Preposterous, silly, flat, annoying, and not-the-least-engaging. In fact, the preceding should be the five factions. I can't finish it. Life's too s...morePreposterous, silly, flat, annoying, and not-the-least-engaging. In fact, the preceding should be the five factions. I can't finish it. Life's too short. The only reason I gave it one extra star is because it's ambitious, and I'm nice. (less)
This is the story of a Welsh 15-year-old girl, Mori, told by way of journal entries. It takes place in 1979 to 1980. Mori loves to read Sci-Fi and is ...moreThis is the story of a Welsh 15-year-old girl, Mori, told by way of journal entries. It takes place in 1979 to 1980. Mori loves to read Sci-Fi and is amazingly insightful and articulate on the subject. Her twin sister is dead, her mother is horrid, and her father committed suicide. She believes in magic and, in fact, is able to see fairies. Are they real or simply the imaginings of a lonely girl with an astute and creative mind? You'll have to read it to find out. I found the book tedious at first having not read many (most) of the books Mori speaks of, but I kept reading because I truly enjoyed the clear view into this child's way of thinking. She is extremely intelligent and engaging. Her life at boarding school is a lonely one, but she is never bored. Observant, studious, and able to "leave" her world whenever she has time by reading fantastical stories.
The plot is a hodge-podge of sub-plots, but gains some cohesiveness in the second half of the book, when Mori joins a book club and meets a very special person. The story builds to a rousing ending, the excitement and emotional power of which was non-existent throughout the book, so the powerful climax felt as if it had arrived at too quickly and with too much strength, which felt unbalanced when viewing the book as a whole.
Many questions raised were not answered. What was her mother's motivation for the evil things she did? Why was her biological father, whom she meets for the first time in the story, so enthralled with and controlled by his sisters, Mori's aunts. Who were they really?
Aside from this frustration and never finding out more about these dangling sub-plots, I did enjoy the book very much. I just wish the ending lasted longer and I knew more about the supporting characters who were interesting but never fully realized.(less)
Mark Twain said it best, "Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." This is a voluminous reference book of non-believers throughout hi...moreMark Twain said it best, "Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." This is a voluminous reference book of non-believers throughout history. Fascinating quick-session reading. I'm an atheist, but on the slim chance I'm wrong, it's nice to know that once I descend to the flaming depths, I'll have eternity to engage in stimulating conversations (in between torture sessions) with all the free-thinkers. (less)
A lovely story artfully told. Cambria Hebert unwinds this simple tale in such a way that each turn of events comes at the perfect goose-bumpy moment. ...moreA lovely story artfully told. Cambria Hebert unwinds this simple tale in such a way that each turn of events comes at the perfect goose-bumpy moment. Grace is a perceptive woman, intelligent, and very open minded. She adapts immediately to most unusual circumstances, and her life-saving resourcefulness gave me a nice little ah-ha! moment once her motivation became clear. I'd like to talk about the male protagonist, but I won't risk ruining one of the more satisfying reveals in the story.
This is a little gem written "in voice" with economical, evocative prose, rich with sense-feel, and perfectly paced.
Not only does this book benefit an extremely important cause, the stories will evoke the widest range of emotions. In fact, I just finished reading o...moreNot only does this book benefit an extremely important cause, the stories will evoke the widest range of emotions. In fact, I just finished reading one that made me cry (hint: Boy and Dog). I plan to light a fire on Christmas Eve and read my favorites aloud to my family and friends. What a great gift! And now - I'm off to buy a few more copies.(less)
Though I'm an atheist, I'm also far too Jewish in my deep-down-DNA to continue reading. As it is, I have nightmares. Had I been there, despite my be...moreThough I'm an atheist, I'm also far too Jewish in my deep-down-DNA to continue reading. As it is, I have nightmares. Had I been there, despite my beliefs, I'd have been frog-marched out of my home too. This book gets at least five stars' worth of sorrow. (less)
Lestat rocked hard, no question, but this second installment didn't change my paradigm like the first one did, which inspired deep thought - even phil...moreLestat rocked hard, no question, but this second installment didn't change my paradigm like the first one did, which inspired deep thought - even philosophizing - and asked more compelling questions, such as, what is the value of life when one cannot die? This one worked beautifully as an absorbing story, and I remember reading it voraciously. I just can't rate it as high as the first.
Also, it's possible I subtracted one star because seeing this book in movie form dulled my opinion of the book in retrospect, which might not be fair, but there you have it.
Tom Cruise could never deliver as sharp a bite as the literary Lestat. I mean it was Tom Cruise, for God's sake. (less)
The best depiction of immortal's guilt I've ever read about, and in the past ten years there have been many vampire books with the same theme. For me,...moreThe best depiction of immortal's guilt I've ever read about, and in the past ten years there have been many vampire books with the same theme. For me, beautiful Louis has become the standard by which all brooding vamps are measured, and few measure up. Also, the blasphemy of turning a child was both chilling and unique in its day. I believe that without Ann Rice there would be no Sookie Stackhouse (whom I love, even though she both spells and pronounces our name incorrectly). (less)
I love Kvoth, his humility, story-telling ability, genius, talent, etc. etc. The story he tells to Chronicler unwinds at a good pace, most of the tim...moreI love Kvoth, his humility, story-telling ability, genius, talent, etc. etc. The story he tells to Chronicler unwinds at a good pace, most of the time, but the emotional rhythm of the first-person narrative did become a bit predictable. For example, when Kvoth is heading toward humiliation or pain, it is preceded by an expectation of victory and joy. When Kvoth was headed toward a glorious outcome, it was preceded by a state of defeat, sadness, longing. These were conscious manipulations by Mr. Rothfuss and worked well, for about two-thirds of the book, but by the end, I was able to predict the denouement, which dulled the excitement of the story, just a bit. That being said, I highly recommend this to anyone who isn't quite sure they like this genre. I personally don't, but I enjoyed this because it had very few battles and virtually no difficult politics to follow. It was just a great story, well told, and beautifully paced. (less)
Eh. I don't usually read erotica because I can't stand bad writing, and every sample I've ever read that was not suitable for children was badly writt...moreEh. I don't usually read erotica because I can't stand bad writing, and every sample I've ever read that was not suitable for children was badly written. This is a collection of short stories, each with a sexual theme. Anais Nin's writing is superb, but I gave this a 3 because the stories were all basically the same . . . beautiful sensitive damaged woman meets virile handsome devil and they spend a minimum of three days consorting, contorting, and sweating. While the characterization is richly textured, the story lines were shallow and gratuitous. Anais Nin wrote this to entertain a male benefactor, and I'm sure she succeeded in that account. Though it fell flat from a story standpoint, I was impressed with the intelligence and emotional range in the face of such a limited theme. (less)
I still go back and read this now and then. It always moves me. Imagine being a lost and lonely baby bat adopted by a lovely bird-mommy. Imagine sleep...moreI still go back and read this now and then. It always moves me. Imagine being a lost and lonely baby bat adopted by a lovely bird-mommy. Imagine sleeping upside-down while your siblings snuggle in their nest. This is a story about embracing each others differences, a vital lesson for all children to learn. (less)
Unrelenting darkness, despair, and hopelessness. How could I give this five stars? Because it tore me up. It made me feverish with desire for the ti...moreUnrelenting darkness, despair, and hopelessness. How could I give this five stars? Because it tore me up. It made me feverish with desire for the tiniest speck of hope - right along with the characters. I felt them completely, and that translates to a profoundly engaging experience. Most importantly, it made me love our beautiful planet with a depth I've never known. If you're not prone to depression, I highly recommend this inexorably bleak, horrifically moving novel.(less)
Nope, didn't like it. In fact, I couldn't finish it. I got to the latter half of the book and still had no idea where he was going with the story. ...moreNope, didn't like it. In fact, I couldn't finish it. I got to the latter half of the book and still had no idea where he was going with the story. The main character, Shadow, is emotionally distant and under-reactive. I was annoyed several times in the novel where Shadow finds himself in situations of utmost importance to his quest. He is presented with the possibility to ask questions, but he doesn't ask the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS! It made no sense from this character's point of view, and all I can figure is that this was a contrivance on Mr. Gaiman's part to save the relevant information for a dramatic "reveal" later on. It left me feeling like Shadow was either a) dull-witted or b) didn't really care about his mission regarding his wife and what she wants. Those who read it will know what I mean - think gold coin, casket, and Old Sweeney. He could have asked!!
While Gaiman has a way with description and he certainly is a twisted, tripped out dude, I felt manipulated from the get-go and thoroughly underwhelmed.
The story opens with line, “Lola, get your suit on and hel...moreThis review is posted at Word! from Cyber-Chicago for the Invisible Blog Tour!
The story opens with line, “Lola, get your suit on and help supervise the pool.” This simple instruction from Lola’s fellow camp counselor sets in motion a series of events that are both wondrous and heartbreaking.
Lola Savullo, overweight and “freakishly tall” has never been seen in a bathing suit in her three summers working at Inglewood Day Camp. She has no choice. She wraps a towel around her thick waist and braces herself to face the stares of campers and counselors alike. All she wants at that moment of supreme embarrassment is to be invisible. Then something miraculous happens. She gets her wish. Shocked and disoriented, Lola realizes that she has indeed vanished!
Lola’s story is told with sensitivity to anyone who has felt like an outcast, wished to be as pretty, popular, and confident as those around them. The teen years are defined by a need for learning who we truly are. We do this by the process of comparison. How do I measure up to everyone else, where do I fit in, why am I different, and perhaps most importantly, how do people see me? For some, the answer is clear. They see disgust in people’s eyes. Ppeople turn away. Worst of all, they see the need that some people have to inflict pain. They conclude – if that is how people see me, then I’d rather not be seen at all. One can’t help but be moved by Lola’s literal expression of that commonly felt desire.
Even so, Lola’s story is anything but depressing. In the first couple of pages, we see sparks of moxie as she lifts her chin and strides into the sunshine, hairy legs, bulging belly and all. There is a suggestion of inner strength, which Lola taps as her story progresses. Her strength is fortified by her relationship with her grandmother who accepts Lola unconditionally and provides the anchor she needs. That connection is even more poignant when seen in the light of Lola’s immediate family – her pretty, petite mother, her slim, good-looking father, and her beauty-obsessed sister, none of whom know the real Lola. It isn’t their fault. Lola has never trusted them enough to open up and reveal herself. Her grandmother offers the richest, most fulfilling relationship in Lola’s life.
Lola’s best and only friend is a girl named Charlie. Plagued by bullies, Lola and Charlie devise a plan to utilize Lola’s talent against them. This conflict presents Lola with important moral choices, each of which propels her down a path of self-discovery.
I recommend Invisible to anyone who has ever wished they could simply disappear – in other words, anyone who is or has ever been a kid.(less)
I didn't technically read this but listened to it in the car while driving home. I got so lost in the story, I got lost in the real world too. When I...moreI didn't technically read this but listened to it in the car while driving home. I got so lost in the story, I got lost in the real world too. When I looked around, I'd driven 45 minutes past my house, so yeah, it's a great story written in a smooth, formal prose and thoroughly engaging. If you're in the car, just remember to pay attention to your surroundings every now and then.(less)
Loading...
