Inferno by Dan Brown

So I'm a little behind on the hype for Dan Brown as I hadn't actually read any of his work till I read The DaVinci Code way, way after everyone else had. Since then I've watched the movie version and watched Angels and Demons but I hadn't picked up any more of his work.

This book caught my eye on sale and partially because I figured it would be a quick and fun read, and because it was made into a movie, I snapped it up.

Robert Langdon wakes up in Italy with amnesia and with the help of a doctor he meets at the hospital he must race against time to recover his memories and save the world. The only clues are based on Dante's Inferno, the literary masterpiece. He must delve into the history and the past surrounding the man and his work of art to solve the puzzle.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. It was interesting and exciting, but at the same time, I was waiting for it to be over. Like maybe it went on a little too long in parts. I kind of feel like the history and the facts were interesting, but they were really heavy and detailed.

This was not as fast of a read as The DaVinci Code was. This book took me quite a bit longer than I expected. It kept my attention, but I don't know. Something was missing.

The twists and turns weren't nearly as amazing as I hoped, and the ending just didn't amaze me or thrill me like I wanted. It's as if it started out as such an amazing and crazy story and then it just dropped off all of a sudden and I don't know what happened. It fell a little flat and a little dull by the end.

I think I would still watch the movie if I came across it on t.v. or something, but I don't think that I would bother searching it out. I just felt like it wasn't enough but too much at the same time?

Recommendation: For lovers of Dan Brown, for lovers of thrillers that are heavy on history and facts, but perhaps not for the everyday sampler of books.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

This book is insane. I don't often read memoirs but this one is pretty darn amazing. I picked it up used a couple years ago because I had heard it was a must read, and they were not kidding about that. This book is a total must read.

It's about the life that Jeannette Walls had growing up. It details in the realest ways her past and it's not pretty. It really brings into perspective the truth that you don't really know what someone else's life is like and you shouldn't ever judge, or compare, because no one's life is like yours.

Her writing is mesmerizing and beautiful. So many times my heart broke for her and the things she experienced. If this book isn't the book that highlights how to deal with family and how to persevere then I don't know what is.

I'm pretty sure I told my fiancee literally everything in the book right after I read it because I needed to talk about it with someone. It's like I knew it was real but I couldn't deal with that because how could it have happened that way?

I don't want to go into details about it really, you can find some more insight on Goodreads because I don't want to explain everything as I think you just need to read it. Like for real. Please read this.

The reason I picked it up off my shelf to read it now was because I heard it was being made into a movie, and boy, I cannot wait for that movie.

This book was so good, but yet, so terrible that it's true, but again, so good!

Recommendation: If you want to be amazed and horrified and amazed all at once, read this. Scratch that, just read this!

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

I've seen this movie a bunch of times but I never had the opportunity to read the book that inspired it.

The book is the true account of what Susannah experienced when she went into treatment with a mental illness. I have always found books and stories like this to be interesting. We all live different lives and being able to look into the lives of others can be enlightening and moving experience. 

Now, the movie is a little more dramatic and embellished than the book (the real story) was. Part of me is so happy that is the case. If you've ever seen the movie, it's got some parts that really kind of grab you and shake you up. Thankfully, those parts weren't experienced by the author in quite the same way. I could explain but I won't go into more detail because I am so against spoilers of any kind.

This was a super easy and quick read for me, and I was totally wrapped up in it when I was reading it. It's really an open window into the lives of those who experience mental illness. 

There are copies of records from the institution from during her stay inserted into the book that I thought were pretty darn cool to see. I do like how much the movie told the story of these characters and did them so much justice though, and I recommend both the movie and the book. 

Recommendation: for those who are interested in the lives and experiences of those touched with mental illness, this is something to read!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this, but I tend to want to read a book badly around the time I hear it's being made into a movie, because 9 times out of 10 I intend the see the movie. I also prefer to read a book before seeing it's movie because I feel like I should appreciate the original work of art before seeing the movie version. This can prove to be quite annoying for my fiancée because that means I miss seeing movies he would like to watch too in theatres as, in true bookworm fashion, I tend to be reading 3 books at once and sometimes cannot get to finishing the book in time.

I had heard mixed reviews about this book and I wasn't going to read this at first, but the movie trailer looked really cool so I had to see what the fuss was about. 

I liked this book. I thought the characters were really interesting, I thought that the story kept my attention, and although I might have gone a different route in some places, it was pretty great. The world that the author created is one I haven't really seen before and I really do want to know more. 

I haven't gotten a hold of any of the other books yet, and I think it's because I wasn't super jazzed about the ending of this one. Something about it just made me need to step back and pause before I read any more. Probably going to snap them up after watching the movie. That's usually how it goes. 

I haven't seen the movie yet although I really do intend to see it at some point. This book wasn't at all what I was expecting but it's good that it wasn't. It was a fun and different read. 

Recommendation: I'm not sure why people didn't like it but I'd suggest you not listen to them and read it for yourself. It's not what I expected but I liked it and you might just like it too! 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This was not the book for me.

I hate books and movies who's sole purpose is to tell you a story that will make you cry. I hate it. I have enough to cry about in my own life, I don't need books to do it too. 

I grabbed this because, again, it was being made into a movie and because I was trying to review and read books that were more mainstream and a different genre/type then my usual read. I was trying to broaden my horizons. What I got from that was a a big pile of tissues and a book hangover that drove me nuts. 

The writing was good. I will admit that even though I hated the story. I think I hate the story so much because it was told well. If it had been a badly written sad story then I might not have been bothered by it so much.

I think it's pretty obvious that I don't recommend this book unless you like sad stories that will make you bawl your eyes out. And I won't be reading anymore by this author. Or any more books like this no matter how much I want to broaden my horizons. 

Oh, and I really, really don't want to see the movie. Nope, nope, nope!

Recommendation: Not for the curious, only for those who feel the need to torture themselves with terribly sad stories. 

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Years ago I watched The Da Vinci Code movie and I enjoyed it. I knew it was a book, but back then I was so involved in reading mysteries that it never really occurred to me to read it.

I found it used at a thrift store a little while ago so I grabbed it up and gave it a go. I read it all in about three hours I think, then I spent the rest of my day off watching the movies (The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons). 

I liked the story. It was interesting and it kept my attention. The writing was good, and I didn't find myself skimming over pages either. It's an easy read, not too complicated, not too intense. 

There was quite a few things that happened in the book that I didn't remember. I found out later it was because it wasn't in the movie. I feel like they passed over some parts in the movie that I would have liked included. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything and I'm sure most of you have heard of this movie/book before. 

I know some people hate this book because of the topic, but if the topic appeals to you, then this is worth the read. I think the book is better than the movie. Hands down. There's so much more going on, and the ending is different, but I liked it better that way. 

Recommendation: If you liked the movie, if you're interested in the story, give it a read. The book is better and the writing is good. 

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

You may have heard of this movie (like I did) and had no idea it was a book, or maybe you knew and were keeping it a secret. I don't know. But I do know that I've read the book, watched the movie, and I have some thoughts.

It's a story about a family who's father passes away and they have to spend a week locked into the family home together. It's told from the point of view of one of the sons and it details the hilarity and troubles of life. I won't say anymore, but it's a dark and funny movie that I enjoyed.

I saw the movie first and I liked it. It made me laugh. Helps that I really enjoy most of the actors in the movie too. My only wish was to change the ending, I wanted more. I always want more.

The book was good too but it was different in a lot of places from the movie. Surprisingly, I prefer the movie to the book. The book had some graphic descriptions of things in it that weren't in the movie, and I'm kinda glad about that (although it was still funny) In the odd place or two the book was better than the movie, but overall movie is better than the book.

In the back of the book, there was an excerpt of another book by the same author and I noticed there was a lot of similarities between the main characters. The author seems to like writing these men who are useless creatures who are not worthy of redemption, but at the same time pardoning all their faults and letting them off the hook. In the book version This Is Where I Leave You, the main character is quite a bit more pathetic than he is in the movie, and honestly, I am so much happier with the movie.

Recommendation: This was a pretty cool movie. I really liked it. The book, well it's okay. I would watch the movie first though if you're thinking about reading the book.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

If you haven't read this yet, or at least heard of the amazingness that is Roald Dahl (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, among others!) then please let this book be a lovely introduction to his work.

This book is short, sweet, and all types of great. As a child I read the odd book or two of his, but I was reading at a higher level pretty quickly and I think that's why I may have missed out on quite a few great children's classics. I think I did read it as a child, but I can't remember so when I found a set of Roald Dahl's books on sale, I grabbed it up.

The reason I'm talking about this book today is because it's coming out as a movie very soon and I am excited!! I'm making my boyfriend read the book too before we go and see it. I have high hopes for the movie and I cannot wait to see it because I'm sure I'm going to love it!

Recommendation: Read this, go see the movie, enjoy the greatness! You won't be disappointed.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I picked this book up used years ago because everyone was talking about it and I figured some day I would give it a try even though it wasn't really my type of read. I am a mystery lover to the core but I've been branching out a lot lately and I am enjoying myself.

I did not quite know what to expect with this book. I didn't watch the movie at all so all I knew was what was written on the back. Right off the bad, I was surprised but delighted at how the book was set up. I love that it was in sections and it was set up in little stories of her memories.

I liked the way she just told us her story and let it all out there. Of course, she is a great writer and I have been picking up some of her other works when I find them (like Big Magic which everyone needs to read. Read my thoughts about it here) and I think she's such an interesting person.

This book was really great. I loved the rawness about it. It left me wanting more and I found it to be really inspiring in unexpected ways. I didn't want to put it down either. There's so much about the lives of others that really moves us and I really do enjoy true stories like this.

She does touch on her beliefs quite a bit but I even enjoyed that part too. Differences between our lives and the lives of others are just as great as the similarities. I have definitely not experienced the same things that she has, but I could still identify with her story.

This is going to be a book that I will be rereading for sure in the future. I would like to see the movie too at some point.

Recommendation: Give this a try. It's good, it'll make you feel things, and .you'll like it.

May Wrap Up!

It has been FOREVER since I've done a monthly wrap up of the books I've read. Why, you ask? Because I almost always forget what day it is. I end up missing the end/beginning of the next month so often that I remember like 5 days into the new month and that's just way too late.

In the month of May this year I read a total of 7 books. Four were from library and three were from my own collection. I decided super last minute to make a post about it at all so my photos were done rather quickly. (I snapped the ones of the library books on my way out this morning as I was going to the library after work today).

The books marked with a * are the ones that will have reviews coming soon! I think this month was a pretty good literary month and I am ready for June!





From the library I read:

Daisies for Innocence by Bailey Cattrell *
The Sandman by Lars Kepler *
Robert B. Parker's Kickback by Ace Atkins
Death of a Chimney Sweep by M.C. Beaton









From my collection I read:

Wildwood by Colin Meloy*
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper*
The BFG by Roald Dahl *

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain

I read this in one sitting as I often do and I have to say it was not what I was expecting. Having said that, I'm not even sure what I was really expecting.

It's a novel of pure betrayal and murder. It's written in slang and you can't help but read it in the voices of the characters. This novel is a classic, and as such, I really wanted to read it.

It's not like my usual reads. It's the kind of book that makes you witness something but leaves you on the side lines with a confusion as to how to feel. My usual reads pull you in, cuddles you up with a warm drink and a blanket, and tells you a story. This was not that kind of book.

It's a good murder mystery, its written in such a way that you'll not forget it very quick that's for sure, and its got an ending that I don't think many people would have chosen if it had been up to them. I wouldn't have ended it the way it ended. I understand the choice, but it still got to me. 

I know this has been quite a vague review, but since this is a classic, I don't want to go into too much depth because it is a short book and I am afraid of giving away too much.

I have not seen any of the movie adaptations that have been made either. I would like to though. 

Recommendation: It's a classic murder mystery and deserves to be read and appreciated. 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This book is a must read. Period.

I don't know if I can really do it justice by reviewing it but I will do my best and try.

This book first came on my radar before I made my own bookstagram account on Instagram. It was through random people I follow on my personal Instagram that I heard about it. They all said it was special and important to read. At first, I wasn't really interested because I am a mystery lover at heart and this a true story. For a little while I went through a faze of wanting to read books that are inspirational and life changing so I ended up picking this up.

Right from the start this book had me in tears. There were moments at the beginning I had to put it down and walk away for a while. It wasn't because I didn't like it, but just that it was emotional and made you feel things.

This is the story about a woman who decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. She has nothing to lose and gives up everything, changing her life entirely, to hike more than 1000 miles. She has a lot of personal tragedy in her past and she decides that she needs to do this crazy thing. She sells her stuff, bought supplies, arranged for packages to reach her on the trail, with the goal being to just do it.


I know I'm not summarizing it and doing it any kind of justice, but honestly, you need to read this. It's a story about a journey that leaves the reader changed from its reading.

This book broke me and put my back together again, a little bit better than I had been before. It was moving and inspiring in all the best ways.

I haven't had the pleasure of watching the movie yet, but while reading it I kept picturing Reese Witherspoon anyway. I think doing that gave me even more perspective on the story that I might not have had otherwise.

This book really touched me in ways I didn't think it would. I am so much better for having read this. I hope for the courage to do something daring like this in my life one day.

Recommendation: Read this. You will need some tissues. You will hurt, but you will come out on the other side better, believe me.

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

This book was AHMAZING!

It's about a man who on his 100th birthday climbs out his window at the old folks home and disappears. It follows his life after he escapes and also his extremely interesting life up to his escape.

It's an incredibly charming read. It's smart and funny and easily one of the best books I've read this year. There actually came a moment when I realized that I had accepted certain things as commonplace in this book when in any other book I might have thought it was nuts. I guess once you accept the basic premise of this story, nothing else that happens seems too incredulous.

It's just fantastic. You will need a super basic understanding of the history of most of the world for you to accept the sheer gravity of the life he lead, but honestly, its not a complicated book. There is a lot of talk of politics, but again, do not let this deter you. It's well worth the read.

This novel is a work of fiction but it was so crazy, that special kind of crazy, that it could have almost *almost* been real. It is truly a delightful read that made me smile and laugh. It's so much more than I had ever hoped it would be and I am more than pleased to have read it.

I spend quite a long time recounting every single detail to my guy after reading it. I've also noticed it's been made into a movie and I most certainly will be checking it out.

Recommendation: For the lover of a story. Pure and simple. If you love a good story then please, please read this!

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

I'm a bit of a dunce when it comes to other genres besides mystery. Don't get me wrong I enjoy other genres; but I couldn't really tell you the stand out authors, the hidden gems, even the most popular series (besides the obvious). Of course I had no idea who Neil Gaiman was or even that he wrote the book that one of my many favorite movies was based on until recently.

A couple years ago (when I was working for Blockbuster before it closed) I came across the movie Stardust. It had some actors I recognized and because of my free movie rentals I pounced on it. Happily I found it was so much more than that. It was awesome!

Stardust is a funny, inventive fairy tale story. It was about love and the lengths we go to for the sake of it. The ending was lovely and the characters were smart and interesting. Not quite like any other story of that nature that I've seen. There are fairies, unicorns, witches, fallen stars, royalty, pirates, clouds, and magic candles. It's really a page turner!

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago when I discovered there was a book. As soon as I got my hands on it I was in love. 

The book is an easy read but it is not void of greatness. It is lovely. I think I read it in about 3 hours. It's full of detail and the story unfolded almost the exact same way as the movie. There was a couple ways in which the movie was a total change from the book but honestly, it didn't bother me because I think I liked most of the choices that were made in the movie. For one, the ending was different in the book but it was not quite as happy as the ending in the movie.  Either way, it was wonderful. It'll make more sense if you've watched the movie and read the book. Both I highly recommend doing. 

Recommendation: This book is a must read. The movie features wonderful performances (especially from a pirate played by Robert DeNiro) Read the book and watch the movie. You won't regret either. 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

When I was a kid The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings were big reads, especially among the boys. They were classics and for some unknown reason, I avoided them. No explanation, really. I had always intended on reading them. Eventually. 

I went to see the first Hobbit movie with some family
and immediately after I had to read the book because I was dying to know what would happen next.

Of course the book was just lovely. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I was still in school while I was reading it and I was making a point of reading bits at a time before I got down to studying. 

I took lots of notes when I was reading and I pointed out all the parts that weren't quite the same but it didn't really matter. I loved both the book and the movie. No idea why I haven't seen the other movies yet. I am terrible at actually going to the show to see something that's on. 

The fact of the matter is I loved this book. The writing was rich and colorful. My imagination had no trouble keeping up. The characters were full of life. Just a really superb read. I loved the cover I bought too. Something about it I really love.

Recommendation: Read the book. Watch the movies. No questions needed.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I came across this book towards the end of last year I believe, around the time the editions with the movie tie in covers were hitting the shelves. All I knew of it was that it was a mystery with a crazy twist. 

I was a little late to the party so I had spoken to a couple people about the book, and for the most part, they said that it was rather slow going at first but it really picked up again by the end. I was told the twist ending was worth reading the book. 

Honestly, none of that deterred me. I often find myself enjoying books where others have said they were slow or boring so I went into reading this book with a totally open mind. Well, except for the fact that Ben Affleck was starring in the movie and I'm not really a fan of his. 

I came across a deal and bought the book. Took me about three hours to read it, and I finished it in one sitting. Then I very nearly threw it across the room. 

I utterly and completely disliked this book. Why, you ask?

It was predicable. It was unrealistic. The ending was entirely improbable. There was a whole slew of bits in the middle that were unnecessary to the plot in my opinion. I won't go into more detail because I never want to spoil any book, even one I didn't like, for you the reader. 

I can appreciate what the author was trying to do with the story, and the concept was pretty neat, but it just made me mad. Her writing was perfect and I do not doubt her talent, its just it wasn't what I would have wanted. It just wasn't for me. 

The end though... I don't believe anyone, anywhere would live that way. Sorry. It could have been so much more, really. The twist was like a huge firework that shot into the air to only puff out a couple dull sparks and fade away. It was not enough. Maybe I was so annoyed with this book because it wasn't tied up neatly in a bow that sparkles and lets you know everything is all right. I don't know. 

No, I haven't seen the movie. I know things can appear differently on screen then in a book and maybe it works better as a movie. Who knows. It just didn't work as a book for me. 

Recommendation: See the movie, maybe?  I don't know. It was a total miss for me. 

 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Who doesn't know the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald? Especially the Great Gatsby? (It's okay if you don't, I'm sure its just a little oversight)

Honestly, until the movie came out I wasn't in a hurry to read it. A couple years ago I made the decision to broaden my horizons and branch out from the usual authors to read the classics I should have read years ago.  I much prefer to read the books before I see the movies so I grabbed it up (for a great deal I might add) and read it.

Reading it didn't take me long. Figuring out what I felt about it took a whole lot longer. I felt like I was on the outside, being forced to watch something, and having no idea what to feel about it. There was so little to the story, but so much all at once that I didn't know what to focus on. It felt like everyone was talking about a party they went to around me and I just had to sit there and wait till they talked about something I could be a part of. 

I didn't dislike it. I honestly didn't know what to say about it at first, but I know I didn't hate it. I was pretty sure I liked it, but I was still having mixed feelings. 

With the movie coming out around this time there were articles online full of bits and pieces of the life and motivation of F. Scott Fitzgerald to write this book. The more I learned the more I started to appreciate this story and what it meant to him. It's like the pieces were clicking into place.

I have the movie and I've watched it many times. I think that the movie might do a better job of telling the story then the book does, but that's just me. Besides, Leonardo DiCaprio is just.... yeah. 

Recommendation: You are doing yourself a disservice by not having read this book yourself. Classics are meant to be experienced. Plus, it's pretty darn good! 

Thank you for reading!


Pamela

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Often I find my eyes stopping on the spine of this book when I glance over to my book shelf. I have plans to read this one again, but alas the "to be read" list gets bigger by the week it seems.

I can't recall how I heard of this book, but it was probably because the movie was coming out. I think I might have picked it up because it was so talked about at the time and because I knew it was starring Emma Stone. 

I found it to be a moving story and although it was fiction, I do believe that the lives as told by the Help could have and probably did happen just like the author wrote. I think this book
encompassed the right amount of humour, truth, historical references, and enough fiction to make it an important but easy read on an indelicate subject. 

I thought this book was very well written and easy to follow. I can see why it became so popular at the time, and I hope it is still well loved.

By the way, I love the movie too. It brings me to tears and it makes me laugh. I love all the actors and actresses in that movie and I think it was wonderfully done. Emma Stone is one of my absolute favourites.
 I only have one complaint with it, but as far as movies based on books, I think they did it justice. 

My only wish would be to be able to read the book they wrote in this book. I would be very interested to hear more stories about the real lives of the people who worked as The Help. I have a fascination with people and their life stories, good or bad. 

I count this book among my favourites and I have watched the movies several times. 

Recommendation: If you haven't yet had the pleasure, please do!


Thank you for reading!


Pamela