Sarca
I somehow got out of having to read this in high school, but recall my sister recounting the plot of a Separate Peace when she was forced to read it. I actually chose to read it on my own.
It's coming-of-age story that I found dated and reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye. I didn't find it that bad, but the writing was a bit heavy, and I can understand why teens wouldn't gravitate to it. I certainly don't want to read it again, but glad I did. The relationship and betrayal between two boys is something that many can identify with. Nothing bad to say about it other than I've enjoyed other novels better than this.
As sad as the story of Chris Watts is, I found the book read like People Magazine, full of quotes from Facebook statuses. There was no more investigation there than what anyone could watch on YouTube on the case. Disappointing.
Really good. Heavy and upsetting subject matter that gave me a stomach ache, but well-written. I will say this, though: too many people to keep track of. Give us an index!
All deference to the author for her harrowing experience. I felt like this could have been shored up as an article for a hiking magazine instead of a 200-page book. Her life in London was typical, and I didn't really feel it was relevant to her survival story in the desert.
I totally understand the concept of “Kafka dreams” now! Imagine waking up in the morning to find you've changed into a giant bug. From that, your parents hate you, and your sister resents looking after you.
I can't say I particularly enjoyed the writing, although that might be unfair to say as I read it through an intepretor. I did enjoy the story and glad I read it.
My sister got this book for x-mas a long time ago, and I was fascinated by the stories it told, particularly ghost stories, spontaneous human combustion and others. The stories and pictures would frighten me, but I'd continue reading. I have since acquired my sister's copy and pull it off the shelf from time to time.
[bc:The Good Mother 46685 The Good Mother Sue Miller http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170343035s/46685.jpg 2406394]This is the fourth Sue Miller book I've read, and I can honestly say that this is NOT one of my favourites. I read the back of the edition I own, and a reviewer had quoted, “One of those rare novels you live more than you read...” Um, not in my case, lady. For starters, I didn't care much for anyone in this story except for the child, Molly, who somehow got entangled in a custody battle between two divorced parents. For the most part you see the side of Molly's mum, Anna, who gets involved with a real “winner” and through him, “find's herself” while in wild passionate abandon - to the detriment of her daughter's stability. I couldn't identify with this woman on any level. This woman who wanted to hang with a dude who slept on a mattress on the floor, and who would have wild passionate love the one minute, fight tooth and nail the next, and the rest of the time, spend the day butt naked around your young daughter. Dangerous. So, no, I don't live this life at all. But, I certainly read it. Aside from my revulsion for the story, it was well-written...
I don't want to disparage this book, only because I didn't finish it. It wasn't what I was expecting, although what was I expecting? (not sure). I couldn't connect with the characters and I dropped it soon after I started it. That's all...
DNF at chapter 4. Neighborhood women suspect their husbnds impregnated the gorgeous young widow next door. How dumb of a conclusion to jump to, and how quickly they jump to it! Nah, I can't be chuffed...
A very light and enjoyable read after reading Jack Ketchum. Was this chick lit? Romance? Doesn't matter. I liked it. Except...giving that raving narcissist, Amber, her own condo because she is family would not fly with me. She was abusive towards everyone, especially her own daughter. And she stole from her cousin! Oh well, give that woman a condo!
I liked this one. A coming of age story about four friends and a pair of jeans. The movie was cute too.
Creepy subject, but interesting to read about the investigators on the case and how it broke wide open. Well-written. Callahan needs to write more true crime!
Several years ago, I was of the mindset that if I started a book, I would have to finish it, no matter how brutal or boring. Since reading life of Pi, I have reduced it to 100 pages, meaning, if the book does not catch me in 100 pages I drop it.
I can honestly say that this book left me a little sad. I'm not sure if that was the feeling it was supposed to invoke. I also wouldn't say I believe in God by reading this story either. But it does demonstrate a will to live in the face of hopelessness. That said, I can't say I particularly enjoy this.
Not as good as other books I've read on the subject (and I've read a few), but there are some helpful tips on self-therapy. The ending was pretty abrupt.
Dnf at 100 pages. Wow, 500 pages long, eh? The epub is hefty, and so is the writing. I was interested in this case, but the first 100 pages dive more on Dad Rasmussen's time in dentistry school(??) And I just knew this needed massive editing early on. I got out before it became a skimming exercise.
It starts out a story of two college friends who get into an accident, crashing the car into the river. One survives, the other doesn't. And...well, that isn't where the story ends. Because the author starts in on sub-plots involving the girls' families, introducing other characters and tragedies among them in a twisty, confusing, overly descriptive and slow-to-the-chase story. I couldn't keep characters straight, flipping back to figure out who we were talking about.
One reviewer said the author gives you a lot to chew on...indeed, you could choke on the filler.This novel took effort, and I unfortunately couldn't finish it.
In my top five reads of 2007! I remember this book causing controversy when it was released 10 years ago. The true story of how J.D. Salinger encourages 18-year-old Maynard to move in with him, and a year later he tells her to “pack her things,” without explanation. I really enjoyed this story. This isn't so much the story of her relationship with Salinger, but her life before, and how her life changed after the relationship ended. Heart-wrenching and beautiful. A great read.
Quite good. Those anecdotes...boy did I want to punch those narcissists in the face, lol! It really highlighted some real scenarios. A very special text.
My first Alice Hoffman novel, and I have to say that I did find the story strange, but beautiful. I seem to be fascinated by stories of dysfunctional eccentric families, and this one does not disappoint.
You know, I never read any Nancy Drew as a kid. So, why not now? I totally get it, why girls love her. It is a little hokey and antiquated in the writing, but there is something about it that I quite enjoyed.
A friend I went to uni with found a copy of The Happy Hooker for my birthday, and wow, it's trashy, and you almost feel like you need to go to a priest after reading it, lol. But, it was entertaining front to back!
I had never read anything of Ramsey Campbell's before, so I had no idea how or what he wrote. I found this book, was interested in the synopsis, and that was that. I can say that I have never been so bored out of my mind by a book written in the horror genre in my whole life. The prose was hard to get into, and, if memory serves, the synopsis on the back of the book was far removed from the story I was reading. I gave the book up and lent it to a friend who also felt the same. Maybe his short stories are better?