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.