Lordy Lordy, Jim is boring.
Doesn't rhyme, don't care.
I tried so hard to make it through this book, like, really tried. I couldn't even get through the Spark Notes, to be honest. I don't know if it was the mood I was in, or the nautical/court room setting, or the small print.... For whatever reason, the novel didn't not incite me to keep reading.
Not wanting to be completely negative about this entry, I will say that while the book often times put me to sleep, it opened my eyes in other ways. Not wanting to give up reading and not wanting to move on to another book, I started reading outside my novel list for the first time in a long time. I joined a book club. We mainly drink wine and talk about men, but we also read really current and exciting books. In the past year I've read about 12 books, all outside the reading list and all able to keep me up at night and stay on my mind all day.
Lord Jim didn't help me move forward at a good pace with my reading goal but it did remind me of why I had made the goal in the first place. I LOVE reading! Such a dorky statement, but its so true. I started because I wanted to open my mind, learn, and enjoy myself. I stopped because I felt stupid for not understanding the book and I was too stubborn to leave it behind, unread.
Going forward, I am hopeful that this won't happen again, but if it does and I have tried my best, I will count that as a job well read.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sophie's Choice by William Styron
Oh Sophie! What was your choice??
It was the reason I chose this book for my next read and was the reason I read this book around the clock until it was finally revealed at the near end of the novel.
So many times in conversations, in films, and in books, a Sophie's choice reference is made and the more I heard and didn't understand what was going on, the more I knew that this was a book I would have to read.
Although I always knew that it would be a decision between two terrible options, I couldn't help but hope that I had been wrong. I grew to love Sophie, all of her witty and zany and emotional ways.
I try to keep these book entries light and fun but even after having turned the last page many months ago, I still feel great sadness when I think of what she endured.
Her story was heart wrenching enough, but it also started be on a obsessive journey in to the world of the Holocaust. I read more books and watched all of the movies that I could on the subject. It was a dark time. A time that made me so thankful for how far we have come away from that hatred and terror. I understand that there is still wars and torture and evil in the world today, but I am happy that that chapter in history of what happened to the Jews is closed.
Now when I hear a reference to making a 'Sophie's choice' I cringe. No choice is a unbearable as the one she made and it pains me when people use the phrase lightly.
So that's it. It was well written and gut wrenching and definitely struck a chord with me. A chord that is still too sad to delve into any more than I just have.
It was the reason I chose this book for my next read and was the reason I read this book around the clock until it was finally revealed at the near end of the novel.
So many times in conversations, in films, and in books, a Sophie's choice reference is made and the more I heard and didn't understand what was going on, the more I knew that this was a book I would have to read.
Although I always knew that it would be a decision between two terrible options, I couldn't help but hope that I had been wrong. I grew to love Sophie, all of her witty and zany and emotional ways.
I try to keep these book entries light and fun but even after having turned the last page many months ago, I still feel great sadness when I think of what she endured.
Her story was heart wrenching enough, but it also started be on a obsessive journey in to the world of the Holocaust. I read more books and watched all of the movies that I could on the subject. It was a dark time. A time that made me so thankful for how far we have come away from that hatred and terror. I understand that there is still wars and torture and evil in the world today, but I am happy that that chapter in history of what happened to the Jews is closed.
Now when I hear a reference to making a 'Sophie's choice' I cringe. No choice is a unbearable as the one she made and it pains me when people use the phrase lightly.
So that's it. It was well written and gut wrenching and definitely struck a chord with me. A chord that is still too sad to delve into any more than I just have.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
My motivation to read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time came, curiously enough, at approximately 2 am on a Saturday night in a seedy bar while watching a highly intoxicated ex-lover that I was madly in love with, cry into his twelfth beer. A tragic Saturday indeed.
I was summoned there by a distraught man that I thought I had been dating, to be a open ear, a shoulder to cry on, and possibly a ride home. In my mind, I was there to be a saviour. In his words, I was there because I was being used.
It had been four rocky months since I had met him and I was still very much gunning for the position of girlfriend. I knew that it was likely that he was not looking for the same relationship that I was, but when he called asking for help, I was there, hoping for a turning point for the better.
I ran through the night (in a very dramatic fashion, naturally) only to find him alone, slumped on the table, in the middle of a melt down, spurred on by his perception of those around him to be highly superficial.
Somewhere in his slurred rambling about why should not be together, he mentioned that he saw similarities between the main character of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and himself. Similarities in not having the ability to connect with other people. Not wanting to appear like I hadn't read every book that he had, I said that I understood where he was coming from.
In actual fact, I had not a clue. I text mailed the name of the book to myself, strapped him to my back, and brought him home to my couch to sleep it off.
After a very sad and final breakfast, I dropped him off and headed straight to the liquor store and the used book store. Armed with a bottle of Chardonnay and with what I thought was a text book on the inner workings of my ex-lover, I hit the sheets.
Much to my suprise/chagrin, I learned that the main character of the book, Christopher Boone, was a ten year old boy with Autism from a broken home. The opposite to the older, highly intelligent man who had just broken my heart.
I read the book with enthusiasm and a detective-like eye, looking for any clues that could either help me to realize that I had dodged a bullet or have insight that could help me to bring him back into my life.
The story follows young Christopher Boone as he attempts to solve the murder of his next door neighbour's dog and incidently unravels the lives and lies of his parents.
Needless to say, I was more confused than ever as I turned the last page. If anything, at the time I saw more similarities between Christopher and myself as we were both searching for clues and getting no answers to the questions we were asking ourselves and others.
It was certainly a lovely book, one that I enjoyed more upon reading it a second time, without looking for answers that pertained to my own life. On the second go around I was struck by one sentence that seemed to answer all of my questions.
"And this shows that sometimes people want to be stupid and they do not want to know the truth"
How this ten year old Autistic child taught me something so profound, I will never figure out. His matter of fact approach to life was one that I would have to adopt in order to move on and be happy. It seems as though the root of my heart ache had been in taking a simple fact and not believing in it. The situation was quite clear by most accounts, that the one I wanted to be with said that he did not want to be with me.
No amount of books or analysis or wine or gossipping would change that. There was no hidden gem in the book, or anywhere for that matter, that would turn up and change what was already decided. So many times we look so hard at a cut and dry scenario, looking for what we want when it is clear that what we want is just not there.
There are no complex situations, just complex ways of looking at them.
In a round about way, I had my answer. He was nothing like Christopher Boone, but the reference was what ended up giving me peace in the situation. Funny how I read this book in order to learn about an old flame and ended up learning about myself. I think that is proof that the universe is looking out for me.
So thank you Christopher, or rather Mark Haddon, for opening my eyes. For teaching me that my optimism should not be wasted on another indiviual or situation, but on my own growth.
Turns out that the only mystery worth solving in my own life is me, and I am surely the best detective for the job.
I was summoned there by a distraught man that I thought I had been dating, to be a open ear, a shoulder to cry on, and possibly a ride home. In my mind, I was there to be a saviour. In his words, I was there because I was being used.
It had been four rocky months since I had met him and I was still very much gunning for the position of girlfriend. I knew that it was likely that he was not looking for the same relationship that I was, but when he called asking for help, I was there, hoping for a turning point for the better.
I ran through the night (in a very dramatic fashion, naturally) only to find him alone, slumped on the table, in the middle of a melt down, spurred on by his perception of those around him to be highly superficial.
Somewhere in his slurred rambling about why should not be together, he mentioned that he saw similarities between the main character of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and himself. Similarities in not having the ability to connect with other people. Not wanting to appear like I hadn't read every book that he had, I said that I understood where he was coming from.
In actual fact, I had not a clue. I text mailed the name of the book to myself, strapped him to my back, and brought him home to my couch to sleep it off.
After a very sad and final breakfast, I dropped him off and headed straight to the liquor store and the used book store. Armed with a bottle of Chardonnay and with what I thought was a text book on the inner workings of my ex-lover, I hit the sheets.
Much to my suprise/chagrin, I learned that the main character of the book, Christopher Boone, was a ten year old boy with Autism from a broken home. The opposite to the older, highly intelligent man who had just broken my heart.
I read the book with enthusiasm and a detective-like eye, looking for any clues that could either help me to realize that I had dodged a bullet or have insight that could help me to bring him back into my life.
The story follows young Christopher Boone as he attempts to solve the murder of his next door neighbour's dog and incidently unravels the lives and lies of his parents.
Needless to say, I was more confused than ever as I turned the last page. If anything, at the time I saw more similarities between Christopher and myself as we were both searching for clues and getting no answers to the questions we were asking ourselves and others.
It was certainly a lovely book, one that I enjoyed more upon reading it a second time, without looking for answers that pertained to my own life. On the second go around I was struck by one sentence that seemed to answer all of my questions.
"And this shows that sometimes people want to be stupid and they do not want to know the truth"
How this ten year old Autistic child taught me something so profound, I will never figure out. His matter of fact approach to life was one that I would have to adopt in order to move on and be happy. It seems as though the root of my heart ache had been in taking a simple fact and not believing in it. The situation was quite clear by most accounts, that the one I wanted to be with said that he did not want to be with me.
No amount of books or analysis or wine or gossipping would change that. There was no hidden gem in the book, or anywhere for that matter, that would turn up and change what was already decided. So many times we look so hard at a cut and dry scenario, looking for what we want when it is clear that what we want is just not there.
There are no complex situations, just complex ways of looking at them.
In a round about way, I had my answer. He was nothing like Christopher Boone, but the reference was what ended up giving me peace in the situation. Funny how I read this book in order to learn about an old flame and ended up learning about myself. I think that is proof that the universe is looking out for me.
So thank you Christopher, or rather Mark Haddon, for opening my eyes. For teaching me that my optimism should not be wasted on another indiviual or situation, but on my own growth.
Turns out that the only mystery worth solving in my own life is me, and I am surely the best detective for the job.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The first thing that I always thought of when I heard the words Scarlet Letter was SCANDAL. I don't know where I got this from since I had never known the plot of the Scarlet Letter, it was just one of those cliches that was ingrained in me. So I settled in for this scandalous read with an outdated plot and very current themes.
Ohhhh Hester, you dirty slut. Finding yourself in the arms of a loving man long after your husband has been presumed lost at sea.
Ummm, not so much.
If anything, I give her props for waiting as long as she did. Boston nights can be very cold and lonely.
This book really made me realize how far we have come in society in terms of what is acceptable behavior and punishment. I'm not saying that I agree with adultery, in fact I think that it's gross and hurtful, but in the case of Hester, not everything is black and white. Or scarlet.
A major theme of this book is reputation.
Years have passed, and one thing remains the same. The outcome of a slutty affair will always damage the woman involved, more than it will the man. It's disheartening and unfair but unfortunately no amount of feminist protests, bras being burned, or donations to the Hilary Clinton campaign will change that. The option for the modern woman is to take this double standard with the same grace and strength that Hester did.
Another strong theme is consequence.
Everyday we are faced with choices. Some are easy, some are hard. Some challenge you to look inside and stand up for what means the most to you. Some you don't even have to think about. Some are as simple as whether or not to give a cheating ex-boyfriend a second chance. That's an easy one, right? Riiight.
The fact is, every choice that we make, good or bad, is going to produce a consequence. In Hester's case, the consequence was harsh. To have a humiliating visual symbol of one choice attached to here person forever.
It made me think though. Just because we're not wearing the consequence of our bad decisions on the outside, doesn't mean that they are not burned into who we are.
Hester's disgrace took tangible form that everyone could see with their eyes and yet she was completely at peace. Today, shame can be hidden from those we pass on the street and those we love, but inside we are dying of guilt.
I can't tell which is worse.
I guess that's the real scandal.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner
Sounds uplifting... right?!
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
Dead as Addie Bundren in a homemade coffin for eleven full days being dragged around by her unloving and toothless family through raging rivers and burning barns.
The Bundren family honours the wish of their matriarch to be buried in Jefferson county, however their reasons seem to me, to be all quite selfish. I kept thinking that at any moment one of the family members would choose to be the hero and save this family from themselves but, alas, that moment never came.
Once I realized that the actual story of these idiots (sorry Faulkner, but seriously) was never going to capture my interest, I started to just focus on the enjoyment of Faulkner's writing. He has a way with words which can make an entire novel seem like a poem.
Example #1
'And before you are emptied for sleep, what are you. And when you are emptied for sleep, you are not. And when you are filled with sleep, you never were.'
Makes sense... right?!
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
I'm sure that if I took my sweet time and a handful of ginko biloba I might be able to figure this riddle out, or at least have an opinion of what it means to me, but thats not what is going to happen here.
There are times in life when comprehension is critical, and times, like now, when you just have to sit back and enjoy the read.
Maybe Addie Bundren was on crack? Maybe she didn't know what the word empty meant? Maybe I don't know what the word empty means?
Maybe if I read the words, out loud, under my breath, it will sound like the a beautiful poem.
There's no denying that Faulkner has a way with the words that would make even Ernest, Ayn, and Aldous jealous. A few stuck out to me as favorites.
'If her eyes had been pistols, I wouldn't be talking now'.
I've been working on this look since 1996 and have yet to stop a man in his tracks. Expect for the ignorant few that stopped to ask if I was having a stroke.
'I wish I had time to let her die. I wish I had time to wish I had'.
The regret in this sentence is so crisp and so real that it blew me away. To wish you had done something differently or even at all is one thing. To wish you had even thought to wish it is a whole other monster. The sneak attack kind.
'It is as though the space between us were time; an irrevocable quality'.
This one made the wall of favorites. I'm not even quite sure what it mean but I do know that I love each word and I am quite contented staring at these words, trying to translate them into something I can hold.
I just hope that the next book of William Faulkner will still have his beautiful style of writing but a brighter and more interesting storyline to keep me rivited. A good love story would do the trick. Apparently Faulkner wrote this depressing novel in six weeks and didn't change a word of it.
Good decision...right?!
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
Dead as Addie Bundren in a homemade coffin for eleven full days being dragged around by her unloving and toothless family through raging rivers and burning barns.
The Bundren family honours the wish of their matriarch to be buried in Jefferson county, however their reasons seem to me, to be all quite selfish. I kept thinking that at any moment one of the family members would choose to be the hero and save this family from themselves but, alas, that moment never came.
Once I realized that the actual story of these idiots (sorry Faulkner, but seriously) was never going to capture my interest, I started to just focus on the enjoyment of Faulkner's writing. He has a way with words which can make an entire novel seem like a poem.
Example #1
'And before you are emptied for sleep, what are you. And when you are emptied for sleep, you are not. And when you are filled with sleep, you never were.'
Makes sense... right?!
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
I'm sure that if I took my sweet time and a handful of ginko biloba I might be able to figure this riddle out, or at least have an opinion of what it means to me, but thats not what is going to happen here.
There are times in life when comprehension is critical, and times, like now, when you just have to sit back and enjoy the read.
Maybe Addie Bundren was on crack? Maybe she didn't know what the word empty meant? Maybe I don't know what the word empty means?
Maybe if I read the words, out loud, under my breath, it will sound like the a beautiful poem.
There's no denying that Faulkner has a way with the words that would make even Ernest, Ayn, and Aldous jealous. A few stuck out to me as favorites.
'If her eyes had been pistols, I wouldn't be talking now'.
I've been working on this look since 1996 and have yet to stop a man in his tracks. Expect for the ignorant few that stopped to ask if I was having a stroke.
'I wish I had time to let her die. I wish I had time to wish I had'.
The regret in this sentence is so crisp and so real that it blew me away. To wish you had done something differently or even at all is one thing. To wish you had even thought to wish it is a whole other monster. The sneak attack kind.
'It is as though the space between us were time; an irrevocable quality'.
This one made the wall of favorites. I'm not even quite sure what it mean but I do know that I love each word and I am quite contented staring at these words, trying to translate them into something I can hold.
I just hope that the next book of William Faulkner will still have his beautiful style of writing but a brighter and more interesting storyline to keep me rivited. A good love story would do the trick. Apparently Faulkner wrote this depressing novel in six weeks and didn't change a word of it.
Good decision...right?!
Wrong.
Dead wrong.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
So when Christmas rolled around this year and the dreaded 4 hour solo road trip home was ahead of me, I felt the panic creeping into my brain. 4 HOURS OF WASTED TIME. Shoot me now.
No co-pilot (Sorry Sofi, you're not a human), no writing lists of things to do, no googling new recipes, or tweezing of the brows. And no reading. Therefore, no self-improvement and no entertainment (save one new Pearl Jam CD).
Let's just say I didn't have the greatest of expectations for this trip (wink, wink).
So in a last ditch effort to expand my mind I made a pit stop to Chapters and sifted through their entire selection of books on CD trying to find a book from my list. Shocking to me, Great Expectations was the only classic that they had and it was one that I had been looking forward to actually reading with my eyes not my ears. However, when your choices are Great Expectations or Hard and Fast and there are several prim and proper judgers standing behind you, you go for the former.
Hard and Fast will be much cheaper on Amazon.
Hard and Fast will be much cheaper on Amazon.
So off I ventured, with my soy venti latte, my trusty sidekick Sofi, Charles Dickens, and the open road.
Great Expecations has been my all time favorite movie since I was 13 years old. The version with Ethan Hawke and Gwenyth Paltrow shaped most of my tragic teenage romances and many of the disillusions that I hold dear to my heart still. Come on, the talented artist fighting for the love of a stone cold fox?? Sign me up!
But just because we love a movie, doesn't mean we will love the book. And just because your 14 year old boyfriend doodled Sonic the Hedgehog on your notebook, doesn't mean he will become a famous artist and paint pictures of you in the nude in New York City.
For once in my life, the movie has trumped the book. Ding ding ding! This round goes to Alliance Films! I think it was the way that I've felt about the movie for so long, and the colors of green that surround every emotion in the film that captured my heart.
The story is fascinating and definitely deeper and more complex in the book but my dislike for the old lady remains the same. I loved this part:
"And could I look upon her without compassion, seeing her punishment in the ruin she was, in her profound unfitness for this earth on which she was placed, in the vanity of sorrow which had become a master mania, like the vanity of penitence, the vanity of remorse, the vanity of unworthiness, and other monstrous vanities that have been curses in this world?"
So there it is. I 'technically' didn't read this one.
Call me a liar. Call me a cheat.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Gone With the Wind - Finished
Well, that was a loooong novel! Exciting and enthralling as well, thank you universe.
Gone With the Wind is one of those rare gems that actually made me cry at the end. I just knew that sick feeling in Scarlett's frenzied heart when she realized that she had been a fool pining over Ashley for all those years and that she truly loved Rhett. And the shock of Rhett's rejection just cut me to the core. I am the same as Scarlett in thinking that he just has to change his mind. He cannot just stop loving her after admiring and protecting her for so many years.
Scarlett and I could definitely go wine for wine on a girls night discussing this. And then out for breakfast the next morning to talk some more. And then some casual drivebys in the afternoon. Whilst talking.
It was so interesting to me when Scarlett made the realization that Ashley was not someone that she was in love with, but rather an idea that she had created and stubbornly held on to. She had loved him like a set of clothing, that anyone could have worn. And she knew, finally, that if he had given into her at anytime, she would have washed her hands of him and found a new object to fixate on.
Even after one thousand pages, I wish that I could read on and find out what happens to Scarlett. It is the saddest thing in the world to have regrets in matters of the heart and she has many.
The line where Scarlett says that she will make Rhett love her and make him come back to her is a little bit creepy (although I totally have her back on that one). It kind of seems that its not the love that she wants, its getting what she can't have. Being able to control the situation and control a man. I wonder if Rhett gave into her, if she would lose that love.
I'm watching the movie tonight and I'm curious to see if it ends the same as the book. I would like the film to be true to the book, however a fabulous, romantic ending never hurt anyone!
Gone With the Wind is one of those rare gems that actually made me cry at the end. I just knew that sick feeling in Scarlett's frenzied heart when she realized that she had been a fool pining over Ashley for all those years and that she truly loved Rhett. And the shock of Rhett's rejection just cut me to the core. I am the same as Scarlett in thinking that he just has to change his mind. He cannot just stop loving her after admiring and protecting her for so many years.
Scarlett and I could definitely go wine for wine on a girls night discussing this. And then out for breakfast the next morning to talk some more. And then some casual drivebys in the afternoon. Whilst talking.
It was so interesting to me when Scarlett made the realization that Ashley was not someone that she was in love with, but rather an idea that she had created and stubbornly held on to. She had loved him like a set of clothing, that anyone could have worn. And she knew, finally, that if he had given into her at anytime, she would have washed her hands of him and found a new object to fixate on.
Even after one thousand pages, I wish that I could read on and find out what happens to Scarlett. It is the saddest thing in the world to have regrets in matters of the heart and she has many.
The line where Scarlett says that she will make Rhett love her and make him come back to her is a little bit creepy (although I totally have her back on that one). It kind of seems that its not the love that she wants, its getting what she can't have. Being able to control the situation and control a man. I wonder if Rhett gave into her, if she would lose that love.
I'm watching the movie tonight and I'm curious to see if it ends the same as the book. I would like the film to be true to the book, however a fabulous, romantic ending never hurt anyone!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Gone With the Wind - Halfway Through
Wow. I know its been awhile since I started this book but its not for lack of trying. Its over a thousand pages and I'm happy to report that I am as enthralled at page 502 as I was at 12. After falling asleep during the movie about a million times, its a great surprise that this book is so interesting. I am so in love with Scarlett and want to be just like her. I am surprised that she is not madly in love with Rhett Butler because of the way he is described. I know I would be all about him if I were her.
I'm pretty sick of the Civil War and I'm not actually sure what exactly everyone is fighting about, slaves maybe? I guess I'm just not a fan or war in any capacity and the details of it are educational but also really hard to digest.
I liked the part on page 429 that described Gerald's love for Ellen:
He never would be any different and now Scarlett realized the truth and accepted it without emotion - that until he died Gerald would always be waiting for Ellen, always listening for her. He was in some dim borderline country where time was standing still and Ellen was always in the next room. The mainspring of his existence was taken away when she died and with it had gone his bounding assurance, his impudence and his restless vitality. Ellen was the audience before which the blustering drama of Gerald O'Hara had been played. Now the curtain had been rung down forever, the footlights dimmed and the audience suddenly vanished, while the stunned old actor remained on his empty stage, waiting for his cues.
So beautiful.
Cool word: TEMERITY - unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition
I'm pretty sick of the Civil War and I'm not actually sure what exactly everyone is fighting about, slaves maybe? I guess I'm just not a fan or war in any capacity and the details of it are educational but also really hard to digest.
I liked the part on page 429 that described Gerald's love for Ellen:
He never would be any different and now Scarlett realized the truth and accepted it without emotion - that until he died Gerald would always be waiting for Ellen, always listening for her. He was in some dim borderline country where time was standing still and Ellen was always in the next room. The mainspring of his existence was taken away when she died and with it had gone his bounding assurance, his impudence and his restless vitality. Ellen was the audience before which the blustering drama of Gerald O'Hara had been played. Now the curtain had been rung down forever, the footlights dimmed and the audience suddenly vanished, while the stunned old actor remained on his empty stage, waiting for his cues.
So beautiful.
Cool word: TEMERITY - unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
This is a novel that I have been so pumped to read every since it was recommended to me by my very smart friend Julie. She read it while in China and said that it became on of those books that she couldn't stop talking to everyone she met about. I really trust her judgement in books so I trust that this will be a new favorite!
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Such a cute little novel! I love the idea of a a woman being in her prime and especially since it wasn't only for a couple of years, but for nearly 20! I am considering myself now in my prime. And forever more.
My only issue with this book was the sheer number of characters. I wish that there had been fewer so that there could have been more character development. However, if that were the case it wouldn't have been the Brodie gang, just a few followers which would have made Brodie's mission much less successful.
This is one of the prized thrift store purchases that had some thoughtful person's insights into the book which made it quite interesting to read.
My only issue with this book was the sheer number of characters. I wish that there had been fewer so that there could have been more character development. However, if that were the case it wouldn't have been the Brodie gang, just a few followers which would have made Brodie's mission much less successful.
This is one of the prized thrift store purchases that had some thoughtful person's insights into the book which made it quite interesting to read.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
Time for a short novel by a female author, a sure fire mix to get me PUMPED UP after a snooze fest! (PUMPED UP is meant to be read with an Arnold accent).
Another unknown, could be a treasure, could be trash, only I will know the answer and in ONLY 127 pages! Show me what you're made of Jeanie!
Sons and Lovers - Finished!
FINALLY!
This last part seemed to drag on and on and on and on...... It came down to the last ten pages that took about three days to read. They were three party nights and three hung over days, but still, I can usually power through.
Cool word: DESULTORY, meaning lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. Ironic, considering that is my feeling towards the novel.
Don't get me wrong, I sure its a lovely book and that the way in which Lawrence writes is correct and proper, it was just that the story didn't grab me. Maybe I've been dating too many guys with mommy issues or I can't relate because I am a female and know in my heart that I would never treat my child that way. Regardless, I am happy to be moving on! (Something Miriam should have done a HELL of a long time ago!)
On the upside, the relationship between Mother and Son never got sexual! Boo-ya!
This last part seemed to drag on and on and on and on...... It came down to the last ten pages that took about three days to read. They were three party nights and three hung over days, but still, I can usually power through.
Cool word: DESULTORY, meaning lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. Ironic, considering that is my feeling towards the novel.
Don't get me wrong, I sure its a lovely book and that the way in which Lawrence writes is correct and proper, it was just that the story didn't grab me. Maybe I've been dating too many guys with mommy issues or I can't relate because I am a female and know in my heart that I would never treat my child that way. Regardless, I am happy to be moving on! (Something Miriam should have done a HELL of a long time ago!)
On the upside, the relationship between Mother and Son never got sexual! Boo-ya!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sons and Lovers - Part One
So far this is an interesting tale that has kept my attention. I am thankful that 'lovers' is not literally what Mrs. Morel has made of her sons but the close attachment is still pretty creepy.
I think that what she is doing is overstepping her boundaries but I can see how she got to that point. To be in a horrible marriage such as her must be a living hell. Its unfortunate that in those days, divorce was not an option and she was completely stuck living with a man she despised leaving no option but to turn to her children for love and companionship. It makes a strong case for being sure of the person that you are going to marry because it is the biggest decision in one's life (Hear that Kim Kardashian??).
I can't believe William died! Not only has Paul lost his brother but he is likely going to be more controlled and coveted by his mother than ever. I hope he is strong enough to rise above it.
Why is she not spending any of her energy on her daughter? That seems like it would be a good choice for female companionship but apparently that's not what Mrs. Morel is after. I really hope this doesn't get creepier as I read on...
I think that what she is doing is overstepping her boundaries but I can see how she got to that point. To be in a horrible marriage such as her must be a living hell. Its unfortunate that in those days, divorce was not an option and she was completely stuck living with a man she despised leaving no option but to turn to her children for love and companionship. It makes a strong case for being sure of the person that you are going to marry because it is the biggest decision in one's life (Hear that Kim Kardashian??).
I can't believe William died! Not only has Paul lost his brother but he is likely going to be more controlled and coveted by his mother than ever. I hope he is strong enough to rise above it.
Why is she not spending any of her energy on her daughter? That seems like it would be a good choice for female companionship but apparently that's not what Mrs. Morel is after. I really hope this doesn't get creepier as I read on...
Monday, October 31, 2011
Anthem by Ayn Rand
True to most Monday mornings in my house, I was scrambling to get out of the door in one piece and in my haste I forgot to bring my latest read with me. Any other day this would not be an issue but Mondays leave me a two hour gap to fill between work and trapeze school that I like to spend reading. Rather than scrap the plan I hit up Chapters and bought Anthem by Ayn Rand. It seemed short enough to finish quickly so that I could carry on with Sons and Lovers.
Five hours after purchasing the book, I have completed it, not only because its only 105 pages, but because it is awesome. A total cross between The Fountainhead (also an Ayn Rand classic) and Brave New World. The perfect union of my two favorite books so far.
True to Rand's style it was a story based around the concept of individualism and collectivism. Only Rand could weave such a pointed and meaningful take in only 105 pages.
Its a story of Equality 7-2521's break from a mundane and predetermined life into a would where 'we' becomes 'I' and individuality is celebrated. I loved the premise and the strong willed characters. Once again she has left me questioning my own path in life and whether or not I am living to my highest potential.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
Well, I suppose it's time to attempt a novel that I have never heard of before and the winner is Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence. I have nothing to write so far, as I am completely clueless about the author or the plot. I guess time and pages will tell....
To Kill a Mockingbird - Finished!
The fact that this post comes only 24 hours since the last should be a clear indicator of how fascinated I became with this book. Or how low key my weekend has been.... I'm going to go with the former.
It was one of the those novels that kept me up until 2 am and have me reading again at 8 in the morning. 'Just one more chapter, just one more chapter, and so on.
I am madly in love with Atticus. Although I have zero complaints on the parents I was blessed with, I can't help but wish that I could have had him as a parental figure growing up. His pride and steadiness are what makes him such a role model in my eyes. I kind of think that it was Boo that killed Mr. Ewell in the end and I have no ill feelings towards him if that is true.
A beautiful part of the book was when Atticus told Scout that most people are nice when you finally see them. It shows that we should all give people the benefit of the doubt and not judge them until we truly know who they are and when they are coming from.
I'm sad that the last page has been turned, however now I have no excuse not to tend to the dust tumble weeds that are blowing around my home. No more chapters.
It was one of the those novels that kept me up until 2 am and have me reading again at 8 in the morning. 'Just one more chapter, just one more chapter, and so on.
I am madly in love with Atticus. Although I have zero complaints on the parents I was blessed with, I can't help but wish that I could have had him as a parental figure growing up. His pride and steadiness are what makes him such a role model in my eyes. I kind of think that it was Boo that killed Mr. Ewell in the end and I have no ill feelings towards him if that is true.
A beautiful part of the book was when Atticus told Scout that most people are nice when you finally see them. It shows that we should all give people the benefit of the doubt and not judge them until we truly know who they are and when they are coming from.
I'm sad that the last page has been turned, however now I have no excuse not to tend to the dust tumble weeds that are blowing around my home. No more chapters.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
To Kill a Mockingbird - Part One
From the first page alone I was terrified that this book contained way too many characters for me to keep straight and that I would be hooped. Thankfully it slowed down a notch and took its time explaining each of them. Also thankfully, each character is so relevant and interesting that they are actually quite easy to keep straight. I love how the author took as much time as she did on character development. It gave me a chance to get a good understanding of everyone and to have a genuine soft spot for dear Scout.
It seems to me that the moral of this whole story is based on one sentence from page 30, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view'. That is such a strong statement and something to keep in mind when dealing with anyone. It is definitely something that I will think of next time I am wondering why the hell people around me are acting in a strange and difficult way. Of course this statement comes from Atticus, who in my opinion is the voice of reason so far in this novel. I really admire his stance on many issues as well as his parenting style.
Looks like the title of the book is also owed to the words of Atticus when he explains to Jem that to kill a mockingbird is a sin.
Cool word from part one would have to be assuage. Defined as to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease. Great word!
It seems to me that the moral of this whole story is based on one sentence from page 30, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view'. That is such a strong statement and something to keep in mind when dealing with anyone. It is definitely something that I will think of next time I am wondering why the hell people around me are acting in a strange and difficult way. Of course this statement comes from Atticus, who in my opinion is the voice of reason so far in this novel. I really admire his stance on many issues as well as his parenting style.
Looks like the title of the book is also owed to the words of Atticus when he explains to Jem that to kill a mockingbird is a sin.
Cool word from part one would have to be assuage. Defined as to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease. Great word!
Monday, October 24, 2011
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This one was chosen because Calgary Theatre is putting it on and I am going on November 6th and would love to have read the book ahead of time. Its a race against time and if its as good as the reviews, I'm sure I wont have any trouble finishing it by then. Better hurry!!!
Lord of the Flies - Finished....finally
Well, contrary to most reviews of this novel, I did not particularly enjoy it. Right from the beginning I felt no connection to the characters or the plot. Maybe it was because there was no love story, maybe because it felt unrealistic, or maybe because it was shoved down my throat as an uninterested middle school student. Every page that I read I was very aware that I was reading words as opposed the many novels in the project that swept me away. Of course I felt the obvious emotions (disgusted by Simon's murder, sad when Piggy died, and relieved when they were rescued) but I never felt like I was enthralled in the least. Parts of it reminded me of A High Wind Over Jamaica but I actually liked that book. I'm just glad that its over for good now, or at least until I have to help my future children with their homework down the road. I hope for their sake that the school system will have picked a better novel to study by then that may actually spark a love for reading.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
An old reliable from the middle school days! I'm sure I've read this and most likely done a book report or two on it but time to hit it one more time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)