Fifty Shades Darker by EL James
Initial verdict: The second book in this series is better than the first. The writing is still not good, but I did feel that it was planned and edited slightly better than the first. Somehow, through all the annoyances, it held my attention.
This installment actually wanders into some type of plot (gasp!). There is a crazy ex stalking Ana and Cristian goes all protective of his girl. Then there is a crazy guy stalking Ana (theme anyone?) and Christian is all alpha-male annoyed. There is jealousy and make up sex.
Yawn….
Sorry! Where was I?
The sex scenes were more plentiful in book two, though only incrementally more steamy. I actually started to SKIP OVER the sex scenes. There were just too many. They can't resist each other...on the elevator, on the boat, in the shower, pretty much wherever they are a sex scene is sure to follow. He is playing the piano in the middle of the night…and SURPRISE! They do it on the piano. (That is SO stolen from Pretty Woman!!)
My favorite thing is when women say, “But it’s a LOVE story!” I beg to differ with that pronouncement. Christian and Ana have knows each other for an entire 3 weeks now. Having sex on every available surface is not love, kiddos.
My final judgement on this one: Marginally entertaining, but terribly cliche.
I feel like I have to read the third and final book, to see how it ends. My expectations are set pretty low!
I can probably guess...Weeks 4 and 5...Christian and Ana are terribly in love. They go places, they have sex. Everyone loves the irresistible Ana and the guy from the previous book is trying to get revenge for her rejection of him. The older woman from the other book causes problems. Christian protects Ana (and controls her). She loves it. She tries to have a deep thought a few times...but can't manage to complete it. They do it some more. Christian is miraculously cured of his childhood issues with sexual control. They get married and live happily ever after. The End.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The Good Women of China
The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices by Xinran
A poignant, moving recount of women's survival stories in 20th century China. Xinran hosted a radio show in the 1980’s. Chinese women were encouraged to relate their struggles and improve their lives. She beautifully relates some of the most touching stories in this book.
One of the stories has stayed with me long after finishing the book. A woman survives an earthquake that destroys her home. She cannot find her daughter. When she finds her, the daughter is impaled in the rubble, but still alive. The Mother stays with her dying daughter for days. This story gave me nightmares and earned this Mother a permanent place in my prayers and in my heart. How horrific to watch your daughter slowly die? Just the thought makes me ill.
I recommend this one.
A poignant, moving recount of women's survival stories in 20th century China. Xinran hosted a radio show in the 1980’s. Chinese women were encouraged to relate their struggles and improve their lives. She beautifully relates some of the most touching stories in this book.
One of the stories has stayed with me long after finishing the book. A woman survives an earthquake that destroys her home. She cannot find her daughter. When she finds her, the daughter is impaled in the rubble, but still alive. The Mother stays with her dying daughter for days. This story gave me nightmares and earned this Mother a permanent place in my prayers and in my heart. How horrific to watch your daughter slowly die? Just the thought makes me ill.
I recommend this one.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Four Blind Mice
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson
I have been disappointed with the last few books in the Alex Cross series. With this one, I am back on board. Still not up to the quality of the first 3 books in the series, but getting better.
I was entertained by the plot, although I didn’t think it was suspenseful or wrapped up very well. I remain on the fence in regards to finishing out this series. We will see what the next one brings!
I have been disappointed with the last few books in the Alex Cross series. With this one, I am back on board. Still not up to the quality of the first 3 books in the series, but getting better.
I was entertained by the plot, although I didn’t think it was suspenseful or wrapped up very well. I remain on the fence in regards to finishing out this series. We will see what the next one brings!
Love in the Afternoon
I finished the Hathaway series! Lisa Kleypas is arguably the best historical romance author. I loved every book in this series. The characters are strong, the stories emotional.
This last book had a few strange parts, but overall it was amazing.
Here is the series:
Mine Till Midnight (Amelia and Cam)
Seduce Me At Sunrise (Win and Kev)
Tempt Me At Twilight (Poppy and Harry)
Married by Morning (Leo and Cat)
Love in the Afternoon (Beatrix and Christopher)
If I had to choose a favorite story I would choose either Win and Kev or Poppy and Harry.
This last book had a few strange parts, but overall it was amazing.
Here is the series:
Mine Till Midnight (Amelia and Cam)
Seduce Me At Sunrise (Win and Kev)
Tempt Me At Twilight (Poppy and Harry)
Married by Morning (Leo and Cat)
Love in the Afternoon (Beatrix and Christopher)
If I had to choose a favorite story I would choose either Win and Kev or Poppy and Harry.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The Wishing Trees
The Wishing Trees by John Shors
Ian, the main character is struggling to cope with the loss of his beloved wife. He has become a single father to 10-year old Mattie and must help her grieve, while grieving on his own. His wife wanted him to take Mattie on a trip across Asia. He isn't sure he wants to take the trip, but wants to honor Kate's last wish. The trip is therapeutic and they find a way to continue in a world that has been turned upside down.
John Shors wrote this novel with such beautiful language. Honestly, it was almost too painful to read at times. I could put myself in the dying Mother role, the lost little girl role and the confused Father role. I could put my own daughter in the role of losing me. Definitely not a light read, but one I treasured.
Ian, the main character is struggling to cope with the loss of his beloved wife. He has become a single father to 10-year old Mattie and must help her grieve, while grieving on his own. His wife wanted him to take Mattie on a trip across Asia. He isn't sure he wants to take the trip, but wants to honor Kate's last wish. The trip is therapeutic and they find a way to continue in a world that has been turned upside down.
John Shors wrote this novel with such beautiful language. Honestly, it was almost too painful to read at times. I could put myself in the dying Mother role, the lost little girl role and the confused Father role. I could put my own daughter in the role of losing me. Definitely not a light read, but one I treasured.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Kabul Beauty School
Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez
Rodriguez went to Afghanistan to offer humanitarian aid in 2001. Attempting to assist utilizing her personal talents, she later returned to help develop a beauty school.
There were things I liked and didn't like.
I liked the strength of determination in these women who are overcoming unimaginable barriers to become independent. To have even the tiniest bit of freedom is a major win for them. I like the message the author portrays in doing whatever you can to assist other people in their quest for a life free from oppression.
Whenever I hear women complain, I think of women in countries like Afghanistan, who have monumental obstacles to even basic rights. This book was another reminder of how truly blessed I am.
On the flip side...I found it hard to truly like Rodriguez. Her account felt very self-centered and, in my opinion, she was careless about the larger impact of her actions. She pats herself on the back for "helping" these women. Research after the book shows that she may have done them more harm than good.
Helping these women should not have included writing a book that profits from their misery. Who gave her the right to put their personal stories to paper? She could have written a book about awareness, but that isn't what this is. I felt it was written as a self-justification.
Overall, this memoir seemed promising, but I was left with a bitter taste.
If you've read it, let me know if you had similar thoughts!
Rodriguez went to Afghanistan to offer humanitarian aid in 2001. Attempting to assist utilizing her personal talents, she later returned to help develop a beauty school.
There were things I liked and didn't like.
I liked the strength of determination in these women who are overcoming unimaginable barriers to become independent. To have even the tiniest bit of freedom is a major win for them. I like the message the author portrays in doing whatever you can to assist other people in their quest for a life free from oppression.
Whenever I hear women complain, I think of women in countries like Afghanistan, who have monumental obstacles to even basic rights. This book was another reminder of how truly blessed I am.
On the flip side...I found it hard to truly like Rodriguez. Her account felt very self-centered and, in my opinion, she was careless about the larger impact of her actions. She pats herself on the back for "helping" these women. Research after the book shows that she may have done them more harm than good.
Helping these women should not have included writing a book that profits from their misery. Who gave her the right to put their personal stories to paper? She could have written a book about awareness, but that isn't what this is. I felt it was written as a self-justification.
Overall, this memoir seemed promising, but I was left with a bitter taste.
If you've read it, let me know if you had similar thoughts!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Can We Be Good Without God
Can We Be Good Without God: Biology, Behavior and the Need to Believe by Robert Buckman
Religion intrigues me. I have spent many years reading about and researching various belief systems. As to the overall theory of belief, this book was quite interesting. It does not debate the existence of God, leaving that open to the reader. Buckman lays a good foundation on the history of religious belief, delves into the common themes of various religions and probes the theory of ethics.
I found a lot of value in Buckman's thoughts. What I enjoyed most was the ethical question of how human morality is impacted by religious belief. If you enjoy religious philosophy, add this book to your shelf.
And my personal opinion...Yes.
Religion intrigues me. I have spent many years reading about and researching various belief systems. As to the overall theory of belief, this book was quite interesting. It does not debate the existence of God, leaving that open to the reader. Buckman lays a good foundation on the history of religious belief, delves into the common themes of various religions and probes the theory of ethics.
I found a lot of value in Buckman's thoughts. What I enjoyed most was the ethical question of how human morality is impacted by religious belief. If you enjoy religious philosophy, add this book to your shelf.
And my personal opinion...Yes.
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