whitewavedarling's 2009 challenge....

Well, I managed to keep track of the books I read in a year for the first time in 2008, and came far beyond what I'd estimated beforehand at 117 books for the year. This year, I think I'm going to separate the books I keep by school and pleasure (though of course I enjoy plenty of the books I read for school too), out of curiosity. My goal will be to reach fifty books read on my own time/not for class, and meet a hundred overall again. I'm still not sure of the best way to do this though I've been considering it for a few weeks now, so we'll see how it goes. For now, i'm going to number all books, but add a letter of the alphabet to numbers that stand for a book I'm reading for pleasure. If I reach "xx", I know I'll have met my goal. Here goes.....

1a. The Farther Shore by Mathew Eck

Well, the touchstone doesn't lead to the right book, but this might be worth searching out if it sounds up your alley. It's a relatively short war novel published just last year, though it deals with one of the many civil wars in Africa during the 90s instead of a more current conflict. It is a first novel, which shows through in spots, but overall it's a good read for what it is. There are some points where I wanted the author to slow down a bit since at times it seems as if he's just rushing to get out all of the plot/ideas, but there are times when the thoughts of the narrator/main character are striking enough to carry you through other ideas you wish were more developed. I do feel like he could have given his characters more time to mature and come across as fuller figures, but I think someone interested in war-related literature will still find this worth their time for the fullness of the narrator alone, whose voice comes across as authentic, as does the book as a whole. I can't say that it lives up to critics' grand praise as the next Red Badge of Courage or even necessarily "the first great war novel of our generation", but it's worth a look, and Eck is worth keeping an ear out for in the future. For a first novel, this is good.

2b. Collected Poems of James Joyce by James Joyce

Dated, at times repetitive--his fiction is much better, even coming from someone who's not all that partial to him.

3. Howards End by E.M. Forster

This was a re-read, for class, but I'm glad it turned up on my schedule; I enjoyed it much more this time around. The writing is calm, but elegant, and reminds me a bit of a mix of Dickens and Ishiguro. I think there's more than enough thought here to sustain multiple reads...even for me, who's not much on rereading any but real favorites.

4. Life Studies and For the Union Dead by Robert Lowell

A few great poems here, but this isn't a book I'll be likely to come back to for any but four or five poems marked. I read the first half for class, so I'm calling this a class-read also.

welcome to the group, some interesting reads you've got there! Good luck with your challenge!

*edited because I always type too fast and have spelling mistakes because of that

It will definately be an eclectic year with the various classes I'm taking :) Meanwhile, I'm glad to be back--welcome as well girlunderglass :)

5. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

Franklin's autobiography is straight-forward, amusing, and honest. For someone interested in early American history or in autobiography, I can't recommend this highly enough. It's a telling look into a highly moral life, with something for everyone to find and give further thought to. I think that, for any reader, interest will flag in some spots, but in the end it's a worthwhile read to have come through, and certainly worthy of being called an American classic.

Oh, and just for the record, I haven't totally given up on pleasure reading outside of school--I just haven't had time to finish the books I'm going through on my own!

6. Black Hawk: An Autobiography by Black Hawk

For this history, this is a worthwhile needed read, but I can't say that I enjoyed it. It does go quickly, but it's difficult to look at America's early history from such a straightforward view as Black Hawk's. As a modern reader, I want him to be cynical and enraged--his calm hopeful outlook is hard to take the further into his story one gets.

I picked up a lovely little copy of Franklin's Autobiography and other writings recently. I think I'll put it near the top of my pile.

It's a good read--boring at some points, fascinating at others, but the writing is humorous and fantastic overall. When we talked about it in class, not eveyone agreed that they enjoyed it, but it seemed everyone agreed that they were glad they'd read it. Let me know what you think when you do pick it up!

Meanwhile...
7. Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West

This was a wonderful book. It made me remember how in love with reading I was after reading Romeo and Juliet in seventh grade. The stories aren't similar, but I had that same reaction. The story sweeps you in with beauty and brilliance, and tears you apart with the same. If Shakespeare and Henry James had come together to form their perfect idea of a writer, and to combine their styles into one which could strike at readers long after a book was closed, the result would have been Rebecca West. I'll be reading it again before long, once I recover.

Thanks for the review! I will put this one on my wishlist.
--BJ

It's a lovely read--one to finish in one sitting on a quiet afternoon.

8. Black No More by George S. Schuyler

This is a smart and gracefully written read. For anyone interested in considering race theory or race relations in the United States, or for anyone who appreciates satire, this is a must-read. Both frightening and understandable, the book draws you in easily, and holds you almost despite yourself until the inevitable, and yet surprising, end result. Highly recommended.

9. The Last September by Elizabeth Bowen

I don't have much to say here--I found the writing uninspired, and the characters unlikable as well as uninteresting. I might have enjoyed this had it been a novella, but as is, it simply dragged on for me with one needless character blending into another even as one meaningless conversation blended into one more. Simply, I saw the intent, but was incredibly bored by the process and outcome. My personal opinion? Don't bother.

10. The Dutchman and The Slave by LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka

For those of you looking at the authors posted above and raising an eyebrow, the work is published, I believe, under both names--Jones changed his name to Baraka post-publication.

Both these plays are provocative and politically charged. Regardless of publication date, they're still relevant and worth reading, and contain some great monologues for anyone interested. If you read drama or have any interest in smart literature that contains social commentary, I recommend this. There's also an interesting section of The Dutchman that brings to mind echoes of Ginsberg's Howl, which is an interesting aside in itself. In general? These are smart and well written--highly recommended.

This will date me, but I remember reading (then) Jones' The Toilet in the early 70s. My high school library had it, if you can believe that. I think I must have read the Dutchman, too, (probably in college), though I don't have as clear a memory of it. I just read someone else's review of Return of the Soldier which was equally positive. I'll have to pick it up. Looks like you're having a good reading year, so far.

So far, so good :) I've gotten fairly lucky in that the classes I have are assigning books that I find engrossing, which I didn't have such luck with last semester. I'll be picking up Jones' other writings when I get the chance, though it will probably be summertime, I have to admit. Let me know what you think if you pick up Return of the Soldier. :)

11. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Baldwin's discussion of race in America is telling and evocative, worth reading even now. It is worth time not only because of his passionate voice and intelligent look at the world around him in civil rights-era America, but for the reflection it gives of the world we still live in. In showing readers his own prejudices, he does his best to break down theirs, effectively illuminating pieces of history that might more easily be left to be forgotten or ignored, but which inevitably affect the identities we work every day to form and preserve. This book is both dated and contemporary in various ways, but it is without a doubt worth a contemporary reader's time. Highly recommended.

Had to comment just one more time...Love Baldwin. I like his essays more than his fiction, though his short story, "Sonny's Blues," contains some of my favorite lines in fiction. re: Return of the Soldier...I will.

"Sonny's Blues" is by far my favorite short story :) I'm becoming a big fan of his nonfiction, though, as well...

12c. Blindness by Jose Saramago

I can't do this novel justice in a review--the truth is, it's the most powerful book I've read. I don't remember ever using the term 'genius' seriously, but I have to with this one. Saramago's style, characters, plotting, and narrative are all perfectly blended into a book that is absolutely engrossing from page one. It is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and disturbing in its honesty given the premise Saramago presents us with. It is, though, far more than what it presents itself as, and went beyond my expectations in every respect. It may be hard to take at moments, but as a whole, it is worth every word. We talk about a poet making use of every word, every piece of punctuation, every letter--I've never seen a novelist who I felt absolutely managed to pack such power into every character's space, as we'd expect of a poem, but Saramago manages to do just this somehow. I recommend it without any reservations.

13. Summer on the Lakes in 1843 by Sarah Margaret Fuller

I'm afraid I grew rather tired of this. I might have enjoyed it in small doses since much of the writing is worthwhile and graceful, but as a single work read in consecutive pieces, it just grows rather repetitive in subject-matter and randomness. My recommendation would be to read it in chapters as you might wander through an anthology of stories--I think it might stay fresh and not become exhaustive in that case. Otherwise, for someone who enjoys the other transcendentalists, this is probably worthwhile; for me, it was a bit longwinded. I'd love to follow in her footsteps and visit some of these sights, but that's about all I can say at this point. Just not for me.

Funny coincidence - I was reading your review of Blindness yesterday afternoon and thinking it sounds good. Later in the evening, my fiance asked me if I wanted to see the movie called Blindess. So we checked the IMDb and it turns out that the movie is based on this book. I hadn't heard of either of them until yesterday! I will be checking them out, though, your review sold me.

I've no doubt that your review of Summer on the Lakes in 1843 is "right on the money." My geeky interest in "all things transcendental" might take me through it on one read. I should, however, probably begin with Fuller's Women in the Nineteenth Century, which I've bought, but not read!

I can't wait to read Blindness - I just finished The History of the Siege of Lisbon, the first book I'd ever read by Saramago, and I'm completely in love with his writing. I strongly recommend it to any and all!

Count me another fan of Blindness. I have only one other book by Saramago on my shelves, so I'll have to add The history of the Siege of Lisbon.

I've bought three of his other books since I started reading Blindness, but with all my classwork they're having to wait until at least spring break I'm afraid. spacepotatoes, you'll have to let me know how the movie goes; truthfully, I'm not sure I could take it or want to, though I know I'll at some point be re-reading the book. As for myself, I can't recommend it highly enough.

14. Between the Acts by Virginia Woolf

Woolf just isn't for me. I'm just glad I got through this one at all; there's a full review posted, though, somehow.

15. Sula by Toni Morrison

This reads something like an extended fable, beautifully written and full of meaning. Here, Morrison has packed up all of the color of her longer novels into a tight tale about a small town and its inhabitants, centered around two girls. The book is full of both beauty and horror, but comes across throughout as true to itself. While it isn't my favorite of Morrison's works, it s highly recommended.

16. The Life of P.T. Barnum by P.T. Barnum

Fun and engaging, Barnum's autobiography is well worth the exploration. Barnum details exploits of every variety imagined in various countries, from childhood to adulthood, and engages the reader in his wanderings throughout. His voice comes across as likable and sincere. I recommend avoiding the edition edited by Terence Whalen, or ignoring the introduction if you do end up with that edition. It's one of those introductions that not only gives away far too much of the book to be read beforehand, but is written with an overly cynical view of the text by a judgmental editor who apparently cares nothing for the text he's been asked to introduce. Let the text speak for itself, and enjoy!

17. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

This is a wonderful read, one to be savored. Waugh's characters and dialogue come alive with each passage, their quirks and quandaries as believable as they are fresh. At times, it reads as simply a break from life, one of those simple pleasures. At others, it carries such a full weight of thought that you're sure it's one of the more serious and heartfelt novels you've come across. In the end, it comes full circle beautifully and leaves you with the satisfaction of a long and worthwhile journey to be remembered and, true to the title, revisited. In some ways, I'd compare Waugh's work here to authors like Ishiguro, Henry James, and Marquez, but none of these fit exactly, because in the background, haunting dialogues and particular scenes, there's a biting humor and wit nearly reminiscent of Jon Stewart (yes, of the Daily Show). As a result, I haven't read anything quite like it, but I do know that I have to recommend it for any reader who wants beautiful writing and time well spent in an original cast and a beautifully drawn world.

Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! Brideshead is one of my favorite books in the whole world.

I have a feeling it's one of mine too now; if I had a list of ten books or so to take to a desert island and live off of, I' have to put this on the list, it's so rich.

Loved your review of Brideshead Revisited. I am hoping to read it this spring or summer.
--BJ

Great review of Brideshead - one of my desert island books for sure, I've lost count of how many times I've read it. Some of Waugh's other books are funnier, some are more poignant, but this is the one I keep coming back to. Any plans to check out his other books?

>tash99, I'm definately going to be picking up his other books, though I'm not sure when right now--I'm in a PhD program, and pleasure-reading time is frighteningly hard to come by! I have to stick to simpler books, or poems and short stories, that I can pick up and leave behind for a week or so; I'm not sure I could do that Waugh....

I read a really short book of Waugh's last year, The Loved One. It's the only Waugh I've read so far so I can't tell you what it's like compared to anything else but I did like the writing and it was funny, if you're into dark humour. So that may be one way to get your Waugh fix when you're short on time :)

18d. The Barfighter by Ivan G. Goldman

I ended up really enjoying this book; the protagonist came off as real, and I was engaged in him and the story from the beginning. From the moment I picked it up, it was keeping me up late even when I just didn't have time to read. I even enjoyed reading about the boxing, which was a new reading subject entirely for me. On the whole, the mix of people and places was a fascinating collage of character and thought, and I'd recommend it. I did have two problems with it, though---the first is that far too many of the characters sound and act the same, to the extent that they tend to blend together. The only exceptions to this are the protagonist and his girlfriend, and those other characters having more separation from one another would really have strengthened the book. My only other criticism comes with the ending; the last few lines of the book (literally) are just too easy, and somewhat corny, I'm afraid. I don't mind him ending the book at the point he chooses...but the last sentence is just too much.

Overall, for folks interested in sports-related books or in boxing, I'd recommend this. On the whole, it's also a pretty interesting character, though I have to say that this makes it all the more disappointing that the other characters blend together so easily.

Meanwhile, it's so nice to finish a book NOT for school!!!

Yea! Non-school books!
--BJ

19e. Bright Hunger by Mark Irwin

This is a nice mix of poetry--for some reason, the first half is MUCH stronger, but the book as a whoe is a strong read--a good mix of narrative and image based work with strong language throughout. If you want some clear contemporary verse that comes together as a full collection of poems, but where each poem stands alone as well, I recommend this one.

Meanwhile, this is my second non-school book in a row! It might be a while before the next though--I just started a wonderful one (The Sound of Building Coffins), but it's becoming eery enough that I'm going to have to be careful about when I read it...

Thanks for the comment re Brideshead Revisited ! I was reading it for an online book group at
http://onlinebookclub.myfreeforum.org/about3237.html

and say a bit more than "it was great" on there

I loved this too, and gave it a full 5 stars. I was reading a copy from the library and will definetly being investing in a copy of my own as I intend to re-read it.
While I was reading it I kept on being surprised by how many pages I had gotten thru, but towards the end I didn't want it to finish- or was afraid of a 'bad' ending based on information given in the Prologue...

Like Charlotte I hadn't seen any of the adaptations of Brideshead Revisited, but expected straw boater hats, blazers, larking about with teddy bears... which is really only a very small part of the book. I think like Charles I was 'charmed' by the Flytes: Spoiler:

I loved Charles' and Julia's romance on the liner; but does Charles even bother to ever see his daughter Caroline ? They all seem to do whatever they please and have no regard for anyone else ...?

There were some really funny bits too, like Charles' father ! I loved the Venice bits too (we went there last year!)

20. A New England Girlhood by Lucy Larcom

A quick read, nicely written, but also rather forgettable--probably not something I'll come back to. As an autobiography, I just found it too lacking in any specifics of day to day life to really stick with me or make an impression, as opposed to the beauty of Larcom's imagery and language, which sometimes read more like poetry.

21. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie

Well, this was a fast enjoyable read for the most part. It was a bit tame by my normal standards, but I suppose my suspicions in that regard are the reason this was my first Agatha Christie novel. Still, I may pick up another Miss Marple mystery as a break from schoolwork some time. Overall? Fun, relaxing, nicely written, and even a bit haunting at times.

22. Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

As a historical document, this is an impressive achievement with Washington's regular integration of statistics, news reviews, and speeches, along with his multiple brushes with historical figures such as U.S. Presidents. At the same time, whether a reader is familiar with the questions of the book's history or not, his voice doesn't come across as all-together candid. It feels formed, tailored to the subject and intent instead of the truth. I can't say that I blame the author considering his need to raise funds for projects at Tuskegee, but at the same time, it takes a great deal out of the pleasure I normally find in reading an autobiography. The language is undoubtedly graceful and telling of interesting subjects, but some of the flavor and anecdote I'd normally expect of autobiography just wasn't there. I recommend the autobiography to anyone interested in the raising of institutions, Tuskegee or others, or those interested in Washington himself, but I wouldn't recommend this probably to someone who is just generally an avid reader of autobiography. In the end, I just wanted more--more honesty, more fault, more specifics. It felt as if this was, simply, too perfectly formed and executed toward Washington's purpose of the time, so dating the text on some level.

23f. Donkey Gospel by Tony Hoagland

This was a great collection of poems, and one I'll come back to. Most are narrative poems with strong voices and fun touches of humor; I never got tired of the collection, and there are many poems here which I'd recommend. For anyone who wants some short entertaining poems to pass the time, enjoys or wants to explore contemporary poetry, or likes narrative poetry that tells a story and still leaves you with something to think about, I highly recommend these. I will say that a few of the poems are slightly risque, so it's probably not the collection you'd want to pass on to your teenage poet at home--at least not without reading it first, though I admit I would have soaked these up and loved them as a sixteen year old as much as I do now at twenty-eight. Regardless, they're fun, and come highly recommended!

24g. How Fiction Works by James Wood

I have mixed feelings about this one. It was worth my time since it gave me quite a few authors to look up and reminded me why I love some of my favorites, but there were also so many allusions to books that I sometimes felt left out of the Wood's arguments. At the same time, there was plenty of material to get me thinking about writing strategies that made the read worthwhile; my only complaint would be that sometimes his thoughts seemed painfully obvious, while at others they seemed somewhat undeveloped.

I'd recommend this to folks who are interested in writing fiction or expanding their literary horizons, as well as folks who are fans of the classics and literary fiction (as opposed to more acceptably mainstream). I also think it's more paletable in small doses and taken as breaks instead of in long sittings; I kept it on my desk at work for those ten or fifteen minute stretches when there's no sense in starting a large task, but no sense either in just sitting still for the duration; Wood's short short chapters make the book ideal for that sort of reading.

25. The Promised Land by Mary Antin

Well, the touchstone on this one led to the wrong book, but you can find it in my library :)

This is a wonderful and complicated story of Antin's childhood as she lives first in Russia and then in America. It is a picture of immigration, the search for what is the American dream however it is told, a great appreciation of learning, and a story of all the things that in the end matter more than either wealth of position. Antin's prose is graceful and literary, as well as entertaining throughout. It may start slowly, but this book is worth reading as both historical testimony and document as well as personal narrative and autobiography.

>44 whitewavedarling: The Promised Land sounds really interesting!

26. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Graceful, wonderful, heartbreaking, awful, beautifully restrained and written--I really do adore this book. This was the third time I read it (I think), and it gets better with each read. I won't count it towards my 999 challenge since this was a reread And for class, but I had to drop it in here to remind any lurkers--go sample Ishiguro!!!

Oh, and his new book comes out in May! :)

his new book comes out in May!

REALLY?? I did not know that! That makes my whole day - I've been putting off reading The Unconsoled because I would then have read through all of his work, with no unread Ishiguro left. But now! Now I can read it!

*runs off to Amazon to preorder*

Oh, and I love Remains too - all of your adjectives are exactly right.

:) Glad I could make your day :) It's a short story collection, so I'm incredibly curious to see what's gong to show up in the mail come May (I pre-ordered as well)...

27h. Quantum Lyrics by A. Van Jordan

I know many of ya'll don't read poetry, but this was a wonderful collection. Van Jordan has a way with words that I just haven't seen equalled in contemporary poets very often. Each poem in this collection is worth re-reading; they deal with intersections of science, language, love, jazz, physics, comic superheroes, the civil rights movement, and the life of Einstein. Eclectic? yes. But also powerful, graceful, and worth every moment and word. The few superhero poems might not be as enjoyable to folks unfamiliar with the pop culture behind them, but even their stories are clear enough that they're worth reading for anyone exploring contemporary poetry. The sequence on Einstein is fascinating, and probably something I'll think about teaching in the future. Meanwhile, I recommend it highly for anyone with even a passing interest in physics or contemporary poetry (either). Van Jordan really is a master poet and story-teller.

Quantum Lyrics sounds really interesting! I'm going to look for it, and I'm also going to request my local library to purchase it! That way I'm likely to get it one way or the other.

Thanks for the review!

You'll have to let me know what you think :) If you're interested in civil rights, his earlier collection Macnolia is also really wonderful, sort of an autobiography in dramatic monologues and poems from various personas. I teach that one quite a bit, and it was interesting to see some of the carry-over into his poems on Einstein here. Eitherway, I recommend him absolutely!

28i. Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz

This book was my introduction to the idea of a "lector"--someone who was paid to be in a cigar factory as a reader, spending days reading works of literature to factory workers. The beauty and the worth of the idea coming into clash with machinery and new technology is enough to be found fascinating to begin with (in my eyes), but Cruz combines this historical moment with drama and frighteningly realistic character (along with great writing) to make a memorable and heartbreaking play. The integration of Anna Karenina into the text brings another level to the text, as well, whether you've read Tolstoy or not. In the end, simply, the text comes to life in various ways. My instinct is to say that this is why we read, and that this is why we write, put simply and beautifully into words. This is worth reading, worth remembering, worth passing on.

Great review!
--BJ

Wouldn't that be the best job ever, though maybe not in a cigar factory. Sounds interesting. Are there people who actually have jobs like that?

One of my friends says that unions have pulled it back into vogue in certain types of work environments, at least in the U.S. Part of what the book deals with, though, is the possibility of introducing machinery into cigar-making factories, which is what eventually got rid of the practice in Tampa in 1931. Cruz wrote an afterword (which you might give a look before the book--I did in this case to see what I was getting into) that talks about this, along with the fact that lectors were being pushed out of factories in Cuba because owners felt that the reading of high literature and news was giving the workers too many ideas, and that the power structure might be in danger if the readings continued.

It really is a wonderful book, and a really interesting look into a piece of history that, in all honesty, I didn't even realize existed.

Your added comments make it sound even more interesting. I added it to my list, thanks!

Wonderful review and having said that, I can't understand why I haven't heard of this book before now. It sounds fascinating and I want to run right out and buy it.
Such an interesting concept and then to realize that this is something that really happened.......
Thank you whitewavedarling.

you're welcome :) I'm still trying to figure out how I hadn't heard of the author, let alone the book (I have a theater background as well as English). It just reminds me how much contemporary drama is my weak spot! You'll all have to let me know what you think when you've put your hands on it...

Meanwhile, I'm backed up in The Education of Henry Adams and behind on schoolwork after a vacation weekend with my fiance, so wish me luck!

Good luck! And I am glad that you had a little break from all that schoolwork. :)
--BJ

29. The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari

Well, I'm not counting this toward my 999 challenge since it's a reread, but I wanted to post it here to re-recommend it once again. I'm rereading it now since I'll be teaching it this week, and as before, I'm struck by how simple and powerful Daoud's voice is. I wrote and posted a full review some time ago, so you can look up mine with the multitude of others here on LT, but for now, I'll simply say that if I had the money, I'd give a copy of this book to everyone I know, high school age and on. I strongly recommend it for everyone's reading as a touching contemporary memoir that is thoughtful, smart, powerful, and necessary.

Meanwhile, I'm slinking back to Henry Adams. Man, is that book going slowly...

#29. Wow! I'm glad I've got this in my TBR's. I'l read it next.

It really is worth the read--and surprisingly quick, considering the content. I read it in one sitting for the second time today!

30. The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams

I'm inclined to consider this book more of a text on history than a standard autobiography, and I have rather mixed feelings about it as a whole. As an experimental autobiography, it's a fascinating study, but it's also a slow and long read. I'm not opposed to long books, but this was a rough read, I have to admit. The middle in particular lagged for me, primarily because of a constant discussion of historical and political personalities that I was unfamiliar with. While I have a fair enough familiarity with American history, I'm not particularly familiar with any of the leading personalities of the nineteenth century (except for those who were literary or those who anyone would know, like the Presidents, etc.), and Adams often treats them as if the names are household familiarities, which I don't doubt they were to his contemporary audience. As a result, though, I was sometimes fairly lost, and considerably bored.

Still, in the end, it was worthwhile--something I didn't expect to be saying when I was about halfway through the work. The beginning was interesting, though, as was the last 150 pages or so where Adams dealt more with his ideas on progress, history, and social inertia, all of which were interesting and readable.

In the end, I recommend this to any student of history or anyone interested in the ways that American and European cultures were changing and reacting to one another in the second half of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth. It is not, by any means, a fast or overtly entertaining read, but I would say it's worthwhile, perhaps as a side project to read a chapter from per day (chapter lengths are manageable). I wouldn't suggest reading it as I did, all five hundred pages over three days for a class---this, indeed, was rough. Still, I'm glad I finished it--all told, it was worth the effort. I just wish the middle portions had been a bit shorter....

Overall? 4/5 stars.

Thanks for the review. I have a couple of books by him, but they are more Presidential history books. I need to look them over. :) Have a great day!
--BJ

31j. It was a terrible cloud at twilight by Alessandra Lynch

I do enjoy poetry collections, but this just wasn't enough to hold my attention or even keep me in individual moments. There were some interesting thoughts and turns of phrase here, but most of the poems left me wanting more, and none of them are poems I'd feel the need to come back to. On the whole, I wanted more meaning, more polish, more depth. This isn't a collection I'd recommend, I'm afraid, though I might come back to the poet after two or three collections to see where she's reached. Many of these seem promising, and many of them are based on interesting ideas---they just come across as unfinished or given too little time, at least for this reader.

re: The Remains of the Day... count me as a lurker! I have the book, and for some reason, seem to be waiting... for...? The perfect time to read it? Not sure. I'm really looking forward to it. I loved your review of Brideshead Revisited. Another book on my wishlist. I loved the British TV version of it.

I'm glad you liked the review--I just went out today and purchased two more Evelyn Waugh books, though they'll probably have to wait until the semester ends, I'm afraid. (They're Vile Bodies and The Loved One.)

One of the things I find funny about Ishiguro's books...and I can't figure this out...is that the back covers always make them seem incredibly uninteresting. I had Remains of the Day for a long time before I finally read it for a class some years ago, and then I was a lifelong fan--I've learned not to read the backs of his books, though, or they just get pushed further into the tbr pile! Maybe there are some books that are just really difficult to market--I don't know how else to explain it, but I do love them.

32. Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill

Dense at some points, but an interesting read that's a perfect primer on the foundations of utilitarianism. I'm not sure I could stand to study philosophy on a daily basis, but I do find it interesting on occasion :) If you're at all interested in the topics considered, particularly intersections of ideas of justice with utilitarian principles, I recommend this.

In regard to Utilitarianism, I just wanted to add briefly that the last chapter gives a fascinating overview of perceptions of justice which are surprisingly undated, moving from the word's origins to the larger issues and difficulties associated with the term. If you have an interest in criminal justice, humanitarian rights, or issues of justice in general, that chapter might be worth your looking up even if you're not interested in Utilitarianism as a whole.

33k. The Enigma of Arrival by V.S. Naipaul

Quiet--relaxing--a nice break. If you're looking for a relaxing read through the English countryside, I recommend this. It's also a really interesting look at writers and writing; if you're interested in country house literature, writing, or transcontinental ideas of literature, I highly recommend this.

I also enjoyed The Enigma of Arrival, though I don't think it matches A Bend in the River. Have you read the latter, or any other Naipaul?

I haven't read any of his other books, but I did pick up A Bend in the River and one other at the bookstore Saturday, so they're on the summer reading list :)

I actually liked A House for Mr. Biswas better than I liked A Bend in the River. Mr. Biswas's inlaws are hilarious.

Good review. Your one of the few people that I have heard enjoyed those last three chapters . This includes most of the people he sent the first private printing to ( 18 copies I think) in 1907. They just didn't get it .

According to a couple of Henry Adam scholars ( Samulson/Chalfant) and even Adams himself , this work was not intended as an Autobiography but was written the third person. I agree to a point but I remember something Gertrude Stein said something about a rose?..

Oddly, He left out of the *Education" his wife Clovers suicide in 1885. This sent him rocking off into the unknown and he never recovered fully .

Again, Nice review.. you might discover after a couple readings that this book is really worth the 1918 Pulitzer it received . Ive read it three times and I STILL can' get passed those last three charters.

I still can't get over the fact that he didn't include her suicide--regardless of what he considered his main subject, it just seems like that would have to have such a profound effect on him that it would show up regardless. I am going to end up rereading, but I think I might read some other books about that time period and catch up on history and ther people Adams mentions a bit beforehand to get more from those middle sections. In any case, I'm glad you enjoyed the review!

I think Adams left his wife's suicide out of his autobiography because it was too painful for him to include.

34. James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni: A Dialogue by James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni

This is a straightforward discussion between two leading and revolutionary writers who are passionate about both causes and writing. The book is just as smart, intriguing, passionate, and provocative as you'd expect coming from these two authors. I strongly recommend it to anyone who's a fan of Nikki Giovanni or James Baldwin, or who is interested in reading more about either race relations and civil rights or theories regarding race in America. This is quick, but worthwhile.

35l. Bending the Bow by Robert Duncan

This was a bit obscure, for my taste, I'm afraid. I'd recommend it to fans of poetry that has a heavy use of allusions, or for fans of T.S. Elliot, but it's not what I'd call generally accessable. There were a few poems here that I'll come back to, primarily those that were religiously themed, but for the most part the poems were too detached and dense for my taste. I have enjoyed Duncan's poetry before though, when I've come across it, so I feel like this just wasn't the collection for me. For anyone curious, I'd recommend reading some of his anthologized pieces for a taste, and then going with a different collection unless it's his allusions and uses of unexpected or foreign language that really draws you in.

I'm afraid this was my second disappointing collection of poetry in a row, but on the upside, I'm midway through a lit. journal where I'm loving the poetry, and it's just the essays that are slowing me down.

36m. Odd Swallows by Robyn Ewing

Not my thing, I'm afraid. These were more along the lines of post-modern experimentalism or Gertrude Stein than what I'd usually pick up, but I tried it since a friend recommended it. At points, the so-called poems were clever, but at others they were just sort of cutesy. Not something I'll come back to, though I'd recommend it if you like Stein or experimental work in general.

37n. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

McEwan is more stylized than I prefer, but I thought this was tighter than Atonement. I found it too shaped in the beginning, and there were many times when I found the characters simply unbelievable, but the book as a whole was interesting, and not as overwritten as I expected after reading my last McEwan. I'm sure it's not something I'd ever come back to, but it was a nice nightly escape when I was wrapped up in course-papers and research during the day.

Fuller reviews of both coming...

I thought those reviews were excellent! I am hoping to read Atonement this month after my daughter's graduation. I know the story as I discussed it with my daughter some. She read it for school. I am not sure if I will like it or not. However, I put off reading Beloved for many, many years because I knew the storyline and did not think that I could read it. My daughters also read that one for school, so I broke down and read it and thought that it was amazing. So I guess you never know until you try! Good luck with those course papers and research!
--BJ

Thanks :) I'm semi-done for the semester, FINALLY. I'm taking a spanish class starting May 11, but that will be a nice break. Otherwise, I'm just down to grading papers, starting to plan my wedding, and then doing some reading-ahead for my classes next fall. I turned in my second 25 page paper in a week yesterday, so the summer is much needed!

38o. The Sound of Building Coffins by Louis Maistros

This book is like one long dark jazz song, and there's nothing I can say to really do it justice. Having said that, here's my review:

This is one of those books that will draw you in from the beginning, and probably strike you near speechless from beginning to end. Maistros has combined a haunting version of New Orleans with striking language and characters to create something that seems more of a spirit than a book. It is admittedly dark, and won't be for every reader, but elements of horror and magical realism and jazz combine in such a way that by the end, the book is as beautiful and life-affirming as it is at times terrifying. The characters, as strange as they may be, come across as both real and sympathetic--I'm still not sure how he managed this in some cases. Maistros is a magical writer, and I don't know that any summarizing blurb or review can actually do the work here justice, but I will simply say that if you can read this, I think you'll be thankful you did. The images, though, are incredibly haunting--this is a book that will stay with you, take over your conversations, and leave you looking for more. I con honestly say that I don't know that I've ever read a book with more atmosphere or palpable character. I'll be both passing it on and rereading it, and can only give the highest recommendation, admittedly with the warning that dark scenes and material make it a book that I won't be passing on to everyone.

If you are fans of jazz, New Orleans based literature, contemporary literature as a whole, Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, or Mo Hayder, you shouldn't let yourself miss this.

5 Stars, without a doubt on this end.

Wonderful review!
--BJ

I agree billiejean. This book has been on my list for a little while now, but your review has prompted me to go out and search for it. Wonderful!

I like how you gave me a lot of information to help me judge whether I would like this book without giving away any of the plot. You make me want to read this book even though I'm not normally fond of magical realism.

:) I'm glad--I'm still in shock that this is Maistros' first book to be quite honest--it's by far my favorite book of the year so far. My problem, though, is that it's too dark to pass on to the folks I normally pass books on to (physically) immediately so that I can talk about it with someone! I'll be curious to see how others classify it as well; at one point I was calling it magical realism, at another just literature, at another horror, and then at the end none of those seemed to do it any justice at all! It really does bring up the atmosphere of what I think of as New Orleans though, and I think that knowing Maistros lives in one of the districts hardest hit by Katrina says something about where the book came from in regard to hope and horror (it's nothing to do with Katrina, though--it takes place far earlier). It really is fantastic, though--I hope you all pick it up and pass it on :)

WWD, i, for one, will be on the lookout for this book. after your raves, how can i not? i'm a big fan of magical realism and would like to know more about New Orleans pre-Katrina. the themes seem to be right up my alley.

I should probably mention this is a small press book (Toby Press) and might actually require ordering instead of just looking out :( I was at B&N today and kept an eye out for it out of curiosity, but didn't see it out. It's also one more reason to give it word of mouth though since it won't get the advertising and space on a bookshelf that it would with bigger publishers.

I'm also not sure that this will give you a great deal of info straight-history wise, but it definitely brings you the atmosphere and the character and the jazz...okay, I should stop before I start raving all over again :)

Great review of a book that I now must read and without a review like that I would never have given a second glance.
Thanx,
N/B

:) I'm glad--it's one of those books where even the blurb on the back just doesn't know how to do it justice. Meanwhile....one more good one....

39p. Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town by Warren St. John

This is a touching book, and one worth reading, but which should also be approached for what it is: an at length news account that, in all honesty, often reads more like a newspaper than a book you'd pick up to read in a few sittings. That said, I read this in a few sittings, and you may also. The author has to be given credit for knowing that the power of his story would come with the individuals bound up in the story, and with the events, not with any overly dramatic writing or suspense. Even for me, a person who knows little of sports in general and Nothing of soccer (until reading this book), the book was powerful, easy to follow, and worthwhile.

It gives an in depth and honest look at the refugee situation in one portion of America, that is certainly true to other communities dealing with many of the same issues. The attention to interaction in the community, faults, failures, and successes, along with the individuals who had a stake in all of the events, makes the book come together into a solid readable history of a soccer team of refugees from too many different countries to list here. Throughout the book, the account is straightforward, and St. John does a good job of centering in on a few particular characters to recenter on as the book moves---this might not be necessary for the story to get told, but it is necessary to hold the book together as more than a long news story. My only complaints are minor, really. First, I'd like a few pictures. That may sound silly or unnecessary considering the descriptions of the characters and community, but considering the nature of St. John's project, I think even a few pictures would have helped this really strike readers as a memorable book worth passing on repeatedly. My second criticism is the ending. I understand that the epilogue was written as late as possible to contain as much as possible, and so wasn't included in Advanced Reader Editions, but even so, with or without the epilogue, the ending is incredibly jarring. Even a few more sentences before his dramatic wrap-up would have done wonders for the way I felt upon exiting the book. That's to do with his style though, not the story.

In general, I'd recommend this for anyone interested or involved in youth sports, soccer, diversity, or the situation of refugees in America. It's readable, powerful, and worthwhile if you have any interest that brings you the way of this book. I also think it would be really worthwhile for kids to read, though I'm still pondering what age group I'd set it toward--perhaps not until ninth or tenth grade. It's a powerful book, though, and one which gives a beautiful look into what America can be, and sometimes is, along with the shortcomings that make that vision sometimes difficult to approach. In the end? I recommend this book.

If you did get this book in advanced reader form, though, take the time to look up the epilogue on the random house website--there's also a link posted in the early reviewers group under the Outcasts United thread.

40q. Fatal Light by Richard Currey

If you're a fan of McEwan's Atonement, or of work in the style of Hemingway, this book might be for you. Having said that....it certainly wasn't for me.

Currey's novel of a Vietnam soldier reads more like a half-hazard diary, despite the emphatic disclaimer that it is primarily fictionalized. On the whole, it's not badly done--the problem is, there are plenty of cliches, and everything that is accomplished in the novel has been done before, and better I'm afraid, to the extent that reading this was more of a rehashing of other Vietnam and Iraq based literature I've read than it was a fresh story. The further pain on the story is that when it comes down to it, it moves far too quickly to really draw a reader into a plot-line or to involve readers in the characters. Simply, from beginning to end, it's hard to care any more for the book than the care you would automatically bestow in any Vietnam-centered literature. If you're looking for a fresh perspective, this certainly isn't it.

The problem on my end may be that I've read too much Vietnam and generally war-related literature to appreciate something that is emblematic, but less than fresh. If that's the case, so be it, but this isn't a book I'd recommend. For me, it was too stylized and half-hazard to reach me, and in the end, I was simply bored for far too much of the reading time.

So, whitewavedarling, are you saying that Currey did a "half-assed" job by writing this book using a lot of cliches and seeming to rehash what others have already written, only better? Or are you saying that the writing was haphazard in that he didn't know what kind of book he wanted to write, so that sometimes it sounded like he was trying to write in diary form and other times it read more like a novel? I'm curious, too, since I read Tree of Smoke this year what books about Vietnam that you would most recommend?

I guess I feel unsafe saying that he incorporated cliches and rehashing other books because, in the end, this is a 20th anniversary of a book published in 1988. I don't have a good feel for when the other Vietnam books I've read were written, so it's Possible that this book was seminal within the "genre". If that's the case, though, I'm afraid it's not standing up to time. I do think that he Wanted to write a novel, but it comes off as a somewhat half-hazard attempt--too quick, too jumpy, and not enough time to drawing in a reader toward character or plot. He definitely wasn't forming the book in the style of a diary, but with very brief chapters that jump in time, place, and focus, that's sometimes the effect. I hope that answers your questions--I'm afraid my feelings about the book are a bit muddled still.

Recommendation-wise, I'd definitely recommend work by Norman Mailer and Tim O'Brien in particular. I'll have to think about others, but those are the ones that stand out immediately. I also always recommend The Beach--it's not a Vietnam novel per se, but there are so many references to Vietnam and incorporations of that generation that it comes off as one, particularly since it's modeled after Apocalypse Now.

I hope this helps :)

Yeah, I understand better. And thanks, too, for your recommendations. I'll go look at The Beach. I have to admit that I really disliked the misogynist comments Norman Mailer has made in the past (is he even alive still?), so probably won't read anything of his.

Quick update since I've been gone for a week and a half:

Spanish is sucking up my life. I'm in class for three hours a day, with three-five hours of homework per day. It's a grad research class to teach translation for the language requirement in my lit. PhD, and it's going to get done, but it's also incredibly tedious, and leaving me not much time for reading. That said, I'm in the middle of a few books right now, and reading a lit. journal on the bus, so hopefully I'll have something to report within a week or so. Meanwhile, I'm still taking time out to procrastinate by enjoying all of your threads and reading! :)

Wow! I really admire your work ethic. I guess I better get up off the couch and go wash some dishes or something. ;-)

Hi, whitewavedarling!
My daughter is studying Spanish to be a translator. She is an undergrad and she takes lots of Spanish classes. Are you planning to be a translator? Does it require a Ph.D?
--BJ

heavens no! I'm not a language person, I'm afraid. My PhD will be in contemporary literature, but most lit. PhDs have a language component. My department figures that translation might be our primary goal in needing a language, so they offer intensive translation classes as a way of filling the requirement.

41r. The Album, a literary journal out of Hollins University

Hollins has a great writing program, so I expected a lot of this, even knowing that it's the smaller of two university-based lit journals, and really qualifies as more of a zine. Instead, I'm sorry to say this was a huge disappointment. I've seen plenty of "in-house" lit journals (and work on one myself) that still manages to hold to a high standard of quality and delivery. Here, there just wasn't much of a standard from what I could see--instead, I got the impression it's a small group of friends who cater to inside jokes and one another (regardless of talent) instead of putting together a publication that's worthy of the university's title or of public notice. I'm still trying to figure out why they would have felt the need to hand this to a prospective student--I ended up not applying to Hollins for very specific reasons, but had I read this while I was making my decisions for where to apply, I would have immediately crossed Hollins off of my list. Sorry for the mini-rant here, but I really was expecting more.

42s. Forest Cats of North America by Jerry Kobalenko

This is an accessible and worthwhile look into the bigcats of North America, with plenty of beautiful illustrations to highlight the text and keep your attention. I ended up reading this in two sittings, and enjoying myself thoroughly through the learning. There are practical tips here for telling the animals apart, being aware of them in the wild, and and considering how they fit into the overall world of North America, human and non-human. Kobalenko offers an apparently non-biased view into the lives of the animals, and brings into play myths and legends as an added dimension for understanding of the animals. He also discusses cats as a family in general, so that the discussions sometimes extend to cats as varied from the main subject (cougars, bobcats, lynx) as housecats, lions, and jaguars. In the midst of reading, I actually found myself gaining insight into my family's housecats, though I would have said before that I understood them about as well as possible already.

In the end, I'd recommend this for anyone interested in the wildlife of North America, or in cats in general. It's a fast intelligent read that really is worthwhile if you're remotely interested in the subjectmatter. Kobalenko also offers a bibliography of further reading on more specific subjects if readers are interested in pursuing a specific piece of the information he presents us with through the full work.

43t. Every Boat Turns South by J.P. White

I've got mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the story is a quick and engaging read for the most part, and has an interesting story set on the sea and in the caribbean, beautifully described. On the other, I had a difficult time getting into it because I found the writing distracting (and detracting). The most well-written passages were by far the sections dealing with action or with being at sea, which is admirable. The problem came in the slower sections, which were arguably more important to the story.

So, writing-wise: When it comes down to it, simply, you can tell that White is more experienced with writing poetry than fiction. That's not necessarily a bad thing in itself, but this book needed a little bit more time spent on basic language, particularly in the beginning seventy pages or so(though admittedly, it may just feel that way because I eventually got more involved in the story). I should say that the issues I'm talking about probably wouldn't bother a lot of readers. For one thing, I'm talking about too many adverbs, and too many "he said/she said" additions. Especially in a one-on-one conversation (which is almost always the case in this book), there's no need to constantly say "he said quietly" or "she yelled". The language and the plot can do much of that without the author needing to bother. The emotion can be conveyed in the language used, not by consistently reminding the reader of body posture (head hanging) or tone of voice. Also, there are far too many similes and metaphors. When one would suffice and add to the description, White sometimes uses three or four. He has some beautiful language in this book which might very well bring me back to it, BUT, he's letting himself go overboard at times in a style of description that isn't really supported by the rest of his style or called for. My hope is that in his next book, there'll be about a third the amount of descriptive comparisons found in this book.

As I said, I found the writing distracting at many points, but the book overall was a good read. My one complaint? The end. I've often come across books where the author makes a character reach a major turning point, but readers aren't given enough material to see Why the character is facing or making that change. Here, the problem is the opposite. We see numerous major events in the narrator's life that would (almost necessarily) cause any person to change, and yet the narrator here doesn't. In the end, I was left wondering, how have we not seen any change in this character during the whole of the book? Minor ones? Perhaps--but not the ones that the plot would suggest. That's my only story-based complaint though--simply, I think a little bit more should have gone into character development by the end of the novel.

In general, I'd suggest this if you're not overly picky about small writing technique issues, and enjoy a good story. It's also a pleasure if you're like me and enjoy the setting of florida and/or the caribbean. I think this would be a great book to teach in an introductory fiction writing class, and would stronly recommend it for that purpose. It's also a great example of a fairly mainstream story that incorporates occasional beautiful and poetic language that blends into the story and background. There could be less of it, but regardless, it's good to see since so often mainstream literature just doesn't carry those sentences that make you stop, reread, stop, reread, and really just enjoy for their cleverness or beauty.

As you can see: mixed feelings. I'll go back to it though, and definately look up his poetry. Whether or not I read his next novel will probably depend on whether the subject or plot interests me.

#98, that is an interesting way to handle the language requirement. When I was working on my Ph.D. in English Lit, we had to show we could translate a short essay from 2 languages, one of which had to be French, German or Latin. We could use a dictionary, but we only had a set amount of time to complete it. I had done enough Spanish as an undergrad to do that one (I was also fortunate that they gave me an essay excerpt on The Satanic Verses, which was a hot topic at the time). A bunch of us then "taught" ourselves enough French to pass the exam. I could never speak a word, but for a short time I could translate just well enough to pass. In some strange way, the whole experience seems fun now.

We have an option something like that also, but it's a longer excerpt, and costs money to take while the class is free. Since I haven't had a language in so long, I thought the free class would be a better option. They also don't guarantee that you'll get an excerpt within your discipline, which I've heard can make things much more difficult. The class isn't too bad since it is sinking in slowly--just time-consuming and intensive.

44u. Par for the Curse by Toyi Ward

I wanted to like this book, but in the end, it simply wasn't worth my time, and isn't worth yours. Unless you like badly written daytime tv, full of cliches and so-called adults acting like overly immature highschoolers, I'd avoid this one I'm afraid.

45v. Literary Journal: The Journal, volume 29.1 (spring/summer 2005)

This was a good read for the most part. The poetry was top-quality, and I'll return to it. The essays were also worth reading and enjoyable, though I found the fiction a bit slow and maudlin. The book reviews were concise and to-the-point, a nice change from many of the in-journal book reviews I've come across in other journals. Particularly if you're a fan of poetry or personal essays, I'd recommend this journal.

46w. Baby Jesus Pawn Shop by Lucia Orth

This one gets a longer review--yep, even here!--since it's an early reviewer book I want to give some attention to. The short version? Though I have some qualms that keep it from being a five star book (I clocked it at four), it's a good read, and a fascinating journey into Manila under the regime of Ferdinand Marcos.

This book is an in depth fictionalized look into Manila under the rule of Ferdinand Marcos in the late part of the twentieth century. Orth focuses on two characters as the lenses for her story, and what follows is a tale of suspense that lives up to the novel's claims of exploring 'the struggle of two ordinary individuals to lead a moral life when reality defies conventional notions of right and wrong' (taken from the book jacket). While it isn't necessarily a quick read, the book moves quickly if you're interested in either the setting (flawlessly rendered from what I can judge), countries in political flux, or political thrillers tailored with interesting characters.

As a whole, the book is beautifully written with just enough background that you feel as if you are learning about the historical politics going on in the background even as you're falling into the story. It is frustrating at times to see the political maneuverings and controls from only observer stand-points though. There's plenty of worth in reading about a country in the midst of upheaval from the viewpoint of those most affected, but the lack of direct insight into what politicians and military minds are doing makes the read frustrating at times for readers who want to know more about the reasons for what they're reading, as opposed to just action and effect. Overall, though, there's a pretty good balance in this regard, and I'm not sure that Orth could have pulled off as much of a flowing and page-turning novel in any other way but than to focus on the characters she chooses. For this reason, I have to say that I would have liked more of a drama with suspense than a novel that was obviously written to be a literary tale of suspense.

The book's jacket makes it sound like the political intrigue will move hand in hand with the personal development of the characters and their relationship, but when it comes down to it, the characters are less the focus, and somewhat flat in creation. This isn't to say that they're not interesting, but I wanted more about them and of them to make me truly care about Orth's novel. It was too easy to get swept along in the story, and be entertained, but not be entirely touched---and, a novel trying to do as much as this one is, I would argue, should touch readers. In the end, I'm afraid this focus on creating suspense through plot moreso than character, as true to the story as it may be, will make it easy for readers to enjoy this while they're reading it, but also leave it behind without a great deal of thought or memory that might make them look further into the issues presented or pass the book on to other likely readers.

In the end, while I Wanted more from the book, it's a good read, beautifully written and worth the time. I got this from the early reviewer program on LT, but I wouldn't have been disappointed if I'd spent money on the book from the store. I have to say that I think it had more potential than what the final result puts out, but this only leaves me anxious for Orth's next novel, considering that this is an incredibly impressive first book. My only warning to potential readers is that there is a fair amount of violence, sometimes graphic, within the book, some of it related to animals---all of it is necessary and true to environment, but as early as it comes, I have to admit that it might have put me off if I hadn't received the book from LT for free and had just been browsing. If you're overly sensitive to scenes like this, you might want to at least be wary before picking up the book, though, again, I do think it's worth the time.

Fantastic review, whitewave! I may have to add this one to my TBR as well.

Really good review for ER Baby Jesus Pawn Shop. It sounds as if Orth researched the work well before beginning the work.
Good job whitewavedarling.
(a thumb's up from me)

:) --thanks, both. Orth was actually in Manila for five years around the time the book is set, working as a humanitarian aid worker with a NGO; I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that's why I got the book since I have quite a few books on humanitarian aid in places facing similar problems, though not Manila specifically. I think one of the best things about the book is the way that the setting and atmosphere really bring the story to life and draw readers in. Let me know what you think if you wander into it!

Oh, I should mention, the cover design is about as bad/cheesy as it gets--don't let that put you off :)

47x. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

This has been reviewed so many times on LT, that there's little more that I can say, but in the meantime, here's something of a review that I may well come back to when my thoughts are more fully together or I've had a chance to reread....

This book is both powerful and complex, but also deceptively simple. When I was about half-way through, I was thinking that it wasn't nearly as strong as I'd expected considering all the reviews and conversations I'd seen on LT--in general, I felt I'd expected more. Yet, at some point, what was just a carefully drawn story became more powerful and more lasting, without my even realizing it until I was nearly finished. In this way, I'm still not entirely sure how to talk about the book, and may have to come back to this review later.

When it comes down to it, this book will stay with me, and may be something I end up teaching. It is beautifully and carefully woven together into a powerful story that draws you in slowly but surely, and won't release until you've finished. The characters are as real as one could wish for, and the entire thing is entirely too believable, and heartbreaking in its beauty. I would have liked a little bit more material from the cellist's point of view, which is really my only criticism, but I can understand why the author focused more on the other three characters. The end result is well worth the read, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it on to nearly any reader, high school age or above.

48y. Picnic, Lightning by Billy Collins

While many of these poems are worth reading, others feel more like the author thinking "what if" and writing a poem based on that supposition alone--this wouldn't be a problem, except in that sometimes that "what if I wrote a poem about..." thought is the most interesting (or only interesting) part of the poem. I've read Collins' work before, and really enjoyed it, but these just didn't live up to the other works I'd read from Collins. In general, they were often forgettable, and none were poems that I'd be driven to reread or bring into a classroom, which I've done with some of his other work. I'd recommend this book to fans of Collins, but if you're someone looking for a new poet to explore, I'd go with one of his earlier collections instead. These were rather simple for my taste, with too much allusion as the backbone of poems, and not enough language or thought-play.

And, at this point, I'm halfway to my goal of 50 non-school-related books! (that's what the letters designate for those of ya'll dropping in mid-way :) )

49z. The Terror: A Fantasy by Arthur Machen

By the way, the term "fantasy" is a bit mis-leading now, though it's appropriate to the work in the end, and considering the time it was written (40s or 50s I believe--I don't have the book on me since I already loaned it out). I'd term it more of a mystery or suspense.

This was an interesting and entertaining read; the narrator's voice feels like the voice of a grandfather telling you something he finally needs to let go of, though he knows you may not be ready for the tale. Even with this relatively calm tone, though, there are still moments when I got goosebumps from the strangeness within the pages that seemed so incongruous (and yet real) when matched with the voice. I'd recommend this to fans of Agatha Christie books, early Stephen King, and Sherlock Holmes tales (it's got that kind of a flavor). Make sure, though, that you don't read the introduction first. On a side note, this is a very short read--I think the atmosphere was heightened for me by my taking the time to sit and read it through in one sitting, though that wasn't originally my plan.

Recommended.

50aa. An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-First Century by James Orbinski, M.D.

Passionate, worthwhile, and necessary, this book comes from the perspective of a doctor directly involved with all of the issues he presents.

Orbinski's book is by far the most accessible, intelligent, and nuanced look into Humanitarian Aid that I've come across. The work is without political bias; Orbinski's concern is for those people around the world who need help to simply survive and/or who are treated unfairly (primarily in respect to basic survival needs and medical care). His passion for both humanitarian aid and working For the future beyond simply the present moment is both touching and infective. As a doctor who worked with Doctors without Borders and one of the founders of Dignitas International, a foundation that works for the relief of treatable disease in poor populations that have little to no basic medical care or resources, Orbinski's presence in this book is not only central to story and action, but a more intelligent narrator than we could ask for.

Additionally, while I've read quite a few books that overlap in subjectmatter or concern, I haven't come across any book that did such a perfect job of balancing the overwhelming task of mixing narratives, introductory material, hard statistics, and personal voice. Some of the subjects and places Orbinski presents are places I've read quite a bit about, while with others, this was my first exposure--throughout, though, I never felt either lost in the subjectmatter understanding-wise, or bored by what I already knew. For anyone interested in learning more about Humanitarian Aid, this is the first book I would recommend, and without reserve. I would also strongly recommending it all the way through in order, and not simply taking on the chapters that you're interested in---Orbinski's treatment and understanding of his material is unparalleled, and his voice is integral to the experience of reading this book and retaining not simply statistics, but his larger narrative of understanding and humanity in today's world. The chapter on Rwanda is particularly at issue in this regard--while it is, by far, the strongest and most difficult chapter to get through, it is also integral to the larger arch of change and understanding that Orbinski goes through and presents to his reader. If you've read the material up through this mid-way chapter, you'll appreciate it much more than you would otherwise in just taking it on its own.

I cannot recommend this work highly enough. Even if you hesitate to read it, it is a necessary and intelligent book that deserves both time and consideration, without bias.

Sounds good! Have you also read Tracy Kidder's book, Mountains Beyond Mountains? I'm wondering how you would compare them?

It's on my reading list, but I haven't gotten there yet. I think one of the things that struck me so much about Orbinski's book, though, is that he was the one directly involved in all of the stories he's bringing us. I've read so many journalistic and research-based accounts, this was a big change. Of the books I've read that were written by those directly involved in bringing aid, Orbinski's was by far the most well written. I'll have to move Kidder up more to the top of my list then, and I'll let you know how they come together in the end!

Thanks for the review. That book definitely looks like a must read and I am adding it to my wishlist.
--BJ

re: Picnic, Lightning - did he get that title from Lolita? If so, that is awesome.

I've been wondering whether I should pick up this volume of Collins' work. I've enjoyed his earlier poems and some of the humor he brings to his writing. It's disappointing to hear that it wasn't as good as some of his others.

>115 billiejean:: BJ, let me know what you think--I can't recommend that work highly enough!

>116 jfetting:: I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised--there are quite a few allusions to other authors in the work, from William Carlos Williams to Emily Dickinson; I still haven't gotten around to Lolita though, so I couldn't say...

>117 wrmjr66:: I always enjoy his humor and word-play, but those elements just weren't as present here. The poetry was still worth reading, once, but it was a disappointment for me. For those who might like his "I wonder if..." side or his sentimental side more, this book might be more up their alleys.

Thanks, you guys, for stopping in! It's always nice to find someone's been wandering in to read my posts :)

51bb. Crow: from the Life and Songs of the Crow by Ted Hughes

Entertaining and interesting, this collection ranges from melancholy observations to dark questions and theories, based on and around the character of Crow Hughes used for this project. As a collection, the poems hold together an odd panorama of questions and sentiments (in many cases anger or distrust) that question life, religion, and philosophy. It's a dark book, but the poems are worthwhile, with quite a few being ones that I'll come back to many times.

52cc. The Green Mountains Review: Volume 18, Number 1

This is a solid journal, worth reading, though I didn't find many works that I'd come back to over and over again. On the whole, I'd say that while all of the works are solid, the fiction is more lasting and unique than the poetry, which sometimes blended into the background and didn't leave much of an impact, if any at all. Overall, recommended if you're looking for a lit. journal that contains a wide range of material that is mostly based in realism, and appropriate for any reader high-school age or older. My only complaint is that I like to see contemporary journals contain Some material that shows a concern (or at least acknowledgement) for contemporary societal issues. Most of the works here could have been written yesterday...or twenty years ago....or forty years ago. That's a good thing in a lot of cases, but at the same time, I like a journal that pushes the edges just a bit, and isn't so concerned with offending readers that it stays away from any heated issues. If you're looking for something that's going to push the borders, make you really stop to think, shock you, or contain questionable material, this isn't the journal to look into, but the reading selections are all worth reading and interesting with a good variety of subjectmatter, so it really just depends on your taste. This would be a journal that I'd spend money to subscribe to though (if I weren't a broke grad. student), and I don't say that about many journals.

53dd. Blackbird by David Harrower

Enh. I'll write a full review tomorrow, but for now, suffice it to say that while this Might be interesting when staged, it needed more substance to make it feel really worth either reading or staging for me. It's also somewhat annoying that while the back of the book isn't actually misleading, it leaves a major aspect of the plot out which Would influence whether people would buy the book. What it does tell you is that the two main characters had a relationship fifteen years ago, and are now meeting for the first time after that stretch of absence. What it doesn't tell you? During the relationship, she was twelve, and he was in his forties. As I said--might influence whether you buy it, read it, or move right on. And no, that's not a spoiler--you find out within a page or two. They just didn't feel like mentioning it, even though it's the only thing driving the plot. Anyhow, I wouldn't recommend it. It's not badly done, but also not really worth the effort.

54ee. Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox

First, if you're even remotely somewhat curious, this book is highly recommended. Fox is an amazing example of a person who's been able to not only confront and deal with adversity, but use it to excel and better the world around him while still enjoying the day to day world around him, and family especially.

This is a touching and memorable book from Fox, moving from where his first book ended to document his journey as actor, activist, and family man over the last fifteen years or so. I should say here that you certainly don't have to have read his first book to get something out of this one, though his first is a good read as well. This book is a fast read, and Fox's voice and writing are humorous and honest throughout, allowing for plenty of memorable anecdotes in regard to all aspects of his life. The book is split into four sections on Politics, Family, Religion, and Work (not in that order). Each one is well worth the read. For me, the most memorable section was the family section, but then perhaps that's because I'm about to get married and we're starting to think about kids. Certainly, I'd recommend this section to any parent or parent-to-be, but the full book is worth reading and passing on. For anyone in a multi-faith family, Fox's account of being non-Jewish within a Jewish family and congregation is not only touching, but also gives an interesting look into the contemporary practice of religion in the United States (the section goes into other practices other than Judaism also). Of course, it goes without saying that anyone interested in the state of Parkinsons, non-profit medical research, or stem cell research will have an interest in Fox's life and work, but this book goes far beyond those boundaries, and is beautifully written on top of it.

In the end, if you have any interest in memoirs or Michael J. Fox, this book is worth reading. His detailing of Parkinsons and his optimism about life and the future are touching and contageous. I cried quitea few times while reading this book, but laughed more. It's worth a look.

5 Stars.

Just a quick update--because yes, I'm around, just not finishing anything!

My little sister got married (at 20!) over the weekend, so I was out of town for that, and now I'm in the midst of finishing up my Spanish class (and the accompanying project due Thursday), getting ready to go to the beach for vacation next week (the bag of books is the only thing so far packed, of course), and planning a class I'm teaching in July. So, yes, I'm insanely busy, but I am still reading here and there :)

I'm hoping to have two books done by the time I leave Saturday--we'll see what happens. They're Fixing Hell: An Army Psychologist Confronts Abu Ghraib and Jumper: Griffin's Story, which is a book from the series that last year's movie Jumper came from. So far, both are really worthwhile--I just don't have enough time to read!

PS. For those of you who are Harry Potter fans, the Jumper books are a sort of sci-fi Harry Potter kind of thing, but shorter, and sci-fi instead of fantasy--some of the same ideas, character types, and themes though, and also young adult. I wouldn't think of calling either a copy-cat series (I can't remember which started first), but I think liking one might be a fair indication of liking the other, assuming you're not biased completely against either genre.

In the meantime, I've finished two books that I read the majority of for school, and have only just gotten around to getting back to:

55. Journeys in New Worlds: Early American Women's Narratives

56. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet a. Jacobs, A True Tale of Slavery by John S. Jacobs by Harriet A. Jacobs and John S. Jacobs

In general, I'd say that both these texts were about what I expected, and are worth reading IF you're interested in the subjects or in early American history in general. I'll add that each narrative in the Journeys anthology has an in depth introduction that does a wonderful job of contextualizing the respective narrative in regard to history, the "characters" involved, and American geography.

Full reviews written of both, if you're interested :)

57ff. Jumper: Griffin's Story by Steven Gould

As my first jump into YA science fiction, this was a great introduction. Gould's characters are believable for the given situations, and the point of view of the young character works well for the story. In a way, this reminds me quite a bit of the Harry Potter books, though the central character is more physically solitary, and the premise is based in science fiction instead of fantasy. On the whole though, I would say that fans of one will enjoy the other. Another interesting tidbit is that while this is the third book in the series, it was the first to be written after the movie went into production; as a result, Gould made the choice to write the 'science' to go hand in hand with the movie, not the earlier books. Still, this isn't a book "of" the movie--it's a stand alone piece of science fiction that draws you into the series with no need for interested readers to have read the earlier books.

In the end, highly recommended to fans of YA science fiction/fantasy of YA action/adventure. I'll be searching out the rest of the series.

58gg. Fixing Hell: An Army Psychologist Confronts Abu Ghraib by Larry C. James

I often complain that movies aren't advertised in a way that honestly presents what you're walking into--this is the first time I remember feeling that way about a book so strongly. In any case, I gave it four stars for what it IS. I suggest looking at reviews and asking around if you're curious about the book, because it is both more and less than what you expect from the title and the marketting/dust jacket. I think this faulty advertising is the reason it's received lower ratings (in the range of 2.5-3.5) up until now on this site.

Full Review:
I have to say, this book wasn't exactly what I expected. From reading the book jacket and the beginning of the book, readers are led to expect that the book will be a look into Abu Ghraib, the events/oversights that allowed for the events at Abu Ghraib to unfold the way they did, and the strategies of the army psychologist who was sent to bring things back into order. I believe this is why the book is receiving such mixed reviews--this is only a portion of what the book is about. While I was engaged in the full read, I didn't get what I expected, as I suspect is the case for many readers.

More than being an account of the aspects I've listed above, this is the memoir of an army psychologist who found a new place within the army, and then had to continue changing in response to events out of his control, from dealing with ill-equipped interrogators at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, to dealing with a new form of PTSD and soldiers returning from Iraq. This is not a psychological examination of events and issues around a detention center so much as it is the memoir of one man who happened to be the one called in when that center needed to be "fixed".

As a result, I learned much more about the author than I expected, some of which was helpful to the course of the book and some of which wasn't, and not as much about the details, psychological and otherwise, of what went on in Abu Ghraib. In the end, I did learn quite a bit....but not what I expected.

Also, the book became somewhat repetitive toward the end; while I understand the need James felt to include some of the last chapters, I also have to say that they're simply unnecessary for someone who's already journeyed through the book; I NEVER skim books unless I'm looking for a specific piece of information, but I was sorely tempted to do so in this case.

In the end, I have mixed feelings about this book. Simply, the marketing was off--if you buy this book with the expectation of what the dust jacket tells you to expect, you'll be disappointed or frustrated, or at least find yourself confused as to how you've gotten where you are. If, however, you're looking for the story of a man who is caught between being a doctor and a soldier, and who is forced to reconcile his work and his self with horrors of war, then you won't be disappointed. The dialogue does come off as stilted at points, but for the most part the book is engaging and driven--it's just not necessarily what you're expecting to read. Thus, I'm giving this book four stars based not on what I expected or on what the book presents itself as, but for what it is, a memoir of growth and self-understanding in line with psychology and military practices.

Thanks for the explanation of what this book is about; ironically it actually makes me want to read the book. So, did you find the author a bit self-aggrandizing? Normally, I would like this kind of book in which the author not only tells you the details of what is going on, but also how s/he felt about it and how/why it was difficulty and/or life changing. But it sounds like this wasn't totally successful--maybe because the author isn't that good of writer? Or do you think he has personality flaws in that he can't see he is being redundant? I think I'll take a peek at this book at least. Thanks! :-)

I actually think the author was honest, but just misjudged his audience on a couple of levels. Yes, the dialogue was stilted at points, but since it was remembered dialogue and he's not a professional writer, I can't really fault him for that--it wasn't much of a distraction. I think I wanted more details about how he changed things and the problems he hit along the way in the process; as is, I have a good picture of before and after....not as much as I'd like in the middle steps. As for the repetition, I think he just didn't realize that for readers who'd read the whole book, a lot of his ending conclusionary material (the last twenty-thirty pages) was already understood. It wasn't that it was directly repeated, but if you'd been paying attention, it was already understood. As I said though, this was only the last twenty pages or so of a 250+ page book.

In general, the book was well put together, aside from the marketting/selling points. It could be that James started out to write a different book than the one that came out--I think that might very well be the case in fact--but I'm afraid that mixed to mediocre reactions are coming because it's not what folks expect, not because it's badly done. I would definately recommend it though if the description I gave makes it sound of interest. It IS an interesting book, worthwhile for the most part....it just doesn't live up to what it Says it will do.

59hh. Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire

Unlike the last one, I can't recommend this one whether you're a fan of plays or not. I have to say, those most original (and interesting) part of this whole thing is the title. So, unless you're a fan of reading fairly flat life-time movies, well, you may want to look elsewhere.

Here's the full review regardless though...
This was well-written, but there's little more I can say about it. In the author's afterward, he notes that overacting or extra sentiment (beyond what's written in the stage directions) bring on the danger of this becoming a life-time movie. Well, I have to say--to me, this was simply an un-fleshed-out life-time movie. It's about grief. That's it. The characters act in the stereotypical way, say the stereotypical things, and do, basically, exactly what the audience expects. It would be fair to say this is true to life, I suppose, but it may just be too oddly normal to Be true to life.

In the end, this wasn't a play I would go to see, and it's not something I'll come back to. If you've gone through grief over a loved one, this might ring true, but it won't do much else. Unfortunately, I have to say that it's forgettable, and that while the author can write, I don't have a clue why this particular play won any notice. I wouldn't be averse to picking up some of his other work if it comes my way, but I won't go searching it out, and I'm afraid I can't recommend this one unless you just want a slice of realism that you can read quickly and move on from with little effect.

60ii. Half a Life by V.S. Naipaul
Oddly enough, there are two titles by this name, and the touchstone for this one leads to the wrong one. You can find it through my profile page updates for a while though if you're interested.

Full review:
This book slowed down some toward the end, but on the whole it was a beautiful, calm, and worthwhile read. Composed of stories within stories within stories, readers find how one character is shaped by the stories of those around him and those he incorporates into his own understanding of life. Naipaul writes beautifully, and the characters are both realistic and striking. Yet, in the end, I was left wanting something more, something more unified I suppose. It was a unified text, but I finished it feeling as if I'd missed something; I have a feeling that that's what a reader is meant to feel from the story, but it still left me somewhat unsatisfied compared to how I've felt in reading Naipaul in the past.

Now? I'm off to vacation with my fiance, so it'll be a week and a half or so before you hear from me, at which point I'll have plenty of updates. Good reading, everyone!

Enjoy!~!

Lots of interesting reviews here! My best wishes to your sister on her wedding, and I hope you have a great time on your trip. I am also going out of town around when you get back. Happy reading and travelling!
--BJ

Thanks for the well-wishes--my sister's wedding went wonderfully, and we had a lovely vacation this past week as well. Now? I have a wonderful five star book to recommend to Any of you who are animal lovers of any kind:

61jj: Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo by Lawrence Anthony

This is a beautiful, touching, and surprisingly humorous book about one man's struggle to "draw a line in the sand". It left me speechless. Anthony's journey from Africa to Baghdad is a self-adopted mission to save however many animals he can, as well as the zoo which was known as the most diverse collection of animals in the middle east. His mission extends to those animals that Saddam kept as pets (including lions, horses, ostriches, etc.), and becomes one of community building between Americans and Iraqis as well. Against all odds, and with the help of many Iraqi civilians and American soldiers, he succeeds beyond anyone's expectations to the extent that his journey is at times difficult to believe. In the end, the book is both touchiing and inspirational, well worth the read for anyone who loves animals or has an interest in either stories coming out of Iraq or Humanitarian action, because in the end this is a book about working for the good of humanity just so much as it is a book about the rescue of animals. There were countless times when I had to put the book down to share a humorous anecdote about animals (and sometimes people as well) with my mom and fiance while we were all on vacation. After all that? My mom has the book now, and my fiance is next in line.

As a side note, while there is some graphic description here, and a few passages that are difficult to take for animal lovers like myself and my family, Anthony gives no more information and description than is necessary to let reader's know the situation he finds animals in, and in the end, there really wasn't much graphic content or violence considering the environment and subject-matter of the book. The second chapter is most difficult to take, however necessary, but readers should know that once they've passed that point, they've passed the most difficult portions of the book at large. I would have no hesitation about recommending this book or passing it on to animal lovers; it is absolutely worth the read, just so much as you'd pass along the stories of James Herriot to a fellow animal-watcher/lover. And, as surprising as it may seem, I guarantee it will make you smile many times, if not laugh out loud, and you'll certainly be sharing anecdotes from the book if you've got anyone around you to listen.

Highly highly recommended: 5 Stars, without doubt.

well, you've sold me on it, too!

I'm glad :) This is one of those books that you enjoy yourself, and then feel a real need to pass on to others...

62kk. Next by Michael Crichton

My other beach read, and another good one, depending on your general tastes...

Full review:
This is a smart science-based thriller about the ethical and legal issues surrounding genetic engineering. Crichton manages to cram so much material and thought into this book, that I'm almost shocked it's still a page-turner, but it is. The characters are absolutely believable, and the situations are frighteningly believable. Many of the questions addressed here are already drifting into our court-systems, and I'm sure some of the others are sure to follow. Yet, at heart, this is an intelligent novel that entertains even as it drives thought--I can't recommend it highly enough if you're interested in either the subject or the genre. There's also plenty of humor in the book, which is a welcome addition to the action and suspense. For animal lovers, especially, this will provide plenty of smiles. My only warning? This is a book that you need to read relatively quickly, whatever that is for you. There are so many different sub-plots and characters that you can't just drift through this one over the course of two or three weeks while reading other books on the side---though, really, the book will probably hook you quickly enough that you won't Want to put it down.

Yet, I do have some qualms that make it a less-than-five-star read, for two small reasons that don't really detract from the book in the end, Depending on you subjective take on what you want to gain from reading and your taste. First, there are So many sub-plots, that at times I was frustrated at how they'd all fit together. Yet, Crichton never let go of the ones that held the most interest, and balanced them admirably. Once I'd finished the book, considered the work as a whole, and given some thought to the title, I was satisfied with the structure and just decided to reread it at some later date if I have time--still, it was at times an inkling of an annoyance as to how it would all come together in the end.

Second, Crichton does have an agenda here. He did extensive research, and there's a "for further reading bibliography" at the end of the book that gives the proof, along with a short essay-like list of Crichton's post research conclusions on the questions he explores. For me personally, this is a welcome addition to the book, but then, I like books that make me think. If you're looking for a thriller that you can pick up and put down, reading it without letting it affect your thinking or drive you to consider larger contemporary issues facing our society, this may not be the best book for you. For me, again, I think it was well done, and makes this an intelligent book, but I realize others are looking to solely escape reality with their reading...and for them, this may not be quite sci-fi enough or live up to Jurassic Park, though I'd say it surpasses the earlier works that I've read.

In the end, if you're interested, I recommend it, but with the understanding that it's not for everyone, as described above.

wwd;
I am glad you had a good vacation and that the wedding went off without a hitch. I hope you made it home refreshed and ready to get back in the swing of things.
Welcome back.
You earned a thumbs up on Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo. It sounds like an incredible story. But........another one on the old TBR listing.
You know it isn't fair. I am old. I will never live long enough to read all the "good" books!~!
catch ya later,
belva

Well, it is a surprisingly quick read, belva :) I'm glad you enjoyed the review--it's one of those books that won't be a bestseller just by virtue of its subject, but deserves to be read and enjoyed.

Meanwhile...

63ll. Snake at the Wrist: A Collection of Poems by Margaret Kaufman

If you're looking for a contemporary collection of poems to read and relax with casually, this is a good choice. I've written a full review, but I'd say this collection is accessible and thoughtful with graceful unique language. Recommended.

64mm. The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

This was an interesting read, and I'd say that the play is benefits from being both read AND seen--not simply one or the other, since I think the two experiences will compliment one another and strengthen the piece with readers/audience. And I enjoyed it for the most part--at times the characters seemed a bit too simple, but for the most part, it was smooth. Yet, I was left wanting a great deal more than what I got.

I think that the authors, simply, tried to cram too much into what needed to be a longer play to meet its potential, and that they were too much focused on ideas and history as opposed to character. It needed a bit more balance. I WANTED to care about Thoreau....but I rarely did, because he seemed more of a mouthpiece or charicature at times than a real person. That hurt the play for me, a great deal. I'd like to see it once, if given the opportunity, but it would be only once, just as I can't imagine wanting to come back to read this work again. Simply, it left me dissatisfied, feeling as if more time and care could have made this a masterpiece, but that as is the piece was lacking in passion and sympathy.

If you're interested, I certainly recommend it, as it is a worthwhile and interesting read--I fear though, that particular readers will feel as I do, that the work's potential just wasn't reached, or even necessarily reached for.

65nn. Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje

This is a five star read that I'll be reading again...and again...and again.

This is a hypnotizing book written in prose that alternately sounds like poetry and feels like a soft blues song. It is dirty, sweet, heartbreaking, and candid all at once. Ondaatje has masterfully woven a reality of his own around the few bare facts known about the jazz player Buddy Bolden, creating fiction that feels like nonfiction that reads like fiction. In the end, this a book about life and about art, and what both can mean separately or taken together. It's not a traditional novel, and it's got more than its share of darkness, so it isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for a book that brings on a New Orleans atmosphere and explores the world of an unknown artist who lives with each moment, this is a phenomenal read that effectively takes you back in time with graceful playful language. Truly, this is also by far the most sensuous novel I've ever read---Ondaatje is here aware of all five senses on every page, and he commits to writing each of them, subtly, so that this is sure to reach any reader with its language if not with its character. I recommend this work whole-heartedly.

66oo. Sardinian Silver by A. Colin Wright

I'm afraid I found this, simply, boring. It wasn't badly written, but the characters weren't much more than charicatures at many times, and often immature ones at that. I have to admit--I didn't like any of them, or care about any of them throughout. Generally, it reads more like a diary, or a trip related at length in prose; though it's claimed as a novel based on personal experiences, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out it's mostly true, names changed to protect the innocent. I finished it because I finish All books, but that was the only thing that kept me reading, as the book for the most part was simply uninteresting, with a cliched and and expected ending and progression. I can't recommend it, unless perhaps you were once in Sardinia, and want to re-explore old thoughts and experiences. Yet, there's so little description here beyond the obvious or basic, I'm not sure you wouldn't simply disappoint yourself in the attempt.

67pp. The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh

Disturbing, unique, and weirdly weirdly beautiful.

I've never read a play that I'd legitimately qualify as a thriller or horror story, but this one reaches that level. You'll read it in one sitting, and find it unpredictable and frighteningly fascinating throughout.

If you're a fan of Law & Order And reading--you should read this now. If you're a fan of darkly comic literature--you should read this now. If you want, simply, to read a contemporary worthwhile play--again, you should read this now.

Warning: I'm not kidding when I say this is dark--but I will say, when you're Tempted to stop reading, DON'T. It's not what you think.

On a side note--the original American cast of The Pillowman included Jeff Goldblum, and I'd be willing to be that his role in this play had something to do with him showing up on Law and Order as a main detective this past year.

My goodness girl, you have 3 books in something like 24 hours!~!
You need to start an LT training class.
belva

lol; not really---Pillowman and The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail are both plays that come in at only around a hundred pages, and quick reads (ie. you'll read them in one sitting). As for Sardinian Silver--well, that one I'd been slowly suffering through over the last few weeks in the midst of reading nearly anything but....

The only one I can really recommend without real reservation: The Pillowman, without a doubt.

Isn't that strange that the only one of the three that I put on my TBR listing was Pillowman.

:) I'm glad. I loved Coming Through Slaughter too, which came more recently than the Thoreau book and was another short one (I got the dates mixed up when I replied to you last night!), but I do think it's got a much more limited audience than Pillowman. Let me know what you think when you get around to it!

I saw The Pillowman on stage a few years ago. Such an amazingly dark play, but completely enthralling. If you get a chance to see it live, do! You won't regret it. (I did also love the Thoreau play when I read it in high school)

I'll definately see it live if I get a chance--good to know you've seen a good stage production of it since I had a hard time picturing it at times. There's another play called History of the Devil by Clive Barker which is phenomenal (also very dark, but with religious commentary instead of social), and I think the staging might be similar from the way I picture Pillowman. If you liked Pillowman, I'm betting you'd like that one too. :)

68qq. You Shall Know Our Velocity! by Dave Eggers

Through the fortune of having a close mutual friend, I had the good fortune of having dinner with Dave a year or so ago, and I can say without doubt that he's one of the humblest and giving men I've ever met. I'd read his more recent novel What is the What at the time, and I've been meaning ever since to get to his other work. Now, I wish I'd read this one first and been able to speak to him about at the time. As a piece of art, it surpasses his other novel (though that one is creative nonfiction) and has left me virtually speechless. I sped through it, and I recommend it absolutely. It really is something else.

Full Review:
A book about friendship, grief, life, and imagination, this is a whirlwind journey across countries in the company of two unique (and yet believable) twenty-somethings who are just beginning to come to grips with the world around them. Eggers delivers on perfect dialogue, one moment humorous and one moment heartbreaking, with believable and realistic affections and emotions. Some may read this, and say that they're too off the wall to be real, but I'd vouch that no, these characters are right off the street of contemporary America, no more lost or centered than plenty of people I've known, with thoughts that are not more crazy, but are delivered here perfectly and realistically.

This isn't the traditional novel--it comes together like a slowly building mystery that you never realized was a mystery, and it drives at every motion you have along the way. This book may not be for everyone, but I can't recommend it highly enough (to anyone) if you want a solid fast-moving read that's worth your while, if you allow it to make you think about what you're reading and take it seriously (when it asks you to) for even a moment.

Thumbs Up!~!

69rr. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Warning: I'm perfectly aware that many of you who are reading this loved this book--having said that, I have to say that in my opinion, life is simply too short for a book that is not only far too predictable in all aspects, but which wallows in tragedies to the point that it becomes unbelievable, as do they. Simply, I would never consider recommending this book, and I'll be glad to have it out of my library and my sight. I don't mind a sad book, but this one, I found over the top, written by an author who gave thought only to her premise, and not to either character or the probably reality of what she'd created--simply, I'm sorry I read it, and won't give any more time to an author who apparently wants, simply, for all of her characters to live the most unfair and saddest lives possible, without reprieve. Can you tell I'm frustrated to have finished the book? I am, and wish I hadn't.

Full Review:
I'd have to say that it's been over a decade since I gave serious thought to not finishing a book--I'm meticulous about finishing books that I start. That said, I gave serious thought to throwing this book away unfinished when I was halfway through. As is, it will be the first book in years that I give away without any desire to hold it for my own library.

This may be a page-turner, but it is constantly sad, tragic, and depressing. The writing isn't bad, but it's also not anything worth reading for its own beauty and worth. Niffenegger came up with a good premise for a story, but left out those aspects which could make the book redeemable, or great.

First, the interest of a romance book comes from the characters falling in love with one another, and from conflict. Here, it is ONLY conflict. The characters are simply in love with each other, but though we see their whole relationship, we never see them fall for one another. It's circular, which I suppose was either an oversight or an easy answer from the author--either way, it's a frustration once one sees what's happening. Henry is in love with Clare because she's fallen in love with him. However, Clare is in love with Henry because he was in love with her when he met her (her having already fallen in love with him). It would be simple enough to show each character falling in love, but we see none of it. Both characters at different points are either entirely in love or simply not in love. If you think about this, you'll see it's true, though the author's fast-moving plot (however predictable it is) does a good job of masking this huge aspect that she has, simply, left unwritten and unmentioned.

Conflict, though, is everywhere, to the extent that it's nearly unbelievable that two people can be so incredibly unlucky. The circle of plot seems to be that whenever the author feels things are getting mundane, she throws in another tragedy, or another detail of an already mentioned tragedy which makes it all the more tragic. In other words, there are so many, so often, that they as single events lose their power. Additionally, the characters are ridiculously well-adjusted for having gone through all they've supposedly gone through---I have to think that Niffenegger may have been worried about the chronology and plotting of time here, but she wasn't worried about the believability of the characters or the psychology of the events and characters as presented.

I should say, I'm not opposed to tragedy, or to dark books. However, when a book is written simply to be a tear-jerker, when I feel the author is simply playing darkly with her characters and with my emotions for the heck of it as opposed to for the story, and when I feel that the tragedies separately serve no purpose, I see no purpose for the book. An author should be true to the story they create, not their own whims of destruction.

Life is too short to read a book who's sole value is painting many tragedies without tangible enough happiness to balance Anything, let alone the book. Someone might argue that the true love pictured in the book balances the sadness out, but since the author neglects to show us where that love comes from, or even how its arisen, it's difficult to find it a believable love as opposed to something that simply has to be there for the story, and so, is. I'm not sure, honestly, where all the hype came from on this book; I simply found it maudlin and depressing for the last three-hundred pages, not to mention predictable, and the pieces which I was most interested in learning were left out entirely or treated ambiguously and briefly. Certainly, the author started with a wonderful idea, but I have to say that in my opinion, she didn't do a worthwhile job with it--she simply got it done, and sold.

I don't recommend it--to anyone, and I won't be wasting my time with this author in the future.

Isn't it fascinating when so many people love a book that you hate? For me, those are the books that elicit the strongest feelings because I expected so much more. Even though I was was of those people who liked the book, I really enjoyed reading your review. Ironically, it makes me want to go back and read it again, to try and see it through your eyes. I probably won't--there are too many good books out there--but this is what I love about LT. There's a real diversity of reading interests. Hope your next choice is better!

You'll have to let me know if you do go back to it---it was a fast read, but I'd be surprised if most readers felt it stood up to their first reaction upon revisiting. I may be wrong though--I agree that books which people disagree strongly are incredibly interesting, and I probably was more vehemently annoyed with the book after hearing high praise than if I'd gone into it blindly. Oh well--that is what makes LT wonderful, the diversity. Meanwhile, this last one, I adored...

70ss. Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler

A friend gave me this collection, and I have to say, it's wonderful, and a particular find for someone like me who spends so much time writing and teaching writing. Butler's prose is fluid and engaging--not a word too many or too little. Each story grabs you from the first page (as alien as it may be to what you've experienced before) and moves you through to the end, surprising you with the combination of grace and darkness that each story brings up. Some of these are darker than others, and it's a fair warning to say that the very first story in the collection is by far the most graphic, and probably the darkest of them all. Butler's newer stories (the two at the end) are as striking as the early ones, but my favorites are probably "Speech Sounds", "Amnesty", and "The Evening and the Morning and the Night".

These are primarily science fiction and fantasy, but they're also literary. The three listed above and "Near of Kin" are probably the closest to standing outside of the sci-fi genre, but even "Amnesty" is clearly sci-fi if you must label it. If you're curious about branching out, I'd recommend these.

What makes this book even more of a find is that after each story, Butler has written a brief and telling afterword to discuss her thoughts on the story--where it came from, her feelings on it or responses, etc. These are, without doubt, perfect for a creative writing class, where the group can experience the story, and later be given the afterward (assuming the instructor is copying and the students don't have the full book in front of them). Also, there are two short essays on writing, both of which are worth passing on to young writers and reading yourself.

As a whole, this was a wonderful read---entertaining, smart, and gracefully written. I recommend it highly to writers and readers of science fiction or short fiction alike.

I read The time traveller's wife years ago, and remember being very underwhelmed by it at the time. The difficulty with writing a book like that is character development - how their journey and change works, when time is messed up and all over the place. Niffenegger epic-fails in meeting this difficulty, and just makes the whole thing spiraled and circular until we're left waiting for an 'aha' moment that never comes.

I'm one of the anti-Time Travellers Wife people, too. For me, the only redeeming quality of the book is that it was set in Chicago and Evanston, and so some of the places in the book (Bookman's Alley, the Vic) are places I've been to and I always like that. Otherwise, no. I also found the love scenes/sex scenes eye-rollingly bad.

I really loved Kindred, so I'll have to try Bloodchild..., though I have to admit that short stories just aren't as satisfying for me as a good, long novel.

It's good to see you all wandering in to comment :) I don't know how I missed all of the enh to blah comments on Niffenegger's work before I read it! I know not to buy into hype Too much, but I guess I'm always optimistic enough that disappointment is a fair possibility. I like reading books that take place in cities I'm familiar with as well, but I'm afraid Chicago isn't one I've gotten to yet. ChocolateMuse, I agree with your last sentence exactly---I kept rediscovering that I was STILL waiting for something....and it just never came, even after five hundred pages.

bonniebooks, I usually prefer novels too, but I find the short stories to be a nice break. I don't usually read a full collection through without a break like I did with Butler's, but happily, the stories were so varied that they didn't get repetitive or tiring in any respect (as so many other collections seem to if read all atonce). The authors thoughts in the afterwords were a great touch also to help the book stand out.

Good Reading, Everyone :)

71tt. In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje

This book sucked me in so completely, and surprisingly. In the beginning, I was reading out of curiosity, following along and loving the language, curious about the characters but not addicted to the book. But somewhere soon, this book had me completely, and I was as fascinated by one character as any other, by one subplot as any other. It could have gone on for another two hundred pages, and I would have treasured every moment. Yes, I'll be rereading it, along with The English Patient, where he continues with some of the characters introduced here.

Review:
A collage of fascinating characters and beautiful language, this book is one of those that you'll wonder at as you read, and look forward to rereading. What seems in the beginning simply a collection of characters and situations comes together quickly into a surprising and beautiful story of loves, regrets, and slanted idealism. Ondaatje's prose is magnificent and poetic, and I can't recommend it highly enough. This is a book to read alone when you have the time to appreciate it, and a book that will suck you in and become your world for some hours if you allow it to take you away. Halfway through this book, I knew I'd be rereading it, and that hasn't changed. This is a wonder of a book: graceful, addictive, solid, heartening. Recommended.

Great review. I'm a fan of Ondaatje's poetry, but have yet to read any of his fiction. I've wish-listed both books you listed.

I think I'll be reading all of his work at this rate--he's a new favorite. :)

Meanwhile, I'm about halway through Steve Lopez's The Soloist, which is so far worth the read. I'd say it's one of those that will impress if you're interested in the subject or memoirs in general, but not so much if you're not. I'm still not sure if I want to see the movie, but maybe some day.

I'll be offline for the next week or so though while I take a break from teaching and go on vacation with my mom---have fun around here!

That's the one written by the journalist about his relationship with the homeless guy who was at Julliard (sic?), but dropped out when he started suffering from paranoia due to schizophrenia, right? I read most of the book (at the bookstore, I confess).

>162 bonniebooks: Yep, it is. It's an easy read, I confess, so I can see someone reading it chapter by chapter at any local bookstore with an arm chair :) My full review is below--I think the only drawback I'd see with the book is that it doesn't necessarily have the power or passion to draw in a reader who's not already interested in the story, though I think the potential is/was there. It's also not necessarily a page turner taking you forward to the end once you've begun--I can fairly easily see someone putting it down and just forgetting to finish it in favor of something else, though I do think it's worth the read.

72uu. The Soloist by Steve Lopez

This book covers a lot of territory, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested either in the story based on what you've heard, or in memoirs, mental illness, or the power of art/music as a healing engagement. Lopez's account is straight-forward and interesting, with an eye toward detail and the journey not only of his friend, Mr. Ayers, but himself. I believe that anyone who picks up this book with an honest interest toward any aspect of the subject will not go away disappointed.

Meanwhile, I do have more books to relate since I've been offline on a beach vacation for a week, but for now, I have to head off! Later all--it's good to be back :)

73vv. Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I've always found King's shortstories to be worthwhile, and for me this was a fascinating mix of literary suspense and traditional King-style horror. About half of the stories, while of dark content, just aren't horror--they are good, though. Reading them, though, I could understand how some of King's long-standing readers might be disappointed. About half of the stories have nothing of the super-natural, though they're fast and spellbinding reads. Because of this, the book is a really fascinating look into an author who literary critics consistently disagree about as to his lasting literary value versus just mainstream entertainment. I have to admit that while I don't think much of a few of King's works (Cell stands out as a low point for me), much of his work is literary--smart, well-written, and ready to stand up to time in both material and writing style.

As a collection, Just After Sunset is a roller-coaster ride of suspense and horror stories, some of which may well keep you up at night. With the caveat to steadfast horror lovers that not everything here is of a supernatural nature, I recommend the collection to King lovers and short story lovers alike, as well as to those folks who just like a good story of suspense. I may not come back to this collection like I come back to some of his others, but it's a good read.

74. The Monk by Mathew Lewis

By most accounts, this is the beginning of the horror genre, and its heady mix of gothic settings, evil villains, innocent maidens, and horrific actions and circumstances--not to mention some supernatural witchcraft to balance everything out--comes together to make for a page-turning read. It's sometimes difficult to imagine readers journeying through this more than two hundred years ago, since it did a fine job of keeping me up late here in 2009.
If Charles Dickens and Stephen King were ever to work together in heaven for a literary child, this might well be what would come up. Fun, dark, strange, and suspenseful---it's recommended.

75ww. Pluto, Animal Lover by Laren Stover

This is a well-done disturbing read, and something worth exploring. Yet, for me, it was a very difficult read. There's a lot here about animal cruelty and animal death, and while it's necessary and here for a purpose, it wasn't at all what I expected. With that warning in mind, I recommend the book as a literary jaunt into a unique yet believable character's mind. Depending on the material, I'm sure to read this author in the future. Without a doubt, her prose is unique, exotic, and page-turning. The book was difficult for me for the earlier mentioned reason, but I'm still glad I got around to it and explored. It certainly got me thinking.

76xx. Don Quizote: A Novel by Kathy Acker

I'm sorry the title of this novel by Acker brings to mind the classic. That said, here's my very unpositive review:

An interesting idea, but the novelty wore off pretty quickly. It was written like the author enjoys reading literary theory more than fiction and literature, I'm afraid. And as if the author loves the sound of her own voice/pen more than she should--the end result betrays that she's not half as clever as she thinks she is. I have a feeling that anyone who reads literary theory for pleasure will get a blast out of this, but for me, it was simply tiresome, and heavy on the profanity included for shock value as opposed to need or sense. It might have been based off of an idea worth pursuing on some level, but not to this degree. No, I don't recommend it.

Meanwhile, this brings me to the end of my recording from my week at the beach! For now, I'm back to Dracula....

Hi,
Glad I've found someone else who liked The Monk. I couldn't put it down either, and I love the description of it as the love child of Dickens and King - you've nailed it!

Thanks :) I'm not sure I would have been quite so fascinated from the beginning if I didn't know its reputation as the beginning of the horror genre, but I did really enjoy it just for what it was also!

77. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Absolutely Intoxicating.

Full Review:
I started this in highschool, and put it down not far into it. Looking back, I have to think that I either didn't have the patience, or just wasn't quite old enough to appreciate it. More than a decade after that false start, I'm thankful to have finally restarted and allowed myself to fall into this fascinating book.

Something like fifty pages in, the book had entirely engaged me with its language, its characters, and its subtle power. A hundred pages in, I was on the phone with my fiance, fascinated and discomfitted by how much the book had me hooked and unhinged. I couldn't understand how, having known the basics of the story and the character for years, the book could still manage to bother me--one way or another, it got into my head. All I can say is that this book carries so much atmosphere with it--in language and subject--that it manages to be timeless and powerful, no matter how familiar you may think you are with the legends and the story. Stoker's understanding of the human psyche, and terror, combined with a page-turning and fluent structure, make this book not only classic, but unforgettable and worth every page.

This book is without doubt a piece of lasting art, and if you get fifty pages in, you'll be used to the structure and entirely hooked. I strongly recommend it, with the note that the best experience will come if you read this when you've time to really soak into the book in long stretches, instead of taking it in small doses in doctor's offices or etc.

Excellent review wwd.
You said a lot without giving anything at all away.
I wish there was a class on "Book Reviewing".
I would be the first one in line to sign up!~! LOL
Anyway I thumbs up'd ya.
later dayz,
belva

Thanks :)

Excellent reviews, whitewave! And I had no idea that In the Skin of a Lion and The English Patient were connected. I've read English Patient but not the other, so onto the TBR list it goes along with Bloodchild. Thanks!

I didn't realize they were related either until browsing in the bookstore, but had to pick it up since I read The English Patient in the fall--I hope the first stands up to expectations :) and thanks for the notes on the reviews--it's always great to know there are readers dropping by, especially when I like the books :)

Meanwhile...

78yy. Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey

Attention fans of Carey, speculative fiction, fantasy, Harry Potter, and beautifully written fiction in general.....here's one worth looking up :) (with a few admitted caveats, so do skim through the review, at least--no spoilers, I promise).

Full Review:
I've been a huge fan of Carey's Kusheil's series from the beginning, but since I was far less than satisfied by her last foray outside of that series, I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this one. That said, this book is now a favorite of mine, and ranks just as strongly as her Kusheil's books, even though it is far different.

First, it's worth noting that this book probably verges more on light sci-fi or a futuristic version of our present reality than you might expect from Carey; I guess it falls into the speculitive fiction category. The science involved is VERY light, and shouldn't keep non-sci-fi fans away, but I'm not entirely comfortable describing the book as fantasy, though I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the series (since I'm pretty sure that this is the start of a new series) eventually wandered into that ground. Second, while the adult content here isn't nearly as heavy as the content in the Kusheil books, it is here. The book almost seems to be young adult in nature until about half-way through, but if you're a parent thinking about handing this off to your fantasy loving teenager, you should be aware that there is Some sex here--not much, but it is here, somewhat explicitly, and it does have a bearing on the story--so no, it's not gratuitous or pornographic. It's by no means as featured as it would be in a Laurell Hamilton book or Carey's Kusheil's series, but there are a few passages that make me inclined to say that this wouldn't be appropriate for readers under the age of 13 or so. (That said, I would have loved it as far back as sixth grade, regardless).

As far as a recommendation though, I can't say enough about this book. Carey's writing is beautiful, her characters believable (given the original setting/story), and her plotting flawless. The book is woven together skillfully, and every emotion makes its way into the story, with just enough characters and subplots going to make the story a page-turner and still perfectly clear in all the right directions. If you're looking for a strong female character, albeit a young one, the protagonist here is perhaps the best I've seen in contemporary sci-fi/fantasy, and absolutely fascinating. Really, though, I'd recommend it to any fan of fantasy, light sci-fi, or contemporary fiction in general.

Beyond those recommendations, I'd be remiss in not noting that I think this would fit well for Harry Potter readers; it's in no way a rip-off or copy of those books like some of the series that are hitting the shelves lately, but the close-knit group of adolescents that become the center of this story are reminiscent of the bonds in Rowling's books, though they're separated from others and brought together by totally different environments/actions. The writing here is also much stronger and more advanced than Rowling's, and more aware of an adult world as opposed to young readers. Again, this isn't YA, though the child-state of the protagonist in the beginning of the book lends itself to that impression until you're farther into the work. So, if you're a fan of adult contemporary fiction, speculative or not, and were drawn to the Harry Potter series for reasons other than the simple aspect of fantasy/magic, I'd recommend this strongly. It's a wonderful book, and a fascinating start to a series that could go in many directions. I'll be keeping an eye out for the next installment regardless of how long it may take to hit shelves.

Recommended, with five stars.

Quick sidenote: I just realized that the above book Santa Olivia would also be perfectly fitted with fans of the Narnia series from what I remember of it, though admittedly with the same caveats I noted about :) Let me know what you think if you pick it up....

79. The Lottery and Other Stories, The Haunting of Hill House, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

A collection of her three major works, all of which were worth the read, though I can't Quite say I enjoyed them as much as Santa Olivia before them. In a different way, perhaps :) Still, if you're interested, well worth the read.

Full Review:
This was my first experience with Shirley Jackson, aside from reading "The Lottery" many years ago (and not remembering it particularly favorably, I suppose I should say). Yet, I devoured this book, moving from one volume into the next, and was consistently fascinated with her graceful prose and the vast range of her subjects, characters, and themes. I'd strongly recommend this full volume to any fan of contemporary American fiction, but I've written brief reviews of each of the three separate volumes below for readers who might want to pick up one of the single works. I do want to say, first, though, that each of these works is incredibly different, and a reader who dislikes one may truly enjoy another. On a last note, the further a reader reaches into the collection order-wise, the darker the stories get in a slow evelation toward themes that verge on horror, or at least psychological suspense. The transition occurs towards the end of the collection, and plays as a nice lead-in towards Jackson's longer and darker work that follows.

The Lottery and Other Stories: Each off these is a solid and graceful story, full and worthwhile in its own right. I found the ones which were a bit longer to be more to my taste, probably because they allowed more time for character development, but I'd go back to reread any of them in the end. I even found somewhat that I'd grown into "The Lottery", though I probably still hold over some prejudices on that one from highschool. Regardless, the stories here are masterpieces of short fiction, and it's not a collection that becomes tiresome from an author repeating similar structures, themes or characters. I'd see readers of both Raymond Carver's and Eudora Welty's short fiction as enjoying Jackson's very much, though I'd level the charge of repetition against both those writers to some extent--not Jackson though. These stories are packed, unique, and quietly explosive in an oddly contemporary fashion.

The Haunting of Hill House: A fascinating and gothic psychological tour, worth reading for those who enjoy either horror, ghost stories, or psychological suspense. The work is masterful and terrifying, even for me, who knew exactly what to expect subject/action-wise. It's a mainstay in the haunted house genre of works, and you can see the conventions here. Still, the book is put together in a genius fashion, and I'm still not sure quite how it sucked me in so completely. Highly recommended, even if you think you know exactly what to expect.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle: this is the only volume in the collection that keeps the full book from being a five star rating for me, but it was still well worth the read, powerful and jarring in every respect. My only criticism is that this book alone seemed as if it ran a bit long, and small portions of the narrator's thoughts might have been left out without any real disadvantage to the work. I can stylistically and thematically see why Jackson felt the need for the slight repetition that occurs, but it didn't work for me as well as the stylistic moves she made in other writings. As with her other work though, this final piece in the collection is well worth the time, graceful, and incredibly jarring in a decidedly powerful and contemporary nature of revelation.

All three are highly recommended if you want a quietly jarring read.

80. The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson

This is a strong page-turner that I'm still processing. A mix of psychological suspense and horror, the book combines eery situations and beautiful images to create an atmosphere that's enthralling. What seems fairly nondescript at first is a plot and set of situations that quickly become engrossing, drawing you along even when you can't quite tell why you're so fascinated by what's going on in front of you. Structurally, Hodgson formed this perfectly to keep readers both attached and believing in what's going on, despite themselves. If you're looking for a creepy read that you may well finish in one eery sitting, I highly recommend this. For the depth and beauty of language and reading, I'll be revisiting it in the future.

81zz. Antioxidants and Other Stories by Terry Bennett

If you're someone who's thought about venturing or re-venturing into a collection of short stories, this is a great choice which I couldn't recommend more highly. My only warning is that you Not judge this book on it's first short story, which, while a wonderful story, isn't of the same material or style as the rest of the book. Also, I just have to say, this is the second book I've picked up from Toby Press, and if things keep going as they are, they might have found a fan for life! Meanwhile, if you're looking for short stories, you should read Antioxidants and Other Stories.

Full Review:
This collection of short stories is worth the read for any fan of short fiction. Bennett has created in each story a unique and believable world with characters, emotions, and situations all of its own. This is Not one of those collections where you quickly become aware that the author constantly reuses a particular theme, character, or setting---instead, the variety here is astounding and intoxicating, each story a small page turner in itself. Every story surprised and delighted, and I was never disappointed in any of the content.

Structurally, I only have a slight grumble; someone should have considered putting the title story in a different spot in the collection. The title is a fitting title for the full work, but my only warning is that the title story, "Antioxidants", simply doesn't fit in with the rest of the stories. It's a strong and worthwhile story, but it's also something of a false start to the book. This is the only story that doesn't deal strictly in realism, and it wouldn't have stood out so much had it been later in the book, but as is, I'm afraid some readers might read this first short short story in the book, and put it down instead of venturing further. I know I often judge a book of short stories on the first story while sitting in a book store, and it was just luck that I picked this one up at a discount store before reading any of the stories, and so was committed. As is, I'd just ask that you read at least the first two before you judge the book. As I said, the first is also a solid worthwhile story, but it's not so reality-based as the others.

That said, I can't recommend this book enough to readers of contemporary fiction and/or short stories. On a side note, if you're interested in sports related literature, the last short story (though it's nearly a novella) in the work is a tight story about a boxing trainer and his life, and well worth the while. The full book, though, is worth reading, rereading, and passing on. Highly recommended.

82aaa. Tales of a Dalai Lama by Pierre Delattre

Tight and humorous short stories that revolve around a fictional young dalai lama, these are strange and unique journeys into a world far separated from what most of us know. Delattre's writing and ideas are truly delightful, and there are plenty of stories here to treasure and enjoy over and over again. The only caveat is to note that Delattre explores religion through humor--for this reader, it was a welcome and unique eye opener that did indeed bring beauty to the Tibetan religion and philosophy, as he meant and noted in his introduction. However, if you're not willing to laugh at yourself and look with curiosity and humor at your own religion or others, this book might at times come across as too baudy or crass for your taste. For my part, though, it was a lovely short journey, full of curiosity and beauty.

83bbb. The Infernova by S. A. Alenthony

The premise of this work is intriguing, , as stated on the book jacket: "A novel in verse, this secular parody of Dante's classic takes the reader through a new Hell--an abyss devised not to punish those damned by Christian doctrine, but rather those greater agents of human misery: the irrational, the mystical, and the dogmatic religious." I was intrigued by the synopsis offered, and thrilled to get the book from the member giveaway. I still feel that this was a unique and fascinating idea for a book, and one that would be right up my alley as a lover of poetry and all types of fiction. Unfortunately, the writing and execution didn't live up to the idea.

First, the guide (and often the speaker) is Mark Twain. Again, this Sounds like a great idea. However, if you're going to use Mark Twain, you need to recreate his voice. Anyone who's read Twain's fiction or essays knows the distinct voice and humor that make his work so wonderful. Here, that character is simply missing. Except for the fact that the narrator/voice is introduced as Mark Twain, you'd never guess it, and that's a serious problem. He's just another voice who is in no way distinct from the non-descript character he's guiding, and every time I was reminded or remembered that this was supposed to be Twain, I grew annoyed.

The second problem here is the verse. I respect the desire and the inclination to work in Dante's form for the purposes of this work, but Dante KNEW this form, and he was good at it. I have to say that this work would have been much more worthwhile if Alenthony had let his content rule his form, instead of the other way around. Often, meters were off, or rhythms ended up awkward in favor of syntax, assuming that the word choice didn't ring strangely because meter or rhythm Was honored. Basically, the verse needed more work, though it was clear that Alenthony's got talent. A few more drafts, though, would have helped.

Last, there's the content. While I was interested in what was going on, there just wasn't enough depth. Nothing was really as horrifying as it should have been, and none of the characters presented rang as truly as they should have. The old phrase "show, don't tell" comes up here. Simply, the book needed more depth. Instead, it often felt that Alenthony was rushing through his ideas in an effort to get them down in his given form, without much thought to the truth or interest of his ideas and story.

In general, the conception of the work was wonderful, but the end result leaves much to be desired, I'm afraid. I was left feeling disappointed, and wishing that the author had taken more time with his work, worked outside of form, or at least given the work a few more drafts. I also think that, if he couldn't recreate Twain's voice, he shouldn't have had him as the narrator---the lack of voice there was not only distracting and untrue, but hugely disappointing.

84. In a Glass Darkly by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

The stories here hold some of the beginnings of what we now consider the horror genre, and they stand up to time as tales that are both chilling and fascinating. That said, the best of the bunch are easily "The Familiar" and "Carmilla"; "The Familiar" is haunting and strange--it stays with you, and that's all that needs to be said. "Carmilla" is one of the early vampire stories that directly speaks of vampires, and worthwhile not only as a story in itself, but for someone looking for the roots of vampirism in contemporary literature. "The Room in the Dragon Volant" is the one story that drags somewhat, but still, it's worth the read. On a separate note, while I fully recommend this book to lovers of horror and the supernatural, I do not recommend this particular edition that I came across, from Adamant Media Corporation, Elibron Classics. The number of typos and mistakes were, in all truth, infuriating. Nevertheless, the stories made the book well worth my time. I'd give the book four and a half stars, this edition one...hence, I settled on three.

Nothing to add my dear; just a flybyhi; some interesting reading on your thread; I did just want to give you a quick hello and hope you are doing well.
Still reading "scary" stuff, I see. ***shivers***
later,
belva

glad to see you stopping by, belva---yep, still a lot of scary stuff. It'll be getting more diverse soon though--I spent the last month reading ahead for an intensive horror course I'm taking, but my semester has started, so now I'll have two Other lit. courses going on to balance out the horror!

85ccc. New Theatre in America by Edward Parone

I was only familiar with one of the eight authors represented here when I went into the collection, but I was thoroughly impressed with all of them by the end. The one-acts here were well-chosen for readers; each one has few enough characters that the plays are fairly easily read, and none are so long that you can't read them and stay with them (and interested) for the full piece. It's true that some of them come across as a bit dated either in subject matter or language, but they're all provocative and thought-provoking in their own way, as well as wonderfully written. I'd highly recommend them to readers who enjoy plays or want to get a better feel for what's out there in the way of one-acts. It's also a nice surprise to be introduced to so many new authors with one single work--in the future, I'll be looking up all of these writers to see what they did in years following this collection. Highly recommended for those interested!

86. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

This is a fascinating and oddly beautiful novel (by the end) once you allow yourself to be sucked in. It took me a few false starts to finally read this all the way through, but if you can make it through the first twenty pages or so and just trust your instincts in understanding what you're reading, this is a phenomenal read, tight and intrusive. I've never read a novel so successfully plays drastically with language, and in a way that reinforces the themes and content. This is a meditation on free will, and its worth reading and celebrating--make sure you get the work published as it was meant to be, with all twenty-one chapters, since early American issuings left off the last chapter (which does drastically change the work once you've given it some thought). There's no doubt that this is a highly disturbing read that's brutal in the world it paitns for readers, but it's well worth the ride. Highly recommended.

The movie was so disturbing--probably the most disturbing movie I've ever watched--that i wasn't sure I'd ever want to read the book, but OK, you've convinced me to at least put it on my wish list.

Well, the book is incredibly violent and disturbing, but it's also a fascinatingly put together read. I haven't seen the film yet, but it's now on my list...

Meanwhile? Another read for school....

87. Supernatural Horror in Literature by H.P. Lovecraft

If you're looking for an overview of the beginnings of the horror genre, this is a good place to look. Lovecraft originally published this long essay in the 1930s, and it still stands up as a strong overview up through that point. He didn't leave any definative authors or works unaddressed, and the book is sure to provide an ample extended reading list for anyone interested in the weird, the gothic, or horror. It's a quick read, and while there are no in depth discussions of any one work, the book provides a strong history of early horror and a worthwhile look at Poe. My reading list has grown quite a bit from a look into this book. If you're interested in what you're getting into, it's worth your time.

#183:
Oh goody goody. Because I just cannot even read those horror book reviews, let alone discuss them and I have been missing talking to you except to say hi/bye.
luv n hugs,
belva

Well, my reading is branching out, but unfortunately I didn't have quite as much luck with enjoying my latest....

88. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

I should say that I feel I might have enjoyed this more if I hadn't read and loved Jane Eyre, but then, having read this first, I don't know that I would have enjoyed Jane Eyre, which I love---so, a circle of eventual disappointment either way, I suppose. In the end, I'd recommend Bronte instead of Rhys.

Full Review:
I'd been looking forward to this book for a while, but in the end I found it frustratingly under-written and half-conceived. Little enough attention was given to motive and actual character that the characters came across as unbelievable and inconsistent, moving from one false start to the next without clear understanding or motivation. It's as if we have the framework for a strong piece of work, but only the framework. In a way, I feel as if Rhys wrote the parts of the work which interested her or involved the most emotion to her mind, and little enough else that we just don't believe it. In a word, I have to say it simply felt uninspired.

My whole book group felt the same thing. And that would be a travesty if someone read Wide Sargasso Sea before Jane Eyre--it just shouldn't be done! :-)

I agree---my class doesn't meet until Thursday, but I'm truly hoping that everyone read Jane Eyre before walking into this.

Meanwhile, I FINALLY finished another book that I've been wading through for a while now...

89ddd. Darfur: A New History of a Long War by Julie Flint and Alex De Waal

This was a rough read. I've got no doubt that it's the definative text on Darfur and the history leading up to current conditions, but the book just wasn't written with readers in mind. Unless you already know everything that the authors are writing about, there are going to be many moments when you're confused as far as time goes---for two paragraphs, the authors will be covering events in 2008, and suddenly the mention of a particular place, person, or event takes you back to 2004, or to somewhere in the past that isn't entirely clear. Simply, the timelines here are incredibly confused, to the extent that it often comes across as a stream-of-consciousness history that was never really organized before being put to paper. Additionally, the constant name dropping makes the read difficult, and complicates the already hard-to-handle timeline. The information is here, but it's not presented in a fashion that's open to readers who aren't already somewhat familiar with the book's subject. As someone who's read various texts on Darfur, I have to say that this was by far the most difficult and confusing to read---it might imitate the chaos of the situation, but it's not a strategy for imparting informatin to readers.

90. The Other by Thomas Tryon

This originally seems a somewhat terrestrial read considering that you hear of it as a classic in the horror genre. In fact, you wonder if you've been entirely misled. Yet, it quickly becomes a breakneck ride with twists that seem both natural to the story and entirely too horrible to be believed. This book is fully unpredictable, and a class of horror literature. Highly recommended as a creepy and disconcerting read.

And to think he was once just a pretty face in film.

:)

Meanwhile, I'm finally back! I've had a bit of a bout with the flu (better now), and been kept down by schoolwork, but here are a few more to add to the list before I start catching up with all the threads I'm curious about and Must catch up to before continuing my grading....

91. Danse Macabre by Stephen King

This is King's nonfiction look into what he does, and into the horror genre as a whole, historically and in contemporary times (well, as of 1981 anyway). It's a fascinating and humorous book, worth reading and enjoyable for fans of horror in any form, film or television or fiction. I'd also go so far as to say that readers and watchers of sci-fi or readers who simply like to talk about books and writing would enjoy this. King spends equal amounts of attention on writing, film, and fiction, and his insights well worth looking into. If you're interested, I'd strongly recommend this book. King's voice makes it an enjoyable read, and it reads more like fiction than anything else. The one warning? Your list of to-be-watched movies and to-be-read books is sure to grow....

92. The Between by Tananarive Due

Haunting and powerful--this book might be labeled as horror, but I hesitate to call it that. Yes, it contains a supernatural element, but nothing like a ghost or haunted house. I suppose it comes down to whether you'd consider the television show Medium a horror show, or just suspense. As is, I'd call this strong suspense that is both haunting and striking. At moments, yes, it may even seem like horror, but in the end, I think it's simply a novel about fears and about family, in love and in struggle. I'm still trying to put my feelings on this one completely together, as you may already be able to tell. For now, I do recommend it if you're interested in horror, or if you're a fan of Toni Morrison's Beloved or Song of Solomon certainly. I still feel it's more of a suspense than a horror, but I do need to think on it some more.

93eee. The Pyramids of Malpighi by Steve Gehrke

I'm not sure where I picked up this collection of poetry, but it wasn't particularly my thing. Beautifully written? Absolutely. Anything more? Enh--perhaps, but it wasn't an anything more that was right for this reader.

Now? I'm midway through The French Lieutenant's Woman (yes, what a change of pace!) and absolutely adoring it, so I'm wandering back thataway after checking out a few threads I've been behind on. :)

Wow, did I get behind this past year. My New Year's Resolution for 2010? Keeping up with Librarything! I really do miss it when I get behind, but last semester was the busiest semester I've ever faced, or ever will face academically, and this got left behind unfortunately :( The good news though? I SURVIVED! Now, here's a quick final list of all the books I ended up finishing after you all last heard from me, nearly all of which were for school! Full, though brief, reviews are finally written for all the works listed!

94fff. Evil: A Primer: A History of a Bad Idea from Beelzebub to Bin Laden by William Hart
95ggg. Silver and Gold by David Sakmyster
96. The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
97. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
98. Atonement by Ian McEwan
99. Standing Female Nude by Carol Ann Duffy (poetry)
100. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
101. I Is a Long Memoried Woman by Grace Nichols (poetry)
102. White Hotel by D.M. Thomas
103. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
104. Call it Sleep by Henry Roth
105. Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos
106. Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
107. Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub
108. The Shining by Stephen King
109. House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski
110. Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice
111. Duma Key by Stephen King
112. Damnation Game by Clive Barker
113. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
114. American Nightmares: the Haunted House Formula in American Popular Fiction by Dale Bailey

Total count? 114 books, 55 of which were for school!

Wow, did I get behind this past year. My New Year's Resolution for 2010? Keeping up with Librarything! I really do miss it when I get behind, but last semester was the busiest semester I've ever faced, or ever will face academically, and this got left behind unfortunately :( The good news though? I SURVIVED! Now, here's a quick final list of all the books I ended up finishing after you all last heard from me, nearly all of which were for school! Full, though brief, reviews are finally written for all the works listed!

94fff. Evil: A Primer: A History of a Bad Idea from Beelzebub to Bin Laden by William Hart
95ggg. Silver and Gold by David Sakmyster
96. The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
97. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
98. Atonement by Ian McEwan
99. Standing Female Nude by Carol Ann Duffy (poetry)
100. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
101. I Is a Long Memoried Woman by Grace Nichols (poetry)
102. White Hotel by D.M. Thomas
103. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
104. Call it Sleep by Henry Roth
105. Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos
106. Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
107. Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub
108. The Shining by Stephen King
109. House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski
110. Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice
111. Duma Key by Stephen King
112. Damnation Game by Clive Barker
113. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
114. American Nightmares: the Haunted House Formula in American Popular Fiction by Dale Bailey

Total count? 114 books, 55 of which were for school!