1984 by George Orwell

 

GoodReads Summary:

While 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is more timely than ever. 1984 presents a "negative utopia", that is at once a startling and haunting vision of the world — so powerful that it's completely convincing from start to finish. No one can deny the power of this novel, its hold on the imaginations of entire generations of readers, or the resiliency of its admonitions — a legacy that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.

Review:

  

This book is a classic that I decided to pick up and read during the summer. I was intrigued by the "negative-utopia" that the description provided and figured that since I had enjoyed Brave New World, I would like this book as well.

 

The plot is riveting and although I liked Winston he was not a glamorized character, which I always appreciate. He was not a vainglorious hero or action-taking dissident, honestly he was just another citizen with a more free thinking mind than others. Winston does physically rebel against his government by having an affair and falling in love, however most crimes are committed in his mind. 

The premise of the all-controlling government is very believable and, in some ways, I can see how a few aspects of The Party are alive in today's society. It is terrifying yet interesting to see our world in comparison with Winston's because they really aren't too different from one another. I appreciated the author's attention to detail with this novel, especially pertaining to the government because it was built up so intricately.

The only bones I have to pick with this book are few yet important to mention. Firstly, I didn't like the sections of the book which were added into 1984- the excerpts were boring and simply repeated the thoughts that Winston had been thinking the whole book. Additionally, the ending was one of those something-riveting-should-happen-but-really-you-just-end-up-depressed kind of things. I suppose the ending was very realistic and just let you down gently, not finishing too happily or too tragically. 

Over all, I enjoyed the read very much and would recommend it highly. This was the first "classic" that I read outside of school and I ended up liking it a lot and found myself constantly wanting to read more.

 

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

 

GoodReads Summary:

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

A compulsively readable, emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller that draws comparisons to Gone Girl, The Silent Wife, or Before I Go to Sleep, this is an electrifying debut embraced by readers across markets and categories.

Review:

 This is a novel I picked up during my week of standardized testing... that was in April. To say the least school was hectic at the end of sophomore year, so my apologies for not posting anything since April. I finally got to finish this book at the beginning of summer, on the airplane rides coming to and from my first summer vacation. 

  

First off, this book isn't a real uplifting read. As you read in the summary, it is compared to Gone Girl so it's not full of hearts and rainbows. The main character is an alcoholic with a pathetic life (I'm not even trying to be brutal, I really can't describe her life any other way). Rachel finds some kind of solace in observing the lives of others that she romanticizes in her head; and, this unfortunately wraps her up in some insane murder mystery. Her character isn't particularly likeable, considering her lazy addiction prevents her from remembering the details of a murder, which is frustrating, obviously.

To tell the truth, I don't think any character was likeable. Anna, the new wife of Rachel's ex-husband, is a boring, slightly neurotic housewife with nothing to offer, but her adoration for the amazing life she's built for herself. And Megan, the stranger/murder victim is reckless (when she's alive, clearly) and manipulative. I think the characters were all developed quite well and I actually appreciate the fact that they were all kind of aggravating; because, they felt like real people.

Over all, I really enjoyed the read, because it reminded me how much I miss books and how much I like mystery-type novels. It took me a while to get through, but once you get into the words you don't want to stop until you figure it all out. This book is an adult novel, so I wouldn't recommend it for younger readers. 

To wrap this up, thank you all for being patient with me! I will be reading lots over the summer so I'll try to get a bunch of reviews up for you.

H2O by Virginia Bergin

 

GoodReads Summary:

It's in the rain...and just one drop will kill you.

They don't believe it at first. Crowded in Zach's kitchen, Ruby and the rest of the partygoers laugh at Zach's parents' frenzied push to get them all inside as it starts to drizzle. But then the radio comes on with the warning, "It's in the rain! It's fatal, it's contagious, and there's no cure."

Two weeks later, Ruby is alone. Anyone who's been touched by rain or washed their hands with tap water is dead. The only drinkable water is quickly running out. Ruby's only chance for survival is a treacherous hike across the country to find her father-if he's even still alive.

Review:

From the beginning I knew I would get along well with this book. As previously mentioned, I am extremely interested in the apocalypse theme, which I find common among recent book releases. However, unlike some other stories, the characters and their plight kept me engaged and the inner dialogue of Ruby's character was appropriately hilarious and charming.

I found Ruby herself someone I could relate to; she's sassy, independent, and tough. She accurately represents how a teenage girl would act during the end of the world. I'm not saying every teen girl would slap on a pound of makeup and go on shopping binges, after everyone they knew had been taken out by killer rain, but it's a fun thought.

The idea of the fatal water itself is intriguing because it shows how much we rely on the liquid. It's kind of an inescapable death; eventually the pure water will run out and then what? This facet of the plot, along with many other things, kept me hooked on the story. Reading novels like this definitely make me appreciate the access that I have to clean, safe water. 

The ending had me scratching my head a bit. It seemed somewhat definite, but the story was still unfinished. This leads me to believe that this is a series, that I will gladly continue reading. The book itself isn't really short, it went by in a flash.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

 

GoodRead Summary:

Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.

Summary:

This novel took me pretty long to get through although it's definitely worth the read. The theme, initially seems depressing, but over all it was really eye-opening. I thought it was really interesting seeing inside of a mental ward. Craig's character is awkward and he is kind of the type of character you can fall in love with. 

The struggles of being/becoming a teen is something that is very well portrayed in this novel. From asshole best friends to young love, this book has it all. I appreciated the (appropriate) sense of humor that Craig embodied. The whole topic of teen suicide is very relevant in today's society.

I would recommend this book to anyone searching for a heartwarming read. This book is honest, genuine, and something worth while. I think that truly anyone would enjoy it.

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Sorry that this is so short and late! I started up my blog just before lacrosse season started, so I don't have much time. But I'm trying my hardest!

Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Goodreads Summary:

Antonio Marez is six years old when Ultima enters his life. She is a curandera, one who heals with herbs and magic. 'We cannot let her live her last days in loneliness,' says Antonio's mother. 'It is not the way of our people,' agrees his father. And so Ultima comes to live with Antonio's family in New Mexico. Soon Tony will journey to the threshold of manhood. Always, Ultima watches over him. She graces him with the courage to face childhood bigotry, diabolical possession, the moral collapse of his brother, and too many violent deaths. Under her wise guidance, Tony will probe the family ties that bind him, and he will find in himself the magical secrets of the pagan past—a mythic legacy equally as palpable as the Catholicism of Latin America in which he has been schooled. At each turn in his life there is Ultima who will nurture the birth of his soul. 

Review: 

This was another mandatory read, dictated by my sophomore English teacher. However, unlike Macbeth, this read was very enjoyable. The writing itself was beautiful and almost sounded like poetry, with all of its descriptive language. The theme was different for me: considering it is set in a just-post World War II New Mexico. I loved reading about the culture and the Spanish language itself is so amazing to read. 

The over all theme of the book was also extremely intruiging to me. Much of the six-year-olds, Antonio's, self-conflict revolved around his doubt of God and the religion he had been brought up believing in. Ultima's influence is very prominent in this conflict. His strange dreams were also very fascinating to read about considering they are so intricate, bizarre, and telling. For such a small child, Antonio's character was definitely not immature in the slightest and I loved ending about his internal struggle. 

Over all this novel was very interesting and watching a young boy go through such a battle with his spirituality was more than enthralling. I really liked this book and would recommend it to people who are interested in spirituality, the search for God, and finding oneself. (Short and sweet review this Sunday!)

Poetry Magazine

What is it?

The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary
organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. (From Poetry Foundation website.)

Costs $3.75 per month.

Review: 

I signed up for this magazine because I'd gotten an advertisement in the mail... this is the first time junk mail has actually worked in persuading me to order something. I am currently subscribed to two writing/poetry magazines, this being one of them. The other periodical I had been subscribed to for a little longer, however it only offered tips and information, no actual poetry.

I was extremely excited to receive the March edition of Poetry Magazine in the mail, and was even more excited when I look inside. Poetry on almost every page! No fluffy articles about grammar usage, just pieces of poetry I could read and enjoy.

That is the thing I like most about this magazine is that you get a small taste of everything. So many poets and pieces are included that it's initially overwhelming. I love the fact that each month you read something, someone different. If you are looking for some sort of inspiration I would recommend checking this out. Although I have only received one month of Poetry Magazine, I know it will be a favorite and that I will look forward to finding it in my mailbox every month!

*If you would like me to do individual reviews on each months issue, like this post!

Sold by Patricia McCormick

 

GoodReads Summary:

Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family’s crops, Lakshmi’s stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family.

He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to be able to help, Lakshmi journeys to India and arrives at “Happiness House” full of hope. But she soon learns the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution....

Review:

 This book is a complete stunner and truthfully I have nothing bad to say. This means my review will be short and sweet, because if it wasn't I would rave on and on about how absolutely amazing this story is.

Lakshmi's character is wise beyond her years and sees life as a beautiful tapestry spread out before her. When she is sold into prostitution the tapestry is stained and torn and burned; there is no beauty left in life. As a 13 and 14 year old she comes to grips with things ages old cannot fathom. She finds small outlets of hope even in the most godforsaken situation: she learns wonderful English words, finds solace in the company of the other girls of the brothel, and refuses to have her light put out.

The writing is, without question, breathtaking. The whole story being told in poetry only emphasizes Lakshmi's point of view and allows the plot to be laid out in a way that isn't overwhelming. There is no end to how much I loved reading this; in fact, I started it and completed it in the same day. There is so much beautiful description and phraseology, but at the same time, the text keeps its dignity by explaining life simply.

Over all, I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone. If you want something completely mesmerizing and enthralling then snatch this off the shelf. And although it may seem like it will be depressing, a total downer, there is a content ending. It's not a fairy-tale ending, of course, but you will feel happy for Lakshmi all the same.

Life As We Knew It by Susan B. Pfeffer

 

 GoodReads Summary:

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove.

Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.

Review:

I picked up this book because I have recently become fascinated with outer space and apocalyptic type scenarios. I am not really fascinated by the death involved, more of the cause and effect. I was surprised to find out that the world does not end in this book, at least I had the impression it would based off the back cover. 

This is told through the perspective of just a normal person, Miranda, a junior in high school who leads a completely normal life. I think that the fact that the author chose this character to be narrating was very interesting, because in many scenarios I could easily imagine myself in the situations she was in.

However, I found Miranda's character inherently immature. There were a lot of situations which, I hope, someone my age or older would have handled better than she did. There was a lot of "unfair" thrown into her narrative and yeah, I get it- the world is in turmoil, being racked by natural disaster. But that doesn't justify a sixteen year old whining about soup. In fact, the only character I truly saw mature was Jonny, Miranda's little brother.

Additionally, I felt that the normalcy of the character's lives subtracted from the plot. There was next to no action, nothing to keep me hooked. And again, I get it- the way this book was written is supposed to be realistic. But at the same time, there could have been something to spice up the story line. The only time things got interesting happened probably three-quarters of the way through the book.

Over all, I didn't hate it, but I had higher expectations. I enjoyed the general theme, but aspects of the book were just lacking for me. I would recommend this for people who enjoy slow moving, realistic scenarios. Nothing flashy, just reality.

Reel to Reel by Alan Shapiro

 

GoodReads Summary:

In language richly nuanced yet accessible, these poems inhabit and explore fundamental questions of existence, such as time, mortality, consciousness, and matter. How did we get here? Why is there something rather than nothing? How do we live fully and lovingly as conscious creatures in an unconscious universe with no ultimate purpose or destination beyond returning to the abyss that spawned us? Shapiro brings his humor, imaginative intensity, characteristic syntactical energy, and generous heart to bear on these ultimate mysteries. In ways few poets have done, he writes from a premodern, primal sense of wonder about our postmodern world

Review:

 Unlike the last poetry collection I reviewed, this novel is less a "coffee table book" and more of something to read when you need inspiration. The poetry takes longer to get through, but once you get used to the language, you can fully appreciate its beauty. And I will admit; this poetry is not my favorite. I like things that are simple yet powerful, and complex yet easy to comprehend. This style/form of poesy takes getting used to. 

Although I don't connect with this writing as much, I cannot deny both its eloquence and its beauty. I have not read completely through this book yet (you need these stanzas in doses) I do enjoy the amount that I indulge in. Particular poems that I enjoy are "In Winter" and "Gravity." Both of which delve into the simple yet unthinkable mystery of time and space; the things we like to think we understand, but truly never will.

All in all, I think that if you genuinely enjoy poetry, you will also enjoy this book. The hard phrasing and tough lines make it seemingly worth it as you finish each page, a challenging read that I can appreciate. Personally, this isn't a book of poems I reach for often, because it does take quite a bit of contemplating for me, but I do like flipping through it.

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Sorry this is so short! School has been hectic, what with scheduling and new semesters, so I will try to get back on track next week!!!

On the Way...

I have midterms this week, which means no time for reading, which means no weekly review. However, I figured I'd give you guys a little heads up/update on what books I'm reading now and what reviews to expect soon!

Book #1:
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

I chose this book because the plot line seems right up my ally; the moon is knocked closer to the Earth, throwing off everything. I am really interested in astronomy and apocalypse-type plots, so this book is perfect for me. I'm decently on my way with this one so hopefully you'll see a review next week!

Book #2:
Death By Black Hole by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

I chose this book again, because of my growing fascination with astronomy. It explains the basics and fundamentals of the universe, using language that everyone can understand. This one is going to take a good while to get through; its not the type of book you can sit down and read for a stretch. I've been reading it a chapter at a time intermittently throughout the week.

Damned by Chuck Palahniuk

 

GoodReads Summary:

The newest Palahniuk novel concerns Madison, a thirteen year old girl who finds herself in Hell, unsure of why she will be there for all eternity, but tries to make the best of it.

The author described the novel as "if The Shawshank Redemption had a baby by The Lovely Bones and it was raised by Judy Blume." And "it's kind of like The Breakfast Club set in Hell."

Review:*

This book was definitely out of my comfort zone, but after reading it, I'm in love. The black humor is surely my style and the irony and sarcasm kept me very thoroughly entertained. Although this type of comedy isn't for everyone, I loved every second.

The plot is intriguing, switching back and forth from during life to dead life. I was actually surprised with the plot; I didn't think it would be so solid. I had expected something of a soliloquy or just an over all though process, not a true storyline. The reader learns the long perils of Madison Spencer, a mature, spunky 13 year old. Even though we may be similar in age, I realize now I have nothing in common with the main character, perhaps the way Palahniuk intended it to be.

Through all of her tales of wealth and eco-friendly coffins the author keeps relaying the same underlying message; money doesn't buy happiness, nor does it buy your ticket to Heaven. Additionally, this book incorporates many legitimate theological figures, which I found very interesting.

 I found it particularly hilarious that Palahniuk claims that the majority of telemarketers call from Hell! The "statistics" concerning a persons eligibility for Hell; how many times they've cursed, how many times they've passed gas in an elevator, all were so clever and comically placed, that I couldn't help but laugh.

Overall, this book is definitely for a reader with a good sense of humor. This is the kind of book you shouldn't take too seriously, but at the same time, should look forward to reading a riveting plot accompanied by quirky characters.  

*Disclaimer: This book touches upon controversial topics such as religion and spirituality. Me reading it and reviewing it does not reflect my religious/spiritual beliefs in any way. Also, I would only recommend this for mature readers considering there are sexual situations and more adult themes. Thank you.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

My Summary:

Set in medieval Scotland, Macbeth is a Thane who rules over Glamis. He is given a prophecy by three witches, predicting he would next be the Thane of Cawdor, that eventually after that he will become King of Scotland, and that his companion, Banquo, will be the father of future kings. This prophecy burns itself into Macbeth's mind, so that soon, it is all he can think about. His greed for power leads to murder, betrayal, and anguish. 

Review:

I'm going to say this right away; it wasn't my favorite. This was a play that was a mandatory read for my English class this year, and although I typically enjoy reading Shakespeare's work, this one was a dud. The thing I most enjoyed about the entirety of the piece was getting to read it aloud, (simply because the language is beautiful) but other than that the plot did not agree with me.

I initially like the storyline; the first murder kept me intrigued. However, as the number of dead bodies rose, I lost interest in the deceit and killing. And yes, I understand that the access of homicide had to do with showing the underlying themes, but I feel that perhaps another way of showing the danger of greed would have been more effective.

Not to say at all that this play was poorly written. I don't think that's possible in Shakespeare's case. I absolutely love Macbeth's famous speech:

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time,

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing." (Act V, Scene 5)

The themes, although I didn't like how they were displayed, were quite interesting. There is a lot of focus on the intoxication that comes with power and how morals are usually set aside, if it means getting what one wants. It also delves into the repercussions of death and grief and how much people can be negatively effected by the things they once wanted most.

All said and done (yes, this is short because I tried to refrain from spoiling the book) it wasn't the worst read ever, nor was it the best. The phraseology always astounds me when I read Shakespeare and that is the element I appreciate most about this book. 

 

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I think that these types of reviews (ones where I discuss books that are mandatory for me to read) are some of the more interesting ones. I feel like it's probably a fresher perspective; that of a 15 year old, who didn't choose to read the novel by choice. There will always be books I do not like, but in recent years there have been a few that I've thoroughly enjoyed reading. So, if you're a high-schooler and you're reading this, remember; look at every assigned book as an opportunity to find a work you will find delight in reading.