oops

I apologize for my neglect of our group :)

hopefully the causes have passed for now. My review of the book...

I loved this book. There was so much I didn't remember from the first time reading, and so much more that I caught on to the second time around. I think the first time I was just trying to get all the stories and characters straight, so I missed a lot of the intricate details and character development. This book is very "spanish" and reminds of works by older spanish authors like Lorca who I read in college. So much symbolism! So much depth! I got more out of the book the second time around. However, there were parts I really didn't like. some of the more violent scenes I had glossed over and didn't remember, sorry about those. This time around I was also more aware of the similarities and differences between Daniel and Carax, which made the book more interesting.

But moving on... the lovely Heather is up next to pick our book of the month...and I personally can't wait.

Let's review, baby!

Okay, so I thought I'd get the ball rolling.
WOW, what a book. Intriguing, mysterious and heart-wrenching all rolled into one. Believable complex characters, twisting unpredictable storylin.........a wild ride.
Overall, I liked it (obviously there were some things I could have done without), I liked it alot. I'd probably recommend it to others. But I won't be buying it (that's the ultimate test for me...I LOVE books and I have alot of them, but I only buy a book if I have read it, loved it and want it to join my group of treasured friends).
Daniel was so interesting to me...how he could become so engrossed in another person's story...their mystery. Someone he did not know, and most likely would never know. But then I realized that I myself have done the same thing. Not exactly to the extent that he did, but I've been drawn in before by another's life, and wanted to know more.
I'm still not sure how the Daniel/Bea relationship happened. Out of thin air, it seemed. But, of course, I was so glad that their story ended happily, with Julian's help. Speaking of Julian and his story NOT ending happily....what would a happy ending have been, seeing as he and Penelope were half-siblings?
Anyway, no really deep thoughts here, it's been too long since I finished. :) Anyone else?

shadow review

I'm ready to post my review and ask some questions...I just finished the book for the second time last week. Where is everyone in their reading? I don't want to post a review that gives away a few of the surprises. I was shocked how much more I caught on reading the book a second time and how quickly I got sucked into reading even though I remembered a good portion of the plot. So, let me know where you ladies are at so I can post my review and we can move on to someone else choosing March's book.

The Shadow of the Wind

Wow! What a remarkable book! I do have to confess that this was a little more difficult to get sucked into. However, once I understood Carlos Ruiz Zafron's type of writing and the characters, I was involved. There were parts that I loved and parts that I was totally confused about. It could be due to the fact that I didn't read it in one or two sittings. I also get distracted easily. However, I found myself engrossed in its pages halfway through. At that point, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoy a book when the author gets to the point. I feel that Zafron's ending summarized everything and I loved that. He is a very intelligent author.

I enjoyed the beginning when Daniel went to the cemetery of forgotten books with his father to choose a special book. It made me realize that books are a gem and we must not take them for granted. I really liked Daniel's character. He seemed like a good kid trying to do what was right. I enjoyed most of the characters. I also enjoyed this book because it was a mystery and a passionate love story.

I don't want to give away too much on my review in case others haven't had a chance to finish the book. Overall, I enjoyed Mandy's choice and will need to read it again and again to capture all of the details. Has anyone else finished?

Bonds the Make us Free

I am once again going to be brave and post. I have been waiting for the book that Mandy suggested at the beginning of the year from the library so i had a couple of spare moments to play catch up.

I finished this book finally. It was a hard read. Lots of things to think about and ponder. Very deep. As I began reading this book I became very defensive and was not sure if I was going to make it through it. I was feeling like a terrible person and I had way too much to change but I kept reading and realized I am doing alright. As I was reading I was constantly looking for step by step of how to change. I am a list girl. Give me a list and I will accomplish it! I realized that this was more of here are some ideas and concepts to ponder and apply to your life instead of a step by step.

I enjoy greatly how this book eneded. Love is a power that makes anything possible. The more I love my husband the more I am willing to over look faults and work to be a better person. The more I love my daughter the more fun and enjoyment I have each day I spend with her.

This was a good book to read hard but good! Thanks!

God Wants A Powerful People by Sheri Dew

I choose to read this book for the my choice church book. I am going to be brave and be the first to post hoping others will follow so I will get a list of church books to read :)

I really enjoyed this book. I like Sheri Dew's writing style. It is very practical and for me it grabs me and I want to keep reading. This book discussed how we can be a more powerful people (the title fits perfectly). She basically goes back to the basics of being a member and describes how they make us powerful. For example studying our scriptures daily provides us with knowledge which is turn provides us power.

I enjoyed this book because it reconfirmed how the basics are important. It was nice to read as the new year began so I could rededicate myself one more time to be just a little bit better everyday!

NEW YEAR NEW BOOK

Greetings my dear friends and happy holidays and happy 2009. Although we all have yet to post on our last book club assignment (I'll do it today or tomorrow....) it is now January and time for a new book. After looking over our previous reads, I am choosing something that goes in a very different direction...

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This is one of my favorite books. It is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, danger, suspense and great writing. This book caused me to miss my stop on a train, take extremely long lunch breaks, stay up way past my bed time, and sneak into the bathroom at work to read just one more chapter. My problem with most page turners is a thin plot or poor writing style, but Zafon is a master author and weaves an intense plot with well developed characters and a complex storyline beautifully. I'm getting excited to read it again.


Here is the description from the author's website:


"Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is the 'cemetery of lost books', a labyrinthine library of obscure and forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. To this library, a man brings his 10-year-old son Daniel one cold morning in 1945. Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the shelves and pulls out 'La Sombra del Viento' by Julian Carax. But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find. Then, one night, as he is wandering the old streets once more, Daniel is approached by a figure who reminds him of a character from La Sombra del Viento, a character who turns out to be the devil. This man is tracking down every last copy of Carax's work in order to burn them. What begins as a case of literary curiosity turns into a race to find out the truth behind the life and death of Julian Carax and to save those he left behind. A page-turning exploration of obsession in literature and love, and the places that obsession can lead."


Still not convinced? Here are some reviews...


"A potent mix: a coming-of-age story set in Barcelona's post-war years, an edge of fantasy, a tragic love story, and a labyrinth of mystery."
- Ben Page THE BOOKSELLER.


"Zafón makes sure there's a robust serving of amor, and enough magic, murder and madness to keep even the most reluctant reader engrossed. Diabolically good."
- ELLE MAGAZINE


"...There is no question that Wind is wondrous.... [M]asterful, meticulous plotting and extraordinary control over language.... The Shadow of the Wind is ultimately a love letter to literature, intended for readers as passionate about storytelling as its young hero."
- Entertainment Weekly


"The Shadow of the Wind will keep you up nights---and it'll be time well spent. Absolutely marvelous."
- Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)


Well, now that I have your attention, let me introduce you to a helpful website where you can read an excerpt from the book... click HERE... and you will find intriguing questions, more reviews, a summary, and other info about the novel. And in the interest of our pocket books, I even looked it up on "half.com" and you can buy the book new for less then $10 and slightly used for even cheaper. It is also available in my public library as I am sure it is in yours...so you have that option too. In other words this book is just waiting for you to pick it up and enjoy it.


I hope everyone enjoys this novel, it is one of my favorites and I am excited to see what everyone thinks. Happy reading!!