Saturday, March 26, 2011
Eat, Pray, Love
I personally did not enjoy this book. I have to confess that I did not finish it. I was able to get past the Italy portion of the book and gave up. I just can't relate to her character. I will say that this book came highly recommended to me and that everyone I have spoken with enjoyed it --- but I didn't.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Water for Elephants
I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants -- another five star book. I think it was well written and definitely a page turner. The story begins with the depiction of the disastrous event that takes place on the circus towards the end of the book - it's like a little sneak. This is really a love story of Jacob, Marlena, Rosie the elephant and their life with the circus. I have to say that Sarah truly did her research - she implemented true stories of life with a traveling circus into her novel. So basically the novel is like a compilation of many true stories rolled into one character. She made me want to research some things myself - like "Jake walk" and "Redlighting" -- both of which tragically were actually very common during that era.
The book goes back and forth between present day and the past - but most of it is set in the past. In the present Jacob is 90 or 93 years old - he can't remember which. In the past Jacob is a young 23 year old Cornell veterinary student who loses both his parents in a car accident. As a result of feeling alone and overwhelmed Jacob runs out (literally) on his final exams and ends up lost somewhere near the train tracks. He sees the circus train and decides to stow-away hoping to go anywhere but back home. Once the circus learns of his veterinary skills they make the decision to hire him and put him in charge of all the animals.
What's so interesting about a circus? Well, the book basically surrounds Jacob's love for Marlena who is married to Jacob's boss, August -- the animal trainer who has horrible mood swings and tries to feed Jacob to the lions. Later we find out that August is a paranoid schizophrenic. I mean the guy is seriously CRAZY. The book does a good job of painting a picture of life on the road and life in general during prohibition and the depression. If you ever had any ideas about running away with the circus - this book will make you change your mind.
I especially enjoyed the end of the book - it does not leave you hanging (something that I hate, by the way).
Just a little note: The life of Jacob in the book is supposed to parallel the life of Jacob in the bible (Genesis). If you don't see it - don't worry because neither did I. I think that notion is ridiculous…. and that is my only dislike here. But, the book itself is good. I fell in love with the character Jacob - the same way I fell in love with Edward (Twilight the book - not the movie). Now, I'm excited to see the movie -- I really hope it does the book justice.
The book goes back and forth between present day and the past - but most of it is set in the past. In the present Jacob is 90 or 93 years old - he can't remember which. In the past Jacob is a young 23 year old Cornell veterinary student who loses both his parents in a car accident. As a result of feeling alone and overwhelmed Jacob runs out (literally) on his final exams and ends up lost somewhere near the train tracks. He sees the circus train and decides to stow-away hoping to go anywhere but back home. Once the circus learns of his veterinary skills they make the decision to hire him and put him in charge of all the animals.
What's so interesting about a circus? Well, the book basically surrounds Jacob's love for Marlena who is married to Jacob's boss, August -- the animal trainer who has horrible mood swings and tries to feed Jacob to the lions. Later we find out that August is a paranoid schizophrenic. I mean the guy is seriously CRAZY. The book does a good job of painting a picture of life on the road and life in general during prohibition and the depression. If you ever had any ideas about running away with the circus - this book will make you change your mind.
I especially enjoyed the end of the book - it does not leave you hanging (something that I hate, by the way).
Just a little note: The life of Jacob in the book is supposed to parallel the life of Jacob in the bible (Genesis). If you don't see it - don't worry because neither did I. I think that notion is ridiculous…. and that is my only dislike here. But, the book itself is good. I fell in love with the character Jacob - the same way I fell in love with Edward (Twilight the book - not the movie). Now, I'm excited to see the movie -- I really hope it does the book justice.
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Sacrafice of Tamar
My second reading for February was The Sacrifice of Tamar. OMG - this book is a must read. This book was recommended to me by a co-worker/ friend. We both enjoy a nice read and this book absolutely lived up to expectations. I could hardly put it down. The very first chapter pulls you into Tamar's world of the Ultra Orthodox Jewish community. I would say this book was not only insightful but was down-right eye opening. It pulls at your heart strings -- brings up hidden anger -- and relates to all. Another 5 star read in my eyes. This book definitely had a hold on my emotions throughout it's entirety.
Okay - so what is the book about??
The main character of this book, Tamar, is a young orthodox Jewish woman who's husband follows the "law" to the letter. In the beginning of the book you can see that Tamar is very sheltered and as a result she does not seem to have a very open mind. Her world begins to collapse when one night while babysitting her nephew she is raped in her sister's apartment by a black intruder. She debates whether or not to report her rape but then decides against it because in her community "what isn't nice, we don't show". It's all about conformity. She does not want to be "different" - she does not want the entire community to look at her as the girl who was raped - and most of all she fears her husband will divorce her. She fears that her rape will be looked at as adultery and since her husband follows all rules without question -- she knows that if the rules say for him to divorce her - he will do it without question. The stories of the other two characters, Jenny and Hadassah, are very intriguing also. But the tail really surrounds Tamar.
Spoiler Alert:
After Tamar makes the decision to keep the rape a secret -- she finds out that she is pregnant - and the question for all of us is whether or not the baby will come out black!
Okay - so what is the book about??
The main character of this book, Tamar, is a young orthodox Jewish woman who's husband follows the "law" to the letter. In the beginning of the book you can see that Tamar is very sheltered and as a result she does not seem to have a very open mind. Her world begins to collapse when one night while babysitting her nephew she is raped in her sister's apartment by a black intruder. She debates whether or not to report her rape but then decides against it because in her community "what isn't nice, we don't show". It's all about conformity. She does not want to be "different" - she does not want the entire community to look at her as the girl who was raped - and most of all she fears her husband will divorce her. She fears that her rape will be looked at as adultery and since her husband follows all rules without question -- she knows that if the rules say for him to divorce her - he will do it without question. The stories of the other two characters, Jenny and Hadassah, are very intriguing also. But the tail really surrounds Tamar.
Spoiler Alert:
After Tamar makes the decision to keep the rape a secret -- she finds out that she is pregnant - and the question for all of us is whether or not the baby will come out black!
The Help
The first book I read this month was The Help. This is one book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I absolutely love this book and it's characters. Katheryn Stockett's writing is not only riveting but makes you feel as though you are right there in the kitchen with these women as they tell their stories. You will literally laugh, cry and just get angry. The Help painted a picture like no history book could have done for me. I give it 5 stars and would recommend it to just about anyone. This book was recommended to me by a very good friend of mine. The very same friend who also recommended the next book on my list - Sacrifice of Tamar.
I absolutely love this book and it's characters. Katheryn Stockett's writing is not only riveting but makes you feel as though you are right there in the kitchen with these women as they tell their stories. You will literally laugh, cry and just get angry. The Help painted a picture like no history book could have done for me. I give it 5 stars and would recommend it to just about anyone. This book was recommended to me by a very good friend of mine. The very same friend who also recommended the next book on my list - Sacrifice of Tamar.
If you click on the book below it will lead you to B&N's website where you can read their synopsis. I would like to add that I do not in any way promote or have any affiliation with B&N.
January
In the month of January I had the opportunity to read three books. I will post all three in this one thread but in the future each book will have it's own post.
If you click on the books below it will lead you to B&N's website where you can read their synopsis. I would like to add that I do not in any way promote or have any affiliation with B&N.
Remember Me
Sophie Kinsella is the author of the Shopaholic series. If you have read any of her other books you will find that for the most part they are funny, quirky and easy to read. I would say that Remember me was a light and easy page turner. Nothing that pulled on your emotions too much -- but definitely worth a look. From the very beginning you are wondering what happened to make this character who she is today -- the change was absolutely dramatic. I can't say much else without spoilers so check it out.
Knitting Under the Influence
This was the second book that I read in January and I would say it was my least favorite. Out of 5 stars I would have to give it a 3. First of all - this book lacks relatabilityI could not find myself relating to any of the characters in the story which for me was disappointing. Also it was very predictable - it was not hard to figure out what the ending would be or who couples up. It was another light & easy read - easy to get through - light on the mind - but, unfortunately, very predictable.
I Heart New York
I will say that I Heart New York was January's book of the month. It was the book I enjoyed the most out of the three. I read this book while traveling to Haiti for my grandmother's funeral. It was a welcomed get-away for my mind during such a stressful time. I will say there were parts of the book that I found to be a bit far-fetched for me. But overall I truly enjoyed reading it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, absolutely. Again, it was a light read - just as the others from this month - but it pulls you into the main charactor's world and you find yourself wondering what happens next.
If you click on the books below it will lead you to B&N's website where you can read their synopsis. I would like to add that I do not in any way promote or have any affiliation with B&N.
Remember Me
Sophie Kinsella is the author of the Shopaholic series. If you have read any of her other books you will find that for the most part they are funny, quirky and easy to read. I would say that Remember me was a light and easy page turner. Nothing that pulled on your emotions too much -- but definitely worth a look. From the very beginning you are wondering what happened to make this character who she is today -- the change was absolutely dramatic. I can't say much else without spoilers so check it out.
Knitting Under the Influence
This was the second book that I read in January and I would say it was my least favorite. Out of 5 stars I would have to give it a 3. First of all - this book lacks relatabilityI could not find myself relating to any of the characters in the story which for me was disappointing. Also it was very predictable - it was not hard to figure out what the ending would be or who couples up. It was another light & easy read - easy to get through - light on the mind - but, unfortunately, very predictable.
I Heart New York
I will say that I Heart New York was January's book of the month. It was the book I enjoyed the most out of the three. I read this book while traveling to Haiti for my grandmother's funeral. It was a welcomed get-away for my mind during such a stressful time. I will say there were parts of the book that I found to be a bit far-fetched for me. But overall I truly enjoyed reading it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, absolutely. Again, it was a light read - just as the others from this month - but it pulls you into the main charactor's world and you find yourself wondering what happens next.
About this blog...
Hi everyone!
I will start off by saying that I absolutely love to read. Unfortunately I hardly find time to read at home anymore since the birth of my son - who is now officially a toddler (queue the tears). But (there is always a but, right?) I do read during my subway commute to and from work -- which anybody who lives in New York City knows is a great way to take your mind off the crazies that ride along with you. Sometimes I'm able to figure out a way to find some extra reading time during the middle of the night if the book is extra good -- like if I'm anxious to find out what happens next.
I do know several of my friends who also enjoy a "good read". Originally I proposed a book club but it's hard to work with everyone's schedule -- most of my friends are working mothers/ wives as well.
Nine times out of ten I pick my next book based on a recommendation from a friend or co-worker. There is always the odd time when I get a recommendation from a fellow subway commuter (New Yorkers are friendlier than most people realize)… other than that I pick based upon online reviews. You can consider this blog one more spot where you can get good book recommendations. And, of course, please feel free to recommend books to me as well - I will read them and post them here for all to share.
I also want to add that I will announce each book as I start it. This way anyone who would like to read along with me and post their own review may feel free to do so.
P.S.
Dear Grammar Police: Relax, it's just a blog!
I will start off by saying that I absolutely love to read. Unfortunately I hardly find time to read at home anymore since the birth of my son - who is now officially a toddler (queue the tears). But (there is always a but, right?) I do read during my subway commute to and from work -- which anybody who lives in New York City knows is a great way to take your mind off the crazies that ride along with you. Sometimes I'm able to figure out a way to find some extra reading time during the middle of the night if the book is extra good -- like if I'm anxious to find out what happens next.
I do know several of my friends who also enjoy a "good read". Originally I proposed a book club but it's hard to work with everyone's schedule -- most of my friends are working mothers/ wives as well.
Nine times out of ten I pick my next book based on a recommendation from a friend or co-worker. There is always the odd time when I get a recommendation from a fellow subway commuter (New Yorkers are friendlier than most people realize)… other than that I pick based upon online reviews. You can consider this blog one more spot where you can get good book recommendations. And, of course, please feel free to recommend books to me as well - I will read them and post them here for all to share.
I also want to add that I will announce each book as I start it. This way anyone who would like to read along with me and post their own review may feel free to do so.
P.S.
Dear Grammar Police: Relax, it's just a blog!
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