My first read by author Pearl S. Buck, The Good Earth proved to be an interesting and eager-page-turning novel. To be honest, I selected this one as one of my summer reads because it's just one of those novels I felt I needed to add to my "read" list.
I learned so much about the Chinese culture...for all social classes. It was an interesting journey that spanned the life of main character Wang: a journey that supports the theme "Life is a cycle, a circle." Buck mastered her characters, as she developed them, as we watched the grow, both in age and through the battles of life.
Buck portrayed the country in which she lived for forty years quite realistically. Thus, I cannot say that I enjoyed all that I, as the reader, experienced as I met these characters, but I did get to know them. For instance, Wang's wife Olan is a character that I liked, even more importantly, one I respected. I just wish she had talked more, for when she did she proved her leadership skills. Another reason for my respect? She birthed her babies (by herself!) and immediately went back to work plowing fields. Oh, my! What woman would not respect such a one?!
If you have not read this contemporary classic, please consider reading The Good Earth and be reminded of the reasons we should appreciate the planet upon which we live.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
#26: Breaking Dawn
Just completed Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. Too fantastic for me. Just too much.
With this said, if you have completed the first three novels, I would definitely recommend you read the forth, for you will want to see how all this unravels; just do not buy the novel; borrow it.
I know...I am a realist.
Not sure where to go with this review, for I do not want to give away too many "spoilers." Let's make a deal: when you have read the novel, let me know, for I would love to discuss your views on Bella's relationship, well, with just about everyone in Breaking Dawn.
Throughout my journey with Bella, I initially was a Jacob fan; then in New Moon, I began to appreciate Edward more. Now, I think I am a Charlie-fan. I appreciate his "need-to-know" only knowledge level...or maybe Charlie is also a realist...like myself!?
Now the realist in me does appreciate that Meyer's gives her readers their money's worth. Her novels are long! Yes, think I will read The Host!
With this said, if you have completed the first three novels, I would definitely recommend you read the forth, for you will want to see how all this unravels; just do not buy the novel; borrow it.
I know...I am a realist.
Not sure where to go with this review, for I do not want to give away too many "spoilers." Let's make a deal: when you have read the novel, let me know, for I would love to discuss your views on Bella's relationship, well, with just about everyone in Breaking Dawn.
Throughout my journey with Bella, I initially was a Jacob fan; then in New Moon, I began to appreciate Edward more. Now, I think I am a Charlie-fan. I appreciate his "need-to-know" only knowledge level...or maybe Charlie is also a realist...like myself!?
Now the realist in me does appreciate that Meyer's gives her readers their money's worth. Her novels are long! Yes, think I will read The Host!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
#25: Eclipse
I am back...into Belle's world of vampires and werewolves, that is, as I picked up the third in this series Eclipse (and quickly went to our local Hastings and purchased only copy of the fourth novel New Moon).
Before you ask...and in case you have forgotten...I think (yes, I am starting to sway my viewpoint) I am now more of an Edward fan. That was very hard for me to admit! Just want Jacob to grow up! Then, I could like him so much more! Yes, I do appreciate Edward's maturity...but he is just so cold...literally!
My admiration grows for Stephanie Meyer as she continues her use of analogies to other great works of literature, including Wuthering Heights (which I will read upon finishing this series; think I will appreciate the novel even more as I make these text-to-text connections) and to the Bible, which is an on-going read for me.
I really appreciate Meyer's concern about Edward's soul. Edward seems to believe he does not have one; Bella, on the other hand, is adamant that he does have one. I just appreciate the concern by the author via her characters that having a soul is important. What do you think of this?
As I have carried this novel around with me the last few days, I must admit to embarrassment, for I must be the last person in this town to complete this series! From friends at a pool party my daughter attended to a student at Sonic...all shocked that I have not completed this series. That within itself is an excellent review of this novel.
Haven't read this series? You might consider doing so in private to save yourself such comments as...."What? Mrs. Gillmore, I can't believe you haven't read those books yet!" Just a warning: the above sample quote does not give justice to the disgust embedded in the tone of voice!
Again, I recommend....read this series and become a fan.
Before you ask...and in case you have forgotten...I think (yes, I am starting to sway my viewpoint) I am now more of an Edward fan. That was very hard for me to admit! Just want Jacob to grow up! Then, I could like him so much more! Yes, I do appreciate Edward's maturity...but he is just so cold...literally!
My admiration grows for Stephanie Meyer as she continues her use of analogies to other great works of literature, including Wuthering Heights (which I will read upon finishing this series; think I will appreciate the novel even more as I make these text-to-text connections) and to the Bible, which is an on-going read for me.
I really appreciate Meyer's concern about Edward's soul. Edward seems to believe he does not have one; Bella, on the other hand, is adamant that he does have one. I just appreciate the concern by the author via her characters that having a soul is important. What do you think of this?
As I have carried this novel around with me the last few days, I must admit to embarrassment, for I must be the last person in this town to complete this series! From friends at a pool party my daughter attended to a student at Sonic...all shocked that I have not completed this series. That within itself is an excellent review of this novel.
Haven't read this series? You might consider doing so in private to save yourself such comments as...."What? Mrs. Gillmore, I can't believe you haven't read those books yet!" Just a warning: the above sample quote does not give justice to the disgust embedded in the tone of voice!
Again, I recommend....read this series and become a fan.
#24: Inkheart
Finally finished this novel; this one took me most of the school year. I suppose that means that Inkheart's plot just did not keep my attention. I initially began this novel at the recommendation of a student in my 8th Grade Literacy Lab class.
The most appealing aspect to me was the author's use of quotes at the beginning of each chapter; yes, all 59 chapters! Ah, the research, the time spent choosing just the right quote to match the content of the chapter, for each one did. Amazing! Great novel to use to illustrate those text-to-text connections!
Will I read Inkdeath, the next novel in this series? Of course! It is already sitting on my shelf to read. This one, I hope to read this summer...and much quicker!
The most appealing aspect to me was the author's use of quotes at the beginning of each chapter; yes, all 59 chapters! Ah, the research, the time spent choosing just the right quote to match the content of the chapter, for each one did. Amazing! Great novel to use to illustrate those text-to-text connections!
Will I read Inkdeath, the next novel in this series? Of course! It is already sitting on my shelf to read. This one, I hope to read this summer...and much quicker!
#21-23: Patterson and Baldacci
School's out...time for a break with some intense thrillers. Glad to say I was able to help catch those horrible killers!
#20 - James Patterson's Sail
#21 - James Patterson's Judge and Jury
#22 - David Baldacci's The Whole Truth
#20 - James Patterson's Sail
#21 - James Patterson's Judge and Jury
#22 - David Baldacci's The Whole Truth
#20: Max
Oh, yes, I am still a fan! Maximum Ride and her part-bird friends take the reader on another exciting journey in James Patterson's latest release Max.
This series rivals the Harry Potter series in maintaining my interest. Yes, it's that good.
Again, I appreciate the messages Patterson conveys about global warming and animal testing. Excellent way to teach our young adults about two important concerns.
This series rivals the Harry Potter series in maintaining my interest. Yes, it's that good.
Again, I appreciate the messages Patterson conveys about global warming and animal testing. Excellent way to teach our young adults about two important concerns.
#19: The Color Purple
Written by Alice Walker, The Color Purple was a novel I purchased as a result of a student's book review.
Interesting read. Definitely a voice for woman.
Walker introduces her complex characters through the voice of Celie as she writes letters to God and later her sister, with final letter again addressed to God.
As a Christian, I was challenged to continue reading as I personally do not condone some of the actions within the novel, yet I realized that not all are as blessed as I have been, that many do what they do to simply survive. Thus, I appreciate the person with whom Celie chooses to converse: God.
Interesting read. Definitely a voice for woman.
Walker introduces her complex characters through the voice of Celie as she writes letters to God and later her sister, with final letter again addressed to God.
As a Christian, I was challenged to continue reading as I personally do not condone some of the actions within the novel, yet I realized that not all are as blessed as I have been, that many do what they do to simply survive. Thus, I appreciate the person with whom Celie chooses to converse: God.
Monday, June 1, 2009
#18: Of Mice and Men
Question...how is it that in my eighteenth year of teaching that I had never read this novel?
Then when I sat down to read it, I quit after the first few pages...very offensive, I thought. No way would I ever teach this, require my students to read such language. Since my English department "expected" all English 10 students to read this novel, I finally sat down, with two weeks left of the year, and read the novel...in one setting. Could not stop.
Author John Steinbeck created a masterpiece that speaks to all readers, despite the distance in years, despite any difference anyone might mention....the novel speaks, and soon the reader realizes the offensive language is not meant to offend but to truly relate the life experiences of the characters.
Then when I sat down to read it, I quit after the first few pages...very offensive, I thought. No way would I ever teach this, require my students to read such language. Since my English department "expected" all English 10 students to read this novel, I finally sat down, with two weeks left of the year, and read the novel...in one setting. Could not stop.
Author John Steinbeck created a masterpiece that speaks to all readers, despite the distance in years, despite any difference anyone might mention....the novel speaks, and soon the reader realizes the offensive language is not meant to offend but to truly relate the life experiences of the characters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)