I think the words that best describe my reaction to this one is: "erm. hmm". There were good bits, there were interesting bits, there were informative bits, even, but a great deal of the book feels like filler text. I don't outright dislike it - I can't even say that it bored me. Allende writes engagingly; the prose is quick and easy, the pace rarely slows. But something just wouldn't match up, and I suspect it was the characterisation, which, in a family saga where the whole book is driven by and rests on the shoulders of these people, is a pretty big thing to get wrong.

The House of the Spirits is the story of both the Trueba family and of the country of Chile itself, and to be honest I thought the pages in which Allende describes the social and political upheavals of the time were by far the more interesting than many of the ins and outs of the Truebas. The novel opens by describing the childhood of Clara del Valle, the future wife of Esteban Trueba. She has several rather unusual gifts, including clairvoyance and telekinesis, and is a warm, loving, kind woman (albeit more than a little scatterbrained), while her future husband Esteban rapidly becomes a deeply unpleasant man: self-righteous, tyrannical towards the people who life and work on his estate, and a serial rapist.

And that's where I hit my first snag with this book. If Clara is clairvoyant - if, as is later revealed, she knows these things about him, and if as she says she does not love him, then why the Hell does she marry him? It's made clear that the decision is hers, and the only justification you get for that in 500 pages is that "it's her destiny".

I found that explanation to be a bit spurious.

( perhaps inevitably, mild spoilers follow. )

The fake-cuts lead to the reviews and details :)

Keeper of the Bride by Tess Gerritsen
The House of God by Samuel Shem
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Tenzing and the Sherpas of Everest by Judy and Tashi Tenzing
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown


Cross-posted like crazy, i.e. to 50bookchallenge & bookshare.

It's that time again...

Note: Novels were ones I read in 2009, not necessarily published in 2009.

( Under the cut because I do tend to go on. )

The Last Unicorn (1968)
Written by: Peter S. Beagle
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 288 (Hardcover)

The premise: ganked from Barnes & Noble: THE LAST UNICORN is a tearful tale of the last existing unicorn's journey out of her familiar forest to save the species. On the way she encounters evil magic, dark castles, cursed towns, and a particularly interesting sea shore. The character's in this magical story invite you to learn with them, while Peter S. Beagle poetic prose are something to remember as he tells a story of bravery and courage. Do love, freedom, and happiness prevail? Or will we forever live in fear in a world without unicorns?

My Rating

Must Have: The Last Unicorn is a beautiful story, and considering the fact the book was written back in 1968, I'd say Beagle's style olds up well. I'm glad I finally got this fantasy classic under my belt, and even better was finally being able to read the sequel, "Two Hearts," right after the book itself. I'd already read the story when it came out in the Oct/Nov 2005 issue of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, but there were a lot of little things I missed that time because I hadn't read The Last Unicorn, so to read them back-to-back? Priceless. Beagle knows how to weave the emotional heart into a story, and I love him for that. Anyone who dares call him or herself a fantasy fan cannot continue to do so without reading The Last Unicorn and it's sequel. I personally can't wait to read more from this author, as his style has definitely evolved between these two pieces, and it's gotten better when it was already good to begin with.

In terms of "Two Hearts," my edition of The Last Unicorn has it in it (as well as a very interesting interview with the author: did you know he HATED this book for a very long time?), and if you're interested in tracking this hardcover edition down, the ISBN is 9780760783740. I don't know if later editions also have the novella and interview, but if you can get your hands on them, they're worth reading. But you can also find "Two Hearts" in Beagle's The Line Between, which is a collection of his short stories, so don't worry if you can't find an edition of The Last Unicorn that has the short in it. But do yourself a favor and read the two back-to-back. Trust me, it's a lovely experience.

Review style: definite spoilers. I mean, this is such a classic anyway that it's hard to even CALL details of this book spoilers, because you know the story or you don't. If you don't, and you really want to go into this story without knowing what happens, then there's no need to click the cut below, which takes you to the discussion in my LJ. If you've read it though, hop on over! As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Peter S. Beagle's THE LAST UNICORN

Happy Reading!

Book club selections @ calico_reaction. Hop on over! We'd love to have you!

January: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
February: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

 

72 & 73. 100 Must-Read Science Fiction Novels & 100 Must-Read Crime Novels - Nick Rennison et al. 320 pages and 320 pages (4/5 stars)

I’ve read a lot of science fiction, so imagine my surprise when this list had many books I’ve never even heard of, much less read! Many of the premises seemed excellent, so I’ll slowly but surely make my way through this list (and the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die list, and the BBC’s 100 best books, and the Guardian’s list of 1000 books…I think I have an addiction to book lists). It’s amazing to see how imaginative people have been through the years, and science fiction provides such a good medium to explore potential futures. I’ve read perhaps 20% of this list.

I’ve not read a lot of crime novels, so I thought this would be a good place to start. I’ve read some Raymond Chandler and a couple of the other big names, but I enjoy the clever plots and hidden clues embedded in mysteries, so I will begin to read more of them. What struck me as I read this collection was how versatile the genre of crime novels are. There are medieval mysteries, ones set in countries all over the world or based on well-known cities. There are detectives that are black, white, female, straight, gay (although, like the genre of SF, it’s still more whitewashed than it should be). I must say, though, that I’m pleased to see that none of the detectives on this list are quite like the one in my slowly emerging novel.

I really like the layout of these books. Each entry says when the book was written and what nationality the author one. They generally open with a brief summary of the plot, and then analyze what works in the novel, what makes it unique, and how it contributed to the genre.

These books (there’s also another one that focuses on classics that I’ve already read and reviewed here), are a great starting point if you want to be like me and read every good book ever written.

(P.S. Hi there, I like new friends)

- Kristen Stewart
-Twilight
- Remember Me
- Blake Lively
-Gossip Girl
- Rachel Lefevre
- Nikki Reed
- Emilie De Ravin



Here @ alletures 

This way...

Someone please take this away from me. I really have no excuse.

Clickity-click for full thing.

( I'm the butt of the worst joke in history. )

So as I was in line for Sherlock Holmes (great movie by the way) I saw it. The poster for Eclipse.

...New Moon is still in theaters...

I find it funny and rather odd that they are booking these out so fast. It's like they know that the Twilight fad is fading and/or catching a bad rep from all possible outlets.

Or as my friend said, "They're just trying to finish the movies before Robert Pattinson offs himself for getting involved in this crap."

Been a while since I posted here:


Live Preview

( CODE )


CREDIT:
★- Comments are ♥
★- Credit & watch visualwit for updates

( NOTES & DIRECTIONS )

My New Year's Resolution last January was to read two books a month for a total of 24 books a year. I ended up with 38 total books read, and since it is highly unlikely I'll finish anything by midnight tomorrow, here's a list of what I've read this year.

 ( My List )
Happy New Year, Everyone!

15 Hayley Williams
15 Skins (Series 3)

Preview:


Find more here.

...it's still the #5 most pirated movie of 2009 *big, big facepalm*

I think this is just a very ironic indicator that no matter how "greatawesomeorgasmic" it is, people still aren't willing to dish out the dough for this shit.

In other news...does it make me a terrible person that I've pirated 6 of the 10 movies on the list? -_- Star Trek being one of them? Wow, I have never before felt so much like a statistic.

Full article here

Today we have some shirtless Locke.



( He's in his sweatlodge contemplating the past year )

I'm not going to ask what should I pull from my TBR pile (hangs head in guilt at the mountainous stack of books). I have a different query.

Should I stop buying books?

For quite some time, especially the last year, I've been picking my books up either from the library, because I won't spring for the cost of a hardcover, or used book stores (I hit up one that was doing 50 cents a book, and 12 for $5 as I recall). I've been burned in the past by not buying a book and then having it go out of print. As a matter of fact a book that I wanted to read min my youth I found at the 50 cent sale (and it should be among my first six books read of 2010).

Today, and I'll spare you the reason why, I was in the storage unit looking for some unread books that I want to try and get to soon (as in 2010). Back at the apartment I look at my TBR pile and I feel guilty.

Its much easier to pick up out of prints books today, even though the cost varies. Sites such as Amazon, Abe, and even Barnes & Noble often have used books (I forgot ebay).

So should I stop buying books, or just kick back and enjoy the written word (yes I have downloaded books from Project Guttenberg which is why I don't say the printed page).

    This might be a really strange request, but are there any romance sort of novels that are set in World War II and concern the love of a Nazi soldier and a woman who is on the side of the allies? 

Oh noes. Now I have to listen to the debate about who's going to play Hawkeye in the upcoming Avengers film! Rumors of ( a person who would be about damn perfect for the role ) have been refuted. It was always a rumor at best, but I would have liked that bit of casting very much.

In other news, the muscle under my right shoulder blade is sore. OW!

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris is set two years after vampires have "come out of the coffin." The plot revolves around the mysterious deaths in the small town of Bon Temps where the main protagonist Sookie Stackhouse lives with her remaining family. As the police struggle to identify the murderer Sookie enters a relationship with Bill, the local vampire, which causes rifts among her family and friends. Meanwhile she must defend her brother's innocence in an on-going crime scene investigation where all the evidence is against him.( cut for length... )

[11] American Idol
[4] Skins
[7] So nyuh shi dae
[1] Morning Musume
[1] Lady gaga

The rest are all here @ bonbonville

This is the third book in Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series. Spoilers.

In this installment, Jasmine and Vayl--two assassins with the CIA--are sent to Iran. In fact, they are sent to Jasmine's twin brother's Special Ops squad, which has a mole. Cassandra, a Seer, and Bergman, the technology expert, are also along for the ride. They have received information about the Wizard, one antagonist that the CIA has been meaning to take down for awhile.

I really liked this book. It has a bit of a plot twist that makes everything make sense (without the deus ex machina tactic). The thing I really liked, though, was how Jaz and Vayl interacted. *Spoilers* Vayl lost his two sons (a disgruntled farmer shot them) and he has been hunting for their reincarnated souls for almost three hundred years. He is usually quite rational, except with his sons, and when the Seer he goes to talk to tells him that his sons are in Iran, he is overjoyed and agrees to pay her price--turn her into a vampire. It was very interesting to see how Jaz reacted to this and how their characters changed. It also talks about loyalty and how that can be shattered, especially when it pertains to Jaz and David.

Rating: 4 and a half/ five. I detect an Euro-centric (or is America-centric?) view here.

This is the second title in the Jaz Parks series, by Jennifer Rardin (I want to know who makes her covers, actually). It is a 300 page (exact) length. As always, minor spoilers.

Jaz is an assassin who works with Vayl, a 250+ year old vampire. They have found out that Bergman (one of the characters), a tech whiz, has created a new armor using biotechnology that has been stolen by a Chinese vamp, and there's a good chance he's planning to use it to overthrow the government.

As with the first book, the action moves very quickly, but Rardin retains her sharp humor. Supporting characters Bergman and Cassandra are developed (especially Bergman, who in the first book was just a tech-head who had a thing against magic). Though I liked the book, it doesn't stand out (I've read books 1-5 so far). I'm afraid, though, that in the massive, over-saturated genre of vampire-novels, it won't stand out. It's a good read, though.

Rating: 4/5 stars. Recommended for anyone who isn't afraid of blood and violence. Or disgusting hell-spawn. Otherwise, quite fun and Rardin has a way with her words.

I had the bright idea tonight of going to see Sherlock Holmes (the movie) in the cinema on Baker Street where the character was supposed to have lived. The "Everyman cinema" (formerly known as "The Screen On Baker Street") had cashed in on the connection by altering the letters on their sign to read "Sherlocks Home."
Unfortunately I wasnt the first person to have this idea and by the time I made it to the cinema after work it had already sold out. I will try next week when its a bit quieter during the day - or maybe just book in advance...

wikipedia

Poll #1505273
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 10

Have you read this book?

If Yes, how do you rate this book?

If No, do you intend to read this book?

*2 years ago: Lennon*

Hey everyone. I've noticed that many people seem to be posting their end of the year reading lists and have decided to join in the fun! I'd post it here except, umm, my list is too long to fit in one post. ^^; This year I decided to try writing a few of my thoughts on each book if I felt like it so the word count built up. Also I am a crazy person who reads far far more than some might consider sane. So without further ado:

(Book List Part I)

(Book List Part II)

If you see anything you've been planning to read and would like to know what I thought just ask! I am always willing to ramble on about books. Alternatively, if you'd like a recommendation drop a comment. I'm sure I can find something suited to your taste among the huge amount of things I read this year.

I'm surprised this wasn't posted. SPOILERS ahead.

( Fringe:Episode 1.21 - Unearthed(Unaired episode) Press Release and Preview )

( Unearthed Promo Stills )

Finishing off the request subjects, plus a few others I've made in the past few days. I have never seen Criminal Minds or Sanctuary, so I hope the requesters like the icons! XD As always, comments and friending are new years love.

5 Criminal Minds
5 Sanctuary
10 Treasure Planet
10 "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" Music Video

teasers


Why it's completely new!

Lost [13]



HERE @  intothesouth  

# 95: House of Mystery vol. 1: Room and Boredom by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and Luca Rossi:

"Over the years I've worked up a brief yet effective speech introducing the bar and some of its more outre elements. It saves a lot of trouble with the new kids.

Now then, this is the House of Mystery. It's a mystical place located at a supernatural crossroads between many worlds. Anyone who can find it is welcome to enter. We have a fully stocked bar, the kitchen is open until midnight, and we don't serve anything that's still alive. There was an incident.

This is a pretty mixed crowd, as you can see, so you discuss politics and religion at your own risk. Sex is fine--just not on the tables. If you do cause any trouble, you'll instantly regret it, because the scary pirate lady will hurt you and then toss you out on your ass.

Monday is ladies' night."

Synopsis: A graphic novel about a haunted house, bar and girl. Not necessarily in that order.

( If there was a soundtrack, it would be by PJ Harvey. Hell, I think there might need to be a soundtrack. )

preview


- none are bases (unless stated)
- i'd love suggestions on icon themes
- comments are love, nominations too
- no hotlinking, please credit
- resources | bases | icons | textures

here @ shalowater

 I'm just curious, because I can't understand how the title relates to what h the book at all. It's been a long time since I've read it.

Your opinions?