The Great Gatsby takes place in the 1920s, the Jazz Age, is narrated by Nick Carroway, and focuses on the rich and mysterious Jay Gatsby, who is also Carroway's neighbor. Gatsby has a romantic history with the lovely Daisy Buchanan, the cousin of Carroway. They'd met years before, and Daisy, married now, isn't even sure if Gatsby is alive.
Sound boring? I thought so, too. I'd heard the book was brilliant, but the synopsis never appealed to me. (Mainly because the first thing they start with is how the book is Fitzgerald's best novel. It seemed to me as if they were trying too hard to sell the book). So I saw the movie, thought it was excellant. I bought the soundtrack, loved it. That's when I gave the book a chance, and OH MY GOSH. I was right to do so. (I'm almost always right ;) )
Fitzgerald's writing flows smoothly. It feels as if you're not even reading, you're just gliding your eyes over the words. He has a fantastic way of giving you a clear picture without using that many words. It's incredible, really. Definitely one of the best books I've ever read.
Showing posts with label Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drama. Show all posts
Monday, January 20, 2014
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre follows reserved, serious, thoughtful Jane through her life; first at her mean aunt's home, then at her school, then as a teacher, and finally, as a governess at Thornfield, where she surprises herself by finding more than just a job there.
The length and classic-ness of this book was daunting to me, which is why I hadn't read it sooner. The only real reason I read it now was because my English class assigned it. But I am glad I read it, because it wasn't half as scary as I'd expected, plus it doesn't take long to read at all. Jane Eyre has the flowery writing similar to the Jane Austen novels and the kind of story that stays with you, like Harry Potter. And while it's one of the saddest books I've ever read (Getting Near to Baby is the saddest) it's a great read.
The length and classic-ness of this book was daunting to me, which is why I hadn't read it sooner. The only real reason I read it now was because my English class assigned it. But I am glad I read it, because it wasn't half as scary as I'd expected, plus it doesn't take long to read at all. Jane Eyre has the flowery writing similar to the Jane Austen novels and the kind of story that stays with you, like Harry Potter. And while it's one of the saddest books I've ever read (Getting Near to Baby is the saddest) it's a great read.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Just One Year
When Willem wakes up, he can barely remember what happened. He doesn't even know how exacty he ended up in the hospital. The only thing he remembers is the girl who he needs to get back to. Lulu. Not even her real name. Just the nickname he gave her, because he said she looked like a Lulu. Nevertheless, she is waiting for him, and he must get back before it's too late.
For those of you who read my review of Just One Day or heard my rant about it, I was not as disappointed with Just One Year as I thought I would be. The messages in the first book were awesome, and I was sure that this second book wold ruin it.
But it didn't. Instead, this book, told from Willem's point of view, was about his journey to realizing his mistakes. Sure, he still isn't the greatest role model, but I like that he became a better person by the end. I loved how the so-called "accident" helped him to fix his relationship with his mom (No, I didn't cry...I have no idea why you would think that....).
For those of you who read my review of Just One Day or heard my rant about it, I was not as disappointed with Just One Year as I thought I would be. The messages in the first book were awesome, and I was sure that this second book wold ruin it.
But it didn't. Instead, this book, told from Willem's point of view, was about his journey to realizing his mistakes. Sure, he still isn't the greatest role model, but I like that he became a better person by the end. I loved how the so-called "accident" helped him to fix his relationship with his mom (No, I didn't cry...I have no idea why you would think that....).
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Through letters to someone he's never met but has heard is a kind and understanding person, Charlie tells of the ups and downs of freshman year. As he deals with the loss of his best friend who killed himself and his aunt Helen who died in a car accident, he is also trying to "participate" as his English teacher suggested.
I read this book knowing the twist because I didn't know until after the movie that it was a book. But I still loved it. There was one scene that wasn't in the movie and was not mentioned on Common Sense Media, and it definitely should have been. I liked the witty remarks that were scattered through Charlie's letters and how everything that seemed kind of unrealistic or odd was explained at the end. That's one thing that most books fail to do. I think this would be a really interesting book to read with a book club. because there's so much in it to discuss.
I read this book knowing the twist because I didn't know until after the movie that it was a book. But I still loved it. There was one scene that wasn't in the movie and was not mentioned on Common Sense Media, and it definitely should have been. I liked the witty remarks that were scattered through Charlie's letters and how everything that seemed kind of unrealistic or odd was explained at the end. That's one thing that most books fail to do. I think this would be a really interesting book to read with a book club. because there's so much in it to discuss.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Where She Went
It's been three years since the accident. Three years since Mia made a miraculous recovery. And three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.
Then, by chance, the two of them run into each other in New York. And that night all their memories--the good and the bad--are unearthed, causing both of them to rethink their choices, their emotions, and, most importantly, their futures.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had the same lovely writing style as If I Stay, but I would suggest being at least 14 to read this one as it has plenty of language and some other content. One of my favorite things about this book was that Adam had the "perfect life" desired by most people, but he wasn't happy and his problems didn't disappear; rather, they multiplied.
Then, by chance, the two of them run into each other in New York. And that night all their memories--the good and the bad--are unearthed, causing both of them to rethink their choices, their emotions, and, most importantly, their futures.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had the same lovely writing style as If I Stay, but I would suggest being at least 14 to read this one as it has plenty of language and some other content. One of my favorite things about this book was that Adam had the "perfect life" desired by most people, but he wasn't happy and his problems didn't disappear; rather, they multiplied.
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