Sometimes I do not see the blessings in my life. Reading this book has helped me to KNOW that books are blessings to me. Imagine a world where books aSometimes I do not see the blessings in my life. Reading this book has helped me to KNOW that books are blessings to me. Imagine a world where books are banned. Censorship and the discouragement of 'thinking' is what results.
I did some searching on Google about Fahrenheit 451 and found an HBO Original movie based on the book. The genre of this movie?? HORROR/Science Fiction. Horror is so appropriate. My life is my books. I would be lost without them.
PLEASE... do not take away my books.
Short Summary of the Book (Taken, in part, from Sparknotes)
Guy Montag is a fireman who burns books in a futuristic American city. In Montag’s world, firemen start fires rather than putting them out. The people in this society do not read books, enjoy nature, spend time by themselves, think independently, or have meaningful conversations. Instead, they drive very fast, watch excessive amounts of television on wall-size sets, and listen to the radio on “Seashell Radio” sets attached to their ears.
Montag briefly meets a gentle seventeen-year-old girl named Clarisse McClellan, who opens his eyes to the emptiness of his life with her innocently penetrating questions.
He becomes confused about the value of books and seeks out Faber, an English Professor that Montag once encountered. He decides that this man might be able to help him understand what he reads. He visits Faber, who tells him that the value of books lies in the detailed awareness of life that they contain. Faber says that Montag needs not only books but also the leisure to read them and the freedom to act upon their ideas.
Much more takes place while Montag and Faber attempt a risky scheme to restore the status quo.
I can't believe that I never read this book before.
5 stars
PS. I am right there with you on this book, Elyse....more
Have you read Beartown? This book, Us Against You, is its sequel. You do not have to read Beartown just to enjoy this book. Us Against You stands on iHave you read Beartown? This book, Us Against You, is its sequel. You do not have to read Beartown just to enjoy this book. Us Against You stands on its own. One disclaimer though: if you want to enjoy Beartown DO NOT read Us Against You first. Nothing in Beartown will be a surprise.
This book is about violence and hatred and competition; power and weakness.
"Violence is the easiest and the hardest thing in the world to understand. Some of us are prepared to use it to get power. Others only in self-defense, some all the time, others not at all. But then there's another type, unlike all the others, who seems to fight entirely without purpose."
I found this book to be phenomenal. It took a while for me to get into Beartown; not so Us Against You. Perhaps, having read Beartown, I was already into the culture of a hockey-centered town.
I recommend this book highly. The characters are so well developed and real.
The book Harbor of Spies takes place in a six month time period in 1863 in Havana Cuba.
This book was a real eye opener for me.
Little did I know thatThe book Harbor of Spies takes place in a six month time period in 1863 in Havana Cuba.
This book was a real eye opener for me.
Little did I know that foreign countries were interested in the outcome of the Civil War. Nor did I know that countries such as England and Spain attempted to interfere. Cuba's involvement does make sense as they were, at the time, a slave-based economy. Of course the sugar cane plantation owners wanted the South to win.
The book opens with Everett Townsend sailing into Havana Harbor as interim captain. The original Captain Evans had been killed during the voyage when the schooner's foresail had swung out smashing the Captain in the head and sweeping him overboard. Townsend feels guilty of his inability to save the man. But he does not think of this for long. As he passes El Morro Castle, Havana's prison, he and his first mate hear a man calling out for help as he struggles against a shark in the water. They save him and the story proceeds from there.
The main threads of the story are the mysterious death of English diplomat George Backhouse, the involvement of Michael Abbot (the man rescued) to solve the murder and Townsend's involvement with Don Pedro Alvarado Cardona as a blockade runner.
This story is a complex one with many characters and twists and turns. The story is compelling and full of historical facts. Lloyd also has researched (or just knows!!) many technical terms for sailing vessels of the era.
I belong to 52 Weeks Around the Year Group which provides a prompt a week to be matched to a book which should then be read. ;-)
Week 19: A book nominaI belong to 52 Weeks Around the Year Group which provides a prompt a week to be matched to a book which should then be read. ;-)
Week 19: A book nominated for the Edgar Award or by a Grand Master author
OK, let's look into this: The Edgar Allan Poe Awards (popularly called the Edgars), named after Edgar Allan Poe, are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America, based in New York City. They honor the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater published or produced in the previous year.
The Grand Master Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Mystery Writers of America. It recognizes lifetime achievement and consistent quality.
At the beginning of April, Walter Mosley, Grand Master Author, was interviewed on CSpan Book TV's new monthly program featuring a fiction writer. OK, I think I would like to read one of his.
So.... I opted for Mosley's latest book, Down the River Unto the Sea. I was in for a treat. From the Book Browse Review:
The protagonist, Joe King Oliver , is a former New York City policeman. He's divorced with a teenaged daughter named Aja-Denise who works for him part time at the front desk of his private detective agency. He's a man carrying a heavy grudge and it weighs on his every move. It began over a decade ago when, as a cop, he was dispatched to arrest a car thief. But he was set up. Thrown in jail, he suffered horrible cruelties.
Ten years later, still suffering from his incarceration, he is now a PI. A new client wants to hire Joe to investigate why a Black activist is being framed for the murder of two cops. He decides to take both cases on, this new one and his own.
*******
I was really entranced with Joe's thought processes. I have highlighted a few phrases that caught my attention and am sharing them with you, the reader of this review.
Walter Mosley has a unique style all of his own. This book is stand alone but he has also written at least 3 series and 30 works in all.
Every once in a while a book touches your heart and soul deeply. Two books in my reading history that fall into this category are A Gentleman in MoscoEvery once in a while a book touches your heart and soul deeply. Two books in my reading history that fall into this category are A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Today I will add a third: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne.
While reading this book, I was on an emotional roller coaster, laughing one minute, crying the next. The story of Cyril Avery is that well-crafted: well-developed characters, compelling prose, engaging plot line.
Cyril Avery's life is detailed here: from 5 months in the womb to a few months before his death. He was conceived out of wedlock to Catherine Goggin. When born, he is delivered to a hunchback nun from whom the Averys adopt Cyril.
The Averys are a very unconventional couple. The way they treat Cyril makes the reader think why did they even adopt him? His adoptive father continually tells him 'You are not a real Avery'. His adoptive mother is an author and usually does not even talk to Cyril, much less nurture him.
But, in MHO, Cyril turns out fine anyway. The road to that 'fine' is full of big bumps and bruises however. You see, Cyril is a homosexual born in an Ireland that considers homosexuality a crime. He must hide his proclivities from his best friend and his girl friends.
Through the years Cyril is involved with so many people. We see them through his own eyes and emotions. As hinted at earlier in my review, Cyril grows in understanding and maturing, sorry he has lived a lie for so long and hurt people along the way.
There are many hints to what happens in this book in this review, but a lot more happens in the book that I have NOT disclosed. Everyone I know who has read this book has loved it. If you don't believe me, please consider the average 4.46 star rating as of this date.
I rate this book 6 stars; unfortunately GR does not support this level....more
Four siblings hear about a fortune teller. They nervously decide to get their fortunes told. This woman has a unique talent. She can exactly foretell Four siblings hear about a fortune teller. They nervously decide to get their fortunes told. This woman has a unique talent. She can exactly foretell the date of your death. These are kids and they are traumatized. The reader then begins to hear each of their stories. Will they die on these dates? If so, how and why.
The Immortalists is not a jolly, fun tale. It is, however, very well written and a real page turner. Unique to each sibling is not only that they know their day of death, but also have stories that are spellbinding.
There is Simon - a ballet dancer Klara - a magician Daniel - a military doctor and Varya - a research biologist.
Each of their stories is poignant and thought provoking. I think it would make an excellent book for club discussion. Varya's story, especially, poses some moral questions worthy of review.
Another excellent narrative non-fiction. I not only read but listened to the voice of Brian Kilmeade, the author. He is a radio talk show host on Fox.Another excellent narrative non-fiction. I not only read but listened to the voice of Brian Kilmeade, the author. He is a radio talk show host on Fox. His reading expertise shows.
I know that many people do not value or like Andrew Jackson. I understand why because his stance on Indian rights was abominable. However, I do begrudgingly admire him for his courage, his courtly manner and his love for his wife, Rachel.
The Volunteers from TN were greatly outnumbered in the Battle of New Orleans. But Jackson out-generaled his British opponent. With no formal battle strategy training, he was still able to win.
This is the second book I have read about Jackson, the other being American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, by Jon Meacham.
Jackson was a very interesting man and reading both these books furthered my knowledge of him
In October 2009 and August 2010, the Ocean Lady and the MV Sun Sea, two ships bearing together just over 550 Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, arrived inIn October 2009 and August 2010, the Ocean Lady and the MV Sun Sea, two ships bearing together just over 550 Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, arrived in British Columbia. Those vessels and their passengers were the inspiration for this novel.
Bala insists that all characters in this book are fictional. Very little is known about the actual Tamil refugees. Bala made these characters up based on the little information she COULD find out.
The book addresses some real and important issues: refugees and those who are troubled about accepting them.
Unfortunately the importance of the topic did not result in a top notch fictional read. In the final analysis, there were too many unanswered questions for this reader and the ending left something to be desired as well.
Ten short stories... all about ghosts. No, not the ghosts that float around in white sheets. More like the ghosts of our past lives, people we miss orTen short stories... all about ghosts. No, not the ghosts that float around in white sheets. More like the ghosts of our past lives, people we miss or people that we feel guilty about or people who evoke sad memories.
A pop of the cork and a glass of bubbly to T.F. Lince for his debut book, Room 119: The Whitby Trader.
Part mystery, part thriller, part fantasy, part A pop of the cork and a glass of bubbly to T.F. Lince for his debut book, Room 119: The Whitby Trader.
Part mystery, part thriller, part fantasy, part romance, this book and its twisty-turny plot are a feather in Lince' cap, a beautiful rose in his lapel.
I came upon this book by pure luck/coincidence and am obviously glad that I did. I understand that Lince had a dream/dreams from which this plot evolved.
I just have one sentence of advice for you, Trevor: go back to bed and dream up another one. Congratulations.
Marissa Moss is a rock. She has written this book and illustrated it too. The book commemorates her family's journey as they watch her husband, HarveyMarissa Moss is a rock. She has written this book and illustrated it too. The book commemorates her family's journey as they watch her husband, Harvey Stahl, suffer and succumb to the horrible disease ALS.
There are many themes in this book: connection, separation and the search for re-connection after a loss.
From the back cover:
Last things sneak up on you, slip away, unnoticed, unmarked... the last kiss, the last "I love you"... because we assume there will be others. We share a lot of "lasts" and don't even know it.
Although frequently painful to read, it is poignant and honest and worth the time.
I can't remember the last time I cried over a book. I know I have, I just can't remember which one.
Two books had me crying today: this one and Burial I can't remember the last time I cried over a book. I know I have, I just can't remember which one.
Two books had me crying today: this one and Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (actually, it was a review I read about Burial Rites, more, even, than the book itself).
Eleanor is like no other heroine in my recent memory. She is a 30 year old: socially inept and clueless about so many things that even I, at age 69, understand. But she has so many redeeming qualities and I fell in love with her.
As you can imagine, she is a loner. She works in an accounting department and one day her computer goes blooey and she meets Raymond, the company IT tech. They strike up a friendship and after lunch actually see an old man fall to the pavement. It is this old man, Sammy, and also Raymond who make a difference in her life. Because of their involvement and attention, she is eventually able to face the awful events that have occurred in her life and heal.
The book starts out with comic overtones. Eleanor is trying to make herself over because she has spied a local musician and developed a crush on him. We are talking personal hygiene here, folks. I'll leave it at that and let you read it!!
At least the next two thirds of the book continues in the same vein, Eleanor's actions evoking smiles and head shaking, not tears.
But then we get to the section Bad Days. The reader encounters these words and knows things are going to get ugly. When I got to this conversation, the tears began to flow:
Eleanor: I was fine in foster care, I had food, clothing, shelter, everything I needed. Maria: What about your other needs, Eleanor? Eleanor: I'm not sure I'm following you, what other needs? Maria: Humans have not only physical needs, but emotional needs. Eleanor thinks: I was completely taken aback and says... "I don't have any emotional needs."
OMg!!
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a unique story with a comforting ending. This is Gail Honeyman's first book. I am anxious to see what she will do next to top it.
Update 1/14/2018: Here is a link to an interview with Gail Honeyman
Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, has released a new historical fiction about Varina Howell Davis, Jefferson Davis’ Varina, by Charles Frazier
Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, has released a new historical fiction about Varina Howell Davis, Jefferson Davis’ wife.
Synopsis The book starts based on the memory of James Blake. As a child in Richmond, James was rescued by V when she saw him being beaten in the streets. Now, James is looking for his rescuer, V, some forty years later, wondering if he will recognize her and she him. They had been separated soon after the Civil War ended.
James does not remember his childhood, why he was rescued, and, of course, does not know V’s story after they parted. The story is told as a flashback to James on eight successive Sundays. And V’s life after she and James parted, was very interesting.
Review I had not ever heard of Varina Davis. This book describes her life, her childhood, her meeting of Jefferson Davis, her life with and without him. She is a strong, independent, and interesting woman. The things she did and endured in her life were shocking and startling. The Davises did not have a sound marriage. The book states that out of their 45 year union, they spent about half of it together.
Charles Frazier describes her life and events in such beautiful language. Even more than the story itself, the writing style and choice of words, similes and metaphors makes this book.
Sometimes I did get confused about what was happening. The story tended to jump around. But I am convinced that I will find much more if I re-read this book, which I plan to do when I can get it from the library again. There are now 37 waiting at the library for this book… so, after that.
I have a personal connection to this book as well. I was asked to assist in selecting the cover picture and the type for the title. Given three options for each, the final two used were the ones I selected. No wonder the book is so special to me.
What a beautiful story. Not an easy story, but beautiful, just as the title states.
This is the memoir of Ta-Nahisi Coates. I think it is his first booWhat a beautiful story. Not an easy story, but beautiful, just as the title states.
This is the memoir of Ta-Nahisi Coates. I think it is his first book. And he has gone on to write some real barn-burners.
But in this one, he recounts the story of how his father influenced him; how wonderful a man his father was.
It is 1974 in Baltimore MD. Ta-Nahisi is the issue of his father’s fourth liaison. Paul Coates is a man who had fathered 5 children before Ta-Nahesi. Paul Coates is a man to be feared AND admired. He uses the belt as if it were an extension of his right hand on this child who does not always rise to his expectations. He is also an activist (having been a Black Panther) and a man who re-publishes some pretty high-brow books.
I loved the book despite Coates using some hip-hop language that I did not understand. But maybe I will just study hip-hop as I loved this story and I want to understand it further. I am going to include 2 quotes from the book which summed up the book for me.
Page 169 “I was almost 16 and Dad was counting on the lessons kicking in, the books, the work, the bees and wax, the Ankobia initiation, the Rites, the Knowledge, the Consciousness. My Dad was only looking to me to finally police myself”.
Page 180 A page that has MUCH to share, but am quoting the following “Because my father was Superman, … the cat who was dealt a hand of seven kids by four women, and did his best to carry it, and I had let him down.”
I loved the book because Ta-Nahesi rose above his failures and became the success he is. I also see his Father as NOT being the stereotypical African American dad who does not show involvement with his kids. He influences Ta-Nahesi to become the man that he is.
I am giving this book 4.75 stars and have deducted only because of the hip-hop. I loved this book.
4.75 stars
Personal note: I visited San Jose CA in Oct 2017 and visited many book stores while there. One was the Amazon Book Store in one of the suburbs of San Jose. I was in the company of a dear reading friend when I bought this book . Well, Elyse, I finally got to it and I loved it. Thank you....more
I have just found the perfect book. This is a fiction novel that also teaches all the important things in life. Learning important things while gettinI have just found the perfect book. This is a fiction novel that also teaches all the important things in life. Learning important things while getting a good story... priceless.
I have highlighted over 50 quotes and most of them have a lesson to teach.
Way to go, Kevin. Loved your book.
To all readers of this review, please read the quotes. They are quite worth the read and the reflection.
This my first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Book; my first Sherlock Holmes.
I am still trying to figure out how much I liked it. So far, not very much.
Holmes This my first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Book; my first Sherlock Holmes.
I am still trying to figure out how much I liked it. So far, not very much.
Holmes seems a little pompous; Watson seems a little dull.
One thing I did like: the entire affair from start to finish, what happened and how they figured out what happened, was summarized in the last chapter. It confirmed that I had figured out what happened correctly. Affirmation... ah!!
Lisa Genova has outdone herself in this book. You may know that she is a neuroscientist and has written many books that center around neurological disLisa Genova has outdone herself in this book. You may know that she is a neuroscientist and has written many books that center around neurological disease. The first book I read by her, Still Alice, was about the progress of Early Onset Alzheimer's, in Dr. Alice Howland, a professor of Psychology at Harvard University. It was eventually made into a movie directed by Richard Glatzer.
Richard suffered from ALS and while directing Still Alice, could not speak at all, and typed his directions on an IPad with one finger.
Genova was extremely touched by Glatzer's involvement with the movie, and vowed to write a book about ALS, dedicating it to Glatzer. She even named the protagonist in the book Richard in his honor.
The Book
Richard is an accomplished concert pianist, who, because of ALS, loses his ability to play. Eventually he loses all control of his body and cannot afford the twenty four hour care that is required. His ex-wife, Karina, offers to care for him in the house they once shared. Karina has been hurt by Richard, but still offers her assistance. Grace, their daughter, while really resenting Richard, assists in his care too.
ALS is a very debilitating disease, and Genova pulls no punches in describing its progress. Be prepared for some gruesome scenes.
But also be prepared for the ending. It shows that one can be redeemed from former 'sins' and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.
The Mothers of the title are a group of older African American women whose sole comfort is Upper Room, a blFrom BookBrowse (reviewed by Poornima Apte)
The Mothers of the title are a group of older African American women whose sole comfort is Upper Room, a black church in Oceanside, a town near San Diego. Having been battered down by years of institutionalized racism, they have now retreated to the quiet refuge of Upper Room to live out their last days and to wring their collective hands or gossip over the young 'uns in the flock.
Primary to their concern is Nadia Turner, a black high school senior with infinite promise caught in the throes of grief after her young mother commits suicide. Nadia discovers a measure of escape in Luke Sheppard, Upper Room's pastor's son. Nadia's classmate, and church faithful Aubrey Evans, nurses her own psychological injuries. The three young characters weave in and out of each other's lives in a complex and tangled web of friendship, secrets, and lies affecting each one for a lifetime. *****
This is the debut of Ms Bennett, age 26 at the time of publication. She started writing it when she was 17 years old. I hope to read more by this young lady. What a talent.
I read this book to satisfy a prompt: a book that scares or intimidates. And did it ever!!
For thousands of years, the pristine Great Lakes were separaI read this book to satisfy a prompt: a book that scares or intimidates. And did it ever!!
For thousands of years, the pristine Great Lakes were separated from the Atlantic by Niagara Falls and the Mississippi River basin by a "sub-continental divide". Then man begin to circumvent these barriers. The Erie Canal, the first circumvention, started to allow invasive species into the system. The St Lawrence Seaway continued to allow the invasion. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal routed Chicago's sewage away from the Great Lakes and into the Mississippi River Basin.
The description of the unforeseen effects of these great technological advances is chilling. Some of the invasive species are described in horrible detail: the sea lamprey, the quagga mussel and the zebra mussel. The picture of the sea lamprey's mouth is enough to scare you to death.
The writing in this book is very vivid and understandable. If you are from one of the 8 Great Lakes states or the 2 Canadian Provinces that border the lakes, I consider this book required reading. This book also describes effects beyond the eight states, so if you live anywhere in the USA, you might read something about your area.
I was glued to this book for the duration of the read. Scary, yes. However, the book, in its last section, does show hope for the future. A great read.
Backman has written three books and one novella before this book. And all of them were VERY good. ButI can not say enough good things about this book.
Backman has written three books and one novella before this book. And all of them were VERY good. But Beartown is ASTOUNDING.
This book has a great plot but books with this set of happenings have been written many times before. What makes this book so unique is how it makes you think about so many concepts/notions/TRUTHS.
Here are some of these with appropriate quote to support: TRUST - "Never trust people who don't have something in their lives that they love beyond all reason". PHILOSOPHICAL - "If a town falls in a forest but no one hears it, does it matter at all?" LIFE - "If you are honest, people may deceive you. Be honest anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness. Be kind anyway. All the good you do today will be forgotten by others. Do good anyway. What you create, others can destroy. Create anyway. Because in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and anyone else anyway".
These quotes are found in the first 10 pages. Imagine what other gems this book must hold.
I have not met anyone yet who does not love this book. I was so sorry the book ended. However, there is a #1 in the title. Can a #2 be far behind?...more