Sugar Queen review

Well, it seems I was the only one who read The Sugar Queen, so I’ll make this review short. I liked it. It had a few words that I didn’t like reading (see warning here) but overall, I enjoyed reading it. Allen’s books (I’ve read both) tend to be very light, fluffy and whimsical. It was one of those books that you take to the beach (or something) for a bit of light reading – or to escape into another world.

The thing I enjoyed most about the book was that it encouraged Josey to find her own way; to be her own person. It was good to see her evolve into her own person. I enjoyed all the character interactions. I cringed when reading the parts about Josey’s mother, and was quietly thankful for a family who has always encouraged me to “be myself.” I know it sounds corny, but it’s true.

I also enjoyed the relationship that Chloe had with books – how they were always finding her at the time when she needed them most. And I loved how persistent they were; even crawling into the bathroom, though they were supposed to be afraid of water. I loved how Chloe would talk to the books – because I do the same thing. I talk to books, and to the characters in them. I’ve always been a bookworm and I relate to the characters in the books – and I often relate to them by talking out loud. Cory thinks me very funny :)

So, in short, this is a fun and fluffy book. It's not-challenging and a quick read - and everyone ends up happy. My kind of book!

Sugar Queen

Did anyone else read The Sugar Queen?

The Screwtape Letters

Whew! Finally finished. I have never had to renew a library book so often that wasn't research paper-related! I was determined to finish it this month!

I thought The Screwtape Letters was very cleverly written. Reading from the perspective of a senior demon is an interesting experience! I have to admit that some of the book was baffling and that, for me, it was occasionally like reading Isaiah in the scriptures. "Huh?" I just had to plow my way through some of it. And after reading a page or two, I wondered what it was that I had just read because none of it sank in! But other parts were clearer to understand and I found those parts fascinating.

It was amazing to me how contemporary the text seemed. In discussing the problems a person faces spiritually, this could have been written yesterday and not in 1942. Some things never change, and truth is one of them. I found Lewis's discussions on prayer, joy, silence, courage, and the historical Jesus to be particularly interesting, among others, as they were so easily relatable. There were times when I felt that I was Wormwood's "patient" and Screwtape was giving him directions on how to tempt me!

My favorite letter was 26, where Screwtape teaches Wormwood about Unselfishness. I thought that discussion was hilarious, especially when Screwtape described having "tea in the garden." I have seen that scenario played out many times (although not usually over "tea"), especially at family functions. I thought his description was right on and very funny. I also really enjoyed the various titles of people and places that were throughout the book: the Enemy, Our Father Below, the Infernal Police, the Lowerarchy, and the House of Correction for Incompetent Tempters.

I also thought it appropriate that Screwtape almost never praises Wormwood for whatever work he has been doing - we never know if what he has tried has been successful in turning his patient away from the Enemy. Nearly all of the letters chastise Wormwood for what he has done wrong. Considering the source, that the letters are coming from a senior demon who works for Our Father Below, I thought the negativity was very telling. Praise tends to make a person feel good; what experienced demon would want to produce such feelings? Not Screwtape, that's for sure.

Did anyone else read it?


-Carly

Sugar Queen warning

I just finished the book Sugar Queen. I'll write my thoughts later, but I wanted those of you who haven't yet read it to have some warning. It's a little more risque than I was expecting (a little sex, though it's definitely not graphic) and it says the F-word a couple of times (all within the same paragraph). Sorry! When I picked the book, I really wasn't expecting that. The author's first book was cleaner. Anyways, if content like that is offensive to you, then don't read the book (or skip a couple of the paragraphs). I just wanted everyone to have a heads up. I loved what the book was saying about finding your own way ... but you have to look past a bit of adult content.
Sarah

Breaking Dawn teasers

For those who don't already know, Stephenie is posting one quote a day from Breaking Dawn (the 4th book in the Twilight series). I'm having a BLAST reading them and trying to decipher what they mean. Stephenie says she has a twisted sense of humor and not to go too crazy over the quotes ... ha ha, yeah right. It's waaaay too late for me :) Let the speculation begin!!!

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/bd_quotes.html