(Source: in-fairverona)
(Source: in-fairverona)
Look, we’re only human.
YOU OTHER READERS CAN’T DENY
WHEN A BOOK WALKS IN WITH A GOOD PLOT BASE
AND A BIG SPINE IN YOUR FACE YOU GET SPRUNG
WANNA PULL OUT YOUR PENS
‘CAUSE YOU NOTICED THAT BOOK WAS DENSE
READING, HALF-RIMS I’M WEARING
I’M HOOKED AND I CAN’T CARING
OH BABY I WANT AN E-READER
AND A MEANINGFUL METER
MY TEACHERS TRIED TO TRAIN ME
THAT BOOK YOU GOT MAKE ME SO BRAINY
The Corrections
As Jonathan Franzen’s third novel, but first major hit, this book purveys the hidden lives of each member of the Lambert family. It delves into the reasons of how and why they became themselves within their speciously “normal” family. As it takes the reader through each characters life, it becomes apparent that things are not always what they seem.
Beginning in the present, and traveling through time on several occasions, the story explores each member of the Lambert family thoroughly to reveal secrets about their character that could only be guessed in your wildest dreams. Alfred, a hard-working, retired railroad engineer, battles Parkinson’s Disease and does his best to keep up with the family. His wife Enid, attempts to care for Alfred while denying his situation and takes liberties when discussing her children, whose decisions she is not always proud of. Gary, the oldest Lambert son, is in denial about his depression and alcoholism, while being repressed by his manipulative wife and kids. Chip, the middle child, looses his teaching job after an affair with a student and finds himself in debt to his sister. He is offered a job defrauding American investors in Lithuania and takes it happily, without judging the possible consequences and dangers. Denise, the youngest and sole girl in the Lambert family, is a successful chef at a high-class restaurant, until she looses her job due to affairs with her boss and his wife.
To describe this book in one word; entertaining. Although many parts of this novel kept the pages turning and my mind thinking, there were a few sections that did not interest me in the slightest. I did not find myself interested in Lithuania’s government or 1960’s railroad development, but I also do not think that it could be left out of the story completely. The novel jumps through time in many places, so you have to be paying attention to whose life you are following and how the characters are being referred to. I was very fond of the style of writing, which took you from character to character through their own stories. It was a great relief, when each of their lives came together for the highly anticipated Christmas in St. Jude. I would only recommend this book to adults and mature teens because it contains pieces of heavy adult content. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Franzen’s most recent novel, Freedom.
“And meanwhile the sad truth was that not everyone could be extraordinary, not everyone could be extremely cool; because whom would this leave to be ordinary?” ~Gary Lambert
-Savannah 8/6/11
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck is renowned for his powerful and vivid account of the Great Depression during the 1930’s. After winning a nobel prize for his work, Steinbeck’s notoriety encompasses a masterful combination of pain and desperation. The Grapes of Wrath is no exception to this rule as the 455 page classic touches on themes of greed, inhumanity, altruism, and dignity.
Similar to the gold rush of the 1800’s, The Grapes of Wrath follows an exodus to California with the expectation of a simple yet prosperous life. The Joads family packs up the entity of their possesions and quickly flees the commercialized plains of rural Oklahoma. After a grueling cross-country journey, the Joads find themselves in the supposedly opulent state of California. Deception and greed play a factor in their new life, as the Joads realize that there are far more desperate people than available jobs. The novel becomes an arduous attempt to stay alive for the dwindling family of eight, and follows the compassion and desolation associated with The Great Depression.
I thought The Grapes of Wrath was an interesting however simultaneously dry novel. In between the story there were short chapters of description. Sometimes there was a section that described an automobile shop, or another that depicted a diner off the highway. Although occasionally these chapters connected with the story, the descriptions also tended to be slightly random or there was a lack of correlation. I would recommend The Grapes of Wrath with reserve for it was good, yet took some patience, and determination to finish.
“Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. If Casy knowed, why, I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad an’—I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry n’ they know supper’s ready. An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build—why, I’ll be there. See? God, I’m talkin’ like Casy. Comes of thinkin’ about him so much. Seems like I can see him sometimes.” ~Tom Joad
-Gabby 8/5/11
(Source: weheartit.com, via soliloquy-of-a-solipsist)
The Thorn Birds
Colleen McCullough’s renowned novel, The Thorn Birds, is a cherished classic. Set in the 1900’s against the backdrop of the rugged Australian Outback, this astounding work of fiction tells a tale of desperation, determination, doomed love, and desolation. McCullough brings to life the trials and tribulations of life and death in this moving work of literature.
The Thorn Birds follows the Cleary family on their strenuous journey from New Zealand to Australia. Centered around the sole girl within a family of boys, Meggie Cleary grows up on one of the largest estates in Australia. Meggie and her family are graced by the presence and friendship of Ralph de Bricassart. Renowned for his astonishing attraction, Father Bricassart is considered to be a “Perfect Priest” and is respected by those of much higher authority. Ralph is less than perfect however, for as he watches Meggie grow into a woman he eventually falls in love with her. Although Father Bricassart’s vows are binding his love for Meggie is stronger, and their relationship is forced into confidentiality. Resentful of Ralph’s devotion to the Church, Meggie steals something from her lover that she will be forced to repay in the most disastrous of ways.
I absolutely loved The Thorn Birds. This novel provided a fresh insight and creative twist to the classic “forbidden love” scenario. I also enjoyed McCullough’s portrayal of Meggie. Meggie Cleary became such a believable character. You felt what she felt, and wanted the things she wanted. The novel was a little lengthy verging on nearly 700 pages however, it was definitely worth it and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
“What was sleep? A blessing, a respite from life, an echo of death, a demanding nuisance?” ~Meggie Cleary
~Gabby 8/1/11
(via lifeofliterature)
Of Mice and Men
This classic novella by John Steinbeck follows the lives of two men on a journey to fulfill the “American Dream” during the great depression. In under 105 pages, Steinbeck allows the reader insight into the life of a mentally-challenged adult, Lennie, and his traveling companion and guide, George.
Very quickly, it becomes apparent that George is the leader of the two and plays a brotherly role for Lennie. It is also discovered that beyond working, George and Lennie are planning to buy their own small farm to operate and live off. Through an overheard conversation, one of their coworkers offers to join them on their quest and is willing to pay more than his fair share. Their dream blossoms into reality sooner than expected and just as things seem to be well, tragedy unfolds and the book ends abruptly and rather macabrely.
I liked that the book was able to take me back in time and understand what it was like to be in the lives of these men. I was able to sympathize with them and share aspirations. I particularly enjoyed the themes that flowed through this book, including Loneliness: People Need People and Mercy: Cruel to be Kind. These themes were omnipresent and were controversial because they could be seen in two lights. I appreciated having to think about which side was truly being exhibited and what supported that opinion. Over-all, I would consider this book a moderately easy read, considering the length and language. Considering the storyline and characters I would recommend it to teenagers and adults.
“Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other” ~Slim
-Savannah 7/24/11
Authors’ Note from “Interworld” by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves
(via lifeofliterature)
You weren’t there, you didn’t see,” he said. “There must be something in books, things we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.
—Fahrenheit 451 | Ray Bradbury (via lifeofliterature)
(via soliloquy-of-a-solipsist)
(via ilikesmellingbooks)
Looking for Alaska
Looking for Alaska is probably the most celebrated and recommended novel within the score of modern young adult literature. John Green vividly brings to life the environment of a co-ed boarding school through Miles “Pudge” Halter, an eccentric protagonist with a desire for The Great Perhaps. Within the pages of Pudge’s detailed account, the reader is able to experience the excitement, desperation, and ultimate heartbreak associated with the notorious, Alaska Young.
Finished with his safe life at home, Pudge decides to escape from the dull consistencies of public school life, and ventures to the galvanizing world of Culver Creek Boarding School. On a mission to encounter his own Great Perhaps, Pudge discovers the exciting, destructive, and wildly beautiful, Alaska. Pudge is quickly caught in the web of all things “Alaska”, as he falls in love with her quirky ways and begins to feel alive for the first time in his life. When disaster strikes however, Pudge inevitably finds himself questioning not only his choices, but the entire life Alaska has exposed him to.
I thoroughly enjoyed Looking for Alaska. John Green is an exceptional author and it is quite palpable within the pages of his novel. My favorite element of the book was the literary voice Green gave Pudge. Pudge carried an air to him. He consistently had a sarcastic yet canny wit, which made his account all the more interesting to experience. Overall, I found Looking for Alaska to be one of the best young adult novels I’ve read to date.
“Everything that comes together falls apart, everything. The chair I’m sitting on. It was built, and so it will fall apart. I’m gonna fall apart, probably before this chair. And you’re gonna fall apart. The cells and organs and systems that make you you - they came together, grew together, and so must fall apart. The Buddha knew one thing science didn’t prove for millennia after his death: Entropy increases. Things fall apart.” ~Dr. Hyde
-Gabby 7/14/11
(Source: lifeofliterature)
