Being Anti-Social by Leigh K Cunningham

Being Anti-Social

by. Leigh K Cunningham

Rating ****

I admit that I did not know what to expect upon starting this book. The title is what drew me to it in the first place. How could I not love reading about another anti social individual? There is a reason that this blog is called The Book Recluse after all.

The book is well written. There were no major stand out flaws in grammar or that, although as long as it is not major in your face it is easy for me to overlook such things. The writing flowed well, which is harder for me to overlook. The main character really came alive, all her faults and admirations as you follow her through approximately a year of her life.

The novel is an adult coming of age story. Sometimes we do not have everything figured out once we hit the adult age, or even after we turn 40. There is still plenty of room to grow. It is this growth that the novel portrays.

My favorite aspect of the story is that it does not end all wrapped up and placed with a bow. Yes, the main character grows, but she knows that there is still so much more room for her to grow. Although, I must say that the ending is also very predictable, and not entirely satisfactory. Although I understood it was going to end that way, I did not think the reason given that it did was enough.

 


 

Book Review - Brilliance by Marcus Sakey

Brilliance

by Marcus Sakey

rating ***** (5 stars)

One of the downsides of reading a lot of genre fiction is that you are exposed to a lot of very poor writers. This is especially true if you are like me and will pick up anything that remotely sounds interesting. Yet, every so often it pays off in a big way. You are exposed to a book that is not a brilliantly written genre book, but a beautiful novel that happens to fit into a genre category. It is ironic that Marcus Sakey is writing about individuals with above average talents  when he himself rises above the everyday writer to create an amazing piece of literature.

Ultimately Brilliance is a Science Fiction book that takes place in an alternate reality, a reality in which people with extraordinary abilities started being born in the 1980s. The main character is an agent sworn to protect the world from these individuals, however he is also one of them.

This book is about the harsh realities of the world. It is about the scarifies of being a parent, and of standing up for what you believe in. It is also just really good fiction. It is a book that I could not stop reading, even when I had to put the book down. The plot never seemed to leave my head, the characters walked with me throughout my day. It is that good of a book.

Book Review - 50/51: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life

50/51: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life

by Kristen McGuiness

Rating **** (4 stars)

I love books. My entire life has revolved around books. While my interests my have been flexible, my passion for books has never wavered. I even minored in English JUST so I could tell my kids I was doing homework when I was reading. 

I have also always had an attachment to memoirs. I love reading about other people's journey in life. When I read a memoir I do not particularly care if I can relate to their story. What I do care about is if the story is presented in a well written and engaging voice.

I think my fascination with memoir's is that it allows me to connect with an individual, on an intimate level (what is more intimate the bearing your soul in a book), in a medium that I fully understand.

51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life is about the dating misadventures of Kristen McGuiness, a sober alcoholic.

The story was written during the journey, so the book adapts and changes as the author grows. It expands beyond the dates with men she works hard to pick up, to encompass the many people already in her life. More importantly it leads to a an acceptance of self, who she wants to become, which is independent of a life partner.

The book is a soul barring, honest coming of age story for the thirty year old single women. I respect that McGuiness has bared so much of her journey in this book. Her voice is dynamic and captivating. The basis of her story, acceptance, is at the core of everyone's journey.

The memoir does not end with a happily every after. I do think that McGuiness was heading towards the realization that you have to find joy in whatever moment you find yourself in, even if it is not how you pictured your life.

I hope that McGuiness continues to share her story. I would happily read any future publications from her.

Book Review - Life From Scratch

Life From Scratch

by Melissa Ford

Review **** (4 stars)

 

 

 

No, Life From Scratchis not a memoir by a make it big blogger. It is a fictional account of a make it big blogger. Yes, blogging has made it into fiction. A recently divorced, new to cooking, food blogger - I mean diarist blogger. She is neurotic, lovable, and completely infatuated over her ex-husband.

This novel is a coming of age story for the 30 something women. It is about change and self discovery, with a reminder to appreciate what you have before you toss it away.

I related to this story in many ways. While my marriage was long over before my actual divorce, there was still a grieving process, followed by some not so brilliant choices - just like the main character.  Also, like the main character I dealt with many of my journey with putting fingers to keyboard. When Melissa Ford described the joys of hours spent pouring fourth words I could completely relate - except for the part about actually being able to sit uninterrupted at a keyboard during daylight hours.

The writing and characters are engaging. The plot is relevant to the modern computer era, and the fast place world of take out. The sequel has already been added to my Amazon wish list!

 

Book Review - Life of Pi

Life of Pi

by Yann Martel

 

Rating ****(4 stars)



It is not often that you stop reading a book but my mind can not seem to let go. At first when I finished this novel I was unsettled. I followed the narration with such blind faith that I never once thought to question it. Then doubt was flung in my face.

Upon finishing the novel I stopped and thought. The very act of causing the reader to question is a further reference to religion, which is in truth the main theme of this novel. Do you give your faith to God or do you follow a secular train of thought? 

The reader is left with either option.

In truth neither option particularly matters for this novel. It is a work of fiction. Although some people say the same about the Bible. Yes, in some regard I am comparing the two books. It begs for a comparison. Both books are about moving beyond the facts presented to you and learning to have faith. 

In a way I am surprised at how this novel has effected me. When I started reading it was more out of obligation. I bought the book when it was on sale. I still had not yet read it. I should read it. Then I read and became captivated by the simple narration. After a time I was forced to move pass to words to my mind and my heart. This to is another analogy to reading the bible. 

Life of Piis the story of a boy who services over 220 days on the Pacific Ocean with a tiger. Life of Piis a story about finding and keeping God.

Book Review - Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Sisterhood Everlasting

by Ann Brashares

Rating - *****(5 stars)

It has been many years since I have read Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and I am not even certain that I finished that trilogy. However, when I received Sisterhood Everlasting  for Christmas I picked the novel up and finished it the same day.

Sisterhood Everlasting reunites us with the Septembers ten years after the end of the trilogy. They are all approaching their 30th birthday and are in a state of hold since Tibby headed to Australia two years earlier and still has not returned.

The novel presumes that you are familiar with the main characters, the four Septembers who have been friends since birth as well as the main love interests that were mentioned in the original trilogy. However, I was able to pick up on the relationships and piece together what I think I missed or had forgotten.

This novel is a coming of age novel welcoming women into the role of adulthood, motherhood, and wife hood (is that even a word?). Despite all the challenges these young women have experienced they continue to find joy in life and each other. This novel is about joy, even in the face of tragedy. I will admit it had me crying in several places (this is not an easy feat) and I stayed up until two in the morning to finish off the story.

If you in any way love chick literature, well written fiction, or remember the traveling pants then I would highly recommend that you check out this novel! I am not big on giving a book five stars, but the writing is wonderful, the characters are beautifully human, and the plot flows well even if it is a bit predictable.