http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/205963 en-US Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:07:10 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 29855853 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:07:10 -0700
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 08/08
date added: 08/17/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:
I actually give this 3.5 stars because, while I LOVE Jacob (he stole the show for me), Bella got waaaay more annoying (hello? double standards?). She just got so whiny...the whole "I'm worthless" thing is getting rather old. Her character in this second volume doesn't seem as bright as in the first. Also, perhaps it's just me, but her relationship with Edward doesn't seem nearly as fulfilling as the one with Jacob--I don't see how her bond with Edward is as strong as it is with Jacob. The plot still had its twists and turns--I was so convinced that when Alice showed up halfway through that it was actually Victoria, thinking maybe one of her extra talents was shape-shifting--and the trip to see the Volturri was pretty exciting (especially the tourist "trap" at the end!). Meyer's text could stand to use some different imagery, but the story still hooks you. I'll be reading the next volume soon, I'm sure, but I'm not racing to the store to start it just yet.
]]> 27874877 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:35:48 -0700
author: Robert Schnakenberg
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 08/08
date added: 08/11/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir
review:
Great trivia for all of us book nerds.
]]> 29335862 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:32:14 -0700 Twilight series, but when Breaking Dawn was released on the 2nd, I heard Stephenie Meyer's name and saw her on TV every lovin' minute of the following week. Generally, I'm not too eager to pick up on the series du jour (still haven't read the Harry Potter books, much to the chagrin of everyone, EVER), but I've been warming of to specifically-marketed young adult lit. and was intrigued by this series. Vampires? Love story? Quick read? OK!
And I read it within 24 hours. I couldn't put it down! The writing's not awesome and there are inconsistencies and predictable moments if you're not too picky, but the story is just captivating! I can't wait to find out more about the Cullens and what happens with Bella. When I finished the book, I thought, "Alright, school's about to start, you just eked in one fun book, time to get serious," but then I read the first chapter for New Moon that's tacked on at the end of Twilight and let out a very spirited "GAH!" I had monstrous dreams all last night.
Just picked up the next one. Mercy.]]>
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 08/08
date added: 08/11/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:
Before about a week ago, I think I only vaguely heard about the hype for the Twilight series, but when Breaking Dawn was released on the 2nd, I heard Stephenie Meyer's name and saw her on TV every lovin' minute of the following week. Generally, I'm not too eager to pick up on the series du jour (still haven't read the Harry Potter books, much to the chagrin of everyone, EVER), but I've been warming of to specifically-marketed young adult lit. and was intrigued by this series. Vampires? Love story? Quick read? OK!
And I read it within 24 hours. I couldn't put it down! The writing's not awesome and there are inconsistencies and predictable moments if you're not too picky, but the story is just captivating! I can't wait to find out more about the Cullens and what happens with Bella. When I finished the book, I thought, "Alright, school's about to start, you just eked in one fun book, time to get serious," but then I read the first chapter for New Moon that's tacked on at the end of Twilight and let out a very spirited "GAH!" I had monstrous dreams all last night.
Just picked up the next one. Mercy.
]]> 26173397 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:24:49 -0700 my favorite NPR show that kept me glued to the radio. Someone's dubbed him as Darwin's rottweiler--I couldn't resist.

OK--so I haven't actually finished the whole thing yet, but most of his arguments are ones I've heard already, and I mostly agree...it just gives more fuel to the fire. The really great thing about this book is that it makes me feel better, a little less villanized, about being a "de facto" atheist; the not-so-great thing about this book is that many parts are used as a vendetta against his foes...gets a little tiresome. When you separate the wheat from the chaff, though, there's some very interesting information that's bound to get you riled up one way or the other.]]>
author: Richard Dawkins
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 08/08
date added: 08/04/08
shelves:
review:
Heard an interview with Dawkins on my favorite NPR show that kept me glued to the radio. Someone's dubbed him as Darwin's rottweiler--I couldn't resist.

OK--so I haven't actually finished the whole thing yet, but most of his arguments are ones I've heard already, and I mostly agree...it just gives more fuel to the fire. The really great thing about this book is that it makes me feel better, a little less villanized, about being a "de facto" atheist; the not-so-great thing about this book is that many parts are used as a vendetta against his foes...gets a little tiresome. When you separate the wheat from the chaff, though, there's some very interesting information that's bound to get you riled up one way or the other.
]]> 28153609 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:12 -0700
author: Alice Hoffman
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 05/04
date added: 07/24/08
shelves: books-used-in-school
review:
This was the lighter book used to wrap up my all time favorite undergrad course, "Feminism & Witchcraft" (how very liberal arts, oui?). All I really remember is that I enjoyed it--it was a good "beach" read and MUCH, MUCH better than the movie (surprise, surprise), which I thankfully saw after I read the book.
]]> 28153524 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:55:52 -0700
author: Francesca Lia Block
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 04/04
date added: 07/24/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 23118386 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:21:48 -0700 1984 as a parallel to other classes reading Fahrenheit 451 when I was in high school, and until now I've missed out on Ray Bradbury. I'm still forming an opinion--I think I'm somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I agree with Julie that we both tend to judge books about dystopian societies by 1984.
I thought the beginning of the book was great. Bradbury wrote the exposition really well, which, if done poorly, can really turn me off since it's such a particular process introducing a futuristic society. The end of the book, too, (starting from a little before "Burning Bright" on through to the end), kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put the book down. I thought Clarisse was a great character, especially for high schoolers, and wished that Bradbury hadn't killed her off. I also loved the whole book dilemma--the arguments given by Beatty and the very soulful reasons as to why literature can be so great and so important.
However, the language/tone lost me at times, and I really lagged in the middle part from Clarisse's death to the Matthew Arnold recitation. If I didn't have to teach the book this fall, I would have put the book down at that point. I don't often get all turbo-feminist when it comes to books (though it's been happening more lately), but I became rather perturbed by a glaring lack of positive female characters in the book. There's only Clarisse but she dies early on; all of the professors Montag meets are men; and it's even implied that Mildred's awful friends have seemingly stronger husbands (I acknowledge that this is perhaps merely a reflection of the time when the novel was written, but I would have appreciated a little more imagination...).
Nevertheless, I'm going to have fun teaching this book. While his style lost me sometimes, it intrigued me at others, and I'm excited to read more of Bradbury (especially after expert recommendations by friends and relatives).]]>
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1953
rating: 3
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/19/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:
My class read 1984 as a parallel to other classes reading Fahrenheit 451 when I was in high school, and until now I've missed out on Ray Bradbury. I'm still forming an opinion--I think I'm somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I agree with Julie that we both tend to judge books about dystopian societies by 1984.
I thought the beginning of the book was great. Bradbury wrote the exposition really well, which, if done poorly, can really turn me off since it's such a particular process introducing a futuristic society. The end of the book, too, (starting from a little before "Burning Bright" on through to the end), kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put the book down. I thought Clarisse was a great character, especially for high schoolers, and wished that Bradbury hadn't killed her off. I also loved the whole book dilemma--the arguments given by Beatty and the very soulful reasons as to why literature can be so great and so important.
However, the language/tone lost me at times, and I really lagged in the middle part from Clarisse's death to the Matthew Arnold recitation. If I didn't have to teach the book this fall, I would have put the book down at that point. I don't often get all turbo-feminist when it comes to books (though it's been happening more lately), but I became rather perturbed by a glaring lack of positive female characters in the book. There's only Clarisse but she dies early on; all of the professors Montag meets are men; and it's even implied that Mildred's awful friends have seemingly stronger husbands (I acknowledge that this is perhaps merely a reflection of the time when the novel was written, but I would have appreciated a little more imagination...).
Nevertheless, I'm going to have fun teaching this book. While his style lost me sometimes, it intrigued me at others, and I'm excited to read more of Bradbury (especially after expert recommendations by friends and relatives).
]]> 26404488 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:36:42 -0700
author: Beatrice Sparks
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.62
book published: 1970
rating: 4
read at: 08/96
date added: 07/05/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:
LOVED this book when I was a weird little hippie in high school--read it a few times then. It didn't quite have the effect on me that I had intended. Ohhhh, those were the days. If it was 10+ years ago, I might have given it 5 stars, but something tells me I wouldn't be as enthused with it in another go around, so it gets 4.
]]> 24316792 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:31:51 -0700 This is not to say my preconceptions were entirely false. Thank goodness there wasn't a plot blurb on the back of this book or else it would have been doomed for me. The only concise summary I can offer is this: It is some point in the perhaps-not-so-distant future, and 6-year-old Ender Wiggin, who already possesses a far superior intellectual ability than many adults, is chosen for Battle School to prepare against an impending Third Invasion from the buggers. He's pegged as the savior, he learns a lot about himself, yada yada. Lots of battles, space jargon, good versus evil. If I had read this, I never would have touched the book.
But of course it's more. I had to actively make myself give it a chance, and once I let go of my prejudices, I couldn't put the book down (figuratively speaking). What drew me in most was the strategy. Even when I couldn't quite follow some of the activites in the battleroom or the attempts to describe the technology, I was hooked by the characters' cunning and pathos for survival. Normally, I want to read about ordinary people who find the extraordinary in themselves, but Card reworked my expectations in this novel. I thought it would be hard to empathize with a character who was already above average (it took me a while to get past Ender's age), but something clicked at one point, though I can't explain exactly what triggered it.
Other thoughts:
-I was a little disturbed by some of the sexism although it kind of, awkwardly, redeemed itself a little by the end.
-I do not actively participate in guessing endings or events, but felt a little satisfaction in predicting a few of the surprises (only just before they were revealed, though). There was enough happening in the novel that I didn't get bored enough to start thinking ahead--every part of the plot was read very much in the moment.
-I felt a little bombarded by the amount of characters. I may have to go back and make a little outline of names and events since I'll be responsible for teaching the book.
-I enjoyed the 1-2 page intro to most of the chapters giving voice to various authorities (thus, a sort of omniscient character) and shedding a little light on what would be happening in the coming chapter. Very The Grapes of Wrath. Builds suspense.
I'm so glad that I had such a good experience with this book, a sci-fi book. Not only will I definitely read more Orson Scott Card in the future, but I am now more open to exploring more of the genre itself. It's important to me not only as a reader, but also as an educator so that I might be able to reach more students.]]>
author: Orson Scott Card
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1985
rating: 4
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/27/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:
This is the assigned summer reading for a few of my upcoming high school classes--I probably would have never read it otherwise. I have always been reluctant when it comes to science fiction: for good or ill, I always made judgments that it all follows the same formula--it's always two extremes fighting the war of the worlds; even ordinary people are extraordinary; and aliens, aliens, aliens (as much of a fan of sci-fi TV & movies I was as a pre-teen, few depictions turn me off more now than someone trying to devise an alien race). I approached this book with the same trepidation. How wrong was I!
This is not to say my preconceptions were entirely false. Thank goodness there wasn't a plot blurb on the back of this book or else it would have been doomed for me. The only concise summary I can offer is this: It is some point in the perhaps-not-so-distant future, and 6-year-old Ender Wiggin, who already possesses a far superior intellectual ability than many adults, is chosen for Battle School to prepare against an impending Third Invasion from the buggers. He's pegged as the savior, he learns a lot about himself, yada yada. Lots of battles, space jargon, good versus evil. If I had read this, I never would have touched the book.
But of course it's more. I had to actively make myself give it a chance, and once I let go of my prejudices, I couldn't put the book down (figuratively speaking). What drew me in most was the strategy. Even when I couldn't quite follow some of the activites in the battleroom or the attempts to describe the technology, I was hooked by the characters' cunning and pathos for survival. Normally, I want to read about ordinary people who find the extraordinary in themselves, but Card reworked my expectations in this novel. I thought it would be hard to empathize with a character who was already above average (it took me a while to get past Ender's age), but something clicked at one point, though I can't explain exactly what triggered it.
Other thoughts:
-I was a little disturbed by some of the sexism although it kind of, awkwardly, redeemed itself a little by the end.
-I do not actively participate in guessing endings or events, but felt a little satisfaction in predicting a few of the surprises (only just before they were revealed, though). There was enough happening in the novel that I didn't get bored enough to start thinking ahead--every part of the plot was read very much in the moment.
-I felt a little bombarded by the amount of characters. I may have to go back and make a little outline of names and events since I'll be responsible for teaching the book.
-I enjoyed the 1-2 page intro to most of the chapters giving voice to various authorities (thus, a sort of omniscient character) and shedding a little light on what would be happening in the coming chapter. Very The Grapes of Wrath. Builds suspense.
I'm so glad that I had such a good experience with this book, a sci-fi book. Not only will I definitely read more Orson Scott Card in the future, but I am now more open to exploring more of the genre itself. It's important to me not only as a reader, but also as an educator so that I might be able to reach more students.
]]> 3325018 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:17:04 -0700
---------

It was so wonderful rereading this book. This is one that I'll probably continue to reread through the years, both for the wonderful vignettes of each season/outing and the jam-packed amount of information (although hopefully some of the information will be outdated soon--for the better). The "Hoppsolver" family amazes me with their dedication and the their degree of success encourages the steps I make at becoming a more conscious eater. I also now more fully appreciate the experience of growing up in a farming family, from the older generations who made their "living" as farmers to my mother's suburban garden growing up (hindsight, however, is certainly 20/20 on this one--I still sometimes flinch upon hearing my name and "weeding" in the same sentence, and I learned at an early age that there's no such thing as growing "a little" squash...there comes a point you can't even give pumpkins away). The turkey sex portion is particularly amusing, and as a former vegetarian, I continue to find the chapter "You Can't Run Away on Harvest Day" a masterpiece in itself. I agree with Kate that this book will make you feel guilty for eating a banana, but the food possibilities presented kept my stomach growling and itching to start cooking away my insomnia. I've tried a few of the recipes so far, and they've worked out fairly well for me, though I'm glad I know my way around the kitchen--they might not be as clear for novice cooks who need more guidance. Overall, though, I think this book can get almost anyone jazzed, if not totally convinced about going local to at least some extent. Give it a try!]]>
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 06/07
date added: 06/14/08
shelves: barbarakingsolvermadnessss, biographyautobiographymemoir, booksthatruinedmylife, ecology, reread-ing
review:
This book has completely changed the way I understand and enjoy food. I have such a deeper appreciation for plant and animal life and for what appears on the grocery store shelves. It does have "preachy" moments, which could deter some people--this didn't bug me since my ecological/political/social opinions tend to fall in line with BK's. This book provides a wealth of information for curious folks out there, and as always, BK's style is fluid, approachable, and full of heart.

---------

It was so wonderful rereading this book. This is one that I'll probably continue to reread through the years, both for the wonderful vignettes of each season/outing and the jam-packed amount of information (although hopefully some of the information will be outdated soon--for the better). The "Hoppsolver" family amazes me with their dedication and the their degree of success encourages the steps I make at becoming a more conscious eater. I also now more fully appreciate the experience of growing up in a farming family, from the older generations who made their "living" as farmers to my mother's suburban garden growing up (hindsight, however, is certainly 20/20 on this one--I still sometimes flinch upon hearing my name and "weeding" in the same sentence, and I learned at an early age that there's no such thing as growing "a little" squash...there comes a point you can't even give pumpkins away). The turkey sex portion is particularly amusing, and as a former vegetarian, I continue to find the chapter "You Can't Run Away on Harvest Day" a masterpiece in itself. I agree with Kate that this book will make you feel guilty for eating a banana, but the food possibilities presented kept my stomach growling and itching to start cooking away my insomnia. I've tried a few of the recipes so far, and they've worked out fairly well for me, though I'm glad I know my way around the kitchen--they might not be as clear for novice cooks who need more guidance. Overall, though, I think this book can get almost anyone jazzed, if not totally convinced about going local to at least some extent. Give it a try!
]]> 22678596 Sat, 24 May 2008 19:19:18 -0700 I really enjoyed the several embodiments the character takes in the novel, and as with any good writing on war, Alexie effectively creates compassion for both the "good" and "bad" guys while blurring the line between "good" and "bad". He creates vivid settings for every scene no matter how quickly he bounces around time. I particularly enjoyed the exposition on how the Little Bighorn camp smelled...never really thought about the smells before. And as with The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I think he has a great talent for using an adolescent voice. I hope he might continue writing like this--this is a unique and underrepresented voice in young adult literature. However, this book might be a little intense for some teens.
What I can't quite figure out is whether the story is too simple. Even though I don't think I'm spoiling much (the jacket does read that "he is mightily transformed by all he has seen"), it's not much of a surprise that, when Zits finally returns to the present, he understands the error of his ways. The events he partakes in certainly would melt even the coldest of hearts (some scenes got me a little weepy), and even though I pretty much knew how it was going to ultimately end, the various experiences continued to captivate me throughout. But I still feel like something was missing...perhaps it was because I knew there was going to be a more or less "happy" ending. It felt more like a fable. Maybe this is a good thing? I haven't read a book like that in long time; plus it gives hope that a very lost kid might somehow find a way. Also, since there was so much time-travel packed into so few pages, we jump to the next story when I want to hear more about the previous one. In a way it kind of keeps in line with the fast-paced environment kids grow up with today and definitely falls into the helter-skelter life Zits has had to lead, but as a reader I wanted even more detail. Good thing I have more Alexie books to turn to.]]>
author: Sherman Alexie
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/24/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:
I'm still taking a little time to process this book. It was a super quick read--I read it in a day--but it certainly packs a punch. It's a story about Zits, an orphaned and awkward half-Indian kid covered in serious acne and dealing with some severe loneliness. He's passed from foster home to foster home and has been arrested so many times he knows the officers around Seattle by name. As he goes to commit a mass murder, he is suddenly transported into several points of the past, primarily violent moments in American Indian history, where he experiences the pain and complexity of war (both literal and figurative).
I really enjoyed the several embodiments the character takes in the novel, and as with any good writing on war, Alexie effectively creates compassion for both the "good" and "bad" guys while blurring the line between "good" and "bad". He creates vivid settings for every scene no matter how quickly he bounces around time. I particularly enjoyed the exposition on how the Little Bighorn camp smelled...never really thought about the smells before. And as with The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, I think he has a great talent for using an adolescent voice. I hope he might continue writing like this--this is a unique and underrepresented voice in young adult literature. However, this book might be a little intense for some teens.
What I can't quite figure out is whether the story is too simple. Even though I don't think I'm spoiling much (the jacket does read that "he is mightily transformed by all he has seen"), it's not much of a surprise that, when Zits finally returns to the present, he understands the error of his ways. The events he partakes in certainly would melt even the coldest of hearts (some scenes got me a little weepy), and even though I pretty much knew how it was going to ultimately end, the various experiences continued to captivate me throughout. But I still feel like something was missing...perhaps it was because I knew there was going to be a more or less "happy" ending. It felt more like a fable. Maybe this is a good thing? I haven't read a book like that in long time; plus it gives hope that a very lost kid might somehow find a way. Also, since there was so much time-travel packed into so few pages, we jump to the next story when I want to hear more about the previous one. In a way it kind of keeps in line with the fast-paced environment kids grow up with today and definitely falls into the helter-skelter life Zits has had to lead, but as a reader I wanted even more detail. Good thing I have more Alexie books to turn to.
]]> 3409666 Fri, 23 May 2008 08:29:45 -0700
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at: 05/06
date added: 05/23/08
shelves: barbarakingsolvermadnessss, reread-ing
review:
In a letter to Codi, Hallie writes, "'What keeps you going isn't some fine destination but just the road you're on, and the fact that you know how to drive.'" This is not a love story as the back of the book may have you believe. Sure, people fall in and out of love within its pages, but this book is really about understanding oneself amid a lifetime of memories and secrets...the risks we take not only when we cheat ourselves, but when we find ourselves, too. I read this for the first time two years ago to the month, needing it for the same reasons even though I've changed a lot, and this time got even a little more from it (which is why we should all read our favorite books multiple times!). I'm not going into a deeply personal reflection here in a public forum, but I think this is a loving book for people who've got some reckoning to do, spanning the greater good of the social and physical world to the individual soul.
]]> 18353770 Sat, 17 May 2008 17:02:09 -0700
author: Sandra Cisneros
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1991
rating: 3
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/17/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 6516009 Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:13 -0700
author: Vladimir Nabokov
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1955
rating: 5
read at: 06/00
date added: 05/12/08
shelves: booksthatruinedmylife
review:

]]> 18526146 Sat, 10 May 2008 18:23:01 -0700
author: Esmé Raji Codell
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/10/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, education
review:

]]> 21523330 Fri, 09 May 2008 08:35:29 -0700
(ps-excellent supplement for this book: New Lost City Ramblers' album Songs from the Depression)]]>
author: John Steinbeck
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1939
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/09/08
shelves: booksthatruinedmylife
review:
Oh, the style! Oh, the language! Oh, the Joads!!! Somehow I have gotten through life (which includes an English degree) without reading any Steinbeck, but now I have seen the light. I have read many excellent books by excellent American authors expounding excellently upon American themes, but this is the first book that, by the time I was half-way through, I marvelled at how each sentence blew my mind, realizing, "Wow...I am reading the Great American Novel." Great fiction moves us and uncovers a greater level of understanding in our souls, which is precisely what this novel inspired in me. Each and every page saturated my heart and mind, and every scene, every sentiment still rings true today. I understand the agony of the Dust Bowl and the Depression so much more deeply now as well as an insight into poverty and survival I never before experienced. At first I was intimidated by the legacy and sheer weight (literally) of the book and went to it more out of duty than anything else, but my expectations were exceeded 5000%. If you've got some compassion and intestinal fortitude, you really ought to read this book.

(ps-excellent supplement for this book: New Lost City Ramblers' album Songs from the Depression)
]]> 18353666 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:16:12 -0700
author: Adeline Yen Mah
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2001
rating: 2
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/27/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, books-used-in-school, history, yalitapproximately
review:
This one was alright. At first I wasn't wowed by it, but it drew me in as the parents got crueler starting with the PLT incident. Man, were they disgusting human beings! I just can't get over how some people feel they can treat their own children. Being a language hound, I really appreciated all the discussion and active use of Chinese ideography, especially the grandfather's explanation towards the end (although it seemed somewhat unnecessary for plot development). The book kind of felt like Amy Tan "lite"--aside from the language and a few mentions of Chiang vs. Mao, it almost seemed as if it could have taken place in any country where there's rich people and boarding schools. Though I can't quite put my finger on it, it didn't flow very well. The style appeared more as a succession of anecdotes than a cohesive whole. In addition, while I don't doubt the severity of her parents' treatment of her, Mah's portrayal of herself was constantly faultless (holy cow, do I sound like a b**** or what?) and I got a little frustrated that she rarely stuck up for herself even in instances when she wouldn't have been punished. One-sided characters are the name of the game in fairy tales such as Cinderella, but if it's a true story, I appreciate more depth. Despite all this, it would be good for young adult audiences as an introduction to mid-20th century China. The stories are captivating and the cruelty definitely has shock value.
]]> 18353633 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:25:09 -0700
author: Sharon Creech
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2009
rating: 2
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/20/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:
This book was OK. I might have enjoyed it more if I was 10 or 11, and I really wanted to like it since I remember enjoying Newberry winners in the past. I guessed most of the "mystery" parts of the plot, which made it tedious to keep reading. I found the Winterbottom family (and their ordeal) a bit melodramatic, constantly wanted more about Sal's life in Bybanks, and wished the heavy moralizing at the end had been cut short. Some of the dialogue and characters were a bit inconsistent, too. HOWEVER, since I did give it 2 stars, I did feel a little tug at the ol' heartstrings when the grandma died and that the book addressed motherhood in more realistic terms (having kids, losing kids, the stress of playing the mother role, etc.). If I ever end up reading this with adolescents, I'll be interested to hear what they have to say.
]]> 18353520 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:49:58 -0700 Diary was that while it specifically addressed issues concerning growing up on the Spokane reservation, I think it did a great job at conveying a kid's struggles with race and poverty in general. Even then, I wouldn't say this book is about any one thing in particular and there's no heavy-handed moralizing or rationalization going on. I felt like Junior/Arnold was talking to me directly, and I got so worked up in his glorious and crushing moments alike (yes, I found myself cheering aloud and sighing/wincing a lot). Once I finished it, I just wanted to start again at the beginning. The comic doodles were awesome, too--they weren't merely decorations for the text, but really increased character understanding and plot development, truly representing his ability to understand his life better through drawing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]]>
author: Sherman Alexie
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/12/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:
I was looking forward to reading this book when it came out in paperback, but when we were assigned to present a book of our choice in my YA Lit class, I jumped on the opportunity. I thought it was great. Living in St. Louis, I think we're pretty far-removed from the reality of Indian reservations...as far as I can remember, even my history classes discussed American Indians only when it came around to the Pilgrims and a brief mention of the Trail of Tears. But what I found great about Diary was that while it specifically addressed issues concerning growing up on the Spokane reservation, I think it did a great job at conveying a kid's struggles with race and poverty in general. Even then, I wouldn't say this book is about any one thing in particular and there's no heavy-handed moralizing or rationalization going on. I felt like Junior/Arnold was talking to me directly, and I got so worked up in his glorious and crushing moments alike (yes, I found myself cheering aloud and sighing/wincing a lot). Once I finished it, I just wanted to start again at the beginning. The comic doodles were awesome, too--they weren't merely decorations for the text, but really increased character understanding and plot development, truly representing his ability to understand his life better through drawing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
]]> 19845412 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:45:04 -0700
author: Lewis Carroll
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1871
rating: 5
read at: 01/93
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: reread-ing, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19844547 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:26:07 -0700
author: Albert Camus
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1942
rating: 5
read at: 03/99
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: books-used-in-school
review:

]]> 19844289 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:20:22 -0700
author: Lois Lowry
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 03/98
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19844203 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:18:31 -0700
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1937
rating: 5
read at: 04/98
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19844008 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:14:34 -0700
author: Flannery O'Connor
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.60
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at: 04/00
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, shortstories
review:
I got hooked with "Good Country People," and it's been downhill ever since.
]]> 19843500 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:09:44 -0700
author: Tom Wolfe
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.87
book published: 1975
rating: 4
read at: 12/00
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, history, music
review:
I still constantly remind myself that art is not eternal.
]]> 19843380 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:04:26 -0700
author: Mary Oliver
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.55
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 10/03
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: poetry
review:

]]> 19843258 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:02:23 -0700
author: Lawrence Ferlinghetti
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at: 02/97
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: poetry, reread-ing
review:

]]> 19843209 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:01:31 -0700
author: Allen Ginsberg
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1960
rating: 4
read at: 11/96
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: poetry
review:

]]> 19842880 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:55:59 -0700
author: Allen Ginsberg
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at: 09/96
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: booksthatruinedmylife, poetry, reread-ing
review:
What peaches and what penumbras! Whole families shopping at night!
]]> 19842832 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:55:17 -0700
author: Jack Kerouac
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.48
book published: 1957
rating: 3
read at: 01/01
date added: 04/09/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19842692 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:52:26 -0700
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 11/01
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19842387 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:47:01 -0700 On the Road, Amy was reading a Buddhist book, and I was in the middle of Helm's Deep. We each took turns reading aloud around a paragraph at a time. It was beautiful!]]>
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 08/01
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: yalitapproximately
review:
My favorite memory with this book was while I was on a camping trip with Leah and Amy. Leah was reading On the Road, Amy was reading a Buddhist book, and I was in the middle of Helm's Deep. We each took turns reading aloud around a paragraph at a time. It was beautiful!
]]> 19771585 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:05:44 -0700
author: George Orwell
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1945
rating: 4
read at: 10/96
date added: 04/08/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, reread-ing, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19771526 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:03:45 -0700
author: George Orwell
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1949
rating: 5
read at: 02/98
date added: 04/08/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19771482 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:02:45 -0700
author: Aldous Huxley
name: Lindsay
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1932
rating: 5
read at: 03/98
date added: 04/08/08
shelves: books-used-in-school, yalitapproximately
review:

]]> 19684353 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:35:19 -0700
author: Howard Zinn
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 02/07
date added: 04/07/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, history
review:

]]> 19683707 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:27:45 -0700
author: Sherman Alexie
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 09/05
date added: 04/07/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19683562 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:25:56 -0700
author: Stephen King
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 08/05
date added: 04/07/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir
review:

]]> 19683422 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:24:29 -0700
author: Arthur Golden
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 05/05
date added: 04/07/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19682956 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:17:36 -0700
author: Nick Hornby
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1995
rating: 3
read at: 01/05
date added: 04/07/08
shelves: music
review:

]]> 18353742 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:04:50 -0700
author: Elie Wiesel
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1958
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/07/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, books-used-in-school, history, yalitapproximately
review:
This book somehow eluded me during my obsessive, gotta-read-everything-about-the-Holocaust phase in middle school. I'm glad I've finally had a chance to read it. It is simple yet truly poetic, profound, and unswervingly honest--it challenges the reader in ways most books do not. Wiesel faced extremes of the human body and spirit and had the bravery to share it with the world. We all should read this book.
]]> 18751999 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:48:00 -0700
author: Patricia C. McKissack
name: Lindsay
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/03/08
shelves: biographyautobiographymemoir, books-used-in-school, history, yalitapproximately
review:
I had to read this for my Young Adult Lit class. Truth's struggles and accomplishments made her a true champion and heroine in the abolition and suffrage movements, but the tone seemed a little over-obvious than I would expect for a book targeted to teens. I would rank this at the lower maturity level end on the on the Young Adult book "scale," but this is certainly a biography worth reading of a woman not as often covered in abolitionist and feminist history.
]]> 14574916 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:48:17 -0700