Penelope's Humble Opinions
On Book Recommendations
and Other People's Writing
and Other People's Writing
(because it is easier to critique someone else's work than produce her own!)
I figured I will start with books I've read in the last year or so and work backwards from there. As an aspiring writer myself, I will never use this forum to bash another writer. If someone has the discipline to sit down and finish a book, well, at the very least I respect the effort. I will try to reserve harsh words only for writers who have received acclaim, acknowledgement and praise for work they clearly do not deserve. Ya know, like Jennifer Aniston as an actress.
So, here goes:
Who knew? Steve Martin, yes, comedic actor Steve Martin, is seriously multi-talented: an accomplished actor/screenwriter, an award winning banjo player and musician and ...... novelist. I recently read An Object of Beauty and was quite impressed. Interesting story, well-researched, characters you want to get to know.
So....as promised (per the below entry) I am back with my two cents about Donna Tartt's Goldfinch. I actually agree with both opposing views espoused by the literary critics: on one hand, I do agree that the book can easily fall into the category of "literature" since the topic is so well researched and the writing is that good. I also agree that it can easily fall into the "commercial fiction" category with its compelling narrative, non-academic language and accessibility. All the high-brow debating aside, the bottom line is it is an excellent novel, with diverse and compelling characters and a story that is compulsively readable. Good book.
I have not yet finished Donna Tartts's Goldfinch. When, I do, I will be back with a review of my own. In the meantime, take a look at this well-researched, well-written Vanity Fair article about the stir it is creating in the literary community. If I am lucky enough to ever have something of mine published AND have the literary community in a heated debated about it (good OR bad) I would say my job is done.
I am sad to report that, so far, I have only read Banana Yoshimoto's novel, Kitchen, even though this quirky chick is credited with penning more than a dozen novels. I have just begun The Lake and can already tell I am going to love it. Banana is known for her imagery and bizarre stories that allow the reader to peek into an almost unbelievable world with totally believable characters. That was true for Kitchen and, from what I can tell at this early juncture, it will hold true for The Lake. I think it's time for me to venture into other Japanese female authors because I know I am missing so many wonderful books. Anyway...give Banana a shot. You will not be disappointed.
I'm not a huge self-help book type of chick. I have no doubt there are some books in this category that offer fantastic, real-life advice but I don't seem to find them. Like most things, I also have no doubt that the underlying problem is me...I'm the reason I am unable to complete most of these books or, more accurately, put the teachings offered in these books to actual practice. I think one of the reasons may be that I can only handle advice-giving in small doses so trying to ingest 300+ pages all at once isn't palatable. BUT....there are two books that I have read more than once (but not all at once) over the years that I think speak of some seriously deep truths. These are the books that I keep around, that I turn to, that I would certainly ask you to take at least a cursory glance at:
Manifest your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. A small book chock-full of easily digestible Law of Attraction quotes that can be put into immediate practice with very little effort.
Often I read a book with a great premise and endless possibilities that has fallen into the hands of the wrong writer, editor or publisher. That is true of Heaven is For Real, a supposed true account of a 4 year old boy who, during emergency surgery, visited heaven. The topic interests me but, unfortunately, the story is written by the boy's father, a pastor, and is supposedly written for other children. Certainly repetitive and at times preachy, I feel the book would have seemed more legitimate, more credible if it were written by, say, a person with a Ph.D. in the field of paranormal psychiatry and geared towards adults. Is this really a topic for children? A lot of books I read also take a premise and with no real substance the writer is forced to drag things on and on just to add to the sheer length of the work. If this were written by a third person expert, for example, they could have added legitimate length to the book. Not sure how much an editor participated in this process because it seems to still need quite a bit of work. I also think the cutesy and childish illustration take what should be a serious and life-changing experience for the family and turn it into a silly ploy for media attention and an insulting attempt at making the story accessible to all people by talking down to us. Like the editor, I think the publisher steered this family wrong. I do commend the family, however, for sharing their story which I believe they believe to be true. Although, I think it should have been the boy's choice to share this story or not when he grows up. Now, whatever he chooses to do will be tainted with this experience. From my point of view that seems a little exploitative. Worth an afternoon of your time anyway.
If you have any children in your life, I would suggest buying them a copy of the wonderfully original and thought provoking Nate and the Horseshoe Crab. Nathaniel Newton is the illustrator, writer and publisher and he did a bang up job.
Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. Just read it. Very funny. Very.
Moving on.....
I'm not a fan of Steven King. I respect the fact that he has written an extremely impressive amount of work and has developed an almost cult-like following. Their is no denying the man is talented. Over the years, I have picked up a book here and there like The Shining (even scarier than the movie) and It (also even scarier than the movies) and have enjoyed them. But, that, for me is as far as the love affair has gone. Mr. King writes with a clear formula - and although efficient and effective - it just doesn't pull me in. This last year I read the first book of the Dark Tower series and, truth be told, I was at a complete loss. It must be that this type of writing, this type of topic is geared towards a particular audience, possibly towards people who would normally appreciate sci-fi or fantasy. I found the book to be extremely drawn out and an unnecessarily long prelude to books that follow which I don't care about. This past year, I also read 11/22/63 which, obviously, is about the assassination of President Kennedy. I'm not an avid enough reader of Mr. King's work to know whether this is a departure form his normal style, but I truly enjoyed this work. The story is basically about an ordinary guy who gets the bizarre chance to go back in history and attempt to change that ill-fated day, and the repercussions that would follow. I deeply appreciated the amount of work he had to put into this book to make it historically accurate and the lead character who was sympathetic and someone I was happy to get to know. The book does drag a bit but that would not stop me from recommending it. Enjoy! (Within the next few months I plan on reading The Stand so I will report back.)
Years ago, I discovered two extremely talented and prolific authors: Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain. In the last year, I have made my way through almost all of their books. The books I read by Ms. Picoult include The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Sing you Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Ninteen Minutes, The Tenth Circle, Vanishing Acts, My Sister's Keeper, Second Glance, Salem Falls, Plain Truth, Keeping Faith, The Pact, Mercy, Picture Perfect, Harvesting the Moon, a short story titled The Color War and Songs of the Humpback Whale and I would recommend every single one of them. I would add this note however: like Diane Chamberlain, I do think the subjects covered in their novels are more geared to women. I would also add that the intricate depth of both the characters and the plots created by Picoult and Chamberlain are enticingly seductive and relatable and you have no choice but to marvel at their talents. For a male reader, I would recommend starting with Picoult's Songs of the Humpback Whale. The Jodi Picoult novels I have not yet read include Over the Moon, Wonder Woman, Perfect Match and the soon to be released Leaving Time. I have also not yet read Between the Lines mostly because it is a Young Adult Novel. But, I also have not read it because it is the first book Picould co-authored with her daughter. I am a bit insulted that Picoult is shamelessly using her readership following to plug her daughter. I think that is in bad taste. Jonathan Kellerman did the same thing with his wife, Faye (and the books did not hold up). His son, however, Jesse, did not use his father's fame as a jumping point for his own career and it turns out he is a pretty talented author.
Many of the books I read are through recommendations from friends, Val at the Sawyer Free Library and, occasionally, book reviews. The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes, by Diane Chamberlain, was one of those recommendations and not only a book I absolutely loved but an introduction into the mind of this outstanding author. If you are not familiar with Ms. Chamberlain's work, start with that book because it gives you insight into her style and what else you can expect: complicated characters, layered narratives and a prose that reads like poetry. I have also enjoyed Necessary Lies, The Good Father, Kiss River, The Midwife's Confession, Keeper of the Light, Brass Ring, The Shadow Life, Reflection, The Escape Artist, The Lies We Told, Summer Child, Breaking the Silence, Secrets She Left Behind, The Courage Tree, Fire & Rain and Secret Lives. I have have not yet read, but am looking forward to making my way through The First Lie, Her Mother's Shadow, Before the Storm and Bay at Midnight. Much like Ms. Picoult, I do find myself recommending Ms. Chamberlain's books to women. I do not mean in any way to pigeonhole these talented writers nor dismiss their fiction as "chick-based" but there is a truth in that the topics they cover seem to be more likely to hold the interest of the fairer sex. Let me know if that is insulting or if there is a better way for me to phrase it!
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is not a book I read recently, but it withstood the test of time and remains fresh in my heart and mind. A co-worker from back in the day recommended this book, sort of forcing it on me because she claimed it was so wonderful. It took some pressuring because I admit, I can be a judgmental ass, and when she told me the book was written from the point of view of a dog I dismissed it as silly. At her prompting though, I picked up the book and I was right...I was not going to make it through but for an entirely different reason. It is written from the point of view of an elderly dog and within the first couple of pages my heart was already torn open and I figured I didn't have the stomach for it. But I pressed on and fell in love with this dog, his owner and the life obstacles they overcome. This book is an absolute treasure. Trust me.
By far, one of the absolute best books I have read i a long time is the Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. I think this is her first book which amazes me because it is an extremely ambitious novel with characters that you do not want to let go. This historical novel follows the journey of a young man, and by extension that of his love and his family, through the upheaval of World War II. The scope of the book is breathtaking, the story is beyond compelling and the characters burrow their way into your heart and soul. Julie Orringer is a woman with a profound gift and we are fortunate she has chosen to share it with us. Keep in mind, this book is a bit lengthy and takes a while to really get off the ground so it is an investment of time but well worth it. Tatiana Nicoli from Boulevard Books on 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn recommended it...and I really appreciated that!
So, here goes:
Who knew? Steve Martin, yes, comedic actor Steve Martin, is seriously multi-talented: an accomplished actor/screenwriter, an award winning banjo player and musician and ...... novelist. I recently read An Object of Beauty and was quite impressed. Interesting story, well-researched, characters you want to get to know.
So....as promised (per the below entry) I am back with my two cents about Donna Tartt's Goldfinch. I actually agree with both opposing views espoused by the literary critics: on one hand, I do agree that the book can easily fall into the category of "literature" since the topic is so well researched and the writing is that good. I also agree that it can easily fall into the "commercial fiction" category with its compelling narrative, non-academic language and accessibility. All the high-brow debating aside, the bottom line is it is an excellent novel, with diverse and compelling characters and a story that is compulsively readable. Good book.
I have not yet finished Donna Tartts's Goldfinch. When, I do, I will be back with a review of my own. In the meantime, take a look at this well-researched, well-written Vanity Fair article about the stir it is creating in the literary community. If I am lucky enough to ever have something of mine published AND have the literary community in a heated debated about it (good OR bad) I would say my job is done.
I am sad to report that, so far, I have only read Banana Yoshimoto's novel, Kitchen, even though this quirky chick is credited with penning more than a dozen novels. I have just begun The Lake and can already tell I am going to love it. Banana is known for her imagery and bizarre stories that allow the reader to peek into an almost unbelievable world with totally believable characters. That was true for Kitchen and, from what I can tell at this early juncture, it will hold true for The Lake. I think it's time for me to venture into other Japanese female authors because I know I am missing so many wonderful books. Anyway...give Banana a shot. You will not be disappointed.
I'm not a huge self-help book type of chick. I have no doubt there are some books in this category that offer fantastic, real-life advice but I don't seem to find them. Like most things, I also have no doubt that the underlying problem is me...I'm the reason I am unable to complete most of these books or, more accurately, put the teachings offered in these books to actual practice. I think one of the reasons may be that I can only handle advice-giving in small doses so trying to ingest 300+ pages all at once isn't palatable. BUT....there are two books that I have read more than once (but not all at once) over the years that I think speak of some seriously deep truths. These are the books that I keep around, that I turn to, that I would certainly ask you to take at least a cursory glance at:
Manifest your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. A small book chock-full of easily digestible Law of Attraction quotes that can be put into immediate practice with very little effort.
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life by the Dalai Lama. This book is actually the written account of a speech the Dalai Lama gave in Central Park, NYC in 1999. Basis Buddhist teachings are explained in laymen's terms and shown how they can be put into practical use.
As it turns out, the above books, which both espouse the use of daily meditation can also themselves be used as daily meditation. What I mean by that is, like many people, quieting my mind enough for meditation is a challenge. Reading these teaching allow me to focus my mind and mediate on a virtuous subject. Get me?
If you have any children in your life, I would suggest buying them a copy of the wonderfully original and thought provoking Nate and the Horseshoe Crab. Nathaniel Newton is the illustrator, writer and publisher and he did a bang up job.
Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. Just read it. Very funny. Very.
Moving on.....
I'm not a fan of Steven King. I respect the fact that he has written an extremely impressive amount of work and has developed an almost cult-like following. Their is no denying the man is talented. Over the years, I have picked up a book here and there like The Shining (even scarier than the movie) and It (also even scarier than the movies) and have enjoyed them. But, that, for me is as far as the love affair has gone. Mr. King writes with a clear formula - and although efficient and effective - it just doesn't pull me in. This last year I read the first book of the Dark Tower series and, truth be told, I was at a complete loss. It must be that this type of writing, this type of topic is geared towards a particular audience, possibly towards people who would normally appreciate sci-fi or fantasy. I found the book to be extremely drawn out and an unnecessarily long prelude to books that follow which I don't care about. This past year, I also read 11/22/63 which, obviously, is about the assassination of President Kennedy. I'm not an avid enough reader of Mr. King's work to know whether this is a departure form his normal style, but I truly enjoyed this work. The story is basically about an ordinary guy who gets the bizarre chance to go back in history and attempt to change that ill-fated day, and the repercussions that would follow. I deeply appreciated the amount of work he had to put into this book to make it historically accurate and the lead character who was sympathetic and someone I was happy to get to know. The book does drag a bit but that would not stop me from recommending it. Enjoy! (Within the next few months I plan on reading The Stand so I will report back.)
Years ago, I discovered two extremely talented and prolific authors: Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain. In the last year, I have made my way through almost all of their books. The books I read by Ms. Picoult include The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Sing you Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Ninteen Minutes, The Tenth Circle, Vanishing Acts, My Sister's Keeper, Second Glance, Salem Falls, Plain Truth, Keeping Faith, The Pact, Mercy, Picture Perfect, Harvesting the Moon, a short story titled The Color War and Songs of the Humpback Whale and I would recommend every single one of them. I would add this note however: like Diane Chamberlain, I do think the subjects covered in their novels are more geared to women. I would also add that the intricate depth of both the characters and the plots created by Picoult and Chamberlain are enticingly seductive and relatable and you have no choice but to marvel at their talents. For a male reader, I would recommend starting with Picoult's Songs of the Humpback Whale. The Jodi Picoult novels I have not yet read include Over the Moon, Wonder Woman, Perfect Match and the soon to be released Leaving Time. I have also not yet read Between the Lines mostly because it is a Young Adult Novel. But, I also have not read it because it is the first book Picould co-authored with her daughter. I am a bit insulted that Picoult is shamelessly using her readership following to plug her daughter. I think that is in bad taste. Jonathan Kellerman did the same thing with his wife, Faye (and the books did not hold up). His son, however, Jesse, did not use his father's fame as a jumping point for his own career and it turns out he is a pretty talented author.
Many of the books I read are through recommendations from friends, Val at the Sawyer Free Library and, occasionally, book reviews. The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes, by Diane Chamberlain, was one of those recommendations and not only a book I absolutely loved but an introduction into the mind of this outstanding author. If you are not familiar with Ms. Chamberlain's work, start with that book because it gives you insight into her style and what else you can expect: complicated characters, layered narratives and a prose that reads like poetry. I have also enjoyed Necessary Lies, The Good Father, Kiss River, The Midwife's Confession, Keeper of the Light, Brass Ring, The Shadow Life, Reflection, The Escape Artist, The Lies We Told, Summer Child, Breaking the Silence, Secrets She Left Behind, The Courage Tree, Fire & Rain and Secret Lives. I have have not yet read, but am looking forward to making my way through The First Lie, Her Mother's Shadow, Before the Storm and Bay at Midnight. Much like Ms. Picoult, I do find myself recommending Ms. Chamberlain's books to women. I do not mean in any way to pigeonhole these talented writers nor dismiss their fiction as "chick-based" but there is a truth in that the topics they cover seem to be more likely to hold the interest of the fairer sex. Let me know if that is insulting or if there is a better way for me to phrase it!
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is not a book I read recently, but it withstood the test of time and remains fresh in my heart and mind. A co-worker from back in the day recommended this book, sort of forcing it on me because she claimed it was so wonderful. It took some pressuring because I admit, I can be a judgmental ass, and when she told me the book was written from the point of view of a dog I dismissed it as silly. At her prompting though, I picked up the book and I was right...I was not going to make it through but for an entirely different reason. It is written from the point of view of an elderly dog and within the first couple of pages my heart was already torn open and I figured I didn't have the stomach for it. But I pressed on and fell in love with this dog, his owner and the life obstacles they overcome. This book is an absolute treasure. Trust me.
By far, one of the absolute best books I have read i a long time is the Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. I think this is her first book which amazes me because it is an extremely ambitious novel with characters that you do not want to let go. This historical novel follows the journey of a young man, and by extension that of his love and his family, through the upheaval of World War II. The scope of the book is breathtaking, the story is beyond compelling and the characters burrow their way into your heart and soul. Julie Orringer is a woman with a profound gift and we are fortunate she has chosen to share it with us. Keep in mind, this book is a bit lengthy and takes a while to really get off the ground so it is an investment of time but well worth it. Tatiana Nicoli from Boulevard Books on 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn recommended it...and I really appreciated that!
Do yourself a favor. Pick up any one of David Sedaris' books and start reading it. And then see if you can put it down. Mr. Sedaris has a strong, unique voice and a talent of making his pretty extraordinary life seem totally relatable and humble. And he is funny as hell. Laugh out loud funny. Tears rolling down your face funny. This last year I have read Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Holidays on Ice and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Time for you to get on board the Sedaris Train if you haven't already.
I also read all of John Green's books including: Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, The Fault in our Stars and Will Grayson, Will Grayson which he co-authored with David Levithan. Compulsively readable and shockingly original. I cut and pasted this from his website so you can see how frickin' accomplished this son of a bitch is...and he is only 37! Hate him:
John Green is the New York Times bestselling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and The Fault in Our Stars. He is also the coauthor, with David Levithan, of Will Grayson, Will Grayson. He was 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Green’s books have been published in more than a dozen languages.
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