Summary: In Tally's world, no one is judged on his or her looks because at the age of 16, everyone becomes "pretty." Tally wants nothing more than to turn pretty like her friend Peris (Westerfeld and Suzanne Collins should have a "stupid character name" convention), so she can stop being an "ugly." However, when Tally meets a new friend Shay, Tally learns that some people don't want to be pretty. Soon Tally is in The Smoke, a hidden camp for those escaping the mandatory cosmetic--and other--changes.
Musings: I never would have picked up this book on my own. With a huge teenage face on the cover and a title like Uglies, Westerfeld's novel sounds more like a cliched version of Mean Girls than the dystopian literature it is. So I'm especially glad the reading challenge brought the book to my attention.
Like in most good dystopian novels, Tally's world has many benefits. People are no longer prejudiced against because of their looks, and the new society is environmentally conscious (even vegetarian!). Of course, there are obvious drawbacks. People look and act essentially the same and are manipulated into believing that happiness can only come from symmetry - conformity. Some of the messages (of the dangers of both our current society and Tally's futuristic society) are obvious, but the characters don't feel dull.
I always love a good YA romance, and this book doesn't fail as Tally finds herself falling for David, an "ugly" and lifelong Smoke resident. Unlike in other YA books (ahem, Stephenie Meyer), Tally doesn't agonize over decision to like David very long and their romance is even more exciting (and painful) because of the lies Tally has been forced to tell.
Uglies is the first of a four-part series, so the novel, of course, leaves with a big cliff hanger about Tally's future. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series, but right now I have to decide whether I'll barrel through the second right away or take a couple weeks off and read other books first.
- See my reviews of book two in the series, Pretties, and book three in the series, Specials.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
YA Dystopian Reading Challenge
I'm brand new to the world of "challenge" reading (and to the world of potentially sharing my reviews with anyone else), but I was so excited by the idea of reading tons of young adult dystopian literature that I thought I'd take the plunge. Thanks to Bart's Bookshelf for inspiring me and starting the challenge.Books on my to read list:
1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
2. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
3. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
4. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
5. Specials by Scott Westerfeld
5. The White Mountains by John Christopher
I started reading Uglies today and am already excited.
Monday, October 12, 2009
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
Summary: This feminist 1984 takes place in Gilead, which, faced with increasing infertility, institutes a perverted and fanatical "Christian" totalitarian regime in which women's bodies are not their own. Offred, the narrator, is assigned as a "handmaid" to a powerful commander; because his wife is "unable" to conceive (the idea that the man could possibly be sterile is heretical), Offred's duty is to have regular sex with him in hopes of becoming pregnant and providing the couple with a child. Offred struggles between her desire for autonomy, her desire to survive, and her stifled physical desires while attempting to maintain a connection (although only in memory) of her husband and daughter.
Musings: I'm a fan of apocalyptic novels and a fan of Atwood. I've read this novel before, of course (likely in college, although I really can't remember), and given the current proliferation of end-of-the-world entertainment, I thought I'd return to a classic. Perhaps one of the scariest parts of rereading the book is that although The Handmaid's Tale was published nearly 25 years ago, the political system it describes seems no further from reality.
The themes and issues brought up in The Handmaid's Tale aren't unfamiliar to anyone involved with feminism or women's studies, but the novel nonetheless presents the protagonist in a complex way that emphasizes the reality of her position. She misses her husband Luke, but at the same time, she acknowledges that much of her devotion to him stems from their forcible separation. She hates her position within the commander's household, but she recognizes it's better than some of the alternatives. She hates the commander's self-righteous sense of benevolence, but his small favors are the only freedom she has. Although women today don't necessarily face the same paradoxes, Offred's experiences still echo the complex and often contradictory feelings women face.
The perversion of Christianity is uncannily similar to much of the right wing fanaticism today and serves to reinforce the notion that "protection" of women and daughters often means subjugation. There are also clear parallels to how Islam has been twisted to justify the oppression of women in Middle Eastern countries.
Unlike 1984, The Handmaid's Tale ends with a message of hope. There's hope for Offred, and an "epilogue" seems to indicate that much of the tyranny present in Gilead eventually passes. Although I appreciated the positive outcome, I wondered what caused the end. Did women regain their rights? The warnings are evident, but the solutions are not.
Musings: I'm a fan of apocalyptic novels and a fan of Atwood. I've read this novel before, of course (likely in college, although I really can't remember), and given the current proliferation of end-of-the-world entertainment, I thought I'd return to a classic. Perhaps one of the scariest parts of rereading the book is that although The Handmaid's Tale was published nearly 25 years ago, the political system it describes seems no further from reality.
The themes and issues brought up in The Handmaid's Tale aren't unfamiliar to anyone involved with feminism or women's studies, but the novel nonetheless presents the protagonist in a complex way that emphasizes the reality of her position. She misses her husband Luke, but at the same time, she acknowledges that much of her devotion to him stems from their forcible separation. She hates her position within the commander's household, but she recognizes it's better than some of the alternatives. She hates the commander's self-righteous sense of benevolence, but his small favors are the only freedom she has. Although women today don't necessarily face the same paradoxes, Offred's experiences still echo the complex and often contradictory feelings women face.
The perversion of Christianity is uncannily similar to much of the right wing fanaticism today and serves to reinforce the notion that "protection" of women and daughters often means subjugation. There are also clear parallels to how Islam has been twisted to justify the oppression of women in Middle Eastern countries.
Unlike 1984, The Handmaid's Tale ends with a message of hope. There's hope for Offred, and an "epilogue" seems to indicate that much of the tyranny present in Gilead eventually passes. Although I appreciated the positive outcome, I wondered what caused the end. Did women regain their rights? The warnings are evident, but the solutions are not.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Rejects
I suppose I have an innate need to finish what I start, so I've always felt bad when I've abandoned a partially-read book. A teacher at my high school emphasizes that if you start a book and hate it, put it down. Don't waste time on something you don't enjoy. You'll just end up avoiding it and missing out on the chance to read something you do like. I've been trying to take her advice although I did grudgingly work through some terrors (notably One Hundred Years of Solitude). It doesn't feel right to blog about a book I haven't finished, but I did think perhaps it was worthwhile to mention the rejects and my reason for rejecting them.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie (October 7, 2009)
- I loved Alexie's young adult novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, so I thought I'd try one of his early adult works. Although the themes (and, truthfully, many of the same events and conversations) are the same, this novel, for me, had less poignancy and humor than True Diary. The metaphors and "deep thinking" were hit-me-in-the-head-with-a-frying-pan obvious (particularly in the first chapter, in which two Indians fighting is compared to a hurricaine). I just wasn't interested.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (September 2, 2009)
- Stuck in the library with no specific titles in mind, I came across this book. The fantasy elements and recommendations made it seem like a good choice. This very simply written book has a message - follow your dreams and you will succeed. Trust in omens, which are sent by God, to lead you to achieve your goals (called your Personal Legend). This basic premise (endlessly promoted by self-help books, most recently The Promise) is repeated endlessly, and endlessly, and endlessly. Did you forget you should listen to omens? Coelho reminds you through dull and dimwitted Santiago every page or two. Follow omens! Achieve your Personal Legend! You can do it! Ugh, I'm bored. Let's go ruin someone's self-esteem.
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (July 23, 2009)
- This book had been on my "to-read" list for awhile. I had heard it was funny and imagined it would be along the lines of a David Sedaris book. Instead, I found a poorly written book (and that's being kind) that was sensational and disgusting for the sake of being sensational and disgusting. Burroughs has not a shred of literary talent, but he does have a litany of outlandish stories. Take this gem of prose (written in response to the young Burroughs walking in on his mother and neighbor sexually engaged together): "I felt like, ick" (86). What skill. Events pop up and out without any continuation, and there is no sense of time's passage (at some point it seemed two years had passed since the book began, but there was no way of really knowing). I never laughed or even cracked a smile. I read about half of the piece of rubbish, but since the book was a laughably easy read, at least I didn't waste too much of my time.
Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee (May 11, 2009)
- Another book club pick. Kim lives in France with her fabulously rich boyfriend where she enjoys luxurious trips around Europe and impeccable food. Kim spends her days cooking extravagant meals and being very French. But, oh, boo-hoo, Kim was adopted by an American couple when she was three from Korea, and she has identity issues. Every few pages (in between eating truffles and drinking wine), Kim stops to muse about how unhappy she is because she doesn't belong. The concept is interesting (an American raised, Korean girl, living in France), but Sunee comes off whiny rather than contemplative. Stopped reading half-way through.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (May 9, 2009)
- I would never willingly pick up this book and did so kicking and screaming when my book club chose it. A 500+ page Lifetime movie, Firefly Lane follows Tully and Kate, your typical contrasting BFFs. Tully is crazy, sexually open, and devoted to work; Kate is solid, quiet, timid, and only wants to be a mom. The book follows their friendship over the decades, throwing in obvious time period references along the way. And then Kate dies of cancer. It's an innocuous enough beach read, but there's nothing new or interesting in the tired story line and characters. Stopped reading half-way through (but skimmed the last three chapters).
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (April 27, 2009)
- This novel appeared on many lists when I was searching for popular current books. I wasn't convinced myself, but it was at the library, so I grabbed it. I don't know that I read enough to really give it a fair chance, but the mystery set-up and plight of the journalist didn't grab my attention.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones (April 2009)
- This was the case of me picking a book largely because it was on many notable book lists. The premise was interesting, centering on a freed slave (paid out of slavery by his parents) who is now a slaveowner himself and "friends" with his former owner. Unique plot, but I found the story terribly boring. I didn't feel or care for any of the characters, and the atrocities associated with slavery and racism felt like annoying plot devices rather than moving commentary. I got about half-way through before bailing out.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (April 5, 2009)
- I did blog about this one, so I won't repeat what I already said.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie (October 7, 2009)
- I loved Alexie's young adult novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, so I thought I'd try one of his early adult works. Although the themes (and, truthfully, many of the same events and conversations) are the same, this novel, for me, had less poignancy and humor than True Diary. The metaphors and "deep thinking" were hit-me-in-the-head-with-a-frying-pan obvious (particularly in the first chapter, in which two Indians fighting is compared to a hurricaine). I just wasn't interested.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (September 2, 2009)
- Stuck in the library with no specific titles in mind, I came across this book. The fantasy elements and recommendations made it seem like a good choice. This very simply written book has a message - follow your dreams and you will succeed. Trust in omens, which are sent by God, to lead you to achieve your goals (called your Personal Legend). This basic premise (endlessly promoted by self-help books, most recently The Promise) is repeated endlessly, and endlessly, and endlessly. Did you forget you should listen to omens? Coelho reminds you through dull and dimwitted Santiago every page or two. Follow omens! Achieve your Personal Legend! You can do it! Ugh, I'm bored. Let's go ruin someone's self-esteem.
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (July 23, 2009)
- This book had been on my "to-read" list for awhile. I had heard it was funny and imagined it would be along the lines of a David Sedaris book. Instead, I found a poorly written book (and that's being kind) that was sensational and disgusting for the sake of being sensational and disgusting. Burroughs has not a shred of literary talent, but he does have a litany of outlandish stories. Take this gem of prose (written in response to the young Burroughs walking in on his mother and neighbor sexually engaged together): "I felt like, ick" (86). What skill. Events pop up and out without any continuation, and there is no sense of time's passage (at some point it seemed two years had passed since the book began, but there was no way of really knowing). I never laughed or even cracked a smile. I read about half of the piece of rubbish, but since the book was a laughably easy read, at least I didn't waste too much of my time.
Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee (May 11, 2009)
- Another book club pick. Kim lives in France with her fabulously rich boyfriend where she enjoys luxurious trips around Europe and impeccable food. Kim spends her days cooking extravagant meals and being very French. But, oh, boo-hoo, Kim was adopted by an American couple when she was three from Korea, and she has identity issues. Every few pages (in between eating truffles and drinking wine), Kim stops to muse about how unhappy she is because she doesn't belong. The concept is interesting (an American raised, Korean girl, living in France), but Sunee comes off whiny rather than contemplative. Stopped reading half-way through.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (May 9, 2009)
- I would never willingly pick up this book and did so kicking and screaming when my book club chose it. A 500+ page Lifetime movie, Firefly Lane follows Tully and Kate, your typical contrasting BFFs. Tully is crazy, sexually open, and devoted to work; Kate is solid, quiet, timid, and only wants to be a mom. The book follows their friendship over the decades, throwing in obvious time period references along the way. And then Kate dies of cancer. It's an innocuous enough beach read, but there's nothing new or interesting in the tired story line and characters. Stopped reading half-way through (but skimmed the last three chapters).
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (April 27, 2009)
- This novel appeared on many lists when I was searching for popular current books. I wasn't convinced myself, but it was at the library, so I grabbed it. I don't know that I read enough to really give it a fair chance, but the mystery set-up and plight of the journalist didn't grab my attention.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones (April 2009)
- This was the case of me picking a book largely because it was on many notable book lists. The premise was interesting, centering on a freed slave (paid out of slavery by his parents) who is now a slaveowner himself and "friends" with his former owner. Unique plot, but I found the story terribly boring. I didn't feel or care for any of the characters, and the atrocities associated with slavery and racism felt like annoying plot devices rather than moving commentary. I got about half-way through before bailing out.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (April 5, 2009)
- I did blog about this one, so I won't repeat what I already said.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
"How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez
Summary: Following the Garcias' "four girls" and their parents over the course of years, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents documents the family's life in the Dominican Republic and the girls' transition to adolescence and adulthood in the United States.
Musings: The novel follows multiple narrators and jumps between events and time periods. Because of this, Alvarez develops no linear chronology to the family's lives. Instead, small snapshots of places, ages, and stages are presented.
I liked the subject of this book, particularly the parts that addressed the family relationships. When the stories became intensely personal, following only one adult Garcia daughter and her troubles, I was a little less interested. I also enjoyed the stories that followed the girls as children. Those stories, however, didn't particularly gel with the adult portraits of the daughters. The adult daughters seemed highly screwed up, and although we got glimpses of troubles here and there, I wasn't quite sure what created such dysfunctional siblings.
I find myself increasingly interested in hearing from non-American voices, and I do think Alvarez was a good choice.
Musings: The novel follows multiple narrators and jumps between events and time periods. Because of this, Alvarez develops no linear chronology to the family's lives. Instead, small snapshots of places, ages, and stages are presented.
I liked the subject of this book, particularly the parts that addressed the family relationships. When the stories became intensely personal, following only one adult Garcia daughter and her troubles, I was a little less interested. I also enjoyed the stories that followed the girls as children. Those stories, however, didn't particularly gel with the adult portraits of the daughters. The adult daughters seemed highly screwed up, and although we got glimpses of troubles here and there, I wasn't quite sure what created such dysfunctional siblings.
I find myself increasingly interested in hearing from non-American voices, and I do think Alvarez was a good choice.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
"A Short History of Women" by Kate Walbert
Summary: Covering five generations of women, A Short History of Women presents the thoughts of the descendants of Dorothy Trevor Townsend (a woman who starved herself for suffrage), and Dorothy herself, as they navigate their positions in the world as women.
Musings: I chose this book out a favorable NYTimes review, but I think I need to move away from contemporary "good" literature. Although Walbert writes well, the dreary and incessant brooding self-reflection (Walbert and Let the Great World Spin's author McCann must have taken the same writing class) just felt old. Women are typically granted this behavior even more frequently than men, and as Walbert's novel is narrated almost entirely by women (a husband's point of view is somewhat inexplicably included mid-way through), I almost felt defensive: not all women are unhappy!
I'm in no way an endless bucket of cheer, but I also don't constantly muse on my uselessness and loneliness. Although the first Dorothy died for a feminist cause (well, maybe--the reasons for her starvation never seem quite clear), it seemed to me that feminism was blamed for much of the unhappiness of the future generations. Caroline, a super-successful business woman living the cliched New York City uber-parent life, exists in a fog. Caroline's mother carries on useless transgressions against the government in an attempt to make up for missing the radical '70s movement.
The book focuses primarily on the first three generations of women, and in a book proposed as A Short History of Women, I began to think no younger voices would be heard. The 4th generation gets a few quick chapters toward the end, but the 5th generation, a new college student, gets one page mimicking a Facebook profile. Really? I don't know if this is a statement about technology's influence, or a dig at the current generation's supposed vapidity, or what. Maybe Walbert just wanted to show off how hip she was. I would think modern young women should have some say in all this dreariness.
Walbert also employs the absolutely obnoxious technique of giving everyone the same name (a nudge at the patriarchal history of passing down names? an alliance with Marquez?). I don't care what the point is; it's annoying. I had to refer back to the lineage chart at the beginning of the novel (if you need to include one, your book is not clear) every time I began a new chapter (at least she announced the date and speaker for each chapter). I want to enjoy the book, not keep notes.
The chapters I enjoyed most concerned the oldest generations and their life experiences. The historical content related to suffrage and women's positions was especially interesting. I could have taken a novel just of that.
Musings: I chose this book out a favorable NYTimes review, but I think I need to move away from contemporary "good" literature. Although Walbert writes well, the dreary and incessant brooding self-reflection (Walbert and Let the Great World Spin's author McCann must have taken the same writing class) just felt old. Women are typically granted this behavior even more frequently than men, and as Walbert's novel is narrated almost entirely by women (a husband's point of view is somewhat inexplicably included mid-way through), I almost felt defensive: not all women are unhappy!
I'm in no way an endless bucket of cheer, but I also don't constantly muse on my uselessness and loneliness. Although the first Dorothy died for a feminist cause (well, maybe--the reasons for her starvation never seem quite clear), it seemed to me that feminism was blamed for much of the unhappiness of the future generations. Caroline, a super-successful business woman living the cliched New York City uber-parent life, exists in a fog. Caroline's mother carries on useless transgressions against the government in an attempt to make up for missing the radical '70s movement.
The book focuses primarily on the first three generations of women, and in a book proposed as A Short History of Women, I began to think no younger voices would be heard. The 4th generation gets a few quick chapters toward the end, but the 5th generation, a new college student, gets one page mimicking a Facebook profile. Really? I don't know if this is a statement about technology's influence, or a dig at the current generation's supposed vapidity, or what. Maybe Walbert just wanted to show off how hip she was. I would think modern young women should have some say in all this dreariness.
Walbert also employs the absolutely obnoxious technique of giving everyone the same name (a nudge at the patriarchal history of passing down names? an alliance with Marquez?). I don't care what the point is; it's annoying. I had to refer back to the lineage chart at the beginning of the novel (if you need to include one, your book is not clear) every time I began a new chapter (at least she announced the date and speaker for each chapter). I want to enjoy the book, not keep notes.
The chapters I enjoyed most concerned the oldest generations and their life experiences. The historical content related to suffrage and women's positions was especially interesting. I could have taken a novel just of that.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
Summary: In this sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss, one of the victors of the Games, is back at home in District 12. Although a winner, life has not become any easier. She finds herself trying to balance her relationships with Peeta (her fellow victor) and Gale (her longtime friend) while attempting to appease the Capitol, still angry over her "defiant" win in the Games.
Musings: I absolutely loved Hunger Games and have been eagerly awaiting Collins' second book in the trilogy. Although Catching Fire was perhaps not as strong as the first novel, I enjoyed being back in the midst of the characters I had grown attached to.
From the beginning, Catching Fire starts off differently than Hunger Games. Where the first novel was almost non-stop action, relatively little happens in the first half of the sequel. Katniss, a star when simply trying to keep alive, is less successful at navigating the new social relationships for her back at home. The Twilight-esque love triangle between her, Peeta, and Gale is overwhelming, and Katniss avoids it by going back to her strength - surviving. I am in love with Gale, but like in the Hunger Games, relatively little is known about him. Although he clearly loves Katniss, he does not pursue it with the same "I'll die for you!" devotion of Peeta. Katniss is simply no Bella and tries to avoid both men's declarations of love.
For many reasons, life in the Games was much easier for Katniss than life at home. In the Games, her only focus was keeping herself alive. With such a straightforward goal, she stayed strong. Back at home, Katniss must begin to decide whose survival is most important. Hers? Her family's? The people she loves? District 12? All the districts? Districts have begun uprising, using Katniss as their symbol of hope, but Katniss herself is not ready to be the figurehead of a revolution.
Katniss appears weaker through much of the first half of the book, even needing Peeta to hold her in her sleep. In the second part of the book, when her immediate survival is again in jeopardy, she is more powerful and confident, but her new position within the country means things are less black and white than she is capable of understanding.
I can't wait for the last book in the series to appear. I want some happiness for the characters -- and, even though it's not a romance, I'm dying for Katniss and Gale to really hook up.
Musings: I absolutely loved Hunger Games and have been eagerly awaiting Collins' second book in the trilogy. Although Catching Fire was perhaps not as strong as the first novel, I enjoyed being back in the midst of the characters I had grown attached to.
From the beginning, Catching Fire starts off differently than Hunger Games. Where the first novel was almost non-stop action, relatively little happens in the first half of the sequel. Katniss, a star when simply trying to keep alive, is less successful at navigating the new social relationships for her back at home. The Twilight-esque love triangle between her, Peeta, and Gale is overwhelming, and Katniss avoids it by going back to her strength - surviving. I am in love with Gale, but like in the Hunger Games, relatively little is known about him. Although he clearly loves Katniss, he does not pursue it with the same "I'll die for you!" devotion of Peeta. Katniss is simply no Bella and tries to avoid both men's declarations of love.
For many reasons, life in the Games was much easier for Katniss than life at home. In the Games, her only focus was keeping herself alive. With such a straightforward goal, she stayed strong. Back at home, Katniss must begin to decide whose survival is most important. Hers? Her family's? The people she loves? District 12? All the districts? Districts have begun uprising, using Katniss as their symbol of hope, but Katniss herself is not ready to be the figurehead of a revolution.
Katniss appears weaker through much of the first half of the book, even needing Peeta to hold her in her sleep. In the second part of the book, when her immediate survival is again in jeopardy, she is more powerful and confident, but her new position within the country means things are less black and white than she is capable of understanding.
I can't wait for the last book in the series to appear. I want some happiness for the characters -- and, even though it's not a romance, I'm dying for Katniss and Gale to really hook up.
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