Challenge: 50 Books discussion
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Yolie's book a week challenge.
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Yolie
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Jan 19, 2013 12:17AM
Attempting to read all the books I've bought within the past five years and then some.
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Good luck!? My goal is the same but I went to the library yesterday and picked up 2 books. Short ones so it wont set me back too much, right??
That seems to be a common goal we all have in the group this year, to dive into all the books we've bought but not yet read. A worthy goal! (Perfect for making room for more books...)
Currently reading this gem.
Book #1 of the challenge.
Three stars out of five.
This book is fine. I found it difficult to relate obviously since I have not had any of the "problems" that Nora had. I felt myself longing to have the same complaints she had about her cushy lifestyle. The book felt like it was just slopped together. Some of the chapters seem to go on a little too long and settled for dragging out one complaint into a full chapter. Nora is definitely a witty and honest writer. Her views on death and moving rang true for me. I don't think I will be reading this again. Maybe if I win the lottery and have some time to sit and whine about my wealth..
Book #2
Five out of Five stars
A wonderful and haunting book that I'll never forget. Brilliant. A book I will be reading again and again.
Book #4
Five out of five stars
I managed to read two books in one week and this is the second book I managed to squeeze in.
I first read this book while in high school and decided to revisit it. This is still a powerful book that everyone should read.
Book #3
Five out of five stars
First book I read during week 3
I couldn't put this book down. I devoured it as quickly as possible. I had to know how it ended and what was in store for Precious. Although fiction, the sadness lies within the fact that this could easily be a real story happening to someone right now. A riveting and unforgettable read.
Book #5
Five out of five stars
Great overall. So many different voices and ideas. Every story was so vivid and real. Some of the most notable stories in this book are: Salisbury Joe, Why I'm here, What We Do In Bed and my favorite, Home. A line from Home: "But I wonder how someone can know me if they can't know my family, if there's no current information to tell. Never to say to a friend, a lover, "I talked to my mother yesterday and she said..." Nothing to tell. Just a blank where all that is supposed to be." The stories range from heartbreak, happiness, longing, love and death. I will be seeking out volumes one and two. A must read that belongs in everyone's collection
Book #6
Five out of Five
One of the best books I have ever read. Intimate, honest and overwhelming. I found myself obsessing over every detail and going beyond this book researching the Clutter murders. I could vividly imagine the vast fields of Kansas, the wind softly blowing the blades of grass, the babbling brook that Nancy Clutter loved to visit and the sounds of Babe trotting along the farm. A beautiful book about a horrifying crime that left me with the chills.
Book #7
Four out of Five
*This was a quick read for me so I will be starting next week's book a little early*
This book is adorable. It makes me long for Paris! I actually loved the pictures of the amazing French food she ate. At times though I became annoyed with her bouts of self loathing. I just wanted to yell shut up and stop whining. You're in Paris, you're getting a great college education and you have a wonderful life! All in all it's a unique look at Paris and my go to book for whenever I am craving pictures of croissants and France.
Yolie wrote: "Attempting to read all the books I've bought within the past five years and then some."that is my goal, too!!!
Book #8
Four out of Five Stars
I have read this book before but seeing as I gave up on 'From Paris to the Moon,' I needed something to fill out my week. I really enjoy this book. I feel it mostly captures the angst of being a teenager. Some of the scenes are a little hard to digest but that's the point isn't it? The addition of the murders on top of all of the other plots felt a little tacked on. Overall this is one of my favorite graphic novels that I will be reading again.
Book #9
Five out of five stars
I started reading this book thinking I knew a lot about Columbine. What the book proved to me was that I knew absolutely nothing about it. I was thirteen when the shootings first happened, I didn't pay too much attention because I was a kid and really had no sense of mortality. I skimmed a few articles here and there as I grew up, not giving it too much thought. What much was there to learn? They were victims of bullies who finally snapped, loners with no friends, they came from broken homes and they were goths. That all changed after reading this book. All of my preconceived notions were knocked down and replaced with a vivid picture of what happened on that horrible day. I felt it got farther to answering why they did it, than anyone else has before. With the recent shootings taking place today this book seems even more relevant. A must read for anyone trying to somehow get closer to understanding why this happened and will happen again.
I will be adding Columbine to my list to read, thank you for your thoughts on it!
Tima wrote: "I will be adding Columbine to my list to read, thank you for your thoughts on it!"Glad to have helped!
Book #10
Four out of five stars
I am writing this review immediately after finishing the book so the words are still fresh in my mind. I really liked this book. It is an astounding account of grief and loss. Towards the beginning of the book I did find her constant quoting tiresome which gave the book a choppy tone. I wanted to hear about HER grief and HER sadness. Some of the pages seriously lacked this in the onset. What I found most interesting about this work is that this woman is surrounded by death. She speaks of a girl who grew up with her daughter being strangled to death, an Uncle committing suicide and another family friend dying in a horrible accident. And we wonder why she seems so detached! I would be too if I were knee deep in mortality.There are highlights to the book, my favorite being her vivid and glorious memories. I could picture their lush vacations in Paris, Hawaii and swimming in the oceans of California. This book isn't just for someone who has lost, but for helping to soften the blow when the inevitable happens.
Book #11
Two out of Five stars
I accidentally read this whole book. The drawings were kind of interesting. They were mostly filled with his young wife and child. I did not like this book though. Only a few redeeming things about it. None that I can even think of right now. The whole prolonged breast feeding thing was off putting. The sketches looked amateurish and the "story" was thrown together and a little incoherent. I wish I had kept the receipt for this purchase.
I had to abandon this book. I feel like I am bad person for not liking this. I'm pretty sure it was the dialogue. I have read plays in the past so the structure was not what bothered me. I had to give up on it because every time I picked up the book it felt like a chore.
Book #12
Two out of five stars
Why must Didion devote practically half of her work to references from other authors? It's just regurgitation after a certain point. The last paragraph was the only few sentences that felt heartfelt and real. I think my love affair with Joan Didion is nearing an end.
Book #13
Five out of five stars
This is the thinking man's horror story. Subtle yet powerful. This tale is a nice slow burn that wows you at the end. Don't let the movie adaptations fool you, this original story is the real deal. A great work of horror from an amazing female author.
Book #14
Four out of five stars
I love Lucy Knisley. She has a way with her story telling that makes everything she writes immensely interesting. I feel she has grown up a lot since her last graphic novel 'French Milk.' She has a deeper appreciation for her enormously charmed life than she has before. The artwork is adorable and the recipes are easy to understand. I can actually see myself making these dishes and succeeding! I'll be adding this lovely novel to my favorites collection.
Book #15
Four out of five stars
First of all, this book is amazing. It really made me feel better about my childhood although it wasn't too far off from hers. At times it became frustrating to read. It was like whatever bad things could happen, did. It's a very refreshing and frank memoir that requires multiple readings.
Book #16
Five out of five stars
Of course I loved this book. I wish I have had half the adventures that these men had. The tone of the book was definitely deep sorrow, sadness and longing. For what? Did they ever find what they were looking for? Did they ever even know what they were looking for in the first place? Therein lies the beauty in always longing and searching for something more.
Mod
Book #16
Five out of five stars
Of course I loved this book. I wish I have had half the adventures that these men had. The tone of the book was definitely deep sorr..."
Did they know what they were looking for?
Mackenzie wrote: "Yolie wrote: "Book #16
Five out of five stars
Of course I loved this book. I wish I have had half the adventures that these men had. The tone of the book was defini..."
I don't think they knew. Even though they were always headed somewhere, they always seemed so lost.
Book #17
Three out of five stars
This was undeniably very interesting. This book provided a unique look into the extreme side of "Chinese parenting." Even though the author is a Harvard graduate, she had an amateur writing style and came across as stilted. I don't feel as if her parenting was too harsh overall. In the end I wish my parents had executed this parenting style. I might be the next president by now!
Book #18
Two out of five stars
Not much to say about this book. This woman has been EXTREMELY lucky . It's easy to be a success when you have a lot of friends in high places. Although it gave some interesting insight about the restaurant industry, it came from someone who was not very personable and a little conceited. On to the next!
Book #19
Four out of five
One of the great unfinished novels. I went into this book knowing that the ending wasn't complete. I was still left a little empty with the knowledge that I will never really know how this would have ended. They have done a great job restoring the manuscript and including notes from F. Scott Fitzgerald in order to provide some type of closure. I love the themes and subject of this book. An in depth look into old Hollywood. Even though it is unfinished, it is still worth a read.
Book #20
Five out of Five
This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. It's a dream for any movie buff and anyone who is interested in the history of Hollywood. Mae Murray is Norma Desmond personified. This book has everything and I couldn't put it down. I had never heard of Mae before this book and I'm glad I took a chance. I had no idea she was just as popular as Mary Pickford. It's a pity that she didn't really withstand the test of time. This book is a wonderful insight into the very beginnings of film and it's stars.
Book #21
Five out of five
This book is a beautiful love letter about art. I've never read much about critical analysis so this was a first for me. Ali Smith breaks down art and literature in a way so that us mere mortals can understand. It's hard to really describe this book in full detail since there is not a standard plot involved. This overall "story" was at times heartbreaking. What I took from this was gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude for all the art and literature in the world and thankfulness for people like Ali Smith, who've opened my eyes to so much more.
Book #22
Three out of five stars
I decided to give my brain a little break and indulge in some juicy celebrity gossip. I have seen this book around and have been meaning to read it for some time. It was definitely interesting. I find it very hard to believe that even half of the stories in here are true. I rolled my eyes so much while reading this I thought I was going to give myself a seizure. I really got what I wanted that's for sure. Trashy celebrity gossip. Take this book for what is and with a grain of salt.
Book #23
Five out of five stars
This book provides an amazing, in depth look into pre- code film. What is pre-code film you ask? It was a magical time between 1929 and 1934 when women were able to be women. Hollywood actually wanted to tell womens' stories and people wanted to watch them. This all took place before the dreaded Hays code was enacted. Luckily Mick Lasalle lovingly describes this golden age of Hollywood in great detail.
Book #24
Three out of five stars
Where to begin with this book? I didn't hate it and I didn't love it either. Some of the passages were cringe worthy, adding to the fact that Steve Martin wrote this and he is basically America's Uncle. The story was interesting and certainly had some charm. Overall it left me wondering if Steve Martin has every met a woman let alone be in a relationship with one. I know the answer to this which makes parts of this story utterly perplexing. The only salvation was that this book was not very long. Had it been my review might be a little different.
Book #25
Five out of five stars
This was a challenge to finish. The material was immensely interesting there's no disputing that, it's just the sheer volume of information jam packed into each page was overwhelming. James Card really knows his film history and gives great, unique insight into old Hollywood.
Book #26
Four out of Five stars
Give me depressing real life comics over Superhero comics any day. This particular comic is similar to the original optic nerve comics by Adrian Tomine. Although this particular one has a glimmer of hope in the end. The artwork is beautiful and most of the time didn't need dialogue since the pictures spoke for themselves. There's hope for comics yet!
Book #27
Five out of five stars
I've been meaning to read this book for many years and I'm glad I waited until I was old enough to really appreciate the writing. This book is not just the rantings of a lunatic. Now I don't agree with everything Valerie was writing about but I did agree with some. A lot of jobs should go automated for one, it'll give human beings a lot more free time! The book itself is not very long so an experienced reader can finish it in a day. I think all sexes should read this notorious feminist work.
Book #28
Five out of five stars
First of all I love, love Daniel Clowes. He perfectly captures all of the idiosyncrasies of being human. Wilson, the protagonist, is one of the most relatable fictional characters I've ever encountered.
Book #29
Five out of five
I'm always fascinated by these books that revolve around young men traveling the world trying to find themselves. Perhaps because being a woman I know that I'll never fully be able to do what they did unless I want to end up with some unfortunate fate. This is the case with Chris McCandless who met his demise after embarking on an ultimate journey that took him across America. The amount of time and energy the author spent on this book is amazing. The author himself was once like McCandless, heading to Alaska as a youth and hiking up dangerous mountains alone. I'm glad someone like him wrote this book because it adds such a personal touch that makes you sympathize with McCandless. Even though Chris wasn't successful in that he died, overall I think that he was very successful because he did something we all wish to do. He left behind the chains of society and pursued his passions. In the end he successfully stepped into the wild.
Book #30
Five out of five
A beautiful book set in the amazing Alaskan wilderness. The author lovingly describes, in rich detail, everything from the snow topped mountains to the rich soil they use to plant their crops. This book is at times terribly sad yet there's hope at the end of the tunnel. It's amazing how this is the author's first book. I can't wait to read another from this brilliant author.
Book #31
Five out of Five stars
John Waters is my spirit animal.I will read any and everything he writes. This book is collection of articles written by John Waters. I think he is an excellent writer and has a great ability to spin words into gold. Many times I found myself laughing hysterically at his extremely witty observations. My favorite of the collection is 101 things I hate. This was the funniest thing I've read in a long time. All hail the pope of trash!
Book #32
Five out of five stars
This book was a revelation. It opened my eyes to so much that I'm sorry I did not read it sooner. Feminism isn't a bad word which is thoroughly explained in this expansive book. A definite must read for any young budding feminist.
Book #33
Five out five stars
This is an amazing tale of just one man's struggle through slavery. At times frustrating and anger inducing, this true story is something everyone should read about. I do wish it was a tad bit longer but that's just a testament to how riveting this book really is.
Book #34
Five out five stars
An interesting take on chauvinism, this book is still glaringly relevant today as it was when it was published. This author is no prude mind you, just a level headed woman who sees past all this getting naked equals empowerment sludge that seems to be so prevalent in our culture. Make your friends, boyfriends or strangers in the street read this highly insightful book. A+
Book #35
Five out of five
Let me preface this by saying I am a lifelong Morrissey fan. When I say lifelong I really mean it, my mother listened to the Smiths while growing up in southern California and passed on the love to me as a wee baby. That being said I simply adored this book and stretched out the reading as long as I could. When I was done reading it I felt so sad and empty knowing it was over and I would no longer be reading his words. I loved this book so much I rushed out the next day and got a Morrissey tattoo to commemorate it. If you're a Smiths/Morrissey fan then you will love this book. If you're not then well I just feel sorry for you. Viva Moz!!
P.S. I read the unedited UK version which I suggest you purchase.
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Autobiography (other topics)Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture (other topics)
Twelve Years a Slave (other topics)
Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future (other topics)
Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters (other topics)
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