Randi
It might be that some of the novelty has worn off, but it's still a great book, very entertaining. Just not quite as much of a page-turner as the first.
A clear and concise recounting of religious history in Korea, and especially the interactions between the various denominations throughout that history.
So, I had to read this for school and it's honestly been a while since I had to read anything worthwhile for a class so it was a bit rough. It was difficult to follow most of the time, but when it flowed it was wonderful. So many things I'd never considered (human rights being forced on the rest of the world via Western imperialism, religious freedom vs freedom of speech, human rights vs communitarian rights, etc) and I really appreciated the stimulation. My brain hasn't really stopped comparing and contemplating and trying to figure out where I stand on so many important issues. But the frequency with which the author seemed to contradict herself was pretty infuriating.
Clark did an excellent job of - briefly - putting together a basic history of Christianity in Korea and the more modern ramifications on education, politics, and society.
A very interesting and yet logical take on the existence of toleration in Europe before, during, and after the Protestant Reformation. The author takes the stance that tolerance was practiced as the word is defined: tolerance - “endurance, fortitude,” from O.Fr. tolerance, from L. tolerantia “endurance,” from tolerans, prp. of tolerare “to bear, endure, tolerate” (see toleration). Of authorities, in the sense of “permissive,” first recorded 1539; of individuals, with the sense of “free from bigotry or severity,” 1765. Meaning “allowable amount of variation” dates from 1868; and physiological sense of “ability to take large doses” first recorded 1875.
One must keep this definition in mind while reading because today's definition of tolerance has distanced itself greatly from what it was only 20 years ago. The gap of over 400 years between these two definitions carries with it a great deal of social baggage, so open-minded reading is a must.
Fabulous book.
So far, so good. She makes an excellent case for encouraging detox rather than use the word diet. Though, a diet change is exactly what we all need and she even says so. Both detox and diet being loaded words, she opts for detox.
Update 12/2012 - Still working on it. Slowly. I get distracted easily from non-fiction works. Can't help it.
I choose not to rate this one just yet, because I read it back in middle school. Ah, for the good ‘ole days when Mom worked at B&N and would bring home the catalog copies of books... That's how I got this one, anyway. Well, I remember thoroughly enjoying it as an early teen, which makes me want to read it again before rating.
This heartbreaking story was so good! I think I might even still have it in my garage somewhere...
I couldn't really get into this one and so didn't finish it. I've learned that if it takes more than a few tries to get into something, it's probably not worth my time, and this fell into that category. Two stars because it's a great idea, and it was probably more developed later, but I'd have to ask my sister-in-law (who finished it and the sequel at least) if it panned out well.
PG to PG-13
This book was absolutely fun. A quick read that was entertaining throughout. The character was fresh and snarky in a way that was real and yet endearing (it's often hard to find that combination in teen leads these days), and you share her frustration at solving the puzzles but also her intrigue. The ending was a bit saccharine, I'll admit, but then it's YA fiction: what do you expect?
Fun for all ages, for sure!
A fun, shallow read that exquisitely rode that line between entertaining and “is everyone in this book stupid?!”
Can't wait for the second book.
The only thing I need to remember when I read books as they come out is that I need to prep beforehand. So many references to things that happened so early in the last series... Yikes! My own fault, though.
Excellent excellent excellent! As usual.
I did enjoy this book. It was well written and artfully handled tragedy in a way that was heart-wrenching without being oppressive. For most of the book, the author's grasp of what it is to be a scared and lonely 10 year old boy. At other times he just seems a bit too mature. But then again, tragedy forces many people to grow up and there ARE people in the world that are naturally loving and forgiving.
Anywho, the conflict is what got me. Call me a wuss (or a “victim” of DODDS education), but I hate conflict centered on race. It just makes me all squirmy inside and I vacillate between wanting to put the book down or jump to the defense of the characters (which is ridiculous, because it's a story). At one point I had put it down and saw on the back cover that it'd been given a rave review by David Tennant (of Doctor Who fame), and then discovered he'd narrated it for the audiobook. So, of course I had to see what he thought was so amazing about it.
Like I said, it was an enjoyable book treating real-life tragedy and conflict in a touching way that wraps itself up in a neat little bow at the end. Perhaps not as neat a package as Jamie would like, but that's life.
I loved the “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” trilogy. I read it a long time ago, but that's how strong the impression was. Definitely high fantasy, so if you're not into dragons, magic, quests, and destiny - don't read.
I read this for my Intro to Anthropology class, it was so fascinating! Also made it possible for me to carry on intelligent conversations with people who'd been there...
This was one of those increasingly rare books that handles teenaged inability to think clearly with heightened awareness and reasoning REALLY well. The capabilities of Maisie (particularly in the technological know-how, scientific reasoning, scheming, etc.) are believable if only because they are explained by well-crafted plot devises. But take away those and she's back to being a normal, slightly above averagely intelligent girl. Refreshing, since most books these days have undiagnosed geniuses for protagonists.
Regardless, this was an excellent read. I literally couldn't put it down. Stayed up WAY later than normal to finish it. Another home run, Mrs. Hale!
It wasn't quite what it sounded like in the blurb. A lot heavier than expected, but it turned out to be a very good thing. It's an interesting look in to the life of a typical teen put into atypical situations. I'm intrigued enough to try out the sequel.
It was hard to get into at first because of the Shakespearean language (I'm ashamed to say), but once I got the hang of it again it was actually quite interesting!
Loved it! I even won a copy and I'm so happy to have one all my own. Now to continue to collecting...
Celaena is an assassin imprisoned in the salt mines for her crimes. After a year she's approached by the Crown Prince with an opportunity to win back her freedom. Compete with 24 others for the chance to become the King's official Champion and thereby earn a 4 year contract leading to her complete freedom upon completion. Along the way, emotional walls are broken down, misconceptions, etc. But there's a problem: people are dying. Contestants, to be specific. Only Celaena can stop the grisly deaths, but can she to that AND win the competition?
It was enjoyable, though I found that I'm in a different headspace while reading. The whole “exceptional youths” thing is wearing on me a bit, so I can tell I'm in a more realistic-fiction/non-fiction mood. It was entertaining, enough that I'm interested in continuing the series, but probably not until I've had a good palate cleanser first.
Super fun. I loved how the twist was just enough to keep me guessing. I mean, I knew certain things were important because of the placement, but I just couldn't quite track down why or how they integrated into the story. The next book is going to be amazing!
Ok, so THIS is the long-lost book I read while volunteering at Broward County Library way back in the 90s. Finally found it!
That said, I've re-read it and it is funny and smart and the twist was an actual twist! I didn't get it until the main character revealed it (he's one smart cookie). Part of the reason I didn't recognize it (I think) is that the cover art is completely different from what I'd seen on the book I'd read. However, the local library here had the same cover art as the book I'd originally found. Excellent, no?
This book is definitely for younger readers (I'd say around the elementary to middle school range), but it's a fun light read for anyone. The sequel is on my holds list so I'll finally find out how that one is/how the story ends!!
I really did enjoy this book. It was a lot to force onto such young characters (roughly 14-18 were the ages of the three main female leads), but given their various talents and the socio-economic environments they'd grown up in, I wouldn't put it past them. Entertaining and when it came to the resolution I awaited with baited breath to see if it would all really work out!
PG-13 to R for graphic violence
Ok, so many people came out of reading this book polarized. They said, “either you love it, or you hate it.” I'd have to say that (obviously) I loved it, though admittedly I could've been happier with a few differences. For the sake of those who haven't read it, let's just say I wish a certain someone hadn't died.
Beyond that, it was bound to happen. I was actually very happy with the ending of the book. It was very unlike J.K. Rowling's epilogue to the seventh “Harry Potter” where it seemed she'd turned into a 14 year old fan of her own work. Collins - while providing a slight concession for the sake of the readers and tying up loose ends and all that - remained true to her characters rather than to the fans.
So, why the rating? Well, as with the previous books in the series, there was graphic violence. This being the final book encompassing the final revolutionary and civil war in Panem, there was more death and carnage than before. As I have said before regarding the “Hunger Games Trilogy”, I really don't think this is material appropriate for the YA age group. The themes of death and betrayal are just - well, they're a little much for developing youth. They already think the world is out to get them, we don't need to reinforce that anymore. I understand, some teens are more mature than others and could probably handle it, but it just rubs me the wrong way. Like when my parents wouldn't let me watch “Congo” when I was 13, but gave me the book to read as a consolation. As if my imagination couldn't create scenes more horrific than could be produced on film in the mid-90's. So, that's kind of how I feel about these books: if they were movies, there's very little chance I'd let my kids watch them (unless they were tastefully edited, which isn't likely), so why would I be ok with reading them?
Not very clear that I loved them, but I did. I really, really did.