Wit and Witty Book Reviews

Starbucks and Yarn Swap

2009-07-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is my first swap and what a fun experience. I like the anonymity of communicating with strangers who share the joy of knitting with me.

Here is what I received from my spoiler:

The Reader

2009-06-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed in my list of "Books to Bypass" in other words, don't waster your time reading, was The Reader by Bernard Schlink. Maybe I was to harsh on the book. It was very dry and I'm not a huge WWI/WWII fan, as far as period stuff goes.

I will say that I still want to see the now released on video movie version, because it is starring two of my all time favorite actors: Ralph Fiennes and Kate Winslet. Their acting skills alone could make the movie fabulous. That's all I have to say right now.

Gentlemen of the Road

2009-01-29T02:27:00.000-08:00

– Michael Chabon

I read this book several weeks ago, so please forgive me if my memory seems a bit strained.

I was drawn to Gentlemen of the Road, by the title, but more by the fact that Chabon’s other work appears equally popular and interesting.

Unfortunately, I was not at all impressed, and only forced myself to finish it on the second sitting, based on the fact that I had already read half the book. I do commend Chabon on his amazingly large vocabulary. I found a rarely used word on at least every other page, which is more than I can say for a lot of other contemporary authors.

As far as the plot goes, again, I was confused. Every chapter started a new scene and action such as horse fights and daring escapes filled the pages with more distraction than direction as to what is actually going on. It is a shallow (in the best sense of the term), short novel with not a lot of character development.

Despite being set in medieval times(?), where chivalry reigns, a subject that makes me weak at the knees with delight, the lack of depth and insight pretty much ruined it for me.

In the foreward, Chabon stated that while this novel is different in style from the previous, it is his favorite book thus far. Having not read any of his other works(and probably not going to), it’s hard to judge that statement, but I think I question his judgement.

The Secret Gospel of Mary Magdalene

2009-01-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished reading, not only one book but two, in a relatively short period of time. I selected these books while browsing through my local public library.

THE SECRET GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE - Michele Roberts

I chose this book for several reasons: the first is the obvious religious and historical relationship. I really enjoyed The Red Tent with Diamant’s ficticious, yet plausible account of the female perspective in the old testament. The book flap suggested that this novel would provide a similar account.

In, The Secret Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Roberts creates a beautiful prose that gives way to a totally unexpected history of Mary Magdalene and her time with Christ. The beginning of the text draws the reader in with compassion for Mary and with interest to see how she explains her personal relationship with the King of the Jews.

As the novel progresses Mary experiences an awakening due to the acceptance of Christ in her heart and Jesus as her savior. After that the lines between Jesus as lover and Christ are strangely twisted and disfigured to the point where I was sure what Roberts through Mary was trying to say.

Mary came to express herself through these visions or dreams that she had. The controversy arose inevitably because she was a female and a self-proclaimed disciple. While I enjoyed the prose aspect of these visions, I feel Roberts did not place enough thought into what they meant.

Also, as a Christian, I have a hard time accepting the fact that Mary and Jesus were never really married, but lovers. The beginning of the text opens the reader’s eyes to the life of a woman in such times. Compassion is immediately given to Mary for the life that befell her and ultimately, how she came to be the sole breadwinner for her immediate family.

While, I really wanted to like this book, since it contains several of the qualities that I generally like in novels, the wishy washy-ness was too much to continue my desire to read. Even though I did finish the text, it just was not a book that I couldn’t put down. Again, I complement Roberts on his fantastic writing style, but critique the direction the novel end up taking.

A LITTE RESPITE

2008-08-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still between books. Fiction that is. While, for the time being, I don't have as much time to read something seriously I have not abandoned books altogether.

I have looked at stacks of crochet books. Learned new patters, stitches, etc.

I found an old Spanish 3 high school text book at the jail library and have been using it for a little refresher in my spare time at work.

Gotta go, more later.

Dispirited Dilemma

2008-08-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

It has happened once again. I have been lost in an alternate universe and now that the journey has ended I cannot find anything else to make up for it. I have recently finished the sixth book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. While A Breath of Snow and Ashes will never live up to Gabaldon's freshman masterpiece, I am still feeling very dejected at finishing this latest installment. I love the world of Jamie and Claire Fraser. In a sick way I yearn for the life that they lived, the hardships 17th century America and the rest of the world required. Their's was a busy, labor enduced society with war and fighting being second nature, as was working for every luxury needed to survive. Gabaldon paints a much realer picture than is often thought of when looking back on civilization. It is through her books that I see how hard and precious life really is. Disease could take out a whole community in several days. Crops don't grow and the family starves. Drunken bandits kill a family for a few animals or possessions to trade. These are worries I have never thought of and yet, this world Gabaldon created is a part of me.

What I find equally disappointing is that I have not yet moved on. For the time being, no other books are quite as good. Nothing can hold my attention quite as well as, and I find myself day-dreaming about past Fraser adventures and checking Gabaldon's web page for more news of her next installment.

I even tried reading Gabaldon's Lord John and the Private Matter mystery in hopes that the story would be equally stimulating. But, to no avail. It just does not capture my attention the same.

So, I will keep searching for that next great book to read. Unfortunately, I might be passing up some goods one's while my temperament readjusts. In time I will move, but I will never forget Jamie Fraser.

Angels and Demons, oh no!!

2008-07-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

While I was driving home from work the other morning, I heard on the radio that Dan Brown’s first conspiracy theory flop, Angels and Demons, is being filmed. Apparently there is some controversy because several churches/cathedrals are not allowing them to film in their holy buildings. The funny part is that while I did enjoy reading The Da Vinci Code, the movie absolutely stunk. The radio DJ’s, who I don’t normally appreciate, hit the head on the nail with similar claims. Rightly so, Tom Hanks’ hair piece usually ends up being the brunt of most jokes. Along with the question of why wasn’t "Angels and Demons" filmed first since it came before "The Da Vinci Code"?

Continuing that question, why make a sequel, or prequel in this case, if the first movie stunk? What or who decides that more time should be invested in another potential flop? "Angels and Demons" barely got read until after the success of The Da Vinci Code, and some critics would say that was totally lucky also. While I’m not denying the appeal factor of the latter, I am sick of being inundated by Hollywood’s feeble attempts at movie making in the 21st century. Also, why would Tom Hanks, a well-known, reputable actor, sign on for another round of poorly scripted confusion when he clearly did not need to. Where are our standards?

While it is no doubt, hard for movies to live up to their written counterparts, could the directors at least try to make the movie good? Do I need mention Harry Potter movies 3 - 5 ? If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand time, they should have kept Chris Columbus as the director for all the movies. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll rent it from the Public library when it finally comes out on DVD, but until then, I’ll keep searching for another good book.

P.S. By the way, I have read Angels and Demons, and for me, it just didn't have that fast-pased drive that I was looking for. Sorry Dan.

I Will Persevere !!

2008-05-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick update to let you know that I am still alive. I haven't posted any new reviews in a while and I wanted to share the reason why: I'm currently reading Anna Karenina and that book is slowly killing me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it. It's lengthy, some 900+ pages, detailed and has multiple plot lines to play around with, yet it is some of the slowest reading I have subjected myself to in a long time. So, I just wanted to say that I will get through the book eventually. However, when a story and the actual reading moves that slowly, I often read a couple other books at the same time, as well. I may have diverted slightly, but I will return to Anna shortly and hopefully I can finish it before the summer is over.

Anna... is supposed to be one of the greatest love stories of our time. I will see her through.

Bored to Death?

2008-03-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Flanders Panel
-Arturo Perez-Reverte

In the realm of literary mystery, Perez-Reverte provides a modern, sophisticated and unfortunately shallow look at art, history, mystery and the prototypes of the business.

I chose this novel randomly after studiously perusing the shelves of Barnes and Noble for a smart, interesting mystery. I was tempted to go with a traditional Agatha Christie or Janet Evanovich, but I opted for the quasi DaVinci Code read alike.

The premise is a painting with three subjects and an unfinished game of chess set in the 15th century. Julia, art restorer and protagonist uncovers the real mystery of this painting, an unsolved murder and the unlikely murderer. Soon enough a 20th century game of chess begins and she becomes a living piece on the chessboard.

While the mystery is seemingly interesting in the beginning, shortly enough the plot becomes a mess of poorly orchestrated chess plays and a set of characters that are clunky and pretentious.

Despite the bland plot it is the stereotypical characters that really disappoint. There’s the flaming homosexual, the older, slutty crack addict and the beautiful, independent, single and searching, protagonist. None of these characters would ever associate with each other in real life and I was appalled at the casual use of heroine and alcohol by the cast.

The novel gets two thumbs down from this reader. If this is what “literary” mysteries are all about, I’ll stick to M.E. Braddon or Agatha Christie.

Note: I read the Publisher’s Weekly review after I wrote this and while theirs may be a little more eloquent, I’m glad to see that we’re eerily on the same page.
http://www.amazon.com/Flanders-Panel-Arturo-Perez-Reverte/dp/0553377868

Disgraced...

2008-03-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

DISGRACE

J.M. Coetzee

Haunting. Yes, that is the best word to describe this Booker Award winning novel by South African - born Coetzee. This was another random selection off the reading cart one slow graveyard shift at the jail. Although, to be honest, I have heard of Coetzee and have been wanting to read some of his work for quite some time.

Bad news first: this is not a piece of fiction that will be remembered for its great storytelling ability. On the other hand, it will be recognized for its stark realization of society in post-apartheid South Africa. It is a wake up call to many who are not familiar with the terrifying political climate still alive today.

With a text that bleakly deals with rape from two different angles and the comparison between the actions of men and animals, this is not a “light” read. Like many of Coetzee’s contemporary’s, protagonist David Lurie is not an overly likeable character. His almost-rape of a student, questionable personal morals and inability to help his daughter are frightening. Coetzee analyzes not only politics but two sides of modern man; those who take by force and the weak intellectual. While this branches out on a bigger issue that Coetzee may not be trying to cover with this title, where are the dependable, honest, strong men in our society?

Overall, it was a text that left me sad. Sad of how “real” it was and how easy it is to overlook what is still happening in third world countries that do not make the news quite as much as the middle east.

Coetzee as an author has sustainability. It was a hard book to read due to content, not length or lexicon (a quick read, I think it took me two sittings). That said, it has a place in the canon of future generations primarily due the stark social and political implications.

Travels in the Scriptorium

2008-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

“That was my crime. Take it for what it was, but don’t let it interfere with the reading of this report. Trouble comes to all men, and each man makes his peace with the world in his own way.”

"Travels in the Scriptorium" –Paul Auster, p. 52.

This epithet is misleading. It is also a perfect example of why I am so critical of contemporary literature. Nothing in Paul Auster’s latest work gives any sense of conclusion. The crime is never explained. The protagonist, Mr. Blank, is exactly that, blank and boring. If you like reading literature that is about as interesting as a blank white wall than you will appreciate Auster’s austere piece. No questions are answered, only raised. Mr. Blank has no epiphany because his memory is gone. The reader is left in a whirlwind of confusion that is supposed to be mysterious and modern. Yet, the writing is too cold and automated to find interest in.
Other critics praise Auster for his storytelling abilities. Granted there are a few brief parts where Mr. Blank adlibs the end of an obscure manuscript, but this lasts a few paragraphs. What does this say about character development and leaving a lasting impression on the reader’s mind? Nothing. Nothing at all. There is no lasting impression. No profound conclusion that stays with the reader and passes on from generation to generation. When you can’t respect the main character despite his flaws then what is really the point of the novel? Instead of reveling in his economically written 140 pages, Auster should spend a little more time developing a storyline that intrigues. Saying this story is not so unlike the US today is insulting and unjustified given the few random similarities that were thrown in for good measure. Instead of trying to write to win like other contemporaries such Amis and McEwan, write something worth remembering, something readers won’t feel is a complete waste of time.

Divisadero and the Curse of Writing a Masterpiece

2008-02-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

DIVISADERO

- Michael Ondaatje

“He pushed the glass doors open and walked into the night so the coldness filled his shirt. He noticed the square of a window on the slope of the hill. There was a tightrope between the two farms, and below it an abyss.”
p. 221. DIVISADERO

Anyone who knows me knows that The English Patient is not only my favorite movie, but also my favorite book. Ondaatje uses his skill as a poet to write beautiful lyrical prose that simply carries the reader away to the mysterious worlds of Herodotus, Caravaggio and turn of the century France.

Yet, Divisadero is not without its problems. The beginning of the text, which is unusually set in the 1970’s is clunky and without much direction. The plot is slow if not non-existent. Ondaatje focuses on Claire, Coop and Anna who are raised like family since childhood. Anna and Coop have an innocent liaison and then a tragic separation takes place thanks to her father. Then, the story jumps several years down the road to Coop’s self-destructive behavior. The problem is, it isn’t until this section of the novel that the reader really gets hooked onto the characters. Up until then, the reader feels passive, like they are on the outside, looking in. A reader doesn’t want to be on the outside, they want to be there, transformed to where the action is happening.

The final part of the novel transports the reader to turn of the century France, following the life of a recluse writer whose life subtly parallels that of Anna. This was the best and most interesting part of the whole story. Ondaatje’s writing remains beautiful and excels in this section. It is his fluid verse that gives life to the story. Ondaatje also has that gift for weaving history into the mundane and making the whole world seem like one big canvas. Unfortunately, when the writer’s section ends, so does the novel. Anna says a few last words as she reflects on her time spent researching in France, but aside from that there is no conclusion. Part of Ondaatje’s style is that he doesn’t visualize things linearly. The plot starts in the middle, moves backwards and then ends in the present. He also does not feel the need to wrap things up. This vague conclusion leaves the reader hanging in a most disturbing way. Sometimes the unknown is good, but this is too much.

Overall, the characters all have the beginning of what makes well-developed characters. Unfortunately, the segmented style that guides the text keeps the reader from gaining an attachment to the text. While this method works in The English Patient because the characters come full-circle, it doesn’t work for this novel. In fact, so

ABOUT A BOY

2007-07-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

I picked up this book haphazardly while I was at work one night when I had absolutely nothing to read. Hornby writes in a carefree, easy manner that is appealing on a casual basis. Having seen the movie too many times to count, it is surprising how similar the book and movie are to each other. Whole sentences are repeatedly taken directly from the text. It made reading the book only okay since I knew what was going to happen - with the exception of the ending between Marcus and Eli.

As far as the movie goes, this is the first film since Sense and Sensibility where Hugh Grant did not act like a mumbling wuss. While I do appreciate the finer distinction of English acting, I cringe at the majority of his spineless characters. (Dare I mention “Notting Hill.” In “About a Boy” the movie, Grant’s acting is strong and his character has personality. He is excellent at the sort of “bad guy” wannabe role. Toni Collett and Rachel Weisz’ performances are exemplar as usual and it’s nice to see English actors in English roles.

While I guess I’m partial to the movie since I saw it first, both mediums provide a perfect mix of comic relief and thoughtfulness. Again, Hornby does an excellent job of portraying modern existence in a not so disturbing way. And, thanks to him, I will watch Hugh Grant movies again.

GENTLEMEN AND PLAYERS

2007-04-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

“THAT TO BE SEEN – IS ALL I EVER WANTED; TO BE MORE THAN JUST A FLEETING GLIMPSE, A TWELFTH MAN IN THIS GAME OF GENTLEMEN AND PLAYERS.”

Whoa. That about sums up Harris’ novel in one word. All I have is praise for her truly spellbinding and totally convincing creation.

To begin, I will try not to give any of its secrets away. This is the fourth novel by Harris that I have read. Although the writing remains flawless, it has a different tone than the others that is both refreshing and surprising. Gentlemen and Players, is captivating from page one. The English boys school premise is absolutely intriguing. Sort of reminiscent of movies such as Taps and The Emperor’s Club. Harris’ lineup of characters is very Dickens-esque. In fact, the whole text is a great mix between Dickens and M. E. Braddon in regards to character development, cunning and mystery. I am amazed at the themes that run smoothly throughout the text. The concept of life/school as a game is not new, but Harris puts her own twist on it that makes it equally enticing, begging the reader to eat up every word. The way each section of the book is named after a chess piece is pure genius. Not only that, but several of the characters surnames clearly relate to the chess undertone.

I especially like her creation of Ron Straightley, the Classics professor. It is all just so perfect. In a sense, it is sad to see the world moving away from a classical education, eliminating language and other humanities programs in place of information technology and Spanish. While both of those subjects are necessary in today’s world, they are not the end-all in education.

Whether it is pure coincidence or not, I also see traces of a Pink Floyd influence in Harris’ language. In fact, the phrase “fleeting glimpse” is hauntingly close to that in Comfortably Numb, “When I was a child, I caught a fleeting glimpse.” A raving fan perhaps? There were a few others that I can’t think of off hand.

Overall, Gentlemen and Players is one of the best novels I’ve read in a long time. It doesn’t have the seriousness that the majority of modern “classics” possess, but it is a smart, well –written novel that has a lot to offer the world. It may even benefit a high school literature class – something they could relate to perhaps.

Reviewing Potter...

2007-04-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well...I feel I must join the masses and comment on the upcoming release of the final chapter of the life and times of Harry Potter and his courageous cohorts. I am proud to add this fantastic series, created by J.K. Rowling, to my list of Literature for a Lifetime. In January, I reread books 1-4 in an attempt to refresh myself for the "The Deathly Hallows" release in July. I'm always surprised how enjoyable the books are to read. The world Rowling created is both fantastical and realistic. She has a lot to say about courage and strength of all forms, yet instills it in such a subtle way that both children and adults remain a captive audience. I'm not going to review the previous books, because I don't need to - they've been reviewed, analyzed, scrutinized, interpreted, translated and deciphered unlike any other book this side of Eden.

As a future librarian, and lifetime bibliophile, I have a great respect for Rowling and what she has done in the world of literature. Rowling made reading cool again. She made it acceptable to dress up like your favorite Potter character and wait in line at bookstores across the world to buy a BOOK at midnight. She brought us a magical world that's easy to get lost in, but doesn't let us forget about the everlasting battle between good and evil. Countless parallels can be drawn between that world and our own, but I digress. The point is that in this super high-tech, internet obsessed, cell-phone carrying, blog-writing, podcast listening jumbo jet world that we live in, reading is not always the first activity that comes to mind when we have free time. If a series like this can introduce a world of new people out there to the magic of reading, I'm happy.

Finally, I also think that in in situations like this, it is important not over analyze the nature of Harry Potter. It is a book, fictional at that. Remind yourselves and your kids that fiction "describes imaginary events and people." In other words, IT IS NOT REAL. So, let's not get all WASP-esque and instead, let our children decide for themselves what is or is not good literature. Learning to evaluate material for themselves is far more beneficial than being told what they can or cannot read. The only thing banned books ever did was increase their desirability.

The Heiress of Water

2007-04-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

“Can he change the world? Deliver justice? Can he save what’s precious? Can he bring exceptional beauty to the world, or at the very least, relief of pain? If the answer is no, then move on.”
The Heiress of Water,
- Sandra Rodriguez Barron

In this moving, first-novel Sandra Barron delights us with her fluid prose and captivating cross-cultural tale. Barron sets the story with two little-used backgrounds: El Salvador and seashells. It is refreshing to read about a topic and locale that is not the subject of every other mass-market book published. The seashell obsession, though a little academic for the casual reader, acts as an introduction to the enigma of both the ocean and Monica’s mother, Alma.
Like any good mother/daughter journey, Monica is searching her past for answers to explain Alma’s carefree behavior, unnerving disappearance and most importantly, to assuage Monica’s guilt at betraying her mother. This journey parallels that of Will and Sylvia’s search for a treatment for Yvette’s coma. While the whole Yvette sub-plot is a little cheesy, it gives the seashell fascination a purpose and connects the characters to each other permanently.
The one major disappointment within the text is Barron’s explanation for Yvette’s car crash. Who uses their left foot to help pump the breaks when a cars slides, and then accidentally hits the accelerator? All of this with the left foot! Not only is it a long reach for the left foot, Barron was really stretching when she came up with that extreme sequence.
Will’s character is also a little wishy-washy. He likes Monica, doesn’t really want Yvette to come out of the coma, but falters at the end of the novel and sort of evaporates into oblivion. Realistic? Maybe. Satisfying? Not so much. The reader never really gets to know Will or Yvette. So, it makes feeling compassion for them very difficult. The same goes for Monica’s dad, Bruce. It’s hard to believe that he is the same person who fell in love with Alma years before. I guess that’s what love does to a person?
Again, it Barron’s writing style that really gives the text its originality and appeal. Her writing is pretty and descriptive and peacefully carries the reader from page to page. Overall, there is a lot to like about this novel. Unfortunately, the majority of the characters are not as well developed as they should be. I don’t know that this selection will be one for the best novel of the century list, but I would give her another try on her sophomore attempt.

-- Heidi

The Fall of Light - Niall Williams

2007-03-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...where to begin? It's been awhile since I've finished a book, not to mention write a review. I grabbed this book on a whim from the public library. It was being highlighted in an Irish authors display. To start at the beginning, Willaims title: "The Fall of Light" has cliche written all over it. To be prefectly honest, I don't see how the title fits in with the story line. "Fall" - maybe, "Light", not really. In keeping up with the Irish tradition, it was a depressing family saga which suggests some metaphor with light and darkness. None the less, it isn't a title that stands out and captures attention.

Back to the Irish influence, almost nothing good happens to the Foley family throughout the books entirety. When those few shreds of happiness appear, they are almost immediately followed by tragedy. The only vice that isn't a part of the Foley family travails, suprisingly enough, is alcohol. An Irish story without an alcoholic is very refreshing (Check out "Angela's Ashes" for a truly depressing memoir that could have been condensed to a short novella).

Williams writing style is comprised of a fluid, lyrical prose that is almost perfect. It truly makes the story, giving it both interest and originality. The sentence structure is at times confusing, causing you to reread random sentences in order to stress and accent the right words. Yet, this seems to be due to the inclusion of untranslated Irish phrases, which brings an authenticity to the story, adding beauty instead of taking away from it.

Aside from the unsuccessful lives of the Foley family, Williams provides a dreamlike quality in his writing that makes the reader almost float into the text and fly away to another age when life was simpler, yet harder to survive in. This brings up the "Swan" imagery that Williams includes periodically. Again, like the title, it is a total disappointment. The swan just doesn't seem to have a purpose. At first, the sons thought the swan was their father, watching over them after death. Francis didn't die, so what does the swan do? I'm still trying to figure that out. There just isn't any correlation between the swans appearance and any rising or falling action of the plot that makes it significant.

Finally, "The Fall of Light," is a good light read that provides a bit of history that spans both Europe and North America in the mid-1800's. Williams writing is the hightlight of the book. His characters, though diverse and plenty, provide no real lasting memory. Williams includes many key elements that had potential to leave the book with more of a lasting impression on the world. Unfortunately, he didn't take those elements (the stars, swan and mythology etc.) to the extent needed to create any universal themes that fosters a lifelong readership.

Heidi

WELCOME FRIENDS

2007-03-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Greetings! This is my first blog. It is dedicated to my two favorite things in life: books and good movies. While I don't have a detailed plan of exactly what is going to be on this page, my primary goal is to review books, both classic and contemporary, that I feel will have a lasting power in the world of great literature. To break it up a little and just because I love good British acting, there will periodically be reviews of movies that are based on these books. So, please stop back occassionally, I will try to post reviews and such weekly if not more.

Thank You,

Heidi