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Post by tosney on Aug 1, 2011 21:11:20 GMT -5
I disliked it because it was trying to be emotionally manipulative. And obviously so. It was so forgettable to me I'm struggling to remember the plot, but I remember there were so many things that were contrived and un-subtle about it that it really distracted me from the story. I just can't get sad about things when someone pokes me and says "you're supposed to get sad now." I could almost hear the author thinking "Hmm, this isn't emotional enough, so I'm going to add in this little side plot that doesn't actually have a purpose besides attempting to get my readers to become more invested in the story through transparent cliche Very Sad Moments." Also, am I remembering that Death narrated some parts or something? That part felt gimmicky and just didn't work for me. I think it was partly because his characterization was rather shallow. The author didn't seem to think it through that much and just went with a sappy version. Note, I read the book about three or four years ago, so some of this may be inaccurate and it's based on the reaction to the book still lingering in my brain. And maybe if I read it again today I'd like it better, but I doubt it. PS: I like what I've read of Hemingway too  |
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rayyychul
Armadillo
On ne voit bien qu'avec le c?ur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.
Posts: 159
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Post by rayyychul on Aug 1, 2011 22:16:44 GMT -5
Well, I'm 200 pages in and waiting for these sad moments There's nothing that's really jumping out at me. Honestly, I read the first few pages, put it down and read another book... but I never leave a book unfinished. |
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Post by Dodger Thirteen on Aug 1, 2011 22:52:40 GMT -5
My new Italian textbook! *purrs and pets*
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Post by embonpoint on Aug 2, 2011 10:03:47 GMT -5
Gone With the Wind. I think it's about to get interesting, and not a page too soon, tbh.
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Post by Dodger Thirteen on Aug 2, 2011 10:58:11 GMT -5
Then again, this is coming from someone who likes Hemingway, so maybe your opinion doesn't matter :P What's wrong with Hemingway? |
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Post by tosney on Aug 2, 2011 18:04:37 GMT -5
Ah, I didn't understand what you were saying there.
I've only read the Old Man and the Sea, but I think he has a good grasp of telling a fable-like tale with a satisfying ending. Also, I feel he did a good job of grasping human emotions and exploring how with a tough situation, backing down can't bring the same satisfaction as if you fight through, despite all the obstacles.
And the best part was that it gave its message in a short and sweet manner, at least compared to so many literary books. I read it in one sitting. Parts of it were a little dry, but I appreciate that the story really shows the pain and struggle of the trip by elaborating on how stiff he was, how long the days were, and what obstacles the sea brought to him.
It wasn't wonderful, but it was a bit more than a descriptive fishing trip.
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Post by onlyaworkingtitle on Aug 3, 2011 16:11:35 GMT -5
Just started reading 1984 by George Orwell and I love it!!! It's absolutely fantastic. I've found so many things ridiculous, such as the concept of "thoughtcrime" and "facecrime". I mean, really? They are literally stomping out any sort of individuality to be found. Not to mention the lac of privacy. Has any one else read it? Yeah, that book is amazing. But by the end it started freaking me out because I started drawing parallels between their world and our reality. is definitely one of my favorite dystopian novels. And about its parallels with reality:  (Source: failbook.failblog.org/2011/07/19/funny-facebook-fails-orwell-called-it/) |
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rayyychul
Armadillo
On ne voit bien qu'avec le c?ur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.
Posts: 159
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Post by rayyychul on Aug 3, 2011 16:16:52 GMT -5
Now that I've trudged through The Book Thief, I'm re-reading the Artemis Fowl series. I just bought the sixth and seventh novels, but can't remember what really happened in the last few installements... so a re-read is necessary. They're kind of juvenile, but I enjoy them! It's nice to read a book and not have to think.
After that, I'm out of new books. Hmph.
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Post by Dodger Thirteen on Aug 3, 2011 22:39:48 GMT -5
I also have the new Artemis Fowl book(s) to read. Juvenile? Yes. But good.
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Post by Marina on Aug 4, 2011 0:00:31 GMT -5
I love Artemis Fowl. But I gotta say I'm not loving the direction the books have taken, especially after 5 and on. They're not as fun anymore. Especially because the premise of the first was so amazing.
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rayyychul
Armadillo
On ne voit bien qu'avec le c?ur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.
Posts: 159
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Post by rayyychul on Aug 4, 2011 0:58:58 GMT -5
I'm quite surprised they haven't been made into a movie yet!
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Post by Marina on Aug 4, 2011 1:06:53 GMT -5
I think someone has bought the rights, but they've had problems with either the script or something. So it's happening, just not fast or soon.
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Post by Inquisitive White Rabbit on Aug 7, 2011 10:07:08 GMT -5
Just started reading 1984 by George Orwell and I love it!!! It's absolutely fantastic. I've found so many things ridiculous, such as the concept of "thoughtcrime" and "facecrime". I mean, really? They are literally stomping out any sort of individuality to be found. Not to mention the lac of privacy. Has any one else read it? Yeah, that book is amazing. But by the end it started freaking me out because I started drawing parallels between their world and our reality. Guilty. I'm almost done with it and have already started to draw the parallels myself. >.< It has me so paranoid at the moment! XD I've even tried getting my parents to read it, although I already know that trying to get dearest Mom and Dad to read a book is the equivalent of getting a brick wall to drink tea with me. |
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Post by onlyaworkingtitle on Aug 12, 2011 14:41:33 GMT -5
AAAAAAAH
I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy and it was so good and so upsetting and I cried so much. Please tell me I am not alone in this.
Started in on Clash of Kings (the second Song of Ice and Fire book, by George R.R. Martin). Not far enough in to opine, but loved the first, so high expectations are a thing.
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Post by Marina on Aug 12, 2011 14:54:23 GMT -5
AAAAAAAH I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy and it was so good and so upsetting and I cried so much. Please tell me I am not alone in this. Started in on Clash of Kings (the second Song of Ice and Fire book, by George R.R. Martin). Not far enough in to opine, but loved the first, so high expectations are a thing. Yes, I do believe the volume of tears I cried doubled with every book. As for Martin, he is an evil, evil man. And I would't hold expectations high for the following novels. They're not bad, but certainly not as good as the first. Also, I'm reading Paper Towns by John Green. It's good so far, he's one to of the better YA writers I've had the pleasure of reading. |
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