The Book List
Alright, hello! I have been planning to do this for a while, and I am finally starting it. :D I am creating a Book Rec'ing List, of books I have read and my scoring on them. Basically three stars means you have to read and one star means I reccomend skipping. :D These are all the books I own as of right now. :D
THE BOOK LIST
Fairy Tales, by Hans Anderson. **
The book I have I enjoy mostly for it's sentimental value (My passed away grandmother was awarded itn when she was in 6th grade and since I loved reading she gave it to me before I died), but the stories are excellent reads as well. Full of murder, love, grief, and mystery.
There And Back Again: An Actor's Tale, by Sean Astin with Joe Layden. *
Even with myself being a total Lord of the Rings fan AND a Sean Astin fan, I was disappointed with the lack of LOTR-related stories that are in the book. There are some good Sam/ Frodo quotes in the book, but that is just about all the book is good for, sadly enough.
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin. *
I was forced to read it a year ago in my High School English class, and although I was excited to finally read this story, I did not find it as enjoyable as I was led to believe it would be. I didn't fully understand the storyline nor the love triangles that were in full swing in this story until I saw the BBC "Pride and Prejudice" (Which I DO reccomend anyone seeing. Excellent adaptation.), in which after seeing the movie I finally understood what subtlies that were occuring in the story. So, by itself it's a hard read, but if you are reading with with some sort of help then I do encourage you to read it.
A Long Way Gone: The Memories of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah. ***
This book is a must read. It's about a boy who is forced to become a child soldier in a third world country. It's very sad, very graphic, but still. This book opens your eyes to the travesties that are occuring in the world today, and you can pick it up at any local Starbucks! It's an excellent read.
The Illustrated Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, Illustrations by Dame Darcy. (***)
I have to confess: I have not had the time to read the copy I have listed here. I have three other stories to read before this one! Alas, I have read a normal, non-illustrated version and I LOVE IT. Excellent gothic love story, and there is deception of lovers!, and it has an excellent ending which makes the whole story worth while.
Digital Fortress, by Dan Brown. **
I read this after reading Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code, and compared to his other novels... it's alright. It's no Angels & Demons, but it's better than The DaVinci Code. It's about a secret FBI-type organization that has this ultimate code breaker, but one day it finds a code that is unbreakable. Death, Betrayl, and action-packed. It's a pretty good read.
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. ***
I LOVE THIS STORY. It's one of the few stories that I've actually gone back to read and read again throughout my eighteen years. Despite anaylizers giving this author a bad rap, I absolutely love it. It's about a little girl that after her parents die goes to live with her mysterious uncle and there is a hidden secret amongst the corridors of the mansion. What is he trying to hide? WHO is he trying to hide? You have to read to find out! XP
2001: A Space Oddyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke. **
I don't like Science-Fiction very much, but for being a Sci-Fi it's a good story. It's all computers vs. humans set in space where the main computer (HAL) starts killing off people on the ship. Will any of them survive? Why is HAL doing this? All of these questions and more will be answered ... WHEN YOU READ THE BOOK. XP
2010: Odssesy Two, by Arthur C. Clarke. **
Although the first story was strandable, this book (and movie) I actually really enjoy. Basically people are sent to try and figure out what happened HAL in the first book, and now there is this... thing. Big black box floating in non-air of space. What is it? It is evil? Is it good? Does it even have a purpose? What about HAL? What about the old crew? What happened? All of this you will found out and more if you read the book!
2061: Odyssey Three, by Arthur C. Clarke. *
... These last two books were obviously written in hopes the author would get a quick buck. Seriously. People visit the non-visitable planet and stuff happens. Don't read if you have something else better to do. Like write an essay. Or clip your great aunts toe nails. Just say no.
3001: The Final Oddyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke. *
... How does a thousand year old body being unfrozen and getting brain chips sound? If it sounds great, read this book! ... Read the comment for 2061 and copy+paste for this book also.
Jesus Freaks, by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. ***
If you're Christian I'd totally rec this book. It's about the Christian Martyrs throughout the centuries. It's graphic and very heart wrenching, but it's a must read. :D
Jesus Freaks: Vol II, by dc Talk. **
This book more focus' on the Christian Revolutionaries throughout the centuries rather than Christian Martyrs. It's not as interesting of a read as the first book, but I still think it's a good read either way.
Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. *
Again, I had to read this story with my Senior English Class, and if the teacher hadn't every day had some sort of review/ class discussion on the book, I would have completely lost interest in the story. Lost love, a werid lady, and a boy who gets the chance of a life time. Sounds interesting? Pick up the book and take a reading to it!
Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder. ***
I completely and utterly reccomend this book to anyone who has an interest in Philosophy, which in my opinion everyone should because it realtes to us all. This story is in reality a textbook written beautifully in novel form. The main character is a 14-year-old girl (surprisingly named Sophie), so if a 14-year-old is supposidly able to understand the complexities of the different philosophy's, then I think anyone can. Excellent and random plotline, with such a strange ending that it makes you question the existance of you and I, and everything. IT'S SO WERID AND EXCELLENT. :D
Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden. **
My rating for this story is wrong, but I don't have a "B" rating! It's a very interesting read about the Japanense culture and about Geisha's, which in truth aren't really prositutes in the Japanense culture. Family Seperation, Love, and War all found within this wonderful story about a girl taken from her home to become something she doesn't really want to become.
Stories for the Extreme Teen's Heart, by Alice Gray. **
The book is written for Christian Teenagers, and it's a decent read. Has loads of inspirational stories/ cartoons Bible-realted. Still good short stories none the less. :D
Stranger in the Chat Room, by Todd & Jedd Hafer. *
... Apparently God and Jesus have a computer, because they use it to communicate with Christians on fire for Jesus! A "Demon" in is the story too, but I'm not all that surprised they'd have a computer. I'm sure they all go and read our pron and smutty rpg scenes and cackle. XP
Mythology, by Edith Hamilton. **
This should be a "B" rating, btw. XP I started reading this book because before my Senior year I signed up for an English Honors class, and she assigned us about six books to read over the summer. Sadly I was forced to drop the class and go to a regular course because one of the books I had to read was... appx. 1000 pages. Yeah, took me a month to read. Anyways, Mythology was one of the more interesting books I read during that summer. Talks about all of ther Greek Mythology that has survived to this day, and I have a love for Greek History, so they co-inside rather well. :D
How to be Good, by Nick Hornby. **
... This story was werid. Well, in truth Hornby I find to be a werid author so. It's about a family that's failing apart and the father goes from a cynical man to a over-loving man. ... It's a strange story, to say the least.
Fever Pitch, by Nick Hornby. *
If you like England Football, then I am sure this book is for you. I have picked up and put down this book so many times I couldn't even estimate how many times I have. It's basically a journal about this guy's football experience. I know many of my friends love this book, but I just couldn't get into it, seeing as I don't follow England football at all. XP
A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby. ***
So far, this is the only Hornby book that I acutally really enjoy. It's about four people who accidently meet while contempating suicide, and... it's them that night and the following weeks what happens. Again, very strange story but I would reccommend it.
Housekeeping vs. The Dirt, by Nick Hornby. *
This is a small book that basically is Nick Hornby Rec'ing other books professionally. Not very interesting, unless you're a book analysis-person, which... none of you are. :D
Left Behind: The Kids: Second Chance, Left Behind: The Kids: Through the Flames, Left Behind: The Kids: Facing the Future, Left Behind: The Kids: Nicolae High, Left Behind: The Kids: The Underground, by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. *
Um, for anyone that's on my flist, I'd more reccomend you all reading the adult version. If you were to have to buy a gift for a child that was a Christian and you didn't know what to get him/her, I would THEN reccommend you picking up these books. That's it. XP
Alright, here is my first review out of three, and I hope this comes into good use!
Abby
THE BOOK LIST
Fairy Tales, by Hans Anderson. **
The book I have I enjoy mostly for it's sentimental value (My passed away grandmother was awarded itn when she was in 6th grade and since I loved reading she gave it to me before I died), but the stories are excellent reads as well. Full of murder, love, grief, and mystery.
There And Back Again: An Actor's Tale, by Sean Astin with Joe Layden. *
Even with myself being a total Lord of the Rings fan AND a Sean Astin fan, I was disappointed with the lack of LOTR-related stories that are in the book. There are some good Sam/ Frodo quotes in the book, but that is just about all the book is good for, sadly enough.
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin. *
I was forced to read it a year ago in my High School English class, and although I was excited to finally read this story, I did not find it as enjoyable as I was led to believe it would be. I didn't fully understand the storyline nor the love triangles that were in full swing in this story until I saw the BBC "Pride and Prejudice" (Which I DO reccomend anyone seeing. Excellent adaptation.), in which after seeing the movie I finally understood what subtlies that were occuring in the story. So, by itself it's a hard read, but if you are reading with with some sort of help then I do encourage you to read it.
A Long Way Gone: The Memories of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah. ***
This book is a must read. It's about a boy who is forced to become a child soldier in a third world country. It's very sad, very graphic, but still. This book opens your eyes to the travesties that are occuring in the world today, and you can pick it up at any local Starbucks! It's an excellent read.
The Illustrated Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, Illustrations by Dame Darcy. (***)
I have to confess: I have not had the time to read the copy I have listed here. I have three other stories to read before this one! Alas, I have read a normal, non-illustrated version and I LOVE IT. Excellent gothic love story, and there is deception of lovers!, and it has an excellent ending which makes the whole story worth while.
Digital Fortress, by Dan Brown. **
I read this after reading Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code, and compared to his other novels... it's alright. It's no Angels & Demons, but it's better than The DaVinci Code. It's about a secret FBI-type organization that has this ultimate code breaker, but one day it finds a code that is unbreakable. Death, Betrayl, and action-packed. It's a pretty good read.
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. ***
I LOVE THIS STORY. It's one of the few stories that I've actually gone back to read and read again throughout my eighteen years. Despite anaylizers giving this author a bad rap, I absolutely love it. It's about a little girl that after her parents die goes to live with her mysterious uncle and there is a hidden secret amongst the corridors of the mansion. What is he trying to hide? WHO is he trying to hide? You have to read to find out! XP
2001: A Space Oddyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke. **
I don't like Science-Fiction very much, but for being a Sci-Fi it's a good story. It's all computers vs. humans set in space where the main computer (HAL) starts killing off people on the ship. Will any of them survive? Why is HAL doing this? All of these questions and more will be answered ... WHEN YOU READ THE BOOK. XP
2010: Odssesy Two, by Arthur C. Clarke. **
Although the first story was strandable, this book (and movie) I actually really enjoy. Basically people are sent to try and figure out what happened HAL in the first book, and now there is this... thing. Big black box floating in non-air of space. What is it? It is evil? Is it good? Does it even have a purpose? What about HAL? What about the old crew? What happened? All of this you will found out and more if you read the book!
2061: Odyssey Three, by Arthur C. Clarke. *
... These last two books were obviously written in hopes the author would get a quick buck. Seriously. People visit the non-visitable planet and stuff happens. Don't read if you have something else better to do. Like write an essay. Or clip your great aunts toe nails. Just say no.
3001: The Final Oddyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke. *
... How does a thousand year old body being unfrozen and getting brain chips sound? If it sounds great, read this book! ... Read the comment for 2061 and copy+paste for this book also.
Jesus Freaks, by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. ***
If you're Christian I'd totally rec this book. It's about the Christian Martyrs throughout the centuries. It's graphic and very heart wrenching, but it's a must read. :D
Jesus Freaks: Vol II, by dc Talk. **
This book more focus' on the Christian Revolutionaries throughout the centuries rather than Christian Martyrs. It's not as interesting of a read as the first book, but I still think it's a good read either way.
Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. *
Again, I had to read this story with my Senior English Class, and if the teacher hadn't every day had some sort of review/ class discussion on the book, I would have completely lost interest in the story. Lost love, a werid lady, and a boy who gets the chance of a life time. Sounds interesting? Pick up the book and take a reading to it!
Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder. ***
I completely and utterly reccomend this book to anyone who has an interest in Philosophy, which in my opinion everyone should because it realtes to us all. This story is in reality a textbook written beautifully in novel form. The main character is a 14-year-old girl (surprisingly named Sophie), so if a 14-year-old is supposidly able to understand the complexities of the different philosophy's, then I think anyone can. Excellent and random plotline, with such a strange ending that it makes you question the existance of you and I, and everything. IT'S SO WERID AND EXCELLENT. :D
Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden. **
My rating for this story is wrong, but I don't have a "B" rating! It's a very interesting read about the Japanense culture and about Geisha's, which in truth aren't really prositutes in the Japanense culture. Family Seperation, Love, and War all found within this wonderful story about a girl taken from her home to become something she doesn't really want to become.
Stories for the Extreme Teen's Heart, by Alice Gray. **
The book is written for Christian Teenagers, and it's a decent read. Has loads of inspirational stories/ cartoons Bible-realted. Still good short stories none the less. :D
Stranger in the Chat Room, by Todd & Jedd Hafer. *
... Apparently God and Jesus have a computer, because they use it to communicate with Christians on fire for Jesus! A "Demon" in is the story too, but I'm not all that surprised they'd have a computer. I'm sure they all go and read our pron and smutty rpg scenes and cackle. XP
Mythology, by Edith Hamilton. **
This should be a "B" rating, btw. XP I started reading this book because before my Senior year I signed up for an English Honors class, and she assigned us about six books to read over the summer. Sadly I was forced to drop the class and go to a regular course because one of the books I had to read was... appx. 1000 pages. Yeah, took me a month to read. Anyways, Mythology was one of the more interesting books I read during that summer. Talks about all of ther Greek Mythology that has survived to this day, and I have a love for Greek History, so they co-inside rather well. :D
How to be Good, by Nick Hornby. **
... This story was werid. Well, in truth Hornby I find to be a werid author so. It's about a family that's failing apart and the father goes from a cynical man to a over-loving man. ... It's a strange story, to say the least.
Fever Pitch, by Nick Hornby. *
If you like England Football, then I am sure this book is for you. I have picked up and put down this book so many times I couldn't even estimate how many times I have. It's basically a journal about this guy's football experience. I know many of my friends love this book, but I just couldn't get into it, seeing as I don't follow England football at all. XP
A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby. ***
So far, this is the only Hornby book that I acutally really enjoy. It's about four people who accidently meet while contempating suicide, and... it's them that night and the following weeks what happens. Again, very strange story but I would reccommend it.
Housekeeping vs. The Dirt, by Nick Hornby. *
This is a small book that basically is Nick Hornby Rec'ing other books professionally. Not very interesting, unless you're a book analysis-person, which... none of you are. :D
Left Behind: The Kids: Second Chance, Left Behind: The Kids: Through the Flames, Left Behind: The Kids: Facing the Future, Left Behind: The Kids: Nicolae High, Left Behind: The Kids: The Underground, by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. *
Um, for anyone that's on my flist, I'd more reccomend you all reading the adult version. If you were to have to buy a gift for a child that was a Christian and you didn't know what to get him/her, I would THEN reccommend you picking up these books. That's it. XP
Alright, here is my first review out of three, and I hope this comes into good use!
Abby