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Auben -> The all new Book Review Thread (1/8/2008 2:25:48 PM)

This is a thread for reviews of the latest book you are reading.

Reviews could include:

*a summary of the plot/characters (without giving away major twists and turning points)
*how it made you feel/what it made you think of
*a description of the way it was written (genre, good dialogue, lots of description, stream-of-consciousness, tone, character development)
*if it reminded you of another book you've read
*a grade based on 1-10 (or A-F if you are more comfortable with that)
*sex, violence, or language that might bother other readers



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/8/2008 2:49:34 PM)

I'm starting out slow this year.

Truck: a Love Story by Michael Perry

Small town writer Perry is a bachelor with a broken-down truck in his front driveway. Starting one year he vows to get his old 1951 International truck going again (there's a tamarack growing through the wheel well) and pay more attention to his garden. Throughout the year he comments on friends and neighbors, Midwestern traditions such as dirt track racing and deer hunting, and falls in love. I thought this one was a lot more smooth than Population 451 his non-fiction essays on his work as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. While he does have a more central focus here he also has more room for opinion. Perry is a fairly moderate guy and I enjoyed his opinions for the most part but at least once I felt they intruded into the story.

Grade: 8, light and enjoyable



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/10/2008 2:45:14 PM)

The Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchett

This is a memoir of a homeschooling mother who raised 5 children alone (father died in a boating accident) isolated on Vancouver Island during the 1920s. During the summers they would sail along the coast of British Columbia and have adventures. It's very interesting to see the various lives during that time. I liked this but she has that early 20th century fascination with ghosts (it comes up once or twice) and Indians (slightly patronizing but also nostalgic). Otherwise it was fine reading. I caught this suggestion from Kristen.

Grade: 7.5



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/21/2008 10:01:47 AM)

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

This is a nonfiction account of Kingsolver's families year of growing and eating local food. Small fact sections about the food industry are included from her husband Steven Hopp and recipes and commentary from her daughter Camille Kingsolver. I'm predisposed to like this book. This is something I've been looking into, slowly. I was excited about finding some tips for the greener life even though I'm only a middling fan of Kingsolvers' (good writer, sometimes a bit preachy).

If you can make it past the long first chapter where she feels the need to justify their lifestyle decisions (and preach a bit on the evils of our food industry) the rest of the book is fairly balanced and often good fun (the turkey chapter is hilarious). Her husband's sections were succinct and logical. I liked how he put hard facts into small doses. Her daughter's sections parroted her views a bit too much but the recipes were interesting.

In general I loved this book and what it was trying to do. If this is a subject you're interested in its worth reading. It goes into raising a garden, poultry, a local food only cafe in Vermont, her trip to Italy, Amish growers, the family farm, and like subjects. It's also trying very hard to convert people. Sometimes I felt like she was trying too hard. Occasionally I didn't agree with her logic or I thought her wording was manipulative (when comparing how much growers are paid for organic produce--200,00ish and how much corporations make on it .3 million--.3 million is 300,00, I just want the straight figure thank you very much).

Take it with a grain of salt and read it.

Grade: 7 (9 for theme, 7 for fun)



rnershigh -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/21/2008 10:55:17 AM)

World War Z - Max Brooks

The subject matter would be deemed apocalyptic fiction (or to be more specific, zombie apocalyptic fiction), but it's not your typical "horror" book. I hesitate to call this a horror book. It's not just the horror of the zombies, but the horror of humanity fighting for survival and what could happen in a disaster scenario.

The format is different from your usual apocalyptic novel too. The narrator is a UN employee who uses the information he gathers for a UN after-action report of the war to create a book. This book chronicles the war with the zombies, World War Z, from a more personal and humanistic approach, using various stories from people who lived through it.

Interview style, it is told from a first person POV from each survivor. The various interviewees include a former chief of staff to the WH, soldiers in the U.S. military, a Chinese doctor, a woman who's family fled north to Canada during the plague, and a con man who peddled a "cure" to the plague (an exec in some drug company). So, it's told from a variety of voices. Both normal, ordinary citizens, to those on the frontlines, to politicians. You get a more thorough and realistic glimpse to how people from all walks of life handled and dealt with a disaster situation. It's not truly "horror", not a lot of blood and gore, though it is horrifying in that what would you do in that situation.

I think that's why I think this was a good apocalyptic book. In many I've read, you don't get the "bigger" picture (what happened in other countries? what did the government do or plan to do?). They usually focus on a small group of people and how they survive, it's narrower in scope. But surprisingly, all the jumbled accounts work together to explain the war and how it was won.

The author did a good job of portraying how governments and ordinary citizens failed in mustering resources to combat the plague. Some negatives: the very style that makes the book good also limits how much you learn about each interviewee. I found myself wanting to know more about some of the survivors and their stories (good example is how and why North Korea, and its entire people suddenly vanished). Also, not one single story included a medical doctor or any other researcher that was trying to combat the "virus" or learn more about it to combat it. You have no clue what the cause of the plague is and that bugged me as I wondered about that more than once.



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/24/2008 5:43:19 PM)

Sounds interesting.

The Two-Part Invention by Madeleine L'engle

A memoir (4th in the series I think) concerning L'engle's 40 year marriage to actor Hugh Franklin and his last illness. A beautiful book full of faith and wisdom. Highly recommended, especially to people who've been through a loss (or are going through one).

As good as her first Crosswick book: Circle of Quiet.

Grade: 8.75



psaulm119 -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/25/2008 12:28:50 PM)

August 1914, by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

This is a big boy, like most Russian novels—just over 600 pages. Be prepared for a not-very-easy read, but it is worth it. The book shifts scenes, and after 100 pages or so, takes you from inside Russia to the German-Russian front at the start of WWI, so it can be a bit confusing/murky—which is just the effect the author was trying to create. If you can live with this, you will be in for a great novel, and insight into a part of WWI (the Russian side) that we in the West don’t normally consider.

You can see S.’s struggles as he outlines how the aristocratic nature of Czarist Russia hamstrung its military efforts; yet he was careful to repudiate militant reform as well—the contrast between working within the system vs. a complete break with the old order is a common theme in this book.

Religion had a prominent place in this book, although you couldn’t call it a “religious” book. I personally was uncomfortable with the image of Christianity that S. depicted in this story (if you have any insight into that, feel free to post in this thread), but it is refreshing to find that these classic Russian novelists (just like Dostoyevsky) are unashamed of the religious heritage of their country (and perhaps of their own beliefs).

The version I read was just over 600 pages. A newer edition has come out that is over 900 pages. If you are new to Russian novels (or long reads in particular), I might be tempted to find the older, “short” version of the book—Russian novels are notoriously slow moving and a newbie could easily get bogged down; but this one, just like Crime and Punishment and others, are surely worth the effort.



uponeagleswings -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/25/2008 1:15:01 PM)

I remember the first time I tried to read Crime and Punishment (I was probably in 8th grade). Not only did I get bogged down in the story, but I couldn't for the life of me keep all of the Russian names straight! When I read it again for AP Literature the teacher gave us a cheat sheet of character names and brief descriptions. It made much more sense that time. I read it again in college for a Russian Lit class and it was even better.



psaulm119 -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/25/2008 2:28:58 PM)

I really liked that novel (C & P). It provided a very drastic picture of what happens to morality when evolution comes in and God goes out. And for a recognized classic in western literature, I was surprised at the religious bent of the protagonist as he reformed himself towards the end of the book (not trying to give the plot away).

Yeah one of the problems with Russian novels is that the same person can be called several different nicknames, depending on the relative standing on the person talking to them (in the family). When I face that, I just try to id the names, but if I can't, I just move on and assume that the context will let me know the important stuff. Its incredibly easy to get that "bogged down" feeling when going through Russian novels, but man is it worth the effort.



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/25/2008 10:26:23 PM)

600? That's not so very long for a Russian novel. [:D]

Nice review. You've peaked my curiousity. I haven't read any Solzhenitsyn.

And I can't imagine anyone reading Crime and Punishment at 13! Whoa. And I thought I was a prodigy for reading Uncle Tom's Cabin then. That's almost nothing in comparison. [:D]

I read C&P in high school (17) along with Anna Karenina. It went down much easier when I reread it a few years later.



uponeagleswings -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/26/2008 3:24:08 PM)

I should have said that I attempted to read it at age 13. I gave up when I got bogged down in the names. The first time I actually completed the book was in high school AP literature.
I did read Atlas Shrugged as a freshman in high school though. It took me over a year because I kept stopping and starting. I should reread it.



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (1/29/2008 6:18:23 PM)

Across Four Aprils by

This is a youth novel about the Civil War, based on the authors grandfather and newspaper accounts. Very nicely detailed. Very complex and balanced looks at the very multi-sided war. Well done. Occasionally the historical accounts seem a bit forced, but for the most part this is very well encorporated. Recommended for older grade school and up.

Grade: 8.5

The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup by Susan Orleans

A series of her best interviews from the New York Times in the early '90s. Some of these were very interesting, others not so much. People are fascinating though. I enjoyed the 'shorts' very much.

grade: 8



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/1/2008 11:02:20 PM)

Legacies: a Chinese Mosaic by Bette Bao Lord

Lots of stories here, true stories, experiences from China's Cultural Revolution to the "China Spring" (Tianamin Square). I've rarely read a more intense and heartwrenching book.

The author moved from China to the United States as a small child two years before Mao took power. As an adult she married Winston Lord who eventually became the US Ambassador to China in the 1980s. While she was there she made many friends (and saw many relatives) and asked many questions. Many of the stories here were given to her but tape or in person.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you're interested in people or history. My only criticism is that Lord doesn't let you know when the first person story is about herself or someone else...you kind of have to figure it out as you go along.

Grade: 9

Red Scarf Girl by Jiang Ji Li

Memoir of a girl and her family during the Cultural Revolution. I was stoked from reading Legacies and I figured I could blast through it. I did. Easier to read in terms of vocabulary. Not as fascinating or heartbreaking as Legacies.

Grade: 7.9



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/18/2008 10:56:46 PM)

Expanded Universe by Robert Heinlein

Part short stories, part non-fiction essays, Heinlein uses this book as a hodgepodge of what has been important to him over the years. Atom bomb articles from the late '40s? Check. At least 3 of them. A few early short stories. A detective story. One from his teen girl series (because the female editor didn't think he could do it). An article from 1950 (and the update he did in 1965) about what he thinks the year 2000 will be like. Some articles about Russia and his time traveling there with his wife Ginny.

In general this was insightful as a psychological study of Heinlein, but I also thought it was fairly egotistical of him to throw together such a muddled group with the only theme being 'this is what I think and I'm right dangit.'

Only recommended to fans.

Grade: 6 (individual stories can range from 2-8)



kernsfamily -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/19/2008 3:24:40 PM)

This is going to be an "intro" and book review in one....

I typically don't read books much..who has the time? But, when I do, it's usually non-fiction...a biography of some sort....My library at home is being filled with a collection of books related to the history of the automobile industry. From the very beginnings to present day. I have books on Alfred Sloan, Durant, Dodge Bros., Ford, Walter Chrysler, etc...etc...my favorites, of course, are the older books...like my 1932 book written about Ford Motor Company....when i go on business trips, I try to locate one or two good used book stores to dig around in and see if I can unearth a "treasure"....

As far as my book review today, I am almost finished reading, "Me, Myself and Bob"...by Phil Vischer (you know, the "VeggieTales" guy).......how that relates to the car business? Well, I am working on it! (the Larry-Mobile, perhaps????)

I'll let Phil (From his website) describe the book:

Ever wondered how Bob and Larry came to be? How a young computer animator and a few friends with no money and no clue managed to launch the most successful direct-to-video series EVER? Even more interesting… how did such a huge success flame-out and fall to pieces – and what role did faith and God play in what happened to Big Idea Productions and in what has happened since then to that computer animator with the big idea?

As for the book:

Terrific...especially if you're a "creative professional" like me (Iam an Art Director, so I could RELATE to alot of what he talked about)...I am almost finished with the "What have we learned today" chapters...and Phil is pretty much "TEACHING" what it means to allow God to be in control, and not let our "Grand Plans" interrupt those plans....along with many other biblical principles....(but, written in a way that it's not intimidating or overwhelming)....the entire book is full of humorous stories of the creation of Bob & Larry & Friends...and, it's written with humor even while describing how Big Idea came crashing down and into bankruptcy.

A PERFECT book for a high school graduate/college student who is ALMOST out there in the "real world"....getting that first job...and, as you know, they have ALL THESE DREAMS....well, the book talks alot about DREAMS, and that DREAMS are 'ok' only if they are in accordance to God's will for your life. And, God doesn't necessarily make those dreams happen....and, there's always a good reason WHY he does or does not...(you just have to be constantly in prayer and listening to God for those sorts of things)

One of my favorite lines: "Life is tricky. God gave us all the freedom to choose, and with that gift comes the freedom to choose poorly...But as I think you'll see in my story, God has an uncanny ability to redeem our mistakes. To use them for good."

Just because God put a screeching halt to Phil's "Dream"....didn't mean God was done with Phil....

awesome book...



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/28/2008 4:02:49 PM)

I just got that book from a friend kernsfamily, the day you wrote that review. Cool! Thanks.

Month by Month Gardening in Wisconsin by Melinda Myers

Well done. Book covering 8 types of plants (bulbs, veggies, fruits, perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, groundcover and vines) in a handy January-December explanation. This book also has helpful hints, recommendations on planting times, cross-referencing, and some charts. Myers is nicely detailed (more than I thought I'd get) and yet she knows when to give an opinion and let the reader decide between options.

Grade: 9

Gardening in Wisconsin by Melinda Myers

Wasn't quite sure what this would be. It turned out to be a guide for different plants (perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs) that work well in Zones 3-5 (Wisconsin). With some additional detail about her particular likes on the list and how, when, and where to plant them. A good library check-out but not something I'd buy to own.

Grade: 7, useful information but very general



rnershigh -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/28/2008 4:32:22 PM)

Just finished this book, it was good:

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

This is a review I gave on librarything that I cut and paste

Genre: Fantasy
No sex, no profanity, some violence (fighting scenes, an execution scene)


I had heard of Brandon Sanderson before, but I dismissed him as just another new fantasy author. However, when I first heard he was selected to write Robert Jordan's last book in the Wheel of Time series, I wondered if this new author could handle such a monumental task.

So, after reading the synopsis for the first book in his trilogy, Mistborn, it piqued my interest and I decided to give it a shot and see. I was very pleasantly surprised. The world is very realistic and believable, populated with characters you get to know and empathize with their struggles, and with a magic system (ingesting metals and "burning" them, with the people able to perform this feat called Allomancers) that was very unique and different so that it was refreshing. The author also decided to go a different route than your usual standard in fantasy, where the hero of prophecy didn't save the world, and instead we are introduced to a gloomy and bleak world, the Final Empire, that has been under the oppressive yoke of the Lord Ruler for a thousand years.

The ordinary people and workers, called skaa, are looked upon as slaves. As objects and tools to be cast aside once they are no longer needed by the nobility, that "rent" skaa from the Lord Ruler, who owns everything in the Final Empire. In this depressing world, there is no hope and no one ever thinks of defying the Lord Ruler as all the skaa rebellions in the past has always been crushed.

Into this picture we are introduced to a thief crewleader named Kelsier who burns with anger, frustration, and revenge against the Lord Ruler for past grievances. Years before, he was caught breaking into the Lord Ruler's palace and sent to the Pits where no one survives, but Kelsier managed to escape and since that time he has been planning to cause chaos and overthrow the Lord Ruler. Kelsier is not your ordinary skaa thief, he has Allomantic powers, and not your regular Allomancer but a Mistborn, one who can burn all the Allomantic metals. Kelsier rounds up his fellow thieves and rebels to undertake this ambitious and life-threatening plan, which includes a young girl with Mistborn powers named Vin.

While Sanderson does not have as richly textured and detailed world as other well-known fantasy authors (the late Robert Jordan or George R.R. Martin for example), he does have a certain *something* that hooks and then reels you into the fictional world he has created. Not many authors can keep me riveted to the pages and wanting more, but Sanderson did it. I can now see why this relatively unknown author was selected to complete Jordan's last book! Sanderson is good. Really good.

The characters of Vin and Kelsier were well-developed, especially the progression of Vin from a timid and wary skaa street urchin to a more confident and trusting young woman. I thought these two characters had incredible depth and emotion, and they pulled me in deeper into the story. I also felt the plot was engaging, with enough action scenes throughout the book to keep me turning the pages to read what happens next.

Although this is the first book in a trilogy, it didn't end on a cliffhanger and could be read as a standalone. There were a few plot lines left dangling that will most likely be tied up in the later books, but I felt the conclusion was just right. I highly recommend reading this book.



Dancre -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (2/29/2008 8:06:19 PM)

quote:

This is a thread for reviews of the latest book you are reading.

Reviews could include:

*a summary of the plot/characters (without giving away major twists and turning points)
*how it made you feel/what it made you think of
*a description of the way it was written (genre, good dialogue, lots of description, stream-of-consciousness, tone, character development)
*if it reminded you of another book you've read
*a grade based on 1-10 (or A-F if you are more comfortable with that)
*sex, violence, or language that might bother other readers


CAin River by Lalita Tademy.

It's about An African American family starting with Suzette, a slave. The story progresses with her being raped by a white man, not her master. She becomes pregnant. The whole story then begins with how the slaves were treated by the White community, then moving to their being freed up into the 1950's.

It is one of Oprah's books so it is very well-written, although at times the writer skims along the generations. But it is heart breaking to read how the AA have suffered so horribly, to the point of murder. It is a real eye opener. It didn't remind me at all of Roots. I'd say it is definately PG-13 due to adult situations. It does have mild sexual scenes. But it's worth it.

kim



lexie -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (3/1/2008 6:01:33 PM)

"Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust" by Immaculee Ilibagiza.

When the Rwandan Genocide occured in 1994, over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered in just 100 days. Immaculee survived by hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for three months. Her parents and brothers were all killed, and the Hutu killers sought out Immaculee to kill her as well.

An amazing and heart wrenching story told first hand by a survivor of the genocide. While hidden, God spared her life many times and she discovered her own personal relationship with God.

The most extraordinary part of the book is the forgiveness she extends to not only all of those who participated in the killings but specifically the man who murdered her mother and brother and who sought to kill her as well.

A+
Keep a lot of tissues on hand while reading this book.



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (3/3/2008 6:40:19 AM)

Shadow of the Hegemon by Orson Scott Card

Part of the Bean quartet and an off-shoot of the Ender quartet. The story covers the kidnapping of the Battle School children so Achilles can achieve world domination through war and political maneuvering. Peter Wiggins has to leave his net personalities behind and become a real figure in world politics. Bean has to save everyone (as always) and learn more about his brain and his past.

Not as focused as Ender's Game. Not as intellectual as the rest of the Ender quartet. This one reminded me a bit more his Memory of Earth saga in quality (not as good but moves along). There is tons of politics and culture and excitement so worth a read if you've come this far and want to see how Ender's brother begins his strike at world domination.

Grade: 7, unless you've read all the other stuff don't bother



RJR_fan -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (3/3/2008 8:59:02 PM)

quote:

Orson Scott Card


The Bean quartet makes an even stronger effort to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, and Christians, than we see in so many of O. S. Card's other books.

Doesn't it challenge you, though, when God has to raise up a MORMON to glorify Him in this genre?



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (3/12/2008 7:18:18 PM)

Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood: a Guide by Freeman (MD), Vining (MD), and Pillas

Good as an introductory guide for childhood epilepsy. Calms fears. Gives statistics and terms. Understandable.

Grade: 7

Got Shade? by Carolyn Harstad

Nicely detailed look at many different shade-loving plants, how aggressive they are, their special needs, etc.

Grade: 7

The Ultimate Potato Book by Weinstein and Scarbrough

Disappointing cook book using potatoes. Some new things but the potato is not the center of the meal. A little fancy as well.

Grade: 4



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (4/8/2008 10:33:21 AM)

I've been bogged down by a lot of non-fiction reading lately.

Epilepsy: a New Approach by Dr. Joel Reiter and Adrienne Richard

An interesting approach to handling epilepsy in a natural way without getting too New Agey. Dr. Reiter pioneered using epilepsy counselors to help patients find their seizure triggers. Richard began having seizures after a difficult birth and spent much time putting together information on biofeedback, nutrition, and calming techniques. She was a guinea pig in many studies using techniques to self-soothe seizures. She also introduced the same techniques to retarded adults and children with much success.

I found this book very interesting. There are points when I think Richard sees epilepsy everywhere (the Apostle Paul experiencing a seizure during his conversion because he hears a voice) but she's very aware that some people (like Dostoyevsky or St. Teresa of Avila) experienced profound religious joy during their seizures and she encourages people who feel that way to not be pressured to medicate.

Grade: 9 (if you're interested in a natural approach to seizures)

Epilepsy by Elaine Wyllie MD

Another general book. A bit more succinct than Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood.

Grade: 6-7



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (4/24/2008 5:29:36 PM)

Feeling a bit burned out so reading less right now.

Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde

Number 3 (or is it 4) in the Thursday Next series. This one was much better than the previous two books in the series (The Well of Lost Plots and can't remember the name of book 2). I think this one was almost worthy of the first book The Eyre Affair. It was fun and silly. It packed in a lot of action and tied things up neatly at the end.

Good silliness for folks that love Literature.

Grade: 8

Amy's Bread by Amy somethingorother

Nonfiction book about artisan bread baking including poolishs/rigas, old dough, and creating your own sourdough cultures. Nicely done. Good instructions.

Grade: 8.5



Auben -> RE: The all new Book Review Thread (5/20/2008 9:57:06 PM)

Ringworld by Larry Niven

This is a well-known science fiction book. Two humans, a kzin, and a puppeteer travel to a world created as a disc around the sun. They crash and face various adventures.

I did like this but probably not as much as others did. I felt like Niven didn't get to the main story very quickly. Some of the Ringworld adventures were very creative and I read through that section quickly but I put it down more than once before they actually reached the planet.

Rodales Organic Garden Problem book

Nicely done. I felt like it wasn't as easy to navigate as it could have been (it was alphabetical but it took me some time to figure that out..words could start anywhere). The information itself was very helpful and interesting. Kudos to the author.

The Tomato Book
Only ok. Some information about heirloom tomatoes. Some recipes. Mediocre.

The Tomato Festival
Well done.



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