There does not seem like there is one much could do to recommend a book about a couple of teenagers falling in love after meeting at a cancer support...moreThere does not seem like there is one much could do to recommend a book about a couple of teenagers falling in love after meeting at a cancer support group. But despite the subject matter, there is still plenty of fun and life in John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, though at its core -- and no matter any outcome -- it is still a heart-breaker of a story.
I appreciated the brashness of the story and characters. Nothing is sugar-coated, even when humor is used at a defense mechanism, what the characters are saying and feeling regarding what is essentially their likely death sentence rings true, whether it is the lack of hope or doubts concerning an after-life.
My quibble is that Hazel and Augustus are too eloquent... too philosophical, too wise, too witty... while it never jolted me out of the book, it was noticeable here and there. Perhaps it is a side-effect (as the characters love to say) of cancer and dying, but it just brought in a more adult hand into the novel.
It was pretty much impossible not to like/love this book. Again, the subject matter makes it difficult to consider the alternative... plus Green throws in a sub-plot re: a love of reading and books, that even makes it more endearing. But while pulling heart-strings always seems to earn bonus points, it doesn't always have a high degree of difficulty... so not a perfect book (or, for that matter, a 4.61 overall Goodreads rating and the highest rated book amongst my nearly 200 books on here) by any stretch, but still quite good and a pretty easy recommendation.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand deserves all the kudos it has received as well the stratospheric average rating it has here on GoodReads (4.61, as of th...moreUnbroken by Laura Hillenbrand deserves all the kudos it has received as well the stratospheric average rating it has here on GoodReads (4.61, as of this writing). It is an extraordinary story that not even Hollywood could dream up (tho they are already happily adapting it for the big screen). At times, I was not sure if I would remain "unbroken" by the story of Olympian and WWII veteran Louie Zamperini. I joked that a fitting alternate title for this book would have been "Unrelenting" as just when you think things can not possibly get any worse, they typically do.
Despite running out of superlatives for this book, I still find myself settling in on a 4-star... and feeling pretty darn guilty about it. Again, it is a slam-dunk 5-star story and having stumbled upon articles of Hillenbrand's own struggles with a debilitating case of chronic fatigue syndrome, one thinks the story behind putting together this massively researched and meticulously pieced together work truly deserves to be a book of of its own. But at the end of the proverbial day, I found myself "respecting" the book more than "loving" it and -- if this makes any sense at all -- "watching" it unfold vs. "experiencing" it, so just an ever so slight disconnect with it.
But alas, I still find myself back-pedaling, certainly not wanting to discourage anyone from reading this book. Hillenbrand has done a great public service in bringing Zamperini's story into the spotlight, breathing life into not only his story, but truly all those of this "greatest generation," in a way no history book or class could ever do.
The Hunger Games sits onto two bookstore shelves that I typically do not read: young-adult and science fiction. But being the pop culture junkie that...moreThe Hunger Games sits onto two bookstore shelves that I typically do not read: young-adult and science fiction. But being the pop culture junkie that I am, my curiosity was piqued with the recent release of the final installment of Suzanne Collins' trilogy and the literary phenomenon it has come for apparently, as a famous circus says, children of all ages. I'll admit to being a bit gun-shy after the Twilight series, which suckered me in a similar fashion and while entertaining and page-turning left something to be desired in the quality of writing department (though credit to Meyer for improving along the way, IMHO).
But here, with The Hunger Games, I was instantly impressed with the fine writing, compulsively readable story (I had to finish it this morning, pre-7am!), and compelling main characters, though the mature themes explored in what is a pretty darn violent tale (think the reality show Survivor, but to the death... with children!) made me wonder why the target audience is 20+ years my junior. It makes me wonder if books like Huckleberry Finn and Catcher in the Rye would be considered YA if published today.
All this is not to say it is a perfect book. Katniss, our young and plucky heroine, has some way too convenient escapes on her way to the "you know how it has to end" ending and the book can not escape comparisons to that other tween literary sensation with the requisite angsty love triangle that I am sure has already spawned Team Peeta and Team Gale t-shirts. But the entertainment value of this rollicking read supersedes any minor quibbles. I'll give it 4.5 stars with a GoodReads bump to 5 stars. I realize this doesn't give me much wiggle room for the next two books, but oh well... and while I usually like to NOT rush through series, I have a hunch I'll be reaching for (well, downloading) them sooner rather than later. (less)
I decided to read THE HELP since it seemed like one of those "buzz" books - gaining a lot of traction from word-of-mouth and near flawless starred rat...moreI decided to read THE HELP since it seemed like one of those "buzz" books - gaining a lot of traction from word-of-mouth and near flawless starred ratings wherever you look. I can certainly see why Kathryn Stockett's debut has proven to be so popular as she has created a truly wonderful story of the burgeoning civil rights movement in the Deep South. The story is told from three perspectives: the progressive White woman Euginia (but more commonly known as Skeeter) and two African-American (or colored or nigra, if we are going with the time period) maids/"the help" Aibileen and Minny.
I am kind of torn with rating this book. You immediately fall in love with all three of these women and there are plenty of laughs and tears along the way. It was extremely entertaining read and certainly paints a eye-opening historical picture as well. That said, it does seem filled with stereotypes... the evil (racist) Stepford wive society woman, the alcoholic and abusive African-American husband, the maid with a heart of gold, the spunky downtrodden woman who gets her revenge (think COLOR PURPLE's Celie spitting in a glass of water... but much, much worse).
I'd give it a 3-3.5 on literary quality, but a big bounce or at least the round-up to 4 stars for entertainment value and memorable characters. Mark my words, this will be turned into an Oscar material-worthy movie one day! (less)
While some of the freshness may have worn off just a bit, I still found Catching Fire to be as ridiculously addictive as the first installment of the...moreWhile some of the freshness may have worn off just a bit, I still found Catching Fire to be as ridiculously addictive as the first installment of the Hunger Games trilogy. And while I found the twist that propels the book's second half to be a bit "oh, brother" gimmicky, alas I still fell for it. Hook. Line. Sinker. And while I wasn't gullible enough to think there would be any kind of resolution at the end of this one, I still did not see it coming and, once again, am glad that I held off starting on this series until all three books were published. I generally don't like to read "series" books back-to-back (and still probably won't do so here), but the cliffhanger certainly has me thinking it will be sooner rather than later before I finish the series.
I rated the first book 4.5 stars (rounding it up to 5 here on GoodReads) and while I still give a slight advantage to it over Catching Fire, I still find myself leaning to the same rating -- even in spite of feeling more suckered in -- for it providing such a thrilling and embarrassingly enjoyable read. (less)
I had an awful lot of respect for Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel's first award-winning foray into the life the of Thomas Cromwell and heavy-duty historical...moreI had an awful lot of respect for Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel's first award-winning foray into the life the of Thomas Cromwell and heavy-duty historical figures like Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. However, given my lack of hardcore English history, I found it to be overwhelming at times, more like a history assignment that I had to plug my way through vs. a novel read solely for pleasure.
So I don't know if Mantel dumbed it down a little or I smartened up a bit (perhaps a combo of both?), but while still quite delightfully complex and oh-so-literary (I'd say, it is regally written!), I had such an easier time with and more thoroughly enjoyed Bring Up The Bodies - Mantel's continuation of the story, which almost impossibly has seem to won even more awards.
I think part of the reason is that where Wolf Hall was more sprawling and covering decades (with a cast of seemingly hundreds), Bodies is much more concentrated timeline-wise and more tightly focused on the juicy subject matter of the fall of Anne Boleyn (to be honest, the Anne/line of succession sub-plot I most enjoyed in the first book). That's not to say, I didn't find myself saying "Who?" or "What?" but not nearly with the frequency of the first volume.
Ratings-wise, and much like Wolf Hall, this is a 5-star achievement. I knocked off a full star the first time around, for the occasional "sloggishness" and, to no fault of Mantel's, my own lack of knowledge which impacted the overall enjoyment. And while my experience improved on all those counts this time around, I still have ever so slight reservations. So, an unofficial 4.5 stars, but almost thanks to of the coolest book titles ever, I will give Bring Up The Bodies a worthy bump up to 5 stars. (less)
After two critically acclaimed memoirs, Abraham Verghese tries his hand at fiction with "Cutting For Stone." I read one of those memoirs, "The Tennis...moreAfter two critically acclaimed memoirs, Abraham Verghese tries his hand at fiction with "Cutting For Stone." I read one of those memoirs, "The Tennis Partner," though 'fess up to suffering from "reader amnesia" (i.e. not remember much at all about it, except that it was quite good). In this debut, Verghese followed that fiction Rule #1 "Write what you know" by creating many similarities between himself and the narrator Marion (a male): both are Ethiopian born of Indian heritage and doctors who find their way to America. If that's not enough multi-culturalism for you, Verghese also details the Italian influences on the African nation... and shakes things up by making the narrator's father an Englishman (as noted, the mother is Indian, but is... wait for it... a nun!)
This is a rich and epic work by a master storyteller. In the oft-seen bookstore "If You Like This, Try These" bookshelf feature I would certainly recommend "Cutting" to fans of Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as they share are all sweeping sagas that effortlessly touch upon all of life's most dramatic issues... love and heartbreak, trust and betrayal, fate and free will, and quite literally life and death. There is a lot to learn here as well, as noted above a good amount of history and Verghese does not shy away from detailed accounts of medical procedures. While he may have lost me a time or two, the majority of the time it is explained in a fascinating and reader-friendly way, though I would give out a caveat that some of the medical stuff at times gets a wee bit graphic.
In an era where one's attention span seems to be decreasing by the minute, this is a book that requires some good solid time (took me just over 3 weeks, at about 30 pages/day), but I relished my time with it and have found yet another set of characters that will inhabit my head for the foreseeable future.
I try to save my 5-star ratings for truly special books and have kept it to what I think is a reasonably low 10%-ish of all my GoodReads books, but here I find myself giving another out to make it 3 out of my last 4 books! Not sure if I am becoming a softie in my old age or just enjoying a streak of really good books, but won't complain! (less)
I would have likely lost if someone bet me that one day I would read a scholarly/highly analytical critique of the career and music of Celine Dion. I...moreI would have likely lost if someone bet me that one day I would read a scholarly/highly analytical critique of the career and music of Celine Dion. I had seen this book around, but only got a bit more curious when I saw it listed on a "Best of the Decade" book list as well as its "hall-of-fame" retirement from the literary website, The Millions. This volume certainly is the breakaway star of the 33 1/3 music critique series as Wilson attempts to turn his hate/disdain for the Canadian diva to understanding and appreciation.
Wilson walks a tightrope here. For Celine fans, she is surprisingly not as much of the focus as one would think as Wilson heavily detours in philosophical and psychological aspects of human behavior (i.e. What is good or bad taste?). For those intellectuals enjoying this type of material, frustration may arise as everything does eventually find its way back to Celine. I find myself in the middle. I wouldn't consider myself a serious Celine fan as I don't take her very seriously. I think she's an incredible singer, but I often more amused and charmed by the "character" of Celine Dion from her Fren-glish to childlike nature/naivete to the melodramatic vocals and fist pumping.
Ultimately, I am torn about the book. I "get" the Celine hate so was not offended by it (again, likely disqualifying me as a die-hard fan-dom). Perhaps it was my expectation (which is not faulting Wilson) that it would be a more tongue-in-cheek approach, but repeated instances of my glazed-over eyes and brain way proved it to be far too serious and intellectual for my taste. There were plenty of parts that I enjoyed (even educational stuff about the political and socio-economic climate in Canada!), but given my opinion of Celine is some shade of grey or a bit more complex than the options Wilson offers, it was a book that I didn't quite "get." (less)
Chris Ware's Building Stories is a tour de force. Ware boldly defies the digital age, by giving readers the ultimate non-ebook, and not even a book at...moreChris Ware's Building Stories is a tour de force. Ware boldly defies the digital age, by giving readers the ultimate non-ebook, and not even a book at that - but a 14-piece media experience. In a world where personal interaction is on the decline (don't tell me you've never been in a room and everyone -- yourself included -- is on a device!), Ware gives (forces!) readers to be interactive -- something even the biggest book nerds (raises hand) might find a tad uncomfortable/outside the box.
So while curious, I have to admit that I never expected to experience (saying "read" just doesn't quite do justice to this) Building Stories. But Santa was listening and it was under the tree Christmas morning. I opened it later that today, but still had a good deal of trepidation about it. All the different pieces and the "free-style" aspect were overwhelming. Even after taking in the first piece or two, I was still a tad worried, while I was glad Santa supported our local independent bookstore, I also knew that meant Santa paid the full retail price of $50, I'd had better read it and like it!
But as the days unfolded (I took it slow, 14 days in fact -- tho not necessarily at a piece per day - I would recommend this as well, it feels like it should not be rushed), things started to connected and I was really quite impressed with the scope, breadth, and depth of the entire work. I was amazed how a story was really coming together in such a random way. I couldn't tell you what order I read things, but certainly no logical order (I've been reading folks have been "reading" small to large).
I still had my quibbles here and there. Like other middle-aged and/or ocularly-challenged readers, the small print on some of the pieces made me feel a decade (or two) older having to hold some of the pieces just inches from my face. Additionally, I was a bit thrown off or felt some of the side characters in the apartment building were not really necessary in the overall scheme of things other than to further add to the overall tone/themes of loneliness, isolation, and angst (while humorous at times, it's all a bit of a downer). However, the main story and lead female character was very compelling. Finally, I am just not sure I *got* everything.
I have not read (m)any negative criticisms about Building Stories, but my hunch may be that the story aspect might be riding the coattails of the high-quality artwork and presentation. And even then, this is not a good fit for everyone - one needs to be/want to be a bit adventurous. So trying to separate the story (ever so slight wishy-washiness) vs. the art/presentation (firmly impressed), the "book" might have dipped into 4-star territory, but more so towards my non-Goodreads supported 4.5 stars.
Going into the last piece (again, just "what happened" to be the last piece), 4.5 stars is where I thought Building Stories was landing. But then, that last piece ended the experience quite perfectly. It was much like the epiphany I had at the 3rd/4th piece. It felt like Ware had (again) pulled off a magic trick. He didn't know what piece I would pick last, but it worked... and worked beautifully. I am sure many other folks (at this writing, it's at a stratospheric 4.54 average rating) feel the same re: the way/order they were "building stories" here as well. High quality and haunting all along, but for that last minute, gasp-inducing "voila" moment, Chris Ware and Building Stories earns a full-fledged 5-stars.
After the earthquake in Haiti, I felt compelled to learn more about the country, but didn't know quite how to accomplish that. It was a happy accident...moreAfter the earthquake in Haiti, I felt compelled to learn more about the country, but didn't know quite how to accomplish that. It was a happy accident I stumbled upon the charity, Partners in Health, which lead me to this book, Tracy Kidder's "Mountains Beyond Mountains," which tells the story of the organization's driving force, Dr. Paul Farmer.
While is not a book about Haiti, it is very much the heart of it as Farmer has devoted his life to Haitian people, particularly those in the remote and ravaged central plateau region. It more than accomplished my goal of gaining some basic knowledge about Haiti: historical, political, religious, geographical, and certainly socio-economic. The title of the book comes from a Haitian proverb: Beyond mountains, there are mountains... or when you solve one problem, there will only be another. It's not a terribly optimistic life view, and now, only seemingly confirmed with this current natural and humanitarian disaster.
Farmer's story takes him from the halls of Harvard Medical School to Siberian prisons to the slums of Chile to the surprising health-care oasis of Cuba as he boldly follows what he believes is a moral imperative to provide health-care to world's poor. Farmer is a very compelling, though not always likable, figure -- the crazy genius. This is certainly a 5-star story, though I don't think Kidder's narrative always manages to rise up to this amazing story and man, though certainly not enough to discourage anyone from reading this eye-opening, educational, and entertaining work. (less)
I don't know how a quickie review can possible describe the wonder that is Julie Orringer's The Invisible Bridge. It is sprawling, 750+ epic of the li...moreI don't know how a quickie review can possible describe the wonder that is Julie Orringer's The Invisible Bridge. It is sprawling, 750+ epic of the life of Andras Levi, a Hungarian Jew in the years leading up to and during WWII. Giving that heritage, you can imagine the sense of foreboding, the dark cloud that is on the horizon even when the novel is at its happiest.
What most impressed me about Orringer's debut novel (she had previously published a short story collection) is how she makes you really feel for these characters. If you'd ask me "Don't you always feel the characters' emotions?" I'd probably have said "yes" but certainly have to re-think it after this novel as I often felt as happy, nervous, or betrayed as Andras did on the page.
Kudos also to Orringer for being a master storyteller. Again, this is something you just take as a given with published authors, but Orringer takes it to another level. That said, did I flag a bit towards the middlish-end and over the 20 days I spent with it? Yes, but in this increasingly A.D.D world we're living in that Orringer kept me captivated throughout the vast majority of it is truly a testament to her .. and the ending, wow! (Note: As one is often told to stay to the end credits of a movie, don't skip the acknowledgements
This book came highly recommended from two folks and I will certainly be adding myself to the "And they told two friends... and so on, and so on..." list. It is a big commitment of a book, but well-worth it. (less)
This seems like kind of a useless review. However, you felt about The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, there is a pretty good chance that you'll feel the...moreThis seems like kind of a useless review. However, you felt about The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, there is a pretty good chance that you'll feel the same about this second installment in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy. It has all the same intricacies of the first book: a fairly muddled mystery that takes its sweet old time to unravel in ways, that at least I, once again found difficult to anticipate.
What I liked most about Fire is that it was more Lisbeth Salander-centric. I believe Larsson has created one of the great characters in contemporary literature, so the more Lisbeth the better. Beyond that there is not much I would want to say about plot, though I wouldn't know where to start having just completed the 600+ pages.
Ratings-wise, I gave Tattoo 4.5 stars and rounded it up to 5. I think Fire is just as good, and in some ways better, but alas while I will still unofficially award it 4.5 stars, I will round it down to 4. The reasons? Having wow'd me with the first volume, this was lacking a freshness from the way Larsson tells a story to even things like the Swedish setting. Also, have to admit occasional, but brief lapses in momentum as Larsson just seems to complicate things for heck of it. Plus, while I love her, Lisbeth crosses the the line in super-human/heroine status perhaps just a tad too often. But overall still a winner in my eyes and I very much look forward, with some sadness, to the final installment.(less)
I have rather questionable timing when it comes to reading these Daniel Silva Gabriel Allon novels. Last time, and prior to a trip to Italy (including...moreI have rather questionable timing when it comes to reading these Daniel Silva Gabriel Allon novels. Last time, and prior to a trip to Italy (including Rome), I read about the Vatican getting blown-up and here, with The Secret Servant, I found myself delving into a book about a London terror attack just days before the start of the 2012 Olympics. While it is a world of fiction, Silva always has it based enough in reality -- and potential reality -- to be unsettling.
As I say in most reviews here that are from a series, this book is review-proof. Here we are at Book 7 (confession: I "started" with Book 3) and I can not imagine that there is anything to say that will encourage/discourage anyone from reading this particular installment (tho I hate that kind of "power"/pressure anyhow!). But kudos to Silva for maintaining a high quality and being consistently interesting in a continuing series such as this, let alone the repetitive nature of the spy/thriller genre (i.e. Do you ever really wonder if Gabriel will survive? I didn't think so).
Round 2 of my 2013 re-read of the Tales of the City series, and if at all possible it seemed as if this installment was even breezier than the first!...moreRound 2 of my 2013 re-read of the Tales of the City series, and if at all possible it seemed as if this installment was even breezier than the first! Perhaps with all the character intros out of the way -- as well as success of the initial series -- Maupin seems to really hit his stride here.
Having originally read the series some 20-ish years ago, I was still surprised that I could be... well, surprised. Ok, maybe more "oh, yeah" shady-minded remembrances. But it was still very fun to re-live these moments with my friends on the page. I remain quite enamored with Mary Ann, Mouse, Mona and Mrs. Madrigal (maybe it's an alliteration "M" thing), though less so with Brian, Jon (seems a bit harsher than I remembered) and the Halcyon crew.
Still going to stick with my 4-star rating here. Although, once again, I am tempted to kick it up a notch as this book contains Mouse's "Letter to Mama" -- one of the most poignant things I have ever read and arguably the most famous part of the entire series. Despite all the cultural changes and advances in the past 30+ years, this coming out letter still feels very current/relevant (well, except for the Anita Bryant references!).
Looking forward to returning to Barbary Lane in June!(less)
Given that this is the 6th book in the Gabriel Allon series, again it seems difficult to be too critical or to be able to recommend this particular in...moreGiven that this is the 6th book in the Gabriel Allon series, again it seems difficult to be too critical or to be able to recommend this particular installment since one pretty much knows what you are getting yourself into when you open the book. The Messenger opens with a pretty spectacular terrorist attack (one that I felt somewhat guilty about reading on Christmas Eve) and from there, Silva globe-trot his Israeli super-spy on his typical course of revenge and winning one for the good guys (tho depending on your politics).
After the opening, the book wobbled just a bit, but things got back on track with the addition of a new character, an attractive female American operative, that gave this installment a good jolt of fresh blood, figuratively and at times in this universe, quite literally.
While this is no great work of literature, it was totally enjoyable, entertaining and fast read... so 4 stars within its genre. I will certainly be back for more adventures with the charismatic Allon.(less)
Famous atheists are party-poopers. Their stance to the majority of the world population is pretty much an adult version of there is no Santa Claus," t...moreFamous atheists are party-poopers. Their stance to the majority of the world population is pretty much an adult version of there is no Santa Claus," though the implications are more far-reaching than who mysteriously placed gifts under the tree. We're talking big stuff like eternity, salvation, and faith. I had been familiar with Christopher Hitchens (mostly from fellow atheist Bill Maher's HBO show), but never felt strongly compelled to read any of his books. To be honest, the main reason I read it was that it was the only book from Amazon's Top 10 Books of 2012 that I had not read. While not religious myself, and despite leaning in that direction, there is always a unsavory and uncomfortable quality when discussing atheism/faith as it is an impossible tight-rope walk in implying not-so nice adjectives about each of the parties. (Whew, dodged that one!)
But this final book from Hitchens held some appeal, how does a person with no religious beliefs handle a terminal illness? The question may be silly, or maybe it's the obvious answer that is: just like anyone else. No one wants to die, especially slowly and painfully. Hitchens still exhibits faith and hope, but in the medical and scientific fields and love of his family and friends sees him through. Yes, atheists are real people too! Though this is still a quite harsh and real account of being "battled by cancer"(Hitchens phrasing) made all the more brutal without what almost seems like the luxury of a belief in an afterlife and/or the power of prayer.
Hitchens has no last minute epiphany and, is if anything is defiant, in taking down the likes of those who pray for him, but also believe his cancer was an act from God ... Randy Pausch's famous Last Lecture gets raked over the coals... and Hitchens flips the bird at the adage "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
It's refreshingly honest and unique perspective at death, elitist at times (but that is/was Hitchens) and certainly not a book for everyone.(less)
Having already read and enjoyed Eggers' previous work, Zeitoun was on my to-be-read list ever since it was published, but with all the 5th anniversary...moreHaving already read and enjoyed Eggers' previous work, Zeitoun was on my to-be-read list ever since it was published, but with all the 5th anniversary remembrances of of Hurricane Katrina it finally seemed to be the right book at the right time. While this personal account of Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun certainly recalls all the horrors of Katrina, little did I know the even darker turns the book would take long after the levees broke.
The timeliness of reading this book right now (August 2010) extended far beyond the Katrina anniversary as the Zeitouns are Muslim Americans (Abdulrahman being Syrian born, Kathy born and raised in the U.S. and converted to Muslim) and certainly hit on the Islamophobia that only seems to be on the increase in this country since 9/11 and in recent news re: the near Ground Zero "mosque" controversy. Going into the book, given all television coverage (past and present), I was prepared for the tragedy of what happened to New Orleans and its residents, I wasn't so ready to see how deep the cracks are in this country's psyche and moral compass.
So a quite eye-opening book, which is still a bit surprising given that one would think many of us would have been sufficiently out-shocked by all the events surrounding Katrina. And not that I suspect those who fear Muslims would read this book, but this would certainly be a revelatory window into a quite typical, friendly, hard-working American family... who just happen to be Muslim. A family who embodies the spirit of this country far more than many of those the Zeitouns encountered under the guise of protecting and defending it. The spirit, strength, and optimism of the Zeitouns certainly save this from being a totally depressing read.(less)
It was a bit difficult to get too psyched to a novel about leprosy... even if it does take place on a Hawaiian island. Given the subject matter, I hes...moreIt was a bit difficult to get too psyched to a novel about leprosy... even if it does take place on a Hawaiian island. Given the subject matter, I hesitate to say that Alan Brennert's Moloka'i is entertaining, but he has created a sweeping epic of a novel anchored by the an extremely engaging protagonist in Rachel Kalama and a deep bench of other memorable characters.
Without giving anything away, the novel does seems to follow a somewhat predictable arc that I am increasingly finding in historical fiction books of this nature. Likewise, there is a bit of "kitchen sink" syndrome as Rachel has to overcome many, many (many!) hurdles over her life... and that's really saying something when the starter is contracting leprosy at a young age! But it's the very smallest of quibbles, as with other books in this genre, it was a quite palatable way of learning learn about the disease along with some history of our 50th state.
I enjoyed spending time with these characters and even got a bit misty at the end, something that doesn't happen to me all too often (unless a dying dog is involved). I am sure Rachel and her 'ohana -- family, both blood-related and chosen -- will be knocking around in my head for quite some time.(less)
I have a checkered past with Andre Agassi. Having been a fan of pro-tennis since I was a kid, I was intrigued with Agassi when he debuted on the tour...moreI have a checkered past with Andre Agassi. Having been a fan of pro-tennis since I was a kid, I was intrigued with Agassi when he debuted on the tour (I'll even admit to owning a pair of those denim shorts), but somewhere along the way something went astray and it took to the last couple of years of his career for me to re-warm up to him. Contributing to that personal opinion decline was observing him "behind the scenes" when I dabbled as a tennis writer/photographer for in the mid-/late-1990s, which now we know was among his most troubled personal and professional times.
So while I went into this book with a somewhat rehab'd personal opinion of Agassi, by the end of it I found most of my warm and fuzzy feelings about him had come undone (and sadly even wife Steffi Graf also suffers some collateral damage). While I now better understand some of the reasons why Agassi was such a troubled soul, after getting out under the thumb of his father and banking tens of millions the "I hate tennis" mantra gets a bit insincere. During his press tour for this book, I sensed Agassi had somewhat of an epiphany about his life, but I really did not find it in these pages.
He said he wrote this book for his children and also speaks of "The Code of Respect" that each student of his charter school in Vegas commits to memory. But again, after reading page after page of Agassi calling linespeople some very nasty things, consistently petty and often mean-spirited stories about his fellow players, and gleefully courting (ha!) Steffi Graf one month after separating (not yet divorced) from first wife Brooke Shields... and not expressing much, if any, remorse or regret about his actions, other than blanket statements like "I made mistakes" or calling himself a contradiction, is all terribly convenient and left me a bit cold.
Agassi is indeed "open" in this book (though I would argue he does so in a selective manner), and while I can respect his on-court accomplishments and certainly his charitable contributions, in the end I did not find him to be a terribly like-able person. As far as separating the book from the man (is that possible?), while I raced through the book I still have yet to find a tennis memoir that successfully can recount a tennis match (something I struggled with during my years of tennis journalism). I also had high hopes for a more literary quality to it as it was ghostwritten by Pulitzer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer, whose own memoir, The Tender Bar, I so enjoyed but while a step up from some, it is still a fairly straight-up/standard tennis "autobiography."
I know folks are finding this memoir quite inspirational, revelatory, honest, but going into this knowing Agassi's story too well and from many different angles/perspectives, I had to take much of this book with the proverbial grain of salt.(less)
Loading...
