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Winter 13/14 RwS Completed Tasks - Winter 13/14
10.8 Goodreads authorizedStella Bain by Anita Shreve
When a young woman regains consciousness in a French battlefield hospital in 1916, she cannot remember her name or past life. Although she is dressed in a British nurse's aide uniform, she has an American accent. She takes the name Stella Bain, although it doesn't feel quite right to her. When she recovers from her wounds, she is pressed into service by the French nurses who are overwhelmed treating the wounded soldiers.
She heads to London on leave in a few months to see if someone at the Admiralty can help her recover her past identity. While Stella is wandering lost in London, a sympathetic woman, Lily Bridge, takes her in. Lily's husband is a cranial surgeon who also has an interest in psychiatry and "shell-shocked" patients. With his help, Stella starts to piece together the puzzle of her past life.
The first half of the book, set in France and London, was especially interesting. It showed how women served in World War I. Psychoanalysis was a new field at that time, and it was being used in England to treat soldiers who were "shell-shocked" (called PTSD today). Stella recovers her memory, layer by layer, aided by drawing scenes of things she faintly remembers. The reasons she left her home and traveled to Europe are revealed. Some of her decisions were a bit surprising, especially for that time, but Stella was a very independent woman.
Although Stella Bain is a stand-alone novel, Anita Shreve wrote an earlier book, All He Ever Wanted, which told the story of their early relationship from Stella's husband's point of view. Anita Shreve also likes to use the same house or same geographical regions in her books, and the coast of New Hampshire shows up again at the conclusion of Stella Bain.
+10 task
+ 5 combo (10.6 Beginnings/Endings--last book)
+10 review
Task total: 25
Grand total: 730
10.5 - Goodreads AuthorThe Mistress by Tiffany Reisz
This is the fourth book in an erotica series that does not stand on its own so I'm going to hide my review behind spoiler tags.
(view spoiler)
+10 task
+5 combo (10.6 - most recent book)
+10 review
Task total: 25 points
Grand total: 320 points
10.1 - Reading Resolutions More non-fiction, 3 of 3Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
A thoroughly readable and interesting dip into the world of behavioral economics. I've you've studied psychology or economics there will be some retread here - tragedy of the commons, how expectations influence perception - but it's still interesting.
I had the most fun reading about the experiments Ariely and his team did on unsuspecting students at MIT. From slipping balsamic vinegar into their beer to testing essay deadline schemes on his class, the quirky enjoyment he gets from exposing irrationalities comes through. In the acknowledgements I was surprised to see Ariely credited many people with helping him write in a narrative, non-academic style, as the whole book felt natural and engaging.
+10 task
+10 not-a-novel
+10 review
Task total: 30 points
Grand total: 350 points
10.4 - Chinese New Year: Read a book with one of the astrological signs in the Chinese horoscope in the title: ....Monkey....Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen 1/29/14
Monkey in the title!
Review:
Hmmm…Bad Monkey? I selected this book for a Goodreads group challenge dealing with the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Monkey was one of the options, so Bad Monkey fit. Besides that, it has been quite popular. From the description, I knew it wasn’t the type of book I normally choose, but sometimes it’s good to try something different. Besides, the audiobook was read by Arte Johnson who was a star in the TV Comedy Laugh In, and I liked him in that. But….my first shot at listening was on a day I really wasn’t in the mood for this book and switched to another. A couple of days later I was more open to giving this type of humor a chance, and read the book from beginning to end. Instead of feeling, “They found a severed arm with the middle finger extended? Ugh!” I was more like, “They found a severed arm with the middle finger extended? Let’s see where it goes from there.”
In the final analysis, I will say the book was rather fun, just not my preferred style of humor. Still, it’s nice to try something different once in a while, isn’t it?
Combos:
10.3 Author on the linked list of detective fiction writers
10.6 This is the author's most recently published book as of 12/1/13
+10 Task
+10 Review
+10 Combo (10.3, 10.6)
Task total: 30 points
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 705
Grand Total: 1045
TtPR-Seafarer15.8 (8th stop) Vietnam: A & C
The Tapestries by Kien Nguyen
+15 Task
+10 Bonus
Task Total: 25
Grand Total: 1310
10.10 - Group Reads Rosemary's ChoiceKafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami 2/1/14
Review:
Wow! While reading Kafka on the Shore I couldn’t help but be in awe of the amazing imagination of the author, Haruki Murakami. I’d read the descriptions of Murakami’s books before, was intrigued, but wasn’t sure whether I’d like his story style. However, I liked his writing style in his autobiographical work on running, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, which I read a week before, so I gave this one a shot. I’m glad I did!
I don’t want to go too much into the story detail for those who haven’t read this yet, but I can say that it’s definitely worth a read. The two main characters are a 15 year-old boy and a mentally-impaired man in his early 60s. The book alternates between sections that appear very normal and those that are pure fantasy, and between the boy’s story and that of the man. Eventually it all comes together, with the reader engaged from beginning to end. This was a 5 star read for me, and I look forward to reading more of Murakami’s books, including his 925+ page chunkster, 1Q84, which will be a Buddy Read for me in May.
+10 Task
+10 Review
Task total: 20 points
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 725
Grand Total: 1065
10.4 Chinese New YearDog Songs by Mary Oliver
My great big lug of a dog is a perfect example of a dog that really loves the off- leash life Mary Oliver describes in this delightful book of poems, Dog Songs. I loved every minute of this book and just kept looking at my wonderful 11 year old Tollie who has been a great joy in my family's life. Mary Oliver's poetry is accessible and yet beautifully written in its simplicity. She also brings the natural world to life and I couldn't wait to take a walk with my dog yesterday, even though he did have to stay on his leash. The artwork throughout added even more joy to the experience of this brief and meaningful new collection from Oliver.
+10 Task
+ 5 Combo: 10.6 – Beginnings/Endings(newest book)
+10 Review
+10 Not a Novel
Task Total: 35
Grand Total: 1345
10.6 Beginnings/EndingsThe Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Review: This book tells the story of two supernatural creatures from far away lands who come together in 1899 New York City. A lonely European Jew has the golem created for him to pass off as a wife for when he gets to America. He awakens her on the voyage and then dies shortly after. The golem tries to hide on the bustling streets and is soon found by a rabbi who knows what she is. He is surprised how humanlike she is and tries to get her to fit in to society.
Meanwhile, another lonely person, a Syrian shopkeeper, finds company in the form of a jinni. The shopkeeper was trying to clean/fix a copper flask and discovers a being that has been trapped inside for a thousand years. He too tries to help the creature fit into the human world.
There is so much in the story that I liked. I like how the author told her time in giving all of the backstory of the jinni. I also liked the infusing of mythology of the creatures into turn-of-the-century New York. The imagery also helped me see what it was like in those times in the different parts of NYC. IT did take me awhile to read, but I devoured the end in a day.
+10 Task (debut novel)
+10 Combo (10.2 shelved 1,232 times, 10.5 goodreads author)
+10 Review
Task Total = 30
Grand Total =480 points
20.2 - Picaresque Read a picaresque novel from the linked list.Candide by Voltaire 2/1/14
Note: some versions of this book are just under 100 pages and do not qualify, but my library had the 144 page paperback.
Candide is on the linked list of picaresque novels.
Review:
Candide is a short comedy/satire by Voltaire, a writer of the French Enlightenment period. The stage is set early on, introducing three main characters. Candide is the illegitimate son of the sister of the Baron of Thunder-ten-tronckh, and lives in the Baron’s castle in Westphalia (Germany). Pangloss is the castle’s tutor, an optimist who teaches, “metaphysico-theologo-cosmolo-nigology.” Miss Cunégonde is the Baron’s daughter, beloved by Candide. When the Baron catches them stealing a kiss, the Baron banishes Candide from the castle, as his illegitimate status makes him too inferior for his daughter.
From there, the book takes our characters on a journey through Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, and back. They suffer through war, torture, imprisonment, riches, poverty, etc. It’s a fun romp with undertones of social commentary. The reader will find Voltaire’s veiled criticism of war, religion, the class system, and more. And for those how have read the book , (view spoiler)
+20 Task
+10 Review
+20 Oldies (published 1759)
Task total: 50 points
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 775
Grand Total: 1115
20.5 – Disturbing:Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
When I started this book, it was such tough subject matter that I almost decided to set it aside. All of the sudden, though, Matthew Quick's writing just wouldn't let me do it. I also remembered how much I loved the movie Silver Linings Playbook based on one of his books and I was thoroughly hooked. Leonard's voice was amazingly accurate in its portrayal of a rejected and troubled teen. It is indeed a disturbing book. As a high school teacher committed to teaching and helping all the students in my care, it was also ultimately uplifting. Teachers today are often scared to go to the extent needed to truly help because of the few who have been inappropriate or abusive and in the news. This book also gave me the courage to continue to help when I can.
+20 Task: 5 shelvings for disturbing /980 Lexile
+ 5. Combo: 10.5 Goodreads Authorized
+10 Review
Task Total: 35
Grand Total: 1380
Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "20.2 - Picaresque Read a picaresque novel from the linked list.Candide by Voltaire 2/1/14
Note: some versions of this book are just under 100 pages and do not qu..."
In Reading with Style, we have tried to level the playing field. Regardless of which edition you own or that your library has in its collection, we use the page count of GR's most popular English language paper edition. Unfortunately, the most popular edition of Candide is only 94 pages, and so does not qualify.
Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "In Reading with Style, we have tried to level the playing field. Regardless of which edition you own or that your library has in its collection, we use the page count of GR's most popular English language paper edition. Unfortunately, the most popular edition of Candide is only 94 pages, and so does not qualify. "
Sorry, Elizabeth! I had seen a post for this book saying that the linked book was 94 pages and to link to a different book if a longer book had been read. Sad for me, this was in a different group's challenge! I'll adjust my scores and choose another picaresque book to read.
Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "Sorry, Elizabeth! I had seen a post for this book saying that the linked book was 94 pages and to link to a different book if a longer book had been read. Sad for me, this was in a different group's challenge! I'll adjust my scores and choose another picaresque book to read. "We have an exception for poetry when 2 books by the same author can usually be used to qualify for a task.
10.8 BINGOYear of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Review: This is the perfect kind of book for me – a great mixture of more “literary” qualities with characters and plot that keep me moving through the story. Brooks is an author that I will always read more of, although I still have some backlist to cover. This particular book is set in a small town in England during a bubonic plague outbreak, but in the 1660s, not the 1300s. Of course, in order to double check my years I looked up bubonic plague – something I suggest you not do unless you want to see an article from today warning of the potential of a new strain’s attacking the world without warning, or the Wikipedia article complete with pictures. The descriptions are disgusting at times – the plague was pretty disgusting – but the story is really more about a town that has shut itself off from the world and is watching itself die. The one quibble I had was with the ending, which was just a little… strange.
+10 Task
+10 Review
Task Total: 20
Grand Total: 615
TtPR – Seafarer15.7 (seventh stop): Philippines
Salamanca by Dean Francis Alfar (born in Philippines, Filipino, set in Philippines)
+15 Task
+10 Bonus
Task Total: 25
Grand Total: 640
10.2 FantasyHowl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (Lexile 800)
Review: My friend’s sons’ favorite movie in the whole world was based on this book, and that’s about all I knew about it going in. She maintains the movie is better than the book, so after enjoying this I put a hold on the DVD at the library. The book is a fun fantasy, although not an entirely light one. It has the feel of a kind of fairy tale – three sisters are sent to be apprentices in different places when their dad dies, a wicked witch puts a curse on the eldest, and some happily ever after action – but has little quirky bits that ground it almost in the real world. In the end, though, Howl IS a wizard, so it’s got a ton of magic. I do wish some of the side characters had been a little more fleshed out, since the glimpses of them we got were interesting. There is a sequel, but the description makes it sound like one set in the same world, not with the same characters.
+10 Task (shelved as fantasy 4,793 times)
+10 Review
+5 Oldies (pub 1986)
Task Total: 25
Grand Total: 665
10.4 Chinese New YearTea with the Black Dragon by R.A. MacAvoy
Review: I’ve had this book on my to-read shelf for a while, and bought used at some point since my library didn’t have it. The modern urban fantasy genre didn’t really exist when this was written in 1983, but I’d put it loosely in there anyway. Set in contemporary San Francisco, the story follows 50-year-old Martha and Mr. Long, a man (dragon!) she meets on her first day in the city. Martha’s daughter is involved in some nasty business, and Martha and Mr. Long get sucked into it. The fantastical elements are not very explicit and remain largely under the surface, almost incidental to the plot, so the book reads more like a mystery than a fantasy novel. I only wish it had been longer – at less than 200 pages, there were parts of the plot that could have been more flushed out.
+10 Task
+10 Review
+5 Oldies (pub. 1983)
Task Total: 25
Grand Total: 690
10.10 Group ReadsScenes from Village Life by Amos Oz
Review: Short stories in general are a struggle for me – I like to settle in with stories and characters, which is difficult to do with so few words. This collection left me in a strange way both satisfied and unsatisfied on that account. Because the stories are interconnected, I felt like I was settling in with the small Israeli town. However, the stories truly are scenes – most of them end with an ambiguity that left me waiting for the second act. It was like I visited the town and heard a series of phone calls, but the people walked away before hearing what happened. This wasn’t the ambiguity of life, acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with people and relationship. These were stories that HAD endings – a woman waiting for her nephew would either find him, or find out he was missing, or something; a man left in a cellar would either stay there and die or wake up and leave. In the end, I appreciated the book but am not in a hurry to jump back into another similar collection.
+10 Task
+10 Review
+10 Not-a-Novel (short stories)
Task Total: 30
Grand Total: 720
20.8 - Disastrous Reading Read a non-fiction book about a disaster such as...the sinking of the Titanic.
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord 2/2/14
This is a non-fiction book about the sinking of the Titanic.
Review:
Many books, both fiction and non-fiction, have been written about the sinking of the Titanic. Among those, Walter Lord’s A Night to Remember has come to be considered the definitive book on the topic. It was written based on extensive research and personal interviews with the survivors of the disaster, and the writer claims he did not take the liberty to fill in the story with conjecture. All quotes are exactly as related by survivors, with the caveat that memories vary. The exact details of some events may be different depending on the speaker quoted, but the general gist of most events is the same.
Some tales of the night’s events will never be resolved. What, if anything, did the band play as the Titanic sank? Many claim “Nearer My God to Thee” while others say the band continued as usual playing Jazz. Lord feels the most likely answer is that of Junior Wireless Operator Harold Bride, a trained observer who was on the ship to the end. His recollection was that the last song was the Episcopalian hymn, “Autumn.”
If you’d like to read a fact-based book on the sinking of the Titanic that reads like a well-written novel, I highly recommend this book.
Combo: 10.8 - BINGO! A Nigt to Rember
+20 Task
+10 Review
+5 Combo (10.8)
+10 Not-a-Novel (non-fiction)
+5 Oldies (published 1955)
Task total: 50 points
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 775
Grand Total: 1115
10.4. Chinese New Year: Heart of a Dog Mikhail BulgakovI have read this short story before - when I was 14 years old. Then I thought that this is just a good, humorous story about turning dog into a human. Then I was too young and to unaware of history to understand the real symbolic meaning of this story and how it is connected with social problem in Russia during 1920's. So during this years winter reading challenge I decided to read it again. And it was a good choice because this time I perceived a different message. I understood the hidden point under symbolic writings that Bulgakov wrote at time when only this way someone could deliver a message to people.
Juicy metaphors and very detailed description of domestic life and virtues is a joy to read. Also it is interesting to follow the main character - Sharikov - his transformation after the surgery and transition to a new member of society - the working class citizen who collects in himself the most hideous traits. Maybe a little over-dramatized but it portrays the average member of working class in that time in Russia. I think that everybody should read this short story - even those who do not care about history but just want to read interesting, entertaining story.
+10 - Task
+10 - review
+10 - oldies (1925)
+5 - combo ( 20.10.)
Task Total - 35 Points
Grand Total - 210 Points
20.10. Between the Wars: The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka This was my second Kafka's work - the first one was "The Castle" that I found very intriguing. I decided to read "The Metamorphosis" after reading Murakami's "1Q84" and made some research into Murakamis writing style and his inspirations. Then followed his short story "Samsa in Love" and inspired of described events I started "The Metamorphosis" soon after. I now know that I love Kafka and his writing style is marvellous. I feel hypnotized when I read his works. The particular story was very interesting and I was enjoying it every word. I think that it was sad and I was angry sometimes and truly disappointed with the ending - till the very end of the story I hoped that Gregor will turn to human again but maybe it was even better - the lack of happy ending made the story more realistic (I know that this word don't suite with neither this story or any other Kafka's writing). I know that Kafka is truly extraordinary author and only certain people will understand and love his great writing - that is why I think that everyone should try to read at least one of his stories or novels just to find out if you love it or hate it!
+20 - Task
+10 - review
+10 - Oldies(1915)
+10 - Combo (20.5., 20.6.)
Task Total - 50 Points
Grand Total - 260 Points
Post 730 Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "20.2 - Picaresque Read a picaresque novel from the linked list.Candide by Voltaire 2/1/14
Note: some versions of this book are just under 100 pages and do not qu..."
Theresa, you will be pleased that Liz reminded me we moderators had a discussion about this book and that it is approved for use in our 10- and 20-point tasks in spite of it's brevity. I think this means that you will have to review your totals (yet again), because we will accept this post.
Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Theresa, you will be pleased that Liz reminded me we moderators had a discussion about this book and that it is approved for use in our 10- and 20-point tasks in spite of it's brevity. I think this means that you will have to review your totals (yet again), because we will accept this post. "Thanks, Elizabeth! That leave me just 3 books to complete my RWS.
In that case:
Post #730 is re-instated with a total of 1115 points
Post #740 would then have a total of 1165 points
Current status:
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 825
Grand Total: 1165
10.1. Reading Resolutions: I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced Nujood AliThis is a non-fiction book that tells a story of a 10 year old girl who went through real hell during her short marriage. It is shocking and very disturbing to know that these situations are real somewhere far away and probably something so hideous is happening right now while I am writing this review. This is not my first book about Muslim countries and life of Muslim woman so I was a prepared for some shocking details. But still I felt very sad and it hurts so much that nowadays at 21.century there is still so much cruelty and people are treated like they are worthless. This girl is a hero - I admire her ability and bravery to stand up against cruelty. I am curios about her further life and I wonder if she will achieve all her goals that are mentioned in the book - to learn English and become a journalist, drive a car and wear whatever she wants! I really hope that her bravery changed something not only on paper but in reality.
+10 - Task
+10 - review
+10 - Not A Novel (non-fiction)
+5 - Combo (10.6.)
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 295 Points
20.10 - Between the Wars Read a book written by an author born between the Civil War and WWI (1866-1913). One Man's Initiation: 1917 by John Dos Passos 2/2/14
The author was born in 1896.
Combo: 10.6 - This was the author's first novel.
+20 Task
+5 Combo (10.6)
+10 Oldies (published 1920)
Task total: 35 points
TtPR Total: 240
Seafarer Well Traveled Bonus 100
RwS Total: = 860
Grand Total: 1200
10.1. Reading Resolutions: The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine Somaly MamThis is a real life event based book that made me speechless. So well written - it touched my soul. This was my second book about a hard life of Eastern women and their struggle for freedom and independence. When I come up stories like these I fell lucky that I was born in Europe.
The author - Somali Mam went through challenges that could break most of people but she survived and she got her freedom but she didn't forget about her origins. She started helping her relatives, then to strangers - to other girls that really wasn't strangers - but somehow her sisters. And when this was not enough she started a charity organization that s still active and helps victims of Cambodian inhuman ways of life. I admire her strong character and how she never give up. This book introduced me with the darkest side of live and still gave me hope that everything can change - if only someone have courage enough to start the process. I recommend this book for every person who thinks that he or she is powerless or needs some inspiration or encouragement.
+10 - Task
+10 - Review
+10 - Non-fiction
+5 - Combo (10.6.)
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 330
10.1. Reading Resolutions: Burned Alive SouadI found this book in a local book store - discounted for 50% and I thought to give it a try because I have never read such books - books about horrifying events, about cruelty and pain. This was also my first book about Muslim culture. I cried a lot while reading this story and it made a big impression to me so I couldn't stop talking about it for a few days. I always feel very emotional about my books - when a good book is finished I often feel empty - as some part of my life I finished. And this time it was the same feeling only stronger. Description of Souads life after her miraculous survival is so touching - I admire this woman will to live, to love, to enjoy life - even after horror she went through. I am sad that somewhere in East people still live like ages ago - when women have no rights and are a mere object - less valuable than can of sugar or some farm animal. The contrast between Western and this Muslim-old world is shocking. But I hope that everything will change. Since the time when everything happened to Souad a lot has changed and a lot more will change in future! And I am glad that stories like these reach world - because it is important to care.
+10 - Task
+10 - Review
+10 - Non-fiction
+5 - Combo (10.6.)
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 365
20.10. Between the Wars: The Castle Franz KafkaThis was my first Kafka's book. I started reading it a few times but only now when I am 24 I finished it. Kafka s writing style is not for an average read who just want's to entertain. Kafka is extraordinary, somehow hypnotizing. At first I can't really understand the purpose of the novel but as pages are turned I find myself incapable to stop. Something is holding me to this story and I feel like I am not just a reader - but I am a part of story. I feel like I am present in the story not merely watching but following K. and feel for him. After I finished it - I felt disappointed that Kafka is dead and he will never finish this novel and we will never find out how would everything end. So when I finished it I felt empty - because I already knew K. and Frida and was sad that our journey together is over. Kafka is magnificent - one moment you think that this novel is illogical but the next you see how important and true is everything he wrote. I recommend this novel for those who are already familiar with Kafka.
+20 - Task
+10 - Review
+10 - Oldies 1926
+5 - Combo (20.6.)
Task Total - 45
Grand Total - 410
10.9. Nobel Prize: The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor Gabriel García MárquezThis was my first book from Gabriel Garcia Marquez and served as a good introduction to his writing. I really enjoyed this story and felt chills down my spine when realising that this is non-fiction - everything really happened. I admire how Marquez can find words to describe everything so realistic and beautiful.
The main theme is a sailor who went through a storm on a tanker and miraculously survived thanks to a saving boat and strong spirit that helped him to stay alive during 10 days of his wondering in the open ocean surrounded by shark, seagulls and loneliness. When Marquez wrote this story he was a journalist and his story made a fuss about this situation.
After reading this story I was eager to introduce myself with other Marquez writings so I would recommend this story as a first work of this author - because it is short, easy readable and makes a good presentation for further reading of Marquez!
+10 - Task
+10 - Review
+10 - Non-fiction
+5 - Oldies 1970
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 445
20.10. Between the Wars: Twenty-Four Hours in the Life of a Woman Stefan ZweigIt was my first Zweig's book. I read it with no emotions. Unfortunately it wasn't interesting and it wasn't catching. It was only mere 100 pages but it took forever to get through it. There is no action, no suspense and even if the story of a woman was somehow promising - Zweig's writing style just couldn't bring it up. Everything he wrote was so phlegmatic, so boring. But I guess that in 1920's when he published this story this writing style was normal and it suited the time. I never checked if there is a movie based on this story but I think that some good producer could give it some edge and make a pretty fine melodramatic piece.
+20 - Task
+10 - Review
+10 - Oldies 1925
Task Total -40
Grand Total - 485
20.6 20th CenturyIf on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
+20 task
+5 Oldies (published 1980)
Task total: 25 points
Grand Total: 1480
Task 10.6 Beginnings and EndingsThe Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
*This is the debut novel and most recent work by Graeme Simsion*
+10 task
+10 review
Task Total = 20 pts
Grand Total = 430 pts
My Review:
I had heard good things about The Rosie but I still wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up The Rosie Project (or maybe I should say downloaded since I purchased this book on Kindle). A few pages into this book, I realized that it would be very different then I had expected. At first, I wasn't too thrilled with the detour that the story put me on, but once I reconciled the actual story with the story that I had in mind, I fell in love with The Rosie Project.
I fell in love with the quirkiness of the main character, Don Tillman. This is a man who has created the "Standardized Meal Plan", meaning that he repeats his meals every week (no substitutions allowed) to save time and confusion. Don's life is very very organized, down to the second. That is until he decides to embark on "The Wife Project".
This book really touched my heart. Graeme Simsion's main character has Asperger's (yet he doesn't realize it) and has a difficult time showing emotion or understanding social cues. Through Simsion's writing, we get inside Don's mind and experience his confusion right along with him. We also get to experience his growth as Don realizes that sometimes it is okay to be flexible.
15.7 TtPR Seafarer--IndonesiaThe Girl from the Coast by Pramoedya Ananta Toer
+15 task
+10 bonus
Task total: 25
Grand total: 755
20.9 - Daytona 500Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
529 pages
+20 Task
+10 Combo (10.3, 10.6)
+5 Jumbo
Task total: 35 points
Grand Total: 95
10.5 - Goodreads authorizedAsterix and the Picts: Album #35 by Didier Conrad and Jean-Yves Ferri
+ 10 task
Task total: 10 points
Grand Total: 105
20.9. Daytona 500:
1Q84 Haruki MurakamiThis is the novel which introduced me with Murakamis writing. I just stumbled upon an interesting cover in a local book store and decided to give it a try. I haven't regretted it since - I loved Murakami's writing style and this particular story.
This is the first book of trilogy. It is written in interesting manner - mostly the pace is slow and calm, you enjoy descriptions of characters origins and domestic details but then in some moments the suspense raises incredibly high and slow pace just fades away. I like that because you can relax while reading and do not have to be anxious all the time.
The plot itself is very interesting - although now when I am writing this review I have read all three books, during the first one still many facts were mysterious and a lot questions appeared that were answered in further books.
+20 - Task (554 pages)
+10 - Review
+5 - Jumbo
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 520
20.9. Daytona 500:
1Q84Haruki MurakamiThis is the second book from Murakami's trilogy and it was most suspense of all. I read like in one day - couldn't stop turning pages - so many happened during this part of trilogy. I guess that I should repeat most of my review for the first part - unique writing style, interesting plot, curios turnarounds and high suspense - that was all a part of the novel. I was anxious to turn pages faster and as soon as possible get to the last part of trilogy!
While writing my reviews I don't like to write about plot - because firstly - you can usual read it in books description and secondly - it would leak some unneeded spoilers that could ruin some readers experience. So I would only say that I wonder how unusually modern this 1Q84/1984 world seemed. Like those people could live in our neighbourhood. I want to say that if there would be no mentions about the year everything is happening I could think hat is 2013! I guess it is because as much technology evolve and fashion changes - people stay the same and their problems remains unchanged.
+20 - Task
+10 - Review
+5 - Jumbo (501 page)
Task Total - 35
Grand Total - 555 Points
20.9. Daytona 500:
1Q84 Haruki MurakamiThis is the third book from "1Q84" trilogy. After the second part which was full with suspense and thrill this novel was more passive. Still it was very interesting but the pace was slower. I was anxious to finish it to find out the ending. I was satisfied with finale but disappointed that many questions remained unanswered. It would be great if Murakami would write a separate novel about "Avangard" sect and its further existence, I think many readers would like to know further adventures of Fuku-Eri and how everything changed after disappearance of Aomame and Tengo from 1Q84!
This was a first time I read such long book - all three books together were more than 1500 pages - so I was surprised how fast I finished them. This was my first Murakami's novel and I was satisfied and I will continue to read more of his novels and short stories to!
+0 - Task
Task Total - 0 Points
Grand Total - 555 Points
Marie wrote: "10.5 - Goodreads authorizedAsterix and the Picts: Album #35 by Didier Conrad and Jean-Yves Ferri
+ 10 task
Task total: 10 points
Grand Total: 105"
Marie, I'm sorry, but neither of these authors is a Goodreads author. Also, the book has only 48 pages.
10.6 Beginnings/EndingsSecond Reading: Notable and Neglected Books Revisited by Jonathan Yardley
+10 Task (most recent book published)
+ 5 Combo (10.8 Reading ... Books)
+10 Not-A-Novel
Task Total = 25
Grand Total = 450
As I read through this one, I kept tripping over titles/authors that would qualify for 20.10. This challenge won't be long enough!
From Post 708Jenifer wrote: "20.1 1964
Dan Brown was born in 1964
Inferno by Dan Brown
+20 task
+5 combo (w/ 10.6 This is Dan Brown's most recent release)
+10 review
Task Total: 35
Grand Tota..."
I am sorry, Jenifer, but I don't see a review for this book. Could you please post it for us?
20.7 - Group Reads ReduxThe Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
+20 Task (Group read: 2013/09/01-2013/11/30)
+5 Not-a-Novel
Task total: 25
Grand total: 330
From Post 727Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "10.10 - Group Reads Rosemary's Choice
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami 2/1/14
Review:
Wow! While reading Kafka on the Shore I couldn’t help but be in..."
+5 Combo 20.5-shelved 6 times as disturbing
From Post 740Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "20.8 - Disastrous Reading Read a non-fiction book about a disaster
such as...the sinking of the Titanic.
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord 2/2/14
This is a non-fic..."
+5 Combo 10.6-this appears to be the author's first published book (he had one earlier, but he seems to be the editor not the author)
Thanks, again. I'd excluded that thinking that the one he edited counted.
From Post 749Ella wrote: "20.10. Between the Wars: The Castle Franz Kafka
This was my first Kafka's book. I started reading it a few times but only now when I am 24 I finished it. Kafka s writi..."
+5 Combo 20.6 (#455 on the linked list)
From Post 285Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "10.6 - Beginnings/Endings: Read an author's debut book or most recently published book as of December 1, 2013.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker 12/27/13
T..."
+5 Combo (10.2-this book now has been shelved as fantasy over 1000 times)
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Reading with Style
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Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
+20 Task (#427 on list)
+10 Not-a-Novel (non-fiction 362.2 K at BPL)
Task total=30
Grand total=860