Books N' Stuff

I have failed my legions of followers (all 3 of you). I am trying to make a summer committment to updating this blog more frequently, but we'll see what happens...

As an aside, I have also joined goodreads - an awesome website that lets you track what you've read, what you're reading and what you want to read. It also allows you to rate books and view comments and ratings from others. Sign up!

So this, like so many of my other posts, will be a catch up post where I essentially spew forth some witty tidbits on the many books I have consumed since my last post...Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This book is the second in the Divergent trilogy - you can see my review of the first book here - and although it was not as good as the first, it is a must for any lovers of the first book. While it frustrated me in parts, I still read it in two days flat, so it was definitely a light, easy read - great for the beach, no?


Arranged by Catherine McKenzie
I really enjoyed this book. We're not talking fancy literary genius here, but this was a light and fun book. This book follows a woman who allows herself to be set up (via an extreme dating service) for an arranged marriage - and cue classic rom-com plot. I thought the concept was interesting and unlike much of the so-called "chick lit" genre, this book was smart and didn't make me want to punch every single female character in the face. A ringing endorsement if there was one.


Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty
These are the first two books in another YA series (I have a problem, and I am fine with that people). Again, really liked the first book. I believe the jacked says something about a female Holden Caufield, so I was sold. The lead character is pretty snap and fantastic, but there were times when it was painfully obvious that the books were written for those much younger than I. That said, I still found it enjoyable and could certainly still relate to much of what Jessica Darling (leading lady) had to say. I have a hold on the third book in the series at the library - so I'll try to remember to get back here to review that when it comes in!


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
You need to read this book. NOW. It was so good. I loved it, my brother
loved it, my sister is loving it - GET ON IT. A word of caution, it is a sad one, so don't read it on the rush hour train unless you are cool with public crying.


The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta


This book had an interesting premise. Essentially it takes place after a significant fraction of the Earth's population mysteriously disappears. Some interpret it as the rapture, some try to explain it scientifically...this book essentially chronicles the lives of four different members of a family (all who are "leftover") taking separate paths in dealing with their new reality.While the premise was a good one, I had a hard time really getting into this book. I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the characters and struggled to care about what happened to them.


Your Voice in My Head by Emma Forrest
This is a memoir written by a young, successful writer who battles with mental illness. The book was really engaging (although incredibly raw, so be forewarned it is not for the faint of heart). This was a different sort of memoir in that it did not read like a history book with some humourous tidbits thrown in. It seemed a very real and artistic portrayal of this time in this woman's life....a recommended read.


The Birth House by Ami McKay
This one was awhile ago...I remember liking it? It was a good read and an interesting look at midwifrey and women's issues. Again, I am doing horribly trying to remember any specifics, but I do remember reading it quickly and enjoying the novel.


The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
When I was going through my "hardcore" feminist phase, this book somehow escaped my attention (which goes to show just how hardcore I was). I feel like had 19 year old Kelsi read this book, she would say something very different. As a 28 year old, who has mellowed out a fair bit and is done trying to prove just how independent and original she is, I found the book to be somewhat lacking. I didn't find it to be the feminist masterpiece that I thought it would be. Instead I just felt sad and tired after reading it...that said, I don't think Plath intended this book as a call to action, but rather to leave that lingering sadness and madness.


The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt
I wanted to like this book - I mean it was on all the awards lists. But I should have known as soon as I saw the words "WESTERN" that it was more geared at my father. The book was enjoyable, but again, I didn't feel super engaged and ended up skimming near the end...not a good sign.


The Sense of An Ending by Julian Barnes
This was a really good book. It is not long, but Barnes manages to make you feel a lot through a small number of pages. This book chronicles an old man looking back at his boyhood friendships and relationship with one woman who has come back into his life. The ending (the title is no accident) is a stunner.


Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
This book is a "teenager discovers selft" kind of tale. Again, I didn't really like the narrator - I found her motivations to be off - and that really turned me off of the story. I did finish the book, but only barely. Not a recommended read from me - the book was just frustrating.

I AM CURRENTLY READING
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Exodus from Hunger by David Beckmann

TO READ NEXT
Dead Cold by Louise Penny
Best Laid Plans by Terry Falls

Read This Book - Chapter 2

I wanted to list a few of my favourites (books I recommend to others) in case you need something to snuggle up with by the fire this winter (or if you, like me, received copious amounts of Chapters gift cards for Christmas). These are in no particular order.

1. What We All Long For by Dionne Brand
This book is about a group of second generation immigrants (or is it first? I can never remember which - but they were born here in Canada) navigating their way through the Canadian (Torontonian) landscape with one foot in their respective immigrant cultures. I didn't know what to expect from this novel (as Brand is traditionally celebrated for her poetry and I like poetry as I like a punch in the face), but this novel was really well written and really satisfying.

2. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
This book is haunting. The first chapters were a beast to get through, but the story was amazing. I have always been drawn to books depicting the struggles of slavery, and this book was so well done. It really brought to life, while maintaining accuracy, the entire cycle of the American slavery legacy. If you can stomach the (historically accurate) brutality, this book will deliver.

3. Ten Thousand Lovers by Edeet Ravel
This novel is one of my favourites of all time. I have read all of Ravel's work, and think she is an amazing author. Most of her novels take place amidst the Palestinian/Isreali conflict, but rather let that serve as a backdrop or support to her beautiful stories. This novel is a moving love story that saw me sobbing alone in my dorm room during my undergrad. I have read it a number of times since, and still found it just as good.

4. The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin
This book is arguably my favourite book by a male author. The way Martin writes the emotional scenes in this book is breathtaking. I am not one for sappy, drawn-out love stories, so expecting that going into this book, I was pleasantly surprised. If you like novels with solid character development and moving scenes, this is one for you.

Hiding Out in the Young Adults Section

Okay. Confession time. I love dystopian teen fiction. That's right - the section just outside the enticing children's play area at Chapters. The very section that contains (and I shudder to think) the Lauren Conrad novels.

While the writing may not be Nobel Prize worthy, and some of the themes are less than mature, the stories really pull you in. And judging by the number of new dystopian YA books being written, I am not the only one being enticed. This genre is growing by leaps and bounds and I leapt on the bandwagon with vigour.


It all started with a series recommended by a colleague (a common theme in my blog - people know I read, they recommend their favourites with varying results) called the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.


These books were amazing. Set in a dystopian world somewhere in the distant future, children are forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of the rich and ruling class. Sounds gruesome (and it is, for sure), but the premise was so well thought-out, I loved the characters and I didn't have to worry about any racy scenes to be read awkwardly on the GO train (in constant fear that someone is reading over your shoulder wondering what kind of smut you are into). I read all three in a weekend and I cannot wait until the movie comes out...it's like Twilight all over again, but thankfully no Robert Pattinson in sight.


Seriously, go get these books (unless you are vehemently opposed to science fiction ... which I thought I was until I read these ... so go get them anyways ... or borrow them as it seems everyone is reading this series).

After reading these books, I found myself in the book store with a friend who was searching for some books for her (12 year old) son. I suggested this series and when the clerk overheard, she recommended another book called The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

In the Maze Runner, the lead character wakes up in the middle of a maze, his memory wiped, surrounded by a crowd of teenage boys (no ladies in sight). These boys have built their own society (a la Lord of the Flies) and work each day to try to solve the maze in which they find themselves, undeterred by the horrors that lie beyond the walls of their compound. And the adventure ensues.

Just like the hunger games, I finished this book in one sitting and went out the next day to pick up the sequel The Scorch Trials (part two of the young man's journey)

These books were not quite as good as the Hunger Games trilogy, but they definitely held my attention, and I liked the fact that they were told from the young male perspective (as the Hunger Games are narrated by a young woman).

Unfortunately, Mr. Dashner's third book is not due out until October so when I found myself book-less with a beach trip on the horizon, I headed back to the bookstore (I know I ought to be using the library, but I will blog about those frustrations at a later date). I was waxing poetic about my new found love of these books to my girlfriend Tiffany, when a clerk overheard and suggested another novel, Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Now, I saved this bad boy (and tried to read some credible literature that my MA could be proud of) until last weekend at the cottage. And what do you know, I finished this one off in one day. This one was DEFINITELY as good as the Hunger Games trilogy. In this book we meet Beatrice Prior, who is born into a dystopian Chicago, in which all of humanity is broken up into five factions - Honesty, Knowledge, Selflessness, Kindness and Bravery. Each 16 year old chooses the faction to which he/she wishes to belong...and it is at this point in her life that we meet this young lady.

I cannot WAIT for the second book of this series to come out...and I will say I love FOUR (how's that for a teaser).

Okay, so that brings us to Monday - I am still in need of a YA dystopian fix so I head to the internet. My search returns a list of the top 50 dystopian Young Adult novels (JACKPOT). I jotted down some of the titles and headed back to Chapters...more on those novels to come.

Up Next: Wither by Lauren DeStefano and Across the Universe by Beth Revis

What I've Been Reading This Year

It has come to my attention that I am the worst blogger in the history of blogging...and I have a flare for the hyperbolic.

Seriously, though, my good pal Carolyn told me to get my act together, so I have committed anew to recording my adventures in literature (and I use that term loosely) - even purchasing a new notebook to log every book and my feelings about it.

So, here is a list, in no particular order, of some of the books I have read over the past couple of months, along with a short synopsis of my opinions.

Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro

Let me preface by saying that I rather enjoy short stories. Let me also say that I REALLY enjoy Alice Munro's short stories. She is amazing (and I am not just saying that because she is from Huron County - represent!)

This collection is just as good as her others (if not better), although I skipped over two of the stories that didn't catch me right away (a big plus about a short story collection is you can pick and choose).  This is a great beach read because you can put it down between stories and hop in the lake, and pick right 
                     back up with a new one.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

While I have yet to see the movie (even thought my entire family has...), I really enjoyed this book. I am a John Grisham lover, and this was in the same vein. It was not really a "light" read, but it was easy to read and had a good story line.

I will definitely be seeing the movie, as it was the kind of book that really lends itself to an onscreen adaptation.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This book was a gem. I was sure it would not live up to the hype (as hyped up books seldom do for me), but it was really good. I really enjoy books that explore racial relations in the south, and this book does it with real humanity (on both sides of the coin) and humour.

And... is it just me or is every book being made into a movie this summer? I feel like every book on this list...

One Day by David Nicholls

Again...a movie-to-be. This book was recommended to me by a colleague, and I have to say, I did not really enjoy it. I really liked the premise (following a "couple" through their entire lives spent apart and with other people), but the execution left somethign to be desired. I did not relate to the characters, and found the book to be quite choppy...perhaps an intentional device...but alienating all the same.

I will likely to go the film, however, as I think this type of story may be better suited for the theatre.

Irma Voth by Miriam Toews

I love Miriam Toews. Not only is she Canadian, but she is such a witty talent. Her book A Complicated Kindness is the Canadian, female version of Catcher in the Rye (a true classic).

That said, I didn't really love this book. It didn't grab me at the start (although the premise - Mennonite meets Mexico - is interesting) and I didn't feel it carried the same wit that made me fall in love with Toews initially.


The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Two words - awful and awful.


This book was recommended to me by a colleague (as she had heard it was great) but seriously?! I didn't even finish it (and that is a rarity for this gal). Vampire story trying to appear legitimate...need I say more?


Water For Elephants by Sarah Gruen

I heard a lot of hype about this one. Everyone was saying they could not put it down and the ladies were even more stoked to see Edward...er...Robert Pattinson in the lead role this Spring.


While I thought the book was good, it was not a page turner for me and if it says anything about my feelings for the book, I still have not seen the movie. That said, I am told she appeals to the animal lovers out there (in this and her other novels), so if that sounds like you, this one is recommended.

While I spent many of the past months reading these books, I also spent MUCH of my time enjoying the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights. Seriously, one of the best shows around, by far.
If you haven't checked it out, do so. But be prepared to devote some serious time to it.

Next Time: My Current Obsession with Teen Dystopian Fiction

I wish I was as witty as Douglas Coupland

Douglas Coupland is one of my favourites.
His books are hilarious parodies of mundane life (the soap operas of Staples employees, the criminal dramas of video-game testers, etc).


So, you can imagine my excitement when Coupland was asked to do the Massey Lectures (a series of lectures for the CBC, usually pertaining to current events).


I heard Coupland interviewed on the CBC after his lectures saying something to the effect that he was not a true academic like the other speakers, so instead he wrote a story. That's my kind o' guy.Instead of writing 5 lectures, Coupland wrote 5 chapters of a novel - which he named Player One.


What a good read. From the jacket - "...set in an airport cocktail lounge during a global disaster. Five disparate people are trapped inside: Karen, a single mother waiting for her online date; Rick, the down-on-his-luck airport lounge bartender; Luke, a pastor on the run; Rachel, a cool Hitchcock blonde incapable of true human contact; and finally a mysterious voice known as player one."


I really enjoyed this book - it is funny whilst being poignant. I think the pastor character is hilarious, but perhaps that has something to do with my personal attachment to one....




Nonetheless, I recommend this book if you like to read satire, like Douglas Coupland, or just want to read his hilarious "Future Glossary" containing such definitions as "Aloneism" (a recognition of the fact that it is a burdensome amount of work to be an individual), "Capillarigenerative Memory" (the tendency of history to remember people who invent new hairstyles: for example, Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles), and "Collapse Attraction" (the situation in which people are usually at their most attractive and interesting shortly before a total personality collapse).


And I am only at C....






Currently Reading: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Up Next: I need to buy some more books....

This Book Never Let Me Go (to Sleep)

I finished this one awhile ago, and again, I am finding it hard to find a book that compares (I am about to start Douglas Coupland's Massey Lectures though, so I am sure that will change).
Never Let Me Go has been made into a movie, so like the true literary snob that I am, I had to read the book first before I could allow myself to darken the theatre doors. And I am glad I did. Word on the street is they have changed the plot of the movie to make it more "intriguing" to viewers from the start. But I think that may lose the plot's charm. 


Kazuo Ishiguro's novel's very structure makes it impossible to put down. He begins each chapter alluding to a nugget of plot he intends to release, but fails to do so through the entirety of the chapter. Then he reveals HALF of it at the end - forcing you to read on. And by no means does he have to push hard - the novel is such an intriguing look at adolescence - it looks at the way in which our relationship to our peers and authority forms our identity - what an awesome book! The sci-fi part of the novel is secondary to the character development, but provides such a great background for the interactions between characters.


And can I say? The thing I love most about this novel is that it does not have a happy ending.
I cannot say more... lest I spoil the fun.


This one comes with a high recommendation, but with a warning of some adult themes and material.




Just Finished - Nothing (bit of a dry spell....I have been playing a lot of Sudoku...)
Currently Reading - Player One by Douglas Coupland
Next Up - ???

The Forgotten Blog...er... Garden

Long time, no update.

I know, I know - no time for excuses.

I have finished so many books, so I thought I would give a quick snapshot, along with a yay or nay for each book, rather than dedicate one post to each book.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I was looking forward to this book - there was a lot of hype. I also love Julia Roberts so I was entertaining visions of loving the book and rushing to see the film - spoiler alert: I have not seen the film.

I didn't like this book. I found it quite bad. I flipped through many a page without reading.

I was really enjoying the Italy part (maybe because it was all about EATING Italian food! - mmmm) and then the rest of the book happened. I found the book self-absorbed and I really struggled to finish it. While I believe we all need to go on a spiritual journey, I believe the point of that journey is to lose ourselves and find God. Not really what happened here....moving on!

The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

It is no secret that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mr. Martin's work. It is so emotionally rich, without being sappy or preachy - so perfectly written! That said, this is not his best. The story is good, and there are some tear-jerking moments, but if you are new to Charles, I suggest you start with "The Dead Don't Dance" followed by "Maggi" and then some "When Crickets Cry." I'm just saying.... If you are a tried and true fan, you will probably enjoy the read, but it may leave you feeling disappointed.

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

Ms. Jacobs had a two-part series about knitting and I loved both books. They are light-hearted, chic lit, to be sure, but they were about one of my favourite pasttimes. I felt these books made knitting look cool and even included patterns - you can't go wrong!

Comfort Food, like its predecessors, was a light read. It was not as entertaining as the knitting series (it is about an aging TV chef), but still a good beach read (especially if you like cooking shows!)

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

That this woman lived to tell this tale is amazing! The Glass Castle is a biography of Jeannette and her siblings during their struggle to survive while living with their transient parents. While this book is eye-opening, it is also incredibly hard to read. The littany of trials this family goes through, particularly the young children, goes on and on and rarely lets up. I wished Jeannette had expanded more on what happened after the story ends, but definitely a story of human resilience!

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

You may recognize her name as she wrote The Time-Travellers Wife - a book I really loved!

This book is even stranger (hard to imagine) and deals with the after-life (which may be a turn off to many readers). THe ideas were incredibly strange and the characters very strange...but it was an intriguing read. I left the book not really knowing what I thought of it....

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit slow getting into it, but this book spans across three generations, flipping per chapter between them. I love reading a story from multiple perspectives and this was both a character piece, while also being a historical mystery! It is a little slow moving and I predicted the end about 1/2 way through, but I read to the end to see if I was right, so that made it enjoyable.

That's all for now... happy reading! :)

Currently Reading: Blackfly Season by Giles Blunt

Up Next: Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay