Atonement

Atonement
by Ian McEwan

I'm really interested in what others have to say about this book. I HATED reading it. There was far too much detail and so very little action or plot. Worse yet, though, after wading through it for three weeks (yes, it took me forever to get through it!) it wouldn't let me go when I finally did reach the end.

The story line is one of those book within a book types. Part one of the book is through the eyes of a 13 year old girl, who is also the author who is telling the story in her old age. Later on in the story, she submits the transcript of the story (part I of the book) to a magazine for publication, and although they turn it down, they rave about her ability to write and bring detail to life. Now this is where I wonder if it's the author's intention (McEwan, not the fictionalized author) to write with so much detail that boredom overtakes the reader and the search for a story line becomes the readers' obsession. I never saw enough of a story in part I for the fictional author to write about to submit for publication.

There is a crime, a punishment and an attempt at atonement. The crime is not the event the punishment is levelled for and the atonement is far from satisfactory. The plot was far too thin for the length of the novel.
My daughter did see the movie version in theatres now and loved it. Should I tell you every movie is "the best movie ever!" to her? I think I will give the movie a shot, though, simply because of the fact the ending of the book wouldn't release me. If I don't like it at least it's only a couple of hours rather than three weeks!

Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife

Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife

by: Irene Spencer

This was a very interesting look into plural marriage and the true story of Irene Spencer.  She shares most every aspect of living in plural marriage, extreme poverty, secrecy, and strict religious beliefs. The communities they lived in were in Mexico and they moved often to build new communities for the believers of living The Principle.

I can't really think of what to say about this book other than how fascinated I was with the world Irene was born into and believed in for many years. I work with a former plural wife who confirms the experiences described in the book and how difficult the lifestyle is. She also confirms that there are many plural marriages existing currently all around us.

It's hard to understand and believe when I have been raised so very differently.  If you have an interest in comparative religions or visiting the lifestyle of the FLDS, read this book. It's very interesting and enlightening about a religious subculture that exists here in our own neighborhoods.

12:08 AM

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    ♥Cid not so Vicious♥ That seems like a very interesting read. I just may have to pick that up!

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    3 years ago

My Lobotomy

That's a title that should receive alot of attention!     Actually, it's a book title and now is time for another book review.  I have read so many that I haven't reviewed in a long while - 'bout time I start to catch up.  

My Lobotomy
by Howard Dully

"My Lobotomy" is the biography of Howard Dully who actually had a lobotomy at age 12. The subject of this book seemed quite intriguing to me but the book itself is rather tedious.  Mr. Duffy doesn't present himself as an accomplished writer and the writing of this book felt more like I was reading someone's highschool report. I was tempted to put the book down and call it quits, but the best was saved for last and I was happy that I stuck it out.

In mid-life Howard Dully finally decided to delve into the reasons he'd been lobotomized at such a young age. His operation was a transorbital lobotomy in which the doctor inserted an "ice-pick" into each eyesocket and "scrambled" his brains behind. The entire procedure took about 10 minutes once they subdued him through electroshock. Barbaric! Whether he thinks so or not, Howard was one of the lucky ones that survived the procedure pretty much intact. Many others  became functional zombies, non-functional zombies or lost their lives entirely. 

Much of the book tells of his life as a boy before and after the operation. Although he always felt different because of it, I believe the real issue was not so much the lobotomy but the lack of love and nurturing he received as a child. From his description of himself, he appeared to be a child that would have been diagnosed as ADHD today. Unfortunately, he had a stepmother full of anger that targeted him and him alone of the five boys in the family. She was full of hate and anger and Howard became her whipping post and the recipient of her abuse. She went shopping for a doctor who could "change" Howard. Most of the doctors she saw said she was the problem, not Howard, but she finally found a doctor she could manipulate with lies and eventually got her way. Howard was diagnosed as schizophrenic and removed from the family to be lobotomized. 

After the lobotomy, Howard never lived with his family again. He spent time in JV, half-way houses, and sanitoriums simply because his stepmother would not allow him back in her world and the "system" kept trying to find a place for him. His father never stood up to his stepmother, but in his defense, he was a regular visitor to Howard. It would take an incredible strong person to survive what Howard survived unscathed with or without the lobotomy, and I believe that is where the real issues are - not the lobotomy. I'd refer to the operation as an ill consequence of the issues, not the actual problem itself. In his adult years, Howard was in and out of trouble and had no self discipline or direction and blamed that on his past, saying he had no instruction in day to day living, grooming, working, or being responsible. I won't argue that point but he did eventually pull it together and became a respectable citizen. Some people manage to do that despite the odds and many never do. I give him kudos for that. 

Why am I glad I finished the book?  Because it's not until that last quarter of the book that it becomes clear that the book is the result of an NPR program that Howard became the subject of while seeking answers to his own lobotomy. If you are interested in this subject and this man's experience, I suggest you forgo the book and visit the NPR program. You can listen to the broadcast and read more about Howard in much less time in a much more interesting format. Check it out here:

NPR: Howard Dully talks about 'My Lobotomy'

Austenland

Austenland
by Shannon Hale

Austenland is chic-lit and a fast & fun read.  Jane, our heroine, is a 30-something single woman obsessed (like many) with Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.  All her failed relationships never measure up to the incredible Mr. Darcy.

In her distant Aunt's will she is bequeathed a visit to "Austenland," an English resort catering to the bored and rich, offering a bit of fantasy direct from the pages of Jane Austen's books.

What follows is a reality check as Jane realizes that life in the day must have been pretty darn boring for sweet young things who sat and embroidered their days away just waiting for visitors to come by. However, Jane does manage to find some excitement and the game is on.

If you like chic-lit with satisfying endings, this is a book you must pick up. I'd lable it a beach read if it was April instead of nearly October.  But since it is getting colder out, it's a great curl-up-in-front-of-the-fireplace read. 

Fablehaven

"Fablehaven"

by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven is a juvenile book that is found in the kids department, but don't be mislead, after all, Harry Potter and his six (almost seven) books are located in the children's department, too.

I started reading this book as a requirement for work but it became a labor of pleasure only a few pages in. The story is a fantasy involving fairies and golems and satyrs and many other mythical magical creatures. Of course there is the human element and it's presented in a way in which you don't have to leave this world to believe in their world, Fablehaven.

It's the story of a couple of young kids who are spending two weeks with a set of grandparents that they are not close to or very familiar with. The drive to their grandparent's place is long and they are not looking forward to spending this time there. It turns out their grandparent's estate is quite remote and very lovely. The older couple set the kids up in a very nice kid friendly attic room and give them just a few rules, which must not be broken, and a challenge.

I don't want to give too much away, but they discover, through the challenge, that Fablehaven is a refuge of sorts. It's not a wild animal refuge, but a refuge of magical mystical creatures, a safe haven for fairies and more. Thus the adventure begins!

In comparing this book to Harry Potter, I enjoyed it as much if not more. The reading level is a bit lower and the story not as dark. The characters and adventure is quite good and keeps the reader's interest.  I do recommend it for adults and kids alike, although most of the time I was reading it I kept wishing I had grandkids I could read it to chapter by chapter.

Check out the website: Fablehaven

Don't hesitate to pick this one up! 

7:03 PM

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    Angelic Ross oh this is just my kind of book... and my daughter would love it too. We've been looking for a new bedtime book... I'm a story-teller..but to be honest.. this brain can only come up with so much...LOL (you should read my newest blog..dare to dream) Thanks for the review hun.. have a great week!
    

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    3 years ago
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    Katlanga SkyCherry I want it!!! This is just my kind of book! :))
    

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    3 years ago
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      Betsy Gully I may have a deal to make you if you can find a certain kind of candy in exchange....
      

      3 years ago

Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star

"Fablehaven Rise of the Evening Star"

By Brandon Mull

I liked Fablehaven so much I returned with Kendra and Seth for another visit. Kendra has changed in a very significant way since her first arrival at Fablehaven although no one is sure of just how much she has changed. Seth is still a little too courageous and daring, making the reader hold his or her breath more than once.

Book two is even better than book one as the story and characters develop. You'll find yourself carried away by characters you've never imagined to places that have never before existed.  By the end you'll certainly be ready to continue on in book three and have no idea of who to trust.

I suspect we will someday soon be enjoying Fablehaven at the theatres.  I so loved these two books.  Sorry, there will be no review of book three just yet as it has yet to be released.

Fablehaven

Are You Afraid of the Dark

Are You Afraid of the Dark 

by Sidney Sheldon

 

Abridged on CD, read by Marsha Mason

 

Many many years ago Sidney Sheldon's novel, "The Other Side of Midnight" was very popular and made the rounds of my group of friends and touted as a great story. Based on this recollection I picked up this audio book expecting to be happily entertained.

 

I was disappointed. It was not to be.

 

I don't know if it was the fact that the story was abridged, and possibly lost some of it's appeal through deletions or omissions, or

 

Perhaps it was Marcia Mason's reading of the story, making the female characters always speak in breathy, too urgent voices, or

 

Just maybe it's the fact that Batman (or was it Jame Bond?) already took care of the mad scientist trying to control the world by controling the weather.

 

Whatever it is, I recommend you not waste your time on this one.  At least not the audio version.  Sorry Sidney, it's a bust...

 

(from my former MySpace blog)