This blog has been closed for three years or more. I have my own blog in which I write everything including books reviews... feel free to follow me there and read my other writings.
My website : straketch.com
a long time
I have stopped writing reviews for the books I read. I guess I already have to make a blog that includes all kind of things including books reviews along with movie's reviews.
I'm not sure I'm going to open a new blog for that, I already have a blog called "Twist and Shout" click here to check it out. and i haven't been reading much books lately. I should read more, and I guess I better keep writing books reviews.
no one is reading this blog anyway! :/
Mr. Darcy's Diary
I'm a huge Mr. Darcy's fan, and I would read anything related to it (not really, much depends), and I've read Pride and Prejudice more than once (in 3 languages), and have watched the BBC mini series (Colin Firth) and the 2005 adaptation more than 30000 times.
I never thought I would be reading Mr. Darcy's Diary; for I thought I would loose interest, and it might actually ruin my admiration for him, for I always thought he was mysterious and it's better this way.
I never read the continuations of P&P, I never thought I would, I thought they might ruin my imagination, and I LOVED P&P the way it is.
My sister's friend has brought the book, and my sister started reading it, unfortunately it was translated to Hebrew, and that was an excuse not to read it, since the translation always ruins the original, but still, I have enough curiosity to fail my ignorance. eventually I read it.
I read it, and while reading it I thought some parts disappointed me, but then remembered that i shouldn't have any expectations, and should consider this book as a fan fiction, like all other fan fictions, and should consider the effort the writer herself had done, and appreciate. I actually have found some amusing parts that made me laugh, smile and remember my huge love for P&P. Maybe if I read the book in English I would compare the level of the writing to Jane Austen. but unfortunately I didn't so I don't have anything to say concerning the style and writing, except that I thought it might be better if that wasn't a diary, for in a diary the main character keeps saying I a lot.
There are few things that didn't make any sense, and some characters were out of order. other scenes weren't as I imagined, and the feelings that Darcy shared weren't as I expected in some places. Mr. Darcy wasn't the Mr. Darcy I ALWAYS LOVED in P&P, neither was Elizabeth (I guess that was because of the different perspective of course). and did I mention, there was a lot of lack of creativity, not only in events in general, but also thoughts.
But still, it worth the trouble. and everybody wants to know more about Darcy. he is after all most interesting character in Literature (according to me at least).
A bend in a road
A bend in a Road by Nicholas sparks.
I read this story on a vacation, a mini break, in a warm place on a beach. at the beginning I thought it would be a typical love story, a man meets a woman, they fall in love.
Well, that was actually true, it's about a man who meets a woman, they fall in love. but still, there's another story.
The main character Miles Ryan meets Sarah Andrews, the teacher of his second grade son. his son is motherless, for his wife has died, or was killed in accident, as Miles claims. even after two years of the accident, after he meets Sarah, he wants to know who "killed" his wife. His wife's accident hunts him, specially when he gets the chance to know who was responsible.
I thought this book was different from other Nicholas Spark's novels I've read (which weren't many), because it also had a little kind of mystery (the investigation around the "crime"). And the style was nice, not as different, but I liked it.
In brief, I enjoyed this book, but it didn't make me cry, just few tiny tears (I tend to be easily affected). and it's still not my favorite book by Sparks.
Bridget Jones the Edge of Reason
As the prequel I read it again. and even though I had a huge exam (linguistics) I managed to finish this on every fast.
As some of you might know this one is based on Persuasion, like it's prequel was based on Pride and Prejudice (both by Jane Austen). the first one may have the best plot, and usually sequels aren't as good. but let me just say this: the edge of reason (the book ) is by 1000000000 times better than the film. the only advantage that the film has is the fact that there are Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth. and the fact that Hugh Grant has a big rule in the film (talking about the 2nd here) was a very unnecessary.
In the second book Bridget is more mature (IMHO), eventhough she's persuaded by her friends to leave her boyfriend - perfect and dashing Mr. Darcy.
The book contains amusing lines, hilarious scenes, and whatever you can find to read for pleasure. and it's like the first one, so true and Bridget is still one of us, she represents the girls. every single girl has at least a little Bridget in herself.
But what was even more fascinating about this book is rule of Colin Firth as Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. he was mentioned a lot of times in this books, and there's a chapter where Bridget herself goes to interview him in Rome, asking him about Mr Darcy. hilarious interview, cannot be missed, and it's too bad it only appeared as an extra on DVD.
IF it was up to me, I would read this one again and again for all my life. I LOVE Bridget Jones and LOVE MR DARCY/COLIN FIRTH.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
I've read this book before, and suddenly found it available in the library, so I took it to read it again. because I always wanted to read it again. it's one of top favorite books. SIMPLY LOVE IT.
the problematic thing about this book is that it never takes long, and I always wished it did. I finish it too soon and immediately run to read the sequel, and I'm waiting in vain till the sequel be available to take from the library. even though I have huge exams (for the end of the semester), and I wouldn't have time to read, I always could find a room for Bridget Jones.
This might sound sort of weird, since Bridget Jones is 30 something, and I'm not even 20 yet. But that's what so special about it, you don't need to be 30 something to enjoy this book.
I LOVED how this book is based on Pride and Prejudice (my favorite book of all times), and it's like the best modern version. and Mark Darcy is the best modern Mr Darcy, specially when it's based on and played by Colin Firth. And even at one point Bridget watches the mini series of P&P and starts comparing Mark Darcy to Mr Darcy. Simply Hilarious. the whole book is hilarious. and the way it's written is even more hilarious. I adapted the way that Bridget writes the diary, and I'm writing a diary that has the same style (not exactly the same, but pretty close).
what's so special about this book that's it's so true. everything that happens to Bridget is so true, she tells the truth, she doesn't hide anything, and what she tells is exactly what every girl wants to tell. and what happened to Bridget, happend to all of us. she has been through all our embarrassing moments. and I think Bridget herself would be the only one to understand us all.
We are ALL Bridget Jones. every girl has a little Bridget in herself.
this book is far more better than the film (the only advantage in the film that it actually has Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, and there's Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and of course the sweet Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones).
Austenland
I love evrything related to Jane Austen, and Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book of all times, and Mr Darcy is my fantasy man, and my favorite Mr Darcy is Colin Firth (well, as far as I know, he's everybody's favorite).
I once was just googling for P&P and Mr Darcy/Colin Firth, and came to website of Shannon Hale that had her new book Austenland. which is about a girl who's obsessed with Mr Darcy as played by Colin Firth, and it's actually ruining her love life. well, that kind of person is like me.
Anyway, I wanted to read the book, I thought this kind of book made specially for me. so I looked for it in every book store. but I couldn't find it anywhere. untill I got the audiobook, and listened to it on the way to the university.
I really enjoyed the book, maybe if I read it rather than listening to it could e much better and I would comprehend what's in it. but the audio book wasn't that bad.
It was really cool, and I wish I would go to something like an Austenland (sort of like a resort that more like living in an Austen world, inclusing costumes, manners, dances, etc.), so I was really moved of how the main character Jane was experiencing, and the gentlemen she meets, and the stories that happen all feel like Austen.
I was disappointed of the fact that it wasn't only about Colin Firth/Mr darcy, but it was more about men at the era in general. she mentioned Mr darcy only few times, and colin firth only 3 or 4 times, which is a shame, since I think I picked the book to get more of colin firth images insode my head. and then I was disappointed about the acting part, that all characters are actors. and the fact that Mr Darcy might not exist. and I still live in a fantasy, and the main characetr Jane has got over Mr Darcy, while I still hold him in my fantasy.
Bungalow 2
Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steel
I never actually read any book for Danielle Steel, even though I've heard of her before. I just couldn't decide in which book to start, for she had many books (it's like each month she publishes a new book). So I once picked Bungalow 2, and now then later, I started reading it.
At the beginning I wasn't too much drawn to the style, I thought it was simple, and normal, with no Complex characters, and I thought it was too mellow. But then the plot was developed, and the whole story became much more interesting, and then it became much more romantic, and some characters became a little bit complex, though not complex enough.
I loved the story, I loved how everything was simple in it. and loved how it included a happy ending, I love happy Endings.
I was disappointed in few places, but I loved the book, I've finished it too fast, I wish I didn't though. and I think it would be awesome if it was adapted to the screen, I would certainly watch it.
Spoiler
I was kind of disappointed that she didn't end up with Douglas, I fell in love with this character, I thought he was supposed to be the hero. but I was comforted that she ended up with an English man. I LOVE the English.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
The furst thing captured my attention for this book was it's narrator, which I didn't expect, THE DEATH.
I loved the concept of the book, it has a very interesting idea and I thought its style was amazing.
I loved that fact that it was narrated by death, I can't recall anyone has ever tried that before and death isn't how I imagined, for it was different, it looked to me as if a person whom you can understand.
I loved how the book is written about a period of time when there was a war, and specally in Germany, where people often misscomprehend how life was there. I loved the characters, I became attached to each, and I identefied with the main character, Liesel.
I loved the importance of erading in the book, for it's all about reading, and the power that one book can give you, and then the writing.
There were a lot of things I admired, adn a lot of quotes I loved. it's one of the greatest books, I think everybody should read it once, and I higly recommend it to all ages.
The Book Thief website
Markus Zusak
The House on Mango Street
The House on Mango street by Sandra Cisneros.
I know it's an old book, and I usually write here in this blog about new books, but I've finished it few days ago, and I couldn't resist mentioning it here in this blog. First of all, I've studied one of the chapters of this book at the university, the chapter is "Linoleum Roses" which some of you ight wonder why this chapter in particular. well, I don't know, ask my proffesor. Anyway, we've studied this particular chapter and my proffesor recommended the book, and suggested to give it to us, and of course I like reading books, and I like knowing furthoe about the stories I read, and it would be an honour for me to read a book recommended by one of my proffesors, so i aksed her to give it to me, I hope she didn't mind of course (I think she seemed pleased). and I read the book. of course "Linoleum Roses" comes at the very end of the story, so I had to go a lot of pages (not really much, just some 60 pages or so) to get into the story of Sally, the character of the chapter we analyzed at the lectures. and I found some really interesting stuff, that made me change my view, or lets say enlightened me more about that character.
Now, forget sally, and "Linoleum Roses". what i liked about the House on Mango Street was Esperanza. she's my favorite character. you know why? because I identefied with her character.well, of course i also identefied with teh chatacter of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. But Esperanza was more like ME. it was striking how she reminded me of myself: when she was young and when she grew up. I thought I was reading about myself. and eventually in the end I had some tears in my eyes, because I felt how close I am to the life of this character. I felt that this character, Esperanza is the only one who could ever understands me, because she eventually has done the same thing I want to do, and for the same reasons.
I highly recommend this book to everybody. I think everybody should have a glimpse about the life of Esperanza (that reminds me of myself, and I have a sneaky feeling that some people might also identify with her). and I think the book itself is pure literature.
The End of Mr Y
The End of Mr Y written by Scarlett Thomas.
First I would like to start with how I actually got the book. at first I looked at thebook from it's cover (I think the uk edition) and found that the cover was really nice, and the papers are black from their sides. I found that really amazing.
And when I erad the jacket, with all the reviews. I found it fascinating.
the story is about Ariel Manto who finds a rare book written by a victorian sceintest Thomas E. Lumas. the book is called "the End of mr Y", Ariel heard a lot about this book, and she knows it's the only copy, and it's cursed. who ever read it die.
she of course reads it. and there the story begins.
I actually liked the concept of the book, the story and the idea.
the characters were very well written and easy to relate.
now there were a lot of complictions and some sort of difficult terms. the book also deals with physics (I'm the last one to be asked anything about physics), also has some logical terms I couldn't put my fingers on.
some other things related theology, which are as complicated as physics.
because the book is fictional, could say science fiction or fantasy, it's hard to get into the fantasy that Scarlett Thomas has created.
but who ever loves fantasy would love this book. because it's genious. and enjoyable.
I loved it .
would give it 4.5/5 or more.
website
Gone for Good
When I picked this book, I took a look at the reviews and found all of them saying how great this book is.
I started reading it, the plot was good, I thought it was a good story a little bit interesting, but while reading it I wasn't thinking it has a great suspense, but I liked it anyway... until the end; the last 5 chapters showed what they meant by the reviews, I felt how great the book was, and then I was excited to know the following, I felt the emotions coming out till I felt the tears come down.
When I finished I said "WOW! that was good!"
so in short I recommend this books to everyone, it has tragedy, suspense, and romance.
Eleven Minutes
Eleven Minutes is one of the books that I think everybody should read it (or at least every adult).
first I haven't read much books for Paulo Coelho, only one two years ago, and I dont remember most of it.
But eleven Minutes is a whole new experience, first it's from a woman's POV, a completely different woman ( prostitute), in my society people criticized this book very badly, and thought is just too much. but I thought it was more than a book about a prostitute, it tells you about "prostitution" from a completely different side, and it distinguish sex from fake to real.
the story line was good, the writing was beautiful, even though I read the English translated book, and not the original.
I thought the book was blunt, and daring, and then it taught me about some other stuff I never knew about. I loved it.
Paulo Coelho website
Breaking Dawn
I've finally finished the fourth book in the saga of Twilight.
I have to say I wasn't that disappointed, because I knew the book won't be that good. I didn't have any good expectations of this book.
The plot wasn't that good, it was more like the 3rd book, weak and simple.
first of all there was a lack of romance between Edward and Bella (their story is sort of over, they lived happily ever after, there's nothing else). Edward wasn't romantic.
There was no adventure, and no suspense.
I have to confess some parts were fantastic -I'm not going to say which of these were because I don't want to write any spoilers.
I liked the new main character, the character that the whole book was about.
my point is the first half of the book was awesome, and fresh, but the second half was just an extra, and boring.
Tell No One
I've finished this book more than two weeks ago, but I've forgot to write about it here.
The book is written by Harlan Coben. I always heard about him, but never read books for him, and this is the first.
First I liked the idea of the book, a man looses his wife and some years later he finds that she might be still alive (and he has to keep that as a secret).
I liked the suspense in the book, and mystery. I would say this book is a really good thriller, it's touching because it also talks about love.
I loved this book because it was a thriller, I love thrillers, they never let me sleep without being excited to know the rest, and there was few action scenes (not like i understand action in books), and of course it was sort of romantic!
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes thrillers (but I think everybody has already read it, I was the latest).
They have made a n adapted movie for this book, but it's French (while the story is in the US).
Harlan Coben's website
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
when I first saw the book, I thought it's talking about real memoirs, but then I realized it's all work of fiction.
But I decided to read it anyway, after all I'm a fan of Jane Austen!
it took me a while till I actually started reading it, after 6 months. and I read it!
When I started reading it, I thought it was really good, good is it was a movie! exactly as a movie!
and I felt like I was reading a fanfiction, but wait a minute, IT IS a fanfiction.
the writer, Syrie James, was sort of brave to write something like that, and I appreciate what she did, because it's a challenge, to go to Jane Austen's mind, and take her shoes (suing her tongue), as we all know Jane Austen is so loved by so many people!
Good stuff about the book, that makes it wonderful: It's so romantic, you would feel like you ARE Jane Austen, and you're actually know she she feels. you fee like you're reading Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice at the same time, you would completely fall in love with Mr. Ashford.
Stuff that I sort of didn't like about the book: It doesn't look like Jane Austen would write something like that, she gives too many emotions, and she overwhelms with them, Mr. Ashford doesn't exist at all! and mostly there were a lot of kisses!
But if it was made as a film, it would be better than Becoming Jane! I imagined everything as a film, and would imagine myself as playing the part of Jane!
Remember Shakespeare in Love?? it sort of look the same! maybe even better!
the bottom line is: if you're a Jane Austen fan, you should definitely read it!
The Choice
I've finished this book last week.
I thought the book was so romantic and so fantastic, touching, and impressing!
first, I loved how it starts, the whole story of how Travis and Gabby met was nice (neighbours), and then you would start drawing to Travis as Gabby did! I loved how teh story is told for both character's pov, and not just one, so you can feel the love adn attraction from both characters! I loved how they had choices to make, and how that each one of them had porpuses in life, and these two characte can make a great match!
I loved the choice at the end of the story. what Travis should have done! and what woudl be teh consequences of his acts! I loved the ending of the story, which I'm not going to tell, because it contains spoilers!
I loved this book! from the beginning until the end!
sort of reminds me of the Notebook!
The Wedding
days ago.. I cant really remember when, I've finished the Wedding, written by Nicholas Sparks.
at first I thought it was boring, and there was no moving story, I got bored and throw the book away, until I decided to continue reading it and finish it.
and I did.... whenever I got closer to the end it became more fascinating and ROMANTIC!
and then at the end it was amazing and so Romantic!
so I would say... its worth reading if you want 2 see a really good ending!
but for a sec I thought the story would be better if it was told from the girl's POV!
Eclipse
so... I finished Eclipse almost last month (2 or 3 weeks maybe, I cant remember) but I've forgot to write my own review... I was busy studying (now I finished).
the book was sort of great (long, but finished it soon), the story wasn't the best, it could have been better. I liked Jacob, he was cool but annoying. Bella still annoying as ever but she's cool (I would totally be her friend), as for Edward, well...he's boring. I don't know, I enjoyed reading the book , so it's great right? but I thought it could be better! the love story is typical: she likes the guy, he likes her... so what's the problem? and why she wants to be a vampire? whats so special about being a bloodsucker, at first it might sound brilliant, but then it becomes boring. I mean I would never give up on food and sleeping (I live for those two).
and what's with Bella? she suddenly falls for Jake, while she's in love with Edward, and Edward is like an idiot as if he was saying "aha !! okay!! whatever!"
you know what was my favorite part? when Bella seduces Edward. well... it wasn't seduction... but I thought, "wow great! she finally wants 2 sleep with him, she became human! and finally something interesting!".
I never thought that Bella is like me (except for favorite book of course if I'm not wrong)
But who am I kidding I totally love Alice. she's my favorite character! she's so cool, she likes having fun and she knows how to, she's most normal person in the whole story!! she's absolutely fantastic.
but anyway... I had this idea for a fan fiction, I had the fan fiction before I started reading this one, but anyway, I would like to keep writing it, even though it doesn't make any sense. (and my language is so bad).
if I ever decide to publish the fan fiction, I'll try to remember to mention it here!
for conclusion.... blah blah blah... the book was good, but New Moon is my favorite!
New Moon
Today I finished reading the second book from twilight series. New Moon
I Loved it !!! I thought it's better than first one.
I'll try first by recommending the book to all those who love romance. and all girls who have fantasies!
this book inspired me to consider unleashing my imagination. and think about new imaginations that no one would ever think of. I have so many fantasies around love stories that I want to build!
You remember when I said first about falling in love with the main lead character, Edward. in this book I fell deeper in love with him. I thought that character is well written, and would make any girl fall in love with him. I would more consider him as the new Mr. Darcy. or let's say Darcy for teens. though I think I already passed my teens year. I'm 18!!!!! and I hate that... ow wait.. Bella (female leading character) has became 18 in this book. ow thank God, I thought I was too old for this book. and now I'm the same age as Bella . even she's a little older than me, in the 3rd book "eclipse" she would be older ... right?? I'm gonna read this book as soon as I can. Or as soon as I can find it... because when I bought the first two books there was no sign of the 3rd. I really hope I can find it. but I can order it as well.
I started liking Jacob in this book. not falling in love with him as Edward, but anyway he was nice and loving. though i didn't think he looked mature as Edward. Stephenie Meyer wrote the perfect Edward!
the bottom line is : I loved this book a lot, it's suitable for all girls from the age of ...mmm let me think, 13 (lees, more i dunno) till the age of 20 something (no idea). as for boys, I dont know if boys like girls fantasy romance....
>> Edward Cullen is my new OBSESSION
new moon on stephenie Meyer website
Thousand Splendid Suns
I finished reading this book last week.
I enjoyed reading this book, because I never was familiar with Afghanistan. i was familiar with a lot of countries, and they culture, society, and religion.
I've read the Kite Runner. but since the kite runner was about two boys. its much different.
in the kite runner it tales about one of them , from one side, and during the years: 70s 80s(but in America), and 2000s .
as for this book. it tales about two women, from two sides during the years, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. and all of them in the same place (Afghanistan, Kabul), and this two characters are some different from each other.
I loved this book, and I recommend it to everyone.
and for those who enjoyed the kite runner, they should read it. they'll love this one.
A link for the author's website and the book
Twilight
At first I've never heard of is book.
One of my online friends, recommended this book (while we were talking about books), and said that this book is the best! she loved it and would consider it as her favorite book.
I thought I might give it a shot, and go find the book (since I have a lot of free time to read).
I finished the book I've been reading, and went to the library, and bought it (it was new coming book to israel).
I've finished the book last week. and the book was great !
It wont suit any older people. but all young adult/ teenagers girls would love it !!
when I read it, I thought it suits more teenage girls ( I usually read Adults books, more interesting for me).
but this book was really interesting. though the story was classical and so typical. but you would fall in love with the main character - Edward! you know how we fall in love with classical heroes : Darcy, Rochester, Wentworth ... and all the others.
the author, Stephenie Meyer mentioned that she named Edward after : Edward Rochester (from Jane Eyre) and Edward Ferrars (from Sense and Sensibility). I think that was a great choice.
and I just fell in love with that character- despite the fact that it's a vampire!
You dont have to be a vampire fan to love this book.
but for those who hate fantasy books, this book is not for them!
the bottom line is : If you are a girl and you love romance and Harry Potter. this book is for you!
by the way, the book is going to be adapted to a film. and Robert Pattinson is going to play the part of Edward (he looks so gorgeous, so I think he'll be perfect for the role).
Cant wait for the Movie.
and going to buy the 2nd book when I get a chance to do that, I've heard it's better than the first. I felt that the 1st one is for introducing the characters and showing the big love between Bella and Edward. so I guess the sequels would be more interesting !
Stephenie Meyer official website
My sister's Keeper
Finished reading this book last week.
I loved this book for the issue it suggests and talks about.
I enjoyed reading the book, because it talks about the situation from different points of view, and from different characters.
I loved the ending, because even though you might guess what will happen in the end, but it's unexpected. I thought it was great ending. I cried a lot there. (once a book makes me cry, it becomes one of my favorites).
I recommend this book to everyone.
Maybe next year the adapted will be coming out. cant wait then!
Author website
I recommend this book to everyone.
Maybe next year the adapted will be coming out. cant wait then!
Author website
A start
When I was at high school, I didn't read much. I didn't have time, and mood comes very rarely.
Considering the fact that I'm arab living in israel, makes is harder to read. nobody read!
I used to read books in arabic (mostly for school assignments).
then started reading translated books from english (since my english was horrible).
But right now, I've finished high school. I've decided to have a year off, do some unfinished exams, and the psychometry (SAT). also going to look for a job!
Currently I dont have anything to do. so I'm reading books.
From 1st of January till now I've read the following books: the kite runner (translated to hebrew), PS. I love you, dear John, and I'm in the middle of My sister's Keeper.
I have a list for books I already read during the last year (I think they were only 8). I've decided to read more this year.
Hopefully I'll finish as much books as anyone can finish before I get to university.
I found out that I've missing some really great stuff!
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