A Handful of Dust

3/5

This book was nothing like I was expecting it to be. At first it seemed like your average Victorian family story, where the wife goes off to have an affair. But then it just got more and more intense. It seemed as though there were two stories in here together though, and by that I mean two entirely separate books. Not to give away the story, but it seemed to go off on such a tangent that I forgot how the beginning of the book even related to the end. Perhaps that was the nature of stories at the time, needing some sort of adventure element, but it seems very odd to me as a modern reader.
In saying this though, I was very involved in the story and adequately moved by it.
An interesting read, well worth a go.

Book Review: The Art of War

My Score: 4/5

Admittedly a very short book, I found these musings inspirational and empowering. I have actually gotten it out twice since, to inspire me more! I find that everything from roller derby to the gym, studying to social situations relate to the Art of War.

A definate must read for those in need of inspiration, especially for sporting situations!

Book Review: And the Ass Saw the Angel.

This book was the book I ended up choosing for bookclub's 80s theme. I am so pleased it was really good: I would have looked like a fool otherwise!

My score: 5/5

This has to be my favourite penguin I've read so far. I really enjoyed the realistic story, but at the same time the exaggerated situation allowed by the protagonist being a mute in a secluded, hyper-religious society. It's not clear when this book is set, but I felt like it was timeless: it could have been anywhere from 1900 to today. Nick Cave has a particually brilliant writing style. The way he allows for so much scandal and violence, without it being overly shocking is amazing. If this was a movie, it would be rated R, Tarantino would direct it and I would love the SHIT out of it.

What was my favourite bit? It's hard, there was so much. I particually liked the prostitute's baby becoming the town's new massiah. I found that hilarious, and tragic at the same time.

Please read this book! You're missing out if you dont!!!

Book Review: Witches of Eastwick

I'm so sorry I haven't been reviewing my books! I've just been reading them! But now that exams are over I have a moment to breathe, and to blog.

I read Witches of Eastwick while on holidays in Europe. I really enjoyed it!

My score: 4.5/5

My favourite thing about this book was that it was about witches, but in a modern time. I was real and relatable, despite the supernatural themes. My favourite bits were the acts of shocking violence and death: when they made the voodoo doll spell of the other woman, and she got cancer and died, and when the man killed his wife (the awful woman that she was) and the killed himself. Also, the horrendously large amount of sex was written in such a way that it wasn't distasteful.

I would definately recommend this one to anyone! Best book club book chosen so far, I think. Thanks Kelsey!

(PS the movie is bullshit and crap.)

Book Review: Dracula

Finally I've finshed it! Phew! Its been a long time since I've written a review (all those book club books taking up my reading time...) But finally Dracula is finished! So, here is what I think.

Lucy is weak and annoying, and I'm quite glad she died, but it took so long. I suppose it was nessisary for the whole vampire thing, but I really wished she had just, you know, died. Although, it did make me feel very sorry for Seward, Quincy and Godalming. I really liked Mina, she was very strong even in the face of tragidy, which is unusual for a victorian woman, but I liked it. Even though the book was very long, and some parts (chasing down Dracula) seemed to take forever, and a lot of the twists I could see coming, (which I put down to my modern brain being quite used to plot twists. In fact, I'm usually the first one in the cinema of a thriller to get it.) Overall Ifound the book quite enjoyable. However, I found that the ending was overall much too neat and succinct. Its like, 200 pages of chasing Dracula, then killed his wenches, kill him, all in about 10 pages. The End, with a feel good afternote about babies, lol.

Anyways, its a definate classic, and should be read by everyone, especially now when Vampires are so popular. I give Dracula by Bram Stoker 4/5.

I've also been watching the Dracula movies, starting with the 1931 version, and next weekend going to the 1958 version. Its quite fun to see their interpretation of Dracula. In other news, the next book is a nice short one: Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay. Hope to write again soon!

Persuasion Book Review

So, finally I finished reading Persuasion by Jane Austen. Thats four Austen books this summer! I'm quite proud of myself! So, heres what I thought:


My score: 3.5/5

I've got a soft spot for period pieces, making me think of frilly dresses and "taking a turn about the garden" is very romantic. Normally I quite enjoy Jane Austen because of her strong heroine, who, despite society telling her she is too old at 21 or too plain or too smart, manages to snag the perfect man.
However.
Anne is a lot older than 21. Also, Anne is surrounded by idiots and fools who I really hated (namely her sisters and father). Everytime she went into a new situation I just felt so sorry for the poor girl having to put up with her stupid sisters, or stupid Lousia or stupid Mr Elliot. Even Lady Russel, the woman who she likes the best, has actually ruined her life by making her break off with her one true love. Luckily, it all ends happily, but I really can't help but feel awfully sorry for all that time and youth wasted on waiting! >_> *sigh* I guess an empathy overload just really lessens the enjoyment value of the book. So yes, 3.5.

In other news, I have just started reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. I am very excited to read this, and am hoping to get in in over the easter holiday week. I actually have to read another book before April 6th, wish me luck! Haha, book club is really getting in the way of the Penguin Challenge!

Love Emma xxx

Book Review: Lolita

My Review: 4/5

I loved this book. I have to say it, it was weird and creepy and unnerving, but it was a very very good read. I really want to see the movie now. I would suggest to anyone above the age of 15 to read this book. Its not really child appropriate, lol.

Um, the only thing I didnt really like about it was how Lolita ended up, with a deadbeat husband and poor. I really wish she ran off with someone and ended up happy and normal, I mean, she says she's happy, but I wish she could be happy and at least decently wealthy. *sigh* poor girl, I really do feel very sorry for her.

Emma
Currently reading Fabric of the Cosmos (Still!)

Book Review : Pride and Prejudice

For some reason Prejudice never looks like it's spelt right to me. Anyways.

My rating: 4/5

Although its one of those books all girls are meant to read and get all "ooh Mr Darcy" about, I never had. Granted, I had seen the movie staring Kira Knightly (also known as "The Killer of Films") and was loving the story but hating the film. (Thankyou, Miss Needs-a-hamburger).

So the book was what I expected really; a delicious tale of a girl who's a bit too smart for her own good and her slow falling in love with the very odd Mr Darcy, who doesnt like the silly girls that surround him and much prefer a conversation with Elizabeth. Awww. Yay for smart girls! haha. Don't we wish there was a rich, moderately handsome gentleman coming calling for all us smart, moderately handsome girls :P

The reason it doesn't get 5/5 is because I felt that some of the characters were very annoying (Lord Wickam) in a I-dont-want-to-read-this-because-he's-here kind of way. I felt that, although there character is very important to the story, they needn't come in so often and say so much. Also, it was a little long winded and there were moments of self indulgence that went on a little too long for my liking. Otherwise, a great book that needs to be read by all!

NOTE: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is on my list to read after the penguin challenge! It looks great!!!

Emma
Currently reading Fabric of the Cosmos