I have to admit that I was largely drawn to this particular graphic novel based on how "pretty" the cover art is. At first I felt bad about being so s...moreI have to admit that I was largely drawn to this particular graphic novel based on how "pretty" the cover art is. At first I felt bad about being so shallow, but then I thought "it is a graphic novel, shouldn't I be drawn to it by the cover?". In any case I picked this book based on its cover and I am proud to say it!
Asterios Polyp has been very well received critically. There is a virtual laundry list of reputable sources that absolutely sing Mazzucchelli's praises. You can add me to that list because I loved this book.
The intelligent ideas and themes presented in this novel are very interesting and kept me engaged from start to finish. I would say however that I think some of the ideas went flying right over my head. This gives me incentive to read the book again and delve deeper into the ideas presented. The artwork was outstanding. This is no comic strip, this is a work of art on every page. Stunning insight into human nature is displayed so beautifully in color and lines, it is honestly like nothing I have ever seen before.
One of my favorite parts of the books is contained within 6 pages of images that relate to the everyday life of a couple. The disgusting, the sweet, and the raw moments that are seemingly forgettable but are at the same time utterly unforgettable. You will know this when you see it, a showstopper!
Do yourself a favor and buy this in hardcover. This is a keepsake book that you will treasure for years to come. This book would also make a great gift for someone who enjoys graphic novels, or for someone who is new to the genre. You should know that this is an adult novel and does have some nudity, nothing gratuitous or off color though. (less)
At first I wasn't quite sure how I feel about this book. On one hand it has a bit of a The Great Gatsby feel to it, while on the other hand the story...moreAt first I wasn't quite sure how I feel about this book. On one hand it has a bit of a The Great Gatsby feel to it, while on the other hand the story seems to blather on with no end in sight, and no real reason to keep me reading. As I continued reading The Privileges I started to see the deeper meaning behind the story, and I was impressed.
The book is about a uber rich family. Adam and Cynthia started out rather humbly, but grew to be very rich and very powerful. With two kids, Jonas and April, the family is about as perfect as perfect can get. That is if you can look beyond Adams questionable business ethic, Cynthia certianly does.
As the kids grow up they start to create struggles for themselves. Having been fed with a silver spoon their entire lives, they seek challenges to help define them as individuals. Unfortuantely, the paths they chose are all too typical of the super rich, they chose a path of excess and self-destruction. They lack character so they try to build character in all the wrong ways. With no real sense of right or wrong they bumble through mistake after mistake with no end in sight.
An interesting look into the lives of the privileged, with the sobering reality that things aren't always as they seem. (less)
First impressions are great with a cover as beautiful as this. The image is pulled straight from the pages of the book, a very memorable scene that th...moreFirst impressions are great with a cover as beautiful as this. The image is pulled straight from the pages of the book, a very memorable scene that the entire book builds up to.
I started reading The Last Will of Moira Leahy without knowing much about it. I was very quickly swept into the story and found it to be quite engaging.
The story centers around Maeve Leahy who lost her identical twin sister Moira one unfortunate November in their teens. The book splits time equally between the story leading up to Moira's demise and the story of Maeve's life a decade after she lost her twin.
This book will keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story is intricately woven, and details reveal themselves at an ideal pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested. There is a slight supernatural element that adds an exciting bit of mystery to the story that plays out very well.
By the end of the book I was very emotionally invested in the characters. The climax of the story had me shedding a few tears. It was an emotionally charged scene that will not soon be forgotten.
A powerful story that is beautifully written, The Last Will of Moira Leahy will have you turning pages at record speed. Not to be missed, add this book to your to be read list, you will not be disappointed.(less)
Government Girl gives the inside scoop on being young and female in the white house as part of the Clinton Administration. More than that it is a book...moreGovernment Girl gives the inside scoop on being young and female in the white house as part of the Clinton Administration. More than that it is a book about growing up and finding your path in life.
I don't know a lot about the Clinton administration, I was an elementary and middle school student during that era. It was really interesting to learn about the power players and their roles in the administration.
Stacy Parker worked for George Stephanopolis as a support staff intern. While in her position she got to know The President himself Bill Clinton, Rahm Emanuel and other movers and shakers in the white house. She talks about her experiences with the job as well as the other staffers.
We also get to know a lot about her love life during her 20s and about the tough career decisions she had to make along the way. We also get to learn about the atmosphere on the inside during the Clinton/Lewinski scandal. Very interesting to read about thats for sure!(less)
It took at least a dozen fun sized bags of M&Ms as self bribery to get me to finish this book. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but the entire expe...moreIt took at least a dozen fun sized bags of M&Ms as self bribery to get me to finish this book. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but the entire experience of reading it was very bittersweet. I managed to get through the bitter by snacking on some sweets.
"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" is an epic novel. It should be at the top of every book lovers list of books to read. Hands down, one of the best stories I have ever read. The character development was astounding, by the end of the novel I had true insight into their motivations, not an easy task for any writer to accomplish. Filled with Dominican cultural references and Spanish ghetto slang, the book lends itself to authenticity in a way I have not seen before. Well paced, the story is divided up into multiple sections all focusing on one character, although the other characters do intersect in the stories. This method breaks up the monotony of a story from only one perspective. Each section ends on a suspenseful note leaving the reader wanting more.
What the reader does not want more of is footnotes. The one award this book hasn't won is the gold medal for longest footnotes known to man in a fictional novel. Really, its obscene. I approached the first footnote with good intentions of reading and learning from it. What I learned was not only the life history of Trujillo ( the tyrant ruler of the Dominican Republic), but that after a page and a half of microscopic typeface in the form of a footnote, I forget what the heck I was reading about to start with. Time to grab some M&Ms folks.
I don't know about you, but I elected to take French in High School. Little did I know that a decade later I would be kicking myself for not taking Spanish instead. I honestly believe that I missed out on some great lines in the book because I couldn't understand the dialogue which was at times, heavily peppered with Spanish slang.
I've never read a comic book, and I don't know anyone who has. I didn't care for Lord of the Rings, and I certainly didn't read the books. Oscar Wao did though, and he makes endless references to his geek culture. This book introduced me to "The Watchmen" as one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. Instead of the author making one reference to geek culture, he did what a geek would do, listed 4 or 5 references. I understand the intention, and it can be charming at times, but in the end its frustrating.
Keep in mind that some of the best novels of all time are real killers to read. It doesn't have to be a cakewalk to rock your world. This novel was worth the trouble, in fact, its flaws added to it as a whole. Buy this book, dig in, and keep reading even when those footnotes make you want to scream.
What's it about?
"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" is about a Dominican ghetto nerd living in New Jersey. He is looking for his own epic love story, although it always seems to elude him. He dreams of becoming the next J.R.R. Tolkien and writes with passion every chance he gets. Nobody in his family understands him, he has trouble even understanding himself. To make matters worse he is haunted by a Dominican curse on his family: the fuku. We find out all about the fuku and how it came to be placed upon his family, as well as how it is ultimately what makes Oscar Wao's life so wondrous, and so brief.(less)
Survival for the sake of surviving. What is the point? I really find myself asking this question after reading this book.
Let me preface by saying that...moreSurvival for the sake of surviving. What is the point? I really find myself asking this question after reading this book.
Let me preface by saying that this book is not for the faint of heart. There are some downright gruesome pictures painted in this novel. It all adds greatly to the story, and is in no way gratuitous, but can at times be all together cringe inducing.
The story is about a nameless man and his son in a post apocalyptic world. The story never really reveals what caused the state of the world. There are glimpses of what it may have been, but ultimately the cause of mankind's demise is left up to the reader. While this can be frustrating, it mirrors our own unease as to how the world might end.
Once I started reading Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" I could not put it down. I read it in one day, cover to cover. There are no chapters, and the writing style almost feels like that of a personal journal. Passages are often short paragraphs and the entire novel is broken up into small blocks of time. I wasn't once bored with the novel. I found myself wanting to know more, wanting to know what was going to happen. I assumed that the man and boy would not survive. The author does leave room for hope in the end, although the situations never are, and never will be ideal.
I loved the struggle the boy has throughout the book with good vs. evil. He is always wondering at what point does he become the bad guy. Even though the entire time I was wanting to shout at him that he was a good guy, some of the things they had to do to survive, were nothing if not evil.
I also kept wondering why they didn't just end it. End the lifelong struggle. The boy was born post Apocalypse, having known nothing of the world before it ended. He father teaches him about carrying the fire, pushing on and not letting up on the drive to survive. I couldn't help but wonder what the struggle was worth. There was nothing to look forward to, no long term goals, nothing more than one moment after the next. To me, that is not a life, it is merely and existence.
Anyone who knows me personally can tell you that I am a bit of a weather enthusiast. I have been known to sit and watch the weather channel for hours...moreAnyone who knows me personally can tell you that I am a bit of a weather enthusiast. I have been known to sit and watch the weather channel for hours on end. Yes I do realize that that is only acceptable behavior after the age of 80, but what can I say? My name is Holly, and I am a weather addict.
There is no doubt about the power of nature. When faced with some of mother natures biggest calamities you can forget trying to save yourself, and just kiss your butt goodbye. I find it all to be wildly exciting! Don't get me wrong, I have a very healthy fear of powerful weather. Just last fall we had a tornado warning and I heard the tell-tale freight train winds and grabbed the cats from under the bed and locked us all in the bathroom until the sirens stopped. You had better believe if a tornado is coming, I wont be standing around to see it.
While browsing the paperbacks in Barnes and Noble one evening, I saw this pip of a book. I grabbed it and ran for the checkout, knocking people over in my haste. I already know a lot about weather. I research weather events all the time on the Internet. I once was a Production Assistant on a Weather Channel commercial (talk about a dream come true!) and I grilled Mike Bettis the entire ride to and from the airport. I learned a lot about water spouts that day, I like to think that I impressed him with my knowledge as well. Naturally I wasn't sure if this book could teach me anything that I didn't already know.
Let me start out by saying that this book is quite funny. It approaches the mundane topic of weather from a really entertaining angle. At the same time it manages to teach about even complex topics in weather. I never cared about the jet stream until I read this book. Now I know exactly how it works and why. I have tried explaining my new found knowledge to others, yet fail miserably, as I cannot serve up the info with such finesse as the author does.
The book is broken up in to chapters, each building upon the last. The first chapter dissects the atmosphere. After reading about the tropopause you will know what you are looking down at every time you get on a plane and look out the window wondering why the clouds seem to be hitting their heads on an invisible ceiling. Feel free to blurt out "Wow! What a great view of the tropopause!" People will wonder if a genius is among them. Then in the end it covers our dysfunctional relationship with weather. Including, but not limited to, the weathers insatiable appetite for human destruction. Smart, funny, well-written and informative, this book is a must. Weather enthusiast or not.(less)
Having been relatively healthy my entire life, I don't have much inside knowledge on the inner workings of a hospital. I thought this book would be an...moreHaving been relatively healthy my entire life, I don't have much inside knowledge on the inner workings of a hospital. I thought this book would be an interesting way to find out more. It ended up being a charming memoir, that at times was quite gripping.
The novel is very well written, and was an absolute breeze to read. This took me by surprise, as it is a book about neurosurgery. An impressive first novel from the author, I eagerly await her next.
I don't know about you, but I find myself running to WebMD every time I have a headache, and then self diagnosing myself with some deadly ailment. I also love to watch the Discovery Health channel. Especially shows like "Mystery Diagnosis" or "Trauma: Life in the E.R.". It comes as no surprise that my favorite prime time drama is "Grey's Anatomy". It is absolutely fascinating to see these obscure medical cases, and how the doctors work to resolve them. People must trust their lives in their doctors hands. In the midst of a life changing medical crisis a patient must have faith in a total stranger.
This book gives a glimpse into the lives of surgeons. They are people just like you and me. Although what the patient is facing may be life altering for them, we find that more often than not, its not life altering for the doctors. It is purely their job. The decisions they make are with their heads, not their hearts. Part of becoming a doctor is learning how to keep their hearts from interfering with their heads, as we learn in this novel.
The author is very confident in her ability and skill within her field. She is one of less than 5000 neurosurgeons in the country, less than 5% of which are female. Although her confidence can be construed as cockiness at times, my general impression of her was in a positive light.
Whats it about?
Katrina Firlik is a talented and highly esteemed neurosurgeon. She writes this memoir of her time post-medical school. The tales span nearly a decade, covering her time as an intern, all the way to Chief Resident of Neurosurgery at a prestigious Connecticut Hospital. The novel is filled with cases she encountered, each one as interesting and amazing as the last. She also briefly covers the history of Neurosurgery as well as the future, which features "brainlifts". You have to read it to believe it!(less)
When I was in kindergarten I managed to tick off my entire class by throwing all the plastic play kitchen food out the window to feed the squirrels. T...moreWhen I was in kindergarten I managed to tick off my entire class by throwing all the plastic play kitchen food out the window to feed the squirrels. This act of compassion resulted in all of us having to stop playtime and go pick up the food from the front yard of the school. We had to go because I refused to admit it was me who threw it out the window, so we were all punished.
This little stunt pales in comparison to the stories in Chelsea Handler's sophomore novel "Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea". As a child she was a little more than eccentric. I love the story about her humiliating rides to school in her fathers beat up old car. How she created a story about being a child actress about to star in Private Benjamin the sequel.
The stories she tells in this book are downright hilarious. I was at times in stiches. She can be crass and crude at times, but all of that just adds to the charm of Chelsea.
The stories from her adult life are humiliating. The situations she talks so candidly about I hope to never find myself in. Yet I laughed nonstop while reading about them.
This book reads like a fiction. The stories are almost unbelievable and wildly entertaining. It is in fact a memoir. These are the stories that shaped the former star of "Girls Behaving Badly", and current star of the late night mega-hit "Chelsea Lately".
"Chelsea Lately" has made the E! Network a serious contender for late late night television talk shows. When up against shows that have been on the air for years she has trumped them again and again. If you like this book you will like her show, and if you like her show you will like this book.
As Chelsea would say... Anyone who doesn't like this book can "Suck an egg".(less)
Have you ever locked yourself out of your apartment, on moving day, not once, but twice, after hours, on the weekend? If so, then you will be able to...moreHave you ever locked yourself out of your apartment, on moving day, not once, but twice, after hours, on the weekend? If so, then you will be able to identify with this book. If not, then you will find the situation to be wildly amusing, and be thanking your lucky stars it didn't happen to you.
Sloane Crosley is comparable to Chelsea Handler in her ability to produce laughs. The essays she has in this book are hilarious, you won't soon forget them. In fact, I doubt you will have the ability to look at a plastic pony the same way again.
"I Was Told There'd Be Cake" opens with a story about plastic ponies. Sloane talks of the dread of dying suddenly and having her mother come to clean out her apartment and finding her secret stash. Her secret stash of ponies that is. The reason why she has all the ponies is quite funny, as is the way that she rids herself of the pony problem.
I loved the essay about her forays into volunteer work in the butterfly room of a museum. She ends up being scared of the creepy huge butterfly in the corner of the room, having nightmares about it, and quits. Unfortunately she accidentally takes one home with her on her shirt, so she ends up having to smuggle it back to the butterfly room, with fear of being prosecuted to the fullest extent.
The most shocking story is Smell This. Sloane has a dinner party for some friends, but when they all leave for the night and she goes into her bathroom she finds that one of them left a nasty present in the middle of the bathroom floor. What follows is her attempt at finding out who the perpetrator was, and not being all that successful in the process.
The book ends with Fever Faker. Sloane having always taken the healthy backseat to her sisters myriad of illnesses was psyched when she found out that she could have a chronic illness. The thought of finally getting some attention was worth the trips to the hospital! Things don't work out exactly as she has planned, and the story is a riot to read. An excellent ending to an excellent compilation of essays.
I loved every minute of this book and have offered it up to many people. Everyone I know that has read it liked it. Its an easy read, and the book is broken up into essays so it is easy to skip around and read them in what order you desire. This book would be a great vacation read. (less)
I would be willing to bet that this novel will be the beginning in a series. It laid the groundwork for the story to continue by leaving some open end...moreI would be willing to bet that this novel will be the beginning in a series. It laid the groundwork for the story to continue by leaving some open endings. I look forward to what the author has in store for us!
The description on the back is rather misleading I would say. It focuses on promoting the mystery aspect of the novel, which wasn't the main theme throughout. The story was much more based in chick lit.
Daphne Uviller's debut novel "Super in the City" has taken inspiration from Sex and the City and focuses around four "Sterling Girls" living in New York City. They all have their place in the group and work to balance each other out. One does not make a move without the others knowing about it, and it has been that way since they were in Sterling Prep School.
While they aren't identical copies of the Sex and the City girls, but there are absolutely parallels. Lucy would be the equivalent of Charlotte. She is a hopeless romantic that defaces ten dollar bills with instructions to meet her at a quaint bookstore. Mercedes would be the Miranda of the group. A disciplined business woman, with a no nonsense view of love. Tag would be the Samantha of the group, having a love for high class parties, and being able to talk her way out of any situation. Zephyr would be Carrie, the one who never knows what the right decision is to make, she wears her heart on her sleeve.
The mystery plot line needed a lot of work. I think she could run with the Janet Evonovichs of the world with a bit of practice. I would have liked a bit more suspense, but I have a feeling that if she turns this into a series we will have a lot more suspense in the next installment.
If you like this try "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich(less)
I never finished this book. It started out so engaging, so truly interesting. Then halfway through part two, I was so bored I could not will myself to...moreI never finished this book. It started out so engaging, so truly interesting. Then halfway through part two, I was so bored I could not will myself to continue on. I almost never quit a book halfway through and was disappointed that it led to that.
The only reason I am writing the review is because so many people recommend this book to me. I wonder if they ever finished reading it, or if they read it at all for that matter. Who could tolerate all the self-indulgent whining Elizabeth Gilbert serves up in this novel? I get it, meditation is difficult. I can understand that you may want to quit, and wonder if you can go on. Its not worth focusing 100 pages on however.
Each section is totally different from the last. I would have loved the book if it ended in Italy. The second section was such a let down. Approach this book with caution. What it starts as, is not what it becomes. Take my recommendation and if you must read it, stop after the section devoted to Italy.(less)
Ok folks, an oldie but a goodie. It all begins in arguably one of the greatest years of the 90's, 1994. "One for the Money" was published and thus beg...moreOk folks, an oldie but a goodie. It all begins in arguably one of the greatest years of the 90's, 1994. "One for the Money" was published and thus began the blockbuster series staring Stephanie Plum.
Stephanie Plum is Trenton, New Jerseys most beloved and most feared bounty hunter. She isn't feared because of her butt kicking ability, she is feared because wherever she goes trouble inevitably follows. Most often manifested in the form of cars mysteriously blowing up.
She is not known for being particularly good at her job, but she is lucky. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
After being laid off as a lingerie buyer she finds herself out of a car, and out of money. With her options consisting of the button factory, or working for her scum-bucket cousin Vinnie, she chooses her cousin and hopes for the best.
Her first case is going after the guy that charmed her pants off behind the pastry counter at the bakery she worked at as a teen. Now a cop, the womanizer Morelli is accused of shooting an unarmed man. He missed his court date and needs to be picked up and hauled in. Who better to take on this task than rookie skip agent Stephanie Plum. Too bad she has no idea what shes doing.
This is where Ranger comes in. Ranger is the most badass bounty hunter known to man. He decides to take Stephanie under his wing and show her the ropes, mostly for entertainment purposes. Now with two hot men in her life Stephanie has a bit of trouble keeping her head in the game.
This book is downright suspenseful, unrelentingly hilarious and utterly addictive. (less)
You might have seen Lauren Weedman on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Blink and you could have missed her though. She successfully freaked everyone i...moreYou might have seen Lauren Weedman on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Blink and you could have missed her though. She successfully freaked everyone in the office out, and was thus booted from her dream job.
Lauren Weedman tells all about this, and much more in her debut novel "A Woman Trapped in a Woman's Body (Tales From a Life of Cringe)". The stories are offbeat and quite funny.
Her preparation for the Emmy's takes her to places no woman should ever go. Coffee enema anyone? She shows up in a thrift store gown and manages to humiliate herself.
The book is a quick read, perfect for a flight. The stories are short and entertaining. I look forward to more from Lauren Weedman.
If you like Chelsea Handler or Sloane Crosley or even David Sedaris, you will like Lauren Weedman.(less)
This book is fantastic. Seriously an all time favorite of mine. I even went so far as to video blog about it a few years ago.
Mary Roach exploded onto...moreThis book is fantastic. Seriously an all time favorite of mine. I even went so far as to video blog about it a few years ago.
Mary Roach exploded onto the "Notable Non-Fiction" scene with this bestseller. Who could pass it by in the bookstore? The toe tag screams "buy me".
This book outlines all of the possible things that happen to a body after it passes on to the other side. It goes all the way back to the olden days and exposes where the phrase "Saved by the bell" originated. Apparently, corpses weren't always dead when they buried them. The powers that be decided to tie all the bodies toes to strings attached to a bell, that way if the corpse started to become distinctively less corpse-like, an attendant would come running. Saved, by the bell.
I found the possibilities to be so interesting! I never really though about what happened to a body that is donated to science. This novel does a great job of showing all those possibilities.(less)
I have never been a big fan of romance novels per se. I generally like my romance novels to be laced with a mystery or have a bit of an edge to them....moreI have never been a big fan of romance novels per se. I generally like my romance novels to be laced with a mystery or have a bit of an edge to them. This book however was recommended to me by the librarian on duty based on my other selections. I ended up liking it quite a bit.
The story opens on a totally bizarre note. I found myself wonder what in the heck was going on. I stuck with it and things became clear rather quickly. Stick with it, it gets better.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips manages to weave some complex layers into this novel. I haven't read any of her other books, so I am not sure if it is exclusive to this book or if she always writes this way.
I love her insights on the complexities of family relationships. It was a joy to read and I feel that she was able to give the reader good insight into the characters motivations.
Blue is the leading lady in this novel. She is always on the move, afraid to settle down. When she meets Dean, a QB out of Chicago, she ends up traveling to his cottage with him for lack of anywhere else to go. The two characters spar comically throughout the novel which helps make the novel light and entertaining.
Will Blue be able to open herself to a relationship? Will Dean be able to open himself to his family? Find out in this Natural Born Charmer of a book!(less)
I love the element of suspense in this novel! It was griping from start to finish. This is the first novel by Carl Hiaasen that I have had the pleasur...moreI love the element of suspense in this novel! It was griping from start to finish. This is the first novel by Carl Hiaasen that I have had the pleasure of reading, and it won't be the last.
It all starts on a romantic cruise vacation. A lovely couple on an anniversary trip out for a stroll on the deck at night. The night takes a turn for the worse when the husband pitches his wife overboard. He suspects that she will die instantly, but underestimates his wife greatly.
She ends up barely alive on an island having been rescued by a fisherman at sea. The two of them set on a mission to prove that her husband planned to murder her, and also to find out why.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. It was quite funny at times and engaging throughout. Well written, an excellent read that will leave you asking for more.(less)
I must admit that I did buy this book for its cover. I also must admit that I was disappointed. I suppose I was expecting it to be less kitschy than i...moreI must admit that I did buy this book for its cover. I also must admit that I was disappointed. I suppose I was expecting it to be less kitschy than it was. I found myself doing mental eye rolls all throughout the novel.
The plot for me fell apart in a lot of places. I was surprised because I have heard such good things about Christopher Moore. The characters seemed to bumble about without much direction. I understand that he probably wanted to surprise the reader a bit in the ending, but he sacrificed the story quite a bit in that respect.
Jody, a sultry redheaded bloodsucker decides to turn her boyfriend Tommy into a bloodsucker so they can be together forever. She didn't however ask him first and he is none too thrilled to be thrown into this position.
Trouble is near as Jodi is being hunted by Elijah, an ancient Vampire that is pissed off because she broke the rules and turned Tommy. Tommy's crones from his warehouse job suspect Tommy of being a Vampire now and are trying to hunt him down.
Jodi and Tommy have to find a lamb to be a personal assistant for them and find them new housing, also occasionally providing them with blood. They find a little goth girl Abby Normal. She is about the funniest character in the book. Without her added to the mix I might have quit halfway through.
If anyone knows of any Christopher Moore books that are actually good, I might give him another chance. Overall I would say pass on this book.(less)
Another Carl Hiaasen review! This time a novel about a dead as a doorknob rocker Jimmy Stoma of the world famous band "Slut Puppies".
Obit reporter Ja...moreAnother Carl Hiaasen review! This time a novel about a dead as a doorknob rocker Jimmy Stoma of the world famous band "Slut Puppies".
Obit reporter Jack Tagger would love an opportunity to revive his once respected front page reporter status. After messing up a case in a major way and causing humiliation to the newspaper he was thrown into Obits. After his move he became obsessed with death and dying, to the point of driving away the love of his life.
When Jack comes across the obit for Jimmy Stoma he is taken back to the days when he was a big fan of the Slut Puppies. Unfortunately, not many people even remember the band, let alone care about the lead singer kicking the bucket. Jack finds the circumstances of Jimmy Stoma's demise to be wildly suspicious and twists his boss' arm into letting him investigate it further.
The story twists and turns from there. Jack finds himself interested in someone he never thought his candle would burn for. He also finds himself shocked at the news of his former loves engagement, to a real cheesy doodle nonetheless. He also finds out sinister answers to the questions surrounding Jimmy Stoma's death.
Check this book out. I liked it just as much as I liked Skinny Dip. Well written, thoroughly engaging, this book is a must!(less)
The Glass Castle was excruciatingly difficult for me to read. The parallels between Jeanette Walls life and my own were unbelievable. Its easy to grow...moreThe Glass Castle was excruciatingly difficult for me to read. The parallels between Jeanette Walls life and my own were unbelievable. Its easy to grow up in a horrible situation, to rise above the cards that you were dealt, and then downplay the struggles you had previously faced on a daily basis. Jeanette Walls shows the importance of dredging up those demons and owning them.
I was amazed reading all about her exploring. I remember vividly going out in fields "hiking" looking for treasures. I would spend hours out finding rocks that I could break open to see if any fools gold might be hiding inside. Every now and again I talk to friends about my explorations as a kid, and they never share the same experiences. I suppose when parents are basically non-existent a kid must learn to entertain themselves.
Jeanette shows glimpses of parental enthusiasm throughout the novel. I remember being piled into the car on Sundays to go to Open Houses. We would walk through the show homes in our ratty clothes, collecting pamphlets and imagining our lives in the various rooms. Then on the car ride home Mom and Dad would talk excitedly about buying the house, upgrading it in every way imaginable. Then upon getting home, sharing a pack of kool-aid powder and water- no sugar for the poor- for dinner. I understood her let downs, but I also understood her excitement, even while knowing in the back of her mind that nothing was ever going to change. Those moments of excitement were almost like a performance, a way to entertain each other, and forget about the grim reality of life.
The Glass Castle is a candid look into a less than perfect childhood. It shows what a child with nothing and no one helping them can achieve. The best memoir I have ever read, hands down.
Now when can I have some kool-aid with Ms. Walls? I bet we would get along famously.(less)
I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like I am a genius of unspeakable evil and I want to be your class president.
Dr. Evil meets...moreI can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like I am a genius of unspeakable evil and I want to be your class president.
Dr. Evil meets Jimmy Neutron might be a good way to describe Oliver Watson, the genius of unspeakable evil that wants to be class president at Gale Sayers Middle School.
Oliver Watson flies totally under the radar, until one of his classmates nominates him for class president. He strikes down the idea at first, but then changes his mind and decides to run just to put a thorn in his “daddy’s” side.
Daddy thinks he is a great man destined to do great things. Oliver knows that he is a genius (of unspeakable evil) and that his father must be brought down to the reality of his mere mortal status on earth. Because his daddy won class president in his middle school, Oliver sees it as a perfect way to level the playing field without revealing the fact that he rules the free world.
Unspeakable evil genius aside, Oliver is quite normal. Despite denying it, he seeks his fathers approval and praise. Each time he is shot down that only propels him further into his diabolical plan.
A cast of characters that could be found at any middle school in the country make this book relatable. At its core a book about the underdog having his day, and proving everybody wrong, this is an excellent book that will entertain readers through the very last page.
Very well written, this book is smartly hilarious. Easily appreciated by adults and young adults alike. I plan to give this to my 14 year old brother to read now that I am done with it.(less)
Talk about a page turner! I was a bit taken aback by the sheer heft of this book, but once I got started I was able to finish this book in record time...moreTalk about a page turner! I was a bit taken aback by the sheer heft of this book, but once I got started I was able to finish this book in record time!
The romance of the book wasn't in the love stories so much as it was in the time period. There is such extravagant beauty in 1899 New York City society. From the costumes to the home decor to the language, this book is steeped in glamor and scandal.
New York high society in 1899 is more concerned with saving face, than facing their issues head on. Because of this they end up in over their heads in a web of drama. The lies and scandal they sew are enough to kill.
An excellent story with twists and turns in every chapter. This is a true page turner that will be hard to put down. Once the last page has been turned it will be an all out race to get hands on the next book in the series. An absolute must read. (less)
When I first saw the cover for Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) I was really interested. It gives a really funky fibe, that TOTALLY suits the book....moreWhen I first saw the cover for Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) I was really interested. It gives a really funky fibe, that TOTALLY suits the book.
I must admit that I had no idea what "steampunk" meant before reading this book. Once I visted the authors website I learned a bit more about it. Gail's website says "There are two main kinds of steampunk. The first, which shall be called here, traditional steampunk, envisions a future as the Victorians imagined it. The writings of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne are good examples. The second, industrial steampunk, sees a far future world that harkens back to Victorian culture, for example a bustle dress made of kevlar." The website goes on to say "Gail writes the traditional kind of steampunk, but her approach is two fold. First, she postulates that it is through the presence of immortals that the steam technology of the Victorian age diverged from our own timeline. Vampires are particularly interested in mechanicals and so promote technological advancement beyond that of the actual Victorians. Second, she tries to remain true to the scientific theory of the day, however much modern scientists have debunked it. In Alexia's world, the science is, at least, internally consistent, though occasionally mysterious."
A picture showing a vision of steampunk This book is really smart. For those of you that are tired of reading basic fiction and are looking for an interesting and innovative novel, with a little bit of the supernatural and some romance thrown in for good measure, this is a winner.
The language gail uses is absolutely charming! She writes the main character Alexia Tarabotti with excellent detail. The woman is quite unusual looking for victorian standards, her nose isn't perfect, and her skin tone is alarmingly tan due to her italian lineage. Due to these unfortunate circumstances she is a 26 year old spinster, and to exascerbate her situation, she was born without a soul and is a regestered Preturnatural. While a lot is unknown about the Preturnaturals, what she does know for sure is that she cancels out the supernatural in any being.
When at a party a vampire catches her alone and attacks her, the creature gets more than he bargained for when Miss Tarabotti puts an end to him with a carefully placed hairpiece. What follows is a complex investigation into the circumstances surrounding this mysterious vampires appearance, and demise.
Chock full of vampires, flamboyant vampires, wearwolves, victorian ladies, wax faced men, tea rooms, and parasols, this book will have you hooked from page one. The author is passionate about what she writes and it shows. I am eagerly awaiting more from Gail Carriger!(less)
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