false 73 71 62 true 5699996 read 5 true 535237 currently-reading 4 true 535236 to-read 36 false 535242 finished http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458428 to: The Fermata (Paperback) by Nicholson Baker
just put this book down. I'm shocked, and a bit scarred.

I picked this book up at a booksale, and had no idea the story would be so pornographic and misogynist. If I knew this was such a dirty little book, I would not have read it... That being said, I'm glad I did.

The protagonist is a 30-something temp who can stop time to do whatever he wants. Does he use this special power to advance his wealth or career? No. Instead, he uses it to undress (rape?) women and write erotica for them to find. He falls in lust with every woman he passes, but actually falls in love with one. It climaxes (no pun intended) with him realizing that he wants a two-way relationship, and this woman shows him mutual love and understanding. Thus, he's able to put his time-stopping power aside.

Baker is skilled at depicting the mind of one perverted guy, through woven stories and mixed-up chapters that somehow manage to cohesively flow. He draws out long, dynamic scenes that are filled with humor, wit, and great adjectives. I wouldn't read this again, but it was certainly an out-of-character literary adventure. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/62403883 to: Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto (Paperback) by Chuck Klosterman
Klosterman is honest, offensive, closed-minded, witty, rude, and brilliant. If nothing else, this book is an entertaining read filled with fun words and sentences. In addition to the cultural references that serve as glue to this book, I also appreciate his constant references to Ohio. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458319 to: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing (Paperback) by Melissa Bank
I enjoyed this book for the humor and wit... of the character, her family and her long-time lover Archie (28 years her senior).

The story line itself isn't too inspiring. It snapshots a privileged girl's coming-of-age stories from summers at the Jersey Shore to falling in love with a (much) older man to losing her father. But it's hard not to love her careful observations and responses to life, love, work, and family.

I particularly enjoyed the portrait of the father, and her raw struggle of losing him. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458872 The Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care (Hardcover) by Clayton M. Christensen
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48811389 to: Big Sur (Paperback) by Jack Kerouac
sad and dark and intriguing. words from the depths of insanity and alcoholism. it's always interesting to take a peek into the mind of the mad and emotionally unstable person living on the edge. it takes a while to get used to his writing style; but after a few chapter, it reads like poetry.
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458363 Three Junes (Paperback) by Julia Glass
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458190 Against The Grain (Paperback) by Joris-Karl Huysmans
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/52458117 Feminine Psychology (The Norton Library) by Karen Horney
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/48810688 to: Gather Together in My Name (Paperback) by Maya Angelou
There's a reason Maya is "mainstream"-- she is a phenomenal writer with beautiful, deep stories to share. This book is raw and honest, as she describes her journey as an 18-year old chef, prostitute, and single-mother trying to make it and find love. I laughed and cried and felt so closer to her from cover to cover.

I probably wouldn't have picked this up if it wasn't a gift... but I'm so thankful that I did. ]]>