Somehow even though the story is simple (it's never as simple when you have Siamese twins on board a ship with a turtle), the emotions are easily felt...moreSomehow even though the story is simple (it's never as simple when you have Siamese twins on board a ship with a turtle), the emotions are easily felt and you're left with a feeling of loss and happiness at the same time. It's a weird sort of story but it's really touching.(less)
I loved the first part of this book especially the interaction and introduction of the lost Mykene soldier pair (in the first book). Odysseus has alwa...moreI loved the first part of this book especially the interaction and introduction of the lost Mykene soldier pair (in the first book). Odysseus has always been a favorite character of mine and getting to see him in action was really wonderful. Gemmell still has his touch for storytelling but I find that he seems to be delving too much into the personalities of all the characters. Even characters who are introduced briefly in just one chapter would suddenly have you wondering "how important is this character and why was he suddenly killed/where did he disappear to?" It's a bit too big of a melting pot that the reader is confused on his main point. I found the battles in the middle part written a bit "wearily" and they weren't able to catch my attention. But the ending (which was for me should not have been the ending, yet) was written wonderfully and actually made me tear up as I was able to sympathize and care for this character. (less)
IT'S A DECEPTION I TELL YOU!! Underneath the author's name, you would see a TINY FAINT FONT that says Book One of the All Souls Trilogy. If I only kne...moreIT'S A DECEPTION I TELL YOU!! Underneath the author's name, you would see a TINY FAINT FONT that says Book One of the All Souls Trilogy. If I only knew that this was a trilogy and it just came out LAST 2011, I would not have bought it because I have a renowned patience that would match the size of a molecule. Yes, I am impatient and after reading this GOOD BOOK that has every bit of fantasy (in the realms, of witches, vampires and now DAEMONS) that I love, I cannot wait for 2 other books :/ Maybe it's a blessing that the second one's coming out this July (in the US, hopefully we'll get it here in the tropics too) but still. Harry Potter should have taught me how to wait patiently for sequels but I never learned.
This isn't the best novel out there mind you, I had to knock off a star because of pacing and because more than a half of this book concentrates on the romance between Diana and Matthew (le witch and le vampire). It's not that I don't like romance, but I would have wanted to see more action between witches, vamps and daemons so I was wondering why I had reached almost the end of the book but have not yet had my big battle, oh it's because it's like a LOONNG (it's 700+ pages in the paperback) introduction on the two lovers and building up the complex plot. And that it was book one of the trilogy :/ It leaves you hungering for more. As for plot, this has to be one of the refreshing vampire novels out there as of course, it concentrates on Witches. One who is fond of history and science would love this book as it is written by a historian. I loved how it spurts out quotes and describes old illustrations and also you get to see some Old French! I connected with this book because it mentioned so many places that I've been to in France. Terribly underrated places, Lyon, Tours and Poitiers. And my fondness of history is making me consider taking up studies or something in that major. And they both loved books! I LOVE BOOKS GYACK.
I would have wanted more POW in the book, but i understand that Diana cannot control her powers as she's been keeping it all bottled inside, but wait till you see what she's capable of. It kinda makes it TOO GOOD to be true actually. I do love the pairing of Diana and Matthew, it's just it needs to veer away there sometime. Kinda makes it sound like Romeo and Juliet but in an extreme level and a more BRAVE level (well it sure didn't up like Shakespeare's, yet).(less)
Incredible autiobiographical, biographical, historical, fiction... graphic novel! It is difficult to classify this work because unlike Persepolis, thi...moreIncredible autiobiographical, biographical, historical, fiction... graphic novel! It is difficult to classify this work because unlike Persepolis, this wasn't really all about the author but the tales of his father's survival in the Holocaust but it is about the author AT THE SAME TIME. Unlike others, I didn't mind the depiction of Jews as Rats, Germans as Cats and Poles as Pigs. People may call this book racist but it's just a depiction, that's all am thinking (so I hope people don't whine too much about it for pete's sake!) and also it is trying to capture the MEANING and trying to UNDERSTAND why the holocaust happened in the first place, and wasn't it because Hitler didn't think of the Jews as humans? Depicting them as animals is no problem them. I loved the comic style here though even though it was really simple. I loved how Art Spiegelman was able to capture the personalities of his father, his wife and all the conversations are so honest.
This first book though focuses on the life of Art Spiegelman's father BEFORE his time in Auschwitz and I think it's important in understanding his father and Art's own relationship with everybody in the cast. You will understand how his father then survived the concentration camps. This isn't some Anne Frank like mind you because first of all, he is a grown man who have more options and can make huge decisions that can affect both Nazis and Jews. Head on to Book 2 if you want to know what happened in Auschwitz
It is a book that talks about how it was made too. So am giving this definitely 5 stars. I have a fascination for the holocaust and I notice that I always give high ratings for these but they are indeed good books. To me holocaust is like trying to find meaning in life, they just really had a MUCH HARDER TIME.(less)
I'm a sucker for books with animals in their titles or covers (BINGO on this one!) and when I saw that the setting was in a Balkan country I got even...moreI'm a sucker for books with animals in their titles or covers (BINGO on this one!) and when I saw that the setting was in a Balkan country I got even more interested in this book because I'm also a sucker for cultural themed books. I love learning about other places and cultures and that's why I loved The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and books of Murakami because they are just so different from the usual American-ness I ingest in every day life. This made it hard for me to relate with a lot of things though and picturing them in my head. Usually I imagine the people going through their experiences but in this case, I have so little knowledge of Eastern Europe and the Middle East that I have no idea what skin color these people are or even the history! I didn't even know which wars they were talking about if it was the World War 1 or 2 or O_O but I think it must be 2 because the grand daughter knows Bob Dylan (this has to be the 4th book I've read this year mentioning Bob Dylan) . The book mentions that the grandfather here was blonde but there are a lot of mentions about Turkish people, Muslims, Germans and such that I really had no IMAGES for these characters which made it really hard for me to read at first. But the stories... whoah! This book is told in the way grandmothers would so if you're into that thing, you'd be hooked. This book doesn't have a set timeline. I mean it does but it's not continuous as each story jumps and overlaps each other and you have to pause sometimes to think how each are connected. Then I was surprised that this was written by someone who is just 5 years my senior. She writes in the style of Haruki Murakami, Sebold, Martel and Coelho, Marquez who depict real life in such a philosophical and "real" way. In short, this is MAGIC REALISM (oh i love this genre!) This book shocked me a few times and I loved how she tells the story of each character and how they came to be like that. And the mention of death and the personification of him (well sort of anyway, just read it to find out XD) in the deathless man is so fantastic. It's one of the most intriguing storylines here. What appalled me really was the title being the Tiger's Wife. I loved talking about animals but I just didn't see how the Tiger's Wife could have been the main point of every storyline but... I found it in the end. It's really beautiful how she writes these things.
I won't recommend this to those who love a good action-packed storyline (but you'll encounter action here all right, tons of them actually because they're in the midst of war all the time and there are a lot of deaths but you know, no swashbuckling or fancy fights) or fantasy even because you probably, most likely, won't like this. Try reading Murakami or Marquez first and see if that's your sort of thing then read this. I had to knock off a half point (it's really a 4.5 BUT 4 for now) just because my lack of Eastern European knowledge hindered some of my enjoyment in reading the book. :/ And the fact that the fables and storylines were TOO interconnected. Or muddled. No doubt though that this is a creatively crafted book. (less)
I'm still amazed at the beautiful drawings, more like paintings, we have at every chapter. Definitely one of the most beautifully drawn graphic novels...moreI'm still amazed at the beautiful drawings, more like paintings, we have at every chapter. Definitely one of the most beautifully drawn graphic novels in my opinion. I like the dialogue as always, sense of humor is always intact even at the "Apocalypse". Story has progressed much more than the last book and I like the subplots wovening in together. Finally getting a glimpse inside Hero and Beth's head. Can't wait for next book! It's unnerving that I'm only reading this once per year. Hopefully I'll be able to collect books 4 and 5 once I receive my paycheck. PRIORITIZE(less)
I got this book as a gift from a friend because... apparently he had some trouble reading a book about a dog who had the same name as he did so I glad...moreI got this book as a gift from a friend because... apparently he had some trouble reading a book about a dog who had the same name as he did so I gladly accepted it. I never really knew the plot so I had no expectations at all. Little did I know that I would love this book, disregarding my bias with books that either have animals in the titles or covers.
Who knew that a dog could be really smart, or even aspire to be human! I was looking for an easy read and true enough this book had no flowery descriptions or lengthy sonnets or what but this is a philosophical book. Someday I may have to pick up this book again and I would have a different view of life and actually learn something new again. I loved the race car metaphors. I'm not really a sportscar fan or racing fan at all but this book gave me a whole different view of the racing life and now really makes me want to watch the documentary that Mark Kermode has been raving about called Senna. I believe that I have gotten my fill of racing trivias and also a daily dose on what it means to be human. A really emotional and uplifting book that teaches you to never give up. But boy does Denny have IN LAW problems. Had me tearing up in the end. And all this in the point of view of the dog! Great read especially for dog lovers and racing fans. (less)
Actually want to rate this around 3.5 (LOL I NEED MORE STARS!). Auel is back to her beautiful lengthy descriptions and I swear, maybe I could become a...moreActually want to rate this around 3.5 (LOL I NEED MORE STARS!). Auel is back to her beautiful lengthy descriptions and I swear, maybe I could become a flint-maker with the amount of detail she puts in EVERYTHING. This is not a read for those who are impatient with narratives or lengthy descriptions. Not saying this book doesn't have a lot of action because a LOT goes on in this. It just isn't dealt in a fast-paced way because, it isn't that kind of book. Best read by those interested in anthropology and archaeology and also beloved fans of Ayla. You really want to root for this girl because she has suffered so much. The most interesting part in this book for me is the interaction and learning of Ayla regarding the ways of Others. And also how Jondalar deals with how she was brought up by the Clan, which in the eyes of Others are likened to animals because of their lack of language of speech. I liked having 2 parallel storylines together but seriously, I think that the book could be waaayy shorter. Ayla's storyline could be frustrating because she is all alone and her day to day activities are detailed vividly. I did love the introduction of Whinney and Baby but these could be shortened again. And also this is a read for mature readers only!
The only other Murakami book I've read was Kafka on the shore and it was one of the most peculiar but interesting and awesome books I've read. Maybe I...moreThe only other Murakami book I've read was Kafka on the shore and it was one of the most peculiar but interesting and awesome books I've read. Maybe I'm queer or what but I liked it so I was kind of expecting this here. But it was actually quite normal, it was a pretty honest book about the dealings of first love and friendship and a lot of confusion actually. Also by the way, this is a book for mature readers as it deals with the sexual awakenings and explorations of various characters. But like Habibi, everything felt so real and honest.
I thought I'd be put off on how REALIST this book was and how common the writing style was. There were various bits of "I woke up this morning. I ate breakfast." Those kinds of sentences but Murakami did it in such a way that felt like it was just a journal entry or really they were just the thoughts of the person. The story was engaging and you couldn't wait to see how the life of the main character unfolds.
I really liked this book, it'd be a 4.5 in my books :D Every character was interesting and you really wanted to get to know them. Also, this showed an issue that I'm kind of interested of, regarding the suicide issue in Japan and the huge rate of it. You would definitely get to see the different mindset of Japanese teenagers and ponder at the same time, WHY WHY WHY did they do it? I've finished reading it and I still haven't really grasped it, maybe if I read it again. I was just as confused as the main character. I've felt like I've grown after reading this though. Books like these make you reflect and just ponder about your life.
I had high hopes for this (my judge-a-book-by-its-cover principle still works) because I've really been eyeing this series for a long time because I r...moreI had high hopes for this (my judge-a-book-by-its-cover principle still works) because I've really been eyeing this series for a long time because I really liked the cover and the story was interesting. Throw me some myths and legends any time and I'll gobble it up!
After finally reading the first book, I have mixed reviews for this and not sure whether to give it 2.5 or 3. Maybe 2.5. Those familiar with Percy Jackson will find similarities in terms of writing style and plot but with... less likeable main characters. I don't know if it's just me but the twin brother sounds like 1000x more angsty than the angsty teen Harry we get in book 5 so I really wanted to smack the twin brother a lot of times. I adored the supporting characters more especially Scatty, Flamel and even John Dee! The middle part of the book started to pick up and I actually like Scott's action scenes. It was vivid and very creative. The book felt a bit predictable though somewhere in the end and I wish the other books would be better. Now I'm having second thoughts whether to collect this series.
It's still readable! I'd recommend to borrow these instead of buying it but... of course those who love the cover like me can still opt to buy it! :D(less)
I bought this trilogy in my grade school years but after reading the first book, i wasn't really impressed and didn't finish the 2nd and 3rd book. Now...moreI bought this trilogy in my grade school years but after reading the first book, i wasn't really impressed and didn't finish the 2nd and 3rd book. Now after reading it for my fantasy class once more (fudge i read this in just 2 hours speedreading as fast as i could) I appreciated it more. I became more absorbed in the story telling but that feeling of... Not really getting or liking any of the characters is still there. It's not what I would call remarkable and I didn't feel attachment with the characters. I really disliked the first part too. But the story is indeed interesting. I'd still recommend this for first time fantasy young adult readers. Who knows if you'd like it. The Hobbit is still/should be your first fantasy book!(less)
I'm getting the feeling that I felt after reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. Awed. Inspired. Confused. This should be read by mature audiences be...moreI'm getting the feeling that I felt after reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. Awed. Inspired. Confused. This should be read by mature audiences because of the nature and themes of the graphic novel. I wasn't really sure what to expect of Habibi, I was thinking of it in the lines of his first work Blankets, but after just going through the first few pages, I knew that it would be very different. I instantly loved the religious references especially Christianity, Jewish and of course Islam (and beautiful Arabic script) since I'm quite unfamiliar with Islam and it would be nice to explore it. Thompson has really outdone himself and has told a parable about love and I'd also like to think, the extremes and monstrosities of humankind. I can't help remember Gabriel Garcia Marquez as I read this as it is a bit like Magic Realism but I'm not really sure now when Religion comes into play. Also worth noting is the art. It's AMAZING. I can't imagine someone patterning, inking, drawing EVERYTHING such beautiful artwork and how long it must have took and how he must have loved art because the result is breathtaking. It's 700 hundred pages of PURE ART. It was a relief to see around in the end, just a subchapter of texts because really, the lineart was overwhelming but beautiful. I guess I really like this book because of the story really. And how to deal with love. And hurt. (less)
I don't really know how to rate non-fiction books because I hardly read them but I'm giving this 5 stars just because Isaacson was able to deliver as...moreI don't really know how to rate non-fiction books because I hardly read them but I'm giving this 5 stars just because Isaacson was able to deliver as honestly as possible the life of Steve Jobs. I really hope that this was a right depiction but just as Isaacson says, I believe that when Steve has the opportunity to read this, he probably won't like it a lot XD But I think that this is a great read for Jobs fans or Apple fans or simply those who are interested in how Apple/Pixar came to be. It's really one of the most inspirational books I've read in terms of doing business, philosophy etc because you see how human Steve Jobs is, how he's such an asshole at most times, he wasn't even a really good father or husband but he does everything with intensity and passion which made Apple uniquely Apple and Pixar uniquely Pixar. And one starts to question maybe, sometimes you just gotta be an asshole. Just tone it down a bit though.
Really you'll learn about him here especially his early years. It's great to see quotes directly from him and his friends (and of course good to see the rivalry and friendship between him and Bill Gates) and really makes this book so personal. Love the pictures added to this too!
Man, I was so focused on reading this that I even dreamt of meeting Steve Jobs. It was one of my dreams to have met him... but I probably wouldn't have because he'd probably deem me as B player and maybe yell at my incompetence or something but it would have been great to talk to him. I'm glad that somehow, I was able to see a young, happy, smiling Steve Jobs in my dreams.
I had trouble rating this book. Not because of the grammar or what (read To Kill a Mockingbird or Huckleberry Finn if you really want accented grammar...moreI had trouble rating this book. Not because of the grammar or what (read To Kill a Mockingbird or Huckleberry Finn if you really want accented grammar) but because partly I watched the movie version FIRST and also, I soon find out after reading that it was written by non-African American person in Mississippi. I debated whether to criticize this book on its genuine intent or writing but then of course I'd read back all my "reviews" and just give my honest opinion.
I really liked this book. It was a gripping read, had me reading up to 2am and I felt like my 12 year old self reading up to the wee hours in the morning. It was an engaging book and even though I knew what was about to happen because I did see the movie, I felt that this book also contained a heart and soul. The characters are interesting. Forgive me if it's because I'm Asian and I have no idea about racial discrimination between blacks and whites but this is actually an interesting topic for me. Even if they weren't that accurate, it is a work of fiction after all, what's important is I was actually rooting for these characters. I cared about them. I cared about kicking Hilly in the behind. I did see then the differences between the book and the movie and I believe then (off topic here for a moment) that the movie was a faithful and creative adaptation of the book. At first I even thought that the movie didn't diverge at all because the dialogue was just exactly the same but then I found the difference. I liked the way the movie decided to become its own but then I was horrified to find out that they left out the real identity of Constantine's child. I don't think this is a spoiler or anything but... really, it would have been better if it were included in the movie.
Back to the book, I loved it and I loved the anecdotes, the triumphs and the failures of the characters. I couldn't help read aloud too, especially Minny's parts. I think I'd be a good Minny, or Skeeter XD(less)
This is an epic of a book which covers a LIFETIME for all the characters (at almost a thousand pages, it should be sufficient). At first glance I woul...moreThis is an epic of a book which covers a LIFETIME for all the characters (at almost a thousand pages, it should be sufficient). At first glance I would have thought it was some normal Knight's Tale or any novel set in the Medieval era with Kings, Queens, Knights, Ladies etc but I never though I'd delve into the minds of priors, masons, bishops, outlaws, and more. This is such a curious book as it has no specific main character or hero. You were rooting for several people and this is the first book that I've read where the author lets you inside the heads of EVERYBODY including scheming villains so every time you read his thoughts, it was like you were also the villain doing these dastardly deeds and you curse yourself for it as you curse the main character. Get ready also to learn A LOT about masonry and architecture. It's so detailed and filled with geometry sometimes that I find myself dumb and at the same time awestruck at how buildings are constructed. Follett really paints a beautiful picture and even though I can't really understand everything, a vision of something splendid is formed in my head. His writing is not of the descriptive kind nor is it narrative. Actually it was more of like reading a play of some sorts. At some points though I wanted to throw the book at Follett's head because he didn't hold anything back from our beloved characters. They suffered, were deprived of EVERYTHING, were cursed, were raped, were killed and this made everything more humane especially human history in its defeats and triumphs. The romantic and ideal setting of the Medieval age to me has disappeared because I now know how horrible it is to have to live in constant fear especially when everything you can have could be instantly taken away in just a second because of spite and vengeance. I find that the past was extremely hard to live in especially for a woman when lands were ruled by kings and queens and you had to obey them. You were either a noble or a peasant and life must have been very hard and this book really opened my eyes to the dark side of it. But nonetheless the beauty that I have for this era still remains.
My favorite part has got to be the 3/4s of the book, somewhere in the 600s pages when I read one of the most beautiful acts of love I've ever read in my life. Aliena and Jack's love is so real and so beautiful.
I regret not finishing this book sooner, I kinda stopped at the 30th page because I "got bored" but as soon as Prior Philip entered, I couldn't put the book down anymore! Great read for those who like history, medieval age but not suitable for those who as usual want the fast-paced action. This book requires patience just like the Lord of the Rings. Can't wait to read the sequel!
In reality it's a 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book! It's really written well except sometimes, I can't relate with it. I really do love the insane, quirk...moreIn reality it's a 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book! It's really written well except sometimes, I can't relate with it. I really do love the insane, quirky, funny and hilarious moments but sometimes they were a tad bit too much. I LOVE the second half of the book, oh gosh XD haha (less)
This is the most vivid retelling of a SURVIVOR by his son. It isn't as grim as other depictions (such as Elie Wiesel's Night I think, I have yet to re...moreThis is the most vivid retelling of a SURVIVOR by his son. It isn't as grim as other depictions (such as Elie Wiesel's Night I think, I have yet to read Night though) maybe because it's told through his son and it's in a comic book form where the Jews are drawn as rats... but nevertheless, it's a really graphic narrative of his time there. It's AMAZING how being resourceful can save you. If you've read book 1 (you should have right? Or you won't be reading this review), his father tells 11 year old Art how his friends left him because he couldn't skate, then his father tells him "Friends eh? Lock them up in a room with no water and food and see what friends they are" (Not exact words). And you can really see it here now. It makes you wonder what would you have done in his shoes? Would you have befriended Nazis to survive? It amazed me though that even though his father wanted to survive so much, HE NEVER SOLD OUT HIS FRIENDS. He always helps those who needed it and this included Nazis. This book is really an amazing depiction of human frailty and strength at the same time.
Maybe that's why I have this fascination for the Holocaust. I always ask myself, "What would I have done and would I have been able to survive this test of survival?"(less)
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