All Consuming : nbwords

Nearly Painful Reading

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:13:50 GMT

by Tom Wolfe

If I had to read the line, “I am Charlotte Simmons!” one more time I would’ve puked. This novel needed an editor’s touch. It’s too long and loosely written, excruciatingly repetitive. The plot is transparent and predictable. The ending wraps up everything with a pretty little pink ribbon that readers can see coming from the first couple of chapters. There is absolutely nothing endearing about Charlotte’s character, nothing that makes me identify with what she goes through or feel for her in any way other than that she’s a silly self-absorbed twerp. But shouldn’t even silly self-absorbed twerps, when they are the main character in a novel, have some redeeming quality that makes you care for them? I cared more about the villanious frat boy, Hoyt, than I cared about Charlotte. I could at least feel for him and understand where he was coming from even if I disagreed with his behaviour. Characters are supposed to change over the course of a novel, and especially in one of this size, you would think something would happen. Charlotte changes from the sweet studious hick to a social climbing sorority wannabe right at the start of the novel and stays that way until the end when she finally nabs the boyfriend who elevates her to sorority status on the college social ladder. Bah! This book doesn’t even deserve this much thought and discussion.

A story about "The Hatbox Letters : A Novel"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:44 GMT

The Hatbox Letters : A Novel

by Beth Powning

After hearing Beth Powning read, I couldn’t not buy this book. Mom read it and really loved it. I think I can learn a lot by reading this woman’s work.

A story about "Where I'm Calling From: Selected Stories"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:44 GMT

Where I'm Calling From: Selected Stories

by Raymond Carver

These stories are so simply written, so easy to understand . . . and yet so difficult to fully comprehend. I think I need to read and re-read these in order to sort them out.

A story about "Alden Nowlan Selected Poems"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:43 GMT

Alden Nowlan Selected Poems

by Alden Nowlan

This is my first book of Alden Nowland poetry. I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been interested in his work for a few years now since I read a biography about him called If I Could Turn and Meet Myself.

A story about "Strands the Length of the Wind"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:43 GMT

Strands the Length of the Wind

by John Smith

I bought this book from the man himself at breakfast Saturday morning at the Alden Nowlan Festival. He is the PEI’s poet laureate. I saw him read on Friday evening and enjoyed his reading very much.

A story about "Everything's Eventual : 14 Dark Tales"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:42 GMT

Everything's Eventual : 14 Dark Tales

by Stephen King

I’m having a really hard time getting into these stories. I’ve tried a few times and I can’t get past the first two. Not sure why that is, maybe King should stick to novels.

A story about "Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:41 GMT

Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World

by Margaret Macmillan

Very informative. Six months that changed the world, and she’s not kidding. I know I’m terribly naive about the way in which the world works most of the time, but it’s frightening to read this and see how these men sat around hotel rooms in Paris and decided the fate of the rest of the world. This is a very educational read. It’s well written and engages the reader better than many history texts.

A story about "Barney's Version"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:41 GMT

Barney's Version

by Mordecai Richler

I’ve loved Mordecai Richler since I read The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz in university. Barney’s Version is widely believed to be Richler’s most autobiographic novel. I’m loving it! It’s funny and unique and has guts in the way that only a Richler novel can. The premise is interesting, it’s Barney’s version of events . . . complete with footnotes to correct the facts he has wrong. It’s a strong reminder that everyone has their own version of events . . . that no two people experience the same event in exactly the same way. Siblings don’t have the same parents. Memory is unique and individual.

A story about "The Diviners"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:39 GMT

The Diviners

by MARGARET LAURENCE

Margaret Laurence is one of my favourite authors of all time. While most people cite The Stone Angel as their favourite and Hagar Shippley as her best character, I much prefer Morag Gunn of The Diviners. I relate to this character on so many levels. I also love the way this novel is shaped, the use of Memorybank Movies is so well done. That’s also how I tend to view my world, in a series of little films. This is a fantastic read!

A story about "White Madness"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:37 GMT

White Madness

by Alden Nowlan

This is a collection of personal essays. I identify so much with Alden Nowlan, if he had lived in another time I might have thought I was him reincarnated.

A story about "Green Grass, Running Water"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:36 GMT

Green Grass, Running Water

by Thomas King

I loved this book! It’s really funny, expertly crafted, and just an all around great read.

A story about "Frank: The Life and Politics of Frank McKenna"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:35 GMT

Frank: The Life and Politics of Frank McKenna

by Philip Lee

Borrowed this book from Stacy, but haven’t started it yet.

A story about "Such Is My Beloved (New Canadian Library)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:35 GMT

Such Is My Beloved (New Canadian Library)

by Morley Callaghan

Whenever I read anything of Morley Callaghan’s, I wonder why I don’t read him more. How come I don’t own everything he ever published? Because I love his writing ~~- I love his stories -~~ I love his style. And this book is no exception—Fantastic!

A story about "River Suite"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:35 GMT

River Suite

by Joe Blades

I’m a hopeless insomniac and when I know I’m going to be up all night but still I want to try and soothe my tired mind so I at least feel semi-refreshed in the morning, I lie in bed and read poetry aloud. The rhythms calm and relax me. The act of closing my eyes and pondering each poem helps me to rest without sleeping. This particular book of poetry is great because there are so many layers to peel away and consider . . . and there is the river. The sound of it, the sight of it, the feel of it passing by. Rivers are relaxing. Rivers are complex. The thing I love about poetry in general is the freedom to dip in and sample. You can wear out the pages of this book from so much use and still see something new each time you pick it up. This is a collection I will read again and again. I already have.

A story about "Digging My Own Grave"

nobody@allconsuming.net (nbwords) — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:41:34 GMT

Digging My Own Grave

by Gerard Beirne

Fantastic first collection of poems by this Irish writer living in Canada. I’m enjoying it immensely. Some of these poems are also on his “if it’s words you’re after” CD, which I’m also currently consuming. Stellar performances on the CD all around. I particularly enjoy “Umbilicus” . . . I get choked up every time I listen . . . and yet it makes me giggle. Great stuff!