Next Stop Graduate School

Book Review: The China Study

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Date: March 17, 2008
Author: T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and Thomas M. Campbell II
Title: The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health
Rating: 7/10

I borrowed it from: The Montgomery County Public Library, Silver Spring branch, and I haven't returned it, yet.
This book made me feel: Angry, adventurous
Why I like it: I can use it as a shield when carnivours try to pierce me with stupid questions - just read the book.
Why I don't like it: Dr. Campbell didn't convince me that the research design methods used for studies he didn't respect as disreputable. I still believe in the studies that prove his point. I just wanted to be more convinced that the studies, which didn't prove his point, weren't valid studies. It wouldn't take much more convincing.
The plot in five words: death/suffering/diet/life/whole

This book made me think of: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau who recommended this book on her podcast.
Memorable character: Dr. John McDougall
Memorable quote:

This is especially true when no subjects in the study population consume a whole foods, plant-based diet when it is their diet that is most consistent with the biologically-based evidence, supported by the most impressive array of professional literature, consonant with the extremely low disease rates seen in the international studies, far more harmonious with a sustainable environment, possessed of the power to heal advanced disease, and has the potential, without parallel, for supporting a new, low-cost health care system.

Person I met while reading this book: I started a new blog.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: My brother is a good cook, and he is a carnivour. However, since he is so intuned with how to cook things, he had a better understanding of how I should sear tofu on my first try. If he wasn't there it would have been a failure of tofu pieces, but with him there, and his food artistry/understanding, it was palatable. Just goes to show that an intuitive person with one food, can be intuitive with another.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: Anyone in my family.
How this book changed my life: I have scientific proof to back up my lifestyle.
Will I read it again: Most likely.

Notes: When I started this blog project I didn't know what would interest me the most. I knew I was a big lover of fiction, but it didn't take long for me to show my love of food. After reading this book it's possible that my next career, in many years, may be health related (vegetarian dietician or acupuncture.) Also, the findings in this book are not news to me. The agencies that are there to protect; government, medical, education, are actually hurting us because they block this low-cost easy change information. To prevent disease, to cure disease, pills and procedures are not the answers. So much could be prevented with a whole-foods plant based diet. Now, how to tell my family members this . . .

Book Review: Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry by Gail A. Eisnitz

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Date: February 17, 2008
Author: Gail A. Eisnizt
Title: Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry
Rating: 8/10

I borrowed it from: The Silver Spring branch of the Montgomery County Public Library. I first heard of it from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. I asked her at a conference what was the inspiration to go from vegetarian to vegan, and she said this book. That was in the summer, but I've been thinking of it. I have to return in by Thursday, so I read most of its 300 pages today. It was a quick read, and left me shaken.
Have I returned it yet: No, but will soon.
Where I read it: Home, metro

This book made me feel: Shaken, angry, helpless, inspired.
Why I like it: Inspired by the courage and voice of those willing to speak against exploitive working conditions, government coverups, and inhumane treatment of animals.
Why I don't like it: It disgusts me the hold the meat industry has on the pockets of our elected officials.
The plot in five words: death/pain/exploitation/courage/voice

This book made me think of: The Jungle.
Memorable character: Gail A. Eisnitz
Memorable quote: After all the USDA corruption I'd encountered, this was the most brazen so far. This wasn't some midlevel supervisor at the USDA instigating a coverup. This was the highest-ranking agriculture official in the country, a member of the Cabinet, answerable only to the president of the United States, signing off on a document riddled with lies.

Person I met while reading this book: Bookstore staff where I bought Becoming Jane DVD.
Something memorable that happend in my life during the time it took to read this book: Sometimes when I run it feels natural.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: A person with clout, and a lot of listeners.
How this book has changed my life: I'll be a vegetarian again.
Will I read it again: most likely. Similarly there are times when I feel the need to reread Upton Sinclair's The Jungle.

Notes: Violation of workers, contaminated meat, awful working conditions, inhumane treatment of animals, classist disregard of workers, management looking at the clock and paycheck, society looking at the government, government looking at clock, paycheck, and political polls - are you sure this isn't The Jungle. I was almost in tears reading this because the exploitation of workers is still so pervasive, and of course it's in the meat industry. I'm exhausted reading it. I recommend you read it, too. Choose wisely in what you eat, as you are your own best health advocate.

Book Review - Death in Summer by William Trevor

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:39:00 +0000

Date: February 10, 2008
Author: William Trevor
Title: Death in Summer
Rating: 7/10

I bought it where: At Kramerbooks. It was an impulse buy. I liked The Story of Lucy Gault about 4 years ago, and I knew I would eventually read more of his books.
Where I read this book: Home, metro, my twin's.
This book made me feel: Anxious, nervous. Trevor writes suspense successfully. My feelings were appropriate given the writing.
Why I like it: Layers of suspense
Why I don't like it: Suspense creates a wall between reader and words. It felt like the action was happening outside a window that was part of a wall 5 feet away.
The plot in 5 words: death/kidnap/suspense/history/final

This book made me think of: A man who frequented Fremont Place Books when I worked there in 2002-2003. He recommended The Story of Lucy Gault.
Memorable character: Thaddeus. Strong, silent, lonely, and could possibly learn to love his child.
Memorable quote: Death is mysterious, he finds himself reflecting, in ordering so calmly what life can not.
Person I met while reading this book: I visited Chow.com, and felt I discovered a hidden treasure.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I realized that where I work will incorporate Web2.0 into the next launch of the website in August 2008.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: A book club
How has this book changed my life: I'm not a big reader of suspense, but I'm willing to expand my horizons with this author as my guide. His writing style is too good to miss.
Will I read it again: Most likely

Notes: Even though I read the ending before I finished the book, I was still affected by the ordering and method of words that created the suspense. The use of each character, the few characters, and the scenes, familiar, yet they contributed to the anxiety. The suspense was very well written. Just look at question #6 of the Reading Group Guide. That's the type of question I would have created. Also, I don't know if question #10 of the same guide has value. I think it was a throw-away death. I guess death does happen, but it seemed too convenient to the ending.

Book Review: Everyman by Philip Roth

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:50:00 +0000

Date: January 30, 2008
Author: Philip Roth
Title: Everyman
Rating: 7/10

I bought it where: At Kramerbooks as an impulse buy. It has good reviews, it's short, and it's paperback.
Where I read it: Home, metro
This book made me feel: Old. It's about an older man looking back on his life, and the flashbacks have less vitality than the present day scenarios. However, the reader already knows from the beginning that the main character is dead.
Why I like it: Philip Roth wrote in some good people. The characters are one dimensional basically because the book is so short and there are quite a few supporting characters. So, the good are very good, and everyone else is average.
Why I don't like it: It hit too close to home. I'm aging, and I had medical issues. The medical procedures discussed I don't want in my future. Again, the characters were not developed. I guess that's not the point of the book. It must be to develop the steps right before dying?
The plot in 5 words: age/regret/family/death/alone

This book made me think of who: My 96-year-old grandma who recently sent to me 9 biscotti recipes handwritten in beautiful handwriting.
Memorable character: Howie
Memorable quote: Old age isn't a battle. Old age is a massacre.
Person I met while reading this book: Ageist fucks on a band website.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I was thinking about my own age and health, and I didn't wan't to acknowledge the limitations. I still don't. We all die, sure, but I think we have control of our happiness. If someone presses upon us our limitations until we give them the chance to decide what are lives are, then we've lost some of the goodness that life has to offer.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be: A book club
How this book changed my life: It was definitely fate that I read it at this exact time. I didn't even know what it was about, just that it got good reviews on the back cover. This is a time when I have been forced to think about age. I'm almost 40, and I still have living to do, but maybe even I wonder, not just the ageist fucks.
Will I read it again: not likely

Notes: It's a short book with physically big words. It's a flash. the writing is quick and interesting, but there's no time for too much analysis. The reader is always almost done. Reviews remarked the tenderness, and there are some tender passages. They ground the book into everday life. It didn't inspire me to write probably because the author wasn't tender to the characters. They are not fully developed. I'm trying to think why it received such good reviews. It wasn't flawed. It could depress someone thinking about age, thinking about regrets. Do we only live to think of the past, and the best time to die is when no one could support our memories?

Book Review: Ralph Ellison: A Biography by Arnold Rampersad

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:45:00 +0000

Date: January 27, 2008
Author: Arnold Rampersad
Title: Ralph Ellison: A Biography
Rating: 8/10

How I got this book: First, I borrowed a copy from the library. However, when I visited my twin's Bar preparation class, I bought a copy.
Where I read this book: Home, metro, restaurant at twin's class, twin's house.
This book made me feel: I learned more about outside influences of successful writers, and how they may fail in writing future books, yet gain in popularity.
Why I like it: It's well written. Sure, I wanted to complete the over 500 pages so that I could get to a new book, but I knew I was going to learn a lot over those pages. I wasn't bored, and not really antsy, but interested.
Why I don't like it: Ralph Ellison was intelligent, he had ambition, but he took the time to market himself as a certain type of writer, that in the end he didn't have time or focus to write the second book.
The plot in five words: division, art, travel, money, transition

This book made me think of: Toni Morrison - successful and prolific. She finished more than 1 novel. Ralph Ellison resisted supporting her in her endeavors. It could be because she would take his spotlight as a black writer, it could be because she was female. Those options were explored within the book. Not sure if there could be another option except personality difference.

Memorable character: Ralph Ellison. He was portrayed as a man with his own direction, his own focus, and loyalties.
Memorable quote: There were so many within essays that Ellison wrote, that I didn't tag them. I would just recommend that you read the book.
Person I met while reading this book: When I visited my twin at her bar preparation class a shuttle was dispatched to pick me up from the metro to the hotel. It was free, and I just said, "Hello" to the bus driver. It was cold and rainy, and it was great to have such a free ride.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I started to telcommute on Fridays instead of Wednesdays. On Fridays I stay at my twin's house so that an adult is home when her kids are home from school. Because I don't have a car my twin usually drives me home Saturday afternoon. It is quite a change in my view of weekends.

If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be: History professor
How this book has changed my life: I will read a Saul Bellow book. I didn't know about him before. Maybe I'll read Invisible Man.
Will I read it again: Not likely:

Notes: Ralph Ellison is driven, he is intelligent, he is torn between what geography created him (Oklahoma), and what geography will make him (New York City.) He walks a tightrope between being a token black on many art commisions/boards, and in this way doesn't feel it's his duty to support other black artists to succeed on these very same boards. He has an idea as to what success is, and it's about popularity, and stipends, and experience. However, as a writer, all of his paid activities get in the way of his writing, he is not focused. I would recommend this book as it brings up questions that would be good for a book club; basically, what would you do in his shoes? He is not a hero or a villian, he is a successful businessman/teacher/lecturer who wrote a ground-breaking book.

Book Review: The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Date: January 10, 2008
Author: Louise Erdrich
Title: The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse
Rating: 9/10 (Can a book be perfect? I was struggling to give this a 10 or not?)

I bought it: At Fremont Place Book Company probably the day it came out in hardcover.
Where I read this book: Seattle, Maryland, DC
This book made me feel: That I can leave worries behind my back to listen intently to an experienced storyteller.
Why I like it: Characters are complete, sadness, laughter, story with substories like life. Interesting and engrossing like life. Beliefs and facts like life.
Why I don't like it: Waiting for her next novel.
The plot in 5 words: Ojibwe/Catholic/humor/sadness/years

This book made me think of: Peet's Cafe in Fremont District of Seattle. I read it the second time on the second floor of that cafe.
Memorable Character: Father Damien(very rare that I choose the main character as the most memorable)
Memorable Quote: I started to cry in earnest, unstoppable because of the evil taste of this thing they called olive.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I posted a picture of me eating a cookie on a message forum, and someone responded as if he/she had been waiting for me to do that.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: Helen in Seattle
How this book changed my life: Oh, man! When in the pit of writing despair, time to sink into this story. It restores my faith in authors.
Will I read it again: Most likely
Notes: This is the third time I read it. I bought it new first edition hardcover. I plan on reading it again, and again, and again over many years. My favorite story. It reminds me when I was able to devote a lot of time to reading; a very good time, and yet a time of unemployment. Probably why I associate it with "saving" me at different times.

Start and Recall: The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:01:00 +0000

I started this book twice. I can understand that the artistry is appreciated, and there is attention to the smallest of details. However, the author doesn't like her characters. The ones she writes most about have next to no redeeming qualities. It's not enjoyable to trudge through the smallest of details. I'm not inspired.

I always feel something is wrong with me if I don't like a book that has received great reviews. However, life is short, why torture myself to read a book when I know there is a book that can inspire me waiting on my bookshelf to rescue me whenever life becomes boring.

That is the best part of life, to not relive a wonderful experience, but to be rescued by it. After I realized that the Kiran Desai book was just not for me, I took this book down from the shelf. The slowness of the week all of sudden faded away into incredible story telling. I sunk into the words like they were a easy boy chair, soothed and relaxed. Louise Erdrich loves her characters. There is no doubt about it or she wouldn't give them the ability to laugh, and give the reader the ability to see the irony that Louise does. Man, she can write. I haven't kept all of her books. Some of them I donated to the library, but they are all good, and some are just out and out phenomenal. She is my favorite writer. Man, I was truly rescued by her story telling last night. Sometimes I just have to realize that I need inspiration for my life to feel worthy of every moment, and not just living it from action to action. Her words do that to me. Every moment is potentially the most inspirational moment of my life. Man, I LOVE her WRITING!

Book Review: In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:18:00 +0000

Date: December 26, 2007
Author: Nathaniel Philbrick
Title: In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Rating: 6/10

I bought it at: Kramerbooks as an impulse buy. I already read Mayflower by the same author.
Where I read it: Metro, my twin's house over vacation.
This book made me feel: Curious about the lifestyle of people totally devoted to the whaling industry. I wonder if books were written about the social networking of the women while men were away for years at a time.
Why I like it: The romanticism of Nantucket
Why I didn't like it: It's a good read for a college student to write a report. Something about Philbrick's writings aren't as "gorgeous" as Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time. I read that book first, and I compare other non-fictions to that book.
The plot in five words: Nantucket/whaling/survival/ocean/dying

This book made me think of: Nathaniel Philbrick's other novel I read, Mayflower.
Memorable Character: Owen Chase
Memorable quote: This isn't a book of quotes, really. That's not the style of Philbrick's writing. It's not quotable because it reads like a thriller, and has an historian's dedication to facts, analysis, and conclusion. I can't find fault with the writing, but the writing doesn't inspire me to write.
Person I met while reading this book: People at the Silver Spring Knitters group that I didn't meet previously.

Something memorable that happened in my life in the time it took to read the book: I consolidated my credit cards into an 8-year loan. Pretty anxious time, and yet I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: My brother-in-law who is a reservist in the navy.
How this book changed my life: I really want to visit Nantucket. I never even thought of visiting Nantucket.
Will I read it again: Not likely

Notes: It was an engrossing, fast, thrilling read. I can see how fiction was based on the story as in the case of Moby-Dick. I would recommend it to many people interested in American History, or history of industry/towns devoted to a particular entity, i.e., whaling. That is the most stimulating discussion within the book, it's not the tragedy of the men, but rather how a town is created/destroyed/created again based on the whims of industry. It's prevelant throughout history and the world I'm sure, but not so often expressed as a warning or a consequence of history. There is also discussion of the levels of power within an industry, the clannishness within that industry, and how that affects those that do not belong within that clan. For instance, the majority of the first people to die were those that were not fat, and they were not fat because they were not fed well, and they were not fed well because they were black, and in this era/town they were socially on a lower rung than native-born nantucketeers. Because they were ones of the first to die they were ones of the first eaten.

Book Review: Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr with Ann Howard Halsey

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:56:00 +0000

Date: November 27, 2007
Author: Rosamond Halsey Carr with Ann Howard Halsey
Title: Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda
Rating: 5/10

I bought it: At Politics and Prose for a book club I didn't attend.
Where I read this book: Home, metro
This book made me feel: Educated. I learned history I didn't know.
Why I like it: Rosamond's love of Rwanda is contagious.
Why I didn't like it: Very hoity-toity about tea parties, elite friends
The plot in five words: land/people/division/business/home

This book made me think of: Time magazine article with image of river of people dead from Rwandan genocide.
Memorable character: Sembagare
Memorable quote: This democracy will kill us all, madame.
Person I met while reading this book: Knitting group at Politics and Prose.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: Finished knitting my first pair of socks.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: Angel Combs who noted the image in Time Magazine at the same time I did.
How this book changed my life: Didn't think Rwanda was ever beautiful.
Will I read it again: Not likely

Notes: I think it it a good book to read for freshman history classes about Africa. Again, it is a little elitist in the story i.e., name dropping, tea parties. Maybe I'm just amazed at all the dignitaries Rosamond knew. As a white person maybe she was invited to places that black people would not have been invited(?) Should we just say YES. It read like an honest betrayal.

Book Review - Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:31:00 +0000

Date: November 6, 2007
Author: Joanne Harris
Title: Blackberry Wine
Rating: 5/10

How I got a hold of this book: Not sure where I bought it as it was a summer impulse buy, and I just read it recently.
Where I read this book: Metro, home
This book made me feel: Like I was back in the world of Chocolat
Why I like it: Fantasy, herb legends, gardening, magic in what is grown from the ground. Synergy between all entities is recognized.
Why I don't like it: Too much like Chocolat. Author didn't expand range an ounce. Makes her depth on par with mass market paperback novel writers.
The plot in 5 words: village/garden/magic/friendships/gossip

This book made me think of who: Juliette Binoche, the main character in Chocolat the movie.
Memorable character: Joe Cox
Memorable quote: There wasn't one. I was really looking, too. First time that's happened.
Person I met while reading the book: Ann from Knit and Stitch who is teaching me to knit socks.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I learned how to knit socks, and I joined the Rockin' Sock Club.
If I could recommend this book to one person it would be: Someone on a 5-hour airplane trip who needs a light read.
How this book changed my life: I really wanted to read something of substance, and a book worthy of quotes after it.
Will I read it again: not likely
Notes: I was going to write up a thorough review based on author interviews, and online book reviews, but it's too much trouble for this book. It's a fast read.

#17 Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:46:00 +0000

Up to page 251. I've read Chocolat, and I've seen the movie. I'm surprised this was written after Chocolat as the main characters in that book have cameo roles. For that reason I thought it would have been written before Chocolat, and then those characters developed in Chocolat.

Although the story is not the same, it's easy to see that these books were published within a year or so of each other. The mysticism is there, as are gypsies, and small town France. If you liked Chocolat, you'll like this. Even though they are too close in subject to me, I'm still looking foward to reading her other books. These are interesting subjects to me although a little contrived after a couple books :)

Book Review - Under a Flaming Sky:The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894 by Daniel James Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:31:00 +0000

Date: October 24, 2007
Author: Daniel James Brown
Title: Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894
Rating: 5/10

How I got a hold of this book: I bought it from Politics and Prose. It was on a display table, and looked interesting.
Where I read this book: Metro, home
This book made me feel: Psychically in tune with contemporary events. Currently wildfires are raging in California.
Why I like it: Gripping, informative.
Why I don't like it: At times information was just plopped in the book. For instance, all of a sudden there is an analysis on burn infection. It is relevant information, don't get me wrong, as in the following pages I'm reading about burn victims. However, where it's positioned, and how it's presented, it seems like filler.
The plot in five words: Fire/escape/destitution/pine/deforestation

This book made me think of: California. It's in the news. People have had to evacuate. Also, FEMA staged a press conference, and they were caught. So, respect for FEMA hasn't been earned as far as presentation to the general public since Katrina.
Memorable character: John Blair, a porter on a train, and the only African-American throughout most of the book. He was presented as calm and strong throughout the ordeal, and was recognized by the African-American community in St. Paul as a hero, but not really from the Hinkley community.
Memorable quote: Research suggests that people who act heroically in disaster often carry a special burnden later - foisted upon them by an admiring public that holds them to a higher standard.
Person I met while reading the book: Staff at Politics and Prose who rang the book up.

Something memorable that happend in my life during the time it took to read the book: Wildfires of California. People evacuated. Two of the fires started by arson, but they probably spread due to poor forestry practices.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be: Someone on an airplane. It's a quick read, and is interesting. Will make the trip quick.
How has this book changed my life: I'll read news about forest fires critically. My first reaction, will be that poor forestry practices resulted in the spread.
Will I read it again: Not likely.

Notes: Questions posted on the author's website, and in the book focus on the parallels between the handling of the Hinckley Firestorm, and Katrina. Unfortunately, although the events are over 100 years apart, there are similarities. The initial fault of the disaster: pine deforestation vs broken levee are really result of poor management. Also, as with Katrina government assistance was slow in coming. Many of the Hinckley population were first/2nd generation immigrants, and were not on the radar of the government. The over 20 Native Americans who died, the trappers, and others who lived in the forest and died, weren't even counted in the death total. Similarly with Katrina disenfranchised residents received assistance, and inadequate at that, after much delay.

Simiarly, the FEMA response to the California wildfires is just icing of the cake of botched government assistance.

The economic relaties of the times were reflected in the reaction to the firestorm. Everything was get rich quick, exploit the workers. In this case, it caught up with the workers. They were the ones that died mostly. The person that owned the lumber mill, obviously, lost the lumber mill. What was noted in the book, and was relevant, was that strikes had been ocurring on railroads before this incident. The author speculated that one of the reasons the railroad staff refused to get off the trains, was that they wanted to keep their jobs. Or, if they abandoned their trains, then they wouldn't get them back. Considering the economic realities of the time, I can see how this mindset could be a part of the decision process of the railroad staff. They probably also wanted to just help people. They waited for people to get on even though the fire was already on the train. The fire was so incredibly quick, and wiped out so much, killed so many people, it's amazing that people were able to help each other out. However, that's what they did.

Question from me: Questions are posted on Daniel James Brown's site, and I suggest you read them. My own question would be What will change due to the California Wildfires that should have changed after Hinckley?

#16 Under a Flaming Sky:The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894 by Daniel James Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:29:00 +0000

Up to page 129. What is different between this book and Snow from a reader perspective is that I marked more pages in Snow with potential quotes that I wanted to review before I wrote my book review. I haven't marked any pages for quotes in this book. However, it is gripping, and a quick read. There are a lot of sites on it.

Recall Snow by Orhan Pamuk

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:48:00 +0000

Since I didn't reread it in time for the book club at the Silver Spring Library, time to move on to a new book. This one is just taking up time. I didn't really like it the first time, but I wanted to read it to discuss it, and see what I could uncover with the help of others in a book club. Oh well. Onward to a different #16!

This will be the second time I bought the book only to give it away! Unfortunately, at the library only hardcover was available for checkout. I like to bring paperback on the train with me, so I bought the book.

#16.a Pages 89-120

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:45:00 +0000

I wasn't able to make it to the book club at the Silver Spring library. However, I'm still going to read this book, and do more research than when I read it last time. Here are book reviews from the New York Times and the Washington Post. Here are a couple reading group guides. Lastly, here's a little about Orhan Pamuk. With this much information I should create a kick-ass review once I finish it again :).

#16 Snow by Orhan Pamuk

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:20:00 +0000

Up to page 88. I've read this book before. The scenes of observing the snow were beautiful, and in fact there is a point where Ka, the main character, equates snow with God. He is an outcast because most others equate their view of God with action.

The book is an examination of the use of religion to monitor behavior. Nothing new, however, there is a rawness, an undercurrent of violence that fits when the religion is embraced because of dire circumstances. It's not just the dire circumstances of a person, but rather an entire city. There is some examination of those trying to maintain a semblance of *western* attitudes, and they are quickly snuffed out. The author examines the lives of the poor and stiffled uplifted by belief, and then drowned in restriction.

Book Review - Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim her Life and Country by Shirin Ebadi

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:22:00 +0000

Date: October 4, 2007
Author: Shirin Ebadi
Title: Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim her Life and Country
Rating: 7/10

I bought it: at Politics and Prose. I had never heard of the book or the author, but it was on a display table, and looked interesting.
Where I read this book: Home, metro, lunch break
This book made me feel: Like I need to stop owning the word democracy as a western idea. The basic idea of democracy, basic human rights is universal.
Why I like it: I inhaled the information. I learned more about Iran/USA historical relations; what times USA supported Iran, and what times it supported Iraq to invade Iran. So few people represent, and egotistically think they are the only ones to know, the minds of their own country's inhabitants.
Why I don't like it: It flowed, great story, and was informative. However, the tone was almost distant. I realized that it reads like a Iran 101 lecture to western students. The writing wasn't poetry, it was *just* non-fiction. To the point, which was appreciated.
The plot in five words: Iran/women/democracy/restriction/violation
This book made me think of: Reading Lolita in Tehran. If I remember correctly, both authors referenced the same failed assasination attempt on literary types.

Memorable character: Leila, and the consequences of men gang raping and murdering her: (pg 114 paperback) In this instance, the judge ruled that the "blood money" for the two men was worth more than the life of the murdered eleven-year-old girl, and he demanded that her family come up with thousands of dollars to finance their executions..

Memorable quotes:
(pg 173 paperback) When dissidents or just regular old intellectuals come out of prison, often they are not celebrated for simply being brave and having survived but are pruriently examined for their conduct in prison. Did they succumb and agree to videotaped confessions? Did they sign letters? Did they make lists of their comrades? By judging what ethically should be immune from judgment - the response of an individual to a form of torture - we enable the interrogator's tactics.

(page 209 paperback) It reminds me of a truth that I have learned in my lifetime, one that is echoed in the history of Iranian women across the ages: that the written word is the most powerful tool we have to protect ourselves, both from the tyrants of the day and from our own traditions.

Person I met while reading this book: Someone else on the Orioles site attended the Philly 05 PJ concert.

Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I marked pages of this book. After rereading the book I changed the rating from a 5 to a 7. The memorable event was reading this book. It lodged under my skin even though the words quickly passed under my eyes. Shirin through a legal battle in the US helped decrease censorship in the US. Totally ironic and incredible.

If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: Anti-censorship lawyer.
How this book changed my life: Democracy is not something to hold but shared, it is not the property of a country to decide what other country can express it. Within all countries are people fighting for basic human rights which is the foundation of democracy.
Will I read it again: not likely

Notes: This read like a lecture, and anyone interested in international policy would benefit from this introductory course. Ms. Ebadi wants the cultural exchange of ideas between Iran and US and Iran and other countries, but does not want to leave her country. She fights for her country to the judiciary of her country. Across nations citizens define democracy similary, define basic rights similarly, the belief in separation of religion and government similary, and whose leaders use the guise of national security to decrease basic rights including increasing censorship. The basic understanding of humanness is common. If histories between countries are politically marred, that does not exclude a current dialogue and exposure of human rights abuses, which is more effective in changing policy than an outside invasion. Invasion only strengthens a position of restriction and violence of one country towards it's own people in the name of national security. I bet Farsi is beautiful. I have some books of poetry from the middle east, but I'm looking into more.

Book Review - Unless by Carol Shields

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 23:10:00 +0000

Date: September 28, 2007
Author: Carol Shields
Title: Unless
Rating: 9/10

How I got a hold of this book: I borrowed it from the Montgomery County Public Library Silver Spring branch. I returned it today.
Where I read this book: Metro, home, lunchbreak sitting outside work.
This book made me feel: That there are geniuses in the world who are not offensive when they first introduce themselves.
Why I like it: It's brilliant! It's not a humorous subject, but towards the end I realized how funny some parts were, and then I relized how incredibly comprehenisve. Reta, though passionate is still at a distance, and yet, it's mind-boggling how we get to know her.
Why I don't like it: Why do I feel the author at a distance when all the actions of the characters are in my face.
The plot in five words: women/love/discovery/writing/revelation

This book made me think of: Kim Nicholaus, fomer owner of Fremont Place Book Company who recommended this book to me many years ago. In fact I wrote an email to FPBC to see if they can forward my email for more title suggestions.
Memorable character: Norah Winters.
Memorable quote: The conjugation and (sometimes) adverb unless with its elegiac undertones, is a term used in logic, a word breathed by the hopeful or by writers of fiction wanting to prise open the crusted world and reveal another plane of being, which is similar in its geographical particulars and peopled by those who resemble ourselves.
Person I met while reading this book: A woman was knitting on the metro, and I asked if she was going to Stitches East.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I used knitting as a conversation opener. I also asked staff at Now and Then in Takoma Park, Maryland if they were going to Stitches East.

If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be: I organized a fledgling book club that never went past the fledgling stage. Two people always showed up, and I would recommend the book to them. In fact, I did recommend the book to them via email. I then bought one of the recommendations that one of the two recommended back.
How this book changed my life: It's brilliant, the last 20 pages so much is revealed that I relized how the pages to the ending were just right. All of life, it's day to day home, work, love anything are in this book. The only author that can write humour into a serious subject so skillfully is Louise Erdrich. To know this is life changing. I bought Stone Diaries because of this book.
Will I read it again: Most likely

Notes: I love this book. It's a focused feminist march, with participants holding the banner at the front. In between chanting slogans they are discussing what's new at home. A lot of women characters and some men, and they are all interesting. The layers of writing a book within a book with so many clues as if the author is saying Here's Me. I guessed that's what I was being told. I got more into it at the end and it read like a sleeper movie until I realized the incredible foundation of knowledge about the story I was handed all along. Excellent craft. Good book club book.

#14 Unless by Carol Shields

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:14:00 +0000

Up to page 74. This is another one that I've waited a few years to start because of the cover and the blurb on the back. As I'm reading the tempo is different. It's like my heart beat, which is not duh-duh, but rather zzzzz-duh. So, sometimes it flows, and then it stutters. This is not bad, actually, I think the writing is well-crafted. The words are definitely carefully chosen as there are so many one liners that are beautiful.

I'm sorry, but I have no plans to be charming on a regular basis. Anyone can be charming. It's really a cheap trick, mere charm, so astonishingly easy to perform, screwing up your face into sunbeams, and spewing them forth.

What I haven't encountered in other books recently is the discussion of women/feminisim as a part of the plot/the point of the story. I've read books with strong women characters, but not writing that obviously wants women's roles as a topic of discussion during a book club meeting of this book. This is good! Maybe that's why it's so different and jarring. Not because of the tempo of the book, but the tempo itself is a reflection of the topics I haven't encountered in other books recently. It could still be the writing, though. It's amazing how the words of a book are felt, the tempo felt.

Book Review - Dirt Music by Tim Winton

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:03:00 +0000

Date: September 16, 2007
Author: Tim Winton
Title: Dirt Music
Rating: 9/10

How I got a hold of this book: I borrowed it from the Montgomery Public Library - Silver Spring, and I returned it earlier today. I plan on buying it.
Where I read this book: Home, wherever I sat during lunch hour at work, metro

This book made me feel: Grabbed, lunged at, forcefully directed
Why I like it: Such intensity in characters and situations. I consumed it. I needed to finish. I can't say it was beautiful writing because that word just doesn't work, but it was incredibly crafted. I'm looking foward to reading it again.
Why I don't like it: I'm not familiar with western Australia or northern Australia language/vegetation, and I probably lost a little impact in the translation
The plot in five words: fierce/forgiveness/moment/searching/passion

This book made me think of: Former bookstore owner of Fremont Place Book Company. She recommended it to me many years ago. I finally read it. What held me back was the boring cover which is probably not boring to those of western Australia.
Memorable Character: Luther Fox
Memorable Quote: There were times when she suspected you could use up your allocation of good fortune in a single massive stroke like that. Now she was certain of it. But where did that leave her? How did you live a life knowing you're arse-out of luck?
Person I met while reading this book: People with opinions on Yankees uniforms.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I realized I wasn't the only one who had open heart surgery to hear the words, "Take it easy." I just reacted to those words differently.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: A poster on Synergy.
How this book changed my life: I bought another book of Tim Winton's. When I read an exceptional book I just want to read more and more and more expecting I will always read something like it again. Non-exceptional books take a while to trudge through.
Will I read it again: Most likely, looking forward to it.

Notes: Luther Fox is an incredible character; a poacher with a heart of gold, but we should hate and love him all the same. He won't belong anywhere he is, and yet he'll get by. Georgie also doesn't belong, but she confronts the challenge and runs away. She is more confused, but remaines within a chosen sphere of life. One that she can verbalize even if it is not how she was brought up.

Many characters are glimpsed. They all have a past hinted at, and those collective pasts somehow become a part of Georgie's/Lu's/Jim's importance. The writing gives these secondary characters full breath. Georgie's character given the occupation as a nurse opens doors to her personality not necessarily seen in her family/intimate relationships, but she must help someone to be of use. I think the people Luther Fox meets on the road is significant. I'm not sure why, but the discussion of these characters would make a great book club discussion.

#13 Dirt Music by Tim Winton

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:21:00 +0000

Imagine a mountain, and it's jagged beauty. The brilliance so intense, that the danger of climbing the mountain is blanketed and almost rocked back and forth in the comfort that the mountain has a top and is meant to be reached. That is what I feel like reading this book. I'm not a mountain climber, and the geography of the book is western Australia near the water, but it is so intense, so powerful, and sharp in writing. I feel a danger to keep reading considering it's power, considering that my face flushes after a scene about a car turned over. I want to continue reading because I will have traipsed beauty, and reached the top of what writing should be once it is finished. This is how I feel reading Dirt Music up to page 122.

Book Review - Heat by Bill Buford

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:17:00 +0000

Date: September 12, 2007
Author: Bill Buford:
Title: Heat: An Amateur's Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany.
Rating: 6/10

How I got a hold of this book: I bought it from Kramerbooks.
Where I read it: Home/Metro
This book made me feel: That I hate professional United States kitchens.
Why I like it: The time in Panzano
Why I don't like it: Time at Babbo with all the sexist racist loser fucks.
The plot in five words: Torture/demean/remove/recover/calm

This book made me think of: South Seattle Community College pastry/culinary schools and the teachers that were loser fucks.
Memorable character: Maestro in Panzano
Memorable quote: It is, I concluded a side effect of this kind of food, one that's handed down from one generation to another, often in conditions of adversity, that you end up thinking of the dead, that the very stuff that sustains you tastes somehow of mortality.
Person I met while reading this book: I watched the Orioles baseball game on gameday.

Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I ran my fastest 5k because I am inspired by Brian Roberts of the Orioles, another open-heart surgery patient.
If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be to: Someone before he/she enters culinary school.
How this book changed my life: Food should be simple, preparation should include joy. That is missing from the United States culinary industry.
Will I read it again: not likely

Notes: This book has inspired me to remove the trappings of culinary competition and just enjoy food I make. With this in mind I may focus more on bread. It has always been a part of me, and even in chaotic times the process remains calming. Also, there's so much shit food in DC that I really need to take the bull by the horns regarding what I eat.

#12.a Pages 117-148

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:21:00 +0000

The best humor in this book is to be found in the kitchen as opposed to on a culinary adventure. Check out these gems:

An Italian ragu and a French ragout are more or less the same thing. In any language, the process involves taking a piece of meat and, as it was described to me in the vernacular of the kitchen, cooking the shit out of the fucker.

Also, although you sprinkled cheese and parsley on at the end, the parsley was whole leaves, rather than the chopped-up feathery kind. Why? I didn't know why. I still don't know why. To fuck with my head - that's why.

I don't always get into vulgar language, but what the author is expressing is not just a reflection of the language in the kitchen, but he seems to have had fun writing the above. The type of writing completed while whistling.

Here's another review.

#12 Heat by Bill Buford

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:16:00 +0000

Up to page 116. I've tried to read a couple other books, but failed. They just didn't hold my interest long enough. I have a sympathy with this writer. I went to pastry school, and when he describes the wrong that occurs behind closed doors in professional kitchens I totally understand. He's not sympathetic, in fact, he's just telling it like it is, and at the same time I guess he is really questioning why this happens. It's not a complimentary picture he presents, actually.

He's also hilarious, As with belly buttons, I concluded, there are two kinds of pasta: innies and outies. Gems like this are scattered throughout, and there are starting to come out more and more that the focus is on the craft as opposed to the politics of the kitchen. I'm looking foward to reading the rest.

Here's another blogger's review of it.

Book Review - Double Vision by Pat Barker

noreply@blogger.com (Bibliobella) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:33:00 +0000

Date: August 24, 2007
Author: Pat Barker
Title: Double Vision
Rating: 8/10
How I got a hold of this book: I borrowed it from Montgomery County Library - Silver Spring
Have I returned it yet: No
Where I read this book: Metro stop, home

This book made me feel: Her writing is why I learned to read.
Why I like it: The writing. Insight into people's feelings at a moment
Why I don't like it: Don't know why Justine had to be 19. Some characters had more vibrancy than others.
The plot in five words: war/marriage/children/violence/creativity

This book made me think of who: The former owner of Fremont Place Book Company who first introduced me to Pat Barker's writing.
Memorable Character: Stephen Sharkey
Memorable Quote: She would never, never, never be able to accept his death, and she didn't try. This wasn't an illness she would recover from; it was an amputation she had to learn to live with. There was great and surprising peace in acknowledging this.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: I saw Becoming Jane multiple times. I started to write a short story.
If I could recommend this book to one person it would be to: Linda, who used to work where I work. A big reader.
How this book changed my life: The writing is so beautiful and accessible it inspires me to have my writing reach that level.
Will I read it again: Most Likely

Notes: There are foreground and background characters. A lot of violence, and movements, but not much tenderness. Duty to family or a profession, but a profession could be duty to heart more than family. Always some form of saving going on from the obvious stop in a buglary to a distraction from creative wealth of the past which leads to more focused adjustments in future. However, not many changes in temperament, and that's not the point.