I'm fairly sure this is the first Jeffrey Archer book I ever read, probably because I was bugging my mother (yet again) for something new to read. It's also one of my favorites of his, with one of the best literary villains ever written.
I wish to take a moment here to talk about an endless debate my sister and I have, regarding the best Disney villain. Her vote is for Scar, since he kills his own brother and tries to kill his nephew so he can be the king. And while I agree that's reprehensible, it also makes a twisted kind of sense. He wanted something; he removed the obstacles to getting it; he got it. You don't condone his method, but you can't really fault his logic. My pick, on the other hand, employs a veritable army of minions for more than fifteen years, commits a couple of felonies and ultimately ends up dead because...she wasn't invited to a party. That's a whole different level of evil.
And while it says nothing good about me that I prefer my antagonists to be both brilliant and unhinged, I...don't actually care that much. Particularly when said antagonist just will not (or possibly cannot) let it go, already. Because inevitably, they're brought down by their own insanity, and it's very satisfying.
Also, a word about this author: his books all have some minor but weird errors. It's usually a number or a peripheral character's name that changes from chapter to chapter, and it makes me wonder who edits the manuscripts and why they don't notice. If I ever have the chance to meet him, you better believe I'll ask him.
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Potentially objectionable content: Language, some sex references, and war scenes
Friday, October 31, 2014
Where Were We?
Lost in backlog hell, that's where. My ability to get books read far exceeds my motivation to write about them, my enormous enthusiasm for this project notwithstanding. Add to that a family reunion, the creation of my first-ever Primary program (and the considerable stress experienced thereby!), and finding a book I just couldn't make myself read (more on that later on) and...well, it just fell apart. All of it.
But I'm back! And I have brought many books and, naturally, my thoughts about them. So without further ado...
But I'm back! And I have brought many books and, naturally, my thoughts about them. So without further ado...
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Book #25: "Home"
This is Julie Andrews' autobiography-at least up until the early sixties-the book ends right before her two most famous film roles: Mary Poppins and Maria Von Trapp. Still, there's plenty of fascinating material here, and anyone with even a casual interest in either film or theater should definitely read it.
Fun fact: during the section on the Broadway production of Camelot, Julie Andrews mentions the lovely voice of her co-star, Richard Burton, and having the movie in my head, I was thinking of Richard Harris, who was...not a great singer. So I was confused. Okay, not as fun as I initially thought.
Author: Julie Andrews
Potentially objectionable content: Some language and what I believe the MPAA would refer to as "thematic elements"
Fun fact: during the section on the Broadway production of Camelot, Julie Andrews mentions the lovely voice of her co-star, Richard Burton, and having the movie in my head, I was thinking of Richard Harris, who was...not a great singer. So I was confused. Okay, not as fun as I initially thought.
Author: Julie Andrews
Potentially objectionable content: Some language and what I believe the MPAA would refer to as "thematic elements"
Book #24: "The Book of Mormon Sleuth: The Forgotten Treasure"
Man, this family just can not catch a break! Every vacation they go on gets spoiled some sort of crisis, usually personified by Dr. Anthony (and seriously, enough of that guy already.) For some reason I don't own the third book in the series, but I doubt it's really worth reading.
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: I honestly don't know-I can barely remember the book
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: I honestly don't know-I can barely remember the book
Book #23: "The Book of Mormon Sleuth: The Lost Tribe"
First of all, I've just now realized that the title of this series (intended to indicate, as Brandon says in the first book, that the Book of Mormon contains the answer to every question) really only applies to the first book. It's entirely possible the author never intended to write any others and thus got stuck with a series title that didn't really make sense.
Secondly, the series switches perspectives every other volume between Brandon and Jeff, which is disconcerting at the beginning of this story, since it takes a couple of pages to realize who is narrating.
Thirdly, it's a fine book with an interesting enough premise. Not as good as the first one though.
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: Somewhat tense moments and a few ritual animal sacrifices (yes, really)
Secondly, the series switches perspectives every other volume between Brandon and Jeff, which is disconcerting at the beginning of this story, since it takes a couple of pages to realize who is narrating.
Thirdly, it's a fine book with an interesting enough premise. Not as good as the first one though.
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: Somewhat tense moments and a few ritual animal sacrifices (yes, really)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
I'm Going to Disneyland!
Well, actually I already went. I'm currently consigned to the modern version of Dante's first circle of hell: hanging out in the airport. (Considering I'm in Las Vegas, it could probably qualify as either four or eight also. Your call.)
Anyway, I have a couple of titles to write up, and I'll be getting to those shortly. But this was my first trip to Disneyland in almost twenty years, and as such I thought you might be interested in the various things I learned.
1) There are bubbles EVERYWHERE. The first time you see them, you are taken by surprise. The next time, you figure out that about 1 in 10 people has purchased a bubble gun. The time after that, you re-evaluate your assessment to one in five. Then you just start seeing them all over the place, with no apparent source, and you decide it is just part of the magic of Disneyland.
2) Speaking of which: no matter what channel you've been watching when you turn the TV off, it's on the Disney channel when you turn it on again.
3) You can get married at Disneyland. Probably expensive. But true.
4) You can also bring in your own food and drink. They do check your bags at the gate, but not for consumables. I was surprised by that.
5) The Jungle Cruise is exactly no fun. Or at least, the amount of fun derived from it divided by the amount of time waiting in line equals such a small number it might as well be zero.
6) I truly hate roller coasters.
7) Oh my gosh, the humidity. I'm from a desert, okay? Can't handle it.
8) Which means that you end up completely gross by the end of the day. Let comfort and temperature be your clothing guides-just shove style right out the window.
9) Wear ALL the sunscreen. Especially if, like me, you inherited the sensitive alabaster skin of your redheaded maternal grandmother. Carry it with you. Apply often.
10) Buy a couple of magazines if, like me, you are incapable of taking a bath without reading material. (I brought my Nook with me, but I decided not to use that in the bath.) And you will want a nice soak in the bath, because...
11) So. Much. WALKING. And also a lot of standing, which for me was worse than the walking. Get really good shoes.
12) Waiting in line is the worst. Get fast passes every time you can. They are the bomb. Yes, even the bomb diggity.
13) About 95% of the people you meet are completely delightful. So, so nice. The lady at the rental car place, most of the hotel staff, all the Disneyland cast members, almost everybody we stood next to or rode the train with.
14) The other 5% are deplorable human beings. They know who they are.
15) If you are a fireworks person (or even, like me, you're not), you must see them the way they are meant to be seen: at Disneyland. Seriously. They're amazing.
Overall, it was a fantastic, wonderful, magical trip. If you haven't been recently (or ever): go. Go now. It's totally worth it.
Anyway, I have a couple of titles to write up, and I'll be getting to those shortly. But this was my first trip to Disneyland in almost twenty years, and as such I thought you might be interested in the various things I learned.
1) There are bubbles EVERYWHERE. The first time you see them, you are taken by surprise. The next time, you figure out that about 1 in 10 people has purchased a bubble gun. The time after that, you re-evaluate your assessment to one in five. Then you just start seeing them all over the place, with no apparent source, and you decide it is just part of the magic of Disneyland.
2) Speaking of which: no matter what channel you've been watching when you turn the TV off, it's on the Disney channel when you turn it on again.
3) You can get married at Disneyland. Probably expensive. But true.
4) You can also bring in your own food and drink. They do check your bags at the gate, but not for consumables. I was surprised by that.
5) The Jungle Cruise is exactly no fun. Or at least, the amount of fun derived from it divided by the amount of time waiting in line equals such a small number it might as well be zero.
6) I truly hate roller coasters.
7) Oh my gosh, the humidity. I'm from a desert, okay? Can't handle it.
8) Which means that you end up completely gross by the end of the day. Let comfort and temperature be your clothing guides-just shove style right out the window.
9) Wear ALL the sunscreen. Especially if, like me, you inherited the sensitive alabaster skin of your redheaded maternal grandmother. Carry it with you. Apply often.
10) Buy a couple of magazines if, like me, you are incapable of taking a bath without reading material. (I brought my Nook with me, but I decided not to use that in the bath.) And you will want a nice soak in the bath, because...
11) So. Much. WALKING. And also a lot of standing, which for me was worse than the walking. Get really good shoes.
12) Waiting in line is the worst. Get fast passes every time you can. They are the bomb. Yes, even the bomb diggity.
13) About 95% of the people you meet are completely delightful. So, so nice. The lady at the rental car place, most of the hotel staff, all the Disneyland cast members, almost everybody we stood next to or rode the train with.
14) The other 5% are deplorable human beings. They know who they are.
15) If you are a fireworks person (or even, like me, you're not), you must see them the way they are meant to be seen: at Disneyland. Seriously. They're amazing.
Overall, it was a fantastic, wonderful, magical trip. If you haven't been recently (or ever): go. Go now. It's totally worth it.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Book #22: "The Book of Mormon Sleuth"
First of all, in case anyone was wondering about the last several posts: no, I didn't read all these books in one day. I'm just behind in writing about them. And since I spent the day in bed recovering from a migraine, I thought I'd at least do something productive and catch up.
So this is a fun little adventure story, particularly for LDS parents who want their kids to read but are concerned about the content in today's literature. I myself believe that kids should read whatever they want as long as they have someone to talk to about it...but I'm also not directly responsible for the morals and values of any small humans-or any big ones, now that I think about it. Which is why I always mention potentially objectionable content, both here and in books I recommend in person.
This book has none of that. It's not brilliant, but it's fun and funny and fast-paced, with a few sweet and spiritual moments thrown in.
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: Not so much
So this is a fun little adventure story, particularly for LDS parents who want their kids to read but are concerned about the content in today's literature. I myself believe that kids should read whatever they want as long as they have someone to talk to about it...but I'm also not directly responsible for the morals and values of any small humans-or any big ones, now that I think about it. Which is why I always mention potentially objectionable content, both here and in books I recommend in person.
This book has none of that. It's not brilliant, but it's fun and funny and fast-paced, with a few sweet and spiritual moments thrown in.
Author: C.B. Andersen
Potentially objectionable content: Not so much
Book #21: "The Crossword Obsession"
Being a voracious reader means that you frequently get asked what you're reading. (Never more true than when you have embarked on a mammoth reading project, by the way.) And when the answer to that question is "A book about crossword puzzles", you are bound to get, at the very least, some odd looks.
But I'm used to that and carry blithely on. When I was in my early twenties, I used to do the crossword in the paper with some friends, and since then it's a hobby I dabble in. I found this book in a bargain section of a different bookstore, and this subtitle says it all: "The history and lore of the world's most popular pasttime." Compiled mostly of quotes from interviews of crossword luminaries, it can get tedious, but still a worthwhile read for anyone who has ever wondered about the history and construction of word puzzles. It even has some puzzles in the back to solve.
Author: Coral Amende
Potentially objectionable content: Unless you have REALLY strong views about crosswords, I doubt you'd be upset by anything here
But I'm used to that and carry blithely on. When I was in my early twenties, I used to do the crossword in the paper with some friends, and since then it's a hobby I dabble in. I found this book in a bargain section of a different bookstore, and this subtitle says it all: "The history and lore of the world's most popular pasttime." Compiled mostly of quotes from interviews of crossword luminaries, it can get tedious, but still a worthwhile read for anyone who has ever wondered about the history and construction of word puzzles. It even has some puzzles in the back to solve.
Author: Coral Amende
Potentially objectionable content: Unless you have REALLY strong views about crosswords, I doubt you'd be upset by anything here
Book #20: "The Woman Who Is Tan And Always Has A Flat Stomach"
When I moved back to Boise and had to put my books into storage, I naturally spent some time looking for new ones to fill the gap. And since I worked in a bookstore with a large bargain section, I'd sometimes go browse for something that looked interesting. Which is how I happened on this book, a collection of humorous essays about all those women that seem to do everything better than you. Is this a problem men have? I don't know, but great is the rejoicing of the woman who can overcome her tendency to compare herself to others...and feel like she never measures up.
This collection is amusing, occasionally hysterical, and well worth the four dollars or so it cost me.
Author: Lauren Allison
Potentially objectionable content: Some language and adult topics
This collection is amusing, occasionally hysterical, and well worth the four dollars or so it cost me.
Author: Lauren Allison
Potentially objectionable content: Some language and adult topics
Book #19: "The High King"
The last book in the series, the only one to win the Newbery Medal and the first one I ever read. When I was probably, oh, ten or eleven, my mom ordered this from one of those elementary school order forms (remember those? The best thing about grade school? Yes, including recess. Okay, maybe that's just me), intending to read it to all of us at bedtime. We never quite got around to that, and (as most books in our house did at one point or another) it made its way into my collection.
The final chapter of this story is of a country at war, and while necessarily darker than previous volumes, brings it to a satisfying and even heartbreaking conclusion. In a last, furious attempt to destroy the evil Arawn, the characters must give (though it's a mathematical impossibility) more than their all. Thus the death toll is higher, with some absolutely spectacular battle scenes that rival any in adult literature (Tolkein, I'm looking at you here.) And in the end, it is about what all epics are about: friendship, honor, family, love. Which really does conquer all.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: The aforementioned deaths and battle scenes
The final chapter of this story is of a country at war, and while necessarily darker than previous volumes, brings it to a satisfying and even heartbreaking conclusion. In a last, furious attempt to destroy the evil Arawn, the characters must give (though it's a mathematical impossibility) more than their all. Thus the death toll is higher, with some absolutely spectacular battle scenes that rival any in adult literature (Tolkein, I'm looking at you here.) And in the end, it is about what all epics are about: friendship, honor, family, love. Which really does conquer all.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: The aforementioned deaths and battle scenes
Book #18: "Taran Wanderer"
This may be my favorite book in the series, though it's hard to choose. Longing to prove himself of noble birth (and so prove himself worthy of a certain princess) Taran sets out to discover his parentage. Bringing back some old friends-as well as Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, who can't really be described as friends or indeed at all-and introducing some new ones, this book is the most introspective of the lot. Though there's plenty of action (including a couple of memorable battle scenes), this story is really about finding out who you are-virtues, faults and all-and coming to terms with it. In short, it's about becoming an adult.
All truly great stories lead you to invest in the characters, to weep for their losses and cheer for their victories-to become a silent but loving friend. Taran tends to chastise himself for his failures more than rejoice in his successes, and while I cringe every time he beats himself up, I also recognize myself in him.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: Some intense battle scenes and the series' scariest villain
All truly great stories lead you to invest in the characters, to weep for their losses and cheer for their victories-to become a silent but loving friend. Taran tends to chastise himself for his failures more than rejoice in his successes, and while I cringe every time he beats himself up, I also recognize myself in him.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: Some intense battle scenes and the series' scariest villain
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Book #17: "The Castle of Llyr"
More...overtly romantic than the first two volumes, "The Castle of Llyr" has the distinction of being the only book in the series where no one dies-at least no one whose name we know.
I would say that it also marks the tonal shift in the series, introducing both more comedy (in the person of the feckless Prince Rhun) and more philosophy. How accurate are first impressions? Is there always more to a person than what appears on the surface? Does fate decide our lives, or do we choose for ourselves? And, as always, what does it mean to be a hero?
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: No one dies, but it's rather intense
I would say that it also marks the tonal shift in the series, introducing both more comedy (in the person of the feckless Prince Rhun) and more philosophy. How accurate are first impressions? Is there always more to a person than what appears on the surface? Does fate decide our lives, or do we choose for ourselves? And, as always, what does it mean to be a hero?
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: No one dies, but it's rather intense
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Book #16: "The Black Cauldron"
The second Prydain book has the distinction of having been made into a REALLY awful Disney movie almost 30 years ago. I tried to find it to prove to myself just how awful it is, but neither Netflix or Hulu has it and I didn't want to pay for it. I'm not THAT dedicated.
Anyway, if all you know about this series is the movie, do yourself a favor and check out the book. You can borrow it from me if you want.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: violence, death, etc.
Anyway, if all you know about this series is the movie, do yourself a favor and check out the book. You can borrow it from me if you want.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: violence, death, etc.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Book #15: "The Book of Three"
Back in my bookseller days, I would frequently get requests for books that went thusly: "I can't remember the title, and I don't know the author, but I think it had a blue cover and it turned out they were twins." Or something similar-in fact, saying the book had a blue cover is so common that it's become a running joke in the book world. http://libraryshenanigans.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/i-dont-remember-the-title-but-the-cover-was-blue,
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/7810999328086852 (The picture in the second link is from the Blue Willow Bookshop in Texas, but I couldn't find a link to it on their website.)
Anyway, after a couple of months you get used to it. In fact, in those rare cases where the customer KNOWS what they've given you is next to useless but is just hoping for a miracle, you actually enjoy the challenge. So one night this teenage boy and his mom came up to me and he said, "I know this is ridiculous, but I'm looking for a book and all I can remember is the picture on the cover." I told him I'd try, and he said, "Okay, so there's one guy lying down, and another guy on a horse, and the horse is rearing up, and the guy on the horse has like a skull mask with horns."
I said, "It's 'The Book of Three', isn't it? Lloyd Alexander?" And we went over to the children's department and I pulled the book (a newer edition, with a different design) off the shelf. He pointed out that the cover was not what he'd described, and I said, "I know. Trust me." He opened it, read a few sentences and said, "THIS IS IT!"
And the point of this story is this: I was so good at that game that I once found a book based on a description of a cover that doesn't look like that anymore. And it was this book, the first of the Prydain chronicles, the book that introduces our main characters: Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper of Caer Dallben; his charge, Hen Wen the oracular pig; his master, the enchanter Dallben; Coll, his mentor and friend; Gwydion, Prince of Don; Fflewddur Fflam; Doli; Gurgi; and, of course, the Princess Eilonwy. Our hero is a boy of indeterminate age (though from the way he talks, I'd put him at about fourteen) who wants nothing more than to get off the farm where he has spent his entire life and become a hero.
This series is a favorite of mine, and anyone who likes Harry Potter or Percy Jackson needs to read it. It's based on Welsh mythology, which makes the names ...something of a challenge, but it's also, in my estimation at least, one of the best adventure sagas ever told.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: There are a lot of battle scenes, and some fairly scary bad guys.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/7810999328086852 (The picture in the second link is from the Blue Willow Bookshop in Texas, but I couldn't find a link to it on their website.)
Anyway, after a couple of months you get used to it. In fact, in those rare cases where the customer KNOWS what they've given you is next to useless but is just hoping for a miracle, you actually enjoy the challenge. So one night this teenage boy and his mom came up to me and he said, "I know this is ridiculous, but I'm looking for a book and all I can remember is the picture on the cover." I told him I'd try, and he said, "Okay, so there's one guy lying down, and another guy on a horse, and the horse is rearing up, and the guy on the horse has like a skull mask with horns."
I said, "It's 'The Book of Three', isn't it? Lloyd Alexander?" And we went over to the children's department and I pulled the book (a newer edition, with a different design) off the shelf. He pointed out that the cover was not what he'd described, and I said, "I know. Trust me." He opened it, read a few sentences and said, "THIS IS IT!"
And the point of this story is this: I was so good at that game that I once found a book based on a description of a cover that doesn't look like that anymore. And it was this book, the first of the Prydain chronicles, the book that introduces our main characters: Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper of Caer Dallben; his charge, Hen Wen the oracular pig; his master, the enchanter Dallben; Coll, his mentor and friend; Gwydion, Prince of Don; Fflewddur Fflam; Doli; Gurgi; and, of course, the Princess Eilonwy. Our hero is a boy of indeterminate age (though from the way he talks, I'd put him at about fourteen) who wants nothing more than to get off the farm where he has spent his entire life and become a hero.
This series is a favorite of mine, and anyone who likes Harry Potter or Percy Jackson needs to read it. It's based on Welsh mythology, which makes the names ...something of a challenge, but it's also, in my estimation at least, one of the best adventure sagas ever told.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Potentially objectionable content: There are a lot of battle scenes, and some fairly scary bad guys.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Book #14: "The Quiet Little Woman"
This is actually three short stories by Louisa May Alcott, and I would have read it before the two biographies but I forgot it was there. Which pretty much sums up the book. There's nothing wrong with it; it's just...there. Honestly, I prefer the short stories she has some of her characters tell.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: Really, none
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: Really, none
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Book #13: "Marmee and Louisa"
Time for today's installment of "Gossip about people who have been dead for approximately 150 years"! (It's a new thing I'm trying to make happen.)
Y'all. The author of book #12, Ednah Cheney, was rumored to have an affair with Bronson Alcott. When he was at least twice her age. I...don't know what else to say about that, except that it explains a lot about the remarkably deferential tone of her book.
So. That book was written by someone who knew the Alcott family (some of them better than others. Which is as innuendo-laden as I'm willing to get here) and this book was written by someone related to the Alcott family. A descendant of Louisa's maternal uncle, Samuel Joseph May, Eve LaPlante focuses not just on Louisa, but on Louisa's greatest inspiration: her "Marmee", Abigail May Alcott.
And it is fascinating reading. Not married until she was thirty and possessing a strong belief in some fairly radical opinions for her time, Abigail was a born writer and revolutionary who was stifled by her society, culture and (at least from what I read here) husband. And seeing Louisa's upbringing in this new light leads me to the conclusion that her famous "Little Women" heroine Jo is based not on herself (as is usually supposed) but on Abigail.
People often ask you to name a person, alive or dead, you would most want to meet. I (to the surprise of absolutely no one, I'm sure) have a long list of such people, headed by my paternal grandfather and including Mary Todd Lincoln, Douglas Adams, Julie Andrews and Hugh Jackman. And after reading this book, I'll add Abigail May Alcott to that list.
Author: Eve LaPlante
Potentially objectionable content: Nothing comes to mind
Y'all. The author of book #12, Ednah Cheney, was rumored to have an affair with Bronson Alcott. When he was at least twice her age. I...don't know what else to say about that, except that it explains a lot about the remarkably deferential tone of her book.
So. That book was written by someone who knew the Alcott family (some of them better than others. Which is as innuendo-laden as I'm willing to get here) and this book was written by someone related to the Alcott family. A descendant of Louisa's maternal uncle, Samuel Joseph May, Eve LaPlante focuses not just on Louisa, but on Louisa's greatest inspiration: her "Marmee", Abigail May Alcott.
And it is fascinating reading. Not married until she was thirty and possessing a strong belief in some fairly radical opinions for her time, Abigail was a born writer and revolutionary who was stifled by her society, culture and (at least from what I read here) husband. And seeing Louisa's upbringing in this new light leads me to the conclusion that her famous "Little Women" heroine Jo is based not on herself (as is usually supposed) but on Abigail.
People often ask you to name a person, alive or dead, you would most want to meet. I (to the surprise of absolutely no one, I'm sure) have a long list of such people, headed by my paternal grandfather and including Mary Todd Lincoln, Douglas Adams, Julie Andrews and Hugh Jackman. And after reading this book, I'll add Abigail May Alcott to that list.
Author: Eve LaPlante
Potentially objectionable content: Nothing comes to mind
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Book #12: "Louisa May Alcott: Life, Letters and Journals"
First, a bit of housekeeping: all biographies in my library are filed alphabetically according to subject, to make them easier to find. Ergo they will appear in this blog as though the subject (in this case Louisa May Alcott) were the author. And now for something completely different.
This book was compiled by Ednah D. Cheney not long after Alcott's death, and Cheney actually knew her, which makes it that much more interesting to me. (It also means the book has 19th-century punctuation, which makes the writing somewhat stilted.)
I have to say, after reading about her life, that I feel a little bad about my unkind treatment of "Jo's Boys". Louisa May Alcott was a strong, loving and dutiful person who worked all her life with one goal: to support her family, free from debt. She worked so hard, in fact, that she nearly drove herself mad, and did lose her health. I admire her stoicism in times of trial (which were pretty much constant) and her fierce loyalty to those she loved, a trait possessed by my own baby sister.
Moreover, she did what I have always wanted to do: make a living as a writer. I am in her debt for her stories and her inspiration.
Editor: Ednah D. Cheney
Potentially objectionable content: Hard to imagine.
This book was compiled by Ednah D. Cheney not long after Alcott's death, and Cheney actually knew her, which makes it that much more interesting to me. (It also means the book has 19th-century punctuation, which makes the writing somewhat stilted.)
I have to say, after reading about her life, that I feel a little bad about my unkind treatment of "Jo's Boys". Louisa May Alcott was a strong, loving and dutiful person who worked all her life with one goal: to support her family, free from debt. She worked so hard, in fact, that she nearly drove herself mad, and did lose her health. I admire her stoicism in times of trial (which were pretty much constant) and her fierce loyalty to those she loved, a trait possessed by my own baby sister.
Moreover, she did what I have always wanted to do: make a living as a writer. I am in her debt for her stories and her inspiration.
Editor: Ednah D. Cheney
Potentially objectionable content: Hard to imagine.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Book #11: "Jo's Boys"
I never read the last third of this trilogy without wanting to throw it across the room. Louisa May Alcott is supposed to have said that, regardless of what anyone else thought, she wouldn't let Jo marry Laurie, and that sentiment carries over here. In fact, Jo herself goes as far as to say that if one of her students-bright, ambitious Nan, who aspires to be a doctor-"relents" to her ardent suitor, she "will never forgive her", and the epilogue tells us that Nan remains "a busy, cheerful, independant spinster". Because, of course, having goals and dreams and finding love are mutually exclusive. If this drive and ambition were all Nan's, it would be okay, but one wonders how much of it has been bred into her.
That much would be all right with me, if it weren't for the other thwarted love story in the book: Dan. Despite maintaining that love and kindness can tame their "firebrand", and "Mothers can forgive anything", Jo truly believes Dan isn't good enough to marry into her family, and it makes me crazy.
If you absolutely must know how "Jo's Boys" grow up, or can't stand leaving a series unfinished, then by all means go ahead; as for me, I doubt I'll read this book ever again.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: What I said before
That much would be all right with me, if it weren't for the other thwarted love story in the book: Dan. Despite maintaining that love and kindness can tame their "firebrand", and "Mothers can forgive anything", Jo truly believes Dan isn't good enough to marry into her family, and it makes me crazy.
If you absolutely must know how "Jo's Boys" grow up, or can't stand leaving a series unfinished, then by all means go ahead; as for me, I doubt I'll read this book ever again.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: What I said before
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Book #10: "Little Men"
There's not a lot to say about this one that I didn't already say about "Little Women". It covers considerably less time (roughly six months, if my calculations are correct) and is also much narrower in scope. Both of these differences might be attributed to a larger cast of characters, since in addition to the March family we now have the boys at Jo's boarding school. Sensitive, musical Nat; impetuous tomboy Nan; happy-go-lucky Tommy; and wild firebrand Dan (along with smaller players) join the third-generation Marches in the school stories here.
I would also venture to say that this volume is the sweetest part of the trilogy, given that its focus is children. There are some wonderful adventures, delightful antics and a few truly tender moments in this installment, and in certain ways I think it actually eclipses its predecessor. Do yourself a favor and read this one too.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: See previous entry
I would also venture to say that this volume is the sweetest part of the trilogy, given that its focus is children. There are some wonderful adventures, delightful antics and a few truly tender moments in this installment, and in certain ways I think it actually eclipses its predecessor. Do yourself a favor and read this one too.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: See previous entry
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Book #9: "Little Women"
When I was almost thirteen (as in maybe four or five days before my birthday) my mom found me reading a manual to a video game (the one that came in the box. Probably a Sega Genesis game, which tells you roughly how old I am which is not really part of this story.) She said to me, "What in the world are you doing?" I replied, "I've read everything I own a bunch of times." (Not true anymore, but this was a long time ago and I didn't own nearly as many. Which IS a part of this story-in general, anyway-but not so much this particular installment.)
ANYWAY. My birthday rolled around and my mother handed me three books: "Dr. Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak; "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens; and "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. She then said, "I figured as long as you were reading everything you could get your hands on, you might as well be reading something worthwhile."
So I went to work. I couldn't get into "Dr. Zhivago" and eventually gave up-I don't even know what happened to that copy. I tried and tried to read "Great Expectations" (more on that story later) and couldn't get more than halfway through.
But "Little Women"-that became a lifelong love affair for me. I had actually read a Reader's Digest-esque version of the story in elementary school, so I was at least familiar with the story. Imagine my delight when I discovered those familiar passages, surrounded by much more! I identified mostly with Jo (the reader and writer) and Beth (the musician), and I read it so much that I wore out my copy and had to replace it (a few times. My current copy is hardbound and therefore sturdier.)
My sophomore year of high school, a girl in my Spanish class told me the drama department was holding open auditions for the stage production of "Little Women". I auditioned for Jo, would have played Beth, and was surprised to be cast as Meg, whose sweetness and docility had certainly never been MY defining characteristics! But it was nonetheless a thoroughly delightful and educational experience, and if ever I was to make a list of titles that really made me who I am today, this would be near the top of the list.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: If you don't like references to God and the Bible every tenth page, this is really not the book for you.
ANYWAY. My birthday rolled around and my mother handed me three books: "Dr. Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak; "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens; and "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. She then said, "I figured as long as you were reading everything you could get your hands on, you might as well be reading something worthwhile."
So I went to work. I couldn't get into "Dr. Zhivago" and eventually gave up-I don't even know what happened to that copy. I tried and tried to read "Great Expectations" (more on that story later) and couldn't get more than halfway through.
But "Little Women"-that became a lifelong love affair for me. I had actually read a Reader's Digest-esque version of the story in elementary school, so I was at least familiar with the story. Imagine my delight when I discovered those familiar passages, surrounded by much more! I identified mostly with Jo (the reader and writer) and Beth (the musician), and I read it so much that I wore out my copy and had to replace it (a few times. My current copy is hardbound and therefore sturdier.)
My sophomore year of high school, a girl in my Spanish class told me the drama department was holding open auditions for the stage production of "Little Women". I auditioned for Jo, would have played Beth, and was surprised to be cast as Meg, whose sweetness and docility had certainly never been MY defining characteristics! But it was nonetheless a thoroughly delightful and educational experience, and if ever I was to make a list of titles that really made me who I am today, this would be near the top of the list.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Potentially objectionable content: If you don't like references to God and the Bible every tenth page, this is really not the book for you.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Book #8: "The Salmon of Doubt"
The last writings of Douglas Adams, containing (among other things) the beginning of his next novel, now sadly unfinished. And this collection is, of course, funny and thought-provoking and educational.
Given the inherent melancholy of posthumous publishing, it's no wonder that the book makes me a little wistful as well. Wondering what might have been, had Adams not suffered that heart attack almost thirteen years ago. What would he have had to say, for instance, about the events of September 11th? Would he have enjoyed the long-awaited Hitchhiker movie? How would he react to the ubiquity of cell phones and their astonishing capabilities? (There's actually an article about typing on a handheld computer, which we would define today as texting.)
Truly, the man was a visionary, and I miss all that he could have given to the world. But of all the things I would like to ask, the one I would most like answered is this: What does Douglas Adams, self-described "radical atheist", think about God and the afterlife now?
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: A fair amount of language, plus his general disdain for religion (and religious people, which is the hardest part for me)
Given the inherent melancholy of posthumous publishing, it's no wonder that the book makes me a little wistful as well. Wondering what might have been, had Adams not suffered that heart attack almost thirteen years ago. What would he have had to say, for instance, about the events of September 11th? Would he have enjoyed the long-awaited Hitchhiker movie? How would he react to the ubiquity of cell phones and their astonishing capabilities? (There's actually an article about typing on a handheld computer, which we would define today as texting.)
Truly, the man was a visionary, and I miss all that he could have given to the world. But of all the things I would like to ask, the one I would most like answered is this: What does Douglas Adams, self-described "radical atheist", think about God and the afterlife now?
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: A fair amount of language, plus his general disdain for religion (and religious people, which is the hardest part for me)
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Book #7: "Mostly Harmless"
Okay, this is "the fifth book in the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Trilogy" and it's...pretty bleak. The love of Arthur's life vanishes in a freak hyperspace accident, the Guide is taken over by corporate nutjobs and Zaphod gets mentioned exactly twice. Douglas Adams was feeling pretty miserable about life in general and it shows.
However, he was still a genius, and his worst is still very very good. It also raises some interesting questions about the parental responsibilities of sperm donors and the impact of small moments on our lives. Plus it answers the question of whether Elvis was abducted by aliens, so there's that.
Is it worth reading? Absolutely, for completion's sake. But if you're happy with the feeling at the end of "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish"...you might want to just stop there.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: It's more...derisively irreverent than previous volumes. And lots more language.
However, he was still a genius, and his worst is still very very good. It also raises some interesting questions about the parental responsibilities of sperm donors and the impact of small moments on our lives. Plus it answers the question of whether Elvis was abducted by aliens, so there's that.
Is it worth reading? Absolutely, for completion's sake. But if you're happy with the feeling at the end of "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish"...you might want to just stop there.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: It's more...derisively irreverent than previous volumes. And lots more language.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Book #6: "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish"
This is the first book of the series I ever read, and still my favorite. I have decided this time through that the series builds to this point and then jumps off the cliff of quality, which is not unlike the Cliffs of Insanity (more on that in the next entry.)
I always have a special fondness for a book that teaches me a new word, and this is where I learned "subcutaneous" (look it up and impress your friends!) Also, if you are under the impression that the world is still a sane place, I beg of you, do NOT read the instructions on a box of toothpicks. Trust me.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Maybe slightly more here than in previous volumes; language, sex, etc.
I always have a special fondness for a book that teaches me a new word, and this is where I learned "subcutaneous" (look it up and impress your friends!) Also, if you are under the impression that the world is still a sane place, I beg of you, do NOT read the instructions on a box of toothpicks. Trust me.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Maybe slightly more here than in previous volumes; language, sex, etc.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Book #5 (or: Non-Alphabetical Interlude): "Graduates in Wonderland"
One of the best things about working in a bookstore is Advance Reader Copies. For the uninitiated, these are exactly what they sound like: soon-to-be-published books sent out to generate buzz (and sales, of course). Over the last three years and nine months, I have picked up many of these things because they looked interesting, and they are largely responsible for the growth my library experienced while it was still boxed up.
When I started this project, I knew I would acquire more books, and I decided that I would fit them in thusly: if I'd not yet reached that point alphabetically, it would get shelved for future reading; if I'd already passed it, I'd read it immediately. And since I'm still on Adams, that meant everything so far has been shelved. (Yes, everything, meaning...maybe eight or nine new ones? I'm an addict. Sue me.)
That is until I a) misplaced my current book (found it in my laundry basket, of all places) and 2) picked up this one and became fascinated. Two recent Brown graduates vow to stay in touch with weekly emails as their journeys take them through jobs, graduate school and love in several different countries. Their exchange is funny, EXTREMELY frank and occasionally profound, and I loved it. Totally worth breaking my own rules for!
Authors: Jessica Pan and Rachel Kapelke-Dale
Potentially objectionable content: Uh...lots and lots. Seriously. Language, sex, etc.
When I started this project, I knew I would acquire more books, and I decided that I would fit them in thusly: if I'd not yet reached that point alphabetically, it would get shelved for future reading; if I'd already passed it, I'd read it immediately. And since I'm still on Adams, that meant everything so far has been shelved. (Yes, everything, meaning...maybe eight or nine new ones? I'm an addict. Sue me.)
That is until I a) misplaced my current book (found it in my laundry basket, of all places) and 2) picked up this one and became fascinated. Two recent Brown graduates vow to stay in touch with weekly emails as their journeys take them through jobs, graduate school and love in several different countries. Their exchange is funny, EXTREMELY frank and occasionally profound, and I loved it. Totally worth breaking my own rules for!
Authors: Jessica Pan and Rachel Kapelke-Dale
Potentially objectionable content: Uh...lots and lots. Seriously. Language, sex, etc.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Book #4: "Life, the Universe and Everything"
The world's most comprehensive title! I don't have a lot to say about this book that I haven't said about the rest of the series, except that it's where I got an expression I use all the time: "Excitement and adventure and really wild things."
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: See above.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: See above.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Book #3: "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"
I feel that this series gets better up until the fifth book, at which point it takes a sharp nosedive, which we'll get back to then. Some of my favorite quotes are in this book, such as:
"...it invariably produced a plastic cup filled with a liquid which was almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea."
"Uglier things have been spotted in the skies, but not by reliable witnesses."
"Zaphod felt he was teetering on the edge of madness and wondered if he shouldn't just jump over and have done with it."
"One of the major problems encountered in time travel is not that of accidentally becoming your own father or mother. There is no problem involved in becoming your own father or mother that a broad-minded and well-adjusted family can't cope with."
" '...and...' said Ford again, wondering what would be a good word to say after 'and.' The large man came up with a whole sentence to go after 'and.' He said it."
"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will immediately disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another which states that this has already happened."
I have, of course, read this book many many times, but I don't know if I ever realized the impact it has had on my own writing and even speech.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Innuendo, language, etc.
"...it invariably produced a plastic cup filled with a liquid which was almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea."
"Uglier things have been spotted in the skies, but not by reliable witnesses."
"Zaphod felt he was teetering on the edge of madness and wondered if he shouldn't just jump over and have done with it."
"One of the major problems encountered in time travel is not that of accidentally becoming your own father or mother. There is no problem involved in becoming your own father or mother that a broad-minded and well-adjusted family can't cope with."
" '...and...' said Ford again, wondering what would be a good word to say after 'and.' The large man came up with a whole sentence to go after 'and.' He said it."
"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will immediately disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another which states that this has already happened."
I have, of course, read this book many many times, but I don't know if I ever realized the impact it has had on my own writing and even speech.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Innuendo, language, etc.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Book #2: "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"
Poor little bloggie. I have neglected you shamefully for over a week. I'll repent and do better, I promise.
I have read this book probably...oh, I don't know, forty or fifty times? Either my father or my older brother introduced me to it, and I loved it from the beginning. Though it's the first book of the series, it wasn't the first one I read-something that happens to me a lot-and I had read the fourth book a dozen times before I got to the first one. Which may possibly account for missing some references the first time around ("almost two thousand years after a guy had been nailed to a tree for saying how great it would be to be nice to people for a change", for instance).
Unlike "Catch Me If You Can", the movie version of this book is NOT faithful to the source material, at least not the way I pictured it. Which is of course the problem with turning a book into a movie: you're never going to please all the people. I long ago came to terms with movies and books being separate genres and needing different story-telling methods, but...I am not a fan of this movie, is what I'm saying. (The other night at dinner, the Ninja and the Domestic Goddess pointed out that I frequently use thirty words when four will do, to which I respond...better get used to it.)
Anyway, this book has been many many things to me over the course of my life, not least of which the inspiration for my phone's name, Marvin. (It's an Android phone. Trust me, it's hysterical.) The edition I have now was given to me by a casual acquaintance; it was, I think, my twentieth birthday, and my best friend was taking me out to dinner. When I got to her house, a friend of hers was there and asked to take us both out. So we went to a Japanese place (my first time with Japanese food) and then he insisted on buying me a birthday present. I demurred, and he said he'd just start buying things unless I picked something out. I finally chose the "Les Miserables" soundtrack, and as we were headed for the checkout, I spotted this volume, which he grabbed from me and purchased as well. A very sweet gesture, especially for a guy whose name I no longer remember.
Yeah, you probably didn't need to know any of that. Again, I say unto you, get used to it! I love this book; always have, always will.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Some language, flippancy about religion and politics
I have read this book probably...oh, I don't know, forty or fifty times? Either my father or my older brother introduced me to it, and I loved it from the beginning. Though it's the first book of the series, it wasn't the first one I read-something that happens to me a lot-and I had read the fourth book a dozen times before I got to the first one. Which may possibly account for missing some references the first time around ("almost two thousand years after a guy had been nailed to a tree for saying how great it would be to be nice to people for a change", for instance).
Unlike "Catch Me If You Can", the movie version of this book is NOT faithful to the source material, at least not the way I pictured it. Which is of course the problem with turning a book into a movie: you're never going to please all the people. I long ago came to terms with movies and books being separate genres and needing different story-telling methods, but...I am not a fan of this movie, is what I'm saying. (The other night at dinner, the Ninja and the Domestic Goddess pointed out that I frequently use thirty words when four will do, to which I respond...better get used to it.)
Anyway, this book has been many many things to me over the course of my life, not least of which the inspiration for my phone's name, Marvin. (It's an Android phone. Trust me, it's hysterical.) The edition I have now was given to me by a casual acquaintance; it was, I think, my twentieth birthday, and my best friend was taking me out to dinner. When I got to her house, a friend of hers was there and asked to take us both out. So we went to a Japanese place (my first time with Japanese food) and then he insisted on buying me a birthday present. I demurred, and he said he'd just start buying things unless I picked something out. I finally chose the "Les Miserables" soundtrack, and as we were headed for the checkout, I spotted this volume, which he grabbed from me and purchased as well. A very sweet gesture, especially for a guy whose name I no longer remember.
Yeah, you probably didn't need to know any of that. Again, I say unto you, get used to it! I love this book; always have, always will.
Author: Douglas Adams
Potentially objectionable content: Some language, flippancy about religion and politics
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Introducing the Roommates
It's early days, obviously, but I'm sure these people will feature in many many stories. So an introduction would seem to be in order.
The Ninja: Capable of appearing and disappearing anywhere in the house without warning, the Ninja is the youngest (and quietest!) member of our household. Sweet and (so far) completely unflappable, she takes life as it comes.
The Domestic Goddess: Our resident grandmother, who always makes sure things are tidy, people are fed and the world is in order. Crafty (in both senses!), funny, interesting and kind.
The Jukebox: Also known as my youngest sister. Always singing snippets of something suggested by the conversation. Responsible, creative, fiercely loyal and my best friend, she is the creator of our little group.
Me: The oldest. The tallest. The reader.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Book #1: "Catch Me If You Can"
I purchased this book at a thrift shop, I think, which are incidentally the most dangerous places for a book addict. Retail stores have plentiful supply in excellent condition, but thrift stores have the same at a fraction of the cost. And since I rarely go looking for a specific book, I am virtually guaranteed to find something I want to have.
Potentially objectionable content: Some language, euphemistic sexual references (no details) and a fairly intense (and gross!) scene in a French prison
Such is the case with "Catch Me If You Can", which I bought because I love the movie. If your criteria for judging a movie's worth includes faithfulness to the source material, you can't do much better than this. The book, of course, includes far more detail, including Abagnale's three-month stint as a sociology professor at, of all places, BYU. (Yes, really.) It is a fascinating look into the mind of a brilliant con artist, and I recommend it.
Author: Frank W. Abagnale, Jr.
Potentially objectionable content: Some language, euphemistic sexual references (no details) and a fairly intense (and gross!) scene in a French prison
Friday, January 10, 2014
In the beginning...
I can't remember learning how to read.
It's true. I remember lots of other things, but though many of my earliest recollections have books in them, I don't remember learning to read them. I've always assumed that I was simply born with that skill. And all my life I have used and developed it, inhaling virtually every word I saw. In short, I read more than anyone you have ever met. Probably more than any twelve people you have ever met.
Nearly four years ago, I moved back in with my parents for what was supposed to be a short time. They didn't have room for my ever-expanding library, and so it went into storage. Two months ago, I finally moved into my current residence. One week ago, the books were shelved, cataloged and counted. And let me tell you, they are glorious to behold.
The most common reaction to seeing my library for the first time (after "WOW.") is to ask: "Have you read all of these?" And the answer is: "Not yet." I aim to fix that. Starting tomorrow, I will read the entire collection, from A to Z. All 936 titles. And chronicle what is sure to be a life-altering experience, right here in this very spot. Come along for the ride.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)