6.04.2004
BOOK: Doing Time: Notes From the Undergrad
AUTHOR: Rob Thomas
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 3 1/2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This book is about 10 high school seniors at Lee High School. Lee High requires students to perform 200 hours of community service to graduate. Each of the 10 chapters is really a separate story about how a student does their community service. The students' activities range from being a library assistant, working at a country radio station,working at a pregnant teen helpline, passing out food to the poor, being a mental hospital assistant, doing a 24-hour Bowl-A-Thon, and more. Some of the stories are funny, some are sad; they all have a point. It is light reading and a quick book to get through. For a pretty plotless book, it is highly entertaining and thoughful.
AUTHOR: Rob Thomas
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 3 1/2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This book is about 10 high school seniors at Lee High School. Lee High requires students to perform 200 hours of community service to graduate. Each of the 10 chapters is really a separate story about how a student does their community service. The students' activities range from being a library assistant, working at a country radio station,working at a pregnant teen helpline, passing out food to the poor, being a mental hospital assistant, doing a 24-hour Bowl-A-Thon, and more. Some of the stories are funny, some are sad; they all have a point. It is light reading and a quick book to get through. For a pretty plotless book, it is highly entertaining and thoughful.
6.01.2004
BOOk: Soulfire
AUTHOR: Lorri Hewett
TYPE: Drama/Fiction
RATING: 2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This book is a story about a teen, Todd Williams, who is growing up in the projects. He lives in a horrible neighborhood where gang violence and drugs are a constant problem. Todd lives w/ his mother who is trying hard to raise her five kids. His brother Marcus is in a gang. His father left them and remarried, and Todd is trying to understand his feelings about his father. He hates his father for what he did and how he acts, but he wants his father to change and to be in his life.
Todd is also having big problems w/ his friends and neighborhood. His brother Marcus keeps getting into trouble, and his gang is now recruiting new kids from the neighborhood, including their little cousin Tommy. His best friend, Ezekiel is determined to stop them from recruiting new kids, (espeacially Tommy), and gets into lots of trouble w/ the gangs. Todd thinks Ezekiel is crazy for doing what he is doing, though he agrees with his beliefs about the gangs and violence. But then things get even more mixed up when a girl, Leandrea, comes into the picture. She likes Ezekiel, but Todd likes her, and his feelings for her make him start getting mad at his best friend.
There is lots of drama and some violence happening in the story. The plot is a little cliche, but well developed. My main problem with the book is all the unneccessary words. So often, the main character, Todd, is trying to explain what he is feeling, but his feelings are inexplicable, so then you are just left thinking....whaat??? The book would have been better if the author didn't try to explain things so much. She broke everything down so much, sometimes I felt like I was reading a kid's book. Bottom line: Pretty good plot and story, too many uneccessary words.
AUTHOR: Lorri Hewett
TYPE: Drama/Fiction
RATING: 2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This book is a story about a teen, Todd Williams, who is growing up in the projects. He lives in a horrible neighborhood where gang violence and drugs are a constant problem. Todd lives w/ his mother who is trying hard to raise her five kids. His brother Marcus is in a gang. His father left them and remarried, and Todd is trying to understand his feelings about his father. He hates his father for what he did and how he acts, but he wants his father to change and to be in his life.
Todd is also having big problems w/ his friends and neighborhood. His brother Marcus keeps getting into trouble, and his gang is now recruiting new kids from the neighborhood, including their little cousin Tommy. His best friend, Ezekiel is determined to stop them from recruiting new kids, (espeacially Tommy), and gets into lots of trouble w/ the gangs. Todd thinks Ezekiel is crazy for doing what he is doing, though he agrees with his beliefs about the gangs and violence. But then things get even more mixed up when a girl, Leandrea, comes into the picture. She likes Ezekiel, but Todd likes her, and his feelings for her make him start getting mad at his best friend.
There is lots of drama and some violence happening in the story. The plot is a little cliche, but well developed. My main problem with the book is all the unneccessary words. So often, the main character, Todd, is trying to explain what he is feeling, but his feelings are inexplicable, so then you are just left thinking....whaat??? The book would have been better if the author didn't try to explain things so much. She broke everything down so much, sometimes I felt like I was reading a kid's book. Bottom line: Pretty good plot and story, too many uneccessary words.
4.25.2004
BOOK: I Want to Buy a Vowel
AUTHOR: John Welter
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 4 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This is a hilarious book that touches on subjects like religion and illegal immigration. The book is told from several different characters points of view, but all of their stories tie together really well.
Alfredo Santyana is a young man who illegally came to the U.S. from Guantemala. He knows hardly any English and has nothing, but he is amazed by everything he sees in America, "the land of opportunity and nice cars."
Eva and Ava are too little girls who are spending the summer just hanging out fishing and digging for dinosaur bones in the woods. One day they run into Alfredo who is staying in an old abandoned house, and they become friends w/ him. When they eventually find out he is an illegal alien, the girls want to help him.
While this conflict is going on, satanism seems to be spreading through their tiny, religious Texas town. Evidence of animal offerings and bonfires are found around town, and everyone wants the police to arrest the assumed cult.
As it turns out, the "satanist" is really the minister's son, who is just bored and likes to see all the trouble he stirs up.
This is one of those books that you just have to read to see how good it is. The characters really come alive, and the story and plot is hilarious. Every chapter will make you laugh out loud. And while the story is light-hearted and funny, it also makes you think about and consider some real serious issues about politics, religion and immigration. Its a great book, and an easy one to read.
AUTHOR: John Welter
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 4 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This is a hilarious book that touches on subjects like religion and illegal immigration. The book is told from several different characters points of view, but all of their stories tie together really well.
Alfredo Santyana is a young man who illegally came to the U.S. from Guantemala. He knows hardly any English and has nothing, but he is amazed by everything he sees in America, "the land of opportunity and nice cars."
Eva and Ava are too little girls who are spending the summer just hanging out fishing and digging for dinosaur bones in the woods. One day they run into Alfredo who is staying in an old abandoned house, and they become friends w/ him. When they eventually find out he is an illegal alien, the girls want to help him.
While this conflict is going on, satanism seems to be spreading through their tiny, religious Texas town. Evidence of animal offerings and bonfires are found around town, and everyone wants the police to arrest the assumed cult.
As it turns out, the "satanist" is really the minister's son, who is just bored and likes to see all the trouble he stirs up.
This is one of those books that you just have to read to see how good it is. The characters really come alive, and the story and plot is hilarious. Every chapter will make you laugh out loud. And while the story is light-hearted and funny, it also makes you think about and consider some real serious issues about politics, religion and immigration. Its a great book, and an easy one to read.
4.24.2004
BOOK: The Bluest Eye
AUTHOR: Toni Morrison
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 3 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This is a pretty sad story about an African American girl growing up in a time in America when racism was still a very huge problem. The story centers around a young girl, Pecola, who was born into a poor, dysfunctional family. She doesn't like her life at home, but also finds that she isn't wanted in school or in town either. People say she is too black, and too ugly. Pecola wishes she had blue eyes, like all the pretty little white girls. She notices how people smile at the white girls, and want to be around them. Pecola wants eyes like theirs so that people would smile at her. She just wants someone to love her. Eventually someone does love her...but it is a forbidden, horrible love that ruins her.
Toni Morrison wrote a very deep, thoughtful story that brings up important issues like racism and how society outcasts people who are different. It is a good book without a happy ending.
Word of warning though: this book contains some mature content; with some profanity and sexual themes/conflicts.
AUTHOR: Toni Morrison
TYPE: Fiction
RATING: 3 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This is a pretty sad story about an African American girl growing up in a time in America when racism was still a very huge problem. The story centers around a young girl, Pecola, who was born into a poor, dysfunctional family. She doesn't like her life at home, but also finds that she isn't wanted in school or in town either. People say she is too black, and too ugly. Pecola wishes she had blue eyes, like all the pretty little white girls. She notices how people smile at the white girls, and want to be around them. Pecola wants eyes like theirs so that people would smile at her. She just wants someone to love her. Eventually someone does love her...but it is a forbidden, horrible love that ruins her.
Toni Morrison wrote a very deep, thoughtful story that brings up important issues like racism and how society outcasts people who are different. It is a good book without a happy ending.
Word of warning though: this book contains some mature content; with some profanity and sexual themes/conflicts.
3.23.2004
BOOK: Frankenstien
AUTHOR: Mary Shelley
TYPE: Classic/horror
RATING: 3 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: Everyone has heard of Frankenstien. The monster that some man created that goes around killing people. Well, surprise!!! The original book is NOTHING like the movies or children's tales of "Frankenstien." It is a pretty deep book about a man, Viktor Frankenstien, who goes away to college to study the sciences. While there, he begins to create a man, but when the creature actually comes to life he is horrified. The "monster" Frankenstien is hideous, but is surprisingly intelligent and just wants a friend. When Viktor leaves his creation to survive on its own, Frankenstien becomes angry that no one likes him, and sets out for revenge against mankind and his creator.
The story itself, though there were a few holes in the plot, was overall entertaining and thoughtful. The language of the story is a bit complicated, but not too difficult. Its a deep book that makes you think, yet be prepared to tackle the language and don't expect it to be like the movie!
AUTHOR: Mary Shelley
TYPE: Classic/horror
RATING: 3 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: Everyone has heard of Frankenstien. The monster that some man created that goes around killing people. Well, surprise!!! The original book is NOTHING like the movies or children's tales of "Frankenstien." It is a pretty deep book about a man, Viktor Frankenstien, who goes away to college to study the sciences. While there, he begins to create a man, but when the creature actually comes to life he is horrified. The "monster" Frankenstien is hideous, but is surprisingly intelligent and just wants a friend. When Viktor leaves his creation to survive on its own, Frankenstien becomes angry that no one likes him, and sets out for revenge against mankind and his creator.
The story itself, though there were a few holes in the plot, was overall entertaining and thoughtful. The language of the story is a bit complicated, but not too difficult. Its a deep book that makes you think, yet be prepared to tackle the language and don't expect it to be like the movie!
3.13.2004
BOOK: The Heart of Darkness
AUTHOR: Joseph Conrad
TYPE: classic/fiction/adventure
RATING: 1 1/2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: While reading this for school, I practically had to slap myself to stay awake. It just doesn't hold your attention. It is about a European explorer/sailer, Marlow. He is telling his shipmates a story about his previous trip and experience down the Congo River. The whole story describes what he sees, thinks and feels. The climax is when he meets Kurtz, a great ivory trader that is stationed in the heart of the Congo. He is a great speaker and the best ivory trader. But even the climax of the story isn't very interesting.
The story lacks a firm plot, and leaves the reader wondering where the story is headed. Every page has great descriptions and beautifully phrased sentances, but these lines (while sometimes inspirational or thought-provoking) don't bring anything to the plot, and only distract the reader.
The book has lots of symbolism and points out some important topics and thoughts about human nature, but the story itself is overrated.
This book takes lots of effort to fight through, and only one willing to analyze and reread every line should attempt to read it. This is definately not light reading.
AUTHOR: Joseph Conrad
TYPE: classic/fiction/adventure
RATING: 1 1/2 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: While reading this for school, I practically had to slap myself to stay awake. It just doesn't hold your attention. It is about a European explorer/sailer, Marlow. He is telling his shipmates a story about his previous trip and experience down the Congo River. The whole story describes what he sees, thinks and feels. The climax is when he meets Kurtz, a great ivory trader that is stationed in the heart of the Congo. He is a great speaker and the best ivory trader. But even the climax of the story isn't very interesting.
The story lacks a firm plot, and leaves the reader wondering where the story is headed. Every page has great descriptions and beautifully phrased sentances, but these lines (while sometimes inspirational or thought-provoking) don't bring anything to the plot, and only distract the reader.
The book has lots of symbolism and points out some important topics and thoughts about human nature, but the story itself is overrated.
This book takes lots of effort to fight through, and only one willing to analyze and reread every line should attempt to read it. This is definately not light reading.
2.26.2004
BOOK: P.G. County
AUTHOR: Connie Briscoe
TYPE: fiction, drama
RATING: 5 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This was one great book. Slightly trashy, it has some adult themes and issues in it, but is well written. The story is set in a crappy county in Maryland (P.G. County), but most of the characters live in this one area in P.G. called Silver Hill Lake, which is where all the wealthy African American residents live. The story follows 5 different characters and their problems, but in the end all of these stories tie together for one surprising and pretty funny conclusion.
Jolene has a daughter and is married to Patrick. They are having a huge mansion built on the other side of Silver Lake. Problem is, their marriage isn't going well. Jolene is very "high maintenance" and wants everything to be expensive and new...she likes to outdo her neighbors. Patrick, on the other hand, is thrifty and this makes Jolene mad. From the start of the book, Jolene has several affairs, as she tries to find the right rich man to leave her husband for when the time comes.
Bradford is the richest man in Silver Lake. He is also very flirty w/ the ladies. Problem is, he is also married; to a lady named Barbara, who is a recovering alcoholic and knows about his affairs but is too afraid to leave him.
Lee is a teenager who runs away from home to get away from her mother's abusive boyfriend. She turns to prostitution to make a living.
Candice and her family are the only white people in the book. She works for Bradford's company, and got along well w/ people of other races. But when her daughter, Ashley, starts dating a black guy, Kenyetta, she starts getting uneasy but doesn't know why.
Pearl is a hairdresser that lives in a townhouse beside Silver Lake. Besides Lee, she is the poorest person in the book. She likes her job though, and her greatest accomplishment was raising her son all by herself. But when her son, Kenyetta, starts dating a white girl (Candice's daughter, Ashley) she tries to make Kenyetta date within his race.
The different characters and their vibrant personalities create a very funny and entertaining story filled with lots of drama. This is one of those books that you just can't put down.
AUTHOR: Connie Briscoe
TYPE: fiction, drama
RATING: 5 stars
WHAT LYNN SAYS: This was one great book. Slightly trashy, it has some adult themes and issues in it, but is well written. The story is set in a crappy county in Maryland (P.G. County), but most of the characters live in this one area in P.G. called Silver Hill Lake, which is where all the wealthy African American residents live. The story follows 5 different characters and their problems, but in the end all of these stories tie together for one surprising and pretty funny conclusion.
Jolene has a daughter and is married to Patrick. They are having a huge mansion built on the other side of Silver Lake. Problem is, their marriage isn't going well. Jolene is very "high maintenance" and wants everything to be expensive and new...she likes to outdo her neighbors. Patrick, on the other hand, is thrifty and this makes Jolene mad. From the start of the book, Jolene has several affairs, as she tries to find the right rich man to leave her husband for when the time comes.
Bradford is the richest man in Silver Lake. He is also very flirty w/ the ladies. Problem is, he is also married; to a lady named Barbara, who is a recovering alcoholic and knows about his affairs but is too afraid to leave him.
Lee is a teenager who runs away from home to get away from her mother's abusive boyfriend. She turns to prostitution to make a living.
Candice and her family are the only white people in the book. She works for Bradford's company, and got along well w/ people of other races. But when her daughter, Ashley, starts dating a black guy, Kenyetta, she starts getting uneasy but doesn't know why.
Pearl is a hairdresser that lives in a townhouse beside Silver Lake. Besides Lee, she is the poorest person in the book. She likes her job though, and her greatest accomplishment was raising her son all by herself. But when her son, Kenyetta, starts dating a white girl (Candice's daughter, Ashley) she tries to make Kenyetta date within his race.
The different characters and their vibrant personalities create a very funny and entertaining story filled with lots of drama. This is one of those books that you just can't put down.
