Books with Friends ~ Book 4: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Originally read and written July 31, 2010
Recommended by Jen (among others)

I am many years behind the trend. Almost a decade since "Potter Mania" swept the world, I just read the first book in the popular series. One of the advantages of reading this book as the mania has calmed is that I was able to read without hyped reviews that could potential jade my view of the book.

My thoughts? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Rowling is truly a gifted storyteller and writer. Her details are incredible yet simplistic. Gone are the page filled adjectives that many writers deem necessary to describe a boat and yet I could still picture the huge chessboard. No, it has nothing to with the movie as I have yet to see the film.

This book is what I call "popcorn" reading. It is light, filling, and good although not necessarily meant to be a meal. I engage in similar fare when I happen across some of the books of my youth such as The Babysitters Club and Nancy Drew.

Speaking of which, as a child who loved to read, libraries and bookstores did not offer as much in the way of serial novels. I was in the 4th grade when I was reading Ann M. Martin's The Babysitters Club. As I outgrew those books (and read through most of Ronald Dahl, C.S. Lewis and Madeline L'Engle) I began reading Nancy Drew. Once I read everything in that series in the libraries I had nothing left and as such began my foray into the works of Mr. Stephen King (I know, really big jump) My point is that young readers are offered a wider variety of novels geared towards them. Most thanks to a selection of artists who thought of younger readers. One such writer is J.K. Rowling.

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Books with Friends ~ Book 3: 1984 by George Orwell

Read July 27, 2010
Recommended by Kelli

1984 is one of those books that are always on the shelf as "required reading." I had never read it in school as I had read Orwell's Animal Farm instead. When my friend Kelli put this book on my Books with Friends list, I told her that I love her for giving me a reason to finally reading this book.

George Orwell's classic provides the reader with a indepth look at a world where government controls society, economy,and the every day even down to your very thoughts. With Big Brother ruling Oceania all must agree to the Party's 3 rules:

1. War
2. Ignorance = Freedom
3. Intelligence = Slavery

The protagonist lives and operates within the parameters of this world, but is on a search for an outlet. It is this search that is chronicled through the novel.

I finished this book at the crack of dawn and immediately fell asleep. After finishing this book, I did not sleep well. In my dreams, I saw interrogations and other scenes courtesy of this novel's description.

What I also found frightening is some of the modern day similarities such as the hope in the lottery by the lower class, and the nonchalance of the middle class.

Not a long novel but not an easy read. However, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in political satire and anyone curious as to what happens when the masses are willing to sacrifice free will for security.

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Books with Friends ~ Book 2: Jurassic Park

Completed on July 25, 2010

For many years my friend Amanda has suggested I read Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. For many years I have refused. It was never that I had anything against the author. In fact, I consider myself a Crichton fan, having read Congo, Airframe, The Andromeda Strain etc. The truth of the matter is that being such a fan kept me from reading this book.

I had read The Lost World (the sequel to Jurassic Park) a very long time ago. Absolutely loved it and was thoroughly disappointed in the concept of the film. As such, I did not want to read Jurassic Park as I loved the movie so much I did not want to do anything that would ruin the film for me.

However, I recently buckled down and read the book for this project. My thoughts?

Although I originally had trouble removing my expectations based on the film, I soon found the twists in the novel so different that I was able to visualize the story in and of itself. I came to like this book. After reading, I purchased the movie on dvd (my copy was a vhs) and have come to the conclusion that the book outshines the movie. Crichton was able to include details and a story arch that was not limited to a PG13 rating or a 90 minute time frame.

Amanda and I discussed the book pointing out characters that survived in the novel but died in the film and vice cersa. There were vital characters in the novel that made little or no appearence in the film, characters I loved in the filn anbd characters who annoyed me in both mediums.

My final word, Great story! Interesting plot and imaginative details, I would highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in dinosaurs, thrillers or both.

Books With Friends ~ Book 1: The Private Memoirs & Confessions of a Justified Sinner

This is the first book in my Books with Friends project. It was recommended by my sister Pamela. Accordingt to her, she first read this book in her freshmen English class at UCR. She later admitted that she spent an entire semester on the book. After reading this book, I can see why.

I have to admit this was the most difficult book I have read in a very long time. It follows the story of Robert Wringham and a friend who changes his life from the moment they first meet. In this novel, Robert transitions from the religious middle class to high society and beyond all the while engaging in theological conversation with his companion and others who he happens upon in life. After hearing suggestions and beliefs held by this friend, one cannot help but wonder about his true nature.

The reason I labeled this "the most difficult to read" is due in part to the diction as can be seen in the lines of text below:

"...O, there wasna muckle: I was in a great passion, but she was dung dotrified a wee."

"-folks shouldna heed what's said by auld crazy kimmers."

If one can get through the old Scottish syntax, then one would find this to be an unbelievable story of betrayal and self righteousness.

Updating the "BookBlog"

The summer break is here and I will not be taking classes; atleast not through university. It has been a year since I have had a break in schoolwork and as such I thought I would use this time to update on all (well atleast most) of the books I have read in the last year.

Graphic novels, religion, philosopy, "Books with Friends" and Harry Potter.

I hope all who read my reviews, enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the books.

Happy Reading!

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