This is my equal favourite book of all time (tied with Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray) these are excellent companion books based on theme,...moreThis is my equal favourite book of all time (tied with Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray) these are excellent companion books based on theme, and offer the most pertinent moral lessons for myself, as I am prone to be like the characters, alas! Unfortunately I am too much like Becky Sharp of Vanity Fair, and a little too like Anthony Patch from the Beautiful and Damned.
One of my great disappointments in life is that Fitzgerald's other novels, especially The Great Gatsby, perennially grace lists such as the Top 100 Books of All Time!
I was spellbound from the first page, when I first picked up this novel in 1998, from that opening quote "the victor belongs to the spoils", that's right folks, not 'to the victor goes the spoils' but the victor belongs to the spoils... a dire warning against materialism! I felt chills. Its true. Even now. This book gives me the chills.
Its good therapy for me to read this book again every few years, but I beg you, read it at least once in your life!
I think this book deserves more than the 2 stars I gave it, that is often the peril of writing a brilliant book that is not enjoyable. I knew the whol...moreI think this book deserves more than the 2 stars I gave it, that is often the peril of writing a brilliant book that is not enjoyable. I knew the whole time I was reading this, that it is both intelligent and artistic, but not the book I'd hoped for.
The fascinating quirks and gifts of the many characters on various points of the autism spectrum were, for me, the highlight.
But Jack and Cherry were both characters that I disliked for large portions of my time spent reading and thinking about the book.
I also struggled through the many pages of revolting description of insects, trout, trout fishing, and the foods that trout eat... even though I knew the act of combining this wealth of knowledge with the story at hand was a great piece of intellectual artistry. It was as laborious for me as reading the adult not children's edition of Moby Dick with all the whale descriptions when you are screaming 'give me the plot!'.
I can only hope this book finds its niche of readers who will lovingly adore it.(less)
Unfortunately I am very disappointed by this book which reads like an almost 300 page traffic report... truly... an account of who visited whom, at wh...moreUnfortunately I am very disappointed by this book which reads like an almost 300 page traffic report... truly... an account of who visited whom, at which palace, who joined and left the party, who was absent, where the different people went to when the party dismantled... very dull.
The excerpts from diaries and letters are tiny snippets that have not been used well and do not liven up what is mostly a history of the never ending movements of the various royal families of Europe.
Many of the paragraphs contain sentences that have no relation to each other, many times I thought a good point or interesting piece of information was about to be divulged only to find the next sentence was on a completely different subject! For example a paragraph which told of Xenia growing alarmingly thin and of the family concern for her... is finished by saying a certain person visited her.... one thinks ah, here comes an opinion by this person on Xenia's health or a revelation of fact... but no... the authors simply wanted to tell us this person visited... it had nothing to do with the rest of the paragraph at all!
I am a frequent reader of non fiction and history books, I am accustomed to reading even the most difficult of this genre, and can say that this is not a difficult read (except for the obstacle of boredom), its just not a very interesting one. A shame since I think the Imperial family had fascinating lives.(less)
The perfect representation of life with a difficult but lovable pet. I can entirely relate to the rollercoaster of emotions whereby we both love and d...moreThe perfect representation of life with a difficult but lovable pet. I can entirely relate to the rollercoaster of emotions whereby we both love and dread our pet and at the end of the day wouldn't live without him. There is something incredibly enriching about sharing life with a family member of the pet variety. I chose to read this book now as I have a very elderly pet, he is a difficult old man and the years of raising him, sharing a home with him, and now nursing him are taking a strong toll on our will to endure, but I know that I dread the day he is no longer with us even though there will be a paradoxical sense of relief. He is just such an integral part of my life, I am soaking up every minute with him, showering him with love for as long as I can. When it is time and my boy leaves us, in my heartbreak I will know I am not alone, the world over there are people who have loved and lost a pet and it is a beautiful thing to have an example of this at my fingertips. (less)
If you're looking for the perfect book about arm condoms, turkey shit-offs, and cleaning deer - this is it. Even if you are not aware that you are loo...moreIf you're looking for the perfect book about arm condoms, turkey shit-offs, and cleaning deer - this is it. Even if you are not aware that you are looking for such a book - this is it. If you see it in a book shop and you are wondering whether it is the book for you (or not) don't put it back on the shelf without memorising the cover. Look now. Look at that mouse. Can you even say 'not today' to that mouse? If you don't find the mouse totally charming you probably aren't creative (and strange) enough to enjoy this book the way it deserves to be savoured and enjoyed.
Now be prepared, there are some unexpected side effects from reading this book.
1. I hurt myself laughing. Seriously, one of my floating ribs is poking into my skin. I have a lump. It hurts. This probably won't happen to you, since I have bad spinal curvature and puny bones to begin with. You could hurt yourself though if you drink hot tea while reading, or you might laugh so hard you spray hot tea on your companion. Or you might choke if like me you sometimes snack while reading. You might fall off the bed and roll around laughing even while you curse. You could get hurt.
2. I'd like the statistics on the number of people who had to stop to go take a crap in the middle of reading "The Psychopath on the Other Side of the Bathroom Door".
3. You will probably look up several really weird things you never thought of googling before, and we are blaming the author for the spike in searches involving horse enemas and water squirrels.
4. The tragic childhood loss of your beloved pet will seem less tragic in comparison to what has happened and can happen to other pets making your story just a little ho hum.
5. You might feel liberated enough to laugh as a first response to the awful, terrible, things that happen in your daily life and start planning how they will fit into your memoir.(less)
I am both completely fascinated and profoundly saddened by the character Mr Stephens. Here is a man who be...moreLife through the eyes of an aging butler...
I am both completely fascinated and profoundly saddened by the character Mr Stephens. Here is a man who belongs nowhere... he is unable to relate to his common man, has no idea of the lives and concerns of his working class countrymen, but was never comfortable discussing the high ideals and politics of the men he served with such incredible devotion. With a lonely retirement looming over his head, he is considered somewhat of an oddity or a relic by his new American master, while his beloved former master is considered a notorious traitor.
Many of his hopes and regrets are focused on Miss Kenton, and yet one feels his life and their relationship could not have taken any other course... unless it was simply frozen in that golden age he looks back upon so often.
As for the work of a butler... housework has never seemed so interesting and important before, and the narrative is compelling.
This book is so good, that it was able to win me back after I started reading it under the misconception that it was historic fiction - its not, its l...moreThis book is so good, that it was able to win me back after I started reading it under the misconception that it was historic fiction - its not, its literature, and its excellent. I screamed when I read that Agnes was "watching TV".... illusion shattered I was not sure I wanted to go on. I got over it. It was a delight to read such a riveting story, simply and skilfully told, and the characters of Chartres with their foibles and quirks won me over.
I was touched by the story of Agnes, a foundling raised by nuns, then sent to a mental institution and was compelled to find out how Agnes of the past became Agnes of the present who spends her days cleaning for the folks of Chartres, home of Notre Dame cathedral in France.
With the past rapidly catching up to her, I was so worried for beautiful, gentle soul Agnes that I read, and read, and read... I had to know if she would have a tragic end, or a second chance at happiness in life. I'm not telling which fate she was dealt, but I thought the story was brought very skilfully to a conclusion - many writers would be tempted to have all the characters converging in the one place at the one time for climax, and it was much more natural the way it was written. I'm very, very happy with this book.(less)
Susan Higginbotham writes excellent historic fiction with a talent for finding interesting figures who have not been endlessly written about and then...moreSusan Higginbotham writes excellent historic fiction with a talent for finding interesting figures who have not been endlessly written about and then treats them and her readers with the dignity they deserve. As a reader of this genre, I'd rather not be treated like I've just wandered in by accident from the Mills & Boon section of the bookstore and have the story handled in a tawdry and histrionic fashion in order to titillate me. I like and trust Susan Higginbotham because she trusts and respects me to think for myself, and to understand and accept a story that is handled maturely and steadily.
I loved being able to compare and contrast the characters of Jane Dudley and Frances Grey, and also their husbands John Dudley and Harry Grey, and I very much enjoyed the inclusion of some study or book club questions in this edition so that I could put my thoughts in order even more. (less)
An absolute triumph of the personal over the impersonal. What an amazing thing to witness the enduring love of this family in spite of the most terrib...moreAn absolute triumph of the personal over the impersonal. What an amazing thing to witness the enduring love of this family in spite of the most terrible pressures and trials. In the face of the systematic efforts of the communist government to dissolve kinship and loyalty between the citizens of China, this family refused to denounce one another, and even after imprisonment, would undertake the most grueling journeys to visit and care for each other. I am forever inspired by and in love with these beautiful souls.
I cannot recommend this book more highly, I think it would be beneficial to every soul.(less)
**spoiler alert** Wow, what to say? This was a seemingly very ordinary book, a piece of literature, then, rather late in the piece it became an outrig...more**spoiler alert** Wow, what to say? This was a seemingly very ordinary book, a piece of literature, then, rather late in the piece it became an outright horror. It could have remained a good piece of literature if the family secret angle had been developed more and the horror left out of it completely... on the other hand, as ridiculous as the diversion was, it was a chilling piece of horror, and I commend the author for not taking it to horror movie lengths - I mean, if it were a movie, ghost Valentina might have done in sister Julia so she could take over her body and live again.
I loved reading this, it really reminded me of the kinds of conversations I had with my late, beloved friend who also sadly died of cancer. Before she...moreI loved reading this, it really reminded me of the kinds of conversations I had with my late, beloved friend who also sadly died of cancer. Before she died she lived. She lived beautifully, gracefully, inspirationally with wit and wisdom and humour. I miss her but this has reminded me of the joy of talking to her and I've decided I should still be thinking about her when I read and sharing my progress with her, and I can still learn from her amazing example.
Should you read this book? Well I don't know. Don't read it if you're just going to sit there saying 'get on with it' any time they are talking philosophically about books (which is every page) but if you like to read a book steeped in wisdom that is subtle and has many layers go right ahead.(less)
I love this book, I don't find it ridiculous at all, I find it helps me to understand the toll of dementia on human relationships, and is equally trag...moreI love this book, I don't find it ridiculous at all, I find it helps me to understand the toll of dementia on human relationships, and is equally tragic. A beautifully crafted tale that had me emotionally hooked, and keeps me coming back, I just re-read it for Valentine's Day.
It also gets me feeling fascinated by physics and the possibilities of time and parallel planes/dimensions, the extent of fate and free will, the flexibility of our future... very topical for me as a spiritualist who is often asked to answer questions about the future.
I think I'm bloody relieved to be finished this one. I think its taken me 5-6 months. It had 3 main things that stopped me from wanting to devour it a...moreI think I'm bloody relieved to be finished this one. I think its taken me 5-6 months. It had 3 main things that stopped me from wanting to devour it at my usual cracking pace
1. Far TOO MANY characters. Crammed into every page too, like a traffic report where everyone is sitting what everyone is saying... just over the top. Instead of being interesting it bogged it down in too much endless listing through the rota.
2. The only thing on earth that made me want to read this book was that it was about horse racing, I'm a racing fanatic so the story of finding an abused horse near to death and saving it and turning it into a champion attracted me. But over 150 pages into the thing I was still waiting for the actual story to begin.
3. Its a Jilly Cooper novel. I know. Rude of me to list this as a negative since I knew that going in, but I have never read her before and wasn't quite sure of her reputation. The book starts so sweetly and innocently, would make a great family story.... and then the sex scenes start. I don't think they were meant to be ridiculously funny but what else could I do but laugh. Nobody in this book has any dignity! (less)
From impoverished 'orange girl' to stage darling, to King's Mistress... what a journey! 'Nell' Gwyn dodged the family business of whoring, and determi...moreFrom impoverished 'orange girl' to stage darling, to King's Mistress... what a journey! 'Nell' Gwyn dodged the family business of whoring, and determined to earn her own way in the world found a career on the stage that enriched and elevated her, yet eventually became England's most famous mistress while never appearing a hypocrite, or losing her innocence and inner sweetness.
Nell was brought so vividly to life that I laughed, I cried, I jumped for joy, I loved her with all of my light. Was Nell adopted by the author only to be dropped into a vague and distant historic setting? No, her world was as fresh and lively and fascinating as we could desire.
As a herbalist I enjoyed the excerpts and references to old remedies including Culpepper's English Physician, and the author has also given us old timey recipes, play bills, gossip sheets, and King's Council notes to really vary our reading experience and give us various points of view.
I did struggle with the font size, and some of the text placed on grey backgrounds, so would recommend an E Book format for those who have any problems with eyesight, I did find myself wishing I could make the text bigger or darker, but was so rapt with the story that it was worth persisting. (less)
I think there better not be another sequel - I just can't cry any more!!!!
Honestly though reading A Dog's Purpose before I adopted my rescue dog, and...moreI think there better not be another sequel - I just can't cry any more!!!!
Honestly though reading A Dog's Purpose before I adopted my rescue dog, and now a year on reading the sequel has done wonders for my relationship with my dog - to see life through his eyes, and think about how changes in his life might be effecting him emotionally and to build a loving purpose together is so beautiful and precious.
I know both books will be ones that I come back to again and again for a 'refresher dose' of dog's eye view of the world.(less)
This book had such a promising beginning that I was shocked by the difference in the quality of the writing once the characters arrived in France and...moreThis book had such a promising beginning that I was shocked by the difference in the quality of the writing once the characters arrived in France and in company of Margaret of Anjou and Edward of Lancaster. I don't deny the writer the right to depict these characters as abusive and volatile, but it is unfortunate that it could not be done in a more sophisticated way instead of in a histrionic and tawdry manner like an over sensationalised television soap opera. This is the kind of writing that undermines the genre. (less)
This book is as close to perfection as it gets. The voice of Budo, imaginary friend of Max Delaney came through crystal clear in a bewitching blend of...moreThis book is as close to perfection as it gets. The voice of Budo, imaginary friend of Max Delaney came through crystal clear in a bewitching blend of wisdom, wit, innocence, and mystique. I'm astounded by how much can be said when you strip a story back to its bare essentials - there are no excesses, there are no extra words - everything that is written is precisely what is needed and no more. With an uncluttered page and simple sentences there is room for a poignancy that is unmatched in my reading memory.
This is the profound and compelling tale of Budo and his imaginer, Max, who is autistic and in great danger. Budo, who already lives in the perilous world of imaginary friends - one I never realized was so dangerous before - now has the additional demands of figuring out how to save young Max, while exploring what it will cost him to succeed.
Amazing! I will be singing this book's praises for years to come, it is definitely unforgettable. (less)
I couldn't put the adjectival thing down (lol) Honestly I am very glad I decided to read this book, as a child I attended our local primary school whic...moreI couldn't put the adjectival thing down (lol) Honestly I am very glad I decided to read this book, as a child I attended our local primary school which gave Ned Kelly the '10 Minute Treatment' and its no wonder in that situation I had no interest in or empathy for Ned. He was given no redeeming features and stripped of all humanity. Here at last I can understand him and wish him well. This is an essential piece of Australian history made very appealing and in a form that anyone can easily read and enjoy.(less)
It was wonderful to read about Katherine Woodville, a person I have not read about before other than the fact she was married strategically during the...moreIt was wonderful to read about Katherine Woodville, a person I have not read about before other than the fact she was married strategically during the reign of Edward IV. I think both Katherine and Harry have been given clear, engaging, and endearing voices, and I also appreciated having several 'laugh out loud' moments. I knew quite early on when I was reading this that I would look for to read by this author and I am sure I will enjoy my next choice "The Queen of Last Hopes".(less)
OOOOHHHHH its over! My journey through this amazing and inspiring 8 book series, ideal for anyone who loved Little House On The Prairie. I was hooked...moreOOOOHHHHH its over! My journey through this amazing and inspiring 8 book series, ideal for anyone who loved Little House On The Prairie. I was hooked from the very first book. I love the Davis family and many modern families would do well to follow their faithful and loving approach to life and it's trials. These books are perfect for anyone to read to their family, and share together.
Did I say my journey is over? No way, I'll be back. These are books to treasure, to read and re-read.(less)
I took quite a long time to read this book, it is not a difficult book to read, but in the beginning the interest I had in the book was in each of the...moreI took quite a long time to read this book, it is not a difficult book to read, but in the beginning the interest I had in the book was in each of the character's potential as patients for my psychological practice. To put it another way, I found the characters interesting but the plot held no interest. It just goes to show that perseverance can be so rewarding, I reached the point where I was enjoying the unfolding events and suspense and I read the second half of the book at a much faster rate. I think the characters of Nina and Henry really prove that when we set out to lie to others we fool ourselves as much as anyone. There is plenty here to prod, poke, and heartily debate at bookclubs around the world.(less)
I loved this when I read it as a child, and the movies were exciting too, but it is definitely the thought of books that got me up early in the mornin...moreI loved this when I read it as a child, and the movies were exciting too, but it is definitely the thought of books that got me up early in the morning and reading before school, and skipping an evening of television because I had to read my favourites.(less)
I picked up this book based on the mini series with Angelina Jolie in it, and the book has not disappointed me, it had everything I hoped for and more...moreI picked up this book based on the mini series with Angelina Jolie in it, and the book has not disappointed me, it had everything I hoped for and more. All the great historic events pertaining to Texas and the lives of the women who helped found Texan society are vividly portrayed. This is a great read for anyone who is interested in: the history of Texas; feminism and women's liberation; or women's friendship and the family circle.
I have found your runaway author. She was posing as a writer of historic fiction reasonably well except for the hysterically, hila...moreDear Mills And Boon,
I have found your runaway author. She was posing as a writer of historic fiction reasonably well except for the hysterically, hilariously atrocious sentences she used, such as 'he caressed my nether lips'. Please come and collect her.(less)
Classic tear jerking yarn that I had to revisit and will be sure to share with my future children, along with worthy companion books such as Where The...moreClassic tear jerking yarn that I had to revisit and will be sure to share with my future children, along with worthy companion books such as Where The Red Fern Grows and The Yearling, not only do these stories explore the wonderful bond between children and animals but teach a valuable lesson that hard work is not the enemy and is actually essential for survival and success. I love the adventure of being part of a small and scattered wilderness community with the perils of nature part of daily life and the dependence on a close and harmonious family life to survive. (less)
what a wicked family! Writing this would have been tricky. I always find fear, menace, and wickedness to be so much more powerful when controlled inst...morewhat a wicked family! Writing this would have been tricky. I always find fear, menace, and wickedness to be so much more powerful when controlled instead of wildly on display. I find the psychological undercurrents to be much more effective on me than big histrionic scenes, but how do you control these elements when you have characters who were not in control of themselves? In that respect I think the author has done as good a job as anyone could, in fact I can think of a few writers who would not have been able to manage to have any restraint in that manner. (less)
While reading this book I was continually amazed at the degree of poise and control in the writing. The Invisible Bridge is intelligent and sensitive,...moreWhile reading this book I was continually amazed at the degree of poise and control in the writing. The Invisible Bridge is intelligent and sensitive, not sensationalised, but mature and steady. The exploration of love and hope within this tale is food for thought and really distinguish the epic family saga from other works that come out more like a bad soap opera. This is the kind of book, and writing that I will be thinking of for a long time to come, definitely a benchmark for me as a writer.(less)
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