Inés of My Soul is a stunning, brilliant novel about the conquering of Chile in the first half of the sixteenth century. Inés Suárez, a conquistadora and mistress to the first gobernator, Pedro de Valdivia, narrates the story that is filled with bloody and violent battles, all-consuming passion, complete devotion and a strong desire for adventure.
While a number of the characters in the book are real people, the story itself is a work of fiction. The author explains that “The feats of Inés Suárez…were nearly ignored by historians” and that she “merely strung them [the documented events] together with a fine thread of imagination.”
I usually love books written in the first person and this one is no exception. It’s beautifully and simply written. It is so well done that it almost makes history (not my favourite subject) a joy to read.
The author brings the characters “back-to-life” and takes the reader right into the action. Even though Inés was talking to Isabel throughout the book, I felt like she was talking to me.
Allende researched the material for this book thoroughly and that certainly came across in her writing.
For further reading, Allende provides a substantial biography. For online reading, Wikipedia has an interesting article about Inés . It contains plenty of links to others, Pedro, Rodrigo as well as links to more information about Chile.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Allende’s work.
Highly recommended.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Cry of the Dove by Fadia Faqir
Cry of the Dove is a tragic story about a young Muslim girl, Salma, who gets pregnant out of wedlock, something her religion forbids. The story follows her from her relationship with Hamdan in her Bedouin village to her journey to England and her attempt to fit into a culture that’s so different from her own. She carries with her the pain and dishonour from her past, yet tries to get on with her life. When her memories continue to haunt her, she makes an agonizing decision to confront her past.
The story flows freely from past to present and then back again. It’s a unique way to tell the story, but it makes it very hard to follow. To make things even more confusing, there didn’t seem to be any chronological order to the jumps. Perhaps some white space inserted in the text (between the jumps) would have helped.
Anyway, because of the writing style, I got lost in the story a few times, but I after I got used to the “time shifts”, I really got into it. It was not only an interesting look at one woman’s life, but also a fascinating look at the Muslim culture. While this story is mainly about Salma, there are plenty of other fascinating characters to follow.
I loved the ending of the story. Although the outcome was shocking, I think that shock was intensified by the way the author wrote it. It was fabulous. It’s likely to stick with me for some time to come.
Recommended for those looking for something a little different.
The story flows freely from past to present and then back again. It’s a unique way to tell the story, but it makes it very hard to follow. To make things even more confusing, there didn’t seem to be any chronological order to the jumps. Perhaps some white space inserted in the text (between the jumps) would have helped.
Anyway, because of the writing style, I got lost in the story a few times, but I after I got used to the “time shifts”, I really got into it. It was not only an interesting look at one woman’s life, but also a fascinating look at the Muslim culture. While this story is mainly about Salma, there are plenty of other fascinating characters to follow.
I loved the ending of the story. Although the outcome was shocking, I think that shock was intensified by the way the author wrote it. It was fabulous. It’s likely to stick with me for some time to come.
Recommended for those looking for something a little different.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Spin Dry by Greg Hollingshead
In Spin Dry, Rachel volunteers for a dream deprivation study after her husband, Leon, has a series of dreams about another man. She hopes to find out who this guy is and enters into “therapy” with the totally wacky Dr. Alex Silver. From there Rachael takes us on a tour of her suburban neighbourhood that is filled with eccentric characters and ridiculous situations abound.
Hollingshead presents a satirical look at the absurdity of modern suburban life in a new development. He pokes fun at shopping malls, therapy, cookie cutter houses, suburbs, support groups (my favourite: Carrot-top, the red-haired persons’ self-esteem raising group), first-grade Dick and Jane books, relationships and many others. It’s unique, creative and an interesting look at our lives. While I didn’t find it laugh-out-loud funny, it was humorous and pretty entertaining. I did find the story a little hard to follow at times because it jumps back and forth in time but once I caught on to this, it wasn’t too bad.
One of my favourite characters was Cam. He’s has agoraphobia and is afraid to leave his basement, runs PAGO (People Afraid to Go Out), seems to subsist on burgers delivered by Leon, has a dismantled school bus in his living room and is in love with the “girl on the bus”. What’s not to love? That’s him in a nutshell (pardon the pun) until he meets Jane. You’ll just have to read the book to find out where things go from there.
This is the first book I’ve read by Hollingshead. It probably won’t be my last.
Recommended.
Hollingshead presents a satirical look at the absurdity of modern suburban life in a new development. He pokes fun at shopping malls, therapy, cookie cutter houses, suburbs, support groups (my favourite: Carrot-top, the red-haired persons’ self-esteem raising group), first-grade Dick and Jane books, relationships and many others. It’s unique, creative and an interesting look at our lives. While I didn’t find it laugh-out-loud funny, it was humorous and pretty entertaining. I did find the story a little hard to follow at times because it jumps back and forth in time but once I caught on to this, it wasn’t too bad.
One of my favourite characters was Cam. He’s has agoraphobia and is afraid to leave his basement, runs PAGO (People Afraid to Go Out), seems to subsist on burgers delivered by Leon, has a dismantled school bus in his living room and is in love with the “girl on the bus”. What’s not to love? That’s him in a nutshell (pardon the pun) until he meets Jane. You’ll just have to read the book to find out where things go from there.
This is the first book I’ve read by Hollingshead. It probably won’t be my last.
Recommended.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Greatness Guide: Book 2 by Robin Sharma
In The Greatness Guide: Book 2 – 101 More Insights to Get You To World Class, Robin Sharma presents a series of short chapters outlining the ideas to consider on the road to “greatness”. It’s not just a book of wishy-washy theoretical notions, but real ideas and steps that could change your life.
I loved this book; it gave me goose bumps more than a couple of times. The blurb at the back of the book said it would “excite, energize and elevate” me. It did more than that. It also inspired, captivated and entertained me.
There are plenty of unique concepts in this book that were new to me. He gives real life examples, presents inspirational quotes, and serves it up in an easy going, but compelling manner. A couple of times I had to re-read a chapter to understand the message, but since the chapters are extremely short (many of them one page) that wasn’t a problem.
While some of Robin’s advice isn’t exactly new, his presentation makes the ideas fresh and innovative. That’s an awesome thing to be able to do. From personal experience, I can tell you that some of these ideas work like a charm. ;)
There are so many great lines in this book. I couldn’t possibly list them all. One of my favourite quotes from German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.” (page 160).
I’m going to save this book and reread it. Only this time I’m going to take my time, perhaps reading only one or two points a day. That way I can reflect on the “lesson” and maybe implement it into my own life.
I haven’t read anything else by Sharma, but now I’m definitely going to pick up The Greatness Guide and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
Highly recommended.
I loved this book; it gave me goose bumps more than a couple of times. The blurb at the back of the book said it would “excite, energize and elevate” me. It did more than that. It also inspired, captivated and entertained me.
There are plenty of unique concepts in this book that were new to me. He gives real life examples, presents inspirational quotes, and serves it up in an easy going, but compelling manner. A couple of times I had to re-read a chapter to understand the message, but since the chapters are extremely short (many of them one page) that wasn’t a problem.
While some of Robin’s advice isn’t exactly new, his presentation makes the ideas fresh and innovative. That’s an awesome thing to be able to do. From personal experience, I can tell you that some of these ideas work like a charm. ;)
There are so many great lines in this book. I couldn’t possibly list them all. One of my favourite quotes from German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.” (page 160).
I’m going to save this book and reread it. Only this time I’m going to take my time, perhaps reading only one or two points a day. That way I can reflect on the “lesson” and maybe implement it into my own life.
I haven’t read anything else by Sharma, but now I’m definitely going to pick up The Greatness Guide and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
Highly recommended.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis
In Crooked Little Vein, Mike McGill is a self-professed shit magnet. He’s also a detective who’s been hired by the U.S. federal government to find a book. He and his sidekick, Trix, cross the country in search of the “other” American Constitution. A “backup Constitution to deploy at the first sign of crisis”. What they find is an array of sexual deviants and f**cked-up people between New York and Los Angeles.
I love books that are quirky and different from others. This one was definitely that. It is weird, out of the ordinary and raunchy. It’s totally readable, though, and I really enjoyed reading it. Ellis definitely knows how to tell a story and hold on to the reader’s attention. While the story is mostly a detective story, along the way the author takes jabs at politics, the Internet, sex, everything mainstream and airport security. That’s just to name a few of the items lampooned in this bizarre, X-rated novel.
This book may make you laugh, cry (ok, maybe not), feel disgusted and if you’re lucky like me your gag reflex may even stage it’s own little revolt. (Ok, just once, but that was in the restaurant scene. I just might have to become a vegetarian after reading that.)
After reading this book, you’ll have a new definition of mainstream and you might even find yourself questioning, “Is this normal?”
My favorite quote:
“You don’t get to keep the parts of the country you like, ignore the rest, and call what you’re got America”. (Page 168)
It’s definitely not going to be for everyone. In fact, I can’t think of one person I’d recommend this to. If you like truly bizarre things and are not afraid of them, perhaps this book is for you. Open this book at your own risk! [There, now you can’t say your weren’t warned.]
I love books that are quirky and different from others. This one was definitely that. It is weird, out of the ordinary and raunchy. It’s totally readable, though, and I really enjoyed reading it. Ellis definitely knows how to tell a story and hold on to the reader’s attention. While the story is mostly a detective story, along the way the author takes jabs at politics, the Internet, sex, everything mainstream and airport security. That’s just to name a few of the items lampooned in this bizarre, X-rated novel.
This book may make you laugh, cry (ok, maybe not), feel disgusted and if you’re lucky like me your gag reflex may even stage it’s own little revolt. (Ok, just once, but that was in the restaurant scene. I just might have to become a vegetarian after reading that.)
After reading this book, you’ll have a new definition of mainstream and you might even find yourself questioning, “Is this normal?”
My favorite quote:
“You don’t get to keep the parts of the country you like, ignore the rest, and call what you’re got America”. (Page 168)
It’s definitely not going to be for everyone. In fact, I can’t think of one person I’d recommend this to. If you like truly bizarre things and are not afraid of them, perhaps this book is for you. Open this book at your own risk! [There, now you can’t say your weren’t warned.]
Run by Ann Patchett
In Run, Tip is almost hit by a car. As it turns out, a woman pushes him out of the way and while she is seriously injured, only his ankle appears to be damaged. He soon finds out the woman who saved him isn’t quite the stranger she’s at first thought to be. The woman’s young daughter, Kenya, holds a secret that, once told, will turn their lives upside down.
Sometimes it’s hard to write a review without giving too much of the story away or simply restating the whole thing. There’s so much more to the story than what I’ve written here. It’s unique, insightful, and nothing short of brilliant.
Patchett’s writing, this story and its characters are all magnificent. Her writing is fluid, powerful and an absolute joy to read. As the story progresses, she offers little tidbits of information integral to the characters or plot to entice the reader into wanting more. It draws you through the book. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop.
Her characters are vivid and believable. Just when I thought I’d picked my favorite character from the bunch, another comes along equally fantastic. In the end, I couldn’t decide on one. Contenders would include: Teddy and his speeches, Tip with his fishes and Uncle/Father Sullivan and his healing powers and Kenya with her athletic abilities.
Most of the story takes place in a 24-hour period. The story could have been bogged down with irrelevant details or short on details because of the time frame, but the author skillfully pulls details from the past to tell the whole story in the present and show how the characters got to this point in time. It’s amazing how intertwined their lives have become even though up until this point some of them didn’t know each other.
I usually don’t enjoy “dream sequences” all that much, but in this case, it fit well with the story. It was a unique way to bring in a past event and provide essential details of the story. Very well done.
I think this book would make a good book club choice. It could possibly generate many interesting discussions about adoptions, interracial families, family dynamics, politics and much more.
I haven’t read anything else by Ann Patchett, but I definitely will now.
Highly recommended.
Sometimes it’s hard to write a review without giving too much of the story away or simply restating the whole thing. There’s so much more to the story than what I’ve written here. It’s unique, insightful, and nothing short of brilliant.
Patchett’s writing, this story and its characters are all magnificent. Her writing is fluid, powerful and an absolute joy to read. As the story progresses, she offers little tidbits of information integral to the characters or plot to entice the reader into wanting more. It draws you through the book. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop.
Her characters are vivid and believable. Just when I thought I’d picked my favorite character from the bunch, another comes along equally fantastic. In the end, I couldn’t decide on one. Contenders would include: Teddy and his speeches, Tip with his fishes and Uncle/Father Sullivan and his healing powers and Kenya with her athletic abilities.
Most of the story takes place in a 24-hour period. The story could have been bogged down with irrelevant details or short on details because of the time frame, but the author skillfully pulls details from the past to tell the whole story in the present and show how the characters got to this point in time. It’s amazing how intertwined their lives have become even though up until this point some of them didn’t know each other.
I usually don’t enjoy “dream sequences” all that much, but in this case, it fit well with the story. It was a unique way to bring in a past event and provide essential details of the story. Very well done.
I think this book would make a good book club choice. It could possibly generate many interesting discussions about adoptions, interracial families, family dynamics, politics and much more.
I haven’t read anything else by Ann Patchett, but I definitely will now.
Highly recommended.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
The Luxe is an excellent young adult novel filled with prestige, intrigue, romantic triangles, backstabbing and so much more. Godbersen provides the reader with a total escape. It’s another time, another place and another world.
Set at the end of the 19th century, the story centres around five young adults. There’s Elizabeth Holland and her sister, Diana; Penelope, Elizabeth’s best friend; Henry, the wealthy and handsome playboy, and Will, the coachman for the Hollands. The prologue opens with Elizabeth’s funeral. From there, the reader is transported back to find out what happened to poor Elizabeth. Did she jump into the river herself or did she have help? Suspects and clues abound as the story unfolds.
I loved this book. It is well written and kept me interested all the way through. While I’m sure the author provided plenty of clues as to what happened, I didn’t catch on until the very end. Not only did I want to find out what happened to Elizabeth, but I also wanted to find out how that beautiful dress on the cover fit into the story. And speaking of the dress, it’s gorgeous. I love it.
I found the whole high-class lifestyle quite enthralling. Waiting for visitors, marrying for status/money, attending balls in gorgeous gowns, having secret lovers…I’d have to give up my sneakers, but where do I sign up?
I’m probably in the minority when I say that the book doesn’t really need a sequel. Sure the story could go on, but that could be said of a lot of books. That’s not to say, I won’t read the next one; I’m sure I will. However, I’d also be happy if the author simply left it at that.
Highly recommended for teens and adults.
Set at the end of the 19th century, the story centres around five young adults. There’s Elizabeth Holland and her sister, Diana; Penelope, Elizabeth’s best friend; Henry, the wealthy and handsome playboy, and Will, the coachman for the Hollands. The prologue opens with Elizabeth’s funeral. From there, the reader is transported back to find out what happened to poor Elizabeth. Did she jump into the river herself or did she have help? Suspects and clues abound as the story unfolds.
I loved this book. It is well written and kept me interested all the way through. While I’m sure the author provided plenty of clues as to what happened, I didn’t catch on until the very end. Not only did I want to find out what happened to Elizabeth, but I also wanted to find out how that beautiful dress on the cover fit into the story. And speaking of the dress, it’s gorgeous. I love it.
I found the whole high-class lifestyle quite enthralling. Waiting for visitors, marrying for status/money, attending balls in gorgeous gowns, having secret lovers…I’d have to give up my sneakers, but where do I sign up?
I’m probably in the minority when I say that the book doesn’t really need a sequel. Sure the story could go on, but that could be said of a lot of books. That’s not to say, I won’t read the next one; I’m sure I will. However, I’d also be happy if the author simply left it at that.
Highly recommended for teens and adults.
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