Tess of the U'bervilles is officially a lost cause. Perhaps I'll come back to it another time, but I can't continue trying to trudge through it a few pages at a time. So, I'll focus on reading The Lightning Thief, which I am really enjoying.
What books have you tried reading that you just couldn't finish?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Bonesetter's Daughter
It's always nice to come back to Amy Tan and this type of novel. Something absolutely fascinates me about it--I went through a quick stage where I read The Joy Luck Club (also by Tan), Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and also her Peony In Love (which I didn't enjoy). I ended with Across The Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn, which is actually fantasy (and set in Japan), but still had some of the same elements I found in the other novels.
Firstly, I love Amy Tan's writing style. She writes with such ease that I can immediately lose myself, no matter which character is coming forward to speak. And second, I do have a bit of a fascination with Chinese art and culture. Mind you, I don't know much, but whenever I read novels by Chinese-American authors, I just fall in love. The concepts of family and luck are so prominent in the book that I felt like everything that happened to Ruth's mother, I was right there with her. Her constant sorrow, both as a young woman and when she was older was absolutely heart wrenching. Ruth's relationship issues were equally sad--so difficult and easy to relate to all at once.
Memory plays such an important role to the story--LuLing's diagnosis of dementia and Ruth's remembrances of her childhood work together neatly in a way that brings her back to what enables her to do and be what she wants, instead of always bending over accommodate her clients, her mother, her lover, and his children. I also really liked the beginning, with the bit about how Ruth loses her voice for a week every year in August, an event that is related to an injury in childhood. Subconsciously, Ruth goes silent in order to make those around her value her more, when she should just speak up for herself. This isn't something that's just Chinese, it's something women do on a constant basis, instead of pursuing their own happiness. Even Wendy, Ruth's friend has her own way of happiness, though it's a bit strange (relationship issues, jealousy and possessiveness).
Another thing that really struck me with the book is how luck and curses are such an important part of Chinese literature. This really touched home with me, because of some personal issues I've dealt with in the past surrounding my birthday. I've gotten out of that funk, thankfully. But, I really do think that if you believe bad luck is following you around, it will. The family curse in The Bonesetter's Daughter follows LuLing around, but in all reality, a string of bad events and the troubles surrounding China with the Communist and Nationalist parties were all just matters of circumstance. Instead of counting the things that were good--her life, her friends, her family--LuLing mourned over those things from her past that she never forgave herself. When she developed dementia as an old woman, she had no choice but to forgive herself, because memories were all she had.
All in all, this is another hit for me. I'd been meaning for a long time to get back to Amy Tan, and just never made it back, though I've had this particular novel for over a year. Once I finish my paperback stack, I'll have to hit the library's stacks and see what they've got. Free books make me happy.
Quote: A person should consider how things begin. A particular beginning results in a particular end. -Amy Tan
Firstly, I love Amy Tan's writing style. She writes with such ease that I can immediately lose myself, no matter which character is coming forward to speak. And second, I do have a bit of a fascination with Chinese art and culture. Mind you, I don't know much, but whenever I read novels by Chinese-American authors, I just fall in love. The concepts of family and luck are so prominent in the book that I felt like everything that happened to Ruth's mother, I was right there with her. Her constant sorrow, both as a young woman and when she was older was absolutely heart wrenching. Ruth's relationship issues were equally sad--so difficult and easy to relate to all at once.
Memory plays such an important role to the story--LuLing's diagnosis of dementia and Ruth's remembrances of her childhood work together neatly in a way that brings her back to what enables her to do and be what she wants, instead of always bending over accommodate her clients, her mother, her lover, and his children. I also really liked the beginning, with the bit about how Ruth loses her voice for a week every year in August, an event that is related to an injury in childhood. Subconsciously, Ruth goes silent in order to make those around her value her more, when she should just speak up for herself. This isn't something that's just Chinese, it's something women do on a constant basis, instead of pursuing their own happiness. Even Wendy, Ruth's friend has her own way of happiness, though it's a bit strange (relationship issues, jealousy and possessiveness).
Another thing that really struck me with the book is how luck and curses are such an important part of Chinese literature. This really touched home with me, because of some personal issues I've dealt with in the past surrounding my birthday. I've gotten out of that funk, thankfully. But, I really do think that if you believe bad luck is following you around, it will. The family curse in The Bonesetter's Daughter follows LuLing around, but in all reality, a string of bad events and the troubles surrounding China with the Communist and Nationalist parties were all just matters of circumstance. Instead of counting the things that were good--her life, her friends, her family--LuLing mourned over those things from her past that she never forgave herself. When she developed dementia as an old woman, she had no choice but to forgive herself, because memories were all she had.
All in all, this is another hit for me. I'd been meaning for a long time to get back to Amy Tan, and just never made it back, though I've had this particular novel for over a year. Once I finish my paperback stack, I'll have to hit the library's stacks and see what they've got. Free books make me happy.
Quote: A person should consider how things begin. A particular beginning results in a particular end. -Amy Tan
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Hero and the Crown
I read McKinley's The Blue Sword a loooong time ago. I'm not sure how long ago, possibly grade school? Anyway, I loved The Blue Sword, and when I realized that The Hero and the Crown was related to it, I had to read it. I've also read Deerskin, which I also loved. I am happy to say I loved The Hero and the Crown as well. Though, I do have a few issues with it. McKinley stumbled through setting up the back story. I can follow a pretty intricate plot, and since this is a children's fantasy, it doesn't have one that is too complicated. But the back story threw me off a little, until I figured out what was going on.
Aerin is such a lovely character--one of my favorite types. She isn't frail and graceful, or this trembling beauty of a heroine. She's clumsy and untalented, a feeling that many teen aged girls can relate to. Which is why I think that it's inclusion in children's literature is a bit inappropriate. I felt the same way about Deerskin, which was a very, very dark and disturbing tale. Anyway, back to Aerin. She feels outcast and unloved, and as if the people who are kind to her are only kind out of a sense of obligation. She doesn't see herself as a sweet, kind and capable person who just hasn't learned how yet.
It is a sweet, coming of age story. I'm a little disappointed at the maturity of it, since I'd love to pass it on to my niece, but I feel like she'd not get any enjoyment out of it at nine years old.
Quote: "I love you," said Luthe. "I will love you till the stars crumble..."
Aerin is such a lovely character--one of my favorite types. She isn't frail and graceful, or this trembling beauty of a heroine. She's clumsy and untalented, a feeling that many teen aged girls can relate to. Which is why I think that it's inclusion in children's literature is a bit inappropriate. I felt the same way about Deerskin, which was a very, very dark and disturbing tale. Anyway, back to Aerin. She feels outcast and unloved, and as if the people who are kind to her are only kind out of a sense of obligation. She doesn't see herself as a sweet, kind and capable person who just hasn't learned how yet.
It is a sweet, coming of age story. I'm a little disappointed at the maturity of it, since I'd love to pass it on to my niece, but I feel like she'd not get any enjoyment out of it at nine years old.
Quote: "I love you," said Luthe. "I will love you till the stars crumble..."
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Rewind Wednesday (Shatter and Render - Elizabeth C. Mock)
I'm addicted to blogging and am unable to stay away. Also, I have to fill the massive black hole that SARAH is leaving open. So, Rewind Wednesday is born!
Today, I'm going to go over two books I read fairly recently, I just never reviewed them. I have an e-reader (which I love almost as much as my boyfriend and my car). When I had a Nook, there was usually a weekly freebie, and this is how I discovered Shatter: The Children of Man by Elizabeth C. Mock. Firstly, it was FREE!! How can I not love a free book? Alas, it is no longer free, but is $2.99 in the Kindle store, which is a bargain.
I don't recall what I had been reading at the time, but I needed a serious change of pace, so I selected Shatter. Let me tell you, it roped me in almost immediately. I finished it the first time in just a few days (and have since reread it, as it has a sequel and I couldn't recall how the characters ended up where the sequel began). The pacing is fantastic and the story moves along at a steady clip. Also, something I love: her command of grammar and the English language in general is great (though in going through Amazon reviews to refresh myself on the book, as I read it months ago, someone disagrees with me about her grammatical prowess. Then again, my own grammatical prowess is often not what it should be. Perhaps I read a version that had been edited after initial publication?). The writing is clear, descriptive without being over-flowery, and just generally great. Mock really has a way with words. I felt that for her first novel, she did a fantastic job. I later found out she is apparently a Language Arts teacher. Therefore, I applaud and envy her dip into novel writing.
As for genre, it is fantasy. Mock does a good job introducing an unfamiliar world and unfamiliar terms. All the characters have back stories that don't need immediate explanation, and when they are explained, tie in well with the rest of the story. Now, I also read mention that the basis for Mock's magic system in the novel is the card game, Magic: The Gathering. I've never played, nor have I looked up how the game works.
Anyway, I certainly liked it enough to read the second book, and I thought it equally as good. I'm looking forward to a third one and also discovered there is now a prequel I'll have to buy.
Today, I'm going to go over two books I read fairly recently, I just never reviewed them. I have an e-reader (which I love almost as much as my boyfriend and my car). When I had a Nook, there was usually a weekly freebie, and this is how I discovered Shatter: The Children of Man by Elizabeth C. Mock. Firstly, it was FREE!! How can I not love a free book? Alas, it is no longer free, but is $2.99 in the Kindle store, which is a bargain.
I don't recall what I had been reading at the time, but I needed a serious change of pace, so I selected Shatter. Let me tell you, it roped me in almost immediately. I finished it the first time in just a few days (and have since reread it, as it has a sequel and I couldn't recall how the characters ended up where the sequel began). The pacing is fantastic and the story moves along at a steady clip. Also, something I love: her command of grammar and the English language in general is great (though in going through Amazon reviews to refresh myself on the book, as I read it months ago, someone disagrees with me about her grammatical prowess. Then again, my own grammatical prowess is often not what it should be. Perhaps I read a version that had been edited after initial publication?). The writing is clear, descriptive without being over-flowery, and just generally great. Mock really has a way with words. I felt that for her first novel, she did a fantastic job. I later found out she is apparently a Language Arts teacher. Therefore, I applaud and envy her dip into novel writing.
As for genre, it is fantasy. Mock does a good job introducing an unfamiliar world and unfamiliar terms. All the characters have back stories that don't need immediate explanation, and when they are explained, tie in well with the rest of the story. Now, I also read mention that the basis for Mock's magic system in the novel is the card game, Magic: The Gathering. I've never played, nor have I looked up how the game works.
Anyway, I certainly liked it enough to read the second book, and I thought it equally as good. I'm looking forward to a third one and also discovered there is now a prequel I'll have to buy.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Jane Eyre
I finished Jane Eyre today, no thanks to my fussy boss. Yesterday and this morning, she seemed fine with me reading, since we're a bit dead. So, I breezed through a large portion of the book and was absolutely dying to get to the end, only to be foiled by needing to IMMEDIATELY bag instruments for the autoclave. Mind you, after I finished, it took me twenty minutes to finish my reading. And I still had over and hour and a half of work left... A good ending waits for no one. Well, it does, but I am an impatient and eager reader.
This is certainly going to be one of my (try to) yearly rereads. I absolutely loved the entire novel, though it had me tearing up on and off. I'll not go too detailed into anything, as Sarah has yet to read it and asked me not to say what happens.
As for literary analysis, well... Hrm. I'm feeling a bit lazy. Suffice to say that it fulfilled my expectations for a perfect Victorian novel. And it left me quite satisfied, whereas most romance novels really wouldn't. I really loved the religious/biblical undertones to the entire story--whether it was the possibly of redemption for Mr. Rochester or the fact that Jane's moral rationalization of decisions appealed to me. She made decisions that made sense, and God help me, nothing is more appealing to me than a truly sensible heroine, all the while being a passionate and intelligent individual who isn't influenced by others. Were I going to have children, I think I'd have to name a girl Jane, just because I love this book.
Now, what to read? I'm not feeling Tess too much, presently. But am attempting to soldier through. I think I will attempt to devote one day of the week for reviews of books I've read but not posted about due to a number of things. Fridays perhaps?
This is certainly going to be one of my (try to) yearly rereads. I absolutely loved the entire novel, though it had me tearing up on and off. I'll not go too detailed into anything, as Sarah has yet to read it and asked me not to say what happens.
As for literary analysis, well... Hrm. I'm feeling a bit lazy. Suffice to say that it fulfilled my expectations for a perfect Victorian novel. And it left me quite satisfied, whereas most romance novels really wouldn't. I really loved the religious/biblical undertones to the entire story--whether it was the possibly of redemption for Mr. Rochester or the fact that Jane's moral rationalization of decisions appealed to me. She made decisions that made sense, and God help me, nothing is more appealing to me than a truly sensible heroine, all the while being a passionate and intelligent individual who isn't influenced by others. Were I going to have children, I think I'd have to name a girl Jane, just because I love this book.
Now, what to read? I'm not feeling Tess too much, presently. But am attempting to soldier through. I think I will attempt to devote one day of the week for reviews of books I've read but not posted about due to a number of things. Fridays perhaps?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Birth of a Bookwhore
I guess I really should explain what I mean by Book Whore. The word whore has such negative thoughts and feeling associated it with it, one would wonder why I'd label myself as such. I can't really be certain, but I think my college room mate, Sarah, who is also my best friend was the person to come up with being a book whore.
I've always read, ever since I could remember. I had stacks and stacks of children's books in my room as a little girl. I can attribute my love of reading to my mom and my brother, Charlie. I didn't have a favorite children's book, at least, I don't recall having one. I have one or two that I kept as keepsakes. The first book I really, really remember is Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon. I read it in second grade. Now, if you are familiar with horror novels, you are probably wondering how the bloody hell I got an adult horror novel in second grade. And you are also possibly thinking that my mother didn't watch me closely enough. Don't worry, she was the model mother. She always said I was X going on thirty, no matter how old I was. My second grade teacher always gave us free time once a week and I always chose to read. She took my novel away from me and said I could have it back after she spoke with my mom to make sure I wasn't lying about my mom actually giving it to me to read.
Swan Song was returned to me, I finished it and moved on to other books. I have a few memorable books I read as a kid, but only a few stuck with me--The Prydain Chronicles, Swan Song, Winter of Fire, several Melanie Rawn Series, and others I can't think of right off hand. I was always an advanced reader and breezed easily through all of the reading portions of standardized testing. It is something that has always come easily to me, partly, I think because of how my wee little brain works and also because my mom cultivated such a passion for reading in me. We tend to see what our elders do and want to mimic them, so that is what I sat out to do. Even now, my mom has been helping me watch my niece while her parents are on vacation and all she has done is read all week.
Ever since I was little, I wanted a life revolving around books. My dream house involves a library. The smell of a library makes me happy. The way the books look on shelves makes me comfortable and fills me with such a sense of contentment. My future husband will likely want to murder me someday, since I insist on having copies of old books I can get for free on my Kindle. I will read almost anything. I am a hopeless romantic, but if you hand me a romance novel, it had better be well written and actually have a story line. I'm not into bodice rippers at all, but Pride & Prejudice? Oh yes, that is Romance. I just don't freely admit in my real life that I secretly love Gena Showalter, or that I really did like 50 Shades of Grey.
So, how did I actually become a book whore? It started freshman year, reading for class and then taking breaks to read for pleasure. I would switch back and forth incessantly, and it really wasn't a good habit to have, as I usually ended up skimming course material in order to get back to whatever fantasy novel I was currently devouring. Sophomore year changed minorly, in that I met my best friend--she and I studied together constantly and she always cajoled me into actually studying properly, though we often forsook studying in favor of constant Scrabble rematches at our local coffee place, the Magnolia House. There were a few books I actually really got into that were course related, and so I would go back and forth with my fantasy novels on a constant basis. Factor in the speed at which I finished books and also the money spent on books, Sarah coined me a book whore. Of course, she meant herself as well. Ring, ring, pot calling kettle.
Today, I am much the same, except during my junior year at University of Texas at Tyler, I ended up with some of the best teachers I have ever had in my entire life. My Classical literature teacher, who still helps me today with deciding on coursework to finish my degree, gave me a love of Greek tragedies, though I still favor fantasy novels. I had a modern literature teacher with a love of J.R.R. Tolkien (it also helped that the movies had recently come out and I finished the books before seeing each movie). My Victorian literature professor was obsessed with Oscar Wilde. A quirky Old & Middle English professor that made me actually enjoy trudging through The Pearl, Sir Orfeo, Sir Gawain & the Green Knight and Chaucer. And a Romantic literature professor who introduced me to Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters (I prefer Charlotte, by the way). Thus, I was inducted into proper English novels and have developed a liking for poetry (my specific favorites are The Windhover, and The Collar).
I love a good movie, a good video game and I work out sporadically. I've picked up a taste for traveling and also for very expensive loose leaf tea (thanks, Ryan). Also, for expensive rye whiskey (a rare indulgence for a girl who's broke and such a lightweight). I like gardening, though I currently don't garden. I collect quotes and scarves from all over the world. So far, I have purchased one in Mexico, a pretty raw silk number. And two from wherever Sarah got them from--Malaysia and Cambodia, I think? I love to bake and I love to eat. I'd love to be a writer, but I am not nearly brave enough to finish anything, though I think some of my ideas have some potential. Maybe some day. I'm looking to be a teacher, or perhaps working for a publisher--that would be a dream come true. I'm a kid at heart--nothing better than watching Scooby Doo on a Saturday morning and having breakfast in bed before a trip to the zoo.
Over the past several years, I've developed a sincere love for science fiction, be it television, movies or books. I re-watch Firefly and Serenity regularly. It is almost a monthly staple--any time I am having a tough time, I start watching the series again, and it just turns into a week long thing. I have a multitude of fictional loves--some of them good, some of them evil. Richard III is a clever, clever bastard and I just cannot help myself. I dream of having a Darcy or a Rochester of my very own (the wealth isn't the important part, the character of each... well, character is what I adore). Malcom Reynolds is a favourite, as are many others. I'm still searching for the perfect combination of all of those fictional characters.
So, in a nutshell, that's me. I'm a girl of many talents, interests and voracious appetite when it comes to good books, good food and good conversation.
I've always read, ever since I could remember. I had stacks and stacks of children's books in my room as a little girl. I can attribute my love of reading to my mom and my brother, Charlie. I didn't have a favorite children's book, at least, I don't recall having one. I have one or two that I kept as keepsakes. The first book I really, really remember is Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon. I read it in second grade. Now, if you are familiar with horror novels, you are probably wondering how the bloody hell I got an adult horror novel in second grade. And you are also possibly thinking that my mother didn't watch me closely enough. Don't worry, she was the model mother. She always said I was X going on thirty, no matter how old I was. My second grade teacher always gave us free time once a week and I always chose to read. She took my novel away from me and said I could have it back after she spoke with my mom to make sure I wasn't lying about my mom actually giving it to me to read.
Swan Song was returned to me, I finished it and moved on to other books. I have a few memorable books I read as a kid, but only a few stuck with me--The Prydain Chronicles, Swan Song, Winter of Fire, several Melanie Rawn Series, and others I can't think of right off hand. I was always an advanced reader and breezed easily through all of the reading portions of standardized testing. It is something that has always come easily to me, partly, I think because of how my wee little brain works and also because my mom cultivated such a passion for reading in me. We tend to see what our elders do and want to mimic them, so that is what I sat out to do. Even now, my mom has been helping me watch my niece while her parents are on vacation and all she has done is read all week.
Ever since I was little, I wanted a life revolving around books. My dream house involves a library. The smell of a library makes me happy. The way the books look on shelves makes me comfortable and fills me with such a sense of contentment. My future husband will likely want to murder me someday, since I insist on having copies of old books I can get for free on my Kindle. I will read almost anything. I am a hopeless romantic, but if you hand me a romance novel, it had better be well written and actually have a story line. I'm not into bodice rippers at all, but Pride & Prejudice? Oh yes, that is Romance. I just don't freely admit in my real life that I secretly love Gena Showalter, or that I really did like 50 Shades of Grey.
So, how did I actually become a book whore? It started freshman year, reading for class and then taking breaks to read for pleasure. I would switch back and forth incessantly, and it really wasn't a good habit to have, as I usually ended up skimming course material in order to get back to whatever fantasy novel I was currently devouring. Sophomore year changed minorly, in that I met my best friend--she and I studied together constantly and she always cajoled me into actually studying properly, though we often forsook studying in favor of constant Scrabble rematches at our local coffee place, the Magnolia House. There were a few books I actually really got into that were course related, and so I would go back and forth with my fantasy novels on a constant basis. Factor in the speed at which I finished books and also the money spent on books, Sarah coined me a book whore. Of course, she meant herself as well. Ring, ring, pot calling kettle.
Today, I am much the same, except during my junior year at University of Texas at Tyler, I ended up with some of the best teachers I have ever had in my entire life. My Classical literature teacher, who still helps me today with deciding on coursework to finish my degree, gave me a love of Greek tragedies, though I still favor fantasy novels. I had a modern literature teacher with a love of J.R.R. Tolkien (it also helped that the movies had recently come out and I finished the books before seeing each movie). My Victorian literature professor was obsessed with Oscar Wilde. A quirky Old & Middle English professor that made me actually enjoy trudging through The Pearl, Sir Orfeo, Sir Gawain & the Green Knight and Chaucer. And a Romantic literature professor who introduced me to Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters (I prefer Charlotte, by the way). Thus, I was inducted into proper English novels and have developed a liking for poetry (my specific favorites are The Windhover, and The Collar).
I love a good movie, a good video game and I work out sporadically. I've picked up a taste for traveling and also for very expensive loose leaf tea (thanks, Ryan). Also, for expensive rye whiskey (a rare indulgence for a girl who's broke and such a lightweight). I like gardening, though I currently don't garden. I collect quotes and scarves from all over the world. So far, I have purchased one in Mexico, a pretty raw silk number. And two from wherever Sarah got them from--Malaysia and Cambodia, I think? I love to bake and I love to eat. I'd love to be a writer, but I am not nearly brave enough to finish anything, though I think some of my ideas have some potential. Maybe some day. I'm looking to be a teacher, or perhaps working for a publisher--that would be a dream come true. I'm a kid at heart--nothing better than watching Scooby Doo on a Saturday morning and having breakfast in bed before a trip to the zoo.
Over the past several years, I've developed a sincere love for science fiction, be it television, movies or books. I re-watch Firefly and Serenity regularly. It is almost a monthly staple--any time I am having a tough time, I start watching the series again, and it just turns into a week long thing. I have a multitude of fictional loves--some of them good, some of them evil. Richard III is a clever, clever bastard and I just cannot help myself. I dream of having a Darcy or a Rochester of my very own (the wealth isn't the important part, the character of each... well, character is what I adore). Malcom Reynolds is a favourite, as are many others. I'm still searching for the perfect combination of all of those fictional characters.
So, in a nutshell, that's me. I'm a girl of many talents, interests and voracious appetite when it comes to good books, good food and good conversation.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Fifty Shades
http://www.buzzfeed.com/annanorth/why-50-shades-of-grey-is-less-about-submission-a
I think the article I linked above has a bit of merit to it. My opinion is that it was a fun read, nothing I'd be likely to repeat anytime soon, unless I'm just in need of a break from serious reading. Now, I have the same sort of feeling towards Fifty Shades as I did towards Twilight, but not as hostile this time. Part of my issue with Twilight is that the twit of an author screwed with a myth (if you will) that had a romance all it's own. Don't mess with vampires. They don't bloody sparkle.
Now, Fifty Shades, on the other hand--I dealt well with Anastasia, possibly because I dealt with a relationship where I felt the other person was a bit out of my league. So, her constant amazement resonated with me. Christian's stalker capabilities are just... creepy. Left me feeling a little disappointed in the character. But, I guess what it really comes down to is exactly what the above article says--women do like getting served. I don't want to have to communicate where to touch or what to do, or that I do want... But, reality kicks in at that thought, and usually tells me to start dropping some context clues and hints as to what I want.
I don't think it was a terrible book... It isn't winning a Nobel prize anytime soon, or ever, but I didn't have an issue with James's overuse of certain things. Perhaps I lowered my expectations? That might explain why I dislike Twilight so intensely. I had high hopes, as my idea of romance involves a very rich, very handsome vampire. Think Queen of the Damned. Now, that was good romance. And not even any talk of erections or spanking.
Fifty Shades didn't speak to my heart, even when Christian was giving her everything and taking all the "right" romantic steps. As Anastasia puts it, I'm a hearts and flowers kinda girl.
Other than the above, I've not got much to say about the book. I can see what the hype is about without criticizing those who really did love the book. It was engrossing and easy to read. Mind you, I do think the sex scenes were occasionally clumsy (Anne Rice's are waaaaaaaay better), but I think it appeals to women because they do, indeed want someone worshiping them (admittedly, I do entertain the thought myself, from time to time). I read another article urging Christian women not to read the book. I don't even want to touch on that one, other than to say that any woman who uses it as an excuse to be dissatisfied with her husband was looking for an excuse anyway. Reading romance novels because you enjoy them is great, reading them to escape from reality... That's not technically bad either. Fiction is an escape. I hate hearing people rant about the ramifications of using it that way, but I read fiction to relax, because I like a good story, because my mother instilled in me a love of reading that has never, ever left me. Now, if I read Pride & Prejudice and wish my man were more vocal and romantic in his speech, aren't I doing the same thing as this other article is condemning?
It's a damned book, people. Read it or don't. Who cares?
I think the article I linked above has a bit of merit to it. My opinion is that it was a fun read, nothing I'd be likely to repeat anytime soon, unless I'm just in need of a break from serious reading. Now, I have the same sort of feeling towards Fifty Shades as I did towards Twilight, but not as hostile this time. Part of my issue with Twilight is that the twit of an author screwed with a myth (if you will) that had a romance all it's own. Don't mess with vampires. They don't bloody sparkle.
Now, Fifty Shades, on the other hand--I dealt well with Anastasia, possibly because I dealt with a relationship where I felt the other person was a bit out of my league. So, her constant amazement resonated with me. Christian's stalker capabilities are just... creepy. Left me feeling a little disappointed in the character. But, I guess what it really comes down to is exactly what the above article says--women do like getting served. I don't want to have to communicate where to touch or what to do, or that I do want... But, reality kicks in at that thought, and usually tells me to start dropping some context clues and hints as to what I want.
I don't think it was a terrible book... It isn't winning a Nobel prize anytime soon, or ever, but I didn't have an issue with James's overuse of certain things. Perhaps I lowered my expectations? That might explain why I dislike Twilight so intensely. I had high hopes, as my idea of romance involves a very rich, very handsome vampire. Think Queen of the Damned. Now, that was good romance. And not even any talk of erections or spanking.
Fifty Shades didn't speak to my heart, even when Christian was giving her everything and taking all the "right" romantic steps. As Anastasia puts it, I'm a hearts and flowers kinda girl.
Other than the above, I've not got much to say about the book. I can see what the hype is about without criticizing those who really did love the book. It was engrossing and easy to read. Mind you, I do think the sex scenes were occasionally clumsy (Anne Rice's are waaaaaaaay better), but I think it appeals to women because they do, indeed want someone worshiping them (admittedly, I do entertain the thought myself, from time to time). I read another article urging Christian women not to read the book. I don't even want to touch on that one, other than to say that any woman who uses it as an excuse to be dissatisfied with her husband was looking for an excuse anyway. Reading romance novels because you enjoy them is great, reading them to escape from reality... That's not technically bad either. Fiction is an escape. I hate hearing people rant about the ramifications of using it that way, but I read fiction to relax, because I like a good story, because my mother instilled in me a love of reading that has never, ever left me. Now, if I read Pride & Prejudice and wish my man were more vocal and romantic in his speech, aren't I doing the same thing as this other article is condemning?
It's a damned book, people. Read it or don't. Who cares?
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