sjsprWriting

Carlos Albors-Riera says...

http://www.amazon.com/Uses-Dead-Meerkat-Massimo-Fenati/dp/0752227920

http://www.amazon.com/Uses-Dead-Meerkat-Massimo-Fenati/dp/0752227920

I totally agree. The Paris Wife is a must read for all Hemingway fans as well as new readers. I loved the book, couldn't put it down. It is always very insightful to read from a woman's point of view.

marialugo072 says...

Paula McLain did a superb job in portraying the early years of Ernest Hemmingway and his first wife, Hadley. This is the first book of McLain that I have read and I am forever thankful for her illustrations of Hemmingway’s life because it has motivated me to look into his life and read his novels. The Paris Wife is a story narrated through Hadley’s eyes. Through the dialogue, one is able to see and even live the transition from the beginning of Hemmingway’s career to his peak.

“For the first few days, I enjoyed my solitude. Ernest was such a big person, metaphorically speaking./For the first time in many months, I could wake to quiet and hear my own thoughts and follow my own impulses./ I don't know how to describe it, but after the blush of my own company wore off, I became so aware of Ernest’s absence it was as if the lack of him had moved into the apartment with me.” (McLain 91)

The story portrays how fame and the desire for ambition can ruin someone’s life. Once Hemmingway reached fame, and formed close ties with prominent writers, he began to pull himself away from his wife. His frustration and involvement in his work made him forget about his family. The book also portrays how affected Hedley was by her husband’s absence and growing fame. She was always very supportive and patient with Hemmingway, until he reached his climax and turned into an arrogant man, ending his marriage. Sometimes I could feel Hedley’s pain because she did so much for Hemmingway out of love and got nothing in return. It is truly a wonderful book that allows the readers to look deep into the characters emotions, but also see the story from an omniscient point of view.

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

by William Joyce and Laura Genringer

In this first installment of the bestselling series “The Guardians of Childhood” by William Joyce and Laura Geringer, readers read of a battle like no other! An ancient evil is unleashed throughout the village of Santoff Claussen as the Nightmare King and his Fearling army steal the dreams of the villagers that have never known fear, and replace them with nightmares. It is up to the wizard Ombric, his young protégé Katherine, and a Cossack thief turned good named Nicholas St. North (the man now known as none other than Santa Claus) to save the day!

This book puts a magical touch to the real world by setting the village of Santoff Claussen in Russia and the epic final battle in the Himalaya Mountains. And with such amazing illustrations to complement the story, it is no wonder that William Joyce is successful with his conceptual designs of characters in movies such as Tory Story, A Bug’s Life, and Meet the Robinsons- with the latter being based off one of his books.

While the story is for people of all ages, this book was originally intended as a children’s book, so it tends to tell the readers information more often than showing it. However, I was able to overlook this and enjoy the storytelling method since it actually fits the fairy-tale very well. Never have I read a book that fills me with such child-like wonder!

“Ombric’s first lesson to anyone who lived in Santoff Claussen was simple: There’s a little bit of wizard in everyone. That magic’s real power was in belief”.

I encourage everyone to read this book’s sequels as well, and find out how a group of very special people became the Guardians of Childhood. 

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

If you’ve ever felt in the mood to read about The End of Days and laugh while doing so, then it’s a safe bet you might be interested in Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, provided your sense of humor leans towards the witty and the sarcastic.

Good Omens tells the story of two friends, a demon named Crowley who “did not so much Fall as Saunter Vaguely Downwards”, and an angel named Aziraphale, who have been stationed on Earth ever since Adam and Eve were kicked out of Eden. With all of the time they’ve spent on earth, they’ve grown rather fond of the world and its inhabitants.

“Apart from, of course, the fact that the world was an amazing interesting place which they both wanted to enjoy for as long as possible, there were few things that the two of them agreed on, but they did see eye to eye about some of those people who, for one reason or another, were inclined to worship the Prince of Darkness. Crowley always found them embarrassing. You couldn't actually be rude to them, but you couldn't help feeling about them the same way that, say, a Vietnam veteran would feel about someone who wears combat gear to Neighborhood Watch meetings.”

Which is precisely why they don’t take the news about Armageddon all that well.

“That's how it goes, you think you're on top of the world, and suddenly they spring Armageddon on you. The Great War, the Last Battle. Heaven versus Hell, three rounds, one Fall, no submission. And that'd be that. No more world. That's what the end of the world meant. No more world. Just endless Heaven or, depending who won, endless Hell. Crowley didn't know which was worse.”

Filled with moments that make you shake your head at the absurdity, or laugh out loud with the phrasing; Good Omens is more than just a good laugh, its view on humanity and religion are refreshing in both their exaltation and respectful understanding of the complexity of human beings.

“It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people.”

As long as you have an appreciation for dry humor, sarcasm and an admirable wit, you’ll enjoy Good Omens and what it has to say.

“We aim to please, Miss Steele.”

―Christian Grey, E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey is a riveting, enrapturing novel that entrances readers with its candor and sex; Author EL James goes where many authors have never been to before, writing erotica based on S&M, a type of sexual lifestyle not commonly embraced. Upon first encountering this novel, it does not appear to be a literary masterpiece, nor something that you’d quote positively on your essay about the inequitable expectations society lays for females, but lo and behold, it does its job as a piece of fiction and engages the reader with Anastasia’s journey to sexual and self exploration, which involves an enigmatic and highly troubled Christian Grey, the CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. Anastasia, a relatively innocent college student just a few months shy of graduating, encounters him through a chance meeting and is immediately swept away by his rich lifestyle, not knowing the darkness that lurks underneath his stoic façade.

“I've kissed a prince, Mom. I hope it doesn't turn into a frog.”

―Anastasia Steele, E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

If you’re looking for mindless entertainment in the form of a book, Fifty Shades is just that: a novel to devour (in roughly a day) that has your eyes running through the pages in excitement (or disgust, whatever floats your boat) and curiosity.

A Street Cat Named Bob

By: James Bowen

“A Street Cat Named Bob” is a good book for casual reading that will warm your heart and restore your faith by just a little in the world.

This book highlights themes such as giving, even if one has little to give, the human/animal bond, and just an overwhelming about of love when it seems that it is impossible to be given. This book follows the journey of James Bowen, as he recovers from drug abuse and finds unexpected furry friend to help him. James and Bob find each other, when they are both struggling through low points in their life. Bob has no home, appeared to be hurt by another animal, and is at risk of dying, while James is a starving street preforming guitarist who lives day to day on his funds, yet still finds the will to take Bob into his home. Bob soon becomes the force that propels James to continue his recovery and never stop trying to become something better.

I would especially recommend this book to animals lovers, who are looking to read a happy pet tale, to those who enjoy reading, and don’t mind a casual writing style, and others interested in simple, life-changing biographies.

The straight forward title gives no shadow on the true plot of the book, “A Street Cat Named Bob” quite literally is the story of a street cat, but it becomes so much more. It becomes a story of codependency, taking risks on others, trust, and faith. I wouldn’t say this book is a must read, but if you have the opportunity to read it, I would advise you not to pass it up because its one that will life your spirits!

The Romance of the Rose

Book Review

“If any man or woman should ask what I wish this romance… to be called, it is the Romance of the Rose, in which the whole art of love is contained.”

The Romance of the Rose is a medieval poem written by Guillaume de Lorris and – later on – Jean de Meun. It focuses on a courtly man who is welcomed into a beautiful garden by many gods and goddesses. Here, he is taken away from Poverty, Avarice, Covetousness, Envy, and many other evils that have control of the world beyond that walled garden. It is in this garden that the narrator falls in love. He immediately spots a beautiful rose in one of the garden’s rose bushes, but is forbidden to love it. From there on, he struggles most deeply to obtain the rose. De Lorris and de Meun focus on many worldly subjects and emotions as a way to explain what they thought to be ideal for any love. They tie in both the evils and wonders of life and how one must approach them.

“A woman who seeks to rob a man should be considered worthless. I do not mean that for her own pleasure and happiness she should not perfectly wear a jewel, if her lover has given or sent it to her, but she should not ask for it…”

“…Love is so capricious that he robbed me of everything at once/It is the same with Fortune, who fills men’s hearts with bitterness but at other times flatters and caresses them.”

Using figurative language, de Lorris and de Meun masterfully explain all the vast arrays of human thought and nature.

“…another love which is also opposed to true love and strongly to be condemned: it is the feigned desire to love found in hearts that are sick and diseased with a covetous desire for gain. This love is so uncertain that as soon as it loses hope of the profit that it wants to gain, it must fail and die…”

This ancient poem has succeeded in carrying its essence throughout the years. Those who read it will find it to be immensely enlightening and stimulating as it mainly conveys universal themes that anyone can relate to. From beginning to end, the poem is rich with lessons that could be of use to any person. It is a delightful way of viewing love and understanding all of its ways.

The Outsiders is one of my favorite books to date. Why? Maybe because it’s just so effortless. I feel as though every line I read is just another piece of something I need to know for the rest of my life. It tends to be relatable because it is a story that allows you to count the ways a boy; Ponyboy Curtis, begins to reshape his view on the world, specifically learning that its mishaps are something that everyone shares. Everyone can associate with struggling to understand matters that, for a good part of time, appear completely different, and thus not worth the trouble of empathizing with. However, as most teenagers and young adults learn at some point, people- no matter where they come from- share the same emotions, and share their own uniqueness, as well.

“I’ll tell you something Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you’ve never even heard of. You want to know something?” She looked me straight in the eye. “Things are rough all over.”

If you’re a greaser, you’re tough and you like things that are tuff. You are violent, grease your hair back, harass innocents of the like, and don’t care about authority. You stick together and never desert one of your own. But what if you like studying, and watching sunsets, and dream of a life outside of what is actually there? The universal themes of adolescence, rebellion, and isolation presented in The Outsiders go hand in hand. In one way or another, we have all had the feeling of not belonging, the feeling of the world being against us, and had the yearning to be something more than what we’ve seen around us. Eventually, we don’t want to be an outsider anymore; we just want to “stay gold.”

Paula McLain did a superb job in portraying the early years of Ernest Hemmingway and his first wife, Hadley. This is the first book of McLain that I have read and I am forever thankful for her illustrations of Hemmingway’s life because it has motivated me to look into his life and read his novels. The Paris Wife is a story narrated through Hadley’s eyes. Through the dialogue, one is able to see and even live the transition from the beginning of Hemmingway’s career to his peak.

“For the first few days, I enjoyed my solitude. Ernest was such a big person, metaphorically speaking./For the first time in many months, I could wake to quiet and hear my own thoughts and follow my own impulses./ I don't know how to describe it, but after the blush of my own company wore off, I became so aware of Ernest’s absence it was as if the lack of him had moved into the apartment with me.” (McLain 91)

The story portrays how fame and the desire for ambition can ruin someone’s life. Once Hemmingway reached fame, and formed close ties with prominent writers, he began to pull himself away from his wife. His frustration and involvement in his work made him forget about his family. The book also portrays how affected Hedley was by her husband’s absence and growing fame. She was always very supportive and patient with Hemmingway, until he reached his climax and turned into an arrogant man, ending his marriage. Sometimes I could feel Hedley’s pain because she did so much for Hemmingway out of love and got nothing in return. It is truly a wonderful book that allows the readers to look deep into the characters emotions, but also see the story from an omniscient point of view.

Book Review: The Lover’s Dictionary

By Laura Camila RIvera

The Lover’s Dictionary is a novel that tells a modern love story entirely through dictionary entries. David Levithan makes his premiere as an adult novelist and breaks hearts with this book.

The storyline, inspired by individual words, tells the painful tale of a man and a woman in love before, during, and after she cheats on him. In an interview, Leviathan said that the The Lover's Dictionary is "a story about love, in all its messy complicated reality."

His poetry draws you in words like:

“basis, n.

There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you’re in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself.

If the moment doesn’t pass, that’s it —– you’re done.

And if the moment does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it’s even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lover’s face.”

Romance can get tiring after a while. Nicholas Sparks can only spin an old tale in so many ways, but the real word is completely different realm. Sometimes things don’t work, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. While this book may seem hard to follow at times, it’s not one that has to be read contiguously. Still, you won’t want to stop.

If ever there was an opportunity to dive into a book, this would be it.

Oscar Wilde’s only written novel The Picture of Dorian Grey, has been considered by many readers as classic of English literature even though has been written one and half century ago. By publishing it in the 1860s, Oscar Wilde manages to create controversial, self-indulgent characters in order to showcase the idea of hedonism and narcissism.

"Pleasure is the only thing worth having a theory about," he answered in his slow melodious voice. "But I am afraid I cannot claim my theory as my own. It belongs to Nature, not to me. Pleasure is Nature's test, her sign of approval. When we are happy, we are always good, but when we are good, we are not always happy…" (Page 71).

Although at the beginning the novel was accused of homoerotism, ribaldry and ostentatious intent, today it is considered as a masterpiece in literature. The novel is a masterpiece of aestheticism; since it aims to use consistently the puzzling contradictory conversation with riveting narratives and persistently dedicated to beauty.

“I really can't see any resemblance between you, with your rugged strong face and your coal-black hair, and this young Adonis, who looks as if he was made out of ivory and rose-leaves. Why, my dear Basil, he is a Narcissus, and you -- well, of course you have an intellectual expression and all that. But beauty, real beauty, ends where an intellectual expression begins. Intellect is in itself a mode of exaggeration, and destroys the harmony of any face…” (page 6).

The protagonist of the story, Dorian Gray is a handsome young man with an innocent look upon life until Lord Hennery is introduced upon his life. Lord Henry influences Dorian to live his life to the fullest while his charm lasts. One day when being portrayed by an aspiring artist, Dorian desires to gain his youthful appearance as in the portrait of himself forever. The wish becomes reality when Dorian remains as attractive and young after selling himself to the devil. On the contrary, the portrait begins to transform itself into the reflection Dorian’s evil soul and that directs him to the life of hedonism which is portrayed in the text through his expeditions into the zealously taboo and prodigal explorations. He accomplishes his desires in life by using his charm and handsome appearance. Influenced and pastored by Lord Henry, his evil desires drive him to murder his friends and family who only cared for him.

Reading this book is a must. Throughout the novel Dorian does terrible actions, but we can only feel empathy towards him. How is life when living only for pleasure and not thinking about the consequences? How does this affect our being? What happens to us when we are influenced by people that have a reputation of being controversial? All these questions and more are discussed in the book.

Our society is obsessed with remaining young. Billions upon of dollars is spent on researching, developing, and marketing products to make us remain looking young. Humanity has been trying so hard to find the fountain of youth for generation. The Picture of Dorian Grey will remain relevant until we find the cure to ageing. I highly recommend this book.

A Million Little Pieces

In A Million Little Pieces, James Frey creates a masterpiece as he describes the six grueling weeks he spent in rehab. Criminal, addict, and alcoholic: this was James Frey. Frey, the author-protagonist, begins his story by compelling the reader to experience anxiety and curiosity. He maintains this level of stress and interest throughout the novel. His artful use of dialogue demonstrates his strong desire for drugs. His description of his murderous rage, and jealousy towards others allowed me to connect with his pain and understand his suffering. Repeatedly, from his words, I clearly understood the depths of his depression:

I grab rocks, stuff the pipe, hit. I do it until the bag is empty…I have a murderous rage and I need to kill. Kill my heart, kill my mind, kill myself.

pg. 47

The absence of drugs is not the only factor contributing to James’s pain. The restriction the clinic imposes on Frey’s life, not allowing men and women to interact, makes his suffering that much greater. To soothe his pain Frey defies the rules as he meets with a small, delicate woman called Lilly secretly at night and eventually falls in love with her.

With the use of strong and horrifying details, Frey demonstrates the many challenges he must confront at the clinic. Frey does an outstanding job of making the characters feel tangible as he narrates how each character affected him personally. Ultimately, it is Frey’s narration that makes this book superb and a must read.