Although the writing itself gets tiresome, the story is incredible. They keep mentioning that they think Mortenson deserves a Nobel for his efforts an...moreAlthough the writing itself gets tiresome, the story is incredible. They keep mentioning that they think Mortenson deserves a Nobel for his efforts and I agree entirely.
Mortenson is what we need more of - people who are willing to help out other people by teaching them sustainability. This is not an imperialist manifesto, but instead, it's the manual of how to help those in need by giving them the tools to do the work themselves. Mortenson's devotion to a cause is so admirable and so ignored by the US government.
While other reviewers have found the personal parts unnecessary, I actually think I would have disliked the book without them. By knowing his story, you see why he is incredible. He comes from little means himself and goes through what "normal" people do in terms of relationships, jobs, and family life. This book makes you want to do something, and, if you want something incredibly simple to do, BUY the book from www.threecupsoftea.com so that 7% of your sale goes directly to CAI. Although 7% doesn't sound like much, as you'll learn by reading the book, every penny helps.(less)
I love Jon and Kate, and I've always had a great admiration for Kate (unlike most people, apparently). The book tells mostly stuff that I knew but som...moreI love Jon and Kate, and I've always had a great admiration for Kate (unlike most people, apparently). The book tells mostly stuff that I knew but some of it was more insightful into Kate and Jon's minds. I never knew how religious they were, and I'm almost glad that's not played up in the show because it could come off terribly. The book does it justice for sure. Quick read, and it will show you more insight into why Kate is not the crazed lunatic everyone seems to think she is. I think it clears up just how much she loves and admires her husband, too. (less)
**spoiler alert** Arden is a character with wit, intelligence, and adventure-driven. Stein writes a fast-paced but descriptive story of a girl who goe...more**spoiler alert** Arden is a character with wit, intelligence, and adventure-driven. Stein writes a fast-paced but descriptive story of a girl who goes out of her way to take on an adventure in Europe with three strangers. The book is well-written and perfectly paced, and Stein does not dwell on details but inserts enough to make the story colorful and vivid. The entire plot hinges on one character choosing adventure, and from there, the story unfolds to develop her character and her story past to present. The characters with whom Arden interact are also well developed and become individuals. One thing that struck me as unnecessary throughout, though, was Madison's pregnancy. I almost felt like Stein needed to add another hook to the story and it was something not resolved in the end. The story was so well written without this subplot and since the subplot never develops, it should have been left out all together. The couple of pages this subplot adds would have been better used on other aspects of the story or even in description. The military subplot with the contemporary elements made it a relevant story that does not get political the way a lot of similar story lines do. Well done, and definitely for anyone with an interest in adventure, growing up, alternative family life, or, well, Europe!(less)
**spoiler alert** This book garners a 1.5 from me. What a painful read.
I won't dwell too long on what makes this book so wrong, but let's start with t...more**spoiler alert** This book garners a 1.5 from me. What a painful read.
I won't dwell too long on what makes this book so wrong, but let's start with the problem of how difficult it is for a GOOD writer to develop character via the epistolary form. Now for two mediocre writers, it's even worse. I distinguish no voices among the twelve million uninteresting characters. Second, how about the "plot?" There isn't one, and what is moderately plot-like is so loosely strung that it's impossible and laughable. The woman's boss lets her skip town, not do her work, and then she decides she wants to adopt some kid she's known for a couple of months and then marries one of her subjects? That's unethical and gets people fired in the real world. Granted, it's the 1940s, but, I think that actually makes it less believable. The setting and timing of this story never come together, and descriptions of war are thrown in on the side for added drama.
I should have stayed away when I saw the rave, run-on sentence of a review from Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love fame) giving this one glowing reviews. The book is not worth your time or frustration, as you can never really care about the characters or their half-slopped-together miss-mash of a story. Additionally, the language leaves something to be desired when it could have been so much more. The book HAS such potential but never gets anywhere near it. Feckless, really (feckless being the word I kept reading overandoverandover when it wasn't necessary).(less)
I wish I could get into this one more. I think I outgrew my historical fiction stage a long time ago, so this one is a tough one. I definitely would h...moreI wish I could get into this one more. I think I outgrew my historical fiction stage a long time ago, so this one is a tough one. I definitely would have liked it more when I was reading this sort of stuff more. The writing, I must say, is spectacular. The tone and images, the narration, and the setting are very well done and clearly researched extensively. I felt the story dragged in parts and some parts could have been better developed (I found the first chapter to be difficult to follow what was going on, which can be an immediate turn off to readers). For someone who loves historical fiction or is interested in the American Revolutionary era, this is a must read.(less)
This was a book that had definite ups and downs in terms of a moving plot. Technology, terrorism, and politics meld together in a somewhat sci-fi mann...moreThis was a book that had definite ups and downs in terms of a moving plot. Technology, terrorism, and politics meld together in a somewhat sci-fi manner, if that makes sense. Doctorow is a tech geek and writes with knowledge most readers wouldn't have but many would either have heard of or are interested in learning about. I think the book may be a few years ahead of its intended audience, since Doctorow IS such a tech geek. I think the book waivers on interesting and boring, as the author isn't necessarily the most gripping writer. The ideas, though, hold it together and make an interesting thought experiment. There certainly is narrative but it definitely isn't the greatest. That said, anyone interested in current events or with technology would dig this book. It was definitely an interesting read, and it went fairly quickly. While Neil Gaiman, who has his own reputation to boast in terms of giving an opinion, said this was a book he'd recommend over almost anything else this year. Gaiman must not read as much as I do or he must read only certain things; there are much better books, but this one is one that is interesting and worth reading...it's just not the one I'd recommend first, second, or sixth. (less)
A very cute story. I learned a lot about owls I never knew before, and the pictures were great. Downsides? This woman is a nutjob, and she had a seriou...moreA very cute story. I learned a lot about owls I never knew before, and the pictures were great. Downsides? This woman is a nutjob, and she had a serious case of needing a real editor (not just her musician friend). The word "galumphing" was used about eighteen thousand times, and sometimes the digressions she made were unnecessary. Alas, for good mindless reading, this one is a quick and unique true story. (less)
This felt like it was written quickly and the characters just aren't interesting. It's a terrible rip-off of Kafka's "Metamorphosis." Knowing Lockhart...moreThis felt like it was written quickly and the characters just aren't interesting. It's a terrible rip-off of Kafka's "Metamorphosis." Knowing Lockhart's writing abilities, she could have done something really cool here without making the allusion so blatant and dull. I don't care about the characters because I don't know them at all. (less)
This book, told exclusively through instant messages, is a rarity in having good dialog with a realistic delivery. The story chronicles three girls wh...moreThis book, told exclusively through instant messages, is a rarity in having good dialog with a realistic delivery. The story chronicles three girls who deal with growing up - both the triumphs and downfalls.
I read this book precisely because of the ban in Round Rock ISD. Now, I am against book banning but I feel like this isn't a book worth being in a school library. There are books that deal with these issues in a more school-appropriate manner. ttyl is entirely appropriate in the public library without a doubt, but in a situation where school libraries have tight budgets and strive to support curriculum, it seems like this might have been a bad choice for that reason . Yes, there is graphic language and description but it's nothing that teens who can read the book haven't read or thought about; that's precisely the point of the story. I think Myracle does a great job of being realistic about it without making it a gimmick.
I wouldn't worry about anyone reading this. I would worry only about this being representative of an aspect of curriculum or being a book chosen over something that would not be found in a public library. (less)
**spoiler alert** Very cute book and a very quick read. Lockhart's story focuses on Sarah (Sadye) attending a summer acting camp. Like any camp situat...more**spoiler alert** Very cute book and a very quick read. Lockhart's story focuses on Sarah (Sadye) attending a summer acting camp. Like any camp situation, it's filled with drama and perhaps moreso because it's a drama camp. The characters are well done, although you don't learn much about them except for Sarah and Demi, but as leads in the story, it makes sense. Throughout the entire book, I kept thinking Sarah would be an ideal director with her vision and needs, and at the end, I was satisfied that that thought could at least be fulfilled. I found the scene with the alcohol unbelievable, though, considering how Sarah acted throughout the book - she shouldn't have taken the blame. For the story, though, it works. (less)
So, the writing itself was awesome. But, this book suffered from making no sense for two chapters, having too many characters, and having too little e...moreSo, the writing itself was awesome. But, this book suffered from making no sense for two chapters, having too many characters, and having too little editing. I gave it 70 pages and said enough.(less)
I thought this would be funnier. I've read much better in this genre, both the memoir aspect and the weight aspect. I think if I were a ra...moreA solid 2.5.
I thought this would be funnier. I've read much better in this genre, both the memoir aspect and the weight aspect. I think if I were a rabid Klein fan, I'd like it more, but it just wasn't that funny or interesting.(less)
As is the case with most library books, it pays little attention to the special/corporate library and the needs associated with them. This one at leas...moreAs is the case with most library books, it pays little attention to the special/corporate library and the needs associated with them. This one at least mentions they exist.(less)
I love myself a good piece of post-modern literature. I kid not. Krauss does a good job building a good pomo work, tying together some very loose piec...moreI love myself a good piece of post-modern literature. I kid not. Krauss does a good job building a good pomo work, tying together some very loose pieces of stories into something cohesive and sweet. While I wavered about whether some of the set up and story telling was necessary and I thought some parts were downright contrived, I think it's a good piece of writing with a good story. Good, interesting characters.(less)
**spoiler alert** I would give this a 2.5, simply because the last, oh, 200 pages made me laugh from how ridiculous it was.
Johnson's writing style irr...more**spoiler alert** I would give this a 2.5, simply because the last, oh, 200 pages made me laugh from how ridiculous it was.
Johnson's writing style irritated me to no end. She has no sense of how to write from the voice of a 14 or 15 year old in this book. I am actually annoyed I chose to read this book first, as others have said her work is great (perhaps this one is not representative). And, before I dig into my real issues with the story, let me start by stating it is clearly a poor decision to put someone who is clearly 19 or 20 on the cover representing Scarlett.
So, where to begin?
Why does it take 100 pages for a plot to begin? Why is it that the guest, Ms. Amberson, is the one who begins the plot? Who is she anyway? Why is she there? Sure we get some hints that unravel as the story ends, but, really, why should I care as a reader? I don't care about Scarlett at all and clearly, no one else but her brother Spencer does either (although she mentions having friends, I would suspect any 15 year old girl in NYC would have more than the 5 hiply-named rich kids who are traipsing around the world as friends). To be totally honest, the only character in the entire book to have anything interesting going on is Lola. If the story were written about her, I may have enjoyed it. The youngest sister, Marlene, is just a stock character serving as a "problem" throughout the story. She's nothing but the sick kid who caused the family to go poor. Boo hoo. I don't care about Marlene, as she is simply an irritating member of an already irritating story, and I feel she gets that treatment throughout. At least Johnson could have made her more of an important character to make the whole Leukemia-powerkids-poorhouse creating monster gain some sort of empathy from the reader. I just think she's a nuisance.
The book masquerades as a young adult novel, but really, it's a poor attempt to both write about something cool (growing up in a hotel) and about working for a demanding crazy woman (ala "Devil Wears Prada" or any other story of that NYC-based ilk) while also trying to develop an absolutely absurd story about a girl who is way too in love with her older brother. I'm not even sure how to classify the story, nor would I be sure how to sell it to a reader. It's funny because of how ludicrous it is, but that's not the goal of the story -- it's ludicrous because I've read a lot and just can identify a fish when I see it. Now, I could have given Johnson credit for a hilariously absurd story....IF IT BEGAN BEFORE PAGE 100. But up until page 100, we have Scarlett being madly in love with Spencer and not much else. And there's no build up to absurdity. It's like Johnson wrote two separate short stories and tried to string them together. It wasn't seamless.
Can I return to the fact I can't buy the story of Scarlett and Spencer being such good siblings? There are parts I found downright incestuous. Also, Eric is 18 and wants to kiss 15 year old Scarlett? That's sick, too. I don't care how much girls dream about dating older boys at that age, but no older boy (especially a SOUTHERN boy, as is repeated throughout) would want a 15 year old. Eesh.
Honestly, this is a book that Johnson should have rewritten entirely and centered it around bored uptown NYC housewives. It would have been more realistic and easier to find humorous (or serious...). I'm sorry to have read this story first because now I'm going to be thinking of this as representative of her work. I read she's creating a sequel. I can't even imagine how!
Sometimes, I can forgive a horrible story for good writing, and sometimes I can do the reverse. This one, sadly, has both against it. (less)
I gave up. I dislike Tally so much, even more than I did in Uglies. This didn't keep my attention. The characters mean nothing to me as a reader, and si...moreI gave up. I dislike Tally so much, even more than I did in Uglies. This didn't keep my attention. The characters mean nothing to me as a reader, and since there are plenty of new ones emerging, it means I care less and less. I thought I'd make it through the trilogy, but, I'd rather spend a few hours reading more interesting stuff. (less)
Science fiction with an interesting premise. I found myself hating Tally throughout the book, until the last few pages. Even then, she's leaving me un...moreScience fiction with an interesting premise. I found myself hating Tally throughout the book, until the last few pages. Even then, she's leaving me unsatisfied and frustrated as a reader, but I'm also jazzed enough to read what happens next. Maybe she redeems herself? We'll see.
The one thing this book did that annoyed me was its social commentary on human species. I think it's very short sighted (I'm referring not to the general ideas, which I think it presents fairly, but rather to the direct Rusty commentary). The entire chapter about oil and how it is evil? Westerfeld, grow up. Find something new and interesting to talk about OR don't talk about it at all. It doesn't fit with the story and it's nothing but your agenda shining through. Any young adult reading this isn't interested in that tirade when they're reading the story which is actually well-developed and thoughtful commentary. This was almost enough to make me put the book down and stop all together. (less)
I just could not get into this book, and I think it is because the characters aren't interesting at all. I don't care about them, nor do I find myself...moreI just could not get into this book, and I think it is because the characters aren't interesting at all. I don't care about them, nor do I find myself wanting to care about them. Sad - I love John Green but this just did not do it for me!(less)
I liked this one as much, if not a little more than, Persepolis. It's meant for an entirely different audience - this is definitely not a typical youn...moreI liked this one as much, if not a little more than, Persepolis. It's meant for an entirely different audience - this is definitely not a typical young adult graphic novel. The book center around Iranian norms for women in marriage and sex. The illustrations are stronger and the story more focused than Persepolis, which is perhaps why I liked it a little more. I don't think, though, this book would be as good or interesting without reading Persepolis first; perhaps it's the introduction to the culture and to Satrapi's style than helps make this enjoyable.(less)
**spoiler alert** I think Satrapi developed this story much better than the first book, but perhaps that's because it's much more social than politica...more**spoiler alert** I think Satrapi developed this story much better than the first book, but perhaps that's because it's much more social than political. The story was translated better graphically through the social ties. One thing that did irritate me was her relationship with Reza. She needed ten more pages to develop what the problem was - it almost seemed like he got the bad end of a raw deal because she too hastily married. He didn't seem to do anything too terrible to her, but rather, she suffered from losing herself to a tradition. (less)
The second half made up for the first half, which I felt wasn't well developed and required significant background knowledge. However, the second half...moreThe second half made up for the first half, which I felt wasn't well developed and required significant background knowledge. However, the second half flowed well, the story moved away from the selfishness of Satrapi's need to be a hero (which, if the point was cultural, could have been better developed) and into her life and how it was impacted by war. The illustrations were fantastic.(less)
He only cares about the Boston area, apparently, and he leaves little to talk about further west since there aren't many places of literary excellence...moreHe only cares about the Boston area, apparently, and he leaves little to talk about further west since there aren't many places of literary excellence. This guy is irritating, self-absorbed, and tenure-hungry. Did you really need to inform us your friend (!!!!) dated Sylvia Plath? It doesn't give you any more credit. Also, why route 20? Route 30 is the real Great Road of America. Run far, far away from this book. It's like a terrible history text book with the author seeking credibility for knowing a bit about Boston's literary scene. (less)
Another one I read by Moore when I was younger. I am glad I revisited it. Moore does such a cool thing with her literary allusions...moreI'd give this a 4.5.
Another one I read by Moore when I was younger. I am glad I revisited it. Moore does such a cool thing with her literary allusions -- the first part of the book, the set up mirrors Moby Dick . Zoe is Ahab, on the quest for Georgia O'Keffee's life while Shelby is the Ishmael, along for the ride. As the story evolves, and as the last paragraph of the book says, it turns into Janie's journey in Their Eyes Were Watching God . Moore never comes out and says that, alluding to it only by saying that Zoe wanted to take a fun educational course on Zora Neale Hurston, an author she'd recently discovered. A well-reader reader of this book would get it. This is, of course, the strength and the weakness of the book: the book is geared for teens who likely haven't read enough to get that reference or understand the two American narratives in a way to see how Moore weaves it together seamlessly.
As usual, the humor is great, and the characters are memorable. Moore can write a great narrator, full of wit, sass, and intelligence. The characters are a cast. I'm still a little blown away by the narrative techniques with the classical allusions, really, since it's something I certainly didn't understand when I read it the first time! (less)
I think I read this book when it first came out. I remember reading it and thinking to myself, a junior high student, that no book in the world could...moreI think I read this book when it first came out. I remember reading it and thinking to myself, a junior high student, that no book in the world could compare to it. The writing was fun, the images were memorable, and the story had all the elements you wanted - good characters and a satisfying ending. I'd often think about the images and to this day, many of those stayed with me. I'm particularly thinking about the hair ironing, the glow in the dark solar system, moon pools of green with golden specks, as well as the line "held me like glass." These were images that just stuck.
I started thinking about this book again recently. I couldn't remember the name, except I could remember the image of the red haired angel and I could remember the feeling I had checking it out again and again from the library, knowing no other young adult book would compare. I Googled the memorable things and found the book again. And read it again. In an hour.
And I wasn't disappointed.
The book is still as good now as it was 13 years ago. The images are still as vivid, the characters still as well-done and the story still as satisfying. As I've gathered more experience in my life, I think I may appreciate the story more now than I did then. I don't think there is a book that makes me feel as tingly as this one. Perhaps I had a Roxanne in my life and I often felt like the Jesse - hanging on to something I just had no control over. There's something slightly magical to the book, though it is nothing mystical nor does it depend on magical elements. Each of the characters is dynamic, but not just because Moore wrote it that way; the characters are so dynamic because Jesse discovers that people are much more than what they appear on the outside and much more than they act in one day. And she discovers that about herself, too.
Great read both as a young reader and now as an adult. I'm still going to carry these images, and I still believe few books can compare in terms of the impressions with which it left me. (less)
Okay. John Green had me in part one. He somewhat had me through half of part two. But after that? I jus...more**spoiler alert** This would get a 3 1/2 stars.
Okay. John Green had me in part one. He somewhat had me through half of part two. But after that? I just didn't care.
All of his main characters in each book are the same: the geeky/nerdy smart boy seeking the hard-to-reach girl who is just so captivating. And the cast of flat, monotone characters with whom said boy and girl associate.
Although I think this book is his strongest story-line wise, when it's the third in a series of same, it's not that interesting anymore. Green has a gift of writing and telling a story, but it's time to move on to something new and more exciting. I'd rather read something that is an utter failing than the same thing over and over.
That said, I think people who aren't part of the John Green cult would feel similarly. It's repetitive. And were I to recommend a John Green to someone, it would probably not be this one. I like Looking for Alaska best because it was the first and it was the original idea; this is a better telling, perhaps, but it's also not original.
Likewise, I find the entire idea of the paper town/paper person metaphor extremely trite. Even young readers get it. There's nothing new or original. I also think it moves slowly, particularly the last 100 pages of the book. We know EXACTLY what'll happen, and there is nothing that saves the miserable ride through those last pages. It tries too hard to be funny with the roadtrip scenes, particularly in reference to the clothing fiascoes.
But, the book redeems itself for a few reasons garnering it a 3.5, rather than a 2.5: I love the use of Whitman's poem, though I think it's not explained enough (almost with the teacher, but then the emergence of Emily Dickinson at the end really makes the explanation falter); the images and descriptions are fun; and, well, the story isn't terrible.
One thing that continually frustrated me was the fact the story tries to be realistic but there are just too many things that don't belong. It's unreasonable to believe anyone would let their kid skip graduation to go on a roadtrip to nowhere New York. It's also unrealistic these kids would carry 200 cans of beer with them, UNDERAGE, to New York. And, why is it none of them has a cell phone? Pick one: be real or be unreal. You can't do both!
As a total aside, there's a line in the book along the lines of "people as places as people," and it seemed way too uncanny that Green would write that himself. It's a name of a song by Modest Mouse, released about a year before the book. Why I mention it and would even notice is that Green weaves the Mountain Goats into the book, and it almost seems unattributed. It could be coincidence, but it almost seems like it's impossible for that to be the case.(less)
Dystopia, children in war, social/political Commentary, fast-paced action, and characters that you care about? Is it really possible? Yes, Yes. And in...moreDystopia, children in war, social/political Commentary, fast-paced action, and characters that you care about? Is it really possible? Yes, Yes. And in a way that is eerily reminiscent of, but perhaps better developed than, Japan's lovely "Battle Royale."
When the book finished, I was unsatisfied in the best of ways. I was, if you will, hungry for more. I think I'd be willing to read it a few more times. I think Collins does a tremendous job of writing a story that appeals to both young adults AND adults without sacrificing one for the other, as is the case in a lot of supposed ya material. (less)
Vanderbilt's observations are interesting, and I felt like he got a bit Kevin Kelly in his discussion of emergent behavior and comparison of driving/h...moreVanderbilt's observations are interesting, and I felt like he got a bit Kevin Kelly in his discussion of emergent behavior and comparison of driving/human behavior to locusts and ants. The book is readable in a day and that's all one should spend on it. It's nothing spectacular but it is interesting to think about as drivers/walkers/passengers. I was impressed with nearly 100 pages of notes and sources. (less)
I think Howe is a few years behind on the trend. I think I've read all of this, in multiple forms, in many different ways, throughout the last two yea...moreI think Howe is a few years behind on the trend. I think I've read all of this, in multiple forms, in many different ways, throughout the last two years. I'll add the writing isn't even that good nor is it at all insightful.
And on a particularly irritating note, he dwells for a long time on Putnam's "Bowling Alone" book, but then assumes everyone knows what the third place is and that everyone has read Oldenburg's "Great Good Place." It should have been the other way around for his argument, actually. (less)
Let me begin by saying I would give this 4.5 stars.
Frankie is one of the most well-written characters I've read in a long time. She is independent, an...moreLet me begin by saying I would give this 4.5 stars.
Frankie is one of the most well-written characters I've read in a long time. She is independent, and she is willing to be responsible for herself. She learns quickly how to stop being a doormat and that she can't rely on a boy to give her confidence, poise, and drive.
Well done, Lockhart!
This is such a refreshing read. The story's good, the writing's good, and the characters make me care enough.
**SPOILER** One thing that bothered me, though, was there did not seem to be resolution to the Alpha issue. Was he or wasn't he the kid she met on the beach? I feel like it hinted a lot, but there was no certainty. I don't expect certainty in everything I read, but since it became a core moment in the story, I wish it'd been explored a little more. (less)
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