"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-
Thursday, January 22, 2009
KM- Baby Jack - Frank Schaeffer
For the military fans, this one's for you!
This is an amazing story of a young man, Jack Odgen, who comes from wealth, priviledge, and opportunity and makes the selfless act of joining the Marine Corps against his family's wishes. His father tells him never to speak to him again, although his mother and sister do come around. It takes you on the path Jack took through Parris Island for basic training and even to the last of his days and beyond. Through his diary kept at PI, his letters to and from his family, and his family's thoughts, you'll learn of the difficulties new Marines face in training, the hardships of Jack going against his family for what he knew was right, and best of all, what became of that young Marine...and his child.
Overall Rating: A+++
Great story, although it does bring tears at certain moments.
This is an amazing story of a young man, Jack Odgen, who comes from wealth, priviledge, and opportunity and makes the selfless act of joining the Marine Corps against his family's wishes. His father tells him never to speak to him again, although his mother and sister do come around. It takes you on the path Jack took through Parris Island for basic training and even to the last of his days and beyond. Through his diary kept at PI, his letters to and from his family, and his family's thoughts, you'll learn of the difficulties new Marines face in training, the hardships of Jack going against his family for what he knew was right, and best of all, what became of that young Marine...and his child.
Overall Rating: A+++
Great story, although it does bring tears at certain moments.
KM- Cut - Patricia McCormick
This book was one of my favorites when I was in high school. It's the story of a young teenager named Callie who is a "cutter". She is put into Sea Pines after a school nurse notices the lacerations on her arms, and the story is a great vessel that takes you into the mind of a troubled teen.
We can all relate to a time when we felt absolutely overwhelmed and felt utterly hopeless. Callie's story is one that will touch everyone's heart. She is going through treatments at Sea Pines and isolates herself behind a wall of silence. You'll be taken behind the scenes to how it all started, what provoked her, and best of all, how she finally got help.
It's a young adult book, but I think anyone of any age could appreciate this book. It's a very powerful story.
Overall Rating: A+
We can all relate to a time when we felt absolutely overwhelmed and felt utterly hopeless. Callie's story is one that will touch everyone's heart. She is going through treatments at Sea Pines and isolates herself behind a wall of silence. You'll be taken behind the scenes to how it all started, what provoked her, and best of all, how she finally got help.
It's a young adult book, but I think anyone of any age could appreciate this book. It's a very powerful story.
Overall Rating: A+
Friday, January 16, 2009
CM - The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb
This book was extremely well written and flowed nicely for the reader. I kept seeing the book everywhere, and as someone who takes a hint pretty quickly, I decided to read it. It was a work of fiction about a schoolteacher named Caelum Quirk and his wife Maureen who works as a school nurse. However, the book places two fictional characters at the scene of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. If that makes sense...Caelum and Maureen were fictional characters, and their story was fictional, but all the facts surrounding Columbine were legit.
Had I not known better, I would have surely believed that these two people were real and so was their experience. That gives credit to the author for writing such an enthralling book. In April of 1999, Caelum returns home to Conneticut to be with his aunt, the only living member of his family and also the only one who ever cared about him. His aunt "Lolly" had suffered a stroke and although she was unable to talk, she manages to say "Cae", so he went. While he was there, he receives bad news followed by horrific news. His wife Maureen finds herself in the school library at Columbine (where the majority of the killings occured) locked in a cabinet saying Hail Mary's and etching a note to her husband in the cabinet fearing that the sadistic teenaged killers had only a matter of time before they found and killed her too. She survives, but not without cost...she is unable to recover from the trauma.
The effects of chaos are not so easily put right, and further tragedy ensues. I have to admit this book caught me off guard. What I thought was meant to be a book about Columbine turned into a eye-opening read. It questions the faith that lies at the heart of everyday life and questions why those who claim not to believe in God, nevertheless turn to Him in times of trouble and in the face of tragedy. I can't give away too much more because that would defeat the purpose of you reading the book, but it was a worthwhile novel. Great read. Oprah even picked Wally Lamb's books to go in her bookclub. I am personally envious of the fluidity in which he writes.
Ratings:
Hey, if its good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for you.
Great read, thought provoking, well written, I give it an A
Had I not known better, I would have surely believed that these two people were real and so was their experience. That gives credit to the author for writing such an enthralling book. In April of 1999, Caelum returns home to Conneticut to be with his aunt, the only living member of his family and also the only one who ever cared about him. His aunt "Lolly" had suffered a stroke and although she was unable to talk, she manages to say "Cae", so he went. While he was there, he receives bad news followed by horrific news. His wife Maureen finds herself in the school library at Columbine (where the majority of the killings occured) locked in a cabinet saying Hail Mary's and etching a note to her husband in the cabinet fearing that the sadistic teenaged killers had only a matter of time before they found and killed her too. She survives, but not without cost...she is unable to recover from the trauma.
The effects of chaos are not so easily put right, and further tragedy ensues. I have to admit this book caught me off guard. What I thought was meant to be a book about Columbine turned into a eye-opening read. It questions the faith that lies at the heart of everyday life and questions why those who claim not to believe in God, nevertheless turn to Him in times of trouble and in the face of tragedy. I can't give away too much more because that would defeat the purpose of you reading the book, but it was a worthwhile novel. Great read. Oprah even picked Wally Lamb's books to go in her bookclub. I am personally envious of the fluidity in which he writes.
Ratings:
Hey, if its good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for you.
Great read, thought provoking, well written, I give it an A
CM - Manhunt - Colin Wilson
This book is titled Manhunt - The Definitive History of Serial Murder Investigation. Being a criminal justice major, we tend to love reading these twisted accounts of human evil. This book is both a look at the sadistic killers themselves and the innovative techniques detectives have used to track them down. It describes in detail how psychological profiling is used to read "personality fingerprints" and create a profile to help catch and stop serial murderers. Although serial killers make up less than 1 percent of murders each year, their crimes are usually so grumesome that it makes detectives and the public alike wonder how they commit these heinous crimes with no compunction about doing so again and again.
This book embodied the stories of some of the most notorious criminals...that being said, their crimes are not bedtime stories. To anyone with a beating heart and a shred of human emotion, their crimes are unthinkable. It included but was not limited to the following: Karla Homoika (who looked like your everyday blonde but was driven by a desire to present her fiance' with a "surrogate virgin"-schoolgirls to rape), the infamous Charles Manson, the "Boston Strangler" Albert DeSalvo, Ed Kemper (who once stated that "to have a particular experience with a person, and to possess them in the way I wanted to, I had to evict them from their human bodies", which he did frequently and was famous for his cruel acts of necrophilia), Gary Ridgway the "Green River Killer" who was charged with 48 counts of murder after being caught in what was once the largest unsolved murder case in American history, Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins, David Berkowitz a.k.a. the "Son of Sam", John Wayne Gacy, and a slew of other "celebrities" that have gone down in history as the "worst of the worst" for lack of a better phrase.
I of course found this book to be enthralling and quite interesting, but it is definitely not for the faint at heart or the weak stomached. It's nightmare material for most. The only complaint I have about this book is that the print was incredibly tiny and hurt my eyes after awhile. Other than that, I can't exactly give ratings to serial killers individually, so if you're interesting in criminal profiles, serial killers, etc, this one was a good read.
This book embodied the stories of some of the most notorious criminals...that being said, their crimes are not bedtime stories. To anyone with a beating heart and a shred of human emotion, their crimes are unthinkable. It included but was not limited to the following: Karla Homoika (who looked like your everyday blonde but was driven by a desire to present her fiance' with a "surrogate virgin"-schoolgirls to rape), the infamous Charles Manson, the "Boston Strangler" Albert DeSalvo, Ed Kemper (who once stated that "to have a particular experience with a person, and to possess them in the way I wanted to, I had to evict them from their human bodies", which he did frequently and was famous for his cruel acts of necrophilia), Gary Ridgway the "Green River Killer" who was charged with 48 counts of murder after being caught in what was once the largest unsolved murder case in American history, Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins, David Berkowitz a.k.a. the "Son of Sam", John Wayne Gacy, and a slew of other "celebrities" that have gone down in history as the "worst of the worst" for lack of a better phrase.
I of course found this book to be enthralling and quite interesting, but it is definitely not for the faint at heart or the weak stomached. It's nightmare material for most. The only complaint I have about this book is that the print was incredibly tiny and hurt my eyes after awhile. Other than that, I can't exactly give ratings to serial killers individually, so if you're interesting in criminal profiles, serial killers, etc, this one was a good read.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
KM- Terminal - Robin Cook
Robin Cook mainly writes medical thrillers, and I've never really been into them, not because of a dislike for the genre, but more because I've never really read any books from that category. I was quite pleased with this book.
It's the story of a young med student named Sean who comes from an Irish family and is currently attending Harvard. He begins working at the Forbes Cancer Center, since his main research goal is an oncogene project which could help cure cancer. This Center seems to have a 100% success rate for treating a certain type of brain tumor, called medulloblastoma. It usually affects young people, and suddenly he starts to realize that the statistical analysis of their patients just doesn't seem to check out, so he begins to dive into an abyss of conspiracy, politics, and overall underhanded schemes.
I was a little confused at times because the novel does contain a lot of medical jargon, but if you pay attention, it's not hard to keep up, and you can actually learn a lot about the condition and how it works.
I'd recommend it for any medical thriller fan, and adults who are looking for something a bit more intellectual to get into.
Overall Rating: B+
It's the story of a young med student named Sean who comes from an Irish family and is currently attending Harvard. He begins working at the Forbes Cancer Center, since his main research goal is an oncogene project which could help cure cancer. This Center seems to have a 100% success rate for treating a certain type of brain tumor, called medulloblastoma. It usually affects young people, and suddenly he starts to realize that the statistical analysis of their patients just doesn't seem to check out, so he begins to dive into an abyss of conspiracy, politics, and overall underhanded schemes.
I was a little confused at times because the novel does contain a lot of medical jargon, but if you pay attention, it's not hard to keep up, and you can actually learn a lot about the condition and how it works.
I'd recommend it for any medical thriller fan, and adults who are looking for something a bit more intellectual to get into.
Overall Rating: B+
Sunday, December 28, 2008
CM - WTF? - Gregory Bergman and Anthony W. Haddad
The book is titled "WTF? How to Survive 101 of Life's Worst F*#!-ing Situations". I was immediately intrigued. It was decent variety of situations, I could count quite a few I've already experienced. They varied from "You forget where you parked" to "Your girlfriend gives you herpes." Although I frequently forget where I've parked, I can't say my girlfriend has ever given me herpes...but if that situation should ever prevent itself I guess I'm prepared.
This book gives you options that are occasionally offensive, sometimes illegal, certainly inventive, and always hilarious. Although I wouldn't buy it as an actual self-help guide...only a dum-dum would, it was pretty funny. I especially liked the things to say to get telemarketers to stop calling, I'll have to try some of those. Although the book didn't suggest this option, I find it works well. Ask the telemarketer for their home number. When they reply with some lame "company policy prohibits me from giving my home number out", say that you understand, most people don't want complete strangers bothering them at home. Wait 10 seconds for it to sink in.
Anyways, all in a all, it was a funny read.
Ratings:
I'll give it a A-
This book gives you options that are occasionally offensive, sometimes illegal, certainly inventive, and always hilarious. Although I wouldn't buy it as an actual self-help guide...only a dum-dum would, it was pretty funny. I especially liked the things to say to get telemarketers to stop calling, I'll have to try some of those. Although the book didn't suggest this option, I find it works well. Ask the telemarketer for their home number. When they reply with some lame "company policy prohibits me from giving my home number out", say that you understand, most people don't want complete strangers bothering them at home. Wait 10 seconds for it to sink in.
Anyways, all in a all, it was a funny read.
Ratings:
I'll give it a A-
Thursday, December 25, 2008
CM - The Heroin Diaries - Nikki Sixx
Born Frank Feranna, Nikki Sixx moved to LA at 17 and in 1981 became the bassist/songwriter for Motley Crue. His book, the Heroin Diaries is a compilation of journal entries he wrote while he self-destructed on a concoction of alcohol, cocaine, pills, acid, and his poison of choice, heroin. “Alcohol, acid, cocaine…they were just love affairs. When I met heroin, it was true love.” – Nikki Sixx
The reasoning behind the book? I’ll quote Nikki Sixx “Someone asked me why I was writing this book and I said, maybe one person will read it and it will help them. They said, that’s not very rock ‘n’ roll is it? I said, fuck off and smirked because I know it’s the most rock ‘n’ rock thing about me – doing what I wanna do in life.”
With more money than he could spend, Nikki Sixx put most of his resources up his arm. He spent years in a state of paranoia hiding in his closet with his drug paraphernalia and guns. The journal gives you a look at his childhood, his relationship with his mom, sister, etc. It also gives you a preview of his lifestyle in Motley Crue. Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, no surprise there.
Kudos to Nikki Sixx for having the courage to face his demons in a very public manner. The critics and reviews promised a raw look at “one of the most unique memoirs of addiction ever published.” I wouldn’t have gone that far. Although it was a good read, you can only read about getting high so many times until it gets monotonous and slightly repetitive. It was interesting to read the opinions of the people who surrounded Sixx and knew him. He was rather ballsy when he asked the co-author Ian Gittins to get the other sides of the story and Sixx wanted all the insults and atrocities itemized in the book- no editing.
As a bonus, almost every page of the book was decorated and animated in a way that made it easier to read. Some of the drawings and quotes were intriguing.
Ratings: I give it a B+
The reasoning behind the book? I’ll quote Nikki Sixx “Someone asked me why I was writing this book and I said, maybe one person will read it and it will help them. They said, that’s not very rock ‘n’ roll is it? I said, fuck off and smirked because I know it’s the most rock ‘n’ rock thing about me – doing what I wanna do in life.”
With more money than he could spend, Nikki Sixx put most of his resources up his arm. He spent years in a state of paranoia hiding in his closet with his drug paraphernalia and guns. The journal gives you a look at his childhood, his relationship with his mom, sister, etc. It also gives you a preview of his lifestyle in Motley Crue. Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, no surprise there.
Kudos to Nikki Sixx for having the courage to face his demons in a very public manner. The critics and reviews promised a raw look at “one of the most unique memoirs of addiction ever published.” I wouldn’t have gone that far. Although it was a good read, you can only read about getting high so many times until it gets monotonous and slightly repetitive. It was interesting to read the opinions of the people who surrounded Sixx and knew him. He was rather ballsy when he asked the co-author Ian Gittins to get the other sides of the story and Sixx wanted all the insults and atrocities itemized in the book- no editing.
As a bonus, almost every page of the book was decorated and animated in a way that made it easier to read. Some of the drawings and quotes were intriguing.
Ratings: I give it a B+
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
KM- The Long Hard Road Out of Hell- Marilyn Manson with Neil Strauss
This was an amazing account of one of the most controversial artists of our time's life, from an awkward child attending Catholic school to a minister in the Church of Satan. From drugs, sex, and rock and roll, you hear of his firsts in everything.
I know most people are thinking "Oh. Manson. Nah, I wouldn't be interested." Or even worse, are judgemental characters that throw out accusations that he worships Satan without knowing his story. Once you read this, whether or not you like or hate him, you will have a whole new perspective of him.
Some of the best anecdotes he writes about in this were: exploring his grandfather's forbidden basement; how he got his band together (Twiggy Ramirez [whiskey and speed!!!], etc.) and how he came up with the concept of their names; his first acid trip; touring with Trent Reznor, encountering Courtney Love, etc... The high points, the low points, they're all great!
Overall, I think this was a great read. I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart, because there are times when things he and his friends do are pretty much debasing to other people, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Thanks Coran =D
Ratings:
A++
I know most people are thinking "Oh. Manson. Nah, I wouldn't be interested." Or even worse, are judgemental characters that throw out accusations that he worships Satan without knowing his story. Once you read this, whether or not you like or hate him, you will have a whole new perspective of him.
Some of the best anecdotes he writes about in this were: exploring his grandfather's forbidden basement; how he got his band together (Twiggy Ramirez [whiskey and speed!!!], etc.) and how he came up with the concept of their names; his first acid trip; touring with Trent Reznor, encountering Courtney Love, etc... The high points, the low points, they're all great!
Overall, I think this was a great read. I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart, because there are times when things he and his friends do are pretty much debasing to other people, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Thanks Coran =D
Ratings:
A++
Sunday, December 21, 2008
CM - You Suck - Christopher Moore
This was the first I've read from Christopher Moore, the title jumped at me from the bargain section in Waldenbooks. I must admit that I had to keep reading sentences over and over again to make sure I was reading them right, that started upon my reading the first sentence of the book "You bitch, you killed me, you suck!"
Anyways...the book was about Tommy Flood and his girlfriend...the bitch that killed him...or not really killed him just turned him into a vampire, Jody. Christopher Moore wrote the book in such a way that you had to keep reading...not in a suspenseful way but more like humor to me.
Throw in a Las Vegas call girl that is literally dyed blue, a clan of turkey-bowling vampire hunters, a minion named "Abby Normal", and a homeless guy that has a sign that reads "I am poor, and my cat is huge"...later changed to "I am poor and someone shaved my huge cat"....don't ask, I can't explain, you'd have to experience this one for yourself. I'd recommened it to anyone with a twisted, non-conformist sense of humor.
For example, one of my favorite quotes of the whole book:
Tommy: I bet it smells like peppermint...
Jody: What?
Tommy: Elf sex.
Tommy: Or maybe cinnamon...yeah that's it, cinnamon.
Ratings: I give it an A for an abundance of random-ness and for making me laugh
Anyways...the book was about Tommy Flood and his girlfriend...the bitch that killed him...or not really killed him just turned him into a vampire, Jody. Christopher Moore wrote the book in such a way that you had to keep reading...not in a suspenseful way but more like humor to me.
Throw in a Las Vegas call girl that is literally dyed blue, a clan of turkey-bowling vampire hunters, a minion named "Abby Normal", and a homeless guy that has a sign that reads "I am poor, and my cat is huge"...later changed to "I am poor and someone shaved my huge cat"....don't ask, I can't explain, you'd have to experience this one for yourself. I'd recommened it to anyone with a twisted, non-conformist sense of humor.
For example, one of my favorite quotes of the whole book:
Tommy: I bet it smells like peppermint...
Jody: What?
Tommy: Elf sex.
Tommy: Or maybe cinnamon...yeah that's it, cinnamon.
Ratings: I give it an A for an abundance of random-ness and for making me laugh
CM - Sundays at Tiffany's - James Patterson
I guess writers go through phases; James Patterson apparently had his "romantic" phase and wrote Sundays at Tiffany's, Sam's Letters to Jennifer, and Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. All are un-related but similiar in tone, mood, and theme.
Sundays at Tiffany's was about a little girl named Jane. She's lonely because her mother is a Broadway producer and makes time for her only to take her on their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's, or to criticize literally almost every facet of this child. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. Only Jane can see him.
On Jane's 9th birthday Michael has to break her heart after her mother already forgot about her birthday. He was there to help until she was old enough to manage and then had to go help other kids who needed him. He leaves on her birthday and promises that she'll forget about him soon enough, that's how it always happened.
Or so they thought. Years later, Jane is in her thirties and still wrestling with her overbearing mother, not to mention a real jackass of a boyfriend. When one day out of the blue, she sees her imaginary friend from when she was 8 years old. Same impossibly green eyes...but how? Why? Is she just stark crazy?
Although he may have been going through a phase, James Patterson didn't completely change genres on us, you can still taste a hint and twist of suspense. The overall plot was a bit funky, but all in all, it was a good read. Didn't turn out like I expected, but at least it didn't reek of "happily ever after" OR "what a tragedy I wish I never read it"...but you'll just have to form your own opinions.
Ratings:
Overall: I give it a B+
Sundays at Tiffany's was about a little girl named Jane. She's lonely because her mother is a Broadway producer and makes time for her only to take her on their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's, or to criticize literally almost every facet of this child. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. Only Jane can see him.
On Jane's 9th birthday Michael has to break her heart after her mother already forgot about her birthday. He was there to help until she was old enough to manage and then had to go help other kids who needed him. He leaves on her birthday and promises that she'll forget about him soon enough, that's how it always happened.
Or so they thought. Years later, Jane is in her thirties and still wrestling with her overbearing mother, not to mention a real jackass of a boyfriend. When one day out of the blue, she sees her imaginary friend from when she was 8 years old. Same impossibly green eyes...but how? Why? Is she just stark crazy?
Although he may have been going through a phase, James Patterson didn't completely change genres on us, you can still taste a hint and twist of suspense. The overall plot was a bit funky, but all in all, it was a good read. Didn't turn out like I expected, but at least it didn't reek of "happily ever after" OR "what a tragedy I wish I never read it"...but you'll just have to form your own opinions.
Ratings:
Overall: I give it a B+
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