I had been requesting a good book, since I was so disappointed with the last few that I have encountered. My aunt lent me this one.
Although I devoured it in a mere few days... I wasn't really all that impressed with it. Yes, it was interesting and infuriating, but I guess robbing banks just isn't my thing.
I predicted the relationship with Tor. I L.O.V.E.D Leilia. I hated the sexism, I hated even more that I know those private clubs still exhist.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Unbidden Truth, Kate Wilhelm
This book happened to be a gift. I began reading it between classes, etc. But it ended up getting put to the side for some time. It appears to be a part of a series of books, and later in it. Which left me a little confused with following some of the pasts of the characters.
The plot was predictable. I was hoping for more of a wrap up concerning the death of Carrie's father, than what the reader is given. As I was following it, I was formulating ways that the end could have a big blow out ending. But was left hanging. My ideas did concern that of Joe's blackmail of Larry and Nora. But I figured that they would find something on them, and that they would ultimately go down for the crimes. However, I was left with (gladly) Carrie getting off the hook for a murder she did not commit and Nora shooting Larry and covering it up so that everything could be pinned on him. Which typing it out makes it sound much better than reading the book because there is a small blurb at the end of the book stating what happens to the Wentzels.
The relationship between Darren and Barbara just confused me, perhaps with some background reading, I would feel less perplexed.
I think my favorite character was Herbert. Especially with the cooking.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed with the end result.
The plot was predictable. I was hoping for more of a wrap up concerning the death of Carrie's father, than what the reader is given. As I was following it, I was formulating ways that the end could have a big blow out ending. But was left hanging. My ideas did concern that of Joe's blackmail of Larry and Nora. But I figured that they would find something on them, and that they would ultimately go down for the crimes. However, I was left with (gladly) Carrie getting off the hook for a murder she did not commit and Nora shooting Larry and covering it up so that everything could be pinned on him. Which typing it out makes it sound much better than reading the book because there is a small blurb at the end of the book stating what happens to the Wentzels.
The relationship between Darren and Barbara just confused me, perhaps with some background reading, I would feel less perplexed.
I think my favorite character was Herbert. Especially with the cooking.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed with the end result.
Message in a Bottle, Nicholas Sparks
*SPOILERS*
The only book of Mr. Sparks I had previously read was The Notebook. Overall, I found the story to be charming... to a degree. I've done a long distance relationship, so I could relate with Theresa and Garrett. However, I found myself hating the book at the end. I had skipped ahead and after seeing some of the last page, suspected that Garrett dies in the end. The fact that I was seeing it coming, and I still cried says something for Nicholas Sparks ability to write drama.
It is a thoughtful story though. Fueling the, "it is better to have lost and loved than to never have loved at all." I still wanted to chuck the book across the room because of the nature of his death. His final goodbye and letter to Cathrine, and him accepting a life with Theresa and he dies doing it?!?!?!?! WTF Nicholas? I love that Theresa sends Garrett letters in bottles so that he can still hear from her and that that is how the book ends.
Because of my frustration with the book, I have sworn off Sparks books for some time. a year or two at least. Because he always kills the characters in the end, I'm not ready for some more "chewy" romance novels.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Breaking Dawn, Stephanie Meyers
[CONTAINS SPOILERS]
The last one. In beginning to read this book, I wasn't entirely sure I was ready for my Bella and Edward romance fix to end. But on completing it, I find that I am perfectly fine with where it ended up, how it ended, and if she decides not to write anything more with these characters, I will be just fine. I was concerned that I would have the attachment that I had with Harry Potter. I am still crossing my fingers and hoping that J.K. will allow her readers to return to her world of witches and wizards with us as the muggles. But Stephanie, if she keeps it where it is, I'll survive. Not to say that I would not mind finding out what happens with Renesme. But I'm sure this would have turned into any good series tradgedy... where it burns out and you are left with anger at what has happened with your favorite characters if it hadn't ended.
Anyhow... the idea of a half-human half-vampire baby made me a little wry at first. I was not a fan. Not because it was an out there idea that I had not encountered before... but because it was one of those series tradgic moments where you want to throw the book because of what the author did. After Renesme is born, I grew to like the idea. I did see the imprinting coming though.
The end scene with the Volturi was disappointing. I was definately hoping for a big overthrow of power and kick-ass fight scene (which I'll admit I was thinking about how amazing a movie this book would make). Unfortunately, Alice showed up to save the day.
Series sum up: satisfying
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Eclipse, Staphanie Meyers
TWILIGHT SERIES. I hate when I have to attempt patience for a book in a series. But, this was one of those pinacle moments where I had to practice it. My well meaning mother bought me Breaking Dawn, which is the book after Eclipse, for Christmas. I had to wait for my birthday a month later for Eclipse. AH. But I'm sure it was well worth it.
Things I have heard about the book: that it will piss me off royally. That it is the way it is written as well as what transpires. What I have found is that I am more irritated with the theme than I am with the book. Wuthering Heights!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!? Shoot me in the face. I hated it in High School, and though I feel like I need a refresher course on the famed novel, I want to throw Eclipse across the room and hunt Ms. Meyers down for inspiring such a revisit. I might end up checking out sparknotes at the end just so I can use the connections. I am seeing the main theme though, one girl torn between two men whom hate one another for various reasons. When I think of Wuthering Heights I picture the diagram my English Lit intern plastered on the wall to illustrate all the character movement throughout the book. I feel inspired in parts of this to move Bella around on a bulliten board concerning her interest. La Push. Charlie. La Push. Cullens. La Push. Charlie. Cullens. Seriously don't pull a Catherine. Choose Edward. NOT Jacob. Love not conveniance.
I found many of the scenes with Bella and Edward very touching. I loved the proposal. I actually liked them quoting Brote's book near the end.
It was irritating with Jacob. Just irritating.
I hated how it mirrored scenes from Wuthering Heights almost exactly at moments.
But at least she made the right choice in the end.
I do have this hope for Jacob. That he will find someone that he imprints on. The ending where you feel his pain, was touching cause I know that he loves Bella, but I also know that Bella belongs with Edward.
Vampire vs. Werewolf: I'll keep reading.
Things I have heard about the book: that it will piss me off royally. That it is the way it is written as well as what transpires. What I have found is that I am more irritated with the theme than I am with the book. Wuthering Heights!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!? Shoot me in the face. I hated it in High School, and though I feel like I need a refresher course on the famed novel, I want to throw Eclipse across the room and hunt Ms. Meyers down for inspiring such a revisit. I might end up checking out sparknotes at the end just so I can use the connections. I am seeing the main theme though, one girl torn between two men whom hate one another for various reasons. When I think of Wuthering Heights I picture the diagram my English Lit intern plastered on the wall to illustrate all the character movement throughout the book. I feel inspired in parts of this to move Bella around on a bulliten board concerning her interest. La Push. Charlie. La Push. Cullens. La Push. Charlie. Cullens. Seriously don't pull a Catherine. Choose Edward. NOT Jacob. Love not conveniance.
I found many of the scenes with Bella and Edward very touching. I loved the proposal. I actually liked them quoting Brote's book near the end.
It was irritating with Jacob. Just irritating.
I hated how it mirrored scenes from Wuthering Heights almost exactly at moments.
But at least she made the right choice in the end.
I do have this hope for Jacob. That he will find someone that he imprints on. The ending where you feel his pain, was touching cause I know that he loves Bella, but I also know that Bella belongs with Edward.
Friday, February 6, 2009
White Wash, Alex Kava
I don't have to give my praise for Kava. I've done it recently. :P In choosing this book, my attention was drawn to the caption for the USA Today about the book, "Short chapters with cliffhanger endings make this a perfect... escape." Bad flashback of the day: Da Vinci code. Cliffhangers were okay for a bit, but after awhile, they were definately tedious. This also seems to be a little more political than what I am used to from her. At least from the breif synopsis on the back cover and the authors note I have read. I'll keep you posted though.
I have been finding that overall, this feels more like a typical Grisham book. It's got the politics and I can tell she did an excellent job with research, but the fact and the "getting to the story" is more tedious than I had initially thought that the cliffhangers might be. Some of those leave me confused and wondering what will happen next, but they're not inspiring enough to have me flying through the book to find the answer.
Overall, it was an interesting take on the current energy crisis and some of the ramifications of it. But the book was kind of a drag. It was a little disappointing coming from Ms. Kava. Though well written, and having a decent ending, it left me with more questions at the end than answers. What happens with Sabrina? What exactly went on with Zack and the senator? What the hell was with all the stuff concerning the Arabic terrorists? And the assassination attempt? wtf? Perhaps I was just not perceptive enough for this book. This was where the constant stop and go chapters was problematic. I think it got in the way of her story-telling. I give her kudos for trying something new and more complex and encourage more attempts for improvement, but this one was kind of a flop for me.
I have been finding that overall, this feels more like a typical Grisham book. It's got the politics and I can tell she did an excellent job with research, but the fact and the "getting to the story" is more tedious than I had initially thought that the cliffhangers might be. Some of those leave me confused and wondering what will happen next, but they're not inspiring enough to have me flying through the book to find the answer.
Overall, it was an interesting take on the current energy crisis and some of the ramifications of it. But the book was kind of a drag. It was a little disappointing coming from Ms. Kava. Though well written, and having a decent ending, it left me with more questions at the end than answers. What happens with Sabrina? What exactly went on with Zack and the senator? What the hell was with all the stuff concerning the Arabic terrorists? And the assassination attempt? wtf? Perhaps I was just not perceptive enough for this book. This was where the constant stop and go chapters was problematic. I think it got in the way of her story-telling. I give her kudos for trying something new and more complex and encourage more attempts for improvement, but this one was kind of a flop for me.
Alt-Energy Mojo: What~A~Drag
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hot & Bothered, Susan Anderson
Reread. It's your typical story of the bad boy marine, the socialite girl, and their torrid love affair. The first of which begins as a fling six years prior to the actual storyline. A fling which a daughter is conceived.
I think the most prevelant thought I had during the book was how cheesy it was. Me, I like my action packed books. Not omigawddomenow. Throw in the I love you's and you have a not so typical novel. I can't judge whether it is written well for a romance, I have like... Nora Roberts to compare it to. I like the quirky romances, not the cheesy ones. Nora Roberts isn't a fair comparison really, cause she can write almost any genre.
The reason I picked this one back up was well, I remembered it to be one of my favorite romances. Not sure why. I was in high school. The thought occured to me that my problem with most romances is that I read the innevitable "love scenes" and think, "that is so not what sex is like." At least no sex I've had. Maybe I'm not having sex the right way. But whatever. No novel I've come across mentions how messy sex is. They don't give a fair description of the lover that can last all night but is doing absolutely nothing for you. No fakers of orgasms in romance novels. All the men are trained professionals in multi-orgasmic experiances. [so not real]. I need to meet a multi-orgasmic man. And the multi-orgasmic experiances are during intercourse, romance novels add the oral and hand jobs as bonus. Like I said, I would be much chipper if I had this much of an accomidating man.
Esme is by far my favorite character. Why I've picked a five year old as my favorite. Cause she is that little girl in the mall, who says cute things, that you look at her and think, "I want one like that." The effect she has on Rocket is adorable, he's a marine for god's sake... been up against the worst that none of us will see... but this tiny little girl scares the crap out of him.
All in all, I'll keep it on my shelf to pick up in a few years. Maybe by then I will have had some mind blowing, multi-orgasmic sex and can appreciate an above average male ego. It is odd how time can alter your opinion of a book, movie, or song. [just plain crazy]
I think the most prevelant thought I had during the book was how cheesy it was. Me, I like my action packed books. Not omigawddomenow. Throw in the I love you's and you have a not so typical novel. I can't judge whether it is written well for a romance, I have like... Nora Roberts to compare it to. I like the quirky romances, not the cheesy ones. Nora Roberts isn't a fair comparison really, cause she can write almost any genre.
The reason I picked this one back up was well, I remembered it to be one of my favorite romances. Not sure why. I was in high school. The thought occured to me that my problem with most romances is that I read the innevitable "love scenes" and think, "that is so not what sex is like." At least no sex I've had. Maybe I'm not having sex the right way. But whatever. No novel I've come across mentions how messy sex is. They don't give a fair description of the lover that can last all night but is doing absolutely nothing for you. No fakers of orgasms in romance novels. All the men are trained professionals in multi-orgasmic experiances. [so not real]. I need to meet a multi-orgasmic man. And the multi-orgasmic experiances are during intercourse, romance novels add the oral and hand jobs as bonus. Like I said, I would be much chipper if I had this much of an accomidating man.
Esme is by far my favorite character. Why I've picked a five year old as my favorite. Cause she is that little girl in the mall, who says cute things, that you look at her and think, "I want one like that." The effect she has on Rocket is adorable, he's a marine for god's sake... been up against the worst that none of us will see... but this tiny little girl scares the crap out of him.
All in all, I'll keep it on my shelf to pick up in a few years. Maybe by then I will have had some mind blowing, multi-orgasmic sex and can appreciate an above average male ego. It is odd how time can alter your opinion of a book, movie, or song. [just plain crazy]
Semper Fi Scream : mediocre romance
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