What a conveniently square month February is: exactly four weeks with a nice start on Sunday.
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I admit, I didn't do a lot of reading this week. Only about 50 pages of this one book. I'm not sure why. Perhaps the marathon of reading for classes has worn me out a bit at this point in the year. This book is also not terribly interesting... but I'll get through it.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
February 15 - 21
Break this week! And a book I've had on hold for a while had the extreme good fortune to become available this week, while I actually had time to read it!
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
This is the book I had been waiting for. It was a nice splash of YA in the midst of my 400-level English kind of readings. I powered through it in a night, and was surprised by it. It has the pretty standard lines of YA through it, but there were some aspects that had me go, "Oh! That's new!" The protagonist was abused horribly as a young girl, which isn't terribly surprising. However, she's also pretty much established as a horrifying murderer, and her magic is powered by hate and fear, both her own and others'. THAT'S pretty... grisly, I suppose, for a nice little young-adult novel. But definitely the most surprising part---
Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
Well, this one was for school. I thought I would really hate it, and I kind of did for a while. As I pushed through, I developed a better understanding of it though. This book is an interesting hybrid told in an unusual way. The narrator is the friend of a poet who was murdered. The friend takes it upon himself to provide explanatory notes to his friend's poem so that he can publish it posthumously. However, the narrator just turns everything into a story about his homeland and his king there, like some kind of absurdly patriotic guy who's so upset that his friend didn't write the poem about the stories the narrator told him about his homeland that he's using the poem and established author's fame to hijack it and tell his own story.
That's all true. However, it makes a little more sense when you learn through the process of the egotistical narrator's notes that
The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card
I didn't actually get much farther in this, but I did listen to some of it so I wanted to include it in here. Clearly, as you can tell from the VOLUMES I had to say about the other two books this week, I had a lot of other things on my mind. :)
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
This is the book I had been waiting for. It was a nice splash of YA in the midst of my 400-level English kind of readings. I powered through it in a night, and was surprised by it. It has the pretty standard lines of YA through it, but there were some aspects that had me go, "Oh! That's new!" The protagonist was abused horribly as a young girl, which isn't terribly surprising. However, she's also pretty much established as a horrifying murderer, and her magic is powered by hate and fear, both her own and others'. THAT'S pretty... grisly, I suppose, for a nice little young-adult novel. But definitely the most surprising part---
**HUGE SPOILERS**
was that the prince, the man they were all fighting to put back in power, the love interest even, DIES. And not in any way that lets you imagine, "Oh, maybe he's not really dead and he's just pretending for the sake of the duel!" No. This guy is gutted with a sword straight through his body, guts hanging out and everything. And not only that, but it's the main girl's fault. She attacked him in a blind terror and then his opponent totally gutted him. So... she's not doing so hot in this novel. There was an epilogue in another country though, that suggested we might see him reanimated like a zombie, albeit with some unknown yet creepy complications...I think we'll see....Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
Well, this one was for school. I thought I would really hate it, and I kind of did for a while. As I pushed through, I developed a better understanding of it though. This book is an interesting hybrid told in an unusual way. The narrator is the friend of a poet who was murdered. The friend takes it upon himself to provide explanatory notes to his friend's poem so that he can publish it posthumously. However, the narrator just turns everything into a story about his homeland and his king there, like some kind of absurdly patriotic guy who's so upset that his friend didn't write the poem about the stories the narrator told him about his homeland that he's using the poem and established author's fame to hijack it and tell his own story.
That's all true. However, it makes a little more sense when you learn through the process of the egotistical narrator's notes that
**HUGE SPOILERS**
(well, maybe not... but still.)
he's actually the king he knows so much about. It becomes obvious pretty early on, but he never actually gets to the point of expressly admitting it until the last twenty pages or so, when he finally shifts from "The king thought this" to "I couldn't believe how..." (shifts from a clearly false third-person to a more honest first-person). The ending was... odd. The parallel stories were interestingly woven though, and by the end I had a more invested interest and respect for the narrator, the story, and the actual author, Nabokov, for weaving such contrasting threads into a complementary tapestry.The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card
I didn't actually get much farther in this, but I did listen to some of it so I wanted to include it in here. Clearly, as you can tell from the VOLUMES I had to say about the other two books this week, I had a lot of other things on my mind. :)
Saturday, February 14, 2015
February 8 - 14
Since I'm on break from school next week, I have some time to read non-school-related books! (Well, kind of.) Here's what I've got for now.
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I've never read this. It didn't come about in high school, and I felt like I should know it, especially if I'm going to be a teacher. My thoughts so far are that the narrator is super annoying. Does he really need to sweat so often? I know it's part of the character, which totally nails a 14-year-old boy, but jeez, does that get on my nerves. It's so unnecessary. The character, BEYOND the constant goddamns, is quite interesting and rather endearing. He's so obviously trying hard to be aloof and suave (and actually thinks he's so suave at times!) that it's just adorable and sweet to watch, even as he tries to save his nervous little face by cussing in every sentence. I'm not too far in yet, but I'm interested to see where this goes.
The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card
I grabbed the audiobook of this, the sequel to The Lost Gate that I read/listened to over the summer. It was helpful on my 3-hour drive home for break. Stefan Rutnicky narrated again, so of course it was wonderful. There was actually a part, a part about "angry gates" from the heart-hoards of other mages, that was pretty sad and freaky, so I stopped listening that night. I didn't want those images in my head or in my dreams! It's quite interesting though. We've gone to Middlegard!! Pretty awesome. And of course all kinds of new magery are possible. I'm nervous about the friends, though... they seem like clueless high school idiots. I guess we'll see how that goes, but I sense betrayal, even if by accident, in the future.
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I've never read this. It didn't come about in high school, and I felt like I should know it, especially if I'm going to be a teacher. My thoughts so far are that the narrator is super annoying. Does he really need to sweat so often? I know it's part of the character, which totally nails a 14-year-old boy, but jeez, does that get on my nerves. It's so unnecessary. The character, BEYOND the constant goddamns, is quite interesting and rather endearing. He's so obviously trying hard to be aloof and suave (and actually thinks he's so suave at times!) that it's just adorable and sweet to watch, even as he tries to save his nervous little face by cussing in every sentence. I'm not too far in yet, but I'm interested to see where this goes.
The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card
I grabbed the audiobook of this, the sequel to The Lost Gate that I read/listened to over the summer. It was helpful on my 3-hour drive home for break. Stefan Rutnicky narrated again, so of course it was wonderful. There was actually a part, a part about "angry gates" from the heart-hoards of other mages, that was pretty sad and freaky, so I stopped listening that night. I didn't want those images in my head or in my dreams! It's quite interesting though. We've gone to Middlegard!! Pretty awesome. And of course all kinds of new magery are possible. I'm nervous about the friends, though... they seem like clueless high school idiots. I guess we'll see how that goes, but I sense betrayal, even if by accident, in the future.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
February 1 - 7
Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson
This was... a pretty odd book. It makes sense, considering the fact that I read it in my unreliable narrators class, but still. An odd book. The narrator is never given a name, a gender, nor a description. Everything we know is about the person's thoughts and actions and emotions, rather than their appearance of sexual preference. The narrator is bisexual regardless, as he/she recounts relationships with both men and women. It causes an interesting read of the novel as you go through because at some moments, you find yourself viewing the narrator as a male (punching Elgin certainly isn't very ladylike, now, is it?) and at others, the narrator seems more female (referring to guilt from a past relationship of casual sex reminds me of social stigma towards women).
The ending was also interestingly vague. It seems to have been implying that the narrator and Louise got back together somehow, like Louise had come to the cabin and overheard the final conversation with Ms. Right (ha). If that's the case though, why would the narrator have been writing the piece? It seems to have been implied throughout the novel that the narrator was writing to Louise in his/her time of separation and mourning, but then why would the narrator write in that final part? Possibly just for closure, but still, something to think about.
In terms of language, this book had some really incredible lines and sentiments. I have so many sticky notes and underlines in this book that are just marked with ♥ because it simply sounded beautiful. If for no other reason, read this book to experience that delight of language.
This was... a pretty odd book. It makes sense, considering the fact that I read it in my unreliable narrators class, but still. An odd book. The narrator is never given a name, a gender, nor a description. Everything we know is about the person's thoughts and actions and emotions, rather than their appearance of sexual preference. The narrator is bisexual regardless, as he/she recounts relationships with both men and women. It causes an interesting read of the novel as you go through because at some moments, you find yourself viewing the narrator as a male (punching Elgin certainly isn't very ladylike, now, is it?) and at others, the narrator seems more female (referring to guilt from a past relationship of casual sex reminds me of social stigma towards women).
The ending was also interestingly vague. It seems to have been implying that the narrator and Louise got back together somehow, like Louise had come to the cabin and overheard the final conversation with Ms. Right (ha). If that's the case though, why would the narrator have been writing the piece? It seems to have been implied throughout the novel that the narrator was writing to Louise in his/her time of separation and mourning, but then why would the narrator write in that final part? Possibly just for closure, but still, something to think about.
In terms of language, this book had some really incredible lines and sentiments. I have so many sticky notes and underlines in this book that are just marked with ♥ because it simply sounded beautiful. If for no other reason, read this book to experience that delight of language.
Friday, January 30, 2015
January 25 - 31
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Well, I was right. I had to force myself to stick with it a bit. It wasn't poorly written or anything, it's just not what keeps my attention in general. Simply doesn't do it for me. Prepare for some major spoilers: the narrator, James Sheppard, is the murderer. OOOOHH. (Read sarcastically.) I'm not all that surprised by the revelation...it felt almost... weak. I had really been curious as to whose motivations we could have matched to the murder, I started to feel for the characters, to fear my favorites being the murderer. Unfortunately, when Poirot turned around and said "Aha, it is you!" and Sheppard began to address the reader in his final apology chapter, I was rather deflated and more or less skimmed my way through it. Blah, blah, blah. It felt to me like when someone asks you the safest way to do something, and tells you the safest way is not to do it. That's a stupid answer. That's not doing it safely, that's not doing it at all. Maybe I'm a bit jaded and these "big twists" don't seem so big to me anymore because I've read a good amount of stories where that's the case. I think the fact that straight up mystery novels just aren't my thing had a lot to do with it too.
Besides the disappointing conclusion, the book was written well and everything. It would probably work for the right kind of reader. For me, though, it all feels too distant and far away. From the phrases I didn't understand to the distinct old-timey feel of it, everything was too foreign for me to view it realistically and have any kind of appropriate emotional response. When clues consist of colors of boots and secret engagements, I just don't buy it. It felt cartoony, like Scooby-Doo was going to come around any moment with his own input. It especially paled in comparison with a five page short story I read at the same time as this, that was far more chilling and disturbing. FIVE PAGES, and it was so realistic and twisted that I shivered at the end and went to hug someone. If that sounds intriguing to you, check out Queeny by Ridley Pearson, from "The Best American Mystery Stories 2007" (Otto Penzler).
Well, I was right. I had to force myself to stick with it a bit. It wasn't poorly written or anything, it's just not what keeps my attention in general. Simply doesn't do it for me. Prepare for some major spoilers: the narrator, James Sheppard, is the murderer. OOOOHH. (Read sarcastically.) I'm not all that surprised by the revelation...it felt almost... weak. I had really been curious as to whose motivations we could have matched to the murder, I started to feel for the characters, to fear my favorites being the murderer. Unfortunately, when Poirot turned around and said "Aha, it is you!" and Sheppard began to address the reader in his final apology chapter, I was rather deflated and more or less skimmed my way through it. Blah, blah, blah. It felt to me like when someone asks you the safest way to do something, and tells you the safest way is not to do it. That's a stupid answer. That's not doing it safely, that's not doing it at all. Maybe I'm a bit jaded and these "big twists" don't seem so big to me anymore because I've read a good amount of stories where that's the case. I think the fact that straight up mystery novels just aren't my thing had a lot to do with it too.
Besides the disappointing conclusion, the book was written well and everything. It would probably work for the right kind of reader. For me, though, it all feels too distant and far away. From the phrases I didn't understand to the distinct old-timey feel of it, everything was too foreign for me to view it realistically and have any kind of appropriate emotional response. When clues consist of colors of boots and secret engagements, I just don't buy it. It felt cartoony, like Scooby-Doo was going to come around any moment with his own input. It especially paled in comparison with a five page short story I read at the same time as this, that was far more chilling and disturbing. FIVE PAGES, and it was so realistic and twisted that I shivered at the end and went to hug someone. If that sounds intriguing to you, check out Queeny by Ridley Pearson, from "The Best American Mystery Stories 2007" (Otto Penzler).
Saturday, January 24, 2015
January 18 - 24
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Finished! Very cleverly done, this book. I watched the movie again after I had finished it and really, both are so cleverly done. It was interesting to read this book knowing the way it ends because I was able to pick up on the little hints and tips throughout the novel, to see things that the narrator himself didn't see (like how we never know his name...!). I'm still not sure how I feel about spoilers on this blog, even though I don't exactly think I'll have a huge readership or anything. I guess this will be a short entry, because I don't think I'll forget how this story ends.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
I haven't read much of this yet, mostly because I've been pretty invested in Fight Club. I'm a little worried I'll have some trouble getting through it because mystery novels---straight up mystery, like a classic whodunnit---isn't really my thing. It just doesn't compel me enough. That's the vibe I've been getting even so far, only a little way in. There's a little bit more intrigue than I had anticipated, so that at least might lead somewhere engaging enough, but I'm still a bit wary. We'll see how it goes.
Finished! Very cleverly done, this book. I watched the movie again after I had finished it and really, both are so cleverly done. It was interesting to read this book knowing the way it ends because I was able to pick up on the little hints and tips throughout the novel, to see things that the narrator himself didn't see (like how we never know his name...!). I'm still not sure how I feel about spoilers on this blog, even though I don't exactly think I'll have a huge readership or anything. I guess this will be a short entry, because I don't think I'll forget how this story ends.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
I haven't read much of this yet, mostly because I've been pretty invested in Fight Club. I'm a little worried I'll have some trouble getting through it because mystery novels---straight up mystery, like a classic whodunnit---isn't really my thing. It just doesn't compel me enough. That's the vibe I've been getting even so far, only a little way in. There's a little bit more intrigue than I had anticipated, so that at least might lead somewhere engaging enough, but I'm still a bit wary. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, January 16, 2015
January 11 - 17
What's on the bill:
I got the book list for my English class on unreliable narrators, and it's looking pretty solid! Expect to hear about Gone Girl, Fight Club, Pale Fire, and We Came to the End along with several others! I'm pretty excited!
The Call of Earth by Orson Scott Card
Stefan's voice reading Orson's words is a wonderful combination. The second book is holding up strong as we travel to other cities in the land and learn a bit about places outside of Basilica. The oldest brother, Elyemac (and I very well could have the spelling wrong since I've been hearing it, not seeing it--audiobook, remember?) is going absolutely bonkers. He's pretty much freaking me out, and I'm not sure how no one else is seeing it!! The charismatic new general is a delightful character though, clever and charming and deadly and completely aware that he is all of that and more. I'm quite excited to see where his plot line leads to.
After reading a bit more (well, finishing the book, really) I am absolutely delighted with the way all the loose ends came together in the end to reveal that they were all part of the same string the whole time. It was done in a very tidy and intriguing way, and I think the next book will be the most exciting yet!
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Well, I just couldn't stay away. I was so excited to read this that I already started it, although I'm not sure if I'm going to finish it before we start reading it in class (because I may just choose to save some of the excitement!). It's incredible to see how closely the movie really does mimic the book. The lines are almost always the exact same as in the book! I'm glad to see that both were done well. I read one time that the author of Fight Club actually said he thought the movie did a better job than the book---his own book! Anyway, the book is holding up wonderfully, and it's interesting to see all the clues to the big reveal at the end as I go through the novel. The hints are scattered so wonderfully! Marla always seems like she's nuts before you learn the truth, but then everything makes so much sense!! Oh, I can't wait to discuss this in class! I hope there are at least a few people who aren't familiar with it.
I got the book list for my English class on unreliable narrators, and it's looking pretty solid! Expect to hear about Gone Girl, Fight Club, Pale Fire, and We Came to the End along with several others! I'm pretty excited!
The Call of Earth by Orson Scott Card
Stefan's voice reading Orson's words is a wonderful combination. The second book is holding up strong as we travel to other cities in the land and learn a bit about places outside of Basilica. The oldest brother, Elyemac (and I very well could have the spelling wrong since I've been hearing it, not seeing it--audiobook, remember?) is going absolutely bonkers. He's pretty much freaking me out, and I'm not sure how no one else is seeing it!! The charismatic new general is a delightful character though, clever and charming and deadly and completely aware that he is all of that and more. I'm quite excited to see where his plot line leads to.
After reading a bit more (well, finishing the book, really) I am absolutely delighted with the way all the loose ends came together in the end to reveal that they were all part of the same string the whole time. It was done in a very tidy and intriguing way, and I think the next book will be the most exciting yet!
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Well, I just couldn't stay away. I was so excited to read this that I already started it, although I'm not sure if I'm going to finish it before we start reading it in class (because I may just choose to save some of the excitement!). It's incredible to see how closely the movie really does mimic the book. The lines are almost always the exact same as in the book! I'm glad to see that both were done well. I read one time that the author of Fight Club actually said he thought the movie did a better job than the book---his own book! Anyway, the book is holding up wonderfully, and it's interesting to see all the clues to the big reveal at the end as I go through the novel. The hints are scattered so wonderfully! Marla always seems like she's nuts before you learn the truth, but then everything makes so much sense!! Oh, I can't wait to discuss this in class! I hope there are at least a few people who aren't familiar with it.
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