This book was fabulous! As a nurse I have worked with patients in the end of life capacity. In the years that I have done this, I have not come across a person more at peace or comfortable with the notion of leaving this world in an untimely manner. Mostly there is anger and 'why me's?' Morrie not only accepted the hand he was dealt but continued his life as he made it. That is extremely commendable. I am so glad that someone was able to put that man's ideals and impressions into words to share with the world.
There were a few things that Morrie said that I think are great and should be shared. One was a quote from the poet Auden "Love each other or perish." And to quote Morrie, "We all have the same beginning--birth--and we all have the same end--death. So how different can we be?" Even in the throes of death Morrie was patient and understanding. The world could learn a lot from this man.
Mitch Albom did a great job of keeping the focus on Morrie. He even wrote it as if you are in his shoes and doesn't punctuate his own phrases, even though the conversations were taped and he could have quoted everything from both sides. Mitch Albom kept the book all about Morrie giving it the feel of the respect and love that was gained and offered to Morrie. It is understandable how this book is considered an important part of the modern culture, after all we "make our own culture," (to take an idea from Morrie) and used as a learning tool today.
Hope you enjoy!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Oh Geez!
This summer has been a crazy summer! Full of great books though! The first book on the list of great books is Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This is a book that I think would be a great to have as a required read for teenagers. It was open, honesty, and completely raw. What this teenager was going through and the help that was offered and sought...it was all very awe inspiring. I loved the book.
Next on the list is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. This author is gifted. I LOVED this book. It is the perfect single gals book. It has drama, secrets, and love. You feel so much for Rachel and Dex. On the one hand you are horrified at the thought of what Rachel and Dex are doing; I mean who does that to your so called "best friend"? On the other hand you hate Darcy and the type of woman that she represents. Then I read Something Blue, also by Emily Giffin, and this is where the genius comes in. In this book you get a soft spot for Darcy. Sure you sorta want to smack her in the first few chapters but then it's a complete turn around and you don't even really realize that you have switch to pro-Darcy until the end of the book and you go...awe...hmmmm, oh! Both very good books and a great Author.
Next! River Marked by Patricia Briggs. I love the Mercy Thompson books and this one went above and beyond. You learn a lot about the main characters and about Mercy's background. The end of the book leaves room for continuation and I'm looking forward to the next one...just haven't heard word of it yet. Keep the fingers crossed.
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris is the next of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. There is talk of the Sookie Stackhouse series coming to an end. This book starts to tie some loose ends but leaves room for yet another book. It makes me a little sad to see the end of Sookie and the world that Charlaine Harris has created. This book was just another delicious part of a fantastic series.
The last book on list is Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon. I just had to read this book because The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie when I was younger. I did, however, find myself going...'that is not how it happened.' I had to remind myself that they were two separate parts/views of the same great fairytale. Once I did that it turned out to be a good book. You find yourself rooting for all parties and then in the end you are sort of like 'oh geez, that's sorta sad...but great too.' It really was the best way for things to work out.
All in all I've had some great reads this summer and am continuing the trend. Enjoy!
Next on the list is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. This author is gifted. I LOVED this book. It is the perfect single gals book. It has drama, secrets, and love. You feel so much for Rachel and Dex. On the one hand you are horrified at the thought of what Rachel and Dex are doing; I mean who does that to your so called "best friend"? On the other hand you hate Darcy and the type of woman that she represents. Then I read Something Blue, also by Emily Giffin, and this is where the genius comes in. In this book you get a soft spot for Darcy. Sure you sorta want to smack her in the first few chapters but then it's a complete turn around and you don't even really realize that you have switch to pro-Darcy until the end of the book and you go...awe...hmmmm, oh! Both very good books and a great Author.
Next! River Marked by Patricia Briggs. I love the Mercy Thompson books and this one went above and beyond. You learn a lot about the main characters and about Mercy's background. The end of the book leaves room for continuation and I'm looking forward to the next one...just haven't heard word of it yet. Keep the fingers crossed.
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris is the next of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. There is talk of the Sookie Stackhouse series coming to an end. This book starts to tie some loose ends but leaves room for yet another book. It makes me a little sad to see the end of Sookie and the world that Charlaine Harris has created. This book was just another delicious part of a fantastic series.
The last book on list is Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon. I just had to read this book because The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie when I was younger. I did, however, find myself going...'that is not how it happened.' I had to remind myself that they were two separate parts/views of the same great fairytale. Once I did that it turned out to be a good book. You find yourself rooting for all parties and then in the end you are sort of like 'oh geez, that's sorta sad...but great too.' It really was the best way for things to work out.
All in all I've had some great reads this summer and am continuing the trend. Enjoy!
Monday, May 16, 2011
3 new books
I have read three new books. All from very different genres with very different themes. Each was good in it's own way. But honestly when have I found a book I didn't like for at least one small reason. I can be reading a book and be hating it all along and there will be just one small but significant part that I find phonaminal and that will sway my whole opinion. I feel this happens in life too. We go along on any given day and it can be rotten to the core and then just a little tiny ray of sunshine will come through and it's that much the better. So on with the three books.
'The Lipstick Chronicles' is a collaborative piece of work by Kathryn Shay, Fiona Kelly, Vivian Leiber, and Lynn Emery. The book is all about working woman balancing their love-lives while still staying true to the strong, independent, woman that they are. Some parts were all about making the men fit into their lives, while others were about how they were going to make their lives fit with a guy. The book gets a bit steamy at times and has a Sex and the City-esque sort of feel to it. There are sequels to the book but I'm not sure I'd read them. While I liked this one I also liked how they ended and feel that another would just be over-kill or toeing the line of the smut world and I don't feel that this book was in that class.
The next book I read was called 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. It was a different sort of book because you start out in the middle somewhere and then expand out in both directions until you have the whole story. You are bouncing around a lot but always know at what point in these two character's lives that you are. This books was most intriguing because it brings up a questions like "what comes first, the chicken or the egg?" That's how I felt when reading this. Because when the male character met the female character it was when he was in his forties and she was six. So it was his future and her now. But her past is completely molded by his future. When they discuss these things parts of conversation don't quite make sense until later when he's had the experience that she did when she was younger. At this point the tables switch for them. When she was younger he had all the answers and was the mysterious know all. Now she is because even though it was his future self he has no knowledge of things yet to come in that respect. The the hint on science advancement that makes this book both a romance and a sci-fi is perfect. I enjoyed this one immensely.
The third and final book I read was called 'It's kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini. I think this book is a great book that all teenagers should be required to read in high school. I think it is a great realization book. This teenager worked his butt off to get into a prestigious school then depression sets in. Is it because of stress? Is this what he really wants? Is this the path he should choose because society says he should? This book has a lot of great personal discoveries for a teenage boy. The process that he had to go through was very well depicted and I think that a lot of teenagers would benefit from this book. Both from know the process and for it being an example. If this one person could follow this route, why can't I? Just knowing there is help out there is a big deal. So a different point of view but a good book all the same.
As a bit of a preview I am now reading 'The Perks of being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. Enjoy!
'The Lipstick Chronicles' is a collaborative piece of work by Kathryn Shay, Fiona Kelly, Vivian Leiber, and Lynn Emery. The book is all about working woman balancing their love-lives while still staying true to the strong, independent, woman that they are. Some parts were all about making the men fit into their lives, while others were about how they were going to make their lives fit with a guy. The book gets a bit steamy at times and has a Sex and the City-esque sort of feel to it. There are sequels to the book but I'm not sure I'd read them. While I liked this one I also liked how they ended and feel that another would just be over-kill or toeing the line of the smut world and I don't feel that this book was in that class.
The next book I read was called 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. It was a different sort of book because you start out in the middle somewhere and then expand out in both directions until you have the whole story. You are bouncing around a lot but always know at what point in these two character's lives that you are. This books was most intriguing because it brings up a questions like "what comes first, the chicken or the egg?" That's how I felt when reading this. Because when the male character met the female character it was when he was in his forties and she was six. So it was his future and her now. But her past is completely molded by his future. When they discuss these things parts of conversation don't quite make sense until later when he's had the experience that she did when she was younger. At this point the tables switch for them. When she was younger he had all the answers and was the mysterious know all. Now she is because even though it was his future self he has no knowledge of things yet to come in that respect. The the hint on science advancement that makes this book both a romance and a sci-fi is perfect. I enjoyed this one immensely.
The third and final book I read was called 'It's kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini. I think this book is a great book that all teenagers should be required to read in high school. I think it is a great realization book. This teenager worked his butt off to get into a prestigious school then depression sets in. Is it because of stress? Is this what he really wants? Is this the path he should choose because society says he should? This book has a lot of great personal discoveries for a teenage boy. The process that he had to go through was very well depicted and I think that a lot of teenagers would benefit from this book. Both from know the process and for it being an example. If this one person could follow this route, why can't I? Just knowing there is help out there is a big deal. So a different point of view but a good book all the same.
As a bit of a preview I am now reading 'The Perks of being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Ooops! Been sort of a slacker!
It's been a while since I've reviewed and my list of books that I've read has grown. I've read Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern, A Witch in Time by Madelyn Alt, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Rainwater by Sandra Brown, Wolfsbane & Mistletoe by a collective group of authors, and Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs. It is possible that there could be another one or possibly two but I'm not positive. Since it's been a while since I've read most of these books I'll just give little blurbs. Sh*t My Dad Says was an interesting book. I found the things that daddy Halpern said to fall into three categories; they are as follows: offensive, humorous, and useless. The offensive things I thought were arrogance and I think are what the show based on this book tries to feed off of. The humorous stuff had more to do with the "advise" he felt his sons needed. And the useless stuff I felt were more patronizing and the man just needed to say it to say it. I don't know that man but I think he and I wouldn't get along so well. I give kudos to Justin Halpern for writing the book, the amount of scrutiny he must of have gotten (not just from readers but from his dad as well) deserves the kudos. Plus the "life lessons" he got seemed to hit home in the end. The saying "the end justifies the means" holds true here. A Witch in Time felt like a bridge between books. Like Mrs. Alt had a plan and needed a connection. This was her means. I did like the extra development that you got to see in a few characters, it was a nice detour on the journey of this story. I can say that I am looking forward to reading the next book. Mrs. Alt does a fantastic job of hooking you for the next one. The Alchemist was a profound book. It is one of those books that makes you do the whole inner reflection thing. I do wish I would have read it during the summer months because it made me want to be outside and feel the wind on my face and wonder where that particular has traveled. Doing that sort of thing in the dead of winter is liable to get you chapped. It was a book that moved me. Rainwater is by far one of the best books I've ever read. It was bittersweet, had a strong independent woman in it (especially for the year it was set in), love, loss, and (my personal favorite) one heck of a twist. I cried at a certain part of the book. The passion and the longing in it were heartbreaking. And even though I already knew what was to come (because the problem is presented to you up front) you just couldn't take your eyes away from the pages. Best of all this book makes you wonder where people like that are, long for people like that in your life, and hope that the same types of people still exist for the sake of today's society. I loved this book and plan to return to it again someday. Wolfsbane & Mistletoe is a book that I just happened upon. It's one of those that I've had on a back shelf for a while and just came across it one day. It is one of those anthology books. It had some really good stories in it and some OK ones. It is one that should have been read around Christmas time though. I might have enjoyed it more. I was in the springtime good, winter bad sort of mood. So my opinion might be skewed, who knows? Silver Borne is a good book. The Mercy Thompson series is a series that I've fallen in love with. Mercy is just the the other half of her self (the coyote) always mischievous and always getting into trouble. I find this series refreshing because I'm moving away from the vampire-hype and the shifter style is enticing to me. These books are humorous, entertaining, and have some serious moments all their own. They are an all around good book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I'll try to keep up with my books a little bit better. I'm currently reading another book that I can relate to a popular TV series. As a little bit of intrigue... I'm reading The Lipstick Chronicles that remind me a lot of 'Sex and the City'. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
This book was amazing. I haven't read a book I've liked so much in so long. One thing I love in a book is when you start with part of the ending. You know when you start with the end of a story and then have to go into reflection to catch-up. It makes for one heck of a hook. And this book has a killer hook; quite literally. And the best part is that it isn't really how you saw it in the first place; even though all the words were right there in front of you. It's just that the brain thinks in a certain perspective and until more information comes to light, that perspective doesn't change. Also, your moral compass kicks in and you start to think how can he be OK with what she did and never mention it again? As the story unfolds you start to understand how one might be OK with it. Then you find yourself questioning your own morals and what would you do in that situation. Then all is sort of lifted once you get to the end when you find that the author and your brain deceived your by a slight in perception.
I like how this book alternates between the past and the present time. It makes so the story doesn't get stagnant. Plus the present time part of the story fills in the life of the narrator after the circus life and you begin to piece this persons life together. You get a better sense of the character; from who he was in the past and who he is in the present. You get to see how this innocent boy develops into the confident man he is. And all the time you are wondering if the woman who committed the unspeakable act in the very beginning of the book is the yet to be named wife he talks about while in the present frame of mind.
The relationships forged in this book were great; between woman and man, friendship between human and animal, and friendships between the "classes" of the circus. The classes based both on the function of that person to the circus and their ethnicity. These relationships are made because of the presence, personality, and convictions the narrator possess. This book pulls on your heart strings in a variety of ways as well. There is cruelty to animals and people. There is the sadness of nursing homes and those forgotten in them.
What I find really interesting are the details to the circus. Pictures from various circus' are included in the book for some visual titillation. You get the sense of what it was really like for those working in the circus. The circus was so glamorous for those in the crowd, if what happened behind the scenes would have been common knowledge maybe people wouldn't have all run away to the circus. The information about the circus alone make for a good story. Everything else wrapped up in it make it a great story. And the icing on the cake...the polish elephant; who knew?
This book is a must read. Enjoy!
I like how this book alternates between the past and the present time. It makes so the story doesn't get stagnant. Plus the present time part of the story fills in the life of the narrator after the circus life and you begin to piece this persons life together. You get a better sense of the character; from who he was in the past and who he is in the present. You get to see how this innocent boy develops into the confident man he is. And all the time you are wondering if the woman who committed the unspeakable act in the very beginning of the book is the yet to be named wife he talks about while in the present frame of mind.
The relationships forged in this book were great; between woman and man, friendship between human and animal, and friendships between the "classes" of the circus. The classes based both on the function of that person to the circus and their ethnicity. These relationships are made because of the presence, personality, and convictions the narrator possess. This book pulls on your heart strings in a variety of ways as well. There is cruelty to animals and people. There is the sadness of nursing homes and those forgotten in them.
What I find really interesting are the details to the circus. Pictures from various circus' are included in the book for some visual titillation. You get the sense of what it was really like for those working in the circus. The circus was so glamorous for those in the crowd, if what happened behind the scenes would have been common knowledge maybe people wouldn't have all run away to the circus. The information about the circus alone make for a good story. Everything else wrapped up in it make it a great story. And the icing on the cake...the polish elephant; who knew?
This book is a must read. Enjoy!
5 more books
So I've finished what I could of the Blue Blood series. The Van Alen Legacy was a good book by Melissa De La Cruz. It leaves you on a cliff hanger, waiting for the next book. This book had twists and turns coming from every which way. Just when you thought you had it figured out, something else would come and hit you off balance. The triangle between Oliver, Schuyler, and Jack is finally figured out due to one's self sacrifice. Mimi finds what she's looking and hoping for and then has it riped away. Bliss finally finds salvation, for the time being.
The next series I started is the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. It is set in the same time frame as the Mercy Thompson series but it deals with the Marrock (the governing head of the werewolves) and his family and immediate issues more so than Mercy's. You learn a lot about Charles (one of the Marrok's sons) and a bit more about the Marrok. You even learn some more about Sam (the Marrok's other son). The setting of what an Omega is and the value of one is spelled out. The series starts out in the anthology On the Prowl which is a book that has a few other short stories by other authors. It was a good book, might even start another series because of it. Then you go to Cry Wolf and then Hunting Ground. I find the Mercy Thompson books more compelling character wise, not so dry, but the plots are equally as entertaining. Overall I liked the series and am looking forward to the next book.
Finally I come to another Sookie Stackhouse book. Dead in the Family. Charlaine Harris is an amazing writer but I have to say this wasn't my favorite of the series. I found Eric to be a grump and an all in all a pain in the butt. I didn't find the books to be as intense as I usually do. Usually I can't wait to get into them and have a hard time putting them down, this one was good and I'm glad I read it but I was more like, 'OK another development in the plot.' The Sam relationship was just sort of thrown in there and I didn't find a lot of lead in with much of anything to this book. I did like how the fae issues were touched upon some more, because I thought leaving it as is in the last book was a bad idea. However, Dermot was crazy in the series and now all of a sudden he isn't because of a kiss...that seems a little far fetched even for Sookie's world. I do like how Jason is getting more mature and involved in her sister's life and not as oblivious too. I did however read the spoiler chapter to the next Sookie Stackhouse novel and can't wait for that one.
Hope you enjoy!
The next series I started is the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. It is set in the same time frame as the Mercy Thompson series but it deals with the Marrock (the governing head of the werewolves) and his family and immediate issues more so than Mercy's. You learn a lot about Charles (one of the Marrok's sons) and a bit more about the Marrok. You even learn some more about Sam (the Marrok's other son). The setting of what an Omega is and the value of one is spelled out. The series starts out in the anthology On the Prowl which is a book that has a few other short stories by other authors. It was a good book, might even start another series because of it. Then you go to Cry Wolf and then Hunting Ground. I find the Mercy Thompson books more compelling character wise, not so dry, but the plots are equally as entertaining. Overall I liked the series and am looking forward to the next book.
Finally I come to another Sookie Stackhouse book. Dead in the Family. Charlaine Harris is an amazing writer but I have to say this wasn't my favorite of the series. I found Eric to be a grump and an all in all a pain in the butt. I didn't find the books to be as intense as I usually do. Usually I can't wait to get into them and have a hard time putting them down, this one was good and I'm glad I read it but I was more like, 'OK another development in the plot.' The Sam relationship was just sort of thrown in there and I didn't find a lot of lead in with much of anything to this book. I did like how the fae issues were touched upon some more, because I thought leaving it as is in the last book was a bad idea. However, Dermot was crazy in the series and now all of a sudden he isn't because of a kiss...that seems a little far fetched even for Sookie's world. I do like how Jason is getting more mature and involved in her sister's life and not as oblivious too. I did however read the spoiler chapter to the next Sookie Stackhouse novel and can't wait for that one.
Hope you enjoy!
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