I love this book and I'll give it four stars. But it's not for the reasons you think it is. I love it because it makes me think about myself. I love i...moreI love this book and I'll give it four stars. But it's not for the reasons you think it is. I love it because it makes me think about myself. I love it because Jerry Spinelli has a few phrases here and there that pluck my literary chord. I love it because it taught me new ways to be myself. But I don't love Stargirl the girl. I feel sorry for her in a way. I can't tell where the lines are supposed to be drawn. Where is self and where is relationship? Where is give and where is take? I'm supposed to want her to touch me and to stare into my eyes and sing me a song and make me a better person. But I don't want those things. I don't think emulating Stargirl is the way to go. She's perfect.
I had never heard of this book before I bought it. I saw it on the shelf at Ed McKay and I saw that Amy Sedaris said it was funny and so I read a page...moreI had never heard of this book before I bought it. I saw it on the shelf at Ed McKay and I saw that Amy Sedaris said it was funny and so I read a page out of the middle and I bought it. I've done that on occasion in my life--bought a book I've never heard of and it ended up being awesome. I've done it on more occasions where I bought a book I've never heard of and it ended up being awful. But this one is awesome. It makes me kinda sad that boys are idiots and like to talk about penises and poop, but I can set that aside for a moment and appreciate this kid for his insight.
Insight. Definition: penetrating understanding into character or hidden nature (from dictionary.com)
I need all the insight I can get. It is perhaps the thing I need most these days. Insight. As I don't have any of my own, I'll have to take Junior/Arnold's. I will try to appreciate that right now, I am overcome with the desire to eat pizza and I am ALSO overwrought with trying to figure out how to use my sadness and fear instead of letting it use me.
I don't know how many stars I offer this book. Nor do I know what review I'd like to write.
Never mind. I've got the stars figured out. And after watch...moreI don't know how many stars I offer this book. Nor do I know what review I'd like to write.
Never mind. I've got the stars figured out. And after watching the play at CTG yesterday, I can at least review the book as: way better than the play. It wasn't just a dream!(less)
So, at the beginning, this book is like, totally bogus. It's like completely angry-making. Especially because of the parts where the only ways to stay...moreSo, at the beginning, this book is like, totally bogus. It's like completely angry-making. Especially because of the parts where the only ways to stay bubbly are when you kiss a really pretty-looking boy and also when you don't eat or drink anything but coffee for weeks on end. Completely reinforcing negative teenage behaviors. But the end part was good about the Specials. Exciting, Tally-wa!(less)
This book is fucking retarded. It's about a snotty brat who lives in a mansion and just so happens to be a "detective" who "so...more***REVIEW RATED NC-17***
This book is fucking retarded. It's about a snotty brat who lives in a mansion and just so happens to be a "detective" who "solves" cases for the other snotty brats who go to her school. In this particular case, a blonde Miss Perfect is getting on everybody's nerves because she wants to be Princess of the school and has started redecorating and kids are tripping over flowerpots and shit. Detective Whatshername is tasked to put an end to the madness. She does. But only after giving Miss Perfect a hundred bucks and driving her around in her limo a couple times.
So, the moral of the story is... Hell, I have no idea.(less)
This book was a great way to pass some time. I liked it and enjoyed reading it, though I'm not sure I could add it to my favorites pile. Anyway, two t...moreThis book was a great way to pass some time. I liked it and enjoyed reading it, though I'm not sure I could add it to my favorites pile. Anyway, two things:
1. The next-to-last story, called "The Witch's Headstone" is an excerpt from The Graveyard Book. That, or it was the seed that later became The Graveyard Book. 2. The "Epicurean Club" has reminded me that some people may pose as your friends, but you'll only end up burned in the end. And that's so sad. I don't particularly want to be reminded of this--it's hard enough to trust people, especially those who love me and who I love back, without being reminded.(less)
Kim's recommendation said, I've only just started this, but the writing is beautiful. Listen to this: "Inside the card was a five-dollar bill with the...moreKim's recommendation said, I've only just started this, but the writing is beautiful. Listen to this: "Inside the card was a five-dollar bill with the words "I love you" written on it with a blue pen. I wondered how I could spend a bill that had the words 'I love you' written on it. Somehow I knew that I would, on movie or comic books. Love is a big and wonderful idea, but life is made up of small things. As a kid, you have nothing to do with the way the world is run; you just have to hurry to catch up with it.(less)
I see you. Yes, you. The Tom Robbins fan. Quit making that face. Yank out the wedgie. Relax, man! This two-star rating bears no reflection on YOU. I’m...moreI see you. Yes, you. The Tom Robbins fan. Quit making that face. Yank out the wedgie. Relax, man! This two-star rating bears no reflection on YOU. I’m not giving YOU two stars. I’m not even giving Tom Robbins two stars. It’s just that B is for Beer is terribly disappointing. I mean, you see the cover, right? Look at it! Look how totally awesome and retro it looks, right? You see the Simpson-esque largesse of the stein, with a hoard of dance-happy (overly long-armed) adults surrounding? They’re living the good life, gazing up at the cup which runneth over, celebrating the rush of good energy that races through any crowd of joyful imbibers.
Such promise! Such hope! Can such pure, overwhelming joy really emanate from these 125 pages? When I finish reading this book, will I feel as gleeful as the people on the cover?
Meh.
The fact of the matter is, B is for Beer is sort of a textbook. And a boring one. It’s hard to make beer production interesting, because, let’s face facts, science and agriculture are fascinating, but not as fascinating as, say, sex. Or murders. Or time travel. (Wait, unless it’s sex with a time-traveling scientist, dragging you with him across space and time as he attempts to outrun the contract on his head!) I digress...
So, yeah, B is for Beer is sorta textbooky. Even the arrival of a Beer Fairy doesn’t do much to make the adventure wilder or more brewski-like. And it doesn’t help that the protagonist is a 6-year-old girl. We’re meant to believe that this 6-year-old girl is quite cute, quite smart, and quite curious, but frankly, I don’t even buy into the fact that she’s a 6-year-old girl, let alone a cute, smart, and curious 6-year-old girl.
I’m bored.
Let us then quell my boredom and discuss two points which I found to be lovely, uplifting, scenic points. 1. Costa Rica. 6-year-old Gracie’s uncle moves to Costa Rica. Did you know that Costa Rica has free health care, has a zillion national parks, and has no military? Sign me up! I wanna move to Costa Rica!!! 2. Sappy quotes. As Gracie and the Beer Fairy part ways after rescuing a young ingenue from impending doom, the fairy says to Gracie, “I want you to promise me that you’ll always be this brave, that when exploiters disguised as public servants offer you protection from puffed-up dangers, you’ll turn your back and skip away. Promise me you won’t be afraid of travel, of people different than yourself, of spiders, bats, bullies, dentists, attorneys, peer pressure, bad taste, social disapproval, insecurity, Sugar Elves... That you won’t quake before old men with titles, and most especially, that you’ll never be afraid to love, not even when there’s a chance you aren’t being loved in return.” Oh. My. God. You tugged my heart strings and jerked my tears, Tom Robbins! I don’t care if it’s cliche. I shall hold my hand over my heart, cry one round, salty tear, and toast life with a cold one.
I'm having a hard time reading anything these days, so when I saw this book lying on my friend Jini's floor, I couldn't resist picking it up. I though...moreI'm having a hard time reading anything these days, so when I saw this book lying on my friend Jini's floor, I couldn't resist picking it up. I thought to myself, "Jesus, Amanda, there's a book you can read start to finish in one sitting. Just read something already!" So I did. I read it in one sitting (twice)! All twenty-six pages of it. Plus the page at the end where they tell you which breed each puppy is. And gosh golly, I sure am glad I read it. I mean, it's no Dr. Seuss,
but it is a doggone adorable book of ABC's, nonetheless. From Arf to Zzzzzzz (I don't like the actual title, so I've changed it to something catchier here) educates your kids and trains your dog at the same time--it's multitasking for the modern mommy. The two cutest doggies in the book are the little jack russell who teaches us that B is for Beg and the naughty min-pin who needs to learn that N is for NO! I just wanna jump into a puppy pile and experience pure, unadulterated glee! You will, too, if you read The Dog from Arf! Arf! to Zzzzzz Board Book (Board Book).(less)
(4/23/09) I saw a quote from this book on my friend Misha's profile last night and a flood of good feelings came rushing over me. While I don't rememb...more(4/23/09) I saw a quote from this book on my friend Misha's profile last night and a flood of good feelings came rushing over me. While I don't remember the specifics of the story (other than the surprise ending!), I do remember reading it a hundred thousand times. I remember the golden spine, a different texture than the rest of the hard cover. I remember, that maybe, years later, the dog chewed the corner. And I remember loving this book a lot.
Funny, as I think about it now, I wonder why I've lived such a fearful life. Doesn't this book teach us that sometimes our fears are blown way out of proportion? Or maybe it teaches us, that we, ourselves, are our own worst nightmares; that I am the monster at the end of my own book. How scary is that...?(less)
Cute is the most fitting word I can think of. This book is just plain cute. Annoyingly cute at times. But also touching in its cuteness.
Make your own...moreCute is the most fitting word I can think of. This book is just plain cute. Annoyingly cute at times. But also touching in its cuteness.
Make your own life, people. It's better than wishing for it.(less)
I'd heard of this book before, but I didn't realize it was futuristic. The story line is one you've all heard before--in the future, everyone is force...moreI'd heard of this book before, but I didn't realize it was futuristic. The story line is one you've all heard before--in the future, everyone is forced into some nutso plastic surgery which makes you gorgeous, and of course, the post ops spend all day living it up and having a grand ol' time because they're brainwashed and beautiful. It sounds kinda like an ok life, but there are some folks who are like, "Hellz no, you ain't cuttin' me, beyotch!" So these folks have to become renegades, and that's what this story is about. Renegades living on a commune. Some shit goes down and they get busted and have to go on a rescue mission to get their peeps back.
Though I liked this book just fine, I would not say this book is amazing. It was a decent way to pass the time. My biggest criticism: I wish the main character was a bit more likable--she's a traitor, and I think we're supposed to forgive her, but I don't really want to. And I think she's supposed to be really really smart, too, but... Nah. My biggest "wowie" moment: The technology is pretty cool. And except for the brainwashing, I guess it might be sorta fun to live in that kind of a society--everything is recycled and solar powered, and I don't think anyone needs money to buy stuff. It's just, ask and you shall receive. The lazy man's person's ultimate fantasy.
There are two more books in the series. I'll read the next two if fate dictates it, but I'm not likely to go out tomorrow and buy the box set.(less)
Hmm... Ok, this book wasn't awful. I was upset at first that the entire book wasn't in first person, but actually, Pascal switches back and forth betw...moreHmm... Ok, this book wasn't awful. I was upset at first that the entire book wasn't in first person, but actually, Pascal switches back and forth between 1st and 3rd AND she switches between points-of-view of the different characters. Multiple POVs is one of my favorite storytelling vehicles!
I don't think I'd recommend this book for adolescent girls, because there is way too much value placed on sexiness and having boyfriends and stuff--it takes away from the storyline! The book is about a tough girl who can beat the shit out of a zillion people at once, and it just so happens that the bad guys are secretly watching her and sending people to try to beat her up. So I wish they'd get rid of the love shit. It's a really bad example for young women!
I didn't realize this was a series at first. But it is. Which means, of course, that nothing is resolved in the end. That's ok, though. It gives you a little hint at who the bad guys are, but it definitely doesn't tell you what they want with her. Intriguing enough to make me want to read the second one.(less)
November 19, 2008. I've read these books a zillion and one times and surely I shall read them a zillion more. Because every single time, I realize new...moreNovember 19, 2008. I've read these books a zillion and one times and surely I shall read them a zillion more. Because every single time, I realize new truths and find more honor in their pages.
Today, I've read a passage that I find disturbing and quite out of character for CS Lewis:
p.72 "Shall we go farther up for you, up to the crags? There's an Ogre or two and a Hag that we could introduce you to, up there." "Certainly not," said Caspian. "I should think not, indeed," said Trufflehunter. "We want none of that sort on our side."
Seems a bit racist, if you ask me. It really makes me wonder exactly what CS Lewis is getting at here. It's totally the opposite of what happens in The Last Battle when Aslan sorts the good guys from the bad guys by whether they're good oir evil in their hearts. So anyway, it seems weird and I don't like it. The Hag does ends up being a bad guy in the end, but still... I dunno.
I'll keep reading and blame the racism on the 1950s for now.
Oh yeah, as a side note, whenever I read British literature, I talk to myself in a British accent and rhythm for a while afterward. It's so dorky!!!
Later... I've read a bit more now. The race issue didn't come up again.
The battle scenes are not the same as you might see these days. There's something more frank and quick about them. Lewis doesn't explain every little move and maneuver, so in fact, if you're reading too fast, you might even miss a fight going on. Here's an example of a battle overview without much in the way of specifics: P. 187 But the new bout went well. Peter now seemed to be able to make some use of his shield, and he certainly made good use of his feet. He was almost playing Tig with Miraz now, keeping out of range shifting his ground, making the enemy work.
I think if this book had been written today by a different author, it might be about 500 pages of battle scenes. I'm glad its not. Instead, the book is more about people standing on the side of good. Here's a passage that I just love which describes Edmund who may be a boy, but is also a king: P.174An hour later two great lords in the army of Miraz, the Lord Glozelle and the Lord Sopespian, strolling along their lines and picking their teeth after breakfast, looked up and saw coming down to them from the wood the Centaur and Giant Wembleweather, whom they had seen before in battle, and between them a figure they could not recognise. Nor indeed would the other boys at Edmund's school have recognised him if they could have seen him at that moment. For Aslan had breathed on him at their meeting and a kind of greatness hung about him.
Ahhhhh... See? For Narnia and the North!
Also, you Tolkien fans will recognize the onslaught of trees which comes in at the end of the battle--Two Towers--and the river emerging (with the help of Bacchus and his grapevines) to take out the bridge and thwart the enemy in its path--Fellowship. Who came up with it first, I wonder... :)
Later still... As I finish reading this lovely little novel, allow me to drop off to sleep with feet towards the fire and good friends on either side... Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I have had a time. (less)
This book was cute and neat even if it wasn't fantastic and amazing. I love the little world that DuPrau creates--one in which they don't know what bi...moreThis book was cute and neat even if it wasn't fantastic and amazing. I love the little world that DuPrau creates--one in which they don't know what birds or dogs look like, in which noone chooses her job but it's chosen for her, one in which all the needs of the city are fulfilled by willing and able hands. It's facinating really. It's genius. Well, ya know, aside from your standard-issue greed and corruption which leads to the ultimate downfall of an entire "race" of people. But other than that, these Ember folks really have their shit together. (less)
I LOVED the Sweet Pickles books. I'm only adding one to my shelf, though. I don't remember the damn things to be honest, but I remembered loving the b...moreI LOVED the Sweet Pickles books. I'm only adding one to my shelf, though. I don't remember the damn things to be honest, but I remembered loving the books like crazy. And I like to eat sweet pickles. and I like the greeting cards you can buy that have pickles on them. And I remember having scratch & sniff pickle valentines in kindergarten. Any pickle love I have now stems directly from my Sweet Pickle love as a child.(less)
5th grade, I was a total BabySitters Club addict. I think I read them until I was in 9th grade or something embarrassing. Anyway, THIS particular one...more5th grade, I was a total BabySitters Club addict. I think I read them until I was in 9th grade or something embarrassing. Anyway, THIS particular one was one of my absolute favorites, and I read it a bazillion times. It's the one where Kristy's mom marries Watson, or whatever the hell his name is. See the beatuiful yellow dress?!?!? And the babysitters had all the kids over at once and had to do games and stuff with them. It was like the girls were running their own day camp! One time I took this book in the bathtub to read because I thought reading in the bathtub was a sophisticated thing to do (shut up, I see the irony) and of course I got the damn book soaked. But I didn't care. It dried to a fat wrinkly rag, but I read it again anyway! Yay, happy times.(less)
This book revives my desire to want to do some good theatre, where everyone is working their asses off and is rewarded by a phenomenal production and...moreThis book revives my desire to want to do some good theatre, where everyone is working their asses off and is rewarded by a phenomenal production and a feeling of accomplishment. It makes me want to learn to be a better actress. It makes me want to spend hours and hours and days and days with my friends, late nights giggling on rooftops and stoops and patios with cocktails and the unbreakable "theatre-person" bond, only to get up early in the morning to make it to production meetings and rehearsals and another day in the life. Good times.
Regarding the two-star rating in spite of the four-star sentiment I'm feeling, allow me to explain very simply. The Goodreads description of this book is as follows:
Two theater-mad, self-invented, fabulositon Ohio teenagers.
One boy, one girl. One gay, one straight. One black, one white.
And SUMMER DRAMA CAMP.
It's a season of hormones, gold lamé, hissy fits, jazz hands, song and dance, true love, and unitards
that will determine their future and test their friendship.
These things are all true. But it also contains whining. It's one of those books where the protagonist is difficult to like. I can see my high school self in her so very much, which is just depressing and embarrassing. I found it to be much more juvenile (or should I say adolescent?) than I expected. Which, now that I think about it, is the very reason I don't do as much theatre anymore...(less)
Loading...
