It’s interesting to re-read these books having seen the films, to recognise things they changed, things they kept the same, things they added. I find that the books are easier to read now, as well, because the film sort of provided a visual reference to go with Tolkien’s word. In my mind’s eye now, Gandalf is Ian McKellen and Bilbo is Ian Holm.

A great book. Somewhat sad, but not hopelessly so.

This is my least favourite book of the three, because the end is so dragged out and anti-climactic. The appendices are fun to read though. That Tolkien, he sure was thorough!

I don’t much like this book. I find it dour, humourless, and dry. I read it first as part of the syllabus for a Black History Course at university, and didn’t like it much then either. I’d prefer if Bell has just written straightforward critical essays, rather than attempting to use allegory to get his fiction across, because, truth be told, as important as his ideas may be, he’s not a very good writer.

I chose this book because the title gave me a sense of deja vu, like I’d read a positive review of it somewhere some time ago, but couldn’t quite remember where. And because I like to check out things by contemporary Caribbean authors. And also because Ms. Kempadoo looks really pretty in the author photo on the back cover. Yeah, I’m shallow like that.

Nothing really new in this book, but it was an easy and fun read. I liked the testimonies from the users of the armchair millionaire website, but they didn’t interest me enough for me to actually visit the website myself.

I’ve heard a lot about this book, so pounced on it when I saw it on the shelves at the library. Having completed it, I’m a bit disappointed. Moore’s rhetoric is rather brash and abrasive. And it’s not that funny. It’s not an awful book, but I’m not that impressed. And Moore cites statistics in a way that makes me suspect that the figures he’s quoting may be a bit dodgy.

I am a big fan of Barbara Kingsolver’s writing. I have heard people say that they don’t like the way her writing is so heavily influenced by her politics, that she’s too message-y, but I think that’s part of why I enjoy her books so much. I’ve noticed that there are actually Cliffs’ Notes for this book; I’m tempted to check them out.

bell hooks is always a good read.

This book was just meh. And I saw the ending coming a mile away.