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In a way, hanging the "New Hunger Games" label on Divergent is an annoyance--beyond being a rather violent dystopian story with a teen girl as protagonist, it doesn't share much in common with The Hunger Games trilogy. On the other hand, that label will probably compel fans of those books (myself included) to pick up this one. And that's a good thing, because on its own terms, it's a gripping novel by a talented new author.I almost didn't want to like it. I thought unlike Collins' dystopia (which mirrors empires built on the backs of provinces and colonies throughout history), Roth's imagined world was something one would have a hard time imagining society evolving into. But she sold me. I read an article recently that took the view that dystopian YA novels are so popular today because high school is a kind of dystopia. Here, with the creation of a society divided by factions, Roth has on one level created a perfect metaphor for high school, with its cliques. And on a deeper level, a metaphor for life in general, because don't we all divide up into factions of one kind or another? It also has interesting things to say about what truly constitutes bravery and the difficulty of wanting to be your own person while also wanting to please your parents,Before I convince anybody that this is a dry read that takes a scholarly look at these thematic elements, be assured that this is a highly entertaining read, with plenty of drama and action. Beatrice (later known as "Tris") is a compelling heroine, and I just loved the "voice" of the character. There has been some commentary that the initiation stage of the story is excessively violent, even to the point of sadism, but I didn't find it so. It actually reminded me quite a bit of the kind of training military recruits go through, although somewhat more extreme, of course. There has also been some criticism that what has really been going on among the factions is introduced way late in the story, but this didn't bother me. This is a story as much about the evolution of Tris as a person as it is about the society she inhabits.It's true we don't get much of a picture of what the world is like outside of this futuristic version of Chicago, but I am assuming that this will be dealt with at some point later on in the trilogy. As for my own personal criticisms, I wish more of the other characters were as memorable as Tris. I found the love story a little too "Harlequin Romance" for my taste. (I was almost expecting descriptions of heaving bosoms now and then.) But aside from the overheated descriptions, I liked Tris and Four as a couple.All in all, a more than worthwhile read. Am very much looking forward to the next installment.

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books

different

type

fast

book

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0062024027

Great book I loved it can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change.

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books

long

review

high

tolerance

a33a21af8e8bafceb23c721d7b25908a

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Sad that the Hunger Games series is over? Never fear. There is this book. It has everything you need. It is Epic with a capital E. It is called Divergent. It will take you on a ride that leaves you breathless, heart pounding, palms sweating and with a big grin on your face. I'm not sure anything I say about it would be sufficient enough because it's just too awesome for words. Truth be told, when I first heard about this book I wasn't real impressed *facepalm* because the fire thing on the cover was kind of blah and the synopsis seemed very "let's jump on the dystopia popularity train!" *double facepalm* Clearly, I suck at first impressions. After reading a ton of rave reviews and the first 100 pages online (link on author's site), I knew that I had to have this one. I read it in a day. All 487 pages. And now here I am despairing that I have to wait until sometime in 2012 for the next book in this series. Anything I read after this book will be disappointing. How do you follow an act like Divergent? I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you why you should read this book...In this futuristic Chicago, the city is split into factions. Each faction has a primary value that they believed was lacking to cause wars of the past. Abnegation; Selflessness. Amity; Peacefulness. Candor; Honesty. Erudite; Intelligence. Dauntless; Bravery. Beatrice was raised to be selfless in Abnegation, but for her, it has never quite fit. When she turns 16, she must choose which faction she wants to live in. Does she dare leave her family? After taking a test to determine which faction fits her, she hopes to have an answer to decide but ends up with a rare and dangerous result. She is Divergent. She fits with more than one faction. Not exactly the answer she was looking for and when choosing day arrives, she risks betraying her family and follows her heart and chooses Dauntless; becoming Tris, the brave.New faction, new name. Her choice was just the beginning. After choosing, she must go through initiation, which is designed to weed out the weak. Tris' competitors are ruthless and she refuses to fail as Dauntless despite her secret Divergent status. Soon she discovers that her world isn't as perfect as she thought. Something is brewing and she might be the only one that can do anything about it.Tris is such a strong character. Did she always make the right choices? No. But I understood her. I felt the reasons behind the choices she made. She's a bit impulsive, but she is smart and definitely brave. I admired her tenacity. You can't help but root for her through her whole journey. And she isn't alone on her adventure. She makes a few friends with a couple initiates like Will, Christina, Al and Uriah. Christina was a great BFF. The girly girl that Tris isn't. She and Will are a bit of a duo and Tris is grateful they are on her side when she has to deal with ruthless initiates like Peter (EVIL!!). Al is a nice guy but he struggles with initiation and Uriah is a dauntless born initiate who doesn't seem to have a problem believing Tris is more Dauntless than she looks.And then there is Four. The instructor. The "tough love" instructor that Tris starts to crush on. He's a bit intimidating but he seems to have a strong sense of right and wrong. The romance was evenly paced. There was no declarations of love after 5 minutes. Tris and Four's relationship is so much more complicated than that and I feel like that is part of why you'll love it.Between the world, the characters and the intense emotions in this book, I can easily say that Veronica Roth's writing is aces. It's hard to believe there is no unnecessary filler in a novel this large but there really isn't. Divergent is a MUST READ. It's sad, it's ferocious, it's deep and you won't be disappointed. This book has everything you need in a book and I highly recommend it so you had better read it or I might have to come after you and hound you about it. *grin* Just kidding.... Kind of.Sorry this review was so long! I just loved it so much!

Do you have a high degree of tolerance?

books

due

book

many

secret

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I loved this book so, so much. I flew through it in two days and the first thing I did when I finished was to jump on Amazon and see when the next book was due out. (Answer: May. Too far away!) I've been thinking about it since I finished reading it. This is a book that grabs you at the start, draws you in deep and keeps you there. I wanted to BE Tris. I swooned over Four. I cheered at the characters' victories and wept at the bitter betrayals. I was completely involved in the story from beginning to end.The pacing is fast and tense, the characters are layered and the story is rich and detailed. I was fascinated by the world that Roth created, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the next book in the series!Veronica Roth is a powerful new voice in fiction. I was shocked to realize that this was a debut novel, and even more shocked to realize how young the author is. I'm so excited to see what else this author has to offer!Run, don't walk to buy this book.

How is the secret?

books

unbelievable

premise

bleak

future

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I put off reading Divergent just because the premise was so...unbelievable. Some of that carried through to the story but the most promising thing about this series is Tris as a character. She is well-developed and likable. I think Four could have been better developed, but since it was Tris' POV, you can't really expect the same level of intimacy. I will definitely read the second book, but while the character development of Tris was great, the world-building wasn't so hot. Nor was the ending. I was really enjoying the book up until the crisis, and then I was like...nah, that's just not believable. I didn't really think the Dauntless world was believable either. Too many gaps in what they were doing and the whole piercing and tattoo thing...was it just me, or did that just allow the author to make the book more "edgy"? Maybe it was just me. And besides, it didn't really work. I liked the factions, but had totally forgotten by the end that there were more than three!!!! (Surprise, surprise!) I'd say the price is a little high for a Kindle book, but the story exceeded most of my expectations.

How is the future in that story?

books

strong

character

strong

heroine

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My daughter and I read the first two books and found them entertaining, although predictable. The writing is about 8th or 9th grade level, so pretty easy, but the story carries you quickly from one scene to the next and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike (both genders). At first I thought it was going to be like "The Hunger Games", and in some ways it is, but not in a bad way. The main female character is strong, but I found her a bit too one-sided, which might lead a young person to believe that showing emotion would be a sign of weakness. Her fear of exposing herself (physically and emotionally) just didn't seem to match the rest of her character. This might be corrected in later books, so I'm trying to be open minded about it.One thing that bothered me while reading the story is that she referred to individuals being injected with a "transmitter" that would receive instructions. Technically this should have been called a "receiver". This was such an obvious mistake that I couldn't believe the editors didn't catch it.Actually, the entire premise is a bit odd, because most of us would be considered "Divergent" (in the sense of having multiple capabilities), but you have to look past that to enjoy the story for what it is: sheer entertainment with some thoughts on morality and learning how to be a leader instead of a follower. The main male character is also a pretty good role model for young adult girls.

Who is the heroine in this story?

books

other

choice

not complete

story

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My Thoughts: I started this book and couldn't put it down until I was finished! Completely and utterly finished. No breaks, no stops, no doing anything until I was done.It's the future and a lot of things are different. We are introduced to Eve who will be graduating from an all girls school. She's top notch and will give a speech at the ceremony. Her life seems pretty good. She will soon learn new things and Eve and her friends are anxious for their futures. She will learn different trades in the City of Sand after graduation.Ever since The Plague, people are restless. Girls are sent to these schools and taught that men are dangerous. They are not to be trusted.So, when Eve stumbles upon what really happens after graduation, she's horrified. The future looked so good, until she realized what she and the rest of the girls would be doing next. Does the population need increased? YES!She sets out and escapes from the school into the wild. She needs to get to Califia which is a safe haven for people like her. She ends up meeting an unlikely ally along the way and they head out to a safe haven together.Things don't go expected as they stumble upon a boy named Caleb. Eve is hesitant to trust him or even talk to him but when her life is put in his hands, she has no other choice. Eve describes him as a dirty boy, and stinky when she meets him! This reminded me of how people don't always have soap and have to make do with what they got. And be happy, just to have simple things.She goes back to his homestead and we get to see her develop a relationship with him and all the other boys who live there.Eve and Caleb had such a precious relationship. I don't know how else to describe it. It was gentle, and caring, and oh so charming.Things don't turn out exactly how I had hoped, and now I want the next book!When I started this novel, I wasn't sure about it. Honestly, I didn't read much about it, because I didn't want to know what was going to happen. I wanted this one to be one of those that I heard a lot about when it came out awhile ago, but it just sat on my bookshelf until I was ready to read it. I picked it up, and started reading it, forgetting what the plot was about. Am I glad I did? YES YES YES!Overall: When does the next book come out again? haha, not soon enough! Eve was an imaginative book of what the future could be like. I love these kind of books, because we see different aspects of what the world could hold, and some of them are very scary to really think about it. I really loved Eve and I can't wait to read more by Carey.Cover: It's pretty! The colors just go together and the way the girl is looking out is just amazing. She knows something more is out there, but she's not sure what is.What I'd Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes______________Review Based On Hardcover EditionTaken From Princess Bookie

How is it story ?

books

different

circumstance

close

story

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Before I give my review of this book, I just want to throw it out there that I think the comparison of The Selection to The Hunger Games that some people around the internet are completely uncalled for. This book is nothing like The Hunger Games, except that there's a game people get randomly chosen to participate in. The games are nothing alike, the selection process is nothing alike, and the characters, the world, and the circumstances are completely different. Does anybody get married by the end of The Hunger Games? No. Does anyone die in the process of The Selection? No. Well, not as a direct result of the game at least, there is a war going on so I'm sure someone somewhere did die. But that's besides the point.Now that that is out of the way...This book definitely met all my expectations. It was a fantastic mix of romance, self-discovery, and even enough action thrown in to keep it interesting. Most of the characters, and all of the main had great character development, and nobody stayed stagnant for very long. The unraveling of Maxon's character and personality was done very well, and I found myself pulling for him from the first time America interacts with him.I absolutely loved America's character, and I was very glad that Cass didn't just throw her at the prince. It made America feel more real, and not just like another conniving girl after the crown. Which made it feel less like The Bachelor, and I definitely appreciated that. I don't think I would have been able to handle a book just about a bunch of girls fighting over a crown instead of trying to legitimately win the prince's heart. I also thought that the way America treats her servants in the castle is wonderful. Being from a lower caste, she understands them more than the other girls and treats them like real people.A couple of spoilers from here on out, so proceed with caution if you haven't read the book yet.I loved how America was so reluctant to enter the Selection, but does anyway to please her family and her secret boyfriend. Except that I didn't really like Aspen, and I thought he treated her terribly after their break-up. I wish she hadn't kept that last penny in a jar, but I can see the significance and the purpose. Aspen really didn't impress me much, but I feel like that was what Cass intended. Although I hope he doesn't shape up and win America's heart, part of me still thinks he'll make an effort to in the next book. And then most of me still hope she chooses Maxon.I could rant for a while about how Maxon is so much better for her than Aspen, and how much he clearly cares for her, but I'll let you read the book and make your own decision on that. It's Team Maxon for me all the way though.The history lesson in one of the middle chapters was very interesting, and I'm glad Cass included it. It's always nice to know a little bit about the world and the time period that the novel takes place in, and I think including that chapter was a great way to incorporate the information without it sounding like an actual history lesson. Or without having one of the characters randomly go off about the history of the country and the world.I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel. The ending of The Selection left me wanting so much more, and I hope the rest of the series answers the questions I have and resolves the plot in the way I hope it will. Although I'm sure I'll be happy with the outcome no matter what happens. Cass' descriptive style of writing is enough to make me enjoy the books even if the plot doesn't go how I think it should.A strong 4/5 on this one! If you haven't picked it up yet, I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a little less action, great character development, and a strong female protagonist.

How rewarding is the story?

books

fine

character

nice

pace

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I can't help but notice that the reviews for this book are really mixed, and I honestly don't understand why. Maybe I just wasn't looking for anything wrong. I was just looking for a distraction, and this book succeeded at that. I read on the treadmill. I grade a book primarily by how long I can run before I notice I'm running and then stop. I didn't want to stop with this book. I didn't skip any treadmill days in the two or three I spent on this book, I actually looked forward to my daily runs. I am very excited for the next installment since I've gotten lazy and I need to increase my running time again. I didn't get distracted by the names. If I can pronounce them, I don't really care what people call each other. I liked the idea behind the story, I think it reflects current morals reasonably well. The main character was fine. I didn't like every decision she made, but I don't even like all of the decision I make, so I get it. If I really had to reach for a reason to be annoyed with this book, maybe it would be that the MC keeps stumbling onto the right thing to do by accident. I can see myself getting annoyed with her complete lack of calculation. I felt that enough was explained about the dystopian timeline to make the story make sense without talking about so much that it became political. A few things mentioned, such as the lack of written history, were even downright intriguing.Maybe I'm just not hard enough on my reading material. Darn you, book, for not changing my life! How dare you beguile me with entertaining fluff that does not make me a better person? It still sounds insincere, so I guess I'll have to work on that...

How is the pace?

books

fun

book

fun

read

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This ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.Publish date: April 24th, 2012 Juvenile Fiction: Love & Romance, 336 pagesHarper TeenFirst love can be a beautiful thing; that's why ithurts so much to let go. America Singer is a Five,just like her family. Neither are they on the verybottom of the caste-system nor one of theprivileged. Life is a struggle. Her mother hashigh hopes for America, and is delighted that shegot picked to take part in 'The Selection'. PrinceMaxon has come off age. He's ready to claim abride, the future princess of Illéa. Competingagainst over thirty other young women is not whatAmerica wants. Then again, how can she disappointthe people she loves; keep them from a betterlife? Getting to know the supposedly arrogantMaxon for who he really is - anything but - onlymakes it harder.Finally, thank you - a dystopian young adult novel that pretty much catered to my every whim. I'm aware of the Goodreads drama surrounding this release, but to be honest, I don't care. The blurb captured my interested and I'm so thankful I was provided with a review copy. That's what it should be about. The book, the story itself! It's such a fabulous one, too. I think you should expect to be entertained and thus not think about every little detail too hard. This book is fun and it has a fresh take on the dystopia genre. I loved the modern elements! It made it easier to relate to the characters and what was happening to them.The writing was smooth and very teen-ish in an adequate way. Considering the heroines age, that most definitely is to be taken as a compliment. I liked America's voice. What I loved about the character? She was not bitter about being born a Five, instead, made the best out of her circumstances. It's truly awesome to see her smile, take joy in simple pleasantries. On the other hand, America was also a typical teenager wanting to break free of her confines. A lot of readers wrote about the heroine being stupid. I disagree. Being a teenager or a young woman for that matter entails (or excuses if you want) a certain degree of confusion. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and be unreasonable. I didn't like her any less just because I found her actions questionable (at times).High praise for the author: The world building was flawless. She included important information in such a way that it never, not even once, interrupted the development of the storyline. Same as with the heroine, several readers complained about the lack of world building. 'It's not dystopian!', they say. Yup, you guessed right - I disagree. We have a mix between contemporary / modern and historical elements. Political structures? Check! The castes, the monarchy' The 'nightmare' world? Check! The huge gap between the privileged (One, Two, Three), the less fortunate (Four, Five, Six) and the unfortunate (Seven, Eight)- I categorized them for you. Is something automatically without depth when it isn't overly complex? No, at least not in my humble opinion. The modern feel to it? Check! You'll notice that right away. No need to explain.The secondary characters, even though the family didn't have a lot of screen page time, coaxed a smile out of me more often than not. Lovely family! America is a daddy's girl. Just like me. Her father was a gentle soul; a wise man. My biggest pre-reading concern was the introduction of the other candidates. I wondered how the author would pull it off. How many? All thirty-four of them? She did a wonderful job by focusing on a couple while the rest floated in the background - present, but not overwhelmingly so.Aspen versus Maxon: No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers *chantstoself*. It's a rare occurrence to fall in love (nah, okay, more like a crush) with both male characters. Of course I had a preference, but I'd have been okay with either outcome. However, I was desperate to learn America's final decision. Both Aspen and Maxon had responsibilities; a weight on their shoulders that sometimes felt too heavy to handle. They were proud, too - America stubborn. What an intriguing combination. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America's life, learning about the Selection and so on before Maxon came into the picture. That Maxon-less time was well spent and necessary.America profited from this experience. It took her a while, but she suddenly saw the Selection process from Maxon's perspective. It wasn't easy for him either. Trust has to be earned and the author took this sentiment to heart. No insta-love, no insta-trust. You cannot imagine how relieved I was.Why not rate the book 5 stars then? The ending was too abrupt. Sorry to say that I didn't like it. It felt cut off rather than 'to be continued'. The author failed to hit the right key. I wanted to almost burst with excitement, not think 'The end? Well, okay then - that kind of s**ks'. A bit more effort could've turned it around. This is something an agent / editor should've realized, for I can absolutely understand how much pressure the author was (or so I imagine) under writing the ending.Are you the mood for a dystopian romance with the dreamy flair of a modern reality television show? If so - this fantastic novel is the book to read. 4.5 stars to The Selection by Kiera Cass.Beware of Spoilers!A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested: 'You can't expect to be able to provide everything for everyone you love.' 'I loved him, and how it felt to be loved by him. I felt special, priceless, irreplaceable.' 'I would be the best of us, the Highest of the Lows. It gave me a sense of purpose.' 'I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.' ''funny laugh, but it's cute ' Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear''

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books

important

role

large

role

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ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER is the second book of Sarah MacLean’s Rules of Scoundrels series.I will make a confession before I begin the review of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER. I read this book for the first time four months ago and I’ve read it at least 6 times since then. It is already one of my favorite romance books of all time. The book makes me laugh and makes me cry. I absolutely love the characters and while I understand the complaints that some have about the plot or the motivations of the characters, I don’t agree.To me the romance between Lady Philippa (Pippa) Marbury and Jasper Arlesey, Earl Harlow aka Cross is magnificent. I love how Cross is just baffled by Pippa. She is a unique character and he is enthralled and bemused by her. Their first meeting, Pippa arrives at Cross’ office while he is asleep and she proceeds to inspect his books and criticize his calculations is so amusing. Pippa is “odd” and Cross is simultaneously fascinated and horrified by her.Cross is a wonderfully tortured hero. He is a man who was a second son who was happy living dissipated life; a young man who did not take anything seriously. He is tortured because his older responsible brother is killed in a carriage accident while traveling to an event that Cross at first promised and then reneged on attending. Cross then gains his brother’s title. Cross, however, believes that he should have died instead of his brother and thus refuses to take up that life because he does not feel worthy of it.Pippa is amazing. She is clever and strong and quirky. She is a scientist and looks at the world in a curious manner. She is engaged to marry an earl (who is nice enough but no match for Pippa’s intellect) because she is settling because she believes that no one could really want her because of her odd nature.I love this book. The dialogue is the best part. The conversations are so fascinating that I could just continue to read them again and again. Cross and Pippa are both intellectuals and they discuss things in such an unusual manner. I am both fascinated and amused by their conversations. I especially like the fact that Cross is so bemused in Pippa’s presence. He is a man who has denied his passions and yet has such incredible passion inside him.MacLean always has such vivid characters, but I find Pippa and Cross to be incredible examples of her expertise. They are unusual people and I understand their motivations because MacLean does such a great job of bringing the reader into their minds. I know that Cross’ actions are the subject of some confusion and criticism by some readers. I feel, however, that Cross has made a life for himself of denying himself. He refuses to be happy because he feels unworthy. Eventually, he concludes that he is not worthy but that he is enough of a scoundrel to take what he wants anyway. Thus, the HEA. It doesn’t bother me when characters make swift changes in decisions because I find that realistic in that Cross is so used to denying himself happiness that he does so by habit until he is shaken from his routine.I also really enjoy all the secondary characters. Chase and Temple have important roles in the story and I enjoy the interaction between the partners. My only small complaint is that Penelope and Bourne only have a small role here. I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was, and I missed that payoff.While you don’t have to read A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME first, the story certainly gains from having the background from that story – plus, any reader of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER must read the Epilogue of A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME where Pippa and Cross meet. While their meeting is summarized in the first chapter of this book, the Epilogue is so amazing that for me I always read that before I start to read ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER.I recommend this book highly!

Do you like his role?

books

other

plan

easy

thing

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4bb2a77ad774bb15275a975e9810e15b

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Nikki Beckett has been seduced into a world of emotion feeding fiends. Now she has six months to make amends with her friends and family, before she returns to the Everneath. But what Nikki really wants is to see Jack, her love and constant, the one person who that got her through the eternity of living death known as the feed, one last time. Unfortunately her capture Cole, has other plans and will stop at nothing to convince Nikki to be his underworld queen. Yet, something about Cole's actions are suspect, and as Nikki learns more about her bargain, she believes there might be another solution to either becoming a soul sucking immortal or enduring the endless torture of the Everneath.Brodi Ashton delivers an impressive debut. Everneath is a hauntingly beautiful modern interpretation of a Greek classic. The story moves fluidly from past to present, revealing the plot and characters, in a difficult yet successful way. The world building and characters really emoted this sorrowful current, which set the tone perfectly. The writing style suited the plot, and helps the reader to connect with and fall for Nikki and Jack.I found the tone and melancholy quality in Amy Rubinate's narration as haunting and lovely as the words Brodi Ashton provided. She sold it for me. It wasn't overly dramatic, just the right mix of regret, longing, and numbness. Rubinate did a wonderful job on the male voices as well, they were strong and didn't sound forced. She reads well, and I found her easy to listen to. I loved her performance in this. Everneath has everything I look for in an audiobook, great production value, clear well read narration, and a wonderful performance by the narrator.Everneath is a great addition to anyone's library or playlist. It's beautifully written, has a wonderful story, exceptionally flawed characters, and a great recording.

Is this thing in your mind?

books

unique

world building

amazing

world building

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Wow! I have a new author to fangirl on. The world building was unique and exciting. The characters were smart & practical, a jackpot to hit when reading YA. Nobody was stoopit! Aria (who coincidentally is a talented opera singer - yeah, that was hard to swallow) turned out to be strong & in possession of self control. No damsel in distress. Out hero, Perry, turns out NOT to be a jerky he man. Surprising, since he's in line to be the blood lord of his tribe. He's an alpha leader in all the right ways, able to protect & willing to sacrifice his needs for his people. Hmmm...yeah, I kind of adore him. The supporting cast was great, & there's even a manipulating government leader type to hate. Super bonus: There. Are. Cannibals! A tribe that wears crow masks & black capes (okay, okay, and jingle bells). Perry pissed them off & they want to make him into stew. Honestly, the bells make them even creepier.Under the Never Sky, I award thee the highest of honors. 6 stars & a unicorn. I highly recommend & I have the next book ready to go.

How is the world building?

books

confuse

book

satisfying

end

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The book is at the begining a bit boring and confusing because you don't understand a lot of words that they use but then the story keeps going on and it gets more and more interesting. A lot of things happen in it and the characters each with their story are very interesting

How did you feel with the end?

books

more complicated

thing

available

review

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I had zero intentions to read this book originally. It just didn’t seem like something that would interest me. Well I don’t know if you have noticed, but I have been challenging myself to read stuff outside of my normal reading comfort zone. Since that’s the case when this was offered by Epic Reads(Harper Teen) as a 68 hour free read online only, I jumped on it. My conclusion: I’m an idiot for passing in the first place. This book was fantastic and addicting and mesmerizing!Shatter Me is about Juliette, a girl that has been locked away in isolation for months because she possesses a power that frightens everyone around her. Juliette can kill people with the simplest of touches and because of that it has been almost a year since she had touched anything. Alone and scared Juliette’s world turns upside down when she is suddenly sharing a cell, and not just anyone, with a boy that may or may not be from her past. When things become even more complicated and Juliette finds out exactly why she has been locked up she must decide who to trust and just what she is willing to do to save her life and those around her.God did I love Juliette. She was such a great character. She had strength, but not too much so she was unbelievable, and she had vulnerability, but not enough to make her seem whiney. And she and Adam together were complete and utter magic. I could not get enough of their interaction. They played off each other so well and yet there was innocence to them even if you could constantly cut the sexual tension with a knife. Add in the stress of Werner and you have a winning combination of awesome. What really grabbed me though was the story telling. It was done in a way that I actually believed in the “fantasy” aspect which was what scared me away in the first place. Everything was paced nicely which added to the realistic feel not to mention the emotions all characters showed.All in all, this is a must read book and series. I have the second book waiting for me to read and I can’t wait to get to it.

Where can I find book with excellent review?

books

disjointed

write

bland

story

7aeebe922cbf967c3d9f5abdcef3fd23

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0062085484

Shatter Me follows Juliette a young women that hasn't touched anyone in almost a year. The reason is because her touch is deadly. She accidentally killed a young boy and has been locked up ever since. The world that Juliette lives in is heavily polluted and resources are extremely limited. It's a dystopian novel, but honestly I'm not sure why it's a dystopian society. You are really never given a clear reason why the two sides are fighting and what caused all the pollution and destruction.I really like the premise but that was about it. The writing was disjointed and weird. I felt like the description of the country and who was fighting and for what was never really described. Tahereh Mafi uses a technique where she keeps writing what the character is thinking about saying, then crossing it out. Some may really like it, but I found it distracting. If it had been used sparingly I may have enjoyed it more but after ever few sentences it becomes a little much. There were a few steamy scenes that I enjoyed, mostly because YA likes to tip toe around those scenes.Near the ending of the novel it pretty much turns into a X-Men novel complete with costumes. If I wanted to have a X-Men universe I would have just re-watched the movies.I was so disappointed with the writing and the set up of this series I don't think I'll be picking up the next one in the series.

How is story?

books

about to change

life

big

plan

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I hadn't read any reviews on this when I'd picked it up, the simple blurb on the back of the book had me interested, and the cover had definitely caught my eye. I started it the moment I purchased it, happily devouring the pages and enjoying each and every morsel this had to offer. Eager to reach the end, and then not so much, because I didn't want it to end. Tahereh Mafi had me turning pages like there was no tomorrow, she had me sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying every thing this book had to offer. She has a fantastic way with words, and although the repetition at the beginning can get a little annoying, it isn't there for long - and it definitely suits the setting that Juliette is in.We open to Juliette, telling us about the time she's spent in this room, how long it's been since she's seen the sun, or tasted the fresh air on her tongue. She hasn't seen, or talked to anyone since she was put here, and then suddenly, as if a miracle - someone is thrown into her room, and her life is about to change, Adam is suddenly in the picture. With two characters so perfect for each other, this story creates a gripping romance, a wonderful love affair full of secrets, and lies. But definitely unforgettable. It has a very Xmen feel to it, a definite twist to the story, and it's written so well. It's not exactly a long book, but it will keep you turning the pages until you've reached the end.This book was truly mind blowing, and a welcome breath of fresh air in the young adult scene, where everything seems to be the same as the last book you've read. I've never read something quite like this, and I'm very anxious for the sequel to come out. Pick up this book, you will definitely not be disappointed.

How is the quality of the plan?

books

beautiful

prose

poetic

write

4071d18bff8973c367832020a2909554

b81dec9501e73a0658bd5484732be12d

051c5b675f989b7d5dee51948738f366

0062085484

***3.5 stars***Shatter Me is the story of 17-year-old Juliette; a girl who has felt isolated her entire life. The reason for this is that her touch is literally deadly. Just one touch and she can steal the life force of another person. For them, it's agony; for her? Pure bliss. Juliette hates her powers, though, and she considers herself a complete monster.For the past 264 days, Juliette has been locked up in an asylum. Her parents don't want her. She accidentally killed someone. Now, she only has herself for company. She's had no contact with another human being since her incarceration, but that's about to change.She soon meets Adam; a boy she thought was long gone from her life. She also meets Warner; the maniacal leader of what's called Sector 45 - and he wants to use her as a weapon.Juliette's entire life is about to change - will it be for better or worse?- - -You know what? I had an incredibly hard time deciding whether or not I liked this book. It was so strange! I don't think I've ever been so torn over a book before. I'll try to explain it the best I can.1.) The writing. Complete love/hate. Mafi has beautiful prose, and it's truly unique. At times, I wanted to cry at how beautiful it was. Other times it left me with a question mark floating over my head. A few examples for you: "There are 400 cotton balls caught in my windpipe." -- "Warner thinks Adam is a cardboard cutout of vanilla regurgitations." -- "I'm wondering why there are so many freight trains in my heart, why his chest is a broken harmonica." -- "I offer him a smile. Try to keep my organs from falling out. Hope the holes in my head aren't showing." -- "I'm blushing through my bones." -- "I'd like to cry into his eyes." -- Say WHAT now? No. Just. No. That is what trying too hard looks like. BUT - I did enjoy a lot of the more romantic parts of the book. This is where the writing seemed to be more real and more beautiful. It's just that every time it'd be beautiful, the author would throw in one of those gross metaphors or strange, nonsensical sentences. It'd ruin the moment completely for me.2.) World building. Sigh. Mafi can write. She really can; you can see it. I really think it's a tragedy that she didn't better use her skills to help us picture this dystopian world she created. A lot of the book was spent inside the asylum, and the parts that weren't were more focused on the romantic aspects than actually trying to help readers better understand the world as it is in this book. All I learned is that nature went to hell, pretty much. That's when the Reestablishment took over and started telling folks what to do, etc. etc.3.) Romance. Okie dokie. I know a lot of readers thought this was one of the most terrible things about this story - but I enjoyed it. I know it seemed to move too quickly, but these two people have a deeper connection. They seem to see into each other and be able to just understand. I thought it was rather beautiful and I can't wait to read more about Adam and Juliette. Warner, on the other hand, disgusts me. I don't understand why he is even part of this maybe-possible-love-triangle. He's a sociopath. He wants Juliette as a possession. He's a friggin' maniac! He kept her in that room ALONE for almost a year. He had her beaten and practically tortured. He made her hurt an INFANT just for kicks! I am all for a bad boy love interest - and I usually even root for the bad boys! But this? No. This is sick. I swear, if Juliette gets something going with Warner, I will have to put the next book down. Or maybe throw it in a bonfire.4.) The ending. This is where the story really started to get interesting, and of course that's when Mafi takes it all away from us. I am extremely intrigued by this X-Men-esque group of people. I just wish we could've learned a little bit more about it before she just cut us off with a cliffhanger like that. So not cool. But, props for making me want to read book two oh-so-badly.Overall? I liked this book. It made me want to rip out my hair at times, but I liked it a lot. The writing was insanely beautiful at times and the romance is nice and sappy, just the way I like it. lol I enjoyed the characters. Warner is a great villain. Juliette is a bit irritating at times, but I blame that on the metaphors and weird prose that comes from her voice. I'd like to learn more about Adam, but he impresses me so far. Kenji and James are hilarious and I can't wait to learn more about them as well. It's a colorful cast, that's for sure! I think this series has a whole lot of potential and I'm definitely looking forward to book 2!

How is the write?

books

poetic

write

exquisite

write

5a90bb672367927f24402661815c765e

e19ca442525e561e643b073c662af5c1

95b59ca24d92c9d8247e4a046f90563f

0062085484

I know everybody at this point has read SHATTER ME. I'm probably the 1% of the book blogging community who hasn't yet. I know, I know. I'm SO behind! I've been meaning to read this book for almost a year now. One thing or another happened and this kept getting pushed back on my TBR list. But fear not, my fellow book loving friends. I've come to my senses and have finally fallen into Juliette's world.After being kept in a prison cell for almost an entire year, Juliette is thrown into the hands of the one group of people she despises the most: the new government called The Reestablishment. Warner plans to use Juliette and her ability to kill people with a single touch for his own selfish desires and to make sure that people know their place in his domain. Juliette has no desire to kill anyone and is desperate to get out of her new confinement. Adam, the boy she sort of grew up with, is her only hope. The two of them go on a heart pounding mission to get out and stay safe.What I first noticed about this book was the writing. It was a bit weird and extremely repetitive. Sentences were crossed out and phrases, or just a single word, were repeated a couple of times in a row. I know this was to show we were truly in Juliette's mind and to allow the reader to see how much solitary confinement has affected her, but this stream of consciousness was kind of annoying. I thought it was unnecessary and happened far too often. I know she's been traumatized. Mafi's writing is so poetic, I think the novel would have still made as big an impact without the repetitiveness. Mafi has a way with words that makes you sit back and really just envision what she is writing. The way she describes the weather for example is beautiful and unique.One thing that made me start to really enjoy this book is Juliette. She goes from this fragile--even though she can literally kill someone in an instant--girl to being able to stick up for herself and not be so afraid to show everyone who she is inside. It's amazing what some sunshine and decent clothes does for her. She was so timid in her cell. Now that she is under Warner's control, she lets her feisty attitude start to peek through. She's let people run over her her entire life, she's not going to be someone's pet anymore. She's inspiring.I loved Adam and Juliette's budding romance. From the moment he stepped into the scene, Adam is this gentle and kind person who you can tell just wants to know Juliette. Yes, he may be working for Warner, but you can tell he's completely different from all of the Reestablishment crazies. Mafi did a great job with letting the reader slowly discover their history together. We get the details piece by piece which made me root for them even more. What I loved most was how Juliette reacted to him. You know she is scared because of her abilities but it's heart warming to see her open up to somebody and to learn to trust them. Adam makes her realize she isn't someone to constantly be feared.SHATTER ME, while not the most climactic, is a great start to a series I know will get better with each book. As Juliette starts to come into her own, I can only hope she learns to appreciate who she is and discover she isn't the monster everyone thinks she is.

How long did it take to write that movie?

books

dull

book

little

idea

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"The world is flat.I know because I was tossed right off the edge and I've been trying to hold on for 17 years. I've been trying to climb back up for 17 years but it's nearly impossible to beat gravity when no one is willing to give you a hand." - JulietteThis book shattered my heart captured my heart from the very beginning up to the end. The writing is powerful and captivating, it was hard to put down."264 days of isolation. Juliette has been locked up in a cell consisting of 4 walls and 1 window. She hadn't seen or touched a single human being for 3 years until Adam Kent was sent to be her cellmate. That's where the story began and I was hooked immediately, excited to know who the boy was, and his connection to Juliette. I was excited to know why The Reestablishment put Juliette in the institution and why they suddenly put a boy in her room. I loved how the story was written in such a way that it became even more effective to see what's in Juliette's head and the things she had been thinking and feeling and I hope I could see Adam in the same way."Of course I remember you." My voice strangled whisper. I squeeze my eyes shut. I remember you every day forever in every broken moment of my life. "You were the only one who ever looked at me like a human being." - JulietteYou're going to love Adam Kent. It is always one of the things I look for in a story. A guy whom I can see myself rooting for. He's one of those sweet, sexy and dependable guy that you will put on your list of swoon-worthy book boyfriends that will make you fall in love over again. With a strong hero comes a strong heroine and a book is dull without them. Juliette is definitely one tough girl and I liked her because she has a good heart. I don't think I can describe Juliette in a more effective way than this, so I chose Adam's exact words as she said this words to her."A million times... I saw you do things like that a million times. But you never said a word unless it was forced out of you... You never asked for anything from anyone... But no one ever gave you a chance." -AdamI always loved a character with goodness in their heart because they inspire me... to do good, to think right. Juliette is one of those heroines that I tend to love because of that. Not just a kick-ass, but also kind-hearted.What I liked most about this book is the love story and that the words were written beautifully and effectively. It was surprisingly good and refreshing since I didn't expected it to be some kind of superhero thing. I realized that Juliette actually reminds me of Rogue. I wonder if Tehereh Mafi is a fan of X-Men and if she, too (like me) is fascinated by Rogue. It was quite interesting and I am excited to see how the things will turn out in the next books.I loved everything about this book except for the world-building which I think is lacking. I hope that the author gave us a clear picture of the "The Reestablishment", the leaders, and the society. Dystopian novels is one of my favorite genre, and it's important (I think) that we are given a clear image of the dystopian world and what it takes to live in that horrific period. Other than that, this book is great in many ways.An engaging book like this with strong characters and amazing story line will win the hearts of readers who enjoy paranormal-dystopian novels with deliciously crafted romance. The whole story is gripping, the ending is satisfying, and the experience... shattering.

Can you give me an idea of what's in this book?

books

beautiful

way

spectacular

write

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0062085484

I was highly anticipating this book forever. The cover is beautiful, and the book just sounded amazing. It was worth the wait. I thought it was absolutely great. It was a unique and interesting story. I just couldn't stop reading.Juliette can't touch anyone without causing harm. The book starts with her imprisoned, and you make an instant connection with her. Your heart breaks for her that she has never had the love of her parents or friends. After she is taken from the isolation of being imprisoned to a headquarters where she is expected to be used as a weapon, you really get to see how strong she is. In more ways than one. She is mentally tough, and totally bad ass chick when she is mad or feels the need to protect.Adam is just completely swoon worthy. I swear my heart was melting for half of the book. He has known Juliette since they were kids, before she was taken away. He has always cared about her when no one else did, and for some reason he has immunity to Juliette's touch.The way the romance unfolds is beautiful and sweet. (and hot!) He says all the right things, and some of the thoughts that she has in her head are just absolutely amazing. You can feel how much they care about each other. I really liked that it wasn't an unbelievable fall in love too quick thing for a change too. They have known each other for a long time, and even though they never interacted, they watched each other and loved each other for a long time. He knew everything about her and it was so touching. I love Adam's character. Some of their interactions took my breath away.I really feel like I am not doing justice to how great I thought this book was. I have all these thoughts in my head, but I can't write them without spoiling it. Tahereh Mafi just did such an amazing job with the character connection, the story line, the romance, everything. I was so sad when the book ended. I wanted more. Needed more. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.

How is the write?

books

stunning

cover

% honest

opinion

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I totally loved this book; the cover is stunning! It is a new type of book for me, never read anything really like it. In fact, I am quite disappointed that there are so many low reviews of this story on Good Reads. There is a lot of praise for the author's previous work, which I have not read, but not much for this novel which I heard quite a bit of hype about.Maybe the low reviews are because people were expecting something different than what they got. Maybe they just did not get the story, which I do admit took a bit to get into, but still had most of the classic things you read in a teen novel . It is a bit of a stretch for the story to be about Egyptian Gods. I mean it was not like she is only novelist who has done a story with Gods and them having Children. (Percy Jackson, anyone?). I loved this story, and I hope that more people read it and give it a chance.

How is the opinions are 100 % honest and my own?

books

tight

prose

imaginative

story

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The novel is a wild, trippy ride through the inscapes of the mind meshed with the story of one woman's struggle to relate to her loved ones and the world around her.Joe Hill writes a good story. I loved the idea of inscapes, and especially the call out to Mid-World from the Dark Tower Series. The overarching story of how Vic McQueen deals with her gift (or curse) and her conflict with the antagonist, Charlie Manx, drive the story.My main criticism is that at times I felt that the narrative could have been tighter, and in fact a review I read on Amazon nailed how I feel:'NOS4A2 is epic in length, but not in scope.'Vic McQueen is the best part of the story. She has a gift or a curse, depending on your point of view, and her life unfolds in response to this gift (or curse). Joe Hill nails the reality of mental illness with his portrayal of the evolution of Vic's character. I felt a great deal of sympathy for her and pulled for her throughout the novel. Vic is the classic tragic heroine.Charlie Manx is a real-life villain. What he does is horrible, but when seen from his point of view you can understand why he does what he does. You understand why he thinks what he does is right. In that way Charlie is not a caricature, but I never sympathized. There are points in Charlie's history where Joe Hill could have tweaked a few events and made Charlie a villain for whom you feel sympathy, thus making Charlie deeper, but that never materialized.Outside of Vic, the real delight is the idea of inscapes--how everyone has their own perception of reality and that each of our perceptions of reality are linked. These perceptions of reality can become separate worlds whose extent are limited only by our imagination. It's a powerful set of ideas that Joe has put out there.Unlike Horns, Joe Hill's previous novel, I was able to set aside NOS4A2 when I needed to sleep--except for the climax. The last hundred or so pages flew by.In the end what makes NOS4A2 a good novel is the sum of the positives. Like I said, the prose could be tighter, but the lead character, Vic McQueen, and the story itself pull this novel together and make it a good read.If you like Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere or The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King, I think you might like NOS4A2.I will say that after reading NOS4A2 I now want a Rolls Royce Wraith.

Was the story magical?

books

perfect

pace

inner

strength

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90786c314d4f242cbbfb34d78ce73865

0062217070

After just one book, I'm already a fan of Amy Tintera and her writing! I found her debut, Reboot, to be an absolutely stunning dystopian offering with a strong romantic plot line and well-placed humor to balance the novel's darkness and violence.The main character, Wren, is known the most deadly and dangerous of the Reboots by her peers and the HARC, the corporation which effectively rules the Republic of Texas. Reboots, which at first might sound suspiciously like zombies, are actually quite different. In the novel, it's briefly theorized that Reboots may be more advanced humans whose bodies had the capabilities to manipulate the virus that swept through the population. Their deaths were actually more akin to a resting period - or incubation period, perhaps - for the virus and that, instead of killing them, it made them stronger, both physically and mentally (if you count less emotion as a strength). Reboots, however, are no longer considered humans but Other (by both the HARC and the remaining human population) and have become slaves tasked with hunting down and capturing or killing human criminals.Perhaps because they are labelled Other, the Reboots themselves, especially those labelled with higher numbers indicating that they were "dead" longer than lower numbered Reboots, no longer consider themselves human. They consider themselves a race unto themselves. For me, this stood out as an important detail: I knew Reboot featured a romance, but I couldn't imagine how the inhuman Wren would suddenly be able to fall in love, especially a love that was strong enough to change how she interacted with the world.Wren and Callum's romance was believable for me because Callum, a 22 (and, therefore, a Reboot who is, except for a few physical changes, still pretty much human) sees Wren as more than Other - allowing her to see herself as more than the narrow label of Reboot as determined by the HARC. Some may have found the romance odd in a world filled with so much violence and so little emotion, but, for me, the love between Callum and Wren, the understanding and connection between them, is the only force that could effectively combat the kind of brainwashing the Reboots endured at the hands of HRAC. It reminded me strongly of the aftereffects of colonization, where, after time, the colonized may view themselves negatively when the viewpoint of the conquerors is repeatedly forced upon them.The relationship between Callum and Wren was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. I loved Callum, he was a typical human guy, which I think was necessary distinction. I could see how some might think the relationship (and the laughter between the characters) a bit odd in the midst of such darkness, but I think Wren and Callum acting less serious and enjoying life was a sign of hope... that there was still something left to fight for when everything else had become so unrecognizable. Others might wonder how Wren could be both a killing machine for the HRAC and, simultaneously a giggling teenager, but I think it just shows how desensitized Wren had become at the hands of the HRAC and her parents, before she became a Reboot, and that how she lives her life & values are a direct result of those influences, not who she truly is. Plus, in a world where you really can't be sure you'll live to see the next day, making out with the person you're head over heels for, potentially for the first and last time, seems like a fantastic idea.I felt the pacing of this novel was absolutely perfect. I never once felt bored or rushed while reading. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, but not before wrapping up the bulk of the action in book one. Instead of leaving tons of unanswered questions throughout the entire book and into the next installment, Tintera presents new questions and a new setting for book two as well as leaving some of the overarching, deeper questions. I cannot wait for book two, where I hope we'll find out more about what exactly Reboots are and how things will change after the game-changing events in Reboot.Don't waste any time, grab a copy of Tintera's debut as soon as possible!

How strength was it?

books

amazing

plot

different

concept

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ebe6cc7980321450487178f92fc72475

10b244b05c851df6396ef231744707fa

0062217070

Just a tiny note first to say that I just re-read this amazing book. <3 And posting below will be my new book recommendation for it :) Which you can also read on my blog, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2014/04/book-recommendation-reboot-by-amy.html---Re-reading Reboot made me happy. And I'm so glad that I finally decided to do so. I've been meaning to re-read it ever since I downloaded Rebel for review back in January. But I was nervous. I was nervous about not loving it the same way this second time, as it has been more than a year since I first read it. But I shouldn't have worried. Because I loved it so much. I still think Reboot is an amazing book. It is exciting and fun and full of amazing romance. I'm so happy that I finally read it again. It's awesome.I'm not going to recap the book in this recommendation of mine. Because I feel that I would end up talking for ages, lol. But I will say that the plot in Reboot is amazing. I enjoyed it so much. It's exciting and surprising and full of action. And the romance. Swoon. More on that soonish. There is a lot of death in this book. But I didn't really mind. Except for this one death. That broke my heart. But it also made sense, and I think I would have made the same choice. Sniffs. But yes. It was very heartbreaking.Reboot is told from the point of view of seventeen year old Wren. Who is all kinds of amazing. I loved her. And I loved reading about her. At first she doesn't feel all that much. Which I didn't mind. But then Callum arrives and she starts to change. And I loved that so much. I think she ended up an even better person. But anyway. I adored reading about her. I adored her scars, even though they shame her. I think she's beautiful. And agh. I really loved reading about her and cannot wait to get to know more of her.Wren is a Reboot. There are a lot of them in this book. And that was such an awesome plot twist. I loved getting to know stuff about them. How much stronger they are than other humans. How fast they heal. How different they are as well. So awesome. Wren has been dead for 178 minutes, which is the most at the moment. What she had to go through was so heartbreaking to read about. Yet I wanted to read more and more. Sigh. I just love to torture myself, don't I? lol. But yeah. I thought the Reboots were amazing.One of the things I loved the most about Wren was her roommate and friend, Ever. I adored her as well. But I really loved their friendship. It gets better and more real after Callum arrives. And they are just too cute. Sigh. Ever is amazing. Though holy crap. Such awful things happen with her. Heartbreak. But also so interesting to read about. It was amazing. Sigh. There are a few other characters in this book that I liked as well. Like Addie. Would like to get to know her more as well. She did seem awesome.Then, of course, there is Callum. Who is a Twenty-Two. Which is a very low number for a Reboot. It means that he has more emotions that the others, and is more human. And sigh. I loved that. Because Callum is amazing. I loved reading about him so much. And I loved getting to know him. I loved how he was with Wren. He is horrified with how many she has killed, but I feel like he accept her. I hope. The romance is very sweet in this book. It made me grin like crazy. Callum is just all kinds of amazing.I don't want to say more about this book. Just that it is incredible. And I need you all to read it. Especially since the last book, Rebel, is coming out in less than a month. <3 Though, yeah, I'm reading it in a moment since I have a review copy of it :D And I cannot wait. I need to know what happens next. Anyway. Reboot is a stunning novel. I loved it. And I loved the writing as well. Just loved everything about it. Sigh. I also cannot wait to read more books by Amy Tintera. She's pretty amazing as well.~He slid his hand into mine and leaned over to press a soft kiss onto my cheek. I shifted a little closer, until his warm arm rubbed against mine, and lowered my gaze to hide the goofy smile spreading across my face.---I first read this book on February 21st 2013. You can find my review here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2013/02/review-reboot-by-amy-tintera.html

How is the quality of the concept on the story?

books

short

review

few

word

42d5438db210cc444b012da8851239e1

ca70a97b353ba5890aa6660b1a3bd1a1

522cfb0f36ca071ea1a8d9aedffd4a6e

0062255657

On one hand, Neil Gaiman has trod this road before: that the line between our world and another world is thin, and sometimes we accidentally break through or see something we weren't supposed to. On the other, this is so lyrical and poetic and absorbing that I didn't care. It was such an aching book, so bittersweet, that I kept on thinking about it for days.The unnamed narrator attends his father's funeral. Afterwards, he returns to see the home where he grew up. He wanders down the lane, encounters someone he remembers, and spends his afternoon remembering long-forgotten, and re-forgotten, events from his childhood. As a small boy, he saw between the worlds and unwittingly became the carrier for an evil force. The three women who lived at the end of the lane guarded against it, and fought it as it tried to gain a foothold, and sacrificed so that it would lose its foothold. The narrator remembers the events, as well as his deep sense of loss about the sacrifice.The review is short, as is the book. I might use this to introduce others to Neil Gaiman instead ofStardust.

How about word?

books

rare

gift

full

tale

a17aa3ab0ff78d6b137ad11e4ddf45dd

f202611ad1233ed5d7e38b499be4dd8b

ca11fcb16da49574fa6b63db7153c8c4

0062255657

I loved it. Could not put it down. Am a huge Gaiman fan and this is one of his many different moods but one of the type I really love to read. Don't know where he gets his inspirations but I feel he has a rare gift. He works in so many different mediums that it boggles the ordinary mind. He and Stephen King are so prolific and versatile it is scary. They may be "Gods" or "Aliens" themselves.

How is the quality of tale?

books

beautiful

end

wonderful

end

3a18752198128827c88ee88ee9493925

3747c1197686e0d37af1ab9d0f4ecfea

8ab7f6ff7db1e05a20db5efac1b84a26

006226768X

I could not put this book down. The characters of Harper, Chase and Brandon were too good to not stop reading. I smiled, cried and wanted to leap into the storyline and go, STOP IT, this is too much. Confession, I have a thing for Chase, and My heart broke in so many pieces. Harper's conflicted life has a beautiful ending but in life you have to choose, when you love so deeply. Trust, friendship, family and love that endures will keep you reading from the beginning to the end. If you loved Thoughtless and Beautiful Disaster, this book will give you even more. Author, Molly McAdams---THANK YOU.

How is the end?

books

different

style

ill

mother

ea139e5444f7a3d777839726e21409f8

e519b1b498b7d3e3ed45ac24856f2246

5307104b8e5d5ea3bd7ca032916a0303

0062270486

I bought Tony Hilllerman,s first book,"The Blessing Way" in 1970 when it first came out. I have been a big fan ever. Since. After reading this novel by his daughter,I can honestly say The Apple doesn't fall from the tree. True,Anne's style is different than her Dads,but that is a good thing. A wonderful plot with. A good ending.

How was the mother?

books

perfect

story

sweet

love

2b48b12df28471098ffb090a3e759830

81e90ee4c060409439bf3e88f6b27dc8

edec84f8228128e78e015dac2e8d6957

0062294776

This review is going to be hard, I loved Cam and his baking, turtle owning self. I did not love Avery, I didn't hate her or even dislike her but her actions just made it hard to love this book completely. She was a child, I get that something terrible happened to her at a young age and that probably messed her up. However, she refused to tell anyone about it even though we could tell they kinda knew. The ending was so sweet and towards the end I was getting super nervous because Cam still didn't know and I kept seeing that this was a series. My mind just kept going to the bad place where scary cliffhangers live. This is the place where characters die when they shouldn't and I was terrified! I also am not sure that the parental aspect was that believable. I am just not sure. The best friends Brit and Jacob were fun but I never really felt emotionally invested in their story. The only thing I keep thinking is thank goodness there was not a cliffhanger. Anyway the main reason this story gets 4 stars is because of Cam. He was so sweet (I loved that he called her sweetheart) and the fact that he never pushed her except for her to trust him just made me love him more. The sunday morning breakfast! I think my favorite thing about this story is the progression of their relationship. I love that they started as friends , sort of, but then worked their way up to dating. Him constantly asking her out was a great part of this story. It would probably make any woman swoon! A couple of times he was a d-bag but honestly Avery deserved it! He has his own secret to tell and I wish we had learned more about him. This story would have been perfect if it had alternating POVs! Anyway its still good so I think you should give it a shot. While reading it I felt more content than I do now writing this review.

Is the book good about love?

books

great

chemistry

immediate

attraction

e389556daec81867b71c4bac83e03d7d

6af2426c3bf857336fe35a9de14d90af

58af74126cad7dce34c523dfecbcfbec

0062294776

Wait For You is the kind of story that takes about 10 seconds flat for you to become absorbed.And man, was I grateful. Because I had a reading hole that needed filling and nothing short of muchero coolioness would have done.In this contemporary NA, we have one Avery Posh-Bird, with a horrid past that she's all too keen to leave behind.We also have one Cameron Hot-Spanky-Pants, who wants to nudge through the shell Ms Posh-Bird's deposited herself in.From the get-go, these two have great chemistry, great camaraderie, and differing personalities that, when placed together, become something pretty awesome. I loved watching their time together. Loved watching the development of their relationship--even though it was a relationship way before either of them realised it--and loved the character development in here too. Loved Cam's perseverance and the subtleness of it, and the way he needled his way into her heart.I also appreciated that he wasn't Mr Perfect. And I don't just mean that he had what he considered to be a dark secret of his own. I mean in the sense that he struggled to handle certain parts of their relationship. Whilst I wanted to smack him upside the head for appearing to turn away when she oh-so needed him not to, I get that it wouldn't have been so true to life for a dude of that age to take absolutely everything in his stride and know how to react to it. So, on top of loving all their interactions, I loved the fact that this was kept `real'.Plus there were the side character. The pals of each of the two main players. They were as full bodied and great to spend time with as Cam & Avery, so big kudos for that--though, I'd expect nothing less from this author.However, there were a couple of things that drove me nuts about this book.The first has to do with Cam ... *cringes and ducks as shoes fly in my direction* Yes, he's pretty awesome. Lord knows, he says so himself enough times. Just as he tells--often--about his hotness, like we can't figure that out ourselves when his dark hair falls just so, and he peers up from extremely lush dark lashes with incredibly striking blue eyes, or by the tautness of his abs, and the hotness of his flat stomach, and the rigidness of his--okay, that's enough of that. Because, for me the guy had a major flaw. Yup, his use and overuse and even more uses of the endearment `sweetheart' made my eye twitch like it had spasm-control issues. Sorry. Truly. But I just couldn't get on board with a guy that age constantly using that word--not unless he's a slimeball. Dunno--maybe it's the Brit V US deal going on.And the second thing I had issue with? Well, it has absolutely nothing to do with JLA's writing ability, because her talent at telling a tale is what has me coming back time after time. It was the editing. There were so many errors--grammatical mostly, and some typos--in this book that it became distracting. Errors like you for your, or on for one, and words blatantly absent from sentences ... if there were a handful, I could've ignored them, but the book was pretty rife.Those issues aside, though, there's no denying this is a great read. It was `hotter' than I expected. But majorly enjoyable.

How is the attraction?

books

great

story

great

story line

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3383aa4616144b1ff81bd9a937bfba9f

d310f4e1f18215ecbacd6253ad7554b2

0062294776

I've heard good things about this author and saw this book on the bestseller list, so I decided to read it. I am a New Adult fan and read books by other authors of the genre, so going into this I kind of knew what to expect. As other reviewers have pointed out, the basic storyline for New Adult novels tend to be the same - the hero and the heroine both have secrets in their pasts that somehow affect the present. They meet, develop a relationship (or sometimes there is no development at all), get sexual, break up at one point, and then make up and everything is fixed and they have more sex. I'm okay with this because I know this is what I'm getting.In this one, I really felt like the development of the relationship was well done. There are so many books where the love is instantaneous, which is not accurate to real life (not mine anyway). But in this one, even though the initial attraction was there, the relationship developed over a course of months instead of over hours or days. This made the relationship more realistic to me and I appreciated it.This also gave me time to fall totally in love with Cam, which I did. Of course he's gorgeous - that's just the way it is in this genre; all the men are basically photoshopped love gods - but he is so much more than that. He's clever and snarky and compassionate and caring, and he is so patient with Avery while she is struggling along. And maybe it's just me, but I loved how Cam was always turning his cap backwards when he was having a serious moment. I loved that characteristic that really made it seem like he was listening.Overall, the story was great. It was formulaic to the genre, as I mentioned above, but I understand what I'm getting when I buy NA and I'm fine with it. The supporting characters were also enjoyable, and I would definitely read more by this author based on the story.The writing, however, left something to be desired. Or, more accurately, the editing. There were grammar and spelling errors, words left out, words switched around, phrasing issues, and little problems that could have easily been edited that would have made the reading experience so much more enjoyable. I would have gone four stars because I loved Cam so much and I loved the story, but the editing problems were too much of a distraction. I don't mind a few, but when it's every paragraph or every other sentence, I feel like that's too much.Would I recommend? If you like this genre, definitely. I would probably reread this book just because of Cam, but I wish the author would release a better edited version. If editing errors bother you, this won't be an enjoyable read for you.

How enjoyble is the story line of the work?

books

good

story line

good

storyline

c1e7f675669982e11dc9671a6639202e

849e2392a9b5cdc515f9f3e13b33b085

ecc6f39efdeea180c9e22868e4ee5063

006230240X

I will start out with the good. The story line was really good. I thouroughly enjoyed both Rule and Shaw. Both had reedeming qualities. I'm glad they found each other.Now for the bad and it's REALLY REALLY bad. I don't think I have ever read a book with so many errors. There was at least one on every other page and sometimes multiple on the same page. These range from use of the wrong word, an extra word in a sentence, missing punctuation, to massively long run on sentences.Some examples: gook = goodFailing instead of flailing"Know what I you can do""Said told me you've"Even me a chance = given me a chance"Always was the always""But wait awaited me" - I think this was supposed to be "what awaited me""With the sheer for of will alone" = sheer force of willLast one I promise:"On the days I worked I stayed on the Hill with Rule since his place was closer to the bar and he didn't mind coming to have a drink and waiting for me to get off so he could take me home he and Lou were like the best of friends now."PLEASE GET AN EDITOR ASAP. Any second set of eyes would have caught 85% of these errors.

Do you have a good storyline to fight?

books

sexy

guy

hot

guy

0fdefff9bef766d5a7d692c84e31a8b8

9c48be859ee16034a1bc85515090ac82

ce1a1eac7aa238ba48b22d65b6012d64

006230240X

I received this for review way back in the summer, with full intentions to read it immediately. Of course it got pushed aside by other books and sadly got pushed further and further down my TBR pile. A couple of weeks ago, I just really had a craving for a New Adult romance and this one immediately came to mind… and definitely fulfilled my craving for one!First off, the character building was phenomenal. I was so invested in the characters, and actually cared about where there relationships and development was going, which is a huge HUGE bonus for me. Shaw is presented outwardly as a “stuck up princess” but she is so, so far from that. I absolutely loved Shaw, she had a lot of layers and wasn’t one-dimensional. I liked her attitude, her loyalty and the fact that she was totally different from what people think. Rule, is just sexy. Oh my WORD, that guy is sexy. Tattoos, piercings, mohawk, TATTOO ARTIST… spare me. He’s a bit of an ass at first, but that’s essentially surface level once his character is revealed more and I loved him once I started to see what he was really about. Also, the secondary characters were just as amazing in this book as the main characters, which to me is important as this series is actually a set of companion novels featuring them. I enjoyed how Rule opens you up to them, and already starts that attachment to them.The story and plot are deeper than I found most New Adult to be. It’s a really intense story with a lot of emotions and family issues. A lot of NA I’ve read lately has the same basic plot, and while Rule definitely has glimpses of that, Jay Crownover took it to a whole other level and the story has substance and kept me invested.The romance is amazing, just perfect in my opinion. I loved seeing Rule and Shaw’s relationship unfold, I loved the back and forth and I loved seeing them face the obstacles in their way. I did find Rule to be a bit more “sexy” than some New Adult, but that could just be because I haven’t read any in a while and it certainly didn’t take anything away from the story ;)If you are looking for a new adult romance that has a bit more plot but still an amazing romance, you definitely need to pick this one up! I cannot wait to continue with the series and will be starting Jet by the New Year!*I received Rule, from the published, in exchange for an honest review. This did not impact my thoughts.

Does the game end up by the hot guy becoming the winner?

books

obvious

attraction

next

story

8adc1937819736ef7f43fc508468fb01

6239d19f476d1d4e4254c783ea34a2e1

cb8857e14ebc4570a3bd5fed8003c525

0062302418

Starting Jet I had my doubts of how much I would honestly like it because I loved Rule so much. Let's face it- Rule is a HARD act to follow. I am a sucker for the "broken but can be fixed with the right girl bad boy type" and being a musician is the cherry on the top. In real life I am a fixer and I need to have fixable characters in the books I read. Starting out, I thought Jet was the "broken" one but realized quickly Jet was NOT Rule. He was going to be the "fixer" and I wasn't sure how much I honestly would like that. To me, the woman is ALWAYS the brains in a relationship so how could this honestly work?You met Ayden in Rule as Shaw's BFF and room mate and I loved her from the start. Then Jet, Rule's bad boy rocker friend who lives the rock and roll lifestyle to the T. In this book they end up roomies along with Cora - the tattoo girl from Rule's shop (who I also LOVED in Rule.) There is alot of built up "tension" between Ayden and Jet. The attraction is obvious - though both deny it and it's only a matter of time before that attraction or gravity brings the two of them together. Ayden is dating a guy who is referred to "sweater vest" <--- AND I LOVED THAT and Jet is just bringing home a new number by the night. The problem is Sweater vest and the numbers aren't going to keep Ayden and Jet from the inevitable- each other.As the story unfolds, you find out some pretty nasty past secrets about Ayden as well as Jet and honestly you realize- they NEED each other but have so much baggage that neither of them want to burden the other with. Without giving any spoilers I can quote my favorite line of the book"When the right one comes along, you figure it out. You move mountains, you change your life and do whatever it takes to keep them with you"And you know what makes you fall in love with Jet? He is a hard core rocker but Ayden is a country music lover- Tim Mcgraw, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift- that is her type of music but every night he serenades her with old country classics. SWOOOOONING. Every girls dream is just that- have a guy she loves sing to her. He doesn't have to be great but come on ladies- we all want that. I am a music lover so of course that spoke to me.At first I was going to rate this a 4. Simply because it was not Rule. Then I realized that really is NOT fair to Jet. I mean, I would NEVER want to judge someone based on their friends right? So, even though Rule and Shaw are a part of this story - this is Jet and Ayden's story- And I fell in love with them both.My rating.. 4.5I'm a sucker for the rockers what can I say ?Can Jet and Ayden make it work with all the odds stacked against them? How much baggage is too much baggage and when is someone to damaged to repair? HURRY go buy this today, right now, one click and fall in LOVE with another Marked Man. Because those tattoos are just one more reason to LOVE JET <3

How is the story?

books

useful

book

simple

message

68c3d0a8f3de21eb61640af9e3ad7694

f45b2ab13b3b5baf708af8b1972ba9c3

ace40f2f00ffaf603c362dee3cd49e72

0091883768

I spent seven years in the corporate/workforce training field, and never reached lower points than my run-ins with this unfortunately popular piece of tripe. My job was to train employees in the use of extremely complex software systems � training that required deep analytical thinking by the employees. I was never more distressed than to teach a high-impact software class to a group of people who had been exposed to �Who Moved My Cheese� in the recent past by another trainer. Any company that thinks this book is useful in the training or motivation of employees epitomizes everything that is wrong with corporate education today. This book does contain a useful premise in how employees have to deal with change and competition in the workplace. However, distilling these important matters into the inane parable of mice in a maze is a device meant for grade school students. Parables are used to teach complicated topics to kids. But using a parable to teach an important but non-complex topic to freethinking adults who are smart enough to get a job at a corporation is as nonsensical as it is insulting to their intelligence. Any company that subjects their employees to this dribble (plus the dreaded �group activities� that go with it) is too concerned with weak trends and not concerned enough about encouraging independent and intelligent thought among their employees. If you work for a company that makes you read this book, consider working elsewhere because they obviously don�t think you�re very smart.

How is the message to the reader?

books

valid

point

clear

book

a368d764fb3d610be8cbbe76cf097569

81e63d6bdb2765d7091565d484f0d0fb

d27a7bdcd5478ab5719052c4510f8e44

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I give this two stars instead of one because it does have a valid point about adapting to the dizzying change going on around us and finding how to best contribute in this new world.However, the undeniable fact is that there is a lot less cheese than there used to be. The corporate CEOs, the crooked bankers, the defense contractors, the Walton family, and others have grabbed trillions of dollars worth of cheese from the rest of us. So, when we go in search of cheese, most people will find only inferior cheese--and much less of it.The moral of the story is that if we are suffering due to lack of cheese, it is our fault. It's the mean-spirited, idiotic ideology preached by Herman Cain, who told America, "Don't blame Wall Street. Don't blame the big banks. If you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself." Yeah, right.BTW, if you're wondering where the cheese was moved, it's in the Caymen Islands and other offshore tax shelters. According to Forbes Magazine, the super rich have stashed $21 Trillion in "cheese." Maybe one day the people in our government will get some balls and make them bring it back.[...]

What point does the book make clear?

books

not compelling

story

excellent

idea

3c920ed0d2aeadc6462629f113acbc15

ea767b5fd24766a95a571ddba9847e3c

7d2a923a1fd43f347689bed817229958

0099244721

I love books by Micheal Crichton and buy all of them. I think his best were Jurassic Park and the Andromeda Strain. This book is entertaining and offers some interesting insights into 13th century mores,but the science discriptions were missing and the story was not really compelling. While I do recommend it, I just wish he would write something really gripping again.

How is idea?

books

unbelievable

end

interesting

half

63721f242158d0f1a9278c35437a1183

a6386438382411dd09f042d6ef96d5be

bd9c636ec2277ab7a38cd9d73fbc356e

0099406136

Don't get my title wrong - this isn't that bad of a book... People who missed John Grisham's thrillers would definitely get their fix. But somehow, the story isn't very interesting. There are too many trips to Clanton, which all seem alike, and looking back a week after reading the book, are all blurred. I can't tell you how many were there and what distinguishes each one. The same goes to the too many trips to different casinos and to the endless meals with Harry Rex...The story develops in jumps and starts - there could be a long period where nothing happens, then we get quite a lot of developments / discoveries / etc. in a few pages. The ending and its twist are also very unbelievable...

What do you think about half?

books

lovely

write

elegant

write

ba0fc0a1006deb22ee4d655f66f54f3c

6c80e2d3d579ed5bcfe74c9a05b2951a

b506604c9f55cef3b968e5654c6245b4

0099429799

The opening chapter narrated by Briony is delightful. For me, it went downhill after that. I found the first third of the book to be so slow that I considered giving up, but I plowed ahead and then was so incredibly frustrated by the ending that I almost regretted my decision. Don't get me wrong, McEwan is a fantastic writer. His writing is so lovely and crystal clear. I just felt like there was something missing here. The characters seem too flat. And the big plot twist at the end? Ugh... There's clever and then there's tricking the reader, and unfortunately, I felt tricked -- and cheated.

How is the write like?

books

many

quality

great

talent

fac904111bd5fe4009d9c02e977c561a

76f3a01eca3d3b9195c1984946783ebd

fb0b054e4860012c55c6152391aeb2f6

0099443635

It's hard to know where to start with Cutting for Stone, because it is so complex. There are so many themes interwoven within the novel. It found it difficult to put down. It was a gripping read for me, but it also left me with an uneasy feeling that there was something not quite technically right about the novel. It felt like a sophisticated writing exercise that one might produce at a writer's workshop, rather than true inspired literature. It seems to contain all the points, plots, twists, and devices of a great novel...yet it fails to really be great.The book is medically visceral in a way that was unexpected, but enjoyable for me. Yet, I think it is this emphasis on the visceral and medical that unhinges the novel from being great to just good. I was fascinated by it and learned from it, but as a reader I was also distracted. Verghese's instance on educating the reader on the history of surgery and other medical details was too much. Yet, the book has so many wonderful redeeming qualities to it that it's hard to give it a poor review or say that I didn't enjoy it. I read it in 6 days!Verghese's character development is outstanding. You just fall in love with these characters...they are achingly human and sympathetic. Even Ghosh in his early rapscallion days is sympathetic, mainly because of his devotion to Hema. He was my favorite character because he grew so much as a person, both professionally and emotionally throughout the novel. Is it possible not to be trained as a surgeon and then suddenly one day have to rise to the occasion?Ultimately, I felt the book was about birth and reconstruction/destruction which was parallelled by Marion and Shiva with nods to Christianity and Hinduism. Marion is said to be named after a famed groundbreaking surgeon Hema admires. It is a signal from Verghese about Marion's ultimate nature: he is more like his mother (Marion - Mary-like) in that he will grow to be compassionate, brave, willing to help in whatever way he can and yet very contained about his own sexuality. The name choice of Shiva is said to be a nod to Hema's cultural heritage. However, in Hinduism, the god Shiva is complex, contradictory. He is Lord Shiva, the transformer, aloof, above sentimental considerations, and also the dancing destroyer. Shiva lives up to his namesake in that he destroys his relationships and his brother's relationships with women, yet in his career he is the one who reconstructs what a birth gone wrong has physically damaged. It's these double meanings that continue, like Marion and Shiva two halves of the same whole. Life/death, chastity/sexuality, illness/health.Even Missing has a double meaning. The charity Mission Hospital compound is called Missing by the locals. The entire medical and religious and support staff form an extended family for the boys - each leaving their own formative mark on them. One will precipitate a rift between the brothers that will take their lifetimes to heal. Like any home, it is the center of the children's world. Yet all the while the boys, especially Marion, are acutely aware that there is something "missing" for them at Missing - they have no personal sense of either birth parent, not even a photograph. They only know their mother was dearly loved and their father was a difficult man as well as a fearless surgeon greatly treasured for his skill. But who are Sister Mary Joseph Praise and Dr. Thomas Stone? As they learn, so do we.At Missing Hospital Sister Mary Joseph Praise had done her clerical work in a cramped space near the sterilization unit. Above her small desk hangs a picture of Bernini's sculpture of St. Theresa in the throes of religious ecstasy, orgasmic in its quality. For centuries that sculpture has provoked discussion about its blatant sexual overtones, implying a similarity of being lifted out of oneself during utter surrender, whether to God or while giving oneself completely to another. Verghese uses it as symbolic of the Sister's double and conflicting desire - thereby yet another double meaning - one for the service of God and the other for intimacy with her god of medicine, the man who was able to miraculously restore life even in seemingly hopeless cases - Dr. Thomas Stone. However, to the four year-old Marion, seated at his mother's desk, gazing up at that photo, his child's mind fantasized she was his mother. As readers we understand that image in ways that will take Marion decades to comprehend.

How much of the talent of Christie is seen in her novels?

books

different

way

close

relationship

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2549f4a5a31e9a502f06ccd84b281f21

f8c840b59dee83db3647090573b93d75

0099450259

This was a quick read, but Haddon didn't need to be lengthy to make his point. I am not autistic, and it was very interesting to understand how autistics think. I used to think autism was like mental retardation, but after reading this novel, I understand that autistics don't think slow (in fact, in most subjects, they think FASTER than average), are very intelligent, but just have a different way of perceiving and judging things than most people. I think if people learned to appreciate autistics more, they could (and, I'm sure, do) make many more major contributions to science and mathematics.The novel was easy to follow, entertaining at times, sad at others, and very perceptive. Way to go, Haddon!

What about the relationship to the families?

books

different

effect

familiar

people

f59794e72d42197450469d0a33ebf617

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I really liked that it was 'Christopher's book' we were reading. It made me view things I do naturally as part of social communication, such as laughing to put someone at ease, in a totally different way. Actions like that or touching someone in a friendly manner has a completely different effect on Christopher.Christopher is a really likable character and you can sympathise with his confusion in this mixed up, top speed world we live in and understand his actions totally, yet at the same time we could understand the thoughts and reactions that strangers showed.He's such a thinker too and I loved his thoughts on metaphors being lies "...a pig is not like a day and people do not have skeletons in their cupboards." and different facial expressions and how they can mean so many different things...I found myself trying them out! :DAlthough I don't have a family member with Asperger's, I do have a brother who is special like Christopher and I could certainly relate to the need for organisation and routine in his life and there were many points in the book that made me smile.Haddon helps us view situations from all points of view and it was refreshing.

How familiar are the reviews from the people?

books

secondary

plot

strange

book

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Told from the perspective of Christopher, an autistic but mathematically gifted 15-year old, this story essentially is a diary of his experiences over the course of a week or so during which he unwittingly opens a can of worms while attempting to figure out who killed the neighbor's dog.The plot is secondary to the perspective in which the book is written. Haddon does an excellent job of getting us inside the head of Christopher, who is so emotionally detached from the world and so logical in his thinking that while deftly observing the events around him he can not understand them or draw proper conclusions.The resulting story is both sad and humorous. Sad, because we realize that on top of just the sheer challenge of coping with life, Christopher's condition has robbed him (and his family, to some extent) of the very essence of what is rewarding in life - the ability to connect emotionally with others. In a sense we see that his autism has stolen a significant part of his humanity from him, rendering him an island unto himself unable to truly relate to others. The nuance and subtlety of life is lost on him. And humorous because we see how Christopher's condition allows him to be more or less oblivious to the annoyance or outrage of others attempting to deal with what they see as his weird behavior.Ultimately, this story is well-worth reading simply because it expands our understanding of the human condition. Rather than being just another book in the long line of stories that we will read, and ultimately forget - this story shows us the world from a very different perspective. And in doing so, it causes us to evaluate our own lives and to realize just how important feelings and emotions are to our ability to derive enjoyment from others and from life.

What is your rating on the book The Promised Land by Grace Ogot?

books

different

format

unique

perspective

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0099450259

I don't recall ever reading another novel quite like this one. Its told from the view point of an autistic teenager when he decides to investigate the mystery of who killed his neighbours dog in the night.This book presents a rather alien point of view, but conveys a mindset so different from "normal" that you feel you have been given a window into a different world.This is far from you normal mystery novel and its format is different from any other mystery novel I've read - but I'm glad I took the time to sit down and read this book. Its a quick read, but well worth it if only see a world you wouldn't normally have access to.

Was the perspective had by the main character, according to the reviewer, one that is special?

books

captivating

story

descriptive

author

ad799e07fe30758f57fbcc1ddc6efa69

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0099464462

It's so romantic. The story is sad and captivating, you're really pulling for these two people. I couldn't put it down! I cried and cried reading it-which in my mind, makes for a great book. It's nothing like the movie, so if you've seen that and think you don't need to read this book, you're wrong. Read the book. It trumps the movie (and I really love Rachel McAdams, she can do no wrong) but they just failed to capture how much love there is in this story!

How an author is a descriptive?

books

original

concept

fantastic

idea

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0099464462

This is a book with the ability to nurture the mind and the soul. The concept of the novel is ingenious and very original. Time travel is fascinating to read about and a clever method for filling in the background of characters. Niffenegger also uses time travel to create tension and suspense as she slowly and in piecemeal fashion reveals events of the future in stages. I love how, through time travel to the past, even after certain events are fully revealed, tension remains and continues to build until it occurs in the present. This is also a book that challenges the reader to look at more significant and consequential issues in life. Aside from the obvious one about enduring love, it provokes thought on the choices we make in life and causes the reader to wonder about the relationship between past and present. It also brings to mind the question of destiny, do events shape it or is one's destiny pre determined? As the book cover suggests, this is a love story. It's replete with passion, longing, heartache, joy and pain; but with a unique twist and a fresh approach. There is also great character development so as the story unfolds, you become involved in these wonderful character's lives and your attachment to them deepens. A few things did bother me. The beginning of the book, although interesting, did not pull me in, I persevered because of the rave reviews. I also found some of the back and forth between ages and time periods was initially a little confusing and took getting used to. In short, a great book and a remarkable love story.

Where did the idea of ​​the writer come from?

books

good

quality

bit short

book

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This story has some very good qualities. The plot, foresight and creativity are intrically woven togther. The reader bonds to the characters and want good things to happen to them. The writing itself is also well done. However, many of the scenes contained crass slang words that did nothing to add to the scene or characterization and in fact, "cheapened" the novel, in my opinion. The story also weaves in and out of time so often it gets confusing even if you read it with few interruptions. Quite often I found myself wondering if certain scenes were even needed since they didn't tie into the story in any significant way and seemed to pad the pages. I do give the author credit for having the hero respectful enough to not seduce his wife as a young girl and at least waiting until she was 18 to "know" her intimately. If you don't mind cheesy sex scenes on occasion and crude language, you may enjoy this book. I personally think it would have been better if the author had referred to the hero making love to his wife and left it at that. Their emotional bond was significant and the pain they went through trying to have a child together was very well done, as was Henry's attempt to make sense of his mother's death. If not for the crass sex and adultery, etc. I would have given this novel four stars. It's unfortunate that a gifted writer would cheapen what is otherwise a great literary work.

How extensive is that book about Israel?

books

much more

novel

descriptive

writing style

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0099464462

If I said that "The Time Traveler's Wife" was a non-conventional love story with time travel, that description would not come close to accurately describing this novel. It is a non-conventional love story with time travel at its heart, but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. Clare met Henry when she was 6 and he was 38. When Henry met Clare, he was 28 and she was 20. How is such a thing possible? Henry is afflicted with what will come to be called Chrono Displacement Disorder. Or, to put it plainly: involuntary time travel. Ever since he was a child Henry has involuntarily time traveled when he is in a period of great emotional stress. He doesn't know why, or how. When Clare meets Henry for the first time, he has known Clare for years and he knows that they will marry when she is older (and he is younger). When Henry meets Clare for the first time, she has known an older Henry all of her life. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is their love story and it is an exceptional one.This novel is told from the perspective of both Henry and Clare in alternating viewpoints. Niffenegger lets us know at the beginning of each perspective exactly when this event is happening and how old both Clare and Henry are in each perspective. This is vitally important otherwise "The Time Traveler's Wife" would not make any sense. While it seems at first that the story is being told without any apparent order or structure, it soon becomes clear that the structure is Clare. Since she does not have Chrono Displacement Disorder, she ages normally and does not flit back and forth between the years. The structure of the novel follows Clare from when she is a child and first meeting Henry through she teenage years to their life together as adults. The structure follows Clare's life and her timeline. Henry pops in and out of her life from age 6 through 18 and he is sometimes in his 40's, other times a younger man in his thirties. This is why Niffenegger's telling us the ages of the characters is so vital. Henry may or may not know some events in Clare's life because for him, depending on his age, they haven't happened yet. This allows the reader to discover things about Clare and Henry as Henry learns them. Sometimes he knows that something happened because Clare references it, but it is only later that he discovers what it was when he time travels."The Time Traveler's Wife" is a very moving novel. Watching Henry and Clare struggle to fit a normal relationship into their lives despite Henry's time travel can be heart wrenching despite the fascination with when Henry will go next and what we will learn about their past together. Audrey Niffenegger has done such a great job constructing this novel and making sure that it has a very firm structure that even the unrealistic idea of involuntary time travel (as if building a time machine wouldn't have been strange enough for Niffenegger) seems realistic and grounded in reality. This novel feels real and true.I don't know that I can praise "The Time Traveler's Wife" enough or even adequately. The best praise that I know how to give is to say that from time to time I encounter a book that blows me away, that I don't want to put down, and that is so magical that I am simply absorbed into the story. It's a rare book that completely levels me and gets instantly elevated to one of my favorite books. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is such a novel.-Joe Sherry

How is the writing style of story on this book?

books

wonderful

write

distinct

voice

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0099464462

I am not a science fiction reader, as a rule. I do like time travel stories though - I enjoyed Replay, for instance. I first read The Time Traveler's Wife a few years ago when a bookclub I was in wanted to read it. I read it again on my own several months later because I think it really is a book you get more from the second time you read it. 2 other bookclubs I'm in since them have read it, so this is my 4th time through.I still count this as one of my favorite books. It has a wonderful story idea and good writing. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there's all kinds of things that would disgust a "true" Science Fiction writer. The romance scenes aren't all that "hot", but I'm not a romance reader either.The story, while unbelievable, feels true - does that make sense? Probably not. What I mean is that their actions and reactions seem to hold true to things happening.The book will make you smile, probably make you mad, make you question, and make you cry.The characters aren't really deep and you end up feeling very sad for Clare, she seems to spend so much of her life waiting...My only complaint is that this book is STILL not available in eBook format. I had heard the author had some personal issues with eBook format, but I see her new book will be on the Kindle, so hopefully one day the publisher will release this to the Kindle crowd.

How is the quality of the voice?

books

not likable

character

not sure

reader

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0099464462

I loved this book. It's odd, because the characters weren't extremely likable or well developed, which is generally very important to me. However, in this case, the story really sucked me in and I couldn't put it down.Clare is a pretty normal person, growing up in linear time, waiting for the day when she will meet her husband, Henry. Henry is eight years older than Clare, but he has a genetic brain condition that is a bit like epilepsy. When he gets overly tired or stressed or exposed to flashing lights like a television gives off, he travels through time.Henry can't control or suppress this quirk, but he tends to travel to places where he has an emotional connection. He has therefore witnessed his mother's violent death many times, and more often than not when he time travels he ends up in a meadow close to Clare's childhood home.Clare and Henry's relationship is very unusual. He meets her for the first time when he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. However, she knows him because as an older man he's been showing up in her meadow and spending time with her since she was six years old.I loved the questions this book raised in my mind. Were Henry and Clare trapped into their futures? Henry told Clare that they were married and she took it for granted that things would work out that way. Could she have changed that, or was her future already set? Both Clare and Henry shaped each other. He interacted with her from the time she was a child until she was eighteen. Then she met him at twenty and she took over shaping him into the middle-aged man she remembered coming to visit her. Did they grow into themselves, or did knowing the future cause them to change each other in ways they would not have changed if not for their unusual situation?I also enjoyed the way Henry jumped around in time while Clare's future marched forward. It was interesting to see the gaps in his knowledge because things that should have been in the past were still looming in his future. I liked that he interacted with himself on some of his time travels and nothing catastrophic happened. Some of the most interesting scenes contained two different versions of Henry.Overall, it made me think, and I appreciated that.

Where is the reader?

books

original

story

original

concept

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This book has elicited in me mixed emotions. The story is certainly original. I admit I bought it for the vaguely sci-fi assumption from which it begins to discover that it was more like a romance novel with a literary fiction ending.The way it is written, mixing past, present and future, the narrative technique of the double point of view and the perfectly intertwined mechanism of time travels is definitely remarkable. As well the ability of Niffenegger's prose deserves praise as to capture the reader and make them empathize with the story. She could really make me live the story of Clare and Henry, but especially that of Henry, much more interesting than his wife.Bad, though, for the unnecessarily downhill final part, characterized by a continuous basking in the pain of the male protagonist. I found it sadistic towards the character itself and the readers. From the moment I knew how it would end, around page 300 (but I had a suspicion long before), I almost had no reason to go on. I continued to hope for a twist, because it seemed absurd that in a novel like that the ending would be so obvious so far in advance. But I was disappointed. The last scene is really disturbing. I read in an interview that Niffenegger has written that scene at very first, which is even more disappointing.What can I say? It certainly enriched me in many aspects of the way in which it was written, but I do not know if it was worth reading, given the prolonged bad mood that got me in the end. I want to enjoy myself when I read, not bring myself down.What a pity.Rita Carla Francesca Monticelli, author ofRed Desert - Point of No Return

What is the main concept of books?

books

unique

concept

original

concept

398a5fb507fe6311bdcea7f0aed4d510

7e41ad9d8f370219b610d5406da124cc

489ccb77f73195c185f331c0a942c18f

0099464462

The Time Traveler's Wife never appealed to me because of the title. I don't usually care for science fiction and time traveling, but my friend recommended the novel and gave me a copy as a gift, so I tried it out. Just as I expected, I didn't care for the time traveling. I found the first thirty pages terribly confusing as dates and ages jumped around. For me, The Time Traveler's Wife had a rough start, but it picked up after the first hundred pages or so once I figured out the time structure of the story, and it culminated with the final scene as the best scene in the book.The book tells the love story between Henry, a librarian plagued with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and his wife Clare. The story and concept are unique, interesting, and captivating. They touch upon a wide variety of philosophical topics, such as love, free will, age differences within relationships, sex, waiting for love, and genetic therapy. It provides a lot of material for both self-reflection and discussion with others.Although I enjoyed reading the novel and became engrossed in the storyline, I also found many faults with the book. My main complaint is that the characters were flat. The story is told with the alternating perspectives of Henry and Clare, however, I oftentimes could not remember whose perspective I was reading. The two characters are too similar and are poorly developed as separate individuals. Henry is clearly the main character, and Clare simply waits for him throughout her entire life. Some people might find her relentless waiting as a testament to her love for Henry, but I found it pathetic and irritating. She has no personality beyond Henry. Furthermore, I found Henry interesting because of his time traveling predicament, but he is not at all what I would envision of as a romantic hero in a love story. The author sets up numerous situations in which she could have explored their deeper emotions, but instead she only skims the surface. Similarly, the author sets up some great supporting characters, but fails to give them any depth.In the end, The Time Traveler's Wife is not a bad book, but it's not a great book either. The story and concept were captivating, but unfortuantely, the characters were disappointing.

What is the main concept of books?

books

difficult

life

exceptional

book

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0c604c94c05c955f30cb74605a1d921d

be817f8df6d5cbabd90d72dee9a2cebf

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I read this book and the sequel, People of the Lie around the time that they came out. I was stunned by Peck's honesty. The stories of how he and his patients struggle with the problems and obstacles that confront them are amazing.We don't want to hear that life is difficult. We want to buy something, toothpaste, hair dye, a new car, or find a new relationship that will make things easy for us.Whenever I need some encouragement, I just find these books on my book shelf.

How was the book?

books

unique

character

strong

element

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cacff6e8488640b6a5035649853d137c

6cb32128d685874759cd0aac3fce7eb5

0099911701

I first read Outlander 14 years ago. I found it to be an engaging tale that drew me in and kept me reading and reading. The characters were unique, and the story revolved around the circumstances of a 20th century woman traveling through standing stones and landing in the 18th century.I found the writing to be superb. The descriptions gave a full sensory experience of the times. Some have critcized the author's wordiness. I appreciated her attention to detail, both in her writing and in her impeccable research. I also found that the first person narrative lent a more personal view. Again, some disliked this. I thought it gave more realism to the story.This, for me, was a landmark book in that it was the first work that I read that clearly crossed many genres. It's not easily categorized because it has elements of historical fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, mystery, and yes, romance. All of these qualities add up to a book, and to a series, that is not only riveting the first time through, but one that stands up extraordinarily well to re-reading, and which can, in fact, be even more enjoyable the second, or third, or fourth... time through it. It's been 14 years, and I still find myself irresistibly drawn into the world of Jamie and Claire Fraser.

How was element?

books

incredible

detail

detailed

story

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0099911701

This book came highly recommended to me. That was the only reason I would have considered picking it up. I was still hesitant to read it because it didn't seem to fit into any of the normal genres I read. Diana Gabaldon seems to have created her own new genre. I'm glad I got over my initial hesitation. I was blown away.Words of WARNING! Only purchase The Outlander - and the others in the series - if you want to read possibly the most incredible story you could ever imagine!I don't say that lightly. I have read thousands of books.Some books have great character developement.Some books have incredible detail to background research.Some books have original story lines.Some books are cutting edge when it comes to character interaction.Some books are written vividly - so you can see the story play out in your mind as if one was watching it in real life.Some books manage to suprise you.Some books even have a nice combination of of some of the above.The Outlander has ALL of the above.I can't recommend this book highly enough. I don't care what kind of books you typically read. This book - and the others in the series - is for every reader. This kind of talent only comes around once in a lifetime.

How is the story?

books

captivating

story

able to make

author

7d5c7dcaac58336508eeea0de9842394

d0c2eb071eae92ef34159453e354c3e3

46b068026ef2a48c7ee29e470e1f3ce1

0099911701

This book is a romance for women. It is a fantasy story of love. It is about a twenty eight year old childless woman who is happily married to a man she is getting reacquainted with. They were separated by service in the military where she served as a nurse. Her husband is a history buff and she enjoys collecting herbs. She gets transported into a past century and both her nurse skills and her herb knowledge help her survive in a cruel but exciting time. She falls madly in lust and love with a younger Scottish man and they have a lot of very descriptive sex. It is a very physical world and she is very descriptive. The story is captivating and fascinating and the author is able to truly transport the reader.

Does the author able to make?

books

alive

character

wonderful

novel

3a57381b1a7be6d200995b84b59bce08

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d15dfaa50b9162d4e77e05ce1704a421

0099911701

Outlander is one of those rare books that takes up permanent residence in your heart. The language is beautiful, detailed, and intricate. The story and setting are captivating. The characters come alive with clever dialogue and vivid descriptions. The novel grips you to the very end and leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, there are several more books in the series, each just as good as the last, while at the same time each stands on its own two metaphorical feet, continuing the story without ever being repetitive. Thank you Diana Gabaldon.End-note: this novel is intended for Adult readers. There is mature content within. For example, do not take it as a gift to a 12 year old's birthday party, or allow anyone really under the age of eighteen or so to randomly flip open a page. Keep it for yourself, recommend it to your (grown-up) friends, and enjoy the ride :)

How is novel?

books

full

world

fresh

book

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9ab5f0e0dbdc2f01b3cb445c35fa3c4d

19eeaaa068c5267671d4f830887c326a

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If you're looking for a neat, tidy book where the hero beats the bad guy and gets the girl in the end--look somewhere else. Life isn't like that, and you know it. Holden Caulfield knows the world is full of phonies, and even if he lies a little himself, that's part of life too.On the surface, this is a story about nothing. Holden gets kicked out of boarding school and goes home to New York City. He doesn't want to tell his parents, so he gets a cheap room and spends a few days drinking, smoking, and catching up with old friends.What that doesn't tell you is that Holden is on the verge of a moral and emotional collapse. It's been coming ever since his kid brother died. Sure, lots of people can handle death gracefully, but a lot of us can't. For Holden, the death of sweet little kid challenges his belief in a just God, and without a moral foundation, he's left wondering how he can possibly live the rest of his life. It's a question any serious thinker poses eventually, and the way Holden seeks an answer is what this book is really about.Yes, there's language, but it's true to the character. What's more, while it may have been shocking 50 years ago, by today's standards it's very mild. Any reader with cable TV in the house has heard much worse. I recommend this book for any bright reader 12 years and up.

What is your feeling about this book ?

books

good

way

serious

problem

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e08aa3acb076654cee88c12367867816

730edc5b01d23e7c7def2b73e77eb2ea

0140012486

I read this book in my teens, and just now re-read it 20-plus years later. The only part I remembered from before turns out not to be in the book, to tell you the truth. Hmm... (maybe it was Midnight Cowboy"?). I'm really crazy, the craziest guy.Anyways, this guy Holden Caulfield is a whiney loser prep-school expellee and all, and walks around NYC for a few days complaining about everything and everybody, he really does. Funny that the way the book is written you know, in the sort of phoney realistic manner that some notorious writers use, is pretty good and all, but Holden can't really put together a grammatically correct sentence, although he was supposed to be good at English, at least he didn't fail that at school.Anyway, I did like the book a little - I really did, but I did not much care for Holden or his problems. I suppose this book would have been better in the fifties when it came out. The notorious "cursing" - oh, my! - is tame. Mostly GD this and GD that, and only gets into the F word at the end.I would not recommend it, but I would not keep anyone from reading it. Sort of like Holden, he takes both sides.

Can you solve the whole problem?

books

worth

book

more

page

3124e012b1bbb15acea5e2ab1adde186

660ada7c82208b9ca3d5157b7b683fa5

ec949ed0352ee1259bafee87089d2fe0

0140012486

"The catcher in the rye" is the story of some days in Holden Caulfied's life, as he tells it in the hospital where he was taken after his "meltdown". In his own words, "I'll just tell you about this madman stuff that happened to me around last Christmas just before I got pretty run-down and had to come out here and take it easy".The plot is quite simple, mainly what happens when a particularly sensitive teenager gets kicked out of school, and decides to travel alone a little bit instead of just telling his parents what happened. However, even if the main premise is common enough, the way it is delivered is what makes this book so special that it has become a classic. Salinger makes us get to know Holden, giving the reader interesting insights into his musings, likes and dislikes (yeah, generally mostly dislikes).You want some examples?. For instance, and regarding teachers, he says that "You can't stop a teacher when they want to do something. They just do it". Or when he starts to think about the things we say over and over again, without giving them any actual meaning: "I'm always saying `Glad to `ve met you` to somebody I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though".Holden's views are interesting, and different readers will interpret them in diverse ways, specially if their age isn't the same. To teenagers, Holden reflects the highs and lows they have to deal with, and their struggle with the "phony world" of adults that sometimes seems so weird, so wrong. To adults, Holden is a part of themselves that they somehow lost with the years, the innocence and the shock before things they have grown accustomed to with time.There are quite a few symbols in this book, but you will able to understand it even if you don't know a thing about symbology (or aren't interested in it). Despite that, I'd like to share with you a specially important symbol, the catcher in the rye that gives this book its title. Holden wants to be the catcher in the rye when he grows up: "Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around--nobody big, I mean--except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff--I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going. I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be." . He doesn't know why, he just wants to come out from somewhere and catch little children before they fall from the cliff. In a way, that shows how much he wants to preserve their innocence, against a phony world that tries to corrupt them...I really liked this book, and I found it engaging and very easy to read. I'm not from USA, so I didn't have to read it as obligatory reading material for school, but I ended up reading it all the same mainly out of curiosity because many of my American friends recommended it to me. After reading "The catcher in the rye", I must say that they were right, and I would like to recommend this book to you, if you haven't read it yet. And if you are forced to read it for school, please JUST GIVE IT AN OPPORTUNITY. I know it is hateful having to read something merely because someone says so, but in this case that will work to your advantage... What can I say?. This book, unlike so many others, is really WORTH YOUR TIME.Belen Alcat

How many pages has the new pra?

books

unlikable

character

stupid

people

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2fed6364ff8c2182983da21270c19f2c

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Initially I disliked the book. The central character is extremely unlikable - unapologetically rude, self-absorbed, deceitful, manipulative, hypocritical, and physically repulsive - in other words, just like all the rest of us only much more so. And since the novel has no discernible central plot (episodic, much like Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat", which I loved), those features combined to put me off, and so I put the book down after 180 pages (something I rarely do). I wanted something to compel me to keep reading, but Toole's novel frustrated me. I chuckled at a few scenes and smiled at more, but in the first half I didn't see this as the "comic masterpiece" others have called it. Yet I decided to finish reading for two reasons. First, I came to like several of the side-characters (Darlene, the would-be exotic dancer, Jones, the aggrieved and exploited janitor at the Night of Joy club) and Mrs. Battaglia, good friend of Reilly's long-suffering mother, who are not only interesting in their own right but likeable where Reilly was initially obnoxious. The other reason is that I wanted to see whether there is a vulnerable self-awareness to Reilly or whether he is simply full of himself. I found I wanted him not to be the overbearing, narcissistic mama's boy that he seemed to be in the first third of the book. And as another reviewer has perceptively commented, one goes from disliking him to fearing for him. To my surprise, I found myself liking him. Beneath the self-absorption I found a keen mind, one unwilling to accept the absurdities and hypocrisies of Our Modern America quietly. And in taking his speak-your-mind attitude to the extreme, Ignatius J. Reilly turns out to be quite the American. Loud, manipulative, and self-serving he remains, but he isn't without a sense of justice and self-respect, and in the final scene, he just may be opening his eyes to what the "minx" Myrna Minkoff really means to him.

How to deal with stupid people?

books

capable

man

good

discussion

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26f0c137845ef937e73c72a5bce44047

f1e5c3b2226f478470024126fdb64e12

0140060286

What marks this book from so many on the annihilation of the Jews in death camps is its brevity. The book is so spare that it is hard to understand the horror without reading it so slowly that you are practically reading it aloud. There are really vivid characters in it, who evolve in just a few paragraphs, a truly masterful encapsulation of lost lives. While there is nothing particularly remarkable about his writing style, Wiesel has created a classic here that will stand the test of time. It is so scary and devastating that I will never forget it.A teacher friend of mine began his class with a close reading of this book, and allowed me to witness the discussion. It moved children of all races to pose questions, both about history and what men are capable of and about themselves and their identities. It was brilliant.Highest recommendation.

How is the discussion?

books

honest

story

shocking

story

db70e5c7aa5a7ed62808996319bcd910

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"That's what stories are for. Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember except the story."This is truly one of the best books I have ever read. The praise at the beginning of the book calls it "a vital, important book" which cannot be honestly stated about too many books, but it is true in this case. It took me longer than it should have to read this book because I didn't want to read it when I was tired, or preoccupied or when the TV was on in the background. I only wanted to read it when I could dedicate my whole mind to it and immerse myself in it.Listed as a collection of short stories regarding Mr. O'Brien's time in the Vietnam war, I felt it read more like a novel, there was a strong continuity throughout the stories. The stories were honest, passionate and beautifully written without the need for fancy, lyrical writing."The Things They Carried" is honestly one of the best pieces of literature I have ever read, and I recommend it to everyone.(

How was the book's story perceived?

books

true

word

honest

story

91817d2baa7d1d3b1cde907f69b0f10a

5bbded4e99df392c37b4934fe6198b0f

12e831a85138e88633d752ecc0447ebf

014014773X

Talk about reading outside your comfort zone! Are there ever any happy war stories? Certainly not in this book. It is a book of sorrow and death and remorse and gore and misery, but every word feels very real, very true. The stories edge, at times, into the surreal, but that never takes away from the truth of the book.A book everyone should read. Even if it takes you outside your comfort zone....

Which story do I tell you?

books

not easy

life

own

struggle

ee0bc49920ffaa527e38b23a9069e838

db6680d21f7fc0aca021a8d484e136f6

979c61d8e11009a0a402bec4138253a4

014028009X

If you are looking for a book like "Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging"-than this book is for you! I was reading some reviews of this book before I read it, and I was hestitant to read it because many people made it seem boring. When I finally picked it up and decided to read a page, I was hooked!Bridget has spunk and wits more than anyone I've known. Her diary begins the day her weirdo mom invites her to a New Year's bash at the neighbors house, and she's forced to go. Life doesn't get easier for the British punk girl, as she faces her the fact that her mother has become a chat-show hostess. Bridget lives her life, makes mistakes, makes someone happy, and you begin to feel that she is real, only to be disapointed by remembering she is a fictional character.Bridget's character and problems in life is what pulls you in the book. I think, that if the main character in a book isn't enjoyable from the start, there is no point to reading it. Bridget Jones' Diary is an extremely good read for teens. I must end this now- going to begin sequel!

When do langston canes have their struggle and strength?

books

big

impact

clear

point

ccbcafb64e93aeb3ed1398f24b7aaf3c

bc6c9620df96c11d0e23486d83af7297

935aa418f5b29252e291d7b2f24eeba3

0141034599

I was prepared to love this book; I bought it with great anticipation. I got it home and started reading it immediately, but it was so repetitive that it got boring fast. Taleb's thesis boils down to this: social reality will produce a big punch out of nowhere and it will have a big impact, usually negative. Duh!!! Taleb bemoans Gaussian Curves, and normalized this and that; basically he seems to scramble mumbo jumbo in a word soup that is confusing and not very well argued. Taleb seems to be saying that same thing in tortued prose what Spencer Johnson says in very simple prose in Who Moved My Cheese? And Johnson's book is much cheaper.Taleb tries to explain human decision making but winds up writing confusing explanations. In place of Taleb, I would recommend Gilbert's Stumbling On Happiness. Stumbling is very well and simply written and it's funny. Taleb's tends to take himself a little too seriously at times and he name drops and is a little precious too, and those tendencies make him a little boring to me.

How is it point ?

books

better

life

many

story

8d623620adc9acbde6325dc18664763e

46f2c77caa07bd51d800d53907999ae5

d550fcd434f1a389223c4a624062107d

0141039280

From page one until almost the last, this story impressed me on many levels--As a writer, I was impressed and envious that a first novel could be SO good.As a reader, I fell in love with the voices of the book's 3 main characters--Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny--and never wanted their story to end.As a human being, the stories of black servants and their white employers in 1960s Mississippi alternately wrenched my heart and created a bitter knot in my stomach. As a white person, the attitudes of (most of) the white characters in this story are an embarassment to me. I know it's just a novel, but I also know (even with not having lived any further south than Virginia) that these attitudes are not fiction.The bond between Aibileen and Mae Mobley, one of the two white children she cared for, was beautifully drawn, as was Aibileen's hope for MaeMo to grow up a different kind of white woman than her mother and most other white women who inhabit the story.The balance these characters had to dance between wanting to do something that felt RIGHT--something that mattered and might help the next generation have a better life--and the fear of doing so in that racially explosive time and place was palpable throughout much of the story.In the last half of the book, I was reading while watching TV--something I don't think I've EVER done before--reading during commercials, reading in bed, reading on the porch...I felt that I HAD to keep reading. Until the last chapter or two, I was absolutely convinced that I was going to give this book a 5-star review. I was telling everyone I knew about it and recommending it heartily.But then came the ending, and I found it SO unsatisfying...especially compared to how incredibly satisfying I found the rest of the book. I may be wrong, but it screamed one of two things to me--sequel or tight deadline; i.e., either things were left unfinished because there's going to be another book or she ran out of time to bring it to the complete, fulfilling and heart-gladdening ending that this amazing story deserved.I still very much recommend the book; just perhaps not as enthusiastically as I would have 50, 100 or 400 pages ago.Edited 08/11/11 to add that I just came from seeing the movie version of The Help and I thought it was FABULOUS! The movie's director and the book's author are friends since childhood, so I was very hopeful that he would do a good job bringing this wonderful story to the screen and, in my opinion, he has. The acting is marvelous, especially from Viola Davis (Aibileen) and Octavia Spencer (Minnie). If you loved this book, I think you'll love the movie too!

Is this story about military?

books

palpable

fear

poignant

story

2f6494ffebffc0a5c18af36b6afbf4e7

46f2c77caa07bd51d800d53907999ae5

9eaa6af0c952e001273e5eb006b22845

0141039280

From page one until almost the last, this story impressed me on many levels--As a writer, I was impressed and envious that a first novel could be SO good.As a reader, I fell in love with the voices of the book's 3 main characters--Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny--and never wanted their story to end.As a human being, the stories of black servants and their white employers in 1960s Mississippi alternately wrenched my heart and created a bitter knot in my stomach. As a white person, the attitudes of (most of) the white characters in this story are an embarassment to me. I know it's just a novel, but I also know (even with not having lived any further south than Virginia) that these attitudes are not fiction.The bond between Aibileen and Mae Mobley, one of the two white children she cared for, was beautifully drawn, as was Aibileen's hope for MaeMo to grow up a different kind of white woman than her mother and most other white women who inhabit the story.The balance these characters had to dance between wanting to do something that felt RIGHT--something that mattered and might help the next generation have a better life--and the fear of doing so in that racially explosive time and place was palpable throughout much of the story.In the last half of the book, I was reading while watching TV--something I don't think I've EVER done before--reading during commercials, reading in bed, reading on the porch...I felt that I HAD to keep reading. Until the last chapter or two, I was absolutely convinced that I was going to give this book a 5-star review. I was telling everyone I knew about it and recommending it heartily.But then came the ending, and I found it SO unsatisfying...especially compared to how incredibly satisfying I found the rest of the book. I may be wrong, but it screamed one of two things to me--sequel or tight deadline; i.e., either things were left unfinished because there's going to be another book or she ran out of time to bring it to the complete, fulfilling and heart-gladdening ending that this amazing story deserved.I still very much recommend the book; just perhaps not as enthusiastically as I would have 50, 100 or 400 pages ago.Edited 08/11/11 to add that I just came from seeing the movie version of The Help and I thought it was FABULOUS! The movie's director and the book's author are friends since childhood, so I was very hopeful that he would do a good job bringing this wonderful story to the screen and, in my opinion, he has. The acting is marvelous, especially from Viola Davis (Aibileen) and Octavia Spencer (Minnie). If you loved this book, I think you'll love the movie too!

What story do I tell you?

books

full

story

own

story

054df75a6ff5690cbb634cde626bf1ab

760e7474b7ac89a3ead155f6dd4ffcc9

f8f5ad5aa8cf562fe4ef4114ac0c1ff6

0141039280

I saw an entertainment blurb on television one night with Sarah Jessica Parker holding this book so I looked it up and couldn't resist buying it. I'm glad I did.This is the unique coming of age story of Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, just home from college in 1962, anxious to become a writer, who is advised by a New York editor to hone her skills by writing "about what disturbs you." And at this particular time in her life, she is disturbed by the plight of the black maids in the early 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi who raise their employer's children, yet are treated as criminals if so much as a silver spoon gets misplaced.I have to say that Ms. Stockett had the prissy, holier-than-thou Jr. League ladies down to a tee. The story is full of tears, laughter and triumph as Skeeter weaves her way through a miasma of roadblocks to gain the trust and loyalty of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The incident which is the ultimate payback by Minny to her mean, evil employer's daughter, Miss Hilly, is so shocking, funny and distasteful that it literally made me gasp when I read it, then laugh out loud. Miss Hilly is the president of the Jr. League and got exactly what she deserved, I must say.It's been a long time since I've read a novel that left me feeling this satisfied and glowing. There's absolutely nothing like a great story, well-told! I'd give this book ten stars if I could!!

Do children have a story?

books

vivid

book

poignant

story

2f6494ffebffc0a5c18af36b6afbf4e7

f912b000a0a52cd7c5c984c6c0e06f1d

2f73b4cfff3efcdba17c38eb88efb315

0141039280

Novel I have read in a very long time. I, literally, had trouble putting it down. In fact, I had to stop reading to do some running around when I was close to finished. Finding I couldn't wait, I stopped at a McDonalds, bought a cup of coffee, curled up in a back booth and finished it.The characters are so real you expect them to walk into your house at any minute. I was raised in the south and some of the incidents, while totally an embarrassment, sounded so vaguely familiar. The descriptions are so real that I fully thought I would go outside to find myself in Jackson, Mississippi hearing ML King's famous speech on radios everywhere.This is the story of a newly college graduated white woman from a highly respected family....Jr. League - the whole bit. She wants to be a journalist and the only job she can find is a weekly column telling women how to clean. How 60's is that? With the help of a female editor in New York, she decides to write a book about life from a maid's point of view. In the south during the 60's, everyone had a maid. The difficult part was getting maids to talk to anyone, much less a white woman.From my point of view, this book had two strikes right off the top. First, I really only read mysteries. Second, this book is written from the points of view of many different people and I usually find that most disconcerting. However, this book is so well written, the story so vivid that you can't help but become involved in the storyline - it just sucks you in and won't let go.This is a beautifully written book about the south in the 60's - the good, the bad, the ugly - when the bad and the ugly were getting ready to change and the courage of the women who helped make that change.I can't recommend this book highly enough. It doesn't matter if you enjoy reading historical novels, mysteries, or romance - this book has a little of everything in it. This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it - the characters are that real; the story is that good.

What story do I tell you?

books

better

thing

realistic

book

5c90b14d53e81210060687c5134109d6

6aaa78e102ceb251732181f886f7ffc8

2f408dcf22c6b08a164fc2f6dcc9e664

0141039280

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. So, loved this book and its message.

How is book?

books

better

thing

mixed

feeling

ea1e1a4e130eafb0a481a04dd81830fb

6aaa78e102ceb251732181f886f7ffc8

38fa8c3831e9db05e3482e399712dedb

0141039280

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. So, loved this book and its message.

How is that feeling?

books

deep

understanding

evil

people

bd95dacd3aa3bf23785334f5db15f17a

9d67d702a2c6d209e353dba4e6ec9235

2c0d1998a37b4cd1ea39cb5ab50fc7e9

0141039280

After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Are evil people on story line of this book?

books

alive

story

minor

quibble

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818db73210d8cf7f24185e6d9b307162

02985ca8bbc348446c93cc4fb986f9d9

0141039280

This is a great book. I fell in love with all of the characters. I also highly recommend the audio reading of it - it makes the story come alive. Highly recommended.

Why is the quibble minor?

books

different

situation

different

circumstance

748bb7be3dd2eebe978057464e00bf74

e721e4abf39eebd685dec05bd6f7ab47

e153a95c7d3d06ffaba08abd461af03c

0141039280

I am a former Mississippian and very familiar with Jackson and the mentality of the times "The Help" is written in. The book is spot on in both the telling of the maids stories and the employers. However, I left the south when I was a small girl and came to the Chicago area and found that the situations were non to different in how the help was treated there either. I worked for the government as a civil servent and when I initially started out I was the only black person in my section and was viewed as an oddity and on one particular occasion we had what was called a sensitity secession and it was discussed how the employees that had domestic help would never ask them to sit down and have a discusion or ask about their famalies or have any personal dialoge.I have read reviews that say that this book was not as good or relavent as "To Kill a Mocking Bird" but I beg to differ and think is deserves to be up there with the best of them.

How was the circumstance?

books

several

thing

new

job

bd1d51f2440c4ebbe370693a3ddb2466

6698af83ba5e954c3c01302d23015f96

502f6e6d292296fbd84ba899db9a0852

0141039280

The basic plot and themes of The Help have been covered by other reviewers. I don't regret reading this book as an entertaining piece of fiction, but it is hardly an incisive look at 1960s race relations (being too superficial to do the subject justice). Some reviewers would have us believe this book is world-changing, thought provoking etc. I just see it as a novel with an interesting storyline, some entertaining vignettes and 3 first-person narrators which provides a nice change from other works of fiction.The things that stop me from proclaiming The Help as a profoundly meaningful book are several. A minor gripe was that the story seemed to move very slowly. But this could be viewed as intentional (change comes slowly, people in the south were stuck in their ways etc). Poor editing is another flaw ("The scream was like a piece of material ripped into shredded halves"). Others have already mentioned the stereotypical characters. Sure, they were likeable, but they were nevertheless predictable and one-dimensional. Add to this the increasingly farcical progression of events, coupled with blatant sentimentality and I could no longer take this book seriously. I finished it because I wanted to know what happened, but can't say I was particularly moved or influenced by this story.

When did you get a new job?

books

vibrant

character

unique

gift

2039c9572943def457b62b7e6f98442f

2556e18aee320c127dee83f8800b4985

e706998b82e140755e92d6f199ba1964

0141039280

I could not put this one down! The characters are so real and vibrant. Even the antagonists were likable and vulnerable in certain parts. The book really comes to life.

Why do I have a unique gift?

books

full

story

real

problem

38c2ba9813cf5d52ee81d22c5dbd52bf

d0c73383147d4459dab1c84f79b78381

773118a0c731bc336e20368d835f147d

0141039280

WOW! Excellent novel. Well written and deeply honest in it's portrait of women in the south. The story is full of intrigue and wonder. Leaves one wondering about our own actions and which character each of us would identify with. Highly recommended as a study in relationships, and politics- both on the national as well as personal level. Extraordinary tale.

How is the problem?

books

many

quality

distinct

voice

db2a19521d1a9f40af0ee163115955f9

6875720be86c39c6f199bf4d93d21028

428f62a458ff71b54fd2129d8d721aea

0141039280

THE HELP has so many amazing qualities it is hard to know where to start. Aside from the book's important social relevance and message, the writing is excellent in characterizing and describing both sides, never with a heavy hand, which makes Stockett's story all the more powerful and proves her place as one the most skilled contemporary writers today. This book is perfect for the reader looking for strong female leads fighting the odds. I'd put it right up there with my ultimate female underdog heroine novel SILLY LITTLE RICH GIRL.

How is the quality of the voice?

books

many

quality

perfect

none

4bca62368a7e1295b52e22330081d109

6875720be86c39c6f199bf4d93d21028

0522382c544b1797deb607aacb5bbf9e

0141039280

THE HELP has so many amazing qualities it is hard to know where to start. Aside from the book's important social relevance and message, the writing is excellent in characterizing and describing both sides, never with a heavy hand, which makes Stockett's story all the more powerful and proves her place as one the most skilled contemporary writers today. This book is perfect for the reader looking for strong female leads fighting the odds. I'd put it right up there with my ultimate female underdog heroine novel SILLY LITTLE RICH GIRL.

Is none of the book was peprfect?

books

little

interest

evil

people

bd95dacd3aa3bf23785334f5db15f17a

92d2305ae7182f728cef8e2c7f0f1282

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0141039280

I tend to avoid the blockbuster bestsellers. But my mother's friend gave her The Help, and she passed it on to me. I wasn't very interested, although the movie trailers looked better than I'd expected. But I was in desperate need of something distracting one night, something other than what I'd been reading or, it seemed, anything else within reach, and The Help next thing I knew it was 2:30 AM and it was only through sheer willpower that I put this down and tried to go to sleep. Tried. It wasn't easy. I read this book in three sittings, and it would have been one if I'd had any say in the matter. That hasn't happened in a while.An indication of how thoroughly distracted I was: I loathe, despise, and abominate the present tense in fiction. It's silly to admit it, but I was halfway through the book before it really registered that all three points of view in The Help are present tense. I grew used to it in Aibileen's section - it was just a part of the dialect, of Aibileen's voice; the same was true of Minny's, and by the time I started Skeeter's first chapter I was well beyond simply engrossed. I literally did a double-take when for some reason one present-tense usage registered It was simply that I was paying far more attention to what was happening than to how it was written - and it's been a very long time since that happened, that thoroughly.It should not have been so very compulsively readable. Present tense; dialect to one degree or another throughout; but the three women whose voices tell the story are so vibrant and alive that Kathryn Stockett might have been able to get away with future tense Pig Latin and still produced gold. (I wouldn't recommend it, however.) Aibileen and Minny and Skeeter are each in her way wounded, and are not about to be sharing everything right off with someone they know as little as the reader. It takes time to gain their friendship and their confidence, and in the meantime the secrets they keep are only hinted at, to torment and tease. When the secrets are finally revealed, in their own time, they are equal to their buildup. Again, not something easily pulled off.Each section is written just as if the narrator were talking to the reader, truly in her voice. Each woman's voice belongs to her and her alone. Aibileen's dialect is heavy, warm but mildly ironic, bitterness and sorrow always just below the surface - or higher. I adore Aibileen. Minny's mother was a schoolteacher and had no patience for slang, and Minny has never quite lapsed from her high standards; neither of these women is stupid, not by a long mark, but Minny's voice has a closer relationship to formal grammar - along with a bigger helping of sarcasm and bitterness. Skeeter is a college girl, and her voice, always worried, is closest to standard - but she is still a Mississippi girl and still calls the Harper & Row editor Missus Stein. One test of good fiction writing is whether a character's dialogue can be matched to that character based on style and syntax alone. Any single paragraph in this book can pass that test.I feel a little stupid that some of the dangers of the time and place never occurred to me. The 60's aren't my milieu. I happily missed nearly all the decade, and the only thing I've regretted was the moon launch (and maybe the Beatles). Plus I'm a Northern girl; even at the worst of it, before I was born, it wasn't quite as bad here. (Partly because, I find, segregation was more due to strictly separated neighborhoods (or rather neighborhoods and ghettos) than law.) I knew some of it, of course. I knew the basics of the story of Emmet Till (though I didn't realize he was only 14; or maybe it was another case I had heard of. There were no doubt many). But I simply was clueless about how prevalent and constant the danger was. Every day, every action, every word and look and conversation and quirk of an eyebrow might be scrutinized, and might lead to ... anything. Being fired; being beaten; being killed. Crosses burned, houses burned, bodies burned. And even beyond the danger, almost as hard to live with had to be the constant, continuous barrage of words. Even someone otherwise not unfriendly thought nothing of what is now (happily almost universally) considered outrageous remarks. Complete strangers were free to say appalling things.I know - I've been sheltered, that this was such a revelation to me. Don't think I'm not, in a large way, grateful.If I had been forced to say what I expected from The Help it would probably have been social commentary. Heart-warming. Heartstring-tugging. Some facile tale of some white girl's exposé on racial inequality. I was shocked, actually shocked, at the level of anxiety in this novel - it was more intense than a great many books intended as suspense novels. There was the not-quite comic suspense of what exactly the deal was with the pie. But, more, much more, there was the concern, the need to know if these women were going to be all right. There was no guarantee of that, none. Someone's review of another book nailed it:"Yes, somehow Mason made even those aspects of the novel incredibly interesting though it's a subject in which I have very little interest. I sympathised very much with Eloise's terrors and her courage at facing them - in fact I found I couldn't stop worrying about her even when I wasn't reading the book."I cared about these people. (Not characters: people.) I worried about them - yes, even when I wasn't reading the book. I learned from this, factually and emotionally. I was deeply impressed - this was a beautiful, beautiful book.

Are evil people on story line of this book?

books

real

conversation

new

job

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0141039280

From the opening sentence, this book draws you in and holds on until you turn the last page. I moved to Louisiana in 1964 when my father was transferred there from Japan. We were an Air Force family, I was 17 years old and newly graduated from high school. I had planned to go to college, but changed my mind at the last minute, being tired of studying and deciding I'd rather gain some experience in life by getting a job. My very first job was working in a loan company in downtown Alexandria. And I discovered that living in the South in the 60's was more foreign to me than living in Japan! I had no idea that in my own country, 'colored people' were treated so differently. If a white person came into the company to make a payment, they were always addressed by Miss or Mister. If a Negro came in, they were called by their first name, no matter if they were 18 or 81. I was appalled -- my parents had always taught me never to call anyone older than me by their first name.I remember going to a department store downtown and seeing two water fountains side by side, one titled 'colored.' So I tried drinking from that fountain because I wanted to see what 'color' that water was -- honest, I was that innocent. So I tell you this to explain that I was an open-eyed observer of the cultural differences of life in the South and the way I was brought up. And this book hits the nail square on the head.The Help puts you in the shoes of three very strong, very different women. Two are maids and one is a woman from an influencial and affluent family. How they ever manage to even have a 'real' conversation is almost a miracle -- it just wasn't done back then. The descriptions of their different lives are revealing and accurate. Their hesitation to rock the boat of their existance is the basis of the story -- if things are bad but they've always been this way, what hope is there for a better future? And is the risk of making things worse worth it? This book proves that there are other kinds of bravery than fighting on a battlefield. Sometimes just remaining silent in the face of personal injustice takes courage, or speaking out against it is monumental heroism. This is at heart a very deep, revealing look at a not-so-proud chapter in our history, however, the author sweeps you up in a wonderful, heartwarming story that is hopeful and hard to put down. The ending makes you hope Kathryn Stockett will write a sequel. You want to know more about these women because by the end of the book, you love them.

When did you get a new job?

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unique

character

unique

gift

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I truly loved this book. It made me sit down like a crazy addict and read and read. Sometimes I felt the text dragged on a bit, but the author expertly shows her knowledge of the time era and racial segregation of the classes. The characters are unique from each other and are well-rounded. A lovely story that most readers will enjoy because it offers hope to an otherwise bleak past.

Why do I have a unique gift?

books

different

problem

new

job

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I could not put this book down. I grew up in the 60's and remember the maids in the white uniforms, walking to the back of the bus when I visited in the South.To get inside their heads, their homes and their jobs was such an emotional experience for me. I was so proud of Minny and Aibileen for telling their stories, for standing up to their employers, all while continuing to write their prayers and raise their families.I think it teaches a powerful lesson about how much more we are alike with all races and cultures than we are different. The problems might be different, but the human emotion is the same. Except of course, in the case of extremists.I hope that the Hilly's of the world no longer exist and if they are now older, have mellowed and learned the lessons that needed to be learned in the South at that time.Without people like Skeeter, Minny and Aibileen, the civil rights movement would have continued, but for the women, like the author's real maid, they did make some small contribution to show us what their life was like and reminded us that the lives of African Americans in places like Jackson was miserable.Thank goodness for them and for the author who opened our eyes even more.

When did you get a new job?

books

identifiable

character

alive

scene

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Kathryn Stockett has created a story in The Help with an updated reflection upon a time in our nation when there was a divisive chasm between the races. A time when Americans, especially the "gentile Southerner", felt superior to their fellow black citizens. A time when our generation can now only hang their heads in shame for what an earlier generation did, said, felt and acted upon fellow black Americans.Stockett's fiction creatively twists the story so that the reader can only ponder along with the story's characters if this story is indeed fiction or not. Her ability to tickle our psyche is genius.The characters are fresh and easily identifiable while the language puts the reader right in the room with the characters. Her ability to put the reader into the character's mind in each chapter is equally intelligent as we become the thoughts of the character very readily. She enables this transference without the use of quotations of the character and uses the language of the character in their musings. (Such as when a character is thinking: I gone take that breakfast to her. Not: I'm going to take that breakfast to her.Nice read, somewhat compelling with the reader wanting to discover the outcome of the book Skeeter submits for publication, what the locals reactions will be, will there be repercussions with the contributors and what will Skeeter's life path become.Read it, read it. Great book.

What were the scenes like?

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own

set

real

feeling

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0141039280

Good fundamentals in this book: well-written characters whose conflicts drive the story forward. The perspective characters here are Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny, and each has her own distinctive voice and set of goals and character arcs. You watch them rise and fall, learn, love, adapt, react, everything we want from a good character-driven story. The story moves at a relaxed pace, but it never gets boring.That said, this was Stockett's first novel and a few newbie habits annoyed me. Most significantly, after the brilliant characterization of the heroes, we got this lazy characterization of the villain. Stockett succumbs to the old cliche--the villain is identified by being fat. And, hilariously, as the story progresses and the antagonist gets sympathetic, she also gets fatter (it's telling that other overweight characters are uniformly described as "plump", but "fat" is reserved for Hilly). She also can't resist the old historical irony gag, talking about how smoking couldn't possibly be bad for you and how a reporter was saying that this skirmish in Vietnam would be over quickly. Or there's the fact that Skeeter's life so closely parallels Stockett's own. Or, hell, just read the acknowledgments and look at how many names from her writing workshop found their way into the book. In many ways the story feels borrowed, in a Lifetime-Movie-of-the-week sort of way. Not that it was ever bad--I just would have liked a bit more narrative depth. But I have to come back and give Stockett kudos for not being gun-shy on the plight of domestics in a pre-Civil-Rights Mississippi. She does not pull her punches, and this gives the book a weight that I feel the movie never quite achieved. And while we're comparing...The biggest complaint I heard about the film adaptation was that it was the story of black women being helped by a white woman--that the Civil Rights movement is being white-washed, essentially. The book handles this more gracefully than the movie did. It wraps up less neatly but more honestly than the film.Overall, I liked it. I will never read it again, but there you have it.

What do the feelings make you feel?

books

own

set

high

tension

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0141039280

Good fundamentals in this book: well-written characters whose conflicts drive the story forward. The perspective characters here are Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny, and each has her own distinctive voice and set of goals and character arcs. You watch them rise and fall, learn, love, adapt, react, everything we want from a good character-driven story. The story moves at a relaxed pace, but it never gets boring.That said, this was Stockett's first novel and a few newbie habits annoyed me. Most significantly, after the brilliant characterization of the heroes, we got this lazy characterization of the villain. Stockett succumbs to the old cliche--the villain is identified by being fat. And, hilariously, as the story progresses and the antagonist gets sympathetic, she also gets fatter (it's telling that other overweight characters are uniformly described as "plump", but "fat" is reserved for Hilly). She also can't resist the old historical irony gag, talking about how smoking couldn't possibly be bad for you and how a reporter was saying that this skirmish in Vietnam would be over quickly. Or there's the fact that Skeeter's life so closely parallels Stockett's own. Or, hell, just read the acknowledgments and look at how many names from her writing workshop found their way into the book. In many ways the story feels borrowed, in a Lifetime-Movie-of-the-week sort of way. Not that it was ever bad--I just would have liked a bit more narrative depth. But I have to come back and give Stockett kudos for not being gun-shy on the plight of domestics in a pre-Civil-Rights Mississippi. She does not pull her punches, and this gives the book a weight that I feel the movie never quite achieved. And while we're comparing...The biggest complaint I heard about the film adaptation was that it was the story of black women being helped by a white woman--that the Civil Rights movement is being white-washed, essentially. The book handles this more gracefully than the movie did. It wraps up less neatly but more honestly than the film.Overall, I liked it. I will never read it again, but there you have it.

Does this novel have a lot of tension?

books

clear

voice

real

voice

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I was just looking for something new to read, when a friend pressed this into my hands. I could not put it down. Wonderful. Wonderful. Can't believe this was her first novel! Those voices in each chapter were so clear, I know I know all these people!Don't miss it. A great gift for someone who loves a great story. Not an angry novel, but so honest and revealing and poignant.

What is this voice that we can hear in the background?

books

serious

book

money worth

book

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One of the best books I've read in a long time. This book is funny and serious at the same time. I laughed and cried through the book. It was extremely well written.

How is book?

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bit rushed

end

messy

life

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0141039280

"The Help" is an outstanding book that depicts live in 1960's Mississippi. In the town of Jackson, there's a deep divide between the "white ladies" and the "help," who are all African American women. This book shifts back and forth from the perspectives of three different characters: Aibileen and Minny, two black women who work for different white families; and Miss Skeeter, a young white woman who is a bit of an outcast and sees the world differently than her mother and two closest friends, Elizabeth and Hilly, who are all very much set in their old southern traditions. Skeeter opens her eyes to the realities of the racial divide in her town. An aspiring writer, Skeeter struggles to recruit African American maids to secretly help her write a book about what life is like for colored women working for white families in Jackson.This is a fantastic book. Author Kathryn Stockett is a wonderful writer who brings all the characters in the novel to life so vividly. The sensitive subject matters in the book are tackled with warmth, humor, and brutal honesty. I enjoyed every page of the book and didn't want to put it down. My one criticism is that the end felt a bit rushed and open-ended. I would have enjoyed more closure with all of the characters. Regardless, I give this book five stars and consider it a new all-time favorite.

What about the life?

books

simple

writing style

timeless

book

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This is the first book I have read in 2010 that I could not put down. The storyline and the characters were both realistic and unique. Being a southerner born in the 1960's, these characters were my mother's friends and their/our maids. From the beginning the reader identifies and is cheering for the maids. They were smart, funny, loved their families yet the victims of a longstanding system that relied upon their continued repression.Stockett did a wonderful job capturing the dialect and (in my opinion) the lives of the maids. Her writing style was refreshingly simple and straightforward, not distracting me with wordy sentences and unnecessary paragraphs. The storyline is interwoven through the eyes of three different characters which allow the reader to look at relationship between blacks and whites during the 1960's through a new perspective. While we all know the racial relationship between blacks and whites continues to be a challenge for the country, this story ends with the triumph of good over evil as the maids' story is published and the young writer leaves town for her bright future in New York. All in all, forgot the historical relevance and read The Help because it a great story.

Is this book abou timeless?

books

difficult

life

exceptional

book

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Article first published as Book Review:The Help by Kathryn Stockett on Blogcritics.Life in the 60's, in Jackson, Mississippi was difficult for most people. Being a black maid, raising children not your own, was made even more difficult by the times.In The Help by Kathryn Stockett, we follow the coming of age of a young white woman, one raised and well loved by her own family's black maid, Constantine. When Miss Skeeter goes away to school to learn a trade in writing, she maintains a long distance relationship via letters. When the letters suddenly stop, she is hurt by the silence, but knows she will get an explanation from Constantine when she gets home. Little does she know at that time, she will never see her loving maid again.Elizabeth Leefolt and Hilly Holbrook are Skeeter's best friends. Having grown up together, they maintain that relationship. They belong to the same groups and attend the same parties. When Elizabeth has a daughter, her maid Aibileen takes on the task of caring for her. For Aibileen it is a labor of love, Mae Mobley is a sweet child, and Aibileen dotes on her. But Skeeter begins to see a different world than the one she remembers.Fresh out of school, Skeeter decides to apply for a job as editor, for the publishers Harper and Roe. When she receives a letter back from Elaine Stein, the senior editor, she is in heaven. However the letter is to inform her she is not being hired. Miss Stein is willing to look at her writing though, but informs her that is must be both interesting and dear to her heart. Skeeter offer up her thoughts but is turned down.When she continues to interact within her circle, she begins to pay attention to the interaction of the maids and the families they work for. Remembering her own upbringing, she decides to get the maids to tell their stories; this is what she will submit. Little does she know just how dangerous and difficult of a task this is. This is a turbulent time, a time of race riots, murders and hate. How will she move forward, and who will tell their story?As Skeeter works on her plan she finds a job with the Jackson Journal. She will write the Miss Myrna column, a column that supplies answers to domestic questions. She decides to get help with the answers from an expert. Her friend Elizabeth allows her to ask, Abilieen, her own maid for answers. This bond than forges a trust, and an uneasy alliance that will shake up the very foundations of the Jackson, Mississippi lives and interactions, giving a voice to a group of people long oppressed.Stockett has written a story set in the turbulent era heralding the death of a beloved president, John F Kennedy, the murder of Medgar Evers, and the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Hate and distrust were high, and life for many of these maids was unimaginable. Stocketts characters are strong, sometimes bold, yet sometimes silent. She ads humor and fun, as well as danger and intrigue into her dialogue. Writing from the point of view of numerous characters, she has done an amazing job of pulling together a story that gets to the heart of the times.Using fact and fiction she weaves a strong telling of how life was lived in these households. Using her own background, she uses her knowledge to get into the heart of what living during this time may have really looked like.I would recommend this book for a book club or reading group. The style is interesting and while a bit difficult to begin, once you understand the technique the story evolves and takes you to that time and place in history. As is often quoted, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", and Miss Stockett puts you right in the middle, making you think. The humor is real, but the pain and angst also weave their way into the fray. The characters are gutsy and bold, pulling you in, and earning your respect. A great book for your library.

How is the quality of the book?

books

different

thing

own

opinion

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It's 1962, a time when escalating tensions are rising between African-Americans (then known as "coloreds") and their white employers and neighbors! Told from three different points of view, this story probes the intimate thoughts about what it's like for the maids of wealthy and middle class white people in Jackson, Mississippi. It's more than just hard, hard work; it's trying to survive in a constantly demeaning, life or death survival environment! That may sound trite, but trust this reviewer - these accounts are absolutely riveting, heart-stopping and poignant in ways that put new definitions on these commonly used terms!A young woman, Miss Skeetter, wants to be a journalist while her family and friends believe that finding a husband is all that matters, no matter what one's educational background is. Her first question that opens the central plot is to ask if one of the maids, Aibleen, wishes things were different.Aibleen never gets to complete the conversation, but she remembers the comment as she continues to care for three-year-old Mae Mobley. Aibleen, like other hired "help," is more of a mother to Mae Mobley than her own distant, punishing mother by birth. The pain Aibleen feels over this coldness is stunning when one learns the numbing background of her own deep loss. Yet through it all, Aibleen's quietly muttered thoughts and written prayers to God make the reader roar with laughter and ponder what's important in the schemes and nonsense of daily family life. It is she who provides the impetus for Miss Skeeter's project, to get a few black women to talk about the joys, sorrows, challenges and downright insanity of their service employment.Then you'll meet Minnie, another maid who doesn't keep jobs too long because of her outspoken, funny, but offensively blunt comments to her employers. When that doesn't work, lies will do to get rid of her since she obviously doesn't know her "place" in this cold, tough world! Her challenges include a violent home life and an employer who is from the seedier side of Southern life, what used to be called "white trash." Miss Celia is lonely and constantly striving to fit in, but it's clear she doesn't have a clue about much!The project begins on a wrong note and seems doomed to die before it gets going, but tragedy will change all that. Then the reader will be just as stunned at the gritty, fiercely determined nature that arises in a dozen women to tell their tale despite what just might be brutally lethal results. They express their fury and their hysterical barbs as well at the turn of a plan by whites to create toilets for the "diseased" help.So many other characters and events fill these 464 wonderful pages. This reviewer hardly ever says this about any book, but this is a book you will not be able to put down and will be so, so sorry when it's over. It will change hearts and minds wherever it's experienced!This is Kathryn Stockett's first novel, a brilliant, potent celebration of astonishing and noteworthy hope for light to surmount darkness, be it in a person's color or behavior! The Help is a wonder to behold and cherish!Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on December 29, 2008

How is the opinion?

books

great

voice

fresh

write

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I loved the characters, the way it was written, the beauty of the language. The only thing I didn't like was that it ended. Very realistic characters some of whom you love, some you hate, but you want to meet them all. It was both interesting and emotional to see from the other side of the coin...sort of like an "upstairs Downstairs" of the south. I don't think either side was painted all good or all bad, we were just able to see the two worlds interact and the "realities" of both sides.I would definitely recommend this book...it also has a beautiful love story. The narrative style of using each main character's voice was great.

How long did it take to write that movie?

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young

child

profound

impact

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The early 1960s. The civil rights movement is well underway, with marches, boycotts and sit-ins. The resistance to change is no stronger than in Jackson Mississippi, where a black man can be beaten to within inches of his life for mistakenly using the white restroom. It is here that we meet the five main characters of the novel, three young white women who live on the privileged side of the bridge, and two negroes who during the day work as servants on the white side of the bridge, but at night return to their homes on the black side.Miss Eugenia (Skeeter) Phelan lives on her parents' cotton plantation and wants to be a writer, but her mother is eager for her to find a husband. Skeeter talks with respect to the servants, mainly because her family had a servant, Constantine, who raised her and who she loved. But Constantine left without any explanation while Skeeter was in her last months in College, and no one will tell her why or where to find her. Her best friends are: Miss Hilly - Head of the Ladies' League and from a well-to-do southern family. Her husband is running for state office, and she wants nothing to stand in his way, including any friends that might harbour secret integrationist views. Her pet project is to ensure that all white households build separate outside lavatories for their servants to use, so that `black diseases' are not passed on to her community. Miss Elizabeth Leefolt - a 23 year old mother who lives with her husband and child, whom she mostly ignores, in a small house. They are obviously poor, but Miss Leefolt tries to keep up with her wealthy friend Hilly, and takes on some of her attitudes, including the building of a lavatory in her garage for the servant.Aibileen Clark is a 53 year old black servant, whose 24 year old son died in an accident at work a few years earlier, planting a bitter seed in her. But she is used to keeping quiet about the indignities she suffers so as to just get on with her life, until...Minny Jackson is 36 and Aibileen's best friend, who is married to a man who beats her and has five young children. At the start of the story she is working for Miss Walters, Miss Hilly's mother, but Minny doesn't suffer fools, and has an incendiary, back-talking mouth on her, which leads to Miss Hilly dismissing her and putting the word out that Minny is a thief. This prevents Minny getting any work except for her secret job with Miss Celia Rae Foote, a simple, unsophisticated country gal, who married well above her station as far as Miss Hilly is concerned, especially as it was to her ex, Johnny Foote.The main plot centres around Skeeter's desire to be a writer. A New York agent likes her writing, but wants a more interesting story. The story that Skeeter latches onto is how the servants feel about their lives working for the white families of Jackson. This is incendiary stuff in a community resisting civil rights changes, and not only does it endanger Skeeter's friendships with Miss Hilly and Miss Leefolt, but at the very least it puts at risk the livelihoods, and potentially the lives, of the servants she interviews.But this isn't all serious highbrow fiction. I found many moments when I laughed out loud, particularly the scene when Skeeter's family have dinner with her new boyfriend Stuart's family, her mother eager to impress with pretentious chatter to snare a son-in-law.The book is written in the first person from the point of view of several of the characters, and the voices are all well realised.One of the insights provided by the writer was the fact that whilst the physical violence of this period may have been carried out by the men, how much the women could be involved in instigating it, especially if they felt they had been crossed. Hence Aibileen's thought as she contemplates the harm that can come to the family of those who participate in the interviews if they are found out: It'll be a knock on the door, late at night. It won't be the white lady at the door. She don't do that kind a thing herself. But while the nightmare's happening, the burning or the cutting or the beating, you realize something you known all your life: the white lady don't ever forget....Stockett's desire to entertain the reader sometimes overrides what a real character would do, such as when Skeeter pays Pascagoula's two brothers to do something that humiliates Hilly. Knowing the danger they would be in if caught, I cannot believe the real Skeeter would have done this.A couple of instances like the above aside, this was a great read, with interesting subplots about Skeeter's attempts to find a husband, her wanting to find out why the servant she adored, Constantine, left, the plight of Miss Celia Foote. But what will keep you reading is because you just so know that Miss Skeeter and the servants are going to be caught in their clandestine meetings - but the how and the what's going to happen to them is the mystery...If you enjoyed #TheHelp, you may also like Secrets From The Dust

Do you find any impact of this book on your life ?

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fine

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bored

author

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You will wrap yourself in this book! The central characters are women who bring out their own strength in a torrent, that has, until now, only been a quiet stream. I was 10 years old during this time of Civil Rights upheaval and had a rude awakening on a trip from the sterile northern U.S., to the deep south. As a little white girl who had never seen a black person up close, I didn't understand the signs reading "Whites Only" and this book brought it all back for me. I hope lots of young readers pick up this book for a view of life from a black woman's standpoint at this time in history. Very believable story and it has a fine ending. You will not be disappointed!

How do you like the author?

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real

voice

clear

voice

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reading this book is like i'd imagine something that the fox network anchors would dream up of writing if they were able to really express themselves without having to to explain away there one sided views. this book is full of stereotypes and it is such a shame that in 2011 the great divide is applauded yet again in a book and on the big screen. the writing in this book is loaded and doesn't say a thing. the Black Maids have no real voices, feelings or sentiments. the writer and the Portrayal is basically Yessa Boss or Massa. i mean it is this kind of degrading behavior and attitude that hollywood fosters and only wants to be seen as the Black expereience. the irony of the book is that the Black Maids are the true parents and yet in modern America Black parents are usually stereotyped as just having babies and not taking care of them, talk about a flip?not every black house helper in the 60's had the same story. it is so tacky and wrong to belittle a people and not give balance, feelings and what was going on through all of this.

How is the voice quality?

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captivating

writing style

open

eye

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I could not put this book down! Rare is the occassion when I choose fiction over non-fiction. I prefer reading memoirs because the stories really happened. Fiction writers often add details in the stories that don't sound believable. I know it's fiction, but I'm quickly turned off when a novel sites events that don't sound plausible. "The Help" is the rare novel that offers everything a reader could want in a good book. It's a true page-turner. One would never guess that this is Kathryn Stockett's debut novel. Her writing style is captivating. I generally don't enjoy books that have multiple narrators, but Stockett created such dynamic characters, she was able to pull it off beautifully. I would (and have) recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Southern tale. I'm looking forward to reading more from Stockett in the future.

How did you think of the dog's eye?

books

different

thing

mixed

feeling

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Kathryn Stockett has, very simply, written a wonderful book. I was drawn in from the very first page, and had a hard time putting the book down. I will always remember the characters she created, and I learned a lot about a time when things were very different in this country. Kathryn Stockett will have only one problem from here on, and that is trying to top this book. I am thankful that she took the time to write this one.

How is that feeling?