What I'm Reading: March Madness Part 2
With the weather STILL not staying consistently warm; I've found myself spending more time indoors and sitting inside than I would in a normal March. This means that I was able to complete a second book for the month of March. For my second book of the month I decided to go non-fiction and finally read a book that I have been meaning to get to: The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. This is a book I have wanted to read for awhile, and I am SO happy I was finally able to get around to it. I am giving this book a 5 star ranking and highly recommending it,
Confession time: I read this entire book in ONE day. Yes, that is HOW MUCH I enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked and fascinated by chapter one when Gladwell begins his discussion on how people become successful. The entire book is basically a discussion on how people do not become massively successful because they have some incredible gift of talent that no one else has, but rather because a variety of circumstances all come together to lift them to fame and fortune. Gladwell states that yes, talent is important, but a lot of what lifts people to success is actually a combination of many factors, some that are not even in their personal control.
The book discusses the creation of success through everything from birth month to cultural heritage. A lot of his concepts seemed really obvious once I read them, but yet I hadn't necessarily thought of it on my own. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the concepts of hard work, genius, and cultural heritage. Gladwell points out putting 10,000 hours of work into a project is more important than having the highest IQ in the classroom. He also supports the fact that where you come from and your cultural heritage will have a profound effect on how you approach problems. It made me want to go out and practice writing and/or running as frequently as possible and see what kind of success was possible. It also made me ponder what traits my Irish relatives had passed down to me that would help or hinder me in life. It was definitely a book that got me thinking, to say the least.
I have never been much of a non-fiction reader; I tend to enjoy reading an actual "story." I have been finding lately though that non-fiction seems to have taken on a new syntax and style. The books I have been reading lately seem to be told in more of a narrative fashion. It almost seems as if the author is having a discussion with you about what they have learned about a topic. I find this style works really well for me and keeps me engaged, versus older non-fiction books that I found to be more straight research and information. Gladwell also uses this narrative voice and kept me interested and reading his entire book, until I found it was midnight and I had to get up in six hours!
I would highly suggest this book, particularly if you are interested in how other people seem to rise to the top, while some people are never able to change their status.
5 stars. Seriously, Read it.
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
My Book Review Rating System
It occurred to me that if I'm going to be rating books I should provide a little more information on how I select my ratings, and give examples of books that fall into these ratings. This way, you can get a feel for what kind of books I like or don't like, and if my reviews might be helpful to your personal reading tastes.
0 Stars: You won't actually see this rating from me, because this is what I would give a book I would refuse to pick up and not even TRY to read. Examples: anything horror or zombie related.
1 Star: These are the kind of books that I try to read, but end up not being able to finish it (and not finishing a book means I REALLY DO NOT LIKE IT because I hate when people, myself included, don't finish books). I would absolutely not suggest this to a friend. Examples: The third book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series. (Actually all of them, all of them are 1's in my mind.) I hated the first two, but at least tried to get through the series, but by the third one it was so ridiculous and awful, that I couldn't even skim through it like I did the first two. (I only kept reading because everyone else seemed to like them so much, I though if I kept going I'd figure it out) Seriously people, how did THAT series become so popular.
2 Stars: These are books that I at least managed to finish, but I really did not enjoy and would not suggest to others to read. Examples: This would typically be a lot of romance novels that I come across hoping they are "chick lit" and they turn into cheesy romance novels. (Seriously, there IS a difference!). Sometimes they are books that just strike me as "rushed" or very inaccurate. Slammed by Colleen Hoover is an example. I was excited to try a book about slam poetry, but it was just NOT well written, or even accurate about high schools, and certainly not how student/teacher relationships work. I DID NOT like it and would not recommend it, but I did finish it.
3-3.5 Stars: These are books that I consider to be pretty decent books. I would probably even suggest them to other readers if they are looking for something in that genre. I might not personally be super impressed, but I can see how they are entertaining or well written, and can often discuss their merit to others. Examples: The previously mentioned The Book Thief or The Lone Wolf. Also, many classics that I can understand why they are classics, but again would not want to read them in my spare time.
4 stars: This is a pretty big deal book in my world if it makes it to this level. It means I really enjoyed it and could not put it down. I would probably read this book again, and would definitely suggest it to others. I felt that I connected with the characters, and sometimes I might even cry at their plights. Examples: pretty much all of the Jane Green books, Jennifer Weiner books, John Green books, the first Hunger Games book.
5 Stars: For me to give this rating, the book has to actually move me. It has to make me think. It has to make me talk about it to other people. It might make me change my mind on things. I'll probably even do additional reading or research because of this book. I will have an actual reaction to this book, rather than just enjoying it for pleasure reading. If a book hits this level, I'll recommend it and suggest it forever. Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone with the Wind, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Eat, Pray, Love, Born to Run, The Omnivore's Dilemma, The Outliers.
Here is my rating scale with examples. I tried to provide a description, plus examples of what authors and types of books I like and dislike. I hope this helps going forward. I'd love to have some comments and discussions on my book reviews!
0 Stars: You won't actually see this rating from me, because this is what I would give a book I would refuse to pick up and not even TRY to read. Examples: anything horror or zombie related.
1 Star: These are the kind of books that I try to read, but end up not being able to finish it (and not finishing a book means I REALLY DO NOT LIKE IT because I hate when people, myself included, don't finish books). I would absolutely not suggest this to a friend. Examples: The third book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series. (Actually all of them, all of them are 1's in my mind.) I hated the first two, but at least tried to get through the series, but by the third one it was so ridiculous and awful, that I couldn't even skim through it like I did the first two. (I only kept reading because everyone else seemed to like them so much, I though if I kept going I'd figure it out) Seriously people, how did THAT series become so popular.
2 Stars: These are books that I at least managed to finish, but I really did not enjoy and would not suggest to others to read. Examples: This would typically be a lot of romance novels that I come across hoping they are "chick lit" and they turn into cheesy romance novels. (Seriously, there IS a difference!). Sometimes they are books that just strike me as "rushed" or very inaccurate. Slammed by Colleen Hoover is an example. I was excited to try a book about slam poetry, but it was just NOT well written, or even accurate about high schools, and certainly not how student/teacher relationships work. I DID NOT like it and would not recommend it, but I did finish it.
3-3.5 Stars: These are books that I consider to be pretty decent books. I would probably even suggest them to other readers if they are looking for something in that genre. I might not personally be super impressed, but I can see how they are entertaining or well written, and can often discuss their merit to others. Examples: The previously mentioned The Book Thief or The Lone Wolf. Also, many classics that I can understand why they are classics, but again would not want to read them in my spare time.
4 stars: This is a pretty big deal book in my world if it makes it to this level. It means I really enjoyed it and could not put it down. I would probably read this book again, and would definitely suggest it to others. I felt that I connected with the characters, and sometimes I might even cry at their plights. Examples: pretty much all of the Jane Green books, Jennifer Weiner books, John Green books, the first Hunger Games book.
5 Stars: For me to give this rating, the book has to actually move me. It has to make me think. It has to make me talk about it to other people. It might make me change my mind on things. I'll probably even do additional reading or research because of this book. I will have an actual reaction to this book, rather than just enjoying it for pleasure reading. If a book hits this level, I'll recommend it and suggest it forever. Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird, Gone with the Wind, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Eat, Pray, Love, Born to Run, The Omnivore's Dilemma, The Outliers.
Here is my rating scale with examples. I tried to provide a description, plus examples of what authors and types of books I like and dislike. I hope this helps going forward. I'd love to have some comments and discussions on my book reviews!
Monday, March 17, 2014
What I'm Reading: March Madness
I already finished my novel for the month of March so I am able to post another novel review already! Hopefully this means I can get a second book in before the end of the month! The book I just completed reading was Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult. This book was definitely a quick read, as all her books are, and I blew through it in a couple of days. I'm going to give it a 3.5 out of 5 rating since it kept my attention and had the normal twists and turns that she always includes, but was not quite as good as some of her previous novels.
I almost want to assume that anyone reading this review has read a Jodi Picoult book before, or maybe I should say every female? Her books tend to be extremely popular with the female audience ranging from about age 14 and up. Her books all seem to be New York Times bestsellers, rightfully so in my opinion, because they are quick and interesting to read. Some of her more famous titles include: My Sister's Keeper, 19 Minutes, and The Pact (my personal favorite--a reverse Romeo and Juliet). My Sister's Keeper was even turned into a movie featuring Cameron Diaz, but the movie BUTCHERED the book and didn't even keep the original ending. Overall, she is an author with many titles, that consistently turns out a quality product. Even if you don't end up reading this book, I highly suggest checking out some of her other titles.
The Lone Wolf is a novel that follows several characters thoughts and actions surrounding a car crash that has left a father of two, Luke, in a coma. The book shows the perspective of both of his kids, Luke from the past, the ex-wife and mother, the stepfather/lawyer, and a couple of other select characters. The main moral dilemma of the novel is what to do about Luke: should he be taken off of life support and have his organs donated, or should he be kept alive in the hopes that he will one day recover. The daughter that currently lives with him wants to keep him alive, and his estranged son, who has returned from Thailand after the accident, wants to let him slip peacefully away. Luke is a wolf lover and wilderness expert, and has even lived in the Canadian wilderness as a member of a wolf pack, making it a clear choice to many that he would not want to wake up in the condition that he would most likely be in, if he ever was to wake up. His daughter is harboring a secret that keeps her desperately holding on (plus her obvious love of her father) and the estranged son also holds his own secrets, and a possible vengeance for his father's former sins against him.
Showing the novel from the various character perspectives is always a favorite writing technique of mine. I think it keeps the reading fresher, and allows the reader to see all points of view. I will say that I was not as involved with these characters as I have been with some of her former works. This story also involves a teenager taking out a law suit on a family member (My Sister's Keeper anyone?) and I found the characters to be less desirable and connectable than previous works. Also the "secret twists" that they were hiding were not quite as scandalous or interesting as some of the ones that Mrs. Picoult has provided in the past.
I did enjoy all of the wolf information that was provided. The author definitely always does her research before writing any novel. I'm an avid animal lover, so I enjoyed learning more about wild wolves.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was entertaining. I don't think its quite up to par to some of her previous works, but I imagine it would be hard to consistently come up with totally different plot lines and characters every year. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy her books (or even if you haven't read them before) and are looking for a quick, easy read.
I almost want to assume that anyone reading this review has read a Jodi Picoult book before, or maybe I should say every female? Her books tend to be extremely popular with the female audience ranging from about age 14 and up. Her books all seem to be New York Times bestsellers, rightfully so in my opinion, because they are quick and interesting to read. Some of her more famous titles include: My Sister's Keeper, 19 Minutes, and The Pact (my personal favorite--a reverse Romeo and Juliet). My Sister's Keeper was even turned into a movie featuring Cameron Diaz, but the movie BUTCHERED the book and didn't even keep the original ending. Overall, she is an author with many titles, that consistently turns out a quality product. Even if you don't end up reading this book, I highly suggest checking out some of her other titles.
The Lone Wolf is a novel that follows several characters thoughts and actions surrounding a car crash that has left a father of two, Luke, in a coma. The book shows the perspective of both of his kids, Luke from the past, the ex-wife and mother, the stepfather/lawyer, and a couple of other select characters. The main moral dilemma of the novel is what to do about Luke: should he be taken off of life support and have his organs donated, or should he be kept alive in the hopes that he will one day recover. The daughter that currently lives with him wants to keep him alive, and his estranged son, who has returned from Thailand after the accident, wants to let him slip peacefully away. Luke is a wolf lover and wilderness expert, and has even lived in the Canadian wilderness as a member of a wolf pack, making it a clear choice to many that he would not want to wake up in the condition that he would most likely be in, if he ever was to wake up. His daughter is harboring a secret that keeps her desperately holding on (plus her obvious love of her father) and the estranged son also holds his own secrets, and a possible vengeance for his father's former sins against him.
Showing the novel from the various character perspectives is always a favorite writing technique of mine. I think it keeps the reading fresher, and allows the reader to see all points of view. I will say that I was not as involved with these characters as I have been with some of her former works. This story also involves a teenager taking out a law suit on a family member (My Sister's Keeper anyone?) and I found the characters to be less desirable and connectable than previous works. Also the "secret twists" that they were hiding were not quite as scandalous or interesting as some of the ones that Mrs. Picoult has provided in the past.
I did enjoy all of the wolf information that was provided. The author definitely always does her research before writing any novel. I'm an avid animal lover, so I enjoyed learning more about wild wolves.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was entertaining. I don't think its quite up to par to some of her previous works, but I imagine it would be hard to consistently come up with totally different plot lines and characters every year. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy her books (or even if you haven't read them before) and are looking for a quick, easy read.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
What I'm Reading: February Flashback
For as long as I can remember, reading has been one of my absolute favorite activities. I am normally a pretty active, energetic person, (Note 1) and the only thing that calms me down and keeps me still for a long period is reading a good book. (Note 2). I figured it would be fun to share my thoughts on what I've read for pleasure lately. (Note 3). I'm pretty busy with work (Note 4) and race training, but my goal is going to be to read at least one book a month--at least until summer! My first review is going to be a Flashback to February as I think the book I read last month is worth noting.
*Note 1: Otherwise known as ADD
*Note 2: Seriously, try and watch a movie with me. I dare you. I'll get up to pee, get a drink, pee again, play with the dogs, play a game on my phone, check Facebook etc the entire movie.
*Note 3: I DO enjoy a lot of chick lit (NOT Romances--there is a difference) but there will be other kinds of books on here too.
*Note 4: I read A LOT at work, in some ways you might call me a "professional reader" ha! Which is why I have to limit myself to roughly one book a month for "pleasure" in my off hours.
February Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This particular novel is not one I would necessarily pick up to read in my free time. For starters, the narrator is Death and the story discusses Nazi Germany, but it came highly recommended by one of my favorite young adult authors, John Green. I am a huge fan of his writing, both my husband and I have read his entire collection, so I figured if he was going to recommend this book to his readers, it was worth trying. Also, it was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 230 weeks, so clearly a lot of people are reading the book.
The Book Thief, in my opinion--humble though it may be--is only going to rank as a 3.5 out of 5. I just can't give it the 4 or 5 stars that everyone else seems to give it. I feel like I am supposed to love this book and tell you what a literary masterpiece it is. In fact, I will even confirm here that it is bound to become a classic. This book truly is an innovative and original novel about a German family living during Hitler's regime. The characters are well developed, the subject material is approached differently than what you normally see in Nazi Germany era books, and the narrator as Death provides for a totally different kind of read and feel to the book, with a lot of non-subtle foreshadowing (not even foreshadowing so much as TELLING) of what is to come. I appreciated the character development, and it was interesting for me to read a book from the German perspective, as most books I have read about this era are from either an American or Jewish specific background.
Let me make it clear: I can agree with the critics that this book should be praised for it's literary quality. I just found it rather...depressing (duh, its about Nazi Germany) and a slow read. In particular I did NOT like that Death told us early on that certain characters would die, which made me feel withdrawn and disconnected from my favorite character as I knew he/she ( I won't spoil it) was going to die well before it happened. I didn't want to form as deep an emotional attachment to a character that could die on any page. I suppose a book narrated by death about Nazi Germany is expected to have a lot of death, but still, it made me detach from the book.
It felt distinctly like the kind of book that I would read in school, rather than what I like to read in my free time. I know I mentioned that I like to read chick lit, but I also do enjoy a lot of serious and classical novels. My two favorite novels ever are To Kill a Mockingbird and Gone With the Wind, so I'm clearly not afraid of long or historical books. Something about this book didn't quite do it for me, and I can't quite put my finger on it (besides the death foreshadowing). This is a book that I WANT to love and give 5 stars to, but I have been unable to recommend it to my husband or reader friends, and I just can't quite recommend it here either. I feel like all "real" readers are shaking their head and thinking how shallow I must be...but yea. 3.5 stars. Sorry.
*Note 1: Otherwise known as ADD
*Note 2: Seriously, try and watch a movie with me. I dare you. I'll get up to pee, get a drink, pee again, play with the dogs, play a game on my phone, check Facebook etc the entire movie.
*Note 3: I DO enjoy a lot of chick lit (NOT Romances--there is a difference) but there will be other kinds of books on here too.
*Note 4: I read A LOT at work, in some ways you might call me a "professional reader" ha! Which is why I have to limit myself to roughly one book a month for "pleasure" in my off hours.
February Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This particular novel is not one I would necessarily pick up to read in my free time. For starters, the narrator is Death and the story discusses Nazi Germany, but it came highly recommended by one of my favorite young adult authors, John Green. I am a huge fan of his writing, both my husband and I have read his entire collection, so I figured if he was going to recommend this book to his readers, it was worth trying. Also, it was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 230 weeks, so clearly a lot of people are reading the book.
The Book Thief, in my opinion--humble though it may be--is only going to rank as a 3.5 out of 5. I just can't give it the 4 or 5 stars that everyone else seems to give it. I feel like I am supposed to love this book and tell you what a literary masterpiece it is. In fact, I will even confirm here that it is bound to become a classic. This book truly is an innovative and original novel about a German family living during Hitler's regime. The characters are well developed, the subject material is approached differently than what you normally see in Nazi Germany era books, and the narrator as Death provides for a totally different kind of read and feel to the book, with a lot of non-subtle foreshadowing (not even foreshadowing so much as TELLING) of what is to come. I appreciated the character development, and it was interesting for me to read a book from the German perspective, as most books I have read about this era are from either an American or Jewish specific background.
Let me make it clear: I can agree with the critics that this book should be praised for it's literary quality. I just found it rather...depressing (duh, its about Nazi Germany) and a slow read. In particular I did NOT like that Death told us early on that certain characters would die, which made me feel withdrawn and disconnected from my favorite character as I knew he/she ( I won't spoil it) was going to die well before it happened. I didn't want to form as deep an emotional attachment to a character that could die on any page. I suppose a book narrated by death about Nazi Germany is expected to have a lot of death, but still, it made me detach from the book.
It felt distinctly like the kind of book that I would read in school, rather than what I like to read in my free time. I know I mentioned that I like to read chick lit, but I also do enjoy a lot of serious and classical novels. My two favorite novels ever are To Kill a Mockingbird and Gone With the Wind, so I'm clearly not afraid of long or historical books. Something about this book didn't quite do it for me, and I can't quite put my finger on it (besides the death foreshadowing). This is a book that I WANT to love and give 5 stars to, but I have been unable to recommend it to my husband or reader friends, and I just can't quite recommend it here either. I feel like all "real" readers are shaking their head and thinking how shallow I must be...but yea. 3.5 stars. Sorry.
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