I'm not the best at reading books lately, although I have managed to read a few books in the past month or so. It is my intention to get better about my book completion frequency, but if I didn't procrastinate then I just wouldn't be me.
The first selection is The Tattoo Artist by Jill Ciment. I chose this book because the author is a friend of my sister's in Gainesville, and Carrie speaks highly of Jill as a friend. Here is the book cover:
I really loved this book, and it wasn't what I expected. Although, I don't think I could really tell you what I expected. Jill has created this epic myth of a once mildly famous artist who mysteriously disappeared, and it was through her disappearance and her tattooed state when she reappeared that became the root of her ultimate but unexpected fame. I highly recommend this book. The historical aspect of the story gives the Great Depression a level of reality that is easier understood, and almost felt, than the explanations given in history books, and the imaginative way in which our characters attempt to recover from their financial and creative depression only begins this difficult and amazing life journey for our hero.
I also read Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, who also wrote The Time Traveler's Wife. I LOVED The Time Traveler's Wife, and if you merely saw the movie without reading the book, stop what you're doing now and go get a copy. The romantic chick-flick appear of the movie is not at all what I got from that book, not to say that the book is not a romance story. Okay, this isn't a review of Time Traveler's......
Back to Her Fearful Symmetry. This is a story of twin sisters torn apart over a well kept secret. When one twin passes away and leaves her nieces her entire estate, the story truly begins. The nieces are twins as well, and they were not aware of their mother's twin sister's existence. The twins are left to unravel the mysteries of their mother and aunt while living as ex-pats in London.
I will say that I didn't love this book. It was not Time Traveler's, but from my gushing review above, you probably knew I would say that. Although, Time Traveler's has a supernatural element that is so out of the ordinary, and that supernatural aspect of TTW didn't occur to me until I discovered the author's apparent penchant for the macabre in Her Fearful Symmetry. Even though I didn't love this book, it was a pretty entertaining read and I don't feel like I completely wasted my time.
And that's what I've been reading! I'm clearly no book reviewer.
One more note- my mother declared that my last post was the blog equivalent of a hissy fit. I must apologize for the inclination. I'm just trying to appeal to you, dear readers, to open up the lines of communication a little bit.
Many, many years ago, I had my first job interview with an assistant superintendent who responded to my answers and witticisms with nothing - no smile, no nod, no comment, no response, not even an eye brow raise. I found myself rambling incoherently like a comedian in the middle of a bombed show in front of this woman who returned everything I said with the blankest stare I have ever seen on a person who has not gone on to his or her reward. I learned, that day, that I thrive on conversation. The back and forth helps me continue. Without it I start losing my way.
So it seems inevitable that after nearly 250 posts, and only about 5 total that yielded more than 1 or 2 comments, that I would appeal to the blogosphere to give back just a little. And you have!! I adore you, blog readers. Keep visiting and checking in with me.
Much love and War Eagle!
p.s. that job interview was NOT with Auburn City Schools. :)
The first selection is The Tattoo Artist by Jill Ciment. I chose this book because the author is a friend of my sister's in Gainesville, and Carrie speaks highly of Jill as a friend. Here is the book cover:
I really loved this book, and it wasn't what I expected. Although, I don't think I could really tell you what I expected. Jill has created this epic myth of a once mildly famous artist who mysteriously disappeared, and it was through her disappearance and her tattooed state when she reappeared that became the root of her ultimate but unexpected fame. I highly recommend this book. The historical aspect of the story gives the Great Depression a level of reality that is easier understood, and almost felt, than the explanations given in history books, and the imaginative way in which our characters attempt to recover from their financial and creative depression only begins this difficult and amazing life journey for our hero.
I also read Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, who also wrote The Time Traveler's Wife. I LOVED The Time Traveler's Wife, and if you merely saw the movie without reading the book, stop what you're doing now and go get a copy. The romantic chick-flick appear of the movie is not at all what I got from that book, not to say that the book is not a romance story. Okay, this isn't a review of Time Traveler's......
Back to Her Fearful Symmetry. This is a story of twin sisters torn apart over a well kept secret. When one twin passes away and leaves her nieces her entire estate, the story truly begins. The nieces are twins as well, and they were not aware of their mother's twin sister's existence. The twins are left to unravel the mysteries of their mother and aunt while living as ex-pats in London.
I will say that I didn't love this book. It was not Time Traveler's, but from my gushing review above, you probably knew I would say that. Although, Time Traveler's has a supernatural element that is so out of the ordinary, and that supernatural aspect of TTW didn't occur to me until I discovered the author's apparent penchant for the macabre in Her Fearful Symmetry. Even though I didn't love this book, it was a pretty entertaining read and I don't feel like I completely wasted my time.
And that's what I've been reading! I'm clearly no book reviewer.
One more note- my mother declared that my last post was the blog equivalent of a hissy fit. I must apologize for the inclination. I'm just trying to appeal to you, dear readers, to open up the lines of communication a little bit.
Many, many years ago, I had my first job interview with an assistant superintendent who responded to my answers and witticisms with nothing - no smile, no nod, no comment, no response, not even an eye brow raise. I found myself rambling incoherently like a comedian in the middle of a bombed show in front of this woman who returned everything I said with the blankest stare I have ever seen on a person who has not gone on to his or her reward. I learned, that day, that I thrive on conversation. The back and forth helps me continue. Without it I start losing my way.
So it seems inevitable that after nearly 250 posts, and only about 5 total that yielded more than 1 or 2 comments, that I would appeal to the blogosphere to give back just a little. And you have!! I adore you, blog readers. Keep visiting and checking in with me.
Much love and War Eagle!
p.s. that job interview was NOT with Auburn City Schools. :)
2 comments:
Katie. You Rule. Ok, Jesus Rules but you are a very close second.
Ok now Im giggling because my comment says "The Christian's say " and I start talking about how Jesus rules and it looks like some evangelical group is posting on your blog. Funny-can I get a witness!
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