Read Quoi?

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

2010-01-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

*J.D. Salinger just passed away, at 91 years old. I thought it appropriate to review one of his many works--in his memory.

Pages: 214
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "The story is told in the first person by Holden. The book covers the three days in his life after being kicked out of Pencey Prep, right before the Christmas holidays, circa 1949. Having already been kicked out of other schools and not yet wanting to face his parents, he visits his history teacher, old Mr. Spencer, who was forced to flunk him and heads back to his dorm. He then decides to set off and spend a few days alone in New York City after a few unpleasant experiences with his fellow dorm students, particularly when his roommate comes home after "showing Jane Gallagher a good time". Holden used to know Jane Gallagher, and he held her in high esteem, and throughout the book his thoughts turn to her.

Holden loiters around New York, drinking heavily and meeting various people, becoming increasingly depressed as he spends more time there. Holden repeatedly observes that people around him are "phonies" because of their actions. Holden has a run-in with a prostitute and her pimp at his hotel leaving him swindled for an extra $5. Later he has a date with one of his previous girlfriends, Sally Hayes. They head to the theatre and go ice skating. The experience leaves him more depressed as he realises that they do not have much in common. Through his depression he finally decides to go home and sneak into his house to see his kid sister Phoebe. He has a short conversation with her, and she lends him some of the money she got for Christmas, but he is forced to flee when his parents come home.

Towards the end of the book, Holden visits Mr. Antolini, the only teacher he's ever trusted. Although his teacher gave him very wise and beneficial advice for his future, and lets Holden sleep on his couch, Holden awakens to find Mr. Antolini stroking his forehead. Why he does this is never revealed, but Holden initially thinks that Mr. Antolini is making a homosexual overture. He hastily excuses himself with a lie and leaves. Later on, he thinks he may have assumed too much. Holden sleeps in the train station, and in the morning decides he is going to hitchhike to the West and build a cabin for himself away from the people he knows; he plans to pretend he is a deaf mute holding a normal job. However, he can't leave without saying goodbye to Phoebe, even more so because he still has her Christmas money.

Holden goes to Phoebe's school and through the headteacher's secretary, sends her a note saying that he is leaving home for good and she should meet him at lunchtime at the museum of art. When Phoebe arrives, she is carrying a suitcase full of clothes and asks Holden to take her with him. He refuses angrily, realizing he is influencing her badly because she wants to go with him instead of behaving in school and playing a key role in her school play. She cries and refuses to speak to him. Knowing she will follow, Holden walks to the zoo, letting her anger lift. After walking through the zoo, with a short distance between them, they visit a park across the street. Phoebe starts talking to Holden again and Holden promises to go back home. He buys her a ticket for the carousel in the park and watches her ride an old horse on it. As Holden watches her ride the carousel, his mood gets better. Soon, he is so happy that he is almost moved to tears. Holden's narration ends here. He mentions in passing that he has been sick, that he has visited a psychoanalyst, and that he is going to another school in the fall."

Review: This is one of those books that almost all high school or college students have to read at least once. I didn't have the pleasure of reading it until my last year of college--and I was an English major (seems like I should've read it years before).

I fell absolutely in love with this book from the first chapter. Holden Caulfield is one of my favorite literary characters. He was a boy in trouble--emotionally and sometimes physically. But, he was endearing. He was sometimes kind unexpectedly, and so on. There were several times I laughed out loud because of his male antics--even though he is an anti-hero.

I've heard so many mixed feelings about this classic, that it can be hard to form your own opinion. But it is definitely worth the effort. I've found that you either hate this book or love it. I loved it. Many of my close friends hated it. And to be honest, I'll never understand why. Some complained of language or content, but that is what defined the character. It was necessary for Holden to be Holden. There is no other way around it.

If you've ever wondered about this book, give it a chance. You don't have to understand it. Heck, you don't even have to like it. Just give it some of your time and discover YOUR opinion. It's a classic for a reason. Try and discover what that reason could be.

"Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

2010-01-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

Pages: 351
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction, Children's Literature

Back Cover Synopsis: For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken--Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good--powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world. Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

Review: This is the first book of a series. So far, there are four books. The fifth is coming out in just a couple months. I must admit; I judged this book by its cover. I saw "Fablehaven" in a local book store and was immediately intrigued by the cover--I mean, who doesn't like a sparkly cover? Ok, so maybe that is just me and every 13 year old girl out there.

I requested the book for Christmas and began it immediately. I was enthralled. It was thrilling, incredibly funny and witty, inspiring, adventurous, and mysterious. I fell in love with the Kendra and Seth--the main characters. They practically jumped right off the page. This book is great for any age.

I've also had the privilege to meet Brandon Mull several times at his book signing/book release parties in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is personable, kind, and interested in his readers. If you haven't already discovered the fun that is "Fablehaven", pick it up. You'll be swept away as I was.

"Peter and the Starcatchers" by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

2009-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Pages: 451
Genre: Children's, Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island, an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands ofpirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil. Best-selling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock to reveal the wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters, from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and fearless Peter. Page after page of riveting adventures take readers of all ages on a voyage from a filthy, crime-ridden port in old England across the turbulent sea. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds the "greatest treasure on earth"--but is it gold, jewels, or something far more mysterious and dangerous?

Roiling waves and raging storms; skullduggery and pirate treachery provide the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing breakers eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island--where the action really heats up.

This impossible-to-put-down tale leads readers on an unforgettable journey--fraught with danger yet filled with mystical and magical moments.

Review: During my undergrad, I read this book for my Children's Lit class. I was immediately enthralled with it. The simple thought of hearing more of the Peter Pan story was enough for me to pick up this book. Who doesn't love that classic story? Barry and Pearson did an amazing job explaining things--like how Tinkerbell actually became tinkerbell, how Neverland was established, and so on.

I couldn't put this book down. I loved every moment of it--never a dull one, at that. It is thrilling, intriguing, and completely worth the time I put into reading it. Seriously, give it a try. I'm sure you won't regret it. It's really that good.

"Specials" by Scott Westerfeld

2009-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Pages: 372
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: Tally thought they were a rumor, but now she's one of them. A Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

But maybe being perfectly programmed with strength and focus isn't better than anything she's ever known. Tally still has memories of something else.

But it's easy for her to tune that out--until she's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

Review: The third installment of the "Uglies" series is great. Just like the previous two, it was a quick and exciting read. The characters, for the most part, kept true to their previously set characterizations from the first two books. Westerfeld is a great author--one who really knows how to captivate a reader.

But, I have to be honest. I get irritated when the book doesn't turn out the way I want it to. :) And there were many parts in this book that just made me want to pull out my hair in frustration. But, other than that, it was fun to read, a great beach-type book.

If you've read it, let me know what you think!

"Pretties" by Scott Westerfeld

2009-08-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Pages: 370
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun--the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom--is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life--because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

Review: First of all, I find the back cover synopsis to be a tad ridiculous. Could they make it sound any more like a book only a twelve year old girl would read? But with that being said, this book was wonderful--just like the first in the series. It completely pulled me in--even though I was more than just a tad frustrating the way some things turned out. But, as a reader, I don't have control over that.

I also read this on in less than a day because I just couldn't put it down. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, so to speak. I needed to know how Tally survived, emotionally, mentally, and physically, through her life that is constantly changing and evolving.

"Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

2009-08-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Pages: 425
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license--for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world--and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

Review: Before I started this book series, I had heard a lot of great things about it. It definitely didn't disappoint. I was completely enthralled and read it in less than a day. It is an extremely quick read, and it can be difficult to keep track of the passing time. Westerfeld does an amazing job describing this future, in my opinion, distopian society. I can picture all the gadgets and advancements. Westerfeld's vision throughout this book, and the books that follow, are imaginative and genius.

"The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis

2009-07-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pages: 221
Genre: Children's/ Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: The novel begins in London in the early 1900s. The principal characters are two pre-adolescent children, Digory Kirk and Polly Plummer, Digory being the boy who becomes the Professor Kirke appearing in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The pair are transported to other worlds by the magical experiments of Digory's selfish Uncle Andrew and become caught up in the creation of Narnia and the introduction there of the evil queen Jadis, antagonist of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Review: Of all the Narnia series I have read so far, this is by far my favorite. It is fresh, and explains how Narnia was created. It is incredibly intriguing--for any age, I imagine. C.S. Lewis has never dissapointed readers, and this work is the same. Simply amazing.

"Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond

2009-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Pages: 464
Genre:Non-Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "Why did Eurasians conquer, displace, or decimate Native Americans, Australians, and Africans, instead of the reverse? In this groundbreaking book, already a classic of our time, evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond stunningly dismantles racially based theories of human history by revealing the environmental factors actually responsible for history's broadest patterns. Here, at last, is a world history that really is a history of all the world's peoples, a unified narrative of human life."

Review: This was required reading for one of my grad school classes about globalization. The concept is interesting enough, and some of the chapters follow suite, but on the whole, I was unimpressed. I felt Diamond was a broken record. He repeated the same information through the entire book and even into the epilogue. I also do not think he answered all the questions he brought up throughout the book.

Some chapters were very interesting--particularly the one about the Spaniards defeating the Incas...very brutal history there. It may be a good source for learning more about globalization, but it wasn't exactly pulling me in.

"What Would Audrey Do?" by Pamela Keogh

2009-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Pages: 248
Genre: Biographical

Back Cover Synopsis: "Audrey Hepburn epitomized grace and style, not only in her appearance, but in her very essence. Whether in fashion, her relationships, her home life, or her work on the screen or for UNICEF, there is no one more worthy of imitation. Yes, she was born with great beauty, enviable bone structure, and a manner that made practically everyone she met fall instantly in love with her. But Audrey's life was also marked by challenges: growing up without a father, surviving the Nazi threat and deprivation of World War II, unfaithful husbands and two divorces, and living under constant scrutiny from the media--all while managing her extraordinary film career, raising two children, and being considered the paragon of chic."

Review: This is the second Audrey Hepburn biography I have read. I thought this one was much easier to read and get into than the first one. Keogh kept it structured, fun, informative, and very entertaining. If you are an Audrey fan--and frankly, who isn't?--this is definitely a must read.

If you've read it, please, tell me what you think!

"InkSpell" By Cornelia Funke

2009-04-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Pages: 635
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of Inkheart, the book whose characters came to life--and changed her life forever.

But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the original tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the magical ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval inkscape once more.

Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long both are caught inside the book, too. There they meet Inkheart's author, Fenoglio, now living within his own story. But the tale is much changed, and threatening to evolve in ways none of them could ever have imagined. Will Meggie, Farid, and Fenoglio manage to write the wrongs of a charmed world? Or is their story on the brink of a very bad ending?"

Review: This is the second book of the series--and I adore books of a series. I found it a little harder to get into this one than I did with the first one. But, that might be due to an increased busy life; the end is where I really got into it and couldn't put it down.

All in all, it is a very magical book (for the reader). While I was reading, I was captured in the "what is going to happen next?"--even though it sometimes seemed a little drawn out.

But, I am excited to finish the series with the third book, InkDeath.

The Lovely Blog Award

2009-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Callista of SMS Book Reviews has awarded me the Lovely Blog Award.

The rules of accepting this award are to highlight some newly discovered blogs. When I come across one that I find intriguing, I will blog about it. Feel free to submit some of your own book review blogs!

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

2009-04-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Pages: 288
Genre: Memoir, Autobiography, Non-Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette's brilliant and charismatic father captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want the responsibility of raising a family. The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed, clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered."

Review: Two words that would describe this book are "disturbing" and "interesting". This poor lady's life is like a trainwreck. I honestly couldn't look away. I wanted to see exactly what happened next in her life. Her parents and her upbringing horrify me, still. For instance, her mother used to hide and eat covertly a chocolate bar under the covers while her children starved for days on end.

The topics addressed in this memoir are not of the easy sort. They are highly disturbing and depressing. But, on the other hand, there are triumphs, joy, and love--even for such a dysfunctional family unit.

Overall, I really enjoyed (maybe not in the normal sense) this memoir. I felt it was honest and brutal, yet uplifting and depressing--full of extremes. I would say this book is worth a shot if you are looking for something new to read.

"Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo" by Obert Skye

2009-04-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Pages: 339
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds--the real world and Foo, a place created at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from the dream-world have been sent to retrieve Leven, who alone has the power to save Foo. Enter Clover, a wise-cracking, fuzzy, foot-high sidekick; Winter, a girl with a spectacular gift of her own; and Geth, the exiled but rightful ruler of Foo. Their mission: to convince Leven Thumps that he has the power to save Foo and help him reach the hidden gateway and destroy it before it is too late..."

Review: They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Well, I don't follow that advice all the time. I saw the cover of this book and was immediately intrigued. And I am glad I did. Not only is it an inventive story, but I could relate to the characters. Also, there is a lot of subtle (and not so subtle) humor throughout the book. I loved it. I found myself laughing out loud. Obert Skye is a very talented writer and can really tell a magical and awe-inspiring story.

The concept of Foo amazes me. Basically, it is the land where the all the dreams of our world live. Because of Foo, we can be hopeful, joyful, and imaginative. Without Foo, there would be nothing to live for, nothing to hope for. At that is exactly what Leven Thumps and his "gang" try to stop.

This is the first book of the series. So, if you like reading a series, this is it. Love it! Let me know what you think!

"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

2009-03-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Pages: 328
Genre: Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "'My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.' So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her--her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling."

Review: This book is sad, uplifting, heart-wrenching, and devastating. I wouldn't recommend it for the weak of heart or spirit. The murder scene could be considered a little detailed for some. So, if you shy away from those types of things, you might want to pick another book. With that said, I thought the book was completely and wholly interesting. I was enthralled. The concept is such a new idea, at least for me. I had never read a book from the point of view of a murder victim in heaven. It was very interesting to see her take on the life that was happening without her.

If you are looking for a well-written work of fiction that is not only interesting, but encourages you to think about your own life and loved ones, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

2009-03-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

Pages: 498
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret."

Review: I first heard about this book in 2007. I had just moved to a new state and started a new job. My new coworker told me that her daughter absolutely loved this book. Once she mentioned vampires, I was immediately turned off from it. Vampires? Really? No, thank you. She insisted that I "just had to read it". I politely declined. A few months later, my aunt tried to force it on me. I gave in. I was entranced from the first page. I loved learning about and getting to know the characters--all while trying to figure out the mystery that is Edward Cullen. I adore this book! I adore the entire series.

I think it is a fun read. It is more of escapist literature rather than the deeper, analytical-type, but it was very enjoyable--and I found it worthwhile.

Give it a try and let me know what you think/though about it!

"501 French Verbs" by Christopher and Theodore Kendris

2009-03-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

Pages: 688
Genre: Reference

Synopsis: "...fully conjugated in all the tenses in a new easy to learn format alphabetically arranged."

Review: Obviously, this isn't fiction. It doesn't have a story. Nor is there any pull from a plot. But, this is one heck of a reference book for anyone learning or trying to maintain their French language skills. It fully conjugates every verb in French--making it an incredible quick reference book that will save you a lot of headaches. I used this book almost non-stop in college!

"Juliet Dove, Queen of Love" by Bruce Coville

2009-03-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Pages: 190
Genre: Children's Fictional Chapter Book

Back Cover Synopsis: Rats! Juliet Dove's worst nightmare is about to come true: People are going to start noticing her. For anyone else, that'd be no big deal, but Juliet Dove isn't like anyone else. Whenever she's teased, shy Juliet defends herself...by saying the sorts of mean things that should never be said. It is Juliet's vicious mouth that sends her feeling to Mr. Elives' magic shop, but it is her tender heart that causes her to leave with a beautiful amulet. The ancient bauble casts a powerful spell on every boy she meets: each falls hopelessly in love with her. Worse still, Juliet can't take the amulet off...and its power seems to be increasing."

Review: This is one of my all-time favorite books. Even though it is meant for ages 8-13ish, I laughed the whole way through. The mystery is intriguing, as well as the magical aspects of what exactly is going on with Juliet Dove. Her reactions to all the attention are priceless. It is an easy read, and is great for a medium-level reader, or for anyone else that just wants to enjoy a fun story.

"Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn" by Donald Spoto

2009-03-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Pages: 316
Genre: Biographical Non-Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "Her name is synonymous with elegance, style, and grace. Over the course of her extraordinary life and career, Audrey Hepburn captured hearts around the world and created a public image that stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved in recent memory. But despite her international fame and her tireless efforts on behalf of UNICEF, Audrey was also known for her intense privacy. With unprecedented access to studio archives, friends and colleagues who knew and loved Audrey, bestselling author Donald Spoto provides an intimate and moving account of this beautiful, elusive, and talented woman."

Review: Because I adore Audrey Hepburn, I was ecstatic to come across this book. I expected it to be intriguing the entire way through. I found that maybe half the time, I couldn't get enough of Spoto's Audrey information, and the other half, I tried not to fall asleep. Some of the book felt a little heavy--difficult to get through. But on the other hand, I had never known some of the information included (her relationships with her husbands, her insecurities with her acting and her appearance).

All in all, I would recommend this book to die-hard Audrey Hepburn fans, but I think there are probably "lighter", easier to read books available about our beloved Audrey.

"Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

2009-03-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Pages: 534
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Back Cover Synopsis: "One cruel night, Meggie's father reads aloud from Inkheart, and an evil ruler named Capricorn escapes the boundaries of the book, landing in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie's in the middle of the kind of adventure she thought only took place in fairy tales. Somehow she must master the magic that has conjured up this nightmare. Can she change the course of the story that has changed her life forever?"

Review: I've read a lot of fantasy fiction, but this type of story line is completely new to me. I've never read anything like it before. I found it incredibly intriguing and entertaining. The characters were believable and they held their own throughout the story--which was fantastic!

Because of how unique this book is, I couldn't put it down. From the first page, the mystery begins when Meggie sees a strange man standing outside her window in the rain--staring at the house. And that was just the first mystery and strange encounter that Meggie and the reader get to encounter and try to figure out.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a good adventure, with a splash of fairytale, or to someone who loves reading books of a series. The Inkheart series is comprised of 3 books total.

***Side note: While the movie with Brenden Frasier was entertaining, the book was a lot more intensive and engaging (which is often the case with book turned movie, right?!)