The story seemed interesting enough, a fat man tries to loose weight but odd things are happening to him, but it was just average. Nothing too thrilliThe story seemed interesting enough, a fat man tries to loose weight but odd things are happening to him, but it was just average. Nothing too thrilling about it, but could be used as a great motivational tale at any Weight Watchers meeting....more
I was somewhat amazed at how good this book was. Knowing little about it before diving into it, other than familiarity with Terry Practhett's DiscworlI was somewhat amazed at how good this book was. Knowing little about it before diving into it, other than familiarity with Terry Practhett's Discworld series, I gave it a chance, and it turned out to be a perfect story of survival, friendship, acceptance, and humor all rolled into one fantastically told tale. Everything about the plot is so clever and well thought out, everything about the characters were so believable, including their flaws and language barriers, and everything about the book in general was great. I can now honestly say, if I was monsooned and stuck on an island, I would definitely want to be stuck on an island like this and with Mau and Erma...I mean Daphne. Although, Nation is classified for Young Adults, readers of all ages will enjoy it....more
Have read Dan Brown’s four other contributions to the literary world I am well acquainted with his style and as such did not trust any of his characteHave read Dan Brown’s four other contributions to the literary world I am well acquainted with his style and as such did not trust any of his characters beyond the main two. Unfortunately this caused me to question everyone and be suspicious and that took away from of the suspense for me as I read into almost every action. Besides the lack of trust the story and the characters were fantastic, although without giving anything away, there was a scene at the end when trying to figure out the “final code” that I immediately knew upon first reading it, and I am certain most middle-school or high school students could do the same, and yet a collections of the brightest minds struggled piece by piece to put it together; it was a little painful to read. All in all a good book, but not the one I would recommend to someone looking to start on Dan Brown; actually I would only recommend someone read this after they had exhausted the rest of the Brown collection....more
I have wanted to start reading King’s Dark Tower series for a while now after hearing great things about it and it just sounding all-round interestingI have wanted to start reading King’s Dark Tower series for a while now after hearing great things about it and it just sounding all-round interesting. Unfortunately, The Gunslinger (Book #1) is less of a stand alone book and more of a prelude into the series. The story really lacks a plot and relies on character development, background tales, and foreshadowing what is to come. The entire fate of whether or not I would continue with the series was in the hands of whether or not I liked the main (and pretty much only) character, Roland, because there was not too much else going on. I will read on, but I would only recommend this book to someone who has intentions of reading the series (or at least is curious enough to consider reading the series)....more
I want to start off by saying I liked this book as a whole, but at the same time had some mixed feelings about it. The first half of the book was justI want to start off by saying I liked this book as a whole, but at the same time had some mixed feelings about it. The first half of the book was just ok, and seemed to be a very straight forward "girl goes on a quest to save her brother" tale, which was nothing all that spectacular, but then the book really picked up about halfway through and became great, but averaged with the first half makes it just good. I think the math is something like this (OK+GREAT)/2 = GOOD. This book did have some enjoyable humor and some good characters, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light read to pass some time. ...more
A great quick read, and a great classic. An interesting fast paced storyline with narration of the tale told from the perspective of a new arrival toA great quick read, and a great classic. An interesting fast paced storyline with narration of the tale told from the perspective of a new arrival to town through in the middle of a somewhat complicated love conundrum. I often heard the name of this book pop up on top lists of greatest books ever written and now I know that there is merit to those claims. No fancy bells or whistles required, just a well told tale that can't be topped....more
A story about a lifeguard who gets caught up in an odd string of events when he joins his lifelong friends in what appears to be like a heist that isA story about a lifeguard who gets caught up in an odd string of events when he joins his lifelong friends in what appears to be like a heist that is too good to be true...turns out it was. Now wanted by practically everyone the lifeguard must prrove his innocents, sold multiple crimes, avenge deaths, fall in love; you know all the fun weekend activities. The characters (male and female leads) are as to be expected in a Patterson novel, but some of the side characters are great, including a rich rummy loving landlord and a orange haired motorcycle enthusiast. The one thing I loved most about this book is that as the story unfolded I was thrown for many loops. Just when I thought I had figured it out, I find out I am wrong. James Patterson is truly a master at what he does....more
Having read only three books of the series at this point I am going to say this was my favorite one so far (the second one I read being not so great aHaving read only three books of the series at this point I am going to say this was my favorite one so far (the second one I read being not so great and almost turning me off of the series). This book had moments when I laughed out loud while reading, which is not common for me, and the scenes with the narrator and the Serge cult shine as some of the most genius writing I have stumbled upon. This story was a little more comprehensive than the previous ones, but at the same time was somewhat more irrelevant....more
There is a magical moment in this book when all of the seemingly random occurrences come together and the sheer genius of it all is revealed. UnfortunThere is a magical moment in this book when all of the seemingly random occurrences come together and the sheer genius of it all is revealed. Unfortunately, getting to that point was not as entertaining as a typical read, and I would go as far as to say that some of the events seemed forced so that the author can provide comical commentary, which is not necessarily bad, the book just lost some of its flow (and since this is the epitome of disjointed storytelling, flow can not be sacrificed willy-nilly). This is the second of the Serge A. Storms novels I read, and although I found them entertaining, enjoyable, and unique, I think I will shy away from the series and perhaps pick up another one of the series here and there when the mood strikes....more
It become clear just a few pages into this book what it means to be a classic. The Count of Monte Cristo is the definition of absolutely amazing. It hIt become clear just a few pages into this book what it means to be a classic. The Count of Monte Cristo is the definition of absolutely amazing. It has the perfect combination of adventure, excitement, mystery, humor, love, loss, sorrow, and I can go on and on, but I will spare you. Throughout the book you want Edmond to succeed and to get insight into his mind as his plan unfolds is spectacular. Some of the pieces I could only put together as they were happening, to which I find myself in the "now I see" moment. Such a clever book, and such a great writer. I have already began to use some of the dialogue of this book in my everyday life, which my dog does not appreciate because she claims the term "wretched scoundrel" does not truly capture her essence. All in all, if I were someone who liked reading, then you would enjoy this book.
Also, just a little disclaimer: regardless of whether you saw the movie adaptation of the book (which was a great movie), or whether or not you enjoyed the movie, the book is far better and much much different. ...more
This was an odd book in that the story was relatively boring (one hundred kids walked until they dropped and they would be killed), and there was notThis was an odd book in that the story was relatively boring (one hundred kids walked until they dropped and they would be killed), and there was not too much cahracter development, but somehow at the end of the book I thought to myself, "that was not too bad." I am not sure when it happened, when I was about halfway through I almost put it down because the story kept repeating itself, but I stuck with it, and nothing really changed, but it became better. I can not fully endorse other people reading this book, because I can see why many people would not want to or why they would nto enjoy it, but I liked it, although I can not fully explain why....more
Continuing right where the last Camel Club installment left off, we get introduced to yet another fantastic character who teeters on the verge of goodContinuing right where the last Camel Club installment left off, we get introduced to yet another fantastic character who teeters on the verge of good and evil. Do we like him? Do we hate him? Is he a murderer? Is he just? Who knows (well once we finish the book we know). Then there is Oliver Stone and the Camel Club whose lives get interweaved among the new character, as well as some of our favorites from the previous two novels. This storyline was not as strong as the previous two, but the characters and their interactions made up for it and then some. I still find myself loving this series and who recommend it to anyone who likes action and great characters. ...more
I gave this book so many tries. I really wanted to like it and get into it, but sadly I just could not finish it. The story drags, but it was just notI gave this book so many tries. I really wanted to like it and get into it, but sadly I just could not finish it. The story drags, but it was just not for me. Perhaps someone more powerful than I may enjoy it....more
I love that Gregory Maguire continued the story where Wicked left off. I adore Wicked, it was fantastic, and the world that was created out of such aI love that Gregory Maguire continued the story where Wicked left off. I adore Wicked, it was fantastic, and the world that was created out of such a well-known story was unbelievable. Now I get more of it and I could not be happier, and some questions are answered, but then more questions are posed, so I have my next novel all picked out…book three (A Lion Among Men) it is! I recommend this series to anyone who loves original plots, clever writing, amazing characters, and a true page turner which will have you emotionally invested from start to finish....more
A great follow up in a great series. Introducing a great female character who is mysterious, smart, beautiful, and a trickers, although the two femaleA great follow up in a great series. Introducing a great female character who is mysterious, smart, beautiful, and a trickers, although the two female characters from the first book are just kind of gone with no mention, but I think it is a good trade. This storyline is not as intense as the first, but there is most more character development (in fact Milton, the character with OCD who was starting to get on my nerves in the first book, apparantly must have been going to treatment that was working because he got much better to the point where he became one of my favorites). Such a good murder mystery suspense series that plays off stories layed out in the first book, and leaves trails for follow up stories. It was clear that David Baldacci is a great tale teller and has big plans for this series, and I for one will hop on board to the Camel Club band wagon. Feel free to join me if you like great characters and page turners full of action, deceit, and awesome!...more
Can you guess why Elmo wears no pants? Rest assured the answer is much most shocking and disturbing then once thought. Learn the answer in this gruesoCan you guess why Elmo wears no pants? Rest assured the answer is much most shocking and disturbing then once thought. Learn the answer in this gruesome graphic novel. ...more
To say Roald Dahl’s books are written with a little bit of genius would be completely and utterly untrue; Roald Dahl books are written with a great deTo say Roald Dahl’s books are written with a little bit of genius would be completely and utterly untrue; Roald Dahl books are written with a great deal of genius. BFG in particular is a tale that is enjoyable to both children and adults alike, and has such a sophisticated and subtle sense of humor amid the great characters and unique story....more
Very interesting. Seemed very similar to Jurassic Park, but instead of man creating dinosaurs man creates a nanotechnological bacteria swarm, then a tVery interesting. Seemed very similar to Jurassic Park, but instead of man creating dinosaurs man creates a nanotechnological bacteria swarm, then a team of scientists need to try to make sure they stop the creation before it is too late. The story moved very quickly, had some moments of great suspense and introduced some great characters. ...more
The telling of the story was very disjointed and I later learned that it was originally released in parts, which explains that, but as a whole it wasThe telling of the story was very disjointed and I later learned that it was originally released in parts, which explains that, but as a whole it was just lacking something. For me, I may be unfairly judging the book because I wanted it to be just as good as The Count of Monte Cristo, but it still held its own on the entertainment scale. Also, one problem I found while reading was that the characters of the Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, started to blend together into one person. Sure each one had their own background which made them unique, but how they responded to situations and conversations, one of them could have easily been replaced with any other and the story would still read the same....more
Such a powerful book. A thrilling depiction of what the future may hold, as well as some insight into how a society could spin out of control if the cSuch a powerful book. A thrilling depiction of what the future may hold, as well as some insight into how a society could spin out of control if the common man sits idly by while others make all of the decisions and does all of the thinking. There were so many complex and interesting characters throughout Fahrenheit 451, even those only appearing for a few pages here and there. We got to read so many different angles of what was felt in this future. I love reading the classics as they are perfect reminders of where the bar of quality writing is set....more
It is amazing that Stephen King is able to create the author Richard Bachman with his own writing style so unique from King, but I guess that is why SIt is amazing that Stephen King is able to create the author Richard Bachman with his own writing style so unique from King, but I guess that is why Stephen King was able to become the legend that he is. This is an interesting journey of a mentally challenged man as he struggled through life and was coerced into a life of crime. It was a nice nod to Of Mice and Men, and well worth reading....more
Who doesn't like a good monster tale? Certainly not I, especially when the tale is told by none other than the foul, cruel, and sometimes poetic beastWho doesn't like a good monster tale? Certainly not I, especially when the tale is told by none other than the foul, cruel, and sometimes poetic beast of Beowulf fame, Grendel. Grendel is great in this comedic telling of his life, watching as the humans grow in strength, and how he hesitantly becomes their tormentor. All Grendel wants to do is learn a little more about their ways, perhaps just join in a party or two; is that too much to ask for? Apparently so, as the humans keep on attacking him. And why? What did he do that was all that bad? Sure he eats someone here or there, but he rations, mostly so that his source of entertainment does not diminish, but they do not need to know that. Grendel is great, and in my opinion much easier to read than Beowulf, and I am a fan of the epic tale. Even if you are not familiar with Beowulf you can still enjoy this book, although you may miss out of some of the humor paralleling the original tale....more
At least to me, it seems like this story was crafted more to insert the social commentary aspect, and clever riddles at the expense of a comprehensiveAt least to me, it seems like this story was crafted more to insert the social commentary aspect, and clever riddles at the expense of a comprehensive plot. Nothing of substance really happens to Zadig other than him offer his opinion on everything....more
As a fan of the television series, I figured I would hop on the band wagon and read the books, at least for no other reason than to be able to look doAs a fan of the television series, I figured I would hop on the band wagon and read the books, at least for no other reason than to be able to look down upon those who just watch television (joking). Now that I have read it I can completely see why this was made into a more than popular show, and why it has such success; the book is amazing; to the point where nothing substantial was changed in the television adaptation. This book had such great visualizations, great characters, great dialogue, and such a complex and interesting story. Now I can say that this book will not be for everyone, because it can get a little gory, and can also go into some other scenes in a little too much detail, but for those with stronger stomachs I say have at it. Also, for those who are already fans of the show, reading the book will give you some more insight into the characters and back story that may have been glazed over on the screen, and in some cases, the book was more suspenseful....more
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