A little girl at heart, I finally broke down and read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine- something I should have done in fourth grade. Although a Newbery Honor book, this is hardly college literature. It’s a fairy tale, a Cinderella story- which I’m now realizing is a story line running around in more abundance than I’d ever imagined. I thought I’d seen them all by sixth grade, but no, I’ve discovered two since starting college. Not that it’s a bad thing. It’s the quintessential chick flick. You’d be hard pressed to find a girl who doesn’t appreciate the story of a young girl, who when thrown into deplorable and hopelessly dismal situations endures bloodthirsty foes, impossible fairies, and manipulative family ...and acts nobly anyway. There is something of a spiritual triumph in this simple act of one-sided nobility. It speaks to the prince and princess inside each of us and inspires us to live up to our title.
This particular rendition of the Cinderella story is fun because Ella is more of a realistic person than the Disney movie makes her out to be. She’s not perfect, and her disposition is not blindly submissive despite (or more accurately because of) the curse which was bestowed upon her at birth by an impertinent fairy to “Always be obedient”; she obeys orders, but only because the curse will not allow her to do otherwise.
She is a real person with real relationships with the people around her. Something the Bruno, Gus and Lucifer version doesn’t have that this one does is this: not only does Ella’s prince, Shar (prince Shar-ming, ha ha ha! :) sweep her off her glass-slipper shod feet, but they start as friends long before the prospect of marriage is considered. While not nearly as involved as a Jane Austin novel, similarities exist as their friendship is based primarily on intellect, interests, and conversation.
I recently found an old, beat up copy of The Slipper and the Rose while going through some videos. At my mom’s request I popped it in to see if it still worked. It did, barely, and I ended up watching the whole thing. Yup, another Cinderella story. The reason I bring this up is because I found it uncanny when just a week later I read Ella Enchanted and found that both Cinderella and Ella choose selflessness over their happiness when faced with practically the same situation. Their decisions in this instance are noble, but also make me positively sick. Fortunately neither The Slipper and the Rose nor Ella Enchanted end right there.
The story ends, of course “And they lived happily ever after”, however, I figure this came as no surprise to you. I guess it’s borderline spoiling, but this should in no way dissuade you from reading the book if you so desire- if you consider those people in real life who really do live “happily ever after” when the end of their story comes have the stories worth reading (take President Gordon B. Hinckley’s biography for example), knowing the ending won’t really ruin the read. Everyone should indulge in some fairy tales once in a while. I’ll bet Charles Dickens would even agree with me on that one.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Aron Ralston (One Thumb Up)
I just finished Between a Rock and a Hard Place this morning and I'm still a little stumped about what I want to say about it. Even though you may not have read the book, it's likely that you're familiar with the story. Back in the Spring of 2003, Aron Ralston decided to go hiking by himself in the slot canyons around Moab. A few hours into his hike on Saturday, he disturbed a large boulder above him that fell, pinning his hand against the cliff wall. After several attempts to move the boulder, he decided that the only thing left to do was cut off his own hand. He then single-handedly hiked out of the canyon.
Among other things, I enjoyed this book because it helped to correct some of the preconceived notions that I had about Aron. I figured that a hiker who went alone into the slot canyons and got himself stuck would have been inexperienced. Exactly the opposite is true. He was very experienced at traversing mountains. He holds the record for the largest number of 14,000+ ft. mountains climbed during the winter months (somewhere around 50). He climbed most of these mountains before his accident. Before dedicating his life solely to climbing, he was a mechanical engineer for Intel for five years. He received a bachelor's degree in both Piano Performance and Electrical Engineering. He was typically a very cautious hiker. It was merely a rare set of coincidences that led to him being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book itself was a little slow. The language seemed overdone at times. Don't expect a lot of deep psychological turmoil. And caution...there's a lot profanity during the accident itself with scattered cursing each time he gets frustrated. That I didn't enjoy.
But, on the other hand, it is an inspirational story that shouldn't be overlooked. It's unlikely that you'll walk away without wanting to go for a (group) hike.
Among other things, I enjoyed this book because it helped to correct some of the preconceived notions that I had about Aron. I figured that a hiker who went alone into the slot canyons and got himself stuck would have been inexperienced. Exactly the opposite is true. He was very experienced at traversing mountains. He holds the record for the largest number of 14,000+ ft. mountains climbed during the winter months (somewhere around 50). He climbed most of these mountains before his accident. Before dedicating his life solely to climbing, he was a mechanical engineer for Intel for five years. He received a bachelor's degree in both Piano Performance and Electrical Engineering. He was typically a very cautious hiker. It was merely a rare set of coincidences that led to him being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book itself was a little slow. The language seemed overdone at times. Don't expect a lot of deep psychological turmoil. And caution...there's a lot profanity during the accident itself with scattered cursing each time he gets frustrated. That I didn't enjoy.
But, on the other hand, it is an inspirational story that shouldn't be overlooked. It's unlikely that you'll walk away without wanting to go for a (group) hike.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I'd like to be a Puddlejumper now
I picked up Puddlejumpers by Mark Jean and Christopher C. Carlson, on a whim. I'd never heard anything about it before, but it sounded interesting enough. I enjoy young adult fantasy novels. This one fits right into the genre--a fantastical world existing right in the middle of our normal human one, or in the case of Circle, Illinois, right underneath our normal one.
Puddlejumpers are small earthy creatures that inhabit a world below the Up Above where all the humans live. They love MotherEarth and need water, and all sorts of good stuff. But something evil and sinister is coming to destroy their kingdom! Their only hope is an ancient prophecy that says a human boy will be born who will help save the kingdom. (Are you thinking Harry Potter at this point? Me too. But there aren't any wands in this one...) The Puddlejumpers find their prophetic Rainmaker in Shawn Frazier, watch over him for 3+ months in the confines of his own human home, and then kidnap him into the Puddlejumper world. Everything goes well until disaster strikes, the Puddlejumper world is infiltrated and the Rainmaker is LOST...or so it seems.
Fast forward a number of years and enter two kids, Ernie and Joey, who decide to solve the mystery of the kidnapped baby. Their entrance into the story starts the whole prophecy thing in motion again...and the great question is, will the Rainmaker return and save the Puddlejumper's world? Will he return and make it rain again?!
The story is very reminiscent of Harry Potter and every other "there's a boy and a prophecy" fantasy novel out there. But the book is also entertaining and creative enough to keep you from making too many connections to Rowling's books. The characters have heart--especially Ernie Banks--and I found myself reading for hours, unable to put the book down. Puddlejumpers is not the greatest book you'll read this summer, but its fun, easy, and you'll have a good time.
Puddlejumpers are small earthy creatures that inhabit a world below the Up Above where all the humans live. They love MotherEarth and need water, and all sorts of good stuff. But something evil and sinister is coming to destroy their kingdom! Their only hope is an ancient prophecy that says a human boy will be born who will help save the kingdom. (Are you thinking Harry Potter at this point? Me too. But there aren't any wands in this one...) The Puddlejumpers find their prophetic Rainmaker in Shawn Frazier, watch over him for 3+ months in the confines of his own human home, and then kidnap him into the Puddlejumper world. Everything goes well until disaster strikes, the Puddlejumper world is infiltrated and the Rainmaker is LOST...or so it seems.
Fast forward a number of years and enter two kids, Ernie and Joey, who decide to solve the mystery of the kidnapped baby. Their entrance into the story starts the whole prophecy thing in motion again...and the great question is, will the Rainmaker return and save the Puddlejumper's world? Will he return and make it rain again?!
The story is very reminiscent of Harry Potter and every other "there's a boy and a prophecy" fantasy novel out there. But the book is also entertaining and creative enough to keep you from making too many connections to Rowling's books. The characters have heart--especially Ernie Banks--and I found myself reading for hours, unable to put the book down. Puddlejumpers is not the greatest book you'll read this summer, but its fun, easy, and you'll have a good time.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Welcome to the Experiment
First of all, let me make this clear. Anyone can write a post. I hope that each "Contributor" will contribute for the benefit of the group.
"Boyintheframe" hit the nail right on the head. I can go elsewhere to find "the lists" of classic books. I read many of the classics in high school. The read-a-thon continues in college. Like he said, reading those books can be beneficial for their depth and depiction of the human experience.
But this is summer. And what are "summers" really for? In my opinion summers are kind of like Sundays. We take a break from the things that we have to do, to focus on the spiritual things that we (hopefully) want to do. Both realms of projects have value if we let them.
So. Back to the experiment. I want to find those books that still have merit but don't make it on the lists. And who better to ask then my close friends and family?
Now, as you've probably noticed, I've written up several reviews of books that I've read this summer. I'm still waiting for most of my friends and family to do their part. I honestly don't want a senior thesis for every book. I just want a basic synopsis of the book (hopefully without spoilers) and what you thought of it. If the book was fantastic, tell me it was fantastic. If it was terrible, tell me it was terrible. My hope is that we can all find a book or two that we wouldn't have otherwise read. I don't expect life changing events, but hey, if it happens...congrats!
Let's look forward a few years. I fully intend to write up a little review of every book I read from now on. And if everyone was writing? Think of the possibilities!
"Boyintheframe" hit the nail right on the head. I can go elsewhere to find "the lists" of classic books. I read many of the classics in high school. The read-a-thon continues in college. Like he said, reading those books can be beneficial for their depth and depiction of the human experience.
But this is summer. And what are "summers" really for? In my opinion summers are kind of like Sundays. We take a break from the things that we have to do, to focus on the spiritual things that we (hopefully) want to do. Both realms of projects have value if we let them.
So. Back to the experiment. I want to find those books that still have merit but don't make it on the lists. And who better to ask then my close friends and family?
Now, as you've probably noticed, I've written up several reviews of books that I've read this summer. I'm still waiting for most of my friends and family to do their part. I honestly don't want a senior thesis for every book. I just want a basic synopsis of the book (hopefully without spoilers) and what you thought of it. If the book was fantastic, tell me it was fantastic. If it was terrible, tell me it was terrible. My hope is that we can all find a book or two that we wouldn't have otherwise read. I don't expect life changing events, but hey, if it happens...congrats!
Let's look forward a few years. I fully intend to write up a little review of every book I read from now on. And if everyone was writing? Think of the possibilities!
Spoiler Alert
I have a confession to make:
I...am afraid...of the Big Bad Woolf.
Which begs the question: what am I doing here? I guess I was invited by a good friend and couldn't refuse. Besides: I don't want to appear as though I don't appreciate a good book. I guess my opinion of a good book is...well, non-vernacular. Take the works of Terry Brooks, for example. Probably his most well-known series--relatively speaking, of course--would be the Shannara series, of which there are currently seventeen entries, and more are on the way. In addition, series that were once seperate from these, such as The Word and the Void, are becoming incorporated into the Shannara universe. It is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi style series, and they are distinctive in their character and imagination. The first entry ever written, The Sword of Shannara, was written in the early 1970s, and it heralded a new tradition in episodic fantasy writing ever since The Lord of the Rings. The first Shannara book I ever read was The Wishsong of Shannara, in the seventh grade, and I fell in love.
Make no mistake: I know the difference between the classics and popular fiction. Terry Brooks is a bold writer, but his works just don't compare to the likes of even the most contemporary masterpieces, like Conroy's Lords of Discipline, or Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. So why even mention the series? It is because this series doesn't compare, that I mention it. It stands out as a great book without assuming too much of itself. It isn't about trying to change the world, or proving a point; it is simply a fairy tale, an epic adventure.
There are, of course, more serious books that I find interesting as well. Orson Scott Card is a fine Sci-Fi writer. His Ender series is an intense and involved space tragedy, full of international and interplanetary intrigue. He also has a very interesting series depicting a futuristic scenario of Earth's descendants, based on the history of Nephi and his family in the Book of Mormon. It is called the Homecoming series, very interesting interpretation of religious texts. Like children's books? I would recommend The Lorax, by Dr. Suess, or Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig. Want satire? Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are good authors for that.
So sure, I like books. I am still afraid of the Big Bad Woolf, the books that the world says mean something. I guess there are a few that I have come to like in that area, but I find it hard to adapt to that world. I feel bad, sometimes, as if I am failing to apply myself to good reading, but I look back and realize that there are good books out there, and I have read a few of them in my time. I may find it hard to find a good new book for me, but I am grateful, all the same, for good reading.
I...am afraid...of the Big Bad Woolf.
Which begs the question: what am I doing here? I guess I was invited by a good friend and couldn't refuse. Besides: I don't want to appear as though I don't appreciate a good book. I guess my opinion of a good book is...well, non-vernacular. Take the works of Terry Brooks, for example. Probably his most well-known series--relatively speaking, of course--would be the Shannara series, of which there are currently seventeen entries, and more are on the way. In addition, series that were once seperate from these, such as The Word and the Void, are becoming incorporated into the Shannara universe. It is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi style series, and they are distinctive in their character and imagination. The first entry ever written, The Sword of Shannara, was written in the early 1970s, and it heralded a new tradition in episodic fantasy writing ever since The Lord of the Rings. The first Shannara book I ever read was The Wishsong of Shannara, in the seventh grade, and I fell in love.
Make no mistake: I know the difference between the classics and popular fiction. Terry Brooks is a bold writer, but his works just don't compare to the likes of even the most contemporary masterpieces, like Conroy's Lords of Discipline, or Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. So why even mention the series? It is because this series doesn't compare, that I mention it. It stands out as a great book without assuming too much of itself. It isn't about trying to change the world, or proving a point; it is simply a fairy tale, an epic adventure.
There are, of course, more serious books that I find interesting as well. Orson Scott Card is a fine Sci-Fi writer. His Ender series is an intense and involved space tragedy, full of international and interplanetary intrigue. He also has a very interesting series depicting a futuristic scenario of Earth's descendants, based on the history of Nephi and his family in the Book of Mormon. It is called the Homecoming series, very interesting interpretation of religious texts. Like children's books? I would recommend The Lorax, by Dr. Suess, or Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig. Want satire? Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are good authors for that.
So sure, I like books. I am still afraid of the Big Bad Woolf, the books that the world says mean something. I guess there are a few that I have come to like in that area, but I find it hard to adapt to that world. I feel bad, sometimes, as if I am failing to apply myself to good reading, but I look back and realize that there are good books out there, and I have read a few of them in my time. I may find it hard to find a good new book for me, but I am grateful, all the same, for good reading.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Letters for Emily - Camron Wright (4 of 5 Gold Coins)
Harry is an older man dying of Alzheimer's. The opening chapter is a letter written by Harry that tells of his wish to be remembered for the man he was before his illness robbed him of his mind. He describes his intent to write a few last letters to his granddaughter Emily, in which he will include his final words of wisdom.
Harry's son Bob and his wife Laura are having marital problems. When the story opens, Bob has already moved to California. Laura takes her daughter Emily to visit Harry every Friday afternoon as his life draws to a close.
First of all, I wouldn't be surprised if this book was made into a Hallmark video, if it hasn't been already... If so, it would be one of the better movies Hallmark could produce. While the story itself is a little predictable, the actual letters from Harry are what makes the book worth the read. His subjects range from the importance of flossing to forgiveness. My favorite letter was the one in which he met his wife. I can't tell you much more than that... I don't want to spoil it for you. If you've read it, come find me and we'll chat and have a good laugh.
Warm fuzzies abound. Let me know what you thought of it.
Harry's son Bob and his wife Laura are having marital problems. When the story opens, Bob has already moved to California. Laura takes her daughter Emily to visit Harry every Friday afternoon as his life draws to a close.
First of all, I wouldn't be surprised if this book was made into a Hallmark video, if it hasn't been already... If so, it would be one of the better movies Hallmark could produce. While the story itself is a little predictable, the actual letters from Harry are what makes the book worth the read. His subjects range from the importance of flossing to forgiveness. My favorite letter was the one in which he met his wife. I can't tell you much more than that... I don't want to spoil it for you. If you've read it, come find me and we'll chat and have a good laugh.
Warm fuzzies abound. Let me know what you thought of it.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Automatic Millionaire - David Bach (4.5 of 5 Hammocks)
I was wandering through the nonfiction section of the library a couple of weeks ago when I came across The Automatic Millionaire. Naturally, I was skeptical of such a title. I took it home with me as somewhat of a joke, but I was pleasantly surprised. This was a informative book, free of the typical get-rich-quick schemes.
The core principle of the book is taking steps to automating your finances. Bach throws out the common practice of budgeting (which I thoroughly enjoyed...perhaps because I do such a poor job of it), concluding that it is a waste of time and effort. In it's place he provides several strategies for automatically taking money out of your hands and putting it into a safe place before you get a chance to spend it. The book includes resources for finding and establishing retirement and emergency savings accounts. I found all of it to be rather intriguing.
The last chapter of the books describes the process of giving 10% back to the community in the form of tithing or supporting local charities. I was pleased to see someone outside the church put their stamp of approval on tithing. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the book.
I have already started applying several of the principles in Bach's book. I discovered that the interest rate on my savings account with Mountain America was a dismal .9%. I had previously thought that it was much higher. At the suggestion of Bach I looked into the online banks ING and HSBC. Turns out that ING offers a rate of 3% and HSBC 3.5%. They both have very credible reputations. They both offer resources for automatically deducting funds from your checking account according to your own desired schedule.
I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone wondering about how to better handle their money and prepare for the future.
I took off a half a point for how many times David Bach uses the word automatic. The book was read by the author. The drawn out emphasis on the word every time he used it wore on me. Get the book in print to avoid this...
The core principle of the book is taking steps to automating your finances. Bach throws out the common practice of budgeting (which I thoroughly enjoyed...perhaps because I do such a poor job of it), concluding that it is a waste of time and effort. In it's place he provides several strategies for automatically taking money out of your hands and putting it into a safe place before you get a chance to spend it. The book includes resources for finding and establishing retirement and emergency savings accounts. I found all of it to be rather intriguing.
The last chapter of the books describes the process of giving 10% back to the community in the form of tithing or supporting local charities. I was pleased to see someone outside the church put their stamp of approval on tithing. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the book.
I have already started applying several of the principles in Bach's book. I discovered that the interest rate on my savings account with Mountain America was a dismal .9%. I had previously thought that it was much higher. At the suggestion of Bach I looked into the online banks ING and HSBC. Turns out that ING offers a rate of 3% and HSBC 3.5%. They both have very credible reputations. They both offer resources for automatically deducting funds from your checking account according to your own desired schedule.
I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone wondering about how to better handle their money and prepare for the future.
I took off a half a point for how many times David Bach uses the word automatic. The book was read by the author. The drawn out emphasis on the word every time he used it wore on me. Get the book in print to avoid this...
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