Just finished reading The Interestings. With a title like this, I think that there is a level of expectation that the reader has when they start reading it. Did this book live up to the expectation? The short answer is no.
This book is about a group of teenagers who meet at a camp called Spirit-In-The-Woods, it's kind of an artsy type camp with dancing, animation, instruments, acting, that kind of thing. They form a group that meets in Boys Tepee 3 where they talk and get high with each other and decide to call themselves "The Interestings" because they are so interesting. It basically follows them into adulthood and tells what has happend to these young people once they grew up and went into the real world. I like the time frame that the author chose which was from the 70's to the present day. The history between those times is awesome.
The first 20-25% percent of this book was very dull to me. It was hard to push through that first part. I will say, I finished this book. It was hard for me, but I don't believe you've given a book a chance until you've read the whole thing. To me, if you've only read 65% percent of a book and "could not possibly finish" you have not given it a chance, and therefore have no right to complain nor review about it, but thats just my opinion, so who cares? Case and point: literally about 65% of the way through, the book got interesting...No pun intended. Around 45% of the way through, I was prepared to give it a 1 star because of the incredible dullness of it. The book seemed to go through levels: dull, moderately boring, a little bit less boring, good. In that order.
I think the thing that drove me insane and made me want to throw my Kindle across the room was the authors continuous use of the characters last names. Okay, I get it their names are Ethan Figman, Ash Wolf, Jules Jacobson, Goodman Wolf, Cathy Kiplinger, and Jonah Bay. I've seen authors do this before, but never to this extreme. "Jonah Bay thought..." "Ethan Figman did...." uggghhh! Enough! I will not forget the last names of these charactors because the author would not let me! Just for grins, I had my Kindle search for the words Ethan Figman and it shows up 86 times. I know there was more too because it didn't go through to the end of the book.
Another thing I didn't like about this book was the time changes. I've read many books where we shift in time between the past and the future. This can be a difficult thing for an author to pull off successfully sometimes, but this author did not do a great job of it at all. When you're writing with time shifts, it HAS to flow well or the reader can get frusterated. Just saying....
There was also a lot of rambling in this book. There were times that there just paragraphs of what the charactor was thinking, or the author was making comparisons to something, just rambling on and on and on. I don't know about you, but when I read a book, there HAS to be enough dialogue to keep me hooked. I think this is why the end was so much better for me. Because there was a lot more dialogue between the characters and a little less rambling. It made it extremely hard for me to get through it.
One of the characters, Jules was OBSESSED with Ash and Ethan's success. I'm talking obsessed, it was annoying to me the way she always thought of their money and compared it to the way her and her husband were living. I think its safe to say we've all done this, it's human. It's part of life and if you're sitting there shaking your head saying you've never done it, you're lying. It's healthy, and its okay. Jules was obsessed and I think my favorite part of the book was when her husband basically said ENOUGH WITH IT ALREADY! Jules was always very grateful to be able to fit in with the "privileged" kids, although Ethan was not privileged growing up. Jules had very low self-esteem and was afraid to really talk a lot in fear that these kids wouldn't be her friend anymore because she wasn't as "cool" and "privileged" as they were. Which is understandable when you're a teengaer, but it continued on the whole story, even when Jules was fifty something. She would talk, but there was always the fear in her head that Ash would not want to be her friend anymore. When your that age, and a person is still considered your best friend, I think it's safe to get a little more comfortable that the relationship will continue.
And the last thing I didn't care for was the way the chracters talked or their thoughts. Completely unrealistic! How many times, when arguing with your significant other do you say "I do not like this current state of yours." ???? Anyone? Not me....Although maybe I should try this out on my husband just to see what his reaction would be. Also when you're thinking in your head do you think "This is a moment of strangeness."? You don't? Neither do I.
There weren't very many things I did like about the book, but I did like how the author talked about different historical things that happend in those times. Nixon, hippies, the WTC. That kind of stuff is really interesting to me, and I also liked the end of the book, I thought where it ended was the perfect place to end it. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm very picky about endings.
So in the end, out of five stars, I think I would give this book 2 1/2 stars due to the end actually being pretty good. Now bear in mind that this book has A LOT of good reviews on Amazon so if it's something you think you would like to read, then read it. Your opinion may be way different then mine. Happy reading!
Next book: Red Lory
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
Just finished Reconstructing Amelia. WOW! Excellent writing style from this author and from what I understand, this is also her debut novel. I'm not normally a huge mystery fan, but this book was very well done!
In this book we meet Kate, who gets a phone call at work that she needs to pick up her daughter, fifteen year old Amelia from school. She has been suspended effective immediately, but when she gets there, she discovers there are emergency crews all around Amelia's school. She soon learns that Amelia has jumped from the roof of her school. Police tell her it was suicide after being caught cheating on a paper. Kate can't believe this, since her daughter was an honor roll student who did very well in the particular subject that she was cheating in. Then Kate gets a text from a blocked number saying that Amelia didn't jump.
In the book, we are reading from Amelia's point of view, Kate's point of view, and there was also Amelia's Facebook enteries, emails, and notes. We follow Kate, as she talks to the various people in Amelia's life, some good, and some not so good. Kate learns that her daughter was in a secret club called the Magpies. The Magpies run their club through intimidation, hazing, and peer pressure and it is not easy to leave once you are in there. She learns that her daughter was living a completely different life then she thought. When we get to read from Amelia's point of view (it switches back and forth), we get to see more in depth about why Amelia made some of the choices she made, the Magpies, and we get to read about Amelia's first love and about her friendships. I won't ruin the end, because that's not how I roll, but it was an ending that did surprise me a little bit, but not too much.
The only things that I really did not like about this book were:
1. Amelia's point of view- I didn't feel like I was in the head of a fifteen year old girl. Her thoughts just seemed very adult to me. I understand that there are fifteen year old that are like little adults though, so it didn't bother me too much.
2. I can't go into detail, but there were some things in the book that weren't very believable to me. Especially things or decisions that faculty and administrators did that seemed to have no consequences. And no, I'm not talking about any affairs with students.
I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars, even with the things I didn't like. The author did an excellent job of keeping me hooked! I was up until 2:30am reading and then immediately picked up where I left up the next morning. Great story, great characters! Will definitely read Ms. McCreight's next book. :)
Next book I'll be reading: The Interestings
In this book we meet Kate, who gets a phone call at work that she needs to pick up her daughter, fifteen year old Amelia from school. She has been suspended effective immediately, but when she gets there, she discovers there are emergency crews all around Amelia's school. She soon learns that Amelia has jumped from the roof of her school. Police tell her it was suicide after being caught cheating on a paper. Kate can't believe this, since her daughter was an honor roll student who did very well in the particular subject that she was cheating in. Then Kate gets a text from a blocked number saying that Amelia didn't jump.
In the book, we are reading from Amelia's point of view, Kate's point of view, and there was also Amelia's Facebook enteries, emails, and notes. We follow Kate, as she talks to the various people in Amelia's life, some good, and some not so good. Kate learns that her daughter was in a secret club called the Magpies. The Magpies run their club through intimidation, hazing, and peer pressure and it is not easy to leave once you are in there. She learns that her daughter was living a completely different life then she thought. When we get to read from Amelia's point of view (it switches back and forth), we get to see more in depth about why Amelia made some of the choices she made, the Magpies, and we get to read about Amelia's first love and about her friendships. I won't ruin the end, because that's not how I roll, but it was an ending that did surprise me a little bit, but not too much.
The only things that I really did not like about this book were:
1. Amelia's point of view- I didn't feel like I was in the head of a fifteen year old girl. Her thoughts just seemed very adult to me. I understand that there are fifteen year old that are like little adults though, so it didn't bother me too much.
2. I can't go into detail, but there were some things in the book that weren't very believable to me. Especially things or decisions that faculty and administrators did that seemed to have no consequences. And no, I'm not talking about any affairs with students.
I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars, even with the things I didn't like. The author did an excellent job of keeping me hooked! I was up until 2:30am reading and then immediately picked up where I left up the next morning. Great story, great characters! Will definitely read Ms. McCreight's next book. :)
Next book I'll be reading: The Interestings
Saturday, June 1, 2013
New Blog Awesomeness!
I have a friend who is always asking me what I'm reading. I have a sister that depends on me solely for borrowing books that I've read. I'm a reader, a book nerd, a book nazi. I've been called it all. I love to read! I will read just about anything (as you will probably see with my list). My favorite books are controversial ones. Books that people read, and are sometimes offended by or just becomes really popular and becomes national news. I love forming my own opinions on them! Now, my friend asked me to make a top 10 summer reading list. I told her I wouldn't even know where to start, but I figured I would give it a try. I'm not going to post long winded things about the plots, just give you a basic premise of the stories. Yes, I realize that some of these are series so it's actually more then ten books, but its my blog and I'll do what I wanna. Happy reading!
My Top Ten Summer 2013 Book List:
#1 The Love Me with Lies Series by Tarryn Fisher- My favorite books, and favorite author...Now I know that its an unfinished series, but totally worth the read. The first one will severely mess with your head, and the second one will leave you angry. I'm eagerly awaiting the third book in the series. The series starts with The Opportunist, where we meet Olivia Kaspen who sees an old boyfriend that she is still in love with and finds out hes got amnesia. The second book in the series is Dirty Red, where we get to (unfortunately) get in depth with said old boyfriends wife, Leah Smith.
#2 The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning- This series has about 5 books. This is an awesome series and its about....fairies. I know what you're probably thinking "Faries? Seriously?!" because thats what I was thinking. It's set in present time Ireland, and the Fae and humans coexist. In the Fever series, the worlds collide and the end of the world as we know it is upon us. Awesome series, though not for the faint of heart. If it were a movie (which supposedly, it will be), I would rate it MA, I'm a pretty conservative person so do with that what you will. Excellent writing style by Ms. Moning!
#3 True Love Story by Willow Aster- Great debut from this author! I will definitely read anything else this author puts out. In this story, we meet Sparrow Fisher who meets a musician named Ian Sterling. They obviously lead different lives, but when they are together, sparks fly! Its got the highs and lows of The Opportunist, but its got its own storyline that will keep you hooked! Best of all, its not a series (that I know of)! so if you're looking for a quick read, without having to buy another book to see what happens, here it is!
#4 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn- Another stand alone book that will keep you hooked (after about halfway through anyway). The story begins with a man who on his fifth wedding anniversary, discovers his wife has disappeared. The police suspect him of murder, but I will not spoil the end for you. Love this book, although it's not for everyone. It does start off pretty slow, but by the time you get to about the middle, when all the action starts, if you are not into it, you probably never will be.
#5 Unwind by Neal Shusterman- Unwind was a book that stayed with me for a long time. I could not stop thinking about it. If Hunger Games disturbed or offended you, do not read this book. This dystopian novel came out in 2009, before dystopian books were all the rage. Shusterman is an incredible writer, and really makes you think. In this book, we are in America after the Second Civil War where the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies come to an agreement that abortions are illegal, but a parent may choose to "unwind" their child from the ages of thirteen to eighteen. I will not go into what this involves, so I don't offend anyone. Although there are disturbing parts, and the premise is disturbing, this was an excellent book that is apparently going to be made into a movie. I can't wait to see what they are going to do with that. If by some chance, you are to go on Amazon and see that this book is supposed to be for grades 7 and up, read it first before you let someone that young read it. Personally, I wouldn't let my son read it until he was in college and I didn't have a choice anymore. Unwind also is a trilogy and the second book, Unwholly, came out not too long ago. The reason why I didn't really put it in this list is because I felt the second book didn't do it justice. Shusterman still has the same great writing style, but I'm not really eagerly waiting on the third book based on the second book.
#6 The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan- This series follows a high schooler named Emma, who has had a really rough life. In the beginning, she is living with a family member who is abusive. This series is intense and it's about something near and dear to my heart. Also not for the faint of heart. It really is a good read though and will have you hooked from the start. The third and last book in this series is out July 2nd, which I can't wait for. I'm hoping Emma will get her HEA!
#7 Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde- This story follows Jack and Lexi who have a crazy relationship. He's afraid to commit and 2 years after they seperate, he calls her and asks her to convince his new girlfriend that he's ready to commit. Again, a lot of angst like The Opportunist and will stick with you for a little while. It also has a second book, Avoiding Responsibility that I felt, again, didn't live up to the first book.
#8 The Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver- Great series (until the end), great author. Another dystopian series. In this series, young people are forced to be "cured" of love. The people believe it is a disease that makes people not think correctly. The last book ended very abruptly, with a lot of questions not answered. The first book could be read by itself if you don't mind ending on a cliffhanger.
#9 The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom- Good stand alone book! Set back in the days of slavery. If you enjoyed The Help, you will enjoy this one!
#10 The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth- Soon to be made into a movie, this dystopian series is addictive. Chicago is divided into factions and each faction lives and works together. The main character, Beatrice finds out she is divergent, which means she can fit into different types of factions. Great series. The last book in the series won't come out until Fall, but I'm willing to bet it will be a good one...Cannot wait for the movie!!!!!
So that is my summer list. Please feel free to comment any other books that should be on the list!
My Top Ten Summer 2013 Book List:
#1 The Love Me with Lies Series by Tarryn Fisher- My favorite books, and favorite author...Now I know that its an unfinished series, but totally worth the read. The first one will severely mess with your head, and the second one will leave you angry. I'm eagerly awaiting the third book in the series. The series starts with The Opportunist, where we meet Olivia Kaspen who sees an old boyfriend that she is still in love with and finds out hes got amnesia. The second book in the series is Dirty Red, where we get to (unfortunately) get in depth with said old boyfriends wife, Leah Smith.
#2 The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning- This series has about 5 books. This is an awesome series and its about....fairies. I know what you're probably thinking "Faries? Seriously?!" because thats what I was thinking. It's set in present time Ireland, and the Fae and humans coexist. In the Fever series, the worlds collide and the end of the world as we know it is upon us. Awesome series, though not for the faint of heart. If it were a movie (which supposedly, it will be), I would rate it MA, I'm a pretty conservative person so do with that what you will. Excellent writing style by Ms. Moning!
#3 True Love Story by Willow Aster- Great debut from this author! I will definitely read anything else this author puts out. In this story, we meet Sparrow Fisher who meets a musician named Ian Sterling. They obviously lead different lives, but when they are together, sparks fly! Its got the highs and lows of The Opportunist, but its got its own storyline that will keep you hooked! Best of all, its not a series (that I know of)! so if you're looking for a quick read, without having to buy another book to see what happens, here it is!
#4 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn- Another stand alone book that will keep you hooked (after about halfway through anyway). The story begins with a man who on his fifth wedding anniversary, discovers his wife has disappeared. The police suspect him of murder, but I will not spoil the end for you. Love this book, although it's not for everyone. It does start off pretty slow, but by the time you get to about the middle, when all the action starts, if you are not into it, you probably never will be.
#5 Unwind by Neal Shusterman- Unwind was a book that stayed with me for a long time. I could not stop thinking about it. If Hunger Games disturbed or offended you, do not read this book. This dystopian novel came out in 2009, before dystopian books were all the rage. Shusterman is an incredible writer, and really makes you think. In this book, we are in America after the Second Civil War where the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies come to an agreement that abortions are illegal, but a parent may choose to "unwind" their child from the ages of thirteen to eighteen. I will not go into what this involves, so I don't offend anyone. Although there are disturbing parts, and the premise is disturbing, this was an excellent book that is apparently going to be made into a movie. I can't wait to see what they are going to do with that. If by some chance, you are to go on Amazon and see that this book is supposed to be for grades 7 and up, read it first before you let someone that young read it. Personally, I wouldn't let my son read it until he was in college and I didn't have a choice anymore. Unwind also is a trilogy and the second book, Unwholly, came out not too long ago. The reason why I didn't really put it in this list is because I felt the second book didn't do it justice. Shusterman still has the same great writing style, but I'm not really eagerly waiting on the third book based on the second book.
#6 The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan- This series follows a high schooler named Emma, who has had a really rough life. In the beginning, she is living with a family member who is abusive. This series is intense and it's about something near and dear to my heart. Also not for the faint of heart. It really is a good read though and will have you hooked from the start. The third and last book in this series is out July 2nd, which I can't wait for. I'm hoping Emma will get her HEA!
#7 Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde- This story follows Jack and Lexi who have a crazy relationship. He's afraid to commit and 2 years after they seperate, he calls her and asks her to convince his new girlfriend that he's ready to commit. Again, a lot of angst like The Opportunist and will stick with you for a little while. It also has a second book, Avoiding Responsibility that I felt, again, didn't live up to the first book.
#8 The Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver- Great series (until the end), great author. Another dystopian series. In this series, young people are forced to be "cured" of love. The people believe it is a disease that makes people not think correctly. The last book ended very abruptly, with a lot of questions not answered. The first book could be read by itself if you don't mind ending on a cliffhanger.
#9 The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom- Good stand alone book! Set back in the days of slavery. If you enjoyed The Help, you will enjoy this one!
#10 The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth- Soon to be made into a movie, this dystopian series is addictive. Chicago is divided into factions and each faction lives and works together. The main character, Beatrice finds out she is divergent, which means she can fit into different types of factions. Great series. The last book in the series won't come out until Fall, but I'm willing to bet it will be a good one...Cannot wait for the movie!!!!!
So that is my summer list. Please feel free to comment any other books that should be on the list!
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