Judging a Book by its Cover

25 Days: San Francisco and The Canyon

2011-08-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

25 Days: San Francisco and The Canyon: Joyce in The Canyon.
It is a beautiful sunny day and I am going to meet Joyce outside the Glen Park BART station without a clue as to ...

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

2011-08-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

By: Rebecca Skloot 4.5/5

WOW what a story, what an unbelievable turn of events! First and foremost, I feel that in my days as a student I have heard about HeLa, but never, like many thought anything about it. No one tells you what these cells are, no one questions anything that professors tell you to take for granted – except Rebecca Skloot.

Ms. Skloot works for years - after first hearing about HeLa cells in her class – to get to the bottom of the story. She explores the story of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman in the 1950s whose cervical cancerous cells were taken (the norm at the time). She explores the roles proprietary laws of one’s own from the 1950s to today.

I learned all sorts of information, including the horribleness of medical life for African Americans in the 1950s.

SPOILER ALERT

I found Deborah, no matter what tragedies she had, to be selfish and self pitying, the same with the rest of the family. They are not the only ones with problems, and issues and it happened. To be rude and to stay uneducated about a subject is LAZY. If the family felt wronged, they should have worked themselves to be better educated on the subject. Yes there are circumstances, lack of money, but even in the 90s there are non-profits and government agencies that can help.

I found family to be unappreciative of anyone who is trying to do something good, like the ladies group and their ignorance and lack of desire to get past that disgusting. This is not to take away from the fact that the family was wronged – due to practices of the time. This is not to ignore the fact of lack of information and miscommunication on the cells, or the fact the story is truly phenomenal and changed the science world completely.

I loved learning how HIPPA came into play, and how different government agencies came about. I love to know where we are today with science and the role that we, all individuals play. How do I feel about a database of my blood somewhere that they might or might not test diseases on me? I don’t know.

Great book for a discussion group.

Four to Score

2011-06-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

By: Janet Evanovich 4.5/5

Finding Maxine has proved to be difficult. First she sends very cryptic silly clues that lead from one Clue to the other, and I am working with her arrogant, but not bad looking, ex boyfriend of hers. Things of course turn deadly as one of my points of contact is found dead, her friend lost a finger and her mother was scalped. Stephanie Plum has a new car, which she manages to get blown up along with another car, her apartment gets torched and has the sexiest scene we have seen in books with Joe Morelli!

We are introduced to Sally, the sexy cross dresser and code de-coder extraordinaire, with the help of Granda Mazur, Sally, Lula and of course Ranger and Joe Morelli can Stephanie find Maxine before it is too late?

The Hunger Games

2011-06-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

By: Suzzane Collins 5/5

The distopia future of the United States, after an uprising against the government control, cities where closed off and forced under a strict regime. There were 13 separate “Districts” though the 13th was over taken by the government as a show to the other 12 to instill fear in the people. This is the story of a world where youth between the ages of 10 – 18 in each of those 12 districts get chosen to fight to the death in the Capitol city as a show that is broadcast nationally.

Thus is the story of Katniss, the girl who is running her family of her mother and her younger and fragile sister. Katniss is a hunter, more specifically a bow and arrow hunter that she learned from her dad. Katniss chooses to go, which is a rarity on its own, instead of her young and fragile sister. From her district the boy that is chosen is Peeta a boy that Katniss knew from her class.

They go to the State of Panem and are given an entourage that makes them ready for opening ceremonies, and they are a hit. They are paired together, given interviews and given coaching by the District 11 town drunk. They are entered into the staging area of the games that is controlled by a board, and it is every man for himself… or is it?

Surviving is the name of the game, and it is truly based on what human race can do to live. There are bonds that are made that are meant to be broken… and what can Katniss do… killing a human is much different than killing an animal? Or is it?

These games push people to their brink, those that have been training their whole lives from Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 as Careers to those that had no other choice… like Rue. There are friendships that get formed and lies, and struggle.

This books makes us question what we are capable of doing when your life is on the line… it makes us question how much power can the government have, and will this be the end of society that we know. The society that is so based on multi media they can not function. The society of different levels…. Follow Katniss in her struggle for survival and what she does in The Hunger Games.

Three to Get Deadly

2011-06-22T15:40:00.002-08:00

By: Janet Evanovich 4.5/5

This time Stephanie is out to get the local “Uncle Mo” who owns a candy shop. Turns out it is not so easy as she almost gets kill while breaking and entering in said candy shop. As it turns out, much like her life, she gets involved in another serious case!

Grandma Mazur is there to help, and Stephanie decides she needs a make over. Stephanie is establishing herself and her name as a bounty hunter especially after catching Kenny Mancuso and Joe Morelli. This time she has more friends and has new tactics under her belt, but no loaded gun.

Two for the Dough

2011-06-22T15:39:00.002-08:00

By: Janet Evanovich 4.5/5

Stephanie is off on another adventure, this time to capture Kenny Mancuso who skipped bail after shooting his co-worker in the leg. In the meantime more people show up dead and missing. Stephanie gets herself mixed up again in a larger case that the Police Department and the Feds had been trying to track down. There is an investigation on stolen weapons from an Army Base that Kenny Mancuso used to be stationed at.

With the help of ex-prostitute Lula, now sidekick to Stephanie, crazy Grandma Mazur who has a fascination for dead people and funeral parlors, and of course the two leading men in Stephanie’s life Ranger and Morelli, can Stephanie keep herself alive.

One for the Money

2011-06-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

By: Janet Evanovich 4.5/5

Set in the smoggy backdrop of New Jersey we meet, Stephanie Plum, a late 20s, early 30s honest, haphazzard, and ecclectic girl with a hamster. We meet Stephanie's crazy family, including Grandma Mazur who is by far the best comedic relief since the nurse in Romeo and Juliet. Stephanie used to be a buyer in women’s lingerie and the job went kaput… so she blackmails herself a job with cousin Vinny. Cousin Vinny owns the Vinny Plum Bonds Company and she is working on the biggest case yet, capturing Joe Morelli the cop. Stephanie wants Morelli for multiple reasons, not just the $10,000 bond that he is worth, but he is the guy who took her virginity and was “the one that got away”.

Through many turn of events, and funny accolades we learn how Stephanie Plum does on her first FTA that jumped bail… and she goes on to uncover a larger crime than just a cop that is running away from the law.

The Help

2011-05-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Kathryn Stockette 4.7/5

Well I have to say best character is Cecila! I really didenjoy this book. I didn’t know what it was about, and had I read the back coverI would have been a little more aware. Taking place in 1962, during the“separate but equal” era, it was in a southern voice and from the perspective ofthe black female. Great perspective on the views of what it must have been liketo be a maid in Mississippi during that time.

There are of course many colorful characters, from thedoughty Elizabeth Leefolt, to the haughty Hilly Holbrook, to the smart andingenious Eugena “Skeeter” Phelan, and of course the two main voices AbileenBates, and Minny!

It is very moving to see the relationships between women andthen the relationships between white women and women of color. There were manyfunny parts, including the pie, the toilet scenes (toilets take on a huge themin this book), and of course the whole Ceclia mess!

I would 100% recommend this book. I bet this would be agreat high school reading book.

Oh No We're Going to Die

2011-05-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

3.5/5

Typical Alaskan Book, where a true blooded Alaskan, Bob Bell, gives you his stories of the great outdoors of Alaska. No one can doubt how much Bob Bell loves this state, and how much he appreciates nature. He is the rough and tough kind of guy, the Cessna flying, shot gun carrying, quirky and funny guy!

I really enjoyed reading this book, even if the book is written in the story telling way, where you feel like you are reading his mind, verse a book. Once you get past the style of writing, you enjoy the beauty of his stories. From being surrounded by 8 bears in the woods at night with his shot gun in the tent, to doing water skiing off a canoe with a salmon (my favorite)!

It also is a reality of how harsh Alaska can be, no one seams to believe that just beyond the boarders of Anchorage is a vast wilderness that will KILL you. Alaska the almighty state has taken many and is always trying to add more to her list. Bob Bell had many close encounters and he shares those with funny anecdotes and a serious underlining warning of the Alaskan Outdoors.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

2011-04-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

By: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows 4/5

On the Story:
Interesting story, unexpected in the nature of the topic (I would have known if I read the back -YES). I give this book the 4 stars because maybe I am tired of the WWII stories. For a while in the late1990s there was a huge move to put out many books and movies with the same topic. I am not dismissing the importance of the topic and the gruesome things that happened.

This book has many interesting characters, and unexpectedly is written in letters back and forth. Juliet and her alter ego Izzy are the main writers of the story, focusing on her friendship with the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. The main draw is Juliet's stay on the island to write a book on reading during the Nazi occupation of the British Guernsey Islands. Here she meets fantastic characters: Isola - the looney postion maker, Dawsey- the silent brooding guy, Ameilia - the older motherly figure, Kit, and most importantly Elizabeth.

There are other characters, such as Sydney and Sophie and Mark, and they all play an integral part of the story at large. So why place the story on the island? Yes historical fiction, and learning about an occupation that you don't hear very much of. This I appreciated than stories in Berlin or the French occupation. I also think that the book setting made the war feel differently, and it was a different war for those people - or at least I can assume. There were different interactions between the islanders and Nazis. Can anyone truly imagine the isolation of that island and the unrest of not knowing? Is that any different than any other country and their lack of communication during the war.

This book is unlike other books, because maybe it is not as harsh, it certainly has humor in it, including the pig roast and the two drinking buddies story.

So what is the author trying to say?!?!!? Was it easier to write the story in letter form so that you can get a better sense of each individual's belief and background? Maybe.... I feel like I know Juliet better because it is from her own hand that I am reading. I feel like understand Elizabeth's character because of how everyone viewed her. What if in the truth, Elizabeth was a conniving person that wanted to use everyone and it was her appearance that the islanders really knew. We never know.

The ending... yes it was like many fictional books and I wished it had more more real.

SPOILER ALERT.

I wish she didn't get with Dawsey and have Kit as her own kid. It would have been more real if she and Mark got married and he whisked her off to America. I feel like life is harsh and it shouldn't not have ended as such a happy fairy tale.

Water for Elephants

2011-03-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Sara Gruen 4.5/5

Yes a truly amazing book just like everyone says. Thebeautiful story of life on the road, of a smart elephant (and they are), of atoothless lion, a boy that becomes a man, a Romanian acrobat, and the harshrealities of the circus during The Great Depression.

Marlena, the delicate; Jacob the boy and Rosie the wonderfulpachyderm. This book is harsh, and at the same time I think it romanticizes thelife of the circus. It was a hard life, that people didn’t see behind thecurtains. I learned that the circus also had a prostitution ring.

I did know the ending but you became very close to thecharacters, so much so that you can feel what they were feeling. I guess thatis what a great book is considered. I do have so say “Modoc: The World’sGreatest Elephant” was significantly better because I am a non-fiction reader.

A Piece of Cake

2011-03-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

By: Cupcake Brown 4.5/5

The not so sweet story of La’Vette to those she hated,Cupcake to those she loved.

Taking place in the 1970s, Cup was forced into foster carethat age of 11 due to the death of her mother. At the age of 11, Cupcake losther child hood and became part of the system.

While this book really is reminiscent of “White Oleander”,there are comparisons that would never happen. There is a racial undertone tothe book, as well as unbelievable positive ending with a great message ofloving yourself.

Cup endures every hardship there is out there, gangviolence, drug abuse, rape, prostitution, racism, battery and more.

This is a not a book for the feign of heart!

Wicked... Again

2011-01-25T14:36:00.000-09:00

By: Gregory Maguire.... 5++++

I was a little apprehensive to reread this book again, having enjoyed it so much the first time. What if this time, I found flaws in it that would make me not like it? What if I had a different state of mind and didn't enjoy it as much? And most importantly, what if I misread all those things on evil and religion as the sub-connotation of the book?

Well guess what, it was even better this time around... I feel I even understood all those foreshadowing events. It opened my eyes to better understanding the characters, and the links between them, because I wasn't rushing to finish to see the ending of the book.

I absolutely adore Elphie, Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West! I feel that she is easily understood especially in our society today. She can be viewed as anyone of the people that we see in today's world. Upset by racial injustice of her skin color, being reprimanded because of her choice on religious beliefs, scorned by love, a politico, and finally rejected by friendship, made her into the antisocial hardened female that she became.

Do I think Elphie is evil, obviously not, as I like to use the endearing terms. I think life kicked her down, and she kept fighting. I found her strong to her beliefs, I found her amazing to fight for the Animals, when they were to 'lower" race... I wish I could be as strong to fight for something that I can 100% believe in. Was she a terrorist? I don't know if Elphie did anything that was considered a terrorist act, and she never went through with the presumed bombing of Madam Morrible. Had she... I believe it would be a completely different story. Though in light of the terrorist attacks in AZ, it is hard to put Elphie in the same category as a hero, one to admire for her strong political beliefs against Animal cruelty.

The Wicked Witch of the West has always had a stigma, one of evil, that in our fairy tales made us fear her. This books changes that perspective and makes you wonder what is the true meaning of evil? Was Elphaba born evil? The first questions has been debated upon for many years in our world. What is the root of evil? Is it always based on religion and the devil? I can't start to begin where does evil lie and where it comes from, but I don't think the Elphie was born evil, she was born different and that doesn't mean evil. She "became" the WITCH so that she can create a self protection bubble against the cruel outside world. Why shouldn't she go with the gossip of evil. Nessarose was significantly harsher of a person and dictator than Elphaba and for that matter Galinda/Glinda with all the pretending of being better than most.

So why do people after reading this book still hate Elphaba? She loved her sister, even if it was tainted with a hint of jealousy of the love Frex had for her? She truly loved Fiyero, not her fault he is cheating on her; she loved her Nanny, especially when Nanny showed up at Kiamo Ko; she learned to care for Sarima, even if Sarima would not listen to her; and these qualities really humanized her.

THE WORLD OF OZ
The world is truly magical, from talking Animals vs animals, to magic shoes, and spells and flying monkeys. There are many mirror images of Oz to today's America. Where do we draw the line of cruelty between Animals and animals? Is it because one can talk vs the other who can't? How about the parallels between the social classes of Oz; Munchkin Land Middle Class, Lower class Glikkun, the Outcasts of Vinkus, and the Nomads the Scrow; Compared to: Racial separations in America? Can that still not be seen even in 2011? The religious strife of the Unnamed God vs the Lurlainists vs the pleasure faith; Compared to: Christianity; Judaism and the Muslim faith. Can't the Muslims see Christians as pleasure faithfuls drinking and yes sex before marriage? Can't Christians looks at Jews and say they are crazy waiting for their Lurlina to come out?

This books brings about astounding resemblance between Emerald City and Nazism, as it was. The Gale Force and the saluting and how Elphaba fought against taking that control of her hometown of Cowlen grounds. And even furthur back with sexism in the schools and keeping it seperate, the difference of materials that were available to the girls as Shiz vs the guys at the school.
And lastly and most obvious the blatant racism of Animals and colored people like Fiyero, Elphaba and Turtle Heart.

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book the second time around. This makes me curious if Son of a Witch will be better the second time around as I didn't think it was very good.

2011 Challenge List

2010-12-28T15:01:00.000-09:00

So for the 2010 Challenge List I completed 7 of the 18 books I wanted to read. Here it is for everyone to keep track.

	2011 Challenge List
1	White Fang By: Jack London
2	Hoodwinked
3	Finding Alaska
4	Notes From a Small Island By: Bill Bryson
5	The Crimson Petal and The White By: Michel Faber
6	The Life of Pi
7	The Red Tent
8	A Piece of Cake
9	Little Women
10	The Way of Zen
11	One for the Money
12	Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs
	Replacements
13	Water for Elphants
14	Humbolts Gift
15	Atonement
16	Oh No We're Gonna Die
17	The Te of Piglet

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

2010-12-28T14:36:00.000-09:00

By: Stieg Larson 5/5

This was by far the most intriguing of all of the Trilogy of books. I believe this one was the most intertwined mess of characters. You never knew who had the upper hand. As the second books ends with not knowing what happens with our heroine, Lisbeth Salander, this one takes you through the continuation of the story.

The story has those same characters from books one, such as Erika Berger and Mikael Blomkvist and their crew at Millenium, though adding fantastic characters such as Zalachenko, Monica, Edklinth, and over 20 others. Your hands feel bound during this book, as Lisbeth can't do anything to help her out, and you watch the next move of the characters to see how they are willing to act and what they are going to do next.

This book unlike "The Girl Who Played With Fire" wasn't as disturbing in that sense. It follows much of the current history of Sweden, and places in Stockholm, but it is not nearly as disturbing. It is however a political discussion, which I can not comment on, having not ever paid attention to Swedish politics.

The ending, well you feel good about the ending, with of course one last and surprising twist and turn! I feel highly satisfied after having read this book. I also feel like I would have read this book much faster if I had had the time to read it.

Great!

The Girl Who Played with Fire

2010-11-30T13:14:00.000-09:00

By: Stieg Larson 5/5

So the drama continues, we keep delving deeper into thelives of Mikael and Lisbeth as 2 gruesome murders happen, and one that most don’tmind. Lisbeth seems a lot more mortal in this book, and Mikael becomes a biggerhero. This book seems to be even more disturbing than the first one, and Ibelieve the 3^rd book will even out do this one. It does leave youhanging and wanting to know more, which is why my next stop after work is TitleWave books to buy the book second hand and hardcover because Iwant to read it so badly.

I love how capturing and enthralling these books seem to be,and enjoy reading what happens next in ever part of the books. The charactersare so well formed, sometimes there are so many well formed characters that youassume they would have a bigger role in the whole plot of the story. Way to goLarson! Can’t wait to crack open the next one!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2010-11-25T14:31:00.001-09:00

By: Stieg Larson 5/5

What a surprisingly great book to read. A historical mystery located in Sweden where you meet Lisbeth Salander and Kalle Blomkovist. A twisting turning plot of the Vander family where you explore a family tree that is interconnected and full of mysteries. Of course the two main character's paths meet, together they solve the mystery of Harriet Vander.

Lisbeth is a little tiny weird girl, that while taciturn she can say a lot with her facial expressions, Blomkovist is a ex-writer for the financial expose magazine Millennium, until he find a proposition that he can not turn down. So he ends up in Hedeby solving a 36 year old mystery.

Sea of Poppies

2010-11-16T10:15:00.000-09:00

By: Amitav Gosh 4/5

A little confused. This is how I feel after finishing thelast sentence of the last page of the last chapter. Did I miss something?Though like I always, I realized after I completed the book that there was aglossary for all the words that I didn’t know.

Sea of Poppies is a lot of little stories and backgrounds ofcharacters that come together in the very end, on the mystical journey on the Ibis a grand ship sailing from Calcutta,India to the Muarice Islands. Thisbook takes you on a journey of a lexicon of words I had never heard of before.Fantastic. It also bears to mention that this is the first of a trilogy sotherefore that might have a reason for the ending the way that it did.

This is the story of Paulette, une petite coquette fille;Deeti the housewife that finds love with a coolie; of Jodu the boy that maturesand finds love; Neel the educated Zemindar who has been over thrown by thepowerful Benjamin Burnham. This book takes place around 1830s, when India wasstill under British rule, where Opium was the daily life of everyone and theonly source of living. Though with China closing off the boarders of opiumtrade, the new import from India were slaves.

The Ibis turnedinto a ship for indentured servants. This is where the characters findthemselves intertwined. It is certainly the story of loss, in each and everyone of the Characters, Jodu, Paulette, Kalua, Neel, Zachary, Mr. Crowle; andeveryone else on that ship. It shows how much a person can stand, how much canone endure and how life, even limited, can find a sliver of happiness.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books whichthe next one comes out at the end of 2010!

Possible Spoiler

The things I don’t understand are Baboo, he is a hijrah,what is his ultimate goal in life? And what is the thing that I missed aboutthe eyes?!?!

Shanghai Girls

2010-11-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

By: Lisa See 5/5

Lisa See of course does it again! Loved loved loved the bookthat kept me engulfed in the story of Pearl and May the two sisters that findtheir way to America.

WOW!

Lisa See has to have a deep understanding of women’s bonds,and especially of sister bonds. She did her research and worked hard to portraythe trials and the difficulties experienced by Chinese during those times.Every moment of the book had been in that place and that time, and there wasnever a dull moment.

The descriptions of China and the process to that broughtthem to America was so heartfelt and endearing, that I could almost feelphysical pain from reading all those descriptions.

As an immigrant myself, I can understand the torment ofkeeping traditions and wanting a new life. I was more like Joy, than Pearl orMay, as I came to America young, but I can see the struggles that my motherfaced trying to deal with a new way of thinking and holding on those thingsthat were most dear. Another similarity is the communism factor, we ran awayfrom it too, to a country of opportunity, the difference was that our facesdidn’t betray us right away, the racism wasn’t as hard as the Louie family had.That is not to say that we didn’t experience racism.

Love the book and I am glad that Lisa See wrote it, as Peonyin Love wasn’t nearly as good as Shanghai Girls or Snowflower and the SecretFan!

Dracula

2010-11-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

By: Bram Stoker 4/5

This book has had a daunting pressure on me to read as it isone: considered one of the classic must reads and two: as a Romanian you mustread what it portrays us as.

The last pressure is probably the greatest as I am a formerdescendant of Vlad Tepes aka the former ruler of Romania, aka Dracula. Sobefore going into my dialogue on Dracula the book a little Romanian history.

Vlad Tepes as a fierce ruler and was also known as Vlad theImpaler for his very industrious techniques in impaling the know Turkies peoplewhen invading his land. He ruled from 1456 to about 1462 at the age of only 25!He was tough and as soon as he got his hands on a TURK he killed him, took hisbody and put a stake through their bodies and put the stakes on the street,where bodies would line the streets. This technique didn’t only apply this tothe invaders, but to his own people that stole, raped, lied and weretreacherous. During his rule, a money bag could be found on the street and noone would pick it up for fear of being considered a stealer. This is how heearned his name … Dracula. The name derives from dracu which in Romanian meansdevil, and the –ula at the end is assigning the devil name to him.

This bring us to Brahm Stoker many many many years laterwhen he wrote Dracula in 1897, almost 435 years later than Vlad Tepes. Uponhearing of the devilish and romanticized Transylvania (which coincidently iswhere I am from), he wanted to set a book on it. So he wrote Dracula. Stoker did well in researchingthis book and the beliefs of the time, especially because rumor still followedin the late 1800s. So upon reading the book I was pleasantly surprised to hearthe names of the towns from my childhood, and the descriptions of the land which were very vivid and accurateeven though Stoker never went to Transylvania himself. The descriptions of theCarpatheians (Carpati) Mountainswere wonderful. This book must have sent chills to people reading it at thetime. It is filled with awe and with the darks beliefs of devils and religion. So my expectation in reading the bookwas that I would be terrified to the core!

Not so… It was amusing, it was a nice story but did itterrify NO! That might be in part one, I was listening to it on audio, and two,that in today’s society what we fear is very different than based on thereligious superstitious of those days. The very beginning was great where Jonathon Hawker’s story, though Ithink it dwindled because there was a lot that just didn’t captivate me, andthat again might be in part due to audio. The story does pick up again and youbecome engrossed in the ploy of the book, and Dracula’s play.

Things that I found interesting is that they called Draculaa count, and they didn’t say the name Dracula till the very end.

SPOILER

I don’t know if Vlad Tepes is buried in a grave that islabeled Dracula, but it might have been possible that the Romanian Orthodoxwould have buried him in a Christian way and named the grave as that. According to Wikipedia “He was takenback to Wallachia and buried. In the early 1900's Vlad was unburied forresearch. The researchers found nothing. Remains were found around his grave,and was thought to be the prince's remains. He was reburied and then left. Whenanother dig took place years later, his grave was found destroyed and noremains were found.[17] The other theory is that Vlad is buried at Snagov, an island monasterylocated near Bucharest”. From childhood I feel like I remember visiting bothgrave site possibilities with the first one being very well gated.

Basic Black

2010-10-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

By: Cathie Black 4/5

Not so much a how to book, but a self reflection on thesubtleties of the work place. Cathie Black is President and CEO of HearstMagazines, which include Oprah, Cosmo, Cosmo Girl, and a ton of others. Shetalks about her work life throughout the years… from graduating college andexpectations in the work place to her life now and how she got there.

One of my favorite stories includes her roommate and thedifference of being told what to do specifically and knowing yourself what isexpected of you. While your job and your boss can explain things, there is apoint that you should know as a grown adult and the position you have what isexpected of the job without being micro managed. (This particular part came ata time in my work place where I felt like I had to micro manage).

I also think that I have learned a lot, especially theimportance of having a mentor in your workplace that can help guide you. At thesame time, I do believe that there are many things that I already do in my worklife, this being common sense to me, but not a lot of other people. This ofcourse brings me to my next point, are there different expectations in theworkplace now with my generation such as; graduating college and expecting at80K plus job right out of school? I think times have changed, especially withtechnology and the easy of working from home. I also think that we have movedfrom a society of social work interaction to barely speaking on the phone. Theease of email and texting has moved us to place where you don’t have to eversee anyone; meetings are done via teleconference and even beyond thatgotomeeting where you don’t even have to speak with anyone, just type in yourscreen and see what they are doing 10,000 miles away with the same screen.

What is the same, the expectations of respect, being at workon time, and proper channels of communication. Cathie Black puts all this intoprospective, speaking of taking risks and challenging yourself whileunderstanding your self worth. I think every woman in the work place thatstrives to achieve higher standards should be reading this book.

Way to go Cathie!

If You Lived Here I'd Know Your Name

2010-09-08T09:09:00.001-08:00

By: Heather Lende 4/5

Of course I liked this book. This a book to my heart, like most non-fiction books that I like. The books is great, like many authors that I have read that speak to small town America. The difference is that this is small town America in Alaska. Alaska on its own is a strange place and to speak to small town Alaska is even better.

Heather Lende speaks about her life in Haines, Alaska. She speaks in a clear easy read style that comes from her work in the newspaper world. Haines is Alaska through and through with crazy characters where tree huggers and gun slingers cohabitate together peaceably. Lende shows us through the obituaries she writes, lives of people who will never be forgotten and her daily life. The worst part was the last chapter where she talks about dealing with death. The theme of the book is about beginnings and endings.

I think you only “get” this books if you live in Alaska, but can be appreciated by others as well. Makes me want to visit Haines.

Jane Eyre

2010-08-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

By: Charlotte Bronte

4.8/5

I read this right after I finished her sister’s epic tragedy novel, Wuthering Heights, which happens to be one of my all time favorite books. I can not believe I didn’t read this easy going love novel. I of course loved the story of the sad poor girl that achieves greatness. Jane Eyre is your likely heroine, is in all purposes the good girl that you cheer for!

Like typical of stories from that time, there is a lot of death and sadness and a series of unlikely events. It would have been a great book to read when I was younger in the tweens! Fantastic!

Wuthering Heights

2010-08-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

By: Emily Bronte 5/5

About the 10th time I have read this book and I still like it, even though it has changed for me. I still love Heathcliff and his crazy self, loving Catherine. I love that this book still astounds me, of course when I was younger I was so taken by the love that Heathcliff had that I was willing to forgive his meanness, now I feel more guilty for liking him as a character and feeling his pains.

It was great to read the book with people and learn about the background of the Bronte sisters and their horribly tragic lives. No wonder their books were tragic. I also think the society then saw such tragedy as part of their lives and willing to live with those kinds of issues.

I still recommend this book as it inspires great discussions.

Reading Lolita in Tehran

2010-08-04T11:50:00.001-08:00

By Azar Nafisi

5/5

Wow what a terrific book! I don’t even know where to begin on the many facets that this book has .

First, as the book takes you through the four sections of Nabokov, Fitzgerald, James and of course Jane Austen… you can not take your own trip back to the memories you had when reading each of those books that Nafisi discusses. It brings you back to the emotions and the feelings you had while reading those books. If you hadn’t studied these books, it also takes you back to rethink those books and see if you can see them in a different light. This also makes me think that maybe I should re-read Lolita, or The Great Gatsby or even some Henry James books that I have never opened.

The books also takes you into the memories of a group of women between the 1970s and today. Unlike, my nice memories of sitting in bed, or hiding in the closet at night to read for fear of staying up to late, these women dealt with the fear of death resulting from the BANNED books they were reading. After the 1970s, Iran went through much political turmoil with changing from the “un Islamic” shah to the very religious Ayatollahs that changed Iran to the “Republic of Islam”. This book is a biography with many other biographies laced with a population of people that have been beaten and defeated not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. During this new regime, women were made to wear the chador and the veil, to show their innocence, to make men not want them, and not be held responsible for their rapes. People were not allowed to drink, listen to music, smile, watch movies, or in any way have a human life. Much of this “de westernization” had to do with readings and books. Most books were either banned and or re-written to fit the Islamic standard.

In a private class, Nafisi takes her life in her hands and decides that her love of books needs continue and be shared. At any moment her house can be searched, without a warrant, and these women be sent to jail for reading banned book, where their bodies will never be recovered.

This book is lesson in Iran history, in women’s view of the world from the religious and the liberal side, it is an emotional roller coaster as you suffer through their emotional pains and embarrassments they are made to deal with daily.

I highly recommend this read to all that live in today’s world, as better understanding of a population of people in the middle east. I salute those women who stood up, to show their daughters that someone has to stand up. I bow to Nafisi for her courageous words and tears she must have shed while writing such a personal history of her life and the country she loved!

New Moon

2010-07-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

By Stephanie Meyer 2/5

Well its fluff, lots of fast reading fluff. I have to start out by saying I picked this one up first and never read Twilight, because I was confused on which one was the first one.

Basically… Girl had been in love with hottest guy in school who happens to be vampire. Girl is accepted by non-human-biting family clan, the Cullens, and her main desire is to turn into a vampire because at 18 years of age she is 100% sure that she wants to spend all of eternity with this guy!Girl is clutsy and gets into trouble a lot, cuts herself at the Cullens and causes family drama, boy dumps girl!

Girl is sick and heartbroken over teenage love, finds comfort in sexy tall guy friend that happens to be a werewolf! He loves her, she is confused, her love comes back and gets mixed up the THE Family of Vampires that want her changed also. Werewolf does not want her changed but she has to or the Volturi (The IT Family) will kill her if she doesn’t become vampire!

All this in like 500 pages! Doesn’t mean I probably won’t read the following books because they are great traveling fast reads!

Slaughterhouse Five

2010-07-08T13:46:00.001-08:00

By: Kurt Vonnegut 4.5/5

First Kurt Vonnegut book I have ever read, it won’t be the last. Kurt is a weirdo that is for sure. Not as weird as Palahniuk.

Slaughterhouse Five is supposed to a be a literary masterpiece for antiwar books written in the late 60s. Not having particularly studied it, I might have missed much of the hidden text. Though you can tell from the writing and Vonnegut’s point of view why this book would be considered an Antiwar book.

The story starts off with the writer describing his need to write a book about Dresdan, a small town in Germany. As it turns out the book isn’t completely fiction, as the “city was completely destroyed by the controversial Allied aerial bombing towards the end of World War II.” Wikipedia.

The Bombing of Dresden was a military bombing by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) as part of the allied forces between 13 February and 15 February 1945 in the Second World War. In four raids, 1,300 heavy bombers dropped more than 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices on the city, the Baroque capital of the German state of Saxony. The resulting firestorm destroyed 39 square kilometres (15 sq mi) of the city centre. (Wikipedia)

The story is followed by a presumably fictional character Billy Pilgrim, and Vonnegut reports over 135,000 people dead. Though actual facts…. In the first few decades after the war, some death toll estimates were as high as 250,000, which are now considered unreasonable.^[6] An independent investigation commissioned by the city council in 2010 finaly reported a minimum of 22,700 victims with a maximum total number of fatalities of 25,000. (Wikipedia).

Billy Pilgrim, isn’t your typical hero, but turns out that with much luck he carries on his story, his very colorful story which makes this book very unique. Can it be that Pilgrim has what is now known as PPD!

This book also explores the fine lines of war and the characterization of humanness in time of great pressures. What is a human to do when faced with the gruesomeness of WWII. I am surprised I was never told to read this in school through a History class, as it was very fascination especially following the battle.

I look forward to reading more of his book!

Fingersmith

2010-07-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

Sarah Walters 5/5

WOW! Talk about a surprise! Romantic and sexy in Victorian England, of family secrets and betrayals. Great book.

The story of two girls whose lives were bound to be intertwined in the long run. There is the Lady and the thief who would never have met in normal circumstances but under a suspenseful Victorian novel they do. There is murder, sexy, pornography, books, plots and trickery and more, all of which shock you when it is not expected.

There are so many bends and twists to the novel you never see it coming. You care for one character and then you hate them, you love them and then you betray them like they betrayed you. Your emotions are on a roller coaster when reading this story.

The story of Maud and Sue, of different love and what can friendship mean. Even the ending is unexpected. I highly recommend this book but it is not for the feint of heart. An uncle that sits in his Briar home that doesn’t understand normal little girls, puts Maud in a very serious position that would be shameful to Ladies of London, the only one who really appreciates Maud is Sue, the little thief from the roads of London that comes to be the maid to Ms. Maud. And so they story unfolds.

Travels in Small Town America

2010-07-08T12:31:00.001-08:00

Bill Bryson 4.5/5

Like all Bill Bryson, I really enjoyed this book. I am not sure of what order Bryson wrote his books though I do know that this book was published in 1987, and much has changed since then, including Bryson’s writing.

I was surprised at the ease of his writing and the social commentary he makes on races, economy and more. In today’s world he would have been considered a racist, though in 1987 it was a different time. People were not afraid of using certain terms with the constant fear of being called or charged of racism. I think his book was an honest look at America during that time. Could it be relative today? Sure. I was genuinely pleased at the lack of being held back. I also think that he wrote more to the reader, to the avid reader by using some of my favorite words; chagrin, curmudgeon and more. There are many passages in his book that could be reread and reread where you can always laugh!

This book, like all, are stories of his travels, he was younger, faster at judging and had a different perspective on life. Knowing and having read his previous books this was a treat. It really was a travel through America at the time, has it change? Maybe not!

Rant Finished

2010-07-08T12:26:00.002-08:00

3/5

Bizarre and weird like many of Palahniuks books. The story of Rant Casey the unbreakable strange boy that hops through time. Rant Casey starts out having a normal life like any other person and learns of his inability to be hurt by poisons, he becomes a thrill seeker, to be bitten and poisoned and becomes pretty invincible. He ends up in a world where there are day timers and night timers and he falls in love with a girl. They are car chasers like bumper cars with real cars. These night car chasing days are themed and he becomes very good at this.

Sometimes the book is hard to follow, to understand all the different Rant Caseys that hop through time and interact between themselves. The whole idea is that they keep reproducing a better built human the can survive more. The final Rant Casey kills himself in a car chase and that is the climax of the book and ends well…. You will just have to see!

I think I liked this book I think less than I liked for example, Lullaby. I look forward to his other book that came out… Pygmy

Rant

2010-05-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Currently picked up Rant By Chuck Palahniuk lets see how long it takes me to get through it!

Paint It Black

2010-05-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

By: Janet Fitch 4/5

I didn't even know that Janet Fitch wrote another book, and was delighted to receive this book from Kat M. as a present. I had loved White Oleander and there are parts of that book that will forever be imprinted in my mind.

Paint It Black was very different. It was about the same length as White Oleander but I thought that book dragged at times. The book is about the death of Micheal and the repercussions that happen after a death, who it hurts and who it affects, the social ladders of family structures as well as hidden secrets.

I had no idea what to expect, but of course Janet Fitch takes you on a path of darkness, and deep cold emotions. The story was about Micheal and the devastation he created through his pretending. He pretended to his mother, and his girl friend. After the death, Josie (GF) and Merideth (Mother) form a insane bond of needing to know the truth. I don't know if the truth comes out in the book in the end and I believe it leaves it as a cliff hanger. Did Micheal really love Josie? What was he looking for?

SPOILER ALERT

I don't think I have a full understanding of Micheal and what he was after. Was he the painter, the non sportif, the non driver, the virgin that was a hippie at heart trying to save the world, the true world? Or was he the educated Harvard Boy that played tennis, was a fantastic skier and could speak more languages than a linguistic student? I think he was a fake, a wanna be that took poor Josies real emotions for a ride. I also think that he did care about her, and was trying to leave but felt bad to leave this girl. I don't think he was ever cut out for his life he pretended. Why did he kill himself? He knew it would come out that he was a fake... he was a fake in both worlds and couldn't bring those two worlds together, maybe he had some mental issues and concerns. I don't know if Merideth would have slept with her son... there is no way, but I think there was a love beyond the motherly love, and it was because of Merideth's own fantasies.

I guess thinking about this book more and discussing it with myself makes me realize I might have enjoyed it more than I expected.

Completely Different

2010-04-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

So... I don't have people following me... BUT I am totally coping the Julie & Julia idea....KINDA.

I have been cooking for a while, since I was little when my mother forced in the kitchen with her, and I hated every single minute of it. But now I am 27 and it feels like the only one my age that cooks or learned anything about cooking. My friends still use the box of macaroni and take out food. Once in a while when I have the chance between working out, going to work, walking my dog and taking him to the vet, I like to cook.

My specialties have always been Chocolate Rum Meringue Cake and Pork Tenderloin in wine with potatoes. I also make stuff peppers and more recently becoming an expert in Curry Keema recipe which I fell in love with at Yak and Yeti.

I have always been pretty traditional and cooked mostly Romanian food that my to be husband is actually pretty accepting to, including polenta, saramura, and even more. But recently a dear friend of mine, Amy, who loves food has changed my tasting to many new things which brought me to Yak and Yeti. Anyways... I have explored more with food and realized that all those times that I hated in the kitchen I have learned one or two things, and I have a mini talent for cooking.

I am going to start the first set of food play... which is very sexy with my dish I cooked tonight. Totally what was in the fridge. I had frozen Sea Bass that was given to me and I make Pan Seared Thyme Sea Bass over a Peppered sauce and Steam Asparagus. Well... the sauce tasted like heaven.

To make the sauce, you take a yellow pepper, orange pepper, 1 onion and you put them in a pan with olive oil, and cook them lightly with some vinegar and sweet wine which makes a great sauce. You cook them and when you get impatient you cook them some more until you know the peppers are bendy.

Then you put in blender... and blend.. you make sauce.

When you pan sear, apparently the trick is you don't put a lot of olive oil in the pan and you cook it on high heat and fast. When preparing the Bass, you cut it and salt and put the thyme in there, and cook first on the Thyme side and then flip, it gives it better taste after i rubberized the first set of Sea Bass. The Bass should flake and not be hard, thats how you know you cooked it well.

Anyways... plate how you want but the sauce was amazing with the Sea Bass. We drank a white wine St. Michelle something or other and it was good. Lyndt chocolates for dessert.

On a sad note, the reason for all the cooking is the husband to be is leaving for a while and I want to him to remember what is home.

Food Blogging copy cat.

Reading Now

2010-04-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

So reading has been a little slow to say the least, between a new position and new staff, I have barely had a free moment to think. While I rushed through The Secret Life of Bees, I plan on trying to get into the my new book, "Paint it Black" by Janet Fitch. So far so good, but again I just started it so I am maybe on Chapter 4. I have heard that it is not as good as her previous book, White Oleander, but I am willing to try it. I received this book from a friend a while ago and finally getting the chance to get to it. I hope that I can tell her whether I liked it or not soon. I am however, getting discouraged about the probability of finishing my Challenge List, which I still need to post.

The Secret Life of Bees

2010-04-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

By: Sue Monk Kidd 4/5

Unfortunately I did not get the chance to read this book like I wanted to read it. I had to put it down a bunch of times due to a new work schedule and being tired all the time. So while the book was a beautiful story of females and their endurances, I feel like a lot must have escaped me.

I am sure there is a lot to be said about symbolism of bees in the main characters bedroom and then her ending up at the pink house. The characters where well written, and the story line of a child missing her mother is of course heart wrenching. My favorite character was Rosaleen and her naiveté’s towards the world.

I do recommend this book to others and my apologies for not being able to write more about bees, about the culture and the meaning of them in this book or about the Black Madonna. Good story though. What keeps me for giving it a 5/5 is that sometimes it was slow, and that might have been because of my mood.

Firefly Lane

2010-03-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

By: Kristin Hannah 4/5

   The story of friendship. I had picked out this book to read with my best friend. I wanted us to reconnect over a good novel long distance through email. Unfortunately we have not connected as we both have been super busy.

       This is a 479 page book, and I managed to not be able to put it down. This fiction of two girlfriends that in the 1970s are in different social worlds come together in unlikely circumstances. They of course swear to be BFFs forever and ever, and manage to follow each other all the way through college. Like many BFF novels, you know what the issues are going to be between girlfriends, and those are of course boys! The cool sexy one, gets what she wants, unloved and left by her mother Tully is always the center of attention and the life of the party. Kate, coming from a loving supporting catholic family, finds her time during college dating many guys but her main love was books. Then real life starts and one finds true love and they go on through the trails of friendship and life. The ending is surprising and the reader should be prepared for tissues.

     This is a fast read, that many women and girls could identify with a character. Whether you are Ms. Popularity, Tully, or Wallflower Kate, or a grandmother, or a struggling teen, there is a heroine personality in all of the female characters. I though I first I identified with Tully, as her past and her emotions, though I find myself identifying with Kate and her struggles with her friendship of her BFF. I find her same battles and feeling wronged by someone who is very introverted. In the end, maturity takes over and love is the winner!

The Moonstone

2010-03-09T15:15:00.000-09:00

By: Wilkie Collins 2.5/5

The Short Version:

First I was disappointed by this book for many reasons. First and foremost it was long, so long, especially after having read “The Woman in White”. I also had this book as an audio book and it was downloaded off of librivox.org which is a non-profit with many readers. One reader didn’t speak English so she couldn’t read and kept stumbling on the words, another reader, possibly the same one, had cars and horns in the background recording. Having this in the background is very distracting considering the book was taking place in 1848!

The book dragged on and on and for a change of pace, dragged on some more. There where a thousand different characters. This is how I characterize them:

-Beteridge – Grumpy self concerned old man, that looks down on women as silly and frivolous. He is the narrator for the better part of the story.

-Ms. Cluck who apparently is a hag, ugly, and only concerned with her crazy notions of religion, which is what she preoccupies herself and her time with. She is so unwilling to back down she forces religion and her religion down the throats of main characters.

-Rosanna is apparently homely conniving thief, who can’t get it in her head where her place in the house is…. She is crestfallen to the point of obsession over a man who could car more for a paint brush than her as a human being.

-Franklin Blake is obsessed with Rachel, the Miss of the house, and would do anything like a puppy dog in love for her.

-Rachel, the Miss of the house who always gets her way no matter what, isn’t amazingly pretty but dresses well so it gives her status. She can’t seem to know what it is she wants and has the “fickle mind” that Beteridge accuses women of.

-Gottfried Applewhite is a smooth talker, and a pimp who is pretender of philanthropic needs. He is the pimp of today that weasels his way into matters of importance.

-Sgt. Cuff the main policeman is self absorbed and knows he is a legend.

And the list goes on with many many characters that are added and their histories and lives talked about for what purpose. The story is the story of an object, the Moonstone, and its travel. Who stole it and how? It is sad to say you won’t find out until the antepenultimate chapter when you have been taken up and down with pages and pages of narrative from all these different characters. Mr. Collins could have made the book more fun had he got to the point. There was too much going on. Maybe being in the 21^st Century, I wouldn’t understand a book like this, whose suspense is built throughout weeks as the story is published a few pages at a time. I am a person who likes immediate satisfaction. Though my biggest grudge against this book is why its considered A CLASSIC?!?! Does have to be written a bajillion years ago to make it be important? And conclusively what was so important about this book? The building of characters… no thanks. I prefer our good adventure novels of today’s time!

Three Cups of Tea

2010-03-05T14:02:00.000-09:00

By: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin 5/5++++

I don’t even know how to start my review on this magnificent book! It was so nice and pleasant to read such great book where it shows grassroots organizations are the way to go!
Who would have thought such a change can be made by one man, who found compassion from people all around the world? Who would have thought that compassion can be found in the most horrifying situations and shows that human nature will always care for its children? I loved this story of Greg Mortenson and his journey to change the way we fight terrorism. The book took you on a wonderful journey into the lives or ordinary village life in rural Pakistan and then Afghanistan, where people speak different, look different but in the end have the same compassion for youth and children as it exists anywhere!
I think this book makes you understand a culture from a different angel, other than all Muslims are terrorists, you can sympathize with those people. Like every religion, everyone has fundamentalists and anything that is way over the top, like religion, a craze, a fashion, isn’t going to be good. Those we are afraid of, like those in the villages Dr. Greg visited, are the same people we are all afraid of. They are beyond normalcy or beyond any thoughts of decent human behavior! We can not as Americans class everyone into those people. Like people in other parts of the world classify Americans as heartless, arrogant, bastards and that is not true of all of us.
I do think that everyone needs to read this book. You get such a deep understanding of the needs of these people, their culture and their fundamental way of life that it would be silly not to take these into account when dealing with them.

If you want to help you can reach Greg Mortensen via Facebook, Twitter, http://www.ikat.org/ .

The Honeymoon

2010-02-15T11:13:00.000-09:00

By: James Patterson 3/4

I am just starting to get into these types of action books though I do enjoy especially since I am listening to them while driving home from work, which makes my commute a lot faster.

This is my second James Patterson book and I do enjoy it, and I think that I enjoyed this one a tad more than the first one, “The Lifeguard”. I was actually rooting for the villain, a sexy lady that kills for money! It was OK, will I remember this book in detail in 1 year probably not but I will keep listening to James Patterson. It does concern me that there is a whole lot of very explicit sex, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I did see a little girl of 12/13 years reading a James Patterson book. HMMm Reading is all good but should she really being reading such graphic stuff, I guess now anything to keep them reading!

Izzy and Lenore

2010-02-15T11:00:00.000-09:00

By: Jon Katz 4.2/5

Like many books I read, I find books about humans and animals fun and feel good. There is no helping in getting the warm fuzzy when reading books like “Marley & Me” or “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, and that is why Jon Katz’s book “Izzy and Lenore” is another feel good, warm fuzzy, happy tears read. Having never heard of Jon Katz and going solely on Judging a Book by Its Cover, I picked up this unlikely favorite as a “buy two get one free” deal at Barnes & Noble.

I was pleasantly surprised on his easy going style of writing and the surprise of what the book is actually about, yes Izzy and Lenore make a presence, but it is beyond the bonds of human and animal. It is about the unknown sense and feelings of animals and their awareness towards death. I am not surprised that an animal might be more intuitive of the needs of the dying than we as humans have, who are so uncomfortable with the idea of death. It begs us to try to understand what is this strange fear we have, does it make us realize our own mortality? Does this create a bond we will never know about between a deathbed patient and an animal?

Jon Katz does a great job of writing from his point of view and not giving his animals human emotions that we tend to do as animal lovers. He also talks a lot of his life struggles and his need for these spirits and characters (in the case of Lenore) in his life. I am willing to pick up another of Jon Katz’s books with a certain nervousness to not be reading about the same stuff.

Snow Falling on Cedars

2010-02-05T12:43:00.001-09:00

By: David Guterson 4/5

This was one of my challenge books for 2010, as I have always had this book in possession for a few years now and never ever picked it up to read, even though I have heard great things about it.

I didn’t even really know what it was about when I first picked it up, or when it was taking place. Snow Falling on Cedars takes place in a few times mostly during WWII and then 10 years after the war, taking place on a small island in the Northwest of America. Since those times many things have changed including perceptions of people and the way we look at the world. The story involves many different families on an island, a close tight community that is mixed with Japanese Americans at a very difficult time.

The story is a trial story, intertwined with individual stories of linked stories on the island. The story can be a story of childhood love lost, or of a murder trial that is unjust and prejudice, or the story of a small town during a brutal snow storm, or of maintaining relationships. There are many characters like Hatsue, Ischmael, Kabuo, Carl Hein, Susan Marie, and more, of which we learn a little by little of their intertwined lives.

This was my first experience with David Guterson and his work, and I am not even clear if he wrote more books. I love the intertwined lives, and the suspense of the trial. Is there a deeper meaning in this book? Maybe. Does the snow resemble cleanness and impurity of the island? I guess not, I could not see that, as there are very few people who are hesitant to point a finger at JAP!

The story does have 4 different settings that actions happen, which is the town, the sea and boats, the strawberry fields, and the cedar forest. Looking simply at the forest it seems to be the place of secrets as if the trees that are together can better hide a person, and yes even a secret love affair. The sea is open, and large calm and at time ferocious. The dense fogs that lays across the harbor also can hide many secrets as well, as secret dealing between fisherman that by character are men of few words. Most scenes on the sea talk about the calmness of things to come. The strawberry fields are scenes that take the reader to think about the larger aspects of life, like the future and families. Most of these scenes are talking about children and working in them, they create a sense of security, which is why maybe a lack of field for Kabuo meant a lack of this secure feeling. And lastly the town, which seems to have the most harsh scenes of brutal winter storms. This to means might portray the brutal and mixed up feelings of the people in the town about the war and a people that they were trained to think to hate.

The reason I give this book only a 4 out of 5 is due to the amount of pages and sometimes and unnecessary discussion of family backgrounds that were unnecessary, such as learning about Ischmael’s father, or maybe the life of Fujiko as maybe I don’t see the point of learning that much. I would have liked to learn more about the main characters.

The Lifeguard

2010-02-01T09:47:00.000-09:00

By: James Patterson 3/5

The book is a girl meet, boy and fall in love while looking for stolen painting. Of course the hero is no to be blamed and he is at no fault. Girl and Boy fall in love and get married, one is a life guard the other an FBI agent. Dr. Gache by Van Gogh

Prey

2010-02-01T09:29:00.000-09:00

By: Michael Crichton 4.5/5

I am not very familiar with Michael Crichton, and have been told many great things. The first book I read by this author was Next and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I had no idea what Prey was about, so I was surprised by the subject. I did this book as an audio book, and somehow found myself driving aimlessly to keep going and hear more. The book was captivating and the story line was great. What if science and technology and biology mix, would this be our world? Is this a fear that we should honestly be afraid of? Where will science lead us? Is it our ultimate doom? Nanotechnology is an emerging science with real goals of making things smaller and smaller, what will it be used for. It is proven that in today time, nanotechnology is in the world around you, such as cell phones, TVs, DVDs, MP3s, and even your tanning lotion! So Crichton begs the question, “What if?”

The characters were very believable and I love Jack as the hero, and unlikely nerd that saves the day. I despised Julia from the first few moments of the book, and I felt like I could read her. Plot was fantastic with twists, turns, and never expecting the next chapter! Crichton’s style of writing is easy, un cumbered by lengthy descriptions that some authors have the tendency to do in order to show their impressive big words. I loved the research that Crichton has to ultimately do in order to portray this book as realistic and most importantly the prologue at the being of the book explaining his reasoning behind his choice to write the book. Michael Crichton, I am hooked!

Currently Reading

2010-01-18T11:00:00.001-09:00

I am currently reading, or trying to get into, "Snow Falling on Cedars" and I only on Chapter 4. Though I think I have come to a part where the books is starting to catch me. This is one of my Challenge list books of 2010, so we will see where this takes me! Working on it though!

Below is a picture of where the book is taking place!

The Husband

2010-01-18T10:56:00.000-09:00

By: Dean Koontz 3/5

This is an audio book, my first audio book. I think the book was interesting, it is certainly a great way to get through traffic. The books keeps you suspended, and it was pretty far fetched ideas, but for someone who always sees the next thing happening, I did not see the end! I really didn't! As this was my first audio book, I wouldn't know what to say about the production, but it was OK.

The Heretics Daughter

2010-01-13T11:24:00.000-09:00

By: Kathleen Kent 3/5

The book, a National Bestseller makes me realize where the majority of the US population stands in respects to knowing a true literary piece. “The Heretics Daughter”, while not a literary piece, and not that in-depth, was a great story. Long at times, with parts that seems unnecessary the story had a flow. It seemed that once the family was in prison, the story got interesting and you cared a lot more for the characters. The story leads you to believe in what would happen if…. The story is historical fiction, and the Salem Witch trials 100% existed, and this story has the personal touch of Ms. Kent’s grandmother once removed was Martha Carrier!

Did Martha possess powers such as telling the weather? Maybe. Though I believe the idea is that this family had more knowledge and know how than others, which made many fear them as witches. Was the family indeed witches, No.

Over all it was a good book!

Going Rogue

2009-12-31T10:13:00.000-09:00

By: Sarah Palin 5/5

There has been much controversy about one woman in America, there hasn’t been so much written about a family since the royal family. So what is all the craze about?

A mother of 5, from a middle class family in small town America, made the good old boys in DC shake in their boots by living the American dream and showing what America is about. Sarah Palin born in Alaska, lived a moderate conservative lifestyle with no extravagances, she lived the dream that if you want something and you work hard for it, you can make anything possible. As a concerned citizen of Wasilla, she found herself in local politics where she served proudly while still being the fantastic and caring mother she is. Politics, as it turns out, worked for her, and she was elected governor of the biggest state in the Union with the largest profitable industry in natural resources. With very little support and even less money, her political tactics of sticking to the point and talking in common sense terms worked for Alaska’s people and they chose her. She vowed to change the “normal” politics of corruption in Juneau and she did.

The book takes the reader on a tour of the past decade in the life of the Palins. Challenges faced her everyday; as a woman; as a mother; as a fiscal conservative; as an ethical politician. These characteristics and a fantastic smile, wit and charm, and her political background of getting things done, led her to the Republican National Convention nominee for VP on the McCain ballot. No one would could have foreseen the role of the Democratic party and the media played in trying to destroy someone’s morals. It seemed from the very beginning, despite the jump in poles with the new VP nominee, that the RNC wasn’t there to help and were afraid of going against the regular way of doing things; getting to the point. The national media tried to destroy all of the Palin’s and the Heath’s character. No other candidate, Republican or Democrat, had their family placed in the national spotlight the way they were. How can a family with strong ethics and morals and good American values combat a louder in your face group of people: the MEDIA? In the end, the RNC blames Sarah Palin as having gone Roque, and the reason for loosing the election. Facts were never part of the deal, and in the 21st century TV plays a large role in people’s lives.

In the end, the Ms. Palin couldn’t fight the battle of the media and choose her family over them. As strong candidate that loves her state and a mother, she chose to do what is right; step down from the governor’s seat and let those good old boys try it again. Does this mean the media won? NO. She fought back, to clear her name, her families’ name, those that worked hard in the administration and that fought for what is right, in a tell all book, “Going Rogue”. I don’t believe this is the last that we will see from Ms. Palin, and we shall see her fighting for the 3 issues she is most affiliated with: natural resources, special needs, and women’s issues.

Go Girl!

Diary

2009-12-30T09:34:00.003-09:00

"Diary"
By: Chuck Palahniuk 3/5

The writer of “The Fight Club” and “Lullaby” has done it again! Chuck Palahniuk makes me shiver when I think of the graphic words he uses to describe his bizarre thoughts, and feelings that go into writing a book.

Diary is the story of Misty Wilmot the young artist that finds herself in a Catch-22 situation where she must paint for her life. In her college years she envisions and paints the houses that are so realistic. Later she meets a strange boy, that knows and has seen these houses, on his island. The life story, of girl meets boy, marry and move to the fairy tale island changes are her husband, now in a coma, is taking from beyond. He was always bizarre man whose job was to remodel people’s homes. Misty now faces angry customers of the remodeled homes, as her lunatic husband has hid rooms in these peoples houses. He leaves encrypted messages written on the walls of these hidden rooms, that Misty is bound to see. Misty is in the midst of an array of interesting characters, like her mother in law Grace Wilmot, her daughter, Tabbi, and a self proclaimed writing expert Angel Delaporte.

The story is strange and takes you on lots of twists and turns. As one who can always guess what happens next, Mr. Palahniuk has had me beat, I could not have seen that ending happening. The story has an interesting plot, twists, turns and in true Palahniuk style, a truly strange feeling. The book leaves you feeling grossed out, with in depth descriptions, and leaves you with hibbie jibbies running down your spine as the story of Peter Wilmont unfolds and we, the readers, find out more about the strange island Waytansea Island and the Waytansea Hotel. If you’re a reader who likes a little suspense and little bit of gore, this is the book for you.

2009-12-14T14:12:00.000-09:00

A Lion Among Men
Gregory Maguire 4/5

Imagine my surprise when I learned that my favorite all time book, Wicked, has another two books in the series! I loved Wicked so very much, and was sadly disappointed by Son of a Witch, which is the 2nd book in the series!

A Lion Among Men follows Wicked in the same satire that Gregory Maguire is so well known for. It was interesting to follow on to the story after all the years that passed since the 2nd book was written, and to know what happened years after in the book itself as well. The book was written from the perspective of the Cowardly Lion, which is famous for his role in the “Wizard of Oz” movies. The Lion is on a search for the Grimmerie, the magical book of the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and the bloodlines that followed after her death.

It was interesting story, captivating, and intertwined. It would have been easier to follow had I read this book one right after the other in a series. It wasn’t as fascinating or entertaining as Wicked. This might have to do with knowing and expecting this kind of a story. I do like the book, and overall the series is a great read. I wonder if Maguire will follow the story from the Scarecrow or even the Tin Man!

2009-11-22T16:34:00.001-09:00

The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein 5/5

Yes, its true another dog book, but not at all like “Marley and Me” which is what I expected. This book is about life, love and friendship (of course it is, its about a dog’s life). I guess I had no idea what to expect and I was splendidly surprised. Of course like any book about an animal and my emotions rolled, and I cried. Here are two of my favorite passages.

“The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles-preferably of his own making-in order to triumph. A hero without a flaw is of no interest to an audience or to the universe, which, after all is based on conflict and opposition, the irresistible force meeting the unmovable object.”

“Inside each of us resides the truth, I began, the absolute truth. But sometimes the truth is hidden in a hall of mirrors. Sometimes we believe we are viewing the real thing, when in fact we are viewing a facsimile, a distortion.”

The story is written in the voice of the dog Enzo, of the life he shares with his humans Denny, Eve and Zoe their daughter.

There is a documentary on the belief of Mongolians, that dogs when they die they are reincarnated into the humans, and they are closer in fact to humans that monkeys which are dumb. What a waste of an opposable thumb.

2009-11-16T09:47:00.000-09:00

The Tender Bar
JR Moehringer 4.5/5

What can I say about “The Tender Bar”?Out of all the memoirs I read this was not my favorite, but it wasn’t badeither. Like many memoirs it’s the story of getting over the hump, over cominghardships; poverty, single parent households; education; etc. What I alsoenjoyed about the book (which is why it got a higher rating) was the idea of malepresence and what effect it had on the author. Obviously the author felt soconnected and obliged in a way to write this book about this bar. The titlefits the book so well, a bar that has all the characteristics of being caring,kind and tender.

Like with any memoir, I think everyonecan partially relate to the book one way or another. So “The Tender Bar” likeothers, there were many times you feel like the author is writing about yourlife. I certainly felt it when he discussed the hardships of school, love,money and more.This was a fast read, and it would havebeen faster had I had the time to actually read it.

The writing is easy andflowing, and the thoughts are well organized. It is easy to get caught up inthe emotions the author is portraying. I recommend this even on a high schoollevel. I don’t know much about the background of the author, but maybe thatwould be even more interesting to read! Great book! I will recommend it toothers.

2009-10-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
By: Dai Sijie 4.8/5

Set in the 1970s of communist China, two young adult boys, 18 and 19, are sent to a small remote village to be “re-educated”. The Re-education is a passed law by the communist regime. The re-education through labor system has been in place since 1957 and was subjected to minor reforms by the Chinese government in 2007. This books takes you on a travel through the process of the educated people of China, to learn the basics of camaraderie in hard manual labor. It is only fit that the two sons, best friends, of doctors would be sent to carry excrement up a mountain. During the communist era in China, like in many other places, religion, books, art, music, and any culture, were banned, as this was a form of individual thought.

While exiled, with no hope of ever returning home, they learn the hard life of manual labor. The musician and the story teller are re-educated in their own way understanding the meaning of friendship, love and the hardships of life. They learn of a secret of a pile of books, that are forbidden and it entices the boys to steal them. In the meantime the boys befriend a lovely teenage girl, the seamstress, where with his story telling charms, Luo charms her. Thus begins the process of re-education for the little seamstress, an unconditional love of Balzac.

The story is a great historical fiction, incredibly fast read. It teaches you a lot, and can really take you back of communist China. Not different than the communist life I lived. Granted Romanian communism was the renaissance of communism. So while families weren’t re educated there was the idea of no intellectualism, and everyone on the same plane! OF course the most uneducated was the dictator and his wife. The ending wasn’t what I expected but it does take the surprising turn which I love. I always wonder had I read Balzac if the book would have taken any different or secret meanings!

2009-10-28T09:31:00.001-08:00

Lullaby

By Chuck Palahniuk 4.4/5

Having never read “The Fight Club” and only experiencing Chuck Palahniuk through a movie, I didn’t know what to expect of this book. The books is fast going, and explores the possibility of ultimate power. What can ultimate power do to different personalities and how it will affect them. In the case of Helen Hoover Boyle, a strong minded, strong willed woman, the power over took her not wanting to share it. In the case of Carl, the journalist, he ultimately feels guilty about the control he has over people.

The book is an adventure of trusting people, what can change and damage that trust. Do actions really speak louder than words? What would I do with that ultimate power? The book is about a “culling spell” that leads people to extreme relaxation and then death. It explores how holding someone’s life in your hands affects you, and what if everyone had that power? It is a great book, I wasn’t disappointed and would like to read more from this author.

2009-10-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

An additional image to the Book!

2009-10-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Woman in White
By Wilkie Collins4.5/51.

‘This the story of what a Woman’s patience can endure, and what a Man’s resolution can achieve.’ (p 3) I love this line! I think that can show of the patience of any woman in the book, from Laura and Marian, to Mrs. Clements, Eleanor, Mrs. Catherick, etc. They each had dealt with their own struggles of life, and accepted what was given upon them. In the end I think that patience eventually does pay off and the women win. Laura was given her life back, Marian was happy the Count was put in his place, Mrs. Clements got her closure on Anne, Eleanor got rid of her conniving husband, and Mrs. Catherick got payment with Percival. The Man’s resolution is fast and acting, but it does persevere if put under the right circumstances.

The Heroine of the novel can only be Marian, as I found Laura a little too girlie and too “woe-is-me”. I felt like she wasn’t a really strong character and had no back bone. How can someone that has not followed on any actions be considered a heroine? Laura was the damsal in distress saved by Walter and by Marian. She would still have been in the asylum had it not been for Marian’s wits. If there is a true hero it is Marian for selflessly loving her sister.

Sir Percival seems too stupid to know what to have done. He is the puppet of Count Fosco. Fosco is the brains behind the operation of what happened. While he did not intentionally kill Anne Catherick, he was smart enough to proceed with getting the money from Lady Glyde. That is why without a doubt Fosco is the villain of the story. I can not account for the strange behavior of Mr. Fairlie, but if looking at Laura and her character that we are safe to say that the Fairlie family is week of mind.

Now in regards to critics calling Laura, Marian and Walter being called a ménage a troi, I can only say that the arrange is very strange. Obviously at first Walter thought she was good looking, and Fosco apparently adored her. I don’t understand how Marian gave up her entire life for Laura. That is very strange in deed. My suspicion lies in the fact that Marian loves and adores Walter, and maybe that is why she sent him away the first time, a little woman jealousy of her sister. Now living together, how can she leave?!?! It is strange and bizarre and a free nanny to JR.

The fact that the story is told in many different view points, is a great way to play into the novel, because it gives you thoughts, feelings, and emotions through different peoples eyes. At one point you can even assume Fosco is innocent due to Mrs. Michelson’s testimony of what she saw. IN the end who is to say that what Fosco confessed to was 100% correct. The general impression of the books is that it is a great Victorian Romance/Mystery and would not have assumed that was what the book was about going into reading it. Great book and a must read!

2009-09-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Belong to Me"
By Maris de los Santos

Belong to Me can mean so much in so many different ways. As the sequel to “Love Walked In” I didn’t know what to expect, especially after having rated Santos’ first book a 3/5. I enjoyed this book a little more. Like in her style, Santos develops her characters thoroughly. The story follows Cornelia’s storyline, having married Teo and moving from the city into the suburbs. There are a lot of new characters the reader meets and gets the backlog of their personal stories; Piper the suburb housewife; Lake the desperate single mother; Dev her desperately intelligent son; and a variety of other characters. As the reader you wonder why so much on each character, and the descriptions are sometimes unnecessary. That is what makes the book so long. IN the end the stories of the characters do mix, there is a clear reasoning for their actions on the most part.

Maris de los Santos isn’t going to be the next Bronte, but her stories are daily lovable family stories, that anyone can relate to. These are stories of life and life’s curveballs, and the pressures of handling it all. The title “Belong to Me” is perfect for the book, as you can see the theme recurring. Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you wanted an easy feel good book, though I think there are better written books out there.

2009-09-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

“Simon’s Cat”
By Simon Tofield
5+++/5

WOW! I don’t even know where to start. First, this book came to me by mail and I forgot that I promised to review the book, so I was confused where the book came from. The book arrived on a gloomy Saturday morning that I wasn’t feeling to well. This is the best surprise ever!

Simon’s Cat isn’t per say a “word” book, and maybe some knew that and knew what to expect. I opened it up standing in the kitchen and didn’t stop laughing until I finished the book in 15 minutes. Simon’s Cat is a cartoon book of what else, Simon’s Cat, who has one very big Catanality. Like all cats, he wants to be fed all the time, is somehow under your feet all the time, and no matter what is forever getting into trouble. A little reminiscent of Garfield, but way better, as Simon’s cat feels more like your own. Some of my favorite moments, which any cat owner can relate to, are when your cat comes and cuddles and purrs, and as soon as you want to kiss him/her they shy away as if your killing them; or sleeping in the sink which always happens; and taking over 95% of the bed when you are sleeping, leaving you with no covers.

I highly recommend this to everyone of all ages. This is a great gift to people, this is a great table book, and anyone who has ever owned a cat can relate. I have never laughed so hard. I did reread the entire thing again, and I still laughed just as hard. I hope Simon Tofield keeps it up!

Finished

2009-09-15T09:44:00.004-08:00

“Love Walked In”

by Marisa De Los Santos

2.5/5

You would assume from the title that it is a story of hopeless and deeply of love, and in a way it is. There are of course different types of love other than that one true soul mate and this books explores the love between friends, mothers, and lovers.

Clare the 11 year old that has everything for her, looses her mother, as her mother drops her off at the side of the road. Her mother who goes crazy leads Clare to her estranged father and into his life. Martin, having not taken part in raising her dumps her with his girlfriend, Cornelia. Due to life’s circumstances, and expectionality of Clare, Cornelia falls in love with her and desires more than anything to help this lost child whose mother is wacked out and no where to be found. The books explores how new loves, old loves and different loves fit into your life.

I found the book strange, from the perspective of Cornelia who sites movies I have never heard of and compares her life to those of movies, to Clare who loves these new people in her life more than her estranged father. It was hard to follow the character’s thoughts and feelings, as it seems strange that after everything Clare doesn’t discuss her father, falls in love with Cornelia’s “true love”.

SPOILER

Eventually, the wacked out mom comes back, wants Clare, Clare is afraid of her and the mother and daughter move in with Cornelia in her new house she inherited from another wacked out lady.

Having dealt with crazies, life is not like this at all. And sometimes for a child to forgive a crazy mother doesn’t happen! That is why this book didn’t get much approval other that that it was a quick read, and not even always!

2009-09-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

The Rescue
By Nicolas Sparks
2/5

Denise is the typical single mom with a son, Kyle, that has a speech problem. Like all lonely heroines of Nicolas Sparks’ books, she is ultimately rescued in love. She has no family to speak of and her entire life revolves around her son with whom she spends ever waking moment with. This of course leads to the problem of when is there time for love? Love of course ultimately finds her in the form of Taylor, the handsome tall fearlessly brave fireman. The plot is the secrets of Taylor’s life that hold him back from falling in love with the heroine, Denise.

I picked up this book for that reason, light and fluffy, not much thinking required. There really was no significant plot, nothing to keep you interested other than seeing if ultimately the characters fall in love and make babies. In true Nicolas Sparks fashion, his book falls down to not his greatest, to long for the story line. I was skipping words and the story still flowed, if that’s how you want to call it.

2009-08-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

By John Perkins

4/5

The amazing brazen story of Mr. John Perkins who was recruited by the CIA and a company called MAIN to do economic forecasting.

John was young, didn’t like school, had no real interest in anything which landed him the job of a lifetime. The CIA used his character traits to create a confident, suave and intelligent economic mastermind. As a former Peace Corps member he was fluent in Spanish and comfortable with “rural” living.

After a large salary and economic lessons, he learned his true job. Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is a diary of John Perkins life, his travels, his dealings and his part in world affairs. The book he wrote almost didn’t make it till April 18^th, 2003, that made him realize the heaviness and hardships he has carried with him. His journey exposes influencial corporate partners and the government’s role in the corporate deals. The heavy hand that rules the global world is exposed.

When reading this book, you are shocked and awed. It is harsh to read, and hard to believe. His journey starts in the early 70s and ends with today’s global issues. As a younger American, I can not share feelings of politics previous to the Clinton era. These are the stories you don’t read in the your history books. It was an eye opener. I don’t want to believe that these confessions are all 100% true, because if that is the case that would be a truly sad world. How much has John been tainted by his role as an EHM to feel angry and want to stir feelings of anger. With that said, readers should take care to listen to how they feel, do their own research in such important matters.

It is said that he almost didn’t write the book because the 3 times before he tried to write it, the corporations that had much to loose put threats on his life. What has stopped them?

The knowledge that if he was “rubbed out” that his book would ring more true? So everything written should be taken with a grain of salt, and we as Americans should find it out duty to do the research on the clearly biased media!

The Reader

2009-08-23T13:02:00.001-08:00

Blogger: Judging a Book by its Cover - Edit Post "The Reader"

The Reader (5/5)

This is a very unexpected book, not having had the premise of the book previously. The story of Michael and

Hanna, two people that are very unlikely to meet, never mind have their lives intertwined for years to come. The story starts off on a slow pace, learning the characters and where they come from. The books take a turn for the unexpected, with the real story of Hanna during the post WWII war trials. The author makes you think about the what if, and you never really enter the character's mind. "Whose story is it?" some might ask, Hanna's story to tell of her trials as an illiterate whose circumstances took her to the concentration camps. Or is it Micheal's story, a heart broken kid that fell in love with wrong person.

The book, is a historical fiction that can make you hate or sympathize with the characters, a different way to look onto the ideas of a what a person can do with the circumstances presented to them.

A must read!

Getting with It!

2009-08-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Alright, I have joined the cool kids, and am officially a blogger. Bare with me as I work through this blogging thing. I will eventually figure it out, and discuss well everything on here!