Book Author: Sara Gruen

Genre: Love/historical novel  

Quick Synopsis: The main character is a cantankerous, still-sharp 93-year-old man, and his frustration at being trapped in an old man's body is palpable. The story of his incredible life and adventures with the Benzini Brothers circus unfolds in a way that is emotionally wrenching, and yet flashes of good humor pervade throughout. The characters are richly drawn, and even the animals are given complex personalities that make them a pivotal part of the story. There is something in the novel for everyone: it is equal parts adventure, mystery, fictional memoir, love story, and historical account.  This story is about how he recounts his days as being a veterinarian on such a huge circus act, and living on the circus train, traveling the country on tour. He then falls in love with a woman who is married, and then you can find out the rest.

What was right with it?: One can depict each scene in their head. Easy and very addicting read. Every chapter kept you on the edge of the seat. I read this in 2 days.  

What was wrong with it?Nothing.

Marks:  10 out of 10

Recommended Age Of Reader: 16+ Vocabulary reasons, abuse, understanding the history of the time(stock market crash), language.  

Reviewed By: Jason (blitzerdog)

Post edited at 10:20 pm on Jan. 22, 2008 by blitzerdog

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www.myspace.com/blitzerdog

Book Title: The Karnau Tapes
Book Author: Marcel Beyer  
Genre: Historical fiction
Quick Synopsis: The Karnau Tapes tells he story of Nazi Germany from two very different perspectives.

One, through the eyes of a young sound engineer named Hermann Karnau, who lives in his own world of experiments and obsessive devotion to his science. He will stop at nothing to study and record every type of sound possible to add to his ever-growing collection. His assignments take him to Nazi rallies, where his work attracts the attention of some major party figures, including Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propaganda minister, who grows to trust him enough to let him take care of his children for a number of days. While he is taking care of them, he forms a warm bond of friendship with the oldest child, Helga.

The story is also told through the eyes of young Helga Goebbels, who is wise beyond her years. She reveals many aspects of her privileged, yet empty life from the perspective of her strange twisted innocence. She bears witness to the disintegration of her family and her world- her mother's emotional instability, her father's infidelity and pathetic denial that defeat is near, and the neglect and abuse that she and her siblings face on a daily basis as the children of one of the most important men in the Reich.

What was right with it?: The author's decision to narrate the story through the eyes of Helga Goebbels. The story of her and her siblings and the fate that ultimately befell them has always fascinated me.

Having her as a narrator creates an interesting perspective that many people would not even think of. He tells her story well, revealing her inner pain and the way the the society she has grown up in has corrupted her so tragically.

He also chose a profession for his main character that most people don't think twice about: a sound technician. In the book, he reveals details about Nazi Germany that few people even consider. Most people know about the big speeches and the big rallies, but this book describes the people behind the scenes who made them possible.

It has lots of moral ambiguity in it. I love moral ambiguity. Then again, what else can you expect from a book about Nazis?

What was wrong with it?: The parts that Karnau narrate are kind of boring to me, because they go on and on about the science of sound and the technical workings of old sound recorders. To read those parts, you just have to realize that that's the way the character is. He describes his world through sound, and I suppose that creates an interesting perspective.

But it does drag a bit in some places. Some chapters take patience to get through.

Marks:  8 out of 10
It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was interesting nonetheless.

Recommended Age Of Reader: 16+, for some mature themes.

If you're even remotely interested in WWII and Nazi Germany, I suggest you read this.

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And while the seagulls are crying,
We fall but our souls are flying.

Book Title: Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette
Book Author: Sena Jeter Naslund
Genre: Historical fiction
Quick Synopsis: This book intimately tells the story of the infamous, frivolous, last queen of France through her own eyes, from the time she leaves her home in Austria to become Dauphine of France at the age of fourteen, to the day of her execution at the hands of the French people during the Reign of Terror.

What was right with it?:
The author really gets inside Marie Antoinette's head, and attempts to decipher and express her mindset. She succeeds at this.  

It's a very realistic portrayal that almost makes me like Marie Antoinette. The author manages to comment on human nature in general while she's at it, and make the story of the 18th century queen relevant to modern life.  

What was wrong with it?: Nothing in particular stands out to me at the moment. Maybe I'll think of something to put here later.

Marks: 9 out of 10  
Pretty damn good

Recommended Age Of Reader: 16+, for sexual content and other mature themes

Post edited at 10:05 pm on Mar. 7, 2008 by airemaye

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And while the seagulls are crying,
We fall but our souls are flying.

Processions Of The Dead
By Darren.B.Shan

Genre : Horror,Fantasy

Quick synopsis: Quick-witted Capac Rami arrives to the city determined to make his mark.He learns all about the gangster dirty business from his uncle Theo, But when his path crosses witht the cardinal his life changes forever. "The Cardinal is the City and the City is The Cardinal. They are joined at the soul. "  As Capac begins to dig deep into the world of Cardinals influence he finds himself facing hard choices to make in his own life. He will learn the true cost of loss and ultimate power.

Right : It was a fast paced book which keeps you on your toes and wanting more and more. Absolute excitement!

Wrong : At times it felt like the story is going too fast and there is not enouph detail put into the corse of Capac Rami's life.

Marks : 9/10 (if not 10)

Age group : There are violent scenes in it and some sexual scenes, but i would imagine that anyone 16+ will have no problem and enjoy it even more.

Reviewed by : Kitty Kiska
http://Kitty_Kiska.showmember.com

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¯\(°_o)/¯
DeeznutzFYC

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Jacket photo:

That's not the cover my library has, but still...

Book title: Girlfriend in a Coma

Book Author: Douglas Coupland

Genre: Apopalyctic

Quick synopsis: This book starts with a girl called Karen falling into a coma. The book follows her group of friends as they grow up around her, permenantly frozen in the 1980s, as they grow into embittered, drug-addicted, unsatisfied adults. And then Karen wakes from her coma, and the book goes on to show this group of people as the world ends around them.

What was right with it?: Someone said of it 'A wake-up call for young Americans everywhere'. I'm not American, but I think that sums it up. This book is one long shout telling us to sit up and take notice. The version of how the world ends is truly gripping and honestly quite shocking. This book is a love story, a drug story, a prophecy, a social study, a light-hearted frolic and a dark look at modern life all at once. Amazing.

What was wrong with it?: The end was a tiny bit cliched, but when I was reading it I hardly noticed. It's that good.

Marks: 9/10

Recommended age of reader: Some parts of this book can be hard to take if you think about them too much. I'm one of the youngest on livewire, but I expect there will be people here less able to deal with this than me. However, if you think you're a competant reader and you won't be offended by some of the interesting religious angles, go ahead and read this book. Now.

Reviewed by: Fern Periwinkle

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I'm reading this right now...about halfway through. It's amazing.

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Take your dollhouse dreams and make them real.
- Kara's Flowers ♪

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Title: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

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I'd like to say this:

The characteristics that make the main character so peculiar, are probably the reason the why the book is so  interesting. The whole concept used for the narration of the book serves to make the reader feel captivated and emotionally attached with the situations.

The strict regimen of patterns, schedules, behaviors, etc; and the way they have a big affect in the way he lives his life are quite interesting, specially for people with no knowledge about Aspergers Syndrome.  

I found it nice to read, but I really didn't like the Ending. In my opinion the author could have worked that a bit more. I was shocked when the ending end up to be so predictable. I was expecting something else, specially because the whole book was so unconventional, but I suppose he had his reasons.

Book Title: The Big Over Easy

Author: Jasper Fforde

Genre: Humorous Murder Mystery

Synopsis: Overworked and underappreciated detective Jack Spratt of the Nursery Crime Division is called in to investigate the suspicious details surrounding the death of Humpty Dumpty. When the evidence points to foul play, Jack must convince his superiors that there might be a rotten egg at the bottom of it.

What was right with it: This book was whimsical, funny, and had a plot that was fast-paced enough to draw me in completely.  It was nothing like I'd ever read before.  The books also have some gentle satire, which make them even more enjoyable.

What was wrong with it: There are a lot of allusions to things in literature, so it keeps you on your toes. I don't think this is a bad thing, but it's good to be aware of it. Also, the book is set in England, so some of the things they refer to American readers may not be very familiar with. Neither of these are enough to throw off the flow of the book in any way, and to me they provided an extra challenge in the read.

Marks: 9/10

Recommended Age of Reader: 13+

Reviewed By: Rachel happygoluckyelf

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"Nothing endures but change"

Author: Giovanni Boccaccio

Genre: Classic Italian Literature

Synopsis: Set in Florence during the Black Death of 1348, a group of ten young people flee into the countryside.  To pass the time they each tell a story for ten days. The stories are all vivid and interesting. Some are deeply philosophical and others are just plain fun. This book has something for everyone.

What was right with it?: A strong framework supports a colorful tapestry of characters and story lines. It was one of the most fun to read "classics" I've come across.

What was wrong with it?: Some of the stories dragged at times, but for the most part they were quick. Also, not being familiar with Italian prior to reading it made some of the names and places difficult to pronounce. Overall, reading The Decameron really helped expand my appreciation of literature and culture.

Marks: 9.5/10

Recommended Age of Reader: 14/15 +

Reviewed By: Rachel happygoluckyelf

Post edited at 12:10 am on June 13, 2008 by happygoluckyelf

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"Nothing endures but change"

Book Title: The Book Thief

Book Author: Markus Zusak

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: It's about a girl during WWII and all the things she has to deal with. She doesn't know how to read and is taught by her foster father. After she realizes how much she loves to read, she steals books since her family can't afford them.

Right: It's a touching story that is cleverly written and it doesn't leave out the details of the holocaust, which makes it more real.

Wrong: There are parts in the book that are hard to get by because of the lack of events. Plus, if the reader doesn't know german, some parts might be hard to understand.

Marks: 8 out of 10

Recommended age: 14+
Reviewed by: Katie musicxmaniac

Post edited at 8:59 pm on July 25, 2008 by MusicX

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Everything has its beauty,
but not everyone sees it - Confucius

Book Title: The Ruins

Book Author: Scott Smith

Genre: horror

Synopsis: A group of 2 couples go to Mexico for a vacation. While at an archeologist site, they are trapped by a vine that cleverly gets in their heads and tears them apart.

Right: It was a very surprising novel that will keep you interested. It's very detailed and has unexpected twists that come together to make an ending that makes your jaw drop.

Wrong: At times the author gives too much detail that is irrelevant to the plot.

Marks: 9 out of 10

Recommended age: 15+ for gore
Reviewed by: Kate musicxmaniac

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Everything has its beauty,
but not everyone sees it - Confucius

Book Author: Chris Manby

Genre: Modern Fiction

Quick Synopsis: Lizzie fell hard for Brian while in college, and after a year of heaven, he went back to America. Feeling like a failure about her achievements since college, she begins to concoct a new life in her emails to him. Things become complicated when Brian decides to come and visit. Lizzie concocts a plan to ensure Brian doesn't learn the truth, and chaos ensues.

What was right with it?: The central character, Lizzie, is witty, and likeable, despite her shortcomings. It's hard not to wonder how she will deal with the various drama's that arise. If you like this, you'll love the next book, "Running away from Richard"

What was wrong with it?: Very little, though I did find it dull compared to the second book, "Running away From Richard", following Lizzies further adventures.
Marks:  8 out of 10

Recommended Age Of Reader: Older teens.
Reviewed By: Martha Lil pink

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Pay it forward

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Do you realise that I've now got a very long list of books to read?

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Shit, Im thinking the same thing, and I have pages to go in this thread :( Plus, I have the list from before I even found this thread..... I'll never have time!

Book Title: I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell
Book Author: Tucker Max
Genre: Non-fiction, fratire, gonzo
Quick Synopsis: Basically it's about a guy telling all of his hilarious life stories. They mostly deal with getting excessively drunk and having sex with many women. It insults a whole lot of people, with most LOL worthy stories about embarrassing sexual encounters.  

"stories of debauchery and belligerence"

What was right with it?: This is the most HILARIOUS book I have ever read in my entire life.
What was wrong with it?: If you're looking for some beautifully written book this isn't for you. He's an average guy with average writing skills. Also, if you're a woman and get easily offended with male chauvinism this definitely is not for you.
Marks:  10 out of 10
Recommended Age Of Reader: 17+
Reviewed By: OverTheAir

Post edited at 4:09 am on Nov. 6, 2008 by OverTheAir

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"A wise girl kisses but doesn't love,
listens but doesn't believe,
and leaves before she is left"
-Marilyn Monroe

Post edited at 10:16 am on Nov. 14, 2008 by ElephantStone

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Punctured bicycle on a hillside, desolate,
Could nature make a man of me yet?