Love this character and all her books. She is so hilarious. It is fun to read these books with kids because they are so shocked by what she does. But,Love this character and all her books. She is so hilarious. It is fun to read these books with kids because they are so shocked by what she does. But, she means well and we all love her!...more
I loved this book. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. It's true you have to push through more words than a modern novel, but the strands tied tI loved this book. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. It's true you have to push through more words than a modern novel, but the strands tied together into a beautiful tapestry....more
THE HOBBIT Even people who look insignificant can contribute! A wonderful introduction to middle earth.
THE TRILOGY A wonderful book rich in story and chTHE HOBBIT Even people who look insignificant can contribute! A wonderful introduction to middle earth.
THE TRILOGY A wonderful book rich in story and characters. Amazing the world Tolkien creates!
Redeeming themes and no objectionable content make it a favorite of our family....more
This novel has been a deep river to my soul. From first encounter to today, I'm always planning on reading it, or seeing the musical, or watching the This novel has been a deep river to my soul. From first encounter to today, I'm always planning on reading it, or seeing the musical, or watching the movie, or listening to the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, again.
But friends, you MUST read the book. Why? Because the true hero of the story is the good Bishop. Briefly cast in the musical and a bit more developed in the Radio Theatre production, though totally overlooked in the children's book, he is the one who sets the redemption of Jean Valjean in motion, and his story unfolds in the first hundred? pages. Indeed, the Bishop, in opposition to all around him, covers Valjean's transgression, giving him the valuable items he stole "to redeem your soul for God." I have seldom seen a character in literature so vividly drawn living out the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Don't miss it!
If you do attempt the entire work, you should know that the pages and pages (were their 25? 50? 100?) about the Paris sewage system, intriguing as it is? can be skimmed quickly to get back to Valjean and Marius and their escape.
One of the greatest novels of all time, you have to read it for yourself to fully immerse in this extraordinary story. Highest Recommendation.
I really appreciated the Russian feel of this work; after all, it's written by a Russian about Russians, originally published in Russian (and, I thinkI really appreciated the Russian feel of this work; after all, it's written by a Russian about Russians, originally published in Russian (and, I think French because it was the thing to do back then). I felt like i understood how Russians think better, and i was reminded why it is bad to get into a land war in Asia! But, seriously, while long, it captures the dignity of the people, their trials and mindset. It also gives a thoughtful rendering of the "messy-ness" of war. And since I knew it was long going into it, was prepared for a long, slow drink of Russia - for which i found it to be very satisfying. I would read it again. And probably again.
Of all the books in the Triology, it is clear that the mutineers and their decendants bore the brunt of the tresspass commited onboard the famous BounOf all the books in the Triology, it is clear that the mutineers and their decendants bore the brunt of the tresspass commited onboard the famous Bounty. This is a hard book to read, as it is a very disturbing tale - especially through the middle - but for those who persevere there is a tale of redemption amidst consequences for sin.
Although it should be noted that Pitcairn's troubles seem to continue (even today) with evacuations due to overpopulation, and recent trials concerning a pattern of child molestation that many considered "cultural"....more
i expected this book to be some boring man story about the sea. but was very surprised to discover the depth of character development. The plot was rii expected this book to be some boring man story about the sea. but was very surprised to discover the depth of character development. The plot was riveting, and i was looking forward to the other books in the trilogy by the time i was done....more
Voted #5 of 100 best mysteries of all time by Mystery Writers of America (www.mysterywriters.org) and see also World Magazine January 12/19, 2008, pg.Voted #5 of 100 best mysteries of all time by Mystery Writers of America (www.mysterywriters.org) and see also World Magazine January 12/19, 2008, pg. 27). _________________________ I found this at a used book sale for $1. Remembering that it was brilliant and I wanted to read it again with the murderer in mind, I decided to buy and read it once more and then sell it. I recalled that I had a severe caution on it, but thought I could just scan through the parts that were too spicy.
However, living in Rusty Sabich's head was so smutty and disgusting -- I just couldn't get through it again. I skipped to the end to certain parts that intrigued me. Now I am completely ready to wash this book right out of my hair and send it on it's way. I just haven't quite decided how to do it yet. I hate to junk it, but I don't feel I can sell it...maybe i'll donate it to the library.
In the end, I appreciate the writing, but the grime is too much. I cannot even get through the book a second time! I'm downgrading to 2 stars. I'll allow that for the amazing plot, and the writing is quite good, but all the surrounding gunk renders this a disappointing read.
_______________________ WOW. WOW. WOW.
Okay, disclaimers first. This book went beyond gritty to dirty. The "F" word is a standard part of the vocab of most all characters throughout. The Lord's name is taken in vain repeatedly. Masturbation, oral sex (often coerced), and anal sex are all described at some point. Yuk. This book is not for the faint of heart, and there are many times when i asked myself, should i even keep on reading this?
So why am i even confessing I finished?
Because, the plot was thick and intriguing. The main character, fascinating in his internal processing (okay, not on all subjects). And, with a title like "Presumed Innocent" you are looking all around to see who you think it is that committed the murder. I never suspected the outcome. i was completely blind sided (twice!) in the last few chapters. In the end, it is explained (with a couple of different nuances), and it was all there the entire time. An unbiased look at the evidence should have made it obvious. But i didn't see it. WOW. But, a cautious WOW.
Other high points were the section on the protagonist's appeals to God (insightful into how most unbelievers interact with Him). And numerous insights into the legal/ political process.
I want to recommend it, but.... the negatives are incredibly flagrant. The modern novel really is depressing that way, the trash i mean. Who wants to read that in 100 years? But I suppose it an accurate representation of the world as some see it.
I first read this book while on vacation in the Caribbean and I highly recommend you read while you are traveling or when you want to travel and cannoI first read this book while on vacation in the Caribbean and I highly recommend you read while you are traveling or when you want to travel and cannot. I loved this book all the way through. I really enjoy Michener's use of fictional stories to teach history, and i like how he picks up "later generations" in subsequent chapters.
Sigh. Just thinking of this book puts me back on the beach! ...more
I cannot remember how many times i wrote this review, but never got it in here. Then, I read Craig Todd's review and thought "that about sums it up" (I cannot remember how many times i wrote this review, but never got it in here. Then, I read Craig Todd's review and thought "that about sums it up" (pasted in below). This book was hard to read as it started out strong, but by the time i reached the supposed "utopia" i found it to be one nauseous episode regurgitated after another.
There was one point Craig didn't cover that hit me strongly, and that is the treatment of women in this book. I started off liking/ admiring Dagny Taggert... but that was quickly eroded by her promiscuous inclination to "trade up" (i guess?!) on lovers. Not to mention the jilted's repeated assertions of their comfort with her moving onto her next conquest (yeah, right). I found this highly annoying. it also struck me that though Rand was supposedly so modern in her views on women and their role, she reduced her heroine to a weakling dominated by her physical desires (albeit fed by her mental respect) who was passed from one man to another.
Secondly, while the first half the book cleverly, though a bit voluminously, details the problems with communist/ socialist philosophy and government, the second half disappoints. The utopia Rand envisions is a far cry from true freedom (defined Biblically as 'the freedom to do what is right'), and more an appeal for social liberality within a weird capitalism. I was disgusted, and the long winded preaching became heavy plow to finish.
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"Wholeheartedly believing in libertarian philosophy, I intended to write a longer review of Atlas Shrugged. This could be the longest book on the Carp 500, so I felt it deserved a really big review. If I had to spend so much time on it, I felt you should have to spend a few minutes, at least, reading what I thought.
But, something about Ayn Rand annoyed me, so I don't really care to put forth the effort of a Genuine Review.
I agree with Rand's views of politics and economics, but something I can't put my finger on really turned me off. She seems to think that every controlling influence is inherently evil, including "god" and any other religious belief. It was fun to see a writer completely shred modern liberalism, and it would be a pleasure to see her take on the neo-conservatives, but, as my dad would say, she's dead now. Rand no longer holds, I am sure, to her atheistic viewpoints.
Atlas Shrugged could be an important book today in the fight for freedom. As our leaders continue to sell us out to the regulations of the World Bank and world courts, and as we now need some form of government permission to do just about everything, Rand's political and economic views would be a powerful voice against a government growing increasingly and unhealthily obese.
In fact, Rand's books have all been reprinted for the 100th anniversary of her birth. Unfortunately, I think Atlas Shrugged will have little impact, as it is about as oversized as the big government she spoke against.
Atlas Shrugged was one of those books I really wanted to like, but I can only rate it a 7 - somewhat of a disappointment. It was full of great ideas, but too often it was just full of it. - Craig Todd"...more
This book is delicious! Every chapter is a treat. Though I've read it 3 or 4 times now, it never disappoints. The animated personalities of Fosco and This book is delicious! Every chapter is a treat. Though I've read it 3 or 4 times now, it never disappoints. The animated personalities of Fosco and Marian, LIVE in these pages, and they remain some of my favorite characters. Laura and Mr. Hartwright are also admirably developed. The intricate plot leads to new discoveries in each scene, and, as you would expect from a work originally published in syndication, pull you through the pages quickly.
There is a thin anti-Christian bias (the pastor's wife, Mrs. Michelson) to Collins work that flows from his personal life. However, while I found it to be severe in "The Moonstone", it is merely a trifle here and doesn't spoil the mystery or characters. This is my favorite Wilkie Collins work.
WHAT!?! You haven't read it? You should.
Miniseries The Woman in White, BBC/PBS, 2018 In Jan 2020 the sickies of the house watched the 5 part miniseries The Woman in White. #Bookisbetter for sure, but this version captured the twisting mystery of Collins' masterpiece. This version gets darker as the story progresses, taking us from the bright rooms of the Fairlie estate to the soot of London. The narrative is a bit jumbled by the attempt to preserve Collin's record of different people giving their accounts of the events. The costuming, from the character of Marian to Laura's strange hair, was atrocious. There ARE glimpses of dear Marian and the enticing Count Fosco, but I can't say they've captured the essence of either, though Laura and Walter seemed better embodied to me. A strength of the production is that the theme of women trapped by selfish, negligent, or wicked male representatives came through loud and clear, which made for good discussion. A little too scary/ intense for our 12 year old (note especially the late scenes in the mental institution), I overall enjoyed sharing the story with the family, and it made everyone- even those who have read it before- want to read the book!...more
This is a thoroughly English work that highlights the fortitude of the British. Crusoe's lonely efforts to survive caused me to consider all the thingThis is a thoroughly English work that highlights the fortitude of the British. Crusoe's lonely efforts to survive caused me to consider all the things I take for granted... in other words, how would I get along if i had to grow the wheat, grind the flower, create the oven, gather the firewood, cook the bread, etc.? Probably not very well, in fact, i'm not sure i'd survive.
But even more than the crafting of his livelihood, I was especially intrigued by the references to God's Providence and the character's spiritual development through his isolation. I found this spiritual growth a stark contrast to the spiritual deprivation portrayed in the lives of those isolated on Pitcairn Island.
Many have found in Robinson Crusoe an archetype of the English colonist/ settler and debated it's merits. While Defoe takes a positive perspective on his hero, modern criticism of colonialism sees a darker theme. I tend to resonate more with the idealism of Defoe's Crusoe than the picking of contemporary critics.
It should also be noted that this book created a concept that permeated English literature for centuries, which some have called the "Robinsonade" genre. In addition to sharing many of its settings (desert island, resourceful castaway, etc), many English classics contain reference to Defoe's character, Robinson Crusoe. For example, the novel plays a strong part in the development of a character in Wilke Collins' The Moonstone. Also, as a groundbreaking work originally published in 1719 that was read by most Englishman, notable following works include:
This book was astonishing to me - particularly the narrative of Kunta Kinte's life. This is why I read! What an amazing description of African cultureThis book was astonishing to me - particularly the narrative of Kunta Kinte's life. This is why I read! What an amazing description of African culture and the rights of manhood. Then, the horrible violation of slavery and the cross-cultural experience of an African joining slaves who were predominately born in the United States. Sounds silly, but though I've read many books on slavery, none have dealt with the differences among slaves themselves and how growing up as a slave shaped how African Americans thought and interacted both with whites and with newly arrived Africans. I could understand why Alex Haley is the best-selling African-American author to date.
I wanted to give this book a 5. But, two things prevented me from giving it the highest rating.
First, when the book moves away from Kunte Kinte into successive generations, while it has engaging moments, something of the brilliance was lost. This was strange to me. After reading the book, I did some research on Alex Haley and Roots, and discovered that there were allegations that Haley plagiarized from Harold Courlander's "The African", published nine years before Roots (It seems the passages in question were concentrated in the life of Kunta Kinte); after Courlander sued Haley an out of court monetary settlement from Haley to Courlander was made, though Haley seems to have maintained innocence in the matter. Could it be that the brilliance of the book came from Courlander's work? I don't know and have requested "The African" from inter-library loan in order to investigate further. Margaret Walker Alexander filed a similar suit, but hers was dismissed. The legal actions of both Courlander and Walker were resolved in 1978. This was two years after the publication of Roots in 1976, and one year after a national television miniseries boosted sales and interest in 1977. I will also hunt down Walker's book.
Secondly, the genealogical work behind the book has come into question. This wouldn't be a problem, except that the final chapters present the genealogy as factually verified by the author in an attempt to place the work firmly in the historical fiction genre. In addition, these final chapters uphold Haley's lineage as a kind of beacon for all of African descent who "don't know who they are." This could have been done in the realm of fiction, without the assertion of fact, but it wasn't.
I was very disappointed by these revelations. I felt mislead, even betrayed, by Alex Haley. However, I must concede that even with these faults, the book is a wonderful read that opened up new doors of thought to me and shaped my thinking in new ways. For that, I am grateful.
--
As a follow up, I have also confirmed that Haley plagiarized from Margaret Walker's book, Jubilee, an absolutely fabulous book written by the first African American woman to earn a PhD. I would highly recommend this book. In addition, reading both "The African" and "Jubilee" helped me to see a little more of what Haley was getting at with writing Roots.
Now that I understand his perspective better, I can see that Roots definitely had an agenda. Black Power connected with "Africanism" and Islam, which is probably also represented in "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". Note the following when you read it:
1) The extremely compelling portions on Africa have been criticized as current social anthropology as opposed to history.
2) There is an emphasis (lacking in Courlander's "The African") on Islamic belief, as opposed to voodoo/ various animistic beliefs being the religious and cultural grounding of the African community. The conquest of Northern Africa by Arab Muslims is completely ignored by Haley as if Islam was indigenous to Africa which it was not. There is also complete disregard for the prevalence of Christianity in Africa from shortly after the life of Jesus Christ (including, for example the Church Father, Saint Augustine (of Berber origin). The spread of Christianity was through conversion, not conquest, and it far pre-dated the transatlantic slave trade.
3) Christianity is covertly proclaimed as the "white man religion," used by slave traders to stomp out cultural identity and practices that might lead blacks to gather up enough confidence to start a successful rebellion. While this idea may have had some acceptance by the uneducated of the time, it is non-sensical given the historical record.
4) Apparently, the book kicked off a ton of travel to Africa, during which African Americans found they were not embraced as Haley alludes they would be. Also, many believe Haley's documentation of his trip to Africa is entirely false and that the groit he met and all the officials involved were coached and eager to see Haley be successful in generating interest in their country.
5) All of these things would be forgivable IF Haley had merely written a work of fiction. We would suspect authors had their own ideas, agendas and perspectives. But, the intro and those last chapters are horrifically misleading. It's almost like he believed his own press! And the IDEA that he was going for is powerful, that Africans were stripped of their roots by the slave industry and that this has been harmful to them. But how this played out in the events around the book reveals the strong motives he had for both personal gain and promoting these false perspectives (and African Islam/ Black Power as the logical fulfillment/ salvation to such a paradigm) to facilitate growth of these movements.
6) Some of the quotes, references to Haley lead me to believe he wasn't a very nice person... not that anyone wants to say that outright, but it's there. It certainly appears he was looking to a black Muslim identity for wholeness, salvation, and power. Hopefully, he found peace with God and others before he died.
Also, regarding Jubilee specifically, I recognized one paragraph in the first chapter that I'm pretty sure was copied verbatim. The main character, Vyry (and her mother, Sis Hetta whose death opens the book) seem to have 'inspired' Haley's character Kizzy. But, as obvious as that was, perhaps the biggest thing Haley lifted from Jubilee was the idea to write about one's descendants and that such knowledge was important for the coming generations. Walker's dedication communicates this intention with less dramatic flair than Haley's claims about flying the globe, roaming through records, and finding groits who harbor verbal testimony of his ancestors, all while the oldest and last of his relatives is dying.
I would still recommend Roots, but I thought these observations might be helpful in positioning the work within its proper historical context. For more information on my investigations pertaining to Roots, please see the conversation in comments on this review. Although many of those that originally discussed the book with me are no longer on Goodreads, I think you can follow the discussion and track my primary sources if you would like to know more. Enjoy!
Also from Goodreads discussion below this review: Roots: Philip Nobile “The Village Voice” February 23, 1993 After Haley’s death, his private papers were released and reviewed by Philip Nobile, who published a definitive article in 1993. Nobile’s article details specific problems with Haley’s account and includes numerous primary sources. I was able to order this article via the periodicals department at my library. It was photocopied by a library that owned the magazine copy and sent to my library. It cost me $1.
I have read this book several times and seen it performed. I love the characters, the story and the moral lessons for my own life. I also like it thatI have read this book several times and seen it performed. I love the characters, the story and the moral lessons for my own life. I also like it that there isn't any "objectionable content"....more
I have had this Bible for several years. I think I started using around 1999. My goal is to read it every day, but sometimes i miss it. I love readingI have had this Bible for several years. I think I started using around 1999. My goal is to read it every day, but sometimes i miss it. I love reading and re-reading it. I especially love studying it.
I like this version because the study hints, charts to fill in, graphs, maps, illustrations, timelines and historical information in the back all help me to better understand the text. There is even an essay on understanding Greek (and I think a Hebrew on too), but that's a bit beyond me.
I'm using the paperback version, albiet with duct tape reinforcement. I also have a leatherbound addition that I bought when I thought I had lost my Bible. When the paperback gives out, i will switch to this one....more
Selected #9 of the top 100 mysteries of all time by the American Mystery Writers of America (www.mysterywriters.org and see also World Magazine JanuarSelected #9 of the top 100 mysteries of all time by the American Mystery Writers of America (www.mysterywriters.org and see also World Magazine January 12/19, 2008, pg. 27).
It's been over a decade, maybe two? since I first read Rebecca. The intriguing story has grown in my mind both by thinking about it between reads and reading again! DuMaurier unravels her story like a ball of yarn. Each scene reinforces that things are not as they seem, while balancing giving small bits of information with heightening tension about what we don't yet know. The ending remains somewhat unsatisfying, but there is no doubt the journey of this classic mystery is well worth thought and discussion.
This book was a "this is why i read" experience for me. Excellent character development and plot. Some topics are painful to read (slavery, violence, This book was a "this is why i read" experience for me. Excellent character development and plot. Some topics are painful to read (slavery, violence, racism, etc.) though appropriately addressed. The spiritual content was inspiring, as the main character seeks Jesus to help her overcome the pain she and her family are experiencing.
There is also something unique for women here. Vyry is a strong woman facing difficult, even impossible circumstances. She is criticize by both whites and blacks for how she responds, but remains an example of bearing up under difficulty. You won't always agree with decisions she makes, but you can understand the areas she fails in/ struggles with, and remain amazed that she does emerge as strong as she does. This would be an excellent read for a mom and daughter to discuss (though an older daughter because of some of the issues of racism and violence).
i cannot recommend this book highly enough.
It is widely believed that Alex Haley plagerised from Jubilee in writing Roots. The main character, Vyry (and her mother, Sis Hetta whose death opens the book) seem to have 'inspired' Haley's character Kizzy. But, as obvious as that was, perhaps the biggest thing Haley lifted from Jubilee was the idea to write about one's descendants and that such knowledge was important for the coming generations. Walker's dedication communicates this intention with less dramatic flair than Haley's mendacious claims.
What I especially like about each of these is Austen's incredible skill at creating scenes chuck full of double entendre. She skillfully weaves layer What I especially like about each of these is Austen's incredible skill at creating scenes chuck full of double entendre. She skillfully weaves layer upon layer of social situations that intertwine between her characters. Amazing writing that challenges one to develop and guard a good character, even when it costs you, because it just might turn out right in the end....more
I love Jane Austin and the sly British wit. This time around I read Northanger Abbey and then Persuasion. I heard Northanger Abbey was one of Jane AusI love Jane Austin and the sly British wit. This time around I read Northanger Abbey and then Persuasion. I heard Northanger Abbey was one of Jane Austen's first works, and the story and text have a very young feel to them. Persuasion, on the other hand, is about a woman "after her bloom" and I was struck by the increased maturity of thought, character and plot. Emma is one of her 'flawed' heroines, and yet she is so likeable. Austin's ability to weave a story around her characters is really apparent here....more
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