This novel is a tour de force, in which Anne Rice weaves a 300 year back history covering 13 generations in a supernatural family. The level of detailThis novel is a tour de force, in which Anne Rice weaves a 300 year back history covering 13 generations in a supernatural family. The level of detail and backstory is astounding, and the reader is enveloped in the ornate world described by the author. At first the book seems to be a compelling horror story of the simple good vs. evil, but it quickly develops into a more complex and interesting story.
At the end the message is spelled out for those of us not accustomed to thinking about the border symbolic meaning to fictional stories: “it’s a struggle between the natural and the unnatural, Michael. No matter what that being is made of, no matter what he comes from - it’s a struggle between normal life and aberration. Between evolution on the one hand and disastrous intervention on the other.�
The ending felt a little rushed and under-written, like the author had run out of steam or into a deadline after completely the long history of the family, but the above quote makes up for it. That is a lot to chew on, and a new lens through which to evaluate one’s feelings toward the spirit character. Maybe he just wants to be a person, and to deny him that opportunity is simply prejudice. Or maybe he really will turn out to be completely evil and a [supernatural] example of humans intervening in nature to disastrous consequence. This was too long and dense a book to want to jump right into the sequel all about the spirit, so I will not soon know which is the correct interpretation. ...more
Reading “The Yosemite� was my first experience reading John Muir’s prose. His descriptions are amazing. I read most of the book on a backpacking trip Reading “The Yosemite� was my first experience reading John Muir’s prose. His descriptions are amazing. I read most of the book on a backpacking trip in Yosemite, and I cherish this opportunity to read Muir’s descriptions of the very place I was visiting. Muir’s words are oft quoted, and now I understand why. His writing is poetic and moving, and so much of what he says speaks to soul.
John Muir is skilled at painting with words. Reading about a waterfall, you can see how the water descends and hear the thundering sound. His descriptions of the trees are better than any field guide. His adventure stories are exciting. His love for his subject comes through with such enthusiasm, you can’t help but be captivated by his narration of nature’s beauty.
This edition of the book has strange formatting, with huge margins including over two inches of blank space at the bottom of the pages. At first I was annoyed by this, especially as this extra paper amounts to extra weight that I packed in on my hiking trip. But once I was enthralled in the words, I realized I should use that space to note the most special passages and perhaps write my own observations of the landmarks and forests he explains....more
This was my first time reading manga, and it took a little to figure out how to read it: left to right, top to bottom, and the fine print is a translaThis was my first time reading manga, and it took a little to figure out how to read it: left to right, top to bottom, and the fine print is a translation of the writing in the scene, for instance on signs. This is a very fun story of a college freshman who has a superpower - the ability to see microorganisms with his naked eye. A story of fermentation and the role that bacteria and yeast play in the health (and infection) of our lives unfolds. The illustrations are detailed and the story is full of microorganism-fueled adventure.
The story doesn’t really end, though. I need to track down the second volume....more
I finally embraced the fact that I love fantastical stories, especially those with magic. So when I came across a shelf of free books in front of a liI finally embraced the fact that I love fantastical stories, especially those with magic. So when I came across a shelf of free books in front of a library, I scanned the titles for one that sounded fun and picked up this book. The story isn't the typical one that I like, it is a story with a lesson: you cannot run from your personal failings, but you must face them head on. It is a quick and engaging read without a lot of depth beyond the main story line.
After reading the book I googled the author and came across her , which I love and am now reading more by Ursula Le Guin....more
I loved reading this road trip story while on my own road trip. It was interesting to compare what a camper road trip was like in the 60's to what it I loved reading this road trip story while on my own road trip. It was interesting to compare what a camper road trip was like in the 60's to what it is like today. The ending in New Orleans was particularly thought-provoking regarding the progress in civil rights since then....more
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