http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/70367 en-US Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:34:11 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 4700634 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:34:11 -0700
author: Khaled Hosseini
name: Jennifer
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 07/07
date added: 08/17/07
shelves:
review:
Every time I saw this book at Costco, I would derisively dismiss it as another weepy, Oprah book club selection. How wrong I was. Thankfully, a friend of mine was kind enough to insist I read it, even loaning it to me so I would not have an excuse to pass it up. This novel is all-consuming. I couldn't put it down for three straight days and wanted it to keep going even after the last page. My only quibble is the ending, which was anticlimatic. In every other respect, however, the author makes Afghanistan come alive to the point that the reader cares about what's going on in the country today. I can't not say enough about how important a read this book is.
]]> 4699400 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:30:29 -0700
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Jennifer
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 07/07
date added: 08/17/07
shelves:
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I've liked Barbara Kingsolver's writing style ever since Bean Trees. She is direct, clear, and compassionate. I must admit the reason I was drawn to Bean Trees is because it's set in Tucson, my hometown, so I resisted reading her novel set in Africa. I don't know a lot about politics in Africa, but I didn't need to. This novel laid out the decades of history in an easy-to-comprehend manner and managed to tell an engaging story at the same time. It amazes me how she was able to capture the dead-on voices and points of view of so many characters. Even though this book is large, it is a quick read and well worth the time investment.
]]> 913145 Wed, 09 May 2007 10:25:28 -0700
Lately, however, I've been a little bored with her fiction. It's not that it's predictable, it's just not challenging. She is a straight-forward writer that does not tend to play hide-the-ball with her readers.

So while I have not read her two most recent novels, I went out of my way to read her autobiographical accounts of Chile in My Invented Country.

As she admits, no family secret is safe with her. Her accounts in Paula broke my heart and lifted my spirits. That autobiography was so raw that you felt as if you were in the hospital room with her and her daughter. It is by far my favorite book of hers to date.

In My Invented Country, she takes another crack at providing insight into her personal journey and how she ended up becoming a writer. She writes that she never felt like she belonged anywhere, whether it was because she moved internationally a bunch of times or because she inherently did not fit in with anyone. By laying bare her insecurities and struggles, the reader, who is most likely to be an intelligent woman based on odds alone, finds a home -- a crazy, welcoming, devil-may-care home.

Allende's accounts and perceptions of Chilean culture are spot-on and and richly described. Even if you don't travel to Chile, this book is worthwhile. She provides the insider story that even frequent travelers to Chile might miss out on.]]>
author: Isabel Allende
name: Jennifer
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 04/07
date added: 05/09/07
shelves:
review:
I am a huge fan of Isabel Allende. I have been reading her novels for more than 10 years, and whenever I have a chance, I go to her readings. I even conned my way (with other friends) in to a private reading of only about 40 people.

Lately, however, I've been a little bored with her fiction. It's not that it's predictable, it's just not challenging. She is a straight-forward writer that does not tend to play hide-the-ball with her readers.

So while I have not read her two most recent novels, I went out of my way to read her autobiographical accounts of Chile in My Invented Country.

As she admits, no family secret is safe with her. Her accounts in Paula broke my heart and lifted my spirits. That autobiography was so raw that you felt as if you were in the hospital room with her and her daughter. It is by far my favorite book of hers to date.

In My Invented Country, she takes another crack at providing insight into her personal journey and how she ended up becoming a writer. She writes that she never felt like she belonged anywhere, whether it was because she moved internationally a bunch of times or because she inherently did not fit in with anyone. By laying bare her insecurities and struggles, the reader, who is most likely to be an intelligent woman based on odds alone, finds a home -- a crazy, welcoming, devil-may-care home.

Allende's accounts and perceptions of Chilean culture are spot-on and and richly described. Even if you don't travel to Chile, this book is worthwhile. She provides the insider story that even frequent travelers to Chile might miss out on.
]]> 914191 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:42:30 -0700
Well, Tom Robbins did not make up the story of the tanuki from scratch, but he did embellish on the Japanese legend. Robbins is one of those rare authors where I stop for a second and think, how the hell did he come up with this?!

He is creative without being unbelievable. He writes as if you were having a direct conversation with him and not just merely reading a novel. He doesn't explain every detail immediately, and let's the pieces fall into place as the reader moves along. He is well-versed in current events, mythology, philosophy, and pop culture. In other words, he is a rarity.

The plot jumps back and forth without being overly confusing. You have to trust that the loose ends will be tied up eventually, and it is worth the wait. Everything and everyone is connected, and what at first might seem like happenstance, turns out to be another fork in the road. Suspension of reality may be necessary while reading this novel, but at the time, it doesn't seem out of the ordinary.]]>
author: Tom Robbins
name: Jennifer
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 03/07
date added: 04/27/07
shelves:
review:
This book came to me because the recommender asked what that funny statue was in my living room. I replied, a tanuki. He looked at me strangely, so I spelled tanuki out for him. Then, much to my surprise, he said I read a book about tanukis and I thought they were made up by the author.

Well, Tom Robbins did not make up the story of the tanuki from scratch, but he did embellish on the Japanese legend. Robbins is one of those rare authors where I stop for a second and think, how the hell did he come up with this?!

He is creative without being unbelievable. He writes as if you were having a direct conversation with him and not just merely reading a novel. He doesn't explain every detail immediately, and let's the pieces fall into place as the reader moves along. He is well-versed in current events, mythology, philosophy, and pop culture. In other words, he is a rarity.

The plot jumps back and forth without being overly confusing. You have to trust that the loose ends will be tied up eventually, and it is worth the wait. Everything and everyone is connected, and what at first might seem like happenstance, turns out to be another fork in the road. Suspension of reality may be necessary while reading this novel, but at the time, it doesn't seem out of the ordinary.
]]> 913921 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:32:41 -0700
This is the second book of hers that I just didn't like. The other one was a collection of short stories called I, Richard. I was completely onboard to love this book. In her last installment of the Lynley series, she killed off a main character, and this latest book was going to go into the killer's mind and background.

Instead of tying up loose ends, George tried to write a social commentary on race and class in London. She also took the opportunity to add a lot of racy scenes into her repertoire. I hated her attempt on every level. The sex scenes were over-the-top unnecessary, and the race/class breakdown dragged on. I had trouble finishing the book, and I *love* this writer.

In the end, not much was revealed, and what was required some tedious research into the minutia of what happened in the previous novel. ]]>
author: Elizabeth George
name: Jennifer
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at: 03/07
date added: 04/27/07
shelves:
review:
Let me start by saying that I am a loyal fan of Elizabeth George. I started reading her mysteries in high school, and even had the fantastic opportunity of interviewing her for a high school research paper. I have been to her readings a half-dozen times in a number of different cities. I will read anything she publishes.

This is the second book of hers that I just didn't like. The other one was a collection of short stories called I, Richard. I was completely onboard to love this book. In her last installment of the Lynley series, she killed off a main character, and this latest book was going to go into the killer's mind and background.

Instead of tying up loose ends, George tried to write a social commentary on race and class in London. She also took the opportunity to add a lot of racy scenes into her repertoire. I hated her attempt on every level. The sex scenes were over-the-top unnecessary, and the race/class breakdown dragged on. I had trouble finishing the book, and I *love* this writer.

In the end, not much was revealed, and what was required some tedious research into the minutia of what happened in the previous novel.
]]> 913173 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:05:47 -0700
Barnes sucks the reader in fairly quickly by setting up the two central characters on a collision course that no one would have anticipated. A country solicitor and a world-renowned author don't have anything in common other than the pursuit of equity and justice.

I'm not fan of Sherlock Holmes, having never read even one, but I loved learning about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's reluctance for being famous on account of those books. The influence of family and society in Doyle's life was significant and seeing how that drove him gave me new perspective on the Sherlock Holmes series.

As for Arthur's partner in crime (George), his story is one that horrifies and yet is still happening today. Racism and injustice are not new topics for the modern-day reader, but when one realizes the extent to which people will go to deny the presence of racism, it is troubling.

Barnes successfully gets into the minds and hearts of these two men, who history has connected in rather odd and indifferent ways. His attention to detail and research is not unappreciated.]]>
author: Julian Barnes
name: Jennifer
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 01/07
date added: 04/27/07
shelves:
review:
I remembered reading a review of this book, and thinking that sounds novel (pardon the pun). Based on fact, but written in a way that more closely resembles fiction than a biography.

Barnes sucks the reader in fairly quickly by setting up the two central characters on a collision course that no one would have anticipated. A country solicitor and a world-renowned author don't have anything in common other than the pursuit of equity and justice.

I'm not fan of Sherlock Holmes, having never read even one, but I loved learning about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's reluctance for being famous on account of those books. The influence of family and society in Doyle's life was significant and seeing how that drove him gave me new perspective on the Sherlock Holmes series.

As for Arthur's partner in crime (George), his story is one that horrifies and yet is still happening today. Racism and injustice are not new topics for the modern-day reader, but when one realizes the extent to which people will go to deny the presence of racism, it is troubling.

Barnes successfully gets into the minds and hearts of these two men, who history has connected in rather odd and indifferent ways. His attention to detail and research is not unappreciated.
]]> 912818 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:47:18 -0700
The inside flap categorizes Special Topics as a mystery, which I didn't understand at first. This book bumps along like any other fiction plot. And then it takes a sudden 180 degree turn that leaves the reader flapping in the wind trying to absorb what just happened. The plot alone is worth reading this well-thought-out book.

Then there is Pessl's writing style. She gives the reader the benefit of the doubt and doesn't explain every last detail. She lets the reader unwrap the little intellectual treats she leaves out like Hansel and Gretel. From the table of contents to the epilogue, Pessl writes for the well-read reader. That's not to say casual readers will feel excluded. Those who get it can do so in an unassuming way.

I haven't felt so disappointed that a book has ended in quite awhile. I'm seriously considering buying the paperback just to have around in my library, which is my official imprimatur that this book deserves all of the praise it gets.]]>
author: Marisha Pessl
name: Jennifer
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 03/07
date added: 04/27/07
shelves:
review:
When this book first came out, every critic under the sun was peeing in his or her pants about how good this first-time author was. I found it hard to believe that practically everyone (the only criticism I read was that Pessl was too pretty to be that good) was in agreement. So I resisted buying into the hype. It took almost a year, but I did finally get on the wait-list for my local library's copy, and I must say it was worth the wait.

The inside flap categorizes Special Topics as a mystery, which I didn't understand at first. This book bumps along like any other fiction plot. And then it takes a sudden 180 degree turn that leaves the reader flapping in the wind trying to absorb what just happened. The plot alone is worth reading this well-thought-out book.

Then there is Pessl's writing style. She gives the reader the benefit of the doubt and doesn't explain every last detail. She lets the reader unwrap the little intellectual treats she leaves out like Hansel and Gretel. From the table of contents to the epilogue, Pessl writes for the well-read reader. That's not to say casual readers will feel excluded. Those who get it can do so in an unassuming way.

I haven't felt so disappointed that a book has ended in quite awhile. I'm seriously considering buying the paperback just to have around in my library, which is my official imprimatur that this book deserves all of the praise it gets.
]]>