sunny_jim9: Just seein' how many books I actually read in a year!
Talk 50 Book Challenge
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1sunny_jim9
Start date: March 16th, 2008
Well, I certainly don't average a book a week. When I first joined LibraryThing a few weeks ago, it was so fascinating to actually see how many books I've completed in my life. Now, to further enlighten me, I'd like to see how many I would go through in a year. I have quite a stack of books on my "to read" list, but I won't enter them in my library until (or unless) they're completed.
I'm about twenty pages from finishing Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.
I'll review as I post. My own little reading diary.
Well, I certainly don't average a book a week. When I first joined LibraryThing a few weeks ago, it was so fascinating to actually see how many books I've completed in my life. Now, to further enlighten me, I'd like to see how many I would go through in a year. I have quite a stack of books on my "to read" list, but I won't enter them in my library until (or unless) they're completed.
I'm about twenty pages from finishing Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.
I'll review as I post. My own little reading diary.
2sunny_jim9
Book #1: Anansi Boys by: Neil Gaiman -- finished March 16th, 2008
This is my favorite Neil Gaiman book so far (I've also read Coraline and Stardust). This story was definitely funnier and more playful in it's narrative style than the other two I've read. However, this book reminds me of something Christopher Moore would do and I like him a lot more. He's certainly way funnier. So perhaps Anansi Boys is suffering only by comparison in my mind. I really wasn't crazy about Stardust, and Coraline is a children's story so I'm having trouble getting a proper, consistent feel for Neil Gaiman's work. I'll definitely read more from him.
I realize I'm cheating a little bit since I didn't start this book upon entering the 50 Book Challenge... so I gave myself a little boost to get started.
Starting next book tonight before bed. Don't know what it's going to be yet!
This is my favorite Neil Gaiman book so far (I've also read Coraline and Stardust). This story was definitely funnier and more playful in it's narrative style than the other two I've read. However, this book reminds me of something Christopher Moore would do and I like him a lot more. He's certainly way funnier. So perhaps Anansi Boys is suffering only by comparison in my mind. I really wasn't crazy about Stardust, and Coraline is a children's story so I'm having trouble getting a proper, consistent feel for Neil Gaiman's work. I'll definitely read more from him.
I realize I'm cheating a little bit since I didn't start this book upon entering the 50 Book Challenge... so I gave myself a little boost to get started.
Starting next book tonight before bed. Don't know what it's going to be yet!
3whitewavedarling
Welcome! I already have to star you since the two authors you've referred to are Gaiman and Moore. Thought I'd mention though--if you're getting addicted (be careful, most of us are) and end up checking out the Early Reviewer group to snag some free books, that works off of how many books you have in your library, so you're better off entering even what you haven't read in that case. Regardless, can't wait to see what your list keeps moving towards. If you want another adult Gaiman book, I think his best is still the early Neverwhere. Good reading...
4sunny_jim9
Thanks, whitewavedarling!
My next book which I started last night is called Pest Control by Bill Fitzhugh. The book was actually recommended by Christopher Moore on his website. There's a page called Chris's Picks where he recommends books / authors that he finds funny.
My next book which I started last night is called Pest Control by Bill Fitzhugh. The book was actually recommended by Christopher Moore on his website. There's a page called Chris's Picks where he recommends books / authors that he finds funny.
5whitewavedarling
Part of my TBR came from that list at one point--I haven't been back in a long long time, probably since around when my addiction to librarything began...
6sunny_jim9
Book #2: Pest Control by: Bill Fitzhugh -- finished March 25th, 2008
I discovered this book through Christopher Moore's webisite. He has a page called Chris's Picks where he recommends books that he considers funny / worthwhile. Well, I agree with him on this one. Author Bill Fitzhugh creates some very likable characters and puts them in very amusing (and dangerous) situations to create humor and suspense. I did laugh-out-loud a good handful of times and had a smile on my face throughout most of the book. This is truly a popcorn / movie book... pure entertainment. I loved how Klaus gets thrown into Bob's world (and family). This book can turn you off New York city. Nice place to set stories... wouldn't want to live there... as Fitzhugh describes it, anyway.
There are some mildly gross ideas here and there involving some graphic details about killing, but all in all the light and humorous tone keeps things fun and enjoyable.
I'll definitely read more from this author.
I discovered this book through Christopher Moore's webisite. He has a page called Chris's Picks where he recommends books that he considers funny / worthwhile. Well, I agree with him on this one. Author Bill Fitzhugh creates some very likable characters and puts them in very amusing (and dangerous) situations to create humor and suspense. I did laugh-out-loud a good handful of times and had a smile on my face throughout most of the book. This is truly a popcorn / movie book... pure entertainment. I loved how Klaus gets thrown into Bob's world (and family). This book can turn you off New York city. Nice place to set stories... wouldn't want to live there... as Fitzhugh describes it, anyway.
There are some mildly gross ideas here and there involving some graphic details about killing, but all in all the light and humorous tone keeps things fun and enjoyable.
I'll definitely read more from this author.
7sunny_jim9
My next book is probably going to be A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by: Dave Eggers. I say probably because this book doesn't seem like it would be my "cup of tea", but my older brother loved it and he gave it to me as a birthday present a while back. I read strictly for entertainment purposes and, as such, am drawn to books that are fun in some way or other. This book is supposed to be funny at times, but it also has the word "heartbreaking" in the title. Heartbreak's not fun!!! We'll see...
8whitewavedarling
I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think on ths one--it's on my TBR pile, though right now I'm reading his What is the What. I saw him speak and had dinner with him a few weeks ago (my officemate is a good friend of his), and he seems like a really fascinating and still down-to-earth person.
9sunny_jim9
Abandoned! A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Sorry... just couldn't do it! Life's too short. I read the whole pre-book part and then about 60 pages into the main story. I just couldn't hack it! I suspected this book would not be my "cup of tea", but I wanted to like it. I fully appreciate and respect that many people (including my brother who bought it for me) love this book and really "get it", but I just don't. I'm just not that big a reader that I can fly though books, even if I think they're so-so.
I always avoid reading reviews of a book until after I've finished it or abandoned it. When I looked into the LibaryThing reviews I could see that so many people absolutely adored this book, but there were still plenty of people who didn't. If you read some of them, they articulate pretty accurately how I felt.
I would never discourage anybody else from reading it. My diplomatic line will simply be: "I didn't get it". My problem!
This book will not go into my library and will not be properly reviewed by me as I did not finish it.
Sorry... just couldn't do it! Life's too short. I read the whole pre-book part and then about 60 pages into the main story. I just couldn't hack it! I suspected this book would not be my "cup of tea", but I wanted to like it. I fully appreciate and respect that many people (including my brother who bought it for me) love this book and really "get it", but I just don't. I'm just not that big a reader that I can fly though books, even if I think they're so-so.
I always avoid reading reviews of a book until after I've finished it or abandoned it. When I looked into the LibaryThing reviews I could see that so many people absolutely adored this book, but there were still plenty of people who didn't. If you read some of them, they articulate pretty accurately how I felt.
I would never discourage anybody else from reading it. My diplomatic line will simply be: "I didn't get it". My problem!
This book will not go into my library and will not be properly reviewed by me as I did not finish it.
10whitewavedarling
Oh well--we all have those; mine is Atonement--so many people love it (and people I know even teach it), but I just, as you said, don't get it. :)
11sunny_jim9
Good to hear it, whitewavedarling... thanks!
Well, on to my next book. I have an inordinately large amount of "to read" books that are actually in my house. I usually only buy a book when I'm ready to read it, but lately, between Christmas, a birthday, joining LibraryThing, and ordering hard to find books online, I'm seemingly surrounded by them!
As it turns out, I've hardly read any serious or classic Sci-Fi in my life, with the exception of the first Dune book. So I figure I need something significant to inaugurate this journey. I think I've found just the book. Although it is by way of a strange referral. I shall explain for posterity's sake :)
Even though I've never read any of her books, I'm actually quite fond of Jane Austen's work, via the film adaptations of course, most of which we own and have watched repeatedly. So recently, it has come to my attention that there's this book called The Jane Austen Book Club, which again, I have not read, but have been told some of what it's about. It's a book about a handful of women who are in a Jane Austen Book Club, and newly admitted to their ranks, I am told, is this guy.
Anyway, at some point he is trying to intrigue one of the other members as to the literary merits of Sci-Fi. The female and perhaps Austen-esque exemplars of the genre being a handful of names I don't really recognize save one... Ursula K. Le Guin. I say I recognize the name... that's it. So now I'm intrigued by the reference in this context... and where else to do some book/author research but on LibraryThing. With very little snooping, it is immediately apparent that Ms. Le Guin is a giant in both the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres. One easy stand-out as a classic in the Sci-Fi vein is The Left Hand of Darkness.
All this to say... in a very roundabout way... that this has become my next book! Yay, me... it's about time, I know. I now approach this work with fervent expectation that it will lead me resolutely and unswervingly towards a lifetime passion for Sci-Fi and a vow to finally read Ms. Austen's novels to boot.... no pressure, Ms. Le Guin!..... ;)
or more simply put... I expect it'll be more "my cup of tea".
Well, on to my next book. I have an inordinately large amount of "to read" books that are actually in my house. I usually only buy a book when I'm ready to read it, but lately, between Christmas, a birthday, joining LibraryThing, and ordering hard to find books online, I'm seemingly surrounded by them!
As it turns out, I've hardly read any serious or classic Sci-Fi in my life, with the exception of the first Dune book. So I figure I need something significant to inaugurate this journey. I think I've found just the book. Although it is by way of a strange referral. I shall explain for posterity's sake :)
Even though I've never read any of her books, I'm actually quite fond of Jane Austen's work, via the film adaptations of course, most of which we own and have watched repeatedly. So recently, it has come to my attention that there's this book called The Jane Austen Book Club, which again, I have not read, but have been told some of what it's about. It's a book about a handful of women who are in a Jane Austen Book Club, and newly admitted to their ranks, I am told, is this guy.
Anyway, at some point he is trying to intrigue one of the other members as to the literary merits of Sci-Fi. The female and perhaps Austen-esque exemplars of the genre being a handful of names I don't really recognize save one... Ursula K. Le Guin. I say I recognize the name... that's it. So now I'm intrigued by the reference in this context... and where else to do some book/author research but on LibraryThing. With very little snooping, it is immediately apparent that Ms. Le Guin is a giant in both the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres. One easy stand-out as a classic in the Sci-Fi vein is The Left Hand of Darkness.
All this to say... in a very roundabout way... that this has become my next book! Yay, me... it's about time, I know. I now approach this work with fervent expectation that it will lead me resolutely and unswervingly towards a lifetime passion for Sci-Fi and a vow to finally read Ms. Austen's novels to boot.... no pressure, Ms. Le Guin!..... ;)
or more simply put... I expect it'll be more "my cup of tea".
12sunny_jim9
Book #3: The Left Hand of Darkness by: Ursula K. Le Guin -- finished April 6th, 2008
Well, this was a very unusual book for me. It was very rich and deep. It took me a little while to get through it, but I'm glad I did! I can certainly see why it's a classic of the genre... very thought provoking and detailed. It must've been quite an extraordinary stand-out in 1969. Ms. Le Guin certainly deserves her excellent reputation, if I may say, having only read this book by her. She doesn't "hold your hand" to initiate you into her world. You're just thrown in and eventually you figure things out through the gradual repetition of alien words and concepts used in context. It truly was like going to a foreign country (alien planet). It was obvious to this sci-fi newbie that it was masterfully done.
There certainly was a lot of detailed description of geography, sociology, and weather. The journey across the ice felt interminable (and a little boring to read at times) but, I suppose it's almost necessary to evoke the right feeling. It reminded me of Frodo and Sam trying to scale Mount Doom.
The shared first person narration was interesting, as was the little interludes concerning Gethenian legends and love stories. I wish I could've read this for a discussion group. There's a lot to "chew on" and there's probably quite a bit that got lost on me. I'll have to settle for reading what others had to say on LibraryThing and Amazon.
I'll definitely read more from Ms. Le Guin. (Oh, and I haven't forgotten Ms. Austen either... Northanger Abbey is on my "to read" list!
Well, this was a very unusual book for me. It was very rich and deep. It took me a little while to get through it, but I'm glad I did! I can certainly see why it's a classic of the genre... very thought provoking and detailed. It must've been quite an extraordinary stand-out in 1969. Ms. Le Guin certainly deserves her excellent reputation, if I may say, having only read this book by her. She doesn't "hold your hand" to initiate you into her world. You're just thrown in and eventually you figure things out through the gradual repetition of alien words and concepts used in context. It truly was like going to a foreign country (alien planet). It was obvious to this sci-fi newbie that it was masterfully done.
There certainly was a lot of detailed description of geography, sociology, and weather. The journey across the ice felt interminable (and a little boring to read at times) but, I suppose it's almost necessary to evoke the right feeling. It reminded me of Frodo and Sam trying to scale Mount Doom.
The shared first person narration was interesting, as was the little interludes concerning Gethenian legends and love stories. I wish I could've read this for a discussion group. There's a lot to "chew on" and there's probably quite a bit that got lost on me. I'll have to settle for reading what others had to say on LibraryThing and Amazon.
I'll definitely read more from Ms. Le Guin. (Oh, and I haven't forgotten Ms. Austen either... Northanger Abbey is on my "to read" list!
13sunny_jim9
My next book continues my sci-fi odyssey. I think it will be quite a different feel from The Left Hand of Darkness. The book is called Cordelia's Honor by: Lois McMaster Bujold. It is comprised of two books, actually. The first is Shards of Honor and the second is Barrayar. So, does that make it books #4 and #5 on my fifty book challenge? :)
The Vorkosigan Saga was recommended to me by a friend as being fun sci-fi. These two books are a suggested possible starting point for the saga as it tells the story of Miles Vorkosigan's parents and how they met. I'm looking forward to it immensely!
The Vorkosigan Saga was recommended to me by a friend as being fun sci-fi. These two books are a suggested possible starting point for the saga as it tells the story of Miles Vorkosigan's parents and how they met. I'm looking forward to it immensely!
14sussabmax
If you are looking for suggestions on another great Le Guin book, The Dispossessed is one of my favorite books ever. But, I haven't read anything by her that I haven't liked.
Oh, and you can count books anyway you like. Sometimes I count books bound together as one book, sometimes as two. Depends on my mood that day, or if I am concerned about the average page count of my books, or how I read them originally. Mostly my mood of the day, though. Good luck!
Oh, and you can count books anyway you like. Sometimes I count books bound together as one book, sometimes as two. Depends on my mood that day, or if I am concerned about the average page count of my books, or how I read them originally. Mostly my mood of the day, though. Good luck!
15sunny_jim9
Book #4: People Patterns: A Modern Guide to the Four Temperaments by: Stephen Montgomery -- finished April 14th, 2008
I snuck this one in as it is a course requirement for me. I'm taking an online certification course in Temperament Theory and this is one of the books I had to read. As it is a fascinating subject and a useful reference for me, I'm giving it a good review. I'm an INFJ (Counsellor) for anyone familiar with Temperament Theory.
I'm still reading Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold. Present circumstances have made it a little slow going... no fault of the book!
I snuck this one in as it is a course requirement for me. I'm taking an online certification course in Temperament Theory and this is one of the books I had to read. As it is a fascinating subject and a useful reference for me, I'm giving it a good review. I'm an INFJ (Counsellor) for anyone familiar with Temperament Theory.
I'm still reading Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold. Present circumstances have made it a little slow going... no fault of the book!
16sunny_jim9
Book #5 & 6: Shards of Honor and Barrayar by: Lois McMaster Bujold -- finished April 29th, 2008
This is the first novel I've ever read from Lois McMaster Bujold. I decided to go at the highly recommended Vorkosigan saga in chronological order beginning with Miles' parents. Wow! Cordelia is one great heroine. I'm looking forward to getting to know Miles, but I'm almost sad at this point in time that the rest of the series isn't about Cordelia.
All the characters and the world really stayed with me. Cordelia is a tough and courageous leader without being "male".
I laughed out loud at a couple of scenes... that moment when Cordelia does the voice-over for Aral and Kou while they're conferencing to let Drou enter an all male practice martial arts tournament... or when Cordelia acts as a go between for Kou and Drou... hysterical!
The scene towards the end of "Barrayar" when Cordelia barges into the war council room and says she "went shopping"... and Cordelia standing toe to toe with Count Piotr over Miles... all of it made for an incredible ending. Really satisfying! I'm sold on this series and this writer!
I've entered it in my library as one book entitled Cordelia's Honor.
This is the first novel I've ever read from Lois McMaster Bujold. I decided to go at the highly recommended Vorkosigan saga in chronological order beginning with Miles' parents. Wow! Cordelia is one great heroine. I'm looking forward to getting to know Miles, but I'm almost sad at this point in time that the rest of the series isn't about Cordelia.
All the characters and the world really stayed with me. Cordelia is a tough and courageous leader without being "male".
I laughed out loud at a couple of scenes... that moment when Cordelia does the voice-over for Aral and Kou while they're conferencing to let Drou enter an all male practice martial arts tournament... or when Cordelia acts as a go between for Kou and Drou... hysterical!
The scene towards the end of "Barrayar" when Cordelia barges into the war council room and says she "went shopping"... and Cordelia standing toe to toe with Count Piotr over Miles... all of it made for an incredible ending. Really satisfying! I'm sold on this series and this writer!
I've entered it in my library as one book entitled Cordelia's Honor.
17sunny_jim9
My next book is a shift in gears. I've never really read any scary books in my life, so I'm going to try out one that was recommended by whitewavedarling called The Town That Forgot How To Breathe by: Kenneth J. Harvey.
I'm reminded of Joey from "Friends". Whenever the book gets too scary he puts it in the freezer. Great idea! Looking forward to it.
Happy to read a book set in Canada by a Canadian author. Nice goin', eh?
I'm reminded of Joey from "Friends". Whenever the book gets too scary he puts it in the freezer. Great idea! Looking forward to it.
Happy to read a book set in Canada by a Canadian author. Nice goin', eh?
18sussabmax
I thought you were going to read some Jane Austen...or are you afraid the guys at work will see you ? ;-)
I have something by Bujold on my shelf, but haven't read it. I think it was one of those Science Fiction Book Club feature selections that I didn't turn down in time. I have heard good things about the Miles Vorkosigan series, I may have to hunt that down.
I have something by Bujold on my shelf, but haven't read it. I think it was one of those Science Fiction Book Club feature selections that I didn't turn down in time. I have heard good things about the Miles Vorkosigan series, I may have to hunt that down.
19whitewavedarling
Good luck :) I was actually about to read the last Jane Austen I haven't yet read, but figure I'll wait now since I've just discovered we'll be covering it in a class I'm taking this fall.
20sunny_jim9
lol... Oh, yeah... I do have to get around to reading Northanger Abbey! Thanks for the reminder, sussabmax. I just want to make sure I'm in the right mood... it will be an unusual read for me!
21sunny_jim9
Book #7: The Town That Forgot How To Breathe by: Kenneth J. Harvey -- finished May 17th, 2008
**Warning! May Contain Traces of Spoiler!**
mmeh... it was OK... it never really affected me in any way. I was never significantly chilled and the story didn't linger in my mind in between sittings at all. There was too much that was left unexplained (although, admittedly, I am a little slow on the uptake sometimes...). I would have preferred having the explanations behind the conflict to be a little more explicit. Although some of the characters were interesting (I loved Ms. Laracy), I found them all a little too passive or resigned throughout the story. IMHO, it would have been a better focused story if one character could have truly and significantly "grabbed the reins". It would have been great to see it all though Joseph's eyes, let's say, but he "checked out of reality" halfway through the book, never to return (really). Chase didn't do a damn thing in the whole book. French was mostly wishy-washy. The only person who came close to playing detective was Dr. Thompson, but then he'd always get sidetracked by his injuries, his preoccupation with food, or his cat!? (oh, and I forgot about his brief bout of incontinence!... bad fish anyone?)
And finally, the moral of the story is... spirits no like electricity! Turn lights and TV off, then spirits happy and they visit proper and play nice like civilized ghosties. Then everybody breathe good and remember to fish!
mmeh...
**Warning! May Contain Traces of Spoiler!**
mmeh... it was OK... it never really affected me in any way. I was never significantly chilled and the story didn't linger in my mind in between sittings at all. There was too much that was left unexplained (although, admittedly, I am a little slow on the uptake sometimes...). I would have preferred having the explanations behind the conflict to be a little more explicit. Although some of the characters were interesting (I loved Ms. Laracy), I found them all a little too passive or resigned throughout the story. IMHO, it would have been a better focused story if one character could have truly and significantly "grabbed the reins". It would have been great to see it all though Joseph's eyes, let's say, but he "checked out of reality" halfway through the book, never to return (really). Chase didn't do a damn thing in the whole book. French was mostly wishy-washy. The only person who came close to playing detective was Dr. Thompson, but then he'd always get sidetracked by his injuries, his preoccupation with food, or his cat!? (oh, and I forgot about his brief bout of incontinence!... bad fish anyone?)
And finally, the moral of the story is... spirits no like electricity! Turn lights and TV off, then spirits happy and they visit proper and play nice like civilized ghosties. Then everybody breathe good and remember to fish!
mmeh...
22sunny_jim9
Book #8: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training by: Deidre Johnson Cane -- finished May 12th, 2008
yup! A real page turner this was... ;-)
**Spoiler Alert**
They all get buff in the end! Although some people do give up and decide to eat deep fried cheese cake instead.
yup! A real page turner this was... ;-)
**Spoiler Alert**
They all get buff in the end! Although some people do give up and decide to eat deep fried cheese cake instead.
23avisannschild
>21 sunny_jim9: Hey, you're supposed to warn us if you're about to give away the ending of the book!
24sunny_jim9
Sorry, sorry, sorry... fixed it! :-(
25sunny_jim9
OK, so I'm attempting to read my first Jane Austen. The only one I haven't already seen a movie version of is Northanger Abbey, so there it is!
"sunny_jim9 was all compliance, and his wife all happiness." And again... don't tell the guys at work... ;-)
BTW, just watched the new 3 hour Andrew Davies version of Sense and Sensibility. It rocks! The guy playing Col. Brandan is Liam Neeson's long lost younger brother!!! It's very well cast.
"sunny_jim9 was all compliance, and his wife all happiness." And again... don't tell the guys at work... ;-)
BTW, just watched the new 3 hour Andrew Davies version of Sense and Sensibility. It rocks! The guy playing Col. Brandan is Liam Neeson's long lost younger brother!!! It's very well cast.
26avisannschild
>25 sunny_jim9: I'm looking forward to reading your review...
27sunny_jim9
I'm about half-way through Northanger Abbey and have noticed that a group discussion on this novel seems to be (more or less) beginning in the "I Love Jane Austen" group. I've been posting there a little bit... will write my full review here when I'm done.
28sunny_jim9
Book #9: Northanger Abbey by: Jane Austen -- finished May 24th, 2008
I can't review a book properly without discussing what I thought of the ending, so...
**Spoiler Warning**
This is my first time reading a Jane Austen novel. I have repeatedly seen and enjoyed the movie versions of all her other 5 major novels. So, I am quite familiar with Austen's work in that way. This is not the type of literature I usually read, but if I was going to pick one, then I'd choose the one I haven't seen, which is Northanger Abbey.
I love Austen's prose... the language of the period is beautiful. There were quite a few moments in the novel where I smiled at some of the more humorous turns of phrase.
However, I have to say, on the whole I wasn't crazy about this novel. I know it's her first, but there are many people that love it anyway, so I won't dwell on that point. I did have to get used to actually reading her style. There were quite a few times where I had to re-read passages because the sentences were especially long and complex. That's definitely my problem! But, there were also times when I was lost because I couldn't track who was speaking. I would have been grateful for an extra dialogue tag here and there. I'm not that "slow", but I truly had to retrace 3-way conversations because there were actually no dialogue tags!
Then there's the characters. Catherine Morland was cute, but not terribly bright at times. As a Jane Austen heroine she seems to fall short a little. Yes, she's young and inexperienced and has an over-active imagination made worse by reading gothic horror books like "Udolpho", but isn't there more to recommend her character to us (other than Austen constantly referring to her as “our heroine”, therefore, we must like her)? She's loyal and trusting... to a fault. Eventually she sees the problems that can arise from these qualities and learns from her experiences. But to what end? How does any of that effect the outcome of the story?
We’re supposed to like Henry Tilney, right? But what’s so great about him? He certainly doesn’t do much in the story. He goes away and comes back... a lot! And for no dramatically purposeful reason. There are also a few times when he talks down to Catherine! Seriously, what’s so great about this guy, because I think I missed it!
Eleanor seems to have no personality whatsoever. What’s the deal with Captain Tilney? I never understood why he went after Isabella in the end.
And speaking of the end… I found it it pretty rushed! Apparently, Catherine gets “turned out” because it seems General Tilney was under the false impression (through Thorpe) that Catherine came from a more affluent background than she did, and when he found out he was mislead, sent her home! He was so nice to her throughout the story because he thought she was rich?! OK, some people are jerks, but this is the climax of the story and it seems pretty weak! I actually thought we were meant to like General Tilney?! I was disappointed. I know that misjudging people is a theme of the book, but that point was already made several times with other characters by that point. Why, at almost the last minute, did General Tilney have to be “the villain”, so to speak?
The resolution to this final “conflict” is that Henry shows up (again!) and says he stood up to his father, but General Tilney still won’t give his consent. How does this get resolved? Eleanor gets married out of the blue, to some heretofore unknown Viscount that the General swoons over (deus ex machina, anyone?), which lowers his will to oppose Henry’s marriage, so he finally relents in a fit of indifference! Yes, the General finds out that Catherine’s not quite so poor as he was led to believe (by Thorpe again… fool me once, General?), but surely his finally seeing the truth doesn’t fully redeem him for his final treatment of Catherine? And let’s not forget that all this happens in about the last two pages!!! I found myself craving more denouement.
Furthermore, What do Henry and Catherine see in each other anyway?! Catherine is almost too mortified or inexperienced to form a truly firm, critical, or insightful opinion about anything in the whole story. She’s too silly and mousy. And Tilney just doesn’t do anything in the book, except occasionally lecture Catherine, sometimes with snide comments. There are no evil bad guys in this enlightened day and age, in our part of England, Catherine! Silly, girl!
BTW, Henry, form an opinion about your brother… he’s a jerk… at least I think he is... he was in and out of the story pretty quickly… what were his motives?
In the end, I fully admit… I have to see the movies several times to appreciate all the nuances, even when it’s right before my eyes and some director has pre-chewed it for me. Maybe I missed tons of unbelievably subtle nuances in this book… but I’m only reading it once!
2 and a half stars
I can't review a book properly without discussing what I thought of the ending, so...
**Spoiler Warning**
This is my first time reading a Jane Austen novel. I have repeatedly seen and enjoyed the movie versions of all her other 5 major novels. So, I am quite familiar with Austen's work in that way. This is not the type of literature I usually read, but if I was going to pick one, then I'd choose the one I haven't seen, which is Northanger Abbey.
I love Austen's prose... the language of the period is beautiful. There were quite a few moments in the novel where I smiled at some of the more humorous turns of phrase.
However, I have to say, on the whole I wasn't crazy about this novel. I know it's her first, but there are many people that love it anyway, so I won't dwell on that point. I did have to get used to actually reading her style. There were quite a few times where I had to re-read passages because the sentences were especially long and complex. That's definitely my problem! But, there were also times when I was lost because I couldn't track who was speaking. I would have been grateful for an extra dialogue tag here and there. I'm not that "slow", but I truly had to retrace 3-way conversations because there were actually no dialogue tags!
Then there's the characters. Catherine Morland was cute, but not terribly bright at times. As a Jane Austen heroine she seems to fall short a little. Yes, she's young and inexperienced and has an over-active imagination made worse by reading gothic horror books like "Udolpho", but isn't there more to recommend her character to us (other than Austen constantly referring to her as “our heroine”, therefore, we must like her)? She's loyal and trusting... to a fault. Eventually she sees the problems that can arise from these qualities and learns from her experiences. But to what end? How does any of that effect the outcome of the story?
We’re supposed to like Henry Tilney, right? But what’s so great about him? He certainly doesn’t do much in the story. He goes away and comes back... a lot! And for no dramatically purposeful reason. There are also a few times when he talks down to Catherine! Seriously, what’s so great about this guy, because I think I missed it!
Eleanor seems to have no personality whatsoever. What’s the deal with Captain Tilney? I never understood why he went after Isabella in the end.
And speaking of the end… I found it it pretty rushed! Apparently, Catherine gets “turned out” because it seems General Tilney was under the false impression (through Thorpe) that Catherine came from a more affluent background than she did, and when he found out he was mislead, sent her home! He was so nice to her throughout the story because he thought she was rich?! OK, some people are jerks, but this is the climax of the story and it seems pretty weak! I actually thought we were meant to like General Tilney?! I was disappointed. I know that misjudging people is a theme of the book, but that point was already made several times with other characters by that point. Why, at almost the last minute, did General Tilney have to be “the villain”, so to speak?
The resolution to this final “conflict” is that Henry shows up (again!) and says he stood up to his father, but General Tilney still won’t give his consent. How does this get resolved? Eleanor gets married out of the blue, to some heretofore unknown Viscount that the General swoons over (deus ex machina, anyone?), which lowers his will to oppose Henry’s marriage, so he finally relents in a fit of indifference! Yes, the General finds out that Catherine’s not quite so poor as he was led to believe (by Thorpe again… fool me once, General?), but surely his finally seeing the truth doesn’t fully redeem him for his final treatment of Catherine? And let’s not forget that all this happens in about the last two pages!!! I found myself craving more denouement.
Furthermore, What do Henry and Catherine see in each other anyway?! Catherine is almost too mortified or inexperienced to form a truly firm, critical, or insightful opinion about anything in the whole story. She’s too silly and mousy. And Tilney just doesn’t do anything in the book, except occasionally lecture Catherine, sometimes with snide comments. There are no evil bad guys in this enlightened day and age, in our part of England, Catherine! Silly, girl!
BTW, Henry, form an opinion about your brother… he’s a jerk… at least I think he is... he was in and out of the story pretty quickly… what were his motives?
In the end, I fully admit… I have to see the movies several times to appreciate all the nuances, even when it’s right before my eyes and some director has pre-chewed it for me. Maybe I missed tons of unbelievably subtle nuances in this book… but I’m only reading it once!
2 and a half stars
29sunny_jim9
For my next book I may need a decompression chamber as it seems a light year and 180 degrees away from Jane Austen... back to schlocky fantasy for a palate cleanser.
It's called Sweet Silver Blues by: Glen Cook, which is the first in the "Garrett P.I." series. It's hard-boiled detective genre set in a fantasy world, and was once described to me by a friend as an intriguing, quirky fantasy read. So, here I go... I hope I don't get the bends!
It's called Sweet Silver Blues by: Glen Cook, which is the first in the "Garrett P.I." series. It's hard-boiled detective genre set in a fantasy world, and was once described to me by a friend as an intriguing, quirky fantasy read. So, here I go... I hope I don't get the bends!
30sunny_jim9
Book #10: Sweet Silver Blues by: Glen Cook -- finished June 12th, 2008
Didn't really engage me too much. Some cool ideas but it all played out pretty flat. Readable but certainly far from a page turner!
That hard-boiled first-person narrative voice is pretty cliche. Even though the series has the twist of context, taking place in a fantasy world, it's still not enough to make it fresh.
Another big problem I had with this book is that some characters are not physically described very well.... sometimes not at all! There are no stand-outs in the cast of characters. I have no idea how to picture Morley... a half dark-elf cynical tough guy whose a vegitarian?! Dark-elf?... as in a Drizzt Do'Urden. Is he supposed to be short like the Tates, who have elvish blood? When he speaks, he's just like Garrett.. who is speaking all the time because he's narrating! I didn't even bother tracking dialogue tags after a while.
The female characters are awful! They're so one-dimensional and the main characters attitude towrards them is really sexist... is it really the 1940's in TunFaire? Come on!
The plot is pretty thin, unengaging, and unclear at times. There's way too much "talking" (in the same style of voice) and not enough "doing" that is well described and meaningful to the story.
I so wanted to like this series. Maybe it gets better, but it'll be a while (if ever) before I'm compelled to continue the series.
2 and a half stars
Didn't really engage me too much. Some cool ideas but it all played out pretty flat. Readable but certainly far from a page turner!
That hard-boiled first-person narrative voice is pretty cliche. Even though the series has the twist of context, taking place in a fantasy world, it's still not enough to make it fresh.
Another big problem I had with this book is that some characters are not physically described very well.... sometimes not at all! There are no stand-outs in the cast of characters. I have no idea how to picture Morley... a half dark-elf cynical tough guy whose a vegitarian?! Dark-elf?... as in a Drizzt Do'Urden. Is he supposed to be short like the Tates, who have elvish blood? When he speaks, he's just like Garrett.. who is speaking all the time because he's narrating! I didn't even bother tracking dialogue tags after a while.
The female characters are awful! They're so one-dimensional and the main characters attitude towrards them is really sexist... is it really the 1940's in TunFaire? Come on!
The plot is pretty thin, unengaging, and unclear at times. There's way too much "talking" (in the same style of voice) and not enough "doing" that is well described and meaningful to the story.
I so wanted to like this series. Maybe it gets better, but it'll be a while (if ever) before I'm compelled to continue the series.
2 and a half stars
31sunny_jim9
My next book is The Host by: Stephanie Meyer. I stumbled across this book as it came out in the stores. I didn't even know Stephanie Meyer had been working on another novel outside of sequels to Twilight. I enjoyed that series and was impressed to find her diversifying herself pretty quickly with Sci-Fi. This is supposed to be her first "adult" novel as well.
I started it yesterday and I'm really impressed so far!
I started it yesterday and I'm really impressed so far!
32sunny_jim9
Book #11: The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by: Neil Gaiman -- finished August 8th, 2008
I'm still reading The Host, but I'm also reading some comics and graphic novels as well. This collection, which begins "The Sandman" series, made it to the finish line first! This is my first graphic novel. It was neat. I didn't love it (which is usually the case with Neil Gaiman's work as far as I'm concerned). Apparently he conceived Dream's look after a Japanese kimono and his own wardrode... puh-leez!... he just tries too hard to be "poetic" or "profound" or "alternative" or "dark"... I don't know... I'm just always aware that I'm reading Neil Gaiman. And now doubly so because his ultra cool hero dresses just like him. His style or essence sometimes throws me from the story.
Anyway, I will continue the series. I didn't hate it. I'm curious to see if i'll start to love it.
BTW, I'm also reading the first X-Men comics from 1963. I'm currently on #12. Only 488 more to go!
I'm still reading The Host, but I'm also reading some comics and graphic novels as well. This collection, which begins "The Sandman" series, made it to the finish line first! This is my first graphic novel. It was neat. I didn't love it (which is usually the case with Neil Gaiman's work as far as I'm concerned). Apparently he conceived Dream's look after a Japanese kimono and his own wardrode... puh-leez!... he just tries too hard to be "poetic" or "profound" or "alternative" or "dark"... I don't know... I'm just always aware that I'm reading Neil Gaiman. And now doubly so because his ultra cool hero dresses just like him. His style or essence sometimes throws me from the story.
Anyway, I will continue the series. I didn't hate it. I'm curious to see if i'll start to love it.
BTW, I'm also reading the first X-Men comics from 1963. I'm currently on #12. Only 488 more to go!
33sunny_jim9
Book #12: Doctor Strange: Beginnings and Endings by: J. Michael Straczynski -- finished September 14th, 2008
I'm really enjoying rediscovering comics (or graphic novels) again. I just started a new job that requires a lot of research, so it's also nice to be keeping things light in my personal reading. I have not abandoned The Host, it's just that the comics are faster for me to finish these days.
I didn't know much about the Dr. Strange character before I read this. I chose this 6 part comic because it was a modern retelling of his origin. I've also heard a lot of good things about Sraczynski as a writer.
It was well executed and it kept me reading. There was a lot of set up for his character and his perosnal plight. I was a little disappointed with the resolution. A lot of his character development was rushed by the end in order to address the final external conflicts. These were pretty disconnected from his more interesting personal story.
2 and a half stars on 5
I'm really enjoying rediscovering comics (or graphic novels) again. I just started a new job that requires a lot of research, so it's also nice to be keeping things light in my personal reading. I have not abandoned The Host, it's just that the comics are faster for me to finish these days.
I didn't know much about the Dr. Strange character before I read this. I chose this 6 part comic because it was a modern retelling of his origin. I've also heard a lot of good things about Sraczynski as a writer.
It was well executed and it kept me reading. There was a lot of set up for his character and his perosnal plight. I was a little disappointed with the resolution. A lot of his character development was rushed by the end in order to address the final external conflicts. These were pretty disconnected from his more interesting personal story.
2 and a half stars on 5
34sunny_jim9
Book #13: Illusions - Adventures Of A Reluctant Messiah by: Richard Bach -- finished September 19th, 2008
I don't usually read books like this (deeper - questioning - spiritual - purpose of life kinda books!), but a lot of people close to me have recommended it over the years (including a student teacher of mine from a while back). I've only gotten around to reading it now.
I actually loved it. It's relatively light, but it has so many great ideas - great ways of looking at the world. It was a great source of comfort and simple wisdom during a period of uncertainty in my life. It has inspired me to read more of these kinds of books in the future.
5 stars on 5 (why not!)
I don't usually read books like this (deeper - questioning - spiritual - purpose of life kinda books!), but a lot of people close to me have recommended it over the years (including a student teacher of mine from a while back). I've only gotten around to reading it now.
I actually loved it. It's relatively light, but it has so many great ideas - great ways of looking at the world. It was a great source of comfort and simple wisdom during a period of uncertainty in my life. It has inspired me to read more of these kinds of books in the future.
5 stars on 5 (why not!)
35sunny_jim9
Book #14: The X-Men Omnibus Volume 1 by: Stan Lee -- finished September 19th, 2008
On the complete flip side from Illusions, this has been another source of extremely light, comfort reading. It contains the first 31 X-Men comics and it's quite fascinating from a pop-culture / historical pont of view. Issue 1 dates from 1963.
The stories aren’t exactly gripping, but they’re fun never-the-less. I’m looking forward to reading up to the Chris Claremont era, as that’s when they're supposed to really get good.
4 out of 5 stars
On the complete flip side from Illusions, this has been another source of extremely light, comfort reading. It contains the first 31 X-Men comics and it's quite fascinating from a pop-culture / historical pont of view. Issue 1 dates from 1963.
The stories aren’t exactly gripping, but they’re fun never-the-less. I’m looking forward to reading up to the Chris Claremont era, as that’s when they're supposed to really get good.
4 out of 5 stars
36sunny_jim9
Book #15, 16, & 17:
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 4 by: Roy Thomas
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 5 by: Roy Thomas
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 6 by: Roy Thomas -- finished October 16th, 2008
The X-Men is the one super-hero title that I've decided to thoroughly explore. I've really been enjoying them. I am now up to the Chris Claremont era with the international team.
It's kind of an unusual and fascinating walk though history as these comics reflect some of the North American social and cultural ethos of their day.
Great escapist fun with pretty pictures!
Vary from 2 and a half to 4 stars.
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 4 by: Roy Thomas
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 5 by: Roy Thomas
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 6 by: Roy Thomas -- finished October 16th, 2008
The X-Men is the one super-hero title that I've decided to thoroughly explore. I've really been enjoying them. I am now up to the Chris Claremont era with the international team.
It's kind of an unusual and fascinating walk though history as these comics reflect some of the North American social and cultural ethos of their day.
Great escapist fun with pretty pictures!
Vary from 2 and a half to 4 stars.
