More from the book club

We are having some Internet issues so I will post pictures of our house and Cooper as soon as I can but until then...

The Book Club

A Separate Peace

Rating on a scale from 1-10...I'd say a 7.5

A very well written book with an original plot. It is set in WWII era without really being about the war which I enjoyed. (not that I don't enjoy war era books, I just like that this wasn't the main focus for this book) It earns a 7.5 for being a very interesting read but I would not really be interested in re-reading it. It would probably make a good movie though...

Next I read The Little Prince

Rating probably a 10 actually

I've read this several times but I just love this book. It is written for children and is just delightful. It is a very very quick read, makes me stop and think about appreciating things more, and I get something different out of it every time. What more could you ask for?

Great quote: "That is the hardest thing of all. It is much harder to judge yourself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself, it's because you're truly a wise man."

Currently reading Three Cups of Tea

I am finding it quite enjoyable though I can really tell that it is written by a journalist - way too fancy with the vocabulary and description at times. (not that journalists are bad writers, they just have a different style since they usually write much shorter pieces)

Next on my list: Dan Brown's new book (I forget what it is called right now...)

Book Club

Welcome to my new personal book club via my blog. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this up and would love your advice and comments! I'll start by reviewing the last two books I've read.

*Note: this is designed to NOT ruin plots for people who haven't read it yet, fear not

1. The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Rating out of 10...I give it a 5.

My views: Meyer is not a particularly good writer. I also have no idea how the book is so long. The first 3/4 of the book I would actually rate at a 3 but the ending was better so it brought it up a bit. The book is too vague at the beginning, too long winded at other times, and quite predictable. I do know people who loved it but I think the biggest problem for me is that it is too science fiction-y. Elements such as the "bat planet" "claw-beasts" and names like "Fords Deep Waters" keep me from getting as involved with the story - a factor that can sway me to forgive the previous faults. If this type of story is your thing, you may love it.

*I also feel that the character's names majorly lack creativity. If I were to write a book there would be a Mrs. Virgil Grantham...now tell me that isn't more interesting that Melanie or Jared or Jamie or Ian or Kyle etc.

Overall: Not as good as Twilight, had entertaining parts, too "out there" for me.

2. The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. Rating out of 10....I give it a 4.

My Views: I expected this book to discuss Austen's books a bit more but instead Fowler uses Austen's books as allusions throughout the book somewhat clever but also made the end predictable. There is way too much needless bad language. The plot line leaves quite a bit to be desired as well.

Redeeming lines:

"Do you still believe in happy endings?
Oh my Lord, yes...I guess I would. I've had about a hundred of them" (from a character who had rough spots in life)

Overall: Cute ending but would NOT recommend to a friend.

Currently reading:

A Separate Peace...anyone read this before?