In her teens, my sister read this and was so excited she wrote "the sparrows are flying again" on the waistline of on of her jeans. This book is defin...moreIn her teens, my sister read this and was so excited she wrote "the sparrows are flying again" on the waistline of on of her jeans. This book is definitely something to make you nod and smile in enjoyment when you read it, so I suppose to a teenager's mind it was an even more intense experience. King wrote a book not only about monsters and the real people who create them, face them and suffer from them, but also about writing and everything that goes with it. As an amateur writer, I found a lot of the little "you know those moments when you..." bits very delightful. Besides, written in the usual King captivating style, how can you not love this book just for that?
I gave up in the middle of the Bruno and Sylvie saga. The Alice in Wonderland stories were fun and interesting to read but by the saga the nonsense an...moreI gave up in the middle of the Bruno and Sylvie saga. The Alice in Wonderland stories were fun and interesting to read but by the saga the nonsense and the bizzare attraction to young girls who are a symbol of prefection was getting on my nerves. Call me a cold-hearted person but there's only so much strangely-placed nonsese I can tolerate and if there's too much child-adoration and not enough plot I give up.
Don't bother with the whole collection; Alice's stories are quite enough to enjoy Carroll.(less)
When I started reading this book I thought there was too much kitsch in it but then I told myself I've been reading too much documentry history books...moreWhen I started reading this book I thought there was too much kitsch in it but then I told myself I've been reading too much documentry history books that human emotions seem like kitsch to me. Also, Zusak's writing swept me like a tidal wave.
This book really has everything; exact history, two sides of a coin, the whole ugly truth, and a boog plot. Sometimes it's got kitsch history moments but this book wouldn't become so glorified and admired by so many people if it hadn't had some pointless kitsch.
It's a wonderful, captivating read and it's written brilliantly, despite its slight amount of kitsch. I suppose saying it's not a human being narrating the book but death makes it some kind of an excuse to kitsch. I guess.
Still, it's a lovely book as is highly recomended!(less)
I loved this book. Not just because it was a way-way-way better version of the two movies, but also because it was one of those rare and precious trul...moreI loved this book. Not just because it was a way-way-way better version of the two movies, but also because it was one of those rare and precious truly novelty fantasy books.
Who'd think Evil'd need a license, that Good was bound to paperwork? The powers, super creatures, spells and potions, all are explained carefully, without pompous drama or pathos sticking to human emotions, wants and conflicts.
The small tidbits of history, biology, Russian life and modern pop culture only add to the list of loveliness that makes this book and the thought behind it so unique and refreshing from all the tacky Hollywood-like 'magicians, werewolves and vampires, oh my!' fiction and movies out there.
The movies do this great plot and writing a great dishonor but they're still fun to watch.
Despite the somewhat unsurprising endings of the last of the book's stories, and the slight sense of disappointment, it's still a good book with great writing, exciting and fascinating plots and a lot of work put into it.
Pratchett's first Discworld book, it's an amazingly adventurous, imaginative, exciting, amusing book about a poor failed wizard, Rincewind and the tou...morePratchett's first Discworld book, it's an amazingly adventurous, imaginative, exciting, amusing book about a poor failed wizard, Rincewind and the tourist that is the world's trouble-magnet, he's constantly made to look after. If I give you any more plot details I'll spoil you and you really aught to read this book without knowing at all where the plot's going or it'll be just like riding a roller-coaster without feeling gravity; a total bummer. It's not his funniest book, I must add, but it's novelty and it's radical and abundant imagination and fun makes it all worth while. Highly recommended! (less)
Stephen King's works should usually be read in small doses, book by book and with a long stretch of time between reading one and the other or the magi...moreStephen King's works should usually be read in small doses, book by book and with a long stretch of time between reading one and the other or the magic somehow fades away. That's usually the case. With this book the magic ended and started again for every story, though some were better than the others (Night Flier, Rainy Season and The Moving Finger being some of those), they were all captivating, pleasant to read and wonderfully written. This book also includes a hindu tale which he merely translated and a Sherlock Holmes story using characters he didn't come up with. These two put a little bit of a damper on a other-than-these book packed with originality and fun. All in all a great book indeed and I highly recommend it.(less)
I ate this one in one sitting; which is vary rare for me in books, never mind how much I love books.
It's a great book, not a perfect book, but a great...moreI ate this one in one sitting; which is vary rare for me in books, never mind how much I love books.
It's a great book, not a perfect book, but a great book nonetheless. The plot is captivating, the sci-fi element is not ridiculous and the characters are believable and real. This is more of a psychological book than a sci-fi one.
Scott is a master psychologist but not a master writer; the ending was far too rushed for my taste (though there was closure, thus saving the reader from bitter disappointment and how Scott earns my respect) and one chapter was a little disjointed but the captivation this book inspired on me makes it completely forgivable.
This is a wonderful, highly recommended, good book and I enjoyed reading it very much.(less)
First, let's set apart the style and art of writing from the plot. It's brilliant. I didn't describe it as an 'art' of writing for no reason, because...moreFirst, let's set apart the style and art of writing from the plot. It's brilliant. I didn't describe it as an 'art' of writing for no reason, because it's very near perfect throughout the book, making Maguire an inspiration to me.
The choice to portray the land of Oz the way he did, and to bring it through the processes he chose to, are also something to be inspired by; it's pure genius.
I loved Elphaba, she's one of my favorite female characters in fiction. She and the rest of the characters Baum and Maguire portrayed are deep, believable and well explained leaving nothing to chance, holes in the plot or the reader's imagination.
I did find the plot somewhat winding down towards the end and becoming a little too hectic without the backing up of energy from the writing itself, but it's forgivable as the whole book's such a wonderful piece.
Most recommended, I really enjoyed this book.(less)
You need to be in the army and know the type of men who stay there to understand this book and how brilliant it is. An impossible love affair has left...moreYou need to be in the army and know the type of men who stay there to understand this book and how brilliant it is. An impossible love affair has left its mark on both the ex-hippy and the army man as their lives crash together again in one final night. Elton's wit and criticisms describes both the characters and the times through which they lived marvelously, making this book Elton's best. Highly recommended, it's a great book! (less)
Will this really happen if all drugs are made legal? If only marijuana was made legal? Who knows? This book, at first glance, seems preachy but if you...moreWill this really happen if all drugs are made legal? If only marijuana was made legal? Who knows? This book, at first glance, seems preachy but if you think of it through Elton's somewhat misanthropic eyes you realize he's just trying to tell us we're already scum enough without drugs to add a sting to our dirty politics and social double crossing. It's a witty book, as usual with Elton, but its not his best writing. Still, it's a good read and I recommend it.(less)
Not the best book I read by Elton so far, but it's a fun book nonetheless. A Big Brother like project becomes a murder mystery and everything in socie...moreNot the best book I read by Elton so far, but it's a fun book nonetheless. A Big Brother like project becomes a murder mystery and everything in society which brought the disgusting phenomenon of reality TV is being run down and shot by Elton's snappy humor. The plot's not the best Elton's ever concocted but the criticisms is what makes this book worth while.(less)
You never really put your mind to it, the thought of what might really happen if Hitler was never born. To the many people who ignorantly see Hitler a...moreYou never really put your mind to it, the thought of what might really happen if Hitler was never born. To the many people who ignorantly see Hitler as the source of all evil in the nazi party, this book will be an eye-opener. The happy ending of the book was a little on the unbelievable side, but it was a great read nonetheless because of Fry's wonderful wit, style and wonderful research. I very much enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!(less)
Often I ran around with this book in public and people though I was reading the bible...it's a bible of some sort, in a sense. The Hitch Hiker's Guide...moreOften I ran around with this book in public and people though I was reading the bible...it's a bible of some sort, in a sense. The Hitch Hiker's Guide trilogy-in-five-volumes is not all on the same level of amusement and good plot-weaving but it's a classic and a masterpiece nonetheless. It's very hard to create a whole fictional universe that's credible and interesting, and just for that Adams's Guide is art in fiction. Each of his characters in believable, endearing and captivating and, eventually, the plot all together in brilliant though the last couple of books show a somewhat decline in the rhythm of the early two books. Still; it's a classic, it's a must, it's wonderful! (less)
How can you not enjoy a book in which Pratchett sinks his humor's teeth into religion? Sweetly, Pratchett follows the adventures of Ankh-Morpork, Suza...moreHow can you not enjoy a book in which Pratchett sinks his humor's teeth into religion? Sweetly, Pratchett follows the adventures of Ankh-Morpork, Suzanne and DEATH through the Discworld version of Christmas in a search for the meaning of our religions' current ceremonies and traditions and how they came to be. Most recommended, it's an excellent read! (less)
I loved this book, to bits. It's hilarious, witty, clever, historically interesting and most of all eye-opening. I don't know how King David is taught...moreI loved this book, to bits. It's hilarious, witty, clever, historically interesting and most of all eye-opening. I don't know how King David is taught about to christians, but when I was taught about him in junior high even the teacher gave us amusing looks over the whole thing with Johnathan and then Bat Sheval; it's even funnier reading it 'through' David with Heller's wit as a tool. Highly recommended. (less)
Any form of media in which the army is being laughed at on what it deserved to get laughed at is good sport for me. My sister gave me her copy to read...moreAny form of media in which the army is being laughed at on what it deserved to get laughed at is good sport for me. My sister gave me her copy to read before my army service, as she got it before hers and I have to say that it was worth reading at that time, indeed. Heller's humor is sharp and witty and his main character is so very easy to understand and sympathise with. It's a wonderful book and a classic of modern times.(less)
What a lovely little book, simple and sweet and lovely. Johnny is such an endearing, believable character and his view of the events in his small deso...moreWhat a lovely little book, simple and sweet and lovely. Johnny is such an endearing, believable character and his view of the events in his small desolate town is adorable to read. The bit about the Pals almost got me sobbing, it was that touching. I loved this small, sweet book and I highly recommend it!(less)
Interesting times is not about China of these days and of the past. No, no, no, nonononono, whatever made you think that? I loved the plot and the usua...moreInteresting times is not about China of these days and of the past. No, no, no, nonononono, whatever made you think that? I loved the plot and the usual wonderfuly hilarious Pratchett style but Rincewind is not the best built character, but perhaps I'm saying this because I haven't read Colors of Magic yet, who knows. Still, this is an amazingly hilarious book I loved reading.(less)
Not the best Ankh-Morpork book, in my opinion, it's still a delightful read as any Pratchett book. Someone's killing clowns in Ankh-Morpork and the Ni...moreNot the best Ankh-Morpork book, in my opinion, it's still a delightful read as any Pratchett book. Someone's killing clowns in Ankh-Morpork and the Night Watch are there to investigate. Though it's not the best, I really liked this book still.(less)
What a wonderful book, what a truly witty book indeed. I loved the plot and I loved every jab Pratchett took at religion and religious people. Behind...moreWhat a wonderful book, what a truly witty book indeed. I loved the plot and I loved every jab Pratchett took at religion and religious people. Behind the mask of Discworld lies a whole set of criticism on our world, history and culture. A wonderful book, one of Pratchett's best!(less)
I can't stop praising this book, I really can't. Though I'm not a fan of Gaiman, his collaboration with Pratchett struck gold. This book is a must if y...moreI can't stop praising this book, I really can't. Though I'm not a fan of Gaiman, his collaboration with Pratchett struck gold. This book is a must if you want to read good fiction, laugh and think at the same time; it's that brilliant!(less)
A wonderful, thrilling, captivating story about the human curiosity and its price. The Buick itself is one of King's trademark truely genuine creation...moreA wonderful, thrilling, captivating story about the human curiosity and its price. The Buick itself is one of King's trademark truely genuine creations (I won't spoil you on exactly what it is) that's always fun to discover slowely. The characters are wonderfully human, the background realistic and convincing. This is one of my favorit King books and I highly recommend it!(less)
One of King's best books; it's plot slowely creeps to the surface until you see the bigger picture and how evil is worked. Again, the look into the hu...moreOne of King's best books; it's plot slowely creeps to the surface until you see the bigger picture and how evil is worked. Again, the look into the human psyche of each small character is great fun with King a wonderful, insightful writer. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it!(less)
When Stephen King writes about human monsters he writes some of his best books. Rose Madder is about an abused wife running away from her husband and...moreWhen Stephen King writes about human monsters he writes some of his best books. Rose Madder is about an abused wife running away from her husband and struggling to set herself free from both him and the damage her abuse left on her habits and personality. Not a very convincing female characters, Rosie is still an endearing character one can sympethize with and understand. I recommend this book because I enjoyed reading it very much.(less)
Four stories from King, not all on the same level of suspence and quality. My favorites were Secret Window, Secret Garden and The Library Policeman wh...moreFour stories from King, not all on the same level of suspence and quality. My favorites were Secret Window, Secret Garden and The Library Policeman while The Langoliers and The Sun Dog were a little too slow and not quite as well explained as I like it. (less)
A nice psychological book by King where you're never really sure where the character's madness ends and the world's monstrosity begins. Captivating, i...moreA nice psychological book by King where you're never really sure where the character's madness ends and the world's monstrosity begins. Captivating, it's written in King's trademark style of making the reader see through the characters' eyes, and is a wonderful read.(less)
Unfinished tales is a problematic book. On one hand there are two complete stories there which are whole and complete enough to enjoy as thoroughly as...moreUnfinished tales is a problematic book. On one hand there are two complete stories there which are whole and complete enough to enjoy as thoroughly as possible and, indeed, there's much to enjoy. There's also missing scenes from Lord of the Rings and many small snippets for fans of Tolkien's elven tales. However, many of these writings are unfinished not only by means of plot but by means of production; the view and travel descriptions are way too long, the language is excessively bombast and biblical and the plots are often too slim to sustain all this burden. If you feel everything you've read by Tolkien so far's not enough, get this book; if not, don't bother. (less)
What a wonderful discovery it was to read this book, shamefully, after watching the movie. Frodo's not a complete pussy, Sam's not a blundering puppyi...moreWhat a wonderful discovery it was to read this book, shamefully, after watching the movie. Frodo's not a complete pussy, Sam's not a blundering puppyish idiot, Pippin and Merry have more than two emotions and every character has a read depth and personality. The plot soars from the first sentence and never once loses altitude, sweeping the reader on to a wonderful, exciting and beautiful adventure in a land so well described it can't help but feel true. This is a must read to anyone with a brain and anyone with a flavor for fantasy. (less)
The Gormenghast trilogy is a wonderful read, written excellently and in a captivating style. The bizarre world of Gormenghast (and the world outside i...moreThe Gormenghast trilogy is a wonderful read, written excellently and in a captivating style. The bizarre world of Gormenghast (and the world outside it) are detailed so well it's a delight to imagine the plot's twists and events while reading and see the whole picture. Peake must have ripped this novel out of his very heart, as his experiences during the second world war loomed down on his psyche (and he was only a liberator, not the liberatee...) and are obvious, especially in Titus Alone which, in my opinion, not a direct sequel to the first two books in means of style and quality. Still, it's a wonderful read I highly recommend. (less)
What a wonderful book!! Probably the ultimate answer to all the annoying, sticky, romantically-obsessed Jane Airs and Emma novels where everything's w...moreWhat a wonderful book!! Probably the ultimate answer to all the annoying, sticky, romantically-obsessed Jane Airs and Emma novels where everything's who marries what, when and how much money they'll have. Thackeray puts a mirror before one of history's most pompous, shallow and grand times and reveals things as thy really are. I'm in love with his witty humor and his wonderful character, Rebbecca who is my number one favorite female fiction character. I highly recommend this excellent book!(less)
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