Archive for June, 2010
I have to admit that I was hesitant to pick up this book despite the rave reviews. Why? Because usually something gets over-hyped and I end up being disappointed. The Help, however, was riveting and better than I anticipated.
This novel follows 3 women, Aibileen and Minny, who are black servants, and Skeeter Phelan, a recent white college graduate, as they navigate life and love in Jackson, Mississippi. In the 60s, white families relied heavily on black maids to help raise children and keep the house in order. The dependency, however, does not mean that black maids are treated with respect or as equals. It is quite the contrary, and Skeeter, who desperately wants to become a writer, has picked the tenuous relationships between white women and their maids, as the subject of her book.
Why was this novel so good? Not only was it compelling, but Stockett wrote in a way that draws the reader in, and even though the book is long, it never dragged or slowed. The characters were well developed, and execution of different voices was distinct yet seamless. Although all the characters have faults, it made them endearing, and the rich voice of each narrator told the stunning tale of what it was like to be black in the 60s. This novel was written beautifully and I highly recommend it.
Super Guitar Trio and
I’m in college so I don’t have the time to keep up with new and up-and-coming books, but I usually have a huge list come summertime. This was the first on that list and I’m so happy it was! It was the perfect way to start off my summer. The story is about an old man in a nursing home reflecting his thoughts and his story. After the death of his parents, he runs away from an ivy league and ends up on a circus train. His story is about his trials at the circus and his relationship with Marlena.
The imagery is bursting and the action is so suspenseful that I found myself reading as fast as I could and even skimming to find out what happened next. The characters are extremely likeable and you can relate to a lot of them. They’re quirky with tangible flaws and the progress of the story is perfect. So why 4 stars? The ending caught me quite off-guard. Everything was believable but because it was so realistic, the conclusion ended up being blunt and left me thinking “would something like this really happen?”. But it really is one of the best books I’ve read all year and believe all the other reviewers; it’s as good as they say it is.
Four Paws Products Heavy
With the recent death of its author, J.D. Salinger, I felt that it was time to finally do something I have been intending to do for years, read his classic. I was disappointed. Maybe it was because I had high expectations after all the hype. Maybe it was because I kept expecting something to happen, you know, the classic building action, climax, resolution thing. This book is nothing like this.
Written about a couple of days in the life of a teen who was newly expelled from yet another private high school, the author explores the traditionally pessimistic, skeptic, somewhat depressing view that youth has about the world created by his predecessors. Written with plenty of voice, this book is an enjoyable read, as the reader waits for something to develop. I could almost hear the voice of this book’s contemporary, Jack Kerouac, in the pages. But nothing does happen. Maybe that was the author’s point. In any case, I found that disappointing.
Don t Eat Too
Love this (these) vacuums. I ordered two based on other shopper’s recommendation. I love them.
CaseCrown Hard Case Mobile
This book is a great look into the past and segregation in the south in the 1960’s. The story is sad,funny, and uplifting. The views of three diffrent women during the time and the chances they took to make changes in their tiny town is truly inspiring. This is a must read!!!
10 FT RJ45 CAT
My wife absolutly loves it. She said it is the best present she ever got and that includes all her jewelry….well, what do you know. The books are really cheap, she reads faster, and you can get new books from anywhere….including while camping 
Life Sharing for a
Enthralling. Colifer engages you from start to finish. Not only is Artemis Fowl II one of my favorite characters of all time, but he also gives us one of those rare opportunities to have the antagonist as our main character. When both sides are getting down and dirty you start thinking of the whole thing as a free-for-all, but every time you take a step back you realize that Artemis is actually the villain. And Colifer still has you rooting for him all the way. Extremely clever in all respects, with witty dialogue and witty narration, I can hardly even imagine someone putting it down. You couldn’t accuse Colifer of unoriginality either, for his high-tech city-dwelling fairies are unique and refreshing. I find Colifer to be amazingly creative. Who would have thought that the “Lep” in Leprechaun (or LEPrecon and Colifer spells it) stood for Lower Elements Police?
In summary, the characters are well-developed and engaging, the plot is fast-paced and intense, and Colifer has stuffed its 304 pages with wit, humor, creativity and cleverness. I don’t give five stars lightly, but this book has definitely earned them.
5n1 Neoprene Sleeve Super
This is a very good GPS. All of the functions are easily understood and you can be up and running in a few minutes. The watch is a bit bulky, but it more than makes up for it in functionality and ease of use. Only problem is sometimes cant find a satellite connection when outdoors. Can take as long as 5 mins to connect. Otherwise great product.
RAM Mounting Systems RAM
I am a college English instructor, and I have taught this book for many semesters now. Not only do my students appreciate that I assign them a contemporary books, but semester after semester, they genuinely enjoy the book – even the students who claim to have never finished a book before. It leads to great discussions in class and well-thought out essays. It’s such a treat when I can find a novel that really inspires me students to read!
Cable AT Keyboard Extension
I love these socks, they are the cutest thing. I love Carter’s period, but these sock are just too adorable. They run kind of small though, they shrink a little bit after the first wash. Next time i’ll order a size bigger.
Carter s 6 Pack