Yes, superficial at times-- but boring? Never. And. How about a queer youth as one of the characters? Sounds great to me. I was hooked on the mystery...moreYes, superficial at times-- but boring? Never. And. How about a queer youth as one of the characters? Sounds great to me. I was hooked on the mystery the entire time! And was watching the shows as well about two summer's ago. I think these are good YA books because they keep young readers engaged and guessing about the mystery!(less)
For 17 years the author, Chris Perez allowed himself privacy with his grief. Finally he is ready to share his story...moreFinally! And aiiii it was soo good.
For 17 years the author, Chris Perez allowed himself privacy with his grief. Finally he is ready to share his story with the those interested in the life of Selena. I read this book during the hot summer nights before bed with my partner. We both love Selena. We picked up the book at Casa Azul, a Latina owned-independent book store recently opened in Harlem. REALLY, Please go to this book store. Not only does it offer a great selection-- it is a work of art in it self. And we have to support independent bookstores or soon they will all be extinct. (R.I.P. Acres of Books, LB)
Selena, with Love is so generous with beautiful memories of a young couple deeply in love. Of course we are interested because this particular couple is Selena and Chris Perez. Before finishing the first chapter, our eyes were fogged with wetness on the A train. I am appreciative that the author shared some of his personal pictures with us, and I know and respect that there are more that are just for him and not the world.
Chris Perez also shares some of the stories behind famous songs and how they came to be. Of course there are hard times between the couple, with the fame and differences in families.
I won't spoil -- I know that any true fan of Selena has read this book or will be reading it soon.
I loved this book. It is accessible for many ages and walks of life. The Hunger Games tells a story of survival in a world where some are privileged w...moreI loved this book. It is accessible for many ages and walks of life. The Hunger Games tells a story of survival in a world where some are privileged with advantages and others are not; much like our world. On top of this story line is the idea of televised personal strife and competition... the prize being your life. Activists, organizers, thrill seekers and sci-fi lovers one and all will surely love this book.(less)
A summer read that did not disappoint. I loved loved loved Aimee and Jaguar's dedication to one another through the medium of letters. I am so thankfu...moreA summer read that did not disappoint. I loved loved loved Aimee and Jaguar's dedication to one another through the medium of letters. I am so thankful these survived to give the story the unique taste of the past. LETTERS! I wish more people wrote letters, they are such a real declaration of the present moment what ever that moment maybe. I have to go further and say they the movie that is based on this book is also really great. But, the book is a MUST. What brave women they are to have loved eachother so much during that particular time and place in history. Truly a unique story. (less)
Dorky as it may be these books made me a reader. Due to difficulty in digesting this large complicated world and trying to learn how to read at the sa...moreDorky as it may be these books made me a reader. Due to difficulty in digesting this large complicated world and trying to learn how to read at the same time (aka dyslexia) as a young person- I did not become fully fluent in reading until maybe one book before this series and then, certainly and officially for ever after. I loved and love so many things about it. I loved the changing characters on the page corners. I loved the characters ability to change and communicate differently with one another. I loved that there was more that ONE girl character and some of the characters were youth of color. This series jump started me to become the avaricious reader that I am today. Love it!(less)
I read this my self as an older teen and loved them. Then I read them to my younger siblings as they were growing up. It was a great bonding activity...moreI read this my self as an older teen and loved them. Then I read them to my younger siblings as they were growing up. It was a great bonding activity for us and they loved the stories! C.S. Lewis has a beautiful mind for adventures.(less)
**spoiler alert** What just happened here? Destruction beyond redemption, Collins forces a cease-fire between readers and a fictional war in Panem. I...more**spoiler alert** What just happened here? Destruction beyond redemption, Collins forces a cease-fire between readers and a fictional war in Panem. I still don't feel confident in my belief or understanding of the sudden turn of events following the murder of Snow/Coin (not the same person- but their deaths echo one another). Why was Katniss punished?
In other reflections, I am greatful to Collins for Katniss. She is an anti-hero. She is any slightly brave ordinary person. Commits wrongs. Is selfishly concerned with revenge, and the utility of her love acts/ love triangles. I appreciate Katniss for this. On the other hand, damn that sucks so many loved ones were taken from her. Especially Prim.
Prim. I am deeply dissapointed in Collins for her underdevelopment of this character. And for any other possible meaningful female character other than Katniss. Why wasn't the relation ship between Katniss and her sister made more real? Instead, a great story was based around an old- and very sellable (unfortunately) love triangle. No relationship with Katniss is sparred the love triangle distress. In Mockingjay there were two conversations between Katniss and Prim that seem to reveal and attempt to develop their bond:
p. 149 --when Katniss finally asks Prim how she is handling the resettlement to District 13. Prim reveals that she'd like to be a doctor one day. That is cool. But, eventually the conversation turns to Peeta: "Katniss, I don't think President Snow will kill Peeta..."
p. 184-- Prim is comforting Katniss that Peeta hasn't completely left reality. Then Katniss turns to a thoughtful reflection on Prim, "She has inherited the best qualities our family has to offer...An ability to look into the confusing mess of life and see things for what they are." Unfortunately, she ends her thoughtful meander with the familiar prowl of the love triangle, "Is it possible she could be right? That Peeta could return to me?"
Reflecting on this, reminds me of The Blechdel Test --Where a movie must :
1. Have at least two [named] women in it 2. Who talk to each other 3. About something besides a man
I know Mockingjay isn't a movie (YET) but sadly, I don't think it would pass the test. In my mind's heart it hasn't.
Apart from this there is plenty to reflect on the possibility of future generations of humanity remaining steadily avaricious in terms of material wealth, war and environmental degradation. Plenty. I am still moving through it. But the thing that doesn't take much reflection is that so far nothing has changed about the way to make a bestseller.
Guy/Lady Love triangle. Slim to zero meaningful female relationships and or conversations. Katniss you do happen to be a hero. I only wish that your heros were more relatable. (less)
Flannery and Anne are perhaps an unlikely couple. Flannery is in her first year of college and Anne is her TA. This is a tender account of what it is...moreFlannery and Anne are perhaps an unlikely couple. Flannery is in her first year of college and Anne is her TA. This is a tender account of what it is like to fall for some one in the beginning. The beginnings of all relationships are so awake. No sleep is wanted or needed when for the first time your whole being is hyper aware of this new person. Flannery's account of sleeping NEXT to someone for the first time is cute:
"But sleeping: that was a new intimacy altogether, and one Flannery often could not believe she shared. It was a secret wasn't it? Sleeping?...Flannery felt that who you were when you were out and off the record was nobody's business but your own. She could never believe people allowed themselves to sleep in public...To sleep with Anne was, for Flannery, an ultimate trust." (p. 108)
Anne is a beautifully daring character, bravely standing tall in her first love for another. =](less)
This book rocks. Quite literally, the essays in this book will rock the way you think about "america" and democracy. Again and again Zinn deconstructs...moreThis book rocks. Quite literally, the essays in this book will rock the way you think about "america" and democracy. Again and again Zinn deconstructs the glory of war as it is fantasized by the media, the government and popular culture. Quoting from Eugene V. Debs on the socialist platform with Mother Jones and Big Bill in 1905 to remembering the executions of the Italian immigrants Sacco and Vanzetti Zinn makes an un deniable case against war and the horrors of war. He does this with countless juxtapositions of paradox after paradox of the inconsistent pattern of justice by our government.
"Class injustice cuts across every decade, every century of our history. In the midst of the Sacco and Vanzetti case, a wealthy man in the town of Milton, south of Boston, shot and killed a man who was gathering firewood on his property. He spent eight days in jail, then was let out on bail, and was not prosecuted. The district attorney called it "justifiable homicide." One law for the rich, one law for the poor-- a persistent character of our system of justice." -- Howard Zinn (261)
Upon finishing "A Power.." there are now about ten more movies and ten more books that I want to read. One is called "Green Parrots" by Gino Strada, about land mines that look like toys, almost like green parrots and injure countless numbers of children throughout the world.
The most important idea I take from this book at its end is: How we remember history shapes our future. Remembering the untold stories and unsung heros is a radical action that will shape and could save our future. Hope you check this one out too.(less)
This wasn't my favorite of what I know Octavia to be capable of but I am holding out for the rest of the series. The main character Lilith reminds me...moreThis wasn't my favorite of what I know Octavia to be capable of but I am holding out for the rest of the series. The main character Lilith reminds me of the stuck in the middle character. Not too much of this or that and thus she is selected to be "awakened" and lead other humans in her situation. But often I found myself wanting more from Lilith. And I'm still not sure what it is I wanted 'more' of. Nikanj was one of my favorite characters. The little one who gets away with things but grows up to be potentially dangerous. Excited to read the rest!(less)
Funny! So funny. This book was a great time. And you learn so much along the way. My favorite books are those that leave you feeling like a fat sponge...moreFunny! So funny. This book was a great time. And you learn so much along the way. My favorite books are those that leave you feeling like a fat sponge. Drip drop with so much fun, laughs, reflections and knowledge that by the end you don't even realize how much you've soaked up. (less)
I felt that Anyanwu gave into Doro-- something the whole story had been resisting. Thus at the end I felt a little disappointed that she didn't just g...moreI felt that Anyanwu gave into Doro-- something the whole story had been resisting. Thus at the end I felt a little disappointed that she didn't just go off into her own world away from him. Some of my favorite moments are when she is with the dolphins. Thank you Octavia !(less)
Wow. This continued story stole my Thursday. I woke up with a mission-- to finish this book. It is off the hook suspension, no joke. At this stage Kat...moreWow. This continued story stole my Thursday. I woke up with a mission-- to finish this book. It is off the hook suspension, no joke. At this stage Katniss becomes woven into a mess of power/ego struggles between political figures and ignorant minds in the capital and a growing unrest in the surrounding districts. I can't wait to see where the next book will go. Is Collins paralleling some actual event? All I could think about during the second book were different historical coup's that have happened over time. Argentina, Chile, and Honduras. Is she basing her work on any of these? All and all the story is a great litmus test for a society that is awaking to its manipulation as a pawn in a much wider game. Some question's I am left with are: Peeta? Katniss's family and the betrayal between Katniss and her Hunger Game friends. Is it really betrayal or do they know what they are doing? Can't wait for the next book!(less)
James Baldwin is one of my favorite story creaters and story tell-ers. He brings so much emotion to his books that I get enraged, frustrated, consumed...moreJames Baldwin is one of my favorite story creaters and story tell-ers. He brings so much emotion to his books that I get enraged, frustrated, consumed and then brought back up again-- just like the characters. Much like my love for the book "Pages for You" by Sylvia Brownrigg, I love how the relationship is tender. Yet, unlike "Pages" the relationship in Another Country brings so much from the past of each of the characters. And each character literally sweats it off in heated disagreements, fights, love making and soul searching. This is a must read.(less)
How long can you wait to become yourself? You are always becoming and rebecoming... unless we area working hard to not become ourselves. Unfortunately...moreHow long can you wait to become yourself? You are always becoming and rebecoming... unless we area working hard to not become ourselves. Unfortunately many make this the work of their lives. Truths in all its skins and shapes are hard to face. And this is why I am so thankful for This Bridge Called My Back and all womyn and people who are who they are, despite living in a world well bread with fear and hostility toward difference. sigue adelante. (less)
I couldn't believe Octavia B. killed the two main characters from Wild Seed! I am still adjusting to this and trying to figure out the connecting thre...moreI couldn't believe Octavia B. killed the two main characters from Wild Seed! I am still adjusting to this and trying to figure out the connecting threads hidden in Clay's Ark.(less)
This was one of my favorite books growing up. I first read it some where near 6th grade and would go back to it many times after. Since then I have re...moreThis was one of my favorite books growing up. I first read it some where near 6th grade and would go back to it many times after. Since then I have read it maybe eight times! The bravery of this mujer taught my young forming mind so much. So much about speaking out against injustices, standing up and making things happen as women and then about survival. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with Ms. Alicia via this book and will continue to go back to it many times in the future.(less)
Overall I was very excited to learn how I can take better care of my body in the future and present by reading this book. However, some parts very ann...moreOverall I was very excited to learn how I can take better care of my body in the future and present by reading this book. However, some parts very annoying and blatantly sexist and classist. I was offended too in different parts. What the author suggests shopping as a "physical activity" is annoying,. And, whenever they talk about old fred---not only because not all women/womyn want to be with a man but talking about him like old fred makes him seem like a piece of furniture in her life completly uninterested in her or her well being-- which is how no partner should be! And when ever he suggests activities to work out its always Canoeing, kayaking, "shopping" in one instance, skiiing etc... what kind of ever day person does this stuff or has access to them? THese are expensive sports! Sure you and Time go skiing and I can come over and snowboard, but the majority of ppl do no do or have access to these types of sports. Jeez! But, there is some really valuable information in here about exercising and how good it is for our bodies. It's so good! (less)
This was pleasant journey for many reasons. I really liked the color scheme (something surprisingly important for my attention), and the way movement...moreThis was pleasant journey for many reasons. I really liked the color scheme (something surprisingly important for my attention), and the way movement is communicated. The ending was some what unexpected, so that was nice. And it's always nice to see folks in one profession take a slight turn and use their talents for a different, often more creative and individually satisfying project. Eric Drooker also works for the New Yorker Magazine.(less)
Come on. This book is great. I'll admit I tried to read Tea's Valencia last year but couldn't get into it. I decided to give her another try when "Ros...moreCome on. This book is great. I'll admit I tried to read Tea's Valencia last year but couldn't get into it. I decided to give her another try when "Rose of No Man's..." was calling out to me from a library shelf. I read the first page and saw that Trisha and I had a lot in common. And, who doesn't like a book about a quirky loner girl self secluded on the edge of a white trash rural town? Trisha's character is reminiscent of "Daria" from MTV. The writing is witty. And the adventures are those of this gender blurring loner girl's first experiences in the world. She doesn't hold back, she's open to the choices she's presented with... and her openness yet sharp critique of the world is a nice balance for this story. Check it out. It's a good time. (less)
Another sponge book. You have such a great time carefully climbing over all the details of the book you don't even realize how fat you've become with...moreAnother sponge book. You have such a great time carefully climbing over all the details of the book you don't even realize how fat you've become with knowledge and facts by the time the story is over. I also really like his daughter's name: Marie Celeste, a tribute to Galileo's love of the heavens. Though the story is not as much about his daughter as one might think from the title-- it is a clever and engaging way to tell a story of Galileo and his journey through the skies.(less)
I have been waiting for this book. And I didn't even know it. I found it last week in a free pile here in DC. I had seen it before, but thought it loo...moreI have been waiting for this book. And I didn't even know it. I found it last week in a free pile here in DC. I had seen it before, but thought it looked boring. I know, judging a book by its' cover- shame. However, vindication has come because I have just finished the book and find my self swimming somewhere between confused, frustrated and impressed.
The book has come to me in a timely moment. I will be going to an Ashram next weekend and talking to them on the phone recently they excitedly told me they have a pool when I told them that I currently work at pools. Of course this reminded me of the pool that Pi Patel swims at in the Ashram and of the Piscine Deligny Pool, Paris's oldest city pool, 1976. This pool held the Olympics in 1900.
I've read reviews where they said that the begining was boring, well the stuff about the pools, animals, science and religion was my favorite. All that tricked me into the rest of the book. I love it when authors sneak a bunch of knowledge in a book.
The rest was quite enjoyable. And the ending was a trip. Don't worry I'm not going to spoil it. Read on and enjoy.(less)
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