Why Classics are Classics

In the past few years I've read books, liked books, and enjoyed my reading them, but something has been missing. In what feels like a couple of years (maybe longer) I haven't had that "I can't put it down" sensation. FINALLY, I have experienced the feeling. To what book do I owe this indulgence??


Why none other than Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It was EVERYTHING I had hoped it would be and I am only sad that it is now over. I hadn't read an Austen book since college (Mansfield Park), and it was there I learned that I definitely loved her style and her leading ladies, whom I feel very much reflect myself. I am so glad I picked up this classic! It is a great reminder of why classics are classics! As if I even need to say it: I very much recommend this book to everybody. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Endnote - Always when movies of classics that I haven't read come out, I try and stay away because I never want a movie to ruin the book for me. I am soooo glad I stayed away from the 2005 Keira Knightley version before reading this. I loved the suspense of not knowing what was going to happen. And now I look forward to seeing the movie and critiquing it with a more informed eye! (Was that cheesy? Ahhhh well!)

Time Traveler's Wife

Audrey Niffenegger's Time Traveler's Wife was by far one of the most unique books I've read in a long time.  I give the author a lot of credit for putting together such a well written book where the plot and story-line weaves between past and present (or the "here and now" as they called it in the book).  The way it is written does not make you think that you are reading science fiction, by any means.  She makes time-traveling so realistic, your "suspension of disbelief" is immediate.  

One example of how Niffenegger makes time traveling so real is that when Henry, the main character and time traveler,  time travels into the past or present he arrives completely naked and without materials.  His clothing and money can't go with him in his travels, so imagine the struggles Henry then has to endure to obtain these things.  He studies how to pick locks and steal just to be able to survive.  There are other ways he sets up his clothing and such, but I don't want to ruin it for you.

A thing to remember is that this book is not called The Time Traveler, but the Time Traveler's Wife.  Clare, the wife, was such an interesting character to me.  Because she cannot time travel it is actually her life that creates more of a chronological "present" for us.  Imagine meeting your future husband when you are 6 years old..  The whole book was such an interesting concept to me (as if you couldn't tell).

There were a couple of things that weren't so great for me.  First was the author, I think, would get a little too "risque" for my taste.  It was a little distracting, although I understand that she was trying to build her characters (I guess).  Second, there is one character in the book that I just didn't "get."  The character, Gomez, was supposed to be a best friend and a good guy, but there were things that happened that I couldn't just brush over.  I could go a little more into it, but I would spoil it and you know how I am against that.

All in all, I felt like the concept of this book was fascinating.  Like I said, the author could have tamed down some parts, but it's her book to decide, I guess.  

Interestingly enough, this book is being made into a movie.  I am curious to see how it all pans out on the big screen.  How did they feel about Gomez?  I definitely hope the cinematography is creative and keeps the artistic feel to it.

The end, not my best review ever, but what can I say, it's sunday and it is HOT.

My Sister's Keeper

Okay, quick review for this one.

I definitely enjoyed My Sister's Keeper. It was a quick, easy read that kept my interest the whole time. I'd recommend for someone looking for a summer read.

Unfortunately, I've hit my max on Jodi Picoult. I always enjoy her books, but themes have become repetitive and even her twists in storyline have gotten predictable (ShaSha you were there when I figured out "the big secret"). I try not to read a lot of one author so this could have been my last of Picoult, at least for awhile.

On to Time Traveler's Wife!

Water For Elephants

Okay, time for another book review. Once again I will try not to give anything away.

This morning I finished Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants. This book was very different from anything I had read before, mainly because it is majestically set in a circus. I actually hesitated about reading this book initially because I thought, 'Am I really that interested in the circus?' Soon after I started reading it I realized that 'yes I am.' So kudos to Gruen for going outside the box and creating a world that keeps the reader dazzled. Water for Elephants also kept me interested. It was fast-paced and you not only become close with the human characters, but you also grow fond of the animal characters as well - the animals were very humanized.

That being said, I had a couple complaints too. First, the story is told by a 90 year old man reminiscing about his life. Throughout the book the reader goes back and forth between past and present. The issue I had was that the 90 year old main character's personality didn't seem to line-up with the younger "Joseph." I understand that aging can cause bitterness, but I almost disliked the older "Joseph" deeming the whole reminiscing technique unnecessary, in my mind.

My second critique should be taken with a grain of salt;I am probably 1 in 100 that would ever pay close attention to this. BUT, I always take note when an author's main character is that of the opposite sex. Gruen wrote her story from the point of view of a man, Joseph. Unfortunately, I just wasn't buying it. His emotions, thoughts, and actions just weren't masculine enough for me (note - a great example of an author writing convincingly in the opposite sex is Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone).

There you have it. I enjoyed this book very much, but it was not 100% praise-worthy. Am I being harsh?

If anyone actually read this review and has a suggestion for my next "read," please let me know. I am thinking of reading Austen's Pride and Prejudice (I can't believe I've never read it!).

A Thousand Splendid Suns..

This weekend I finally finished A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (author of Kite Runner), I thought I'd give a small review of it (without giving away the storyline).

For those of you that are looking for a heart-warming tale of love and tranquility, DO NOT read this book. This story intertwines the lives of 2 Afghan women. The book follows the women through the many historical obstacles of Afghanistan since the Soviet's had power until the present, as well as displays the hardships the country's women must endure in both their public and private lives. This book was heart-wrenching because of these many hardships and there were times when I was reading and was sick because of the abuse that was happening at the book.

That being said, the book was wonderful. Hosseini ties the women's lives together beautifully to create a relationship that can stand up to anything. Although, there were times I found myself upset by what I was reading, it was because the book enveloped me as a reader and I felt connected to the lives I was reading about.

For those who can endure it, I definitely recommend this book.