Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: A Sudanese immigrant recalls his life as a child soldier and his struggle to escape his past.
I know I have trouble with non linear books, but I found myself going, "What? What? What?"
When I wasn't cringing at the descriptions of brutality, I was sighing over human stupidity and Valentine's naivety. I sure there have to be better books of child soldiers and immigrants.
I also don't care for Eggers' writing style and that fact that this is a "fictionalized autobiography" much in the vein in James Frey, well, either be fiction or non-fiction, not that amorphous category that is neither.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Replay by Ken Grimwood
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: A journalist gets to repeat his life over and over again.
On the third week of October 1988, journalist Jeff Winston dies of a heart attack in the middle of a droning conversation with his wife and “wakes up” alive at age 19, back in his old college dorm room in 1963. He realizes he must now replay the next 25 years of his life. A few smart sporting wagers and 12 million dollars later, Jeff thinks he is set for life. Until he dies again on the same third week in October in 1988. And again and again and again.
As Jeff replays his lives, he encounters his wife Linda in many forms and many different ways. Jeff uses his journalist’s knowledge of major newsworthy events to make slight alterations in his favor and plays a major role in the Kennedy assassination, with surprising results. Careless conversation where Jeff inadvertently tells the future are giggle-inducing while the birth of Jeff’s daughter inspires Jeff lives out all the various permutations that readers would expect: successful financial decisions, sexual abandon and drug use, isolation in the woods, scientific exploration, meditation. Until one day in one of his lives, he meets Pamela, another replayer.
While this is a fantastical (yet philosophical) thriller, it is also a romance, as Jeff experiences the joy of being with someone who truly understands him.
Jeff and Pamela enjoy the rest of their lives together, until that same third week in October in 1988. They find each other again, though at different points and with different memories. Why are they replaying? Will it end? What’s the point of it all?
Replay is for anyone who has wondered about our purpose, our paths, our choices as humans. But it’s also great fiction. Easy to read, well-written and perfect for a book club as it will spark hours of “what if” conversation.
Summary: A journalist gets to repeat his life over and over again.
On the third week of October 1988, journalist Jeff Winston dies of a heart attack in the middle of a droning conversation with his wife and “wakes up” alive at age 19, back in his old college dorm room in 1963. He realizes he must now replay the next 25 years of his life. A few smart sporting wagers and 12 million dollars later, Jeff thinks he is set for life. Until he dies again on the same third week in October in 1988. And again and again and again.
As Jeff replays his lives, he encounters his wife Linda in many forms and many different ways. Jeff uses his journalist’s knowledge of major newsworthy events to make slight alterations in his favor and plays a major role in the Kennedy assassination, with surprising results. Careless conversation where Jeff inadvertently tells the future are giggle-inducing while the birth of Jeff’s daughter inspires Jeff lives out all the various permutations that readers would expect: successful financial decisions, sexual abandon and drug use, isolation in the woods, scientific exploration, meditation. Until one day in one of his lives, he meets Pamela, another replayer.
While this is a fantastical (yet philosophical) thriller, it is also a romance, as Jeff experiences the joy of being with someone who truly understands him.
Jeff and Pamela enjoy the rest of their lives together, until that same third week in October in 1988. They find each other again, though at different points and with different memories. Why are they replaying? Will it end? What’s the point of it all?
Replay is for anyone who has wondered about our purpose, our paths, our choices as humans. But it’s also great fiction. Easy to read, well-written and perfect for a book club as it will spark hours of “what if” conversation.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia by Chris Stewart
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: An American buys a house in South America and wants to live there while maintaining American standards.
Lacking the charm and delight that A Year in Provence
had, this book seemed comically stupid. I couldn't finish it because I didn't care enough about the author to hope anything turned out for him. The last thing we need is an American buffoon mocking the traditions and slower-paced life of other countries.
Summary: An American buys a house in South America and wants to live there while maintaining American standards.
Lacking the charm and delight that A Year in Provence
had, this book seemed comically stupid. I couldn't finish it because I didn't care enough about the author to hope anything turned out for him. The last thing we need is an American buffoon mocking the traditions and slower-paced life of other countries.Friday, February 19, 2010
An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: A woman remembers her stillborn baby and her grief while carrying her second child.
Wow. I expected to be moved to tears by a woman writing of her stillborn child's birth. Instead I was bored to tears. Where was the pathos, the pain, the anguish, the joy crushed? I've never read anything by the author and I never want to. I've read ads more interesting than this book.
A big disappointment. I know you're thinking, "Clare, the woman's baby dies! This is supposed to be a good story?" But I've read tragedies that moved me - The Shiniest Jewel
, for example is one of the best stories about adoption you will ever read - and I've read boring mommy blogs - you are the best thing that ever happened to me I love you so much yada yada- and both were far more compelling than this book
Summary: A woman remembers her stillborn baby and her grief while carrying her second child.
Wow. I expected to be moved to tears by a woman writing of her stillborn child's birth. Instead I was bored to tears. Where was the pathos, the pain, the anguish, the joy crushed? I've never read anything by the author and I never want to. I've read ads more interesting than this book.
A big disappointment. I know you're thinking, "Clare, the woman's baby dies! This is supposed to be a good story?" But I've read tragedies that moved me - The Shiniest Jewel
, for example is one of the best stories about adoption you will ever read - and I've read boring mommy blogs - you are the best thing that ever happened to me I love you so much yada yada- and both were far more compelling than this book
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: A Southern chef gives up on love to focus on her career but finds love with her rival.
French Silk Pie tastes like “Deep Dish” reads - Sweet, delicious and best in small servings.
Adrift local celebrity chef Gina Foxton seizes an opportunity to leave her cheating manager/boyfriend and claustrophobic life behind her when the Cooking Channel invites her to compete for their newest show. Her competition is uber-manly, and gorgeous, Tate Moody, your basic backyard grilling guy, complete with hound dog named Moonpie.
The Cooking Channel contrives typical reality show challenges, but the real challenge for Gina is figuring out what she wants, what she needs, and how to get it. Toss in some homespun Southern sayings, a recipe I can’t wait to try, and writing with depth and heart and you have “Deep Dish.” This book offers no surprises, but serves up exactly what you are looking for – a light, fun romance.
Now the comparisons: The sexual tension between Gina and Tate is delightful whipped cream, even if some of the characters seem too clichéd or fluffy to be real. While we do root for Gina, we can’t help but wince at her crustiness, even as we understand it. Tate reveals himself to be a savvy, nuanced man, like espresso powder added to chocolate filling. Gina’s sister Lisa and Tate’s assistant Val are the chocolate curls, adding drama and appeal.
Enjoy “Deep Dish.”
Summary: A Southern chef gives up on love to focus on her career but finds love with her rival.
French Silk Pie tastes like “Deep Dish” reads - Sweet, delicious and best in small servings.
Adrift local celebrity chef Gina Foxton seizes an opportunity to leave her cheating manager/boyfriend and claustrophobic life behind her when the Cooking Channel invites her to compete for their newest show. Her competition is uber-manly, and gorgeous, Tate Moody, your basic backyard grilling guy, complete with hound dog named Moonpie.
The Cooking Channel contrives typical reality show challenges, but the real challenge for Gina is figuring out what she wants, what she needs, and how to get it. Toss in some homespun Southern sayings, a recipe I can’t wait to try, and writing with depth and heart and you have “Deep Dish.” This book offers no surprises, but serves up exactly what you are looking for – a light, fun romance.
Now the comparisons: The sexual tension between Gina and Tate is delightful whipped cream, even if some of the characters seem too clichéd or fluffy to be real. While we do root for Gina, we can’t help but wince at her crustiness, even as we understand it. Tate reveals himself to be a savvy, nuanced man, like espresso powder added to chocolate filling. Gina’s sister Lisa and Tate’s assistant Val are the chocolate curls, adding drama and appeal.
Enjoy “Deep Dish.”
Eve: A Novel of the First Woman by Elissa Elliott
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: Adam and Eve's life in and after the Garden of Eden told as a family novel.
An ambitious novel, laudable in the attempt, if not the execution. "Eve" tells the story of Adam and Eve, and their marriage and family. I most identified with Eve during her marital struggles with Adam. Yes, it's true, even the first woman had trouble getting the first man to understand what she really wanted. The honest, conflicted reflection after Adam barters away Eve's garden belongs in a Dr. Phil session. I found this novel poorly written, with often too much detail, erratic and confusing timelines, and underdeveloped characters. I wanted to like it, but there are too many fascinating novels about Biblical times for me to recommend this.
Read Mary, Called Magdalene
or The Red Tent
or even Lamb
before this.
Summary: Adam and Eve's life in and after the Garden of Eden told as a family novel.
An ambitious novel, laudable in the attempt, if not the execution. "Eve" tells the story of Adam and Eve, and their marriage and family. I most identified with Eve during her marital struggles with Adam. Yes, it's true, even the first woman had trouble getting the first man to understand what she really wanted. The honest, conflicted reflection after Adam barters away Eve's garden belongs in a Dr. Phil session. I found this novel poorly written, with often too much detail, erratic and confusing timelines, and underdeveloped characters. I wanted to like it, but there are too many fascinating novels about Biblical times for me to recommend this.
Read Mary, Called Magdalene
or The Red Tent or even Lamb before this.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Julie & Julia - 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell
Please note: Links pointing to Amazon contain my affiliate ID. Sales resulting from clicks on those links will earn me a percentage of the purchase price. So buy and read now!
Summary: An underemployed woman named Julie attempts to cook Julia Childs' food and blogs about it.
Julie Powell is not the first person to compare sex and food, and thankfully, she won’t be the last. In this self-absorbed blog-turned-book, Julie Powell, a self-described government drone, needs a project to make her life a little more interesting and give it some (or any) meaning – she’s really not sure. (Someone asked George Mallory "Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?" to which he famously replied, "Because it is there." Same philosophy here.)
Julie sets out to cook all or most of the recipes in Julia Child’s iconic cook book Mastering the Art of French Cooking
in one year. Small New York apartment, challenging recipes, supportive beleaguered husband, a hunt for rare or unusual ingredients interspersed with fictional glimpses of Julia Child’s life – you can see why the Julie/Julia Project would seem intriguing to readers. An exciting premise certainly, but a poorly-written book. Perhaps that’s why Julie and Julia is now a movie starring Amy Adams. Hollywood certainly will improve on the book – tightening up the pointless details, the endless segues and making us care about Powell and her project more.
Powell’s not a good writer, just as many bloggers are not. (There are so many better memoirs out there I wondered how this even got published.) The inane minutia of her childhood and life leave readers exhausted and hoping she’ll get to the point – or any point, really. And the constant pop culture references? Yawn. Okay, already – we know you grew up in the 70s; you watched a lot of TV; you have a crush on Jason Bateman. I kept waiting for the Teen Wolf reference. Powell’s like that friend who only wants to tell you about everything that’s going wrong in her life and needs you as a friend only so she has someone to complain to. Sigh.
The book does have some bright spots. When Powell talks about her friends, you can feel the love and affection she has for them – that’s also when the strongest writing comes out. Her co-worker’s IM trysts with a married man are hysterical as is the co-worker’s ultimate reason for breaking up with him. And while I personally wouldn’t compare liver to sensational sex as Powell does, it made a giggling discussion for my book club as we picked a food that compared to sex with our husbands.
Powell’s blog readers – or “bleaders” – express many of the feelings that readers of this book will have: “Enough already” (referring to aspics) or “Don’t give up,” (referring to lobsters).
Powell also changes the cooking rules recommended by Julia Child when it suits her – substituting tomato paste for seeded, diced, crushed tomatoes when she feels like it but spending hours making mayonnaise. There was no explanation of why she had to follow exactly some of Child’s recommendations for ingredients or why she “cheated” with other ingredients – and don’t forget that Powell explains everything.
If you like reading blogs instead of books, and know a little about cooking but don’t really care, you will likely enjoy this book.
Summary: An underemployed woman named Julie attempts to cook Julia Childs' food and blogs about it.
Julie Powell is not the first person to compare sex and food, and thankfully, she won’t be the last. In this self-absorbed blog-turned-book, Julie Powell, a self-described government drone, needs a project to make her life a little more interesting and give it some (or any) meaning – she’s really not sure. (Someone asked George Mallory "Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?" to which he famously replied, "Because it is there." Same philosophy here.)
Julie sets out to cook all or most of the recipes in Julia Child’s iconic cook book Mastering the Art of French Cooking
in one year. Small New York apartment, challenging recipes, supportive beleaguered husband, a hunt for rare or unusual ingredients interspersed with fictional glimpses of Julia Child’s life – you can see why the Julie/Julia Project would seem intriguing to readers. An exciting premise certainly, but a poorly-written book. Perhaps that’s why Julie and Julia is now a movie starring Amy Adams. Hollywood certainly will improve on the book – tightening up the pointless details, the endless segues and making us care about Powell and her project more.Powell’s not a good writer, just as many bloggers are not. (There are so many better memoirs out there I wondered how this even got published.) The inane minutia of her childhood and life leave readers exhausted and hoping she’ll get to the point – or any point, really. And the constant pop culture references? Yawn. Okay, already – we know you grew up in the 70s; you watched a lot of TV; you have a crush on Jason Bateman. I kept waiting for the Teen Wolf reference. Powell’s like that friend who only wants to tell you about everything that’s going wrong in her life and needs you as a friend only so she has someone to complain to. Sigh.
The book does have some bright spots. When Powell talks about her friends, you can feel the love and affection she has for them – that’s also when the strongest writing comes out. Her co-worker’s IM trysts with a married man are hysterical as is the co-worker’s ultimate reason for breaking up with him. And while I personally wouldn’t compare liver to sensational sex as Powell does, it made a giggling discussion for my book club as we picked a food that compared to sex with our husbands.
Powell’s blog readers – or “bleaders” – express many of the feelings that readers of this book will have: “Enough already” (referring to aspics) or “Don’t give up,” (referring to lobsters).
Powell also changes the cooking rules recommended by Julia Child when it suits her – substituting tomato paste for seeded, diced, crushed tomatoes when she feels like it but spending hours making mayonnaise. There was no explanation of why she had to follow exactly some of Child’s recommendations for ingredients or why she “cheated” with other ingredients – and don’t forget that Powell explains everything.
If you like reading blogs instead of books, and know a little about cooking but don’t really care, you will likely enjoy this book.
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