I would have likely lost if someone bet me that one day I would read a scholarly/highly analytical critique of the career and music of Celine Dion. I I would have likely lost if someone bet me that one day I would read a scholarly/highly analytical critique of the career and music of Celine Dion. I had seen this book around, but only got a bit more curious when I saw it listed on a "Best of the Decade" book list as well as its "hall-of-fame" retirement from the literary website, The Millions. This volume certainly is the breakaway star of the 33 1/3 music critique series as Wilson attempts to turn his hate/disdain for the Canadian diva to understanding and appreciation.
Wilson walks a tightrope here. For Celine fans, she is surprisingly not as much of the focus as one would think as Wilson heavily detours in philosophical and psychological aspects of human behavior (i.e. What is good or bad taste?). For those intellectuals enjoying this type of material, frustration may arise as everything does eventually find its way back to Celine. I find myself in the middle. I wouldn't consider myself a serious Celine fan as I don't take her very seriously. I think she's an incredible singer, but I often more amused and charmed by the "character" of Celine Dion from her Fren-glish to childlike nature/naivete to the melodramatic vocals and fist pumping.
Ultimately, I am torn about the book. I "get" the Celine hate so was not offended by it (again, likely disqualifying me as a die-hard fan-dom). Perhaps it was my expectation (which is not faulting Wilson) that it would be a more tongue-in-cheek approach, but repeated instances of my glazed-over eyes and brain way proved it to be far too serious and intellectual for my taste. There were plenty of parts that I enjoyed (even educational stuff about the political and socio-economic climate in Canada!), but given my opinion of Celine is some shade of grey or a bit more complex than the options Wilson offers, it was a book that I didn't quite "get." ...more
It seems a bit silly to even attempt a review of Alexander McCall Smith's "Blue Shoes and Happiness." If you have got to the 7th volume in his No. 1 LIt seems a bit silly to even attempt a review of Alexander McCall Smith's "Blue Shoes and Happiness." If you have got to the 7th volume in his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency collection, there's a pretty good chance you know what you are getting yourself into and you are going to like it. This is one reason I return to McCall Smith over and over again (I've also dabbled in his Sunday Philosophy Club series), he is a known quantity. These are charming and pleasant tales that are my literary equivalent of cleansing the palette after a difficult or not particularly enjoyable read. That is exactly what I needed and probably a sign of a good reading year that it took me until December to get to my first McCall Smith book.
There is nothing new to report here. I find the appeal of these books is never the 'detective' aspect, which typically end up being wrapped up all too quickly and conveniently, but the interaction between the main characters and the often unusual circumstances they find themselves in (though perhaps not too unusual, as I can not be sure what a typical day in Botswana is like). These books are wrapping yourself in the proverbial warm blanket or perhaps cozying up with a cup of bush tea that Precious Ramotswe so looks forward to each day. Not GREAT or terribly thought-provoking literature, but short, sweet and entertaining....more
I picked "Sag Harbor" up as I heard good things about it and since it had been landing on some best-of year end lists. From my understanding, author CI picked "Sag Harbor" up as I heard good things about it and since it had been landing on some best-of year end lists. From my understanding, author Colson Whitehead richly pulled from his own experiences for a fictionalized memoir of sorts. Since they both take place on Long Island, NY with authors are around my age and taking place in our formative years of the 1980s, I was expecting "Sag" would be something along the lines of JR Moehringer's memoir "The Tender Bar," a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sadly, this was not the case with "Sag." While I think it is a well-written book, I really struggled with it and likely would have abandoned it if I was not so stubborn (I will finish it!) reader. Each chapter is a heavily detailed experience in the life of teenager Benji Cooper over the summer of 1985. While the chapters usually started off well, I more often than not found eyes and brain glazing over midway through and not really relating to, or more importantly caring about, such stuff as BB gun fights, ice-cream shop scooping, or getting into a nightclub.
The frustrating part is that I felt there were plenty of opportunities here to engage me, something to hold onto, but they were in short supply or never full realized, whether it was 80s nostalgia or life as an upper-middle class African American "Cosby" family. Also, while we got to know Benji quite well, I could not keep straight the rest of Benji's circle of summer friends (outside of maybe his brother and friend, NP). I am not opposed to "plot-less" novels or heavy detail, but this just felt like I was moving from one rambling vicious circle to another, chapter after chapter. For me, there never seemed to be any kind of pay-off or even forward movement other than the slow crawl to Labor Day and waiting for this endless summer to, well end. Browsing the ratings and reviews, I appear to be in the minority here on GoodReads on this one, so who knows, maybe just bad mental timing on my part for this one....more
As someone who fondly recalled Jeanette Walls' memoir "The Glass Castle," I was very much looking forward to what amounts to its prequel, in which WalAs someone who fondly recalled Jeanette Walls' memoir "The Glass Castle," I was very much looking forward to what amounts to its prequel, in which Walls takes on the voice of her maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith.
This "true-life novel" took some getting used to, it had the familiarity and feel of old family tales being passed down through the generations, almost more vignettes than an actual plot. But once I let go of trying to fit the book into some sort of pre-existing genre "box" or comparing it "Castle" (which was a true first-person account), I thoroughly enjoyed it. It certainly helped explain why Walls' own youth as told through "Castle" would be so unconventional and downright odd at times. She comes from spunky genes and I love spunk!
Adding to my enjoyment is that a great deal of the novel is set in my adopted home state of Arizona (along with doses of New Mexico, Texas, and even Chicago), so quite interesting to learn about life on the ranches of northern Arizona and even some details of my hometown of Phoenix which, with the advent of air conditioning, was starting to grow into a big city (though it doesn't seem much like a city today, more urban sprawl).
A quick, entertaining, educational, funny, dramatic, and certainly eye-opening read of what life was like in the "Old West" in the not so distant past. It almost made me want to pull "The Glass Castle" back off shelf for a re-read. Walls is a skilled storyteller, but now having seemingly and fully mined her family's past and her own life, it will be interesting to see what she will come up next....more
If you've never read an Ian McEwan novel, I'll just warn you that things don't tend to go very well. This is my fourth McEwan and I have dubbed him thIf you've never read an Ian McEwan novel, I'll just warn you that things don't tend to go very well. This is my fourth McEwan and I have dubbed him the master of the downward spiral. Just when you think things can't get worse, they usual do.
At just over 200 pages, this is more of a novella than his last two books (most notably "Atonement," though I personally preferred "Saturday"), but it still packs a mighty punch as McEwan bores down on the first night of marriage of a Florence and Edward on the shores of the English Channel (spoiler alert) on Chesil Beach in the year 1962, with flashbacks to their pasts (both individual and shared).
This is one of the most uncomfortable books I have read in some time as the two virgins move to consummate their marriage, each unbeknown to the other bringing in some quite heavy baggage to this first time experience. It is extremely intimate (and sometimes explicit, tastefully) book as the reader is not only witness to the physical act, but more so each character's thoughts and it is in knowing things that other character does not where the true tragedy of their story lies.
I will say that that my mind drifted away just a bit during during the flashbacks, but only because McEwan created such tension in the honeymoon suite. In my eyes, McEwan can do little wrong, though I know some find his work to be too stodgy, British, pretentious, high-brow capital-L literature and this one is no different. For me, he creates these incredible wrecks that will have you (figuratively) rubbernecking until that last page is turned. It's probably a good thing he is not uber-prolific as one feels a bit roughed up when finished, but no doubt my masochistic literary tendencies will be ready and renewed for his next book....more
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two collections of Nick Hornby's columns from "The Believer," I was a bit sad to see that the third volumHaving read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two collections of Nick Hornby's columns from "The Believer," I was a bit sad to see that the third volume would be the last. Though to be totally honest, I wasn't even aware "Shakespeare Wrote For Money" even existed until I stumbled onto it while picking up Hornby's latest novel "Juliet, Naked."
Anyhow, there is really nothing new here. If you enjoyed the first two essay s , it is more of the same though I will agree with some of my fellow reviewers in that Hornby was running out of steam a bit on this one. But alas, I don't think there are many of us that could have sustained such an assignment for 5+ years (remember when people used to blog?). That said, I didn't find this any less enjoyable and any reading geek will be in nerd-vana with yet another opportunity to read about reading.
Hornby makes me feel sane-ish, when he scoffs at a friend who takes a day off between books to not suffocate the just-finished one, noting "Those of us who read neurotically read, however - to ward off boredom, and the fear of our own ignorance, and our impending deaths - can't afford the time."
The one good thing about this being the last of Hornby's reading recollections is that it will no longer add to my already mammoth to-be-read list! Though he did manage to add a few more (getting me slightly curious about YA lit) and did get me to take one of those purchased long ago but unread books off my shelf as my next read.
Alas, I read this so quickly it hardly justified the $14 spent in this tough economy, but for me Hornby always delivers and the hilariously nerdy intro by Sarah Vowell was almost worth cost alone! ...more
Shortly after starting Dan Chaon's "Await Your Reply," a friend mentioned she couldn't make it through and, more than 24 hours after having finishing Shortly after starting Dan Chaon's "Await Your Reply," a friend mentioned she couldn't make it through and, more than 24 hours after having finishing it, my mind is still reeling from it. This is one of those book that I sense folks will either love or hate, though I am feeling a bit "gray" about it (though dark gray or off-white, depending on which color represents love and hate).
The book requires patience. The novel is three disparate, interwoven and, at times, non-sequential stories. It is a bit unsettling (ultimately, I felt this was quite intentional on Chaon's part) and hard to gain any momentum with the shifting narratives and time lines. I knew this much going in and guessed my ultimate reaction to the book would all depend on the final pages. But before getting there, I was still pretty involved with each storyline and the slow roll to why they were all part of this novel. Each featured a pair(father/son, teacher/student turned lovers, twin brothers) that was half naive, half sociopath and thematically a whole lot going on about identity and a desperate escape from one's life. Plot-wise, that's all I will say as those last dozen pages are crucial and should be left unspoiled.
I never quite get when folks don't like a book because the characters are not likable and/or do not have any redeeming features. Those qualities I find are quite key in real life, but I am quite content with the opposite when it comes to fiction. But if that is important to you, this is not the book for you either. Alas, there is some cringe-worthy violence in it too so if you have an opportunity to read the opening chapter (which a lot of places/sites allow you to do), I would suggest that as a litmus test, even if it is just a small aspect of one of the stories.
Overall, a very intriguing read that I certainly would have loved to have talked over with other folks. While the ending might not quite everything I hoped (70-80% there and the jury is still kind of out, i.e. I eventually came around on "The Sopranos" finale), it was still extremely well written, intricate, and highly atmospheric (think noir/Hitchcock) work that is one of those that will likely linger in my mind....more
As a huge tennis fan, I figured I would read Serena Williams' "On The Line" at some point, but after her meltdown at this year's US Open, the book quiAs a huge tennis fan, I figured I would read Serena Williams' "On The Line" at some point, but after her meltdown at this year's US Open, the book quickly went up my to-be-read list. I always find it a bit odd when tennis players release memoirs mid-career, but the Serena certainly had enough material, even if she is still a few more years to go until retirement.
In general, the Williams Sisters have not been terribly forthcoming about their personal lives, generally letting their tennis do all the talking, so it was interesting to read Serena's perspective on things from her humble past, to her controversial father (who she quite lovingly refers to as "Daddy" throughout the book), being a Jehovah's Witness, to some of her most (in)famous on-court moments. Granted the book was released just before the mother of all her on-court moments (this year's (2009) US Open outburst), so some of the recollections are unintentionally funny and/or ironic in that she talks about maintaining good on-court behavior or, if not, learning lessons and hoping not to behave so badly again... ha!
Serena comes across as a spoiled brat, though "diva" would be a word she would more happily embrace. She typically gets what she wants even if it takes some guile or foot-stomping to. This will come as no surprise to tennis fans, but the reason behind it might be a bit more surprising as I found she seems to suffer from a healthy does of insecurity and self-esteem issues, not something one would expect from such a bold personality and/or someone who has risen to the very top spot in her sport. Throughout the book, she asks the reader if some action or emotion is valid with a... "don't you think?" tacked on to the end of the statement. This need for validation was again a bit surprising. Then again, she is human so perhaps just something that one tends to forget when it comes to athletes or celebrities.
That said, Serena is still very selective with what she is willing to share, granted that is her prerogative, but found it a bit frustrating when she put on the brakes. I was stunned that her most successful run in her career was fueled by a romantic break-up. Obviously, Serena viewed it as a very serious and important relationship to her, but for me she didn't explain the reasons why. For me she ends up sounding a tad wacko, even if it was the impetus to one of the great runs in tennis history.
Additionally, the book is a tad tossed together. While I recall most of these events, the non-sequential unfolding of the story might throw some tennis fans (i.e. a chapter about her ultimate boycott of the Indian Wells tournament, followed by later stories of her competing there, though earlier in her career). Also, I thought there were some glaring omissions. All of sudden she seems to have Grand Slam titles or Olympic medals under her belt or I her speaking of how she repeatedly wrote her murdered sister's name in a notebook as inspiration during her comeback Grand Slam win, so odd since she does speak fairly openly of this family tragedy, but does not write this particular notebook story, which at the time (watching it on TV) I found to be very emotional. Finally, I have yet to see a tennis memoir effectively recall the details of a match. The book opens with a mind-numbing, seemingly point-by-point, recount of her 2008 US Open quarterfinal vs. Venus that had me initially worried about the rest of the book.
Overall, an interesting and pretty harmless book that will give you a bit insight into the mind and heart of a champion.
After wrapping on a particularly rough read (Uwem Akpan's "Say You're One Of Them"), I did not hesitate in the least in choosing Nick Hornby's latest After wrapping on a particularly rough read (Uwem Akpan's "Say You're One Of Them"), I did not hesitate in the least in choosing Nick Hornby's latest novel, "Juliet, Naked," as my next read. I knew I was entering the Hornby comfort zone, an entertaining and engaging read with plenty of laughs and a good dose of keen observation along the way.
These days I try to avoid knowing too much about a novel, relying on word-of-mouth or my own past experiences rather than a back cover or inside flap blurb. With "Juliet, Naked" I knew the meaning behind the title, the name of a recently discovered "unplugged" album named "Juliet" from an American singer-songwriter, Tucker Crowe, who suddenly and unceremoniously retired 20 years ago. This disappearance only creates a cult following of rabid fans who collect and analyze bootleg copies of old concerts or go on pilgrimages to important places in his Crowe's career. It is on one such trip from their dreary English seaside village to the United States that we meet Crowe-ologist Duncan and his long-time girlfriend Annie, who has grown to appreciate Crowe's music but merely tolerates his obsession with it. The release of the "Naked" album sends shock waves in their relationship as well as Crowe himself and how Hornby weaves this all together was quite pleasant and surprising.
While I am not in similar life situations of the trio of characters, they are around my age (40-ish) so there is still plenty that personally resonated with me, wondering how you got to where you are now and where you are going from here, you know mid-life crisis stuff!
Overall, just love Hornby's story-telling and his skill in slipping in healthy dose of "a-ha" or head-nodding moments. For instance, a last line before a section break goes: "Over the next few weeks, that one word was subjected to more analysis than it could probably stand." I find Hornby kind of gently washes over you, thus the 4 star rating, despite what seems to be a rave here. For me, Hornby is that proverbial warm, dependable, comfortable jacket that feels so good to slip on (pure metaphor since jackets are rarely required here in Phoenix) and "Juliet, Naked" did not disappoint....more
This short story collection (or more accurately, 3 short stories and 2 novellas) had been on my "to be read" list since it was named "Entertainment WeThis short story collection (or more accurately, 3 short stories and 2 novellas) had been on my "to be read" list since it was named "Entertainment Weekly's" fiction book of the 2008. That year-end list typically provides me with some of my best reads. Then Oprah picked "Say You're One of Them," for her book club which only increased the urgency to read this as my batting average with O has been fairly good as well. Both of these endorsements, from two of my most reliable sources, set up some very high expectations.
It is certainly hard not to be moved by these stories or the absolute horrors that are part of everyday life on the African continent. Akpan's stories of prostitution, human trafficking, religious persecution, and civil war (for starters) are not for the faint of heart, and if that isn't enough, all are told from a child's (or younger person's) perspective. As Akpan says in the Q&A, "The world is not looking. I think fiction allows us to sit for a while with people we would rather not meet... I want their voices heard, their faces seen."
That said, I had a very difficult time with this collection and it had nothing to do with the unpleasant subject matter. Akpan writes dialect that I had, at times, a very hard time following. I always find this a bit challenging, but usually I fall into it, but it never seemed to be the case here. Also, I think many of the stories assume so knowledge of African history. I'll sheepishly admit I am lacking in that department though it did make me research (after the fact) events like the Sharia War in Nigeria. But my ignorance did leave me lost a few times. Lastly, I didn't think Akpan excelled in the longer (the 100+ pages novella length) stories. Both had very compelling parts, but other times I found myself just reading words/zoning out until I got back into the story.
A really tough rating call. Becoming aware of these atrocities is certainly worth 5 stars and many parts are extraordinary. I'd likely average it out to 3.5 stars, but am rounding it down to 3 stars due to my above mentioned issues with the writing and pacing. ...more
First off, I am a huge Kathy Griffin fan. I have seen her stand-up act 3 times and probably will again when she comes to town in January. So when I waFirst off, I am a huge Kathy Griffin fan. I have seen her stand-up act 3 times and probably will again when she comes to town in January. So when I was looking for a book to take on vacation, this seemed to be the perfect beach read. (Sidenote: I never did read it on the beach, just on the both plane trips. Kind of funny, since I think a lot of folks *only* read while on vacation, while I rarely do. Not a big sit around and lounge guy, anyhow!). That said, while I knew I would like the book I didn't have high expectations for it. Memoirs tend to be a bit hit-and-miss for me and I find a lot of them aren't terribly well-written, so I was pleasantly surprised what an entertaining and good read this was.
If you haven't seen Kathy's publicity tour for this book (how could you miss it, as she is the first one to admit she is a media whore), she is quick to say that there is a lot in this book that isn't part of her stand-up act or part of her reality D-List series. That's what really impressed me about the book, for I felt it was just going to be a re-hash of a lot of things I already knew... and while it is true who most (in)famous moments are there, there is quite a bit of material that is new and doesn't necessarily put shine the best light on herself. This is an no-holds barred account which only makes you love Kathy more. She is a a terribly hard worker and have to respect that she didn't compromise herself to get where she is today.
As with other reviews I have glanced at, I knocked off a star for what was a horrific chapter of email exchanges with Steve Wozniak one of Kathy's more recent publicity "romances." The chapter was painfully long and just was a momentum killer of any otherwise breezy read. And while Kathy's voice is certainly evident throughout the book, these unedited emails made me wonder how good of a writer Griffin actually is. She did have a ghostwriter for the book (tho not credited on the book's cover), so much credit to them for maintaining Kathy's voice and humor, because if Kathy's emails to Woz again are just (again) very painful. Unfortunately it is also near the end of the book, so it really tends to stick in the front part of your brain. I suggest get a taste of the emails for a couple of pages, then skip to the next chapter.
But overall, it was a very enjoyable read and it had everything you'd want in a memoir... honesty with healthy doses of drama, humor, and dish! ...more
I finished "Little Bee" a little over a week ago and I admit I am still struggling with my reaction to it. Pretty much everything about it from the coI finished "Little Bee" a little over a week ago and I admit I am still struggling with my reaction to it. Pretty much everything about it from the complex characters to the dual narratives to the way the whole story unfolds seems like it would be right up my alley. But there is some little nagging aspect of it that I can't quite put my finger on that was missing or even too much as many times I thought it would have worked better as a short story (not that it's a long novel to begin with).
It is certainly hard not to fall in love with the title character of Little Bee, but had some issues with the other narrator, Sarah. I had this book on my to-be-read list for awhile, but in the interim I read of a major/movie star actress picking up the script, so while I think she is a good "fit" for the role, I'll admit to finding myself distracted by having that visual in my head.
Just looking over other reviews here, I agree with others that for me the book lost some believability as the story moved on, particularly after the reader had caught up with the two women's shared past. That said, I still feel I could recommend it to a certain sub-segment of my reading friendships, particularly those looking for a truly amazing story of two strong women. I would give the book 3.5 stars, but will just slip it back to 3 for my lingering issues and the coy "don't' spoil it" marketing of it (which I know is not Cleave's fault)....more
This was another of those "buzz" book that seems to be gaining good word of mouth. In fact, when I finished it this weekend I received my monthly newsThis was another of those "buzz" book that seems to be gaining good word of mouth. In fact, when I finished it this weekend I received my monthly newsletter from our local independent bookstore and the owner reported that 5 people had read this book at hear annual summer retreat. The night I picked up the book, I had not intended to "officially" start it, but after reading the amazing and jaw-dropping opening paragraph, I couldn't stop myself. This was my type of humor (dead-pan, sarcasm) and that's *really* saying something when a book opens with the line "Dad's dead."
What follows is a memorably wacky week as the atheist/agnostic Foxman family sitting shiva, with middle son Judd, who's own life in serious shambles, anchoring the novel. If you like your humor politically incorrect and are not easily shocked (a rabbi nicknamed Boner?!!), this is certainly a novel for you. While some of the action is quite slapstick at times (if a tad too highly condensed, one would hope all this could not occur within a week's time), Tropper gets gold stars for coming up some incredibly clever twists and turns. We've seen these types of dysfunctional families before in print and the big screen, but I can assure you they've never been put into some of the creative scenes Tropper manages to dream up.
That said, it's not all giggles and fits. There is a lot of angst, pain, tragedy, and pathos to go around. But again, it is a treat for the reader that humor is such a defense mechanism for this dysfunctional clan.
This book isn't rocket science or great "literature" but it has certainly been one of my favorite reads of the year. ...more
I decided to read THE HELP since it seemed like one of those "buzz" books - gaining a lot of traction from word-of-mouth and near flawless starred ratI decided to read THE HELP since it seemed like one of those "buzz" books - gaining a lot of traction from word-of-mouth and near flawless starred ratings wherever you look. I can certainly see why Kathryn Stockett's debut has proven to be so popular as she has created a truly wonderful story of the burgeoning civil rights movement in the Deep South. The story is told from three perspectives: the progressive White woman Euginia (but more commonly known as Skeeter) and two African-American (or colored or nigra, if we are going with the time period) maids/"the help" Aibileen and Minny.
I am kind of torn with rating this book. You immediately fall in love with all three of these women and there are plenty of laughs and tears along the way. It was extremely entertaining read and certainly paints a eye-opening historical picture as well. That said, it does seem filled with stereotypes... the evil (racist) Stepford wive society woman, the alcoholic and abusive African-American husband, the maid with a heart of gold, the spunky downtrodden woman who gets her revenge (think COLOR PURPLE's Celie spitting in a glass of water... but much, much worse).
I'd give it a 3-3.5 on literary quality, but a big bounce or at least the round-up to 4 stars for entertainment value and memorable characters. Mark my words, this will be turned into an Oscar material-worthy movie one day! ...more
The odd title of Stewart O'Nan's novella "Last Night of the Lobster" is pretty easily explained once the crustacean in question is the popular seafoodThe odd title of Stewart O'Nan's novella "Last Night of the Lobster" is pretty easily explained once the crustacean in question is the popular seafood chain, Red Lobster... and then it's not much of a leap to figure out the rest... that it's the last day/night of operation for this particular location. Which tells you this is a piece of fiction as every Red Lobster that I have ever seen (I admit to not being a huge fan) is wildly popular and populated!
Our protagonist is Manny, who is the shining example of what a restaurant manager should be... loyal to employees, building, customers, food, service, and even the corporation who runs it. Granted this doesn't always make him popular with everyone. Trying to motivate or heck even retain morale at a business that is literally on death's doorstep is difficult at most... but Poor Manny has an even tougher task as it is just days before Christmas and in the middle of a snowstorm that is deterring folks from even venturing to the neighboring mall let alone dining out for some shrimp scampi.
O'Nan creates a very atmospheric story and seems to accurately nail down how a restaurant runs (thankfully one place I have never worked). It's a interesting cast of characters, a story about endings and new beginings and never quite giving up despite what one is up against.
It's a quiet, subtle story... almost to a faualt as I don't find myself reaching for superlatives or uncontrollably using exclamation points to describe "Lobster"... but it was certainly a good, pleasant, entertaining read. A perfect read for a snowy night (and it's quite possible to read it in one night), though that would never be the case with me here in Phoenix... though I many look at the Lobster just down the road the same way ever again....more
Wow, this book was quite the undertaking. I have been speeding through books fairly quickly this year, but this one really slowed me down quite a bit Wow, this book was quite the undertaking. I have been speeding through books fairly quickly this year, but this one really slowed me down quite a bit - "A Fraction of the Whole" is a dense, sprawling epic of the Dean family from Australia. Young Jasper is our primary protagonist, but most of the action comes from his nationally detested father Marty and his beloved anti-hero of a uncle Terry. It's a wildly twisting story taking us from Australia to Paris to Thailand... from jail cells to a house inside a labyrinth to a jungle to the high seas, it's impossible to predict where this story will take the reader next. Toltz certainly enters genius (or ingenious!) territory in this book, so it's even more amazing that it is his literary debut. Granted I have seen this many times before, but the true test will be to somehow follow this up.
Again, I wish GoodReads had 1/2 stars... this one is a solid 4.5 star book to me. My original intention was to give it 4 stars, but after the above gushing it seems only fair to round up to the 5 stars. I knock it a bit for a slow start. Toltz had me worried that I had obligated myself to something a bit questionable. It took me a good 100+ pages to really get into it and other the constant detours did get a bit exhausting at times, but ultimately it won me over. Though, oddly enough it is one of those books that I can't see recommending to too many of the people in my life. But if you are looking for a long, quirky, rollicking ride with a good dose of life philosophizing in it, this is certainly the book for you.
Jhumpa Lahiri just seems to be getting better which each new book, and that's really saying something given her debut short-story collection won a PulJhumpa Lahiri just seems to be getting better which each new book, and that's really saying something given her debut short-story collection won a Pulitzer. My first exposure to Lahiri was her first full-length novel "The Namesake" which I absolutely loved, then backtracked to "Maladies' which I thought was quite good, but still preferred "Namesake." I chalked that up to not being a huge fan of the short-story genre, but if that is the case "Unaccustomed Earth" proved to the be the exception to my rule (though, in general, I am coming around to the genre, though society's rapidly decreasing attention span is largely to blame... btw, thank you for reading on since this has already exceeded 140 characters!).
Simply put, Lahiri is one of the finest writers out there today. I was mesmerized by the very first (and title) story and the magic continues throughout each of the 8 stories, though the linked trio that closes "Earth" certainly enters into novella territory.
My one small quibble is the recurrence in the character types (well-educated Bengalis living in the Ivy Leagues) and themes (infidelity, struggles w/ cultural identity), but again it's a tribute to Lahiri that she never makes it seem repetitive... but in the end, Lahiri beautifully the human experience of the longing for love and happiness, that is certainly not exclusive to one particular gender or race....more
I was (and still am) a huge fan of Monica Seles, so I enjoyed this memoir very much. That said, I am not sure I could recommend this book to someone wI was (and still am) a huge fan of Monica Seles, so I enjoyed this memoir very much. That said, I am not sure I could recommend this book to someone who is not a Seles fan or minimally, someone interested in the tennis world. Given the title, I was expecting this to be primarily about Seles' battle with weight and self-esteem struggles (after all this is her second memoir -- and I read that one too -- and she's only 35!), but there was still a whole lot about tennis, that I doubt a non-fan would be interested in. Not the most amazing piece of writing either, but then again Seles was never the most graceful person on the tennis court... or certainly on the dance floor. But her bubbly personality does bounce off the page which is certainly nice to "hear" given all the dark times she has had in her life. ...more
You would have had a tough time selling me a book where the protagonist is Flavia de Luce, a precocious 11-year old girl and budding chemist turned deYou would have had a tough time selling me a book where the protagonist is Flavia de Luce, a precocious 11-year old girl and budding chemist turned detective when a dead body shows up in her cucumber garden in 1950s England. Ok, maybe not, but given the title I was kind of hoping for a least half the charm of an Alexander McCall Smith book (this title seems right up his alley!). The good news is that Alan Bradley (his debut novel at age 70!) has created a character that oozes charm and is certainly worthy of her own series (and rumor is that she'll get it with a rumored 5-book deal). While I think McCall Smith is a bit more slice-of-life than mystery, this certainly is a mystery and an at times convoluted one, that one finds it a bit hard to believe an adult, let alone a spunky pre-teen, could unravel it. But alas, this is fiction and it takes little effort suspend some belief and immerse yourself in this world where a black birds show up mysteriously dead on the back porch with a stamp in its beak! ...more
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