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theresidentbookworm's reviews
1765 reviews
Romancing Miss Brontë by Juliet Gael
5.0
I don't think anyone would argue with me if I stated that Charlotte Bronte is one of the most tragic female writers in history. After a childhood marked with deaths (her mother and older sisters), Charlotte clings to her two sisters, Anne and Emily, and her brother Bronwell. As they grow, however, Bronwell falls into bad habits: drinking, drugs, and an affair with a married women that wrecks him. Adding an ailing father to the mix, the three sisters decide they must do something with their lives so they decide to publish.
Juliet Gael clearly did her research. I feel as if I am in the Bronte household, sitting at the kitchen table. There has never been such an intimate look at these sisters in historical fiction. I really felt the sense of friendship and love between the three sisters, brought together by the sufferings in the family, and it made my heart break even the more for Charlotte when she was the last one left. How painful that must've been, to outlive all of her siblings. In the end, the only thing Charlotte had left was her writing, and even that wasn't able to fill the whole. I sincerely wanted happiness for this wonderful author, which was why I was so excited when Arthur Nicholls came into the picture.
Before Romancing Miss Bronte, Arthur Nicholls was a mere footnote in history to me. I knew he was married to Charlotte Bronte a year before she died, but I didn't know much else. Despite his attitude at first, I always liked Mr. Nicholls. This was, I thought to myself, was a man who would treat her right, treat her like a equal. He would love her as she should be loved. (Don't get me wrong, I was charmed by George Smith, but I knew that wasn't what she needed.) I think it was Charlotte Bronte's great curse that she was always attracted to dysfunctional men, men who couldn't love her properly because of circumstances or just their nature. Despite this, I like to believe she truly loved her husband in the end. I think that, had she written another novel, the love interest would've been gentler, more calm than earth-shattering.
Excellently written and highly recommended by moi!
Juliet Gael clearly did her research. I feel as if I am in the Bronte household, sitting at the kitchen table. There has never been such an intimate look at these sisters in historical fiction. I really felt the sense of friendship and love between the three sisters, brought together by the sufferings in the family, and it made my heart break even the more for Charlotte when she was the last one left. How painful that must've been, to outlive all of her siblings. In the end, the only thing Charlotte had left was her writing, and even that wasn't able to fill the whole. I sincerely wanted happiness for this wonderful author, which was why I was so excited when Arthur Nicholls came into the picture.
Before Romancing Miss Bronte, Arthur Nicholls was a mere footnote in history to me. I knew he was married to Charlotte Bronte a year before she died, but I didn't know much else. Despite his attitude at first, I always liked Mr. Nicholls. This was, I thought to myself, was a man who would treat her right, treat her like a equal. He would love her as she should be loved. (Don't get me wrong, I was charmed by George Smith, but I knew that wasn't what she needed.) I think it was Charlotte Bronte's great curse that she was always attracted to dysfunctional men, men who couldn't love her properly because of circumstances or just their nature. Despite this, I like to believe she truly loved her husband in the end. I think that, had she written another novel, the love interest would've been gentler, more calm than earth-shattering.
Excellently written and highly recommended by moi!
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
4.0
I adored the movie with Dakota Fanning and Queen Latifah, but the book was great too. I liked the expansion on some of the things the movie skimmed (bee keeping, Lady in Chains, possible romance with Zach, etc). If you saw the movie, you don't necessarily have to read the book. It was a pretty true adaption of this novel. Still, it is a enjoyable, heart-warming, and occasionally heart-wrenching read. Recommend both book and movie!
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees
4.0
OMG! I loved this novel! I could totally picture Louisa May Alcott falling for a guy like Joseph Singer. It kind of makes me sad that he isn't real, but at the same time I know Alcott must've had some kind of romance at one point in order to write about it like she did. This also gave me a little more insight into why Jo never did end up with Laurie. I never liked Professor Bhaer as much as I tried, mainly because I didn't think he suited her. Jo was wild and passionate, and she needed someone who could keep up, not slow her down. I always felt like Alcott sold out with that pairing. She didn't give us what she wanted because she couldn't get it either. Nevertheless, excellent look at a favorite author of mine! Totally recommended.
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
4.0
If I were to describe The Reader in only a few words, I would call it beautifully simple. Bernhard Schlink's prose is sparse, but it is so powerful. He uses no extra adverbs or adjectives. There are no embellishments or flourishes. Schlink just lets the emotions tell the story, and the novel is better for it. Though The Reader is packed with emotion, you never seem to get hit by them. Micheal's narrative style never allows any emotion to spill through, and whether that's a good or bad thing I'll leave to you to decide. I do think it's interesting. It is hard to emotionally connect with any of the characters, but maybe that wasn't the purpose of this novel. The Reader does not try to sympathize or excuse. It just tries to understand. It is such a rare kind of book for this topic, one that tries to truly understand the horrors of the Holocaust and just who should be bearing the weight of the guilt. There is no definite answer, and that's okay. Schlink doesn't try to force one onto his audience. I could say so many other awesome and interesting things about The Reader, but I think I've hit all the important ones. Go and read.
I Wrote This For You by Iain S. Thomas, pleasefindthis, Jon Ellis
5.0
I don't even have words to describe these poems. All I know is that last night, when I should have been packing for my trip today, I was reading this instead. I was reading this and experiencing the full force of the words. It was beautiful and funny and heartbreaking and bleak and hopeful all at once. I Wrote This For You covers the span of the human spirit eloquently and without pretense. I had so many favorites I cannot simply name one. Everyone should have an experience like I Wrote This For You.
I Wrote This For You and Only You by pleasefindthis, Jon Ellis
4.0
I loved I Wrote This For. I remember reading it in an airport and being enthralled with it, so enthralled my mom had to elbow me so I could board the plane. When I heard there was a sequel, I knew I had to have it. Though I thought the first one was superior, I did enjoy I Wrote This For You and Only You. My favorite poem was The Fellow On a Crashing Train. I just think it captures the idea of friendship and what it actually means in all its grittiness. I've included it below because I just love it so much.
"Even though I've just met you, I believe we will be friends.
First, I will tell you something about me, then you can tell me something about you, as that, I believe, is how friendship works.
Here is something I believe: I believe that people don't know how people work when they're young and maybe that's why we're so reckless with each other when we're young.
I think people think that people come and go, in and out of life and I think that school teaches them that, that life changes in big and annual movements, that one year you're this and the next, you're that. But life blends into itself as you get older and you realise, you will watch a few, if not many, of your friends get old.
You will watch them lose their minds and their hair. You will watch them get sick and get better. You will watch them succeed and fail. You will watch them get married, get divorced, get pregnant and yes, eventually, you will watch them die. Or they will watch you die.
So this is what I believe friendship means. And I'm sorry to have to put such a heavy burden on you. But you have put the same burden on me.
Now you can tell me something you believe, as it is your turn, and this is how friendship works."
"Even though I've just met you, I believe we will be friends.
First, I will tell you something about me, then you can tell me something about you, as that, I believe, is how friendship works.
Here is something I believe: I believe that people don't know how people work when they're young and maybe that's why we're so reckless with each other when we're young.
I think people think that people come and go, in and out of life and I think that school teaches them that, that life changes in big and annual movements, that one year you're this and the next, you're that. But life blends into itself as you get older and you realise, you will watch a few, if not many, of your friends get old.
You will watch them lose their minds and their hair. You will watch them get sick and get better. You will watch them succeed and fail. You will watch them get married, get divorced, get pregnant and yes, eventually, you will watch them die. Or they will watch you die.
So this is what I believe friendship means. And I'm sorry to have to put such a heavy burden on you. But you have put the same burden on me.
Now you can tell me something you believe, as it is your turn, and this is how friendship works."
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
4.0
Fate, as we all know, can be a very funny thing. A few months ago, I was browsing at books on Goodreads and stumbled upon The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I read the free preview, and intrigued, I checked the reviews. The majority of them, however, made me decide to not put it on my to-read list. Last Sunday, I was at a local used book-sale being held at the mall by myself and stumbled across a copy of this. Being only three or so dollars, I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter was one of those chilling reads for me. I have parents who love me to pieces, and I couldn't imagine them abandoning me like David abandoned Phoebe. It's really kind of scary to see how one decision can impact your life forever. Now I can actually listen to my parents nag me about virtually everything under the sun and see that they have a point. Everything effects everything. Edwards is excellent with emotions, and it clearly shows. Her characters are deep and complex, but not always likeable. In fact, I didn't like Nora or David at all most of the time. At least Nora's behavior was justified though. She thought she had lost a child. David knew, and he kept it a secret the rest of his life. I think that's despicable. Then again, he did pay for that mistake. His relationships with both his wife and son were forever strained. The two scene-stealing characters were Phoebe and Caroline. You get to see tremendous growth from Caroline as she raises Phoebe and falls in love with Al. It's hard not to like Caroline. She loves her daughter fiercely and fights for what's best for her always. Phoebe, despite her Down Syndrome, sparkles without trying. She possesses an understanding of the world so simple that most people wouldn't get it. My favorite chapters were the ones with Caroline and Phoebe. This book had a fast beginning but a bit of a slow middle, though the last few chapters more than made up for it. I liked seeing Paul grow a bit, and he and Phoebe were so sweet together. Ultimately, I was satisfied when I closed this novel.
I would probably recommend this. It's an interesting read and a great book to ponder. In fact, it'd be perfect for a book club.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter was one of those chilling reads for me. I have parents who love me to pieces, and I couldn't imagine them abandoning me like David abandoned Phoebe. It's really kind of scary to see how one decision can impact your life forever. Now I can actually listen to my parents nag me about virtually everything under the sun and see that they have a point. Everything effects everything. Edwards is excellent with emotions, and it clearly shows. Her characters are deep and complex, but not always likeable. In fact, I didn't like Nora or David at all most of the time. At least Nora's behavior was justified though. She thought she had lost a child. David knew, and he kept it a secret the rest of his life. I think that's despicable. Then again, he did pay for that mistake. His relationships with both his wife and son were forever strained. The two scene-stealing characters were Phoebe and Caroline. You get to see tremendous growth from Caroline as she raises Phoebe and falls in love with Al. It's hard not to like Caroline. She loves her daughter fiercely and fights for what's best for her always. Phoebe, despite her Down Syndrome, sparkles without trying. She possesses an understanding of the world so simple that most people wouldn't get it. My favorite chapters were the ones with Caroline and Phoebe. This book had a fast beginning but a bit of a slow middle, though the last few chapters more than made up for it. I liked seeing Paul grow a bit, and he and Phoebe were so sweet together. Ultimately, I was satisfied when I closed this novel.
I would probably recommend this. It's an interesting read and a great book to ponder. In fact, it'd be perfect for a book club.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
4.0
It is official: Every young girl in America should have to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. I'll admit I was skeptical in the beginning. I know very little about Afghanistan, and the image that came to mind when I thought of women there was a sad figure in full burqa. Thank God for Women in Lit (I'm not really in the mood to thank my English teacher). There are many pros to A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini is an amazing story teller. He weaves together Mariam and Lalia's stories as seamlessly as some weave fabric. His prose is simple but beautiful, and the smallest details make your chest clench. It is clear Hosseini knows his topic. The history of Afghanistan is a little hard to follow at time (it's mostly the names), but you understand enough to know this is a country that has not seen peace in years. It was interesting to see Bush and the U.S.'s stance on Afghanistan through the eyes of the citizens there.
What really made me love A Thousand Splendid Suns, however, were the women at the center of the story: Mariam and Lalia. Life is often very cruel to the both of them. Mariam is born a bastard and is forced into marriage to a very unpleasant man by her father when she is fifteen. Lalia loses her parents to an air raid, and she is separated from her love Tariq and presumes him to be dead many years. These two women have little in common at first, but they grow to be each others only ally and friend in an abusive household. These aren't the take charge kind of women in American fiction, but there is a quiet strength and resilience to both women I admire. They just keep going and surviving even when everything goes to hell. I wish I could have half the courage Lalia and Mariam have.
I've recommended, no, demanded that my mom read this book, and I beg you to do the same. You won't regret it.
What really made me love A Thousand Splendid Suns, however, were the women at the center of the story: Mariam and Lalia. Life is often very cruel to the both of them. Mariam is born a bastard and is forced into marriage to a very unpleasant man by her father when she is fifteen. Lalia loses her parents to an air raid, and she is separated from her love Tariq and presumes him to be dead many years. These two women have little in common at first, but they grow to be each others only ally and friend in an abusive household. These aren't the take charge kind of women in American fiction, but there is a quiet strength and resilience to both women I admire. They just keep going and surviving even when everything goes to hell. I wish I could have half the courage Lalia and Mariam have.
I've recommended, no, demanded that my mom read this book, and I beg you to do the same. You won't regret it.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
4.0
If I was going to pay Khaled Hosseini one compliment, just one, I would say that he is consistently successful of depicting his home country and people complexly and realistically. Afghanistan and its citizens are so often misunderstood and misrepresented by Western media and people, but books like The Kite Runner remind me and everyone else that we are not that much different than anyone else anywhere. I guess that's what I really love about Hosseini's writing: the way his stories at their core could be told anywhere.
That being said, I do admire how effectively Hosseini uses Afghanistan in his novels. It is a character in itself, and it's fascinating and heartbreaking to see Afghanistan's transformation over the span of three hundred plus pages. It might actually be the most interesting character of the novel. Amir was necessarily a good man or even a likeable character, but I think that unlikeablity is more interesting. It forces us to take a hard look at ourselves and our own weaknesses. Amir did do several things that he wasn't proud of, but don't we all? Of everyone in the situation, it is not Hassan or Baba or anyone else who is hardest on Amir. It's Amir who is still punishing himself for a moment of weakness he had as a boy.
Rahim Khan writes to Amir saying, “I know that in the end, God will forgive me. He will forgive your father, me, and you too. I hope you can do the same. Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But most important, forgive yourself.” To me, this is the soul of the novel: forgiveness. Everyone in the novel has to f orgive someone, and it is an easier thing to say than to do. My one problem with the novel is the lack of forgiveness Amir finds in himself and from Sohrab. I can see why forgiveness form Sohrab is less likely, but as a reader I wanted to see more hope. Hope was what I loved about A Thousand Splendid Suns, his second novel, and what I believe makes it a superior one.
I read this for my school's book club, Sister Who Are Reading Stores, and can't wait to discuss it. Shout out to my STARS girls! Definitely recommended.
That being said, I do admire how effectively Hosseini uses Afghanistan in his novels. It is a character in itself, and it's fascinating and heartbreaking to see Afghanistan's transformation over the span of three hundred plus pages. It might actually be the most interesting character of the novel. Amir was necessarily a good man or even a likeable character, but I think that unlikeablity is more interesting. It forces us to take a hard look at ourselves and our own weaknesses. Amir did do several things that he wasn't proud of, but don't we all? Of everyone in the situation, it is not Hassan or Baba or anyone else who is hardest on Amir. It's Amir who is still punishing himself for a moment of weakness he had as a boy.
Rahim Khan writes to Amir saying, “I know that in the end, God will forgive me. He will forgive your father, me, and you too. I hope you can do the same. Forgive your father if you can. Forgive me if you wish. But most important, forgive yourself.” To me, this is the soul of the novel: forgiveness. Everyone in the novel has to f orgive someone, and it is an easier thing to say than to do. My one problem with the novel is the lack of forgiveness Amir finds in himself and from Sohrab. I can see why forgiveness form Sohrab is less likely, but as a reader I wanted to see more hope. Hope was what I loved about A Thousand Splendid Suns, his second novel, and what I believe makes it a superior one.
I read this for my school's book club, Sister Who Are Reading Stores, and can't wait to discuss it. Shout out to my STARS girls! Definitely recommended.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
4.0
After the painful drudgery we went through with The Wedding, I think that my whole class was more than happy to move on to The Bean Trees. Compared to the other works we'd read, The Bean Trees seemed like a breeze. Easy to read and fairly enjoyable, here was a novel we could finally discuss without whining. Okay, so maybe there was a bit of whining, but clearly you have never taken a Mr. M quiz. It automatically induces whining. In fact, it's tortuous. But, I digress.
The Bean Trees would've never ended up on my bookshelf had it not been assigned to me in 20th Century Lit. There's a chance I might have found it at a garage sale or a used bookstore, but the fact it is in mass paperback and the summary probably would have meant a pass from me. How dumb that would have been. I was pleasantly surprised by The Bean Trees for several reasons, but the biggest being that is was packed full of strong female characters. First there's gutsy Taylor who sets off on her own for a better life and never believes she is less than anyone else because of where she comes from, who takes in Turtle and raises her to the best of her ability. Then there's Lou-Ann, a worrier by nature but loving and loyal to the people she cares about, someone who supports Taylor with her friendship and sets her straight when Taylor needs it. There's also Mattie, a woman with a heart as big as can be and compassion a mile wide, who does her best to help other people whether it be illegal immigrants like Esperanza and Estevan or clueless single mothers like Taylor. Even Esperanza, who struggles with depression over losing her daughter and leaving her home, shows tremendous courage in helping Taylor obtain custody of Turtle and manages to keep going despite all her sorrows. Of course, I can't forget Mama, a women who never let Taylor believe she wasn't extraordinary, who took pride in the work she did cleaning houses because it supported her daughter.
At its core, that was what The Bean Trees was really about: these strong women, their relationships, and how love and friendship get them through everything that comes their way. Yes, they're human and therefore flawed, but that's what I liked about this novel. Everything was so real. Life is hard and complicated, and sometimes the ending isn't entirely happy. Sometimes you have to say a hard goodbye as something else really good is happening. That's reality. I got really annoyed in class when a girl said she didn't like those kinds of books, the ones without a happy ending, because they were sad. I told her that was reality, that sometimes endings weren't happy or even final, and she told me she didn't like reality. What a twit!
I would definitely recommend The Bean Trees. I learned a lot more than I thought I would, and it was nice picking up a book I usually wouldn't on my own for school and genuinely enjoying. Take note, English teachers. Assigning better books equals happier students!
The Bean Trees would've never ended up on my bookshelf had it not been assigned to me in 20th Century Lit. There's a chance I might have found it at a garage sale or a used bookstore, but the fact it is in mass paperback and the summary probably would have meant a pass from me. How dumb that would have been. I was pleasantly surprised by The Bean Trees for several reasons, but the biggest being that is was packed full of strong female characters. First there's gutsy Taylor who sets off on her own for a better life and never believes she is less than anyone else because of where she comes from, who takes in Turtle and raises her to the best of her ability. Then there's Lou-Ann, a worrier by nature but loving and loyal to the people she cares about, someone who supports Taylor with her friendship and sets her straight when Taylor needs it. There's also Mattie, a woman with a heart as big as can be and compassion a mile wide, who does her best to help other people whether it be illegal immigrants like Esperanza and Estevan or clueless single mothers like Taylor. Even Esperanza, who struggles with depression over losing her daughter and leaving her home, shows tremendous courage in helping Taylor obtain custody of Turtle and manages to keep going despite all her sorrows. Of course, I can't forget Mama, a women who never let Taylor believe she wasn't extraordinary, who took pride in the work she did cleaning houses because it supported her daughter.
At its core, that was what The Bean Trees was really about: these strong women, their relationships, and how love and friendship get them through everything that comes their way. Yes, they're human and therefore flawed, but that's what I liked about this novel. Everything was so real. Life is hard and complicated, and sometimes the ending isn't entirely happy. Sometimes you have to say a hard goodbye as something else really good is happening. That's reality. I got really annoyed in class when a girl said she didn't like those kinds of books, the ones without a happy ending, because they were sad. I told her that was reality, that sometimes endings weren't happy or even final, and she told me she didn't like reality. What a twit!
I would definitely recommend The Bean Trees. I learned a lot more than I thought I would, and it was nice picking up a book I usually wouldn't on my own for school and genuinely enjoying. Take note, English teachers. Assigning better books equals happier students!