I can't say that I didn't enjoy this book, because I did... a lot of what Dr. Goldman described, I have witnessed in my own short career as an RN, alb...moreI can't say that I didn't enjoy this book, because I did... a lot of what Dr. Goldman described, I have witnessed in my own short career as an RN, albeit on a med/surgical floor. Although patients are typically stable, I have been involved in a code situation (a successful one. The woman crashed twice and is still alive. That's something to be proud of), and I can attest to the fact that although you are exhausted running it, adrenaline comes over and all you can think is, "COME ON! BREATHE!" That being said, I was looking for a medical book that was written for... well, me. Although I respect Dr. Goldman's efforts at explaining procedures so that laymen would be able to understand the procedures, I simply found this off-putting. Whenever I have read a book and didn't understand something, I looked it up to gain an understanding of it. That way, the story doesn't become compromised by repetitive explanations (did you know that Lorazepam (Ativan) is a sedative used to help with anxiety? I found that out three times in this book, although I already knew before the first time it was mentioned...) I just found it tedious, getting away from the true story by having to read explanations that almost felt... patronizing to read. Like explaining things to a child. I'm not into that. Lastly, and it's because I'm a nurse, I found it very clear that this was written by a doctor, not a nurse. There is one instance where the nurse who got the patient into the room explained the subjective symptoms to Dr. Goldman, stated that the patient believed it to be food poisoning. When he went into the room and thoroughly assessed the man's abdomen, he found a large abdomen aneurysm, which is life threatening. When the nurse asked him if it was just food poisoning, he smugly told her that it was an aneurysm and patted himself on the back for having not listened to her. Come on, Dr. Goldman. Nurses are not allowed to diagnose, that's one. And two, the nurse had not done a completely abdominal assessment on the man, because she was awaiting your assessment. The only objective data that would have been obtained by that point was likely this patients vital signs. While I do believe that Dr. Goldman holds a fairly good relationship with his nurses (and cites a colleague who states that without his team of nurses and other professionals, he would sink), there were instances like this that bothered me. Nurses get shit on (quite literally sometimes) every day in their field. In certain settings (like my own) if a nurse isn't there watching the patient and making the call to get the doc in to assess them, they would die. We need to respect each other. That's why we're called a team. I think that reading this book has taught me that maybe I'm best to stick with fiction, instead of reading about something so close to my reality... I like imagining things instead... (less)
Hilarious. I think that if all science classes in high school and university were approached with the same amount of wit that Mary Roach wrote her...moreHilarious. I think that if all science classes in high school and university were approached with the same amount of wit that Mary Roach wrote her novels, many more kids would be going home asking their parents if they can be scientists some day. I read Roach's first novel, Stiff, a little while back and couldn't get enough of it. I admired the way that she approached her research, with genuine intrigue and little judgment. The facts were presented to the world, but with her little bit of humour on it so as to make the reader feel a little more human while experiencing the gruesome aftermath of death. In Bonk, Roach uses the same technique to talk about the research behind what we all want: good sex. Although extremely technical, Roach manages to capture the right amount of dry wit during the most uncomfortable moments, grasping exactly what we're all thinking. When I read this, I spent most of my time laughing right out loud, because her observations were so funny. Definitely an excellent book and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see that science really is cool!(less)
I actually nearly forgot that this book was on my shelf until I decided to become more organized and make a list of my unread books so that I could ma...moreI actually nearly forgot that this book was on my shelf until I decided to become more organized and make a list of my unread books so that I could make sure to tackle them all. I started reading this book at... midnight? And I have just gobbled it up. I sent my friend a message with my predictions for the plot line and was right on the money. But you know what? Well played, Kate Brian. Although it was predictable and cheesy and had all of the same elements of any YA romance novel I've read before... I enjoyed it. And I could see that if I wasn't out of my teenage years and still in high school with all of the drama and ridiculousness, I could love this book all the more. The only extra thought I had when reading it was: why do people want to be popular? My understanding that popular means that the majority of the population likes you, where it seems that the image of the popular group that is displayed is a bunch of stuck-up bitchy girls and jock-asshole guys who get drunk, act like they're SO above everyone else, and generally look like they're having no fun. I was a 'geek' in high school (more like I knew I'd never be popular because I didn't have what it took, and I was completely fine with that) and really obsessed with Harry Potter. You know, to the point that I would dress up when I went to the movies. I remember one year wearing my costume to school (because that's how I roll) and one 'popular' girl made a bitchy comment about it. And I just remember thinking, "How sad it must be for you to not be who you really are inside because you're so afraid of what people are going to think of you." Honestly, popularity? It seems to overrated and completely boring. At least I can be honest about my geekiness and true to who I am, instead of faking my way through life. Popularity ain't gonna mean nothing when you get out of high school, friends. Being happy will. (less)
Thank god! I was starting to worry that this series was not going to pick up again and that I'd have to start reading these books out of obligation ra...moreThank god! I was starting to worry that this series was not going to pick up again and that I'd have to start reading these books out of obligation rather than pleasure. Although I am still not extremely thrilled about Eric and Sookie being together, this book did not revolve completely around that storyline. Instead, Sookie is up to her usual antics of being hunted by fairies, weres and of course, vampires. Although sometimes it seems like she is constantly in some peril or another, or getting captured by some supernatural being bent on destroying her, Sookie seemed to actually come into her own this book and survive. This book was eventful, with new tidbits of details that make the story just that much better. I'm starting to look forward to April when Dead Reckoning is out in paperback so that I can read it! My OCD prevents me from purchasing the hardcover...(less)
Another one of those books that has been on my shelf for a really long time... When I first found it, I was so excited that there was another part of ...moreAnother one of those books that has been on my shelf for a really long time... When I first found it, I was so excited that there was another part of a series that I devoured in high school. Though this can always be risky (there was a Nancy Drew "where are they now" book where Nancy cheats on Ned, Bess is just lame, and George is a very, very intense lesbian (who practically makes the conversion into being a man. Not all lesbians are manly... COME ON)) This one was hard to read, because I have always liked Elizabeth much better than Jessica. This book occurs when the girls are 27, and Elizabeth had moved away to New York after being betrayed by the two people she thought she loved more than anything in the world. Freshly hurt and angry, Elizabeth sets out to be more reckless than she has ever been before, eschewing everything about her life back in Sweet Valley. But of course, we never can run from who we truly are, and Elizabeth is drawn back home and back to the people who hurt her the most. I am glad that this book did not take the turn that other books like it have done before. It was good, still just as juicy as the books in high school had been. I definitely enjoyed reading this (especially when the ending turned out the way I wanted it to...) My final question though: the most popular colour in the novel was beige! Why does everyone wear beige?"(less)
A hilarious finish to the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies cult phenomenon. I think what I enjoyed best about this book is that the focus was not entir...moreA hilarious finish to the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies cult phenomenon. I think what I enjoyed best about this book is that the focus was not entirely around Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. In fact, in this novel, Mary and Kitty, the last of the unwed daughters of the Bennets are given the opportunity to have their spot in the sun. And they do so by kicking ass and staying true to themselves. Also, even if in a quirky way, this book revolves around the theme that love springs eternal. Even in the undeath, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy know that they are meant for each other and that they always will be. Definitely an incredibly witty trilogy!(less)
To all the supposed Twi-Hards,
This book came first. It came first for a reason. Never has a vampire novel been written in such a shockingly terr...moreTo all the supposed Twi-Hards,
This book came first. It came first for a reason. Never has a vampire novel been written in such a shockingly terrifying and wonderful way. A book about consumption, desire, lust, and evil... definitely the best thing out there for vampire fiction!(less)
I admit, I wanted to give this book three stars, but then I thought better of it... Okay, so, I think I finally understand these books. They're sa...moreI admit, I wanted to give this book three stars, but then I thought better of it... Okay, so, I think I finally understand these books. They're satire at its finest. The reason that Carrie Bradshaw is so abhorrent is that the author is trying to poke fun at teenage girls. I think. Or at least I hope... After being so disappointed in the first of the series, I don't know why I picked up the second one. If only because I am warped and can't leave a series unfinished, even if a rotten one. But because Carrie Bradshaw is such an iconic figure, I want to know more about her roots. I want to know how she went from being a desperate teenager with only care for herself to such a beloved woman. But the thing is... I still can't figure it out. Bushnell is writing characters, especially female ones, who for the most part are... awful... Take Carrie's friend Maggie, for example. She travels to New York to visit Carrie, is sleeping with two guys back home (one because he's good at it, the other because then she can be seen in public with him), seduces one of Carrie's friends, and proceeds to invite him back to Carrie's apartment (well, Samantha Jones's apartment) only to sneak off into another room and loudly copulate with him while Carrie is in the other room. My hope is that Bushnell intended to say to young girls, "If you are friends with people like this... kindly stop BEING friends with them." Don't get me wrong, I understand hook-ups, but... I couldn't stand reading about Maggie for a moment longer and was thrilled when she was off the map. Next, let's tackle Carrie herself. Wildly insecure, Carrie complains most of the novel about how no one cares about how her life in New York is going, when really, she doesn't try for a second to ask about anyone else's life. She immediately falls into an affair with a man far too old for her, becomes the desperate self she was when faced with Sebastian in the first novel, and proceeds to keep seeing him even when the obvious evidence is that he is no good. Why, Carrie? Why torture yourself to this extent? I am losing sight here of how Carrie became an icon. My hope is that Bushnell wanted to write these "early years" novels to show how far Carrie came in her life. How she went from self-centered small town girl to big city maven. My biggest fear is that Bushnell thinks that in Carrie's selfishness people will find indearment, when (in my case anyway), I sincerely hope she's just kidding. While I know that Carrie soon joins in her group of Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, my wish for the next novel (because I'm sure it will have to keep going...), get better friends. Please. (less)
It's true that in a time of turning to a news channel and hearing about how the 13th homicide has occurred already (thank you, January 15th of 2011) a...moreIt's true that in a time of turning to a news channel and hearing about how the 13th homicide has occurred already (thank you, January 15th of 2011) and reading about disastrous weather wreaking havoc in third world countries, it's important to take a step back and think of all of the good things in the world. The awesome things that make every day just a little bit brighter. I loved reading the Book of Awesome when I first discovered it, because it was a tome of things that I sat and thought, "Other people find this cool too?" I was extremely excited about the release of the second book, and was definitely not disappointed by the results. It's a good book to read as a reminder of all of the beauty in the world. Of remembering that bad news isn't the only news out there. That old people holding hands is a sign that good is always out there. AWESOME!(less)
When I first found this book, I had thought that it was the novel that the movie was based on. Instead, I discovered that Catherine Hardwicke had a yo...moreWhen I first found this book, I had thought that it was the novel that the movie was based on. Instead, I discovered that Catherine Hardwicke had a young creative writer friend of hers pen the screenplay into a manuscript for a novel. What I have discovered when you do this is that there is a serious lack of character development. I loved the idea of the story, and I definitely ate this book up, but... from the beginning, I was confused by the characters. When Peter arrives to the town, it is a sudden and immediate love that Valerie feels for her childhood friend, but the detailing given for the beginning of their relationship is only the bare bones background story. They were young when Peter left, but the moment he reappears in the town, they are suddenly madly in love again. Even Henry's supposed love for her is briefly glanced over before suddenly he is willing to sacrifice everything to have her... I couldn't go to bed after working a night shift because I found the story so seductive, but I just really wished that more of the characters and background had been developed. In the beginning, I hadn't even realized that Valerie was a young girl and her sister too for a few pages. This book had great potential.(less)
I wish that I had read this book before I read Paper Towns. Not in the least bit was this book disappointing as far as being entertaining goes, but I ...moreI wish that I had read this book before I read Paper Towns. Not in the least bit was this book disappointing as far as being entertaining goes, but I still didn't enjoy it as much as his other book. John Green does have an amusing way of writing that I wish my own vernacular could cover from day to day. His characters (his male at least) are always so... Realistic. Guys that I would have loved to be friends with in high school. Unfortunately, I always find that the female characters leave something to be desired... Although in the end they typically make a confession that takes them to a more human level, I still find that they are the gloried villains of the story. The ones that the protagonist must save... Either way, great story! (less)
At first when I picked this book up, I had thought that it would be fiction. I have always been intrigued by the Tudor dynasty (since picking up The Q...moreAt first when I picked this book up, I had thought that it would be fiction. I have always been intrigued by the Tudor dynasty (since picking up The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory and not realizing that it was part of a series of books) and so I was looking forward to reading another one. When I realized that this was a history, I was a little be daunted. Nevertheless, I am not one to turn away from books and thus set out to read it. What I got was an incredibly wittingly written history of one of the most notorious families in English history. I found myself laughing in some parts, absorbing the pages with such interest that, despite the length of time it took me to read it, I did not want to put the book down. I'm glad to have learned more in-depth knowledge about this incredibly famous dynasty. Fantastically organized and written.(less)
Dystopian fiction seems to have skyrocketed this year... much to my enjoyment, to be honest! I was trying to figure out what first struck my interest ...moreDystopian fiction seems to have skyrocketed this year... much to my enjoyment, to be honest! I was trying to figure out what first struck my interest in worlds that are like ours, but somehow different and then I remembered The Giver, which I read in school as a girl. It has recently regained popularity on the online lists at Chapters, which leads me to believe that this Dystopian stuff is HUGE! This debut novel from Lauren DeStefano will leave any dystopian-loving reader absolutely thrilled. The premise is a frightening one, that after researchers found cures for all of the major diseases that kill humans, they ended up creating a generation of children that die by the time they reach their twenties. To try and perform research to understand this process, women are captured and sold to wealthy husbands with the purpose of having them get pregnant and start a next generation of humans. Poor Rhine is captured and forced into a marriage to a man who, despite her best intentions, turns out to be less of a horror than she had thought. She befriends a young man named Gabriel, and together they hatch a plan to escape the horrors of the mansion, where she knows she will be used some day as an experiment to help future generations... I read this book in two sittings, because it had such an addicting nature to it. It was a good read, with excellent flow. I am thoroughly impressed and can't wait to get my hands on the next one!(less)
What a remarkable woman! What I have always adored about her is that even though I think she is gorgeous, she doesn't take her...moreOh Tina Fey...
What a remarkable woman! What I have always adored about her is that even though I think she is gorgeous, she doesn't take herself too serious. She is a self-professed geek, and frequently makes comments about herself that has me shaking my head. She really is a triumph for women, because she can make people laugh, and she very, very rarely apologizes for it, which to me is a mark of a good comedian.
Whoever said that women aren't funny needs to read her book and then suck it. Right, Tina?(less)
I am thoroughly impressed by this book, and definitely look forward to watching the movie when my dad gets it for Christmas (shh! Don't tell him!) Thi...moreI am thoroughly impressed by this book, and definitely look forward to watching the movie when my dad gets it for Christmas (shh! Don't tell him!) This story was not actually what I thought it was, so I'm glad that I was completely surprised while reading it. In truth, although I am sure that most people find excitement in reading about Jacob's life when he was in his early twenties and experiencing things for the first time, I was drawn to Jacob in his nineties. Jacob in his nineties is in a nursing home, where he desperately does not want to be. He has nurses who take him everywhere, including to the dining room to eat with people he doesn't know or like, because they think it is "good for him." He has difficulty remembering things in his life, including his kids, who do not come around as often as he thinks they should. A nurse is required to come with him while he bathes, and frequently helps him dress. If he tries to walk in the hallways with his walker on his own, a nurse rushes to his side and suggests he sits in the wheelchair. Good God, does that sound familiar to any of my nursing friends out there? Because I think this is my life! After reading about Jacob as an older man, I appreciated his story so much more as a younger one. It made me remember why I wanted to be a nurse: to get to know peoples' stories. I am drawn to those who have done things in their past. I am astounded by marriages that have lasted seventy years (a patient of mine recently worked his butt off to get better and out of the hospital so that he could be there for his 70th wedding anniversary party, so that he could celebrate with the woman who he still holds hands with and kisses good bye). I was not around before the eighties, and I was too young even then to appreciate why they were stunning. Lately, I have felt as though I am not doing the type of nursing that I went to school to do, but this book made me realize that I need to get back to talking to patients about their lives. I am in the best position to learn things about patients, to experience a time period that I did not get the opportunity to live through. One of the greatest stories I have ever been told in my life came from sitting down with a patient in her house and having her suddenly just spill her guts to me. So while the stories from Jacob's youth were incredible, this book would not have been as dear to me if I had not gotten the pleasure of also meeting Jacob as an older man. Sara Gruen did wonderfully capturing that age of Jacob Jankowski. (less)
Before starting this book, I read through the preface and saw that the author had actually been encouraged to submit it as a screenplay, because it re...moreBefore starting this book, I read through the preface and saw that the author had actually been encouraged to submit it as a screenplay, because it read like a movie. Not to be deterred, he had the novel published and THEN it happily became a movie. I will agree that while I was reading it, I felt like I was watching the movie all over again. The story of a geek at the end of his high school career, confessing his love to a girl out of his league. Together they have the most ridiculous to believe last night of high school ever. In those adventures, Denis realizes that people are rarely who we fantasize they are, but also learns that he is something different too. I finished this book fairly quickly, because it was such a wild read! Definitely for those who enjoy underdog stories and loved the movie!(less)
I really liked this show when I first started watching it in university. It didn't last long, but I found something endearing about Lucy Hale, and sin...moreI really liked this show when I first started watching it in university. It didn't last long, but I found something endearing about Lucy Hale, and since I am not a spoiled filthy rich kid, I've always enjoyed shows about people like that. Excess is the new moderation, right? Anyway, I bought this book from the Chapters bargain bin for like 4$ because I liked the show and figured, why the heck not? It reminded me a lot of the MacLaughlin and Kraus (The Nanny Diaries)/ Weisberger (The Devil Wears Prada) stuff that I also get a kick out of. Chick lit to it's finest (wealth, drama, romance, sex, etc) and written from the voice of journalist Megan Smith, who is thrown into a world of opulence like she has never before known. It was a lot of fun, definitely good for sitting in the bathtub and indulging!(less)
This book caught my eye a while ago while I was in the Ryerson bookstore. I've always wanted to write a novel myself, so when I noticed that this book...moreThis book caught my eye a while ago while I was in the Ryerson bookstore. I've always wanted to write a novel myself, so when I noticed that this book was meant to give advice on how to write one well, I was interested. It was neat to see what advice a Nobel Prize winner would give. In this book, I found one of the best description of fiction that I have ever read. It was definitely interesting to read this book!(less)
I've recently started really enjoying to read anthology collections. I think that it gives me the opportunity to get a taste of different styles of wr...moreI've recently started really enjoying to read anthology collections. I think that it gives me the opportunity to get a taste of different styles of writing without getting myself into a book that I might not enjoy. This collection was about classic works of writing, the majority which I have read before. It surprised me how many I had already read and loved. Really, that was back when writing was GOOD and intense. An interesting collection of writing.(less)
My second experience with Christopher Moore and I have to say that he is genuinely one of the funniest authors I have read in a long time. This story ...moreMy second experience with Christopher Moore and I have to say that he is genuinely one of the funniest authors I have read in a long time. This story is about Charlie Asher, who following a tragic event in his life, becomes a Death Merchant-- a man who is responsible for collecting the souls of those who die and helping them find their new homes, before the dark creatures get a hold of them first. Although it has a dark undertone, Moore doesn't make the storyline heavy or overbearing at any time. In fact, it's simply hilarious and surprisingly relatable, despite the obvious supernatural tone of the plot. Very good read!(less)
When Louis Sachar had the idea to write this book, the general consensus of his friends and family was "No one is going to want to read a book ab...moreWhen Louis Sachar had the idea to write this book, the general consensus of his friends and family was "No one is going to want to read a book about bridge!" Well, they were clearly wrong. Although I am just as confused about bridge as I was before I started reading the book, in the end the story was not about the card game itself. It was about righting past wrongs and allowing two people in love to finally have their moment again. Albeit if that moment was channeled through their grandchildren, two teenagers. It was a very cute book to read, and I've been anticipating another Louis Sachar novel ever since Holes crept up on me and ended up being one of my favourite books of all time. Adorably written.(less)
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