Barry Stewart Levy's Blog, page 10
June 27, 2018
Book Review #77
An Unexpected Guest
by Anne Korkeakivi
Very disappointing. I expected a suspenseful, intriguing, psychological portrait of a woman dealing with...well, an unexpected guest. Instead, this is a tepid attempt to call forth "Mrs. Dalloway." (Referring to Woolf's novel within the context of this review is practically an insult.) The main character is never in any danger. The story itself is "safe" and "non-threatening." It is the kind of woman's fiction that years ago could have been serialized in "Redbook" or "Reader's Digest." And what's more, the title makes no sense.
by Anne Korkeakivi
Very disappointing. I expected a suspenseful, intriguing, psychological portrait of a woman dealing with...well, an unexpected guest. Instead, this is a tepid attempt to call forth "Mrs. Dalloway." (Referring to Woolf's novel within the context of this review is practically an insult.) The main character is never in any danger. The story itself is "safe" and "non-threatening." It is the kind of woman's fiction that years ago could have been serialized in "Redbook" or "Reader's Digest." And what's more, the title makes no sense.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:48
Book Review #76
The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower -- and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion
by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels
While perusing a catalog from the Omega Institute, I came across a workshop by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels, the two authors of this book. I didn't sign up for their course, but I did buy the book which I enjoyed and found to be clear-eyed, helpful and inspiring. The language is simple and direct, with exercises that are challenging and relatively easy to follow. What I most respected about the book was the authors' honesty. There is no b.s. They lay things on the line and admit to their own failings and insecurities, while anticipating the doubts, fears and defenses that their readers will surely face when confronting both their inner demons and the possibility of psychological, emotional and spiritual growth.
by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels
While perusing a catalog from the Omega Institute, I came across a workshop by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels, the two authors of this book. I didn't sign up for their course, but I did buy the book which I enjoyed and found to be clear-eyed, helpful and inspiring. The language is simple and direct, with exercises that are challenging and relatively easy to follow. What I most respected about the book was the authors' honesty. There is no b.s. They lay things on the line and admit to their own failings and insecurities, while anticipating the doubts, fears and defenses that their readers will surely face when confronting both their inner demons and the possibility of psychological, emotional and spiritual growth.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:45
Book Review #75
The Thieves of Manhattan
by Adam Langer
The book is clever, intelligent and acerbically funny. But it goes off the deep end in the last third. Though it does have a nice, romantic, satisfying ending.
by Adam Langer
The book is clever, intelligent and acerbically funny. But it goes off the deep end in the last third. Though it does have a nice, romantic, satisfying ending.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:22
Book Review #74
Sweet Tooth
by Ian McEwan
I've read many of McEwan's novels and enjoyed most of them. I have mixed feelings about this one though. First of all, it is not a spy novel. Don't bother mentioning the creators of George Smiley and Serena Frome in the same sentence. She is not even all that interesting as a protagonist. McEwan knew how to write female characters in "Atonement." Less so here. Her main attribute is her beauty. She falls for nearly every man she meets and is betrayed by most of them. Tom's betrayal is especially vile and vindictive but most of all unbelievable and out of character. I stopped reading his letter because I found his treatment of Serena so offensive. The letter is McEwan's gotcha/tour de force. But in actuality it is McEwan showing off and being too clever for his own good. As for those closing lines, I almost fell for the "happy ending" but then...no. You can't have it both ways. I gave the book 3 stars, as some of it is beautifully written but some of it is a slog, terribly British, episodic and meandering. Plus it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Not sweet.
by Ian McEwan
I've read many of McEwan's novels and enjoyed most of them. I have mixed feelings about this one though. First of all, it is not a spy novel. Don't bother mentioning the creators of George Smiley and Serena Frome in the same sentence. She is not even all that interesting as a protagonist. McEwan knew how to write female characters in "Atonement." Less so here. Her main attribute is her beauty. She falls for nearly every man she meets and is betrayed by most of them. Tom's betrayal is especially vile and vindictive but most of all unbelievable and out of character. I stopped reading his letter because I found his treatment of Serena so offensive. The letter is McEwan's gotcha/tour de force. But in actuality it is McEwan showing off and being too clever for his own good. As for those closing lines, I almost fell for the "happy ending" but then...no. You can't have it both ways. I gave the book 3 stars, as some of it is beautifully written but some of it is a slog, terribly British, episodic and meandering. Plus it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Not sweet.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:19
Book Review #73
State of Wonder
by Ann Patchett
Despite the book being well written, with a visceral sense of place, namely the Amazon jungle, along with a story line that held my interest, I was not riveted. The plot, which owes a great deal to Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," with echoes of Waugh's "A Handful of Dust" and even "Smila's Sense of Snow," is far-fetched. Also, with the exception of Easter, a deaf native boy, virtually none of the characters is likable. So I was rather disappointed, especially having read accolades about Patchett's "Bel Canto" and strong reviews of this book, including a blurb on the cover from Emma Donoghue ("Room") calling "State of Wonder" the author's "masterpiece." In spite of some twists and turns and a terrific final page, I was not all that impressed.
by Ann Patchett
Despite the book being well written, with a visceral sense of place, namely the Amazon jungle, along with a story line that held my interest, I was not riveted. The plot, which owes a great deal to Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," with echoes of Waugh's "A Handful of Dust" and even "Smila's Sense of Snow," is far-fetched. Also, with the exception of Easter, a deaf native boy, virtually none of the characters is likable. So I was rather disappointed, especially having read accolades about Patchett's "Bel Canto" and strong reviews of this book, including a blurb on the cover from Emma Donoghue ("Room") calling "State of Wonder" the author's "masterpiece." In spite of some twists and turns and a terrific final page, I was not all that impressed.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:17
Book Review #72
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal
by Ben Macintyre
Kim Philby's betrayal of his country and of those closest to him is depicted in one of the most amazing books I have ever read. Ben Macintyre has done a masterful job of telling this tale in a manner that is suspenseful, shocking, funny and tragic.
by Ben Macintyre
Kim Philby's betrayal of his country and of those closest to him is depicted in one of the most amazing books I have ever read. Ben Macintyre has done a masterful job of telling this tale in a manner that is suspenseful, shocking, funny and tragic.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:14
Book Review #71
Spiritwalker: Messages from the Future
by Hank Wesselman
A bit long and repetitious but some inspirational and eye-opening passages.
by Hank Wesselman
A bit long and repetitious but some inspirational and eye-opening passages.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:11
Book Review #70
The Sheltering Sky
by Paul Bowles
Despite the fact that I did not like the writing in the first half of the book, I nevertheless found the novel both strange and compelling. The second half is sad, painful and nightmarish. Also, I never understood why the three main characters venture off into the desert or why the husband invites his friend to join him and his wife.
by Paul Bowles
Despite the fact that I did not like the writing in the first half of the book, I nevertheless found the novel both strange and compelling. The second half is sad, painful and nightmarish. Also, I never understood why the three main characters venture off into the desert or why the husband invites his friend to join him and his wife.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:09
Book Review #69
Secrets
by Frances Wilshire
This very short inspirational book is one to read and reread over and over again. It makes for a special gift. Including one for your Self.
by Frances Wilshire
This very short inspirational book is one to read and reread over and over again. It makes for a special gift. Including one for your Self.
Published on June 27, 2018 13:07
Book Review #68
The Ruins
by Scott B. Smith
I could not wait to finish reading this. It was so unpleasant that it was punishing. In fact, I met someone on the train who, while reading the novel, was having a similar reaction. He rushed through to the end and purposely left it on his seat when he departed.
What a disappointment this book was, especially after having been so impressed with Scott Smith's previous novel "A Simple Plan."
by Scott B. Smith
I could not wait to finish reading this. It was so unpleasant that it was punishing. In fact, I met someone on the train who, while reading the novel, was having a similar reaction. He rushed through to the end and purposely left it on his seat when he departed.
What a disappointment this book was, especially after having been so impressed with Scott Smith's previous novel "A Simple Plan."
Published on June 27, 2018 13:04