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Feb 18, 2009 Challenges & Contests
I’m really inspired today by our household’s latest toy, which is the 120GB Zune MP3 player. My husband is a musician, and we’ve thought about taking his collection digital for a while. He was a little resistant because he’s a bit of a purist. All reservations aside, I managed to convince him to try it, surprised him with the gift, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Not only do we now have the ability to play his thousands of songs in the car, through headphones, or at work… we also can network the Zune software from our PC through our Xbox. Suddenly this little gadget has turned into a household stereo! We can even play slideshows for our little guy set to his favorite music on our TV. No more tantrums at the office door. YES!
So anyway, here’s my challenge to you! Think of the soundtrack you’d create to illustrate your feelings about your favorite book. Post it here in the comments, or leave a link to your blog post. If you’re feeling ambitious, link to You Tube so we can all share the music love!
I’ll be posting mine soon…
Recent Entries
Feb 16, 2009 Book Lists
Grasping for the Wind has come up with a book review meme as another way to get some community participation in the book blogging community. Just add your favorite book review (that you’ve written) to the list and create your own post. Here are the details:
Find a favorite book, movie, or videogame review (Science fiction and fantasy related) that you have written, no matter where it was posted, and add it to the following list. Make sure to repost the whole list, because in doing so, we accumulate what the reviewers themselves think is their best work, and give each other some linkages, increasing everyone’s rankings.
Again, I plan to keep track of all the blogs that link back to me, and I will add the review of choice to the list. If you are one of the early adopters, you can check back here occasionally and add the new ones that get added to the list at your blog or website.
- Grasping for the Wind - INFOQUAKE by David Louis Edelman
- Age 30+ … A Lifetime of Books - A COMPANION TO WOLVES by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear
- Dragons, Heroes and Wizards - ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE by Robin Hobb
- Walker of Worlds - THE TEMPORAL VOID by Peter F Hamilton
- Neth Space - TOLL THE HOUNDS by Steven Erikson
- Dark in the Dark - GHOST STORIES OF AN ANTIQUARY by M.R. James
- A Dribble of Ink - THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
- Fantasy Book News & Reviews - EMPRESS by Karen Miller
- Fantasy Debut - ACACIA by David Anthony Durham Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Overall Review Afterthought
- SciFiGuy.ca - THE BLACK SHIP by Diana Pharaoh Francis
- Literary Escapism - FOR A FEW DEMONS MORE by Kim Harrison (with spoilers)
- American Bibliophile - THE LAST DAYS OF DOGTOWN by Anita Diament
Feb 10, 2009 Contemporary Literature, Historical Fiction, Popular Authors
The Basics
Book Info: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. It’s a work of historical fiction in the sub-genre that I like to call “books about books”. I was given this book as a review copy, although it was already on my “to be read” list. I’ve also read her books Nine Parts of Desire and March.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Overview: This is a fictionalized account of the Jewish Haggadah found in Sarajevo, a beautifully designed codex (in reality, little is known about it). Hanna is flown in to preserve and analyze it, and she’s left to piece together its history. There are so many questions surrounding the book, and its a very unusual piece for its time. We see a modern day perspective through Hanna’s eyes, and a historical perspective through the stories told using the voices of the people who owned the book over the years.
Jumping In
Importance of the Title: Muslims call Christians and Jews “People of the Book” to show that they honor their sacred scriptures. I can only think that in a larger sense the title is in reference to that common phrase, especially since Brooks has spent so much time in the Middle East and is familiar with the culture. However, there is a dual meaning here as well- People of the Book is written in such a way that we really get to know each of the people who owned the book, how they came across it, and their personal histories. It truly tells the story of the people of the book.
Style: Brooks employs a unique style to tell the overall story. I became interested in what was going on, so I have to admit to not even realizing that there was a pattern going on until later in the book. We initially see the book through Hanna’s modern day perspective. However, as we learn more about the Haggadah, we also learn more about the people who owned it at the time, and we get to see their perspective along with the history of the era. Each time Hanna learns something new, we jump back in time and get to see the “how and why” firsthand. It was an interesting way to compare history with the modern day.
Major Themes: Overall, there are strong religious themes going on in People of the Book. It’s fascinating to see how the three major monotheistic religions have argued throughout time, and how this even exists today. Whether it is fighting in the Middle East region, or remnants from the holocaust, all cultures are still feeling the effects of religious wars from centuries ago. It was sad then, and it’s still sad now.
Additionally, I was excited to see the strong female characters that Brooks wrote about. She made the point that women have played central roles throughout history, and that it is merely the writer of the history that often leaves these important parts out. Furthermore, the women in her story of the Haggadah had not just an overall strength, but a strong faith as well. Point well taken!
My Notes
I really enjoyed People of the Book. Having read some of Brooks’s other material prepared me well for her narrative style. She didn’t disappoint. I was intrigued with her characters and the larger story of the Haggadah. Some have found the historical characters much more interesting than Hanna’s story herself- until the end (which seems to be universally loved). However, I would argue with that. Hanna developed more fully as a person and came into her own because the story of the Haggadah came into its own. This is a story of parallels, and Brooks makes this last point by using the central character herself.
Definitely recommended. Check it out if you’re into contemporary literature, historical fiction, or cultural studies.
Feb 2, 2009 Challenges & Contests
I just updated my challenge page. Click Here if you’re interested in reading it.
Or, leave a comment with a link to your challenge updates!
Feb 2, 2009 50 Book Challenge: 2009
January turned out to be a slow reading month for me, with just two books completed. I really wanted to add the half of another book I’ve been reading in there, but decided that would just be against the rules.
So, you can check out my list by clicking here.
What I really want to know is how many book you’ve read! Leave a comment with your update, or sign Mr. Linky with a link back to your blog post with your challenge update.
Feb 1, 2009 Snippets
This week, I reviewed The Host by Stephenie Meyer (click here to read my thoughts). Also, I have a new site feature called “Coffee & A Book Discussion Carnival”. If you like to talk about good books, click here to find out how you can participate!
I’m still reading People of The Book by Geraldine Brooks, and so far I really like it. Her writing is thoughtful and the characters are interesting. I’m hoping to have it finished up this week, and I’ll let you know then my other ideas on it. I’ve read her book March (and loved it), and I’ve taught her book Nine Parts of Desire at university level. Needless to say, my expectations are pretty high. Check back later this week for the full scoop.
Jan 30, 2009 Coffee & A Book Discussion Carnival, Contemporary Literature, Popular Authors
Regular readers will know that I enjoyed the Twilight series and the story, but did not especially care for the writing. I wasn’t sure Meyer was bringing anything new to the table, and I found the dialogue hard to read. But I loved the story so much that I kept reading. Fast. You know that’s saying a lot for the Mom of a 2 year old. I wasn’t that excited about reading The Host since I have a lot on my TBR plate right now, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The Host is well written and engaging. The characters are likeable and the symbolism in the book is geared for commentary on the times. We chose this as a book club read, but were surprised to see that there were no discussion questions, and we couldn’t easily find a reading group guide for it online. That’s when I got the idea to start a monthly discussion thread (click here to read more about that). So, instead of a traditional review, keep reading to find out my thoughts on The Host a la Coffee and a Book Discussion Carnival.
Also, check out Amazon’s video of Stephenie Meyer talking about The Host (just click here). She says herself that this is a sci-fi novel for people who don’t like sci-fi. I heartily agree. You should pick this up if you do like a thoughtful read with commentary on the nature of humanity.
Would you classify The Host as a dystopian read? Why or why not? If so, how would you compare it to other dystopian novels?
The Host is a classic dystopian read for our time. The Earth was invaded by alien parasites that took over most of the human population by through their parasitic nature, gaining control of their minds and bodies. Humans were oppressed by this relationship, and some decided to flee and go into hiding. The biggest difference that I notice to other dystopian reads is that the time period is in the present day. Meyer doesn’t seem to be ruminating on what might happen if humans don’t shape up, she’s giving us a warning that humans are in bad shape NOW!
What do you think Meyer is trying to say about Christianity and religion? What do you think she is trying to say about our society in general?
Meyer has a lot to say about society- she isn’t preachy, but she does make her values known. In her writing, there is always the issue of sex before marriage as well as gender roles. Of course, the theme of “what is a human” is central to this book, as it is to much sci-fi fiction. Her illustration of the contrast between the peace-loving “souls” and the ever-emotional humans is engaging and thought provoking. We become attached the main characters on both sides and can relaly begin to see the dilemmas that our human nature can create.
A lot of people have speculated that those who liked the Twilight series might not like The Host. Why do you think this is?
There are huge differences in the writing style and the topics between the Twilight series and Meyer’s new novel. The Host is definitely her best writing to date, and as an adult reader, it’s hard to miss the symbolism she presents. This is a book to be digested and discussed. It’s not merely the story that engages the reader, it’s the commentary too.
Was the ending satisfying for you? Why or why not?
I am well known for liking a tidy ending. However, in this case, I was happy with it. Meyer didn’t wrap up the major issue, and for me that was a good thing. This is a book about humanity and she stayed true to her purpose by wrapping up the relationships of the book, and the main dilemmas of those relationships, but she did not have Wanderer or Melanie “save the day” in the larger sense. I respected that.
Which characters did you find likeable/unlikeable and why?
This is a tough question for me (and I’m the one who asked it!). I didn’t find all of the characters likeable- but in the end I came to understand them. For me, that made them redeemable.
What overall theme in the book did you relate to most and why?
In grad school, I took classes on philosophy and science fiction. I still come back to what I learned in them. We spent a lot of class time discussing the theme of “what is a human”, and I see this in my reading all the time. Meyer also focuses a lot on this issue, and it’s one of the reasons I like the book. Focusing on our human nature and what makes us good (and in some cases bad) is important to understanding life. It’s also central to understanding how we treat others.
Overall a great read. Won’t you join me in the Coffee and a Book Discussion Carnival?
Jan 28, 2009 Coffee & A Book Discussion Carnival
I’d like to introduce a new feature here at AmericanBibliophile.com. Toward the end of each month, I’ll post discussion questions on a book that I’ve read. If you’ve read the book, post your ideas (you can answer one question or all of them) on your blog and then come back and sign Mr. Linky. It’s a great way to see who is reading the same books, and a fun way to facillitate new discussion. Please join me!
Upcoming Coffee & A Book Discussion Carnivals
January: The Host by Stephenie Meyer
February: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
March: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This Month’s Discussion Questions on The Host by Stephenie Meyer:
1. Would you classify The Host as a dystopian read? Why or why not? If so, how would you compare it to other dystopian novels?
2. What do you think Meyer is trying to say about Christianity and religion? What do you think she is trying to say about our society in general?
3. A lot of people have speculated that those who liked the Twilight series might not like The Host. Why do you think this is?
4. Was the ending satisfying for you? Why or why not?
5. Which characters did you find likeable/unlikeable and why?
6. What overall theme in the book did you relate to most and why?
What do you do next?
- Write a post on your blog (or leave a comment if you don’t have one) answering one or all of these questions.
- Come back and sign Mr. Linky by providing a link back to your post.
- Check out what other people have to say!
Jan 25, 2009 Snippets
Well, we’ve recovered from another bout of family illness. Seriously, how many times in a season can someone be sick? Apparently three if the illnesses don’t come at once. Anyway, the Am Bib hiatus is over, and I am back to my reading life.
Yesterday our 3-person book club expanded into lots more. I invited an old friend from college, and the other two ladies in the group each invited two people. We’re very excited about the expansion and we’re now on a schedule which should keep us more honest with having regular reading times. We met for breakfast at my favorite spot, and talked about The Host. Most people hadn’t finished the book, so we cut the discussion short and turned to organizing our group. Look for my review on The Host though- it was a much better book than any in the Twilight series.
So I’ve finished 2 books so far this year: The Alchemist’s Daughter and The Host. I’m now reading People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks and hope to have it finished up pretty soon. I should still be on track with my reading for the year, especially when you count extra reading at vacation times. No challenge worries here!
Jan 24, 2009 Challenges & Contests
In Week 1, we were asked to set goals for our blogs in 2009. This is really important for the successful completion of any project, and I’ve known what I need to do for a while. Thus, my goals are as follows:
- Keep up with Google Reader and leave more comments on other people’s blogs. This will help bring in more consistent traffic.
- Complete more challenges on time.
- Make 3 blog posts minimum per week.
- Read more books that are newly released.
Week 2 was all about content. This is an area that I know a lot about because of what I do in my professional life. I’ve got tons of ideas, my problem is mostly trying to get this done ahead of time. I’ve set up a regular feature on my blog called “Friday Feature” where I post a link to a different site each week. What’s great about this feature is that it sometimes generates discussion, and I hope it continues to do so. That’s the best part of having a blog!
So now you’ve got my wrap-up! Visit Sophisticated Dorkiness if you’ve got a blog and want to sign up too. It’s great fun, and it keeps us all improving :) Let me know if you sign your blog up so I can make sure that I’m following you in my Google reader too!