This is one man's account of the horrors of being a Jew during WWII. He writes about his time during the persecution, the ghettos, his time in several concentration camps and losing every member of his family.

Every human being in the world should read this book.

It is horrific yet we have the luxury of closing the book if it gets to be "too much for us." Elie never had that luxury.

We do not, however have the luxury of pretending this wasn't real. We can't explain away the horror by saying it was fiction and the product of the author's vivid and disturbing imagination.

Read this book. Be horrified by this book. Be disgusted by this book. This is a book of extremes. It shows the realized potential of man's cruelty and hatred as well as showing the heart, soul and determination of mankind at its greatest moment of strength.

Let me be blunt. This is a horrific book. The pictures...well, they are probably the hardest thing I've ever seen in my life. These are death scene photographs collected by an LA County homicide detective in the 1920s-1950s.

So what could the significance of this book be, if there is one? I think the significance of this book is two fold. First, it gave me a true appreciation for what a police officers sees every day. How can these extraordinary men and women do their job and not go insane. How do they maintain emotional distance? How do they go home and not have complete and total mental breakdowns every day. Some do and I now understand a little better those who turn to the bottle. I'm not so sure I wouldn't.

The second significance is to dispel the rumors that human atrocities are the result of the modern era of "lack of morals." Video games, gangs, brutality...this is nothing new; even in the "innocent day" of the 20s-50s with June Cleaver. It is so commonplace today to see acts of violence on TV (whether fictional or not). Years ago it was hidden. Modern day citizens seem as though they have habituated to the sight of blood and death. If we haven't habituated we have chased death away by sterilizing it. People die in hospitals. At viewings they are nice and neat and look as though they are sleeping. We don't dress the bodies on our own kitchen tables any more. We don't view them in our home. We don't take post-morteum posed pictures like those in the Victorian Era. There is a permanency that exists today that didn't. If a Victorian child wasn't photographed they, quite frankly, never existed. Today we take thousands of pictures over the years. We, in some ways have become the innocents.

We need to be horrified and nauseated when we see things like this. Too many people would view these images with blank emotions. Man is a violent beast. He always has been since the beginning of time and he always will be until the end of time. It doesn't mean all humans are violent but it is inherently in our nature. Stronger men and women can resist this urge and that is the true testament to what being a human being really is. It is the ability to rise above our primal and base emotions.

I re-iterate...this is not a book for everyone; in fact I surmise very few would even want to look at it. My own purchased copy will be hidden away where my children will not chance to see it.

xposted to: bookish

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I had absolutely no idea that Fitzgerald wrote this story. It was quite charming. The edition I bought had the original short story and the screenplay for the movie with Brad Pitt (::le sigh::). I can honestly say that I like the short story better. I am often reminded of the line from Amadeus when the Emperor was asked how he liked Mozart's opera. He replied, "Too many notes." The screenplay was good but sometimes simplicity is a more desired state.


Marvin's Room by Scott McPherson

This is another play (I seem to be in the mood for them). The story revolves around Bessie; a woman who has selflessly been caring for her father and aunt in their old age and infirmary. When she finds out she has leukemia she calls upon her estranged sister and the two nephews she's never met to hopefully test for a bone marrow match.

Interesting story but I think was expecting to be more engaged and touched than I was. I found it a bit too light yet it didn't have the humor it was billed as having. It was supposed to run a gamut of emotions yet seemed to fall a bit flat for me. The characters seemed a bit flat.

Now, before I condemn this play I will, of course concede to the fact that plays are, in fact meant to be viewed and not read. I plan on picking up Marvin's Room staring Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep before I render my final judgment. Maybe I just didn't read it properly.

A few things...

1. This book is proof that yes, ladies and gentlemen, you WILL get to that book that's been on your shelf for years and years. I bought this a year or so after it was published and I've finally read it some 20 years later.

2. Do not, I repeat, do NOT think this has anything in common with the movie with the exception of the names Darryl VanHorne, Sukie Rougemont, Alexander Spofford, Jane Smart and Felicia. There are only a few scenes that were used as the inspiration for movie scenes. The story is quite different in so many fundamental ways.

With that being said, I loved the book. It was a bit wordy at times but very charming. I've been to small communities in New England that Eastwick were modeled after and Updike reproduces the small town quite well.

( Cut for mild spoilers )

Xposted on: bookish

A quick read; a half an hour at most? This is a story about a nun who attempts to protect a child from a pedophile priest. All abuse is implied. It takes place in a New York Catholic school in 1964. The author calls this story "a parable."

This is an incredibly powerful read. I find the author's interpretation of all parties, their interactions with each other and their position on the abuse profound, quite illuminating and thoughtful. So many people are affected in so many different ways.

I have been told that the movie remains quite faithful to the play. I'll be seeing it as soon as I can.

Xposted on: bookish

I was in a Gaiman mood. My five year old is desperate to see Coraline in the theaters (she's in love with Nightmare Before Christmas) so I figured I'd give it a read first. I'm not one for YA or Children's books, honestly, reading perhaps one or so a year. Between both of these books I've met my quota. Thankfully they were well written and not a general waste of my time. Gaiman is just a wonderful writer no matter who he writes for.

Coraline is an adorable fantasy/quest story of a little girl that discovers a parallel universe through a bricked up door in her flat. The Graveyard Book is another wonderful fantasy piece about a boy who is raised in a graveyard by ghosts and an undead guardian. I highly suggest if you have children that adore a bit of the ol' macabre that you present both of these books to them. Gaiman is quite genius when it comes to writing about ghoulies and ghosties without terrifying children. He makes it cozy and warm; a place your little ones would want to go by choice. Truly awesome.

Currently Reading: The People of the Abyss by Jack London

This was a tough read for me. As a parent I identified with it far too much. This was one of the very few books that brought me to tears.

I have become very fond of the way McCarthy writes. I know it annoys some but in this book I think it worked to his advantage. The lack of quotation marks almost seems to deaden and muffle the conversation which seems quite appropriate for this story. The lack of chapters also plays heavily into the theme of this story. There are no intentional breaks to divvy up the story. There are small section breaks but the story continues uninterrupted. While the book in no way drags on, the lack of chapters mimics the protagonists' lives...moving on and on and on with no real stunning action.

The story and the style are powerful. I am left wanting to defer the start of a new book until this one has left me completely.

Xposted on bookish

Very interesting story. Dark. Tragic. Necessary.

( Spoilers )

I read about 10 or so more books than last year with very few re-reads. 38 books and 7 short stories. There were also about 6 full textbooks. The best books all year were definitely Restoration by Rose Tremain, Simulacron-3 by Daniel F. Galouye, Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, Fay by Larry Brown, No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind.

The worst? The Religion by Nicholas Conde. Everything else was pretty good. Not A+ all the way, but I was better for having read them.

I failed the Alphabet Challenge but only by a few letters. I lost motivation into the new school semester and just couldn't get through the books on my "letter list." It was, however, fun to do so I plan on trying it again in 2009.

So...without ( further ado )

I got this book for my five year old because she's been fixated on the movie; wanting to see it desperately the minute she heard Despereaux say, "I am a gentleman." We did take her to the movie (it was delightful) and we've been reading the book a few chapters a night. Even though we are only about 5 chapters in, I borrowed it from her and read it in about an hour and a half.

Just adorable.

This book is a sociological study on human obsession with vampires. It covers a whole gamut of subjects including the non-existent connection between Vlad Tepes and Stoker's Dracula (no sports fans, there is no connection other than the name), the Goth culture, crimes committed in the name of vampirism, gaming, pop culture and people who actually believe their are vampires (sanguine and/or psychic).

The book is written fairly well (however, see my comments below on editing) and is humorous. The style is laid back and similar to A. J. Jacob's books. It's gonzo journalism. The author is part of the hunt. The content is good although as a vampire affectionate there is a bit of bias against things that we hold dear. Other than that he does a fairly decent job outlining the vampire world.

The thing I didn't like about the book is Bibeau wanders. He loses focus several times in the book. Background information is good but several times he spends two pages talking about a diplomat and his involvement in political corruption. How is that about vampires? Well, this person was a vampire scholar and associated with a bigger vampire scholar. I could have done without these types of tangents. Due to these interruptions, the book feels a bit disjointed at times. I think he needed a better editor.

Good book if you like the vampire culture. Not a classic. Nor anything I would recommend to vampire scholars but at least an amusing read.

It's been a long time, I know. ::drops head in shame:: School, kids, husband, house, repeat. :)

I'd have to say this was the second best book I've read this year. Funny how the first was at the beginning and the best at the end. (And what was the first? Stay tuned for my end of the year wrap).

This is the story of a man who was born without a scent of his own but with a godlike sense of smell. He learns the art of perfumery and learns to manipulate others through scent. It takes place in one of my favorite time periods (the 18th century) in France. It is filled to the brim with incredibly descriptive prose and an intense storyline. It delves into the world of perfuming. I had no idea it was so complex and this novel outlines perfuming in the 18th century! I can only imagine what it's like now...although when I wiki'd the art of perfume many of the basic tools and procedures are exactly the same now as then.

I won't get into any more of the plot because I don't want to ruin it. It's just too good. I read it quickly on a whim even though I had a quite a few books lined up before it.

Xposted on thereadingroom

This was a pretty fantastic book. I've read some of Oates short stories but never a novel. The only reason I chose this was it was based on Jeffrey Dahmer. I have this thing for serial killers. No, I'm not a nut. I'm a student that has a deep interest in Abnormal Psych and enjoy the macabre side of life.

I found the journal style writing very well done. Sometimes we get so focused on novels in the standard form that the occasional odd style works. I just came off reading a Cormac McCarthy story so I was already primed to continue enjoying a different style.

This was a very quick read. Not because it was a short book (it was actually) but because it sucked you in quickly. I look forward to other books by Oates. Of course, any recs with brief synopses would be accepted graciously. I find her macabre subject matter very interesting and very much my style.

Currently reading: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
On Deck: I have no idea. Maybe Fight Club.

This is the one and only YA book I've allotted myself for the year. I chose it because this was the book that inspired Neil Gaiman to write American Gods. I'm really glad that Gaiman did more research than Jones.

The story itself was pleasant and childlike; whimsical if you will. The facts were horrid. Any book that bases itself on mythological characters should get the back stories right. Loki is not a fire god. He never was. LOGI was the personification of fire. LOKI was the mischief god who actually a shapeshifter. He never, ever had any connection to fire. Even just a little research would have illuminated that fact.

I won't go on, though I could. Let's just say it was a nice way to spend an hour or so but I really wouldn't recommend it to any kid that likes mythology. They will get laughed at by other mythological aficionados if they repeat any of the information they get in this book. ;P

Xposted on: bookish

Oh, and this was letter "E" for the challenge. I'll post an update tonight maybe. :)

Hmmm. This one wasn't as good at the first two. I had the distinct feeling that Lindsay used The Religion by Nicholas Conde as his inspiration. For those who are unfamiliar with this book, the movie is The Believers with Martin Sheen and Jimmy Smits.

This was far more supernatural than it should be. It seemed like it was simply a dalliance; as though Lindsay got bored with Dexter and played around. Well, he should mess with a good thing. While this was entertaining and a page turner, it left me a bit disappointed. That wasn't my Dexter. I'm not sure who's Dexter he was. It doesn't even seem as though it was Lindsay's Dexter either.

finally read this book. Yeah, I know. I'm 35 and probably should have read it in 6th grade. I think I would have enjoyed it more. Toward the middle of the book it started to slow down. I guess after all the pirate movies of the last few years, anything that doesn't have Davy Jones himself, Jack Sparrow and daring swordfights every 4 minutes would seem dull.

Now, as one of the first real pirate novels, I tip the ol' cap. That in and of itself was why it was worth picking it up. The story itself was good and the characters were fantastic. It just...well, dragged a bit. It's probably more suited to kids and teens...as an adult I wanted just a wee more action.

This has been a slooooooooooow month. Sewing and decorating has taken over.

Currently reading: Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay. It's going much faster than Treasure Island did.

I must thank falcania for getting me this book. It was entirely enjoyable although pretty badly written. From the title you can glean the premise. The Greek Gods, who now live in a house in London and are quite bored, have fun stirring things about with each other and a pair of mortals. Unfortunatly one trick goes a bit far and they find themselves, as well as all humanity, in quite an awkward situation.

Again, quite enjoyable but a lessor version of American Gods. Gaiman is a far superior writer with a far more complex and meaningful story. With that being said, if you need a giggle and a mindless romp, this book is A-Okay.

I finished Geek Love by Katherine Dunn a few days ago. It was disturbing, vial, controversial and it was pure genius. Al and Crystal Lil are the owners of a carnival. When attendance starts to drop they decide to breed their own "geeks" by taking large quantities of drugs and other terotogens when pregnant to cause the children to become freaks (a flipper boy, siamese twins, an albino hunchback dwarf...etc...). The story that ensues is one of domination, cults, love and an incredible social commentary. This story is not for everyone but for those who are interested? Buy. Read. Love.

Oh, and an alphabet update. It's about halfway through the year. I've already gone over my total for last year. This isn't a race, of course, I've just been making as much time as possible for reading.

( Alphabet Challenge Update )

This is the second of three Dexter novels (the serial killer that only kills other serial killer and works as a forensic blood splatter expert). This book was almost as good as the first book but I felt it was a little more hard to believe. All books like these depend on a willing sense of disbelief and if I didn't love Dexter as much as I do I probably wouldn't have bought any of it. Since Dexter is such a wild and insane type of character I was willing to let all of the unbelievable go.

Before reading this book I spent about four days watching Season One of Dexter. What a fantastic series and August just can't come fast enough. This book was a nice morsel to tide me over (at least for a little while).

Now just for laughs I must quote the best line in the book. Don't worry. It's not a spoiler as it happens in the opening chapter. To truly understand how funny this is, remember that Dexter is a serial killer. He may only kill other monsters but it doesn't detract from the fact that he is pretty cold and heartless. He does, however, like kids (and he has no idea why). The scene opens and the reader believes that Dexter is stalking a victim. It turns out that,

"Dexter did not kick the can. And now Dexter is It. Again.... How can Dexter's night hunt be reduced to this?...and here I am, stalking an empty Chef Boyardee ravioli can that is guilty of nothing worse than bland sauce. Here I am, frittering away precious time losing a game I have not played since I was ten. Even worse, I am IT." (Lindsay 2-3)

Hehe. How can you not love this character!!

Crossposted to: bookish

I'm only posting this on my book journal because I don't want to listen to the inevitable backlash I'll receive for my opinion. I love Lewis' stories. I remember reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child and being simply traumatized when Aslan was shaved (for some reason the slaying didn't bother me as much). They translate very, VERY well on screen and are simply fabulous in their own right. I didn't read all of them so this was the first run for Prince Caspian. As an adult I don't care for Lewis' writing; at least in regard for his children's stories. His adult work is well written but I find the Narnia books to be choppy and slow with too much mixture of mythologies. His writing style is disjointed as he sometimes writes directly to the reader and sometimes speaks as the omniscient narrator. I also grew weary of the paragraphs that lasted almost a whole page. Break it up already, C.S.!!! He would have done well with an editor. I'm sure he had one but a second round would have been a good thing.

This just confirms to me that Young Adult and Children's fiction is meant for children and young adults. I can see how Lewis' style would appeal to a child as it appealed to me when I was young. As an adult I no longer have a taste for it. Again, reading children's books is OK for me once in a great while but when it comes to books, I want a steak, not a McDonald's cheeseburger. hehe I just wish they were written a little better. That's all.

This was P for the alphabet challenge.