I read this book for a class. It is about a man who goes into the Congo to retrieve a "rogue employee". The book is a story within a story and it is h...moreI read this book for a class. It is about a man who goes into the Congo to retrieve a "rogue employee". The book is a story within a story and it is hard to remember that fact sometimes. The story works well on building up suspense. Also, you have this image of Kurtz in your head long before we every even witness him in the narrative. It is not my favorite book, but I recommend it simply because it is so well constructed.(less)
It is what the titles says; Sense and Sensiblity, and Sea Monsters. When I read Jane Austen's book, it never crossed my mind that it would be more int...moreIt is what the titles says; Sense and Sensiblity, and Sea Monsters. When I read Jane Austen's book, it never crossed my mind that it would be more interesting if it had sea monsters. It turns simple fiction into a fun and entertaining scifi thriller of sorts. It may not be a classic but the changes made work seamlessly together. It shows how you can rework a story and make it your own-sort of. Jane Austen fans might like it for light reading on a long flight. (less)
I love this book. It is about a girl named Jilly Coppercorn whose past demons manifest themselves in a magical world you can only visit in your dreams...moreI love this book. It is about a girl named Jilly Coppercorn whose past demons manifest themselves in a magical world you can only visit in your dreams. You are up to your knees in folklore the minute you step into the book. Somehow De Lint brings myths from various culture to life in a way that is believablt and different from everything I have read from both this author and others. I have read several other books that center around Jilly, but this one really takes you deep in her past and brings you face to face with her personal demons, literally. I recommend this book for anyone.(less)
This book is funny and entertaining. Set in 1980's Dublin, the twenty year old daughter of a working class family gets pregnant and shenanigans ensue....moreThis book is funny and entertaining. Set in 1980's Dublin, the twenty year old daughter of a working class family gets pregnant and shenanigans ensue. Out of Doyle's books, this one is my favorite. I love that the family rallies around her and the use of language. Spellings like “Jaysis” make me laugh, and I learned a lot about writing in mostly dialogue and hope to use it to make my own more fluid. I recommend this book to anyone who likes dark comedy.(less)
I enjoyed this book. Tithe is about a girl who is a modern day gypsy, who is forced to settle once more in her home town where her grandmother lives....moreI enjoyed this book. Tithe is about a girl who is a modern day gypsy, who is forced to settle once more in her home town where her grandmother lives. There she meets up with her old "imaginary" faerie friends is unwittingly made a pawn in a major faerie conspiracy. Tithe is gritty and a bit too adult for teen lit. I found it an easy, light read. The sex, drugs and rock and roll gave a bit of an edge to the usual tone of fantasy. Somehow, Black still manages to keep a poetic style, with lots of imagery. I just love the way this women writes; it is fun, lovely, and easy enough to follow.
I do not recommend this book for young ADULTS- Seriously, who labeled this book. I suggest seventeen and up.
I learned, from a writing standpoint, that you need to know how to pick your audience your marketing to. No fourteen year old wants to read about alcohol, drugs and sex.(less)
I adore this book. It is about a woman looking for real love in a time where all that mattered was marrying rich. The opening line of this book- "It i...moreI adore this book. It is about a woman looking for real love in a time where all that mattered was marrying rich. The opening line of this book- "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."- is, in my opinion one of the best opening lines in literature. Jane Austen is witty and descriptive. The character development for Elizabeth is fantastic and it is empowering to female kind that she sticks to her principles. Both those aspects are something I learned from the book. I recommend this book to anyone.(less)
Bilbo Baggins lived a peaceful life in the Shire. Then one day Gandalf the wizard shows up and turns his world upside down. Who could not love this bo...moreBilbo Baggins lived a peaceful life in the Shire. Then one day Gandalf the wizard shows up and turns his world upside down. Who could not love this book? It is easy to read but not dumbed down, so both children and adults can enjoy it. The story is exciting and well paced and there are light bits to keep the mood from getting too dark at any given time. It is a masterpiece.
The book is about a future where women are labelled for different tasks in the repopulation process. Birth rates are way down in the future and they i...moreThe book is about a future where women are labelled for different tasks in the repopulation process. Birth rates are way down in the future and they intend to repopulate in a very systematic way. The book is amazing. I read it for a class dealing with women's captivity narratives and this totally brought the genre to life. She is held captive not just by those keeping her but by society at large. She only sees herself in view of being able to get pregnant and you really feel for the woman the story follow. I hope to write such a successful speculative fiction.(less)
A young girl moves from Earth to the Planet of the Archbuilders in order to start a new life with her family after the lose of her mother. The book is...moreA young girl moves from Earth to the Planet of the Archbuilders in order to start a new life with her family after the lose of her mother. The book is weird. It is not bad, just really strange. I love how ambigous the house deer are and the strange alien race. It is a simple read and entertain. I do not think I learned anything specific from it other than that genres can overlap quite nicely.(less)