sonia_reppe's reviews
1293 reviews

I wanted to read at least one of the books presented in class, (besides the one my group had to present) for Intro to Library sci; this one seemed the most interesting to me. The 22 essays about books and reading can each stand alone and be read in whatever order; however, I read it straight through in three weeks time since I have to return it to the library. Some of the essays I really liked, others were kind of bogged down with history...I don't mean I dislike learning history; just slogging through all those Greek names slowed down my enjoyment; and also, there's always violence, because history is full of violence; not that this book speaks a lot about that, not really. If you like non-fiction with a big historical vibe, this one's for you.

Presenting this book, the girls said that it was not scholarly, but I think it is scholarly. Manguel includes his experiences as a reader into each particular essay, as fits the topic; I guess that makes it not scholarly; but can a book be said to be part scholarly, part personal? He obviously did a lot of research. My favorite chapters were Private Reading, Metaphors of Reading, Reading the Future, the Translator as Reader, Forbidden Reader, and Book Fool. There were some excellent paragraphs, most often the last one of the chapter.

The parts about her mom were the best. The mom is a good-hearted, unique character (very entertaining). I didn't like Janzen's irreverent mocking of so many different things, when she herself is very messed up. She is just coming to admit that she was in an abusive relationship for over 15 years. Okay, baby steps; but I kept shaking my head whenever she referred to her ex as "brilliant but tortured." She obviously esteems him still, and I think he warped her. But this review should discuss the book and its writing, not the author's personal life; even though that's what memoirs usually present. I think instead of this book, she should've written an abuse-survivor memoir where she can analyze her ex all she wants and maybe come to realize some profound truths about herself.

The themes of this semi-autobiographical novel, which takes place in the 50's, include the absurdity of consumer/commericial America, success and failure, and obsession. A mixture of egoism and self-deprecation and self-realization, this is written as a man looking back on his youth (mainly his twenties) and relating his experiences in all their humiliating and/or poignant and regretable glory. Yes, it's a little misogynistic in just a few parts but the writing is so excellent. He is a genius at drawing characters, he gets at the range of human emotion and experience and he's hilarious.

Ginger is in a bag.
Pumpkin is in a drawer.
Where is Frisky?
In trouble. Uh oh...

I can't believe I've never come across this book before. Great gift idea.

I like the writing style of this. Even though for the first two pages I didn't realize Ezra was a boy (sounds like a girl's name)I really got into this. Part 1 was definitely better than part 2, which lost momentum. This might only be a 3-star book, but I'm giving it 4 for Part 1.

Kathy took the war stories of these women and condensed them into action-filled pages of heroic deeds, with no chapter more than a few pages. Organized by country; at the beginning of each part she explains that country's position and role in the war. Very readable, keeps a good pace. Lots of good research went into this.

3.5 stars. I can't believe his daughter stopped talking to him. Yes I'm judging her without even knowing her.