After realising that having two blogs, one for reviews, another for writing, for many years, I came to realise that it would be better to have just one on which I could post both reviews and articles/writing and so I've moved over to Wordpress.
I'm going to keep everything on here that I've done in the past, but as it's much less professional-looking than my recent work it's better, in my opinion to start things fresh again. Plus, WP is much more organised.
From now on, to view my updates please go to petekentofficial.wordpress.com
Thanks, y'all.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Purity by Shaun Hutson
Shaun Hutson – Purity Review
So I
finally got round to reading another Shaun Hutson book. I bought a handful of
his books around a month or two ago, but due to studying and moving (and
reading or not reading other books) I didn't pick this up and open it until a
few days ago.
As
most people are aware, London's streets are well-known for its drug pushers,
addicts and prostitutes, many of whom are suffering from various related
diseases, and somebody doesn't like this. They believe that death is better
than living with a body-destroying disease and so they begin a
"classic" killing spree, except it's to make people better rather
than worse.
I
was a bit surprised with this book as, rather than Shaun Hutson's blood and
guts gore like in Victims or The Skull, it's more of a mystery
crime novel in the style of Simon Kernick or Peter James. The reader is
constantly left guessing whodunnit or who this character really is and what
they do, with some very surprising answers.
However,
there are certain chapters which make one cringe as well as some dark humour,
which is good if that’s your thing, bad if it’s not. It’s my thing though so I’ll
consider that little addition quite good and fitting.
Without
meaning to ruin the good too much, the ending is a genuine surprise, although
it’s also somewhat guessable to such a novel, despite my previous claims. I’ll
leave it to you to decide though.
Overall,
I think Shaun has lightened his tone a bit in Purity but by doing so he’s knocked out a decent crime novel worth
reading. Final rating: 3/5
Monday, 8 July 2013
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This was a book I had to read for the 'Imagining the Novel' module at UEL in order to get an idea of different ways novels are written and such-like. Rather than write another review of it, I'm instead going to just copy and paste the synopsis I had to write as well as my final thoughts. Spoilers follow.
The Road is a dystopian novel by Cormac McCarthy in which a father and son spend a number of months walking along a derelict and almost destroyed road or area of land in America. This novel, with its post-apocalyptic setting could be compared to Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I am Legend albeit without the zombie concept to accompany the characters.
The Road is a dystopian novel by Cormac McCarthy in which a father and son spend a number of months walking along a derelict and almost destroyed road or area of land in America. This novel, with its post-apocalyptic setting could be compared to Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I am Legend albeit without the zombie concept to accompany the characters.
The novel focuses on the father and son travelling along
the road and trying to survive this post-apocalyptic world. As they continue to
travel they are forced to snack on old and tasteless food (with the father
frequently not eating in order for the son to do so and the son sometimes
telling the father to eat), bathe in dirty and cold streams and encounter
fellow travellers, some of who have resorted to cannibalism in order to
survive.
As the story continues, the two males, referred to as
“the man” and “the boy”, encounter many problems including near-starvation,
threatening characters and illness which begins with the man coughing up blood
before slowly dying and leaving the boy to travel alone before encountering
another man and his family who wish to help him. However, before the death of
the father, they find a bunker filled with fresh food and drink which has not
yet been looted by other travellers.
The death of the father, although a sad moment,
especially for the boy, happens on a beach which could possibly be considered
the nicest area encountered within the book. Whilst the road itself is covered
in ashes and dirt, a beach is a place of romance and calmness, making the death
of the father an ironic moment.
Themes within ‘The
Road’ include the clear post-apocalyptic/dystopian world throughout, love
and protection between family members, survival, distress and death. The book
could also be considered educational in that it teaches the reader how people
would or may react if the only other person they have is someone close to them,
in either a dystopian or utopian world or atmosphere.
As the book is written without chapters which are often
used to separate events or subjects within a book, The Road could be considered just one event (despite the fact that
many different things happen throughout the book): that of the father and son
travelling in hope of surviving this post-apocalyptic world.
The narrative arc within The Road is one which some readers may say does not have a middle
section due to the book beginning and ending in the same way with little to no
change throughout. The characters do, however, experience some conflict as they
travel. The first, and clearest, is that of the apocalypse and the characters’
survival. The second is having to decide who is good and who is bad out of the
people the father and son encounter during their travels. If they were to make
the wrong decision upon who to trust they may feel regretful afterwards. And
the third conflict could be mostly encountered by the father in his decision
not to eat. By making this decision he soon becomes ill which results in his
death, leaving the boy alone and wondering what will happen to him until he is
found by the aforementioned family.
I found The Road to be very similar to I Am Legend with its dystopian imagery and the concept of a journey in order to find life and survive. The only major difference is that Legend had zombie-like creatures whereas The Road featured humans only. If dystopia is your sort of thing and you enjoyed I Am Legend and 1984 then I'd recommend this book to you.
Overall rating: 8/10
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Fiendish Killers by... (read on)
Anne Williams, Vivian Head, Sebastian C. Prooth and Amy Williams
So summer has arrived, I've passed all of my modules and I'm free to read what I like. This summer I've decided that I'm going to be reading in a pattern of fiction/non-fiction/fiction to make sure I don't just read fiction or non-fiction and one of my first choices was this joyful block of text which tells us readers the story of some of the world's most vile killers from Countess Bathory through to the Virginia Tech and Columbine Massacres.
Although I was already aware of the existence of most of these killers and even remember some of the events (notably the V-Tech Massacre during which I spent the whole day glued to my tele in order to remain updated) as they happened or were broadcast on the news.
Like most of the true trime, murderer books I've read, each killer's section gives a basic outline of their backgrounds rather than a full picture of who they were/are and focusses instead on the crimes they committed. This, however, is what I was expecting and hoping for so I was happy.
It's extremely rare for words on a page to make me cringe or my toes curl (only other book I can recall doing this is Shaun Hutson's 'Slugs', but some of the stuff this book pointed out, such as Elizabeth Bathory's habit of pushing sewing pins under her victims' nails, really did make my toes curl. When it comes to these descriptions the book misses out nothing and provides descriptions of the crimes that make you want to simply sit back and let out a long breath of air.
Split into 8 parts (Cannibals, serial killers, wicked teams, fiendish women, fiendish doctors, vampires, child fields and school shootings) this book provides the stories of probably any killer or killers you can think of from Jack the Ripper to the killers of Jamie Bulger. However, despite the book being an interesting read, I think it's safe to say that it's an introduction to true crime reading almost. This is due to the fairly short chapters and the book not going fully into the backgrounds of the killers which can sometimes leave readers wondering what may have caused them to turn into these "fiendish killers". Was it some strange urge or did they always have underlying psychological issues?
There's not really much more I can say about this book now. I've read some many book on true murders and such that I'm no longer shocked by them although I do remain interested. Plus the various killings give me inspiration for my deranged stories so the books have their uses still. This is definitely a good book, but if you've spent some time reading true crime previously it may be a little disappointing as it focuses on the crimes rather than the full case. A good beginner's book is the only way to put my thoughts on it really.
Overall rating: 6/10
So summer has arrived, I've passed all of my modules and I'm free to read what I like. This summer I've decided that I'm going to be reading in a pattern of fiction/non-fiction/fiction to make sure I don't just read fiction or non-fiction and one of my first choices was this joyful block of text which tells us readers the story of some of the world's most vile killers from Countess Bathory through to the Virginia Tech and Columbine Massacres.
Although I was already aware of the existence of most of these killers and even remember some of the events (notably the V-Tech Massacre during which I spent the whole day glued to my tele in order to remain updated) as they happened or were broadcast on the news.
Like most of the true trime, murderer books I've read, each killer's section gives a basic outline of their backgrounds rather than a full picture of who they were/are and focusses instead on the crimes they committed. This, however, is what I was expecting and hoping for so I was happy.
It's extremely rare for words on a page to make me cringe or my toes curl (only other book I can recall doing this is Shaun Hutson's 'Slugs', but some of the stuff this book pointed out, such as Elizabeth Bathory's habit of pushing sewing pins under her victims' nails, really did make my toes curl. When it comes to these descriptions the book misses out nothing and provides descriptions of the crimes that make you want to simply sit back and let out a long breath of air.
Split into 8 parts (Cannibals, serial killers, wicked teams, fiendish women, fiendish doctors, vampires, child fields and school shootings) this book provides the stories of probably any killer or killers you can think of from Jack the Ripper to the killers of Jamie Bulger. However, despite the book being an interesting read, I think it's safe to say that it's an introduction to true crime reading almost. This is due to the fairly short chapters and the book not going fully into the backgrounds of the killers which can sometimes leave readers wondering what may have caused them to turn into these "fiendish killers". Was it some strange urge or did they always have underlying psychological issues?
There's not really much more I can say about this book now. I've read some many book on true murders and such that I'm no longer shocked by them although I do remain interested. Plus the various killings give me inspiration for my deranged stories so the books have their uses still. This is definitely a good book, but if you've spent some time reading true crime previously it may be a little disappointing as it focuses on the crimes rather than the full case. A good beginner's book is the only way to put my thoughts on it really.
Overall rating: 6/10
Monday, 3 June 2013
Venus as a Boy by Luke Sutherland
Venus as a Boy is a rather strangely written story in that although it’s fictional, it could easily pass as an autobiography due to how in-depth it appears to be written and how realistic certain events are.
Venus... begins with a writer being approached by a very drunk gig-goer in London claiming to be a friend of someone called Desiree who wants their story told as they believe it will have a large effect on the reader. A week after being approached to tell this story the writer receives a package in the post containing letters, photos and an audio recording which tells the full life-story of Desiree.
What follows is the moving story of the life of one man who grew up in the Scottish lands of Orkney and moved to Soho, London in order to work as a “lady of the night”. Although I wouldn’t say it was an awkward read, it did have its moments which made me feel a little “curious” (I would list one, but I read this book well over a month ago so the memories have somewhat passed). These moments, however, added to the deepness of the book.
Due to the themes of the book such as alcoholism, self-discovery and death, humour was scarce yet the story of Desiree was extremely gripping and the sort of reading material a reader will find hard to put down, especially is psychological fiction/drama is your thing.
At times the story was tricky to follow due to the lack of punctuation marking the beginning and end of a piece of dialogue meaning I had to go back a few lines to pick up who was saying what, but other than that I have no complaints to make at this time. Maybe after the next reading I’ll find something.
Being a course book I originally didn’t expect much of it or didn’t want to read it as I prefer to read by choice not obligation (yeah, I know, not the best thing for a Creative Writing student to say), but once I’d got past the first page I genuinely found it hard to put down. A moving and heavy book, Venus as a Boy was a worthy read.
Overall rating: 7/10
Venus... begins with a writer being approached by a very drunk gig-goer in London claiming to be a friend of someone called Desiree who wants their story told as they believe it will have a large effect on the reader. A week after being approached to tell this story the writer receives a package in the post containing letters, photos and an audio recording which tells the full life-story of Desiree.
What follows is the moving story of the life of one man who grew up in the Scottish lands of Orkney and moved to Soho, London in order to work as a “lady of the night”. Although I wouldn’t say it was an awkward read, it did have its moments which made me feel a little “curious” (I would list one, but I read this book well over a month ago so the memories have somewhat passed). These moments, however, added to the deepness of the book.
Due to the themes of the book such as alcoholism, self-discovery and death, humour was scarce yet the story of Desiree was extremely gripping and the sort of reading material a reader will find hard to put down, especially is psychological fiction/drama is your thing.
At times the story was tricky to follow due to the lack of punctuation marking the beginning and end of a piece of dialogue meaning I had to go back a few lines to pick up who was saying what, but other than that I have no complaints to make at this time. Maybe after the next reading I’ll find something.
Being a course book I originally didn’t expect much of it or didn’t want to read it as I prefer to read by choice not obligation (yeah, I know, not the best thing for a Creative Writing student to say), but once I’d got past the first page I genuinely found it hard to put down. A moving and heavy book, Venus as a Boy was a worthy read.
Overall rating: 7/10
Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby is a writer I’m not overly familiar with. I’ve seen About a Boy endless times as well as currently reading the book for the second time and the organisers of a recent university module seemed to be big fans of Fever Pitch due to its creative non-fiction elements (I didn’t read it due to my huge lack of interest in football). Juliet, Naked is a book I just happened to come across during my search for interesting and fun-to-read books in a charity shop recently.
Fun-to-read isn’t a phrase I’d really associate with this novel, but it was a good read, nonetheless. Juliet, Naked is the story of a woman whose 15 year relationship is on the rails due to a lack of passion and her partner’s obsession with blues/rock singer Tucker Crowe who has recently put together a selection of rough recordings which Duncan, the partner, has managed to get hold of.
After Annie writes a sneaky review of this collection of songs, she is contacted by Crowe and a friendship is built between them. Being a rock star, however, Tucker Crowe has quite a history which has left him as not the best boyfriend material in the world.
Having read About a Boy and a lot of good reviews for his other novels I trusted Nick Hornby to have released something worth reading and possibly keeping (I usually get rid of books after one or two reads in order to control my hoarding) as I build a collection of Hornby writings and I was right to do so.
Deadlines had all passed so I had plenty of free time to read this and I found myself sitting and reading it at any available time. The story was different to other things I had recently read yet it was (from what I remembered) very similar to About a Boy in style and humour. The story isn’t exactly gripping, yet it’s not something that makes the reader want to put it down after 20 pages. The fact that it had a rock star as the protagonist was very likely a helper in this also.
Hornby’s humour is strong, for use of a better word, but has a somewhat darkness element to it in that characters are very often feeling down yet he manages to take that feeling and add some well-placed comments and/or jokes to lighten the mood and keep the reader interested. Juliet, Naked is no different with this. I’d also say his humour is very “English” in that it uses jokes and imagery which is very stereotypical to the English lifestyle, the most obvious being that we all drink loads of tea with biscuits and get roaring drunk in pubs with jukeboxes which play the Spice Girls on repeat. This, however, is far from a complaint as it is a style of writing I thoroughly enjoy, likely due to understanding and connection with the characters, something I found this novel had.
Characters are simple yet believable and the reader is able to form opinions and feelings towards each character, some positive, some not. All in all Juliet, Naked is a well-written and constructed novel which could almost pass as a biographical piece and made me a fan of Nick Hornby.
Overall rating: 8/10
Fun-to-read isn’t a phrase I’d really associate with this novel, but it was a good read, nonetheless. Juliet, Naked is the story of a woman whose 15 year relationship is on the rails due to a lack of passion and her partner’s obsession with blues/rock singer Tucker Crowe who has recently put together a selection of rough recordings which Duncan, the partner, has managed to get hold of.
After Annie writes a sneaky review of this collection of songs, she is contacted by Crowe and a friendship is built between them. Being a rock star, however, Tucker Crowe has quite a history which has left him as not the best boyfriend material in the world.
Having read About a Boy and a lot of good reviews for his other novels I trusted Nick Hornby to have released something worth reading and possibly keeping (I usually get rid of books after one or two reads in order to control my hoarding) as I build a collection of Hornby writings and I was right to do so.
Deadlines had all passed so I had plenty of free time to read this and I found myself sitting and reading it at any available time. The story was different to other things I had recently read yet it was (from what I remembered) very similar to About a Boy in style and humour. The story isn’t exactly gripping, yet it’s not something that makes the reader want to put it down after 20 pages. The fact that it had a rock star as the protagonist was very likely a helper in this also.
Hornby’s humour is strong, for use of a better word, but has a somewhat darkness element to it in that characters are very often feeling down yet he manages to take that feeling and add some well-placed comments and/or jokes to lighten the mood and keep the reader interested. Juliet, Naked is no different with this. I’d also say his humour is very “English” in that it uses jokes and imagery which is very stereotypical to the English lifestyle, the most obvious being that we all drink loads of tea with biscuits and get roaring drunk in pubs with jukeboxes which play the Spice Girls on repeat. This, however, is far from a complaint as it is a style of writing I thoroughly enjoy, likely due to understanding and connection with the characters, something I found this novel had.
Characters are simple yet believable and the reader is able to form opinions and feelings towards each character, some positive, some not. All in all Juliet, Naked is a well-written and constructed novel which could almost pass as a biographical piece and made me a fan of Nick Hornby.
Overall rating: 8/10
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
The Rats by James Herbert
James Herbert is a writer I've only recently come across after attempting to read '48 during the latter half of last year but finding it to be rather slow and boring. However, someone then mentioned The Rats to me which I soon found in a charity shop and bought. I then read it.
I had no idea what to expect when reading The Rats, but I imagine it was something similar to what I felt when I read Shaun Hutson's The Slugs. I was, however, wrong. The Rats, due to its being set in the East End and therefore mentioning a number of familiar places, was certainly chilling. As I read through a story of London becoming infested with giant rats, I found that it made me feel slightly uncomfortable and on edge.
Although good, I found that JH's writing was slightly repetitive with its phrases and certain words. Descriptions were also sometimes lacking. Those are my only criticisms of this novel. It was otherwise a read that could be compared to Shaun Hutson's stuff. Although short at 200 pages, I found that it took me longer to read than expected. Possibly due to various outings and hospital visits or just my own laziness.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, but more so if you happen to live in the East End of London.
Overall rating: 3/5
I had no idea what to expect when reading The Rats, but I imagine it was something similar to what I felt when I read Shaun Hutson's The Slugs. I was, however, wrong. The Rats, due to its being set in the East End and therefore mentioning a number of familiar places, was certainly chilling. As I read through a story of London becoming infested with giant rats, I found that it made me feel slightly uncomfortable and on edge.
Although good, I found that JH's writing was slightly repetitive with its phrases and certain words. Descriptions were also sometimes lacking. Those are my only criticisms of this novel. It was otherwise a read that could be compared to Shaun Hutson's stuff. Although short at 200 pages, I found that it took me longer to read than expected. Possibly due to various outings and hospital visits or just my own laziness.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, but more so if you happen to live in the East End of London.
Overall rating: 3/5
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Target by Simon Kernick
Yes, that's right, it's another Simon Kernick book review. I may have mentioned this previously, but I've recently started a mission to be the only independent book review blog which has every SK book reviewed and my reading of Target has sent me one step closer to this.
Normally I'd manage one of SK's books in 2-3 days. However, due to a ridiculous amount of uni work before and after Christmas, I failed at this and read the book in a shocking span of almost 3 weeks. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did yet happened to be flooded under with work along with a mixture of stomach bug and New Year's hangover. Yesterday, though, I finished it as I always do.
Target is the story of Rob Fallon: a man who, after spending the night with his best friend's girlfriend, is feeling rather guilty. Especially after she's abducted from her own apartment. In order to both refrain from being caught by his friend as well as make himself feel better about the abduction, he ends up on a wild goose chase, trying to find the girlfriend.
Being a crime and Simon Kernick novel, though, things will never go right and Rob Fallon ends up in a very messy doghouse. As one might expect this is well-researched, fast-paced and lively with non-stop criminal action throughout. Had I had the time, I more than likely would have managed it within 3 days max as the plot was extremely well-planned and characters all had personalities and ways which made me want to read on more. What made the book even better was the inclusion of my all-time favourite SK character, the Black Widow. Better known as Tina Boyd. And any novel with her in is bound to be a good one.
Despite being one with a lively plot and ending, I wouldn't say Target is the best of SK's novels. I found some parts to be a bit slow and dry. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, it just means that instead of a 5/5 rating, this one will be getting a 4/5.
Normally I'd manage one of SK's books in 2-3 days. However, due to a ridiculous amount of uni work before and after Christmas, I failed at this and read the book in a shocking span of almost 3 weeks. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did yet happened to be flooded under with work along with a mixture of stomach bug and New Year's hangover. Yesterday, though, I finished it as I always do.
Target is the story of Rob Fallon: a man who, after spending the night with his best friend's girlfriend, is feeling rather guilty. Especially after she's abducted from her own apartment. In order to both refrain from being caught by his friend as well as make himself feel better about the abduction, he ends up on a wild goose chase, trying to find the girlfriend.
Being a crime and Simon Kernick novel, though, things will never go right and Rob Fallon ends up in a very messy doghouse. As one might expect this is well-researched, fast-paced and lively with non-stop criminal action throughout. Had I had the time, I more than likely would have managed it within 3 days max as the plot was extremely well-planned and characters all had personalities and ways which made me want to read on more. What made the book even better was the inclusion of my all-time favourite SK character, the Black Widow. Better known as Tina Boyd. And any novel with her in is bound to be a good one.
Despite being one with a lively plot and ending, I wouldn't say Target is the best of SK's novels. I found some parts to be a bit slow and dry. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, it just means that instead of a 5/5 rating, this one will be getting a 4/5.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Hell Bent for Leather by Seb Hunter
Hell Bent for Leather is one of those books I purchased a long time ago but simply allowed to gather dust on my bookshelf. However, in September of last year I started the Life Writing module and thought that it would be time to get reading it. So, in early December, I did. And I'm only now writing the review due to being piled under with work.
The book is the story of Hunter's discovering heavy metal at 15 and not looking back. It tells the stories of his various bands, the disagreements with his parents, drug and booze troubles and his transformation from heavy metaller to writer.
Along with his own tales, it provides insider knowledge of (and opinions on) some of the world's most famous bands including Judas Priest (of which the book gets its title), AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Being a huge fan of metal since the age of 12 I found the book to be a fun read and not too serious. It was able to mock metal and its stereotypes whilst also being one. Additionally, I found that I was able to agree with a number of the writer's views on things yet also laugh at them as I thought back to some of my younger years.
Well-researched and written with a certain passion for music, this was one of those reads that every fan of music should read (if they can), whether or not they are listeners of metal and/or its subgenres.
Overall rating: 4/5
The book is the story of Hunter's discovering heavy metal at 15 and not looking back. It tells the stories of his various bands, the disagreements with his parents, drug and booze troubles and his transformation from heavy metaller to writer.
Along with his own tales, it provides insider knowledge of (and opinions on) some of the world's most famous bands including Judas Priest (of which the book gets its title), AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Being a huge fan of metal since the age of 12 I found the book to be a fun read and not too serious. It was able to mock metal and its stereotypes whilst also being one. Additionally, I found that I was able to agree with a number of the writer's views on things yet also laugh at them as I thought back to some of my younger years.
Well-researched and written with a certain passion for music, this was one of those reads that every fan of music should read (if they can), whether or not they are listeners of metal and/or its subgenres.
Overall rating: 4/5
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
I finished this book around a week ago, but it's only now that I've managed to push myself to write a review for it, so firstly my apologies for that little mishap go out to anybody who frequently reads this blog and its updates.
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
The Shining by Stephen King
This is a book which, had I not had it bought for me as an early Christmas present, I probably wouldn't have read at this point in my life. However, as a certain friend wanted me to read it and therefore bought it for me, I did. And oh how glad I am that this happened.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
About a Boy by Nick Hornby
One of my all-time favourite films, Nick Hornby's 1998 novel About a Boy is a book that I'm pretty sure could be read in a day. It's fast-paced, lively, amusing and interesting, all in one.
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Friday, 26 October 2012
Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
My first book for my uni course (which is now Creative Writing only) was Ondaatje's memoir Running in the Family which tells of his return to his native Sri Lanka during the '70s.
Better than I expected, this novel is filled with poetry, long and short anecdotes and memories from Ondaatje's childhood.
When I first picked this up I found myself feeling a bit unsure as I'd never heard of Michael Ondaatje nor anything he'd written and why would I want to read about somebody I've never heard of?
However(!), after the first few pages I found that the book was gripping. It was funny, interesting and, I dare say, moving.
Although the book was intended as a semi-fictional memoir, it also gave a big insight into Sri Lankan and Senhalese lifestyles. Along with this it had amusing, and sometimes disturbing or awkward, tales of drinking, childhood adventures and even ways to eat an alligator (or a similar creature, at least) tongue.
Filled with recollections of memories and people, Running in the Family gives the reader a feeling that Ondaatje misses or missed these times, hence his return to his native home. His writing is honest and open and he doesn't appear to skip anything.
Despite having a lot of praise to give for this book, I do feel that I'd be able to write more in this review had I read Ondaatje's previous work or known who he is before I opened this book.
Despite being a pretty good read, I can't find myself writing a lot of words in a review on it, unfortunately, so I'll leave readers with this little comment: If you enjoy reading about writers' lives this is a book for you.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Better than I expected, this novel is filled with poetry, long and short anecdotes and memories from Ondaatje's childhood.
When I first picked this up I found myself feeling a bit unsure as I'd never heard of Michael Ondaatje nor anything he'd written and why would I want to read about somebody I've never heard of?
However(!), after the first few pages I found that the book was gripping. It was funny, interesting and, I dare say, moving.
Although the book was intended as a semi-fictional memoir, it also gave a big insight into Sri Lankan and Senhalese lifestyles. Along with this it had amusing, and sometimes disturbing or awkward, tales of drinking, childhood adventures and even ways to eat an alligator (or a similar creature, at least) tongue.
Filled with recollections of memories and people, Running in the Family gives the reader a feeling that Ondaatje misses or missed these times, hence his return to his native home. His writing is honest and open and he doesn't appear to skip anything.
Despite having a lot of praise to give for this book, I do feel that I'd be able to write more in this review had I read Ondaatje's previous work or known who he is before I opened this book.
Despite being a pretty good read, I can't find myself writing a lot of words in a review on it, unfortunately, so I'll leave readers with this little comment: If you enjoy reading about writers' lives this is a book for you.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons
When I first picked up Cold Comfort Farm I expected it to be rather boring and rural, and to begin with, it was. However, after about 50 pages in, it started to get amusing, satirical and a feel-good sense to it.
Flora Poste is a 19 year old city-girl who is adopted and moves to Cold Comfort Farm where she meets the Starkadder family. Over the next few months she finds herself wanting to advise and change the family for the better.
I've read a few parodies in my time, but not found one that manages to parody all the rural classics in a way that this one does. Having read such novels as Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner and an attempt of Pride & Prejudice I found that I understood the jokes throughout and event managed some laughter here and there. This novel manages to parody such things as country lifestyle, language, appetites/eating habits and names. And it does it very well.
I, personally, found the book to be very optimistic throughout which helped with the reading, I suppose. Normally I've found books written in and around this time to be very dry and plain. Cold Comfort Farm is none of the above. However, one little grumble I do have is that the phonetics sometimes became somewhat annoying. Saying that, it wouldn't have been much of a parody if the language wasn't taken into account.
If you like literature but find yourself getting fed up of the Brontës' farms, have a read of this. If you've never read anything from the fin de siecle, do so before reading this in order to be able to fully understand the jokes within.
After reading this jolly novel and an article on the Guardian website about S. Gibbons, I've found myself tempted to pick up another of her books, to see if they really are some of the greatest comic novels ever.
This gets a 4/5
Flora Poste is a 19 year old city-girl who is adopted and moves to Cold Comfort Farm where she meets the Starkadder family. Over the next few months she finds herself wanting to advise and change the family for the better.
I've read a few parodies in my time, but not found one that manages to parody all the rural classics in a way that this one does. Having read such novels as Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner and an attempt of Pride & Prejudice I found that I understood the jokes throughout and event managed some laughter here and there. This novel manages to parody such things as country lifestyle, language, appetites/eating habits and names. And it does it very well.
I, personally, found the book to be very optimistic throughout which helped with the reading, I suppose. Normally I've found books written in and around this time to be very dry and plain. Cold Comfort Farm is none of the above. However, one little grumble I do have is that the phonetics sometimes became somewhat annoying. Saying that, it wouldn't have been much of a parody if the language wasn't taken into account.
If you like literature but find yourself getting fed up of the Brontës' farms, have a read of this. If you've never read anything from the fin de siecle, do so before reading this in order to be able to fully understand the jokes within.
After reading this jolly novel and an article on the Guardian website about S. Gibbons, I've found myself tempted to pick up another of her books, to see if they really are some of the greatest comic novels ever.
This gets a 4/5
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Deadline by Simon Kernick (review 2)
A few weeks ago I was at a friend's place sat on her sofa and waiting for said friend to get ready so we could go out and have a few drinks for her birthday. On that day I'd brought a spare copy of 'Deadline' round as I've been trying to get said friend to read some SK. Whilst waiting, I started reading the book and when I got home later that night I continued reading it, except it was a different copy.
Andrea Devern is a well-paid, middle-class business woman who gets home one night to find the house is unusually quiet. And then she recieves a phone call which turns her world upside-down. Some kidnappers have taken her daughter and they want half a million pounds in cash or the daughter dies.
The reader is then presented with an extreme game of Cat & Mouse. Like all of SK's books, 'Deadline' is well-researched with characters you both like and dislike. This was a book I had trouble putting down, constantly finding myself reading until 4-5am, wanting to know what happens in the next chapter as, like with all Simon Kernick tales, this one is filled with cliffhangers at almost every chapter-end.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it had some of my favourite Kernick characters in it, notably Tina Boyd and Mike Bolt. Along with this it had a number of scenes in the City in areas that I knew or recognised. This meant that I could easily picture certain roads and areas. Failing that there was always Google Maps.
I wouldn't say this is SK's best book, but it comes pretty close. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and the London ciminal underworld 'Deadline' is well worth a read.
This one gets a tidy 4/5 from me.
Andrea Devern is a well-paid, middle-class business woman who gets home one night to find the house is unusually quiet. And then she recieves a phone call which turns her world upside-down. Some kidnappers have taken her daughter and they want half a million pounds in cash or the daughter dies.
The reader is then presented with an extreme game of Cat & Mouse. Like all of SK's books, 'Deadline' is well-researched with characters you both like and dislike. This was a book I had trouble putting down, constantly finding myself reading until 4-5am, wanting to know what happens in the next chapter as, like with all Simon Kernick tales, this one is filled with cliffhangers at almost every chapter-end.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it had some of my favourite Kernick characters in it, notably Tina Boyd and Mike Bolt. Along with this it had a number of scenes in the City in areas that I knew or recognised. This meant that I could easily picture certain roads and areas. Failing that there was always Google Maps.
I wouldn't say this is SK's best book, but it comes pretty close. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and the London ciminal underworld 'Deadline' is well worth a read.
This one gets a tidy 4/5 from me.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
The Point is to Change It! by John Molyneux
Taken from a quote of Karl Marx, 'The Point is to Change It!' is an introductory reading into Marxist philosophy. And it's not an easy one. That's not to say it wasn't interesting.
Having recently joined the Socialist Workers Party I've found myself looking for books which will educate me a bit more in Socialism and so this was recommended to me.
Throughout, it gives the reader the basics on all or most points which Marxist philosophy is based around: dialectics, racism/sexism, class struggles, materialism and capitalism (or the fight against it) amongst others. Some bits I understood having studied them previously at college, but others I found myself re-reading or wondering what the hell I just read. However, I did feel that I had learnt something from this book.
The language within is simple and mostly avoids lengthy or confusing words which haven't previously been explained, nor does it go into too much detail too early on. It is, therefore, a worthy read for anybody who has recently or is interested in joining the SWP. Or maybe you aren't interested in joining the party and just want to know what all the fuss is about? Then read this book.
Admittedly it wasn't an easy read in parts, but it was one I was determined to finish in order to learn more. I can safely say it was better than Henry James's 'Turn of the Screw' (previously reviewed) or Gearge Gissing's 'Nether World'. However, Molyneux has clearly done his research and knows what he is talking about as I don't recall finding any unsurities or the like. But really, what do I know? I'm just a new party member.
Overall I'll give this book a 3.5/5 (possibly higher if it wasn't tricky in parts. Damn dialectics!).
Having recently joined the Socialist Workers Party I've found myself looking for books which will educate me a bit more in Socialism and so this was recommended to me.
Throughout, it gives the reader the basics on all or most points which Marxist philosophy is based around: dialectics, racism/sexism, class struggles, materialism and capitalism (or the fight against it) amongst others. Some bits I understood having studied them previously at college, but others I found myself re-reading or wondering what the hell I just read. However, I did feel that I had learnt something from this book.
The language within is simple and mostly avoids lengthy or confusing words which haven't previously been explained, nor does it go into too much detail too early on. It is, therefore, a worthy read for anybody who has recently or is interested in joining the SWP. Or maybe you aren't interested in joining the party and just want to know what all the fuss is about? Then read this book.
Admittedly it wasn't an easy read in parts, but it was one I was determined to finish in order to learn more. I can safely say it was better than Henry James's 'Turn of the Screw' (previously reviewed) or Gearge Gissing's 'Nether World'. However, Molyneux has clearly done his research and knows what he is talking about as I don't recall finding any unsurities or the like. But really, what do I know? I'm just a new party member.
Overall I'll give this book a 3.5/5 (possibly higher if it wasn't tricky in parts. Damn dialectics!).
Monday, 6 August 2012
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
I had little choice but to read this book as it was one of the set texts for my course. However, if it wasn't such, the likeliness of me reading the whole book is almost equal to none.
Allow me to tell you why through the medium of a review.
The synopsis/blurb on this book includes the words "Widely recognised as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories". Those words couldn't have been more wrong, to put it modestly.
As I read through this book I found myself startng to daydream, updating my Facebook statuses and reading just one chapter at a time. The characters were boring, the ghosts non-existent and the events worth paying attention to far and inbetween.
The story was slow and the presence of any ghosts was rare. When I read the blurb I expected to read something which would be quite stereotypical yet interesting i.e. Scary ghosts and haunted castles with secret passageways. Maybe something similar to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Instead I found myself reading some very dull dialogue and prose which told of a semi-well dressed ghost standing at the window.
As I think back to what I've just finished reading I can't think of anyone I would recommend this book to. Gripping ghost story? More like the literary equivalent to 'The Amazing Spiderman'.
Will I read another Henry James story in the future? It's possible, but after this, I may have to admit being put off from doing so anytime soon. I can sense it having potential to be a really good tale, but in all honesty, it just doesn't cut it.
Overall rating: 2/5
Allow me to tell you why through the medium of a review.
The synopsis/blurb on this book includes the words "Widely recognised as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories". Those words couldn't have been more wrong, to put it modestly.
As I read through this book I found myself startng to daydream, updating my Facebook statuses and reading just one chapter at a time. The characters were boring, the ghosts non-existent and the events worth paying attention to far and inbetween.
The story was slow and the presence of any ghosts was rare. When I read the blurb I expected to read something which would be quite stereotypical yet interesting i.e. Scary ghosts and haunted castles with secret passageways. Maybe something similar to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Instead I found myself reading some very dull dialogue and prose which told of a semi-well dressed ghost standing at the window.
As I think back to what I've just finished reading I can't think of anyone I would recommend this book to. Gripping ghost story? More like the literary equivalent to 'The Amazing Spiderman'.
Will I read another Henry James story in the future? It's possible, but after this, I may have to admit being put off from doing so anytime soon. I can sense it having potential to be a really good tale, but in all honesty, it just doesn't cut it.
Overall rating: 2/5
Thursday, 19 July 2012
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by (yes, you guessed it) Suzanne Collins
'Mockingjay' is the third and final book of the Hunger Games trilogy (it wouldn't be a trilogy otherwise, would it?) and a great one it is. "Mind-blowing" according to one review, albeit sometimes confusing.
Katniss Everdeen has now won the Hunger Games twice and is truly feeling the physical and psychological effects of having to kill a large number of people for the entertainment of a capitalist state. However, she won't stop fighting. Not until the rebels, of which she is now the symbol - the Mockingjay - have won.
Despite still suffering from vivid nightmares and being unsure of who to trust, who she is trusted by and whether she will ever be safe again, Katniss has decided that she is going to face the Capitol head-on and, to use a phrase not used in their trilogy, kick the shit out of them.
That's the basic plot outline of which I can't say much more about without giving things away. However, much like the previous two books, this is, again, well-researched and written with great characters/characterisation, lively events and heady cliffhangers which prompt one to read into the early hours.
As mentioned in previous Hunger Games reviews, the plot contains some bits and pieces which could very much be compared to the Revolutionary political activity of today. In Mockingjay, we still have the Capitalist state (Capitol) but there is also the Egyptian Revolution to look into. Now, this is something I'm not extremely knowledgable on, but after attending a meeting earlier this week on said Revolution, I am able to notice some similarities.
Some examples could be the taking down of a state, living in slums and hunger. I'll stop there before I try and be clever but come off as the opposite. I do feel, however, that this book is much more connected to real, current activity than the previous two as it uses less of the 'kids in arenas' ideas and instead draws inspiration from troops patrolling streets and taking down innocent civilians. Or so I'm assuming.
Unfortunately there were some bits which confused me or took some double readings due to there being some slight continuity. I'm not sure if this was my tiredness or a genuine mistake, but I've decided I'm not going to let it affect anything.
Imagery was, again, excellent and presented capitalism and slums at their worst with characters being well and truly injured beyond 'a little scratch' or a sniffly cold. What I also enjoyed was the use of Morphling: a hospital-issued painkiller which, when taken, produces some interesting images. Name and description sound like something you may have taken to cure pain? Yeah, thought so.
All in all this was an absolutely excellent trilogy and well worth the read. If you liked the first film, definitely get these books (all of them, not just the first).
Another 5/5
And remember: "If we burn you burn with us"
Katniss Everdeen has now won the Hunger Games twice and is truly feeling the physical and psychological effects of having to kill a large number of people for the entertainment of a capitalist state. However, she won't stop fighting. Not until the rebels, of which she is now the symbol - the Mockingjay - have won.
Despite still suffering from vivid nightmares and being unsure of who to trust, who she is trusted by and whether she will ever be safe again, Katniss has decided that she is going to face the Capitol head-on and, to use a phrase not used in their trilogy, kick the shit out of them.
That's the basic plot outline of which I can't say much more about without giving things away. However, much like the previous two books, this is, again, well-researched and written with great characters/characterisation, lively events and heady cliffhangers which prompt one to read into the early hours.
As mentioned in previous Hunger Games reviews, the plot contains some bits and pieces which could very much be compared to the Revolutionary political activity of today. In Mockingjay, we still have the Capitalist state (Capitol) but there is also the Egyptian Revolution to look into. Now, this is something I'm not extremely knowledgable on, but after attending a meeting earlier this week on said Revolution, I am able to notice some similarities.
Some examples could be the taking down of a state, living in slums and hunger. I'll stop there before I try and be clever but come off as the opposite. I do feel, however, that this book is much more connected to real, current activity than the previous two as it uses less of the 'kids in arenas' ideas and instead draws inspiration from troops patrolling streets and taking down innocent civilians. Or so I'm assuming.
Unfortunately there were some bits which confused me or took some double readings due to there being some slight continuity. I'm not sure if this was my tiredness or a genuine mistake, but I've decided I'm not going to let it affect anything.
Imagery was, again, excellent and presented capitalism and slums at their worst with characters being well and truly injured beyond 'a little scratch' or a sniffly cold. What I also enjoyed was the use of Morphling: a hospital-issued painkiller which, when taken, produces some interesting images. Name and description sound like something you may have taken to cure pain? Yeah, thought so.
All in all this was an absolutely excellent trilogy and well worth the read. If you liked the first film, definitely get these books (all of them, not just the first).
Another 5/5
And remember: "If we burn you burn with us"
Saturday, 14 July 2012
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
This time it's a review of the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. And what a book it was.
After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen has all the food and money she could ever want/need. However, she's still suffering depressive moments as well as new policies within District 12 and the possibility of an uprising.
To make things worse, it's the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games meaning a 'Quell' will be drawn. The result is that only the victors of each district will be put into the reaping ball. This means that with Katniss being the only female to ever win in District 12 there's 100 percent chance she will be pulled.
And so K is sent to the Hunger Games again. But, like the first book, there's a lot more than just a group of people fighting to the death. An uprising has begun in one district and there is expected to be another in District 12. The Capitol, a capitalist state still controls everything and each district takes care over various trades.
Written in a similar style to the first book, this is filled with cliffhangers, fast-paced scenes and is impossible to put down. The characters are interesting and much different to those in the first, the arena has been changed and deaths are very juicy. If you've managed book 1, you'll need to read this.
Ending with a very big cliffhanger, I feel rather eager to get stuck in to the final book. I can safely say it's been a long time since I've shot through a series of books. I'll also repeat this: despite being written for Young Adults, old adults will find these books an excellent read. The content is political (and very interesting from a Socialist point of view), the deaths are varied in style and, as previously mentioned, it's filled with cliffhangers resulting in a 6 hour read, desperate to find out what happens next.
One could even argue that Suzanne Collins is a writer not dissimilar to Simon Kernick, except she writes for children rather than adults.
Managed in around 3 or 4 days this is well worth a read. Buy these books.
5 out of 5
After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen has all the food and money she could ever want/need. However, she's still suffering depressive moments as well as new policies within District 12 and the possibility of an uprising.
To make things worse, it's the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games meaning a 'Quell' will be drawn. The result is that only the victors of each district will be put into the reaping ball. This means that with Katniss being the only female to ever win in District 12 there's 100 percent chance she will be pulled.
And so K is sent to the Hunger Games again. But, like the first book, there's a lot more than just a group of people fighting to the death. An uprising has begun in one district and there is expected to be another in District 12. The Capitol, a capitalist state still controls everything and each district takes care over various trades.
Written in a similar style to the first book, this is filled with cliffhangers, fast-paced scenes and is impossible to put down. The characters are interesting and much different to those in the first, the arena has been changed and deaths are very juicy. If you've managed book 1, you'll need to read this.
Ending with a very big cliffhanger, I feel rather eager to get stuck in to the final book. I can safely say it's been a long time since I've shot through a series of books. I'll also repeat this: despite being written for Young Adults, old adults will find these books an excellent read. The content is political (and very interesting from a Socialist point of view), the deaths are varied in style and, as previously mentioned, it's filled with cliffhangers resulting in a 6 hour read, desperate to find out what happens next.
One could even argue that Suzanne Collins is a writer not dissimilar to Simon Kernick, except she writes for children rather than adults.
Managed in around 3 or 4 days this is well worth a read. Buy these books.
5 out of 5
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
As you may be able to tell from previous reviews, I'm not a big reader of young adult (YA) fiction. However, this first book in the Hunger Games trilogy is really something else.
I saw the film while it was in the cinemas and found myself very impressed and comparing it to the Japanese novel and film Battle Royale. The novel, however, goes beyond that. Although it does have elements of BR with the concept of a group of kids going to an island and fighting to the death, there is a lot more to go with it.
For a starter, the politics within the novel are very interesting, especially after my attending the 5 days Marxism fest. In the Hunger Games, rather than towns, people live in 12 districts with there being the rich districts, the industrial districts and the poverty-ridden districts. Along with this there is the Capitol state which holds the yearly Hunger Games. This is a capitalist state filled with rich people, huge feasts, genetically engineered creatures and spectacular events. This, I believe, is what helps to make the book attractive to adults.
For kids and/or young adults the concept of a bunch of kids fighting to the death creates an attractive story. If politics isn't your thing but fighting is, you'll love this book. If politics is your thing, you'll love this book.
Well researched and thought out it's no wonder The Hunger Games did so well. This is a novel great for escaping into but also good for getting one thinking that it's possible something like this could happen if capitalism took over. Saying that, it would help to get rid of all those bloody teenagers.
I have to admit that I'll be recommending this book (and possibly the sequels) to my little brother who never reads and maybe even my mum who wants to read that 50 Shades of Grey trash. If you wish to do the same, don't! Read this book instead.
This gets a generous 5 out of 5. Keep checking back for book 2.
I saw the film while it was in the cinemas and found myself very impressed and comparing it to the Japanese novel and film Battle Royale. The novel, however, goes beyond that. Although it does have elements of BR with the concept of a group of kids going to an island and fighting to the death, there is a lot more to go with it.
For a starter, the politics within the novel are very interesting, especially after my attending the 5 days Marxism fest. In the Hunger Games, rather than towns, people live in 12 districts with there being the rich districts, the industrial districts and the poverty-ridden districts. Along with this there is the Capitol state which holds the yearly Hunger Games. This is a capitalist state filled with rich people, huge feasts, genetically engineered creatures and spectacular events. This, I believe, is what helps to make the book attractive to adults.
For kids and/or young adults the concept of a bunch of kids fighting to the death creates an attractive story. If politics isn't your thing but fighting is, you'll love this book. If politics is your thing, you'll love this book.
Well researched and thought out it's no wonder The Hunger Games did so well. This is a novel great for escaping into but also good for getting one thinking that it's possible something like this could happen if capitalism took over. Saying that, it would help to get rid of all those bloody teenagers.
I have to admit that I'll be recommending this book (and possibly the sequels) to my little brother who never reads and maybe even my mum who wants to read that 50 Shades of Grey trash. If you wish to do the same, don't! Read this book instead.
This gets a generous 5 out of 5. Keep checking back for book 2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)