What are you reading at the moment?

[Rolo]

So, here we go What are you reading at the moment? For the sake of discussion, you may wanna use this form, or use the questions as a guideline for posting about your current read.
[size=1][b]
I'm reading:[/b]
[b]Rating:[/b] G/PG/PG-13/R
[b]I picked it up because:[/b]
[b]My opinion of the book so far is:[/b]
[b]Do I reccommend it? Why?:[/b][/size]


[Rolo]

I'm reading: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Rating: PG-13/R. A lot of sensitive materials in there.
I picked it up because: My dad read the books on his kindle, and really enjoyed them, so went out and bought the film. He then enjoyed the film so much, he showed me and I adored them. He then went and bought me the books as a going away present, so I've been reading them at a snails pace ever since.
My opinion of the book so far is: <3. I love it. Salander is such an interesting character :D The subject matter is quite heavy a lot of the time, but it's quite gripping.
Do I reccommend it? Why?: For those of about 16 and over, yup :D

[Ember]

I'm reading: Pretty Little Liars
Rating: Pg-13 (Language and Content)
I picked it up because: I watch the show and decided to read the books
My opinion of the book so far is: I think it's pretty good. It's very entertaining and thrilling.
Do I reccommend it? Why?:Yeah I would recommend it, if you are over about 14.

[Slug !]

Er, I read more than one book at a time, so...

I'm reading: The Spice-Box of Earth by Leonard Cohen
Rating: PG-13 (nothing extremely descriptive, but there are some dark themes not suitable for children)
I picked it up because: I love poetry and when I read the first poem (A Kite is a Victim!) I fell in love with Leonard Cohen.
My opinion of the book so far is: High. I love his style and the different subjects that I never, ever thought could be used for a poem, but now? Now I have been schooled and thoroughly enjoying the rest of it so far. c:
Do I reccommend it? Why?: There are people who prefer rhyming or a topic that's familiar to them, like love and death, but Leonard writes a lot about other things, too. Things that I didn't really give any mind until I read his poems. So, if you're looking for something more outside the box, or just a different take on poetry topics, definitely this. His wording is fabulous and just flows. Love the imagery. Love it. ♥

I'm reading: The Dresden Files (Storm Front, first book) by Jim Butcher
Rating: R for violence, sexual themes, some strong language, dark themes abound
I picked it up because: I needed some more fantasy and mystery, and so I saw this and picked it up. Man, was I glad I did. Some romance, too, but not a lot.
My opinion of the book so far is: I HAVE READ THE WHOLE SERIES AND ASDBHDR;ERBL. It's amazing. Harry's POV is witty and hilarious and gah, and there's crime and monsters and just. Just. /flails all over her keyboard
Do I reccommend it? Why?: YES, YES, AND YES. Because there are just so many factors and omg, I'm putting a review up here. REBEL AGAINST THE FORM, SLUG. REBEL.

Review: Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. His whole name was picked and plucked from famous magicians' names by his dad who is a magician. But Harry? He's a wizard.

No, don't start. I like Harry Potter and everything, but I love this so much more. Harry as in Harry Houdini. AND THERE'S POP CULTURE IN IT, SO HE KNOWS WHO DARTH VADER IS LOL.

Sorry. Where was I?

Harry's POV is in 1st person and he's a PI (private investigator) who looks into "odd cases" in modern day Chicago. Usually murder cases. "Odd cases" meaning scary as hell faeries, demented and very socially twisted vampires, necromancy/ghosts, ETC. When I read this, Jim Butcher opened up a whole new can of supernatural worms and I loved every second of it.

Harry also does other things, to. Case in point: he advertises in the yellow pages. Lost item? He'll find it. Is there a ghost in your house? He'll take care of it.

AND HE HAS HIS TRUSTY, PERVERTED ASSISTANT, BOB, WHO LIVES IN A SKULL AND IS AN AIR SPIRIT OF INTELLECT AND woah where's my brain-mouth filter?

Of course, it isn't all grins and giggles. It's dark and twisted. The supernatural world is seen as a place filled with unforgiving monsters and that's exactly how it is. People die and there's a lot of death and violence in the book. It's a whodunit and Harry trying to stay alive throughout the whole thing. The plots are amazing as are the characters and writing, but you have been warned.

Now go to the nearest bookstore, or I'll hunt you down. ♥

[Glowy]

I'm reading: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Rating: I haven't read much yet, but so far it goes between PG-13 and PG.
I picked it up because: It was on the reading list for my AP class next year, and it sounded interesting.
My opinion of the book so far is: It's interesting. My favorite sections are written in the voice of Adah. I can hardly abide the oldest sister- she drives me crazy with her materialism and vanity.
Do I reccommend it? Why?: I don't know just yet. Apparently it's going to turn into a tragic story somewhere in the middle, so if you can't stomach tragedy, don't do it.

[Whiskers [Archive]]

I'm reading: Ender's Game
Rating: PG-13
I picked it up because: I didn't. A boy with whom I work forced it upon me. xD But he and I have tastes in the same area, so I wasn't really reluctant to give it a whirl
My opinion of the book so far is: Well I finished it actually and HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLY CRAP. SO GOOD. Amazing. It's smart and well-thought out and immersive. lakfjaldkfjadsl;fkajdskla
Do I reccommend it? Why?: YES. YES YES YES I DO. LIKE ROLO HEY ROLO. YOU ESPECIALLY. I thought of you. If you haven't already read it, you should read it. The psychology in it is just...mindblowing. I cannot even explain it. Beyond amazing though. Seriously, if you're into science-fiction, read it. If you're not, just the thoughts of the characters and the development of the main one, Ender, is enough to make it a brilliant read. The ending is WHAT. I have not enjoyed a book so much in quite a while. I was jumping up and down at the end.

[Slug !]

I'm reading: Revolution World by Katy Stauber
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual themes, languages, and violence. Nothing extremely descriptive
I picked it up because: In the words of Chris Roberson, Writer of iZombie: "SERIOUSLY, BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. IT'S GODDAMN AMAZING AND IT HAS FIRE-BREATHING COWS." The summary really dragged me in and I was definitely not disappointed.

Summary: Revolution World is an over-the-top bio-punk adventure novel featuring fire-breathing cows, ninja Pomeranians, marijuana bombs, hovercars, laser guns, and vampires.

See the rest of the summary here: OH CLICK ME, I'M PRETTY

My opinion of the book so far is: HILARIOUS AND SURPRISINGLY, NOT RIDICULOUS OR RANDOM AS YOU MIGHT THINK IT TO BE. Science has pretty much been nudging the world along AND TEXAS IS AHJJHS;ERBL AWESOME, SO THERE'S THAT. Really, the plot isn't about the romance, but it's in there and it's a nice, subtle touch to the whirlwind drama and holy crap, did she really write that, omg, she did.
Do I reccommend it? Why?: TO RAIMI AND HARDY, BECAUSE THEY WOULD PROBABLY LIKE IT. Or maybe not, I have no idea. |D BUT HELL TO THE YES, I RECCOMEND THIS TO ANYONE. It's got some humor in it, yeah, but I love the bio-engineering, the crazy, crazy logic that actually really kind of works. All the wild things going around that are so normal in this setting is just mindblowing.

So, in a nutshell: yes. c:

[Ten]

I'm reading: Seeing by Jose Saramago

Rating: PG? There might be a few instances of the "d-word" and mild things like that on occasion, but I don't notice enough to remember. Nothing much to offend or repulse here, at least in the traditional sense. I'll get to the real problematic material in a moment.

I picked it up because: Had to. For school.

My opinion of the book so far is: Lord have mercy, when will this thing end? I'm not even half-way through with it yet. It's the case of the prose that wouldn't die. While there is, every once in a while, some dry humor that might get a chuckle, there are plenty of things the narrator does to annoy me -- and for some reason, the author not only elected to omit any quotation marks to tell you where the dialogue is (you have to figure it out once someone uses a first-person pronoun and then go back and read the sentence in a new context), but he also decided to avoid indentations whenever possible (meaning most pages are walls of text) and he has a problem with endmarks. As in, not enough of them. So, to review: dialogue is not indicated by quotation marks, indentations, line breaks, or much of anything. Sometimes questions don't even have question marks. It's just a mess of commas, and it's hard to tell when you're switching from one speaker to another.

As for the content of the story itself, it's not written like a story. Explaining what I mean by that would be complicated, but suffice to say, none of the characters have names. There are several things that detract from the realism and pull me out of the story to remind me I'm only reading an allegory. I think it's supposed to be a certain style. I call this style of writing "bad".

Do I recommend it? Why?: NO. It's a pain to read, and it's not interesting enough to make it worth it.




I'm reading: Little Bee by Chris Cleave

Rating: I'm not sure just how to place it, so I'll explain. It does fill every traditional category of objectionable content, except maybe illegal drugs (though there is alcohol). There is foul language. It's not all over the place like some crude teenager trying to feel like an adult, but it is profane and it is powerful. This is an instance where the label "mature" really does fit. It is mature, in the truest sense of the word, like an old soldier with wisdom and experience who's seen the harsh side of life.

As for sex and violence -- I won't be specific, since (as the blurb says) the magic is in how the story unfolds and you have to read it to understand, but this book is dark. And I don't say that about many things. Harry Potter? Not dark. Speak? Not dark. Hunger Games? Not dark. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed those books, but this book is dark. Not every writer can attempt this kind of subject matter and pull it off. Here, though, it works. It's dignified and brutal all at once. A few years ago, this is the sort of thing I wouldn't have imagined myself reading, but it's incredible.

I picked it up because: I was browsing a bookstore and there was a display section for the staff's favorites, which included Little Bee. I began reading the first page. It wasn't a fantastic hook, but it was interesting, and even though I'm not a fan of first person POV, I liked the voice of the narrator and the way she explained her thoughts. The plot did not draw me in. However, the writing did. Then I noticed that I'd been standing there for a while and had passed up page eighty. Feeling awkward for hovering in front of the main bookcase (it was a tiny shop; I was pretty much hogging the store), I put it down and moved out of the way. I didn't have the cash at that moment, but I knew I had to come back later and buy it.

My opinion of the book so far is: I cannot even explain.

Do I recommend it? Why?: YES. But no. But yes. You might not want to read about some of the material in here. However, thus far it has been excellent, and if you're prepared for it, do read this. Otherwise... maybe wait a few years, but do read this.

[Pyro]

I'm reading: The Horse God Built by Lawrence Scanlan

Rating: PG. I guess. I mean it involves the horse racing world, so ya there's gambling, etc. But its not raunchy or anything. xD

I picked it up because: It was next to the book I saw on Man O'War. And you can't get one without the other. I needed to pick up some books to read on my vacation with my dad, his wife, and her kids, and I had originally planned to pick up something on Seabiscuit. And then I saw all the other racing horse books. so here we are.

My opinion of the book so far is: It's...not what I expected. The book has a lot to do with the relationship between Eddie Sweat and Secretariat, the former being Secretariat's groom before Secretariat went to stud. The fact that the book focuses on the groom, the one who had a closest relationship with that magnificent horse, is amazing in itself since the grooms seem to be passed over more than not. And the parts that focused on Secretariat and his career? They left me with one thought: 'How can you not love this horse?' He's more an american hero and an american athlete than a lot of so-called 'sports-superstars'. It might be hard to get into if you don't like horses, but its definitely worth reading.

Do I reccommend it? Why?: dudeyes. Honestly, I'd recommend it just because it's a book on Secretariat. Buuuuuuut. Ya'll need more to go on than that. I thought it was well written, informative, and a nice read.

[Whiskers [Archive]]

I'm reading: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Rating: Going with PG-13 because it IS a young adult novel, so it's written for teens. There are some disturbing stuff and some 'gory' stuff, but honestly, not over the top. Not bad at all

I picked it up because: I was at mah book club and a girl recommended it. Supposedly it's also being made into a movie, and I always have to read the book first. So I went ahead and checked it out.

Summary: (adding this like Slug because I think it makes sense to x3) A science-fiction-fantasy that takes place in the deadly prison "Incarceon," which is more than just a jail-- it's a world, and no one can get in or out. But one boy-- Finn-- is convinced he comes from Outside, no matter how impossible everyone else says it is. When he finds a strange, crystal key and hears a girl's voice coming from it, he knows that everyone else is wrong-- there is an Outside and he'll do anything he can to get there.

My opinion of the book so far is: Dude. Awesome. It's writing is so well-paced and gripping that the fantasy elements of the book (which I normally don't like that much) didn't bother me at all. The characters were all really balanced, though Finn is a little underdeveloped, especially compared to the main girl, Claudia, who is devilish, clever and yet somehow still...wholesome and good-hearted. I ESPECIALLY loved Keiro. His character bounced between good and evil and I never knew what his real intentions were.

Do I recommend it? Why?:I recommend it to people who like fast plot and science fiction. This is definitely a steampunk novel, so if that bothers you, don't bother. If you're like me and can just be satisfied by complicated characters, definitely pick it up. It's not overly theme heavy; not a book you read to learn something or ponder about the universe. It's just an adventure from start to finish.




I'm reading: This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M Homes

Rating: R for blatant sex/adult themes.

I picked it up because: Saw it in the thrift store, was intrigued by the title and the donuts on the front cover.

Summary: Richard Novak is just your average upper-class American divorcee, obsessed with his health and money, until he experiences a crippling pain that sends him hurtling into his mid-life crisis. A meeting with a donut man named Anhil begins his journey in reinventing himself and the people around him.

My opinion of the book so far is: Very impressed. I know that the summary sounds less than original or stellar, but really. It's kinda awesome. It begins rather slowly, but the book isn't split up into chapters, but rather sections ranging from about 200 to 2000 words, so I had read like... 150 pages without even realizing it. And once you hit that section, you don't want to put it down just because you can't wait to see what will happen to this man next. All the characters are rich and real, even in their absurdity (a bunch of them are famous or too rich for real life, but for some reason that didn't even bother me). I could easily imagine them all existing in real life. There are so many great moments of spectacular writing that I was actually circling entire pages (and I hardly ever annotate books on my own anyway, unless it's really awesome). There are times when the writing does dip into being TOO smart for it's own good. But those moments are rare and they fit the book well. It's a book that makes me want to go out and write something myself. So it's awesome.

Do I recommend it? Why?: OH YES. Though this book didn't "save my life," it did inspire me and get me very happy-- and for some, I think the title's claim could hold true. Anyone interested in the meaning of life, what it means to be happy, quirky, funny books, exploring the American dream-- this is definitely one to pick up.

[Rolo]

I'm reading: The Maze Runner
Rating: PG-13/R for violence, horror and just general spookiness.
I picked it up because: My sister bought it for me.
My opinion of the book so far is: I've finished it. It was a wonderful example of how a book can have a brilliant outline and concept but, in it's execution, fall flat. I'd liken the books to a cross between the Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies, with a bigger emphasis on Lord of the Flies. It's clever at points, but the characters are so utterly flat, they're just... awful. Non-descript. Every. Single. One. The main character couldn't even be given traits, he's so dull and see-through. Every character is defined by their relationship to other characters, they all speak exactly the same (using this really irritating slang) and... well, after reading it once, you're left with no desire to ever pick it up again, although it's intriguing first read through. A shame, because it could have been brilliant in the right hands =/ Such a darned shame.
Do I reccommend it? Why?: Meh. Pick it up if you like the concepts, but don't expect to give half a damn about the characters. You won't.

[Cloudbat]

I'm reading: All Quiet On The Western Front
Rating: Only PG so far, but it's a war book, so I've no doubt things will get gorier.
I picked it up because: It's a school book (required reading) but still, I enjoy it.
My opinion of the book so far is: Interesting. It's a war book, so yes, it talks about the horrors of war, but not in a shove-it-in-your-face way. It plainly and bluntly relates from the point of view of the main character (Paul Baumer) the way of survival in war, and how it affects those in it. The humor is rather grim, which is to my taste. It's a bit slow in pacing, (but then, I've only read three chapters) but it's very good at showing without being overly detailed, and the characters are enjoyable.

Do I reccommend it? Why?: Definitely. It gives me things to think about.[/size]

[Whiskers [Archive]]

(reviving this thread. xP)
I'm reading: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Rating: PG-13; violence.
I picked it up because: There has been a bunch of hubbub over this book for a while now, as its publishers market it as the next Hunger Games. I figured okay, why not? I liked "The Hunger Games," I might like this too.

Summary: 16-year-old Beatrice "Tris" Prior lives in a world divided-- a world made up of five factions, each with its own duties to carry out and own life philosophy. There's brave Dauntless, honest Candor, kind Amity, intelligent Erudite and selfless Abnegation. At 16, all teenagers must choose when faction they wish to live in, choosing their way of life right along with it. But we soon learn that all in this utopia is not well.

My opinion of the book so far is:Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Sigh. I honestly do not know how to feel about this book. I feel as though it is a rehash of The Hunger Games, with the factions easily a Harry-Potter-fied version of the districts, and Tris a weaker, less engaging Katniss. Even the writing is 1st person present, and I am cynical enough to guess that it is written in this style in order to capture the success of the Hunger Games. However, the book is gripping and I was honestly enjoying myself until the last one hundred pages... then things quickly got way too trite, and if not trite, then simply ridiculous. Yet I can't stop thinking about the themes, so despite my dislike, "Divergent" has managed to worm its way into my head and make a place there. Still, I do not think it deserves the attention it is receiving, since it seems way too obvious to me that the author simply used the formula that made Hunger Games so popular; I would think that fans of The Hunger Games would see through that.
Do I reccommend it? Why?: I recommend it to Rolo, because i want her to read it so I can pick her brain. :3 Well. I recommend it to the rest of you too, if only so I can get your opinion. I feel like this is a hit or miss-- either you'll get it or you won't. I just didn't get it. But hey, try it out.

[Glowy]

I'm reading: A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (book 5 of the Game of Thrones series)

Rating: R; graphic violence, language, and sexual content.

I picked it up because: My friend Charles recommended the series to me, and once I got past the initial shock of, "Hey, whoah. Slow down. These books were NOT written for teenagers," I quite liked the series. I'm reading this book because I'm addicted.

My opinion of the book so far is: It's a good continuation of the series. Nothing has really made me angry yet, which is a good thing. The anger usually comes in the last third of the book. I'm loving all of the different storylines. I swear, this man must have a team of record-keepers working for him. I know it's not the kind of book that you would expect me to like, you guys, but I'm a huge fan!

Do I reccommend it? Why?: GRRM has been described by critics as the Tolkein of our generation. I don't know if my praise would go quite that far, but the books are riveting. For readers who can stomach R rated things, and long books, I highly recommend them. Whiskers, you might enjoy the books, but they're awfully time consuming.

[Whiskers [Archive]]

I'm reading: The Fault in our Stars
Rating: PG-13
I picked it up because: I worship love John Green, and his writing has long inspired me.
My opinion of the book so far is: I'm on the floor dead. Also I'm crying. Also I'm laughing. I've never been in so much pain and in so much joy at the same time.
Do I recommend it? Why?: YES. dear god yes aklfdj;asldkfjad;lkf;j i cannot explain-- i-- words--read it. please. read it. I know this does not give you a good idea about what the book is about but read it. read it. readitreadiajlkd;fal