I made this thread because I want to hear people's opinions on books they have read. Possibly, turning this thread into a book club. Depending, on whether I have a response. In this thread you won't be scrutinised for having an opinion on a book unlike other threads, COUGH Twilight COUGH! The world made us different, let’s respect each other for that.
I’m going to start of by talking about ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. A beautiful book, that brought me to tears. It just spoke to me about the hardships that woman in Afghanistan have. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Another book I’ve read was ‘Wildwood Dancing’, it’s about a girl with a few four sisters who go off into another realm via a portal. There here eldest sister falls in love with a nightperson, whilst back in reality she has to deal with her interfering cousin trying to take over her father’s business. I love Gogu the frog! Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Another book I read was ‘The Book Thief’. I love how this book is in death’s point of view. I really feel for the main character. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Has anyone read Rachel Morgan’s ‘The Morganville Vampire’ Series? It’s really different. I like the originality of her books. What do you think?
Anyone read ‘The fall of Lucifer’? Very interesting take on Lucifer’s demise! I was shocked that the author made Lucifer’s fall due to his jealously of the human race. Was quite strange to read since the writing style was unique! Your opinions?
So many books in my head, I'll express my opinions on them later.
Talk about ANY books, you don’t have to like them. Why didn’t you like them? Hell, you don’t need to like the books I mentioned above. Just express away! Is anyone interested in starting a book Club here?
Full Version: Book Club
Never read any of the novels you mentioned.. except for the one you didn't want to talk about XD
My last book that made an impression to me is Patrick Rothfuss' "The name of the wind" It's the first of a trilogy. It's different take on the same story: Ophan boy becomes a hero. Well except this is a bit of "heroism gone wrong." His nickname is "Kingkiller" and in the present he's an innkeeper, trying to hide his true identity. In this trilogy, he's recalling his past.
What I liked about this book: The characters are likeable. He's witty and streetsmart. It's quite understandable, Rothfuss makes the world believable. It's like ours, yet different, "there's no such things as demons". The foreshadowing really keeps me hanging. Some argue (on amazon) that's it's overdone, I think it's a well done. It teases me, but I know the answers will come.
What I didn't like: The girl. Yet I can understand her. I don't like how she "earns" a living, but at the same time I admire her as well.
I can't wait until the next book is released (in a year's time)
My last book that made an impression to me is Patrick Rothfuss' "The name of the wind" It's the first of a trilogy. It's different take on the same story: Ophan boy becomes a hero. Well except this is a bit of "heroism gone wrong." His nickname is "Kingkiller" and in the present he's an innkeeper, trying to hide his true identity. In this trilogy, he's recalling his past.
What I liked about this book: The characters are likeable. He's witty and streetsmart. It's quite understandable, Rothfuss makes the world believable. It's like ours, yet different, "there's no such things as demons". The foreshadowing really keeps me hanging. Some argue (on amazon) that's it's overdone, I think it's a well done. It teases me, but I know the answers will come.
What I didn't like: The girl. Yet I can understand her. I don't like how she "earns" a living, but at the same time I admire her as well.
I can't wait until the next book is released (in a year's time)
QUOTE (weird&short @ Sep 11 2008, 04:52 PM) 
Never read any of the novels you mentioned.. except for the one you didn't want to talk about XD
My last book that made an impression to me is Patrick Rothfuss' "The name of the wind" It's the first of a trilogy. It's different take on the same story: Ophan boy becomes a hero. Well except this is a bit of "heroism gone wrong." His nickname is "Kingkiller" and in the present he's an innkeeper, trying to hide his true identity. In this trilogy, he's recalling his past.
What I liked about this book: The characters are likeable. He's witty and streetsmart. It's quite understandable, Rothfuss makes the world believable. It's like ours, yet different, "there's no such things as demons". The foreshadowing really keeps me hanging. Some argue (on amazon) that's it's overdone, I think it's a well done. It teases me, but I know the answers will come.
What I didn't like: The girl. Yet I can understand her. I don't like how she "earns" a living, but at the same time I admire her as well.
I can't wait until the next book is released (in a year's time)
My last book that made an impression to me is Patrick Rothfuss' "The name of the wind" It's the first of a trilogy. It's different take on the same story: Ophan boy becomes a hero. Well except this is a bit of "heroism gone wrong." His nickname is "Kingkiller" and in the present he's an innkeeper, trying to hide his true identity. In this trilogy, he's recalling his past.
What I liked about this book: The characters are likeable. He's witty and streetsmart. It's quite understandable, Rothfuss makes the world believable. It's like ours, yet different, "there's no such things as demons". The foreshadowing really keeps me hanging. Some argue (on amazon) that's it's overdone, I think it's a well done. It teases me, but I know the answers will come.
What I didn't like: The girl. Yet I can understand her. I don't like how she "earns" a living, but at the same time I admire her as well.
I can't wait until the next book is released (in a year's time)
I'll have to check this book out. Also people can talk about Twilight if they must here. But I think the millions of other threads on that book is enough. Perhaps, not.
Heroism goes wrong, I like those types of stories. i'll give it a go then i'll tell you what I like and what I didn't.
I read Wildwood Dancing! I didn't know it was so popular (well, like three other people I know have read it but I really thought I was the only person who ever read it). Anyway...
I did like the book. It wasn't as heavily "fantasy" as I am used to since the girls go to the portal just to dance and they come back home after that, but I didn't mind it at all. The story was well written and I loved the main character. She's strong and looks after the house and her sisters, AND stands up to her creepy cousin. My only thing is there was so much emphasis on the older sister falling in love with a nightperson but we didn't get a lot of detail as to why they're so much in love. Yes, I understand the whole "love at first sight" but it wasn't enough to convince me that their love was worth mentioning as a big plot point. It really was a small subplot that could have been a little stronger. Not the best fantasty book I've read but pretty good since fantasy books (especially directed toward young female readers) are really hard to come by.
I did like the book. It wasn't as heavily "fantasy" as I am used to since the girls go to the portal just to dance and they come back home after that, but I didn't mind it at all. The story was well written and I loved the main character. She's strong and looks after the house and her sisters, AND stands up to her creepy cousin. My only thing is there was so much emphasis on the older sister falling in love with a nightperson but we didn't get a lot of detail as to why they're so much in love. Yes, I understand the whole "love at first sight" but it wasn't enough to convince me that their love was worth mentioning as a big plot point. It really was a small subplot that could have been a little stronger. Not the best fantasty book I've read but pretty good since fantasy books (especially directed toward young female readers) are really hard to come by.
QUOTE (Myss Blewm @ Sep 11 2008, 06:34 PM)
I read Wildwood Dancing! I didn't know it was so popular (well, like three other people I know have read it but I really thought I was the only person who ever read it). Anyway...
I did like the book. It wasn't as heavily "fantasy" as I am used to since the girls go to the portal just to dance and they come back home after that, but I didn't mind it at all. The story was well written and I loved the main character. She's strong and looks after the house and her sisters, AND stands up to her creepy cousin. My only thing is there was so much emphasis on the older sister falling in love with a nightperson but we didn't get a lot of detail as to why they're so much in love. Yes, I understand the whole "love at first sight" but it wasn't enough to convince me that their love was worth mentioning as a big plot point. It really was a small subplot that could have been a little stronger. Not the best fantasty book I've read but pretty good since fantasy books (especially directed toward young female readers) are really hard to come by.
I did like the book. It wasn't as heavily "fantasy" as I am used to since the girls go to the portal just to dance and they come back home after that, but I didn't mind it at all. The story was well written and I loved the main character. She's strong and looks after the house and her sisters, AND stands up to her creepy cousin. My only thing is there was so much emphasis on the older sister falling in love with a nightperson but we didn't get a lot of detail as to why they're so much in love. Yes, I understand the whole "love at first sight" but it wasn't enough to convince me that their love was worth mentioning as a big plot point. It really was a small subplot that could have been a little stronger. Not the best fantasty book I've read but pretty good since fantasy books (especially directed toward young female readers) are really hard to come by.
I agree with you on that! That was one of the few things that I disliked about Wildwood Dancing. We didn't really see much development into Tati and Sorrow's relationship. The creepy cousin, Cezar, did my head in at times, he just wouldn't stop butting in to their lifes. It isn't the best fantasy book as you've said but its nice read. You should read the author's other books, they are for older readers. Last one I read was Daughter's of the Forest or something like that. I can't remember. However I loved the strong female lead in this book. I liked the Gogu twist.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 11 2008, 10:44 AM)
I'll have to check this book out. Also people can talk about Twilight if they must here. But I think the millions of other threads on that book is enough. Perhaps, not.
Heroism goes wrong, I like those types of stories. i'll give it a go then i'll tell you what I like and what I didn't.
Heroism goes wrong, I like those types of stories. i'll give it a go then i'll tell you what I like and what I didn't.
well, I feel the same way. As well as Harry Potter. There are other books out there.
QUOTE (Myss Blewm @ Sep 11 2008, 11:34 AM)
Not the best fantasty book I've read but pretty good since fantasy books (especially directed toward young female readers) are really hard to come by.
When I was a teen, I read Tamora Pierce books. They are lengthy, but they captured my attention as they're always about some strong willed female going against society... After a while they blended in together. I remember liking her series "Wild Magic".
I think my favourite teen author was Garth Nix. I've only read "Shade's Children", and the Abhorsen's Trilogy but they're also something to check out. About their stories, I read them so long ago I do not remember, but they stuck out in my mind.
Now, I'm at an age (early 20s)
where I find it hard to relate to high school. I am getting bored of the "i'm a special kid, with cool powers to save the world" theme, but I don't want to read too mature books either (why do they insist on stuffing a love scene in every fantasy novel). I also noticed adult fantasty tends to be long series ... which I tend to avoid because I don't want to hunt for lots of books.
I couldn't get into Invisible Man. Well, actually, I did enjoy the story itself, but I got so tired of the main character. He just aggravated me to no end and I failed to have any sympathy for him whatsoever, but that could be the point as well. Sad, though. I wanted to be on his side.
And I'm in the middle of The Other Boleyn Girl, picked it up out of curiosity. Haven't seen the movie, but the book is rather dramatic. Lots of backstabbing and scheming and just overall full of people you wouldn't want to be friends with. I'm a little confused by the writing style because it sounds relatively modern but should be set in the 16th century. Conversationally, it's convincing, but this just might be my own personal annoyance.
sbq: I've been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns for a while now. There was a lot of hype surrounding Kite Runner, and while it lived up to my expectations, I don't think it was as amazing as others have commented. But I still really enjoyed the book and I'm hoping ATSS will be the same. Did you read Kite Runner too?
And thanks for starting this thread. This is fun
Especially since my current English class is boring me to tears.
And I'm in the middle of The Other Boleyn Girl, picked it up out of curiosity. Haven't seen the movie, but the book is rather dramatic. Lots of backstabbing and scheming and just overall full of people you wouldn't want to be friends with. I'm a little confused by the writing style because it sounds relatively modern but should be set in the 16th century. Conversationally, it's convincing, but this just might be my own personal annoyance.
sbq: I've been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns for a while now. There was a lot of hype surrounding Kite Runner, and while it lived up to my expectations, I don't think it was as amazing as others have commented. But I still really enjoyed the book and I'm hoping ATSS will be the same. Did you read Kite Runner too?
And thanks for starting this thread. This is fun
Especially since my current English class is boring me to tears.
QUOTE
erinfinite Posted Today, 10:20 PM
sbq: I've been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns for a while now. There was a lot of hype surrounding Kite Runner, and while it lived up to my expectations, I don't think it was as amazing as others have commented. But I still really enjoyed the book and I'm hoping ATSS will be the same. Did you read Kite Runner too?
sbq: I've been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns for a while now. There was a lot of hype surrounding Kite Runner, and while it lived up to my expectations, I don't think it was as amazing as others have commented. But I still really enjoyed the book and I'm hoping ATSS will be the same. Did you read Kite Runner too?
I've Read 'The Kite Runner', it didn't live up to my expectations as well. I prefer ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’, mainly because it was through a female's perspective. It's really sad, it made me cry. And I'm a pretty emotionless person. I think if you’re a female you'll prefer ATSS over Kite Runner. I like to read about different cultures. I recently got into Haruki Murakami's books such as Norwegian Wood and The Elephant Vanishes.
Also I've read 'The Other Boleyn Girl', I know there a few historical inaccuracies such as which Boleyn sister was older and such. The book dragged at times for me. Lots of backstabbing, I was shocked Anne was trying to steal Mary's son, well take him. The movie is very mild compared to the book in terms of the backstabbing.
I'm glad someone enjoys the thread.
QUOTE (weird&short @ Sep 11 2008, 11:55 AM)
Now, I'm at an age (early 20s) where I find it hard to relate to high school. I am getting bored of the "i'm a special kid, with cool powers to save the world" theme, but I don't want to read too mature books either (why do they insist on stuffing a love scene in every fantasy novel). I also noticed adult fantasty tends to be long series ... which I tend to avoid because I don't want to hunt for lots of books.
where I find it hard to relate to high school. I am getting bored of the "i'm a special kid, with cool powers to save the world" theme, but I don't want to read too mature books either (why do they insist on stuffing a love scene in every fantasy novel). I also noticed adult fantasty tends to be long series ... which I tend to avoid because I don't want to hunt for lots of books.Yeah i tend to not like YA fantasy books where the plot is centered around high school and special powers. Aside from Harry Potter I think the only YA fantasy series I really liked was the Hollow Kingdom series by Clare B. Dunkle. I've read it twice and I think I'm going to buy the books soon. XD
Lots of the books mentioned above sound really interesting. I'll have to check 'em out... =) I have a few books I've read recently that I pretty much enjoyed...
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink was very interesting. It is a nonfiction book, and it's basically about the world's shift from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age. He emphasizes the importance of using Right-directed thinking with Left-directed thinking (referring to the brain's hemispheres) together to create a whole new mind.
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (I think I spelled that right). This book was absolutely amazing. It never failed to surprise me... Right when you think something's gonna happen, something completely different happens... and just the tone and the wording... Kurt Vonnegut is just an awesome writer. It's also very bizarre in a way, but the bizarreness really does contribute a lot to the book. It's very difficult to describe this book in the correct way, but I really do recommend it to everyone. The setting is in the future, but that really has nothing to do with the meaning at all.
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan... If you like fantasy, you'll like this. I think there are twelve books in all, and I've read that it begins to drag after the first few books, but man, those first few books are AWESOME. (I haven't read past the first two) Adventurous and epic... It's a great read.
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. ... it's Nicholas Sparks. With the movies and his novels, you can pretty much know what to expect with a Nicholas Sparks book. Anyhoo, if you're looking for a light read... Also, Dear John was great. I think I prefer Dear John over The Choice. But they are pretty different.
Atonement, Daughter of Fortune, Survival in Auschwitz, The Count of Monte Cristo, Free Food for Millionaires, Shopaholic series..
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
QUOTE (prettycrimson_ @ Sep 12 2008, 05:58 PM)
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (I think I spelled that right). This book was absolutely amazing. It never failed to surprise me... Right when you think something's gonna happen, something completely different happens... and just the tone and the wording... Kurt Vonnegut is just an awesome writer. It's also very bizarre in a way, but the bizarreness really does contribute a lot to the book. It's very difficult to describe this book in the correct way, but I really do recommend it to everyone. The setting is in the future, but that really has nothing to do with the meaning at all.
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. ... it's Nicholas Sparks. With the movies and his novels, you can pretty much know what to expect with a Nicholas Sparks book. Anyhoo, if you're looking for a light read... Also, Dear John was great. I think I prefer Dear John over The Choice. But they are pretty different.
I've read Most of Nicolas Sparks books. I prefer Dear John over The Choice too. Dear John is getting turned into a film. Channing Tatum will play the role of John Tyree, Amanda Seyfried takes on the role of Savannah Lynn Curtis. It's really sweet what John does. I liked how it had nice ending, it was realistic yet it was sort of bittersweet.
The Sirens of Titan is amazing. The ending so original! And the underlying religious themes just had me thinking for days. It was just so mind-blowing!
I'm going to try the other books you mentioned. They sound really interesting. I'll get back to you on that.
QUOTE (Happy_Day @ Sep 12 2008, 09:22 PM)
Atonement, Daughter of Fortune, Survival in Auschwitz, The Count of Monte Cristo, Free Food for Millionaires, Shopaholic series..
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
I loved Birdsong! I think you'll like it too. I'm going to try Redeeming love, I like to have a good cry with a book. When I was younger my favourite Jane Austen Book was Pride and Prejudice as I got older I'm more of a Persuasion fan. I love Wentworth... and Wentworth Miller! lol! I haven't read Daughter of Fortune nor Free Food for Millionaires. What are they about? The Shopaholic series are nice easy reads, again its getting turned into a film. I like some of Zoey Dean books. I'm also into Pretty Little Liars. It's like desperate houswives with more edge a lot younger characters with a mixture of blackmailing. I like to read Young Adult books now and then so I don't overload my brain. Also, Twilight isn't actually that bad compared to its sequels. But I will refrain from any further comments on that series, it gets me into trouble.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 11 2008, 10:43 AM)
I agree with you on that! That was one of the few things that I disliked about Wildwood Dancing. We didn't really see much development into Tati and Sorrow's relationship. The creepy cousin, Cezar, did my head in at times, he just wouldn't stop butting in to their lifes. It isn't the best fantasy book as you've said but its nice read. You should read the author's other books, they are for older readers. Last one I read was Daughter's of the Forest or something like that. I can't remember. However I loved the strong female lead in this book. I liked the Gogu twist.
I agree too! I just HATE those relationships that are based off of love at first sight. I just seems so... shallow to me. Like you only love someone because of their physical appearance. I'm glad you mention the author's other books! Daughter of the Forest was the first book that I read from her and I finished the triology (I recommend all of them).
QUOTE
When I was a teen, I read Tamora Pierce books. They are lengthy, but they captured my attention as they're always about some strong willed female going against society... After a while they blended in together. I remember liking her series "Wild Magic".
I think my favourite teen author was Garth Nix. I've only read "Shade's Children", and the Abhorsen's Trilogy but they're also something to check out. About their stories, I read them so long ago I do not remember, but they stuck out in my mind.
I think my favourite teen author was Garth Nix. I've only read "Shade's Children", and the Abhorsen's Trilogy but they're also something to check out. About their stories, I read them so long ago I do not remember, but they stuck out in my mind.
I also loved Tamora Pierce! I think I'm loving her Beka Cooper series the best right now. When is the 2nd book coming out anyways? I think it was suppose to be out around june but then they pushed the date back. T_T And Garth Nix's abhorsen's triology is great.
On the topic of fantasy, I just ADORE Robin Mckinley's books for her strong, unorthodox heroines. Another author I love is Diana Wynne Jones who just has so many plot twists in all of her books that they'll make your head spin (but in a good way, like when you were little and you'd have fun making yourself dizzy on purpose by spinning around in circles)
I was going through old boxes of books that I haven't read since elementary school and I picked up The Angels Trilogy by Lurlene McDaniel. I read this book in 6th grade, but I enjoyed it all the same. It's a love story (ahh I'm a sucker for love stories!) but it's so pure and simple. It's... almost like a Korean drama in that there is a quasi-love triangle, someone dies, and cancer is involved. But other than that, it's wonderful, spectacular, fantastic... I can go on and on. You never find love stories like these anymore. Everything that's being recommended lately that I pick up is so Gossip Girl-y or so disgustingly boring that I'm immediately turned off. But anyways, here's a short summary. A normal girl meets and falls in love with an Amish boy (first book). They spend as much time together and go through trials and tribulations (second book). The Amish boy tries to fit into his love's (the girl's) society and tries to shed his Amish ways (third book)... and you'll have to see what happens after.
I like this thread.
I like this thread.
hehe.BookClub.if there is such a CCA in my school,i will definitely join.
im a HUGE fan of Twilight and i don't bite people who hate Twilight or whatever.Cos everyone have their opinions.
I think for now i will comment on The Kite Runner.i cried so much reading that book.I couldn't bring that book out for killing time cos i will cry on the spot if im reading a sad part.Like when his friend got raped by the aksjdbhaiugfdia ________ . i couldnt believe it.and i hated the main character SO MUCH at that time.
Its a very good book though it still bored me sometimes.i like how the story actually is.like the whole truth is actually something unexpected to me.and then,i cried.Again.><
hmm.i can't really say out the things i don't like abt the book cos i can't think of any right now.will edit when the answer pops into my mind.xD.
i haven't tried "A Thousand Splendid Suns"..will try it someday since im a female.lol.
im a HUGE fan of Twilight and i don't bite people who hate Twilight or whatever.Cos everyone have their opinions.
I think for now i will comment on The Kite Runner.i cried so much reading that book.I couldn't bring that book out for killing time cos i will cry on the spot if im reading a sad part.Like when his friend got raped by the aksjdbhaiugfdia ________ . i couldnt believe it.and i hated the main character SO MUCH at that time.
Its a very good book though it still bored me sometimes.i like how the story actually is.like the whole truth is actually something unexpected to me.and then,i cried.Again.><
hmm.i can't really say out the things i don't like abt the book cos i can't think of any right now.will edit when the answer pops into my mind.xD.
i haven't tried "A Thousand Splendid Suns"..will try it someday since im a female.lol.
Let's see books that I've read.....
I think that twilight was alright didnt finish reading it though.
Oh! I absolutely love My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. This was my first book of her its really addicting, I was really suprised on how it ended, totally not what I thought would have happen. This is more of like a family being torn apart kind of thing.
I thought that Dear John was really good. I haven't read The Choice yet but tis next on my list.
I think that twilight was alright didnt finish reading it though.
Oh! I absolutely love My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. This was my first book of her its really addicting, I was really suprised on how it ended, totally not what I thought would have happen. This is more of like a family being torn apart kind of thing.
I thought that Dear John was really good. I haven't read The Choice yet but tis next on my list.
Pride and Prejudice. As someone else mentioned, it's a classic! I love everything about it -- the characters, the plot, the writing (Jane Austen is amazing)...
Catch 22. I'm currently still reading this book but it's a hilarious and thoughtful novel. Truly amazing (so far anyway).
I could probably list tons of books, but I need to sleep... lol. Oh, and I love The Kite Runner and I'm currently reading A Thousand Splendid Suns!
Catch 22. I'm currently still reading this book but it's a hilarious and thoughtful novel. Truly amazing (so far anyway).
I could probably list tons of books, but I need to sleep... lol. Oh, and I love The Kite Runner and I'm currently reading A Thousand Splendid Suns!
So many people to to talk to! You guys have restored my faith in people actually reading books! If you get what I mean by that! Too lazy to quote so going to mention you guys by forum name.
fading_tales
I'm reading Juliet Marillier's other books at the moment with the many other books, I happen to be reading at the same time. I don't believe in love at first sight, it's quite shallow to me. You can't spend the rest of your life with someone because they look pretty. In some ways, I think maybe this 'Love at first sight' notion might be contributing to the high divorce rate we are having in the Western world. Strangely people fall out of love.
Bourjois
I want to read this book! I love the idea of an Amish person falling for an outsider. It reminds me of the film Witness! It was sad that they didn't end up together in that film. Everything is Gossip Girl-y at the moment, but at least you don't have to use your brain for a book like that! I tend to get bored usually on the second book of a really long series. Will be reading this Trilogy. You can buy it as one book! YAH!
jaefan
Yeah, a nice Twilight fan. I only like the first book in that series. I wouldn't go as far to say that I love it. To me it is little to much Edward obssessed both from Bella and the fans. Anyway Kite Runner, it made me cry too but like you I was angry at the main character and it bored me. While A thousand Splendid Suns had me on the edge all the time. I was just routing for these women.
thiisgiirL
My Sister's Keeper was so gripping. It's getting turned into a film. Hollywood tends to bodge books up. The twists in the book are just amazing. I agree the ending is unexpected but it is a very realistic ending. Not all super happy like most books. I prefer Dear John over The Choice but The Choice is still a good read.
yongwonhi
Jane Austen Rules. I love her and the Bronte Sisters. Jane Eyre being one of most favourite books of all time. I love the BBC adaptation of it with Toby Stephens. Oh...Rochester, Wentworth, Mr Darcy! lol. I have to stop living in that world. Catch 22, never read it. Is it good? What's the story line? Are you enjoying A Thousand Splendid Suns at the moment?
It is so nice to talk with other book readers and get their views. It's refreshing because we are all so different. Thank God we aren't bunch of Lemmings.
fading_tales
I'm reading Juliet Marillier's other books at the moment with the many other books, I happen to be reading at the same time. I don't believe in love at first sight, it's quite shallow to me. You can't spend the rest of your life with someone because they look pretty. In some ways, I think maybe this 'Love at first sight' notion might be contributing to the high divorce rate we are having in the Western world. Strangely people fall out of love.
Bourjois
I want to read this book! I love the idea of an Amish person falling for an outsider. It reminds me of the film Witness! It was sad that they didn't end up together in that film. Everything is Gossip Girl-y at the moment, but at least you don't have to use your brain for a book like that! I tend to get bored usually on the second book of a really long series. Will be reading this Trilogy. You can buy it as one book! YAH!
jaefan
Yeah, a nice Twilight fan. I only like the first book in that series. I wouldn't go as far to say that I love it. To me it is little to much Edward obssessed both from Bella and the fans. Anyway Kite Runner, it made me cry too but like you I was angry at the main character and it bored me. While A thousand Splendid Suns had me on the edge all the time. I was just routing for these women.
thiisgiirL
My Sister's Keeper was so gripping. It's getting turned into a film. Hollywood tends to bodge books up. The twists in the book are just amazing. I agree the ending is unexpected but it is a very realistic ending. Not all super happy like most books. I prefer Dear John over The Choice but The Choice is still a good read.
yongwonhi
Jane Austen Rules. I love her and the Bronte Sisters. Jane Eyre being one of most favourite books of all time. I love the BBC adaptation of it with Toby Stephens. Oh...Rochester, Wentworth, Mr Darcy! lol. I have to stop living in that world. Catch 22, never read it. Is it good? What's the story line? Are you enjoying A Thousand Splendid Suns at the moment?
It is so nice to talk with other book readers and get their views. It's refreshing because we are all so different. Thank God we aren't bunch of Lemmings.
^
i cried in my sisters keeper! such a good book, the way jodi piccoult portrayed the two sisters relationship was amazing, so many emotions all mixed up! i still remember the "backward" name of the lawyer guy lol
im reading Eragon right now.. kinda weird since its not really my age group but i dont mind. I have yet to find out if its good since im not even half way but i almost cried on the train today at one part!
I watched the BBC version of Jane Eyre too.. so good!! One of the best adaptions i have watched yet (its 2nd to the 90's version of pride and prejudice with colin firth lol)
i cried in my sisters keeper! such a good book, the way jodi piccoult portrayed the two sisters relationship was amazing, so many emotions all mixed up! i still remember the "backward" name of the lawyer guy lol
im reading Eragon right now.. kinda weird since its not really my age group but i dont mind. I have yet to find out if its good since im not even half way but i almost cried on the train today at one part!
I watched the BBC version of Jane Eyre too.. so good!! One of the best adaptions i have watched yet (its 2nd to the 90's version of pride and prejudice with colin firth lol)
I love Eragon! The third book in the series is to be released soooon!
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
This book is really good. Has anyone read it? It's about a nine-year-old genius who lost his father in the 9/11 Terrorist Attack. He finds a key in a vase, and he tries to find the lock to that key and possibly, to his father. He goes through quite the hero's journey. Ahahha. Joseph Campbell anyone?
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
This book is really good. Has anyone read it? It's about a nine-year-old genius who lost his father in the 9/11 Terrorist Attack. He finds a key in a vase, and he tries to find the lock to that key and possibly, to his father. He goes through quite the hero's journey. Ahahha. Joseph Campbell anyone?
QUOTE (Happy_Day @ Sep 12 2008, 02:22 PM)
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
Same here. My friends were raving about it so I gave it a shot but the whole time I read the book my face was basically "
". Boring, boring, boring.
debborah
I love my sister's keeper too. Really sad. Eragon is good... but the movie... well to put it nicely... RAPED the book!!!! It's so bad! I love the BBC adaptations of the classic. Loved David Copperfield too. Currently watching Lost in Austen and Tess of the D'Ubervilles. LOVE LOVE period dramas.
prettycrimson_
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Never heard of it but sounds really intersting. Very unique concept especially since 9/11 is so fresh in our minds.
Myss Blewm
Be careful, the twilight fans are everywhere, they'll pounce on you for saying a single bad word about their beloved Edward, Bella and even Meyer. :HIDES BEHIND A BUSH:
I love my sister's keeper too. Really sad. Eragon is good... but the movie... well to put it nicely... RAPED the book!!!! It's so bad! I love the BBC adaptations of the classic. Loved David Copperfield too. Currently watching Lost in Austen and Tess of the D'Ubervilles. LOVE LOVE period dramas.
prettycrimson_
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Never heard of it but sounds really intersting. Very unique concept especially since 9/11 is so fresh in our minds.
Myss Blewm
Be careful, the twilight fans are everywhere, they'll pounce on you for saying a single bad word about their beloved Edward, Bella and even Meyer. :HIDES BEHIND A BUSH:
Cirque du Freak series by Darren Shan is a VERY VERY VERY good series. I highly recommend it.
^ really? what do you particularly like about it? I may check it out at the library then.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 11 2008, 05:24 AM)
Another book I read was ‘The Book Thief’. I love how this book is in death’s point of view. I really feel for the main character. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
i lovvvved that book.
really and truly one of the best books i've ever read.
i liked the writing style, the plot line, the setting, and everything about it.
even like the font and the paper that the book was printed on.
i especially loved the characters. they were goldennn.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 15 2008, 05:08 AM)
Eragon is good... but the movie... well to put it nicely... RAPED the book!!!!
+1 They took a n00b director whose never directed a previous movie before, and put him on it, and ruined the book. Same goes for the screenwriter who wrote the script (ruined the book).
I would be surprised if they decided to go ahead and make the 2nd movie in the trilogy after that. People who've never read the book and based it on watching the first movie won't watch the 2nd one if it was made.
On another note, just found out that the 3rd book in the Eragon Inheritance trilogy "Brisingr" is now out. I'm going to go buy it at Costco
I read any book by Robert Ludlum (author of the Bourne Identity) I've read at least 60-70% of his books so far. I am still trying to find more of his books (I am aware the titles of his books are on a lot of his covers) but since he died, there are a lot of books with Ludlum's name on it in bookstores, but are not actually written by him. These are the Covert One series, which put his name in big bold letters in the title of the books and are spin offs of his spy/conspiracy novels. Also, Eric Van Lustbader has continued Ludlum's Bourne series, continuing off where he left after the Bourne Ultimatum. I refuse to read it though.
If you've watched the Bourne movies, the plots have nothing to do with the books.
But other than that, if you like world espionage/government conspiracy type books, I would recommend reading Robert Ludlum's Bourne trilogy series, and then if you like that, his books "The Janson Directive" "The Prometheus Deception" and "The Sigma Protocol" are really good books.
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Another book series I've read that's interesting but seemed like it was dragged on just for the sake of making more money was a popular Christian series called "Left Behind". Written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins, it's a story about a story in the bible called the Rapture of the Saints, in which Christian believers disappear from the face of the earth and go to heaven while the unbelievers are left behind to endure the antichrist's 7 yearlong tribulation.
The Left Behind series is 12 books long. Each about roughly 300-500 pages long. I read this series awhile ago, and back then they weren't finished with the series so I read up to the latest book and got tired of waiting for the author to finish the next book so I eventually forgot about it and what book I stopped at.
From what I remember, it's pretty good, especially in the beginning. People disappear into thin air and the people that were "left behind" wondered what happened to them. Eventually they're told that this is the beginning of the rise of the antichrist, and some people start believing while others have their doubts still. The antichrist becomes president of the US, then secretary general of the UN, and forces all nations to give him their weapons. Eventually he becomes leader of the world, and spreads his evil to the world, meanwhile the people that were left behind who are now believers in Christ, form a resistance group to ride out the 7 year long tribulation of plagues, war, and darkness to await the glorious appearing of Christ to take them to heaven.
For a Christian novel, it's pretty action packed. But like I said, there are 12 books, in which all of them, spend pages among pages (just to fill up a book to sell I guess) recounting what happened in the previous book in order to milk the series for all its worth. And each plague or event fills up 1 book to extend the series. That is my major gripe about it. But other than that, it is an extremely easy series to read and is pretty entertaining as well, even if you aren't religious or whatnot.
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the best book I've ever read. I don't think any other contemporary epic can be compared to this book. Some say this is an overrated novel, but the writing in undoubtedly superb. Highly recommended to those who want to read a more lengthy, thought-provoking novel. It's about timelessness, solitude, and Marquez's writing of magical realism. The men are passionate, fierce, while the women are quiet, but strong. Much romance in the novel, but it's not the conventional type. Read with a very open mind, and you will enjoy this book very much. For some it can be a long read, but for many it could be a very fast read.....for me I finished it within a few nights.
Those who want to delve into some true African literature should read the classic, Thing Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. It is written very beautifully about a very strong man and his downfall.
Anyway...enough of my raving. I'll give some more reviews...or in dept, whatever anyone wants to hear. I love reading.
edit// btw, does anyone know if War and Peace is worth it? I think it's around 1000 pages? and also Atlas Shrugged by Ann Rynd?
Those who want to delve into some true African literature should read the classic, Thing Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. It is written very beautifully about a very strong man and his downfall.
Anyway...enough of my raving. I'll give some more reviews...or in dept, whatever anyone wants to hear. I love reading.
edit// btw, does anyone know if War and Peace is worth it? I think it's around 1000 pages? and also Atlas Shrugged by Ann Rynd?
QUOTE (Rini @ Sep 22 2008, 09:01 PM)
Those who want to delve into some true African literature should read the classic, [b]Thing Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. It is written very beautifully about a very strong man and his downfall.
I remember reading that for my english class back in HS. =) I actually found it very much like a Greek tragedy and I happened to really enjoy it, even though I was like in the minority of my class on that one.
Currently, I'm into Isaac Asimov (need to thank my bro for introducing this to me.) I can't believe how much I love sci-fi/fantasy and haven't tried Asimov until now. For the people that don't know Asimov is the author of the book that the movie "I, Robot" (Will Smith) was based on. But MAN! I'm loving his Foundation series! It's refreshing how the story is told in such a larger perspective, rather than delving into the character development of a single man or a small group and short time period, the story is extended to encompass the entire story of the human race within a thousand years in their efforts to rebuild themselves up from the collapse of their civilization (the book was based on the Roman Empire.) And though met only briefly, Asimov can make his characters just GRAB you. And the plot twists and the political struggles. I just loved it.
To continue on my ramble on sci-fi, I'm also reading The Watchmen. =D Incredibly it's on my reading list for my sci-fi class I'm taking this quarter. And wow... definitely loving the dark vibe. Really makes you look at superheroes in a totally new light. And I am glad I have a chance to read the original before the movie comes out. Just like how Foundation is more focused on a wide view, I love how Watchmen concentrates on the different point of views of their characters and we get to know their histories and their motivations for putting on the masked vigilante persona.
Ok... enough of my sci-fi geeky-ness
did anyone else dislike atonement? i think i'm the only one. ha ha i hear from everyone how they loooove the book. but me, i got so pissed off by that little girl that it just ruined the whole book. i kept on reading HOPINGG that the situation would change, but nope.. i was super SUPER mad. i think i would have beaten up my sister if she did that to me.
This is a good thread!
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
^ I read the first shopaholic book. It was alright. I thought the main character should control herself a bit more. Does she really have to get that 200 pounds scarf when she's out of money? But I guess that's the point of the series. She's a shopaholic.
I don't normally read "Chicklits" but I enjoyed the book, "Something borrowed" by Emily Giffin... which I would recommend for an older audiences. It was funny and light. A story about stealing a best friend's fiance.
I just finished reading "Ill Wind" by Rachel Caine
It's such a cool book!
It's a fantasy novel that takes place in the modern world and where mother nature as a "predator". Weather is controlled and tamed by "weather wardens". They can call up/control winds, fire, earth, water..... it really depends on the person. It makes the weather, a much ordinary topic, seem scary and interesting. Oh and Djinns (genies) play an important role in the story too.
I really liked the main character, she's a tough cookie. Powerful, flawed, but you know she's a good person. I liked how the story folded itself. The author feeds the reader bits and pieces of the story one at a time and the flashbacks gives the reader insight on what drives the character.
Can someone recommend me a book with a "tough" female taking on the world? that's full of action and is a quick read/light? Not an epic novel... One of my favourite authors for these type of stories is Lilith Saintcrow (I really liked her book "Steelflower")
thanks
LOL everyone seems to be hating that "twilight" book... I thought it was alright (the first book. I've only managed to complete the first book). Hyped, yes, but I thought Harry Potter's hyped up too. shrugs.... at least it gets people reading. Though I have to say, Bella is a really annoying teen. I didn't dislike her until I attempted that second book (In my head I was thinking "just die already"). The first book, I thought she was alright.
About Harry Potter (I'm surprised no one's mentioned it, but there are already threads dedicated to this book). I finally got around finishing this series. I think it was decent, but never got around to it because it was too "black and white" for me. I read them when I see them when I get a chance. The last book was a shocker for me. I had to think, "is this really a kids book?" Does anyone else feel that J.K Rowling was on a killing spree because she wanted to end the last book with a bang? And that the epilogue seemed too tacky? but other than that I enjoyed it. It was my favourite of the series. It wasn't so "black and white" after all. Betrayal, darkness, gray zone. confusion. I liked how Harry and his friends were being pessimistic, and that Dumbledore wasn't such a perfect person.
I don't normally read "Chicklits" but I enjoyed the book, "Something borrowed" by Emily Giffin... which I would recommend for an older audiences. It was funny and light. A story about stealing a best friend's fiance.
I just finished reading "Ill Wind" by Rachel Caine
It's such a cool book!
It's a fantasy novel that takes place in the modern world and where mother nature as a "predator". Weather is controlled and tamed by "weather wardens". They can call up/control winds, fire, earth, water..... it really depends on the person. It makes the weather, a much ordinary topic, seem scary and interesting. Oh and Djinns (genies) play an important role in the story too.
I really liked the main character, she's a tough cookie. Powerful, flawed, but you know she's a good person. I liked how the story folded itself. The author feeds the reader bits and pieces of the story one at a time and the flashbacks gives the reader insight on what drives the character.
Can someone recommend me a book with a "tough" female taking on the world? that's full of action and is a quick read/light? Not an epic novel... One of my favourite authors for these type of stories is Lilith Saintcrow (I really liked her book "Steelflower")
thanks
LOL everyone seems to be hating that "twilight" book... I thought it was alright (the first book. I've only managed to complete the first book). Hyped, yes, but I thought Harry Potter's hyped up too. shrugs.... at least it gets people reading. Though I have to say, Bella is a really annoying teen. I didn't dislike her until I attempted that second book (In my head I was thinking "just die already"). The first book, I thought she was alright.
About Harry Potter (I'm surprised no one's mentioned it, but there are already threads dedicated to this book). I finally got around finishing this series. I think it was decent, but never got around to it because it was too "black and white" for me. I read them when I see them when I get a chance. The last book was a shocker for me. I had to think, "is this really a kids book?" Does anyone else feel that J.K Rowling was on a killing spree because she wanted to end the last book with a bang? And that the epilogue seemed too tacky? but other than that I enjoyed it. It was my favourite of the series. It wasn't so "black and white" after all. Betrayal, darkness, gray zone. confusion. I liked how Harry and his friends were being pessimistic, and that Dumbledore wasn't such a perfect person.
QUOTE (mayz @ Sep 23 2008, 09:57 AM)
This is a good thread!
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
Actually that's not Kinsella's last Shopaholic book! Heard she's gonna continue with the series. =P
I recommend The Lazarus Project
don't really feel like explaining it but if you think the title's cool enough to look it up then awesome!
don't really feel like explaining it but if you think the title's cool enough to look it up then awesome!
^ I think i heard of this book? was it based on a homosexual-homicide? (maybe i'm wrong)
but nontheless.
It's funny! I just started a book club at my high school with the same purpose and such (though it is somewhat /based/ on Twilight)
haha anyways-
my all time favorite book,
Wuthering Heights
I really haven't found anyone really /embrace/ this novel as much as I did- and I think it's important to do so, because this book is seriously so beautiful/jaded in so many levels. Characters are all amazing (and hilarious at some points) and stand as /the/ classic figures of wistful romance of all times.
SERIOUS RECOMMENDATION!
but nontheless.
It's funny! I just started a book club at my high school with the same purpose and such (though it is somewhat /based/ on Twilight)
haha anyways-
my all time favorite book,
Wuthering Heights
I really haven't found anyone really /embrace/ this novel as much as I did- and I think it's important to do so, because this book is seriously so beautiful/jaded in so many levels. Characters are all amazing (and hilarious at some points) and stand as /the/ classic figures of wistful romance of all times.
SERIOUS RECOMMENDATION!
OMG! everyone seriously needs to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy best gosh darn book ever!!!!!!! seriously no joke!! its just soooo good!
i just finished Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. had to read for school. it sure was a change in what i normally read.
everyone thought it was really good, but i couldn't even get past half of the book! i know i did like something about this book, but i just can't pinpoint what it is. maybe i liked the uniqueness? idk.. lol
though i will say this: i really want to read The Island, which is the book after BNW i believe.
These two remind me so much of that one movie called The Island with ewan mcgregor and scarlett johansson, but my lit teacher says the movie is not based off either books.
everyone thought it was really good, but i couldn't even get past half of the book! i know i did like something about this book, but i just can't pinpoint what it is. maybe i liked the uniqueness? idk.. lol
though i will say this: i really want to read The Island, which is the book after BNW i believe.
These two remind me so much of that one movie called The Island with ewan mcgregor and scarlett johansson, but my lit teacher says the movie is not based off either books.
QUOTE (weird&short @ Sep 24 2008, 01:57 AM)
^ I read the first shopaholic book. It was alright. I thought the main character should control herself a bit more. Does she really have to get that 200 pounds scarf when she's out of money? But I guess that's the point of the series. She's a shopaholic.
LOL.. That's what so amusing about the character. She was even planning to get 5 bloody prams for her baby in the book I read!! The whole 5 prams thing was very funny when she "discussed" it with her husband and told her friends about it.
QUOTE (Happy_Day @ Sep 24 2008, 05:35 AM)
Actually that's not Kinsella's last Shopaholic book! Heard she's gonna continue with the series. =P
That's great! I was actually wondering whether the series will continue until the shopaholic's daughter grow up to be like her, another shopaholic or not.
Everyone should have known or heard of Dan Brown.. Digital Fortress and Deception Point are two of his books which I LOVE reading. Really full of suspense.
I recently finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
it's so addicting, I never ever wanted to put the book down. especially after I finished the first chapter.
I don't read as many books as Id like to, but if anyone has read this book and knows of other books in the same kind of style like this can you please recommend them to me? It's hard for me to get into certain stories but I felt completely engulfed in this one.
it's so addicting, I never ever wanted to put the book down. especially after I finished the first chapter.
I don't read as many books as Id like to, but if anyone has read this book and knows of other books in the same kind of style like this can you please recommend them to me? It's hard for me to get into certain stories but I felt completely engulfed in this one.
QUOTE (weird&short @ Sep 23 2008, 11:57 AM)
About Harry Potter (I'm surprised no one's mentioned it, but there are already threads dedicated to this book). I finally got around finishing this series. I think it was decent, but never got around to it because it was too "black and white" for me. I read them when I see them when I get a chance. The last book was a shocker for me. I had to think, "is this really a kids book?" Does anyone else feel that J.K Rowling was on a killing spree because she wanted to end the last book with a bang? And that the epilogue seemed too tacky? but other than that I enjoyed it. It was my favourite of the series. It wasn't so "black and white" after all. Betrayal, darkness, gray zone. confusion. I liked how Harry and his friends were being pessimistic, and that Dumbledore wasn't such a perfect person.
I like how you summed up the book. I think it's misrepresented as a kids' book, because in the later books it gets into much heavier stuff, but I think that was Jo's intention. A lot of kids start out reading the books and as they grow up they don't expect the books to always be so light. At first I didn't understand the hype around HP because I thought it was a tad too kiddy for me, and when I eventually gave in, the books did get better because they were much darker.
I think the killing spree was because she wanted a more realistic potrayal of war: Not all the good people live to see tomorrow.
I also loved how she portrayed Dumbledore. Of course no one could ever be perfect. Of course he didn't know exactly everything that Harry needed to do to defeat Voldemort. The end was really cheesy. LOL But I enjoyed it. I thought it was sweet.
My favorite book was Prisoner of Azkaban. It was the first book to really show you that you need to pay attention to the little details and things aren't always as they seem to be.
It's a good series, one of my favorites.
QUOTE (PecanPie02 @ Sep 23 2008, 06:22 PM)
OMG! everyone seriously needs to read The Road by Cormac McCarthy best gosh darn book ever!!!!!!! seriously no joke!! its just soooo good!
It's a beautiful book. I really like it a lot, but I don't think it's as good as people hype it to be. It scared me a lot too. LOL
Twilight is the most recent book that I finished. To put it mildly, it was...dull. (Honestly? It was boring and stupid - and what I mean by 'stupid' is 'not smart' or 'not witty at all'. It's supposed to be about vampires - the only other vampire novel I've read, Interview with the Vampire, scared me so much I had to stop reading altogether - and nothing had even happened yet!)
Edward is a Gary Stu, and Bella - well, I couldn't find the appeal in her at all. The narration was bland; I've read other young adult books with better 1st-person narrators. Ms. Meyer had almost 500 pages to make Edward and Bella seem even remotely believable, but even after reading all that there was nothing that made me think, "Hey, these people could really exist." Whenever I read fiction, I want to fall in love with the characters - not scoff at them.
I had low expectations for this book, but even then Twilight just didn't cut it for me.
That is my absolute favorite novel. The writing was beautiful - I've never read anything quite like Garcia Marquez's narration, and it makes reading anything by him soo worthwhile. One Hundred Years of Solitude is supposed to parallel the history of Latin America, I've read. I know little about their history, but that doesn't take anything away from the whole experience - yes, reading this book was an experience. I'm a pretty fast reader, but I like to read this one slowly just to savor all the words. Highly recommended.
Edward is a Gary Stu, and Bella - well, I couldn't find the appeal in her at all. The narration was bland; I've read other young adult books with better 1st-person narrators. Ms. Meyer had almost 500 pages to make Edward and Bella seem even remotely believable, but even after reading all that there was nothing that made me think, "Hey, these people could really exist." Whenever I read fiction, I want to fall in love with the characters - not scoff at them.
I had low expectations for this book, but even then Twilight just didn't cut it for me.
QUOTE (Rini @ Sep 23 2008, 12:01 PM)
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the best book I've ever read. I don't think any other contemporary epic can be compared to this book. Some say this is an overrated novel, but the writing in undoubtedly superb. Highly recommended to those who want to read a more lengthy, thought-provoking novel. It's about timelessness, solitude, and Marquez's writing of magical realism. The men are passionate, fierce, while the women are quiet, but strong. Much romance in the novel, but it's not the conventional type. Read with a very open mind, and you will enjoy this book very much. For some it can be a long read, but for many it could be a very fast read.....for me I finished it within a few nights.
That is my absolute favorite novel. The writing was beautiful - I've never read anything quite like Garcia Marquez's narration, and it makes reading anything by him soo worthwhile. One Hundred Years of Solitude is supposed to parallel the history of Latin America, I've read. I know little about their history, but that doesn't take anything away from the whole experience - yes, reading this book was an experience. I'm a pretty fast reader, but I like to read this one slowly just to savor all the words. Highly recommended.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 11 2008, 03:58 PM)
I've Read 'The Kite Runner', it didn't live up to my expectations as well. I prefer ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’, mainly because it was through a female's perspective. It's really sad, it made me cry. And I'm a pretty emotionless person. I think if you’re a female you'll prefer ATSS over Kite Runner. I like to read about different cultures. I recently got into Haruki Murakami's books such as Norwegian Wood and The Elephant Vanishes.
I just finished reading Norwegian Wood, which I enjoyed, but not as much as the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle or even some of his short stories (I really liked Super Frog Saves Tokyo from after the quake). Murakami has a way of making things seem so mundane, yet I find myself unable to put his books down.
I also read Piercing by Ryu Murakami and to be honest, I didn't like it very much. Despite his ability to describe scenes with vivid details, his story didn't captivate me. I guess it just wasn't for me.
QUOTE (mayz @ Sep 23 2008, 10:57 AM)
This is a good thread!
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
I recently read Shopaholic & Baby, the last book of the Shopaholic series, right? I've never read any books from that series but I decided to borrow this book when I chanced upon it in the Library to try it out. And boy, I've had such an enjoyable read! It's plot are nothing amazing but I really like how Sophie Kinsella injected humour into this book! Recently, I'm more addicted to books dealing with Vampire romance (NOT Twilight, please. I go for books that are directed to a more mature grp of audience) but this Shopaholic book got me really addicted! I finished it in a day and left me wanting to read the other books in the series! I literally laughed out loud during some scenes in this book.
Em and about Twilight, I've only read the first book. I think it's overrated. Way way overrated.
hahahaa
i agree with you on both things: 1) shopaholic and baby was an enjoyable read and 2) twilight is so overrated.
if you liked shopaholic and baby, you should seriously read it from the beginning
i loooved it. i lent it to my bfs sister, and basically got her hooked lol. after you read those, read Can You Keep a Secret and the Undomestic Goddess, all by the same author. can't get enough of it lol.
i saw the movie trailer, NOT IMPRESSED
the character's like a redhead and she doesnt have a british accent! ahahaaQUOTE (prettycrimson_ @ Sep 12 2008, 10:58 AM)
Lots of the books mentioned above sound really interesting. I'll have to check 'em out... =) I have a few books I've read recently that I pretty much enjoyed...
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. ... it's Nicholas Sparks. With the movies and his novels, you can pretty much know what to expect with a Nicholas Sparks book. Anyhoo, if you're looking for a light read... Also, Dear John was great. I think I prefer Dear John over The Choice. But they are pretty different.
i liked dear john too.. although all his books kinda have the same storyline, if you know what i mean? is the choice the newer one?
i really liked the rescue.. if i remember correctly.
QUOTE (sbq @ Sep 11 2008, 05:24 AM)
I’m going to start of by talking about ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. A beautiful book, that brought me to tears. It just spoke to me about the hardships that woman in Afghanistan have. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Another book I read was ‘The Book Thief’. I love how this book is in death’s point of view. I really feel for the main character. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
Another book I read was ‘The Book Thief’. I love how this book is in death’s point of view. I really feel for the main character. Has anyone else read it? What did you think?
These two are two of my favorite books! =D
I loved A Thousand Splendid Suns, just because the story is so amazing. It makes me hope and feel for the characters. I think the reason why I prefer it to The Kite Runner (which I never thought could be possible) is because the characters are far more touching -- you actually care about them. The book made me cry, too.
The Book Thief was great as well. I love witty books. And the characters were each so beautiful -- I still cry thinking about Rose Hubermann and the accordian scene. I was bawling my eyes out at the end. And it's such a huge book, I love it!
QUOTE (Happy_Day @ Sep 12 2008, 01:22 PM)
Atonement, Daughter of Fortune, Survival in Auschwitz, The Count of Monte Cristo, Free Food for Millionaires, Shopaholic series..
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
Some great books I've read recently.
Redeeming Love, a Christian novel that brought me to tears..
Pride and Prejudice
A classic
Planning on reading Birdsong next. I'm a sucker for WWII novels.
Twilight
A horrible book I read because of the hype. Let's just say, I was cringing throughout the entire book, and no plans to read the rest of the series. Can't believe it's getting compared to genius J.K. Rowling.
Atonement was very haunting for me. It also made me cry. It's just really sad. Someone ruined the ending for me before I finished :/ Same for all the McEwan books -- they're brilliantly written but they make me depressed.
I don't think I could have gone through Pride and Prejudice without having watched the movie and BBC series. I still like the book, though. I think it's very cute and charming, definitely a classic story. So many books are ripped off of this (like Twilight). I really like the book, but I don't think it's all that amazing, I just like how the story is told.
I thought Twilight was good when I first read it. But when I went on to the other books and reread the book, it's not all that brilliant. The writing is horrible, and the characters are rather dull. The story and conflicts are extremely silly at times. Plus, with everyone repeating so many lines from the book, it just gets cornier than it originally was. I think I just enjoyed it because it's really appealing -- what with its sexual tension and all.
The Little Prince remains my favorite book. I have a cute only-sold-at-schools edition. It's charming and witty and thought-provoking, and it makes me cry a lot (I cry a lot for books >_>). It highlights so many human emotions. I cherish it like a personal bible.
Anyone read The Picture of Dorian Gray? That was wicked.
How about the Ender and Shadow series? I love OSC, although I only like a few works outside of the Enderverse. It's just so enthralling, and a work of pure genius. I know a lot of people don't find Ender's Game all that appealing, especially if they were forced to read it, but I read it on my own in sixth grade, and I just found it awesome. Every book focuses on so much humanness, and it just hurts how these kids have to grow up so fast. This is one series that I never get tired of; it's the only series I encourage more sequels to, especially since OSC writes the series' books so well!
Also, my favorite contemporary author is John Green. He's kind of a youtube celebrity now. Looking for Alaska is my favorite book from him. I've spent a year persuading friends (many, many friends, like about 20) to read it, and all of them like it so far =D I was never into Catcher in the Rye, even now it's not my style, and Alaska (it's the name of the main female character, btw) isn't a Catcher in the Rye, it's a coming-of-age story with great adventure and insight. I've read it over a couple of times, and I've learned more and more from it (as well as from John's vlogs about it). Looking for Alaska is a great book about hope.
His newest book came out last week. I got it on Saturday. Because of his huge youtube following, it's pretty big. Paper Towns is wonderful. It's far from Looking for Alaska though, but I think it's because it dropped all its swearing and drugs and screwed-up tales and focused on a line--or a string--between characters. It is a deeply poignant novel to me, and still manages to be light and attached. And it has huge metaphors. I love huge metaphors.
Wow I type a lot late at night
I think I've found my soompi-niche.
^I saw part of the movie The Picture of Dorian Gray and was intrigued. I want to read the book now.
I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl and thought it was pretty good. I pitied Anne Boleyn's character because Philippa Gregory made her out into such a horrible person, but then it was written in first person so it was understandable. I thought it got the most interesting when William Stafford came into the picture. I hated Henry VIII.
I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl and thought it was pretty good. I pitied Anne Boleyn's character because Philippa Gregory made her out into such a horrible person, but then it was written in first person so it was understandable. I thought it got the most interesting when William Stafford came into the picture. I hated Henry VIII.
I'm in love with this thread now.
Recent books that I read that are amazing includes:
1. Love walked in by Marisa De Los Santos
I liked the way she wrote switching back and forth between Clara and Cornelias' POV. This book is not just about finding true love but also other kind of love such as Clara's love for her mother, love from family (The Browns), and best-friends. I cried and cried whenever I get to Clara's chapters because her character is so mature for her age and trying to help her mother too. I wanted to hug her when her mother left her and I wanted to punched her father for being so heartless. Yeah you will cry reading this book.
2. A bend in the road by Nicholas Sparks
Sparks create characters that leave a lasting impression. Reading this book just takes you on a journey and you are trying to figure out who killed Missy until it hit you and *gasp*. I admired Miles for what he did at the end and just goes to show that he put his family before himself. I couldn't stop laughing about how Miles asked Sarah out "How's the fan working?"
3. Love Stargirlby Jerry Spinelli
Oh god I love this book and everything about Stargirl. It makes you feel like a kid again and that it's okay to be different, to be daring, to care about the little things, and to hold on to love.
I can't believe Dear John is being into a movie! So excited but that book made me cried and I could never read it again. I pitied John and felt that he was running away from life by keep re-enlisting in the army. Yet his love for his father and the girl he lost was so endearing.
Recent books that I read that are amazing includes:
1. Love walked in by Marisa De Los Santos
I liked the way she wrote switching back and forth between Clara and Cornelias' POV. This book is not just about finding true love but also other kind of love such as Clara's love for her mother, love from family (The Browns), and best-friends. I cried and cried whenever I get to Clara's chapters because her character is so mature for her age and trying to help her mother too. I wanted to hug her when her mother left her and I wanted to punched her father for being so heartless. Yeah you will cry reading this book.
2. A bend in the road by Nicholas Sparks
Sparks create characters that leave a lasting impression. Reading this book just takes you on a journey and you are trying to figure out who killed Missy until it hit you and *gasp*. I admired Miles for what he did at the end and just goes to show that he put his family before himself. I couldn't stop laughing about how Miles asked Sarah out "How's the fan working?"
3. Love Stargirlby Jerry Spinelli
Oh god I love this book and everything about Stargirl. It makes you feel like a kid again and that it's okay to be different, to be daring, to care about the little things, and to hold on to love.
I can't believe Dear John is being into a movie! So excited but that book made me cried and I could never read it again. I pitied John and felt that he was running away from life by keep re-enlisting in the army. Yet his love for his father and the girl he lost was so endearing.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (they are also making a movie)
brought me to tears
the main character is up in heaven [a different kind of heaven]
trying to do everything in her power to show her family who killed her
but she can do nothing but watch from above
she can't move on because moving on meant forgetting and she doesn't want to, at least not yet
through her eyes we see what life is like and what happens to the people she left behind
her family and friends and especially her killer
she also wrote Lucky which is an autobiography on how she was raped and what happens after.
im trying to get through Survival of the Prettiest its not a novel, but an explanation of beauty in our society and how it impacts out life. Im skipping chapters, because im not interested in some. The first pages will send your mind reeling, mine did.
Ive read the last 3 pages and....
Twilight SERIES I seriously have always liked vampires, big fan of Interview of the Vampire movie. I plan to read the Anne Rice series hopefully next year. (so busy with college ;_;) Ive read the Synopsis of the Rice series and im already hooked.
Regarding Twilight the writing can be improved, there are times (which is often) that the characters don't seem very realistic. I find myself questioning: " why did that character just do that?" when Meyer's didn't explain them like that at all. There is times where I lost interest and speed read ahead, meaning i scan paragraphs full of mind boggling explanations of why Bella is feeling, i find that very annoying I wish Meyers wrote more with actions and less with monologues from people's minds. There are times when it is helpful but most of the time there is just excess monologues.
Something that really caught my attention with Twilight is that a lot of people are complaining about why is Bella such a weakling, and Edward is a overly protective or possessive boyfriend. would you want to read a book about Bella being this independent, super strong woman? than where would Edward fit in? Edward would then be this sissy vampire, in need of protection from Bella. o_0 that would be a VERY weird story, but I WOULD READ IT, for fun lol.[ JUST KIDDING!!! BE NICE, DON't bite! unless of course you are a vampire then feel free
;;]
In spite of all the bad things, I still do like the series. Its one of the series where I hope and probably the movies WILL be better than the book itself. In the end Bella accomplishes what she wants the most: a FAMILY, whereas her's was divorced parents with no siblings. Immortality, to spend her whole life with someone she loves and her own family a husband and child. An idea so simple that Meyers took from her dreams and wrote about. ( but i don't think its enough to be rivaled against the HP series and Rowling)
brought me to tears
the main character is up in heaven [a different kind of heaven]
trying to do everything in her power to show her family who killed her
but she can do nothing but watch from above
she can't move on because moving on meant forgetting and she doesn't want to, at least not yet
through her eyes we see what life is like and what happens to the people she left behind
her family and friends and especially her killer
she also wrote Lucky which is an autobiography on how she was raped and what happens after.
im trying to get through Survival of the Prettiest its not a novel, but an explanation of beauty in our society and how it impacts out life. Im skipping chapters, because im not interested in some. The first pages will send your mind reeling, mine did.
Ive read the last 3 pages and....
Twilight SERIES I seriously have always liked vampires, big fan of Interview of the Vampire movie. I plan to read the Anne Rice series hopefully next year. (so busy with college ;_;) Ive read the Synopsis of the Rice series and im already hooked.
Regarding Twilight the writing can be improved, there are times (which is often) that the characters don't seem very realistic. I find myself questioning: " why did that character just do that?" when Meyer's didn't explain them like that at all. There is times where I lost interest and speed read ahead, meaning i scan paragraphs full of mind boggling explanations of why Bella is feeling, i find that very annoying I wish Meyers wrote more with actions and less with monologues from people's minds. There are times when it is helpful but most of the time there is just excess monologues.
Something that really caught my attention with Twilight is that a lot of people are complaining about why is Bella such a weakling, and Edward is a overly protective or possessive boyfriend. would you want to read a book about Bella being this independent, super strong woman? than where would Edward fit in? Edward would then be this sissy vampire, in need of protection from Bella. o_0 that would be a VERY weird story, but I WOULD READ IT, for fun lol.[ JUST KIDDING!!! BE NICE, DON't bite! unless of course you are a vampire then feel free
;;] In spite of all the bad things, I still do like the series. Its one of the series where I hope and probably the movies WILL be better than the book itself. In the end Bella accomplishes what she wants the most: a FAMILY, whereas her's was divorced parents with no siblings. Immortality, to spend her whole life with someone she loves and her own family a husband and child. An idea so simple that Meyers took from her dreams and wrote about. ( but i don't think its enough to be rivaled against the HP series and Rowling)
QUOTE (Myss Blewm @ Sep 28 2008, 06:23 AM)
I like how you summed up the book. I think it's misrepresented as a kids' book, because in the later books it gets into much heavier stuff, but I think that was Jo's intention. A lot of kids start out reading the books and as they grow up they don't expect the books to always be so light. At first I didn't understand the hype around HP because I thought it was a tad too kiddy for me, and when I eventually gave in, the books did get better because they were much darker.
I think the killing spree was because she wanted a more realistic potrayal of war: Not all the good people live to see tomorrow.
I also loved how she portrayed Dumbledore. Of course no one could ever be perfect. Of course he didn't know exactly everything that Harry needed to do to defeat Voldemort. The end was really cheesy. LOL But I enjoyed it. I thought it was sweet.
My favorite book was Prisoner of Azkaban. It was the first book to really show you that you need to pay attention to the little details and things aren't always as they seem to be.
It's a good series, one of my favorites.
It's a beautiful book. I really like it a lot, but I don't think it's as good as people hype it to be. It scared me a lot too. LOL
I think the killing spree was because she wanted a more realistic potrayal of war: Not all the good people live to see tomorrow.
I also loved how she portrayed Dumbledore. Of course no one could ever be perfect. Of course he didn't know exactly everything that Harry needed to do to defeat Voldemort. The end was really cheesy. LOL But I enjoyed it. I thought it was sweet.
My favorite book was Prisoner of Azkaban. It was the first book to really show you that you need to pay attention to the little details and things aren't always as they seem to be.
It's a good series, one of my favorites.
It's a beautiful book. I really like it a lot, but I don't think it's as good as people hype it to be. It scared me a lot too. LOL
I don't think I've read Prisoner of Azkaban - I just watched it. It was a decent movie...
I guess killing off everyone does add a sort of realism - but towards the end it just felt like she was just killing needlessly (I guess that's a message in itself - war kills) I don't think I've read a book where a lot of the characters that were close to the main characters died like that. Well Harry Potter did have a lot of characters in that novel.
I just started the of the second book or the "Mistborn" trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. I finished the first one yesterday and it was so good...I read his Elantris a while back and remember enjoying it it. Same kind of story - defeating gods. It has some unexpected twists. I didn't see that coming.... it's action packed, has humor, fun, and dramatic. It's about thieves trying to overthrow their immortal tyrant king/god. It's also about politics and religion. Anyone looking for a good fantasy should check it out.
QUOTE (standing ovation @ Oct 21 2008, 01:07 AM)
Also, my favorite contemporary author is John Green. He's kind of a youtube celebrity now. Looking for Alaska is my favorite book from him. I've spent a year persuading friends (many, many friends, like about 20) to read it, and all of them like it so far =D I was never into Catcher in the Rye, even now it's not my style, and Alaska (it's the name of the main female character, btw) isn't a Catcher in the Rye, it's a coming-of-age story with great adventure and insight. I've read it over a couple of times, and I've learned more and more from it (as well as from John's vlogs about it). Looking for Alaska is a great book about hope.
His newest book came out last week. I got it on Saturday. Because of his huge youtube following, it's pretty big. Paper Towns is wonderful. It's far from Looking for Alaska though, but I think it's because it dropped all its swearing and drugs and screwed-up tales and focused on a line--or a string--between characters. It is a deeply poignant novel to me, and still manages to be light and attached. And it has huge metaphors. I love huge metaphors.
His newest book came out last week. I got it on Saturday. Because of his huge youtube following, it's pretty big. Paper Towns is wonderful. It's far from Looking for Alaska though, but I think it's because it dropped all its swearing and drugs and screwed-up tales and focused on a line--or a string--between characters. It is a deeply poignant novel to me, and still manages to be light and attached. And it has huge metaphors. I love huge metaphors.
Which of the two do you prefer? I've been meaning to buy Paper Towns for a while, but now I'm inclined to check out Looking for Alaska too.
^ Looking for Alaska is my favorite =) it's... uh more racy?
QUOTE (--after forever @ Oct 13 2008, 05:05 PM)
i liked dear john too.. although all his books kinda have the same storyline, if you know what i mean? is the choice the newer one?
i really liked the rescue.. if i remember correctly.
i really liked the rescue.. if i remember correctly.
OMG YES DEAR JOHN.
Dear John has got to be one of my most favourite books ever.
It's just such a bittersweet storyline.
I don't really want to spoil anything for anyone who wants to read it (WHICH, BY THE WAY, I DO RECOMMEND READING).
I've read all of Nicholas Sparks' books, and although I do love his books, his plotlines are all the same, and all the stories I've read kind of merge into my mind and I can't remember all of them like by themselves.
I do remember A Walk To Remember and The Notebook, Message In A Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe, but that's because they're all movies.
But Dear John is the one that I remember the most.
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