Hodges Figgis

A Handmaid's Tale

2011-12-12T18:03:00.002-07:00

Rating: Four stars

It turns out that I have an emerging love for dystopian novels, and I could not get enough of this book. Atwood's tale was totally believable, totally horrifying, and extremely creative. Imagine if the most right-wing extremist Christian sect you can think of took over the U.S. government in one fell swoop, relegated women to "their place", and on top of everything, there was a global fertility problem. The solution being for the few fertile women that existed to be made Handmaids, and given to the leaders and their wives. My overly succinct summary does not do it justice! I promise it's worth reading.

A Clash of Kings

2011-12-12T17:55:00.002-07:00

Rating: Four Stars

I really liked this second book in Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series. I have to say I didn't love it quite as much as the first one...there was a lot of setup and not as much action, which isn't always bad, but for a book this long I felt like there needed to be a little more balance of that. That said, the action that WAS there was beyond stellar (the ships on the river and the hellfire!), and of course the character development is beyond compare. I also like the bits of fantasy he weaves in, it is still so lightly dealt with, I am interested to see if the fantasy (magic) becomes a bigger deal as I keep reading. Because keep reading I most definitely will - though I will take these in stride as they are all epic tomes!

The Stranger

2011-10-18T23:02:00.003-06:00

Rating: Three Stars

This book was not at all what I thought it was about. But after spending almost the entire reading time with a look of consternation on my face, I did end up liking it, quite a lot. It helped also to discuss it with my sister. I mostly like that it showed what it would be like to live life in such a different way - which is exactly the whole idea of the existential movement of that time. It also helped to attempt to put it in context and remember the place and timeframe it was written in - which was France right at the beginning of WWII when the Germans were starting to occupy there. But the main character's apathetic and almost sociopathic behavior was what was most fascinating...especially if compared to the things that made him actually have an emotional reaction, as he did toward the end. Along those lines, here is one of my favorite quotes, showing off Camus' beautiful writing:

(spoiler alert, stop here if you don't want a hint at the ending)

"As if that blind rage has washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, I that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much life myself - so like a brother, really - I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate."

Beatrice and Virgil

2011-07-20T23:33:00.002-06:00

Rating: Two Stars

It was ok. I really liked Life of Pi, so Yann Martel's new book seemed an easy one to throw to the list of books to read for our book club. Unfortunately this book left me with an unpleasant, dark, sad, unsatisfied feeling. For several sections of the book I felt confused and in sometimes outright bored…not sure where he was going or why, but often disturbed by some of the imagery of violence to animals. Note - I had not looked up the story, the plot or anything about it, and casually disregarded some of the early foreshadowing in the story.

I liked the main character, which seemed perhaps a literary avatar for Martel, so I was willing to go with him on this weird, seemingly random journey to hang out with an antisocial taxidermist who's writing a bizarre play about a donkey and a howler monkey (Beatrice and Virgil). Toward the end, as the ultimate meaning and direction he was going started to dawn on me, I began to brace myself. I don't particularly enjoy something as awful as the Holocaust sneaking up on me - preferring instead to be given the chance to gear up for the desperateness of the event. This is not to shy away from it (because it should be faced), but merely for a little protection of the mental and emotional jarring experienced with going from lightheartedness to evil.

That said, I believe I understand his point (survival during evil times, and a unique perspective of the Holocaust), and thus why he did it. As it all came together the book did have more meaning, and I will say it was craftily done (which is why it isn't getting one star). The other positives are his ability to turn out truly beautiful sentences and compositions….and I really did like Beatrice the donkey and Virgil the howler monkey. But the last fifth of the book is extremely dark - visiting both the evils of the Holocaust, and then a deeply unsatisfying disconnected climax with no resolution…at least for me. Again, I understand that such an ending is the literary device he chose to use to illustrate his idea….but such is not my cup of tea. I suspect if I had known it was about the Holocaust from the beginning, I would have been able to appreciate it a little bit more, given the art and allegory used to craft the tale. But too late.

The Joy Luck Club

2011-07-17T23:35:00.001-06:00

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

I know this book has been out for some time, so I'm a little late to the party. But I really quite liked it. It took me a while to get into it…but I ultimately really loved the stories of mothers and daughters - how they saw the world so differently. The stories of the mothers growing up in China and then having children here in America, and then the daughters that were raised here, not understanding their mothers. There are many beautiful and heart wrenching stories, but I appreciate how the stories were told, seemingly random but ultimately tying the stories of mothers and daughters together in a beautiful way. I also really enjoyed reading the mothers' stories, how the they see the world is beautiful, unique and proud. It was in many ways inspiring. I also have to say Amy Tan does an amazing job telling the stories though such specifically distinct voices - old and young - old world and new world. Beautifully written.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

2011-06-30T23:24:00.001-06:00

Rating: Three Stars.

I recently saw David Sedaris live and laughed my ass off. So funny. I thought I would give yet another of his books a try, thanks to the recommendation of a friend. This one was good, it made me laugh out loud often, and I loved that it was so much about his family and growing up years. I loved the smoking chapter as well. Some of the stories are hit or miss for me, but I'm glad I read it.

Bossypants - Tina Fey

2011-06-30T23:23:00.000-06:00

I've always really liked Tina Fey, and I really enjoyed her book. She is a mother, a writer, an actress, a wife, and she describes it all. She made me laugh out loud several times - I loved her easy writing style and total honesty. It was a fascinating look into the world she works in, and I totally loved her insights into her family. There were certain parts of the book that felt a little forced, but I still really enjoyed reading it. Three and a half stars!

Angel of Darkness

2011-06-29T23:16:00.000-06:00

Not quite as good as his first one (The Alienist) but Carr still wrote a thoroughly enjoyable sequel. Reaffirming the 1890s as one of my favorite time periods, I love how he weaves in the history, politics, and peoples of the time in with such dark mysteries and discoveries. I loved that it focused on a woman as the villain, given that was so unheard of at the time. I really enjoyed it and gave it another four stars!

ROOM

2011-04-10T17:18:00.002-06:00

I read this today in one sitting. I couldn't put it down...literally. I loved this little five-year-old boy and Ms. Donoghue did an amazing job telling the story entirely from his perspective. This little boy only knows his Room because he and his mother are being held captive there...but he doesn't know anything is wrong, he just knows he lives in Room, sleeps in Wardrobe, and eats at Table. The story of the mother and son is beautiful, even though it's sad. Being with him as he learned and processed everything that happened was the best part for me....it was rather eye-opening. I gave this book 4 stars.

The Help

2011-03-27T17:48:00.002-06:00

This book made me soar. It is full of awful and sad things, but more importantly, inspiring and beautiful things. Once I got going, I couldn't put it down. The story Ms. Stockett weaves between the black and white women in the Mississippi of 1964 is phenomenal. I was touched reading about each of their lives, each different and yet similar, each struggling with their own personal issues underneath the heavy strain of a separatist state. I loved the small steps toward enlightenment taken on all sides of the main characters…watching them have those revelatory thoughts and moments that made them (and me) grow. Then watching those small but important thoughts lead to small but important actions was thrilling. I am quite attached to a few of the characters and wish I could read more about them right this minute, even though I just finished it! This book deserves every one of the five stars I gave it.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary

2011-03-10T23:35:00.012-07:00

Weird, hilarious, upsetting, confusing, creative and awesome. That's pretty much this little book in a nutshell, David Sedaris' books keep doing that to me. But I think that is how they are designed! He always keeps me guessing and while sometimes it is clear he is making a social commentary, sometimes he makes me snort with laughter. Well, I don't really snort, but I do laugh out loud. I have to say that while a little unnerving at times, it was fun to read about all of these symptoms of society from the viewpoint of these crazy animals. I gave this book 3 stars.

Good In Bed

2011-02-17T23:23:00.004-07:00

I found this book fun and refreshing. The main character is a plus-size woman, which is just flat out unusual, but very welcome. I enjoyed her point of view on life, and was hooked by her likable, funny, quirky personality. I cared about her, felt for her, related to her, and desperately wanted things to end well for her. I won't tell you if they do, but I will tell you it was a totally satisfying and enjoyable read. Perfect for a day at the beach, which is exactly where I read most of it! I gave this book 4 stars.

The Bell Jar

2011-02-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

I was really glad that I read this so close to The Catcher In The Rye. Their stories are similar, only this is a female version of the confessional type story. Only in m opinion this one is a little bit more tragic as it follows the main character's mental break with reality. Even more sad that it is semi-autobiographical and Ms. Plath ended up taking her own life. But I found her journey still compelling - a young woman, achingly trying to figure things out in that society and for herself, another example of just how hard that can be. It was also pretty interesting to read of the practice of psychiatry at the time. Once she got around to describing what the title meant in relation to the story, the bell jar became one of my favorite literary images. I won't spoil it, but do think it could apply to everyone in one way or another, not just those with mental illness. All in all, a very worthwhile read.

The Catcher In The Rye

2011-02-05T00:31:00.004-07:00

This book was not at all what I thought would be. All I knew going into it was how controversial it was, that it is still high up on the banned list, and was carried by the assassin who killed John Lennon when he fired the deadly shot. Given all that, I expected something totally outrageous, borderline (if not outright) offensive, and practically a promoter of anarchy. I was pleasantly surprised - to me, it was none of these things.

What it turned out to be is a well-written, funny, realistic and relatable story of male teenage angst and desperation in 1950s New York. I really quite liked Holden Caulfield, angst and all. I appreciated his totally raw thought processes and his acute self awareness. I appreciated his intolerance for phonies, and his love of his little sister. There is some language, and a few F-words at the end, and sex is a very casual topic (though not sexually explicit). From what I have read these are a few of the reasons it is such a controversial book, and I personally don't quite understand it. I for one, am very glad I read it.

The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

2011-01-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

Oh these were just a thrilling read. The Girl Who Played With Fire was great because you get to know Lisbeth Salander better, and she is a wonderful, strong, quirky female lead character. I was really impressed with Larsson's ability to weave such a web spanning all three books, complete with subplots and Swedish craziness. I think the reason I loved it most was because of Lisbeth though. How he managed to come up with her I'll never know. But yet again, he manages to keep you on your toes right up to the very end…

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

2010-12-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

A fabulous book with an unlikely name. It was so fun to read…written almost entirely in the unique perspective of a reading the characters' written correspondence. It was an interesting way to follow a story, but still compelling. I had never heard of the island of Guernsey, and the history of the German occupation in WWII on a British Isle was interesting. But the characters are really what make this book…they are truly delightful. I wanted to be Juliet, have a boss like Sydney, and be friends with all of the islanders. Most of all, it made me really wish we still wrote letters like that!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2010-12-01T12:00:00.003-07:00

At the last minute, I grabbed this book to take with me on a trip I took alone. I am so glad I did - I couldn't put it down! I have to say I was skeptical and hesitant to jump on the bandwagon given at how popular this series is, but I found that it was deserved. A warning to more sensitive readers - there are definitely several disturbing scenes in it, but I found it worthy nonetheless. It does have a slow start, but once you're hooked he keeps you hooked all the way until the end. I can't wait to read the next one.

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil

2010-10-09T11:33:00.005-06:00

I really wanted to like this book. I like the idea of it being set in Savannah, I vaguely remember seeing the movie with Kevin Spacey in it, and...it fell short for me. Of course it might have helped if I'd known that it was a non-fiction novel the whole time I was reading it...but somehow I missed that bit of info until the very end when the author's note mentioned that every character was a real person. There were a few really interesting, eccentric characters, including the city of Savannah itself - also unique and eccentric (and I admit I'd like to see it). But I often felt bored, like I was just constantly waiting for something to happen - it was more like a day-in-the-life type story. When something did finally happen, it still seemed lacking somehow. But again, that might have been because I was coming to it from the wrong perspective...though now it's too late and I'll never know. Though I have to say...the voodoo bits were really fun and fascinating. And there were definitely other good parts, but all in all I'm kind of glad I'm finished.

East of Eden

2010-09-23T11:25:00.002-06:00

This book has always looked overwhelming to me. It's not small, not short, and a literary classic (which may or may not mean it's cryptic and difficult to read). After I got through the first couple of overly descriptive chapters, I was hooked. I liked his characters and the way they were portrayed very much. He is able to let you get to know his characters so deeply - both what they are thinking, and how others perceive and deal with them. I think the thing that really got me the most was his exploration of the human character - it was so thoughtful and I think right on. I loved what I perceived to be one of his main themes - the nature of humans to have varying levels of light and dark in them, how that light or darkness may be created and inflamed, or may just exist - and ultimately how man's own free agency weaves through all of that. I really enjoyed his portrayal of what life might look like to people of all varying shades. He was not afraid to explore the darkest of the dark - a sociopathic character in whom the evil seemed to just exist, but also exploring those with mostly light in them - innocent and naive, and not entirely suited to the real world in all of its complexities. The rest of his characters were more in the middle, and easier to like and relate to. It covers a lot of life and a lot of history, and of course I love the 1890s as a time period generally (though of course it ends past the turn of the century). Some of the other themes and topics he discusses in his book seemed really weird or random, but by the end I could see the masterpiece he wove using some of those seemingly random discussions or themes as a later way to bring home the point. I just loved it, and found it worthy. And to any of you thinking you might to read it...timshel...but I think you should.

The Hunger Games Trilogy

2010-09-13T22:48:00.003-06:00

I was lucky enough read these only once the whole trilogy was released. I devoured all three in about 2 weeks. I'd had friends try to explain the premise (as I have since), and it always comes out confusing and paltry compared to the actual story. Suzanne Collins does a wonderful job sucking you into this post-apocalyptic world with it's wilting dystopian society. The story of Hunger Games about knocked me over with its innovation...it is very clever and imaginative. Though it did made me think a wee bit of a kid version of The Running Man. I was also impressed at how Ms. Collins did not shy away from the violence and awfulness given the age of her target readers, but instead made them matter-of-fact, a tool for pulling you along. I also of course LOVED her main character - a very strong, smart, totally kick-ass girl, and yet one with significant faults. She is so unlike other leading love-sick female characters of recent fame, it was almost refreshing. Though that in itself makes it more ironic that she ends up in an entertaining love-triangle, another aspect of what keeps pulling you along.

The first two books were definitely the best, in my opinion. Her descriptions of the societies, the mix of just surviving with the futuristic aspects woven in was well done. Everything leading up to the Hunger Games was absolutely fascinating, then the Games themselves were enthralling - totally messed up of course, with the whole kids killing kids thing - but I think that's partly why it was so captivatin. Not to mention the other characters of the book you couldn't help but get attached to. You were just pulling for Katniss to win, and yet somehow figure out how to save everyone else you cared about. So well done.

The third book was very different...since I was able to read all three together in such a short amount of time I think it helped me see more of the continuity of the story, and I think maybe it had to be quite different by nature. And there were definitely things I loved (the parts in the Capital for instance), but it mostly seemed so sterile compared to the others. And it was missing characters that kind of helped make the first two a hit. I also thought the ending came pretty fast and wrapped up a little too neatly, but I still didn't mind it too much, it would be difficult to find a perfect ending to such a story. All in all, I still highly recommend!

Freckles

2010-08-31T10:39:00.001-06:00

This is such a sweet and lovely book. My mother introduced it to us kids when we were young and I hadn't read it since. I remember now why I loved it. Written in 1904, it has beautiful language, a sweet story, and more than anything, engaging characters. You fall in love with all of them, especially little Irish Freckles, and also in love with the Limberlost - the swamp forest she lived near and a main character in the book. Gene Stratton Porter was considered kind of a precursor to environmental writing, her love of that forest comes through the pages and you practically want to pack up and move there (and time travel to when it was like the way she wrote). It was like reading an old friend. Her other book - The Girl of the Limberlost was also one of my favorites growing up...a sort of sequel, but one that captured my imagination more, so I will be rereading that anon.

Three Cups of Tea

2010-08-18T22:28:00.001-06:00

After hearing a million wonderful things about it, this took me a while to get into. It's very slow starting and I really struggled with (and didn't love) the odd perspective that was created out of having two authors that way. Eventually I got used to the writing style, the story picked up and I ended up really, really liking it! I was impressed with Greg Mortensen's tenacity and single-mindedness, not to mention empathy. It was inspiring and really did make me feel like anyone can do anything. I also very much enjoyed getting to know Pakistan, its people, and its main religion - I have a new deep appreciation of all three.

The Walking Dead

2010-08-08T17:15:00.003-06:00

I believe a true bibliophile loves all forms of books and writing...and I have always loved comics and graphic novels in addition to traditional novels. This is different than what I normally read - a graphic novel series specifically about zombies (if you couldn't guess from the title). But it really is about the people going through it, and the characters are really well developed. It paints a grim portrayal of human nature during times of crisis, and it is really well done - though not for the faint of heart. It actually reminded me several times of Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's not over yet, and I look forward to finishing the series. It is also going to be a show on AMC this fall, which I'm looking forward to. Thanks to my friend Aaron for recommending it!

A Game of Thrones

2010-07-20T13:56:00.002-06:00

A Game of Thrones is SUCH a good read. Different than your typical fantasy books - while there are fantastic elements, they are more of a background component than the main subject matter (though I suspect that will change a little in the next 3 books). There are lots of characters to keep track of, but really if you focus on the main players, you can't help but really have a vested interest in what happens to them - even the ones you love to hate. His ability to tell stories from such different points of views is extremely impressive. It's full of political intrigue and while I was initially skeptical of the plot, it sucked me in. It's mind boggling that authors such as he can create whole worlds like they do. Thanks to my brother for recommending it.

The Lost Symbol

2010-07-02T13:35:00.003-06:00

Really enjoyed this one. Had to get past a serious sense of deja vu, as Dan Brown is a little more formulaic than I prefer. That said...I got over it. While the adventure pulls you along, it is his ability to weave his historical mix of fact and fiction that turns it into a thoroughly entertaining read. It was a really fun topic to read about, and will probably spend some time researching what was real and what wasn't. I also found a fantastic blog containing images of most of the places and buildings in Washington D.C. that are described in the book. I wish I had found it earlier while I was still reading it to fuel my imagination.

I also started doing a teeny bit of research on the Scottish Rite - certainly not quite as exciting as the book...but good to know.

Mythology

2010-06-20T18:51:00.000-06:00

I've been reading this book off and on for some time now, and finally did a push to finish it. I really enjoyed it, probably my favorite mythology book. Edith Hamilton does an incredible job pulling from all the ancient poets and putting together the mythological stories so they are readable, digestible, and really fun. She explains where she gets each of the stories, and if from multiple poets/authors, then she explains which one she pulled from most and why. For a lover of mythology, this book is a must.

Pillars of the Earth

2010-05-30T15:57:00.000-06:00

I have had this book on my shelf for a while, after my Grandmother told me it was one of her favorites. I decided to pick it up after her passing because it made me feel a little closer to her. I loved it. It is a behemoth book, but it reads faster than it looks like it might. I have never really read anything about the middle ages that didn't seem dim and dark, but this was vibrant and full of life, drama, fantastic characters, and of course, a cathedral. Fascinating historical novel, and a great read.

A Thousand Acres

2010-04-12T18:01:00.002-06:00

It's a known fact different books can affect you differently based on your own current life experiences. I don't know if it was the right time for me to read this book...it deserved the Pulitzer (her writing is phenomenal and beautiful), but the story is not exactly...uplifting. The family in this book lives and runs a farm in the late 70s, early 80s, and follows what happens to them over the years. How one decision ended up being extremely momentous. She delves deep, deep into the characters, their motives, and their interactions with each other. All of which I liked, but also found stressful. After thinking about it for a while, I am glad I read it...if only to serve as a warning and reminder to myself of what I do not want. Which is probably one of her points.

The Lovely Bones

2010-03-10T17:28:00.001-07:00

This book starts with a horrible, very descriptive bang and doesn't really stop. I read this right on the tail of The Alienist, and so had already been up to my eyeballs in crime and violence - and yet this one was of a totally different nature and feeling. So much of it was about the effect it had on the poor family, the neighborhood, and her friends. I appreciated her ability to tell this story...and I did like it. I loved her creative and rather beautiful viewpoint on the afterlife. Though the topic is harsh and some parts are difficult to read about, it was definitely worth reading. It's so easy to forget such things happen all the time...all around.

The Alienist

2010-03-03T17:28:00.006-07:00

It's turning out to be that one of my favorite historical times to read about in this country was in the late 1800s, and this book fits right in with Devil in the White city (which I adored), though as genius historical fiction written of that time. It was fascinating to read how psychology and mental disease were viewed in that time, not to mention the crime solving techniques just coming out, and how one in particular used his skills to create a profile (the first of its kind) for a serial killer. The main characters of course use this radical concept and go after him, making the story extremely gripping - I couldn't put it down. Well written and historically relevant and accurate - I really, really liked it and thank my husband for the recommend. Caleb Carr is an author I intend to read to the exhaustion of his works.

The Road

2010-02-12T17:46:00.001-07:00

Oh...this book. I had so many mixed feelings reading this book. It is so bleak and dark...even the way he writes just envelopes you in this dark world. But I couldn't help but love it...I loved the light inside these two characters - father and son. I loved the inherent goodness in the child, and the heartbreaking desperateness of the father to protect and save him. It's hard to read at times, but I felt totally worth it. The message McCarthy sends about human nature made an impact on me - how we can be awful, evil, and inhuman, or virtuous, beautiful, and pure, or...for most of us...somewhere in between.

March

2010-01-31T23:26:00.004-07:00

This was a story that was very original and one that I am glad was finally told. It is an interesting portrayal of the father of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women in his life while he was at war as a Yankee in the South. It was a perfect tie in as he read their letters, and yet still told quite the story of a Civil War experience that made it very real. I hadn't read anything on the Civil War in a long time, and it was refreshing to read the tragic story under such an artful literary guise. It reminded me why I love historical fiction so much and I plan to read more in the future.

The First King of Shannara

2010-01-03T17:28:00.004-07:00

A prequel to one of my favorite series....though it was weird reading a story whose ending I already knew (I don't read too many prequels). But still fun, and good to get to know some of the archetypes from the original series.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

2009-12-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

This was a fabulous read - really, really fun. A perfect travel book. It is written from the perspective of an autistic young man, and it was just so amazing to see the world through his eyes. He is amazingly intelligent, and just sees things so differently....and in some ways that I wish I saw things. Loved it.

My Grandfather's Blessings

2009-11-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet, beautiful, and touching book. It is full of stories and thoughts by this woman (Dr. Remen) that are very insightful and thought provoking...I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I dog-eared some of the ones that meant the most, made an impact, but I expect that different ones will be impactful at different times. I kept it by my bedside for months and months and it was a great way to end the day.

Let The Right One In

2009-10-25T22:15:00.004-06:00

Soooo, this is kind of a messed up book. I don't know that I can really recommend it to anyone actually. A couple of my friends at work read it and said it was ok, that it was about a little vampire girl who befriends a boy and that it was going to be made into a movie. So my curiosity was piqued and even though they didn't love it I thought I'd read it just for the change of literary pace. And that, it definitely was. I think I'm glad I read it (I do love vampire stories)....but it's not for the faint of heart, and there are some truly disturbing subject matters (completely aside from the whole idea of creatures subsisting on living blood, of course). I simply cannot comprehend what the movie will be. At all. The Swedish author definitely has story telling capabilities though, I'll give him that...but a lot of it was just a deer-in-the-headlights feeling where I wanted to know where it was going, but at the same time really didn't.

The Heritage of Shannara

2009-10-19T17:13:00.006-06:00

So after all of these deep, brain-intensive, thought-provoking books, I was desperate to read something that flows easily, grips my imagination, and turns into a movie in my mind. A good friend told me that Terry Brooks has continued to perform and write excellent books, so I decided to pick him back up. I recently re-read his first trilogy, so I decided to pick it up where I left off - his 4-book series The Heritage of Shannara. I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear that I loved, loved, loved them. I couldn't put them down and often stayed up to 2am because I couldn't make my hands close the book. I finished all 4 in about 2 weeks, and would recommend it to anyone that wants a smart adventure story with great characters, magic, conflicts, fantastic villains, and the descriptive power of an author that can spin words and stories like a literary spider, drawing you into his web.

The Glass Castle

2009-10-13T22:08:00.000-06:00

I loved this book. It made me so much more aware of what I have and what I have been given my whole life. This is an extremely interesting and heartbreaking story of a crazy family (well crazy parents) and the amazing kids who survive it all. It's a testament to the resiliency of children, and I am extremely glad I read it. I recommend it to anyone, if only to put things in perspective. It's told in such a matter-of-fact manner that you can really see it from the point of view of the little girl telling the story (Jeannette Walls), a girl who has grown up to be an amazing woman.

Foucault's Pendulum

2009-09-30T17:05:00.001-06:00

This is one of those books that has caught my eye for years and years, always curious. So I finally borrowed it from a friend when he said it was one of his favorites. It really was an extremely interesting book, and I really enjoyed the journey - it's rich with history of Templars, Rosicrucians, and all kinds of secret cults and groups, all woven into an amazing tale today. Sometimes I found it a little hard to follow, and there are several phrases in the book that are in different languages and they are never translated (I choose to think they must not have been crucial to the book...but I will never know!). I was also slightly disappointed in the ending...but I can also see that he ended it the only way it could have. So I am glad I read it, but ultimately have mixed feelings.

Plain and Simple

2009-07-15T16:58:00.003-06:00

The story of a woman's journey to the Amish. A short and sweet book, with a beautiful portrayal of the Amish people. Their simplicity, joy in life, joy, and peace. This is ironic given their lack of many things we consider necessities in the modern world. It was a great break from the behemoth I had just finished - giving me a sense of my own peace and quiet. I recommend it for anyone that wants to know a little more about those amazing people, and what they have to offer us in their simplicity.

Cryptonomicon

2009-07-08T17:05:00.003-06:00

This book is good. My biggest complaint is that it is is really, really long (over 900 pages), dense, and amazingly wordy (he likes tangents that are completely nonessential to the plot). Other than that, there were a lot of great aspects to it. First, it was very different from my usual reads in that it is completely geared towards (and obviously from) the male perspective - as evidenced by his descriptions, euphemisms and anecdotes. Second, it's historically fascinating. Set in both WWII and today, it covers a lot of ground and really cool topics I was previously unfamiliar with. Last, it's truly and fantastically nerdy. Lots of computer stuff, most of it Linux (nice), old computer stuff (like the character that built the first RAM), and when one of them programmed his laptop to communicate with him via morse code through the LED. Dang cool. All of the crypto math went over my head, but I feel ok about that because how they used the crypto was fascinating.

So, being a computer geek and having lots of guy friends, I totally got it (I think) and I enjoyed it even though it became a personal challenge to finish it. I don't plan on recommending it to any of my girlfriends, and certainly not my mother, but all you guys out there - dig in.

She Got Up Off The Couch: And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana

2009-07-08T17:01:00.004-06:00

This was just as fun to read as A Girl Named Zippy
! She is a such a great writer, and really puts you in the mindset of this crazy, tenacious young girl, and you can't help but just adore her (and secretly want to be like her)! I also was super impressed by her mom and all she accomplished given her situation - it was very inspiring. A great read.

The Sword, Elfstones, and Wishsong of Shannara

2009-06-23T13:11:00.002-06:00

I have finally re-read this trilogy after about a 15 year gap - it was my very first foray into the world of fantasy and is what ultimately hooked me for life. I was extremely trepidatious as I did not want my treasured memory of these books from all those years ago to be tarnished by my now adult (and perhaps more skewed?) viewpoint. However, I was not to be disappointed. I just devoured them and read all three in about three weeks. I am elated to report his writing and stories are still as tantalizing and gripping as they were when I read them as a much younger girl. All three of these are amazing, and I shall be reading the rest of the series with breaks in between. My original review of the trilogy on this blog can be found here, so I shall avoid going into that again....but these come highly recommended...even still!

The Last Lecture

2009-03-10T23:35:00.002-06:00

This is a short, but very worthwhile read. I loved his thoughts, the way his mind worked, and his viewpoint on life. I personally was able to pull out things that I wanted to work into my own life, now I just need to remember them!

The Fire

2009-02-20T23:16:00.001-07:00

This is the sequel to Katherine Neville's amazing novel The Eight. It has been over 20 years since the first novel, and I was very excited to buy it, and I re-read The Eight so I had the story fresh in my mind. I was glad I did given where the story picks up. Anyways, I enjoyed The Fire, though admittedly not as much as the original. I felt like she tried to weave too similar of a story to the first, and weave as intricate a story. She succeeded pretty well, and that's why it was interesting to read, but in my opinion it didn't hold a candle to her original masterpiece.

Holidays On Ice

2009-02-15T12:26:00.002-07:00

Another David Sedaris book....not near as funny as Me Talk Pretty One Day, but still pretty good. My favorite story was of him working as an elf in a department store at Christmas. That was by far the funniest story in the book and made me laugh out loud. The rest are pretty good - some funny, some creepy. But it's short and if you like David, worth reading.

The Little Prince

2009-02-01T22:59:00.002-07:00

I finally bought this book after wanting to read it again for years. I know I read it as a child, knew I loved it, and knew it was a classic. So I wanted to own it and read it again.....and I still love it. It is timeless. I love the original art and it is a poignant story. I love the Little Prince.

The Lost Boy

2009-02-01T22:07:00.001-07:00

A Foster Child`s Search for the Love of a Family

This is the sequel to "A Child Called It" which I read and blogged about a while ago. It was really interesting to read the follow up of what happened to him after he got out of his horrible, horrible situation - what foster families are like, what it's like to be in "the system", and how he ultimately turned out. I really appreciated his viewpoint at the end as he spoke of his feelings about a lot of misconceptions about "the system." Like his first, it's an eye opening story, and worth reading.

The Professor and the Madman

2009-02-01T14:55:00.004-07:00

Very good read. Historical, interesting, and even a little oddly endearing. I was sad it was over. It was a great story of two men both of whom were integral in putting the Oxford English Dictionary together. One of whom was crazy. Literally. One wouldn't really think a book about the creation of a dictionary would be anything but dull, but even for those who don't love words would enjoy this. Though I'm lucky to just adore them, so that was fun.

In A Sunburned Country

2008-12-23T11:29:00.003-07:00

I was simply delighted by my first reading of Bryson. He is a cultivated, cultured author whose extremely well written prose either makes your heart melt or makes you laugh out loud. This was also my first foray into travel writing, another pleasant surprise. The book was recommended to me by a friend because he knew of my love of Australia....the destination of this particular sojourn. While reading his experiences I often became so envious of his journey I would see little rat kangaroos, platypuses, and echidna dance (or waddle) across the page instead of words. The book was full of fascinating accounts, tidbits, historical facts, and anecdotes about this really, really, really cool far-flung land that we are pretty much oblivious to. It really is just a fascinating country. Having been there myself just once I absolutely adore the place, and this if anything has merely spurred me to go back and see more.

The Crystal Singer Trilogy

2008-12-04T16:44:00.002-07:00

Anne McCaffrey wrote this trilogy (The Crystal Singer, Killashandra, and Crystal Line) and it's just fun, fun, fun. She has always been a favorite author, and her stories always suck you in. I decided I needed a break from more serious books and picked these up out of my library (which I hadn't read since high school). And they're still good. It's a solid science fiction story that involves exactly what the title indicates - singing crystal. An entire galaxy that is based on technology of crystal that is musically toned and set. So if you want just a fun, fast read, and aren't scared of some sweet sci-fi details then I recommend these.

Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut

2008-11-18T10:27:00.002-07:00

Well, this is a crazy book. The only thing I have ever known about this book is that it is an "iconic, classic post-modern anti-war book". So that led me to believe it was a certain type of novel. Well, that's what I get for assuming. It is just that - just not in the way I was expecting. So it was good....a little weird - there are (apparently classic) Vonnegut science fiction elements in it, but I really liked certain aspects of it - like his characters' war experiences, and what happened to them as a result of the war. I also looked Vonnegut up and found that he actually experienced a lot of what he wrote about in that book, which was helpful to know and understand his perspective. I still have mixed feelings about the book, but I'd say it's worth reading...especially if you go into it with different expectations than I did.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

2008-11-04T19:01:00.003-07:00

I have had this in my library for some time (based on my brother's recommendation), and it was re-recommended by my friend Nate at work just last week. So I took it on my trip to California and just finished it today. Verdict: SO funny. I enjoyed David Sedaris immensely. The first half of the book was pretty funny, but the second half is what made me laugh out loud not once, not twice, but several times. He is cynical, observant, and has a very unique viewpoint on life. I like the way his mind works, and I plan on reading Naked by him as well.

Eat Pray Love

2008-10-26T18:44:00.001-06:00

I really, really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested throughout all sections - I really appreciate people's journeys and experiences in life, as well as spiritual perspectives. I liked her writing immensely, and thought she showed great insight. I would recommend it even if you are or are not spiritually minded - you can take things from it on any level. I loved how she emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded as a person...even in your own unique way. Very good.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

2008-10-06T18:11:00.000-06:00

I liked it. It was beautifully, beautifully written (very descriptive), and the story is extremely interesting and thought provoking. It did leave me a little frustrated, because of the situation the characters find themselves in, and because I just wanted the them to talk to each other! It was amazing what one decision can do to an entire set of people - both good and bad. So I recommend it, as it is a very real, touching, but kind of sad story.

Angels & Demons - Special Illustrated Edition

2008-10-01T19:48:00.001-06:00

I highly recommend this book. It is entertaining, gripping, and just a great read. I like this book infinitely more than The DaVinci Code (though I really liked that too). This version of the book was particularly cool because it has pictures of every single place he describes - it really makes it come alive. All the sculptures, chapels, even pictures I had never seen of Vatican City. I bought it for my Grandma, and then stole it from her to read! Love it.

My Descent Into Death

2008-09-18T22:23:00.002-06:00

This was about a man's near death experience (NDE - I didn't know they had their own acronyms). It was definitely interesting, and like many people that had NDEs had a life changing experience. It was a unique view on what the after life would be like. Though as my good friend Kathy said about it - there is only so many times you can say God is love in one book. I attended a book club where a doctor that knows the author attended, and that was the best part. I had no idea NDEs were so widespread and some of the things that he said about them made me want to learn more. It's fascinating.

The Watchmen

2008-09-13T17:52:00.000-06:00

I haven't read a comic in a long time, it was like picking up an old friend....mostly. Just a more mature, more graphic old friend. The word graphic has many connotations, and this filled them all. But I loved it. It is a little dark, but remarkable - innovative and I loved the story and characters. It was not at all what I expected, but I'm very glad to have read it. I'm also frankly very skeptical of the movie - I have no idea how they are going to do it.

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-14T22:01:00.000-06:00

*Sigh* Of course I read this, as I had read the previous ones, and I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed it - it's a completely guilty pleasure and just a ridiculously fun read. I really don't know why they suck you in like they do, but they really, really do. She's good.

The Solace of Leaving Early

2008-08-10T22:00:00.004-06:00

I read this book in essentially one sitting today. I was captivated by Haven's character development, the story, and the depth in this book. I loved her memoir (A Girl Named Zippy - listed below), and I really enjoyed this, her first novel. She makes small towns appealing...even to me. I loved the topics she covered as well - from religious beliefs and what they mean personally, to how we all deal with various types of sorrow and loss. Very thought provoking, but also still a story that propels you onward, very much wanting to know what happens to these human, careworn, flawed, strong characters.

Sailing The Wine Dark Sea: Why The Greeks Matter

2008-08-07T22:28:00.001-06:00

I was very impressed by Thomas Cahill. He makes history extremely enjoyable to read - it comes alive right in front of you. He approaches it in a very unique way, more from various concentric areas of life instead of straight chronological events - which I quite liked. The Greeks were a fascinating people, though they definitely had their shortcomings. So much of what we have today is a direct result of that society and it's people that it's very worth being aware of them. Plus, they have always fascinated me personally so it was fun. I look forward to reading more from him.

A Child Called It

2008-07-10T20:27:00.001-06:00

A small book, yet powerful. The experiences of this young child (Dave Pelzer) were horrifying, but that is not really the feeling that is conveyed by this book. It is more about his resilience, his determination to survive, and his thought processes throughout the whole thing. You can't help but be impressed by this young man, and I loved his story, even though it was hard to read sometimes. I think he could teach us all very important things, and I highly recommend it.

The Historian

2008-07-04T19:56:00.000-06:00

The author of this book (author's name) is one of the most descriptive, lyrical writers I have read in some time. I very much enjoyed this story. It's plot is totally captivating, and I recommend it even to those who normally do not enjoy stories about Dracula. He is a main character, but mostly through the eyes of those of the other characters. The history revealed in it is fascinating, as is the descriptions of the areas of the world the story centers around. The story is lengthy and a little slow in some places, but if you can push past it, it's worth it. The cover also mentions that it's terrifying and chilling - neither of which I felt, but I may be somewhat desensitized. Still fun though.

2008-06-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked the concept, and learning so much about transgenic concepts and really so much more about what we're headed for as a society with all these patents on genes and DNA structures, etc. But I felt the story was a little lackluster and not terribly gripping. Well parts were, but not up to par with the Crichton I have read in the past. I felt like this was more a vehicle to get his point across, which is fine....just different. I have to say that gripping or not, it IS interesting though - and I found there were lots of things I was completely unaware of that are going on in the scientific community. Things that could (and probably will) ultimately impact us on a personal level. So in that respect, I do recommend it.

Cat's Cradle

2008-05-26T23:34:00.002-06:00

This was the first book I have ever read by Kurt Vonnegut. I have mixed feelings about it - it was interesting, but really weird. I have a high tolerance for weird, so that really says something. I did like it and its post-apocalyptic nature, though that was really more of a subtext than a major part of the novel. But I did like his style of writing, and I plan on picking up Slaughterhouse Five to see what the rest of the fuss is about.

Night

2008-05-10T23:05:00.000-06:00

Everyone needs to read this book by Elie Wiesel. I have wanted to for some time, just never bothered to pick it up. It is a short read, which given the subject matter is somewhat merciful, though I truly loved it. It is a compelling true story of a Holocaust and concentration camp survivor, and it is amazing. The copy I have has been re-translated by his wife, which was pretty neat, too. The forward was inspiring as well, talking about his speech when he won the Nobel Peace Prize. So again, everyone should to read this - everyone should know this very clear, very personal account of this human being who survived.

A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana

2008-04-19T14:01:00.001-06:00

This book was positively delightful and charming. It made small town America just seem SO fun, and I absolutely loved being in the mind of this young child. It made me want to be a little girl again, and wish that I had been half as spirited and tenacious as she was. I just loved, loved, loved it. The author - Haven Kimmel, is writes about her own experiences in such a wonderful way - she makes you feel you're right in the middle of those exact experiences feeling what she felt. I cannot recommend this highly enough - it's just a perfect, fast, fun read. Her other book, The Solace Of Leaving Early has also come highly recommended, and I will definitely pick it up soon.

The Witch of Portobello

2008-04-18T19:19:00.006-06:00

I picked this up for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I had already read and loved The Alchemist by the same author - Paulo Coelho. I hadn't read anything else by him and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very surprised....I think I was expecting a similar style story as The Alchemist, but it was totally different. I enjoyed it immensely, it was very interesting and thought provoking, but I don't know that everyone will love it. To explain why he wrote it, Coelho said, "I wanted to explore the feminine side of divinity", and that's exactly what he did. It was fascinating and well written, and I actually loved the section at the end about Coelho as much as the book! His life has been truly one to marvel at, and his personality is so fun and soulful. When asked if he dances (as there is a dancing theme in the book), he said (among other things), "... My soul dances with the angels, and my body dances with my wife." Love it. I definitely plan on reading more of his books...

So far this year.....

2008-04-05T16:42:00.009-06:00

This year has so far been a happy, more consistent venture into the many worlds of the written word. For too long I have let things get in the way of reading and I always miss it. It helps when I found and started with a few gems that have inspired, and have caused many sleepless nights as their covers practically grew into my hands....I simply haven't been able to put them down.

The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien
This book was written in such a way as to make the Vietnam war almost palpable. I love how Mr. O'Brien writes - his gift of storytelling is extremely refreshing. The stories were often gripping, sometimes heartbreaking, and yet almost oddly matter-of-fact. His viewpoint on storytelling was also very unique - in that it is more important to get the idea and feeling of the story across than be 100% accurate in every fact and detail. This book made it very easy to relate to the young men that served in that awful war, and how they themselves viewed what they were doing, and where they were. I highly recommend it, and would like to thank Darren for doing so to me.

Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
I joined a book club that reads Classics, and this was what I thought the assignment was. I bought it ages ago and just never read it. I liked it, though it wasn't what I thought it would be. I expected something much more....more visceral, I guess. Especially given that it was the basis for Apocalypse Now. But his writing and viewpoints were very interesting. The horrors of the darkness of Africa at that time, and varied meaning and application of the word was what interested me the most. Though I left with mixed feelings about the book, I am glad to have read it.

The Devil In The White City - Erik Larsen
Now this book - this book I loved more than anything I have read in recent months. I cannot stop raving about it. It is written about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair from the perspectives of two very interesting men - the main architect of the fair (David Burnham), and a serial killer that capitalized on the fair (H.H. Holmes). Not only was the story of the Fair and the people involved fascinating, but the amount of historical crossings that occurred over the timeframe and life of the fair was absolutely astounding. Hundreds of amazing little historical tidbits, people, and events crossed the path or were affected by this event. I won't give anything away, so if history interests you even a little bit, this is a book you will love. I would also like to note that his detailing of the killer Holmes was just as interesting, but very mild and handled without any kind of descriptive gore - so don't let that scare you off. Thank you Lindsey for recommending it!

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
This was a fun, read - very entertaining. Based on the life of circus-folk in Depression-era America, the author wove various true stories and facts together into an absorbing and captivating work of fiction. You come to love the very unique characters, and most especially, the elephant. I loved that elephant, and many of the shenanigans she got up to. I found out in reading the author's note that many of those very shenanigans were pulled off by real elephants, which was as shocking as it was delightful.

The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger

2007-12-31T16:15:00.002-07:00

This is Stephen King's attempt (and success) at fantasy. In his own beginning, he mentions that he did not want to create a typical fantasy with elves, dwarves, and forest creatures. So he created one based on the West - in a post-apocalyptic setting. I didn't know if I would love it, and for the first several chapters was rather dubious. But I did end up enjoying it - it is different, darker, and relatively intense. I really quite like the gunslinger character. I am starting on the second one now. I'm not sure if I will take the time to read all 7 right now, since I have many books on my list, but I think I will eventually. Thanks to my friend Mandra for recommending it!

Twilight, New Moon, & Eclipse

2007-09-10T21:08:00.004-06:00

I devoured these books. Read them in one week, actually. It's been a while since a new story got my attention and captured my imagination. It is young adult fiction, but very well written and I would describe it as a guilty pleasure. The story revolves around a young woman and a family of vampires...which may have a teeny, tiny bit to do with what sucked me in...I love vampire stories.
I was quite intrigued and enjoyed the characteristics she gave these vampires, not at all the typical myths associated with them. I would recommend these to anyone who just wants to escape into a very interesting world for a while!

The Whistling Season

2007-09-10T20:58:00.002-06:00

This is such a sweet, beautiful story. It is kind of a slower, mellow read but you can't help but turn every page to discover where he was taking you, and what these fabulous characters were going to do next. By the end of it, I almost envied the pace and lifestyle of the early 1900s!

Harry Potter 7 - The Deathly Hallows

2007-08-14T01:00:00.002-06:00

I read this in a single 8 hour sitting. I couldn't put it down! It is truly the coup de grâce of a wonderful and very enjoyable series. I was immensely satisfied with all resolutions made, and thought she tied all the loose threads into a perfect tapestry. Small waves of melancholy still roll over me when I think that there will no longer be the tickling anticipation of waiting for "the next one"....

The Eight

2007-08-14T00:53:00.002-06:00

Oh I can't BELIEVE I forgot to put this in here. I read this before the Harry Potters...and it is AMAZING. Gripping, historical, it's DaVinci Code meets Searching for Bobby Fischer meets Nancy Drew (but way cooler). That may be a really bad description, but this is a fantastic book. It came out in the mid-80s, and it was the precursor to all of the current Knights Templar fuss. Ironically, it sat on my shelf for years, which is a shame that I'm just reading it....I wonder what other treasures I own but haven't read!

Harry Potter 5 - Order of the Phoenix and 6 - The Half Blood Price

2007-07-11T19:46:00.001-06:00

I decided I needed to re-read these two books in preparation of the book 7's imminent release - the final installment (in theory) of the Harry Potter series. Five and six are two of the best of the series...a bit darker, but VERY enjoyable. I forgot how fast and intense these are! I couldn't put either of them down and finished them both in about a week. In fact, I put these in front of quite a few things I *should* have been doing. It's been really fun to watch the author improve immensely from the first book to what the current Harry Potter world is now. It is such a clever concept - I love the idea of wizards living among us in hiding. Though......I wish with my whole soul that I wasn't a Muggle.

The Last Juror

2007-07-11T18:33:00.000-06:00

I picked this up in a random coffee shop while I was waiting for some chai, and got hooked early on. Set in the deep south in the 70s, a small town paper that sees a grisly murder and the fallout from the trial (obviously, given the author). I enjoyed the colorful characters, but I am used to a faster paced novel from him...though I suppose it moved at about the same pace as that small southern town moved. It has been a while since I read anything from Mr. Grisham, though I do enjoy him - he is an excellent writer.

Wicked

2007-04-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Loved it. This is the "life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West" - the classic evil witch from Oz. This book turned Oz into a completely different world, and added great depth to all the predictable, flat characters of the film. I loved it because it was a fun, entertaining read, but also touched on a lot of themes that interest me. Such as the definition of evil, differing religious perspectives, political viewpoints, and inspections into all sides of a soul's behavior and emotions. Granted, the author may be using talking Animals, and Munchkins, and Wizards to make a point or raise a question, but they are well said nonetheless (and more entertaining in my opinion). Most of all, I came to appreciate the little green Witch for being just like the rest of us - vulnerable, smart, compassionate, cruel, and loving. Dare I say, human.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

2007-04-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

I just finished this book a couple of weeks ago. It took me a while to do so - I think mostly because life got in the way of reading (which while criminal, is sometimes inevitable). Regardless, I enjoyed this immensely. It is about two nineteenth century English magicians who are trying to "bring back English magic". It is written in such a way that it feels like straight fiction, not fantasy - even though magic is involved. In fact, magic is more like a character in the book, not so much a fantastical element. The characters are rich and come to life, you cannot help but love Strange and Norrell. There were several parts that made me laugh out loud - she writes in ways that appealed to my sense of humor. It was especially funny to me when Ms. Clarke (a British author) would mock the French in brilliant ways (though I have no quarrel with the French personally, of course). Many thanks (yet again) to my brother Darren for recommending it to me).

Old Favorites (ones held close)

2007-04-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

As this blog is starting relatively late in my life, I thought I would begin with a list of a few of my favorites up until now - though I read most of them long ago. Methinks you'll sense a theme pretty quick....

The Wheel of Time series - by Robert Jordan
I'm not sure why I love this series so. I have managed to read 9 of it's books about 3 times, though I decided to stop and never do it again until he finished the damned thing. It's a fantastic series full of characters you identify and fall in love with, all in a world that comes to life in your mind. It is quite original, and it is my opinion that since the great J.R.R. Tolkien, it is hard to find a truly original fantasy series. However as mentioned earlier, I recommend NOT reading these until he is done with the series. I started over a decade ago, and he has yet to finish. On top of it all, he decided to go back and write a prequel! Oh how I hate him (and yet love him).

The Shannara Series - by Terry Brooks
This was one of the very first large series I ever read in my youth, and it was the spark that lit a great passion for fantasy epics. Terry Brooks is a fantastic author with amazing talent for the written word, a fantastic imagination, and a gripping storytelling ability. I remember even crying when one of the integral characters died in one of the books...I was that attached. He has received criticism for being too like Tolkien (with Elves, Dwarves, etc.) But I find it to be still quite different, imaginative, and more than entertaining. I have yet to read all of the later Shannara series books he has written, but it is only a matter of time.

Ender's Game (and series) - by Orson Scott Card
Ohhhh Enders game. There are almost no words to describe how much I love this book and all subsequent books in the saga. You can't help but fall in love with Ender and Bean - the children that are not children, and all that goes after. A fantastic book with a twist, and an insight into humanity through a very unique view. I must thank my brother for introducing it to me early on - it is truly a favorite.

The Lord of the Rings - by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Alpha and Omega of fantasy. For some reason I didn't read these until about 5 years ago. For a true fan of fantasy this is almost unforgivable (though I did read The Hobbit). However I deemed it quite necessary to read them before seeing the films, as it would have been a travesty to let Peter Jackson tell me the story instead of Tolkien himself. I was not disappointed - they are breathtaking. He created a world unlike any other, complete with full created languages. I once heard that he and his friend C.S. Lewis wrote their books because they finally wanted something worth reading. Well....it worked. I recommend these books even to the non-fantasy minded (just skip the songs) - there is much worth to be found there, at all levels.

Fairy Tales
What can I say - I'm a sucker for the classic fairy tales. I especially love ones adapted by Marianna Mayer and illustrated by her brother Mercer Mayer (famous artist of children's books). East of the Sun and West of the Moon is one of my all time favorites.