75 Books...More or Less! discussion
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#66 Forever Odd[spoilers included:]
For various reasons, I both like this more than and less than the previous Odd Thomas book. First, I'm glad that there was less unnecessary prose (although I'd bet there are still about 100 pages that could've been removed from this book as well), although there were some awkward moments that were supposed to be funny but broke the necessary tension of the scene.
I do, however, have problems with the main bad "guy" in this book. She just felt... superfluous to me. I mean, to go through all that trouble just to confront Odd and try to make him allow her to see dead people as he does (which is something he can't actually do). I know we need a catalyst for this knowledge she accrues about Odd (via his childhood friend), but it's almost unnecessary, really, if his deed from the fall really were so well known.
The pacing, for the most part, also was okay. Th middle dragged; I got that Datura was taunting Odd, but it reminded me of Umbridge goading Harry throughout HP5. (I did, however, absolutely love the couple of Harry Potter references, along with all of the other cultural references that pepper the novel, because it gives the narrative such a contemporary feel.) The novel also dragged as it neared the ending; once Datura's fatally mauled by the random mountain lion that just happened to be trespassing the long-ago destroyed and, therefore, abandoned casino (which was funnier than I think it was intended to be) just caused me to lose interest in the ending.
I still can't figure out how Odd happened to make it out of where he almost drowned to a different diner--and survive after dying somewhere in the middle of his journey there; the scene, as it's set up, just doesn't mak that very clear.
One thing I missed was the interaction Odd usually has with the Pico Mundo crowd, as those characters are infinitely more interesting than the few Odd's forced to encounter on his rescue mission. I did wish these events would carry out in more than the course of a single day, but I suspect that that will not happen in the next book in the Odd series.
I also feel like this book specifically sets up the next one, mainly by virtue of Odd's request to Stormy's uncle in the final chapter. The first book is pretty much an independent one (probably just to see if people would find themselves attached to Odd before making an official "series" out of him), but this one clearly hinges onto the one that follows. Also, even though it's not necessary to read the first Odd book to follow along with this one, little points here and there (that sometimes feel unnecessarily repetitive, especially to those who've already read the first book--another thing that reminds me of, at least, the first three HP books that somehow feel the need to remind the reader how to play Quiddich) make reading the second book easier.
I do wonder what happened to the plaque Odd carried with him out of Stormy's place, since that's never resolved, and I wonder about his death complex, as he's disappointed that he DIDN'T die at the end of this book. So maybe a few too many loose ends, whether deliberately or not, are left so in an unsatisfactory manner.
Maybe I just need to get used to Koontz's writing style, or maybe I'm hoping that there will be more character development out of Odd instead of his being more willing to defend himself and kill others who are out to get him (with directly contradicts his death with complex). I'll give the third book a chance and see if I'm willing to buy the new fourth book after that.
#67 Brother Odd[spoilers included:]
I was almost embarrassed for Koontz considering how predictable this book was. I mean, the "red herrings" were so thinly veiled that I don't know it's even proper to call them that. The ghost of the dog at the end and the replacement of Elvis with Frank Sinatra as Odd's official ghostly companion did surprise me in the end, however.
I think what I liked best was the interaction between Odd and the man he at first thought was the source of the bad vibes at the abbey, Romanovich; sadly, the majority of this takes place nearer the end of the book. I also was highly entertained by Brother Knuckles, and now I want to read both The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tuland and The Tale of Despereaux (although I've wanted to read that anyway). The various literary and contemporary references, I think, are part of the reason why I keep reading these books because those tend to be the moments when I laugh out loud, literally. That and I think I have a mini-crush on Odd, who's so similar to Harry Potter that I sometimes have a hard time separating them in my hear, especially since the age differential is so slight. Is Odd almost too good to be true? Maybe, but I think that also is his allure, the fact that in spite of the horrible things he witnesses he still believes in humanity enough to want to keep living (and delay his reunion with Stormy) and fight for it.
That being said, there were some really strange creatures present in this novel (I couldn't help but be reminded of some of the crazies from the Hitchhiker books) around which I could not wrap my brain, which was the biggest detriment (for me) when reading this book. Otherwise, it was written fairly well and was suspenseful enough to engage my attention until I finished reading. Obviously the book's meant to have a follow-up (which now is available), since Odd is left at the end to wander off towards his next adventure.
I wish there wasn't so much repetition of information (clearly intended for those who jump into the third book without reading the first two), since it's like reading about Quidditch rules in the first few Harry Potter books (which I think I also said about the second book in the series), since this clearly can stand as an adventure on its own, especially since it's so far away from Pico Mundo; the references to those characters and events got in the way of this narrative at times.
I'll still hold out on the fourth book in the series; it is hard letting go of Elvis after three books, after all.
#68 Stargirl[spoilers included:]
There were things I just loved about this book. Stargirl, as she is presented at the beginning and the end of the book, simply is an amazing character: a bit of a Luna Lovegood before there was a Luna. I was, however, desperately disappointed that she would drop her personality so completely for her boyfriend and for the sake of gaining popularity, as it simply seemed out of her character to do so.
Then again, I can also identify with the narrator of the book, Leo. One might catch the star connection with his name and Stargirl's and decide, too soon perhaps, that they're destined to be together. Which is not the case, as he ignores her once drops "Susan" and regains her initial Stargirl identity. Then, she and her family drop out of sight from Arizona and move back to Minnesota.
The thing with Leo is that he doesn't wish to stand out at all, which being with Stargirl causes him to do, yet he also doesn't want to "disappear" from the world, either, and be purposefully ignored because of his relationship with Stargirl. He pretends that her quest for popularity will turn the world aright, which is wrong, but knows that she cares enough about him to try for his sake. His inability to deal with the conflict of wanting to be with Stargirl but also wanting to be part of his school is real and, if not refreshing, at least a dark hurt that Spinelli doesn't shy from.
And Spinelli also magnifies (and to a point exaggerates) the life of the typical high school kid, with the popular ones running the show and the odd ones being pushed out. Of course, Stargirl made an impact that never went away even if she did, but I feel like some simple questions were side-stepped in order to focus on Leo and Stargirl. How, for example, did Leo have a car if he apparently had no job and made no money? What did Leo do in school, if anything, since we really only see him afterward or on weekends or in the hallways? Did he ever do his homework between hanging out with his girlfriend? And how did Stargirl possibly manage all of her good deeds on top of her schoolwork? I just feel like, if this is to be a *true* representation of the good and bad of high school life, these details need to be included in the story so that it has the ring of reality, which, ultimately, it lacks.
Not that it's a bad story, but I think that Spinelli took some easy outs (a la Rowling) despite nailing some heavier issues. Maybe the book lacks a balance or, for that matter, a better resolution; Stargirl disappears, but Leo still gets mailed an "anonymous" birthday gift fifteen years later--and yet he has no idea what's been going on in Stargirl's life (which may be her will or his own; that question, too, is left up in the air).
There are many good things in this book, like suggesting the need for personal expression, preferably without the bad things that tend to happen to Stargirl because of those outbursts. Random acts of kindness also are encouraged, with the focus on anonymity. The struggle between the desire to fit in and the desire to be singular and "other" is a big theme carried throughout. Interesting characters abound. But there are problems, too, like a sort of love/hate relationship on Spinelli's part on the opinion of home schooling (which I tend to share, although I certainly wouldn't write about them--as I'm a coward). And the girl giving up her identity for the guy, with the guy not being able to deal with her reversion, just drives me crazy.
This would be a good book for a group discussion, as there are so many issues involved that it would take all night to sort out everyone's opinions.
#69 God ParticlesI have mixed feelings about this collection of poems. It's separated into three sections, with many shorter poems included. Some of them aren't as funny as they're intended to be (I happen to like semicolons and dislike colons and exclamation points, and Lux never uses the former but always uses the latter), and many just aren't poignant enough to warren poetic topics, I think.
However, clearly Lux has a good ear and can write some really good lines. One of my favorite poems was, in fact, the title poem, and the rest mainly fall within the second section of the book. I can't really figure out how the three sections logically fit together, but I'm willing to read along anyway (although I was, at times, skimming).
One things I truly dislike is a poem that uses the title as its first line. And I don't meant that the title and first line are the same (I'm fine with that), but the title actually leads into the first "line" of the poem. And maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of Lux's poems do that, including the first one--which is especially awkward, as there's a dedication literally between the title and that "first" line, which makes for some difficult reading very early on.
Still, I prefer the length of these poems, and at times they surprise me when they travel to unexpected places as they conclude. I have to read more by Lux to judge how indicative this is of his work in general.
Thanks for such a great review on Stargirl. I have to admit I see the things you saw now that I have had them pointed out to me. I have NEVER claimed to be overly observant. I think Leo borrowed the family car. That is how I remember it.
And MANY a girl has tried to change who they truly are and what they believe for a boy. I think Stargirl felt this would make Leo happy. And the people around her happy. And who hasn't wanted that for their boyfriend OR themselves at one point in their lives or another.
Just my 2cents! :-)
(Did you know Detroit (MY favorite baseball team) is in first in the AL? YAY YAY YAY!!!...Did any of your team get picked for the all-stars?)
Hehe, Chase and Raul are starters for the NL, and Ryan Howard is a backup. Shane is in the running for spot #33, so I'll be sad to miss the All Star game (AGAIN) this year while I drive out to Long Island.Oh, and about Stargirl. I had just hoped that, since she so often conformed to NO mold that that trend would continue as she dated Leo. I'm not saying her character, like his, wasn't realistic. And I'll have to go back and see about his borrowing the family car; talk about not being observant!
#70 The Weird World of Gahan WilsonGahan Wilson is an illustrator who, as his book promises, is pretty weird. But he's fun to listen to when you have the chance to meet him, and his illustrations often are idioms taken to logical extremes or puns on paper. It's fun to flip through this collection of previously published comics, and I can't wait to get it signed next week.
#71 The Art of DrowningThis is a Collins collection that contains some of my very favorite poems: "The Best Cigarette," "On Turning Ten," "My Heart," and "Dear Reader." I've read or listen to them about a dozen or more times, but that doesn't make them any less moving.
One of the things Collins does that can grate a reader's nerves is write about writing (what's that poetic term called again?), over and over, but otherwise his poems are thoughtful and at least somewhat deeper than surface level.
Pretty much anything published by the Pitt Poetry Series will be good, but this collection of Collins's poetry is some of his best.
#72 The Jungle Book (Classics Illustrated)Another example of why this series is so good. Not only is Kipling's The Jungle Book reduced to three of the stories from the series "Mowgli's Brothers," "The King's Ankus," and "Red Dog" (in order to move the focus towards Mowgli's character but also to show different stages of Mowgli's development), but it also gives unbiased and critical commentary about Kipling and his work. Feeley openly acknowledges Kipling's prejudiced politics and the ebbs and flows of Kipling's reception of his work (based on said political leanings). He also gives additional excerpts that were excluded from the dialog pieces included in this abridged version as well as a better look at the overall layout of the original two books as they were first published.
This would serve as a good introduction for younger readers to Kipling's work, as it gives reasons for why it should be lauded as well as where its downfalls are.
#73 Rules for AgingOne of the best examples of Rosenblatt's satirical work I've read yet. (Then again, the feeling of poignancy I'm getting may be from just recently having another birthday.)
The premise of the book is to give "advice" to people in order to age in the best ways possible. Although the first rule sets up the ironic tone throughout the book like the first line in Pride and Prejudice does, the rest of the rules that follow aren't all that bad for a person to follow. The majority of them concern ignoring what other people may think about you and dumbing yourself down so you can't think too much and, therefore, open yourself up to potentially difficult situations, the heart of each point may, in fact, actually help a person live longer.
In total, 145 pieces of "advice" are given in a mainly tongue-and-cheek manner and make references to mainly obscure people and events (including those of the author himself). You don't have to follow them (he certainly doesn't follow them all), but, as Roger implies, you might live a little longer if you do.
I really appreciate all your poetry reviews- especially the ones with samples ;) I've added several books to my to read list because of your reviews here. Thanks!
I'm so glad they've been helpful, Stacie! I'll be sure to add more samples more often; I was lazy this morning. :)
Love the reviews!!
How are YOU doing? I feel like we haven't communicated in like forever!! Are you moving to the Island? Whats going on in general? What are you reading now?
I know, I was just up on the Island for an orientation today, and I drive up to "move" on campus next week; I have paperwork to fill out Monday, will stay with a friend that night, and will get to campus Tuesday. I still have to pack, though!! (I hate packing; can you tell?)And I'm SOOO far back on my reviews; I must be up to 80 books by now!
How have you been? You're right; it feels like forever!
Since I don't have time to write reviews right now...#74 The End of Desire (Poems)
#75 The Thirteenth Tale
#76 Strange Flesh (Poems)
#77 Behind My Eye (Poems)
#78 Daisy Miller
#79 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
#80 The Tale of Despereaux
#81 A Single Thread
#82 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Paula, thanks for stopping by . . . and CONGRATS on surpassing the challenge already this year!!!
Thanks, Kay! It actually took me a little longer than I thought it would, but I was determined to hit 75 before school started--and that's on Monday!
Well, good luck with the upcoming school year. Wishing you all the best . . .
#83 The Fellowship of the Ring#84 101 Things You Didn't Know About Jane Austen
#85 The Two Towers
#86 The Return of the King#87 Coraline
#90 New Moon#91 The Paintings of Our Lives: Poems
#92 Where the Wild Things Are#93 Averno: Poems
#94 The Lightning Thief#95 Jitterbug Perfume
#96 Ashley Montana Goes Ashore in the Caicos
#97 The Broken String: Poems#98 Eclipse
#99 Praying with the Celts: Poems#100 The Stark Truth: The Most Overrated and Underrated Players in Baseball History
#101 The Wall#102 Lies My Mother Never Told Me
I have mixed feelings about this book, but I'm giving it a higher rating than I normally would because it's a book in translation. Once can tell that Salamun is worldly and knowledgeable because of the breadth of his poetic subjects. I feel like his shorter poems are stronger than his longer ones, though, in one respect because often at the end of the longer ones he includes a line or two that offers the obvious moral.
Also, one can tell that Salamun is intelligent because his poems use phrases from multiple languages within particular pieces. Which is strange, but only because ALL of these poems are already translated. And the even stranger part is that each poem is translated in tandem with Salamun and some other poet--but each poem has a different co-translator.
Still, amid the cultural references that are over my head, there are a few real gems in this book. My favorite poem is "The Writing," but that might be because I'm a writer:
The Writing
The writing
of poetry is
the most
serious
deed in the
world.
As in
love
everything
comes out.
The words tremble
if they are
right.
As the body
trembles in
love,
the words
tremble on paper.
So much said in so few words. I wish that, in other poems, Salamun was more consistent in his use of punctuation and sentences (as he is in the above poem), but otherwise I blame ignorance in comprehension on myself. This is a good collection for those who have more worldly knowledge than I do.