The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

If you're into intriguing historical fiction then this book is for you. And if you saw the movie and loved it you can't miss the book, it and the movie differ very little. The book starts out with Ann Boleyn returning to the court of King Henry the 8th of England, after spending a period of time at the French court, to be a lady in waiting, with her sister Mary, to the queen Catherine of Aragon. The two sisters have always been rivals and yet the best of friends, with Mary the more timid of the two and married to a man high in the king's favor, and Ann, though older, is yet to be wed. From the moment she stepped foot in the castle Ann wondered why King Henry was married to Catherine, who she viewed as old and possessing no unique qualities. When her sister brought up this question Mary would always reply that it was a great love story, when Catherine's husband, the King's brother died and she was widowed he in a way rescued her, making her his queen. Ann, however was not fond of this story and had begun to take a liking to King Henry herself. A mixture of things including the failure of Catherine to produce a male heir, the king's growing interest for Ann, and disputes between the king and the church over his marriage lead to a new course being charted for Henry, Ann, the rest of the Boleyns and England as a whole. You'll have to find out what changes occurred for yourself when you read the book, but if your a well-versed history lover you probably already know many of the details.

Philippa Gregory's lusciously descriptive style of literature is pleasing to readers and gives them an opportunity to see into the vivid world of the past. This tale full of intrigue, lust, love, and betrayal cannot be missed.

The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper

Helene Cooper lived a sheltered childhood in a very wealthy part of Monrovia, Liberia called Sugar Beach, where all the wealthy Congo people, that is the non-natives, lived. She lived with her mother and father, sister Marlene, and various other extended family members such as Vicky, Janice, John Bull and many more. She grew up in a very americanized household and enjoyed all the privileges money could buy, including a bounty of faithful servants. Helene's parents even adopted a foster child from a local native village to be her playmate. At first the two don't see eye to eye but soon they're the best of friends. Yes, the Cooper life was one of sheer perfection, up until a point that is. As Helene and her siblings grew older their parents divorced and the Liberian government was taken over by a military coup lead by Samuel Doe. At first the torn apart family, will daddy no longer in the picture and family members scattered, tried to maintain their previous life at Sugar Beach. Soon enough though the soldiers had come for them and in exchange for not killing the whole family in one swoop the soldiers gang raped Helene's mother. Shortly after the harsh reality of Liberia's state of affairs set in the family fled to the united states, Tennessee to be exact. Though life in the U.S. was at first a hard transition Helene goes on to achieve many of her dreams despite obstacles she encounters. However, there was always an empty void in her heart; her sister Eunice didn't make the transition with them and readers will be shocked by how different her life would have been if she had. In the mood for a true life story of great complexity, harsh realities and the power of familial ties? pick up a copy now.

There couldn't have been a more perfect way for Helene Cooper to shed light on what occurred in her home nation of Liberia than with her autobiographical story of childhood, loss and gain. She made it to the prestigious post of New York Times White House Correspondent, so clearly as readers will see throughout the book, she was right all along about following her instincts, when she started to realize what a passion she had for writing and journalism.

The Last Song By Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks is the writer of so many beloved love stories: the notebook, a walk to remember, and many more so its no surprise one of his latest works is just as charismatic as the rest. His style of alternating perspectives every chapter makes the story extraordinarily compelling, since it gives the reader the opportunity to see the storyline progress through differentiating views. I have also found that Sparks' style is one that offers the reader a lot of insight into the true emotions of each character, which for me at least, makes me feel as if I'm sharing the weight of each situation they encounter right along with them. Though I do think Sparks' works are more for the teenage set, the love stories of his classic tales can fall into the category of those "timeless love stories" as well.

In this particular novel the main character Ronnie has had a hard past couple of years: her dad left, she got in with the wrong crowd, she stopped following her passion for piano, and she's gotten into some recent trouble with the law. As her punishment, in hopes of knocking some sense into her daughter who has rejected the chance to attend Juliard and seems to be unconcerned about her future, Ronnie's mother sends her and her brother to her father's for the summer, and Ronnie couldn't be dreading it anymore. At first it seems like it will be the worst possible thing that could have happened to her but Ronnie's luck turns around when she starts to form a romance with a boy named Will. Will is quite different from Ronnie in matters of family, personality, and many other areas but yet the two seem to fall head over heels for each other. Just as Ronnie's relationship with Will is heating up, and her and her father begin to get on better terms bad news strikes that changes everything. Will the bad news be enough to tear Ronnie apart from Will or can their relationship withstand it all? Find out for yourself when you pick up a copy of the last song.

Genre Reflections and Plans

I have read various works of literature from a variety of genres over the past three quarters, but as my genre requirements for each quarter I have read memoir, mystery, and classic genres. This leaves me with the Historical fiction/ play/ poetry genre still remaining to be completed in the fourth quarter. This year of fulfilling genre requirements has lead me to read certain types of books I never thought I would enjoy before. Reading many different styles of literature has given me a sense of diversity and opened up my eyes to genres such as mystery and nonfiction that I had previously doubted my interest in. The Dan Brown Davinci Code series, consisting of The Davinci Code, Angels & Demons, and The Lost Symbol lead me to realize how intriguing and exciting a well-written a descriptive mystery can be. However despite my many realizations of love for new genres this quarter, I have also found that I prefer classics and memoirs most of all. Sense and Sensibility as well as Mrs. Dalloway, Emma, Breakfast at Tiffany's and many other classics have gotten me hooked on the genre. I find the language of classics very vivid and challenging, yet pleasing to read; they transport me to another world and another time, which I guess I love so much because thats part of what reading is for me and what I really look for in a book, an escape. Eat Pray Love and The Last Lecture, though differing greatly in their subjects, are two memoirs that stuck with me because they weren't just the everyday life story, they were both about life-changing experiences told through voices which are very conversational. You feel like you know the authors in both cases and almost wish you had a personal connection with them or were somehow apart of their journey, but their books make you feel like you are by putting the reader right in the middle of their real-life scenarios. I have to say my favorite book for the quarter was Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert because I've never before read a story where the author is so openly honest, vividly descriptive, and down to earth as Gilbert is in this book. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a transformative and fun read. Overall I think this quarter went pretty well in independent reading standards and look forward to fulfilling what remains for the forth quarter.

My Response to the NY Times Review of Eat Pray Love

This blog is a bit different than my usual ones, because instead of simply giving my opinion and a detailed summary of a book I've been immersed in I have chosen to give my feedback to a review of a novel I read at the beginning of the third quarter. Here is a link to the review by Jennifer Egan, just in case anyone is interested in checking it out for themselves: .

I strongly side with Egan on her point that Elizabeth Gilbert's ability to, "make friends with anybody," as she herself states at the opening of the novel, is evident through her manner of writing. Egan shows this through her remark that, "Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible, and makes the reader only too glad to join the posse of friends and devotees who have the pleasure of listening in,". This critic also wisely points out that a trip around the world, financed as an advance for the novel seems the perfect outlet for Gilbert to set free her "odball sensibility on an international stage". I have to take her side on this one as well because that little tad of quirkiness or diversity that Gilbert gives to her descriptions of each of her travel sites is quite refreshing and really allows the reader to picture them as if they were there themselves.

I was intrigued by Egan's insight that Gilbert's disdain and pain over not having the traditional life, or essentially ending her attempts at it are really a way to make herself realize that this sort of life is never that which she wanted, nor what she was cut out for. Egan admits she is, "willing to believe that Gilbert despaired over having failed at a more conventional life even as she sought out its opposite — complications like these are what make us human. But she doesn't tell that story here, or even acknowledge the paradox. As a result, her crisis remains a shadowy thing, a mere platform for the actions she takes to alleviate it." And once again I have to agree; Gilbert's novel is not about the struggles she is facing but the journey she embarks upon and therefore it is an interesting and quick read because there really isn't a whole lot of whining.

Well, I'd have to say Jennifer Egan hit the nail on the head with this review and I would definitely put my trust in her judgement of authors and books in the near future. Hope you enjoyed this change of style!

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time by mark haddon

This novel begins with the strange and sudden discovery of a neighbor's

tragically and cruelly murdered dog in the wee hours of the night, by a teenager

of "15 years and 3 months and 2 days" named Christopher John Francis Boone.

Now one might wonder just what was Christopher doing out at such an hour of

the night that he happened to stumble upon this brutal murder site?

He was just on one of his normal, middle-of-the-night walks when he happened to

end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. He becomes caught up in the affairs of

the police on the case and gets himself into a bit of a pickle withe them because he isn't

the best at controlling his behavior. However he makes it his mission to track down the

dog, Wellington's murderer? And believe me he won't let the case go unsolved.

One of the books most interesting assets is that since it's told from the view-

point of an autistic child we get a glimpse into the brilliance of this young boy's mind.

Christopher knows that which not many others do: how to determine all the prime

numbers of the world, how the milky way is aligned, and even the greek roots of the

word metaphor. He has many special gifts but is still often misunderstood by many

of his peers, but Christopher is truly a kind spirit who tries not to let it trouble him.

Throughout his quest to find out who killed Wellington, Christopher analyzes the ways

of our world that don't quite make sense to him, and the reader realizes that maybe our

society doesn't make so much sense in reality after all. According to Christopher he finds

people confusing, "this is for two main reasons. The first is that people do a lot of talking

without using any words... the second main reason is that people often talk using metaphors."

When you stop and think about it he is so very right; how can we ever really understand exactly

what someone means when they say much of what they want us to know, nonverbally and through

body language and facial expressions? And metaphors? Come on now, the apple of my eye, what

does that really mean? When you sit there and think it over it just doesn't make sense.

This novel's ability to make us question the ordinary occurrences of our world simply stunned and

moved me more than any book has done in quite a long while. I credit the author for being extra-

ordinarily creative with this tale, and for turning a simple plot line into a novel that is so thought-

provoking. The tale itself may not be that interesting but this author's writing style and flow make it

a quick and enjoyable read. Care to figure out for yourself who killed Wellington? Join Christopher

on his journey and prepare yourself for some insight into your own life. This is definitely a read

you cannot pass up. Enjoy!

eat pray love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert has had it tough; throughout the past year she has come to the realization she no longer wants to be married to her husband, suffers a brutal divorce, and on top of this wanders through an off again, on again relationship with a man named David, who she loves deeply but something always seems to go wrong for the pair. She is tired of the house in the suburbs and the apartment in the city, she's looking for something but she doesn't know yet quite what. But Elizabeth knows she needs to get a taste of something different and being a writer she manages to get herself an advance to travel and find herself, on the condition that she writes about these experiences. So on her search for herself and what she truly wants out of life where better for a gal to go than the three great "I's": Italy, India, and Indonesia.

In Italy Gilbert learns Italian a language she thinks is the most beautiful in the world, meets fabulous free-spirited native friends, and eats her way through the culinary finesse of the region, gaining back more weight than she lost during the rocky time after her divorce. Though her apartment is in a beautiful area of Rome filled with many museums and architecture Elizabeth doesn't quite get a true sense of it until her sister comes for a visit guidebooks in tow, but prefers to search around for herself and see what she'll enjoy. Next stop, India. Elizabeth goes to an Ashram where she battles to quiet her mind and feel truly fulfilled in her meditation. She meets many from all around on her spiritual retreat who help her to acknowledge her control issues and thus free herself from her thoughts, even if only momentarily. Elizabeth interacts with god on her own level and next up is Indonesia, I'm about to begin this last portion of the novel myself and am very excited to see what happenings are in store.

Even when the book starts out with tales of her tumultuous divorce period (filled with incessant tears and wondering) Gilbert finds a way to make her writing very lighthearted yet meaningful that really strikes the reader and makes the book enjoyable but not in the least weak of emotion. Midway through the novel Gilbert brings up a wise point that an old woman once told her, " 'There are only two questions that human beings have ever fought over, all through history. How much do you love me? And Who's in charge?'". She makes the reader think about what they value most in their own lives and get a grip on their life struggles as well. By evidencing the cultural differences of many areas Gilbert teaches us no one area is superior, they all have the perks and their downfalls and just like us each is a whole new world to experience and discover. One portion of the book discusses labeling certain areas with words and being a New Yorker as Gilbert is, I'd have to agree that her designation of NY's word as "ACIEVE" is very fitting, but to tell you the truth I think that's part of the thrill of this state. So if your looking for an excellent read to see the world through the eyes of a fellow New Yorker with some dilemmas of her own, pick up a copy, it would be a great vacation read.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Part II

As I get deeper and deeper immersed into this book the more I find that I absolutely adore it. When you approach about the midway point of the novel Austen begins to include the letters sent between Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby that truly allow readers to get a sense of and examine their confusing and unconventional acquaintance. Some of these letters bring me back to my fantasy world of living back in Jane Austen's time with their proper addresses of one another and elegant, almost poetic language. I can only imagine how it would feel to open up a hand written letter in beautiful script but the same letter could carry words of disappointment as this was the main means of distance communication during the time.

The novel evidences the age old debate of women getting mixed signals from the men in their lives and being absolutely heartbroken when they find out they are not the only lady in his life, nor are they his leading lady. 1700's or 2010 all women are somehow familiar with the concept of being deceived by men, even if unintentionally so, and how they deal with the situation shows their true character. Throughout the novel we see more and more the differences between Marianne and Elinor as their acquaintances, or somewhat crumbling but trying to be saved acquaintances test the two sisters rationale vs. heart. Ahh the age old battle, and the spread of gossip around the community that comes with it, yes there's that even back then as well. But as Marianne herself says, "Misery such as [hers] has no pride. [She] cares not who knows that she is wretched".

I'm savoring what I have left to devour of this wondrous novel and recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, semi-challenging, intriguing and romantic novel that contains themes present still in today's society. If this sounds like what your looking for, let me advise you not to pass up the opportunity for a great read that will transport you out of your hectic 21st century day and into the heart of those in love in the time of elegance.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I've always found that I love the classics, so why not read one of Jane Austen's most famous, especially since Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites? Let me tell you, all you book lovers out there, there's a reason why Jane Austen's novels sell just as much now as when they were first written, their massive sales only comparable with those of vampire thrillers (confirmed by multiple Barnes & Nobles and Borders employees).

I think part of the reason I'm such a fan of the classics is because I love the language and descriptions writers of older times use; though some may deem it boring I find myself transported back in time with descriptions of lavish parties, elegant dresses, spotlessly kept households, and perfectly mannered ladies, well, maybe not always that last one. I get a thrill of the old fashioned love story and I almost wish I lived in those days sometimes; they don't necessarily seem to be any simpler than today by some standards but I can just totally picture myself being completely content in one of Jane Austen's or other classic writer's stories. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but it may just be Austen's glorification of the time that makes me fall in love with the novel, not want to put it down and realize I'm back in the 21st century, just until I have a moment of time to pick up that book again. And another plus about this novel is that the chapters a very short making the book a quick but extremely enjoyable one.

Let me take you back briefly so you can experience the time for yourself. Here we are in the late 1700's to early 1800's and we live in the world of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, sisters yet worlds apart in so many ways. The girls talk in a proper manner and amongst their days of learning the trade of being a woman during this time they each come to fall in love with men as different as they themselves even though Elinor states early in the novel that, "the more [she] knows of the world, the more [she] is convinced that [she] shall never see a man that [she] can truly love. [she requires] so much!" However the ladies' loves soon face obstacles when they discover their beloved men may have already met their matches. Care to discover for yourself what ladies of this time will do in a situation of the sort? Get yourself a copy ASAP!

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Let me begin by saying that this book is not for those who do not consider themselves fans of historical fiction, for it can be considered a bit slow at some points, especially for those who dread vivid descriptions of past events. Brooks' style is very elaborate in a sense and puts you directly in the shoes of main character, Anna Frith, who to put it mildly, has had a bit of a tough life. Living in a small village in england during the time of the plague Anna's husband dies due to a mine collapse, then a man she becomes close to staying in her home comes down with the plague and ends up on deaths door as well, then as if things could get much worse the terrible plague continues to spread around the village, robbing many of their lives, including friends and loved ones, even her two young sons dying in her own arms. You can feel the sadness that comes upon the village but hope is restored through their priest's sermon, summoning them all to stay as this plague is a test of God's. Anna lets her compassionate and hardworking sides shine through with the obstacles she overcomes throughout this treacherous time. This book also evidences the role of faith in the daily life of europeans in the 16th century; their faith was their only source of answers. Make sure if your not a history fan, you think about reading this book, but it's a great source of info about the time period if you need to write a report or anything of the sort. However, if your looking for a quick read this one is a bit tricky to fly through, but worth the wait.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf Continued

Along with detailing the thoughts and feelings of Mrs. Dalloway, the unhappy couple Septimus and Rezia, Peter Walsh, the novel follows the thoughts of the Dalloway's housekeeper, who considers the Dalloways, "from the most worthless of all classes-the rich." We see the bitter side of their housekeeper Mrs. Kilman as she converses with Elizabeth Dalloway and makes rude remarks to herself. We trace along with Peter Walsh as he walks through the lovely parks of London and tries to figure out what it is he so happens to be attracted to about Clarissa and then decides he must attend her party and bring her something special as he is planning to confirm his love to her. After all, "it is a thousand pities never to say what one feels." At home preparing for her party in the evening Mrs. Dalloway gets an unexpected visit from her husband Richard before he leaves to attend a committee that Clarissa mixes up the name of. He comes bearing roses, and how she loves him so for it, but her only desire is that he would be able to say he loves her, but she decides she can see he is trying to say it and that the words themselves are not entirely necessary. She ponders to herself if she should have married Peter for there is such a difference in her and Richard's relationship to that of her and Peter; her and Peter would converse and perhaps argue, but with Richard there was nothing to argue about, as the other ladies said she was spoiled because he listened to whatever she said, but was there a certain passion missing Clarissa wondered? Septimus doesn't seem to want to have children and because it is all Rezia desires, she takes Septimus to a doctor who confirms there is nothing physically wrong with him, but that he is in a phunk and must be institutionalized. Elizabeth Dalloway's teacher takes her to the market and Clarissa seems to have doubts about the sanity of the woman. All this is so much to take on upon the eve of her famed party.

Woolf somehow portrays Clarissa is a woman with much character and an amazing spirit, though she considers party giving, "her gift. Nothing else had she the slightest of importance; could not think, write, even play the piano. She muddled Armenians and Turks; loved success; hated discomfort; must be liked; talked oceans of nonsense: and to this day, ask her what the equator was, and she did not know." Curious to find out if Peter Walsh will proclaim his love to Clarissa, how Septimus will fare in the institution, how the rest of Elizabeth's life will turn out, and just how successful the party will end up being? Don't wait to find out.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Mrs. Dalloway chronicles the life of a very vibrant woman named Clarissa, throughout a single very important day, during which she is supposed to be hosting a party of her own. At first I found the novel a little challenging as it is not broken up into chapters, so some ideas seem to flow into others without breaks, causing the lines between character thoughts and certain events to be blurred. However the reader does catch on to the acclaimed Virginia Woolf's style to writing literature; she frequently changes character perspectives and locations in periodic intervals throughout her work. This is helpful in giving the reader a sense of multiple character's views about various occurrences. Though a bit hard to understand when first reading the novel, this style helps keep the novel interesting and flowing well.

Throughout her day of preparing for the party Clarissa is confronted by those from her past, including Mr. Peter Walsh. The two have not seen each other since he left for India years ago, and last Clarissa heard he was engaged and to be married to some woman he met on the ride over. She was utterly shocked by his visit and he clearly still illustrates he has feelings for the girl he has known since early childhood days. Although he tries to cover up these feelings by pretending he is "in love again" he dearly wishes Clarissa had not married Mr. Richard Dallowy in the years past. Clarissa recalls at this time the way she and Richard met, how they were a perfect pair, despite her first few incorrect introductions of him. When Clarissa is speaking with Peter Walsh her daughter unexpectedly enters the room and she introduces her little darling sweetly with a mother's admiration, yet it somehow seems to anger Peter the way she does so. The novel also follows a couple of whom the wife has become increasingly unhappy as she has had to move to Enlgand which she hasn't come to fancy and their marriage is falling apart. She uses the excuse that her fingers are too thin to wear her wedding ring, but her husband is not fooled. Mrs. Dalloway decides to invite Peter to her gala that night as he is abruptly leaving her home. Care to see how the events of the day will unfold for the multiple characters present in this novel? Will an old flame reappear or die out for good? To find out pick up a copy of the famous author's work that inspired the hours. You'll certainly end up enjoying it.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I previously mentioned Robert Langdon had come to the realization the certain someone who tricked him into comming to Washington D.C. is Peter Solomon's captor. Robert, the CIA, and capitol police decipher an encoded message tattooed on Peter's severred hand that leads them all the way into the Senate's sub-basement, a long-unexplored area beneath the capitol. Upon entering the room of the captor's instructions, the team discovers a Masonic shrine containing a pyramid, supposed to decipher the ancient mysteries that this captor desires with the help of a package Solomon gave Langdon to protect. However when Langdon begins to try to crack the pyramid's engraving, Warren Bellamy, the capitol architect, enters suddenly and knocks Langdon's CIA and capitol police companions unconcious. The duo then make their way to a safe refuge inside the capitol reading room to discuss the prestige and power of this pyrmaid, as Bellamy is a masonic brother himself. While this side of the story is unfolding the captor is up to his tricks once again, yet this time with Katherine Solomon; fooling the scientist into thinking he is her brother's therapist she invites the man to join her at her research lab, but who he actually turns out to be from her past and what he does to wreck all her work is unimaginable. Langdon and Katherine are united midway through the book and embark on a journey with the common goal of saving Peter by decoding the Masonic messages of this pyramid and package. Along the way they encounter many other Masonic brothers, learn a great deal about Peter's past and the power of the ancient mysteries among modern men. Care to see how the duo will eclipse the captor's sly ways and save Peter? Want to find out just what this pyrmaid says for yourself? pick up a copy today.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

If you've read Dan Brown's other novels The Davinci Code and Angels & Demons, you'll love his newest work featuring beloved character and Harvard Professor, Robert Langdon.

One day out of the blue Robert Langdon receives a phone call from the office of his good friend and high-ranked mason, Peter Solomon. Peter's assistant informs Langdon that Peter is hosting a dinner for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., which he is very involved in, but unfortunately their speaker dropped out at the last minute and Peter thought a speech Langdon had given on television a few years back would be perfect. Of course, Langdon agrees to help out his dear friend and is flown by private jet to D.C. that evening. However, upon his arrival to the capital building where the event is supposed to be held Langdon realizes things have gone terribly wrong and he has fallen into a tricky trap; when he can't find the location of the dinner and hears the scream of a child coming from the rotunda, Langdon rushes to the scene and finds out he has made a terrible mistake by going to D.C. that night. Peter's so-called "secretary" was not a secretary at all, but his captor for reasons beyond Langdon's understanding. This clever and creepy captor uses the symbols of the ancient mysteries to guide Langdon, the capitol police, and the CIA on a quest for Masonic secrets he believes are uncover-able based on information he got out of Peter. The cause of the child's screaming was the severed hand of Peter Solomon, with his Masonic ring still on his finger, pointing to the top of the capitol rotunda and tattooed with some unknown symbology. Peter's captor contacts him by cell phone and gives a choice: solve the mysteries of the masonic legends by the end of the night and share them with him or Peter and his sister will cease to see the light of day. The story tracks Langdon, Peter's Captor, the CIA, the capitol police, and Peter's sister as the events of the night unfold, leaving the reading aching for more.

Brown's unique style of alternating perspectives every chapter makes the novel interesting and easy to read, just like two of his very popular others. Though I have to say out of the 3 Langdon-centered novels this extra captivating one is by far my favorite.

Care for find out more about how Landgon will deal with his options and who else comes into play throughout the novel? Pick up this newest edition to the Robert Langdon trilogy and you won't be sorry.

Quarter 1 Reflection/Quarter 2 Goals

After looking over all my blogs since the beginning of this quarter I have noticed that I usually discuss more about the book's/author's writing style than the plot, which I mostly give a brief but informative synopsis of. In the majority of my blogs I included quotes that I particularly liked from the books or thought showed evidence of a repeated theme. I also realized that I often like to compare the books I have read to other books or even different types of media such as movies or television shows. The book blogging experience is a very unique one; it is different than just writing a summary of your independent reading book because it allows you to really include your specific take and perspective on the literature, which I quite enjoyed because of being able to voice my own true opinion.

As a blogger I would like to accomplish gaining a greater understanding of the books I have read and will read through my blog by perhaps asking questions I have about the book or character's actions to help me grasp main points and maybe get some advice from anyone who might become a follower of the blog. I could probably work on making my blog a little clearer and including more about the plot and characters in my entries for the next quarter. I have found that if I am blogging about a book I really enjoyed then I tend to be very interested in what I have to say, however not so much if I have to blog about a book I didn't quite like as much. I might feel differently about these books if I looked for more positives while writing my blogs. Overall I enjoyed writing independent reading blogs for the first quarter and am excited to continue it for the next marking period.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

The star of this most famous of Truman Capote's works happens to be Miss Holly Golightly, a rather young woman with a world of charm of someone twice her age. Capote clearly put a lot of work into developing such a unique and timeless character; Miss Golightly is well known by those who live around her in the city and most still admire her despite her annoying late night arrivals forgetting her key and buzzing someone up to let her in at any hours of the night.

The novel is a very quick read partially because of the quirky and fast-paced dialogue that reminds me of the conversations between Rory and Lorelai on Gilmore Girls; Audrey, Rory, and Lorelai all share that their speech is often random and not always clear to others, but yet the three women possess a light and warmth about them that seems welcoming and makes you envy their natural ease at life.

What is ironic about how perfect Capote makes Holly out to be is that is not at all how she was raised; she grew up with many siblings in a very rural area yet she manages to quickly adjust and flourish in the life of the city. At the same time that Holly seems so truly and effortlessly the image of feminine perfection she still has a sense of doubt within herself. She lets this show through when referring to her cat, "poor slob without a name. It's a little inconvenient, his not having a name. But I haven't any right to give him one: he'll have to wait until he belongs to somebody. We just sort of took up by the river one day, we don't belong to each other: he's an independent, and so am I. I don't want to own anything until I know I've found the place where me and things belong together." This statement addresses the uncertainty in all of us; we don't know exactly what we're looking for all the time, sometimes just something to make us feel complete. Through the novel Holly finds herself through her encounters with various individuals that impact the course of her life.

The classic also brings about the eternal truth that shopping is the best therapy, as Miss Golightly herself mentions, " What I've found does the most good is just to get in a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there, not with those kind of men in their nice suits, and that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets." Even if your not the shopping type of gal, any woman and any human can relate to the comfort in having a sanctuary of one's own whatever that might be. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast but sweet read and don't forget to check out the film as well.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch is 45 years old, he has three young children, a wonderful wife, and a stable teaching career as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, but all this, he finds out, is in jeopardy; he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the cancer type with the least percent survivors of all, and finds out after undergoing a risky surgery and intense chemotherapy that all he has left is 3 to 6 months of good health.

Three to six months seems like very little time to settle everything for one's family and etc. before their passing. Pausch, however does not choose to waste one second of the time he has left. Since he is a professor and lecturing is second nature to him as part of his last acts on earth Randy arranges to give a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon. As if this wasn't enough to take on during the last stages of one's life, Randy also made the decision to move to Virginia so his wife and children would be close to family when the time of his death arrived and they needed them most. Would this lecture be a goodbye on Pausch's part? No more of a last offer of wisdom to those around him and a way for his children to learn about their dad and the life lessons he would have taught them but would no longer be around to do so. What did he call this momentous lecture? "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood dreams".

This memoir is more or less a version of Pausch's last lecture, slightly expanded upon, in which he shares experiences from his life and offers advice to those that are all so lucky to just still have much of their lives ahead of them.

I found Pauch's style of writing very easy to read and very personal; I felt as if he I was sitting in the lecture hall listening to him speak as I was reading. Something very surprising about the tone of the memoir is Pauch's unwavering optimism; despite surgeries, chemotherapy and death practically waiting on his doorstep he managed to keep a smile on and even those who caught a peek of him just through a car window noticed.

Throughout his life, Pausch had many amazing opportunities such as experiencing zero gravity at the Nasa center, creating various virtual reality experiences, teaching at Carnegie Mellon, and even using a sixth month sabbatical to work as a Disney Imagineer.

Though his condition eventually lead to Pauch's death in 2008 his book became a bestseller and left many who read it, including myself filled with inspiration and a newfound desire to relish all moments of life.

Let me leave you with one last piece of wisdom from the bestseller, "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand,"-Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture.

The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini (End)

!!!SEVERE SPOILER ALERT!!!!

When Amir is informed of Rahim Khan's illness he immediately journeys to Afghanistan to see the man that was like a second father to him in his time of need. Upon visiting Rahim at his apartment, Amir finds him to be in a worsening state. He discovers that what he feared was true; Rahim Khan knows of the terrible mistakes of his childhood involving Hassan. But Amir soon finds there is hope for redemption.

Rahim tells of the Afghanistan after Baba and Amir left, terrible but Rahim, aging, was aided by the help of Hassan and his wife who Amir never had the privelege of meeting in the house where Baba and Ali once lived in Kabul. During this time Hassan and his wife were blessed with a child, Hassan was reunited with his mother for a short time and then she was taken away from him and not long after Taliban officers took Hassan and his wife's lives away from them and their son, Sohrab in Rahim Khan's absence.

In order to honor Hassan, who Amir finds out to have been his half brother, something that makes him wish he could alter the past more than ever before, Amir feels a great obligation to find Hassan's boy and bring him to a place of safety. However, to Amir's dismay Sohrab turns up to be in the hands of those from his and his father's childhood, those who could harm him most, and won't give up without a fight where only one side may be victorious.

Curious to see if Amir is successful in saving Sohrab from those who can harm him? Itching to see what'll happen to Sohrab if he is saved? Where will Amir take him? Another orphanage,a safe haven, his own home? It won't be a struggle to finish this thrilling tale that's for sure. Enjoy the ending, you won't be disappointed!

THe Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Middle Continued)

!Spoiler Alert! (Avert your eyes if you don't want some important book details to be leaked)

In my last post I mentioned Amir had developed feelings for Soraya, the beautiful daughter of fellow afghans working at the flea market on sundays. In keeping with the increasing pace of the novel, things have quickly progressed from that point in a small sum of pages.

Since then Amir has asked for Soraya's hand in marriage to have it granted by her father, the general, and Baba has been diagnosed with cancer which only continues to get worse. As Baba's condition becomes poorer and poorer the wedding is planned and held in record time to make sure Baba won't miss it. However, very soon after the wedding Baba kisses Amir and Soraya goodnight but never wakes up. It is ever more evident how admired Baba was in the Afghan community by the lots upon lots of people who attended his funeral and mentioned personal stories about him to Amir. The time was very emotional for the whole family and even Amir breaks down but finds comfort in his new wife Soraya's arms.

When Soraya and Amir begin trying to have children and are faced with a year-long struggle of tests and doctor's office visits only to be told adoption is their best option, Amir comes face to face with his fears once again: is he being punished for his handling of the terrible situation with Hassan so many years ago? However Amir is no longer alone in his resentment towards his past; Soraya has made mistakes of her own that have tarnished her reputation in society, but not in Amir's heart.

Amir has just found out that Rahim Khan is terribly ill and is planning to go see him in his final days when he is struck by the realization that he may know the terrible mistakes of his past that no one else does.

Care to find out if Amir and Soraya are ever blessed with a child and if Rahim Khan will mention anything to Amir about their life past i Afghanistan? Keep reading to see for yourself.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Middle)

!SPOILER ALERT!

As you fall deeper into the story-line of The Kite Runner, the novel moves faster and faster to the point where Amir, the main character, is graduating high school and entering college, in America nonetheless. America? Yes, your eyes have not deceived you; California is his exact location, however your probably wondering how he got there.

Quite soon after Afghanistan's famous kite-flying competition, which Amir and Hassan successfully win a terrible occurrence takes place on the streets of Kabul. I won't reveal what happens, but it forever changes Hassan's and Amir's life and alters their friendship beyond repair. When news of this unfortunate event reaches Ali, Hassan's Father, he is so outraged that he decides they must leave and go to stay with their cousins because they can no longer remain Baba's servants following this event.

Soon after Hassan and Ali leave Kabul, the state of things in Afghanistan turns to chaos. Amir and his father believing it is in their best interests, flee from their home in secrecy on a bus trip that is less than smooth flowing. Eventually though, the men make it to America and establish a life for themselves there among a growing population of Afghans.

Baba and Amir work to establish opportunities for themselves as they adjust to the new customs of America, hard as it may be. During this time Amir graduates high school, begins college and when working sundays with his father selling garage sale goods, meets a young woman he develops feelings for, despite gossip of her past.

Hosseini's method of jumping years ahead in Amir and Baba's lives keeps the reader entertained and offers a nice contrast to Amir's childhood personality; Amir's adult perspective changed by his new home is very different from the young, somewhat carefree boy he used to be able to be back in Kabul.

Care to find out if Amir and Hassan ever get the chance to reunite, or if the woman Amir has come to fancy returns his affection? Don't drop the novel if you think the beginning is slow-moving, it speeds right up soon enough.