A good, decent YA fantasy. I will certainly read the sequel.
Note: For optimum entertainment, I'd suggest listening to the audio edition. Carol Monda d...moreA good, decent YA fantasy. I will certainly read the sequel.
Note: For optimum entertainment, I'd suggest listening to the audio edition. Carol Monda does a fabulous job as narrator and her voice definitely adds to the experience.(less)
"The accident was over a year ago. I've been awake for two weeks. Over a year has vanished. I've gone from sixteen to seventeen. A second woman has b...more"The accident was over a year ago. I've been awake for two weeks. Over a year has vanished. I've gone from sixteen to seventeen. A second woman has been elected president. A twelfth planet has been named in the solar system. The last wild polar bear has died. Headline news that couldn't stir me. I slept through it all."
Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox can't remember who she is. For the last year and a half she's been in a perpetual state of vegetation, and upon waking she can remember nothing from her former life. The memory of her family, friends, and even simple words like "curious" has vanished. But even as bits and pieces of her memory begin to resurface, with the help of home videos and much encouragement from her parents, Jenna can't keep from feeling like something is wrong; with her, what her parents are telling her, and with this life she's being told is her own. Set in the not-so-distant future, The Adoration of Jenna Fox will entertain and shock its readers with suspense, romance, and evolutionary science.
This is one of those books that is very hard to discuss without being spoilery, but I will endeavor to do so.
For Jenna Fox, there a lot of things that don't add up. Like how a video of her from seven years ago showing a scar on her chin doesn't compute with the unmarred flesh there now, how her parents keep evading her questions, and how she can't remember anything about the accident that lead to her coma. And her parents' irrational limitations are suffocating. Even when Jenna starts to get her footing, she's not allowed to leave the house, not allowed to go to school. . . . How is Jenna supposed to get back her life when her parents won't let her? They keep telling her it's for the best, but Jenna knows something off.
I kept trying to guess at what direction Pearson was taking this story, and how science would fit into it all. I didn't even come close. The eventual revelation of why Jenna can't remember her life before the coma and why she feels so misplaced is as shocking as it is intriguing. The romance element is light, but very effective. It takes back burner to the main plot (as it should IMO), but it plays an essential role in the story. Jenna feels lost and confused, and Ethan helps her feel centered and less afraid.
If you think you don't like science fiction, you should try this book. Sci-fi is not even my third choice when browsing genres at the library, but I can honestly say that this book has awakened a strong interest in the genre for me. And on that note, if you read this review and happen to have any sci-fi recommendations, or you know of any books similar to this, be they YA or adult, please send them my way.
Note: Although my opinion on this book still stands, I have changed my rating for it, because the two sequels to this book aren't to my liking. Originally rated 4 stars, now is 3.5 with a round down of 3.(less)
I started Wither fairly certain that I'd not like it. Please don't misunderstand — I never start a book thinking I'll dislike it, but choose...more3.5 stars
I started Wither fairly certain that I'd not like it. Please don't misunderstand — I never start a book thinking I'll dislike it, but choose to read it anyway for some reason; I usually avoid books that sound as if I'd be disappointed by them. In the case of Wither, I'd decided to steer clear of it because of negative reviews and because of some of the content it is said to have. And while there were things I was bothered by and things I wish could've been different, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
DeStefano paints a bleak portrait of the future in her 2011 debut, Wither. Scientists were able to concoct a cure for cancer and other fatal diseases, flus and colds, and sexually transmitted diseases; consequently giving humans much longer lives. But as good as this prospect may sound, it comes at a terrible price: the offspring of those who partook of the scientists' panacea only live a fraction of the time people do today. With women living only to the age of twenty and men the age of twenty-five, the only way to prevent the extinction of the human race is for young women to dedicate their lives to polygamous marriages and having as many children as possible in the short window of time they have. This is exactly the kind of life sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery wants to avoid in favor of living out her last four years with her brother, Rowan, whom she loves dearly. But when the Gatherers take her she is helpless. Soon she is married to Linden Ashby, along with two other girls, Jenna and Cecily. It isn't long before one of her sister wives, as they are so dubbed, is swelling with Linden's child and Rhine is having to pretend that she herself loves him. But Rhine soon bonds with a young male servant named Gabriel and starts to plot a way to escape this compulsory life, and hopes to take him with her. But there are many dangers in attempting an escape, and it may end in both of their deaths.
Wither is one of the most hyped YA dystopias released in the last few years, and I can see why: it's content is controversial, it contains many things which could (and did for me) repulse its reader, and, of course, since a little series called the Hunger Games came along, the dystopian genre has skyrocketed to the top spot on many reader's favorites list. (I think it's even surpassed the paranormal genre now. What a feat!)
Rhine's helplessness really struck a chord within me. I can't imagine having lost your parents, and then being dragged away from your brother, the only person you have left, to be forced into a marriage with someone you don't even know. Gabriel, although a character that wasn't in the story nearly as much as I'd have liked, was something special. He is the reason I'm most looking forward to the sequal. The writing has a quality that I wouldn't normally expect from a debut author, but I'd heard may good things about DeStefano's writing before starting Wither, and they were all true.
And now for the negative: The science in Wither seems a little off to me. This, along with one other key point I'll mention later, is what keeps me from giving this four stars. Here is my logic: If the government (or scientists) were ever able to produce a cure for potentially fatal diseases like cancer and whatnot, should it backfire and cause a sort of self-destruct effect in the children of the people who use it, as it is said to in DeStefano's world, wouldn't the government then be able to stop it almost immediately? Eradicate the problem, or at least come up with some sort of drug to lengthen the lifespans of those who are affected by it? Think about it: Whatever could stop fatal diseases as harsh as cancer, if such a thing exists, would be very hard to find (obviously, since this is the twenty-first century and we're still using chemo, which is horrible in itself); and I would think that if scientists were ever smart enough to find it, they'd be able to deal with any repercussions that may arrise after the fact; I especially don't see them ever lying down and just saying, Oh, well — I guess we'll just have to live with the fact that none of us will make it to thirty and that the human race could easily become extinct in the next decade. Perhaps it is just me, but the science seemed rather warped and uncalculated. For my other qualm, read the spoiler if you don't mind being spoiled. (view spoiler)[The youngest of the three wives, Cecily, is thirteen at the start of the novel. She is soon impregnated by twenty-one-year-old Linden, who apparently is no less attracted to her than the eighteen-year-old Jenna or sixteen-year-old Rhine. This was sickening to me, and I wish the author would've handled this differently. The author could've easily kept the three wives sixteen or older and still conveyed the severity of the characters' situation in the harsh reality they live in without using a thirteen-year-old child. At least, IMHO. (hide spoiler)] Other than these two points, I really have no complaints; I enjoyed the writing and characterization just fine. And I am certainly invested enough to read Fever in the near future, and, if Fever doesn't disappoint, the trilogy's finale, Untitled.
Notice: Although the back of the audio says it's for readers thirteen and up, I'd recommend this book for fifteen and up. The rather mature subject matter and some of the content seems more appropriate for an older audience IMO.(less)
I love Ellen Degeneres. Seriously, I'm not kidding. I know what you're thinking: you can't truly love some...moreNote: This is a review of the audio edition.
I love Ellen Degeneres. Seriously, I'm not kidding. I know what you're thinking: you can't truly love someone whom you've never met and probably never will. But I truly love her in the way you love someone — or something — that you know with your whole heart is making the world a better place to live. And I am positive of this fact when it comes to this woman. After a hard day, her humor and generosity and overall love for people and life are a balm on the world's aches. This woman makes each day better for countless people just by being herself. Did you know that scientists have proven that laughter can increase your lifespan and even help you feel and look better? This isn't to mention all of the people she's helped through her show. Cars, houses, miscellaneous gifts, money — all given to people who're probably much better off after having received these various gifts.
My library has shelved this book in the biography section, but in case there is any one wondering, let me be clear: This is not an autobio. And although I laughed many, many times while listening to Ellen's words read in her own narration, I have to admit that a good deal of this book is, truly, just a bunch of babble.
At times, Ellen manages to mix philosophy and deep thoughts with spontaneous humor expertly:
There are very few things that wow us anymore. A child will see something as simple as a garage door opening and it's literally all they will talk about for weeks. As an adult, we will see a human person ride a bike, catapult over eighteen cars that are on fire, land on a skateboard, slid down a ramp, and end up in the backseat of a taxi, and be like,"Yeah, that was all right. But did you see the guy who pogo sticked over thirty-eight grandmothers?" I'm not saying we need to live like babies in every way. I mean, sure, it would be great to get carried around in a papoose. Who wouldn't want that? But I am glad I'm potty trained and I'm not always trying to eat my feet like babies do. I just wish we could hold on to that sense of wonder because sometimes we don't notice some of the most incredible things in the world. We walk by beautiful flowers and trees every day without looking at them. We rush through our day without even saying hi to most of the people we see. We take a lot for granted, and I think that's why some people say it's better to live each day as our last. That way we might start appreciating more things around us. Either that or we would immediately quit our jobs to go live in a yurt.
. . . and I love that. But — there were times when it leaned a bit too much on the babble side and I was thankful for having picked up the audio; if I hadn't, this book probably would've ended up unfinished.
In a summary, I enjoyed Seriously . . . I'm kidding. I didn't love it like I do the lady who wrote it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.(less)
Born in the early 19th century only to die from unknown causes a mere forty years later, Edgar Allan Poe is, undoubtedly, one of the most recognizable...moreBorn in the early 19th century only to die from unknown causes a mere forty years later, Edgar Allan Poe is, undoubtedly, one of the most recognizable and influencial authors of all time. His works have provided the inspiration for many of the stories we enjoy today. And although his life was short, he made a long-lasting impact on the world of English literature. In this auditory collection his fans get to hear several of his stories and poems come to life in a fantastical way. These stories are thrilling, creepy, and macabre. And, when narrated by the skillful Edward Blake as they are in this audio, delectable. And whether you think him a genius, a mad genius, or just plain mad, there is no doubt that Poe had a talent for story telling unlike anyone we'll probably ever meet again.
Below is the list of stories included in this collection according to the order they're given in the audio. I'm giving them individual ratings:
Tell-Tale Heart - 5 stars The Cask of Amontillado - 2 stars The Mask of the Red Death - 4 stars The Raven - 3 stars Annabel Lee - 5 stars The Facts in the Case of M. Vlademar - 3 stars Ulalume: A Ballad - 2 stars A Black Cat - 5 stars (this one is especially creepy) The Bells - 2 stars The Pit and the Pendulum - 3 stars The Fall of the House of Usher - 3 stars The Purloined Letter - 3 stars The Gold Bug - 3 stars
I highly recommend this collection to fans of Poe, or anyone interested in his works. 3.5 stars(less)
Here's what I'd like to know: What made Elizabeth Scott go from Sarah Dessen to Ellen Hopkins and back again? Scott's fourth YA offering, Living Dead...moreHere's what I'd like to know: What made Elizabeth Scott go from Sarah Dessen to Ellen Hopkins and back again? Scott's fourth YA offering, Living Dead Girl, is so far removed from her other works that I'm finding it hard to believe they're even written by the same author. Living Dead Girl is raw and repulsive, whereas all of Scott's other stories are sunshine and butterflies swirling over romantic heads. When an author begins writing, they usually decide what sort of stories they will write most often, what genre they'd like to be best known for. Create a brand for themselves, if you will. I just don't know how Scott could go from this to the fluffy chick-lit stories she writes nowadays.
It is as if Scott just sat down and started typing the most abhorrent story she could think of. Although the discriptions aren't graphic, the reader knows all too well what is happening to Alice, again and again and again. She is starved in order to be kept small, because when Ray took her she was only ten and is now fifteen. She's allowed to weigh no more than 100 pounds and lives off of mostly yogurt and scraps that he occasionally allows her to have. If it weren't for her sneaking and eating food left by people in their apartment's laundry room and other sorts of hideouts, she'd be dead by now. She is raped — both vaginally and orally — multiple times each day. She lives to serve Ray, is seldom allowed to speak and her education ended when she fell into Ray's clutches. That is, her normal education. With Ray she has been taught all sorts of nasty things. As he would have it, they live under the pretense that he is her father, but of course her real parents are long gone. They live at 623 Daisy Lane, and should Alice ever try to escape from her hell on earth, Ray will go to her parents' house and burn it to the ground. The girl whom Ray had before her, Alice (he names all of his children this; the current Alice's real name isn't revealed until the very end), was killed at fifteen and found floating in the river. The Alice of today figures that he'll surely soon tire of her and pick a new little girl, but every time he threatens her life survival instincts kick in and she begs to be allowed to live. Even though she isn't really living, merely existing.
The fact is, with the blunt news stories and knowledge that most people have, it doesn't take a very active imagination to guess at some of the sick things that happen in this world. Therefore I see no point to this story. And it's supposed to be for a teen audience? I'm sorry but, WTF? And I understand that bittersweet absolution is the only form of a happy ending that could work here (view spoiler)[Alice has already begun to show sadistic and masochistic tendencies, and she'd really never be able to live like a normal human and function properly. Still, even though I know it was for the best, I cried knowing that her life had to end after everything she'd been through. (hide spoiler)], but if there could be something to learn, to take, from this story — other than that paranoia isn't a bad thing when it comes to your children and that the word overprotective should never be applied to a careful parent — I'd be more inclinded to see the reasoning behind the creation of a story such as this. But as it stands, other than scarring the reader for life, I don't see the relevance of this story. And I cannot, in good conscience, say that I actually liked this book and its contents. For that reason, I can give it no more than 2.5 stars rounded down to 2.(less)
". . . I think about all my friends, what they done for me. What they do ever day for the white women they waiting on. That pain in Minny's voice. Tr...more". . . I think about all my friends, what they done for me. What they do ever day for the white women they waiting on. That pain in Minny's voice. Treelore dead in the ground. I look down at Baby Girl, who I know, deep down, I can't keep from turning out like her mama. And all of it together roll on top a me. I close my eyes, say the Lord's prayer to myself. But it don't make me feel any better. Law help me but something's gone have to be done."
Note: My opinion on this is very much colored by the fact that I listened to the audio and it is like chocolate for the ears.
The Help is a story told from three woman's perspectives: Aibileen, Minny, and Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan. It is the story of their lives, their struggles, and their attempt to right some of the wrongs that are happening all around them; the ones most people choose to ignore and even partake in. It is about the African-American race and the egregiously awful way they were treated by their employers and the authorites back in the early '60s. It is about one young woman's courageous plan to write a book that could change many lives for the better, or possibly destroy them. It is about speaking out when you are told to shut up; standing up for what you believe in; and, most of all, not being afraid to break out of the mold people see fit for you. It is about life: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.
We all know that The Help is outrageously popular, that it is one of those break-out debuts that are highly acclaimed and usually made into a movie (check, check). With this kind of popularity comes both negative and positive reviews; all of which are very vocal, often more so on the negative side. This along with the fact that the audio is over eighteen hours long and that it is commercial fiction made me just a wee bit hesitant to try it. But I'm glad I did. The Help made me feel joy, sadness, hatred, and hope — sometimes all at once. It is the sort of story that takes patience and a liberal mind to stick with it to the end, but it is well worth it in my opinion. I feel better for having read this story and, love it or hate it, The Help is a story you'll be hearing about for many years to come. 3.5 stars
P.S. Thanks a lot for the recommendation, Flannery. Sorry it took me so long to get to it.(less)
Anne of Green Gables is the story of a young orphaned girl named, you guessed it, Anne. Born in Nova Scotia only to lose both of her parents from the...moreAnne of Green Gables is the story of a young orphaned girl named, you guessed it, Anne. Born in Nova Scotia only to lose both of her parents from the fever at the age of three months, Anne has grown up in many households, never being able to stay in one place for long. As you can imagine, this has left young Anne feeling needy and unwanted. And when siblings Marilla and Matthew decide to adopt a boy to help work on their farm, they never expect to get a girl instead. Naturally, their first instinct is to give her to someone else; but soon after, under the influence of Anne's pleading, they decide that with them is where she shall stay. Read along in this classic as Anne performs in the Christmas concert, shuns the semi-romantic advances of Gilbert Blythe, and accidently gets her one true bosom friend drunk.
I won't lie — it took me a while to get into Anne's story. After all, this is children's literature and, for me, there is very few middle grade and/or children's books worthwhile. But because of some very trusted friends' opinions, I chose to persevere — and I'm so glad I did! Despite the rather slow start, Anne of Green Gables was a very pleasant and enchanting story to behold.
I believe my favorite aspect of this story is Anne's relationship with her stepparent, Matthew. Almost instantaneously, Matthew takes to Anne as if she were his biological daughter; to use Anne's own words, she and Matthew are kindred spirits. I only wish that parent/child relationships were written that way more often in juvenile literature today.
Thin, freckled, and with hair the color of carrots, Anne is ridiculed for her queer looks — but with a bright imagination and fierce determination to be loved and cared for, Anne soon makes many friends. Like most girls her age, Anne is impulsive and high-strung. But she's also high-spirited and enthusiastic for what life has to offer. Even if you're not sold on Anne's character at first, most readers will fall for her by the end, just as I did.
RATING: First half - 2.5 stars; Second half - 4.5 stars. FINAL RATING: 3.5 stars(less)
It's probably fair to say that in all the years of Hitler's reign, no person was able to serve the Führer as loyally as me. A human doesn't have a hea...moreIt's probably fair to say that in all the years of Hitler's reign, no person was able to serve the Führer as loyally as me. A human doesn't have a heart like mine. The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both. Still, they have one thing I envy. Humans, if nothing else, have the good sense to die.
When you decide to write a book, you can never be sure how it will be received. Will people instantly be entraptured by the story your mind has conjured, or will they spit on the cover and rue the day they bought your work? Will any of your books make it on a bestseller list, say, the coveted New York Times? Or, will they end up on a dime store's shelf collecting dust for decades? And, perhaps most importantly, will the words you write touch someone's life at the moment they need it most? Will your story be the balm on a heart that has just been broken? Will a specific sentence from your conscious be the encouragement someone needs to make the toughest decision they've ever had to make? All dedicated readers know that books - stories - are a powerful thing. They're a relatable friend who'll always be there for you: to comfort, to encourage, to strengthen. This line of thought got me wondering if Markus Zusak had any idea of what a colossal impact his words would have on countless lives.
The Book Thief is the story of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old girl whom we shortly see earn her apt epithet. When her adoptive father, Hans Hubermann, begins teaching her how to read, she soon becomes entranced by words and their power. Over the course of several years, Liesel steals many books from the mayor's library as well as other daring locales. Although Liesel now spends her days trying to discourage Rudy Steiner's interest in kissing her and her nights reading with her papa and listening to him play the accordion, her life before Himmel St. wasn't an easy one. And soon The Book Thief's narrator, Death, lets the reader now that this isn't a story with a happy ending. But The Book Thief truly is a story of survival in a corrupt world, finding friends and family in unlikely places, and the eventual peace we all hope to find.
I can't imagine a better book to recommend, to give, to receive - than The Book Thief. Liesel's bravery and Hans' dedication to his daughter and Rudy's longing for just one kiss and Death's inner turmoil over the lives he's compelled to take. . . . I'l always remember these characters and their story. I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. And I even learned a little German! Mostly curse words, but still.
Equally devastating and unforgettable, The Book Thief is rightfully beloved by many and will be remembered long after my lifetime.(less)
Listened to the first disc and I honestly have no inclination to continue. I think I started to fall asleep around the time Bree and Diego started dis...moreListened to the first disc and I honestly have no inclination to continue. I think I started to fall asleep around the time Bree and Diego started disposing of the bodies. And it's not as if I don't already know the conclusion.(less)
Originally I wasn't going to review this (if you're observant then you've probably noticed that I read this back in early April), but I recently decid...moreOriginally I wasn't going to review this (if you're observant then you've probably noticed that I read this back in early April), but I recently decided to watch the latest movie adaptation despite the fact that the book was rather meh for me. What can I say, Ben Barnes naked the movie inspired me.
At the start of the novel Dorian Gray is young and just as gullible as you can imagine. But he's got his whole life ahead of him and the good looks and charm to insure him at least some messure of happiness. But soon, thanks to Lord Henry Wotton, a portrait, and a wish that should never have been made, his life is turned upside down. All of a sudden his life — and his soul — are in a downwards spiral.
I think that, for me, this book's downfall was Lord Henry Wotton. He's so philosophical and opinionated and corrupting that I found him downright dreadful. Lord Henry is kind of like life personified. Just as life can take us from an innocent baby and turn us into something vile and sinful, Lord Henry has much the same affect on Dorian Gray. Even though it is Basil's portrait that initiates everything, it is Lord Henry that sets the terrible events into motion with his corruption and his horribly depressing and pessimistic theories. While many may see Dorian Gray as the villain in this, I see Lord Henry as such.
But if Dorian would've just grown a spine and made his own decisions, not listened to Lord Henry . . . things wouldn't have ended up so terrible for him. That's one of the few things I hate about historical novels. It seems that there are two types of people: role models and protégés. Why? Why couldn't everyone have done their own thing? It's like in Emma when Emma steers Harriet in the entirely wrong direction. If Harriet would've just been her own person, made her own choices, things wouldn't have gotten so out of sorts for her.
I must say that if I hadn't listened to the audio I probably wouldn't have been able to finish this. But the ending Wilde writes is this book's saving grace IMO. It is stunning and unexpected and gave it just enough for me to make this three stars.
All in all this book isn't bad — it is written well, naturally — but if you're interested I'd have to suggest skipping the book and watching the most recent film adaptation. Although I must warn you: it is vastly different from the book — especially when it comes to Dorian's lecherous adventures, and it is rated R for a reason. Delicate people shouldn't hasten to watch it.(less)
Tessa's been battling leukemia since the age of twelve. But now, when Tessa is sixteen, the doctors have told her that further...moreActual rating: 3.5 stars
Tessa's been battling leukemia since the age of twelve. But now, when Tessa is sixteen, the doctors have told her that further treatment is futile and that there isn't much more they can do. Realizing that she'll not be able to do all of the things that normal girls get to, she makes a list of ten things she wants to do before she dies. This list includes everything from sex to driving her father's car without a licence. And even as the novel rushes toward its inevitably sad ending, you can't help but fall for Tessa's character and root for her even as she does the extreme, falls in love, and, ultimately, learns what it's like to really live.
Before I Die is definitely one of the most poignant and riveting novels I've read in a long time. This story is heartbreaking, beautifully written, and absolutely unforgettable. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the reader's emotions to the surface. I think I cried about five times during the last quarter of this.
The thing is, you know from the very beginning that Tessa's going to die. But even though the ending is expected, it still hurts. Over the course of the novel you really grow attached to Tessa's character and want her to live almost as much as she does.
I won't divulge whom Tessa falls in love with, since the summary doesn't, but I will say this: The romance in this is at once beautiful and bittersweet. You want Tessa to have everything she's being denied because of her life being cut short, including a romance. And she has one. But it's hell on the heart of the reader.
Despite the grimness of this story, I do believe that I'll re-read it someday. Not any time soon, of course, but definitely someday.
I suggest to anyone that wants to read this that they wait until they're in the mood for something decidedly emotional and sad.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "When I look at him it feels like fear. His eyes are green and full of shadows. His mouth is beautiful. He leans towards me and I know. I know. It hasn't happened yet, but it's going to. Number eight is love."
(On a side note, You Against Me is Jenny Downham's next novel, set to release September 13 in the US. And if the writing in this is any indication, You Against Me should be amazing.)(less)
"Dark, dark my light, and darker my desire. My soul, like some heat-maddened summer fly, keeps buzzing at the sill. Which I is I?"---Theodore Roethke,...more"Dark, dark my light, and darker my desire. My soul, like some heat-maddened summer fly, keeps buzzing at the sill. Which I is I?"---Theodore Roethke, In A Dark Time
I believe that quote reflects Fire's inner turmoil with her ability quite well.
There's a war on the horizon, and Fire's the last remaining human Monster known to the Dellian people, and so, because of her ability to alter and manipulate minds, she's called to interrogate prisoners by the Dellians' leader, King Nash. But Fire's afraid of becoming like her father; Cansrel was a harsh, sadistic man who cared about no one but his daughter. And Fire isn't willing to trust that she won't end up like him, if in fact she chooses to use her power in such a way that King Nash is asking of her. But with so much at stake, what choice does she have?
Although I wouldn't go straight to saying that Fire's another favorite of mine, I very much enjoyed her character in this. Ms. Cashore has a way of writing her characters, be they male or female, and making them so that you can't help but like them, if not love them. Against all odds, I really liked Fire as a heroine. I say against all odds because, despite her instant appeal to all who encounter her (view spoiler)[and despite the fact that I wasn't crazy to find out that Fire had an intimate relationship with another woman when she was younger. I don't mean any offense to anyone reading this that may be into that sort of thing, or that may be a lesbian themselves, that's just not something that I like in a heroine. (This of course is derived from the fact that I have a little obsession with anything man/male/boy/anyone whom you can apply this symbol to.) (hide spoiler)], a theme that seems to be growing among authors (and one I'm not very fond of), I really liked her character. My interest in her grew over the course of the novel, and by the end I had a great sense of respect and admiration for her.
Brigan has a sort of roguish charm and aloofness about him that makes him seem attractive and fasincating. Brigan's character slowly evolves during the course of the novel, and by the end of Fire you're completely in his snare.
I'd say the most disappointing thing about this novel is its lack of romance. Fire and Brigan don't have nearly enough page time together. But the moments that they did have were enjoyable, however few and far between. It isn't really until the last quarter of Fire when their relationship starts to heat up and become something more than just friends conversing. Initially, Brigan isn't very fond of Fire and all of her Monster glory. But he has good reason: Fire's father, Cansrel, controlled and manipulated Brigan's father, Nax, while he was the king of the Dells. This eventually led to Nax's death. Between this and the fact that Brigan knows the harsh and potentially evil nature all Monsters have, he isn't willing to show Fire any kindness upon first meeting her, let alone fall down in adoration and lust, as most who come into contact with Fire do. But it's actually not very far into the novel before Brigan begins treating Fire with respect and even as if she were a friend or ally of his. This, of course, given Fire's inhuman beauty and allure, isn't exactly the kind of attention Fire is used to getting from men or from anyone, for that matter. But Fire enjoys having someone be kind to her without expecting something more from her. And Brigan's kindness and friendship eventually causes Fire to fall for him. And I think Brigan's eventual declaration of love is done perfectly, and not a moment too soon:
FAVORITE QUOTE: "The moment I began to love you was the moment when you saw your fiddle smashed on the ground. And you turned away from me and cried against your horse. Your saddness is one of the things that makes you beautiful to me, don't you see that?"
See? Ms. Cashore's writting really is amazing. Here's another quote I'd like to share with you:
"We're going to win this war, you know." he said. "Now that our armies are together. But the world doesn't care who wins. It'll go on spinning. No matter how many people are slaughtered tomorrow. No matter if you and I are slaughtered." After a moment, he added, "I almost wish it wouldn't, if we aren't allowed to go on spinning with it."
Fire actually has another love interest in this: Archer. (For those who're not into the love-triangle, like me, you don't have to worry: it's not one of those annoying types of love triangles, it's well played out IMO.) I liked his character a great deal, actually, even though he's a complete rake and may not have his priorities straight, he still came off as likable and a nice edition to the plot. (view spoiler)[And it was very sad when he died. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Fire in her situation. I can't imagine being not only friends but lovers with someone only to have them die after being so close to them for so long. (hide spoiler)] However, I do think more time could've been spent developing Fire and Brigan's relationship, rather than dealing with Fire and Archer's.
One thing about Kristin Cashore, she's not afraid to write about grief and sorrow in her novels. You'll be going along reading and, usually towards the end, she'll drop some sort of unexpected literary bomb on you. (view spoiler)[Besides Archer's death, I thought that Fire losing two of her fingers seemed like a daring thing to write into the story. Much like Po's blindness in Graceling. (hide spoiler)] Most authors seem to stray away from anything they think might offend, anger, or disappoint their readers. Not Ms. Cashore.
A few words on the audio itself:
Xanthe Elbrick, the narrator of Fire, does a rather amazing job of differentiating her own voice from the plethora of characters featured in Fire. This woman is talented, I tell you! She truly deserves an award for her narrative in this. Her talent is definitely of a higher caliber than most in her profession.
Taking everything into consideration I'd have to say that I really liked Fire, albeit not as much as Graceling, and I'm very much looking forward to reading Bitterblue when it releases in September of this year. (It's set to have Po and Katsa in it! *happy dance*)(less)
Born with an ability that is more of a curse than a gift, Katsa's life hasn't been an easy one. Katsa is Graced with the ability to kill. And when an...moreBorn with an ability that is more of a curse than a gift, Katsa's life hasn't been an easy one. Katsa is Graced with the ability to kill. And when an accident causes her to kill a man at the age of eight, she soon realizes what her Grace really is. Upon finding out Katsa's true Grace, King Randa of the Middluns, Katsa's uncle, quickly decides to utilize her morbid abilities rather than kill her for them as most would. Wanting to harness her abilities and control them rather than be ruled by them as she's ruled by the King, Katsa begins to train and practice her skills. Over time she grows more and more in tune with her Grace and soon she becomes King Randa's greatest and most adept fighter. But will these skills do her any good when another, more corrupt king threatens all whom she cares for?
I found Katsa's strong character, independence, and fierce determination to be very admirable. Upon first being introduced to her character, I wasn't sure that I'd like her. But by the end of the novel she managed to become another favorite heroine of mine. (FYI, my list of favorite female characters is very short.) Katsa isn't your average damsel in distress and I was glad to see---for once---that the female was actually the stronger of the two in her relationship with Po. And that Po was more than fine with this fact. It's easy for the romance and relationships to become repetitive and even redundant when you've read 200+ books. But Ms. Cashore surprised me with her talent for writing and her ability to entertain and create fresh characters.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of all the bling Po sports. I kept imagining something like this. (Except younger and with a lot less hair.) Finding out that it was the tradition of his people was a relief. The reason for all of his jewelry wearing ended up being very interesting, though. I found his people's customs and the origins of his jewelry quite intriguing. And the man himself SHOCKED ME. I say this with caps because, in the beginning, much like with Katsa, I wasn't sure I'd like him. At first, all of the jewelry he's described as wearing aside, he just didn't seem like a character I could foresee myself warming up to. It's safe to say I'm warm now. I don't know, it was like the more I read (listened), the more I liked him. Until, finally, I loved him. He's not like a lot of the other leading male characters being written in the YA genre today. He comes off as sort of simple, at first, and then, before you know it, he's found his way into your heart. (view spoiler)[I'm not ashamed to say that I cried when Katsa realized Po was blind. By that point, I was very attached and found of his character. Also, while, thankfully, I'm not blind, I've recently had problems with my eyes. I was kind of shocked that the author would write a development like that with a character so close to the end of the novel. But I commend Ms. Cashore for writing that. It was sad and unexpected but it worked. And it definitely struck a chord with me. (hide spoiler)] Po's special in a simplistic yet complex way. If that makes sense.
The revelations in this novel were all very surprising and well written. Besides the one mentioned in the spoiler above, there were several others that I didn't see coming. (view spoiler)[Katsa's true Grace? Yeah. Didn't foresee that one. I can only imagine how relieving it would be to find out your gift is Survival rather than something as horrible as Killing. (hide spoiler)]
King Leck of Monsea is easily one of the most malevolent, sadistic, and manipulative villains within the YA genre that I've ever come across. Although he's not actually in the story much, he plays a significant role as the villain and I thought he was well written.
Another thing I really liked about Graceling was the ending. It wasn't rushed like with most novels. (view spoiler)[I also liked that, when the time came and it needed to happen, Katsa killed Leck. A lot of authors seem to draw things out and make it so that the villain (if the story has one) is only defeated or killed at the very end. And by this point, obviously, the story is over and you're left with nothing but a rushed ending to an otherwise good story. I'm one of those readers that enjoys it when the author gives the reader a little time to enjoy the characters new found peace and happiness, rather than the ever popular and abrupt endings. (hide spoiler)]
Katsa's reluctent attraction to Po and her irritants and arguments with him were quite intriguing, also. And I loved it that their relationship wasn't rushed and overdone with the whole "soul mates" bit most authors are so found of using today.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "He sat against the tree, his knees bent and his head in his hands. His shoulders slumped. Tired, unhappy. Something tender caught in her breath at the sight of him. And then he raised his eyes and looked at her, and she saw what she had not seen before. She gasped. His eyes were beautiful. His face was beautiful to her in every way, and his shoulders and hands. And his arms that hung over his knees, and his chest that was not moving, because he held his breath as he watched her. And the heart in his chest. This friend. How had she not seen this before? How had she not seen him? She was blind. And then tears choked her eyes, for she had not asked for this. She had not asked for this beautiful man before her, with something hopeful in his eyes that she did not want."
Graceling is the perfect mix of action, suspense, sensuality, and it is one of the most of intriguing and fatastically written fantasy worlds I've ever had the pleasure of reading about----or, in this case, listening to.
Bottom line: If you've not yet read Graceling, I suggest you rectify that immediately. And if you have, please give the audio version a try. You won't be disappointed. (I'm talking to you, Flannery.)(less)
Note: This is a review for the audio version of Water for Elephants. So I'll be incorporating my thoughts on the novel itself as well as the quality o...moreNote: This is a review for the audio version of Water for Elephants. So I'll be incorporating my thoughts on the novel itself as well as the quality of the audio.
"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent."--- Theodor Seuss Geisel, Horton Hatches the Egg
That is the quote at the opening of Water for Elephants. And it couldn't be more fitting.
The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth may very well not have been what its name proclaimed it to be, but Water for Elephants has easily been one of the most spectacular novels I've read since I began reading regularly over two years ago. Water for Elephants is a pure pleasure from the prologue to the final chapter.
Gruen's writing is fabulously descriptive without ever becoming sluggish or superfluous. She always gives you just enough so that you can imagine the scene of which she's depicting perfectly. So much so that it's as if there's a little cinema in your head, and playing on the screen is a vastly engrossing story with characters you can't help but fall for. Especially the lead.
Jacob Jankowski is undeniably one of the most charming and compelling characters I've ever come across in any genre. He's so intrinsically innocent that I liked him almost instantaneously. I couldn't decided which version I liked more: the old Jacob or the young. And John Randolph Jones' narrative only adds to the appeal. His voice was absolutely perfect for the role as the ninety-something-year-old Jacob. David Ledoux does the voice of the younger Jacob, and I thought he did a wonderful job, also. He's one of those narrators that changes their voice when another character is talking so that it doesn't become confusing. And I like that.
I really liked the side characters, also. I have to say that I have a great amount of respect for Marlena's character. She married the wrong man, and now she has to live with the consequences. But I don't think that most women would be so upstanding or resistant to the temptation of having an affair if they were in her position. (view spoiler)[Marlena's basically in a mentally abusive relationship. One where she's scared to say or do the wrong thing; always fearing August will lose it at the slightest provocation. So I really admired her character for sticking it out for so long. (hide spoiler)] Walter (or Kinko, depending on if you're his friend or not), a dwarf, was an interesting addition to the story. He starts out as a sort of foe to Jacob, but eventually ends up being a dear friend. (view spoiler)[And it was too bad what happened to him and Camel. Makes you hate Uncle Al. But at least Uncle Al got what was coming to him, in the end. (hide spoiler)]
The behind-the-scenes look at circuses and how they really operate was probably one of my favorite parts of this novel. You get to see how things really are; everything from redlighting (throwing circus workers off the train while it's moving in order to avoid paying their wages or for some other ridiculous reason) to animal abuse. You see that it's not all fun and games behind-the-scenes.
FAVORITE QUOTES (The first two come from the older Jacob and the second two are from his younger days, obviously):
"Sometimes I think that if I had to choose between an ear of corn or making love to a woman, I'd choose the corn. Not that I wouldn't love to have a final roll in the hay---I am a man yet, and some things never die---but the thought of those sweet kernels bursting between my teeth sure sets my mouth to watering. It's fantasy, I know that. Neither will happen. I just like to weigh the options, as though I were standing in front of Solomon: a final roll in the hay or an ear of corn. What a wonderful dilemma."
"I close my eyes and reach for the far corners of my mind. They're no longer clearly defined. My brain is like a universe whose gases get thinner and thinner at the edges. But it doesn't dissolve into nothingness. I can sense something out there, just beyond my grasp, hovering, waiting---and God help me if I'm not skidding toward it again, mouth open wide."
"I open the orangutan's door and set a pan of fruits, vegetables, and nuts on the floor. As I close it, her long arm reaches through the bars. She points at an orange in another pan. "That? You want that?" She continues to point, blinking at me with close-set eyes. Her features are concave, her face a wide platter fringed with red hair. She's the most outrageous and beautiful thing I've ever seen. "Here," I say, handing her the orange. "You can have it." She takes it and sets it on the floor. Then she reaches out again. After several seconds of serious misgivings, I hold out my hand. She wraps her long fingers around it, then lets go. She sits on her haunches and peels her orange. I stare in amazement. She was thanking me."
"We lean against the wall in silence, still holding hands. After about an hour she falls asleep, sliding down until her head rests on my shoulder. I remain awake, every fiber of my body aware of her proximity."
The ending of this has to be one of the best endings I've ever read. It was absolutely perfect for this story.
I enjoyed Water for Elephants so much that I'll be reading it again in print sometime before the end of 2011. Most likely this summer.
Water for Elephants is a wonderfully entertaining and well-written story that I think everyone should read at least once. But if you're one who sometimes enjoys a good audiobook and you've already read this, please, try the audio version sometime.(less)
". . . Without knowledge that life can be different, there can be no desire to change it."
In the land of Quill, all thirteen-year-olds are sent to th...more". . . Without knowledge that life can be different, there can be no desire to change it."
In the land of Quill, all thirteen-year-olds are sent to the annual Purge where they will be divided into Wanted and Unwanted. For twin brothers Alex and Aaron, this day is especially daunting as they are both now thirteen and reluctant to separate. Or at least Alex is and would like to believe his brother reciprocates this sentiment. On the day of the Purge Alex is unsurprisingly categorized as Unwanted and his brother Aaron is chosen as a Wanted. Feeling scared and helpless, Alex goes off to meet his death along with his fellow Unwanteds. But when he arrives at the Death Farmer's doorstep, he is surprised to find a land where magic and creativity thrive. Animated origami dragons; giant talking tortoises; and a montrous, winged cheetah named Simber are just a few of the many astonishing creatures that can be found in Artime. Still, when the Unwanteds arrive in Artime they expect to be executed momentarily. But instead all of the children are quickly assured by Mr. Today that this shall not be their fate. Known to the people of Quill as the "Death Farmer," Mr. Today has spent many years perfecting Artime and making it a safe haven for the Unwanteds. As you can imagine, this revelation is as surprising as it is a saving grace for the kids. But if any members of the Quilitary found out of their rebellion, it would mean a sure death for all involved. This, of course, means that neither Alex nor any of the other Unwanteds are allowed to contact anyone — friends, relatives, authorities — in Quill. Although sad at the prospect of never seeing his brother again, with his friends supporting him, Alex moves into Artime and begins a whole new life.
Kirkus Reviews hails The Unwanteds as "the Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." After having read it myself, I must agree. This is not to say that I believe McMann is attempting to subtly copy the two bestselling series as a means to gain more attention for her fledgling series. No, I believe that she has — whether knowingly or not, I won't speculate — taken some of the very best aspects of each series and used them as the underpinning for a new middle-grade dystopian fantasy series that will surely gain many fans.
The Unwanteds turned out to be a rather pleasant surprise for me. Despite my having enjoyed some of McMann's earlier works, I somehow felt that her voyage into the dystopian genre wouldn't turn out to my liking, thus making my expectations low going in. Luckily for me, I was wrong. Albeit lacking a little in the personality department, the characters are fresh and full of potential. I can see them growing and coming into themselves as the series progresses. For being so young, Lani — Alex's new friend/potential love interest — hasn't had an easy life. Having her father, Quill's mayor, pull strings to get her into the Purge at the premature age of twelve in order to be rid of her (view spoiler)[(or so she believes) (hide spoiler)] has left her with only feelings of resentment and hatred for her father. But when she begins learning the art of magic — and the magic of art — she soon excels and finds new friends and a sense of belonging in Artime. With the head of an alligator and the appendages of an octopus, Alex's art teacher, Ms. Octavia, is rather startling at first. But soon she teaches him all the tricks of the artist's trade. In Artime's school, Alex learns everything from how to use paper clips as a potentially lethal weapon to turning flowers into music boxes.
I'll freely admit that, had The Unwanteds been more dystopian than fantasy, I'd probably not have enjoyed it nearly as much. The majority of the story is set in the beautiful and magical world of Artime, and so it doesn't have the bleak and depressing atmosphere of some dystopias. It is for these reasons that I'll be eagerly awaiting the release of its sequel due out next September, Island of Silence. 3.5 stars
P.S. If you're interested in The Unwanteds, may I suggest the audio verison? I believe Simon Jones's narrative adds an extra-special something to the story.(less)
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