I read Middlesex, which I left me a little disappointed, so I was hesitant to pick up Eugenides first novel. I loved the movie, but wasn't sure how mu...moreI read Middlesex, which I left me a little disappointed, so I was hesitant to pick up Eugenides first novel. I loved the movie, but wasn't sure how much of its beauty was the book it was based on or the script/direction of Sophia Coppola.
The Virgin Suicides was beautiful and haunting and sadly hilarious. Eugenides description and voice of his narration is spot on. He perfectly captures the desperation of adolescence and the desperation of those who've past adolescence and are trying to make sense of the things from that point in life.
I picked up and put the book down a few times, but once I was about 1/2 way through, the book really grabbed me. The movie follows parts of the book verbatim, but obviously the book is able to unfold the story in ways the movie can't. I must had re-read the final paragraphs at least 5 times.(less)
Run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore and pick this shit up NOW.
I'm serious.
I ended up getting this on a whim, mainly b...moreRun, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore and pick this shit up NOW.
I'm serious.
I ended up getting this on a whim, mainly based on Parr and Norris mentioning on here they were planning on reading it eventually. I had seen the book around and recognized the cover (this comes from working in a bookstore for several years...), but assumed it was subpar fiction, at most.
Turns out its historical nonfiction, but with a story so rich and engaging, it's hard to believe that Larson didn't make some of it up.
Devil in the White City tells the tale of the bid for-and then subsequent planning of--the Chicago World's Fair at the turn of the century. It mainly follows the trials and tribulations of one of its main planners, Daniel Burham, who was out to prove the his own merits along with those of his beloved city. At the same time he strives to achieve greatness (along with a cast of familiar and not-so-familiar characters around him), two other men are slipping further and further into a darkness that will equally shape the city during the turn-of-the-century.
Larson's story telling is amazing and made reading the nearly 400 pages effortless. It was interesting to read all the different stories that were evolving at the same time and see how, though seemingly separate, they all wove into each other and created a rich, unbelievable story that just seems too good/weird/crazy to be true at times.
I appreciated the great depths Larson took with his research, but appreciated how he was able to counter that with perfect pacing and storytelling. Oftentimes non-fiction goes wrong by trying to be painstakingly matter-of-fact. Although he definitely tries his best to be accurate, he does make some embellishments and assumptions (mainly based on the crimes where primary sources weren't available to flesh out all the details...) that help to answer the questions that race through the readers mind--mainly why, or how, could a person do some of the horrible things this one man has done?
I've walked away from this book more curious than ever about Chicago at the turn of the century, the impact of the fair on our country, and a lot of the big wigs/main players in the inception of the fair. Specifically, I'm really interested in learning more about Olmsted, the man behind the landscaping who is credited for, among several other projects, planning Central Park. He probably stands out as one of my favorite "characters" in the book. My only fear is not being able to find another book on the subject as captivating, accurate, and entertaining as The Devil in the White City.
This book was well written--crisp, sensual. It reminded me a lot of the book Silk.
There were a lot of ideas that were offered in this book that I appreciated, specifically of how the main character "Kid" (I think they mention his name, but I remember Hanna's nickname for him most) likens our past experiences/relationships to tectonic plates--the idea that we build these experiences on top of one another and can't really view them as their own, separate entities. I think that was a really interesting concept for me and one I've been accepting more and more. (less)
(Let me preface this by saying this is NOT a book I would normally pick up/read, but someone recommended this book because he said the main character ...more(Let me preface this by saying this is NOT a book I would normally pick up/read, but someone recommended this book because he said the main character and I had a lot of parallels. I think they mainly were basing it on the fact both she and I worked for a paper).
This book is a very feel good, sappy, fairly predictable tale about a girl who is gung-ho to get out into the world and take it over with her writing. Through her doggedness and the love of her adoptive mother, she makes her way through the ranks at the local paper. Her big break finally comes when she figures out the perfect front page story for the paper: a look at the "Christmas Jar" phenomenon where seemingly random people find themselves being gifted with people's change jars on Christmas Eve.
Through self-discovery, love, muted religious undertones, and "unexpected" twists and turns, the girl (aptly named "Hope") realizes what's really important in life.
I read this immediately after reading The Reader, which I immediately started after reading Middlesex, two completely different and much more poetic books. Following up with this felt like I reading someone's recently undergrad submission to their Creative Writing II class. It just seemed pithy and orchestrated.
That being said, I did appreciate the message--the idea that through simple actions we can help others around us. It was a fast read and did make me feel some sentimental pangs.
This would be a good one to buy for your grandmom or elderly aunt. They'll love it--I promise. (less)
Just finished this one... there was definitely some interesting stuff in here, but the book was difficult to get through. I felt like some of the poin...moreJust finished this one... there was definitely some interesting stuff in here, but the book was difficult to get through. I felt like some of the points were a bit belabored and was actually expecting more examples of how economics could be applied to "real world" situations. The fact that all of the topics were overviewed in the forward kind of made the actual chapters a bit of a let down. The book also just seemed dry--I'm not sure if that applies to the subject matter or the writing.
I do give Levitt (and his co-author) credit for this and do think it's interesting. As they say in the book, even if you're able to walk away with a better understanding of the "why" behind things (or the feeling that you should be asking "why" more often instead of simply believing the explanation given to you as truth).
(less)
**spoiler alert** For the first 150 pages, this book seemed to take you through the mind of a typical spoiled, shallow rich boy who lived in a world o...more**spoiler alert** For the first 150 pages, this book seemed to take you through the mind of a typical spoiled, shallow rich boy who lived in a world of designer brands, cocaine, and meals out to the top-rated Zagat establishments. There was nothing substantial in these characters or in their interactions. Still, I found the repetitiveness interesting and curious and I wondered when the horrorshow would begin...
And begin it did. And then did not end. Bottom line: the book is brutal. As the story continues and you realize there is no method, simply madness, it becomes more and more difficult to continue, but at the same time I couldn't put the book down. I had to skip over some parts because I just couldn't take the gore--something I've never really done before...
There is no moral. No happy ending. There is some introspection, but not that indicates life will be better, that this murderer will be stopped. There is nothing uplifting about this book, its characters, what it says about society. I can see some of the "dark humor" that its fans allude to, but I didn't take too much amusement from the nose-thumbing at society. I got it; it just didn't make reading this book feel worthwhile.
I'm not unhappy I read it, but I certainly would not read it again. (less)
This was one of those books that you start and just can't put down, that you read until late at night and promise yourself you'll stop after just one ...moreThis was one of those books that you start and just can't put down, that you read until late at night and promise yourself you'll stop after just one more chapter, until the book is over.
It's the story of a family who is driven by emotional imbalance, love, alcoholism, paranoia, and a dogged desire for adventure and striking it rich. The story is told through the eyes of Jeanette, daughter to Rex and Rose Mary, who reflects on her childhood from her earliest memories (getting severely burned while cooking hotdogs for herself at age 3, falling out of a moving car and not being noticed for a few miles, sleeping in cars and cardboard boxes) and the journey that she takes to get out of the shadow of her parents' illnesses. Jeannette beats all odds--she goes from being the too-skinny, buck-toothed child of the town drunk who usually finds her lunch in the trash can at school to a Barnard graduate living on Park Avenue making her dream of becoming a journalist come through.
This story went against the grain of many rags-to-riches/abuse/neglect tales because Wells did not try to provide insight or commentary for her experiences-- she did not try to psychologically analyze her parents, she did not flourish her writing with heart-felt sentiments. She simply told their story and allowed the audience to deduce what they needed to find the beauty and tragedy in it. The book was very well written and her descriptions were pitch perfect-- I never once felt betrayed by possible embellishments.
A great read, although sometimes it was difficult to read about a) the way these people lived and b) the danger to which they subjected their children. I especially recommend this for anyone in social work/child services/etc. (I know this is/has been used as a text in those fields).(less)
I liked this collection of Sedaris stories, but it's not my favorite. There were a lot of really good/amusing stories in here, but it just didn't seem...moreI liked this collection of Sedaris stories, but it's not my favorite. There were a lot of really good/amusing stories in here, but it just didn't seem to be as cohesive as some of his other collections, and I didn't laugh as much I was hoping.
I think his best stories are the one that focus around his dysfunctional family and I love how each member of his large clan is equally as amusing/fucked up as the writer is himself. "You Can't Kill the Rooster" is a wonderful homage to his brother, and although I can't remember the name of the story, I like the one where he talks about how Amy comes home wearing half of a fat suit.
I'd say that above all, my favorite story is the one he closes with, "I'll Eat What He's Wearing." It doesn't just stand out to me because of the obvious hilarious observations of his father's thrifty and hording tendencies, but because it shows a deep affection for his dad, idiosyncrasies and all.
I read this awhile ago and remember being more disturbed than amused by the things that happen to Burroughs. I still haven't seen the movie and am kin...moreI read this awhile ago and remember being more disturbed than amused by the things that happen to Burroughs. I still haven't seen the movie and am kind of curious how they were able to make this into a film...(less)
I forgot my other book at work, so I decided to pick this up last night because I felt like reading for a little bit. Well, before I knew it I was 175...moreI forgot my other book at work, so I decided to pick this up last night because I felt like reading for a little bit. Well, before I knew it I was 175 into the book!
This is a fast read and is very, very well done. I think the way she gets the story flowing with short chapters. The characters are vivid and the prose is simple, but powerful.
I stopped reading at the part in the book which I think is my favorite of all: when Nettie and Cellie are talking about God and their image of "it," (as Nettie says) and what his true intention for us is. This, coupled with Emily Dickinson's "Some Keep the Sabbath" probably best embody my own religious views and seeing them written so eloquently in this text made me feel a strong bond with this book. I'm looking forward to getting home and finishing the rest of it!!
Well, I finished reading this book a couple days ago and am still impressed. I liked this book much more than I thought I would and once again have been proven that an author who is able to create "more" with "less"-- less exposition, flowery prose, forced dialogue--always comes out a stronger work.(less)
I initially LOVED this book but ended up giving up to it once she went to India... initially I found her inspiring and funny. Then I just found her an...moreI initially LOVED this book but ended up giving up to it once she went to India... initially I found her inspiring and funny. Then I just found her annoying. Every time I've opened good reads, i've seen this title sitting in my "currently reading" and I cringe, mainly because I hate not finishing a book and mainly because I'm a little embarrassed for getting caught in the hype (I recommended it to EVERYONE) and then quickly falling out of love with it myself... This has not been read, but I think it's come the closest it will to that point, so I'm dutifully and symbolically moving it off the shelf...
I still have not giving up on Love in the Time of Cholera, however, a book that's been on my "shelf" equally as long... (less)
I absolutely loved this book-- a well-written bittersweet love story that is set in Albania. The novel really explores the lifestyle of those who live...moreI absolutely loved this book-- a well-written bittersweet love story that is set in Albania. The novel really explores the lifestyle of those who lived on the high plateaus of the country in the early 20th century and their code of ethics, (namely the never-ending blood feuds that allow a death for a death, with family constantly having to sacrifice one of their own). (less)
This is one of those books that I went in wanting to like. Resurrecting texts from former classes, hellbent on actually reading the books that I was i...moreThis is one of those books that I went in wanting to like. Resurrecting texts from former classes, hellbent on actually reading the books that I was introduced to during my 4 years at college, I picked this one off the shelf, remembering some of the discussions we had about it in my Gay and Lesbian Lit Class.
Monette's story started out a bit dry, but I figured that he had to "set the stage" before he could really get into "it"--his feelings, his experiences. Unfortunately that passionate jolt never came and instead it just seemed like drawn-out half recollections from a man still not at ease with the way his life played out. Although I understand the difficulty of his struggle to be a gay man in a time when being such was strictly forbidden, Monette's constant self-analysis and critical analysis of everyone around him, along with the drawn-out expositions and overused phrases/metaphors (the suffocating/agonizing/claustrophobic closet; "the laughing man" he desired to find for himself) became redundant.
Also, it was difficult at times to connect with his horrible suffering and struggles as an "outsider" because he "wasn't as rich as" his peers at Andover Prep School and later, Yale. It felt like even though he wrote this memoir from the stance of understanding, a time where he had grown beyond his insecurities, that he was still very much insecure. His constant dissection of what he and everyone around him really meant, what they were really trying to prove by their actions, instead of just telling the story, was distracting.
More so, I thought that book would lead us to the great climax of when Monette would finally let himself love and be loved as a gay man. Although he did share that, it only came in the final pages. And sadly, the introduction of Roger, his lover of 17 years, was the only part that really seemed heartfelt. (less)
I totally admit to my dorkdom with this book. I am obsessed with Hamlet, its themes, its story, the possibile interpretations of the characters. I kno...moreI totally admit to my dorkdom with this book. I am obsessed with Hamlet, its themes, its story, the possibile interpretations of the characters. I know the writing can seem dense/difficult at times, but it's worth checking out! Get a copy that has the modern translation on one side and the original text on the other. (less)
I was beyond obsessed with this book when I was younger and must have read it a dozen times! Beyond that, I think I read the ending and the goodbye be...moreI was beyond obsessed with this book when I was younger and must have read it a dozen times! Beyond that, I think I read the ending and the goodbye between Anton and Patty a dozen times more. I remember sobbing, turning the pages. Sigh...
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This is one of those books that I picked up years ago, started to read, put down and did not pick up for years and years. I guess it was last spring o...moreThis is one of those books that I picked up years ago, started to read, put down and did not pick up for years and years. I guess it was last spring or summer I was looking for something to read and finally picked it back up again.
Kitchen was an OK novel about love, loss, and trying to build yourself back up after experiencing loss (via death). It took me awhile to get into her very simplistic style (although it works for some books/stories, it just seemed to be a little too simplistic in this one). After the first couple of chapters I got into it, but I wasn't really enamored by the story. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a good lighter read but don't want to submit to chicklit.
The second story featured in the book, Moonlight Shadow, caught my interest a lot more. It presented similar themes but it has more elements of science fiction/fantasy/supernatural whereas Kitchen is just straightforward and realistic. (less)
After moving (again) and sorting through my books, I realized that I had stopped 20 pages short of actually finishing this book about a year-and-a-hal...moreAfter moving (again) and sorting through my books, I realized that I had stopped 20 pages short of actually finishing this book about a year-and-a-half to 2 years ago. So, instead of carrying on with The Unbearable Lightness of Being, I decided to once and for all finish the book.
It's been awhile since I've read this, so my memory is a bit rusty, but I remember really enjoying it, although I admittedly feel like I might not have picked up on everything Nabokov was trying to achieve with the text, mainly because I don't know French, didn't bother to translate it, and just kind of skimmed over his those interjections. To be honest, that got a bit annoying after awhile.
After reading the ending I think I stopped where I did because, as the reader, I think that's where the story should have ended.
(Don't read on if you don't want spoilers)
I don't really think it was necessary to visit Lolita again, to seek out Clare, or to go through the whole murder scene. I understand there had to be a reason for Humbert to be writing this "confession," but I don't know... it just seemed to take away from the story that unfolded before it. Maybe it could have been a suicide note confession? I think the book would have resonated more with me if Lolita had remained at bay--never to be found, an object that Humbert and the reader both had unresolved curiosity and questions about. Or even if he just saw her from a far, but never interacted with her, musing on how she grew up and became unattainable.(less)
This writing definitely reflects the writer: brutal, gritty, and intense.
I think Modest Mouse said it best in their song, aptly entitled ...moreThis writing definitely reflects the writer: brutal, gritty, and intense.
I think Modest Mouse said it best in their song, aptly entitled "Bukowski":
Woke up this morning and it seemed to me,
that every night turns out to be
A little more like Bukowski.
And yeah, I know he's a pretty good read.
But God who'd wanna be?
God who'd wanna be such an asshole? (less)
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