The name Liberace brings to mind a beloved piano player behind the bright Vegas lights. I'm not sure if this is the image that comes to mind for everyThe name Liberace brings to mind a beloved piano player behind the bright Vegas lights. I'm not sure if this is the image that comes to mind for everyone else but it did to me.
I was too young to be caught up in all the controversy behind Liberace, his sexual preference and Scott Thorson. My image of Liberace came from my Grandparents rather than the hoopla of media surrounding Thorson's confession.
After reading this, I've learned quite a bit about Vegas show-business, Liberace and his lover(s). Not sure if I needed to know all of this but it was definitely a very compelling story. The book is in the eyes of Thorson, Liberace's lover and since Liberace is no longer with us... the story is very one sided. I always have a problem taking everything at face value when this is the case. Apparently there are articles after they broke up that tell Liberace's side of things but since he could never come out of the closet (which he was MOST DEFINITELY in) again, the retaliations toward Thorson weren't very credible.
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I think the beauty behind a story like this one is the ability to look into the life of a celebrity and realize how much CRAZY surrounds them. They don't live like us, no way. Especially in this case, Liberace was able to coax Thorson into his bed using his money and fame. This isn't to say that Thorson didn't willingly oblige, however, this would be the case for many faced with the riches and fame dangled in front of their eyes. I can't wait to watch the HBO version now, starring Matt Damon and Michael Douglas:
Piper Kerman tells her story of unfortunate circumstances and her time in prison. Her story will make you shake your fist at the legal system and demaPiper Kerman tells her story of unfortunate circumstances and her time in prison. Her story will make you shake your fist at the legal system and demand reform. It was quite the eye opener for certain things... for example, you probably know that in prison before someone is released they go to classes to properly "learn" to re-enter society. What you probably don't know is that the classes are mostly a joke and most are taught by inmates themselves. That is just one of many issues Piper raises that makes you want to protest the injustice and lack of quality programs most jails have.
The story isn't just a factual account of life in jail, Piper also delves into the reality of her situation and comes to grip with the fact that he crime was a catalyst for others (drug running provides drugs to the unfortunately addicted, which in turn brings trouble to these people ultimately landing them in jail.) Piper started feeling slightly responsible for some of her jail mates and this created a learning experience unlike any other. Piper Kerman is a special woman and only someone like her could turn a bad experience into something that will make a difference (be it someone's personal life or changes within the legal system itself).
I listened to this as an audio book and although the narrator has done many audio books that I've loved, this was an unfortunate fit. She didn't fit for Piper Kerman, bottom line. When Piper told some of her stories, there was a hint of humor which didn't come across at all. I picked up on it and because I did, this annoyed me. However, the book was extremely interesting and I'm excited to see what Jenji Kohan (creator of Weeds) does with the story.
*For all my Connecticut local friends... this story takes place in the Danbury prison - another reason this book interested me*...more
Action packed, techy, and mind trippy... everything I love in a Max Barry book.
What would happen if you had the ability to control people with words? Action packed, techy, and mind trippy... everything I love in a Max Barry book.
What would happen if you had the ability to control people with words? Wait, what?!? This happens??!? How creepy! Well, Barry takes it to the next degree by showing us the possibility of mind control and how our future is heading full speed towards JUST that.
Everything about this topic scares the shit out of me even though I'm always one of the first to want to try a new techy product. Why is society getting so comfortable with revealing every bit of data about themselves? Barry shows us that all it takes is a few pieces of information to categorize someone then "compromise" them. I even loved the survey right before the acknowledgements, send a small shiver down my spine. How simple yet utterly terrifying to think that we log on everyday and share things we would've hidden from our parents growing up. The craziest part? We're probably friends with our parents on social sites (ex. Facebook). Somebody wants to find you? No problem! We're willingly giving it out, and yet we still ignore the warnings of where this information can be used against us in the future.
I hope that Barry is dead wrong and this is all just sci-fi fun.... BUT how many times have Authors been right about the future? The list of authors who have predicted some similar future is long: Orwell, Huxley, Arthur C. Clarke, H.G. Wells, Verne and SO many more. It makes you think, who're the next Authors to get it right? Is Max Barry one of these, I think so... and this is why I'll never take a new idea for granted. It all happened before and will happen again. ...more
This book was construed to be something different for anyone who saw the movie. SO DIFFERENT. I saw this funny chart from The Oatmeal showing the simiThis book was construed to be something different for anyone who saw the movie. SO DIFFERENT. I saw this funny chart from The Oatmeal showing the similarities between the book and the movie, they nailed it.
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So yes, the book and the movie had NOTHING to do with each other. Some people read this book with a misunderstanding for what it was. This wasn't a plot driven, action novel... oh no! This was small blurbs all over the world, of how they're coping after this horrific event. If you read this book with that in mind, you should actually enjoy the extremely thorough details Brooks has compiled. Every single detail or thing you could ever ask... is answered. Brooks has a gift, maybe not for storytelling, but he sure is the go-to guru for the zombie apocalypse. ...more
This is a book about a war that essentially has very little war related content. The Author tells a story interwoven with richly developed characters This is a book about a war that essentially has very little war related content. The Author tells a story interwoven with richly developed characters set in Chechnya during a complex, conflicted time of war. Knowing hardly anything about the conflict in that region, I was grateful for the brief clarified scenes that connected me to the story. The Author didn't overly describe the trials of the war but grazed them just enough for the story he was trying to tell.
The characters of the book broke my heart, each one stuck in the life they were given (never easy to face that). The internal struggles of freedom, betrayal, survival, love and loss are blanketed within all the different characters who're connected in the large web of life. It's hard to break away from this novel, I found myself researching and delving deeper into Chechnya and it's history. Anthony Marra may not have thrown down the entire history by pen but he definitely seems to have peaked this interest within his readers to find out for themselves. What a clever little devil he is, intentional or not. ...more
"Mother, Mother" is a mystery novel, a very unique one. It tells this elaborate family mystery through the eyes of two very different but equally tort"Mother, Mother" is a mystery novel, a very unique one. It tells this elaborate family mystery through the eyes of two very different but equally tortured teens. The daughter is the typical rebellious girl who feels unloved and misunderstood. The character that really got me hooked was the son, the beloved slightly autistic child who can't cope without his mother’s love?!? (The word love is debatable).
Part of what made this a unique mystery is a big mish mash; young teen characters, broken family and psychological disorders all thrown into a giant blender with a huge dash of mystery and puzzle solving, this concoction makes for a fantastic story. I’m not an avid reader of either the YA or mystery genre, mostly because I feel like you have to sift through so much to get something unique. However, this is something unique and I believe it’s mostly due to the Author, a girl who herself has personal experience with teenage struggles. I haven’t read her other books but I plan to, especially now.
Sorry Koren, but I never had an interest to read another tortured teen telling her life story…. BUT one who writes, and does it with passion… yes, I will. Thankfully you had a booth at BEA this year and with a successful book already behind you… I was more inclined to check out this fictional one. I’m ever so glad I did! If you’re like me (sifting through dozens of upcoming YA or mystery Authors just feels exhausting and not worth the time) you’ll want to give THIS one a chance, it’ll be worth the time. ...more
This was a short novella of JCO’s that follows college girls and their lust for a poetry professor. Simple enough plot, this was a little hard to get This was a short novella of JCO’s that follows college girls and their lust for a poetry professor. Simple enough plot, this was a little hard to get into at first but the ending was where Oates shined. I would recommend it, especially since it’s such a short read… however, not if it’s your first encounter with Oates (or even your 2nd or 3rd). I would wait until you start to understand Oates a little more, giving you more empathy towards her point of view.
The following is just a funny observation I made after reading the book, might only pertain to someone who has read the book.
After I finish reading a book, I like to research the book/Author on google, just one of my many quirky habits. Sometimes this can reveal very interesting things and sometimes it can be a waste of time. With “Beasts” the former is true, extremely true. I've read quite my fair share of Joyce Carol Oates, so after reading this book I was looking for something SHE had written about this book. After meeting JCO at a book reading/signing I really came to appreciate HER explanation of her own work and the process she goes through. I couldn't find anything close to this (however, if you come across it… please share with me). What I did come across was disturbingly funny. My search was simple, “joyce carol oates beats” right into google search. If you’d like to recreate this search, the result I’ll be writing about comes from page three. I’m sure everyone knows of the site OKCupid, right? My search resulted in this result:
After reading this book, come back to this review and tell me how disturbing and funny this seems? Let’s just say that I wouldn't want to be promoting my interest in a book that had dysfunctional love as the main theme! ...more
Dysfunction, delusion and deprecation are three words that could be used to describe this short story by Palahniuk.
Short stories have always been harDysfunction, delusion and deprecation are three words that could be used to describe this short story by Palahniuk.
Short stories have always been hard for me to swallow due to the lack of depth and attachment you get from a full length story. However, if you know anything about Palahniuk, he has the ability to use few words but give you something worthwhile out of it.
This particular story revolves around a dysfunctional couple who have a child. Palahniuk writes this from the third person and flashes back and forth between two events. Strange enough this works very well and is something we don't really see from Palahniuk (3rd person).
Think this sounds too "normal", you haven't read enough Palahniuk. Trust me, you'll encounter all the messy, eye twitchy goodness found in his other works. You'll also find some really good quotes within, so read on... the 99 cents is worth it!...more
This book, although interesting, greatly irritated me. The Author was very one sided when it came to her arguments, usually using a quick blurb sayingThis book, although interesting, greatly irritated me. The Author was very one sided when it came to her arguments, usually using a quick blurb saying "extroverts are cool too". Every point she makes is strictly speaking to the introvert and not a person who exhibits both traits (which seems to me, the majority of the population).The idea of personality being either extrovert or introvert is a failure, just as someone isn't completely left or right brain dominant. The Author could have built more upon the benefits of introversion itself instead of creating arguments and statistics on whom wins in the race of life.
I'll admit, this was an audio book for me which could have played a part in my aversion to the Author. Sometimes when you listen to a book and the voice actor gets under your skin, this can be a death sign for the book itself. I've heard many people adore this book, so I won't say don't read it... It just wasn't my cup of tea. ...more
I love Shirley Jackson, I really do. I've always put this book on the back burner because I wasn't in the "mood" for a haunted house story. Little didI love Shirley Jackson, I really do. I've always put this book on the back burner because I wasn't in the "mood" for a haunted house story. Little did I know that this is SO much more than that. Okay, yes... it IS a story of a haunted house but what Jackson has done for the haunted genre mirrors what Hitchcock did for the spooky film genre. She knows how to descriptively get into the mind and send icy chills throughout your body. I think one of my favorite things about this book is how much I hated all the characters. Usually when one reads a book full of detested characters, that book is hard to get through. This was not the case for “The Haunting of Hill House”, even though the characters had horrible qualities, it only added to the terror of Hill House. It showed just how far people can fall when faced with madness… one who has deplorable characteristics can somehow become even more intolerable when driven to the edge. I loved every bit of the fall from mediocrity (most books follow the “fall from grace”), Jackson wanted to show that everyone who enters the house will be affected negatively. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good chill down the spine, the kind of spook we get from watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
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Where do I start with Gretchen Rubin and her "Happiness Project"...
I liked and disliked the book/author at the same time. I believe everyone should bWhere do I start with Gretchen Rubin and her "Happiness Project"...
I liked and disliked the book/author at the same time. I believe everyone should be striving to better their life and try to accomplish things to make them happy. Gretchen Rubin's book is essentially her own account of trying to accomplish just that. I liked her approach of breaking it down into a 12 step monthly program that acts as a continuous New Years Resolution. However, I don't like the personal experiences she uses. This woman is rich, has a wonderful husband, children, in-laws, lives in New York and pretty much has the ability to quit her lawyer job to stay at home and pursue her writer dream. Well, good for her. Not to sound bitter but her experiences put some perspective on what "problems" people like her try to tackle and it can be quite laughable. This book would be great for someone who has it all but is bored and gets easily irritated with having it all. Don't get me wrong, I did come out of this with many good tips and ideas for increasing my happiness but I also was very irked by the pompousness of Gretchen and her perfect life. ...more
This book surprised me. I think everyone has heard of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" whether it be from the book, the movie or just the concept or referenThis book surprised me. I think everyone has heard of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" whether it be from the book, the movie or just the concept or reference. I knew what the book was about before reading it but really had no idea how creepy and detailed the book would be.
Looking at the history of it, I found out this was a banned book that most found “appalling” because of the subject matter. According to Wikipedia, “When the novel was written in 1896, there was much discussion in Europe about degeneration and animal vivisection. Interest groups were formed to address the issue: the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection was formed two years after the publication of the novel.” This just shows you how powerful this novel was back in that time period. What surprised me is how H.G. Wells came up with this advanced science, technology and psychology back then. He wasn’t just a writer but an inventor through his writing. He has a way of connecting with things that people don’t yet understand or can even wrap their minds around. I find his writing to be extremely thought provoking, and would have loved the chance to have read it back in its time period.
Without giving too much away, I wanted to mention my connection with the main characters thoughts and feelings about humans after his experience. I related so well to his reactions at being back in civilization that I find myself questioning how human I am, or how human any of us are. Why do we feel aggravated by other people so easily? Is evolution connected to this or just a coincidence? I really connected with this book and enjoyed reading it quite a bit. I’m not sure if I’m in love with Wells or just his writing but I’d really like to use his time machine to travel back and meet him… and maybe swoon a bit. :)...more
Why was I never informed of the wit and brilliant comedic prose of Charles Dickens? I LOVED the writing style! Dickens spins his tale full of old fashWhy was I never informed of the wit and brilliant comedic prose of Charles Dickens? I LOVED the writing style! Dickens spins his tale full of old fashioned comedic wit that reminds you of immature teenagers giggling about the opposite sex. The names of all the characters alone give you a glimpse into the silly nature of Dickens. I'm a very goofy person at heart and this connected me to the past in a geeky way I didn't expect. The novel almost seems to transcend the era it was written, if you took away some of the slang you might be guessing as to the date.
I also loved the storytelling of someone searching for that "great expectation" and the hiccups and changes to personality you may encounter along the way. The lighthearted way Dickens delves into the psyche of a persons want of becoming "something" is so clever. He shows you that nobody is perfect, but that IS okay! I wish more modern fiction took this lighthearted approach to some very sobering topics. We all need a little more goofiness in our lives....more
Winter Journal is Paul Auster revealing himself. He swoops down into the darkest (and lightest) bits of him and PRESTO we have the inner workings of aWinter Journal is Paul Auster revealing himself. He swoops down into the darkest (and lightest) bits of him and PRESTO we have the inner workings of an excellent artistic writer. I decided to audio book this because Auster reads the book himself, giving you the perfect tone and inflection. The "journal" is done in second person which pulls you right into his life. He sets the mood for each setting so well, I could close my eyes and imagine I was right in the middle of his life. I feel like I should have more to say about this book (especially since it has now become a "favorite")but I think you'll have to read it yourself to experience the magic it holds. However, I do recommend listening to it on audio if you have the option....more
Irving writes LONG books but fantastic LONG books. Spending the time to glide through the pages is worth every word.
What is the book about? Really?!?Irving writes LONG books but fantastic LONG books. Spending the time to glide through the pages is worth every word.
What is the book about? Really?!? Do I need to go into this? Read the blurb. Just know that the book is excellent and everyone should read it.
How clever is "The Under Toad"? The cute back-story that gets mutilated by all the UNDER TOADS that happen throughout the book. I hope that doesn't give much away... but I'm pretty sure that it would be more confusing to someone than anything else.
Irving has some amazing quotes in this novel too. One of my favorite quotes had to do with the feeling one gets when everything stops and the world goes monotone; "What Garp was savoring was the beginning of a writer’s long-sought trance, wherein the world falls under one embracing tone of voice." You don't have to BE a writer to have experienced that feeling, I believe it relates to any art. ...more
You know those slow paced indie movies that are still really good? Well this is one of those slow paced indie movies where you can't wait for it to enYou know those slow paced indie movies that are still really good? Well this is one of those slow paced indie movies where you can't wait for it to end. Okay, so it's not a movie but it feels like that and is the best way I could find to describe this book. The only saving grace (2 stars vs 1 star) is the subject being Art dealing, and as an artist it was something that peaked my interest. This was my first Steve Martin book and I was almost prepared for his style of writing, knowing it wouldn't be my cup of tea. Why? Isn't Martin a comedian? Yes, he is BUT have you watched the movie Shop Girl? It's a slow paced boring indie film based on one of his books. I knew what I was getting into but I still dove head first hoping I would be wrong. I love Steve Martin as a comedian but dislike his writing, a second chance on another of his books would probably be a mistake since I also disliked the movie "Shop Girl". ...more
The Search for Wondla was a trip down memory lane because it was reminiscent of movies such as "Dark Crystal", "Neverending Story" and "Labyrinth" thaThe Search for Wondla was a trip down memory lane because it was reminiscent of movies such as "Dark Crystal", "Neverending Story" and "Labyrinth" that are packed with magical charm. Reading the bio on the Author, Tony DiTerlizzi, I found out his inspiration includes Jim Henson which explains so much. All the characters emerged in my memory as intricate puppets, the likes you've no doubt seen in all those movies mentioned above. The Author definitely has the nack to tickle the imagination, part of the reason why I liked the book so much was the images flowing through my mind. Not many books can spark my imagination like that anymore at my age. While the book was not expertly written, the descriptions the Author used to help with that visualization was enough to give this book five stars.
I also have to comment on the topic and theme of the book being a cross between futuristic sci-fi and whimsical fantasy. The combination was perfect, at least for me, and went so well with the Henson-esque style that was performing in my head as I read. As much as I enjoyed the book, I find myself needing a break before continuing with the sequel. The book is undeniably for children, which I am not, and I didn't want to get too burned out on the magic I felt while reading it. I will continue with the series in the future and can only hope that if a movie is made from this series that it won't be CG, I would implore the Author to use those magical Henson puppets that filled my childhood with glee. ...more
I love that Ransom Riggs collected photos ALL his life to compile a book like this. How amazing to delve into the life of someone else through a pictuI love that Ransom Riggs collected photos ALL his life to compile a book like this. How amazing to delve into the life of someone else through a picture and a simple statement written on the back? Who knew that people discarded these photos so easily at garage sales!? His collection is excellent and I will be opening this book over and over just making up my own stories from those pictures. If anyone needs inspiration for fictional stories, this would be the perfect place to find it.
Photography has changed so much, just recently too... I find that printed pictures will be a thing of the past very soon. Hopefully the photos that are still around are as cherished by others as Riggs has made them. Love this, just love it!...more
I loved this book, every bit of it. Maybe it's because I'm a foodie but it was chock full of great advice, honest memoir and surprisingly great writinI loved this book, every bit of it. Maybe it's because I'm a foodie but it was chock full of great advice, honest memoir and surprisingly great writing from a celebrity chef. I liked Anthony Bourdain before reading this but I LOVE him now. I couldn't believe his honest story telling capability. He hashed every failure in the kitchen, all his downfalls through some enjoyably drug induced times and his rewards among it all.
I loved the way he was so honest about what happens behind the doors of a kitchen, how most chefs love to drink and party to release steam.... even how using those drugs back in the day didn't ruin his life but like most people just turned around one day and said that time has past. He has had such a rich and exciting life in kitchens all over making a book of his career extremely exciting and fun to follow along. Most celebrity memories skip over all the bad times, or even edit them but you can tell he is completely honest about his failures which is so refreshing.
I would recommend this book to anyone, foodie or not. ...more
While reading this, I was unsure of where Oates was going with it, normally the books I have read so far have been shocking. This was so far differentWhile reading this, I was unsure of where Oates was going with it, normally the books I have read so far have been shocking. This was so far different from what I was expecting and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. The story follows Clara through her desolate poor life while she works herself up to wealthy rich. The changes she goes through during this time are astonishing and I believe to be quite accurate for someone moving up the class system. Oates tells us through this book how unimportant money can be and how happiness is found elsewhere. Where? That is something she does not divulge but it certainly has nothing to do with money. Again, her characters are rich and involved, Oates has a way of getting within the soul of a person/character and breathing life into them. I can't wait to continue on the road of this Wonderland Quartet and see what else she can teach me. ...more
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