, bad things or things going wrong, while reading I also found a lot of hope, resilience and determination not to give up.
Edgar has set himself a goal once he's out of the hospital, to find the mailman who drove over his head and thinks he killed him. No matter what happens, Edgar keeps that goal in (the back of) his head and wants to accomplish it.
I think it is that good side of the story that I mentioned above, that made me like it so much. Usually I do not have much in common (anymore ;-P) with boys of 7 years old and growing up and I find it hard to like books that are centrered around that theme. This one is totally different and I like it a lot. (less)
Taken home with me from the table with 'recommendations' at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
Very difficult to put the feelings this book gave me into word...moreTaken home with me from the table with 'recommendations' at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
Very difficult to put the feelings this book gave me into words. I felt very sorry for the little girl, was happy whenthe rabbit came into her life, when she was (more or less) happy with her girlfriend, brother and his friend. The adventures they experienced when they were young were somehow strange to me though: I had a lot of fantasy as a child, but is was a practical one: playing with dolls and lego I made up stories, families etc., but never to the extend I foudn in the book here.
The woman that appeared later in the book was more my kind of person, her ideas, emotions were more recognizable to me and I guess that is why I liked the thecond part of the book a lot better, although it was also a sad part, with lots of emotional events.
All in all: I was curious about this book because of its title and now that I've read it I'm glad I did :-) It is not going to linger on very long, I guess. I won't be chewing on the contents, on why this and how that BUT it also won't be completely forgotten. It is not the kind of book that I can't remember the contents of after I've read it and started in another book. It sits somewhere in the middle and that is very much okay.(less)
Taken home with me from the table at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
Like with a number of other books written by Bernlef, I was also deeply impressed by...moreTaken home with me from the table at the BC-meeting in Castricum.
Like with a number of other books written by Bernlef, I was also deeply impressed by this book. I read it in one day. Pooh!
There is not much going on in this book and yet an awful lot is happening. In terms of real events, it is a boring book, but what is really told(in my very humble opinion)is one of the many stories about love, aging, loss, fidelity, infidelity, passion. The content of the book has already been written above, so I won't repeat that here.
Even if I would, I couldn't, because apart from the actual story of Stijn going to Canada to find his son, there's that other part of the story that has touched me deeply, but for which I can find no words.
This book is very sober in language, yet so to the point as Bernlef was in the books I read from him. Too bad he died earlier this year.(less)
This book I finished in nearly one sitting. Usually I'm a bit sceptic when it comes to supernatural p...moreBrought to the BC-meeting in Castricum for me :-)
This book I finished in nearly one sitting. Usually I'm a bit sceptic when it comes to supernatural phenomena, but somehow it fitted in this book. Not that it is a realistic book like some other thrillers, but it doesn't pretend to be. The only part I found difficult to digest was the preparation for and the actual reactivation. In combination with the predictability of Paw, the book gets no more than three stars. I loved reading it though: a very nice holiday read:-)(less)
A very quick and easy read. Traditional detective story, nothing more to it, actually.
I liked the story, but it bothered me that half way the book I a...moreA very quick and easy read. Traditional detective story, nothing more to it, actually.
I liked the story, but it bothered me that half way the book I already knew who did it. I like that better in the end. (less)
When I first started reading this book, I didn't at all expect to like it this much. Except like is probably a strange word for a book with this conte...moreWhen I first started reading this book, I didn't at all expect to like it this much. Except like is probably a strange word for a book with this content and subject, I still want to use exactly that.
After the first few pages I kinda got hooked to the book, to learning what would happen to Bigger. The fact that the (un)intended bad things inevitebly turned for the worse, that everything he touches doesn't turn to gold but rather to lead, makes it a very sad book.
As far as I can tell with my limited knowledge of the (political) situation in the US back then, this book is also a quite accurate description of how things were back then. For some reason the beginning of the book strongly reminded me of a movie I recently watched: The Intouchables. That gave me the same kind of feelings as this book. (less)
It took me quite a while to start reading this book and when I finally did, I wasn't sure I'd make it to page 100. (See my status updates for the rema...moreIt took me quite a while to start reading this book and when I finally did, I wasn't sure I'd make it to page 100. (See my status updates for the remarks.)
But... I'm glad I stuck with it, because somewhere around page 60 I started to like the book. I'm not so enthousiastic about it as some other readers whose reviews I've read, but it was a nice read. It gave me the creeps. Realising that what is written might be fiction, but might easily become reality too. There's hardly any protection against something (someone) like this... No, I really don't want to think about that very much. Just hope it'll never happen around me.
I don't think it was a great book, but I'm glad I read it :-) (less)
Postcard-booklet with postcards on reading, writers, readers, in combination with the kind of warnings we also find on packs of cigarettes and tobacco...morePostcard-booklet with postcards on reading, writers, readers, in combination with the kind of warnings we also find on packs of cigarettes and tobacco. Very funny :-)
I already had another postcard from this series (not included in this booklet) that I liekd a lot, so when I found this one, I just couldn't leave it in the store...(less)
I've read this book. And, as intended, I guess, I did not enjoy it very much. For that the stories, pictures, facts are too gruesome. It did make me l...moreI've read this book. And, as intended, I guess, I did not enjoy it very much. For that the stories, pictures, facts are too gruesome. It did make me look at food with different eyes and I think I'll be more careful with what I'll eat / drink and what not. At least I'll be more aware of the production process that my food went through, before it got to me. And then it is my choice to buy the item, or leacve it and take something else.
**spoiler alert** Finally starting this book. Looks interesting from the synopsis on the back cover. Well, I'll see soon, I guess.
Very entertaining,...more**spoiler alert** Finally starting this book. Looks interesting from the synopsis on the back cover. Well, I'll see soon, I guess.
Very entertaining, nice and quick read that kept my attention. I 'only' was totally annoyed by the real Jean character. Can't help it! Hard to beleive that the wole book covers only one week in the life of John and the people he's come to live with. Hard to believe.
Interesting to see that despite he's a total stranger, he manages to fool all people he comes in contact with, but one. And of course the dog. How John manouvres to disguise that he's not Jean, trying to figure out the sensitivities, the motives, the past that binds all those at the chateau. Well done!
And then the end: the two switching again! If I were John, I would have tried harder to see that I could stay Jean. All the more, because Jean destryed his life back in England thoroughly. Disliked the very end too. So, all in all a nice read with a disappointing end. (less)
A very interesting look behind the scenes. Not very surprising, though. I mean, I knew from the beginning that there had to be something wrong. It was...moreA very interesting look behind the scenes. Not very surprising, though. I mean, I knew from the beginning that there had to be something wrong. It was just too good to be true: a non-soviet politician, from average background climbing up to power. For us in the west (with no personal ties and reliable sources of intelligence) the first part of his climb was out of sight, so when he was suddenly there, it was quite a surprise.
What has always surprised me is, that a governement person who was portayed to be not-bribeable, had so much money hwne coming to powerthat he could buy expensive suits, travel to the west for a holiday etc. As far as I know, the KGB didn't have a habit of paying very high salaries or letting people go 'just like that'. For them having a person close to or in power would be valuable.... No, what was rather surprising is the scale on which things were done: the theft, the manipulations, threats etc.
All in all it was a good read. I learned a lot and got to know things from a different point of view, having read Anna Politkovskaya's book and the biography about Litvinenko. (less)
Had the book contained only 3 stories, it would have gotten 5 stars. But... it didn't.
Of all the stories, there were actually 3 that I liked a lot, b...moreHad the book contained only 3 stories, it would have gotten 5 stars. But... it didn't.
Of all the stories, there were actually 3 that I liked a lot, being "When I woke up this morning, Everything I had was gone", "Chicxulub" and "Tooth and Claw". Why these? I'm not sure. They differ quite a bit when contents is compared, but the main thing is, that they kept my attention for one reason or the other while reading. I actually liked the writing and wanted more of these three, found they were too short, altough the story in itself was 'finished'.
I'm not going to retell the stories. When you're curious, read them for yourselves. I got curious enough to want to read more of this writer, but then a novel. (less)
A very, very disturbing book to read. I think that was probably the reason why it took me quite some time to finish it, although it is no...moreBC-Ring book
A very, very disturbing book to read. I think that was probably the reason why it took me quite some time to finish it, although it is not really a fat book.
On the other hand, it was very intriguing to read how group processes work. How people turn into someone (something?) else when the circumstances are right, how the group -despite it consists of very different people- sticks together and forms one front against all outsiders.
When reading, I could not imagine something like this happening for real (how can you live in these circumstances and do the things the characters do??), but on the other hand, group processes often are nonpredictable, strange and eerie.
Mixed feelings here and I'm glad that I'm done with this one. (less)
I liked this book. It is very, very sad, but an enjoyable read. At first I had no idea how the main character, that...moreThe I-book in the ABC-roundabout.
I liked this book. It is very, very sad, but an enjoyable read. At first I had no idea how the main character, that was reflecting on his life over the past year, attending a vcollege further away from home to escape his over-protective father fitted into the story himself. A few hints on how things would turn out, but that was it. When he started calling others, at some point in the story, only then I got it.... a little oopsy there, I guess.
Sad book, like I sad. All the boy fears comes true. He tries to escape from his father, who lives in constant fear of what might happen to his son, but doesn't succeed. He more or less takes the 'virus' with him and starts worrying himself. Trying to outrun fate, he runs straight into its arms....
Since this is a ring book that has paused with me dar too long, I say I' happy I finally read this book. But I know I'll miss the characters that live...moreSince this is a ring book that has paused with me dar too long, I say I' happy I finally read this book. But I know I'll miss the characters that live on Cannery Row. Not the kind of people I'd normally hang out with or would be happy to meet, but this lot brings up a lot of sympathy. I like the characters in this book that of course are a bit crooked, but not really bad. I'm glad I read the book :-)(less)
As a child, I read a lot of fairy tales, just because I loved them so much. This book for me is a fairy tale with somethin...moreI loved this little book :-)
As a child, I read a lot of fairy tales, just because I loved them so much. This book for me is a fairy tale with something extra. It felt, when reading, like the sentences had a kind of rhythm, almost like reading a poem. I loved it.
I liked the illustrations as well. In my opinion they fir well with the story.
Despite it was a quick and easy read, it brought back a lot of good memories.
But, for some reason I am not so impressed by this story as I was with the fairy tales I read when I was young. Maybe it is becasue I've grown up, have read an such awful lot in the meantime that no book like this one can surprise me anymore. Or maybe it is, because the characters were not so convincing? Apart from the Golux it felt like they were kind of flat. (less)
Besides the descriptions of Venice, of the journey and the historical background, the story of Thomas was the most interesting to me.
To read how he e...moreBesides the descriptions of Venice, of the journey and the historical background, the story of Thomas was the most interesting to me.
To read how he experiences the journey to Venice and back by donkey (and what donkey!!), but even more so his doubts. He wishes he wouldn't doubt so much: am I pious enough, I can live in a monastery for the rest of my life, why don't I learn a trade and stay in Venice? Eventually he finds his way, but I think it's very striking how Beckman describes the life and the ways of a(young) teenager. I think that Thomas' state of mind is exemplary for all time.
The book is written very colorfull, very expressive, sometimes I felt that I could almost see what the two travelers were seeing, what they experienced. Very impressive.
I Liked the book very much and that I finished it very quickly, doesn't say anything about the quality, but more about the extent to which the book has gotten to me.(less)
I dind't even get to make status updates, that's how much I was absorbed by this book. On the second day, only 15 or 20 pages read, I resumed reading a...moreI dind't even get to make status updates, that's how much I was absorbed by this book. On the second day, only 15 or 20 pages read, I resumed reading and, apart from a neccessary break to eat I didn't stop until I was finished.
When I started, it looked like a pretty straight forward read. A death, a secret and around that a story is made. That is true, in a way, but the sotry was much more than that alone. First of all, it wasn't the mystery / thriller type of book I had expected when reading the synopsis. Then, when I found mother-teenage daughter relationship, loss of lost ones, friendship, betrayal, secrecy, love for your child as subjects in this book I was pleasantly surprised. One subject more elaborated than the other, but still. And when I finally thought I had it all worked out, the story made another turn.
I liked the book a lot. The story itself, the way it was written from the different points of view in different times. I think I'll try another book by this author :-) Any suggestions? (less)
A fellow bookcrosser's favorite in a roundabout I'm taking part in. Unexpectedly it is also on the 1001-list :-)
I had mixed feelings when I received t...moreA fellow bookcrosser's favorite in a roundabout I'm taking part in. Unexpectedly it is also on the 1001-list :-)
I had mixed feelings when I received this book in a ring. Doubted if a book about chess could be interesting at all, knowing from personal experience that watching a chess game when not playing (when not really having a clue about what is going on) is VERY dull.
I must say, that my expectations didn't come true. I liked the book. The reason for that is, that I did not consider it a book about chess, more about the human mind. Okay, the story is hung up on a couple of chess players, but the most essential part for me was Dr. B.'s story and the consequences of it in the long term. Czentovic was not a sympathetic character in the book. I don't think he was meant that way, but still. Like I said: I don't know how to play chess, but from what I've learned at the local chess club, it is quite common to think ahead severalmoves, to act on a strategy. So apart form the fact that Czentovic wasn't sympathetic, I didn't find it very believable that he had been able to become a grand master. (less)
I got this book in the parcel that I received for winning the 9th BC / Birthday Sweepstakes. I loved it. Love Roald Dahl's childrens' books and the BF...moreI got this book in the parcel that I received for winning the 9th BC / Birthday Sweepstakes. I loved it. Love Roald Dahl's childrens' books and the BFG is one of my favorites. This dictionary contains mostly words from that book, so I was thrilled. I even wrote down my favorite words.
I like to read a good thriller, but this one left me a bit disappointed.
The thriller part of is was okay: page-turnin...moreThe H-book in the ABC-roundabout.
I like to read a good thriller, but this one left me a bit disappointed.
The thriller part of is was okay: page-turning in the beginning. The middle part was a bit dready: a lot of repetitions of what happened in the past to Annie and Sam's role in that. I think that could have been lessened. And the end was, imho not so spectacular. A bit predicatable, just like the thriller-series / crime series I watch on TV: cavalry arrives just in time, the things going on are spotted by just the right person.
What I could have done without completely is the Harlequin part of the book. For me it did not add anything to the story, the thriller didn't get better with it.
This was my first bok with this author and, if other books by her are written with the same recipe, I don't think I'll read one again. (less)
Hard to say what I think of this book. On the one hand it is very difficult, especially in the first 100 pages. The language used, the many characters...moreHard to say what I think of this book. On the one hand it is very difficult, especially in the first 100 pages. The language used, the many characters who do things that are sometimes (yet) completely inapprehensible, the flashbacks in the text to events that happened in earlier, exactly as hard to understand books.
On second thought, when things get on the way, the book has a kind of flow, a natural and enevitable way of going. From that point onward I liked it more and more and when I read the first page I even felt a kind of reluctance, didn't want to finish yet, didn't want the story to be over.
I do not hope for another episode, I'm not sure if I'll read a book by this author again (apart from re-reading this trilogy). His style is too strange for me to feel comfortable with. Nevertheless I'm glad to have read it. (less)
Grovalskii's book in the 2011-favorite-book roundabout.
This book, the way it described the society, reminded me vaguely off 'My' (We) by Zamyatin.
Hav...moreGrovalskii's book in the 2011-favorite-book roundabout.
This book, the way it described the society, reminded me vaguely off 'My' (We) by Zamyatin.
Having read the back side's synopsis, comparing it to the cover of the book, I had no idea what to expect of this book. I noticed that there are many who like it a lot and I didn't want to spoil my fun by reading spoilers, so I just got to reading the day before yesterday. And one day later I'm already done....
It says, that the book doesn't have a whole lot of pages. But is also says, that for me it was a great read. I liked the way the other society was pictured. I won't say that it is our future, because I'm not quite convinced that the author means that. Although he of course talks about memories of generations back.
I like a few concepts of this society: talking about dreams, emotions and in talking finding a solution. And the idea of training a child to use language carefully (although they are thought by using a small reed to correct mistakes. What I do not like is, that people do not have real emotions, everything is colorless (I presume also tasteless), everything is regulated and children are molded to fit in the society that was created. I can imagine that, when people do not want to feel anymore (or a long time ago a group of 'wise' men has decided that it is harmfull for the people to feel), that society needs a place of storage for their memories and feelings.
When Jonas is elected at the ceremony of Twelve, he is going to be trained to become the new Receiver. He has no idea what it means, untill the current Receiver (turning into Giver now) is transmitting memories onto him. To cut a long story short: Jonas feels, Jonas sees colors and learns about how things used to be. And he also learns about how his ideal society deals with babies that do not live up to expectations, elderly that have served their purpose. He struggles with his knowlegde with the feelings he now has, talks to his trainer long hours and together they make a plan for him to escape to Elswhere. Wherever that may be, whatever he may find there. And Gabriël? Gabriël is coming along too.
Too bad this book didn't have more pages... that the story of Jonas ended so soon. Now I have to lay hands on the other parts of the trilogy...(less)
I loved this book. Despite it was sad at times, a slow book, it read very fast. The characters were very different. I tend to like t...moreWhat a great book!
I loved this book. Despite it was sad at times, a slow book, it read very fast. The characters were very different. I tend to like the good characters more than the bad ones, although I usually have more mixed feelings about characters.
When I finish a book, it is usually 'closed', reviewed and then I move on to the next one. With this one I tried that too, but it doesn't work very well. I keep chewing on the story, on all lines, the people, what they did (and why), even on what the writer wants me to read in his book. (Normally I don't care about that a lot.)
Apart from that what found was, that the book is a bit off balance: lots of time and words are spent on the first years of ShivaMarion, the twins. Their teenage time is relatively short and then the focus goes along with Marion to the US, where he becomes a surgeon. Shiva and the others that stay behind become very unfocussed, untill all knots are tied together again in an act of selfishness of courage, mixed with fatherly love and a bit of forgiveness.
What I liked very much is, that the different characters are well drawn: very believable, very human with all their emotions, trics and habits. The way things went, I was so angry with Stone at first, but then, as the story went on and he was mentioned only sideways, he disappeared more or less from my thoughts. The big events in Ethipia, description of the habits (good or not so good) made the book even better to read.
Recommended for thos who like the (family)saga kind of book. (less)
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