by Emily Bronte
As a classic and one that I had more frequently been hearing about, I eagerly picked up this book expecting another Jane Austen style romance. Not the case at all. Much darker and almost gloomy, this book is a disappointment if approached in that light. However, after I got over the fact that this was not going to be another witty-banter romance, the book proved good. It was intriguing, and one that would be great to discuss with a group. Not one I would reread on a regular basis--too depressing and a little disconnected from the characters (as it is a story told within the story). But a decent read, and I am glad to finally be able to understand the references made in other books and movies.
Book # 33: Should be done within a week
Arguing with Idiots
by Glenn Beck
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Book # 31: The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame
The classic children's tale that for some reason I neglected to read. As a kid, I tended to not be a fan of animal's talking and stuck to stories involving people. So it took some work convincing myself to give this book a chance. It was a slow start for me, but by the end I felt connected to Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger though not as much as in other stories I have read. Would I encourage my kids to read it? Maybe. I think it would work better as a read aloud, especially as some of the language is older both in vocabulary and strength. It also tended to have that overly descriptive quality such as Jane Austen or Charles Dickens employ, so the action and plot do not move along quickly.
Next book:
How to Argue with Idiots
Glenn Beck
The classic children's tale that for some reason I neglected to read. As a kid, I tended to not be a fan of animal's talking and stuck to stories involving people. So it took some work convincing myself to give this book a chance. It was a slow start for me, but by the end I felt connected to Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger though not as much as in other stories I have read. Would I encourage my kids to read it? Maybe. I think it would work better as a read aloud, especially as some of the language is older both in vocabulary and strength. It also tended to have that overly descriptive quality such as Jane Austen or Charles Dickens employ, so the action and plot do not move along quickly.
Next book:
How to Argue with Idiots
Glenn Beck
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Book # 30: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Loved it! I like mysteries, but I am horribly wimpy. Even suspenseful movies can leave me with sleepless nights, so Sherlock Holmes's mysteries are right up my alley. Complex and confusing, they require thinking to solve, yet they skip all the gory details. Watson also narrates them in such a style as to minimize emotion, thus helping to keep my already overly active imagination in check. As the "chapters" appeared in a magazine initially, they are short enough to read during a nap or before bed, thus perfect for the busy mom I have become. I am sad that I am done with them, and that there are no more out there to read. I am hoping the movie coming out this fall with be good, as I'd like another dose of Sherlock Holmes.
Next up:
The Wind in the Willows
Loved it! I like mysteries, but I am horribly wimpy. Even suspenseful movies can leave me with sleepless nights, so Sherlock Holmes's mysteries are right up my alley. Complex and confusing, they require thinking to solve, yet they skip all the gory details. Watson also narrates them in such a style as to minimize emotion, thus helping to keep my already overly active imagination in check. As the "chapters" appeared in a magazine initially, they are short enough to read during a nap or before bed, thus perfect for the busy mom I have become. I am sad that I am done with them, and that there are no more out there to read. I am hoping the movie coming out this fall with be good, as I'd like another dose of Sherlock Holmes.
Next up:
The Wind in the Willows
Thursday, September 3, 2009
I'm Back...
well...sort of.
I figured as I still seem to be able to make time to read, (We've been blessed with a baby willing to sleep most nights more than a five hour stretch.), I should continue to track those books on here.
I finished Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. One of those classics I heard about, but never bothered to pick up. It was interesting. I think this New York Times review on the back cover sums it up:
"Wildly original, brutally gruesome, vulgar, bitterly, savagely funny... it will not be forgotten by those who can take it!"
For me: It was vulgar; it was gruesome; it was bitter; not so funny; and probably forgettable. It reminded me of the of the novels my 10th grade Honors English teacher made us read. Ones that were questionable for our age and maturity. Ones that would make you blush and were incredibly wordy. One that most 10th graders, or adults for that matter, wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. It's a book that you read for the title, to tack on your "I've read it" list, and that some group of "deep thinking" college students might discuss in a book club.
Next up: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
I figured as I still seem to be able to make time to read, (We've been blessed with a baby willing to sleep most nights more than a five hour stretch.), I should continue to track those books on here.
I finished Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. One of those classics I heard about, but never bothered to pick up. It was interesting. I think this New York Times review on the back cover sums it up:
"Wildly original, brutally gruesome, vulgar, bitterly, savagely funny... it will not be forgotten by those who can take it!"
For me: It was vulgar; it was gruesome; it was bitter; not so funny; and probably forgettable. It reminded me of the of the novels my 10th grade Honors English teacher made us read. Ones that were questionable for our age and maturity. Ones that would make you blush and were incredibly wordy. One that most 10th graders, or adults for that matter, wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. It's a book that you read for the title, to tack on your "I've read it" list, and that some group of "deep thinking" college students might discuss in a book club.
Next up: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A Change, well, Sort of
So I haven't been very diligent in my blogging lately. And as I am 39 weeks pregnant, I don't see it getting any better any time soon. So I am officially taking a break. I will try to keep adding my books as I read them (though I expect with child number two's arrival that the book reading will cease to exist for some time). But the home renovations are at a stand still (at least on my part) for at least 6 months. i know I still owe you pictures on the most recently completed rooms, and I am sorry for my negligence. Part of the delay is that there are still one or two things missing in them, so I've been waiting for them to be completely finished. If you are absolutely desperate to see them, then you will just have to come visit.
So thank you to all my loyal readers. I will check in occasionally, but I don't want to make any promises that I know I won't keep.
So thank you to all my loyal readers. I will check in occasionally, but I don't want to make any promises that I know I won't keep.
Book # 27 & 28: Eclipse & Breaking Dawn
by Stephenie Meyer
All I can say is that I am hopelessly hooked on the Twilight series! Read them! They are addictive, easy to read, and very entertaining. I am sad that there are no more for me to read. Each one got better than the last. And I will give Stephenie Meyer credit for sticking to more positive moral values for her main characters. It was refreshing, especially knowing that teenagers are reading them.
All I can say is that I am hopelessly hooked on the Twilight series! Read them! They are addictive, easy to read, and very entertaining. I am sad that there are no more for me to read. Each one got better than the last. And I will give Stephenie Meyer credit for sticking to more positive moral values for her main characters. It was refreshing, especially knowing that teenagers are reading them.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Book # 26: New Moon
by Stephenie Meyer
So the series must not be too bad because I am flying through them. The second book was better than the first, as there was less time with Edward and Bella (the two main characters) together and obsessing over each other. A little disjointed at the end, as a major plot twist has Bella traveling somewhere (don't want to spoil it). The second one leaves some loose ends, so I headed right into the third one. I'm sure I'll be up late and finishing it in a couple days. Then I need to get my hands on the fourth one, and the series will be completed. I'll keep you posted.
And I know--you need to see pictures of the baby's room and the family room. I've got to get myself and my camera geared up for that!
So the series must not be too bad because I am flying through them. The second book was better than the first, as there was less time with Edward and Bella (the two main characters) together and obsessing over each other. A little disjointed at the end, as a major plot twist has Bella traveling somewhere (don't want to spoil it). The second one leaves some loose ends, so I headed right into the third one. I'm sure I'll be up late and finishing it in a couple days. Then I need to get my hands on the fourth one, and the series will be completed. I'll keep you posted.
And I know--you need to see pictures of the baby's room and the family room. I've got to get myself and my camera geared up for that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)