The Great Gatsby.
I listened to a full cast reading of this novel that was just fantastic. It was very involving, dramatic, and sort of a time machine for me throwing me back into the 1920's. For me, this novel/short story was very representative of how I picture the stereotypical 1920's.
I loved how this book only contained a handful of characters, but each one of them was a separate distinct personality and created interesting interactions with the others. Also I was fascinated that each of the people involved had a secret second life. Maybe even the story had two secret lives. One that a warning against fast and loose living, one that reveled in it. One tragic event, that I will not disclose, brings all the standard lives and secrets lives together, lets the pieces fall where they may.
This was a very quick read, easy to follow, probably one that could easily be re-read and possibly better appreciated the second go around. I would highly recommend it and can tell why so many have this book in their top 50 and why it is considered a classic.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Book #17 Anna Karenia
I read the first of 8 or however many sections of this book before deciding I didn't want to complete the book. I have no desire or need to lose myself in a romantic novel whose main characters are involved in an adulterous affair.
I will not be completing this book and I am open to suggestions for a replacement for my list of 50.
I will not be completing this book and I am open to suggestions for a replacement for my list of 50.
Book #20 The Count of Monte Cristo
So today is the day that I try to catch up on my blogging. I am several months behind on posting this blog, but want to go ahead and write it so I can mark it off the list and move forward. I am probably going to finish another book this week or next and I don't want to be 3 books behind, so here we go...
The Count of Monte Cristo, or what I can remember of it. Let's do it this way to keep it simple, here are three things that are still with me months later and several books later.
1. Dramatic timing. The timing of the events in this book invoke feelings in the reader that sensationalize Edmund's life and actions. One of the finest examples is the transition from a pre-wedding feast to abandonment in prison on a remote island in just a matter of a few pages. Such great highs and hopes for a life of success as a newly named captain, contrasted against the instantaneous ruin of innocent imprisonment with no justice or knowledge of your crime. This timing makes a great read. Some other examples of fantastic dramatic timing are in the delay of the count's revenge. He withholds his justified revenge for so long, it is like the constant sharpening of sword that will eventually bring his enemies down with the precision of a surgeon. The last example of this dramatic timing that I want to give is of the revenge. Each of the count's enemies receive their due in a swiftness of ruin that mirrors that of the imprisonment of Dantes.
2. Precision. The Count spends most of his time preparing just exactly what is needed to exact his revenge. I can't remember exactly, but it is something like 10 to 15 years collecting evidence and people, building ships, buying things not for sale all to have a perfectly suited destruction for those who sent him to prison or restoration for those who showed him kindness.
3. Giant puzzle in a good way. I usually don't like doing puzzles, but I do like when they have been completed. After I finished the book and now reflecting on it, I have a new view to appreciate the construction of plot. Each piece fits together so well into the next and into the picture as a whole, it is like a giant 1000 piece puzzle of a masterpiece. Excellently crafted and despite being a longer book the plot doesn't drag and words aren't wasted.
Overall 10 out of 10. It will be a while before I can circle back to reading this book, but I will read it again.
The Count of Monte Cristo, or what I can remember of it. Let's do it this way to keep it simple, here are three things that are still with me months later and several books later.
1. Dramatic timing. The timing of the events in this book invoke feelings in the reader that sensationalize Edmund's life and actions. One of the finest examples is the transition from a pre-wedding feast to abandonment in prison on a remote island in just a matter of a few pages. Such great highs and hopes for a life of success as a newly named captain, contrasted against the instantaneous ruin of innocent imprisonment with no justice or knowledge of your crime. This timing makes a great read. Some other examples of fantastic dramatic timing are in the delay of the count's revenge. He withholds his justified revenge for so long, it is like the constant sharpening of sword that will eventually bring his enemies down with the precision of a surgeon. The last example of this dramatic timing that I want to give is of the revenge. Each of the count's enemies receive their due in a swiftness of ruin that mirrors that of the imprisonment of Dantes.
2. Precision. The Count spends most of his time preparing just exactly what is needed to exact his revenge. I can't remember exactly, but it is something like 10 to 15 years collecting evidence and people, building ships, buying things not for sale all to have a perfectly suited destruction for those who sent him to prison or restoration for those who showed him kindness.
3. Giant puzzle in a good way. I usually don't like doing puzzles, but I do like when they have been completed. After I finished the book and now reflecting on it, I have a new view to appreciate the construction of plot. Each piece fits together so well into the next and into the picture as a whole, it is like a giant 1000 piece puzzle of a masterpiece. Excellently crafted and despite being a longer book the plot doesn't drag and words aren't wasted.
Overall 10 out of 10. It will be a while before I can circle back to reading this book, but I will read it again.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Book #7 Pride and Prejudice
Well, once again I haven't blogged in quite a while, but I am back. I recently discovered audiobooks on Spotify and will be taking every advantage I can to listen to books on my list of 50. Listening to these books while driving is a quite economical use of my half hour commute. Not to mention keeping my mind engaged makes the drive seem much shorter. Anyway, enough about reading and on with the book review.
This novel was quite enjoyable, I have seen the film (the one with Keira Knightley) several times as it is one of my wife's favorites. As it seems to be a similar theme with the books on the list and my past experiences the book provides a much deeper richer perspective. One of the finest examples of this deeper richer perspective is the ability to understand minor characters. The younger Bennet sisters actually have personalities and effect on the plot. In the movie, their effects may have been felt, but motives were not understood or too briefly addressed to be remembered.
The passion that Jane Austen brought to the novel is most undoubtedly why Pride and Prejudice is a classic. The main story is the development of a romantic relationship (which seem to be rare in the marriages of others in the book) between a snobby rich man and a poor woman who seems to leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth after first encounter. Several subplots of marriages, potential marriages, and various approvals and or disapprovals of said marriages and potential marriages help move Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet together. These subplots expose their true character and desires to one another.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic novel set in London in the 1800's.
Since finishing Pride and Prejudice I have also finished The Great Gastby. Also I finished The Count of Monte Cristo before I started Pride and Prejudice, so I am behind on my blogs and will be working to catch up soon.
Thanks for reading,
RP
This novel was quite enjoyable, I have seen the film (the one with Keira Knightley) several times as it is one of my wife's favorites. As it seems to be a similar theme with the books on the list and my past experiences the book provides a much deeper richer perspective. One of the finest examples of this deeper richer perspective is the ability to understand minor characters. The younger Bennet sisters actually have personalities and effect on the plot. In the movie, their effects may have been felt, but motives were not understood or too briefly addressed to be remembered.
The passion that Jane Austen brought to the novel is most undoubtedly why Pride and Prejudice is a classic. The main story is the development of a romantic relationship (which seem to be rare in the marriages of others in the book) between a snobby rich man and a poor woman who seems to leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth after first encounter. Several subplots of marriages, potential marriages, and various approvals and or disapprovals of said marriages and potential marriages help move Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet together. These subplots expose their true character and desires to one another.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic novel set in London in the 1800's.
Since finishing Pride and Prejudice I have also finished The Great Gastby. Also I finished The Count of Monte Cristo before I started Pride and Prejudice, so I am behind on my blogs and will be working to catch up soon.
Thanks for reading,
RP
Monday, September 22, 2014
Book #44: The Princess Bride
I know that it has been a long time since my initial blog, but I'm back. Just to let you know, I have fallen off the reading horse and gotten back on the reading horse several times since we last spoke about teaching myself to be a reader. I am proud to note that very recently I have finished one of the books on my list of 50, #44 "The Princess Bride". So I thought I would check my list and find a new book to begin reading to add to the current list which includes my year long start and stop journey though "The Count of Monte Cristo" (#20 on my list). I haven't decided yet, but I should probably finish Dumas's tale of revenge before cracking open another of the classics.
Anyway, I just have a few comment on "The Princess Bride" before I leave this blog. I have loved the film since I first set eyes on the Rob Reiner masterpiece. The screenplay/book conversion is one that I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed. I have seen the movie enough times to know the lines ahead of time and often quote it to fit just an everyday occurrence (especially if someone is using a word that does not mean what they think it means.) When I came across MANY, of those lines word for word in the book, it brought joy to my face and sped my pace along. I could actually hear Andre the Giant as Fezzik. While reading, I found myself not wanting to stop and while not reading, I found myself looking for opportunities for my next reading session to dive back into the story. The screenplay made the necessary cuts of characters and minor plot elements that made for a great film and stayed more true to the book than I have ever come across. For example, Buttercup's parents don't make the film and are not seen in the book after Buttercup leaves for the castle, but make for a good laugh at their quarrels and score keeping. Their cut from the film makes perfect sense. As far as cuts from the book that I wish had made the movie, I would like to have seen the perilous journey through the Zoo of Death by Inigo and Fezzik on their way to rescue Westley.
Overall, this book has something for everyone and I would highly recommend it. I would like to hear what you would like to have seen in the movie that you enjoyed in the book.
I will post again when I finish Monte Cristo. Thanks for reading and commenting.
RP
Friday, September 6, 2013
An Experiment in Literature
Let's just start by saying I have never been a blogger or a reader. This will be my experiment and an attempt to do both.
I have recently put together a list of 50 Books that I would like to read. My list was taken from two or three sources of "50 books to read before you die" or "Top 50 Books of all time" and the edited together. When editing the list I threw out books that I have read and remember. This of course includes all of the Harry Potter Series. These reads should all be like new reads to me. I know the list includes many adaptations into film, but everyone knows "the book was way better."
The Goal: Read 50 books, Write 50 Blogs.
The Rules: I will post one blog after completing each book.
The Why: As I mentioned, I have never been a reader. I faked my way through literature classes in high school and pieced together what I needed to for my college literature credit. I always wanted to read the assignment, but didn't for one reason or another. I want to give myself the chance to set a personal goal and do it for real, this is for me. I'm tired of faking it, so here goes.
In no particular order, here is the List:
I have recently put together a list of 50 Books that I would like to read. My list was taken from two or three sources of "50 books to read before you die" or "Top 50 Books of all time" and the edited together. When editing the list I threw out books that I have read and remember. This of course includes all of the Harry Potter Series. These reads should all be like new reads to me. I know the list includes many adaptations into film, but everyone knows "the book was way better."
The Goal: Read 50 books, Write 50 Blogs.
The Rules: I will post one blog after completing each book.
The Why: As I mentioned, I have never been a reader. I faked my way through literature classes in high school and pieced together what I needed to for my college literature credit. I always wanted to read the assignment, but didn't for one reason or another. I want to give myself the chance to set a personal goal and do it for real, this is for me. I'm tired of faking it, so here goes.
In no particular order, here is the List:
| 1 | No Country for Old Men |
| 2 | The Great Gatsby |
| 3 | 1984 |
| 4 | Brave New World |
| 5 | Jane Eyre |
| 6 | The Grapes of Wrath |
| 7 | Pride & Prejudice |
| 8 | Life of Pi |
| 9 | The Bell Jar |
| 10 | A Bend in the River |
| 11 | A Passage to India |
| 12 | Lord of the Flies |
| 13 | Ulysses |
| 14 | The Diary of a Young Girl |
| 15 | The Catcher in the Rye |
| 16 | The Divine Comedy |
| 17 | Anna Karenia |
| 18 | Moby Dick |
| 19 | To Kill a Mockingbird |
| 20 | The Count of Monte Cristo |
| 21 | The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn |
| 22 | Gulliver's Travels |
| 23 | Memoirs of a Geisha |
| 24 | Frankenstein |
| 25 | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time |
| 26 | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest |
| 27 | A Christmas Carol |
| 28 | The Lord of the Rings |
| 29 | War and Peace |
| 30 | The Prince |
| 31 | The Brothers Karamazov |
| 32 | One Thousand and One Arabian Nights |
| 33 | Ender's Game |
| 34 | Great Expectations |
| 35 | Little Women |
| 36 | The Richest Man in Babylon |
| 37 | A Tale of Two Cities |
| 38 | Animal Farm |
| 39 | Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea |
| 40 | Catch-22 |
| 41 | The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy |
| 42 | Atonement |
| 43 | The Godfather |
| 44 | The Princess Bride |
| 45 | The Once & Future King |
| 46 | A Wrinkle in Time |
| 47 | Start: Punch Fear in the Face |
| 48 | The Call of the Wild |
| 49 | Invisible Man |
| 50 | Different Seasons |
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