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becca_osborn's reviews
817 reviews
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
3.0
Though I enjoyed the plot and the symbolism and feel this was a good book, this wasn't one of Kingsolver's best works. There were parts of the book that dragged, but I'm uncertain what should have been edited.
I enjoyed the friendships between the characters: the friendship between Taylor and Lou Ann is one that every girl longs for––someone who will tell you 'the way things are', but in a loving and gentle way (and rougher when you need it.). Mattie was endearing and I imagine many wanted to know more about the old lady who was a secret underground worker. Again - this is reflective of good writing.
Cons: The symbolism of the bean trees/growth was nice, but a little overdone towards the end. The plot twists were interesting but predictable.
I felt that the real narrative hook came way too late - after halfway through the book, but I still read those first 170 pages, so I could be wrong. ;)
Ultimately, the good and bad balance out.
I enjoyed the friendships between the characters: the friendship between Taylor and Lou Ann is one that every girl longs for––someone who will tell you 'the way things are', but in a loving and gentle way (and rougher when you need it.). Mattie was endearing and I imagine many wanted to know more about the old lady who was a secret underground worker. Again - this is reflective of good writing.
Cons: The symbolism of the bean trees/growth was nice, but a little overdone towards the end. The plot twists were interesting but predictable.
I felt that the real narrative hook came way too late - after halfway through the book, but I still read those first 170 pages, so I could be wrong. ;)
Ultimately, the good and bad balance out.
The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter
3.0
A short read, but glad I read it.
**SPOILERS**
My favourite thing about this book was the character development in True Son. I found his struggle between right and wrong and reverse discrimination fascinating. It's not super profound (and now it's dated), but I'm glad I read it.
**SPOILERS**
My favourite thing about this book was the character development in True Son. I found his struggle between right and wrong and reverse discrimination fascinating. It's not super profound (and now it's dated), but I'm glad I read it.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
4.0
I can handle a good bit of violence, but this book is a difficult read, especially the first few chapters (lots of trigger warnings for sure.), However, if you can get past these first few chapters, this book is pretty amazing and interesting.
While this book is not my very favourite, I can definitely appreciate the writing and can see why it's a cult classic. The controversy with the ending chapters (an extra ending chapter was published in Britain, but not published in the US) makes a HUGE difference in the interpretation of the book--I can understand the US editor's issues with the additional chapter, but I agree with Burgess that it's an important ending for the book, and can see why he pushed to have it included.
This is a beautiful piece of dystopian lit, though, and made me want to study this genre literature more in depth when it was just gaining popularity in 2010. :)
While this book is not my very favourite, I can definitely appreciate the writing and can see why it's a cult classic. The controversy with the ending chapters (an extra ending chapter was published in Britain, but not published in the US) makes a HUGE difference in the interpretation of the book--I can understand the US editor's issues with the additional chapter, but I agree with Burgess that it's an important ending for the book, and can see why he pushed to have it included.
This is a beautiful piece of dystopian lit, though, and made me want to study this genre literature more in depth when it was just gaining popularity in 2010. :)
What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges
4.0
I've always been fascinated with this movie, but as usual, the book is way better. ;)
I'm not exactly sure what this book is about at the core, but I think one could make the argument that it's borderline dystopian lit--at least, it's a dystopia for the 'main' character. I think the reason I resonated with this book so much is because I lived in a small town and experienced some similar feelings that Gilbert experienced--everyone waiting for his/her ship to come in, fascinated with the 'outside' world, etc.. I enjoyed the different isolation themes. Great story; semi abrupt, open-ended ending; I recommend it.
I'm not exactly sure what this book is about at the core, but I think one could make the argument that it's borderline dystopian lit--at least, it's a dystopia for the 'main' character. I think the reason I resonated with this book so much is because I lived in a small town and experienced some similar feelings that Gilbert experienced--everyone waiting for his/her ship to come in, fascinated with the 'outside' world, etc.. I enjoyed the different isolation themes. Great story; semi abrupt, open-ended ending; I recommend it.
The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
4.0
When I read this book, I had not read Oryx and Crake because I didn't realize it was a sequel. This was part of the reason I thought it was a weaker book of hers, but still - I read it in a few hours and gave it 4 stars.
Atwood does an excellent job of painting a unique dystopia, and the story serves as a warning and a prophecy to the present. The cult (would you call it that? It felt more like an organization in the end) was interesting - while the characters (excellent character development) were connected because of the cult (and other reasons) I felt a dissonance between them as well. This wasn't a bad thing. There were layers to this book and an aura of mystery.
I appreciate Atwood's "iceberg" writing (not revealing the full picture) - this book had so much layering and mystery.
Nevertheless, I finished this book in a few (spread out) hours, so who I am I to give criticism?
Pairings: The Poisonwood Bible; A Clockwork Orange; The Giver; Futurama
Atwood does an excellent job of painting a unique dystopia, and the story serves as a warning and a prophecy to the present. The cult (would you call it that? It felt more like an organization in the end) was interesting - while the characters (excellent character development) were connected because of the cult (and other reasons) I felt a dissonance between them as well. This wasn't a bad thing. There were layers to this book and an aura of mystery.
I appreciate Atwood's "iceberg" writing (not revealing the full picture) - this book had so much layering and mystery.
Nevertheless, I finished this book in a few (spread out) hours, so who I am I to give criticism?
Pairings: The Poisonwood Bible; A Clockwork Orange; The Giver; Futurama
The Minister's Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne
4.0
I can't believe that I've enjoyed ALL of the short stories I've read by Hawthorne! I feel similar when reading Thomas Hardy (hate his prose, love his poetry).
**SPOILERS**
The parallel between himself and Moses encountering God is clear and an interesting experiment. I expected something more like Picture of Dorian Gray. This was more direct––and I liked it.
Hawthorne can build anticipation well.
I liked the abrupt ending. At first I wondered why he skipped so much of the Minister's life, but the extra details aren't needed--we know (or have an idea) what he endured.
Comparisons: something by Hemingway?
**SPOILERS**
The parallel between himself and Moses encountering God is clear and an interesting experiment. I expected something more like Picture of Dorian Gray. This was more direct––and I liked it.
Hawthorne can build anticipation well.
I liked the abrupt ending. At first I wondered why he skipped so much of the Minister's life, but the extra details aren't needed--we know (or have an idea) what he endured.
Comparisons: something by Hemingway?
The Luck of Pokey Bloom by Ellen Conford
1.0
This book had okay writing, but was very predictable. Sloppy writing in parts, and just...meh.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
4.0
I read this while I was in Europe/UK so it is dear to my heart.