http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/593030 en-US Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:03:42 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 27514568 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:03:42 -0700
author: Diane Ackerman
name: Sara
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 07/17/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 13368676 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:24:04 -0700
author: A.J. Jacobs
name: Sara
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 06/29/08
shelves: highly-recommended, humorous, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:

]]> 21974330 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:49:00 -0700
I couldn't imagine this 100-mile diet being very easy to accomplish and I was glad to read that at times, the practicioners didn't either. Their epic struggle to locate local wheat, for example, or the potato-closet-ajar crisis seemed like easily unforeseen issues. It was nice that they lived their lives as much as normal as they could, that they noticed and noted when their diet changed their normal habits so that at the end, there wasn't a big "TA-DA! See? There's nothing to it! Jump on board!"

Both of the authors are journalists and I liked that they alternated writing chapters. It was refreshing to see things from both sides, one gung-ho, the other craving pineapple, etc and to watch those alternate viewpoints progress.

This was an easy read that definitely piques one's curiosity of making a local food commitment. ]]>
author: Alisa Smith
name: Sara
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 06/28/08
shelves: food, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:
This memoir of this couple's experience eating only foods grown within 100 miles of their home did a great job explaining the challenges and the rewards of their decision.

I couldn't imagine this 100-mile diet being very easy to accomplish and I was glad to read that at times, the practicioners didn't either. Their epic struggle to locate local wheat, for example, or the potato-closet-ajar crisis seemed like easily unforeseen issues. It was nice that they lived their lives as much as normal as they could, that they noticed and noted when their diet changed their normal habits so that at the end, there wasn't a big "TA-DA! See? There's nothing to it! Jump on board!"

Both of the authors are journalists and I liked that they alternated writing chapters. It was refreshing to see things from both sides, one gung-ho, the other craving pineapple, etc and to watch those alternate viewpoints progress.

This was an easy read that definitely piques one's curiosity of making a local food commitment.
]]> 20407511 Mon, 26 May 2008 07:15:11 -0700 Readers interested in elaborate family sagas and long-simmering undercurrents and secrets will adore this book. The large cast of family members with their varied weaknesses, business ventures and indiscretions reminded me of the movie Gosford Park, especially with the glimpses of the upstairs life alongside that of the downstairs servants. There are also unexpected, intertwined familial connections, which adds to the readers' delight in untangling the tale.]]>
author: Kate Morton
name: Sara
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 05/26/08
shelves: fiction
review:

Readers interested in elaborate family sagas and long-simmering undercurrents and secrets will adore this book. The large cast of family members with their varied weaknesses, business ventures and indiscretions reminded me of the movie Gosford Park, especially with the glimpses of the upstairs life alongside that of the downstairs servants. There are also unexpected, intertwined familial connections, which adds to the readers' delight in untangling the tale.
]]> 17021402 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:45:46 -0700
You won't look at your favorite local Chinese place the same way again after this entertaining look at the industry behind your order of sweet and sour chicken and fried rice.

]]>
author: Jennifer 8 Lee
name: Sara
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/26/08
shelves: food, nonfiction
review:
Jennifer 8. Lee doesn't just trace the genesis of the fortune cookie in this book, she analyzes all aspects of the Chinese food phenomenon, from the early craze of chop suey, to the proliferation of food delivery, to the origins of the little white folded boxes and General Tso's chicken. She travels throughout the world seeking the greatest Chinese restaurant, stopping in India, Canada, a tiny and remote Pacific island and many other places. She explores the connection between Chinese immigration patterns and restaurant industry staffing. And throughout all of these fascinating (and easily overlooked) details about Chinese food in America and the world - the fortune cookie is the connective thread.

You won't look at your favorite local Chinese place the same way again after this entertaining look at the industry behind your order of sweet and sour chicken and fried rice.


]]> 20708585 Thu, 22 May 2008 13:24:22 -0700
This book is a lovingly-written, extensively researched ode to a little-known and much-mocked nation. The author, aside from traveling to the remotest parts of this already remote country, also makes a thorough study of the Kazakh president and political history since the country's recent independence.

As a result, this book is crazy educational. "Crazy educational?" you say, doubtful and with slight scorn. Yes - it is educational, but the history, the natural resources, the tragedy of its treatment under the Soviets - is all so fascinating you'll never enjoy education so much.

The author includes backstory, such as the tale of the haughty English explorer determined to travel the breadth of the land during one of the harshest winters in memory and the time great Russian writers spent here in exile.

I hope the author makes a habit of illuminating neglected nations, because I've never enjoyed a travelogue as much as I did this one.]]>
author: Christopher Robbins
name: Sara
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/22/08
shelves: highly-recommended, nonfiction, travel
review:
Now I want to visit Kazakhstan.

This book is a lovingly-written, extensively researched ode to a little-known and much-mocked nation. The author, aside from traveling to the remotest parts of this already remote country, also makes a thorough study of the Kazakh president and political history since the country's recent independence.

As a result, this book is crazy educational. "Crazy educational?" you say, doubtful and with slight scorn. Yes - it is educational, but the history, the natural resources, the tragedy of its treatment under the Soviets - is all so fascinating you'll never enjoy education so much.

The author includes backstory, such as the tale of the haughty English explorer determined to travel the breadth of the land during one of the harshest winters in memory and the time great Russian writers spent here in exile.

I hope the author makes a habit of illuminating neglected nations, because I've never enjoyed a travelogue as much as I did this one.
]]> 17850269 Thu, 22 May 2008 13:14:23 -0700 For me, his flashbacks, memories and deep love of pigeons were the best part of the book.

I would classify this book as literary fiction, but there is a twinge of science fiction to it in terms of subject matter. I also thought it had foundations in magical realism. That becomes more prominent toward the middle and end of the novel, but I was so swept up in the telling that I didn't really think about it until I was finished.

Anyone looking for something non-formulaic, creative and beautiful will enjoy this book. The cover art is lovely, as well!]]>
author: Samantha Hunt
name: Sara
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 05/22/08
shelves: fiction
review:
This book went by very quickly because the writing is so beautiful and effortless. The characters in the story who aren't Nikola Tesla are engaging, but I was pretty wrapped up in the brilliant creativity of using Tesla as a character.
For me, his flashbacks, memories and deep love of pigeons were the best part of the book.

I would classify this book as literary fiction, but there is a twinge of science fiction to it in terms of subject matter. I also thought it had foundations in magical realism. That becomes more prominent toward the middle and end of the novel, but I was so swept up in the telling that I didn't really think about it until I was finished.

Anyone looking for something non-formulaic, creative and beautiful will enjoy this book. The cover art is lovely, as well!
]]> 19796975 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:01:43 -0700
The book is laid out in brief vingettes of famous authors from Balzac to Salinger, including a short essay, a few of their most famous titles and then multiple anecdotes about their insanity/drinking problem/germ phobia/marital problems/etc.

The illustrations, concise sections and conversational tone of the writing make the book eminently browsable. This is a great one to read in short bursts - which was my plan when I picked it up... but I didn't end up putting it down until The End.]]>
author: Robert Schnakenberg
name: Sara
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/17/08
shelves: highly-recommended, humorous, light_reading, nonfiction
review:
I couldn't stop reading this book when I picked it up browsing to see what it was. That's always a good sign.

The book is laid out in brief vingettes of famous authors from Balzac to Salinger, including a short essay, a few of their most famous titles and then multiple anecdotes about their insanity/drinking problem/germ phobia/marital problems/etc.

The illustrations, concise sections and conversational tone of the writing make the book eminently browsable. This is a great one to read in short bursts - which was my plan when I picked it up... but I didn't end up putting it down until The End.
]]> 19053597 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:53:24 -0700
There are humorous episodes of awkward exchanges with co-workers, random run-ins with bands that were hugely famous (once up on a time) and the inevitable crushing of an idea by the all-powerful tech department (server-side technology! back end architecture!).

Funny stuff for the fans of the comedy of awkward.

]]>
author: Dan Kennedy
name: Sara
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 03/08
date added: 04/17/08
shelves: humorous, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:
Rock On is the story of Dan Kennedy's bewildering employment experience at Atlantic Records. The highlight for me was his dialogue, which had the true ring of the idiotic things we say under pressure and hear when we are too nervous to process information.

There are humorous episodes of awkward exchanges with co-workers, random run-ins with bands that were hugely famous (once up on a time) and the inevitable crushing of an idea by the all-powerful tech department (server-side technology! back end architecture!).

Funny stuff for the fans of the comedy of awkward.


]]> 20237803 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:56:01 -0700
In the end, I loved how the personalities came together, how characters' lives intersected and the following the decisions they made. I started out so ambivalent and ended happy. Sure, the formulaic aspects that you will find in any genre fiction were there - in this case these were mostly slang, drug use, sex, etc, but I didn't find that the book was too overloaded with those things.

I definitely enjoyed this book. SURPRISE.

]]>
author: A. J. Rivers
name: Sara
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/16/08
shelves: fiction, street_lit
review:
Ca$hMoney was my first foray into street lit and I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised! The book is full of brand names, from fashion designers to cars - even the preferred brand of condom. For a while I was just readingreadingreading and thinking all this book had to offer was descriptions of shopping, riding, smoking and clothes and then bam: PLOT! And pretty good too!

In the end, I loved how the personalities came together, how characters' lives intersected and the following the decisions they made. I started out so ambivalent and ended happy. Sure, the formulaic aspects that you will find in any genre fiction were there - in this case these were mostly slang, drug use, sex, etc, but I didn't find that the book was too overloaded with those things.

I definitely enjoyed this book. SURPRISE.


]]> 17850207 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:44:47 -0700
I wouldn't call this book exceptional, but I would say I enjoyed it. There is some violence, not too much nor too descriptive, and the gentleman jewel thief aspect of it all put me in mind of To Catch a Thief or How to Steal a Million.

The setting plays a pretty big role as well, with houseboats on the canals and the narrow streets and quaintly cramped living quarters cast a nice European veil over the whole thing. As in many mysteries, you can't believe everyone you meet and in the fine tradition of Marple, the Thin Man and many others, all is not revealed until the whole motley crew is gathered together to hear the detective's discovery.]]>
author: Chris Ewan
name: Sara
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 03/08
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: fiction, light_reading, mystery
review:
I don't read much mystery, but the concept of the author of high-end cat burglar stories moonlighting as a high-end cat burglar caught my interest.

I wouldn't call this book exceptional, but I would say I enjoyed it. There is some violence, not too much nor too descriptive, and the gentleman jewel thief aspect of it all put me in mind of To Catch a Thief or How to Steal a Million.

The setting plays a pretty big role as well, with houseboats on the canals and the narrow streets and quaintly cramped living quarters cast a nice European veil over the whole thing. As in many mysteries, you can't believe everyone you meet and in the fine tradition of Marple, the Thin Man and many others, all is not revealed until the whole motley crew is gathered together to hear the detective's discovery.
]]> 17023185 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:21:38 -0700
Readers have to have a sense of humor about the tragic status of the American political and social systems. They should also like sarcasm and overstatement. And if they are older... they should really, really have these qualities.

"Boomsday" was good, not great. But I liked Buckley's style enough to give "Thank You For Smoking" a shot. Still, it's hard to come by satire that's this current and this relevant, so that I definitely respect.]]>
author: Christopher Buckley
name: Sara
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 03/08
date added: 04/07/08
shelves: fiction, humorous
review:
This book progresses very gradually, but the action late in the book is totally satisfying. To start off, detail after detail is built up slowly, but all throughout, the satire is biting, scarily persuasive and funny.

Readers have to have a sense of humor about the tragic status of the American political and social systems. They should also like sarcasm and overstatement. And if they are older... they should really, really have these qualities.

"Boomsday" was good, not great. But I liked Buckley's style enough to give "Thank You For Smoking" a shot. Still, it's hard to come by satire that's this current and this relevant, so that I definitely respect.
]]> 19305182 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:06:58 -0700
author: Sloane Crosley
name: Sara
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/02/08
shelves: highly-recommended, humorous, nonfiction, short-stories
review:

]]> 19254445 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:57:14 -0700
And speaking of funny... "Getting Stoned" is written in Troost's signature tone of curiosity, awe and measured hilarious wit. But it really doesn't match up to "Sex Lives." The first time he lived on a remote Pacific island, every strange inconvenience was new and baffling. This time around... everything is a little easier and little more about the next time he can drink kava.

The writing was still funny and there were still interesting explorations of island history, like cannibalism and corrupt politics, but while's it's good, it's still a runner-up. ]]>
author: J. Maarten Troost
name: Sara
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/01/08
shelves: adventure-, humorous
review:
I read "The Sex Lives of Cannibals" before this one, and I think it's pretty mandatory to do so. "Getting Stoned with Savages" is funnier if you already have a pretty good handle on Troost's outlook on life.

And speaking of funny... "Getting Stoned" is written in Troost's signature tone of curiosity, awe and measured hilarious wit. But it really doesn't match up to "Sex Lives." The first time he lived on a remote Pacific island, every strange inconvenience was new and baffling. This time around... everything is a little easier and little more about the next time he can drink kava.

The writing was still funny and there were still interesting explorations of island history, like cannibalism and corrupt politics, but while's it's good, it's still a runner-up.
]]> 17850195 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:11:23 -0700
However, if you like your sermons disguised as books and peopled with roundabout characters and conversation - then ham-handed Herman is the author for you.

If you really want suspense, find a cozy mystery. This is really not a novel so much as an extended example of what goes wrong when you commit the terrible crime of gossip.

Amen.]]>
author: Kathy Herman
name: Sara
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2005
rating: 1
read at: 03/08
date added: 03/30/08
shelves: light_reading, not_impressed
review:
This ham-handed morality tale moves slowly and introduces a parade of stock characters who interact clumsily with terrible dialogue. The author liked several of her little conversation jokes so well that she used them twice. Or maybe she was artfully showing the reader how, at our core, we're really all the same.

However, if you like your sermons disguised as books and peopled with roundabout characters and conversation - then ham-handed Herman is the author for you.

If you really want suspense, find a cozy mystery. This is really not a novel so much as an extended example of what goes wrong when you commit the terrible crime of gossip.

Amen.
]]> 12743567 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 05:24:50 -0700
The book jacket summary sketches out the arc of the story, but for me, the actual text didn't really match up. The agonizing decision to admit to forgery seemed to come pretty easily and things wrapped up pretty quickly from then on.

The chapters about Han's ingenious process for creating his forgeries were very interesting. The final chapters about Han's trial for selling a Dutch national treasure to a Nazi show Han's colorful personality and help close the story on an engaging note. Definitely worth a read for art lovers.]]>
author: Frank Wynne
name: Sara
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 02/08
date added: 03/16/08
shelves: art, history, nonfiction
review:
This true story of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch forger creating and selling "genuine" Vermeers in the 1930s and 40s makes a great book jacket summary. That's what drew me in. The writing is good and there are glossy illustrations so readers can see Vermeers and van Meegerens side by side.

The book jacket summary sketches out the arc of the story, but for me, the actual text didn't really match up. The agonizing decision to admit to forgery seemed to come pretty easily and things wrapped up pretty quickly from then on.

The chapters about Han's ingenious process for creating his forgeries were very interesting. The final chapters about Han's trial for selling a Dutch national treasure to a Nazi show Han's colorful personality and help close the story on an engaging note. Definitely worth a read for art lovers.
]]> 13698966 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:55:59 -0800
Bell's background as a teacher of the deaf, the professional and personal pressure he faced to produce a working telephone and the underhanded actions of his business contacts to ensure that the most valuable U.S. patent ever granted was granted to Bell keep the story moving at an interesting pace. Shulman includes his discovery and research process as part of the story, so the book has a modern tone and isn't weighed down by too much discussion of 19th century technology.

I ended the book feeling bad for Elisha Gray, the forgotten pioneer of telephone technology and almost feeling worse for Bell, whose entire reputation is based on his lowest moment. A very interesting examination of a story few people ever question.

]]>
author: Seth Shulman
name: Sara
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/27/08
shelves: history, nonfiction
review:
Seth Shulman's exposition of the shady tactics behind the invention of the telephone is an engaging read for anyone who has heard the one-sided tale of Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant toiling away at their workbenches.

Bell's background as a teacher of the deaf, the professional and personal pressure he faced to produce a working telephone and the underhanded actions of his business contacts to ensure that the most valuable U.S. patent ever granted was granted to Bell keep the story moving at an interesting pace. Shulman includes his discovery and research process as part of the story, so the book has a modern tone and isn't weighed down by too much discussion of 19th century technology.

I ended the book feeling bad for Elisha Gray, the forgotten pioneer of telephone technology and almost feeling worse for Bell, whose entire reputation is based on his lowest moment. A very interesting examination of a story few people ever question.


]]> 15993154 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:41:08 -0800
I found that I liked the additional voices included in the book, Ed's wife Rachelle chimes in occasionally and "Ed's Green Friends" have sections where they explain the benefits of specific products and practices. I appreciated Rachelle's point of view as someone who is adapting from a life of "regular" consumption to a more environmentally-aware lifestyle. I also liked that Ed left some of the more technical explanations to experts in his "Green Friends" sections. He clearly knows his stuff and has crunched the numbers and has a big-picture mentality when it comes to consumption, but he doesn't sound like a know-it-all, he sounds more like someone passing along helpful hints from their experience.

I jotted down notes about the types of recyclable plastics and found his recylcing sorting guide very useful. I do think that this book is most helpful in Ed's own southern California area, because I took his advice and Googled my area and "hazardous waste" only to find that getting rid of it responsibly is not as easy as Ed makes it sound. Also, ridding my life of e-waste is not going to be convenient or free. Still, he answers a lot of valuable questions and lays out solid reasoning for cutting consumption. Thanks, Ed!]]>
author: Ed Begley
name: Sara
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/27/08
shelves: highly-recommended, instructional, nonfiction
review:
I found Ed Begley Jr.'s guide to green living very accessible to people getting more into this lifestyle. The overall tone of the book was very positive - Ed's enthusiasm for all things eco-friendly is pervasive. He shares his approach to energy saving or recycling, and gives good explanations for the why this each is a useful conservation habit.

I found that I liked the additional voices included in the book, Ed's wife Rachelle chimes in occasionally and "Ed's Green Friends" have sections where they explain the benefits of specific products and practices. I appreciated Rachelle's point of view as someone who is adapting from a life of "regular" consumption to a more environmentally-aware lifestyle. I also liked that Ed left some of the more technical explanations to experts in his "Green Friends" sections. He clearly knows his stuff and has crunched the numbers and has a big-picture mentality when it comes to consumption, but he doesn't sound like a know-it-all, he sounds more like someone passing along helpful hints from their experience.

I jotted down notes about the types of recyclable plastics and found his recylcing sorting guide very useful. I do think that this book is most helpful in Ed's own southern California area, because I took his advice and Googled my area and "hazardous waste" only to find that getting rid of it responsibly is not as easy as Ed makes it sound. Also, ridding my life of e-waste is not going to be convenient or free. Still, he answers a lot of valuable questions and lays out solid reasoning for cutting consumption. Thanks, Ed!
]]> 13368619 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:36:43 -0800
The narrator, who shares a name and occupation with the author, injects plenty of descriptions of unusual Thai habits, glorious floral surroundings and spicy food to engage the reader with the foreign setting. The narrator is also an enjoyable character and it's fun to watch him form opinions and interact with the people he interviews.

The writing is clear, engaging ang occasionally funny. The stories within stories here are brilliantly sketched together to create a whole. This book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good fiction.

]]>
author: Mischa Berlinski
name: Sara
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 02/08
date added: 02/08/08
shelves: fiction, highly-recommended
review:
This book did a fantastic job of drawing the reader into the story through the voice of a journalist in Thailand, then transferring the story to the varied points of view of American missionaries, remote anthropologists, and isolated villagers. The reader learns about the two primary characters the same way the narrator does, through bits and pieces of information gathered through distant friends and relatives. It's an effective and captivating way of telling the story.

The narrator, who shares a name and occupation with the author, injects plenty of descriptions of unusual Thai habits, glorious floral surroundings and spicy food to engage the reader with the foreign setting. The narrator is also an enjoyable character and it's fun to watch him form opinions and interact with the people he interviews.

The writing is clear, engaging ang occasionally funny. The stories within stories here are brilliantly sketched together to create a whole. This book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good fiction.


]]> 13699012 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:49:53 -0800
author: Phaidon
name: Sara
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 02/08
date added: 01/27/08
shelves: art, nonfiction
review:

]]> 13502662 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:08:25 -0800
Most readers are unlikely to be really conversant in 20th Iranian political history and it is absolutely fascinating to be introduced to the topic through the eyes of an impressionable child, an emotional teenager and a jaded young adult. Marjane tells her story in an intense, honest, funny and heartbreaking fashion.

The style of art is beautiful and everything is drawn in a kind of a kooky way. I though that the style reinforced that this whole story comes from one young person's distinct point of view. As in all graphic novels, the images are just as potent, if not more, than the plot itself and this is no exception.

"Persepolis" is the best book I can think of to introduce the uninitiated to the world of graphic novels. The subject matter is the polar opposite of the superhero comic stereotype and the intense, skillful storytelling will captivate even the mots doubting reader.

I adored it.]]>
author: Marjane Satrapi
name: Sara
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/25/08
shelves: highly-recommended, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:
One of the things I loved about this book was Marjane's very individual voice and how it transformed from the start of the book when she is 10 to the end, when she is 22. Ten-year-old Marjane, by the way, is about the most awesome kid I have encountered in print. She reminded me of Harper Lee's Scout, except Marjane was cuter and more hilarious. Also, more political.

Most readers are unlikely to be really conversant in 20th Iranian political history and it is absolutely fascinating to be introduced to the topic through the eyes of an impressionable child, an emotional teenager and a jaded young adult. Marjane tells her story in an intense, honest, funny and heartbreaking fashion.

The style of art is beautiful and everything is drawn in a kind of a kooky way. I though that the style reinforced that this whole story comes from one young person's distinct point of view. As in all graphic novels, the images are just as potent, if not more, than the plot itself and this is no exception.

"Persepolis" is the best book I can think of to introduce the uninitiated to the world of graphic novels. The subject matter is the polar opposite of the superhero comic stereotype and the intense, skillful storytelling will captivate even the mots doubting reader.

I adored it.
]]> 11988261 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:24:43 -0800
Readers, regardless of their feelings about religion will be interested in his struggles to understand and follow some of God's more obscure rules. When he quotes the rule outright, it's usually immediately funny, but when he shares his interpretation after consulting with his board of religious advisors, even the weirdest laws make pretty good sense.

For those who aren't crazy about nonfiction because it's boring or it overanalyzes ancient history, this is nonfiction at it's most refreshing. It's funny, current, relatable and engaging.

Jacobs isn't shy about sharing personal details, which I found a little weird, but assumed that it's all part of the honesty of biblical living. I have to say it was effective in connecting with the reader, because I was going to give him 3 stars but instead gave him 4. Since he admits that he religiously (zing!) checks his Amazon.com reviews, I thought he might check here as well. Keep up the good work, A.J.!]]>
author: A.J. Jacobs
name: Sara
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/24/08
shelves: memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:
I liked this book for A.J. Jacobs' conversational writing style, which is well-packed with great descriptions, pop culture references and fascinating trivia. I loved his methodical approach to the process of living according to God's laws and his gradual transformation into a more observant person.

Readers, regardless of their feelings about religion will be interested in his struggles to understand and follow some of God's more obscure rules. When he quotes the rule outright, it's usually immediately funny, but when he shares his interpretation after consulting with his board of religious advisors, even the weirdest laws make pretty good sense.

For those who aren't crazy about nonfiction because it's boring or it overanalyzes ancient history, this is nonfiction at it's most refreshing. It's funny, current, relatable and engaging.

Jacobs isn't shy about sharing personal details, which I found a little weird, but assumed that it's all part of the honesty of biblical living. I have to say it was effective in connecting with the reader, because I was going to give him 3 stars but instead gave him 4. Since he admits that he religiously (zing!) checks his Amazon.com reviews, I thought he might check here as well. Keep up the good work, A.J.!
]]> 12743261 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:11:34 -0800
The book includes instructions so the reader can keep track of their Intelligence and Confidence points, Accomplishments and Failings and Superior and Inferior Connections. I chose to, although the book assured me it wasn't mandatory. I enjoyed the aspect of crossing out points every time I cursed my lucky stars and rejoicing when I answered the occasional muliple choice question correctly and was rewarded with something unexpected: like adding fluent French to my Accomplishments.

The reader is given the chance to make choices that they know the "right" answer to, such as whether or not to marry Mr. Collins from "Pride and Prejudice." But they also face choices they can't rely on their Austen familiarity for: such as whether to turn left or right on their way to Netherfield. I also appreciated the inclusion of period trivia questions because it helped mix-up the decision making process.

I never ended up happily married, although I did end up married a few tmes. At other time, I was also left spinsterly, broke and once, torn apart by Gypsies.

The author has created a humorous and charming interactive opportunity and Austen fans will enjoy it.]]>
author: Emma Campbell Webster
name: Sara
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/24/08
shelves: fiction, light_reading
review:
This choose-your-own-adventure populated by characters, settings and decisions faced by Jane Austen heroines is a very enjoyable read.

The book includes instructions so the reader can keep track of their Intelligence and Confidence points, Accomplishments and Failings and Superior and Inferior Connections. I chose to, although the book assured me it wasn't mandatory. I enjoyed the aspect of crossing out points every time I cursed my lucky stars and rejoicing when I answered the occasional muliple choice question correctly and was rewarded with something unexpected: like adding fluent French to my Accomplishments.

The reader is given the chance to make choices that they know the "right" answer to, such as whether or not to marry Mr. Collins from "Pride and Prejudice." But they also face choices they can't rely on their Austen familiarity for: such as whether to turn left or right on their way to Netherfield. I also appreciated the inclusion of period trivia questions because it helped mix-up the decision making process.

I never ended up happily married, although I did end up married a few tmes. At other time, I was also left spinsterly, broke and once, torn apart by Gypsies.

The author has created a humorous and charming interactive opportunity and Austen fans will enjoy it.
]]> 12955465 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:59:49 -0800
This book glows with understated humor, perfectly-played pettiness and beautifully explored passages of realistic and touching human experience.

I laughed, I cried and I am waiting a while to start another fiction book because I know whatever I choose will disappoint me. I cannot think of a novel that better captures the hilarious preoccupations, tragic obsessions and unexamined longings of the modern office-dweller.]]>
author: Joshua Ferris
name: Sara
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/24/08
shelves: fiction, highly-recommended
review:
I described this book to a friend as a sort of Catch-22 without the war and then found that a blurb on the back makes the same comparison. So much for my original insight.

This book glows with understated humor, perfectly-played pettiness and beautifully explored passages of realistic and touching human experience.

I laughed, I cried and I am waiting a while to start another fiction book because I know whatever I choose will disappoint me. I cannot think of a novel that better captures the hilarious preoccupations, tragic obsessions and unexamined longings of the modern office-dweller.
]]> 10789091 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:02:08 -0800
The plot moves along at a steady pace; the main character, a listless and luckless boy genius scrambles from bizarre setting to bizarre setting at a rate that keeps things interesting. I wasn't entirely won over by this book, some parts, such as the whole Colorado escapade, don't seem to blend with the rest of the novel. There is also a generous helping of vulgarity, with bodily functions playing a starring role. It seems like a ninety-three year old would be over that type of humor, but thankfully, it didn't ruin it for me.

I thought the overall set-up of the novel was brilliant and captivating. The chapters bounce back and forth between the main character's final state and his progress in getting there. The author's descriptions and creativity really kept this book going for me.]]>
author: Millard Kaufman
name: Sara
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/22/08
shelves: fiction
review:
"Bowl of Cherries" is a first novel by a ninety-three year old writer. I find this adorable and plunge in. The book is humorous, with well-imagined characters and thoroughly sprinkled with words you have only seen in dictionaries and many that you are suspicious Kaufman may have invented.

The plot moves along at a steady pace; the main character, a listless and luckless boy genius scrambles from bizarre setting to bizarre setting at a rate that keeps things interesting. I wasn't entirely won over by this book, some parts, such as the whole Colorado escapade, don't seem to blend with the rest of the novel. There is also a generous helping of vulgarity, with bodily functions playing a starring role. It seems like a ninety-three year old would be over that type of humor, but thankfully, it didn't ruin it for me.

I thought the overall set-up of the novel was brilliant and captivating. The chapters bounce back and forth between the main character's final state and his progress in getting there. The author's descriptions and creativity really kept this book going for me.
]]> 10789761 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:03:02 -0800
You don't have to know anything about James Garfield or William McKinley to appreciate the incredible stories of their demise. Vowell openly admits that very few do know anything about either of those presidents. I certainly didn't know much. The background stories of their assassins are especially engrossing. Some readers might fear morbidity with this topic, but the tone is more of wonder, education and appreciation for amazingly forgotten historic events than anything else.

My lukewarm feelings toward Vowell come from another book I read of hers, Take the Cannolis. I had the same problem with her in Assassination Vacation, primarily, that she can't stop reminding the reader that she is cool. In fact, she's so cool that she's okay with being a nerd. Also, she used to be a rock critic. Did she mention that she used to be a rock critic? Well, she was.

Still, I gave this book 5 stars and would absolutely read it again, because I know I wasn't able to absorb all the interesting facts she shared and I will be amazed by many of them a second time when I re-read this book.]]>
author: Sarah Vowell
name: Sara
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/11/08
shelves: history, humorous, nonfiction
review:
The subject matter of this book is so engaging and so fascinating, it was able to overcome my pre-existing mild dislike of the author, Sarah Vowell. In the book, she shares her nerdy obsession with the oddities of American history and we join her as she travels to various landmarks related to presidential assassinations.

You don't have to know anything about James Garfield or William McKinley to appreciate the incredible stories of their demise. Vowell openly admits that very few do know anything about either of those presidents. I certainly didn't know much. The background stories of their assassins are especially engrossing. Some readers might fear morbidity with this topic, but the tone is more of wonder, education and appreciation for amazingly forgotten historic events than anything else.

My lukewarm feelings toward Vowell come from another book I read of hers, Take the Cannolis. I had the same problem with her in Assassination Vacation, primarily, that she can't stop reminding the reader that she is cool. In fact, she's so cool that she's okay with being a nerd. Also, she used to be a rock critic. Did she mention that she used to be a rock critic? Well, she was.

Still, I gave this book 5 stars and would absolutely read it again, because I know I wasn't able to absorb all the interesting facts she shared and I will be amazed by many of them a second time when I re-read this book.
]]> 11985532 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:44:29 -0800
I definitely didn't commit any bird calls to memory, but I was surprised that I recognized many. I liked hearing which bird songs went with which birds, especially when very pretty or delicate birds made low, creepy noises.

This book was beautifully illustrated, simply laid-out and it was very easy to track back and forth through the recorded bird sounds. The quality of the recordings was also impressive, especially coming from a small, lousy speaker. There is also volume control, which I appreciated, but I still recommend reading this book in private to spare others the surprise of hearing a screech owl.]]>
author: Les Beletsky
name: Sara
average rating: 4.88
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/08/08
shelves: nonfiction
review:
I couldn't resist this book because not only are there are pretty pictures, there are buttons to push.

I definitely didn't commit any bird calls to memory, but I was surprised that I recognized many. I liked hearing which bird songs went with which birds, especially when very pretty or delicate birds made low, creepy noises.

This book was beautifully illustrated, simply laid-out and it was very easy to track back and forth through the recorded bird sounds. The quality of the recordings was also impressive, especially coming from a small, lousy speaker. There is also volume control, which I appreciated, but I still recommend reading this book in private to spare others the surprise of hearing a screech owl.
]]> 10789199 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:28:50 -0800
Much of the book takes place on Manhattan, but the heart of the story centers on the character's experiences on the island. The author's descriptions and explanations of the tattoos are very creative and moving.

I read this book in a rush, because although it's not what I'd call fast-paced, I was very quickly pulled into the character's world and was anxious to learn her story. Readers interested in the lives of artists will enjoy the passion in this novel.]]>
author: Jill Ciment
name: Sara
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 01/08
date added: 01/07/08
shelves: fiction
review:
While fascinating and beautifully written, this book is a little darker than I'd expected. The main character, a New York artist in the 1920s, ends up being stranded on a remote South Pacific island for three decades and the story follows her as she adapts her outlook and art to her situation.

Much of the book takes place on Manhattan, but the heart of the story centers on the character's experiences on the island. The author's descriptions and explanations of the tattoos are very creative and moving.

I read this book in a rush, because although it's not what I'd call fast-paced, I was very quickly pulled into the character's world and was anxious to learn her story. Readers interested in the lives of artists will enjoy the passion in this novel.
]]> 11478812 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:59:20 -0800
He occasionally makes use of words you haven't heard since you last studied for the SATs, but at the same time makes you feel more like he's relating this story while sipping single malt scotch and reclining before a fire.

Winchester's trademark is his frequent use of footnotes, these are almost always more than one sentence long and either elaborate on an aforementioned quirk or illuminate the backstory. I found myself checking for footnotes every time I turned the page because the information in them was always so unexpected and so enjoyable to read.

This book sheds light on the incredible process that goes into the compilation of such a massive reference book, but spends enough time on the colorful characters and ridiculous delays to keep the story entertaining.

]]>
author: Simon Winchester
name: Sara
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at: 04/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: history, nonfiction
review:
Simon Winchester knows how to make a dry subject interesting. In the case of this history of the Oxford English Dictionary, he makes it fascinating.

He occasionally makes use of words you haven't heard since you last studied for the SATs, but at the same time makes you feel more like he's relating this story while sipping single malt scotch and reclining before a fire.

Winchester's trademark is his frequent use of footnotes, these are almost always more than one sentence long and either elaborate on an aforementioned quirk or illuminate the backstory. I found myself checking for footnotes every time I turned the page because the information in them was always so unexpected and so enjoyable to read.

This book sheds light on the incredible process that goes into the compilation of such a massive reference book, but spends enough time on the colorful characters and ridiculous delays to keep the story entertaining.


]]> 11478225 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:22:07 -0800
The book makes great use of the existing photographs of the ordeal and they do quite a lot to make these unbelievable circumstances more real to the reader. The ship’s photographer captured impossible, fascinating images, such as the enormous wooden Endurance being cracked like a bundle of twigs by mere shifts in the Antarctic ice.]]>
author: Caroline Alexander
name: Sara
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 01/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: history, nonfiction
review:
Alexander approaches the story chronologically, providing context for the expedition by summarizing previous Antarctic explorations and the international competition surrounding them. For the story of the Endurance, Alexander draws material from the diaries, letters and later remembrances of the crew. Photographs and quotations punctuate many of the anecdotes of life aboard the Endurance, as well as the freezing hell endured after its’ sinking.

The book makes great use of the existing photographs of the ordeal and they do quite a lot to make these unbelievable circumstances more real to the reader. The ship’s photographer captured impossible, fascinating images, such as the enormous wooden Endurance being cracked like a bundle of twigs by mere shifts in the Antarctic ice.
]]> 11477944 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:15:19 -0800 This biography of renowned miser Hetty Green is interesting because of its subject’s wealth and thrifty habits; but what I found even more interesting was how the author tried to highlight Hetty’s humanity and failed.

Hetty Green lived from 1834 to 1916 and was born into a Quaker family who happened to control the wealthiest whaling company in America. She inherited her family’s money, some of it through an aunt’s will, on which Hetty allegedly forged the signature. She went on to multiply that early fortune through good investments and extreme thrift, including bringing buckets of dry oatmeal to her bank, where she would add water and heat it on the radiator in order to avoid a restaurant bill.

Hetty is plain old cheap, and she tends to be pretty nasty about it. But author Charles Slack is determined to bring out her human qualities. He plays up the fact that when she was living in various tenements in Hoboken to avoid paying residency taxes, she gave savings banks with a dollar inside to some neighborhood children. Slack’s anecdotes meant to highlight her kindness are overwhelmed by the very nature of her character.

The author’s attempt to redeem Hetty Green’s legacy fail; there aren’t enough positive stories about this woman to stretch this book beyond its slim 226 pages. So while it’s not a very successful as a biography, it is a pretty good story about America’s cheapest and most forgotten tycoon.]]>
author: Charles Slack
name: Sara
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2004
rating: 2
read at: 02/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: history, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:

This biography of renowned miser Hetty Green is interesting because of its subject’s wealth and thrifty habits; but what I found even more interesting was how the author tried to highlight Hetty’s humanity and failed.

Hetty Green lived from 1834 to 1916 and was born into a Quaker family who happened to control the wealthiest whaling company in America. She inherited her family’s money, some of it through an aunt’s will, on which Hetty allegedly forged the signature. She went on to multiply that early fortune through good investments and extreme thrift, including bringing buckets of dry oatmeal to her bank, where she would add water and heat it on the radiator in order to avoid a restaurant bill.

Hetty is plain old cheap, and she tends to be pretty nasty about it. But author Charles Slack is determined to bring out her human qualities. He plays up the fact that when she was living in various tenements in Hoboken to avoid paying residency taxes, she gave savings banks with a dollar inside to some neighborhood children. Slack’s anecdotes meant to highlight her kindness are overwhelmed by the very nature of her character.

The author’s attempt to redeem Hetty Green’s legacy fail; there aren’t enough positive stories about this woman to stretch this book beyond its slim 226 pages. So while it’s not a very successful as a biography, it is a pretty good story about America’s cheapest and most forgotten tycoon.
]]> 11477774 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:11:58 -0800
Reichl developed a habit of eating for her reviews in disguise, a ploy that allowed her to get around the star treatment and eat as the people eat in these establishments. It's fun to follow along as she discovers her fame and begins to enjoy circumventing it. She describes each persona and costume as richly and enthusiastically as she describes her opulent meals.

Reichl was begged to join the Times after working as a food critic in L.A. and was given an expense account the size of a Texas cattle herd to judge the best restaurants in the city, but it really never sounds like she's bragging. She sounds delighted when restaurants are as good as their reputation and when they aren't, she sounds offended on behalf of the average people spending money for the experience.

I devoured this book in one rainy afternoon and if I reread it someday, I'll make sure to have more snack foods around.]]>
author: Ruth Reichl
name: Sara
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 07/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: food, memoir-biography, nonfiction
review:
I can't afford fancy meals in expensive restaurants, which is fine, since I'm pretty sure I would hate everything they ever served me. But Ruth Reichl's memoir of her tenure as the New York Times food critic made me wish I could enjoy black truffles, sashimi and foie gras just because she does.

Reichl developed a habit of eating for her reviews in disguise, a ploy that allowed her to get around the star treatment and eat as the people eat in these establishments. It's fun to follow along as she discovers her fame and begins to enjoy circumventing it. She describes each persona and costume as richly and enthusiastically as she describes her opulent meals.

Reichl was begged to join the Times after working as a food critic in L.A. and was given an expense account the size of a Texas cattle herd to judge the best restaurants in the city, but it really never sounds like she's bragging. She sounds delighted when restaurants are as good as their reputation and when they aren't, she sounds offended on behalf of the average people spending money for the experience.

I devoured this book in one rainy afternoon and if I reread it someday, I'll make sure to have more snack foods around.
]]> 11477015 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:09:41 -0800
As Graham comes more into her own in the story, the book also comes more into focus. The book smoothly explores her development into a wife/mother/Washington D.C. hostess and so the reader is able to better understand the total upheaval in her life when she suddenly must take over as publisher of the family’s major metropolitan newspaper.

Graham’s candid language and blatant acknowledgment of her early struggles in managing the newspaper make her a far more human figure than in the first chapters of the book. In discussing events befalling her paper: the Pentagon papers, Watergate, a pressmen’s strike, it is clear that Graham’s first concern is the Post. Not the prestige of the job, not her own reputation, but the success and security of the Washington Post.

Katharine Graham definitely lived a life worth reading about, and thankfully, she has done an excellent job of writing about it]]>
author: Katharine Graham
name: Sara
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 03/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: memoir-biography
review:
As a prominent female working in turbulent times, former Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham certainly led a memoir-worthy life. The early chapters of the book deal with her wealthy girlhood and privileged adolescence are frustratingly laden with famous names and personalities, but this becomes more tolerable as the story moves forward.

As Graham comes more into her own in the story, the book also comes more into focus. The book smoothly explores her development into a wife/mother/Washington D.C. hostess and so the reader is able to better understand the total upheaval in her life when she suddenly must take over as publisher of the family’s major metropolitan newspaper.

Graham’s candid language and blatant acknowledgment of her early struggles in managing the newspaper make her a far more human figure than in the first chapters of the book. In discussing events befalling her paper: the Pentagon papers, Watergate, a pressmen’s strike, it is clear that Graham’s first concern is the Post. Not the prestige of the job, not her own reputation, but the success and security of the Washington Post.

Katharine Graham definitely lived a life worth reading about, and thankfully, she has done an excellent job of writing about it
]]> 11476844 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:59:43 -0800
I can appreciate that Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking came along at just the the right time in Julie Powell's life and I can appreciate the difficulty of rounding up Julia's ingredients, like canned onions and marrow bones and I can appreciate the frustration of working in a depressing, post-September 11th setting.

But I could not appreciate the casual mentions of sticky, filthy, cat-hair covered counters and reeking body odor. Julie grossed me out! I fully admit that I don't have the stomach to eat nearly anything in Julia's cookbook, or even to touch raw meat, a chore I have successfully avoided all my life... but this woman's kitchen had maggots growing in it!

How do you not notice maggots developing in your kitchen? The kitchen in which you have hosted camera crews and food writers while making incredibly complex French dishes! How hard it is it to wipe down your counters? Especially in a kitchen where you are butchering lobster and deboning duck? You'd think you'd really want to stay on top of bacteria in a kitchen where you are marinating a leg of lamb for three days at room temperature. GROSS, Julie!

I found Julie's life anecdotes alienating, repulsive and depressing. They detracted from the point of the story, the reason she ever got a publishing deal and the sole reason any of her readers ever picked up her book in the first place.

So.... congratulations to Julie on turning her life around... on telling me about her friends weird and sad sexual dilemmas... for cooking her way through a cultural landmark cookbook.

But I don't think I'll be seeking out any more Julie Powell.]]>
author: Julie Powell
name: Sara
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2005
rating: 1
read at: 08/07
date added: 01/02/08
shelves: food, nonfiction, not_impressed
review:
This was a book that I finished, but didn't really enjoy.

I can appreciate that Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking came along at just the the right time in Julie Powell's life and I can appreciate the difficulty of rounding up Julia's ingredients, like canned onions and marrow bones and I can appreciate the frustration of working in a depressing, post-September 11th setting.
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