Over Christmas I read three books, so I thought I would post about them. And, also, I would love to hear your recommendations on books you enjoyed.
I finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would, and I want to see the movie. This is the story of two boys growing up in Afghanistan before the Russian invasion. The characterization is really good, the story is engrossing, and at first I started underlining all the literary devices and stylistic techniques (thinking I might be able to use them at school), but then I got too involved in the story to keep it up. I am looking forward to reading Hosseini's second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I have been told is even better than the first one.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult was really good. I highly recommend it. I read one other Jodi Piccoult book, The Pact, which kind of bothered me, but My Sister's Keeper was really good. Here is a synopsis from Jodi Picoult's website:
"Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate - a life and a role that she has never questioned… until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable… a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life… even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? "
I really, really enjoyed this book --couldn't put it down. So, thanks, Tricia!
The last book was Diane's Story by Dean Hughes. It is part of the Children of the Promise and Hearts of the Children series. I really enjoyed all the books in the two series, but Diane's Story was very "predictable" as Cathy warned me.
Now for two plays which I had not seen before. Seussical The Musical was really cute. I enjoyed it, but I Love a Piano was fabulous! This was my first time to see this musical as well, and I want to see it again already! This revue of Irving Berlin's music was extraordinary. I urge everyone to see it when you get the chance--there is no plot, but the musical arrangements are in 6 part harmony and they are great!
I saw Boy in the Striped Pajamas a few weeks ago. It is a beautifully made movie, but of course, no movie about the Holocaust can have a happy ending. I did like the movie very much, though.
Please let me know what books, plays and even movies you are recommending!
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5 comments:
I thought "Kite Runner" was one of the most moving and powerful books I've ever read, I had to put it down once because I got so emotional about what was happening in the story. It was even better after living here because so much of the culture is the same. The Kite Festival is actually tomorrow, I'm wondering if I'm going to see any kites. "Thousand Splendid Suns" is on my list, I just have to gear myself up for it.
I just finished this morning a book titled "The Widow of the South" by Robert Hicks. I enjoyed the writing, and ultimately the story, but there is much sadness in the tale. Over Christmas I finished a book called "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, not a novel but a fascinating read about how small things can make a huge difference in perceptions, in society, in interactions.
Sure wish there was a good play to see here! I just have to settle for the occasional movie, we're hoping "Australia" is a good one because we're going to see it this weekend.
Those do sound good. Thanks for the recommendations. I always like to check out the books you suggest. I just finished (like 5 minutes ago) The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. I guess it's a classic but I'd never read it. I'm still mentally digesting and I enjoyed her writing.
I am glad you endorsed My Sister's Keeper, because that is on my book club list, and I'd never heard it before. Some books I really like are: These is My Words by Sarah Agnes Prine, Hattie Bigsky which is a young adult novel. I just finished The Measure of a Lady, a historical romance, which was good. I am in the middle of The Zookeeper' Wife, a true story about Polish husband and wife zookeepers who hide Jews in their zoo during the Nazi occupation. Really interesting.
oh mommy moo cow you saw more movies over christmas! I have lots of books I need to read!!
I've seen the movie Kite Runner----excellent! I had no idea of what it was about, but had heard it was a beautifully made movie---it is---certainly not a feel-good----but well worth seeing....its out on netflix now.
I saw Curious Case of Benjamin Button----nearly 3 hours---and moves fairly slow---brad pitt is really good----i totally recommend it
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