"Nineteen Eighty-Four" by George Orwell

"In our world there will be no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, and self-abasement... There will be no loyalty, except loyalty towards the Party. There will be no love, except the love of Big Brother. There will be no laughter, except the laugh of triumph over a defeated enemy. There will be no art, no literature, no science. When we are omnipotent we shall have no more need of science. There will be no distinction between beauty and ugliness. There will be no curiosity, no enjoyment of the process of life... But always — do not forget this, Winston — always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face for ever.’"

Seriously... I don't care how twisted, deceitful, and wicked you are... Who could possibly want to live in a world so devoid of life and happiness?  The thought of it is just so seriously depressing that I don't want to imagine it.

Anyway, as far as the book goes... While I guess I didn't particularly "like" the story, it was one that constantly had me so disgusted that I couldn't help but continue.  I found it quite interesting, yet incredibly frustrating.  I was angry and appalled during the entire story.  It had its own sense of morbidity that I ate up while hating every minute of it.  If that makes any sense...

Honestly, I can't decide if I loved it or hated it.  A book that does that for me deserves at least four stars.  Obviously, I thought it held much more merit than the dreadful "Animal Farm" which is and, most likely, always will be one of my least favorite books in the history of fiction.

Oh, and remember... No matter what anybody tells you... 2 + 2 will ALWAYS equal 4!

"The Sky Is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson (No Spoilers)

"The sky is everywhere, it begins at your feet."

That one little line, in my opinion, encompasses this entire book.  That's appropriate, I guess, considering half of it is the title.  But, more than that, it's the simple poetry and truth behind it.  I can easily describe this book in one word... Beautiful.

This isn't a book I would've normally picked up.  I tend to be a magic-loving, sweep-me-off-my-feet kind of girl... I definitely don't typically go for the "grieving character" books.  However, I happened to pick this up in the bargain section at Books-a-Million and thought it looked interesting.  By far one of my best bargain finds... I laughed.  I cried.  I got all sappy and emotionally crazy in that good, inspirational way that makes me want to live my life in a way that I never have.

The story is about a young girl, Lennie, of 16 who is trying to deal with the death of her older sister.  Her entire life she's lived, by choice, in her sister's shadow and now she doesn't know how to stand in the spotlight.  In addition, she's discovered the idea of being in love... Something she's never really thought about before.  Throughout the story, we follow Lennie as she works through her grief and self-discovery in her own way.

What's beautiful about this story is the poetry in the writing.  It's just so great.  I discovered, after finishing the book, that the author studied poetry in college.  It's incredibly evident throughout.  Jandy Nelson did a wonderful job of making Lennie seem just so... real... to me, anyway.  I understood her... Even though I've never experienced the death of a sibling, I still got her and what she was going through.  

Although, this book is also about finding love, it definitely wasn't the pivotal plot line for me.  I was more wrapped up in her overcoming the grief that surrounded her all the time.  I was so taken by the beauty of the book, I found myself barely paying attention to the story and just focusing on the words.  I had my own personal love story with the writing.  

Here are a couple (out of the hundred) quotes that I felt were worth remembering...

"The guy's life drunk, I think... makes Candide look like a sourpuss. Does he even know that death exists?" 

“I’ve never once thought about the interpretative, the storytelling aspect of life, of my life. I always felt like I was in a story, yes, but not like I was the author of it, or like I had any say in its telling whatsoever. You can tell your story any way you please. It’s your solo.”

"Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes part of you, step for step, breath for breath. I will never stop grieving Bailey because I will never stop loving her. That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy." 

“As I make my way back to the table, something becomes clear: Life’s a freaking mess. In fact, I’m going to tell Sarah we need to start a new philosophical movement: messessentialism instead of existentialism: For those who revel in the essential mess that is life. Because Gram’s right, there’s not one truth ever, just a whole bunch of stories, all going on at once, in our heads, in our hearts, all getting in the way of each other. It’s all a beautiful calamitous mess.”

"It's such a colossal effort not to be haunted by what's lost, but to be enchanted by what was." 

A disclaimer... This book does have it's "mature" moments so it's definitely for mature audiences.  I found it relatively easy to overlook and just kind of skim past, but it is there.  There's also some language throughout.  I mainly note this because the book is in the teen section and, while it might be okay enough for a mature 18 year old, I wouldn't want a 13 year old reading it.

That being said, it's obvious that I was a fan of the book and I would recommend it.  I wouldn't be surprised if this book remains the most *beautiful* book I read in 2011.  Stay tuned for my review of "The Replacement" by Brenna Yovanoff, but for now... Go read something else.  :D

Farewell!

"Red Riding Hood" by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (No Spoilers)

"Red Riding Hood" is a different take of the childhood fairy tale with which most of us are familiar.  I first learned about this new tale when I saw the trailer for the movie which will be released in theaters in March.  I thought the trailer looked incredibly interesting and I immediately noted the film as one I wanted to see.  It looked like one of those hauntingly beautiful movies that has the potential to be great.  Plus... I'm a fan of Amanda Seyfried who plays Valerie (the movie's version of "Little Red").  

Soon afterward, I found out that there was a book which follows the same story and my excitement was even greater.  I knew I definitely wanted to read the book before watching the movie... So I did.  

The book gets an iffy 3 stars from me.  While it was okay, I often found myself dreary in the writing.  I'm one that can do description pretty well.  (Good grief... I love Jane Austen, who is known for dragging out details until the end of tomorrow.)  However, with this book, I just kept getting tired of it.  It was pretty writing, sure... But one can only take so much.

The story was alright, but I think it'll make a much better and more exciting movie than a book.  After doing some reading online, it appears as those the book was written specifically for the movie.  Had I known that, I probably wouldn't have bothered... Books written for movies rarely work out for me.  

My biggest annoyance... I got to the end of the book and it wasn't the end of the story.  Who does that!?  I'm not talking about leaving a cliffhanger that leaves you dangling until the sequel.  This book actually has a "missing" chapter!!!  You're left with a website to visit.  When I read that, frustration shot through my veins.  Alright, Wendy... Get over it.  But that's not all... I resentfully trudged over to my computer and typed in the website.  Guess what... The website doesn't work!  What!?  Ugh... Annoyance.  Pure unabridged annoyance.  Needless to say, I didn't appreciate it very much.  I didn't spend my money on a book to be abandoned like this.  

Anyway, I eventually sucked it up and went on to my next book.  A couple weeks ago, I checked out the website again and it was working, but it said to "come back soon" for the final chapter.  I checked again today and it now has a countdown clock... 43 days 13 hours and 26 minutes.  I'm trying to ignore it all before I get frustrated again.

I was disappointed overall... I originally expected more from the book (before I knew it was a written for the movie) and I was upset with the ending (mostly because there wasn't one).  However, I am still excited about the movie and will definitely be going to see it.  If you haven't seen the trailers you can check them both out here...

Enjoy and I'll be back soon with my review of "The Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson.

Bye!!

"Incarceron" by Catherine Fisher (No Spoilers)

I know!  I know!  I'm so far behind it's getting ridiculous.  I've been busy...?  No excuses, I know.  I'm sorry.  I'll do my best to write these next few reviews, but I'm afraid they won't be involved as I'd like.  It's been over a month since I've read some of these books that I'll have to rack my brain to give you specifics on anything.  (This is why I started this blog in the first place... So I could read a book and then write about my thoughts on it before I forget what I liked/disliked/etc!  Apparently, I've gotten a little out of synch.)  It'll get better... I hope.  Anyway, here we go...

Oh my goodness!!!!  I loved this book so much!  I gave it a big 'ole 5 stars!  I have to confess... I am one who TOTALLY judges books by their covers.  (C'mon... Admit it.  We all do... At least a little.)  Well, when I saw this book, I was immediately fascinated by the cover so, of course, I picked it up.  "Whaddya know... It SOUNDS fascinating too!  I must read it!!!!"  That's pretty much what went through my mind.  I made myself get from this book from the library (in an effort to tame my crazy book spending ways)... Unfortunately, it was on hold and I was fifth in line!  Ugh!  So I waited patiently... And waited... And waited... Until I FINALLY got my chance!!  And it was very much worth the wait.

I don't know what it was about this book, but I could not put it down.  I finished it in a day.  The story is told from a "duel-perspective" which I usually don't like, but it worked here.

This is one of those books that I can't really describe to you.  You just need to read it!

And I am so thrilled to know that it is being made into a movie!  Yes!!!  I truly think that this book, if done well, has the potential to make a visually spectacular movie.  I can picture the prison so well in my mind and I would love to see it on screen.  On the other hand... I'm a little wary, of course, because with my high expectations... I have a greater risk of disappointment.  Fingers crossed...

I highly recommend this book!  I am anxious for my chance to read the second (and final) book, "Sapphique".  I am currently waiting for it from the library.

Coming soon is my review of "Red Riding Hood" by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, but for now... Go read something else!  

Adiu!!

"Matched" by Ally Condie (No Spoilers)

Okay, okay... I'm sorry!  I know it's been forever and I am so far behind on my book reviews it's ridiculous.  :/  I hope whoever in the world actually reads this will find it in their hearts to forgive me.  I just got a little out of sync.  It happens, I hear...

Anyway, the first on my list of book reviews to catch up on is "Matched" by Ally Condie.  This is one of those books that I just happened to pick up one day at the bookstore and, although I didn't buy it that day, I couldn't stop wanting to read it.  It just sounded like it would be a good, solid, intriguing story.  So... I finally logged on to  my favorite website ever, Amazon.com, and ordered it.  Yay!

I have to say... This book was quite good.  I read it pretty quickly.  It's clever enough to meet my "sometimes harsh" critique (like some of those "silly teen books" get), good enough to have me waiting for the next one, and "light" enough that is made it just an entertaining and enjoyable read.

One of the biggest compliments I can offer is this... When books feature a female as the main character, I often get annoyed with the girl.  She rarely seems "real" to me.  However, Cassia (the main character in "Matched"), didn't do that.  I mean, of course she's beautiful and perfect in every way, but she still seemed normal to me.  I didn't find myself frustrated as I often did with Bella Swan.  Even Katniss Everdeen drove me crazy a few times.  I guess we'll see, though... Cassia still has two more books to go...

This is one book I won't give away too much of, but I will say it's definitely worth the read if you're interested in this sort of book.  Just don't be expecting anything too deep... The book vaguely reminded me of "The Giver".  The characters live in a world run by "The Society".  The Society has done wonderful things in the world... They've eradicated cancer, influenza, and all other diseases.  They've ensured that everyone will live to be 80.  They've eliminated "accidents".  Everyone is fit and healthy and perfect.  Want to know the trade-off?  The Society gets to decide everything about your life... where you work, what you eat, what you do with your time, who you marry, when you die... everything.  This is all in an effort to ensure the best human race.  Cassia finds it all just fine and sensible and is thrilled with her "match" (her best friend, Xander)... Until she meets Ky and starts to wonder how it could different.

This is a good story about what one will risk to discover truth, beauty, and love.  I will say, which isn't telling anything you can't get off back of the book, this is another one of those "Gale vs Peeta" situations.  The girl has two guys... Although you may lean towards one, you know in your heart that they are both just great.  Those situations make me sad.  As much as I was a fan of one... I liked the other too.  I want EVERYONE to be happy.  (:  I'm anxious to see how it all turns out.

Since it's been well over a month since I've read it, there's not much more I can say... Except that I thought the cover was pretty sweet.  (;  Read it for yourself, if you like.  Next up is my review of "Incarceron" by Catherine Fisher, but for now... Go read something else!

Joi gin!

"The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" by Stephanie Meyer (No Spoilers)

I am, unashamedly, a fan of the Twilight books, so it only made sense for me to pick up this little novella about a young vampire, Bree, who is briefly mentioned in the third book of the series, 'Eclipse'.  The story begins during Bree Tanner's third month of her vampire life.  She is part of Riley/Victoria's army, but she doesn't know why.  She doesn't really care.  She just wants the others to leave her alone and to stop being stupid.

Although she is quite young, she is one of the brighter crayons in this box of vampires.  She understands, pretty much from the beginning, that Riley isn't telling them everything.  However, she just goes along with it in her own way... Until she meets Diego... The other smart one. The two become fast friends who work together to figure out what it is that Riley and "the one who created them" are really planning.  I'm not going to go any further than that because, the book is so short, I'd pretty much be telling you the entire story.

Anyway, as my mother pointed out, it was almost difficult to read simply because I knew how it was going to end.  Anyone who has read the Twilight novels knows what fate lies ahead of Bree and, really... Is anyone other than Twilight fans going to read this book?  Doubtful... However, it was an enjoyable read.  The book was interesting and entertaining, but there was nothing really special or clever about it so it gets a respectful three stars from me.  Read this on your rainy afternoon off.  It won't take you any longer than that and I'd say it's probably worth it (but only if you're a Twilight fan, obviously).

Coming up next, my review on my first book club read, "Christmas Jars" by Jason Wright.  But, for now, go read something else!  Buh-bye!

"Summer of My German Soldier" by Bette Greene (Spoiler Alert)

Alright... I have to start of by apologizing.  This will be my third review and I realize I am going to sound like a huge critic, because, so far, let's just face it... They haven't been raves.  It's weird because, honestly, I'm usually not that hard to please when it comes to books.  Anyway, I guess I better get on with it.  This won't take long.

"Summer of my German Soldier" by Bette Greene is a book I've wanted to read since I was in the sixth grade.  It's about a Jewish girl, living in Arkansas, who falls in love with a German prisoner of war.  That's about it.  I thought it would be this sweet, charming tale with a little bit of drama (possibly war related) entwined.  Boy, was I wrong... This book completely failed to meet my expectations and all I can say is I pretty much hated it.

I hated almost everything about it and, I'm sorry, but I have nothing good to say about it.  I understand some people love this book and that's great for them, but I really don't understand why.  The entire time I was angry with the parents, annoyed with the writing, and just flat out depressed with everything else.  I kept reading it hoping that it's saving grace might be a sweet romance of a forbidden love. (Forgive the 'Romeo and Juliet' in me.  I'm a sucker for that stuff.)  Oh no... Not only is there no substantial love story, but the boy dies!!  HE DIES!!  WHAT!?!  And he died a fair piece before the book was over.  Quite honestly, at that point, I almost said "Forget this... There's no point in reading it now."  However, I figured "I've already made it this far... I may as well finish."  So I did... And I was right... There was no point.  It only gets more depressing as the girl is sent to a reform school because she fed and clothed and starving German kid.  What a horrible thing to do (*Insert Sarcasm Here*).  She loses the few people who ever loved her and the book ends with a "trying to be meaningful" message about how she's got her life ahead of her and now, after all that's happened, she needs to figure out how to live it.  Fail... 

Terrible... That's all I can say.  For those of you who liked the book... I admire your strength.  You probably liked 'Animal Farm' too, but for me... This book could very possibly go on my "Least Favorite Books of All Time" List... Right above 'Animal Farm' and just below that stupid vampire book I read during my 'Twilight' phase.  (That one was so bad, I, obviously, can't even remember the name of it.)

All of that being said... I'm glad I read it.  I'll never again have to wonder about that book that I always said I would read, but just hadn't gotten around to yet.  On the other hand, the version that I made up in my head would have been much better.  Maybe I would have been better off believing that's how the story actually played out.

Okay... I'm done.  I think I made my point.  I'll leave you now to your own devices.  Coming up next is my review of "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" by Stephanie Meyer.  

But, for now... Go read something else!  Ciao.