saarahnina's reviews
539 reviews

I'm at Crossroads: I love this book, but then...

This book was a constant for me, it occupied my thoughts even when I wasn't reading it. I loved the beginning, it was captivating- so very imaginative and a reflection of distorted beliefs. A child's- Christopher's- faith is tested ever since he was a child. That's until his thoughts imposed too much on him and become critical of his actions and his lifestyle, forcing him to leave familiarity and pursue a life elsewhere. When raised up by strict parents who aren't very flexible, encouraging or even accepting in their views, this is quite easily a forgone conclusion. During his time away from his small-town Christian community, he faces conflicting views- some of which are quite unorthodox. He can't help but judge his new Church community and eventually leaves to pursue another journey- of a more spiritual nature- to seek God, this is essentially provoked by his battles with a guilty addiction and doubts of God's existence.

I found this the most intriguing: how his thoughts became so liberated, a breath of fresh air, a cool serenity. His quick companionship with a 44 year old man was witty and it, too, was refreshing: it almost cemented the possibility of him finding God, that maybe he really could venture out there and live freely. This is disrupted and then, fragmented when they find themselves trusting the wrong man: of all people, perhaps the least expected.

Michael Sauret writes with a brilliant yet bewitchingly subtle vision: he explores the greater picture. He writes of more than just young Christopher's childhood, then his adolescence and finally, his adulthood. No, he writes of an individual's journey of attaining faith, of coming to realise what faith really is, and what exactly it is. Sauret surprisingly does this by exposing how corrupt a religious constitution can become- some churches may thrive themselves on power and influence; others on popularity and wealth. He writes of this in a purely fabricated manner, but the true message remains: we shouldn't be afraid to question, we shouldn't be quick to trust nor judge and we shouldn't allow anyone- anyone who can easily become corrupt- to be sovereigns over us.

I do not disagree with religion at all, so do not be mistaken in believing that I only liked this book, because I am a critic of religion. Though, I have to admit that maybe it was too heavy on Christian principles, especially with all the lengthy sernons, maybe I couldn't fully appreciate it because I am not a Christian (though I do follow an Abrahamic faith). I just felt it was a bit much, almost like the author was forcing the Bible on us- as though, this was imaginative way of making us read it. I don't know...

There were other slight inconsistencies and loose ends: Christopher and his childhood friends seemed pretty close but when he returns home, there is no mention of them- no reunion. Also the birthday jump, how did the neighbours not see the children jumping? How did teachers not learn of what was going on? Then, you get Christopher's father- in dealing with his grief- he consumes a lot of alcohol. Did Pastor Rock no longer play a role in his life? I don't suppose he visited the church whilst in his intoxicated state. And then with Pastor Nobel and The Household, did no one file missing persons reports? These were just a few questions that were niggling at the back of my mind, especially whenever I was shocked about a certain chapter. Like I wrote, this book is a constant- I kept thinking about it.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.

Three journeys woven into one.
A book intended for serious people, the tale follows the lives of three women: Kate, Laura and Una. We are introduced to them as separate people, but as the tale develops we see the nature of their relationship.

We follow them, we see their lives as they spiral out of control - from their happier moments (falling in love) to their worst (losing someone). We see it all. As a reader this is what I most appreciated, Saint's characters are explored in depth, we are able to see more than what is at the surface. There were characters like Ken who I had a number of opinions about- all of which conflicted.. I can't say I loved any character. When you see someone at their worst, you require a sort of equilibrium with their good moments and I don't think that was the case for any of the characters. Though, I feel Laura came close, not earlier on whilst in her innocence and naivety, but later when she discovered her independence.

Speaking (or rather, writing) of Laura, I desired to know more about her, and her willingness to commit the all-important action seemed foolish since she had no actual plans in regard to using her 'new' or 'potential degree'.

In the same way, the secrets Kate discovers were a huge let down. We learn that maybe there's hope for her. The suspense built up by Una's letters was huge...but the result didn't fulfil its potential. I wished for scandal, but what we got was heroism. I simply can't see the prospect of a mother very much in love with her family giving them up.

Though this theme of loss (especially the loss of love is consistent throughout the novel, broadening on a range of other characters' experiences. This is another style of Saints' that I liked, she refused to keep any character on the sidelines. Only too often do we read books where there is a far more interesting character (than the protagonists) who are ignored or mentioned briefly. In spite of this, I did want to know what pushed Jimmy to be unfaithful to his wife, believe me I know (in huge detail) her bad traits, though I feel these fail to justify his actions satisfactorily. Oh well, like Kate, perhaps we will not find an explanation. Additionally, I'd have liked to know of Ken's childhood....I understand that the tale was not about him but the heart wants what it wants...

I recommend this to anyone looking for a long read, there is no humour or comedy. Though I do recall smiling at the American tourist looking for Elton John. We may be English but that doesn't mean we can give you the address to any other Englishman! I have not yet had this experience, but I've heard of it before.

I'm afraid the reasoning behind the title escapes me, I cannot connect the title to the tale told. Though, I do like the cover: it's very fitting. In the book we are given mere glimpses of the characters and it's up to us to connect the dots. And we also quickly begin to understand that there is no 'true' picture pf anyone. Our tales and memories can become distorted.

I received this novel through NetGalley.

I just don't know

This is another of those books I'm not quite sure of my opinion. I'm not even sure if I understood it, it was one of those books that anyone can understand, they just have to care to do so. In truth, I didn't care to do so, if anything, I'm quite surprised that I persisted in reading it.

My somewhat poor opinion of it is not because of the writing- which was actually brilliantly old fashioned and very descriptive (though a little long-winded at times). I was troubled by the characters, the two older Aspen sisters, the drunkard Alex and the homely sensible Nancy were the only endearing features of the book.

Lydia, the leading character, was an impetuous, silly 'brat' of a woman: forcing those around her to obey her every command. Why they did is beyond me. Her words (something along the lines of) "'You will call me won't you. Do call me. I shall hate you if you don't. And I shall never speak to you again!"

I simply couldn't tolerate her, and now she has me speaking just as she would, were she writing this. Did English women in the 1920s actually speak this way? She just seemed so selfish, and unbearably childish. I don't know, I really don't.

The story, itself, escalated quite slowly- a tale of a young woman (Lydia) and her acquaintance with a young man (Mr. Richardson). During their time together, love blooms. She was a woman who had been kept from the world, hidden, and he- a man wanting her only for himself. She tires of him, quickly, and entertains his male companions; and leads them on. All the time, she actually has no knowledge of her 'feelings', though she never admits this- and only insults the ever so clever Mr. Robertson with the words. Really, why they 'loved' her is beyond me.

I received this through NetGalley.

Love conquers all
A beautiful book zoning in on the message of 'love conquers all'. I never thought I'd enjoy it but it was a wonderful tale. Mayon follows the life of two young men: John, a volcano enthusiast and, Gregorio, an estate overseer. Their lives intertwine when Greg's boss, Ignacio, invites another man to 'take over his job'.

As you can imagine, the new arrival- John- is hated by Greg. But this doesn't last long....passion sets in. But homosexuality is stigmatized, there's no way that they could ever be....And Ignacio has other plans for John, involving his single daughters. Needless to say, they're all in quite a muddle. Greg can't grasp the seriousness of it, and his whole life is eventually thrown off course, why is Ignacio against the idea of him being his son in law? Why is Ignacio so willing to accept a strange foreigner into their family? Why is society so set in its ways against homosexuality? Why so backward? Who is he really?

I enjoyed the tale, I appreciated how it didn't focus on self acceptance, the men had that covered, rather it was about social acceptance. There was none of that denial, they both knew what they wanted. It was a strongly written novel, and there was no way anyone could be bogged down by the historical context of it.

What I didn't like so much was the constant love-making, I can tolerate it, sure, but......I much preferred their classic witty dialogue and the drama of the tale. But that's just me.

I received this through NetGalley.

Just your average chick-lit

This was a heavily clichéd novel, but there were parts which pleasantly surprised me. For one thing, Erin's boyfriend Tyson doesn't call off the wedding because he has cheated on her (commonly it would have been with Erin's best friend), rather he stops the wedding because he is unwilling to settle down. I understood that Erin was distraught by his refusal to marry her, and of course that was within good reason but it quickly became unbelievable. Surely, because she was willing to marry this man we can safely assume that she loved him. Why, then, did she not try to win him back? Why did she not dismiss his words as a nonsensical case of cold feet, and convince him as such?

Instead, she gave up and it was her friend, Bex, and her mother, Delia, who took action. I suppose, you could say that Erin became depressed and so was incapable of doing anything. But, we know for a fact that she started online dating. This just goes to suggest that she never loved Tyson, as much as she had believed, and that she relied too much on her friend and her mother. Her mother, for the most part, picked up the pieces. Even, when she had her own problems- breast cancer-she looked after her daughter. And, of course, Erin didn't appreciate it. Needless to say, I didn't fancy Erin, for all I cared she could have died of heartbreak.

So, now, I suppose you're wondering why I carried on reading the book...Believe me, it wasn't in hope of Erin's death, this is supposed to be a chick-lit after all. No, I read it because of the stories, both Bex and Erin have had their fair share of dates with losers, and as you can imagine, they were ridiculously stupid men. And, then of course Delia's delirious antics were enough to keep me entertained, from how she embarrasses her daughter to how she celebrated her breast cancer. Who would've thought? It was Delia and Bex who kept the tone light and kept me reading.

And since I can't avoid talking about Joe, Erin's new boyfriend, I'll cut it short: Joe was an arrogant fool, he didn't hide his wealth from the woman he meets online- extravagantly, he arranged their first date to be at a rich restaurant even though, he claimed to be seeking a down to earth woman, someone different from the shallow women he worked with. He was a living cliché, Childs doesn't write of his flaws- he is perfect, whilst Erin is just the pathetic woman who falls at his feet. Though, she has a hard time dating him - fitting into his celebrity lifestyle, which damages her self esteem and exposes her trust issues. I feel that Delia and Joe would have made a better couple.

I received this title through NetGalley.

NB: I would say this novel is suited at the 16-20 range. I can't imagine someone older enjoying it.

Captivating

This book featured such an intriguing concept, that of a man's thoughts are what he becomes, I personally have to agree. Mr. Allen writes, ' As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.'

But then as I was reading it, I adapted the habit of evaluating Mr. Allen's beliefs: for example if man's thoughts are what build his character, then surely a man's thoughts should be held accountable for man' actions, how exactly does one go about punishing one's thoughts?

Then there was the idea that circumstances are of little importance, they only assist one in learning about oneself- circumstances reveal your true nature. I agree with this, but not completely. For, if this were indeed true then one would assume that man does not learn from circumstance, and that circumstances have no role in shaping man. This is erroneous, if we are to judge on the basis of experience. To learn from our experiences, we are required to reflect on our past circumstances.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book: it certainly got me thinking and that is the most beautiful gift any book can provide. I plan to read it again.

This was far too simplistic: a woman needs to escape from a potentially dangerous marriage, so she travels to the west, through the mail order bride business. The man she is to marry is sweet, handsome, and quite honestly an idiot.

He only really wants her so she can warm his bed and keep his house clean. He wants nothing but a beautiful housewife. Not only is that sexist of him, (though I do understand this was the common attitude of the time) but he limits the opportunities Maude is entitled to. For example, a while into the novel we learn that Maude received schooling (which Horace paid for). Therefore, surely she could have become a teacher...

Also it seemed too pretentious, the new couple didn't have any arguments, at all. They got along a little too well, they also seemed to have the same future planned out for themselves.

The novella was also repetitive, especially in the instances of John questioning (in his thoughts) Maude's past. As well as, him constantly explaining why he wasn't able to clean his house. This ties in with the character, Anne- I will allow her to speak for herself. (You'll understand once you have read the novel)

A further issue, I found was that the new couple acted fast. They were quick to consummate their marriage. I acknowledge that it's tradition to do it on your wedding night, but surely their means of marriage are anything but traditional? Similarly, they declared their love quite quickly as well (at least in their thoughts)- it's as though John could have fallen in love with any beautiful cleaner, there was nothing to distinguish Maude from a cleaner.

Girls on fire is written is such a frank, straightforward way. It seems as though there is nothing Robin is afraid to write of! I'm surprised to have discovered that she's not English.

It doesn't come as a surprise to me that I wasn't able to enjoy this book, I have been told on a number of occasions that I am 'a bookish prude'. I have come to accept that as a fact, I may be English and quite forward in my mannerisms but....This book was on a whole new scale, testing boundaries I never knew existed.

It's a shame that I wasn't quite able to read and enjoy the book, simultaneously. Believe me, I tried. I would reach a point that the book was okay but then it went too far. I don't know, it wasn't quite for me. I never managed to reach the half-point.

I received this book through NetGalley.

I saw myself in this....

I'm kidding, I'm not THAT much of a workaholic. But, I did like the story, as would my mother. "Eat" She says. "Sleep" She commands. "Live a little", She advises. I loved the illustrations, really impressive.

But...would I pay for it?
Probably not, the short length cannot justify a purchase.

Be patient...It gets better.

I read this book, the sequel to Divergent, believing that it will be a disappointment and that it will not meet the high standards of the first one. I do not think I was wrong, not completely anyway. I have come to understand that most of what I enjoy, I only enjoy because, they're new for me. I don't read many series, because the novelty of the characters, the story line, the brilliance quickly wears off. This did happen with this book, as I had expected, but I'm still glad I read it. With the first book, I couldn't put it down- in spite of the fact that I had am exam the following day. But with the second book, I no longer had that enthusiasm and this was after I had read a handful of chapters.

This book carries on from right where Divergent finished, the point at which Tris is running for her life, and her goal of learning the truth. So, in this books she seeks out the forgiveness of her friends, she devises some more brilliant plans, and she faces the pure horror of what she's attempting and the knowledge that society is heavily corrupt. She deals with self doubt, with suspicions of those around her. And just when we think her suspicions couldn't possibly have been any more far-fetched, we learn that maybe she was right all along. Or at least, for the most part. Such intriguing conspiracies, make the whole story worth it.

I'd much rather the start of this book was part of the previous, because it seemed quite dry. Though, once the hidden plots, the secret missions, the new opportunities and goals were unravelled, the book quickly became interesting. I'd say this was a little over half way through.

However, what I did like about this book, in comparison to the first, is that in this one, Roth didn't oversell the romantic element, it flowed more- there were no unresolved feelings, no butterflies and so, as a story it was more mature. This meant that we got more action, which is always welcome. Always.

Like the first book, I'd say that this really is a book for teenagers- with the protagonist- Tris- being sixteen, (I'd rather she were older, it'd be more fitting) this seems more appropriate. For a dystopian fiction book, you, undoubtedly, would need quite the imagination. I don't mean that as a bad thing as this is what made the book so enjoyable.

I received this book through NetGalley.