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Content by mary
Commentateur n° : 29,598
Votes Utiles:
4
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Reviews Written by
mary
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Everything but the ending, Jul 11 2004
This is a wonderful story about growing up and family and racial relationships. The only drawback is the pat, unrealistic, too neat and happy ending. I highly recommend this book to Oprah Club fans in particular, as the uplifting tone is very Oprah-ish. A very enjoyable summer read.
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Can stand alone or together, Jun 30 2004
This is a great book of stories that could easily stand alone, but published together in one great book they make for a wonderful read about Jane Rosenal's life- who she is, and how she got to be that way. The writer did a really great job with developing continuity in the main character- many books that follow someone through time with various gaps between the peeks that we get into their lives do not do nearly such a good job. Sometimes, it's very difficult to see how someone wound up where they did. However, Jane, although growing and maturing, is still the same Jane as an adult as she was as a teenager. And she's very funny! One story that did seem like a misfit was the breast cancer chapter, but other than that, I really liked this book.
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Take it to the beach, Jun 23 2004
One of the better Alice Hoffman novels. Take it to the beach!
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Inspiring, Jun 23 2004
Lynne Cox's story is an inspiring account of perseverance, determination, and courage. She is an excellent role model for all athletes in that she swims for a greater purpose than herself. Although it is for her about pushing her physical and mental limitations and the challenge of doing something new, she also attempts to bridge borders between people. I gave this book four stars rather than five for two reasons. One, I would have liked it if she had woven more of her personal life into the story and told about how the way she lives her life is reflected not only in her swims but in other aspects of living (which I assume is true- I doubt her athletic feats exist in a vacuum- but I don't really know, since we only got a glimpse here and there of her private life.) Two, it would have been great if she had included pictures, particularly because as a woman who is apparently heavier than most successful female athletes (although again, she doesn't really get into detail on this topic), she would serve as a great role model for girls who don't fit the typical athlete mold. Still, her stories were fantastic and should be inspiring to anyone who appreciates people who aren't afraid to get out there and live life to the fullest, challenge themselves, and try to make a difference in the world.
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Very tragic, Jun 10 2004
This is a must read for anyone interested in linguistics or child development; however, it is sufficiently interesting and readable for the general population. The tragedy the title refers to is that Genie was a child exploited by the scientific world as she was treated as a case study of language acquisition rather than an abused child desperately in need of supportive therapy. Genie never got the help she needed, and ended up with "soul sickness" in a home for mentally retarded adults. This is a very moving story that will make you think about morality in research and science.
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Beautiful Bodies: A Novel
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de Laura Shaine Cunningham
Édition : Paperback |
| Price: CDN$ 16.06 |
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| Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks |
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Entertaining, May 27 2004
If you're looking for a book to hold your attention for a few evenings, you found it. Last week I had back surgery and was looking for a book that would hold my attention in spite of being halfway knocked out by pain killers. I tried a few other books- each lulled me into a drug induced sleep- before finding Beautiful Bodies. This story of six friends who met years ago while residing at the Theresa House in New York City and have maintained their friendships- in spite of growing apart- will entertain you from start to finish.
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Who You Know
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de Theresa Alan
Édition : Paperback |
| Price: CDN$ 14.56 |
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| Availability: In Stock |
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A real find, May 5 2004
I had never read Chick-lit before (hadn't even heard of it), but I bought Who You Know on the recommendation of a friend, and I'm so glad I did. This book is a real find and one that any 20-30- something female will love. Theresa Alan was so skillful at switching between the very different point of views of Rette, Jen, and Avery, that I didn't even need to look at the name above each chapter heading to know who was talking. This was an amazing first novel, and I can't wait to see more from this promising young author.
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Bel Canto
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de Ann Patchett
Édition : Paperback |
| Availability: Currently unavailable |
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Bel book, April 26 2004
I highly recommend Bel Canto. It is a work of significant literary merit, especially given the terrors of the world we live in today. The Roxane- Mr. Hosokawa romance was a tough sell for me given that they didn't have a common language, but the writer developed their connection so skillfully that the reader somehow comes to believe that it is indeed possible to fall in love with someone that you cannot speak to directly. This story is much more than a romance, however, and should appeal to both a male and female audience.
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Kissing in Manhattan
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de David Schickler
Édition : Paperback |
| Price: CDN$ 13.83 |
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| Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks |
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Give it a chance, April 17 2004
I'm not usually a fan of the short story, but I did enjoy this book, as it was much more than simply a collection of stories. Although each could stand alone (except for the final one), they are all interconnected as characters from any given story pop up in unexpected (contrived?) places in others. This book started out as a light fantastical comedy but became dark as Patrick emerged as a major player. Some of the earlier stories were weaker than the others, so give it a chance if you are not totally excited right away.
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Gone too far, April 5 2004
Read about this book to learn about yet another way in which the American drive to produce winners in athletics has gone too far. This author focuses on the abuse of young girls in gymnastics and skating; however, I see the problems in these sports as part of the bigger picture. Our culture places such a high value on athletics that no sport has gone unscathed. I myself was a competitive swimmer and saw various friends battle injuries, eating disorders, alcoholism, and other demons as direct or indirect consequences of the demands of our sport. Every once in a while, a great star is produced, and all the sacrifices seem to have been worth it. The truth is, however, that for every Michael Phelps there are thousands of casualties. It's hard to believe, though, that change is forthcoming- are we willing to preserve the health and well-being of children by freely accepting that by cutting back training schedules, etc., we will not produce the great athletes that we have been? I don't see it coming. As long as baseball players are making outrageous salaries and sports stars are revered as the heroes of today, we will continue to chase the dream and sacrifice literally anything and everything to be successful, as are the little girls in pretty boxes of this book.
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