The Stupidest Angel

Always heard about this book. Never got to read it. In honor of one of my book friends that recently passed away, I thought I would read it. Since it is the season and all plus she sent me this book for my birthday.

Very interesting story it is. Not your typical holiday story.

I think my favorite characters were Molly and Theo, and Tuck. Maybe for good measure Roberto, the fruit bat (that could speak?), and the Narrator. 

Molly and Theo really had a good chemistry. The Narrator was just a bonus for Molly in her head.( I know I could talk with my invisible character. LOL!) Tuck he grew on you.

I like the conversations that the graveyard had with one another. Pretty good points they had. Loved the DJ. "Marty in the Morning,all dead,all the time".

I could of did without the zombies. But all turned out. The stupid angel finally got it right with his wish. Knowing now that he does better without granting a person (child's wish) and just doing some general work. Funny how the angel could hear Molly's narrator. And knows that people can be pretty in other ways.

I thought the added on chapter was kind of a waste. Seemed forced to me. Especially with Roberto being able to talk and communicate to make a happy holiday.

Hoping to send out to another bookcrosser. And will like the story as much as me. I give The Stupidest Angel 4 

Just because I felt it didn't need extra storyline.

Looking forward to reading more of the Pine Cove characters.
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The Book Thief

I liked this book very much. I didn't have one favorite character. It took me awhile to figure out that Death was the narrative part. I thought that was most interesting that it saw good and bad in humans, "I am haunted by humans." But it got a bit confusing at the end. The relationships that Liesel had with her "papa" and Max I feel were a good story. That is where the "book thief" is connected. Liesel was the "book thief without the words," How she learnt to read and even find common interest with Max who gave Liesel a whole new outlook on describing things. To go and write her own story.

For a good story, Jewish/German was a bit tame. And was glad to see that it was written that Liesel and Rudy finally knew more than was said how the people were treated. Seeing papa do a kind thing by offering bread crumbs. And later having the children do the same gives them a better look at was to be. It wasn't quite a strong ideal but gets the message across. I didn't give enough to "mama" but there in the end Liesel did have some nice things to say about her. In her own way mama did love Liesel.

 The story had to end sadly. But to know Liesel does find someone important is comforting. What a shame. But of course it was all put together nicely. What does a book and an accordion have in common? They all tell a story. And you hear what it says.

I give The Book Thief 4 

I feel that the background was a bit weak.

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The Rose Hotel

 The Rose Hotel 

                                                             

I usually don't like non-fiction books but this one was an exception. Although it is 2 different cultures that we live, we are still the same. Reading that the Iranian boys are considered men at 15 years and settle down, not all feel they are ready. As the older son Abdollah found out. And for that this dutiful son acts out. Even his sister Rahiheh wanted to know why Abdollah didn't want to hear his favorite singer or go see her at the movies. Their father Baba, as they called him kept the family in line. He tries to be reasonable but customs are not to be thrown around lightly. And each child did try to adapt to the western culture once they were there.

This story was written for around the period of the Iranian Revolution. The family was asked to protect their Ayatollah in their hotel. And much like us other things were brought about that went wrong and was asked to help.
But sadly when Baba asked for help with his son Abdollah it was never given. Why? Because Baba stood up for the innocent.
For that it lead to so many downs including a life. It messed up the other children's lives also. Maman as they call their mother, went through a terrible time in her life, losing a son and have breast cancer. For years all struggled with their lives to the point when Rahimeh was old enough to try to do something. At one point there was a break through. Each child left his/her guard down long enough to feel better about themselves. Even Baba and Maman took a turn around realizing their blessings are right in front of them,their children,and grandchildren.

Each one went through their own kind of therapy. Some found their healing in religion, travel, and meditation. Life itself was everyone's teacher. Each one found their own way of telling their story.

I give The Rose Hotel 5 

because Rahimeh used her story as a tool to help others. Doesn't make a difference if it's our culture or someone else's. This story helps her family and people who have similar fears and joys. By telling one's own story opens up a whole new world.

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Definitely Dead

This book was the best so far of the series,besides the first book. I enjoyed Sookie going out with a completely different person than what she's used to. I thought it was nice not to have to read about Bill all the time. And how he and/or she struggles. A tiger is so different for sure.
Sad to read that her cousin is definitely dead. You don't hear much about her.
Change of pace for Sookie and readers to read that she was doing things for the Queen.
Funny how the phrase definitely dead was used and how many times. We get it. There were some funny moments too. Sookie and Quinn going to the dance. Sookie in this wild outfit, queens helper pushing her boob in her dress. Just plain general the relationship of her and Quinn developed.

I guess it's on to the next one in the series.
I give Definitely Dead 5

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This Side of Paradise

This book was pretty good. I couldn't help but think of  The Great Gatsby although this was written before. I never read anything with the main character that was a very bold egotistic person than Amory Blaine was. He was an interesting character to say the least. After his mother died I thought Amory would of settled down. But just the opposite. At times it was painful to see him struggle as he did to be that perfect person. And to be intelligent in his own way. Going to Princeton University and to make sure he was in that ivy league school. It was funny to hear him have a poem for each turn of his life. Although good to see him interested in reading and writing.
I was getting a little curious of how his relationship to Monsignor  Darcy was going to take. Than I found out how much of an influence Darcy had on Amory. A good compass for Amory to follow. Amory did have his values and did use them with his friends as well as girlfriends. Even to the point of taking a bad rap for his friend Alec who misused the Mann Act and brought a woman with.
He was unlucky in love. To think he was compatible to one, to find out her values were spoken for of status. I feel for him. For this is the struggle that is painful to see.

After he took a fall in his reputation with the incident with his friend Alec, funny how all a sudden he has this revelation that Amory was going to turn his life around. He looked deep into his life and saw what he accomplished and what he missed on what should he of done. I found that his true love was Rosalind. And how it would never come about.

Amory did have his chance to let everything out that was what he believed. Two men gave him a ride. As it turned out one of the men was a friend's father. He even mentioned about it was the first time that Amory  was able to argue Socialism. It is the only remedy to the difficulties. I am restless Amory says. My whole generation is restless. This was Amory Blaine's side of paradise.


I read a little on how This Side of Paradise came to be. It is writings of part of who F Scott Fitzgerald was. Seems to me he had so many great ideas to write, when I did read I had to stop and comprehend what he was trying to convey. A lot of information. There are some issues that he did address that today is still a struggle for many in our country.
People do say even the most wackiest things that are written on TV,movies whatever are not far from what is true today. Who knows, Fitzgerald might of had that foresight.
As for The Great Gatsby being like This Side of Paradise I feel it was more refined writing after his raw piece that he wrote of this book.

I give This Side of Paradise  4

 only because the writings came quick and together and needed to be waded through

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