"Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighters adage: Never leave your partner. Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules."
Fireproof was instantly gripping. I made the mistake of beginning it at about 10p.m., and it was nearly 4 a.m. before I reached was able to stop. Not even coming to a point that I was willing to stop at, I finally couldn't keep my eyes open.
This is the story of a firefighter that puts everything on the line for his job, but does a less than satisfactory job at being a husband. His wife, Catherine, is finally at her wits end. At first, Caleb is indignant and decides to give up. His father convinces him to follow a plan for forty days, and see what happens. The transformations that Caleb goes through are amazing. He finds faith in God, and every aspect of his life is changed.
It's got great scenes (fire calls; two good structure fire scenes, one intense vehicle accident), amusing chatter (you'll come to love Wayne and Terrell), and serious every-day issues that we all deal with at one point or another. It's a very touching story.
Honestly, this book made me think about my own standing with God. And it gave me a new insight into marriage and relationships. I don't think I'll ever take another relationship so lightly. It really inspires thought and revelations. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone in a serious relationship, looking for inspiration, and definitely for married couples. Also a great read for firefighters, as I know we tend to have a more difficult time with relationships than most people.
Here's a great quote from it: "Marriages aren't fireproof. Sometimes you get burned." "Fireproof doesn't mean that a fire will never come, but that when it comes you'll be able to withstand it."
RATINGS:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A
Monday, April 20, 2009
KM- The Jester - James Patterson
This was quite the deviation from Mr. Patterson. And not a trip down lovers lane, as some of his more deviant works were. This was a trip into the past.
The Jester takes place from about the year 1090, and tells of a young innkeeper named Hugh that takes off to fight in the Crusades, leaving his young bride at home. After over a year spent traveling and fighting, he decides to desert the battles and return home. Upon his return, he expects nothing more than to be greeted by his wife. However, he is greeted by the ruins of his inn lying in a pile of ashes and the news that his wife has been taken. He must then embark on the dangerous mission to locate and rescue his wife, before the last thing he loves is also taken from him.
From the battle scenes to the anguish, from the jokes to the holy relics, it's a great story line. I couldn't put it down. Yet another of Patterson's page-turners. The story is complicated, but interwoven so well that the turns and twists nearly have you jumping on edge, just waiting to see what will happen next.
RATINGS
CHARACTERS: 5/5
Plot: 4.6/5
Interest Level: 4.7/7
OVERALL: 95/A
The Jester takes place from about the year 1090, and tells of a young innkeeper named Hugh that takes off to fight in the Crusades, leaving his young bride at home. After over a year spent traveling and fighting, he decides to desert the battles and return home. Upon his return, he expects nothing more than to be greeted by his wife. However, he is greeted by the ruins of his inn lying in a pile of ashes and the news that his wife has been taken. He must then embark on the dangerous mission to locate and rescue his wife, before the last thing he loves is also taken from him.
From the battle scenes to the anguish, from the jokes to the holy relics, it's a great story line. I couldn't put it down. Yet another of Patterson's page-turners. The story is complicated, but interwoven so well that the turns and twists nearly have you jumping on edge, just waiting to see what will happen next.
RATINGS
CHARACTERS: 5/5
Plot: 4.6/5
Interest Level: 4.7/7
OVERALL: 95/A
KM- Fear Nothing- Dean Koontz
I went back and read the prequal to the previously reviewed Seize the Night. As it turns out, Fear Nothing was just as good of a read, and I genuinely wish I'd read it first. There were a lot of details and back story that was quite important to the rest of the story.
This takes you back to the year previous to Seize the Night, when Chris Snow was dealing with the death of his father, the conspiracy surrounding his mother's work, and some shady characters in his quiet town. Moonlight Bay is, on the surface, a quiet, coastal town. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find strange things lurking beneath the surface of Fort Wyvern, a crooked police force, and many happenings that seem beyond belief (but in typical Koontz fashion, also seem totally believable). Here, you will be introduced to Sasha Goodall, Chris's dj/lover with an unknown past; Bobby Halloway, his best friend/surfer buddy (I must say, I picked up a lot of the surfer lingo); and Roosevelt & Mungojerrie, who are a team unlike any other. The light-hearted chatter among the characters bring a slightly lighter tone to the otherwise ominous story, and it's so intense that once you finish it, you'll nearly have to wipe the sand from the bottom of your feet from your beach runs with the crew.
RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.8/5
OVERALL: 99/A
This takes you back to the year previous to Seize the Night, when Chris Snow was dealing with the death of his father, the conspiracy surrounding his mother's work, and some shady characters in his quiet town. Moonlight Bay is, on the surface, a quiet, coastal town. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find strange things lurking beneath the surface of Fort Wyvern, a crooked police force, and many happenings that seem beyond belief (but in typical Koontz fashion, also seem totally believable). Here, you will be introduced to Sasha Goodall, Chris's dj/lover with an unknown past; Bobby Halloway, his best friend/surfer buddy (I must say, I picked up a lot of the surfer lingo); and Roosevelt & Mungojerrie, who are a team unlike any other. The light-hearted chatter among the characters bring a slightly lighter tone to the otherwise ominous story, and it's so intense that once you finish it, you'll nearly have to wipe the sand from the bottom of your feet from your beach runs with the crew.
RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.8/5
OVERALL: 99/A
Saturday, March 14, 2009
CM - Undying - V.K. Forrest
This one is one I've been reading off and on for awhile. It's about woman that calls herself Macy; her real name is Marcelene. She has been stalked by a killer the FBI has branded the "Buried Alive Killer"...he buries his victims (always families) up to their chins in makeshift graves and makes them watch as he strangles them one by one. He calls himself "Teddy".
The only way Macy knows how to escape Teddy is to run. Constantly on the run with a fake identification and a habit of nevering sticking around. She contacts a "special" FBI agent named Fia. In her attempt to her Fia and the FBI catch the Buried Alive Killer, Macy calls Fia and updates her when Teddy gives her information.
Fia is part of the Kahill sept; They worshipped the pagan gods and when St. Patrick came to their shore to convert them, they fought him. As a punishment, God turned the Kahill Sept into vampires; most of them were destroyed by slayers. The survivors fled to the New World and worshipped the One God, praying for redemption. They seek out and execute evil predators; those the police cannot catch, those like Teddy.
Don't get too caught up on those details, the book explains it all. What I didn't realize is that this was the sequel to V.K. Forrest's first Clare Point book, Eternal. It's on my Amazon list to read eventually. It was overall an ok read. The suspense was decent; the romance was questionable.
Ratings:
Overall I'll give it a B. It served its purpose; I read it, it passed time. It was a decent read; I don't have complaints, but also I am not about to rave about it.
The only way Macy knows how to escape Teddy is to run. Constantly on the run with a fake identification and a habit of nevering sticking around. She contacts a "special" FBI agent named Fia. In her attempt to her Fia and the FBI catch the Buried Alive Killer, Macy calls Fia and updates her when Teddy gives her information.
Fia is part of the Kahill sept; They worshipped the pagan gods and when St. Patrick came to their shore to convert them, they fought him. As a punishment, God turned the Kahill Sept into vampires; most of them were destroyed by slayers. The survivors fled to the New World and worshipped the One God, praying for redemption. They seek out and execute evil predators; those the police cannot catch, those like Teddy.
Don't get too caught up on those details, the book explains it all. What I didn't realize is that this was the sequel to V.K. Forrest's first Clare Point book, Eternal. It's on my Amazon list to read eventually. It was overall an ok read. The suspense was decent; the romance was questionable.
Ratings:
Overall I'll give it a B. It served its purpose; I read it, it passed time. It was a decent read; I don't have complaints, but also I am not about to rave about it.
CM - I Know This Much Is True - Wally Lamb
I have yet to be disappointed by Wally Lamb. This book, I Know This Much Is True was a thought provoking read. Published in 1992, it is about two Italian twin brothers, Dominick and Thomas. The book is reading from Dominick's point of view.
Although they are twins, the two brothers couldn't be more different. While in college at the age of 19, Thomas starts to crack. Growing up with an abusive stepfather and a meek mother, Dominick has spent his entire life loving/hating and protecting/resenting his brother Thomas.
Thomas is diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic. His unthinkable act puts his own life as well as Dominick’s in chaos. In order to save himself; to be the brother who comes out of the woods, Dominick must face not only his past but his future. I highly doubt that there is a person out there who wouldn’t be touched by this attention grabbing and heart-wrenching story.
It is almost a Herculean task to articulate just how talented and enchanting Wally Lamb is. I rave for good reason. He does what great fictions authors are supposed to do- make you believe what you are reading.
Ratings:
For lack of a higher praise; I give this book and this author my utmost respect and admiration. I only wish that Wally Lamb never ceases to write; it is his God given gift.
Although they are twins, the two brothers couldn't be more different. While in college at the age of 19, Thomas starts to crack. Growing up with an abusive stepfather and a meek mother, Dominick has spent his entire life loving/hating and protecting/resenting his brother Thomas.
Thomas is diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic. His unthinkable act puts his own life as well as Dominick’s in chaos. In order to save himself; to be the brother who comes out of the woods, Dominick must face not only his past but his future. I highly doubt that there is a person out there who wouldn’t be touched by this attention grabbing and heart-wrenching story.
It is almost a Herculean task to articulate just how talented and enchanting Wally Lamb is. I rave for good reason. He does what great fictions authors are supposed to do- make you believe what you are reading.
Ratings:
For lack of a higher praise; I give this book and this author my utmost respect and admiration. I only wish that Wally Lamb never ceases to write; it is his God given gift.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
KM- Seize the Night - Dean Koontz
Yet again, another novel from Koontz, and again, I was not disappointed. This was definitely one that held my attention.
Christopher Snow is a man confined to the night. He has a rare genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum, which makes the patient very susceptible to cancers of the skin and eyes, to where even short exposures can cause extreme damage. Chris embarks on another adventure in Moonlight Bay, where the end of the world is coming, with his best friend, Bobby Halloway; his girlfriend, Sasha Goodball; a militant DJ, Doogie Sassman; an intelligent cat, Mungojerrie; and Mungojerrie's translator, Roosevelt. The characters were absolutely memorable. Most of the time I can't remember the character's first names, much less their last, but this one left you feeling as though you actually knew these people.
The task that the group must undertake is to travel to Ft. Wyvern, an abandoned military base, to recover four missing local children, and Chris's "brother". They're forced to face terror and mysteries beyond our comprehension, but that create a fast-paced story that plays out in your head like a movie. The dialogue between the characters is quite entertaining, and you're sure to learn alot, such as the XP condition, surfer slang, and the basic theory of quantum physics without even realizing that you're absorbing information. There are a few sad moments, and you'll lose a beloved character, but the way things go...Well, it goes exactly as it should, if that makes sense.
Note: This is a SEQUEL. I was unaware and am now working on the first book, Fear Nothing. Review to come soon.
Ratings:
Character Development: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: A+
Christopher Snow is a man confined to the night. He has a rare genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum, which makes the patient very susceptible to cancers of the skin and eyes, to where even short exposures can cause extreme damage. Chris embarks on another adventure in Moonlight Bay, where the end of the world is coming, with his best friend, Bobby Halloway; his girlfriend, Sasha Goodball; a militant DJ, Doogie Sassman; an intelligent cat, Mungojerrie; and Mungojerrie's translator, Roosevelt. The characters were absolutely memorable. Most of the time I can't remember the character's first names, much less their last, but this one left you feeling as though you actually knew these people.
The task that the group must undertake is to travel to Ft. Wyvern, an abandoned military base, to recover four missing local children, and Chris's "brother". They're forced to face terror and mysteries beyond our comprehension, but that create a fast-paced story that plays out in your head like a movie. The dialogue between the characters is quite entertaining, and you're sure to learn alot, such as the XP condition, surfer slang, and the basic theory of quantum physics without even realizing that you're absorbing information. There are a few sad moments, and you'll lose a beloved character, but the way things go...Well, it goes exactly as it should, if that makes sense.
Note: This is a SEQUEL. I was unaware and am now working on the first book, Fear Nothing. Review to come soon.
Ratings:
Character Development: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: A+
Thursday, February 19, 2009
KM- Friday the 13th
Well, since we're reviewing movies as well, let's talk about what a disappointment this one was.
As we all know, the main reason to watch the Friday the 13th movies was for the gore. There was never actually a good story line, the villan had no logical way (nor did they try to explain how he did it) to have come back to life X many times, and let's face it.. Jason just wasn't really that scary. This movie, however, even failed in the gore department. There were a few humorous moments, since it dealt with a bunch of teenagers, a few of which were stoners, and that one Asian kid made the whole movie. After he died, the only entertaining part was when the "tough macho man" screamed like a prepubescent girl. Unfortunately, the ending even left it open for ...wait for it.. ANOTHER ONE. This one was, what? The 14th? Give it up while you're ahead guys, and remake some movies that are actually still SCARY (Hello, The Excorcist, anyone??)
RATINGS:
Characters: 3/5 (the Asian kid gets 5/5)
Plot: 2/5 (there really isn't one.. kids go camping, get killed by local serial monster)
Interest Level: 3/5 (only until the one kid dies.. After that, it's about a 1.5/5, but I'm being lenient)
OVERALL: 53/F
P.S. Whoever else decides to watch this monstrous piece of film garbage, please come back and tell me, because maybe I just missed it, but... What happened to the boat?
As we all know, the main reason to watch the Friday the 13th movies was for the gore. There was never actually a good story line, the villan had no logical way (nor did they try to explain how he did it) to have come back to life X many times, and let's face it.. Jason just wasn't really that scary. This movie, however, even failed in the gore department. There were a few humorous moments, since it dealt with a bunch of teenagers, a few of which were stoners, and that one Asian kid made the whole movie. After he died, the only entertaining part was when the "tough macho man" screamed like a prepubescent girl. Unfortunately, the ending even left it open for ...wait for it.. ANOTHER ONE. This one was, what? The 14th? Give it up while you're ahead guys, and remake some movies that are actually still SCARY (Hello, The Excorcist, anyone??)
RATINGS:
Characters: 3/5 (the Asian kid gets 5/5)
Plot: 2/5 (there really isn't one.. kids go camping, get killed by local serial monster)
Interest Level: 3/5 (only until the one kid dies.. After that, it's about a 1.5/5, but I'm being lenient)
OVERALL: 53/F
P.S. Whoever else decides to watch this monstrous piece of film garbage, please come back and tell me, because maybe I just missed it, but... What happened to the boat?
KM- THR3E - Ted Dekker
This was a book I stumbled upon for 75% off during a Waldenbooks closing sale. It's a book featuring two novels, THR3E and Obsession. Considering THR3E took me over a month to read, I don't think I'll be reading Obsession any time soon.
That being said, I did think it was quite an interesting story line. Kevin is a regular guy, seminary student, with an old childhood love and an ordinary life, that suddenly finds himself amidst a terror-riddled thrill ride. Someone is giving him an ultimatum: confess your sin, or I set off another bomb. The man calls himself Slater, and Kevin, with the help of his childhood friend, Samantha, and an extremely nice FBI agent, Jennifer, must solve the riddles so that he will know what to confess before someone loses their life in one of the bombs.
It had a major psychological twist that, looking back, I could have seen from a mile away, but I just didn't catch it. Like I said, it was a good story, but just didn't hold my attention very well.
RATINGS
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 80/C
That being said, I did think it was quite an interesting story line. Kevin is a regular guy, seminary student, with an old childhood love and an ordinary life, that suddenly finds himself amidst a terror-riddled thrill ride. Someone is giving him an ultimatum: confess your sin, or I set off another bomb. The man calls himself Slater, and Kevin, with the help of his childhood friend, Samantha, and an extremely nice FBI agent, Jennifer, must solve the riddles so that he will know what to confess before someone loses their life in one of the bombs.
It had a major psychological twist that, looking back, I could have seen from a mile away, but I just didn't catch it. Like I said, it was a good story, but just didn't hold my attention very well.
RATINGS
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 80/C
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CM - Tithe - Holly Black
This one was about a 16 year old girl named Kaye who travels from city to city with her mother's rock band. When forced to move to her childhood home in Jersey, she starts remembering her childhood friends Gristle, Lutie, and Spike...faeries.
Kaye soon finds herself a unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms- The Unseelie and Seelie Courts. The Unseelie Court being the "bad guys" and the Seelie Court being the "good faeries". Kaye then starts finding out more about herself and her newfound subject of observation-a guy faerie named Robin. Along for the ride are her childhood friends Janet (real), the faeries, and Janet's brother Corny. She learns that she could set the Seelie Court faeries free from the rule of the Unseelie Court for 7 years if she is sacrificed as the "tithe" or offering.
This one had a very teeny-bopper faerie tale imaginary friend feel to it. It was creative and did keep me occupied during an unexpected six hour wait in the emergency room. It had its strange points, but I think the author was well-intended.
Just a note, I realize that I have spelled "faerie" throughout the review, not "fairy" as I normally would; that is the way the author spelled it throughout the book-and yes that did slightly grind on my OCD nerves.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Interest level: This one is difficult. Although I didn't find it that interesting, I'm sure the younger readers it was intended for would. So I'll leave that one alone.
Overall: I'd recommend it for the younger reader, but not too young because there was some violence, death, etc. This was definitely not Tinkerbell.
Kaye soon finds herself a unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms- The Unseelie and Seelie Courts. The Unseelie Court being the "bad guys" and the Seelie Court being the "good faeries". Kaye then starts finding out more about herself and her newfound subject of observation-a guy faerie named Robin. Along for the ride are her childhood friends Janet (real), the faeries, and Janet's brother Corny. She learns that she could set the Seelie Court faeries free from the rule of the Unseelie Court for 7 years if she is sacrificed as the "tithe" or offering.
This one had a very teeny-bopper faerie tale imaginary friend feel to it. It was creative and did keep me occupied during an unexpected six hour wait in the emergency room. It had its strange points, but I think the author was well-intended.
Just a note, I realize that I have spelled "faerie" throughout the review, not "fairy" as I normally would; that is the way the author spelled it throughout the book-and yes that did slightly grind on my OCD nerves.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Interest level: This one is difficult. Although I didn't find it that interesting, I'm sure the younger readers it was intended for would. So I'll leave that one alone.
Overall: I'd recommend it for the younger reader, but not too young because there was some violence, death, etc. This was definitely not Tinkerbell.
Monday, January 26, 2009
CM - She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb
I've become a Wally Lamb fan, his writing style is charming.
The plot is tricky to explain. The book is about a girl named Dolores Price, and to quote the book, "you will never forget Dolores Price." As the reader you have both the privilege and obligation to experience her coming of age from her perspective. A concoction of ill-fated events leads you to believe that this girl is a human pincushion; that the world is literally just picking on her. Don’t fret; Wally Lamb uses enough humor in the storyline to keep it from being a depressing sob story.
The book starts when she’s four years old, takes you through adolescence, and brings you to college with Dolores, and even the mental institution and eventually marriages and other events in her life. You start to feel like you’re experiencing everything right along with her, which I love it when authors are able to do that. The sheer quantity of experiences pretty much guarantees that any reader can relate to at least one. It’s odd, yet delightful how her story can make you laugh at some points, wince at others, and be neutral through some.
Ratings:
This is also another Oprah’s book club pick, and I have to agree, it was definitely a good read.
Characters: A
Plot: B+
Interest Level: A-
Overall: A-
The plot is tricky to explain. The book is about a girl named Dolores Price, and to quote the book, "you will never forget Dolores Price." As the reader you have both the privilege and obligation to experience her coming of age from her perspective. A concoction of ill-fated events leads you to believe that this girl is a human pincushion; that the world is literally just picking on her. Don’t fret; Wally Lamb uses enough humor in the storyline to keep it from being a depressing sob story.
The book starts when she’s four years old, takes you through adolescence, and brings you to college with Dolores, and even the mental institution and eventually marriages and other events in her life. You start to feel like you’re experiencing everything right along with her, which I love it when authors are able to do that. The sheer quantity of experiences pretty much guarantees that any reader can relate to at least one. It’s odd, yet delightful how her story can make you laugh at some points, wince at others, and be neutral through some.
Ratings:
This is also another Oprah’s book club pick, and I have to agree, it was definitely a good read.
Characters: A
Plot: B+
Interest Level: A-
Overall: A-
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