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»March's Book List & Feb. Book Overview
I kind of waited till the last minute to read my books last month so I decided until I get in the swing of reading a couple of books every month, I'll stick with two books a month... for now. Here's what I hope to read this month:
01. Atonement
Written by Ian McEwan
Published in 2001
The title refers to the process of forgiving or pardoning a transgression, and alludes to the main characters' search for atonement. An upper-middle-class girl in interwar England - who aspires to be a writer - makes a serious mistake that has life changing effects for many. Consequently through the remaining years of the century she seeks atonement - which leads to an exploration on the nature of writing itself.
I love the movie, albeit a heartbreaking tale, and I've been wanting to read the book on which it was based for a long time. I think the book has been sitting on my shelf since I saw the movie when it first came out.
02. Have A Little Faith: A True Story
Written by Mitch Albom
Published in 2009
What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together? In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds-two men, two faiths, two communities-that will inspire readers everywhere. Albom's first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom's old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
I've read Mitch Albom's other books and really enjoyed them so that's pretty much my reasoning for reading this one.
February Book Overview
As much as I dislike reviews, especially giving reviews, I've compiled some of my thoughts on the books I read last month since people seemed interested to know how I liked them. Spoilers ahead. Also, these are only my opinions.
I don't even know where to start with Fight Club. And honestly, I read and rewatched it in the same 24 hours, so they've kind of blended together now. Anyhow, if you like the movie, you'll like the book. With any adaptation, I find you should come to expect differences. And just like any other, this is not without. There are more details in the book, in regards to Project Mayhem especially, and differences are extremely evident in how the narrator "meets" Tyler and how they both end. I wouldn't shy away from the book if you've already seen the movie, they are equally entertaining and eye opening, even if you know what happens. I would recommend both but please be aware that the content may not be suitable for everyone, there are some vulgar bits in both the book and the movie. Also, I have to say, I loved reading the Afterword, it was funny and so much in the spirit of the book.
As for my thoughts on The Lovely Bones... A very enjoyable read, albeit quite depressing and morbid at times. Moments range from horrifying, touching on fears of any woman, and/or any parent (I would assume, not being a parent myself), anyone really, to hopeful and uplifting, such as moments near the end of the novel with Susie's family and friends. I found it very genuine and true to real human behaviour, showcasing the many ways in which people grieve and mourn the loss of someone in their life. I found the narrative and perspective refreshing; it's different from a lot of other things. A different take on murder/mystery/crime type stories. And the time/place/character shifts also keep the story interesting and moving forward. The course of the novel follows not only her family and friends but her murderer, which makes it doubly haunting and creates great suspense. There is a sense of closure as well which is nice because you don't often get that with this type of story, but the way Susie gained closure (with Ray) was not what I had been expecting nor did I think it was as believable as the rest of the story. Somehow it just pushed the limits of believable for me. Not in terms of human behaviour believability, to be clear. An interesting, emotional and overall good read. I really want to see the movie now to see how it has been interpreted... just don't know when that will be since it is no longer playing in a theater near me.
Two books I'd read previously that did come to mind while reading The Lovely Bones include If I Stay by Gayle Forman and The Secret Lives of Sgt. John Wilson by Lois Simmie. Similar storytelling devices used in both as well as similar types/genres of stories. If you enjoyed The Lovely Bones, you may enjoy those as well.
Also, I've set up a formspring account... ask me questions here. I thought it might be handy if you have any questions about any of the books/movies/tv shows I post about but feel free to ask whatever.
05 Mar 2010
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