A heart-warming wonderful book about humanity...
I loved this book from the first sentence through the last and simply couldn't put it down. It was so deeply compelling and heart-warming and I admit I cried through a lot of it. It is a book about humanity, love, friendship, compassion, open-mindedness and service unto others. While some may describe this as a Christian book, as a non-Christian, I never felt disconnected from it in any way and saw it more as a book about the choices we make in life and how we're all in this together. It is a story people from all backgrounds and religions will relate to (or gain insight from). It is a terrific book and I recommend it highly to everyone, espeically for book club selections!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Rose Labrynth by Titania Hardie
Couldn't get into this one....
I started the book with great expectations since the plot summary sounded quite intriguing and right up my alley. However, I couldn't get into it and found it somewhat convoluted from the get-go. I really wanted to love it and give it a chance but never got interested enough to pick it up and had to put it down, mostly unread. While I can't provide a full review after having completed the book, I can say that a book with this type of plot should have had me hooked or at least interested in the first chapter, or within the first 50 or so pages. This book was just too all over the place and not exciting enough or cohesive enough at the begining to warrant continued effort on my part to get into it. Thus, I would recommend skipping this one.
I started the book with great expectations since the plot summary sounded quite intriguing and right up my alley. However, I couldn't get into it and found it somewhat convoluted from the get-go. I really wanted to love it and give it a chance but never got interested enough to pick it up and had to put it down, mostly unread. While I can't provide a full review after having completed the book, I can say that a book with this type of plot should have had me hooked or at least interested in the first chapter, or within the first 50 or so pages. This book was just too all over the place and not exciting enough or cohesive enough at the begining to warrant continued effort on my part to get into it. Thus, I would recommend skipping this one.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Honolulu by Alan Brennart
Wonderful book....just don't compare it to "Molokai'i"...
I absolutely loved "Molokai'i" and really enjoyed "Honolulu" as well. That being said, I think readers anxious for a second novel as special and unique as "Molokai'i" may be slightly disappointed; however, if you take this book as a stand-alone novel and don't have any expectations going in, you will be pleasantly surprised! Alan Brennart is a phenomenally gifted writer and does an outstanding job (in both novels) of writing so naturally and seemingly w/o effort from a woman's perspective.
This novel follows young Regret (later Jin) from her early life confined to the Inner Rooms of her clan's house in a small Korean village, to her brave and adventurous journey to Hawaii to be a "picture bride" to a man she has never met. In search of America's possibilities and the hope of getting an education, Regret/Jin faces a world of challenges, yet one filled with love, friendships and many ups and downs.
"Honolulu" is quite and interesting read- extremely educational, heart-warming and multifaceted. I loved how well is was written from Regret/Jin's unique perspective and really learned a lot about Hawaii in the early to mid 1900's. The book has many themes that are pervasive throughout: racism, cultural differences, gender differences, friendships, the culture of women, giving/helping others, family (those of blood relation and those we choose), hard work, and marriage (ones made from love and from obligation).
I highly recommend "Honolulu" and hope to read more novels from this talented author! It would make a wonderful book club selection as well.
I absolutely loved "Molokai'i" and really enjoyed "Honolulu" as well. That being said, I think readers anxious for a second novel as special and unique as "Molokai'i" may be slightly disappointed; however, if you take this book as a stand-alone novel and don't have any expectations going in, you will be pleasantly surprised! Alan Brennart is a phenomenally gifted writer and does an outstanding job (in both novels) of writing so naturally and seemingly w/o effort from a woman's perspective.
This novel follows young Regret (later Jin) from her early life confined to the Inner Rooms of her clan's house in a small Korean village, to her brave and adventurous journey to Hawaii to be a "picture bride" to a man she has never met. In search of America's possibilities and the hope of getting an education, Regret/Jin faces a world of challenges, yet one filled with love, friendships and many ups and downs.
"Honolulu" is quite and interesting read- extremely educational, heart-warming and multifaceted. I loved how well is was written from Regret/Jin's unique perspective and really learned a lot about Hawaii in the early to mid 1900's. The book has many themes that are pervasive throughout: racism, cultural differences, gender differences, friendships, the culture of women, giving/helping others, family (those of blood relation and those we choose), hard work, and marriage (ones made from love and from obligation).
I highly recommend "Honolulu" and hope to read more novels from this talented author! It would make a wonderful book club selection as well.
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