http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/179200 en-US Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:15:40 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 29902081 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:15:40 -0700
I felt like PG wrote this book simply because The Other Boleyn Girl did so fantastically well. She must have thought, well hey, any book I write with the word "Boleyn" in it will fly off the shelves. I mean, she's probably right but this book was so incredibly tedious. There wasn't much of a plot...everything PG wrote I could have gleaned off of wikipedia. The one saving grace is PG's descriptions of court life. There, you can tell she's done her research and the glitter and flash of the era leading up to the Elizabethan court is really pretty fascinating. ]]>
author: Philippa Gregory
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 08/18/08
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review:
Blurgh....this book was so mediocre. The novel takes place directly after the beheading of King Henry VIII's 5th wife, Anne Boleyn, the sensational beauty and court flirt. Henry is on the lookout for wifey #6 and he selects Anne of Cleves. The story follows the new Anne as well as her lady in waiting, Katherine Howard, and the woman who ties them all together, Jane Boleyn (sister in law to Anne Boleyn).

I felt like PG wrote this book simply because The Other Boleyn Girl did so fantastically well. She must have thought, well hey, any book I write with the word "Boleyn" in it will fly off the shelves. I mean, she's probably right but this book was so incredibly tedious. There wasn't much of a plot...everything PG wrote I could have gleaned off of wikipedia. The one saving grace is PG's descriptions of court life. There, you can tell she's done her research and the glitter and flash of the era leading up to the Elizabethan court is really pretty fascinating.
]]> 29067977 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:40:42 -0700
I've always loved this book. The intense debates over the importance of "context" in a serial killer's childhood, the vivid depictions of late 19th century new york city, the humor and intensity behind the dialogue...it's really a ripping good read. My one complaint is that CC ended each of his chapters with what I like to call a "Dan Brownism." To wit, ending a chapter with a cheesy cliff-hanger type sentence. "There was a bang and a flash and the detectives were plunged into darkness." Ugh....really? Such a sharp, skillfully wrought novel and CC has to do that??

]]>
author: Caleb Carr
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 08/11/08
shelves:
review:
I think this is about my 4th time reading this book through but the first time I've read it while living in New York City. The Alienist tells the story of a team of people methodically hunting down a brutal serial killer that is terrorizing NYC of 1896. Without the aid of modern forensic science, the team has to rely on the smallest of psychological hints and clues to nail down the whereabouts of the murderer.

I've always loved this book. The intense debates over the importance of "context" in a serial killer's childhood, the vivid depictions of late 19th century new york city, the humor and intensity behind the dialogue...it's really a ripping good read. My one complaint is that CC ended each of his chapters with what I like to call a "Dan Brownism." To wit, ending a chapter with a cheesy cliff-hanger type sentence. "There was a bang and a flash and the detectives were plunged into darkness." Ugh....really? Such a sharp, skillfully wrought novel and CC has to do that??


]]> 28742706 Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:35:23 -0700
MK is master at combining both comedy and earnestness in the perfect amounts. This book, at heart, is so horribly sad but she tempers it gracefully with just the right dose of humor. Some of the best parts of the story involve Anna's sister Helen's unbelievable capers as a private investigator and Anna's friend Jacqui's rants against Feathery Strokers (a more involved manner of describing metrosexuals).

It's a wonderful read, and I always hate to classify MK as chick lit but I suppose she is. ]]>
author: Marian Keyes
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 08/02/08
shelves:
review:
Anna Walsh is home in Ireland, recovering from a terrible accident and she's desperately missing her husband. Where exactly did he go? The rest of the novel follows Anna's various heartbreaking attempts to find Aidan.

MK is master at combining both comedy and earnestness in the perfect amounts. This book, at heart, is so horribly sad but she tempers it gracefully with just the right dose of humor. Some of the best parts of the story involve Anna's sister Helen's unbelievable capers as a private investigator and Anna's friend Jacqui's rants against Feathery Strokers (a more involved manner of describing metrosexuals).

It's a wonderful read, and I always hate to classify MK as chick lit but I suppose she is.
]]> 28204723 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:54:53 -0700
It was difficult for me to get into the first fifty or so pages of this book. But once Jimmy discovered the music from Rakhat, I was hooked. Without a doubt, the best part of this novel were the characters. The humor and pathos in their dialogue and the love they developed for each other during this exhilarating yet horrifying mission was beautiful to behold. And I say behold because the characters literally jumped out of the pages for me. Imagine facing an entirely new species somewhere that is unfathomably far from home...adapting to the new culture and lifestyle and diet...yet retaining what makes you, in essence, human. And that is faith. I don't mean only religious faith, but faith in yourself, faith in others, faith in that when the bottom seems to drop out of your world, that there's always a bright side, a future.

Beautiful, rich, heartfelt story. Kudos to MDR.]]>
author: Mary Doria Russell
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 07/30/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
Wow. What an unexpected find. While this is, in essence, a science fiction novel, the true heart of the story lies in its main characters and the questions of morality they face in the most unusual of situations. A scientist, Jimmy Quinn, at a space telescope station discovers radio signals from a planet in the Alpha Centauri system that turn out to be the ethereal strains of alien music. Jimmy and a crew of his fellow friends: a physicist, her engineer husband, a child prostitute turned computer genius, and four Jesuit priests, including the enigmatic and intense Father Emilio Sandoz, are all sent on a mission to discover and explore this mysterious planet. You learn at the beginning of the book (fifty years after the mission has taken place) that Father Sandoz is apparently the only survivor of the mission. He has been tortured and is near death...as the story progresses, you learn more of what has happened to this poor man and his team.

It was difficult for me to get into the first fifty or so pages of this book. But once Jimmy discovered the music from Rakhat, I was hooked. Without a doubt, the best part of this novel were the characters. The humor and pathos in their dialogue and the love they developed for each other during this exhilarating yet horrifying mission was beautiful to behold. And I say behold because the characters literally jumped out of the pages for me. Imagine facing an entirely new species somewhere that is unfathomably far from home...adapting to the new culture and lifestyle and diet...yet retaining what makes you, in essence, human. And that is faith. I don't mean only religious faith, but faith in yourself, faith in others, faith in that when the bottom seems to drop out of your world, that there's always a bright side, a future.

Beautiful, rich, heartfelt story. Kudos to MDR.
]]> 28047686 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:29:50 -0700
Robbins' writing reminds me a lot of Neal Stephenson's. They tell the story but every once in awhile, they find it appropriate to stop and rant and rave about something that really doesn't have that much to do with the plot. It's highly entertaining and pretty hilarious but it makes it difficult for me to take the story seriously.

The best part of the book is the end, where Robbins writes freehand. Maybe love does leave when the mystery fades. If that's the case, then is it humanly possible to maintain that sense of enigma with someone you've been with for years and years? I mean it must be...considering how many marriages don't end in divorce. It's heartening to at least think of the possibility. ]]>
author: Tom Robbins
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 07/24/08
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What a nutty read. Definitely one of the stranger love stories I've ever come across. In essence, this novel tells the story of how a couple strives to make love stay. It also explains the existence of redheads and what the purpose of the moon is...sort of.

Robbins' writing reminds me a lot of Neal Stephenson's. They tell the story but every once in awhile, they find it appropriate to stop and rant and rave about something that really doesn't have that much to do with the plot. It's highly entertaining and pretty hilarious but it makes it difficult for me to take the story seriously.

The best part of the book is the end, where Robbins writes freehand. Maybe love does leave when the mystery fades. If that's the case, then is it humanly possible to maintain that sense of enigma with someone you've been with for years and years? I mean it must be...considering how many marriages don't end in divorce. It's heartening to at least think of the possibility.
]]> 27780497 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:56:50 -0700
Patricia Marx is a deliciously funny writer. So many times I chuckled aloud while reading this book, especially when she polled her friends for comments about the infamous Eugene. However, maybe because the book itself was so short, I just didn't feel like there was enough meat to the story. It seemed more like an opportunity for Marx to show how funny she can be in 200 or so pages. Maybe she has a funny quota and it can't exceed a certain page count.

The appendices were probably the best part of this book...especially the conversation between her and her mother.]]>
author: Patricia Marx
name: Rowena
average rating: 2.94
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 07/23/08
shelves:
review:
This is the age-old story of "girl falls for boy, girl loses boy, girl spends entire existence pining away for boy, boy gives girl hope and then shatters her heart again, girl seeks revenge."

Patricia Marx is a deliciously funny writer. So many times I chuckled aloud while reading this book, especially when she polled her friends for comments about the infamous Eugene. However, maybe because the book itself was so short, I just didn't feel like there was enough meat to the story. It seemed more like an opportunity for Marx to show how funny she can be in 200 or so pages. Maybe she has a funny quota and it can't exceed a certain page count.

The appendices were probably the best part of this book...especially the conversation between her and her mother.
]]> 25783458 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:20:23 -0700
The most intriguing parts of the story were the characters and how their physical and mental traits passed on from time period to time period. I've always been a fan of historical epics and ever since living there, London is my favorite city. The reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because Rutherfurd tended to bog down his stories with excessive detail. Usually, I'm all for detail but after about 5 pages of describing the finer points of Protestantism and Catholicism, I had had enough.

I've read his other epic, Sarum, and I definitely prefer this one. At some point I'll give The Dublin Saga a shot.]]>
author: Edward Rutherfurd
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/20/08
shelves:
review:
London is really a great read. It chronicles the history of the city from its creation to present day through the stories of five or six families. Rutherfurd managed to touch on everything from Caesar's rule, to the Norman conquest, to Henry VIII, to Elizabeth the I, to Shakespeare, to the Industrial Revolution, to WWII and the Blitz...etc etc.

The most intriguing parts of the story were the characters and how their physical and mental traits passed on from time period to time period. I've always been a fan of historical epics and ever since living there, London is my favorite city. The reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because Rutherfurd tended to bog down his stories with excessive detail. Usually, I'm all for detail but after about 5 pages of describing the finer points of Protestantism and Catholicism, I had had enough.

I've read his other epic, Sarum, and I definitely prefer this one. At some point I'll give The Dublin Saga a shot.
]]> 25169425 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:49:53 -0700
Per her usual style, MK manages to raise some pretty serious and intense issues beneath the "fluff" of her story. Maybe it's because I felt like this storyline wasn't as original as some of her others....maybe also because I felt that Paddy was too one-dimensional, predictable..I dunno. I just didn't get that zing I usually feel for MK books.

However, kudos to her on the character of Lola. Loved loved loved her story...what with her escaping to the ass-end of nowhere Ireland, hosting trannie parties and generally getting herself into the most ridiculous situations. Laughed out loud countless times.]]>
author: Marian Keyes
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/27/08
shelves:
review:
I was a bit disappointed with this one. I adore all of her books...they're smart, sexy, hilarious. But this one just didn't fill the bill for me. The story is told through the viewpoints of Lola, Marnie and Grace...three women who have had varying experiences with a man named Paddy de Courcy.

Per her usual style, MK manages to raise some pretty serious and intense issues beneath the "fluff" of her story. Maybe it's because I felt like this storyline wasn't as original as some of her others....maybe also because I felt that Paddy was too one-dimensional, predictable..I dunno. I just didn't get that zing I usually feel for MK books.

However, kudos to her on the character of Lola. Loved loved loved her story...what with her escaping to the ass-end of nowhere Ireland, hosting trannie parties and generally getting herself into the most ridiculous situations. Laughed out loud countless times.
]]> 22804184 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:15:14 -0700
These 11 short stories were all so...heavy. There wasn't a single story that was uplifting in any way. They were certainly classic JCO..every character was of a "youthful middle age"...always breathless and confused. It started to irritate the shit out of me. The only reason why I gave this collection three stars was because I can't deny that her writing is singularly amazing. For instance, this one passage really stopped me short:
"You fall in love with what is not-known in the other. And what is not-known becomes the identity of the other. Sexual intercourse is the mining of the desire to make the not-known into the known. The strongest desire in the species - and sometimes the most ephemeral."

Whew.]]>
author: Joyce Carol Oates
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 06/22/08
shelves:
review:
Okay I'm swearing off JCO for at least a year. While her writing is phenomenal, I've really had enough of death, despair and dark obsession. Seriously Ms. Oates...there's SOME good in life and people.

These 11 short stories were all so...heavy. There wasn't a single story that was uplifting in any way. They were certainly classic JCO..every character was of a "youthful middle age"...always breathless and confused. It started to irritate the shit out of me. The only reason why I gave this collection three stars was because I can't deny that her writing is singularly amazing. For instance, this one passage really stopped me short:
"You fall in love with what is not-known in the other. And what is not-known becomes the identity of the other. Sexual intercourse is the mining of the desire to make the not-known into the known. The strongest desire in the species - and sometimes the most ephemeral."

Whew.
]]> 23590316 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:25:52 -0700
This was a beautifully written story...the way that RL mixed in the elements of painting with the ups and downs of the Visser family. Furthermore, each character had such sharply defined personalities.. my favorite was Aletta..mostly for her quiet intensity and her stubbornness. I gave this novel 4 stars mainly because the poliical sections seemed to be so randomly thrown in. It didn't mix well with the subtle beauty of the original story and I was thrown off at the end. Still, a lovely read and I plan on picking up her others soon.]]>
author: Rosalind Laker
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/14/08
shelves:
review:
This is the story of the Visser family set in 17th century Holland. The father Hendrick is a wonderful painter but a drunk and a gambler. In one fateful act, he loses the family's fortune and is forced to promise his eldest daughter, Francesca to marry his loathsome patron Ludolf in order to keep their livelihood. Francesca is a painter herself and is in fact apprenticed to Johannes Vermeer. She has already fallen in love with a tulip grower Pieter van Doorne and the story follows of the Visser family's various struggles.

This was a beautifully written story...the way that RL mixed in the elements of painting with the ups and downs of the Visser family. Furthermore, each character had such sharply defined personalities.. my favorite was Aletta..mostly for her quiet intensity and her stubbornness. I gave this novel 4 stars mainly because the poliical sections seemed to be so randomly thrown in. It didn't mix well with the subtle beauty of the original story and I was thrown off at the end. Still, a lovely read and I plan on picking up her others soon.
]]> 22540948 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:29:25 -0700
I know I usually try to write a short synopsis of the book but it's pretty much impossible with this one. The storyline jumps between the WWII era and the late 1990's and it involves pretty much everything from battle scenes, to code-breaking, to fantastic feats of escape, to treasure-hunting, to nerdy computer speak. This novel certainly isn't for the faint of heart and if you have the time to read the 1100-odd pages, give it a shot. ]]>
author: Neal Stephenson
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/03/08
shelves:
review:
DEAR god this book was long. But so completely enjoyable. I hovered over giving it 5 stars and an honorary position on my "unbelievable reads" shelf but I decided against it. While I've probably never had more fun reading a book, the central plot was so long-winded and confusing that I tended to get steeped in the details. Certainly the best parts of the book were NS's variegated rants and raves on ie: the best way to eat cereal, the mathematical functions of horniness, why Greek gods define the way we are today, the emotional reclusion of bearded men, and so on and so forth. I can't count the number of times I laughed out loud in public, completely blindsided by NS's hilarious snippets in the book.

I know I usually try to write a short synopsis of the book but it's pretty much impossible with this one. The storyline jumps between the WWII era and the late 1990's and it involves pretty much everything from battle scenes, to code-breaking, to fantastic feats of escape, to treasure-hunting, to nerdy computer speak. This novel certainly isn't for the faint of heart and if you have the time to read the 1100-odd pages, give it a shot.
]]> 22146238 Mon, 19 May 2008 06:56:43 -0700
The story that was most poignant for me was the title story. The relationship that Ruma and her father share so perfectly mirrors my own, it was almost frightening. Ruma unconsciously draws strength and comfort from her naturally reserved father. The father, a quiet and independent individual loves his daughter but is burdened with a secret he couldn't possibly share with her. What is left unspoken starts to drive a wedge between father and daughter. However, the unobtrusive strength of their love prevents any true unraveling of the relationship. Beautiful, heartfelt story..

What I enjoyed most out of Lahiri's stories was her ability to portray life as a 1st generation child. You love and respect your parents and your culture however you're faced with the disparate demands of an American lifestyle...something your parents will never truly understand no matter how much time they spend in this country. You feel as if you're trapped in a cultural middle ground, never truly belonging anywhere. Lahiri was able to capture these tumultuous emotions with such poignant precision. ]]>
author: Jhumpa Lahiri
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/19/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
I am now officially hooked on short story anthologies. Jhumpa Lahiri's new book is a collection of 8 of her short stories, all of which feature an Indian family or individual. Each of the stories is an elegy to love, life and loss.

The story that was most poignant for me was the title story. The relationship that Ruma and her father share so perfectly mirrors my own, it was almost frightening. Ruma unconsciously draws strength and comfort from her naturally reserved father. The father, a quiet and independent individual loves his daughter but is burdened with a secret he couldn't possibly share with her. What is left unspoken starts to drive a wedge between father and daughter. However, the unobtrusive strength of their love prevents any true unraveling of the relationship. Beautiful, heartfelt story..

What I enjoyed most out of Lahiri's stories was her ability to portray life as a 1st generation child. You love and respect your parents and your culture however you're faced with the disparate demands of an American lifestyle...something your parents will never truly understand no matter how much time they spend in this country. You feel as if you're trapped in a cultural middle ground, never truly belonging anywhere. Lahiri was able to capture these tumultuous emotions with such poignant precision.
]]> 21844212 Tue, 13 May 2008 08:26:04 -0700
This was an intriguing novel. MM did an excellent job portraying the intricacies of the Ancient Egyptian court. What I thought was most lacking was the descriptions of Egypt herself. I can't help but compare MM to Margaret George who wrote CLEOPATRA (among other historical novels). The way that George portrayed Egypt was breathtaking. I've read CLEOPATRA over twice now and to leave her vividly lush landscapes comes as somewhat of a reality shock.

As for the character portrayal, I was actually infinitely more drawn to the sister Mudnojimet's quiet intensity. To me, she was Scarlett's Melanie. (I can't help my Gone with the Wind references). She had that inobtrusive yet steely quality that carries people through the worst of times. ]]>
author: Michelle Moran
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 05/13/08
shelves:
review:
This is the story of Nefertiti's reign, told through the eyes of her quiet and intellectual sister, Mudnojimet. Nefertiti was awe-strikingly beautiful and fiercely ambitious. She wrestled her way up to First Wife to the cruel and foolish pharaoh Akhenaten and even up to the position of Pharaoh Co-Regent which was nearly unheard of in those times.

This was an intriguing novel. MM did an excellent job portraying the intricacies of the Ancient Egyptian court. What I thought was most lacking was the descriptions of Egypt herself. I can't help but compare MM to Margaret George who wrote CLEOPATRA (among other historical novels). The way that George portrayed Egypt was breathtaking. I've read CLEOPATRA over twice now and to leave her vividly lush landscapes comes as somewhat of a reality shock.

As for the character portrayal, I was actually infinitely more drawn to the sister Mudnojimet's quiet intensity. To me, she was Scarlett's Melanie. (I can't help my Gone with the Wind references). She had that inobtrusive yet steely quality that carries people through the worst of times.
]]> 21711061 Thu, 08 May 2008 06:12:57 -0700
I blew through the 300 odd pages as I usually do with chick-lit. It's just so compulsively readable and a nice break for my poor and weary head ; )]]>
author: Sophie Kinsella
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 05/08/08
shelves:
review:
Yes every once in awhile I do like to indulge in some light, frothy chick lit. Oddly enough, I find that it's the european authors that perfect this genre more than the american ones. Sophie Kinsella, of Shopaholic fame, has done it again with another anti-heroine tale. Samantha Sweeting makes an irreversible mistake at her law firm and in a daze she boards a train to the country...where she ends up as a housekeeper for a ludicrously wealthy couple. The mishaps that ensue are pretty hilarious considering she hadn't a clue how to even turn on her oven in her own apartment.

I blew through the 300 odd pages as I usually do with chick-lit. It's just so compulsively readable and a nice break for my poor and weary head ; )
]]> 10363731 Tue, 06 May 2008 11:27:58 -0700
Dylan grows up in this almost-all black environment of Boerum Hill and learns to be both proud and ashamed of his "whiteness." He discovers he's smart enough to launch himself out of the slums, acing entrance exams to both prestigious high schools and colleges. However, Dylan is constantly haunted by what and whom he's left behind, particularly his childhood friends, Mingus Rude and Arthur Lomb.

The most interesting character for me was Abraham. A terrifyingly talented painter, he yearns for some kind of absolution through his work. Arthur Lomb is another interesting character...a sort of not-so-fun-house mirror image of how Dylan could have turned out had he not made the choices he did.

My least favorite part of the book concerns the stupid magic ring. The rest of the book is so starkly REAL and entrenched in fact that this flight of fancy borders on the absurd. I mean, I get the symbolism behind Dylan and Mingus' superhero aspirations but honestly, leave the fantasy to your sci-fi books, Lethem.

Overall, this was a very interesting read...wonderfully quirky and messy writing that kept me perpetually piqued. ]]>
author: Jonathan Lethem
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 05/06/08
shelves:
review:
The Fortress of Solitude is aptly named. At first the title didn't quite click with me but after finishing the book, I see what Lethem meant to evoke. The story begins in Brooklyn, Boerum Hill to be exact. In the 70's it was a dump... gentrification a far-off wonder. Dylan Ebdus is encouraged by his ex-hippie mother, Rachel to "play" with the black children on the block, and to shun the few whites that were scattered about. Dylan's father, Abraham, is an abstract and abstracted painter who doesn't immediately see Dylan as a pressing concern.

Dylan grows up in this almost-all black environment of Boerum Hill and learns to be both proud and ashamed of his "whiteness." He discovers he's smart enough to launch himself out of the slums, acing entrance exams to both prestigious high schools and colleges. However, Dylan is constantly haunted by what and whom he's left behind, particularly his childhood friends, Mingus Rude and Arthur Lomb.

The most interesting character for me was Abraham. A terrifyingly talented painter, he yearns for some kind of absolution through his work. Arthur Lomb is another interesting character...a sort of not-so-fun-house mirror image of how Dylan could have turned out had he not made the choices he did.

My least favorite part of the book concerns the stupid magic ring. The rest of the book is so starkly REAL and entrenched in fact that this flight of fancy borders on the absurd. I mean, I get the symbolism behind Dylan and Mingus' superhero aspirations but honestly, leave the fantasy to your sci-fi books, Lethem.

Overall, this was a very interesting read...wonderfully quirky and messy writing that kept me perpetually piqued.
]]> 20614560 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:30:33 -0700
The section section of the novel concerns the German occupation of a small French town during the armistice of 1942. Naturally, most of the French are wary and resentful of German soldiers living in their very homes, however, much of the younger set are inevitably drawn to these men. Most touching is the unrequited love story between Lucille and Bruno. Bruno elicits not so much the rebellious side of Lucille but the part of her that yearns for something new, something outside of her small, provincial life. In this section, I could really see the extent of Nemirovsky's understanding and compassion.

The final section of the novel contains some of Nemirovsky's personal journal and the correspondence that took place after she was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. I found this section to be the most fascinating. I almost wish I didn't know that this novel was supposed to have at least 2 more sections. In her journal, she writes that she wanted to create an epic, along the lines of Tolstoy's War and Peace or Anna Karenina. If she had the opportunity to finish it, I'm entirely convinced this work would have rivaled those illustrious titles. ]]>
author: Irene Nemirovsky
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/29/08
shelves:
review:
This is a beautifully written novel about France during the latter stages of WWII. The first section concerns the panic that hit Paris as reports trickled in that German units were nearing the city. Parisians fled the city in a mass exodus causing major traffic jams and railway mishaps. Nemirovsky presented this in several perspectives, most interestingly, from that of the moneyed upper class. Even while fleeing in a complete panic, they demanded their servants pack their finest linens, their employees to arrive for work on time in another city (even if it meant walking there), and for food to be available to them at all times. When any of the above wasn't completed with the utmost alacrity, they were appalled and disdainful, blaming the "common" people for the delays. I found this perspective utterly fascinating and a very absorbing way for Nemirovsky to present civilian WWII life.

The section section of the novel concerns the German occupation of a small French town during the armistice of 1942. Naturally, most of the French are wary and resentful of German soldiers living in their very homes, however, much of the younger set are inevitably drawn to these men. Most touching is the unrequited love story between Lucille and Bruno. Bruno elicits not so much the rebellious side of Lucille but the part of her that yearns for something new, something outside of her small, provincial life. In this section, I could really see the extent of Nemirovsky's understanding and compassion.

The final section of the novel contains some of Nemirovsky's personal journal and the correspondence that took place after she was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. I found this section to be the most fascinating. I almost wish I didn't know that this novel was supposed to have at least 2 more sections. In her journal, she writes that she wanted to create an epic, along the lines of Tolstoy's War and Peace or Anna Karenina. If she had the opportunity to finish it, I'm entirely convinced this work would have rivaled those illustrious titles.
]]> 20117387 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:34:07 -0700
author: Sarah A. Hoyt
name: Rowena
average rating: 2.71
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/20/08
shelves:
review:
Sarah Hoyt is like the Dan Brown of fantasy. She wove a pretty interesting plot but each chapter absolutely had to end on a cliff hanger...ie: "Then there was a chilling scream" or "Then darkness closed in and they were alone in the desert." Ugh. Such un-subtle writing. But, it really was a pretty entertaining story although it certainly could have used more descriptions of Egypt. That and the over-emphasis on Victorian English values was a little odd..."he saw that she was entertaining a gentleman caller while sitting alone in the parlor!" Cue dramatic music.
]]> 19377317 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:42:31 -0700
author: Karleen Koen
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/14/08
shelves:
review:
This book reminded me of how much I truly enjoy historical fiction. The story began in sparse and spare colonial Virginia but was interspersed with scenes of delicious London court intrigues. The heroine, Barbara was a believable and lovable character despite (or perhaps because of) her human foibles. This book would have fallen in my "unbelievable reads" category if the last few hundred pages didn't peter off. I understand the novel was based on James II's attempts to wrest the throne from King George but it simply didn't tie in that neatly with Barbara's immediate concerns. The Virginia storyline was much more compelling to me. Nevertheless, I plan to read Koen's other novels, which are also based on this lush time period.
]]> 19084924 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:51:42 -0700
author: Kate Jacobs
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/03/08
shelves:
review:
Occasionally I like to clear my head with a good dose of chick lit. This book was a good choice in that it read quickly and the storyline and the characters were fleshed out well. However, the plot wasn't the slightest bit believable. A woman starts her own knitting shop, raises a daughter, reconnects with her lost love and then suddenly WHAM! dies of cancer!? I mean come on...But hey, chick lit tends to be the literary form of a soap opera so I guess it doesn't have to be all that believable. That gripe aside, it was a fun read and there were some truly heartwarming parts.
]]> 18086174 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:04:22 -0700
"Natasha" was the story that stuck with me the most. I loved the humor mixed in with the almost palpable loneliness the story evoked. "The Dead" by James Joyce was another stunning story about the unexpected endurance of lost love. They were all truly remarkable stories, and with many of them, the ending came as a jarring surprise.

It's really very rare when a book makes my cheesily titled "unbelievable reads" shelf but this one has taken pride of place. ]]>
author: Jeffrey Eugenides
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/31/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
I'm not usually one for short stories but this collection is seriously phenomenal. Compiled by Jeffrey Eugenides (author of Middlesex) this book features about a dozen short "love" stories. I put love in quotation marks because none of the stories consist of the typical boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after type of situation. They deal with first loves, first heart-aches, disillusionment, tragedy, sheer joy, and so much more.

"Natasha" was the story that stuck with me the most. I loved the humor mixed in with the almost palpable loneliness the story evoked. "The Dead" by James Joyce was another stunning story about the unexpected endurance of lost love. They were all truly remarkable stories, and with many of them, the ending came as a jarring surprise.

It's really very rare when a book makes my cheesily titled "unbelievable reads" shelf but this one has taken pride of place.
]]> 17086470 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:35:29 -0700
author: Lee Martin
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 03/19/08
shelves:
review:
What a heart-breaking story. The main idea behind the novel is terrifying and so sickening and yet Martin manages to draw the reader in with his almost hypnotic prose. I liked that each chapter reflected a different character's viewpoint and through each of them, I learned what really happened to Katie Mackey that fateful day. Martin captures the small-town pysche so well, and the loneliness and desolation that can creep in to each of our hearts.
]]> 13810000 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:52:09 -0700
author: Ken Follett
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 03/14/08
shelves:
review:
Whew was that a long book! I got to admire Dutton's copyeditor because I found very few mistakes. As for the book, it didn't match up to Pillars of the Earth in my eyes but it was still an entertaining epic. The characters weren't all that different from those in POTE...more of the one-dimensional types who never really develop or change, even after 30 plus years. The descriptions of town and cathedral life were just as fascinating as before and the introduction of the plague added a morbidly interesting element to the plot. Great, entertaining read but I'm exhausted! After 2000 pages of Kingsbridge, I feel like I may as well have lived there.
]]> 17159451 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:18:12 -0800
author: Kim Edwards
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 03/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 17159434 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:17:59 -0800
author: Kim Edwards
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 03/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 15816291 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:03:48 -0800
As for the plot, I never thought I'd be so intrigued by Dracula and his origins as Vlad Tepes of the Byzantine era. The characters' in-depth research made me want to rush to the nearest library and immerse myself in historical books of that time period.

Lastly, EK's myriad cast of characters were so well written and you found yourself sympathizing with even the most minor of them.

A wonderful wonderful read..]]>
author: Elizabeth Kostova
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/06/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
It was EK's style of writing that drew me in the most with this book. The descriptions of Eastern Europe, the towering cliffs and mountains, the spires and gildings of the various churches and monasteries, the quaint, dusty libraries and most of all, the reverence with which she speaks of ancient and crumbling books and manuscripts. Her writing has hints of Stoker and Poe - Victorian romance to the core and I loved every word.

As for the plot, I never thought I'd be so intrigued by Dracula and his origins as Vlad Tepes of the Byzantine era. The characters' in-depth research made me want to rush to the nearest library and immerse myself in historical books of that time period.

Lastly, EK's myriad cast of characters were so well written and you found yourself sympathizing with even the most minor of them.

A wonderful wonderful read..
]]> 15816222 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:53:03 -0800
]]>
author: Maeve Binchy
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/22/08
shelves:
review:
Not one of Binchy's best but still a great vacation read. I wish she'd write more books along the lines of Firefly Summer or Scarlet Feather where there's a continuing storyline, instead of breaking up the novel into a series of short stories. I don't feel as fulfilled. However, there were some great stories and the ending was wonderfully sweet.


]]> 11175078 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:27:26 -0800
Ray and Ghulpa were my two favorite characters, while Chester and Laxmi were truly loathsome. Wagner's continual references to India, and Indian culture was surprising but seemed to fit in and find a place with the theme of the book toward the end.

Excellent, bizarre writing..a great find.]]>
author: Bruce Wagner
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 02/19/08
shelves:
review:
While this book had what can be assumed as a "happy" (or at least a sensible ending), the majority of the rest of the book was pretty much Wagner's hypnotic rant at modern America and the way we trap ourselves with the combined vices of money and self-pity.

Ray and Ghulpa were my two favorite characters, while Chester and Laxmi were truly loathsome. Wagner's continual references to India, and Indian culture was surprising but seemed to fit in and find a place with the theme of the book toward the end.

Excellent, bizarre writing..a great find.
]]> 14524948 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:47:46 -0800
In this book we see a lot more of the Hegemony web and the different worlds linked by farcaster. <spoiler> The most absorbing section of the book for me was the description of the worlds after the farcasters were destroyed. The concept of instantaneously being cut off from loved ones and then not being able to see them for years is appalling. Furthermore, there was a complete meltdown of any economic system which caused riots on scores of worlds. It was literally the apocalypse of the Hegemony and absolutely fascinating to read about.

Another concept Simmons introduced in this book was that even though humans were able to expand into space, they were still dependent on AI functions. There was no conforming TO new standards....we simply made them conform to us. The thought of conforming to entirely new gravities and planets is terrifying but Simmons makes an excellent point that human kind is meant to expand, adapt and grow. We can't be stunted by our technology, simply because it's there.
]]>
author: Dan Simmons
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 02/13/08
shelves:
review:
While the 2nd book of this series can't possibly compare to the first, it is still a riveting read...literary science fiction at its best. In this book, we see the continuation of the pilgrims' journey and we get a new perspective into the state of the war and CEO Meina Gladstone through the cybrid Joseph Severn (John Keats).

In this book we see a lot more of the Hegemony web and the different worlds linked by farcaster. <spoiler> The most absorbing section of the book for me was the description of the worlds after the farcasters were destroyed. The concept of instantaneously being cut off from loved ones and then not being able to see them for years is appalling. Furthermore, there was a complete meltdown of any economic system which caused riots on scores of worlds. It was literally the apocalypse of the Hegemony and absolutely fascinating to read about.

Another concept Simmons introduced in this book was that even though humans were able to expand into space, they were still dependent on AI functions. There was no conforming TO new standards....we simply made them conform to us. The thought of conforming to entirely new gravities and planets is terrifying but Simmons makes an excellent point that human kind is meant to expand, adapt and grow. We can't be stunted by our technology, simply because it's there.

]]> 14149666 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:12:39 -0800
author: Josh Kilmer-Purcell
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 02/04/08
shelves:
review:
I was given this book to read (for fun) by my professor in my publishing course. JKP is supposed to come speak at our next class, which should be interesting. This is a great read...gritty, disarming, and brutally honest. While the majority of the book focuses on JKP's drag queen exploits, the memoir is, in essence, a beautiful love story.
]]> 2976678 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:31:18 -0800
author: Dan Simmons
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/31/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
Hyperion, the first book in the 4 part series, is without a doubt the best. Each of the "pilgrim's" stories eventually coalesce to introduce the reader to a fascinating futuristic world of interspace travel. Sounds geeky, I know, but at times, Dan Simmons' description of the various planets/worlds is beautiful and breathtaking. I've read the series twice over now and I plan on reading it a third time over very soon.
]]> 11541500 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:54:54 -0800
Sad stuff...but Franzen's writing manner/style simply can't be beat.]]>
author: Jonathan Franzen
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/22/08
shelves:
review:
This book was so well-written but so mind-numbingly depressing. I don't think a single member of the Lambert family could be considered happy or well-adjusted. Worst of the lot had to be Gary, with his suicidal tendencies and his loathsome, neurotic wife. I felt the most for Alfred. He was trapped not only in a increasingly worthless body but also by his antiquated morals, which had become obsolete by modernity.

Sad stuff...but Franzen's writing manner/style simply can't be beat.
]]> 12476591 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:32:45 -0800
author: Stephen King
name: Rowena
average rating: 4.37
book published: 1990
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/14/08
shelves: unbelievablereads
review:
In my opinion, this is Stephen King's greatest work. It's appallingly long but I believe it needs to be in order for SK to fully convey the post-apocalyptic mania. It begins with the spread of the disease, focusing on select characters, and it continues on through the aftermath of the disease and the attempts to rebuild society. It's heartbreaking and truly staggering when you realize how the world would really function after a disaster of these proportions.
]]> 11175062 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:30:45 -0800
author: Heather McElhatton
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.07
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/28/07
shelves:
review:
This book isn't a very fulfilling read but man is it entertaining. It's pretty much a reincarnation of the "Choose your Adventure" books from when we were all tiny tots. The writing is sharp and the pace is hectic which makes for a fun read. Once I made a decision, I really tried not to go back and when my life made a sudden turn for the worse (in jail for money-laundering, or held up ny new york hoodlums) I really actually felt regret. Go figure.
]]> 11175041 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:30:15 -0800
<somewhat of a spoiler alert>
I do find it interesting that had Briony not named Robbie in the crime, Cecilia most likely would not have continued to fall in love with Robbie. You intimate from the first section that Cecilia was bored with her family, her life...she was looking for a way out...a piece of excitement. If the whole snafu with Robbie hadn't occurred, Cecilia would have simply drifted away to find a better way to pass her time. And then the war begins, which provides Cee with even more of an excuse to latch on to her love/drama.

I believe Robbie was truly angry with Briony at the end (for good reason) but Cee was simply reacting the way she thought she should. At the end, you're left wondering how that one event could so mar so many people's lives. ]]>
author: Ian McEwan
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 12/28/07
shelves:
review:
I was expecting great things from Ian McEwan and his writing was evidently remarkable...however..I feel that he lost himself one too many times in the over-analysis of a single event. Granted, Atonement is really about the analysis and introspection but the tediousness of it got to me after awhile.

<somewhat of a spoiler alert>
I do find it interesting that had Briony not named Robbie in the crime, Cecilia most likely would not have continued to fall in love with Robbie. You intimate from the first section that Cecilia was bored with her family, her life...she was looking for a way out...a piece of excitement. If the whole snafu with Robbie hadn't occurred, Cecilia would have simply drifted away to find a better way to pass her time. And then the war begins, which provides Cee with even more of an excuse to latch on to her love/drama.

I believe Robbie was truly angry with Briony at the end (for good reason) but Cee was simply reacting the way she thought she should. At the end, you're left wondering how that one event could so mar so many people's lives.
]]> 9882667 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:13:55 -0800
The Long Walk was astounding. SK was able to convey a sense of raw and undiluted panic throughout the whole story. That, and the sense of mystery as to why the boys would embark on this journey through hell, certainly kept me on my toes. A thrilling and dark read..]]>
author: Stephen King
name: Rowena
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1986
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 12/14/07
shelves:
review:
To be honest, I've only read the first two short stories in this anthology. Of the two, I liked The Long Walk better but Rage was fascinating in its portrayal of the inner demons of troubled teens. The topic is very tricky, and apparently two separate teen shooters were found with the book on them after they embarked on killing sprees. The book was subsequently banned so I believe my copy is somewhat rare..

The Long Walk was astounding. SK was able to convey a sense of raw and undiluted panic throughout the whole story. That, and the sense of mystery as to why the boys would embark on this journey through hell, certainly kept me on my toes. A thrilling and dark read..
]]> 9702316 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:44:36 -0800