This book begins with the protagonist, Niall Petersen, feeling ill in a Tube station, then falling from what is apparently a heart attack. He is broug...moreThis book begins with the protagonist, Niall Petersen, feeling ill in a Tube station, then falling from what is apparently a heart attack. He is brought back to consciousness by "doctor" Blackbird (only one of her names) who says he does not need to go to the hospital. What ensues is an adventure into the streets of London, a history of English rituals, and a glimpse into the world of Fayre (I say a "glimpse" because we only learn a little about what this world is really like in this first book).
Niall is such an ordinary guy thrown into an extraordinary situation that it is easy to be on his side as he learns about who and what he is. He has problems with an ex-wife, has a daughter he adores, is overweight, worries about work, and all of the rest of life that we ordinary people think about. Then he meets Blackbird, who is so witty and charming and elusive that it throws Niall for a loop. Together they embark on quest that has been foretold by Blackbird's adopted parental figure, and are chased by beings that live in the shadows.
I read the Kindle version of this book and there were some formatting issues. Some of it came from the dialogue of two different characters within one paragraph, which could be a bit confusing at times. However, that did not detract from the charming and interesting book that this is. I particularly enjoyed the connection with real ceremonies and historical situations.(less)
This is a poignant, touching, and memorable book. Even when life is at its worst (and it gets REALLY bad at times), Smithy finds a way out, finds a wa...moreThis is a poignant, touching, and memorable book. Even when life is at its worst (and it gets REALLY bad at times), Smithy finds a way out, finds a way to see the positive in all of the situations. There were times when my breath was taken away with the pain, but, within the next instance, was restored when the situation shifted. Smithy is the anti-hero hero. He really is a hero, someone who makes a difference in people's lives without trying too hard.
This is a book about grief and memory and travel and the love of a good bicycle, a tortured sister, and a belief in the goodness of people.(less)
The premise of this book is brilliant. The telling of it is not so brilliant. Tammet writes about his difficulties in connecting with others, an attr...moreThe premise of this book is brilliant. The telling of it is not so brilliant. Tammet writes about his difficulties in connecting with others, an attribute of those with autism. Unfortunately, that difficulty comes through in the writing as well. Tammet fails to connect with his audience because he is so focused on himself instead of relating. I applaud him in attempting to make this work, but it falls short.(less)
I'm not sure why this book has reached such cult-classic acclaim. I found it to be rather juvenile and simple. It didn't have any great message and ...moreI'm not sure why this book has reached such cult-classic acclaim. I found it to be rather juvenile and simple. It didn't have any great message and other than introducing the term "grok" into modern vernacular, it doesn't have much redemption.(less)
I really wanted to like this book, especially after I had heard so much about it. I just couldn't, though. McCourt seems to go on and on about how ba...moreI really wanted to like this book, especially after I had heard so much about it. I just couldn't, though. McCourt seems to go on and on about how bad his life was, but, truthfully, it's not any worse than most, and not nearly as bad as some.(less)
A beautiful tale of friendship, women, and history. This novel reflects on the way that women found ways to communicate and continue a friendship agai...moreA beautiful tale of friendship, women, and history. This novel reflects on the way that women found ways to communicate and continue a friendship against all odds.(less)
I'm not typically a Patchett fan, but I found this book to be both charming and captivating. The depth of the relationships and the detail given to t...moreI'm not typically a Patchett fan, but I found this book to be both charming and captivating. The depth of the relationships and the detail given to those is perfection. While the ending is a bit flat and arrives abruptly, the preceding story is wonderful.(less)
I should have know that after reading The Kite Runner, I would have my heart ripped out by Hosseini's latest book. This one was even more gripping. ...moreI should have know that after reading The Kite Runner, I would have my heart ripped out by Hosseini's latest book. This one was even more gripping. Spanning over decades in two women's lives, this book recounts the tale of women's roles in a strict culture and how they survive. A must read.(less)
While I thought there were moments of inspired writing, most of this book was so incredibly self-centered that it was almost painful. There was littl...moreWhile I thought there were moments of inspired writing, most of this book was so incredibly self-centered that it was almost painful. There was little thought to the people Gilbert came in contact with outside of how they affected her (even the family she assisted in getting a new home -- it became more about her than them). I was hoping for more enlightenment but, instead, got a book that is nearly as self-indulgent as an Eggers' book.(less)
I have been trying to read this book since I received the ARC. However, the run-on sentences on the very first page have put me off, and I'm having a...moreI have been trying to read this book since I received the ARC. However, the run-on sentences on the very first page have put me off, and I'm having an incredibly difficult time getting past that.
It sounds like a book I'd love, and I'm disappointed that I can't get past the first 10 pages. I recognize that it is an unedited version, but that doesn't account for the poor grammar at the start of the book.
Maybe I'll try it again in an edited version.(less)
It is an insightful analysis into what is truly important to Americans, and how we react to the demise of the deities we have created. Gaiman does not...moreIt is an insightful analysis into what is truly important to Americans, and how we react to the demise of the deities we have created. Gaiman does not disappoint.
This book is way too complex to give it justice in a review here. My recommendation: read it now. Then re-read it again. (less)
I listened to the audible version of the book. It was an interesting story with a lot of twists. However, the twists were mostly obvious and this wa...moreI listened to the audible version of the book. It was an interesting story with a lot of twists. However, the twists were mostly obvious and this wasn't as mysterious as I would have hoped. Great characters, but a little too much emphasis placed on the female anatomy by the main character for my tastes.(less)
I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, the detailed descriptions were exquisite (I could practically taste that smokey sweet chai), and the charac...moreI enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, the detailed descriptions were exquisite (I could practically taste that smokey sweet chai), and the characters were real. I especially loved Devi Das, who was the comedic relief/guru of the book. His lines were almost always perfect.
There were times when Amanda's self-absorption bothered me, but then I realized that that's where this character was in her life. She needed to focus on that, focus on how to get beyond that. That *is* what the book is really about, expanding one's self enough to see that it's not always about that one person.
I ignored the yoga pose pages before chapters. They actually detracted from the book for me. When the quotes were pertinent, they added. However, not all of the quotes fit the book as the author intended, I think. Or, perhaps, that's the difference between reader response and authorial intention. It won't always be the same.
All of that being said, I did enjoy it. It probably falls more in line with chick-lit or summer reading, but there is more to the story. It has a lovely depth and an important message.(less)
I had trouble with some of the other essays. They disturbed me. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but they were painful to read because they involved violence or anger in a way that was aimed at the child. Yes, it's frustrating to live with a child with disabilities. Yes we get angry. That's ok. But to direct physical anger at a child and to do so with no apologies and no remorse is disturbing. It hurt to read those stories.
This is a raw book. Not raw in the sense that the writing isn't good. It is superb. Raw in the sense that emotions are bared to the reader. Because of that, this can be an exhausting read.(less)
This book made me think of my relationships with my brothers more than any other book ever has. It encouraged me to reflect on what was important in t...moreThis book made me think of my relationships with my brothers more than any other book ever has. It encouraged me to reflect on what was important in those relationships, what I'd like to explore with my brothers, and how to collaborate with them on our own projects. More than anything, it made me realize how lucky I am and how much I would love to travel and explore the world with my brothers.
It is a lovely account of two brothers heading out on an adventure that helps them resolve issues they didn't realize they had. It has been called narcissistic, but what memoir isn't to some extent? If understanding one's self, writing it down, and sharing it with others, we should all be so lucky to write in such a way that allows the most disparate of us to connect with the humanness in this writing.(less)
A beautifully written coming-of-age, atonement type of book set in Mississippi over several decades. This book deals with friendship, solitude, secret...moreA beautifully written coming-of-age, atonement type of book set in Mississippi over several decades. This book deals with friendship, solitude, secrets, murder, race, and love. It is a throwback to the beautiful Southern books of Faulkner, Williams, and Lee.(less)
This book is set in 2012 but shifts back to the height of the Mayan culture when Teotihuacan was a booming city, then back to 2012. It is a wild rolle...moreThis book is set in 2012 but shifts back to the height of the Mayan culture when Teotihuacan was a booming city, then back to 2012. It is a wild rollercoaster ride that has incredible high points and very low points.
High Points
The book is well written. The language is lovely, very descriptive, and assumes the audience is both intelligent and well-read.
The artwork is gorgeous. I would have prints of some of the artwork, if I could.
The foundation of the story, trying to save the world from the 2012 demise interpreted by the Mayan adders, is excellent. The intricate methods of making time travel without making time travel are fascinating and curious.
Low Points
This book needs serious editing. There are points that go on and on, in a rambling way. The main character goes off on tangents that don't add to the story, but detract the reader from a good story. This book could be about 300 pages shorter, with good editing, and be an excellent book.
There are bits of different languages thrown in (German, most notably) that are not translated and aren't adding to the story. The Mayan integration is good and the Spanish is somewhat ok (but not necessary).
Jed, the main character, seems to be an expert in everything (from ancient birds, reptiles, and plants to political climates around the world from various time periods), but the only thing he can think to call the contraption on his head is a toilet seat? It's incongruous with the character. His ethos is compromised when silly things like that are developed (and this happens quite often).
Unless the next books are edited down, I probably won't read further in the trilogy. (less)
**spoiler alert** I thought I would find this book interesting mostly because of the endorsements written on the cover of the book. I was ok with it i...more**spoiler alert** I thought I would find this book interesting mostly because of the endorsements written on the cover of the book. I was ok with it in the beginning. While the tone didn't feel right (who can, really, write in the same voice as Jane Austen?), I went along with it because it takes place after Pride & Prejudice ends: on the day of the wedding.
The premise of the book is interesting and explains some of Mr. Darcy's mystique, but that is where the connections ended for me. The dialogue is stilted, the descriptions lack the splendor of an Austen novel, and the incessant drive to keep not only Elizabeth out of the loop but the reader (who, from the title of the book, knows Mr. Darcy is a vampire)as well, is distracting.
Too many questions go unanswered (like who was really storming the Count's castle? Why would the Prince help out the Ancient One? Why would Darcy change back to human instead of Elizabeth becoming a vampire?). The ending feels rushed -- because once Darcy is exposed, something must be done, and done right away. The characters flow by like a raging river, never leaving that great of an impression.
I had hopes for this book, but they were dashed.(less)
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