Because it STILL shocks me to this day that people do NOT know more than what the high school history book tells us... As a history major, lover of rev...moreBecause it STILL shocks me to this day that people do NOT know more than what the high school history book tells us... As a history major, lover of revisionist history and anything to further solidify my utter disdain and hatred for the human race - I think this is a wonderful book full of facts to make your skin crawl and your vision a bright, blood red. However - in the defense of those who had their muck raked: When reading this, you MUST consider the context of the time, and the fact that the standards we have today are not meant to be applied to a hundred years ago. It does not make it RIGHT, and it does not make it FAIR - but things WERE different then. I found that this version of the events of the United States seems more accurate to me, but admittedly is rather skewed. The wording is meant to shock and capture your attention, which can occasionally work against the argument - though, in many situations, it is completely and utterly necessary. This said, should this book truly pique your interest, take the realities that Zinn exposes to heart, consider them - DIGEST THEM. Don't be a fool and refuse to think critically, based solely on the fact that what Zinn says not only feels right, but often times is exactly what we want to hear; "_____ was not perfect, _____ happened - and by GOD, Americans are buttholes." So - read on! Please, READ THIS BOOK, but read it CRITICALLY.(less)
Mystery books have never really been my cup of tea. I've tried some Agatha Christie and told myself that I should read more of them, but I never get a...moreMystery books have never really been my cup of tea. I've tried some Agatha Christie and told myself that I should read more of them, but I never get around to it. They just don't "call" to me like so many other books. But Doyle might be the man to change that. This book probably would have gotten 5 stars from me if I hadn't read a referance to it and known the endding before I started. But none the less, it was a great story. I've seen a couple of Sherlock Holmes movies and even a play, and it seems like they all have one foot in the supernatural. This is what is going to make me want to read more. I've realized that Doyle is the basis for "Scooby Doo". So, I can't say that the mystery of this tale was outstanding. I feel like, even if I didn't know the ending, I could have figured it out...maybe...So, I'm excited to try another one and see what I can come up with. Anywho, This is a story about, a classic theme, a wayward disinherited bastard killing off all of the living relatives who have claim to a wealthy estate. And while that is not overly exciting, Doyle's descriptions of the English Moor, a gloominess and almost tangible malice, comes right through the pages and sucks you in. This is my first Sherlock Holmes book, so I don't know if all are told from Watson's point of view, but it worked really well.(less)
I'd never read an ancient epic before, so I was a bit frightened of finally taking the plunge and reading this, especially since it wasn't by Homer (w...moreI'd never read an ancient epic before, so I was a bit frightened of finally taking the plunge and reading this, especially since it wasn't by Homer (who I'd figured on account of his fame to be considered the king of ancient epics). I was pleasantly surprised. The translation is well done and the text is decently easy to read (though I did find myself caving and using SparkNotes a few times). The plot is cohesive and runs throughout, and I find myself caring about the characters and their fates. I'd certainly recommend this to anyone who has never read epic poetry before, especially if he or she has a taste for adventure and fantastical elements. (less)
I'm fence-sitting on this book: Geek Love is such an original work. It can't really compare it to anything else I have read. Others have outlined the...moreI'm fence-sitting on this book: Geek Love is such an original work. It can't really compare it to anything else I have read. Others have outlined the outrageous story line here, so I don't feel the need to go into that. GL is one of the most challenging books I have ever read as far as just getting through it. I really had to struggle to complete it (and, honestly, I probably wouldn't have but my book club is reading it). The prose is brilliant, horrifying and hysterical. The down side? For me, I grew so accustomed to the gross-out freak factor that ultimately, I was pretty bored. I wanted more about Olympia and her pig-tailed daughter. I grew tired of the endless family drama scenes. Every book has to have its villain, right? But Arturo, the older controlling brother wore me out with his pseudo guru teachings. And Dunn really didn't have a good way of killing her characters off. There are many deaths in this book, but only one moved me (and I don't want to spoil anything for those intending to read it). I suppose that if one is into the most offbeat novel they can find then look no further. My fence-sitting on this book is because I can see how people could argue that this is a masterwork and how others could argue that it's a piece of trash. Both points are valid. But for me, ultimately, I was bored and wanting to get to something easier, more fun to read and more insightful than this offering gave me. And, I would not feel compelled to read any more from this author. I read an interview with Madonna many, many years ago and at that time she stated that this was her favorite book.(less)
Laura Hillenbrand brings us the brilliantly written true story of Charles Howard, Tom Smith, Red Pollard, Seabiscuit and the combined effect they had...moreLaura Hillenbrand brings us the brilliantly written true story of Charles Howard, Tom Smith, Red Pollard, Seabiscuit and the combined effect they had on a nation from 1936-1940. This book runs at a breathtaking pace from the very beginning which details the life of Charles Howard a bicycle repair shop owner who sets out to the West coast on a hunch and becomes a millionaire in the automobile industry. It alternates stories between Tom Smith, born on the American Plains and raised as a horseman when they were a dying breed and the Canadian born Pollard who left home at age 16 looking for a break and ending up as a jockey. It details the first meeting with Seabiscuit, the unlikely looking thorougbred who eventually electrifies a nation with his speed and grit. The story seamlessly weaves between the personal lives of these three people, their relationships with each other and Seabiscuit. Nail biting race scenes, injuries and rivalries are detailed throughout the story. Let it be known though, this isn't just another story about horses, it's about people, personalities, hardwork and believing in something so hard it comes true. Forget about fiction when a true story can be this exciting. These are real people who you can't help but root for. Real people who's lives are broken and made whole again all converging on a sport and a horse to give them a second chance. I just didn't like this book, I loved it!(less)
800 páginas e 3 semanas depois, eis que consegui finalmente terminar este livro. A opinião final é positiva. Gostei da história, gostei das personagen...more800 páginas e 3 semanas depois, eis que consegui finalmente terminar este livro. A opinião final é positiva. Gostei da história, gostei das personagens, gostei da escrita. Achei o livro um pouco longo demais, penso que se poderia ter feito perfeitamente com menos umas 200 páginas, mas quem sou eu? Depois, sofro do síndrome Tolkien: tenho a mania de perscrutar este género de livros para identificar eventuais semelhanças. Neste, nem foi preciso me esforçar muito... é demasiado óbvio. Existem muitas semelhanças principalmente no que diz respeito a personagens, mas também a situações. Não posso negar que me incomoda um pouco, mas vivo bem com isso. Apesar de tudo isso, não dou o meu tempo por mal empregue. Gostei da história e vou ficar à espera dos próximos volumes. Deixem-me ter a breve ilusão que a Bertrand vai algum dia publicar a colecção completa (12 volumes).(less)
This children's picture book was first published in 1986. But it is more than that. I have read this book countless times to my own children and I sti...moreThis children's picture book was first published in 1986. But it is more than that. I have read this book countless times to my own children and I still cry all the way through it. I must have bought a dozen copies. It is about taking care of your children unconditionally as they grow and then letting them go. It is about the children returning the devotion and the unconditional love to their parents who were always there for them as they grew. In that cycle of life and relationships, the grown children care for, unconditionally their own children and so on. This is a book about functional love and acceptance, forgiveness, loyalty, and family; it is about giving and tolerance and being there. It is, perhaps even better than The Selfish Gene. It is about all of us, even the ones who resist the cycle of love, acceptance, and loyalty to their own children, mothers, etc. How sad for not knowing the meaning of this book. You leave this book loving your children even more than before, if that's even possible, and your mother. There are really no words to embrace the feelings in this book. It is a book of direction and honest truth.(less)
Honestly, I did not like this novel at all. I am usually really interested in African-American lit and racial studies, but I thought this book was bor...moreHonestly, I did not like this novel at all. I am usually really interested in African-American lit and racial studies, but I thought this book was boring. I thought the pacing was weird and sometimes caught me off guard (scene changes in the middle of the page without much transition, etc). What I had the hardest time with though, was the believability (or lack believability) of the narrator. I felt like it was unrealistic that Cassie, who had grown up in the same place her whole life, all of a sudden doesn't understand the racism around her. I do think it's realistic that at some point in her adolescence she would question and be unhappy about the racism she is experiencing, but I feel like it is not realistic that she would be so adamant and outspoken about it in public, and then be surprised when the whites got mad at her. I feel like growing up in that environment, you would recognize the dangers of doing so. I also felt like most of the characters (with a couple exceptions) were very flat--either really evil or really good. I usually love historical fiction, and I think it's very important for young adults to read historical fiction and to gain an understanding of racial problems. However, I think that there are other books out there that can achieve that purpose. I think Mildred Taylor was ahead of her time, but in my opinion, this book didn't quite hold up.(less)
Loading...
