Book Review 5: Room

I heard about this book a couple of years ago, when it first came out. I kept seeing it on the "new releases" shelf at the local bookstore, but after reading the synopsis, I didn't give it much thought. I had no interest in reading it since at the time, I wanted to mostly stick to happy "fluffy" reads and the storyline just sounded too depressing for my taste. I forgot about it for a while, then saw it sitting at the library a few weeks ago. This time around, I thought it sounded both creepy and kind of intriguing, and that's exactly what it was.

"Room" was inspired by the 2008 Fritzl case of a similar (yet far more disturbing) nature. The narrator of this story is five year old Jack, who lives in Room with Ma. He's never been out of this Room, and doesn't know anything about Outside. Jack thinks everything in Room is his best friend and considers it his home. But to Ma, Room is nothing but a prison, and Old Nick is her prisoner.

It was difficult for me to wrap my head around this book at first. I had a hard time trying to understand Jack's world. A world where nothing exists except for Jack, Ma, and Room. On the contrary, my eyes were glued to it and I didn't want to put it down. Although the setting is very disturbing, Donoghue did a good job of writing a nice story of a mother raising her son. Even in the most terrifying of circumstances, the power of her love (as a mother) could not be weakened. As the story progresses, it is evident that Ma's spirit is rarely crushed, and she has faith that she will one day escape this hell on earth. Furthermore, I like how Donoghue portrayed the protagonist as innocent, blinded and naive, because I think this is an accurate portrayal of a child.

I found Room to be a thought provoking tale. Despite the level of creepiness of this book, I didn't find myself shuddering as much I thought I would. It was a step outside of my comfort zone and a new experience for me to read something like this. I probably won't pick up books like this too often, nor would I recommend it to others. However, now I know I can handle it.

Humble Authors

Whoever follows my blog knows what a huge fan I am of young adult fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima. I've read all of her books, (excluding her latest release The Crimson Crown.) One of my favourite thing about her books is that none of the characters are one dimensional. The protagonists (as well as the antagonists) show immense growth through out the stories. Never have I fallen so in love with a book series (and it's characters) as I did with the Seven Realms and the Heir Chronicles.

What I find even more impressive is the connection Chima has with her fans via facebook and twitter. I often forget there a real person behind every great story, but receiving replies to facebook messages and tweets from Mrs. Chima is a good reminder. It is not every day that you meet a best-selling author who is so down to earth.

I can think of a handful of big shot authors who may have forgotten to eat their slice of humble pie.

Book Review 4: The Art of Racing in the Rain

I haven't written a book review for a really long time now. Let's be honest, I didn't think any of the books I've been reading lately have been review worthy.

Ever since I've been inactive in my library book club, I've gotten more of a chance to read many of the books on my "list." I just finished reading "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. I've previously taken this book out of the library a couple of times, only to return it without reading it. But this time around, I finally got a chance to complete it.

Ever since I read "The Book Thief," I've started to enjoy stories told from the perspective of an unlikely and unconventional narrator. The protagonist in this novel is a young race car driver named Denny. We journey through his trials and tribulations from the point of view of his pet dog Enzo.

Though the story is told the way Enzo sees it, this is not a story about Enzo. It's a story about family, lost love, and betrayal.

Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say The Art of Racing in the Rain is a "fluffy read" which will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling after you put it down (no pun intended.)

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light and easy read.

"There is no dishonor in losing the race," Don said. "There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose." - The Art of Racing in the Rain 

Happy Birthday C.S. Lewis

The first time I was introduced to the magical world of Narnia was back in 1995, when my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Adams, read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with us. Followed by a viewing of the BBC mini series.

Never had I heard of secret wardrobes, friendships with gentle and caring fauns or eating meals with talking beavers. I'd never been exposed to such wonder and enchantment before. I was amazed, fascinated and instantly fell in love with it. 

The genius behind this magical world was C.S. Lewis. It was only a few years ago that I discovered this book was part of a seven book series. I bought the entire series in a Special Edition version; one massive book with all seven stories in them. Fully equipped with a map of Narnia and it's surrounding countries. I've read the first three novels so far. They are written in an old fashioned style which can often make it a bit of a tedious read but they are still pretty awesome! 

So let's all grab our Turkish delight and celebrate this wondrous occasion! 

I close by saying: Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia! 

Goodbye Book Club!

Let me start off by saying, I feel like I've betrayed my blog for quite some time! I am still interested in blogging but have had internet issues for the last few months. I've been using my mobile for internet service while my desktops been down. However, it's such a hassle to blog using the dreaded autocorrect. =|

So I've decided to take the advice of a few different people and drop one of my book clubs. As previously mentioned, I am a part of 2: one at the library, and one with friends. I think I'm going to drop the library one. I absolutely adore the women in the book club, and really enjoy their company (and opinions.) However, it's just getting difficult to juggle two simultaneously.

For the last year or so, every time I was picking up a book, it just felt like it was a book club book. I found very little time to read the books that I wanted to read. I was especially unhappy about all of the unread books on my own bookshelf. I've purchased many books and received many books as gifts, and it isn't fair (to the books) that they are being abandoned.

I've also been thinking of going back to school, so I know my schedule will most likely start getting busy. I don't want to pick up a book feeling like it's a chore to finish it. I use books as an escape. It helps me relieve stress, because it takes me away from life for a short amount of time. I am carefree, and it almost feels like a mini (emotional) vacation.

It was a tough decision to make as I do love book club(s.) However, it was just getting overwhelming.

I still plan on being a part of the book club with my girlfriends because that just gives us a good excuse to get together and see each other a lot more frequently.

Since when is Controlling "romantic?"

*** THIS ENTRY CONTAINS BOOK SPOILERS ***

So, I recently discovered a new phenomenon in the world of literature. Women seem to like to read about men who control their girlfriends, and in some sick way find that "romantic." Let's start with everyone's favourite: The Twilight Saga. I will admit, I read the entire series (because there was a shred of hope in me that Bella would end up with Jacob. But instead she decided to throw her life away, become a vampire and stay with her vegetarian, sparkly boyfriend/husband Edward.) The reason I had a problem with Bella's decision was because Jacob was clearly the better choice for her. He stated early on that if she wanted to be with him, she wouldn't have to change anything about herself. She could stay human, and they'd live happily ever after. Instead, she quit college, left her family, married Edward and had a human-vampire hybrid baby who nearly killed her from inside. And secondly, Edward's protectiveness was borderline controlling and almost abusive (in my humble opinion.)

If that wasn't bad enough, the huge success of Twilight spawned another "romance" series entitled The Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I have not read the series, but I've done enough research to know this book is about a young girl who develops a relationship with a wealthy and older man named Christian Grey. Their relationship soon becomes very sexual. Their sex life consists of BDSM, and Grey begins controlling young Ana both in the bedroom and in real life.

Author E.L. James claims that this is every woman's fantasy. Um, really? I can believe every woman wants some passion in her life. But it is really hard to think that all women would want to be a rich man's sex slave. There is a part of me that is curious to pick up the series and see what everyone is talking about, but I would in no way consider it a romance novel. If anything, I would probably categorize it under literary pornography.

Don't get me wrong. I sound like a cynic, but I do love reading a romance novel every now and then. I just think books like these are sending out the wrong message to women. It is making them think these relationships are romantic and healthy. When, in my opinion, they are just making girls look stupid. It is possible to have a healthy relationship and still do stuff that you want to do. It is not always about the man. A relationship goes both ways, and both the man and woman should be happy in it.

Furthermore, I like reading books about strong headed women who are able to stand up for themselves, are capable of making decisions for themselves and not have a man tell them what to do all the time. I am currently reading The Gray Wolf Throne which has an amazing female character, Raisa. Raisa is heir to the throne and although she has guards constantly protecting her, if she is ever in a rut, she can kick some serious ass. These are the female characters I look up to. Since when did women with no ambitions  and no backbone become "good" female role models?

So many Books to Read, So Little Time.

I have so many borrowed books, purchased books, and library books sitting in my shelf which have not been touched for weeks! I feel like I'm betraying my one true love (reading). Life has just gotten so busy, that it's given me very little time to relax. I've been so busy with studying, taking extra curricular classes, volunteering and two book clubs that I've had very little time to read. (Two book clubs are keeping me too busy to read?! Oh, the irony...) My point is, I have very little time to read the books I want to read.

Let's be honest, many of the book club books do end up being boring. I have an ever growing list of books I've been meaning to read for fun. Such as Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Outlander, The Coffeehouse Angel, The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Gray Wolf Throne, and many more. I just haven't been able to manage my time well enough to get all these books incorporated into my reading schedule.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am open to anything, please comment below to help me read these untouched books! They deserve to be enjoyed. =)