Despite the grade I'm giving the book I'd still advise all to read it. It's a touching, raw, emotional, true story that everyone should read. My critiDespite the grade I'm giving the book I'd still advise all to read it. It's a touching, raw, emotional, true story that everyone should read. My critique for the book is not going to be about story or characters because I can't critique those. Rather this will pay closer attention to Ackerman's writing and presentation of these actual people and events.
There was something about Ackerman's writing that just rubbed me the wrong way. I guarantee others have and will read this book and adore her style. She has a certain rambling disconnect at times. There were moments when the subject seemed to drift to something completely different mid-sentence. Sometimes she'd suddenly distance herself from the subject matter, not going into detail or further explanation, which was out of place with her typically staying right in the thick of it. The worst was really the rambling, though. For example, at one point she goes on for nearly two solid pages listing all the different types of bugs in this massive collection. Yes, maybe she was highlighting the enormity and meticulous care that went into the collection, but I found it unneccessary and took away from the story.
Ackerman also went in the direction I refer to as "embellished non-fiction" where she over describes certain things like looks, thoughts, feelings, actions, etc. that we can't very well say happened for certain. She clearly has done extensive research and does her best to keep all dialogue straight from the actual person's mouth. But the "embellished" part clashed with the hard facts Ackerman provides the reader, disrupting the flow of the story slightly.
One last odd thing was the slip then switch in the narrative voice near the end. It randomly goes from 3rd person to 1st person. I've seen (read?) it done in some fiction novels as a gimmick, but never in a non-fiction historical recount. Like I said- a bit strange.
Honestly, though, all that stuff is nothing compared to the story being told. I was able to pass by all my qualms and issues with Ackerman's writing because I wanted to keep going. I don't know why we had never heard about the Zabinski's before and the amazing things they did. Thanks to Ackerman their story is now out at large for the world to hear and share.
So ignore my critique, ignore my grade, and read The Zookeeper's Wife....more
Whenever I go home I "steal" the books my mom has recently read. She hands them over to me giving me a brief summary of them and then her opinion. ThiWhenever I go home I "steal" the books my mom has recently read. She hands them over to me giving me a brief summary of them and then her opinion. This one came with only the same summary and opinion of, "It's pretty much what it looks like." Basically, a classier, slightly better written version of your dime store romance novel. And it was that. There's nothing really to rave about with Mistress of Rome but there's nothing to criticise either.
Quinn does a good job of transporting the reader to Rome and keeping them there. I didn't feel at all her writing was pushing too modern of an edge at all. And for the most part her writing was well done and polished, but again nothing to rave about. The characters were all right, most of them developed enough to keep you intrigued. The only character I did have a problem with, and also what I found to be the biggest problem with the book was our main villianess Lepida Pollia. She was one demensional and just mean to be mean and cruel. A main character thrown in there to create conflict and no other reason why. There were superficial reasons given for her cruelty, but no deeper meaning behind the characters drive for destruction. I like my villians to be well-developed, it always makes for a much, much more interesting story.
I applaud Quinn for keeping the writing and tone of the novel classy. There were many situations presented that could take the story down a vulgar rode, both with sexual exploits and gratuitous violence, but she confronts each with sensitivity for a reader that could be easily offended, but indulge the reader that wants a little more. A careful balance that proves Quinn does have plenty of skill as a writer, and I think she can really only grow in her future works (this was her first novel).
I'd consider Mistress of Rome a fun vacation read. Pack it in a suitcase, read a chapter or two on the beach or before going to bed after a busy day. It's not a book that requires a lot of attention or focus. Characters flit in and out, the writing is solid enough to follow, but not so intricate as to force you to think a lot. It is a generally good read, thus the C+ grade. Like I said, just nothing to really rave about. I will probably check out Kate Quinn again though. Maybe on a trip to Italy? ...more
So... yeah. There we go, that sums up my thoughts quite nicely. Really though? Wasn't bored, wasn't entertained, The Heretic's Daughter caught me righSo... yeah. There we go, that sums up my thoughts quite nicely. Really though? Wasn't bored, wasn't entertained, The Heretic's Daughter caught me right in the mediocre middle. I think it was because the book had a lot going for it, but the writing wasn't quite enough to push it to where it should have been.
As I sit here I'm having a lot of difficulty trying to figure out what it was that was off about it. The characters were good, the story of the Salem witch trials is a fascinating subject matter, and I found myself at certain points getting really emotionally pulled in. So why do I feel that this book only deserves a C+? The answer is: I don't know.
This is going to be one of those books that just didn't quite do it for me. Good. Not good enough. But I'm sure other people are going to read this book and be absolutely in love with it. While others are just going to down right not like it at all. This is going to be one of those books where my exact thoughts will come out in a discussion.
So what were your thoughts on the book? Did you read it? Enjoy it? Hate it? Let me know. Help me figure out why I really gave the book a C+. Who knows... maybe I'll change the grade....more
I like Jodi Picoult. I really enjoyed the other two books I've read of hers, and . I was hoping to like thiI like Jodi Picoult. I really enjoyed the other two books I've read of hers, and . I was hoping to like this book as much as I had the others. Again she was attacking a sensitive issue and trying to give a voice to all sides of the argument, but something was lacking this time around. Perhaps because one side just wasn't as strong? I can't quite place my finger on it what was lacking this time around. I think it mainly was because this book was so similar to My Sister's Keeper that it just felt like an unncessary rewrite of it.
What didn't help the book was also the amount of characters talking. In her usual style, allowing the reader to hear all sides of the story, Picoult writes from multiple characters perspectives. She stretched herself too far this time. Because certain characters had the same opinions it just became a rehashing of stuff we already knew. Some characters were just as not as sympathetic or as interesting as others so that just dragged the book out a little further. Also all the baking references and recipes, though I could see what Picout was trying to do, didn't push the book along or enhance it at all.
I still read it pretty fast though because the whole idea behind the book was fascinating and I wanted to see where it would end. Picoult hadn't disappointed me in her last two endings, and I figured she would again do some kind of unique twist ending. She did. Kind of. All in all it was the subject of the book itself, the controversy of parents suing for a "wrongful birth" and the character of Amelia that kept this book alive and really kept me reading. I wish Picoult had cut out the lawyer Marin's seperate storyline and had focused more on Amelia's struggle and story.
One last thing. Reading this, I couldn't help picturing it all as a Lifetime movie. The court scenes, the dialogue, the angst- it all fit too perfectly and is ready for a made-for-tv-movie. Am I right? ...more
Sadly this book can't hold a candle to The Eight. To me it came across as a slapped together attempt to ride the coat tails of the success of The Da VSadly this book can't hold a candle to The Eight. To me it came across as a slapped together attempt to ride the coat tails of the success of The Da Vinci Code. There was no need for her to do that though. In the sudden rise of these historical mysteries popularity The Eight would have been rediscovered by a new generation all on it's own, there was no need for a shoddy sequel to point readers towards it.
I should preface that my entire judgement and criticism on the book could be clouded by the fact that while reading this I was in the midst of a serious family emergency, which often didn't allow me to focus entirely on the book. Even so, it was so drawn out and fact heavy there was nothing within it that gave me the much needed distraction that books can often provide. For most of the book I was confused and bored. There wasn't a lot of plot or action, and it was heavy with "telling not showing." Neville tried to follow the same formula she wrote The Eight with in terms of having two corresponding storylines happening at once but that didn't work this time. The twists and turns that were shocking and exciting in The Eight seemed predictable this time around. The story took a back seat to all the facts and information being given (very dryly I might add) which then defeated the purpose of having all this information because there was no story for it to fuel.
My investment in the characters was non-existant, mainly because their development was non-existant. Relationships suddenly appeared, other characters disappeared, and the ones we loved from The Eight just seemed shoved in there because fans of the first novel were expecting them to be there. While in The Eight there were many characters, every single one was neccessary. Here? No. Too many. Too many characters coming across as useless and hard to keep track of.
Of course most of this critique is being made in comparison to The Eight, but it's the sequel. The Fire was a sequel that did not live up to it's predecessor, which is disappointing because The Eight was such a fantastic novel. The Fire wasn't entirely without it's good points. Neville still stayed strong to the endearing cheesiness I grew fond of in The Eight. She also made sure not to leave any stone unturned, so even though it stretched the novel out and made it boring at times there was no way you were left going, "Wait! what about...?" Most importantly there was Neville's beautiful use of language, she writes with wit and intelligence abundantly. This actually was the first book in a long time that I've had to stop and look up a word or two.
In the end I will state it was worth the read, even if it was just to make The Eight seem all that much greater. I'll stand by my original statement though that this sequel didn't really need to be written. An okay but unneccessary book. ...more
The premise of the book is fascinating and as the plot unfolded it became catching. Sort of. And you would think that combined with Gruber's uniquely The premise of the book is fascinating and as the plot unfolded it became catching. Sort of. And you would think that combined with Gruber's uniquely detailed, wry and intelligent writing you're in for a very entertaining and thrilling ride. But it didn't pan out.
There was something missing throughout most of the book and it was unable to hold my attention. More often than not everything (plot, writing, characters, etc.) came across as dry and long-winded and I had difficulty staying with the book. Not until the last quarter (if that much) of the book was I finally absorbed.
It's sad that a book that shoud have had so much going for it just ended up being "okay." And that's all I can really say about it. I guess a mediocre book gets a short and mediocre review....more
Well that was certainly unique. That's probably about the nicest thing I can say about this book. This was my first foray into the writings of Doris LWell that was certainly unique. That's probably about the nicest thing I can say about this book. This was my first foray into the writings of Doris Lessing, who I can see has a brilliant skill worthy of all the recognition she's received, so I don't know if this is a typical Lessing book or something completely different.
For me the book was just too hard to follow. I didn't find any connective thread linking everything together, no story arc, no real central conflict, no climax, no central characters. The idea behind the book had a lot of potential, but the execution fell flat.
Supposedly it's the retelling of an oral history and that's just the way it comes across. Nothing is clear; people, places, actions. Rather than enhancing the idea of this history, it actually takes away its power and confuses the reader.
In the end I don't know really what to say about this book. The book is frustrating in all it's beauty and potential so you feel that you can't fully hate it, but there's so much missing it seems that love and praise are not well-earned. My review is very reflective of the book: confusing, meandering and long-winded. I'm going to stop before I frustrate us all even further....more
Let me first say that I still have every intention of reading some more of the Artemis Fowl books despite how let down I was by this one, and the onlyLet me first say that I still have every intention of reading some more of the Artemis Fowl books despite how let down I was by this one, and the only reason I was let down by this one was because I don't think it was quite up to the quality of its predecessors. I'll keep this review short, just saying what I liked, and what I didn't like.
What was good? Once again it was unique and something different in a world of young adult novels that are constantly trying to emulate one another. It does have that fantasy qualities a lot of other novels are riding on, so of course you will find a few similarities, but overall it's different and new. And as usual our characters are fantastic, the returning ones gaining even more dimensions (especially Artemis).
What was bad? The plot wasn't as developed as Colfer usually gives and there wasn't as much story. I felt that Colfer was sort of coasting along, filling space for some reason. Like the publishers wanted him to write another story when he had nothing so he just sort of scribbled something down half-heartedly and turned it in. What made that all even worse was that the conflict was just mediocre. I didn't think the stakes were as high and it took a long, long time to get to that climax while the denouement was short and quick, too quick.
So there you go. I'm reviewing this book in comparison to the other books because as a series progresses you sometimes have to do that. Especially when instead of the books getting better or even just staying the same, it gets worse. I'm hoping that the next books will be better and that this one was just a fluke. Please let me know....more
UGH! I'm thinking I may have rated this book to high, but then again it wasn't that bad. This rating/grade is pretty much reflective of it's mediocritUGH! I'm thinking I may have rated this book to high, but then again it wasn't that bad. This rating/grade is pretty much reflective of it's mediocrity. It wasn't good, it wasn't bad. Beautiful language, fun descriptions, interesting situations. No plot, random and half-developed characters. Those were the main pros and cons for this book that are popping up right now.
This book wasn't long but for some reason it felt like it took forever to get through and I think that was the main reason I didn't like the book as much. I believe the reason behind this book feeling like such a long read was that there was no clear thing carrying the novel along, not character, not story. It was disconnected and didn't flow so I was constantly wondering where it was going, what was happening? That could have possibly been remedied had I been attatched the characters but I wasn't. I didn't like any of them, they weren't interesting nor were they sympathetic.
But like I said, the book is mediocre. If you're still determined to read the book feel free, it's average and nothing special, at least for me, maybe it will be different for you....more
This is going to be one of my shortest reviews yet because there's not much in the book to reflect on...
It was a good and entertaining read due to beiThis is going to be one of my shortest reviews yet because there's not much in the book to reflect on...
It was a good and entertaining read due to being well-written. You cannot deny the fact that Chevalier is a decent writer in terms of language. But in terms of fleshing out story and character she still has some work to do.
So that's my review, similar to the book in the fact that it's good, short and nothing remarkable....more
So, I wasn't too impressed with David Mamet here. I think he should just stick to (screen)plays and fiction and leave the acting lessons to others. ThSo, I wasn't too impressed with David Mamet here. I think he should just stick to (screen)plays and fiction and leave the acting lessons to others. Though he does reinstate the phrase: Those who cannot do, teach. He does humbly acknowledge this, though, in the very first chapter.
As an actress I found that most of the book was either reiterating things I already knew, or badmouthing things I have done (i.e. going to school to study). I didn't really take anything away from reading this and found my mind often drifting away. I often had to go back and reread what I had just read because I honestly didn't remember having read it. Even so, Mamet did make some very valid points throughout the book. The overall statement pretty much being: don't over think, don't over analyze, just do! Which is the most important thing an actor needs to remember.
Once again, I believe I've said all I need to say. For the new actor I think this book is a good one to pick up, but don't make it your bible. Despite Mamet's bashing of the institution you need to remember that school can teach you different methods and styles of acting, giving you a variety of skills to fall back on. The new actor should never push themselves into a corner of one style of acting. As for the older actor (i.e. one who has been studying/acting for a while) Mamet's book may not be the new lesson you're looking for. Though if you're familiar with the playwright and curious to hear what he has to say about those he writes and directs for, the book won't let you down....more
I think this was one of those books that was praised so much by the time I read it it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wroI think this was one of those books that was praised so much by the time I read it it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wrong, it was good... but, not what I was hoping for.
There were two problems I had with the book. One was that there were moments I found unneccessary that just caused the book to drag. I read this in October so I can't recall any specific instances. The best example I can give were the parts following Norah. I didn't find myself connected to them at all, and I think that also relates to the second problem I had with the book...
So much of the book was about Norah's downward spiral after "losing" one of her children. I don't know why, but I had such a huge problem that she couldn't get over it. Before you attack me and say stuff like: "Well that's because you're not a mom, you don't know the bond that is created!" Let me say that, yes, that is why. I haven't birthed anything. I've lost people close to me and it hurts and is hard to get over... but you do keep on going and eventually life goes on and you can maintain the balance you had before hand. You would think that yes, losing a child you gave birth to is hard, but it wouldn't be as hard as one that you raised as well, you know? And you would also think that the consolation of still having that son would be something that would help you start to recover quicker.
I could completely understand why Dr. Henry was upset after that day. Guilty conscience. But Norah's continuous moping for the years to come... I don't get it. It was why I enjoyed the parts following Caroline and Phoebe. Also because their story felt like it was continuing and growing while the story of the Henry family just sort of sat there... in the doldrums.
You could easily look at that and say it was Edward's choice, and I accept that. I can even see it and understand it. The comparison of the two family's is full of such stark contradiction, that you can see the consequences one action can have and different people. How the same action can be a blessing and a curse.
With that said, I'm going to say that you really need to form your own opinion about this book, which you should do with every book I review. You also need to understand that this is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. Obviously there have been a lot of other people who enjoyed this book, so take my review with a grain of salt. Good day!...more
This book was really nothing remarkable, but I thought it was going to be, especially with the subject matter that it was dealing with. It had too manThis book was really nothing remarkable, but I thought it was going to be, especially with the subject matter that it was dealing with. It had too many underdeveloped characters, was anti-climactic, and at times a little too message happy. But it wasn't totally lacking in being an entertaining read and often I did find myself riveted. That pretty much sums it up, but for the sake of the more curious I will elaborate.
Zigal's writing was good and flowed quite nicely, though the timeline didn't. I often found myself asking, "Why isn't this guy at work?" And while he did try his best at fully fledged characters I think he overwhelmed himself by putting too many in there, so most of them only became half developed at best. The only one that achieved three demensional status was our protagonist himself and I think that's only because we had some insight into his inner thoughts and feelings.
My other big problem was with the resolution being too anti-climactic. I expected some sort of bang, not a pathetic fizzling out. If you want to analyze it, I guess you could say that's because most dark political dealings are resolved quietly under the table. You would think, though, to make the book a bit more exciting, Zigal would have had the resolution out in the open in some sort of dramatic affair.
As for my thoughts about the book being too "message happy" at times, that comes from the constant bombardment of "working class blacks: good; uptown rich whites: bad." Don't take that as me being racist, by all means I'm not, but beating your readers over the head with that can get a little old, fast. Especially when your characters don't really do anything to resolve any sort of racist issues until the end. They don't even start! I wouldn't have minded the message as much if we had someone attempting to resolve it all.
Zigal does redeem himself, though, by giving us a nice clean ending. All loose ends are appropriately tied and we know that things work out, which is always a nice thing in a book. The book does get a little dry and boring at times, but the issues and situations we're dealing with throughout the novel will keep you reading. Once you get past the first couple of chapters you'll find the going a little less rough, and the desire to keep reading a little stronger....more
Really thinking about it, had I been younger, possibly back in 5th grade, or even younger, this book would have gotten an A. It's really geared towardReally thinking about it, had I been younger, possibly back in 5th grade, or even younger, this book would have gotten an A. It's really geared towards a younger audience, but without making them feel talked down to. A few years from now my neice might really enjoy this book.
The biggest problem for me was that it just wasn't adult enough. Barnes did use some adult language, but most of the time descriptions were brief, the plot was hurried, the humor more junior high MTVish (but not rude) along with the characters, who were also only slightly developed and cliched. But I don't feel that any of that would be a problem for younger readers. It actually reminded me a lot of the books (at least in writing style) I used to read back in elementary school.
Outside of the writing itself, I found the story really interesting but not entirely developed. I would have preferred it to go more in depth so I could become more involved, but it never did so I never did. It was a unique storyline, taking old Celtic myths and putting them into a modern setting, acknowledging the entire time how weird it is. The characters (and Barnes as well) were not afraid to poke fun at the whole fairy thing.
If you're looking for a very easy and fun read, then try out Tattoo. Just don't expect a lot of work....more
Unlike others who have read all of Tan's books, I have only had the pleasure of reading The Joy Luck Club. Just going off that book I found Saving FisUnlike others who have read all of Tan's books, I have only had the pleasure of reading The Joy Luck Club. Just going off that book I found Saving Fish from Drowning to be quite different.
While it held true to Tan's brilliant, rich way of writing and continued her analysis of human nature and relationships, she seemed to step outside of her usual comfort zone and the whole tone of the book took on that of a political adventure. One thing that was particularly unique and enjoyable was our narrator. She was an actual character but having died before the story began gave her an omniscience that allowed the reader to see past the first person perspective.
The book was slow to start and there were so many characters that any time to get to know and bond with them never happened. Also, with the exception of Bibi, most of the characters were two demensional at best. That could have been remedied by allowing the reader more time to get to know the characters better.
Really, with all that being said, I think that's the extent of my review. I did like the book but I don't think it garnered any more praise or reflection than what I've given. A good book and from what I've heard from others it was a departure from Tan's usual writings of Chinese-American mother-daughter relationships. So if you like Tan's writing but want something different from her usual style you got it here. If you've never read any Amy Tan, though, starting with this book may give you a wrong (and disappointing) first impression....more
Now before you jump on me screaming and bitching about how I could possibly give this book a C, hear me out. In my own opinion, I just didn't like theNow before you jump on me screaming and bitching about how I could possibly give this book a C, hear me out. In my own opinion, I just didn't like the book too much. It didn't grab me or hook me at the beginning, and it wasn't really until the last quarter of the book that my attention was really held.
I can't figure out why else I didn't really like it. Roth is a very skilled writer, the book reading like a historical memoir of hard times, the tone of a distant adult voice recounting his younger years. His incorporation of real historical figures was flawless and didn't seemed stretched at any time. They blended seemlessly with the fictional ones, and never appeared out of character. At least they didn't for me, maybe those of you who are HUGE history buffs about certain figures would be able to tell more.
The thing that was disturbing about the novel was how real it was. Not in the way it was written, but when you read the postscript at the end about these historical figures and their own personal timelines, you can see how likely the book could have been reality if things had only been slightly different.
If you're planning on reading the book and find yourself losing your focus on it in the beginning, finding it getting dry, I advise you to hold on. For me it finally picked up by chapter 7 and just kept going from there. And there are bits in the beginning that are a little more exciting and I found those enough to keep reading.
In the end I think this is a book that will always garner different reactions and opinions. It's not about the way it's written, the characters or the storyline, it's just going to be if you liked it or you didn't. For me, it was good, but I just didn't think it was that good....more
I'm very indifferent about this novel. I read it about four months ago, and recalling it I can't remember being overly moved by it. Of course it's an I'm very indifferent about this novel. I read it about four months ago, and recalling it I can't remember being overly moved by it. Of course it's an interesting story for a novel, arguing a somewhat sensitive issue of home-birth versus hospital-birth. But now thinking back I can't say I loved it or hated it.
There was an even combination of moments where I found myself drifting off while reading and moments where I was so riveted nothing could distract me outside of someone ripping the book out of my hand. I guess that's preferable to not being absorbed by a book at all, but really I want the book to grab at least a little of my attention the entire time I'm reading.
Like I said, I read this book a while ago and it's just not sticking in my mind whatsoever. Yes, there are a few moments I can recall as being good. The book was well written, the characters so-so. Overall you're going to have to go out there and make your own opinion about it. It was just too inbetween for me to go one way or the other....more
This book is geared mainly towards young stage actors. While not outwardly critical it's also not very complimentary towards film/tv and musical theatThis book is geared mainly towards young stage actors. While not outwardly critical it's also not very complimentary towards film/tv and musical theatre, treating them as pesky but tolerable nuisance. That irked me a lot because I studied musical theatre but stayed in LA to go into the film industry. But whatever.
If you're looking for a book about how to act, this isn't it. If you're looking for a book that will help you prepare for your career this is okay, but there are better ones out there. But if you want a book telling you what's out there and what to expect, than this is it.
Most of what was in this book was not new to me. It would have been more fitting a read while I looked for schools, not after I graduated. It did introduce me to some actors and directors I hadn't heard of before, though. Something I can now investigate and learn more about.
By the end of the book I was pretty bored. Brustein started off really strong, everything he talked about was followed by an example or story. After halfway through though it almost seemed like he was beginning to struggle. The stories he had peppered throughout the beginning became few and far between.
All in all? Okay. Nothing new for me though. If Brustein wrote a book addressing the various techniques of different artists he's encountered, I woul be very interested....more
I think this another one of those many books that has been riding on the coattails of The Da Vinci Code. Mind you, it's just the latest in an apparantI think this another one of those many books that has been riding on the coattails of The Da Vinci Code. Mind you, it's just the latest in an apparant series of book following Cotton Malone's adventures. Perhaps that's why I never really got all that involved in the book was because I had never really gotten to know the characters and there were just so many that I was expected to.
Even so, with the plot jumping to three different places and three seperate storylines (for the most part until they join together at the end) I was just pulled in too many directions. I didn't know who I really wanted to follow, root for, or trust.
Probably the most annoying aspect of this book was Pam. She just pissed me off. She never listened to Malone, thus majorly messing up plans and almost getting herself (and others) killed. In a way I wish she was killed that way she would have been out of our hair.
The last quarter of the book does make up for all the annoyances. The Library of Alexandria has always been something that fascinated me. A place with all old world knowledge stored up and lost. What we could have learned had we not lost the library, where we could be right now, it's amazing to think about. It was the main reason I wanted to read this book and it's the main reason I kept reading. I was extremely pleased they did focus on the library at the end, and we actually got to see it!
Still... okay book, just too much. I'm sure for those following the adventures of Cotton Malone the book will be so much more worthwhile. But for those of you who plan on making the mistake I made and thinking this book would mainly address the lost library, you're wrong. Maybe read a couple of the books that come before this, it might make the read more enjoyable....more
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