Falling Backwards by Jann Arden from Knopf Canada 2011.
This was a very interesting biography by a very interesting woman who is a household name in Canadian music. I enjoyed reading Jann's life story because she wasn't afraid to reveal the sad, the ridiculous or the difficult from her readers and she put her own special brand of comedy into many of the pages in the book. It must have been hard to write this book without hurting feelings or revealing too much about the other folks in the family that didn't want their stories shared the same way. Jann is very thoughtful of her family members wishes, or at least that is my assumption, in that she only shares about her brothers what you need to know and again an assumption, what they are willing to let her share. The Canadianism's scattered throughout Falling Backwards are hilarious reminding me of a time when life was very different even though it was only 30 years ago. Thank you Jann for this honest overview of your life and showing that you never know what is going to happen in your life unless you decide to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 24 The Taming
Random House Canada Random Reader Challenge Young Adult
So the Challenge this time around was to read one of the following Adult fiction books:
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
The Taming by Teresa Toten and Eric Walters
Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale
Blood Red Road by Moira Young
The Fathomless Fire by Thomas Wharton
Flip by Martyn Bedford
For me the decision came down to which book became available first from my local library. The first book to win the battle was The Taming by Teresa Toten and Eric Walters from DoubleDay Canada 2012. It also ended up being my 24th read for the 50 Book Pledge.
The Taming is a book about high school students who meet and become involved while their drama class performs Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew. The Taming starts off strong with an introduction to Katie and her friends Travis and Lisa. The second chapter introduces us to Evan who becomes Katie's boyfriend. There is a very distinct clash between different society classes. The novel switches between Katie and Evan's POV every chapter to give a rounded account of the story.
As the book continues there are several parallels to The Taming of The Shrew, however Katie goes from being a person who disappears into the background to a strong confident young woman able to stand
up to and ultimately break up with Evan a very controlling boyfriend. This of course is the reverse of what happens in the play but it deals with a reality many teens face.
I found the turning points in the book to be when Katie's mom's boyfriend Joey tells Katie to be careful and that he suspects what is happening as well as when Katie goes to Lisa for help in "catching" Evan. It was wonderful to see Katie stand up to Evan and I got the impression even though he was making all the promises he didn't really change but was just a smooth operator like his father used to getting women to do whatever he wanted.
The Taming is a relatively easy read that explores the issue of controlling/abusive relationships in a subtle manner. I enjoyed the book and recommend to any young girl in such a circumstance or
a friend who wants to know how to support a friend in such a situation.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
#50BookPledge Books 19-23 The Spellman Files
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2007
I decided to read The Spellman Files because the upcoming book for our group is The Trail of the Spellman. Ms Lutz does a wonderful job with the characters and I love Isabel. She is easy to relate to, however, I don't think there are many out there that aspire to be like her. The Spellman are the ultimate dysfunctional family but a lot of fun at the same time. The Spellman Files was an easy read making for light reading before bed. My only problem was the footnotes from Isabel, since the book was written in the first person, because I found them distracting and truthfully they don't add much to the story.
The Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2008
The Curse of the Spellmans is a wonderful followup to The Spellman Files. What I really like about Ms Lutz's Spellman series is you don't necessarily need to read the books in order or all of the books for that matter. The books are done in such a way they can be read in isolation, however, they are a lot more fun when done in order of the series. The Curse of the Spellmans picks up a couple of years after The Spellman Files left off and continues to draw the reader into Isabel's wacky world. Again the characters are loveable with Isabel being the star of the show, but Rae could easily carry the series herself if the books continue that long.
The Spellman Strike Again by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2010
Another side splitting caper from Ms. Lutz! Even though I've read this book out of order, Revenge of the Spellman comes first, I don't feel that I've missed much. There is a wonderful amount of information that is repeated in each of the Spellman Files books that allows for the reader to pick up just about any of them and dive in. While I find the footnotes from Isabel annoying at times, if you are starting with this book then they do help explain some of the history as does the appendix. The way the information is repeated across the Spellman Files books does not make it boring, as there is always a new spin on it. I particularly like how Isabel will occasionally advise the reader that if they want more information on a certain topic they probably should go read the previous books.
The Revenge of the Spellman by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2009
The Revenge of the Spellmans was the perfect followup to the Curse of the Spellman. As I mentioned in my previous review, I read this book after The Spellman Strike Again meaning out of order. While It helps to read all of the Spellman books I didn't find that my reading experience was diminished. As much as I might rile against the footnotes and the appendix, these additions to the books allow you to read out of order or just one.
The Trail of the Spellman by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2012
I found this rendition of the Spellman files to be a bit of a departure from the 4 previous "documents." This novel focused on a few key cases and explored interesting topics allowing for a much more in depth relationship with the secondary characters. My comments on the previous four books hold true for this one, however, it was more developed with Isabel having a much more stable life. The treatment of the Vivian Blake case after it is discovered//assumed she is adopted was handled very well and I was especially please by Isabel's advice to Vivian when she presented her with the envelope that could potentially answer several questions. Of the 5 Spellman file books if you only have time to read one this is the one I recommend you read.
I decided to read The Spellman Files because the upcoming book for our group is The Trail of the Spellman. Ms Lutz does a wonderful job with the characters and I love Isabel. She is easy to relate to, however, I don't think there are many out there that aspire to be like her. The Spellman are the ultimate dysfunctional family but a lot of fun at the same time. The Spellman Files was an easy read making for light reading before bed. My only problem was the footnotes from Isabel, since the book was written in the first person, because I found them distracting and truthfully they don't add much to the story.
The Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2008
The Curse of the Spellmans is a wonderful followup to The Spellman Files. What I really like about Ms Lutz's Spellman series is you don't necessarily need to read the books in order or all of the books for that matter. The books are done in such a way they can be read in isolation, however, they are a lot more fun when done in order of the series. The Curse of the Spellmans picks up a couple of years after The Spellman Files left off and continues to draw the reader into Isabel's wacky world. Again the characters are loveable with Isabel being the star of the show, but Rae could easily carry the series herself if the books continue that long.
The Spellman Strike Again by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2010
Another side splitting caper from Ms. Lutz! Even though I've read this book out of order, Revenge of the Spellman comes first, I don't feel that I've missed much. There is a wonderful amount of information that is repeated in each of the Spellman Files books that allows for the reader to pick up just about any of them and dive in. While I find the footnotes from Isabel annoying at times, if you are starting with this book then they do help explain some of the history as does the appendix. The way the information is repeated across the Spellman Files books does not make it boring, as there is always a new spin on it. I particularly like how Isabel will occasionally advise the reader that if they want more information on a certain topic they probably should go read the previous books.
The Revenge of the Spellman by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2009
The Revenge of the Spellmans was the perfect followup to the Curse of the Spellman. As I mentioned in my previous review, I read this book after The Spellman Strike Again meaning out of order. While It helps to read all of the Spellman books I didn't find that my reading experience was diminished. As much as I might rile against the footnotes and the appendix, these additions to the books allow you to read out of order or just one.
The Trail of the Spellman by Lisa Lutz from Simon and Schuster 2012
I found this rendition of the Spellman files to be a bit of a departure from the 4 previous "documents." This novel focused on a few key cases and explored interesting topics allowing for a much more in depth relationship with the secondary characters. My comments on the previous four books hold true for this one, however, it was more developed with Isabel having a much more stable life. The treatment of the Vivian Blake case after it is discovered//assumed she is adopted was handled very well and I was especially please by Isabel's advice to Vivian when she presented her with the envelope that could potentially answer several questions. Of the 5 Spellman file books if you only have time to read one this is the one I recommend you read.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 18 The Book of Awesome
The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha from Berkley (A Division of Penguin) 2011
The Book of Awesome has something for everyone! The book has been around the house for about a month and both adults have read at least parts of it. What I really liked about The Book of Awesome is that many of the anecdotes could be read to my four year old. Neil does a great job of writing about uniquely female experiences often qualifying them with, "so I've heard," as well as the uniquely male experiences and those that can be experienced by just about anyone. While you might not agree with all of the anecdotes in this book, you should be able to relate to at least 1/2 of them. I am looking forward to reading my next Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha and am seriously considering the Holidays one because we can all use a little pick me up during the October through January rush better know as the Christmas Season! Another benefit of The Book of Awesome is you don't need to ready it in order and can even walk away, coming back days later, but not feel like you have missed anything because each story is self contained usually in a page, however, sometimes as long as 5 pages. I think everyone should read this book.
The Book of Awesome has something for everyone! The book has been around the house for about a month and both adults have read at least parts of it. What I really liked about The Book of Awesome is that many of the anecdotes could be read to my four year old. Neil does a great job of writing about uniquely female experiences often qualifying them with, "so I've heard," as well as the uniquely male experiences and those that can be experienced by just about anyone. While you might not agree with all of the anecdotes in this book, you should be able to relate to at least 1/2 of them. I am looking forward to reading my next Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha and am seriously considering the Holidays one because we can all use a little pick me up during the October through January rush better know as the Christmas Season! Another benefit of The Book of Awesome is you don't need to ready it in order and can even walk away, coming back days later, but not feel like you have missed anything because each story is self contained usually in a page, however, sometimes as long as 5 pages. I think everyone should read this book.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 17 Sophie's World
#50BookPledge Book 17 Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder from Renaissance Press, 2007
Sophie's World is an interesting novel. I wasn't thrilled with the premise of the book to start with but is quickly became something I didn't mind listening to while working around the house. For someone with a passing interest in philosophy the author does a good job reviewing the key philosophers throughout history through the 1990s. Sophie's World was the perfect book for me on this subject and also works for a young adult since the main character, Sophie, is a 14 almost 15 year old girl. While not for everyone, Sophie's World might well be your best introduction to the complex and every changing world of philosophy.
Sophie's World is an interesting novel. I wasn't thrilled with the premise of the book to start with but is quickly became something I didn't mind listening to while working around the house. For someone with a passing interest in philosophy the author does a good job reviewing the key philosophers throughout history through the 1990s. Sophie's World was the perfect book for me on this subject and also works for a young adult since the main character, Sophie, is a 14 almost 15 year old girl. While not for everyone, Sophie's World might well be your best introduction to the complex and every changing world of philosophy.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 16 The Winter Palace
I'm still moving forward in the 50 Book Pledge and surprisingly just complete my sixteenth book. Here is my latest bit of feedback about that book.
The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak from DoubleDay Canada, 2012.
While this novel is billed as A Novel of Catherine the Great, but I really didn't see it that way. Instead I found this to be a story of Empress Elizabeth who was a very conniving individual. The Winter Palace is a tale of intrigue, lying, spying and finding the balance between what is best for an individual, a family and ultimately the country. The storyline is filled with tales of friends and lovers who spy on each other for personal reasons that are occasionally revealed but not always. I don't have a lot of experience with Russian History and many of the names in the novel were known in passing, but now I have a much better understanding of their roles in history! The Winter Palace is worth the read if you have an interest in history or mystery. The author interweaves these two genres very well.
The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak from DoubleDay Canada, 2012.
While this novel is billed as A Novel of Catherine the Great, but I really didn't see it that way. Instead I found this to be a story of Empress Elizabeth who was a very conniving individual. The Winter Palace is a tale of intrigue, lying, spying and finding the balance between what is best for an individual, a family and ultimately the country. The storyline is filled with tales of friends and lovers who spy on each other for personal reasons that are occasionally revealed but not always. I don't have a lot of experience with Russian History and many of the names in the novel were known in passing, but now I have a much better understanding of their roles in history! The Winter Palace is worth the read if you have an interest in history or mystery. The author interweaves these two genres very well.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 15 The Scottish Prisoner
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon from Simon and Schuster, 2011
I'm a fickle Gabaldon Fan in that I really like Outlander Series, but usually can't stand the Lord John Grey Series. The Scottish Prisoner being the third in the Lord John series was a nice bridge between the two series. It gave a new perspective on the relationship between Jamie Fraser and Lord John Grey. I found the supporting characters to be very strong and was introduced to some names we see in later Outlander Series books. I was surprised, however, that Lord John didn't figure out until near the end of this book that William was Fraser's son. Hopefully this book will keep my Gabadlon interest at bay until Book 8 of the Outlander Series is released.
I'm a fickle Gabaldon Fan in that I really like Outlander Series, but usually can't stand the Lord John Grey Series. The Scottish Prisoner being the third in the Lord John series was a nice bridge between the two series. It gave a new perspective on the relationship between Jamie Fraser and Lord John Grey. I found the supporting characters to be very strong and was introduced to some names we see in later Outlander Series books. I was surprised, however, that Lord John didn't figure out until near the end of this book that William was Fraser's son. Hopefully this book will keep my Gabadlon interest at bay until Book 8 of the Outlander Series is released.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)