Mom & Me & Mom
by Maya Angelou
I listened to this as an audiobook. Mom & Me & Mom was read by Maya Angelou herself, which made it worthwhile to listen to. As mentioned in previous posts, I have gotten into audiobooks because I can listen to them on my drive to and from work. I especially appreciate the books that are read by the author, or at least by a skilled voice actor.
Anyway, I liked the storyline because it focused on Maya Angelou's relationship with her mother. I thought there would be more about Angelou's life, but then I was reminded that she has written other memoirs about her own life. It was interesting to listen to her explain the dynamics of her being a daughter and a mother, and how these relationships impacted her life. Her anecdotes brought her family members to life, and made me want to get to know them.
I'm not sure how to compare the reading of this book to the listening of the audiobook. I will say, if you're going to listen to an audiobook by Angelou, find one that she narrates herself!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Book 6 - The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
I love books that are unpredictable, even when I think they're going to be predictable. I'm not sure if I can handle seeing the movie for this book when it comes out. I have successfully avoided the trailer as well. I'm not sure I want to give up my image of the characters, how I see them, and the lives I have made for them in my head. I feel like I got to know the characters as I was reading, and I don't want to see them changed.
The story was great. When I started it, it seemed like it might be two-dimensional. Green is brilliant, and created a three-dimensional novel suitable for a wide range of ages. This is a book that my 7th graders have read and enjoy--we can have an intelligent conversation about it. And, many adults I know have read this and equally enjoyed it.
Warning...I cried for the last 60 pages. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone looking for a good read.
by John Green
I love books that are unpredictable, even when I think they're going to be predictable. I'm not sure if I can handle seeing the movie for this book when it comes out. I have successfully avoided the trailer as well. I'm not sure I want to give up my image of the characters, how I see them, and the lives I have made for them in my head. I feel like I got to know the characters as I was reading, and I don't want to see them changed.
The story was great. When I started it, it seemed like it might be two-dimensional. Green is brilliant, and created a three-dimensional novel suitable for a wide range of ages. This is a book that my 7th graders have read and enjoy--we can have an intelligent conversation about it. And, many adults I know have read this and equally enjoyed it.
Warning...I cried for the last 60 pages. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone looking for a good read.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Book 5 - The Twits
The Twits
by Roald Dahl
Such a classic. Ok, so it was short. Under 100 pages. But I can't help but add it to my list. The story is simple, but meaningful. We all know people who are twits...
Roald Dahl is such a brilliant author. He really appeals to all ages, which I greatly appreciate. Of course, I love Young Adult novels, and I appreciate Dahl even more. He's up there in my author-gods with Lois Lowry and JK Rowling.
I don't know what else to say, other than this was a great casual evening quick-read.
by Roald Dahl
Such a classic. Ok, so it was short. Under 100 pages. But I can't help but add it to my list. The story is simple, but meaningful. We all know people who are twits...
Roald Dahl is such a brilliant author. He really appeals to all ages, which I greatly appreciate. Of course, I love Young Adult novels, and I appreciate Dahl even more. He's up there in my author-gods with Lois Lowry and JK Rowling.
I don't know what else to say, other than this was a great casual evening quick-read.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Book 4 - Happier at Home
Happier at Home
by Gretchen Rubin
I read the Happiness Project last year, and really enjoyed it. It was on my list of books to read for quite a while, and I kept putting it off. I even checked out the ebook a few times, allowing the check out to lapse (no renewal due to holds)--third time was the charm!
I enjoyed Happier at Home as much as the Happiness Project. This time, I listened to the audiobook while driving to and from work, and I think it was a good way to start and end my day. Rubin's "truths" and "secrets of adulthood" really resonate with me. I wish I could have been taking notes while listening...I guess I'll have to re-read this book. I did notice that when I do a long put-off task, I feel really happy. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to "suffer for 15 minutes" either!
I am inspired by this book to do things for myself that will make me happy. Maybe I wont do a full-scale year-long happiness project, but there's nothing wrong with keeping track of some resolutions.
by Gretchen Rubin
I read the Happiness Project last year, and really enjoyed it. It was on my list of books to read for quite a while, and I kept putting it off. I even checked out the ebook a few times, allowing the check out to lapse (no renewal due to holds)--third time was the charm!
I enjoyed Happier at Home as much as the Happiness Project. This time, I listened to the audiobook while driving to and from work, and I think it was a good way to start and end my day. Rubin's "truths" and "secrets of adulthood" really resonate with me. I wish I could have been taking notes while listening...I guess I'll have to re-read this book. I did notice that when I do a long put-off task, I feel really happy. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to "suffer for 15 minutes" either!
I am inspired by this book to do things for myself that will make me happy. Maybe I wont do a full-scale year-long happiness project, but there's nothing wrong with keeping track of some resolutions.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Book 3 - No Angel
No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels
by Jay Dobyns
The Hells Angels and other gangs in general are very interesting to me. This is so different than the way I live, and its fascinating to get a peek into their lives.
I was impressed by this book. I admit, I didn't read it, I "listened" to it during my commute to work. This is an entirely different experience, because I have such a visual connection when I read. However, this is the type of book that I prefer to listen to: it is an easy story to follow, yet engaging so I don't zone out.
The story line was interesting, and there were quite a few interesting anecdotes. It did get intense at the end, but I knew it would work out (whew). I was a bit surprised at the amount of profanity, although looking back I have no reason to be alarmed.
One interesting thing I learned is that the Hells Angels call San Diego "Dago." Note to self, watch what I say around here.
by Jay Dobyns
The Hells Angels and other gangs in general are very interesting to me. This is so different than the way I live, and its fascinating to get a peek into their lives.
I was impressed by this book. I admit, I didn't read it, I "listened" to it during my commute to work. This is an entirely different experience, because I have such a visual connection when I read. However, this is the type of book that I prefer to listen to: it is an easy story to follow, yet engaging so I don't zone out.
The story line was interesting, and there were quite a few interesting anecdotes. It did get intense at the end, but I knew it would work out (whew). I was a bit surprised at the amount of profanity, although looking back I have no reason to be alarmed.
One interesting thing I learned is that the Hells Angels call San Diego "Dago." Note to self, watch what I say around here.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Book 2 - Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
I reread Fahrenheit 451. It's something I've been meaning to do for a few years now, and I'm glad I did it. The book was so much different than I remember it being when I was 12. But then again, everything is so much different!
There were parts that came back to me as I read, specifically the seashell ear pieces. And, I remember my 7th grade English teacher explaining what a "sieve" is for "The Sieve and the Sand."
Overall, I think there were a lot of important lessons from Fahrenheit 451. Particularly the ridiculousness of predicting society in the future, yet it seems like that's the direction we are heading. While it is not post-apocalyptical , there is something fundamentally different with the US in Fahrenheit 451.
by Ray Bradbury
I reread Fahrenheit 451. It's something I've been meaning to do for a few years now, and I'm glad I did it. The book was so much different than I remember it being when I was 12. But then again, everything is so much different!
There were parts that came back to me as I read, specifically the seashell ear pieces. And, I remember my 7th grade English teacher explaining what a "sieve" is for "The Sieve and the Sand."
Overall, I think there were a lot of important lessons from Fahrenheit 451. Particularly the ridiculousness of predicting society in the future, yet it seems like that's the direction we are heading. While it is not post-apocalyptical , there is something fundamentally different with the US in Fahrenheit 451.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Book 1 - Allegiant
Allegiant
by Veronica Roth
Somehow, I saved this to finish after the new year, so it's my first book for 2014. I loved it. It was a great, sad, and surprising ending to the Divergent Trilogy.
I'm really thrilled with this trilogy. I was not able to predict the end, and I consider that a success. The whole third book was an entire twist that I was not expecting, filled with ups and downs, and tears shed at the end.
Anyone who likes YA fiction should read this series...especially before the Divergent movie comes out in March!
by Veronica Roth
Somehow, I saved this to finish after the new year, so it's my first book for 2014. I loved it. It was a great, sad, and surprising ending to the Divergent Trilogy.
I'm really thrilled with this trilogy. I was not able to predict the end, and I consider that a success. The whole third book was an entire twist that I was not expecting, filled with ups and downs, and tears shed at the end.
Anyone who likes YA fiction should read this series...especially before the Divergent movie comes out in March!
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