Thursday, January 31, 2008

Eva's Excellent Book Meme

Aarti (Book Lust) tagged me for this meme, an invention of Eva (A Striped Armchair).

Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews? Anything written by authors such as Jackie Collins. They all say, "formula chick lit" to me!
If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?


Scarlet O’Hara, Rose the elephant (from Water from Elephants), and Hester Prine. LOL! That would be a site. Besides, Scarlett and I can couch Hester on how to stick up for herself.

(Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can’t die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realize it’s past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?

The Wings of a Dove. I tried to read it once! I really think I would die before I’m half way through it!

Come on, we’ve all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you’ve read, when in fact you’ve been nowhere near it?

Seriously, I can’t think of any.

As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realize when you read a review about it/go to ‘reread’ it that you haven’t? Which book?
Perhaps I’m loosing my memory in my middle age, but I can’t think of any.
You’re interviewing for the post of Official Book Advisor to some VIP (who’s not a big reader). What’s the first book you’d recommend and why? (If you feel like you’d have to know the person, go ahead of personalize the VIP)


If the VIP likes historical or adventure movies, then I would recommend The Secret River by Kate Grenville, because it’s an all time favorite of mine.

A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with?

Just one language, that’s tough! I’d have to say Cantonese. I’m sure some of the books have been lost in translation and also because I know a lot of Cantonese speaking people, since I live in Vancouver.

A mischievous fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread one a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?

The Secret River by Kate Grenville. I love that book!

I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What’s one bookish thing you ‘discovered’ from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)?

The blogging community has been feeding my book habit and it’s spreading like wild fire. My To-be-read list just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It has also gotten me to try reading authors from genres that I don’t normally care for.

That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she’s granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leather-bound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favorite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free.

No leather, I’m vegan! I actually prefer paperback because there easier to curl up with! It would be a huge library like the size that are in the movie adaptations of Jane Austin books, but without the stuffiness. There would still be the floor to ceiling built-in bookcases surrounding the room, however there would be tons of natural light coming through skylights and windows. There would be a desk with a computer, etc and a chase lounge. Hardwood floor accented with tasteful rugs, and of course a gas fireplace and a couch and two comfy chairs. Of course, all of those built in bookcases would be filled with book of my choosing and ones recommended. Since this is a fairy granting this wish, I assume that at least one of the bookcases will automatically fill itself with new books periodically!

And the final portion of this assignment is to tag four others:

Under a Blood Red Sky
Once Upon a Book
The Sleepy Reader
Blogging My Books


And, for extra credit, if you leave a comment letting Eva know you've done the meme with a link to the post, she will give you some link love via a big list of who's participated. Additionally, if you link back to her original post, she will enter you in a drawing to win The House at Riverton. If you're an American, this is especially exciting since it isn't going to published until April. ;) To be in the drawing, you must have posted the meme (and commented) by February 5th, which is when she is holding the drawing.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King



Water, Water and a Little Too Much Water
This is the intersecting story of a cast of many colorful characters. There’s Alberta, a University professor who wants to trade her two boyfriends in for a baby but no husband. There’s her boyfriend Lionel who is about to turn 40 and is still working at a television store. Alberta’s other boyfriend; Charlie is a "hot shot" lawyer. Then there’s Eli who lives in an old cabin where a dam has been built, but not in use due to his injunctions to stop it. The character list goes on to other supporting characters and some symbolic ones.

This is a very readable quirky book, interspersed with pages of magical realism and mythical characters. I truly enjoyed reading about the main and supporting characters. They were very lively and interesting souls with real, sometime quirky issues. However, I had a hard time getting into the magical realism and symbolic characters. They felt more throw in for good measure, then really fitting in. The other issue I had was the use of water as a symbol. The author made this symbol quit clear from the beginning but I felt like it was being pushed on me throughout the book. It just felt a bit like "over kill" to me.

That said, this is a well-written enjoyable book. Especially for fans of magical realism, but also for readers who can look past that to the wonderful characters.

3.5/5

Monday, January 21, 2008

Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron



A Famous Author’s Personal Battle with Depression
In this short but powerful memoir, William Styron, the author of "Sophie’s Choice", tells of his personal battle with clinical depression.

Suffering from depression myself and working in the mental health field, I can honestly say he captured this debilitating illness very well indeed. I have tried to explain to my friends how I felt going through depression at my lowest, low. It’s like sinking to the bottom of a well with no lifeline to hold on to, gasping for air.

There were so many things in this book that I could relate to first hand! People who have been lucky enough not to suffer from depression don’t usually realize how debilitating it is. Symptoms are not just psychological, but there are many physical aspects as well. Styron explains this in a way that everyone, suffers and non-suffers can understand.

I still have some smaller bouts of depression at times, but it’s more like treading water at the top of the well, thank goodness. Some of my experiences with the professionals were similar to his, but my ultimate recovery was a bit different. I was not hospitalized and my recovery took a lot longer.

This book is a bit dated. As I said above, I work in the mental health field. I can tell you that the hospitals that I have worked with, don’t have the budget to do many of the programs that Styron had the fortune to experience, such as a lot of art therapy. It’s a shame, because these would be beneficial!

Though this book is a little dated now, I recommend it for those that have suffered from depression and those who want to know more about what it is really like.

3.5/5

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Medieval helpdesk with English Subtitles

When I saw this on my friend's blog, I was laughing out loud with tears in my eyes. Thanks for the comic relief Christina. Now I must share it with my readers as well! (I don't feel too bad about lifting the link from you, since you lifted it from Scribbit.)

Before Computers, When Books Were the Newest Thing

Storm Rider by Akira Yoshimura, Translated by Philip Gabriel



The Opening of Japan to the World
In Japan, at the age of 13, Hikoraro lost his mother and became an orphan. His stepfather gave him the choice of continuing school or become a sailor of his ship. Though he knew that his mother wanted more for him, he chose sailing.

Out on his first trip, there is a huge storm and the ship becomes lost and immobile at sea. Luckily an American vessel comes upon the ship and rescues all of its occupants. Eventually they sail to San Francisco. The story then goes on to how the castaways keep trying to make their way back to Japan and what happens to them, including Hikoraro.

This is the story about both the castaways and how Japan finally opens up to American and the world. It is also the story about Hikoraro and how he became caught up between two worlds, Japan and America.

Though I found the historical aspect of this book fascinating, the story of the castaways’ fell flat for me. There was no emotional depth to any of these characters, and while I was concerned about what would happen to them, I kept reading because of the history. This my be in part because of how the book was translated, but I'm more inclined to believe that it was because Yoshimura chose to use very little dialogue.
Besides the problem with the characters, I also found parts of this book to be quite repetitive. I think that much more editing and polishing was needed.

Non the less, I found this book worthwhile and do recommend it for those who are interested in the opening of Japan.

3/5

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories by James Finn Garner


Laugh Out Loud Funny
This little book is the retelling of classic bedtime stories with modern day political correctness. It retells stories including Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and Cinderella, to name a few.

Garner uses political correctness in the extreme! For example, here is an excerpt from Little Red Riding Hood:

The wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone."

Red Riding Hood said, "I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid, worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way."

This book had me laughing out loud, sometimes with tears in my eyes. The only negative thing is that the stories do get a bit repetitive, like the original stories themselves. Therefore, it is best to savour them one at a time with space in between.
I really had a lot of fun reading these silly PC stories.
4/5

Friday, January 11, 2008

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen




I was Hooked from Page One of this Delightful Novel!



During the Great Depression, Jacob, age 23, is in the middle of taking his veterinary medical exam and leaves, handing in a blank test. He wonders and ends up jumping on a train. Unknown at the time of his jumping, it is a circus train. He joins the circus as a veterinarian and the story really takes off from there!

The story shifts seamlessly back and forth from present day Jacob, age 93, living in a nursing home to the 23 year old Jacob. He tells of his colorful experiences with the circus and his two great loves, Marlena a performer and Rosie, an elephant. The human-animal bond shines through.

Sara Gruen really did her research for the circus lore of this amazing historical novel. The author’s note at the end of the book and the circus terminology that she uses, proves this. She portrayed this sad time in history with respect for all those who struggled.

The characters are larger than life with Gruen’s elegant prose. At times gut wrenching and at times laugh out loud funny this novel is a must read. This is the first time I have read anything by Sara Gruen and it won't be the last.

If I could only own one book for the rest of my life, this would be it!
5/5


Also Reviewed at:
Just Another Blogger
ReadingAdventures
Maw Books
An Adventure in Reading

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Mwah Award

Christina at book-a-rama:
http://chris-book-a-rama.blogspot.com/ presented this award to me for my blog.

Here's what she said: "So Many Precious Books, So Little Time: Teddy is a new blogger (it's about time) but she was president of my Classics Book Club for years. She's so organized! She's also been doing reviews on Amazon for awhile too so she's practically a veteran blogger."

Thanks so much Christina and right back at you! I love your blog as well!!

Here's the explanation of the Mhah Award:
"So, the point (and I do have one) to this post is motivated by my desire to hand some of that love and kindness back around to those who have been so very, very, very good to me in this bloggy world. My hope is that those who receive this award will pass it on to those who have been very, very, very good to them as well. It's a big kiss, of the chaste platonic kind, from me to you with the underlying 'thanks' message implied. I really do appreciate your support and your friendship and yes, your comments. ... Mwah!" (actually this quote came from the original post, but you get my drift, right? )"


Now I would like to pass this award on to some of my favorite blogs:

Wendy from caribousmom, has a beautifully laid out blog and writes excellent book reviews. This year she is hosting an awesome challenged called the Mini Challenge 2008 and she is also hosting The Notable Books Challenge . Congratulations Wendy!

Michelle from from 1morechapter.com, has been a blogger for a long time. She is dedicated to spreading the word about good books. I love her book reviews! She is also the host of several challenges, too numerous to list here and also participates in another blog. She participates in all of her challenges and completes all of them. Congratulations Michelle!

Joy from Thoughts of Joy: http://thoughtsofjoyblog.blogspot.com/, also participates in just about every book challenge out there and actually finishes them! I don't know how she does it, but she also finds the time to keep us a fabulous book blog and participated in on-line groups. You go girl! Congratulations Joy!

There are many more blogs that I love and want to give a big Mwah to all of you! Please check out my "Some of My Favorate Blogs" section to find some more wonderful book blogs.





Saturday, January 5, 2008

Barnacle Love by Anthony De Sa



Beautiful and Haunting Story of an Portuguese Immigrant Family

Manuel was sent off to fish for his Portuguese village, as all other men and boys do. But he wanted more for his life, and wanted to get away from this life forever. This is the story about him and his family’s immigrant experience in Canada.

This is said to be a book of linked stories, however, I read it as a novel. I loved the breath taking descriptions of both Portugal and Canada. Anthony De Sa paints a beautiful, at times haunting portrait of the immigrant experience. With sumptuous prose, he tells of the ups and downs of the Rebelo family. The only thing that I found difficult, is when the narrator changes from father to son, it took me a little while to figure out that the son took over.

That said, I recommend this beautiful small book. In this case, good things do come in small packages!
4/5

Publication Date in Canada: March 18, 2008 (Thanks to BookLounge.ca for the advanced reading copy)

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