Daunting Goal

60 books a year.

I must have lost my mind.

Well, I have to begin somewhere so I am currently reading Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee's novel entitled Forbidden.


Here I go...

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That Long???

I cannot believe I have not reviewed a book since July. Then again, this has been one of the hardest semesters of my life (which I passed with flying colors) so it makes sense.

Lately, I have been trying to update my profile on the social site Goodreads. Every person is able to come up with a challenge. The number of books they plan on reading for this year. I have decided that for 2012 I will read (at least) 60 book. Entered the number into the challenge and there is the announcement on my page for all the world to see.

Only after I posted my challenge did I really sit and do some math. 12 months a year that means an average 5 books a month which means less than a book a week.

I may have to reconsider this goal, but for now I will let it stand.

60 books in 2012.

Here goes....

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The Strain By: Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan

My next group of reviews were scheduled to be graphic novels. However, reading has taken over writing and I have yet to compose those reviews. In order to avoid an even bigger backlog of reviews I decided to start reviewing a book as soon as I have finished reading. Why did I not think of doing this sooner ? Chalk it up to a combination of my late night reading tendency (resulting in books being finished at 5am with sleep riddled eyes) and simple procrastination. Now onward with the book reviewing.

This novel is one of those books that I promised myself I would read either via nook or when it hits paperback, then forgot about the book. I recently found a hardcover copy in the bargain stack at my local Borders express (sad thing about Borders closing, but that is another entry.) The low price coupled with my previous fascination for the book made this purchase inevitable.

The Strain tells the tale of a plane that lands at JFK airport with all passengers dead. In a post 9-11 New York, authorities cannot help but to expect the deaths to be the result of a biological terrorist attack. However, the pathogen here is the result of an ancient evil of the blood sucking variety. When Dr. Goodweather of the CDC Canary project begins to investigate the case he is dragged into a world of vampiric lore that challenges the stereotypical ideas of holy water and crucifixes all the while chronicling the journey of a man fighting for his family and a Holocaust survivor's lifelong mission against evil.

In an age when novels romanticize the idea of blood sucking creatures, and vampires sparkle, The Stain was a welcome reminder of the blood and gore that was once associated with these creatures of the night. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who remembers Stoker's Dracula, Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, or any other bloody monster tale that made one a little weary of night time noises and a little anxious to turn off the lights.


Happy Reading!

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Graphic Novels Galore

I need to get back in the habit of writing reviews as soon as I finish the book. Although there have been no updates in almost a month, take heart fellow readers as I have still been reading almost a book a day. However, I have been so eager to jump into my next read that I have not sat down and completed my book reviews. As such, I have decided to post some reviews of the books I have been reviewing based on various categories. First up, graphic novels.

I LOVE graphic novels. Call me a geek, I do not care. There is just something to be said about a great story that is told in such vivid imagery. From V for Vendetta to Neil Gaiman's Sandman to manga such an Inuyasha, if there is a good story I will quickly trek into the world of animated squares. There have been quite a few graphic novels that I have read lately. As such I will review those first.

For those who love graphic novels the way I do, I am sure you'll find some interesting reviews. For those who do not read graphic novels, take a look. You might be surprised and before you know it, you will sucked into this world as well.

Happy Reading!

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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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Books With Friends

Ahhhhhh!!

A project I started almost a lifetime ago, it seems. Back then I had so much more time on my hands to start projects. Then I went back to school.

So much for that project.

I did read ALOT. Including the entire Harry Potter series as requested by a freind. However, I have yet to post my reviews. Hopefully, I will make time to update soon.

Happy Reading.

~~

Currently Reading: Blue Like Jazz

I took a week long break from reading and will be starting back this week. My current read is Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller chosen by Emily. This is book number seven. I promise the precious book reviews will go up soon.

Happy Reading!

~~


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BWF Update & A Reading Memory

I finished 1984 yesterday, and have moved on to book 4 in my Books with Friends series. The 1st book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. As I am reading this book, I can't help but remember being young and really discovering my love for reading.

I lived in South Carolina and my mom would bring me and my siblings to her friend's apartment. The place was nice enough, but I hated the fact that there was no tv. My days there were usually spent napping while my mom and her friend cooked crab and other types of seafood. One day when I knew we were going over there, I grabbed this book I had checked out from the library. Since I was reading, my mom agreed to let me sit with my book instead of making me take a nap. It was the best time I ever had there, and that book was the first to instill a sense of sadness when I reached the end. I loved the book but hated that it was over.

The book is called The Witches by Ronald Dahl, and I can't help but wonder if J.K Rowling was inspired by Mr. Dahl's work. I have not met many people who have heard of his book The Witches (although it had been turned into a movie) but many have heard of his books involving a character named Willy Wonka.


Happy Reading!

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Location:Currently Reading: Harry Potter & The Sorcerers Stone

Currently Reading: 1984

I'm on book #3 in my Books with Friends series. The suggestions are varied and as much as I'm enjoying each read, I am eager to move on to the next. I have been writing review but I have yet to post them. I will also post the a the actual book list, in the event that others my want to read along.

Happy Reading!

~~


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Books With Friends (BWF) - Update

I have not forgotten this project! This was a project that was originally scheduled to being in June. However, that wonderful thing called the flu kept me from wanting to do anything aside from lying in bed. Then after I started feeling better, I had to catch up on all the work I missed. So, after sometime I have started this project.

First, off I really want to thank everyone who has contributed to this project. The response was incredible by means of book selections. Seeing this lengthy list has excited me. Yes, I know I am such a nerd.

Secondly, I have begun reading from this list! I decided to go in order of the best way to get the selected reading. As such, I am currently reading The Private Memoirs and Confessions of A Justified Sinner by James Hogg. This book was selected by my sister. My next planned reading is Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton as chosen by my bestie Amanda.

I will be posting links to my reviews so check my blog for an update soon. My list contains all genres of reading. I truly hope others enjoy my reviews as much as I enjoy writing them.

Happy Reading!

~~

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Books with Friends

Sunday afternoon found me finishing another book. Since then I have been scouring stores, online, the B&N eBook selections and my own bookshelf for my next read. In doing so I have lost approximately 4 days that I could have spent reading. I could have finished at least one book in that time!



While chatting with a friend, I brought up the issue of not knowing which to book to read next. She recommended an author I had only heard of in passing. A few clicks on the web and I was startled by how great her books sounded.



*Cut to the Chase*



Here's the deal. For the next month (may be longer depending on the response) I will read books that have been chosen by everyone from my closest friends to my social network acquaintances. No strings attached. Every book I read will be reviewed here on my blog "See [Phoebe] Jane Read"



There are only two rules:



1) The book selected cannot be one that I have already read.

- If someone chooses a book I've read before then I will let that person know and they can chose another book.



2) You have to have read the book selected

- This is just to keep people from suggesting very arduous reading such as The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States unless you read it and thought it was good.



That's it! No other rules. so go for it, Suggest the book you love, the book that inspired you, the book that made you laugh or made you think....



No deadline but the sooner you send in your selection, the more likely it will be read. Feel free to message me here or email me at ms.phoebejane@gmail.com



Happy Reading!

Happy Hour is for Amateurs

In this novel, the Philadelphia Lawyer pulls back the curtain of the courtroom and shows the reader the darker side of the legal profession. As the attorneys move up the legal ladder, each begins to descend the ladder of morality. The lawyer holds nothing back as he details substance abuse, womanizing, and a life excess all the while notating billable hours,

This is another work that first grabbed me at the book store. A cursory glance was enough to let me know that not only did I want to read this book but that it would be the first eBook on my nook. I did find that it was a little difficult to access the few notes (indicated in the text with an asterisk) However, it was a noteworthy first exeperince with my handy eReader.

A good novel that made me take a second look at the attorneys I work with every day and think twice about possibly entering the legal profession.

I give this book 4.25 out of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!!

~~

Dead(ish)

What do you do when you're boyfriend kills you, hides your body and forces you to eke out an existence as a wandering spirit? You hire a private investigator to find your body. AND do all kinds of crazy things to the idiot who killed you.

This is the mo of Linda Stevens, a deceased woman trying to end her unfinished business that is keeping her from crossing over in Naomi Kramer's Dead(ish). From the very beginning of the story, the reader is told of Linda's condition (for lack of a better word) and Mike's confession. What the reader must wait to find is the location of the body. In getting to this truth, the reader is treated to a comical yarn with gay neighbors and even prison time.

Kramer makes very good use of point of view to tell this story of murder and revenge. Although there is not much time to delve into in-depth character development, what we do learn about each player through their thoughts and perceptions help pull this story together and carries the reader to the end.

I give this story 4 out of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!!

~~

Waiter Rant

Waiter Rant bow copy
Originally uploaded by waiterrant

Some books are so well written that once you skim through them, you're bound to read them. Sometimes that may be right away, other times one may "forget" about the book until a hint reminds the consciousness.

Back in October of 2009, I skimmed through a few books and continued shopping at Barnes & Noble. However, this little memoir entitled Waiter Rant stuck with me. Months later (after the rise of eBooks and the introduction of the nook) I searched through the B&N online store and found the electronic version of this book.

As soon as I began reading this novel, I realized why I remembered it all these months. The Waiter describes what led to his landing a job in the food services industry. After leaving various positions in corporate health care, the Waiter lands a job to continue paying rent. Throughout the novel, the Waiter regales stories of wait staff, management, and customers. Each anecdote leads to the Waiter's decision with regards to his future career endeavors.

This book was very entertaining and gives the reader a more realistic view of food service. After reading, I found my self calculating tips a little higher when eating out at various restaurants.

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!!

~~

Autobiography of An Fat Bride By: Laurie Notaro

Sometimes I still cannot believe I am almost 30. It seems like when I was in school, teachers promised that as long as you studied hard, life would be easy as we would all have wonderful careers, good paying jobs and what successful career woman would have a problem finding a potential husband.

Teachers lied.

Exhibit 77301: Autobiography of a Fat Bride

Laurie Novato begins this memoir with the age old story of a runaway boyfriend, the twist being that he has literally runoff in a van with his ex.

Ok, maybe that's not much of a twist.

The twist may be the head of cornrows this white boy sports.

From there the reader is privy to an assortment of failed romances that result in marriage.

From there the novel changes. Although, there are several stories that follow Novato's marriage, these no longer follow a chronological order and have no common thread except that they are Novato's experiences. That aside, each story on it's own is pretty entertaining. From Novato's plans of a husbandly servant upon discovering "proof" of her husband's affair to the bi-polar relationship between the author and her mother, Novato continues to keep the stories coming reminding the reader that turning 30 something may not be as great as we hope but it does not have to be as bad,

I give this novel 4 out of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!!

~~

Chick Norris vs. Mr. T

05302009002
Originally uploaded by pravin.premkumar

I had always heard those jokes about the greatness of Chuck Norris. However, I had no idea that there was a book that started it all. Ian Spector wrote that book and in this second book, Spector comes up with more outrageous Chuck Norris claims all the while including "facts" he gathered regarding the mohawk sporting, gold chain wearing, fool pitying, action star, known to the world as Mr. T.

Overall, the book is not bad, Granted, I would not expect this work to be recognized as the next greatest novel, but that was never the author's intention. His point was something fun and light hearted and in that respect, he has succeeded. Some of the "facts" are not that funny if you are not appreciative of humor involving God/Jesus (that describes me so I did not particularly care for these nuggets) However, there is more punch to these punch lines then jokes surrounding religious leaders.

The length of this book was my only other complaint. When reading on my nook, I noticed that the progress bar at the bottom was moving pretty quickly. It was then that I discovered that there were only 88 pages. that included the intro and table of contents. Maybe Chuck Norris and Mr. T got to together and the last 200 pages or so were destroyed by the quantity of greatness..

I give this book 3 out of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!