I may actually finish reading some 2011 releases during January 2012 and may redo this list to reflect the newer choices. Otherwise, here it is as of this time...
Showing posts with label yea books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yea books. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011: Book Review 2 of 5
after the quake
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the second of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
Short stories are a strange animal. You are telling the story of people, places, and things; and yet you only have a limited amount of time. All there is time for is the important stuff, the "greatest hits" of it, if you would. It takes a different set of skills to reach shortened-literary perfection. Even novelists are daunted by them. Haruki Murakami remained, as usual, undaunted by a challenge. While he's done it before, he achieved his finest hour in after the quake.
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the second of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
Short stories are a strange animal. You are telling the story of people, places, and things; and yet you only have a limited amount of time. All there is time for is the important stuff, the "greatest hits" of it, if you would. It takes a different set of skills to reach shortened-literary perfection. Even novelists are daunted by them. Haruki Murakami remained, as usual, undaunted by a challenge. While he's done it before, he achieved his finest hour in after the quake.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Book Review: 13 of 24 (First Lady of Rock Criticism)
Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music
Edited by Nona Willis Aronowitz
Barnes & Noble link
This was a book I wasn't sure how to approach when it came time to finally review it. At first, I abandoned the idea of doing this, since it is the first book of its kind that I ever reviewed (here or anywhere else). But after some consideration, the review will go on. This unsung lady of rock journalism shall not go ignored any longer! With a little help from her friends (and daughter too), the late Ellen Willis gets a fitting tribute in this collection of her greatest hits in Out of the Vinyl Deeps.
Edited by Nona Willis Aronowitz
Barnes & Noble link
This was a book I wasn't sure how to approach when it came time to finally review it. At first, I abandoned the idea of doing this, since it is the first book of its kind that I ever reviewed (here or anywhere else). But after some consideration, the review will go on. This unsung lady of rock journalism shall not go ignored any longer! With a little help from her friends (and daughter too), the late Ellen Willis gets a fitting tribute in this collection of her greatest hits in Out of the Vinyl Deeps.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011: Book Review 1 of 5
South of the Border, West of the Sun
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the first of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
When it comes to writing about lost love in an earnest tone, Haruki Murakami delivers in spades. If you need further evidence, please consult Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood. He writes another story of lost love, and this time, there is nothing that stand between the two... well, except the two. Lovers go to battle with their own demons in South of the Border, West of the Sun.
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the first of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
When it comes to writing about lost love in an earnest tone, Haruki Murakami delivers in spades. If you need further evidence, please consult Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood. He writes another story of lost love, and this time, there is nothing that stand between the two... well, except the two. Lovers go to battle with their own demons in South of the Border, West of the Sun.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Book Review: 10 of 24 (Ballard Rides Again)
High Rise
By J.G. Ballard
Wikipedia link (click here to buy it from England!)
(Fun fact: this book was my solitary goal in my book-searching quest over in the British Isles earlier this year. It was this book or bust. Found it in the Foyles on Charing Cross. Excellent store, six floors of book heaven.)
A long time ago, I cracked open a copy of Stephen King's Danse Macabre (which I sorta recommend, but that's a whole other kettle of fish) and went to the far back to read the recommended books list. The tome of horror's long-ass history listed High Rise and Concrete Island alongside The Exorcist and The Haunting of Hill House. After finding High Rise, and just now finishing it, of this trilogy that Ballard had (Crash, Concrete Island, and High Rise; all which hilariously enough I read in order) this one is definitely the most likely to represent future real life.
By J.G. Ballard
Wikipedia link (click here to buy it from England!)
(Fun fact: this book was my solitary goal in my book-searching quest over in the British Isles earlier this year. It was this book or bust. Found it in the Foyles on Charing Cross. Excellent store, six floors of book heaven.)
A long time ago, I cracked open a copy of Stephen King's Danse Macabre (which I sorta recommend, but that's a whole other kettle of fish) and went to the far back to read the recommended books list. The tome of horror's long-ass history listed High Rise and Concrete Island alongside The Exorcist and The Haunting of Hill House. After finding High Rise, and just now finishing it, of this trilogy that Ballard had (Crash, Concrete Island, and High Rise; all which hilariously enough I read in order) this one is definitely the most likely to represent future real life.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Book Review: 9 of 24 (musician getting writing awards and stuff)
Just Kids
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I read a chunk of this on an e-reader on display at my job, since I was supposed to stand there and demonstrate it for curious customers.)
A memoir can be more than just about the pen-holder. It can be about another, a person that had stood beside the author through the tumbles of life. Inspire them to do great things and become someone that ends up making history. That is what Patti Smith did in her memoir Just Kids, making it not only about her, but the famed photographer and best friend Robert Mapplethorpe.
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I read a chunk of this on an e-reader on display at my job, since I was supposed to stand there and demonstrate it for curious customers.)
A memoir can be more than just about the pen-holder. It can be about another, a person that had stood beside the author through the tumbles of life. Inspire them to do great things and become someone that ends up making history. That is what Patti Smith did in her memoir Just Kids, making it not only about her, but the famed photographer and best friend Robert Mapplethorpe.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Book Review: 8 of 24 (Holy Mackerel!)
The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University
By Kevin Roose
Barnes & Noble link
(Lordy, I waited too long to read this glorious tome. Hope not to do that for Rob Sheffield's newest book.)
There are times when you confront someone who has different beliefs than you and you wonder "what is it like to be them? And most importantly, are the stereotypes true?" Kevin Roose, instead of settling with stereotypes, decides to dive right into the world of evangelical Christians. The Unlikely Disciple is the chronicle of that adventure.
By Kevin Roose
Barnes & Noble link
(Lordy, I waited too long to read this glorious tome. Hope not to do that for Rob Sheffield's newest book.)
There are times when you confront someone who has different beliefs than you and you wonder "what is it like to be them? And most importantly, are the stereotypes true?" Kevin Roose, instead of settling with stereotypes, decides to dive right into the world of evangelical Christians. The Unlikely Disciple is the chronicle of that adventure.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Book Review: 7 of 24
So Punk Rock (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother)
by Micol Ostow with illustrations by David Ostow
Barnes & Noble link
(Note: this is one of four library books I need to get finish reading before the end of the month. Moral of the story: never borrow seven books at a time when you have at home 100+ of your own you need to read...)
Once in a while, in the young adult literature world, you stumble across a book that manages to capture what it's like being a teenager in its purest essence. The social pitfalls, the schoolwork, the dreams and dares. But what it does differently is it does it without making it vapid, you with the bookworm personality or the outcast who hasn't yet asked out the love of their life. Sure, it may also be in a framework that you didn't grow up in, but hey, it's neat to get a different perspective. So Punk Rock... is one of those books.
by Micol Ostow with illustrations by David Ostow
Barnes & Noble link
(Note: this is one of four library books I need to get finish reading before the end of the month. Moral of the story: never borrow seven books at a time when you have at home 100+ of your own you need to read...)
Once in a while, in the young adult literature world, you stumble across a book that manages to capture what it's like being a teenager in its purest essence. The social pitfalls, the schoolwork, the dreams and dares. But what it does differently is it does it without making it vapid, you with the bookworm personality or the outcast who hasn't yet asked out the love of their life. Sure, it may also be in a framework that you didn't grow up in, but hey, it's neat to get a different perspective. So Punk Rock... is one of those books.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Book Review: 6 of 24 (this gets personal)
Amberville
by Tim Davys
Barnes & Noble link
(Note: I happened upon this book while browsing my favorite Tumblr blog, Libraryland. The moment its existence was made known to me, I had to go out and buy it. It needed to be in my life twenty minutes ago.)
Talk about unexpected surprises. Tim Davys, an anonymous figure from Sweden, threw a doozy at the literary world. Taking elements of Chandler and Hammett, adding a dash of whimsy, and added his/her/hir secret ingredient; Davys unleashed a quartet (so far, two of them are out). What is the secret ingredient, you ask? Stuffed animals. Yes. As in teddy bears, bunny rabbits, and elephants with cotton-filled tusks and trunks. Still with me? Good, because believe this: this whole concoction is a miracle and must be witnessed by all who enjoy books.
by Tim Davys
Barnes & Noble link
(Note: I happened upon this book while browsing my favorite Tumblr blog, Libraryland. The moment its existence was made known to me, I had to go out and buy it. It needed to be in my life twenty minutes ago.)
Talk about unexpected surprises. Tim Davys, an anonymous figure from Sweden, threw a doozy at the literary world. Taking elements of Chandler and Hammett, adding a dash of whimsy, and added his/her/hir secret ingredient; Davys unleashed a quartet (so far, two of them are out). What is the secret ingredient, you ask? Stuffed animals. Yes. As in teddy bears, bunny rabbits, and elephants with cotton-filled tusks and trunks. Still with me? Good, because believe this: this whole concoction is a miracle and must be witnessed by all who enjoy books.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Book Review: 5 of 24 (damn, I need to catch up)
1984
by George Orwell
Barnes & Noble link
(This read was in celebration of Banned Books Week)
This is no underestimated, underground book. 1984, upon its release in 1949, changed pop culture. It added such phrases as "doublethink" and "Big Brother's watching you" into the lexicon. The notion of paranoia, of a government having control over everything from the media to how people are exposed to it, rings true for today. Especially in North Korea, where a totalitarian society, a living Oceania, currently reigns over its people.
by George Orwell
Barnes & Noble link
(This read was in celebration of Banned Books Week)
This is no underestimated, underground book. 1984, upon its release in 1949, changed pop culture. It added such phrases as "doublethink" and "Big Brother's watching you" into the lexicon. The notion of paranoia, of a government having control over everything from the media to how people are exposed to it, rings true for today. Especially in North Korea, where a totalitarian society, a living Oceania, currently reigns over its people.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Book Review: 4 of 24
The Stepford Wives
by Ira Levin
Barnes & Noble link
(I read this on a whim while reading Stephen King's Danse Macabre, which mentioned the movie and the novel on the chapter about horror films. I finished it in less than two hours, go me. *fails to mention her vision is blurry as all-get-out*)
Ira Levin may not be much of a household name these days, but respectful horror nerds (of both the literary and film varieties) must acknowledge his footprints on this metaphorical frontier. He first brought the world Rosemary's Baby, a story so deep-rooted in modern culture that you don't have to see the film in order to understand why it scared the bejeebus out of everyone. It became a popular film, one in the lauded tower with others such as The Shining and Halloween. In 1972, he did it again. In the wake of women's lib taking on the world, he released The Stepford Wives. The book, unlike his last hit, wasn't much into grisly horror. It instead punched readers and viewers (once the film was released) with subtle, even paranoid, horror.
by Ira Levin
Barnes & Noble link
(I read this on a whim while reading Stephen King's Danse Macabre, which mentioned the movie and the novel on the chapter about horror films. I finished it in less than two hours, go me. *fails to mention her vision is blurry as all-get-out*)
Ira Levin may not be much of a household name these days, but respectful horror nerds (of both the literary and film varieties) must acknowledge his footprints on this metaphorical frontier. He first brought the world Rosemary's Baby, a story so deep-rooted in modern culture that you don't have to see the film in order to understand why it scared the bejeebus out of everyone. It became a popular film, one in the lauded tower with others such as The Shining and Halloween. In 1972, he did it again. In the wake of women's lib taking on the world, he released The Stepford Wives. The book, unlike his last hit, wasn't much into grisly horror. It instead punched readers and viewers (once the film was released) with subtle, even paranoid, horror.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Book Review: 3 of 24
Piercing
by Ryū Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
(This was a library borrow. Two down, four to go. This also will be the last review that will be lacking quotes from the book, since I keep forgetting to do that.)
Ryu Murakami is no stranger to writing novels that will make readers squirm in their seats (please refer to Almost Transparent Blue, Audition [yes, that one], and In the Miso Soup... but with caution). Compared to the more popular Haruki Murakami and his surrealistic settings, Ryū Murakami could be almost the shock jock of modern Japanese literature, especially with his focus on sexual violence, drug addiction, and deviant behaviors. But calling Murakami (referring to the author of Piercing from this point on) that would be missing the point of his work. If readers looked past the violence and sexuality and drugs, they would discover something just as hideous as a growing pool of rich red blood: people can be terrible.
by Ryū Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
(This was a library borrow. Two down, four to go. This also will be the last review that will be lacking quotes from the book, since I keep forgetting to do that.)
Ryu Murakami is no stranger to writing novels that will make readers squirm in their seats (please refer to Almost Transparent Blue, Audition [yes, that one], and In the Miso Soup... but with caution). Compared to the more popular Haruki Murakami and his surrealistic settings, Ryū Murakami could be almost the shock jock of modern Japanese literature, especially with his focus on sexual violence, drug addiction, and deviant behaviors. But calling Murakami (referring to the author of Piercing from this point on) that would be missing the point of his work. If readers looked past the violence and sexuality and drugs, they would discover something just as hideous as a growing pool of rich red blood: people can be terrible.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Book Review: 2 of 24
Miracles of Life: An Autobiography
J.G. Ballard
Amazon link
(Quick backstory: I purchased this, along with several other Ballard novels, while I was in London a few months ago. My only regret was not buying Millennium People, since it is near-impossible to find in the States.)
After reading Concrete Island, the late J.G. Ballard gained a new fan in me. Upon learning that he had published a memoir, which was released one year before his death from prostate cancer, I made sure to track it down when I was in Europe.
J.G. Ballard
Amazon link
(Quick backstory: I purchased this, along with several other Ballard novels, while I was in London a few months ago. My only regret was not buying Millennium People, since it is near-impossible to find in the States.)
After reading Concrete Island, the late J.G. Ballard gained a new fan in me. Upon learning that he had published a memoir, which was released one year before his death from prostate cancer, I made sure to track it down when I was in Europe.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Oh, look! A book review!
Imperial Bedrooms
Bret Easton Ellis
Barnes & Noble link
(A quick note before I begin: I am going to write 24 reviews for this blog, the 24 being the age I turn this year. A commemoration of 24 years of living. Cheesy, I know.)
Readers were first introduced to Clay and company in Less Than Zero, set in L.A. during the drug-and-champagne eighties. We watched as Clay wandered among his former pals, coming to a sudden realization that like him, we honestly didn't know what was going on.
Bret Easton Ellis
Barnes & Noble link
(A quick note before I begin: I am going to write 24 reviews for this blog, the 24 being the age I turn this year. A commemoration of 24 years of living. Cheesy, I know.)
Readers were first introduced to Clay and company in Less Than Zero, set in L.A. during the drug-and-champagne eighties. We watched as Clay wandered among his former pals, coming to a sudden realization that like him, we honestly didn't know what was going on.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Guess what? You get another review!
The Name of This Book is Talking Heads
Krista Reese
Amazon link
(Fun fact: I finished this book in about two hours, while waiting for an event that I was doing for my internship.)
Krista Reese
Amazon link
(Fun fact: I finished this book in about two hours, while waiting for an event that I was doing for my internship.)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Book review time!
Concrete Island
J.G. Ballard
Barnes & Noble link
I promised a review of this book and y'all shall get it!
J.G. Ballard
Barnes & Noble link
I promised a review of this book and y'all shall get it!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Best of 2009: Book Edition
This is running late, so here we go with the best of 2009 in books! (with even briefer reviews)
Best books released in 2009:
Best books released in 2009:
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