Hard Times: Charles Dickens

Sorry I don't have a synopsis for this book. My copy didn't have one and I don't feel right stealing one from online.

This wasn't really the first book I wanted to review for 2011, but school started and I've had to put down my initial choice... I suppose you lose all right to choose when you sign up for a heavy course load!!!

Anyway, I read this book for my 19th Century European History class. I was a little put off by the introduction in my edition, which stated that this was Dickens' longest and most difficult to read work... Yeah. That's really going to set me up to enjoy it.

Needless to say, I read it anyway. I struggled with the dryness in the first book (the novel is comprised of three), but it got better the more I read. English history has always intrigued me, so that probably had something to do with my slowly blossoming enjoyment. I was impressed at how much I felt for the characters--whether it was disgust or sympathy. It seemed that there was not a single character that I could feel apathetic toward. The descriptions were so rich and eloquent, it was difficult not to include entire paragraphs in my analysis on the book when I finally wrote my paper.

I believe part of my interest in this novel stemmed from the fact that I love reading modern works of fiction set in this time period. It was fascinating to see a view of the period outside of the rosy glass normally used by fiction authors--at least the ones I've read.

I wish I could give a more thorough review, but it would seem I am all "Dickensed" out. This is one that should be read by English and History majors alike for it's eloquence, language, characterizations, and blunt portrayal of Industrial England.

The Dark-Hunters, Volume 2: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Claudia Campos

"IN THE WAR AGAINST VAMPIRES, MANKIND HAS ONLY ONE HOPE: THE DARK-HUNTERS. Ancient warriors who died of brutal betrayal, the Dark-Hunters have sworn themselves into the service of the goddess Artemis to protect us.

"It's a pact with pretty good perks--immortality, power, psychic abilities, wealth, and a cool wardrobe. But it comes with a dew drawbacks: fatal sun poisoning and a new, irreparable dental problem. But aside from the fangs and nocturnal lifestyle, it's not so bad.

"Kyrian is an immortal Dark-Hunter who just lost his Dark-Hunter powers and along with it, his immortality. Now, he is faced with the chance to regain not only his humanity, but his very soul. The problem is that it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Desiderius is closing in, and if Kyrian and Amanda are going to save humanity, Kyrian must take the war to his enemy--or it may be too late."

I've had this book for nearly a year and can't believe I never opened it!!! To be honest, what prompted my reading of this book in an hour was my latest Barnes & Noble shopping spree (thank you coupons!). I bought the third one and thought, "Wow...I don't think I've read the second one yet!"

I have to say that I liked this volume in the manga series a lot. Initially, I was upset that each of the novels was going to be cut in half to accommodate things like fitting the typical length of manga, but now I'm happy. The cut-off point was a cliff-hanger between volumes 1 and 2...which made me frustrated and excited at the same time because I desperately wanted to read more--and I've READ the actual novel! That's fairly impressive. It also did a really good job of splitting up the plot, with the character development in the first half and a lot of the action in the second.

Another thing I noticed was a definite change in the artwork. This may have been due to the slightly more serious nature of the second volume, but there were a lot less of the manga-ish faces in this one, which I, personally found pleasing. (Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some manga, but not if it's too goofy... I think because I've read these novels and picture the Dark-Hunter characters certain ways, having them melt into cartoony expressions doesn't do it for me.) However, there seemed to be a little loss of detail in some sections. It could just be me, but there looks (as I go back and double-check) to be fewer lines and anatomical details (which sounds like a pervy comment, but isn't). This didn't detract from my enjoyment, but I almost hope the artist melds the styles in these two books a little bit more in the third volume (which I've obviously just purchased, but may have to pace myself and read at a later date...).

Overall, I enjoyed this manga installment and recommend it to anyone willing to get a different take on the Dark-Hunter series. It might be a little difficult to stomach if you're in love with your own mental versions of the characters, but at lest give it a try. The writing is all edited by Kenyon, so some of the best lines have made it in!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book Three): J.K. Rowling

“For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent of the Dark Lord Voldemort.

“Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter’s defeat of You-Know-Who was Black’s downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, “He’s at Hogwarts...he’s at Hogwarts.”

“Harry Potter isn’t safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.”

I’ve finally finished book three! I will say that the first thing I noticed was the development of the characters. Not only has the writing developed, but the characters have grown. All of this comes together to provide a unique reading experience. You feel like the whole world around Harry Potter is growing and defining with each year that passes. You get the sense that this happens because Harry is growing up and, naturally, becoming more aware of the world around him. That probably sounds repetitive, but it makes sense to me as I’m writing this.

Though not my favorite of the series, this book was definitely a good one. It served to deepen the grand scheme of the Harry Potter series. Lupin was a fantastic character. I enjoyed his role because it was nice to see Harry finally have a pleasant Hogwarts experience outside of Quidditch and Dumbledore. Lupin reminded me of that one special teacher that we hope each student has an opportunity to meet because that teacher will change a student’s life. The development of Snape’s character was interesting to watch as well. While the readers really dislike him in the first two books, that feeling intensifies in this book--especially toward the end. It’s nice to have a villain that’s present rather than an intangible fear of an evil wizard who was only glimpsed in the prior books.

As I’m a dork and can’t seem to stay away from the relationships between the Harry Potter books and movies, I shall begin my comparisons...

The movie adaptation of this book is one that I haven’t seen recently. Of course, I remember it, but not the specifics. I should probably find it online and watch it so I can give a better review, but I (unfortunately) don’t have the time right now. (As it is, I seriously doubt I’m going to make my reading goal by the New Year...) I recall the scene in the Shrieking Shack to be a little confusing, but it followed the book pretty closely. Overall, I believe the movie did a wonderful job with following the book’s plot. The major incidents were really followed well. This was definitely helped by the fact that the writing, in the first place, was extremely excellent.

To sum up the shortest of my Harry Potter reviews, I enjoyed this book. I LOVE watching Harry Potter grow up and it’s brilliant how the writing style is developing along with him. I truly am impressed with this series and look forward to picking up the next installment.

Warrior's Song (aka Chandra) (Medieval Song Series, Book One): Catherine Coulter

“Dear Reader:

“Chandra first appeared in 1984. I’ve rewritten it extensively and changed the title to Warrior’s Song, as this book rightfully belongs in the Song series.

“Chandra de Avenell might look like a golden princess, but she fights like a warrior, dreams a warrior’s dreams and wears a warrior’s pride like a suit of armor. She wants to be strong, independent, and free. She has no use at all for a husband.

“Enter the man her father has selected for her. Jerval de Vernon takes one look at Chandra, and he wants her. After he saves her from a very bad situation, he sets himself to wooing her--not an easy task.

“How does a man convince a woman he coerces into marriage to become a wife? To give him her loyalty and her trust? Love is something he would like her to consider as well. But what if the wife has no intention of cooperating? Does he break her or finally give up on her?

“Warrior’s Song introduces Graelam de Moreton, a real bad boy, who has his mate thrust upon him in the second book of this series, Fire Song...”

As part of my rekindled determination to return to my prior reviewing practices, I’ve decided to begin RAIR (Reviewing as I read. I know...I’m a dork...). This will not only help me to write better reviews, but it will give you readers a better look at the books. When reading a 500 page book, it’s difficult to recall details that bothered me or things I found impressive because there are often very many. Thus begins my new reviewing method.

I have several copies of Catherine Coulter’s books in my personal library, but I’ve not yet read one. This is the first time I’ve picked up one of her writings and it’s nice to get back to my usual reading material. I had no idea that I missed it so much!

However, though this book is closer to my usual reading style, there is something missing. Either my memory of this genre is lacking, or there is something a little bit off about this book--not that it’s bad (which it isn’t at all) but it’s definitely an older one. I think the fact that the original copy of this book (before it was revised and reprinted into the one I am reading) came out even before my parents were married has something to do with this. I’ve made this comment about older books before (if you look at some of my reviews of Connie Mason’s older books or others that I’ve done, you’ll see what I mean). I don’t believe the author is to blame here--just my own youth. I have to remember that the author wrote this book years before I was born, so it was during a period that was different from the one I grew up in. Naturally, the style would differ from what I’m used to.

Now that I’ve said that, there are a lot of things that I like about this book. The characters are interesting and unique. Chandra is truly a standout character. She’s so vastly different from any other female lead that I’ve read that it was a really refreshing change. However, at times she is almost too strong. Personally, there were times when I actually almost disliked her for her harsh ways. It made it more palatable by the fact that Jerval and others consistently commented on how much she reminded them of a cocky boy rather than a woman. Jerval was a great male lead. I liked him right from the start. However, as his marriage to Chandra went on, I did seem to enjoy him ever so slightly less. I think this was because I loved his interactions with her before they were wed that I didn’t want things to change so early on in the story. He remained chivalrous and kind and caring--which made for a good character. (I will admit...the consistent comments of how similar Jerval and Chandra looked creeped me out a bit. I can understand comparing his skills to that of her father, but it was a little odd when the readers kept being reminded of a) how much he looked and acted like Chanrda’s father that he could have been her son, and b) how similar Jerval and Chandra looked that they could have been siblings. I think I can understand what the author was trying to say--that they would be the perfect foils for one another because the only one who could tame Chandra was her father, but it was a little strong and the fact that it kept being repeated prepared me for a very awkward plot twist that never came. On top of that, the strange relationship between Chandra and her father was awkward all on its own. That one, however, I’ll let you read for yourself.) Graelam de Moreton was played up to be this big bad boy, but--even at the beginning--I didn’t think him as evil as all that. I didn’t even see much cruelty in his interaction with Mary. I do think this was because Coulter didn’t want us to hate him overmuch since he has his own book later in the series. Though he piqued my interest at points, I do believe he could have been hardened a little more to make him seem like the powerful, evil man that the characters kept stating him to be. (This made me appreciate the turn of events in the book’s ending.)

As for the writing itself; the beginning of the book seemed a little wooden and stilted--almost like the author wanted to get through it as quickly as possible so she could write the fun bits. The dialogue was a little bit funky in the first few chapters as well (this is difficult to explain, so you’ll have to read it for yourself). The only way to describe it as is too formal. Luckily, this relaxed (or I became used to it) and the story smoothed out dramatically. So, if you can get through the first few chapters, you’re golden...right up until a little over a third of the way through the book. It gets a little awkward once more. The characters are again repeating conversations and comments that were made only a short while earlier. I can understand where the author is coming from here, but it could have helped to allow the characters some prior knowledge so things didn’t have to be explained more than once. (This sounds really harsh, but it’s not actually all that bad in the book. I merely found some things a little bit repetitive. Nothing major.)

Another comment I must make is on the similes and metaphors the author used. It wasn’t really that they were bad, but more so overused. She found a couple good ones and just reworded them to describe the same things (again, not something I can put into the review, you’ll have to read it for yourself and be the judge). This didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was noticeable enough for me to comment on it in this review. In fact, the same thing goes for anecdotes that the characters have. They seem to be reused and recycled for various situations and characters. I didn’t think of mentioning this until the incident with the frozen lakes and skating was mentioned twice by two separate characters as if it hadn’t been said before. This may not seem like a big deal--and it really isn’t--but I thought it a bit off.

Though this book was rewritten, there were still typos, issues with the dialogue, and some tweaking still needed to be done to the writing. Overall, I liked this book even though I felt like it could have ended with the incident in Mary’s new home (I don’t want to say anything to give it away, so you’ll have to bear with me). The second part of the book was bordering on excessive, though I will admit that it wrapped things up pretty nicely. One thing I didn’t care for was how close Edward and Jerval were. Granted, this made for a more interesting story, but it definitely created a little less realistic plot. This book was good and a decent read. I liked the characters, though they became a little more generic as the book went on. I honestly missed seeing more of Jerval later in the book--it was like he was no longer as important before. This made me sad, but didn’t wreck the book for me. Overall, I would recommend this book as a light read. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s definitely not worth missing.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, Book Two): J.K. Rowling

"THE DURSLEYS were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

"And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

"But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself!"

I absolutely devoured this book. I believe I can finally see what all of the Pottermania is about (though I maintain that I'll seek professional help if I ever go to class dressed for Hogwarts with a replica wand up my sleeve). My appreciation for this series has grown tremendously.

Rowling's writing style is impressive. It's brilliant how it can be read by both young adults and adults with both sets of readers able to enjoy it equally (similar to the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan). This really says a lot about an author who is able to do this with the grace and eloquence of Rowling. Her descriptions of Hogwarts were beautifully done and the characters really felt alive. However, I can't fail to give some of this credit to the Harry Potter films. If you've read the review of the first in this series, then you know that I tried to read this series back when it first came to the States. I didn't enjoy it then. Now that I've seen the films, I find myself truly enjoying the books.

Then again, I believe the movies deserve notoriety of their own. When I finished this second installment in the Harry Potter series, I realized how well the movies captured the books. Of course, they left out some details for lack of major import, but this doesn't detract from my appreciation. I really love how (thus far at least) the movies follow the books almost to the word. Some entire conversations were even taken directly from the books, which is impressive. Usually, movies take the words "based on" as allowance for interpretation--not the case with the Potter films/books. I believe that this played a major role in my newfound appreciation for these books.

Now that I'm off that rave, back to the real review. As I hinted at earlier, I really enjoyed this book. It's fun to see Ron, Harry, and Hermione grow a little each year. The actual Hogwarts classes are so creative. The premise itself is so interesting that I found myself under "the Harry Potter spell" and had a terribly difficult time putting the book down. The plot of this book was slightly darker than the previous one, which suited me just fine. The characters' relationships are growing more complex--as it tends to happen when one grows up. Of course, with old favorites come new ones. We're introduced to Gilderoy Lockhart--the pompous, self-serving, best-selling author-turned Hogwarts professor. I do believe he is impossible to like! (My professor told me he was modeled after Rowling's ex-husband, which would make sense with the disgusting way he was portrayed.) Amusing at times, Lockhart certainly added to the book.

We learn more about Lord Voldemort and his relationship to Harry. Had I not seen the movie, I'm sure I would have loved how this snuck up on the readers. I have a new level of respect for the intricacies in Rowling's writing that my Children's Literature professor mentioned earlier this semester. I'm beginning to see how deeply she planned the whole series. It really is impressive.

I will say one thing (though I'm sure you're going to want to kill me for going back to the film/book comparison), I wish the movie adaptation of Chamber of Secrets had explained why Harry was a Parselmouth a little more; as well as clarified how Voldemort came about his name. They say it in the movie, but it wasn't as clear as it could have been (i.e. his real middle name). Overall, the casting is absolutely fantastic. ***SPOILER*** Then, I have a little issue with the book itself. Harry isn't worried about the monster let loose in the halls of Hogwarts because he's a Pureblood. However, I was under the impression that his mother came from a Muggle family. Doesn't this mean Harry technically isn't a Pureblood? I ended up rationalizing that, because both of Harry's parents could do magic, then Harry was considered a Pureblood. Then, when he and Riddle met in the Chamber of Secrets, Riddle calls Harry a Mud-blood. I hope I'm just missing something. I'll probably go back and reread these parts. One more thing: Voldemort hates Mud-bloods, yet he--himself--is one. He's the Heir of Slytherine would consider him a disgrace? That's just me, though.***

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book--as you can probably tell from the length of this review. I'm going home for the holidays and I look forward to having time to relax and read. These aren't things I've had a ton of time to do lately. My reviewing has really suffered because of this. Sadly, the amount of my reviews has decreased since I began several years ago. I'm going to really have to step up in 2011!

Stormy Weather: Carl Hiaasen

"Two honeymooners wake up early, make love twice, and brace themselves for a spectacle they won't be watching from the sidelines. A seductive con artiste stumbles into a scam that promises more cool cash than the lottery. A shotgun-toting mobile home salesman is about to close a deal with disaster. A law school dropout will be chasing one Gaboon viper, a troop of storm-shocked monkeys, and a newfound love life, while tourists by the thousands bail from the Florida Keys. We're no entering the hurricane zone, where hell and hilarity rule. And in the hands of the masterful, merciless Carl Hiaasen, we're going to have some weather."

(First off, I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, I just didn't get a chance to review it with finals and all...)

My aunt read this book on a recent cruise and passed it on to me. She loved it: describing it as a little sick, a little raunchy, but all good. Her oldest daughter has been reading Hiaasen's Y.A. books and she likes his writing as well. Personally, this was my first encounter with Hiaasen's works.

I liked his writing. It was witty and blunt, but surprisingly eloquent. His characters were eerily realistic in their satire. Hiaasen isn't afraid of offending anyone and that is definitely admirable.

The storyline was extremely complex and, in the beginning, I worried how Hiaasen was going to make it all come together. He didn't disappoint and his ending was very satisfying. Initially, it seemed like it went in twenty different directions. I couldn't even begin to wrap my mind around it all. The way that Hiaasen was able to link everything was truly "masterful".

As I mentioned before, the characters were fantastic. I have a feeling that Hiaasen wrote a bit of himself into Skink because (and this might not make sense to anyone but myself) the character's actions were so like the author's writing style. I found this really interesting. Another character I liked was Augustine. His cynicism was amusing and his caustic personality made him interesting.

Overall, I liked this book. It really wasn't something I normally read and that made it a big change from my normal reviews. The beginning of the book took me a while to get through, but it was worth the effort.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (Harry Potter, Book One): J.K. Rowling

"HARRY POTTER has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursley's, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

"But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter."

I will admit that I tried reading this book when it first came out more than a decade ago. All of my friends were totally enthralled by it.

I hated it.

I know, I know...what person hates Harry Potter?!? I couldn't get through the first chapter. I don't know if it was the writing or the fact that I was only really reading it because all of my friends loved it, but I absolutely could not get through the first chapter. Now, more than a decade later, I was assigned this book as one of my readings for my Children's Literature class. Needless to say, my reaction was not a very happy one. Luckily this was one of the last ones that I had to read for the semester. I finished all of the other ones way ahead of schedule so I could give myself a few weeks to drag my butt through this book. I was finally forced to pick up this book last week...and I obviously finished it MUCH sooner than I had to.

This time around, I really, really liked it!!!

Just because I didn't read the book doesn't mean I hated the movies. I really enjoyed them (though I was never one of the people buying advanced tickets, dressing up, and going to the midnight show--nothing wrong with people who did this, but it's not my cup of tea for Harry Potter). My aunt and I once spent an entire day watching all of the movies in a row. Back to my review: I think the reason I really liked this book was because I had the movie playing in the back of my mind. If nothing, it really added to my enjoyment of the story. Of course, there were several differences between the book and the movies--which you'll know only when you are able to compare them--but they didn't detract at all from my enjoyment. It was so great to be able to put faces to the names and I can really see how well the movies captured Rowling's work. I enjoyed the characters and the creativity. Now I can really appreciate the author's talent for storytelling.

I actually recommend this book. Even if you didn't like it as a kid; give it another chance because you just might be surprised. Don't be afraid to watch the movies too :) I fully intend on watching the first movie again and reading the other books in conjunction with re-watching the movies. My aunt says I'll become a complete dork because of my newfound enjoyment.