Saturday, July 12, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguropublished: Vintage Books, 2005
pages: 288
Kathy, Ruth and Tommy grew up together in a prestigious boarding school called Hailsham where their guardians constantly reminded them that they were special. It never occurred to them to question the rules or the mysterious behavior that some of the guardians showed. Now Kathy looks back on their days together and begins to unravel the mystery of Ruth, Tommy and her special childhood and how that knowledge will shape the rest of their lives together.
This story stuck with me for days after I finished reading this book. I find I still think about now, (it hasn't been all that long.) I keep thinking about the characters, their lives and their whould'ves, could'ves, should'ves, knowing there really was no other way their story could go. This is a story that will sit with you long after you've closed the book. It'll make you wonder about the potential of humanity and the desperation of others.
The storytelling is hauntingly reminiscent and beautifully thought-provoking. When Kathy speaks, it's as if we are having a conversation in which she is divulging her deepest secrets. I may be a donor and she might be my carer. There is a sadness in her storytelling that is evident while reading this book. It's almost as if she's smiling through her sadness, like she's discussing her life unsentimentally.
Kazuo Ishirguro has been awarded for his writing in past books and I can see why. He has a unique take on storytelling and the voices he shares with us. I will most definitely be reading more of his work in the future.
4.5/5 Stars
Praise:
"A Gothic tour de force.... A tight, deftly controlled story.... Just as accomplished [as The Remains of the Day] and, in a very different way, just as melancholy and alarming."
--The New York Times
"Elegiac, deceptively lovely....As always, Ishiguro pulls you under."
--Newsweek
"Superbly unsettling, impeccably controlled...The Book's irresistible power come from Ishiguro's matchless ability to expose its dark heart in careful increments."
--Entertainment Weekly
This is an Eclectic Reader 2014 Challenge Book!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Harry Potter Moment of the Week (#1)
Scariest Magical Creature:
I would say the Boggart is probably the scariest creature. I mean, they transform themselves into what you fear most. I know it's relatively easy to defeat them if you can focus enough, but if I had my worst nightmare starring me in the face, I probably would have trouble concentrating enough to cast any spell let alone one that will make it ridiculous. (or should I say reddikulus.)
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Blogging Confessions
1. I am a bad library patron. I check out way too many books too finish in one check out period. I am perpetually renewing books, which I'm sure makes other people irritated. I know when a book that I want is check out I get annoyed. I am also horrible at getting books back on time. I can't think of a time when I don't have a fine waiting for me to pay.
2. I own more books than I will ever be able to read, but I want to read them! There are just too many other books out there.
3. When people give me books for any reason, I have a hard time telling them if I already own it, so I end up with multiple copies of books.
4. I like bookmarks but I think they are mostly a waste of money. Why buy a $4 or $5 piece of pretty cardstock when I can use paper. The only bookmarks I own are ones that I have received as gifts.
5. I am a self-professed slow reader, but when I was in elementary school I had to go to a speed reading class once a week because I couldn't read fast enough or out loud. I used to be embarrassed by how slow I read, but now I love it because I know I'll remember everything about the book.
6. I'm always a little leery of the series that have exploded onto the scene. I'm nervous that all the hype will make my expectation too high which in turn will ruin the book. It usually takes a personal recommendation for me to pick up the really popular books.
7. I don't organize my bookshelf in any logical fashion, but books by the same author usually end up next to each other.
8. I don't spend enough time perusing through other book blogs, mostly because I'm always busy. I'd like to spend more time doing that because I love learning about new books and events happening in the community.
9. I like to show my book pride through stuff - jewelry, stuffed animals, posters, action figures, cups, anything.
10. I always carry a book with me, no matter where I go. It doesn't matter that there is no chance that I'll have time to read, I like to be prepared. It's the main reason I started carrying big purses.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Notable Quotable: Lois Lowry (#37)
"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."
--The Giver
Friday, July 4, 2014
Tempus
by Holly Laurenpublished: Libertine Press, 2013
pages: 362
Chapel is a normal high school cheerleader, with normal high school friends. Only no one knows that she used to get hallucinations and now that they're back she has to try even harder to keep them a secret. When a mysterious boy, Zay, takes an interest in her, Chapel has to decide whether or not she enjoys his company and the adventure that comes with him.
The thing about this book is that it is quite mysterious. It seems like it's just another teen romance, but then unexplained conversations and curious people start popping up and make me wonder. It is very compelling. It has the right combination of mystery and action.
Chapel is a captivating character. In a genre where the female lead tends toward self-pity and wallowing, I love the fact that Chapel doesn't do either one. She acknowledges the problems, especially her hallucinations, but she doesn't ever spend an exorbitant amount of time feeling sorry for herself. She goes looking for answers, which is partly what makes Chapel a strong character.
Holly Lauren has crafted a story that has enchanted me thoroughly. I enjoyed reading this book and I think it would definitely fall into the fun summer read category. I hope we get a sequel to this book because would love to read more about Chapel and her world.
Edit: I literally just found out that this has a sequel coming out in a couple months, so now I'm really excited to continue reading Chapel's story!
Stars: 4/5
Praise:
"I don't think I've ever read a book with such great, BELIEVABLE dialogue! ...I really did love Tempus, and I'm sure I'll wear out my tablet reading [it] over and over"
--Echo Reed, InkBerry Book
"Tempus was an interesting, unique, unpredictable book. The mix of paranormal and mystery, friendship and romance, and complex, likable characters gave Tempus the elements I most enjoy in a young adult book."
--Kimberly Faye, Kimberly Faye Reads
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Classics
This is a two part: the first five are my top five favorite classics. The second five are the top five I want to read.
Read and Loved:
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - This is my all-time favorite classic. (And who can blame me?) I've read it many a time and I never get bored. I have yet to meet another classic that I love as much as this one.
2. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I read this for the first time in my 9th grade English class, but I had seen the movie already. I can't get over the importance of this book and message that it sends. I absolutely love the characters.
3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Three words: The Green Light. Three more words: Dr. TJ Eckleburg's Eyes.
4. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - This book (quite possibly, aside from Harry Potter) is the reason I love fantasy and adventure. In 5th grade, a mom came in on fridays to read us books. This was one of those books. (Harry Potter also happened to be one of those books but who's taking about Harry Potter...)
5. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - I read this in 6th grade for a book report and I loved it. It took me a couple of years to finish the rest of this series, but this book had me looking in every cupboard, closet, and wardrobe I could find.
Want and Need to Read:
Most of these books were recommended to me by my good friend Leigh. I'm ashamed to say that I haven't gotten to them yet, but some of them I plan on reading this summer!
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - I've had this book for years and now this summer I will be reading it, as it has perpetually been on my TBR pile since I acquired it.
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I want to read this and I will! This is probably the one on the list I most want to read.
3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - I picked this one up at the end of the year last year, but I wasn't in the mood. I put it on my summer list this year so hopefully I'm in the mood for this time.
4. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier - Leigh's asked me about this one quite a bit, which make me think that I need to make this a higher priority. (BUT so many books.)
5. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - My late friend (not Leigh) suggested that this is the best piece of literature to ever grace the planet.
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