Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Book 27 "Water for Elephants"
A charming story of a young man in search of himself and who finds himself running away with the circus. The story unfolds itself to reveal a circus struggling for survival during the "Great Depression" and every man for himself. The plot thickens further with a love affair and a murder.
I'll be honest. I tried to avoid this book. It was on every bookstore shelf throughout the country and to add to my suspicion it came out in a major motion picture. So, I wasn't sure if I was simply getting caught up in the "hoop-la" or finding mmyself with a brilliant book overtaken by the masses? What I found was a marvelous story woven between adventure, tragedy, comedy, and romance. My recommendation would be to read the book. (Although I've heard the movie follows the book closely).
Between reading Water for Elephants and the Help I have found myself to be wrong on both accounts. I was surprised with this book and highly recommend it.
What really struck me
The brilliance in which Sara Gruen wrote the language between characters. The narrative was genius and the words coming from "old man Jacob" sounded realistic and was perfect. It shed a light on the world of a nursing home and the world of a circus all in one book.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Book 26 "Never Look Away"
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Book 25 "Dog On It"
A mystery that doesn't amaze the reader, but a narration that goes beyond amusement. The story is narrated by 'Chet' the dog. Any animal lover will find this book a delightful read. I love how the author could put the reader in places where only dogs would understand. This appears to be a mystery series, so I look forward to adding more of Quinn's books to my reading list.
If you are looking for an easy, enjoyable mystery, look no further than Spencer Quinn. He delivers.
(on a side note: I love the play on words on the title: Dog on it.)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
book 24 "Room"
The setting of the book Room is in....well, in a room. We are introduced to the main characters (Jack and Ma) as they try and survive being trapped and isolated in a room over 7 years by a psycho kidnapper named 'Old Nick'.
It's written from the five year old (Jack) perspective and most of the dialogue between Jack and his mother is written to sound like an under-socialized five year old would talk. Very realistic and profoundly sad.
The book (although fiction) sheds a light on the world of neglected children and missing people. In reality, it sheds a BIGGER light on how messed up people can be!! We live in a scary world. The fact that a human being can treat another human being with such indignity and foulness is unbelievable.
A good read. Prepare yourself for a few chapters of depression however....as the main characters plight becomes more and more apparent.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Book 23 "What Good is God?"
Book 22 "Crashers"
The authors first attempt at a thriller strikes a big hit and I wouldn't be surprised to see this in a motion picture in upcoming years. The book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and was difficult to put down. The word "intense" sums up the novel.
The book itself centers itself around the team of investigators who investigate plane crashes, a.k.a. "Crashers". The work of the crashers find themselves wrapped into an investigation of a airline crash in Oregon only to find themselves digging into a deeper plot. In fact, a terrorist plot. The team must race quickly to prevent another airline disaster at the hands of the terrorist.
Not a classic by any stretch, but a fast pace read for someone looking for a high adrenaline packed Tom Clancy-like novel.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Used Book Store Adventure
This brings me to my current thought of the day. "Used Book Stores"
If you haven't visited one today, get out there and visit one! If you don't know of any in your area get out there and go hunting! I will blog in short, it's worth the trip!
My latest used book store hunt brought me to Owatanna, Minnesota. It happened to be "Crazy Days" and I stumbled upon a little book store in the downtown area. Out front along the sidewalk they had purchased a bulk supply of used and older "Library Hardbacks" and were selling them by the pound!!! How cool is that? I've seen meat sold that way, but to see old hardbacks sold that way...well, that was fairly interesting! Interesting enough that I went ahead and bought three new hardbacks at a whopping price of $10 (none of them being newer titles. But...thought they would be good reads).
1. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2. Blood Oath by Christopher Farmsworth
3. Everything's Eventual by Stephen King
What really struck me (compared to Barnes and Noble) was the hands-on approach of the used book store owners. They were very helpful and struck a good conversation with me about current books, and some popular series.
Want an adventure in reading? Go out there and find a USED book store. It will be worth your time......I promise!!!