I am a tertiary member of The Network. I followed Charlotte's story from the beginning. Although I never had a chance to meet Charlotte in person, her...moreI am a tertiary member of The Network. I followed Charlotte's story from the beginning. Although I never had a chance to meet Charlotte in person, her amazing grace and charm reached across the pixels and affected everyone who knew her. My fellow Mommy friends invited me to follow Charlotte's story and I was always touched by the honesty, humor and eloquence with which Roger and Rachel chronicled Charlotte's story on her Caring Bridge site.
This book is no different. Rachel's writing style makes you feel as if you're sitting down with a friend chatting about things. The style is breezy, but honest, sometimes heartbreakingly so. By laying herself bare, holding back nothing: good or bad, Rachel has written something that should be a textbook in any social work class.
They have turned a tragedy into something good, turning around and helping others who are going through similar life circumstances. They are extending a hand, if just to say, we know it sucks, friend, which after reading this book made me realize that's sometimes what someone needs most. (less)
I heard an interview with Dr.Meller on the Skepticality podcast and knew for sure I needed to read this book. The interview was fascinating, and the c...moreI heard an interview with Dr.Meller on the Skepticality podcast and knew for sure I needed to read this book. The interview was fascinating, and the concept that our bodies have evolved to take care of itself, and looking at how and why our ancestors adapted reveals insights into how to improve our own health.
That being said, I don't think I would have enjoyed the book as much if I hadn't heard the interview. I strongly suggest if you read the book to also find that interview. The book itself is more of an overview of Dr. Meller's hypothesis. The interview went far more in death into some of the topics that the book only touches on. However, there is a good reason for this, the book is written in such a way that it is approachable for non-medical, non-science and more typical background. it is written for the common man.
The book reads as a how-to guide of sorts, where Dr. Meller tackles such subjects as the caveman diet and why we crave the foods we do, how to give your immune system a good healthy workout, aches and pains and what they mean, and why the sun might be more beneficial than originally thought. He traces everything back to thinking about how our ancient ancestors evolved to adapt to a world that was constantly trying to kill them. he justifies his arguments with more anecdotal than scientific proof, but as I said before this is a book for a layperson. If you want more on the science, look for additional interviews and material to find out what is going on behind the pages.
A few things from the book have made me completely rethink some of y positions on healthcare. For instance, when my kids have a fever, Instead of rushing to give them fever reducing medicine, I only do so if the fever is uncomfortable, or their pediatrician (who also support this idea) recommends it. What else stuck out to me was the idea that pain means you need to slow down and let your body heal. I try to remember and pay attention to that.
In all, it's an easy and quick read, and it will make you think. when my kid hangs out with a kid with a cold, I'm helping build his immune system. (less)
I have a soft spot for Sarah Vowell, maybe it's our shared political ideology, perhaps its that she dedicated a whole chapter in Assassination Vacatio...moreI have a soft spot for Sarah Vowell, maybe it's our shared political ideology, perhaps its that she dedicated a whole chapter in Assassination Vacation to the Mutter Museum, or maybe it's just that she's good at writing about American history.
Her current obsession, it seems is the founding of Boston by the Puritans. This book basically answers the question (well, more like begs the question) what does it mean when we refer to our Puritan forefathers?. It's not an easy answer.
The core of the book centers around Winthrop's famous and oft cited "A Model of Christian Charity" speech, which first described America as "a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us." What does it mean, really? How has this attitude of the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony affected how our nation has developed.
It's far more fascinating than it seems, or so Vowell paints it to be. The Puritans embody more of the American spirit, both the good and the bad than one ever imagined before reading this book. With her typically humor and ability to jump from Mayflower themed water parks to the extermination of the Pequot Tribe, you find yourself not really sure where you're going, but liking the ride.
In the end, this isn't as strong a book as {book: Assassination Vacation], but still a light summer read. You walk away from it with a better understanding of our own current political divide, and how we never really lost that lofty ideal of being a beacon unto the world, even though we may all interpret what it means, and how to achieve it differently.
It's well known that Vowell swings Liberal in her political attitudes, but this book relies on that far less than previous ones. It's a worthy read, if only because it can be digested so quickly. (less)
**spoiler alert** I had been warned by several people whose opinions I trust that this book would let me down, and leave me disappointed. Perhaps this...more**spoiler alert** I had been warned by several people whose opinions I trust that this book would let me down, and leave me disappointed. Perhaps this lowered my expectations, perhaps I came into it expecting more of the same.
This was by far, the best book in the series. This was the reward for sitting through all 90210 crap in all the other books. I will say this however: Reneesme is the WORST NAME EVER. It's REALLY bad. Cringe-worthy, actually. Every time your eyeball traipses across that name (and it does a lot in the second half) you will find yourself shaking your head and wondering when a name like that will make it onto People Magazines "Silliest Celebrity Baby Names" list.
Like all the previous books in the series, this one is totally predictable, right down to the ending and the finale. There are no surprises, but like a well-crafted work of art, you maybe familiar with it, but you still enjoy it, even if it has no novelty.
For me, this book was far more fantastical from beginning to end than the previous three, and I think that was its appeal. The less rooted in reality Stephenie Meyer is the better, it seems. This book also brought about the return of the Volturi, which as I've said before, was what redeemed Eclipse for me.
This book was far more mature (read: NOOKIE] than its predecessors as well, and I think that helped its appeal as well.
Still, there's nothing new. From the minute Edward and Bella finally get it on, you know how the rest of the book is going to go, but still, it's fun, craftily written and engaging. I was not disappointed at all.(less)
In many ways, the Twilight Saga could easily be a trilogy. Eclipse was far better than New Moon, where I thought New Moon simply spun its wheels for t...moreIn many ways, the Twilight Saga could easily be a trilogy. Eclipse was far better than New Moon, where I thought New Moon simply spun its wheels for the majority of the book, Eclipse had a far more appropriate (read: interesting) pace.
This book however, makes it obvious that this series was written for 13 year old girls. Edward and Bella toy with the idea of marriage and sex, and to any adult, you just want to scream "for all that is undead, get it OVER with already...," but when you remember back to when you had to wrestle with your own mores, values and virginity versus your love, lust and hormones, these near misses seem far more relatable in context.
The book is far less 90210 than its predecessors, Bella's human friends get barely a mention, and that's fine with me. If I wanted to read a book about high school, I'd go back to reading Sweet Valley High. Instead this book starts to address the larger mythical creature world that exists out of Forks.
I appreciated that this book started to create a mythology all its own. While the end of New Moon did start this mythology, it was grateful to see it flushed out in this book. It makes things far more readable.
Despite being a better book, it is still flawed. Things happen too easily, outcomes are predictable, for the most part there's nothing that will surprise you at all. The big twist at the end of the book really wasn't to any astute reader, but once again, Stephenie Meyer's writing it so fluid and rich that you really don't care, you're along for the ride regardless.(less)
I'm going to start off by saying, I do did not want to like this book. Really, I thought it was some tween Buffy ripoff. Then my neighbors started rea...moreI'm going to start off by saying, I do did not want to like this book. Really, I thought it was some tween Buffy ripoff. Then my neighbors started reading it, and like a some literary plague, it spread through the neighborhood Moms. Everyone told me I should read it.
So I did.
Oh my gosh, I liked it. I really didn't want to, that cynical perkygoff in me really wanted to roll my eyes, but I just couldn't put the book down. I"ve written academic papers on the vampire in literature, and I could see the analogies and metaphors, and I *STILL* liked this book.
The amazing part is that Meyer has taken the true essence of the concept of a vampire in literature, and written it in a way that is both enticing and acceptable for teen readers. Bella is what many teenage girls are, and one thing I really appreciated about this novel is that she acted very much like a teenage girl. Most novels written by adults about teenage girls tend to create a character that is either too childish or too adult to be relatable. Bella was spot on. My 17-year-old self could so easily put myself in her shoes.
Likewise Edward Cullen ends up being every girls fantasy. Typically the vampire in literature represents sexual fantasies and desires that cannot be fulfilled. Meyer has taken this to a new level. Edward is beautiful, strong, protective, and likewise dangerous, mercurial, and rebellious.
Meyer's original twist on the vampire has to do with Edward's desire for Bella. I think in many ways this is the crux of why this appeals to women. What woman doesn't want the ideal guy to be so attracted to them they they are afraid they cannot control themselves? Meyer has created the perfect man.
So despite my cynicism, and despite that the book really is a collection of romantic cliches--yes, there is a damsel in distress, multiple times--this was just, hands down, a good read.
... and yes, the minute I finished the book, I was off to get New Moon(less)
If you recall, I actually didn't really like Wicked. As a matter of fact, it's one of the few times that I would say that the play is far superior to...moreIf you recall, I actually didn't really like Wicked. As a matter of fact, it's one of the few times that I would say that the play is far superior to the book its based on. That being said, swept up in the magnificent Broadway production of "Wicked" on our vacation this year, led me to buy a souvenir copy of Son of a Witch (and I'm quite sure, being swept up in the fanfare, I horrible overpaid for the copy).
I must say there is something enticing about Gregory Maguire's interpretation of Oz that almost made me crave a chance to enter his world again. In the end, my conclusion? Well, I have good news and bad news regarding that...
The good news is that it's a good read. I enjoyed it. I actually found myself looking forward to sitting down and reading it, unlike Wicked where I felt as if I was forcing myself to trudge through the book as if it were some school assignment I didn't like. That's not to say that it was a great book, but it is worth the time to read it.
The book follows Liir, and this is where the bad news comes in. If you didn't READ Wicked then forget being able to follow this book. The character of Liir isn't even in the theatrical interpretation. However, if you're clever, you might be able to figure out how he fits into the story, but it's a much easier read if you actually know his origins.
Speaking of, and I found this somewhat interesting, if you have read Wicked, you, the reader, is fairly certain who Liir is, whereas the entire book Liir himself isn't. I think the irony in reading a book where Liir is trying to find himself, when the reader is fairly certain of the answer, is an interesting twist, that I personally enjoyed. In addition, this is the sort of anti- Joseph Campbell "Heroes Journey" tale that those of us who are over saturated with the "young orphan boy goes on a journey to find his destiny and become a man" may find refreshing. Once I took it as a response to this typical fantasy fiction structure, I found myself enjoying the book more.
I also think the structure behind Son of a Witch is tighter than Wicked, the latter seemed to ramble and lose its focus--part of the reason I didn't really like it. While this book tends to go off course, and have several plot dead ends, it also *moved* along better than Wicked did. But if you like all the loose ends tied up in a pretty bow in the last chapter, you will be disappointed again. Only one of Liir's searches is completely resolved, everything else is left up to your interpretation of the clues within the story. If you don't like that kind of writing (and admittedly, generally, I don't) you're going to be bothered by the fact that in the end, this book accomplishes nothing.(less)
Many years ago, too far back to remember now, I was watching one of those shows they used to show around Halloween (and are now ubiquitous on cable) a...moreMany years ago, too far back to remember now, I was watching one of those shows they used to show around Halloween (and are now ubiquitous on cable) about ghosts and ghost hunting or something of that ilk. On that show they interviewed Michael Shermer about why people beleive in mysterious ghosts and aliens and whatnot. He had just published Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time, and I was totally entranced by what he had to say.
I ran out and got the book as soon as I can, and never read it.
My husband read it, and ended up getting very involved in the whole Skeptical movement as a result. I still have book:Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time|89281] on my bookshelf, I've started it a few times, but found myself drifting off, unable to pay attention to it. One day, I might just grit my teeth and read the whole thing.
In many ways, this book was much the same. In it Shermer has gleamed some of his best essays and articles dealing with the concept of who's skeptical of the skeptics? They run from confronting the what to call atheists, skeptics, non-beleivers, Brights or whatever you want to call it, to questioning the scientific method, a particularly gripping article about Intelligent Design, and even an odd foray into what really happened on the Bounty and how our own prejudices affect our ability to view history and study cultures and peoples scientifically.
I did find myself engrossed in some of the articles from beginning to end, particularly, Psychic for a Day, Heresies of Science, The New Creationism, and The Hero on the Edge of Forever. Unfortunately though, there were several articles in the book, in particular Spin-Doctoring Science where I almost felt like Shermer was trying too hard to bludgeon his point home.
I know, it's sort of blasphemous to say bludgeoned by data and statistics when you're talking about science, but in several of the articles, Shermer goes off on tangents of data without really explaining how it relates to the article's main point. In the end you just want to ask him to make it stop, you beleive him, really, no more quotes, references, charts or other proof is really going to make a difference. In many ways these sections read more like a college textbook than a collection of essays.
That being said, it's only a small part of this book that falls into this overwhelmed by data problem. Most of the book is terribly readable, and enjoyable. If you art interested in finding out about Skepticism, this may be a good starting place. If you're interested in scientific philosophy this is also a very good book. If you are running for the door the minute anyone throws a chart, or a graph in front of you, perhaps you should pass this one up in favor of more personal and prosaic fare.(less)
OK, I admit, I went and purchased this book because I liked the movie. I had been warned by several friends to expect something very different.
Yup.
I w...moreOK, I admit, I went and purchased this book because I liked the movie. I had been warned by several friends to expect something very different.
Yup.
I wasn't aware of this when I purchased the book, but I am Legend is actually a novella. The book itself is a novella and several short stories. I'm going to take on both separately, because I can't do a fair review with them all together.
The novella is excellent. I really enjoyed it. There were some flaws in rationale, and parts of it are seriously out-dated, but for the most part, it was a good bedtime read. It flowed very well, kept you interested, and was not predictable.
It is worth it to compare the novella and the movie. The movie was based on the concept of the novella. There's really no relation between the two other than the concept and the main character's name. If you're expecting to read a more in-depth version of the movie, you'll either be enthralled (as I was) or totally disappointed... as the two have no relation to each other.
After really enjoying "I am Legend" I started biting into the short stories, and found that I just couldn't enjoy them. They were painfully juvenile. They mirrored many of the stuff I wrote in high school, in style, cadence and theme, and I'll admit, perhaps its a bit of self-loathing that made me put the book down. I just couldn't get into the short stories, it was just too easy for me to predict how each would end.
This is worth reading. I wouldn't recommend going out and spending a ton of money on it, perhaps a good library read, or used paperback, but it is a very unique and original story (unlike the short stories) that's worth the time.(less)
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