I was hesitant to read this because of all the hype, typically I stray away from most mainstream “thriller” type reads, but wow I am glad I read this.I was hesitant to read this because of all the hype, typically I stray away from most mainstream “thriller” type reads, but wow I am glad I read this. I thought is was fast paced, insidious and ultimately shocking. This is not a story for the faint of heart or those who want to continue believing that the world is a wonderful place. Flynn does an amazing job of showing the dark side of humanity. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, I just want to say if that it’s a great read. I could’ve read it all in a couple days if things hadn’t been so hectic lately. It was sooooo good, now I can’t wait to go watch the movie! ...more
“Every being that exists in the entire world is linked together as moments in time, and at the same time they exist as individual moments of time. Bec“Every being that exists in the entire world is linked together as moments in time, and at the same time they exist as individual moments of time. Because all moments are the time being, they are your time being.” - Dōgen Zenji, Uji
This novel is an amazing feat. I don’t even know where to begin….This was a profoundly deep and moving novel about a japanese teenager, her father, her great grandmother, her uncle, and a woman in British Columbia who is drawn into the story after discovering the girl’s diary. This is a philosophical novel, a coming-of-age novel, a mystery novel sprinkled with a dash of magic realism.
Nao, the japanese teenager, was my favorite character. Her story is heart breaking. She struggles with bullying (very harsh and cruel bullying), a suicidal father, a distant mother, child prostitution, her own depression and suicidal thoughts, and somehow manages to overcome all of this to return to her true optimistic nature. I loved her.
Ruth is a middle-aged novelist in British Columbia who has discovered Nao’s diary. She was not an amazing character in my opinion, but she was necessary to make this book happen. You journey through Nao’s story and Ruth’s perspective on it.
This book covers lots of ground, but never loses its focus. It's a gem, not to be missed. I love that is makes you think about how the acts of writing and reading both create and undo who we are and how technology brings us closer and further apart in a single breath.
生 - to live ‘For now...for the time being. ...more
This novel is a man’s story of survival on Mars after a series of unfortunate events during his crew’s mission. Mark Watney [main character] chronicleThis novel is a man’s story of survival on Mars after a series of unfortunate events during his crew’s mission. Mark Watney [main character] chronicles his experiences on the surface of Mars and his efforts to stave off disaster and death. You can think of him as Macgyver on Mar. The best part about Watney, is his sense of humor throughout the whole ordeal. I loved this book, despite being on the fence about it based on the back of the book. You should go read it...Right Now! ...more
This was a fascinating and moving story about a young girl names Melanie who is different. The narrative unfolds with Melanie’s struggle to balance thThis was a fascinating and moving story about a young girl names Melanie who is different. The narrative unfolds with Melanie’s struggle to balance the hostile world she calls home, with her yearning for love and freedom. Carey does a fantastic job with the reveal and you learn of Melanie’s past and what has become of the world and what will become of the world. This quote really stuck with me, “You can’t save people from the world. There’s nowhere else to take them.” Amazing book, it’s definitely being added to my favorites....more
Where to begin? This book covers so much ground and elicits so many emotions. I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone who is interested in reading Where to begin? This book covers so much ground and elicits so many emotions. I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone who is interested in reading it, so I won’t go into too much detail. The characters are both lovable and loathsome depending on where they are in their journey. For a story based on magic and fantasy, there are elements that are oh so real and almost cynical. I really enjoyed this book, despite feeling slightly depressed yet hopeful at the end. Like I said weird mix of emotions.
While perusing the reviews on Goodreads I realized that people either loved or hated this book. I personally loved it. There is great bravery and honeWhile perusing the reviews on Goodreads I realized that people either loved or hated this book. I personally loved it. There is great bravery and honesty in this story and I respect Strayed’s transparency in her memoir. I loved her descriptions of the PCT and the personal aspects of her relationships. I felt inspired while reading this book and I highly recommend reading it. ...more