For the month of October, we are going to be reading:
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
I've been wanting to read it for a while, and I know it's been read by other book clubs. Does anyone have a problem with this book?
Oh and in case no one noticed, I've added the "labels" function to our book blog. I've gone back and edited most of the posts to include labels, but I haven't done all of them ... so if I missed one one of your posts (don't take it personally) then feel free to go back and add a label to a past post. This will make it much easier to search back through the posts on similar topics. Labels are pretty self explanatory, but if you have questions, let me know. Keep in mind that if I use "Stephenie Meyer" as my label and you use "Stephenie" it will be under different sections. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but keep it in mind. Happy reading!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Eragon & Eldest
I’ve finished re-reading Eragon and Eldest in my preparation for the release of Brisingr. I am going to post my thoughts on Eragon and Eldest, and then hopefully, I will post some thoughts when I am done reading Brisingr. The following thoughts contain mild spoilers, but mostly just generalizations of the books.
Let me start by saying that I like these books. I do. And now you’re all thinking that by beginning my thoughts in this manner, that there must be some “but” coming. Like “I really like these books … but … ” and that’s not really the case. These books are enjoyable to read, and I find that I do get sucked into the story, wanting to know what’s going to happen with the characters.
It’s just that I find Paolini’s writing to be … well, a little immature. He’s got a vivid imagination, that’s for sure. And he’s obviously drawing his knowledge from his idol (J.R.R. Tolkien). I know that I shouldn’t compare Paolini’s Inheritance Series to Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings series, but I can’t help myself. They have so many elements in common, that I find myself saying “that’s the same thing that happened in LOTR.”
Besides the obvious similarities, like having dwarves and elves and other mystical creatures, the 2 series have many of the same themes. Man (who is mortal, though lives an extended life) falling in love with an immortal Elven princess? Check. Elves hiding in their lands, preparing to launch one last stand after being defeated years ago? Check. Strange names that are impossible to pronounce? Check. (I mean, Galbatorix? How do you say that exactly?) The existence of the one true language? Check. You get my point … lots of similarities. Paolini’s writings don’t feel as mature to me as Tolkien’s, though they revolve around the same themes (loyalty to one’s family, love for others, a sense of justice and rightness, etc).
One thing that does impress me is Paolini’s use of other languages. I didn't spend much time reading through the language guide so I don't know if Paolini made up the languages and their accompanying rules, or if he followed established rules (from other fantasy novels) and made some modifications to fit his own books. Either way, it’s impressive. Even though I have no idea what any of the words mean … and I get annoyed having to flip back and forth between the index with the language translation and the storyline. Still … I’m pretty sure that if I tried to make up a language, I would fail dismally.
So there you go – that’s my take on the books. I like them and I am looking forward to reading Brisingr. They do capture my attention and make me want to keep reading so I can find out what happens. Will Eragon and Roran rescue Katrina? Will Galbatorix be overthrown? Will Arya finally fall in love with Eragon? Or will Eragon get over her and find someone else to love (Nasuada?) Most of all, what happens that necessitated Paolini’s announcement that there will be 4 books in the series, instead of the planned 3? Is there really so much stuff that's it's impossible to wrap it up in Brisingr? I guess I’ll find out when I get my copy (sometime next week, I hope).
And please make a comment in the post below for a book idea for October ... I've got one idea, so if no one suggests anything, I guess we're going with that.
Let me start by saying that I like these books. I do. And now you’re all thinking that by beginning my thoughts in this manner, that there must be some “but” coming. Like “I really like these books … but … ” and that’s not really the case. These books are enjoyable to read, and I find that I do get sucked into the story, wanting to know what’s going to happen with the characters.
It’s just that I find Paolini’s writing to be … well, a little immature. He’s got a vivid imagination, that’s for sure. And he’s obviously drawing his knowledge from his idol (J.R.R. Tolkien). I know that I shouldn’t compare Paolini’s Inheritance Series to Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings series, but I can’t help myself. They have so many elements in common, that I find myself saying “that’s the same thing that happened in LOTR.”
Besides the obvious similarities, like having dwarves and elves and other mystical creatures, the 2 series have many of the same themes. Man (who is mortal, though lives an extended life) falling in love with an immortal Elven princess? Check. Elves hiding in their lands, preparing to launch one last stand after being defeated years ago? Check. Strange names that are impossible to pronounce? Check. (I mean, Galbatorix? How do you say that exactly?) The existence of the one true language? Check. You get my point … lots of similarities. Paolini’s writings don’t feel as mature to me as Tolkien’s, though they revolve around the same themes (loyalty to one’s family, love for others, a sense of justice and rightness, etc).
One thing that does impress me is Paolini’s use of other languages. I didn't spend much time reading through the language guide so I don't know if Paolini made up the languages and their accompanying rules, or if he followed established rules (from other fantasy novels) and made some modifications to fit his own books. Either way, it’s impressive. Even though I have no idea what any of the words mean … and I get annoyed having to flip back and forth between the index with the language translation and the storyline. Still … I’m pretty sure that if I tried to make up a language, I would fail dismally.
So there you go – that’s my take on the books. I like them and I am looking forward to reading Brisingr. They do capture my attention and make me want to keep reading so I can find out what happens. Will Eragon and Roran rescue Katrina? Will Galbatorix be overthrown? Will Arya finally fall in love with Eragon? Or will Eragon get over her and find someone else to love (Nasuada?) Most of all, what happens that necessitated Paolini’s announcement that there will be 4 books in the series, instead of the planned 3? Is there really so much stuff that's it's impossible to wrap it up in Brisingr? I guess I’ll find out when I get my copy (sometime next week, I hope).
And please make a comment in the post below for a book idea for October ... I've got one idea, so if no one suggests anything, I guess we're going with that.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Ideas for October?
Anybody got any ideas for a book(s) we can read for the month of October? If you have posted an idea in the past, please just post it again - I'm too lazy to go back and look through all the comments :) I definitely need some new book ideas (now that I have finished the entire Twilight Saga, yet again) so please post a comment. Thanks all!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Stephenie Meyer
The news that Midnight Sun had been leaked on the internet makes me very sad. I feel betrayed on behalf of Stephenie and appalled that some "anti-Twilighters" would do this. Ugh! If people don't like Breaking Dawn, any of Stephenie's books, or even Stephenie herself, it's still appalling that people would betray her like this.
Right on Kaleb, I totally agree. Enough Stephenie bashing!
http://kalebnation.com/blog/2008/09/06/in-defense-of-stephenie-meyer/
A fellow author (and personal friend to Stephenie) has this to say: (scroll down so you start reading part 1, then move up to part 2 and part 3)
http://oinks.squeetus.com/
I agree 100%. I agree more than 100%. And I wish I could put it as eloquently as does Shannon.
I support Stephenie Meyer. And I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that one day she will finish Midnight Sun - and I'll be first in line to buy it!!
Right on Kaleb, I totally agree. Enough Stephenie bashing!
http://kalebnation.com/blog/2008/09/06/in-defense-of-stephenie-meyer/
A fellow author (and personal friend to Stephenie) has this to say: (scroll down so you start reading part 1, then move up to part 2 and part 3)
http://oinks.squeetus.com/
I agree 100%. I agree more than 100%. And I wish I could put it as eloquently as does Shannon.
I support Stephenie Meyer. And I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that one day she will finish Midnight Sun - and I'll be first in line to buy it!!
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