To start out the new year I thought I would revamp my book reviewing system. I started using a new website called Good Reads to keep track of the books I've read in the past, books I'm currently reading, books I want to read, and books I've finished. I've posted a couple different book lists on my sidebar: books I'm currently reading and books I've finished this year. This way you can easily see the ratings I've given for any book without having to dig through all my book posts.
Because I started using the Good Reads website, my rating scale will also change. I will now be on a 5 star system instead of 3. Here's the breakdown:
*= Didn't like it; **= It was ok; ***=Liked it; ****=Really liked it; *****=It was amazing
by Louis L'Amour
Rating: **
West of the Tularosa is about... well... let's see. This guy comes into town and finds some dead guys in a cabin. Then the bad guys try to frame him and they gotta figure out who done what.
This was my first attempt at reading a western. I listened to this on audiobook and thought it was entertaining, though maybe not quite my style. I'm typically not big on westerns and this just seemed to be a little too... I don't know. It's a good book to read on the beach. There. I think that says it.
by Suzanne Collins
Rating: ****
For those of you who haven't read it yet, The Hunger Games is about a girl named Katniss who is involved in a deadly survivalist reality t.v. show. Every year, two children (a boy and a girl) between the ages of 12-18 are drawn in a lottery from each of 12 districts. These children are then sent into an arena to fight to the death. The winner gets immunity from later games as well as food and a home for the rest of their lives, something that is very valuable in a semi-communistic society where starvation is common.
I didn't want to like this book, what with it being so popular and all, but I couldn't help it. I had it on loan from the library for two weeks, a shorter period than normal because there's such a long waiting list. Seth and I were both able to finish the book in the two week period. It was a very engaging book... I found that I kept reading and reading... something I rarely do. This was a great easy read and I'll definitely be reading the whole series.
by Leif Enger
Rating: *****
I know. This book looks like it would be incredibly boring. The title does not do it justice. However, this was one of the best books I've read in a while. It's hard to say what this book is about without giving away too many plot details. Mainly it's about a man named Jeremiah Land who goes through a moral dilemma of whether he should turn his 16 year old son, Davy into "the Feds" after he is charged for murder and escapes from prison. The book is told from Davy's 11 year old asthmatic brother, Reuben's perspective.
I really loved Enger's writing style. He gave each of his characters such an individual personality and voice. You can't help but love each of the characters, even the "evil Fed" who is after Davy. This book is definitely on my Top 5 list for the last year.
p.s. I listened to the audio version of this book and really enjoyed it. Great narrator.
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4 comments:
I liked Hunger Games and Peace like a River. I didn't like Peace like a River because of Davy. I know he was trying to protect his family, but in the end did the COMPLETE opposite. It made me mad that he was so selfish, and still didn't take care of his family in the end, but they still made him out to be a hero.
Yay! An update! It's been a while, Miss I Love My Cooking Blog The Most.
I started Peace Like a River once but only read like three pages and got distracted. I'll have to give it another go.
I like the new rating system. It is easier to gage just how good you think the book is. I liked the Hunger games too, but I liked the first book the best (although all of them are fun to read). I did find it interesting that a lot of the older ladies in our neighborhood thought the whole concept/storyline was just so gruesome that they didn't even finish the novel.
I'm glad you liked 'Peace Like a River' I agree, the title and cover make it look lame. Part of the intrigue in the book (Annie) comes from the fact that all sense of right/wrong throughout the book is blurred. You begin the novel thinking one way and by the end of the novel your views have changed.
I am just in awe that someone wouldn't at least appreciate the novel 'Peace Like a River'! (I know I sound like I should start some sort of fan club.) The writing is fantastic. I loved the book from the very first paragraph. I can't imagine reading a few pages and leaving it at that!
I'm with Rachel, you've neglected this blog...better get on it!
I like the new rating system. It is easier to gage just how good you think the book is. I liked the Hunger games too, but I liked the first book the best (although all of them are fun to read). I did find it interesting that a lot of the older ladies in our neighborhood thought the whole concept/storyline was just so gruesome that they didn't even finish the novel.
I'm glad you liked 'Peace Like a River' I agree, the title and cover make it look lame. Part of the intrigue in the book (Annie) comes from the fact that all sense of right/wrong throughout the book is blurred. You begin the novel thinking one way and by the end of the novel your views have changed.
I am just in awe that someone wouldn't at least appreciate the novel 'Peace Like a River'! (I know I sound like I should start some sort of fan club.) The writing is fantastic. I loved the book from the very first paragraph. I can't imagine reading a few pages and leaving it at that!
I'm with Rachel, you've neglected this blog...better get on it!
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