I'm surprised. My 50 book challenge while slowing down during the summer has still moved fairly well. I think YMBC and the endless pile of books in my bedroom is the encouragement I needed. Book 42 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern from Doubleday Canada was a departure as I read it on my Kobo which was a nice change.
The Night Circus is a fun book. I won't say it is a book that I couldn't put down, but I was always ready to pick it back up. Due to my summer schedule it wasn't uncommon to be away from the book for a couple of days and I am happy to say I didn't feel the need to reread anything making it really easy to keep moving forward. Marco and Celia are both interesting characters who would probably be considered somewhat mistreated by today's standards.
I loved the circus as the playground for a very complex, nonspecific challenge to occur as well as the nursery for a deep abiding love to develop. I found all of the characters to have multiple layers making them much believable. It is curious to me how Poppet was able to predict the future of the circus while Celia believes her with no real questions asked.
The Night Circus is a wonderful read and I am thrilled that Marco & Celia get what they want and deserve at the end of the book. It is really too bad that their parents/teachers let their egos ruin the lives of these two dynamic people.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 41 Next Best Thing
The Next Best Thing: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner from Atria Books 2012
I've read one of Ms Weiner's books before and must say this one was much different. I enjoyed the book and character development. The way Ruth's story is told in this novel maybe confusing for some but I liked the mini flashbacks, that were about a chapter in length each. By working with the story which happens after Ruth moves to Hollywood and gets her dream writing job, we get glimpses into how Ruth got to that point.
I applaud Ms Weiner for working with main characters that have physical flaws and seeing those characters "win" in the end. She tries very hard to have Ruth's story, as Ruth writes it for her TV, echo parts of Ruth's real life. Ruth's ability to stick to her guns and get what she wants in the end makes for a perfect story.
A great summer beach read.
I've read one of Ms Weiner's books before and must say this one was much different. I enjoyed the book and character development. The way Ruth's story is told in this novel maybe confusing for some but I liked the mini flashbacks, that were about a chapter in length each. By working with the story which happens after Ruth moves to Hollywood and gets her dream writing job, we get glimpses into how Ruth got to that point.
I applaud Ms Weiner for working with main characters that have physical flaws and seeing those characters "win" in the end. She tries very hard to have Ruth's story, as Ruth writes it for her TV, echo parts of Ruth's real life. Ruth's ability to stick to her guns and get what she wants in the end makes for a perfect story.
A great summer beach read.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 40 Ecoholic Body
Ecoholic Body: Your Ultimate Earth Friendly Guide to Living Healthy and Looking Good by Adria Vasil from Random House Canada 2012
Love all of the Ecoholic books and this one is no exception. I am always looking for ways to tweak things in my life so that we as a family are encountering fewer man-made products and Adria's books provide the answers I'm looking for. Ecoholic Body is a great book focused mainly on the body, inside and out. Granted it took me a couple of months to read the entire book it will now become a reference and has already provided some information on Sunscreen for my daughter and asthma therapy for my mom.
Admittedly I'm not as "Green" as I would like to be and therefore far from as "Green" as Adria is, this book doesn't necessarily make me feel bad but rather educates. I've always been weary of what I'm giving my daughter but never consciously considered myself. This statement is in keeping with Adria's comment that new parents are more eco conscious then many others.
As I said I loved this book, will be keeping it as a reference and if you are looking for a Canadian Resource for living a more Eco friendly lifestyle then this book is for you.
Thanks Adria!
Love all of the Ecoholic books and this one is no exception. I am always looking for ways to tweak things in my life so that we as a family are encountering fewer man-made products and Adria's books provide the answers I'm looking for. Ecoholic Body is a great book focused mainly on the body, inside and out. Granted it took me a couple of months to read the entire book it will now become a reference and has already provided some information on Sunscreen for my daughter and asthma therapy for my mom.
Admittedly I'm not as "Green" as I would like to be and therefore far from as "Green" as Adria is, this book doesn't necessarily make me feel bad but rather educates. I've always been weary of what I'm giving my daughter but never consciously considered myself. This statement is in keeping with Adria's comment that new parents are more eco conscious then many others.
As I said I loved this book, will be keeping it as a reference and if you are looking for a Canadian Resource for living a more Eco friendly lifestyle then this book is for you.
Thanks Adria!
#50BookPledge Book 39 Confined Space
Confined Space by Deryn Collier from Simon and Schuster 2012
Wow talk about using metaphors! Confined Space is filled with them starting with the title. These metaphors have created a highly layered and intriguing book. I especially enjoyed how Deryn parallels the activities in the mystery with the life cycle of the inconspicuous tomato.
Deryn's characters have many layers making for several well developed main and secondary characters however some of the more minor characters are extraneous to the story. I also had a hard time dealing with the secondary story from Berm's life as a soldier and the court marshal.
Deryn obviously did a great deal of research while writing Confined Space creating a mystery that you don't want to put down. I'm pretty sure you'll be surprised by the ending of the novel because at least for me the ultimate villain was completely unexpected.
Wow talk about using metaphors! Confined Space is filled with them starting with the title. These metaphors have created a highly layered and intriguing book. I especially enjoyed how Deryn parallels the activities in the mystery with the life cycle of the inconspicuous tomato.
Deryn's characters have many layers making for several well developed main and secondary characters however some of the more minor characters are extraneous to the story. I also had a hard time dealing with the secondary story from Berm's life as a soldier and the court marshal.
Deryn obviously did a great deal of research while writing Confined Space creating a mystery that you don't want to put down. I'm pretty sure you'll be surprised by the ending of the novel because at least for me the ultimate villain was completely unexpected.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 38 Drop Dead Healthy
Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs from Simon and Schuster 2012
What can I tell you about this book or AJ Jacobs well a fair bit. I found Drop Dead Healthy to be a very well written book that was easy to read and provided a new perspective on the myriad of health information we are bombarded with from media sources.
When you read Jacob's book you'll find a lot of what e is talking about is based on common sense but at the same time he is realistic. Jacobs reiterates numerous times throughout Drop Dead Healthy that the science supporting a number of healthy living steps is inconclusive at best and sometimes in conflict with studies on another part of the body or diseases.
I liked that AJ was honest through the 27 chapters and brought the book full circle with the Epilogue. He doesn't try to convert you to his "temporary" style of living not does he say he is going to keep it all up, but rather highlights what works best for him. Jacobs ultimate message it that we all can live a healthier life but a longer life because life happens.
I found Drop Dead Healthy informative and have added it to my husband's growing pile of books. Definitely worth the read for me and it has given me some inspiration.
What can I tell you about this book or AJ Jacobs well a fair bit. I found Drop Dead Healthy to be a very well written book that was easy to read and provided a new perspective on the myriad of health information we are bombarded with from media sources.
When you read Jacob's book you'll find a lot of what e is talking about is based on common sense but at the same time he is realistic. Jacobs reiterates numerous times throughout Drop Dead Healthy that the science supporting a number of healthy living steps is inconclusive at best and sometimes in conflict with studies on another part of the body or diseases.
I liked that AJ was honest through the 27 chapters and brought the book full circle with the Epilogue. He doesn't try to convert you to his "temporary" style of living not does he say he is going to keep it all up, but rather highlights what works best for him. Jacobs ultimate message it that we all can live a healthier life but a longer life because life happens.
I found Drop Dead Healthy informative and have added it to my husband's growing pile of books. Definitely worth the read for me and it has given me some inspiration.
Friday, July 27, 2012
#50BookPledge Lone Wolf
The Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult from Emily Bestler Books 2012
I feel frustrated having read this novel! The Lone Wolf was lent to me by a friend that often times has similar reading preferences so there was an immediate expectation that I would like it, but sadly it wasn't the case.
I like Picoult's method of story telling where each of the main characters has their own chapters to state their side of things while still moving the story forward. This was generally the case in the Lone Wolf, in fact I found Luke's chapters unnecessary. While I understand the need to develop strong characters I fond Lone Wolf progress too slow for my liking and I lost interest in it.
So a bit more forward movement by Picoult or more back story is my preference. As a result I give Lone Wolf 3 out of 5 starts.
I feel frustrated having read this novel! The Lone Wolf was lent to me by a friend that often times has similar reading preferences so there was an immediate expectation that I would like it, but sadly it wasn't the case.
I like Picoult's method of story telling where each of the main characters has their own chapters to state their side of things while still moving the story forward. This was generally the case in the Lone Wolf, in fact I found Luke's chapters unnecessary. While I understand the need to develop strong characters I fond Lone Wolf progress too slow for my liking and I lost interest in it.
So a bit more forward movement by Picoult or more back story is my preference. As a result I give Lone Wolf 3 out of 5 starts.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
#50BookPledge Book 36 Vaclav and Lena
Before I start on this post let me first say that it is easier to write reviews immediately after reading a book rather than waiting until you have time.
Vaclav and Lena by Haley Tanner from Vintage Canada 2012
Vaclav and Lena is a very interesting book on so many levels. When one first starts reading it you might expect it to be a young adult/coming of age book but it is so much more and requires a lot of attention to the story. There are so many layers of to the story and to the characters covering everything from immigration to adoption to fitting in to abuse to growing up. I greatly appreciate Ms Tanner's ability to stay true to her characters by writing them in English as a Second Language text especially in the early chapters. While I found the ESL dialogue difficult at times it really does help to establish the characters. On top of that Vaclav and Lena both lose their Russian accent as they grow into what Rasia deems "American Teenagers."
Vaclav, the male lead in this book seems like a very normal individual with a strong relationship with his mother Rasia. He also shows that love at first site happens and doesn't disappear just because that person is no longer in your life. I commend Vaclav on his desire to help/protect Lena while finding out the truth about her past without requiring her to face the history directly.
I really felt for Lena, the female lead, because even though it isn't explicitly stated until near the end of the book, you know that something bad is happening to her. Lena turns out, or so it seems, to be a very well adjusted young lady until her secret is revealed to her and those around her. Lucky for her she has people around to help her including Emily who she calls her Real Mom, Rasia - Vaclav's mom and even though it doesn't initially seem that way her Aunt Ekaterina who tries to shelter her from the seedy world that she was a part of thanks to her method of immigration.
Vaclav and Lena is a book that will take you time to read and make you think about what you are reading, but it is worth reading because you will grow as a result.
Vaclav and Lena by Haley Tanner from Vintage Canada 2012
Vaclav and Lena is a very interesting book on so many levels. When one first starts reading it you might expect it to be a young adult/coming of age book but it is so much more and requires a lot of attention to the story. There are so many layers of to the story and to the characters covering everything from immigration to adoption to fitting in to abuse to growing up. I greatly appreciate Ms Tanner's ability to stay true to her characters by writing them in English as a Second Language text especially in the early chapters. While I found the ESL dialogue difficult at times it really does help to establish the characters. On top of that Vaclav and Lena both lose their Russian accent as they grow into what Rasia deems "American Teenagers."
Vaclav, the male lead in this book seems like a very normal individual with a strong relationship with his mother Rasia. He also shows that love at first site happens and doesn't disappear just because that person is no longer in your life. I commend Vaclav on his desire to help/protect Lena while finding out the truth about her past without requiring her to face the history directly.
I really felt for Lena, the female lead, because even though it isn't explicitly stated until near the end of the book, you know that something bad is happening to her. Lena turns out, or so it seems, to be a very well adjusted young lady until her secret is revealed to her and those around her. Lucky for her she has people around to help her including Emily who she calls her Real Mom, Rasia - Vaclav's mom and even though it doesn't initially seem that way her Aunt Ekaterina who tries to shelter her from the seedy world that she was a part of thanks to her method of immigration.
Vaclav and Lena is a book that will take you time to read and make you think about what you are reading, but it is worth reading because you will grow as a result.
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