Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

While dubbed "fantastic" by some, I found that Sloan's novel was creative, yet extremely boring, superfluous, and insulting.

I saw this novel at Barnes and Nobel a couple months ago and was intrigued by its cover, then my friend allowed me to borrow it. At first I liked it; the main character was kind of a loser, sure, but he had some qualities that made him interesting, such as working at a twenty-four hour bookstore. Now, I thought this would be about the people who came to this bookstore, but I was very wrong.

Who would have thought a novel about books would actually be a guise for the Google franchise? Or, even worse, a meaningless relationship with an obsessive Googler?! I mean, I was stunned and disappointed at the path this novel turned down! It could have been a good book.

Yet, there were other qualities that made it such an unpleasant read. The first person narrative was wholly unappetizing as the main character had a boring voice that made him sound unappealing, fat, lazy, and stupid. I imagined him as a whiney middle schooler, but thirty years old. The other characters were just as unappealing--more so, even: a hunky, rich guy; an Old guy who wants nothing more then for everyone to be happy; and a bad guy that is just doing his job!

I was further disappointed in the meld between books and technology: done the right way it could have been a good story, however the use of name brand items detracted from its fluency. The timeline was off, the characters were off putting, and the writing was almost there. Overall, this novel did not make my top 50 list, even though I did read it until the end. I would rate it Two out of Five stars.

Other Reviews:

"Sloan effortlessly marries new ideas with old without realizing that all too often, the cleverness overwhelms the story."--NY Times, Roxane Gay

"A winning literary adventure...Sloan grounds his jigsaw-like puzzle plot with Big Ideas about the quest for permanence in the digital age."--Entertainment Weekly

Shatter

Shatter by Michael Robotham is a physiological thriller about driving people to the breaking point. Frightening and mind-bending, Robotham intertwines "cop" drama with terrifying real-life circumstances. It truly is suspenseful and dramatic and incredibly scary.

Joseph O'Loughlin, a college physic professor is reluctantly drawn into a world of twisting, suspense filled drama when he tries to coax a naked woman from jumping off of a bridge. Yet there's something about her suicide that just doesn't line up. Following clues, O'Loughlin finds himself wrapped into the frightening head games of a sadistic killer who finds joy in "shattering" people's minds.

This novel truly does play head games on you, and though I normally dislike detective novels, I was drawn into Robotham's world of frenzied and fractured lives. Each character is presented as a real human being, the reader can tell that they aren't just "side" characters, but all are important to the story.

Although I found this book very intriguing, there were a couple aspects that I did not enjoy. 1. The prose were sometimes short and choppy--I'm all for succinct, but one or two word phrases don't cut it in a novel. However, I do understand that they create a feeling of suspense in such a thriller, but I don't think Robotham was there just yet. 2. In this same line, several of the reviews claimed that the dialog was especially good; perhaps I expected too much, but I did not think that the dialog was very convincing. Well written and thought out, the dialog was either too choppy or too long winded. 3. Language. I don't care if a novel swears in it once or twice, but once every couple lines, I find it tiresome and detracting from the plot. The overuse of the F-word did not add any suspense to this novel, it only made me feel sad for people in the world who must listen to it. 4. The wife was not convincing and neither was O'Louhlin's reaction to her!

Other than those four complaints, I found that Shatter was probably the best detective novel I have ever read, for it created suspense along with terrifying twists. Sometimes a bit hard to follow, it nevertheless caught my attention.

I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Other Reviews:

“Shatter will have you turning the pages compulsively, desperate to get to the end, but not daring to miss a word.” —The Times (London)

“Thematically complex, artfully structured, beautifully written and observed, Shatter confirms Robotham’s place in the front row.” —Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)

Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings novels by J.R.R Tolkien is one of the best known fantasy series in the world. Introducing a world full of unusual creatures, monsters, magic, and action, Tolkien creates a spellbinding story woven with symbolism and genius.  

Started in his novel The Hobbit which accounts the journey of Bilbo Baggins, The Lord of Rings continues with the story of the One Ring by Bilbo's nephew Frodo. Sent on a mission by Gandalf the Grey, he, along with with a group of eight called The Fellowship, move to destroy the Ring in the fiery pits of Mt. Doom in the Land of Mordor. Battling against the wretched Orcs of both Saruman, the (white) wizard, and Sauron the Dark Lord, the Fellowship meets some of the most terrifying puzzles and adventures in Middle Earth. 

Tolkien's beautifully constructed fantasy world consists of secret hollows and towering mountains, melodious fens and craggy caverns, haunted ruins and brilliant castles. The Lord of the Rings ties his love of language with a series of fantasy novels that are constructed so beautifully, that there is no equal. 

Each book unlocks part of a world that is all together beautiful and horrible, speaking about the ills and short comings of men, Lord of the Rings flows like the Anduin, mysterious, beautiful, all coming to a close with a raucous waterfall that leaves you gaping in astonishment at this work of literary genius. 

I rarely give out Five Star ratings, but The Lord of the Rings joins A Clockwork Orange and few others on my shelf of noteworthy novels.

If you find that you struggle through part one of The Fellowship of the Ring, don't be discouraged! Tolkien's magnificent masterpiece will not keep you bored for long!

Other Reviews:

"One of the very few works of genius in recent literature."--New Republic

"No imaginary world has been projected which is at once so multifarious and so true...Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron."--C.S. Lewis

A Good End to a Bad Day: Good Looking Men

I had a pretty bad day today, won't go into details, but nothing went right besides buying a copy of A Clockwork Orange. Other than that, I wasn't very happy. However, to brighten my mood and end my day on a good note I will post some pictures of my favorite men (not in any order).

1. Johnny Depp (especially as a pirate!)

2. Orlando Bloom (especially as Legolas!)

3. Hayden Christensen. 

5. Ryan Reynolds. 

6. Richard Armitage (he even looks good as a Dwarf!)

7. Chris Evans. (I like yo hair, I like yo suit.)

8. Last, but certainly not least, to brighten up your day:

Baby Goats!

I work at a dairy goat farm and this past week has been a major baby week, so I finally got two hours alone with the baby goats and decided to take some photos! Enjoy the cute babies!

A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is one of the best novels of modern literature, and it is one the best novels I have ever read.

Set in a not-so-distant future, Burgess creates a novel that exudes literary genius. With his fictional slang/language based in Russian, the novel speaks in such prose as to capture the attention of the reader, but also to set the tone and theme of the novel. Including its controversial last chapter, this version of the novel highlights the unpleasant aspects of life and extremely exaggerated, but terrifyingly real story of choice, morals, and human life.

Centering in on the actions of teenage Alex, Burgess' novel displays scenes of heinous crime and the nature of evil. He, however, also creates a character similar to Salinger's Holden Caulfield with his nonchalant, arrogant attitude, focusing on growth: adulthood versus immaturity.

Yet, A Clockwork Orange is much more powerful as is explores the themes of self in face of change, choices and what the value of life means. With the disgusting use of Ludovico's Technique, the novel compares goodness in choice versus goodness by force.

Although the novel is utterly disturbing, it is one of the best books of literature. Using strong prose and posing fascinating questions of moral, social, and human interest, A Clockwork Orange is a beautifully crafted and extremely powerful novel. In this novel I could find no fault, and for that I give it Five out of Five stars.

**Please don't print out the glossary, it will only ruin the powerful message! Try to figure the language out on your own!**

Other Reviews:

“Looks like a nasty little shocker, but is really that rare thing in English letters: a philosophical novel.”--Time

“One of the most groundbreaking and influential novels of all time—and one of the best.”--Irvine Welsh

***Warning: for mature audiences only!***

The Color Purple

Alice Walker's The Color Purple, published in 1982 and a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1983, was challenge/banned in many schools for its explicit language, sexuality, racial tensions/relations, discussions of man's relationship with God.

Written through a series of letters to God, Celie, an estranged, young, black woman in rural Georgia, who is beaten and sexually abused by her father until she is given into marriage to Mr._____, who is in love with her sister, Nettie. Following about forty years of Celie's life, The Color Purple explores social and racial themes through intense characterization created by the issues during the time, which can be traced into today's society regarding abuse and familial relations.

Also analyzing the function of God in life, Walker eludes to her own beliefs in an all encompassing Spirit as Celie and her friends and family struggle to understand their position. Further, Celie finds comfort in her sister's written letters from her missionary trip to Africa and comes to accept this version of God that Walker has so set up.

Creating a memorable cast of characters with strong personalities, Walker has created a novel that truly deserves the Pulitzer it received. Challenging many issues including religion, race, sexuality, and family, it is for more mature audiences, but nonetheless opens eyes and allows conversation to bloom. I would award this novel Four out of Five stars for its deep message and thought provoking text. There were only some parts where I was confused about the character names, but other than that The Color Purple is a must read.

Other Reviews:

"Alice Walker's choice and effective handling of the epistolary style has enabled her to tell a poignant tale of women's struggle for equality and independence. . . "—The New York Times

". . .a work to stand beside literature of any time and place." -- The San Francisco Chronicle

The 25 best things about the Star Wars Prequels

We can all agree to hating the prequel Star Wars movies at one (or many) given moment, and that we all absolutely love watching the originals--which are, of course, the best. However, people don't give credit to Lucas for this series of three movies expanding on Anakin's timeline.
As a big movie buff and Star Wars fan, I've decided to write a list of my favorite things in the prequels in lieu of the Insider's rather nondescript list (that I disagree with). Here it goes (not in order of best to worst):

1. The Music. The prequels highlight some of John Williams' best works as he takes parts of pieces from the originals and recreates them, mixing them with new and absolutely amazing pieces that really carry the movie more than many other aspects. Some of the best include:
Across the Stars (my personal favorite), Battle of the Heroes, Anakin's Betrayal, Padme's Ruminations, Duel of the Fates, and many others.

2. The Love Story. Now, we all know that Han and Leia were just meant to be, but Padme and Anakin, that is a story doomed for failure. But it is so terrible and tragic that it can't help but be loved. A secret wedding, a love pledge, and the reason for the birth of the twins that change the whole galaxy! Sad and perilous it brings tears to all eyes and makes hopeless romantics like me bawl each time I watch the end of Episode III.

3. Anakin's hair. Bad acting is made up for by the Jedi mullet displayed by Hayden Christensen (and he's just so good looking!!!)

4. Padme. Like her daughter, Padme is characterized by her strong will and ambition to right the wrongs done by her people. Smart and caring, Padme uses both emotion and logic to invigorate the galaxy. Besides, she's super pretty!

5. Hating Jar Jar Binks. Everyone in the Star Wars Universe hates the Gungans, especially one of them. Jar Jar Binks. No matter what you love/hate about the prequels, something everyone can agree on is that this super annoying Gungan should have just been run over by those battle drones. 

6. The Politics. The politics are amazing, and coming up with a way to destroy the whole galaxy and rebuild it as an Empire is not an easy feat! Props to the Emperor and the writers and George Lucas!

7. R2D2. I love R2, he's my favorite after expanded universe character Mara Jade, and he's just so much better in the prequels! I love seeing where he comes from and how he ends up with Luke! Besides, R2 is one of the only characters who they can't mess up--he's just that AWESOME! Beep boop beep!

8. Those awkward moments. Oh, there are so many you can't name them all! From: "Everything is so soft and smooth" to "You're in my soul, tormenting me" to "So love has blinded you?" When Anakin feeds her a pear to when he first sees her in Episode II. You just gotta love those awkward scenes. How many can you count? (I think I got about 13...or more)

9. The Clothes. I absolutely love the prequel clothes. Whereas the originals are plain, the extravagant costumes of the prequels are just amazing. I wish I could wear them! Natalie Portman herself said that she liked how Star Wars empowered women, but let them steal the show with their fashion. These are my three favorite outfits.

10. Obi Wan Kanobi. Now who doesn't like Obi Wan? No one! Although he only appeared in the originals for one movie as a lead, he left one of the biggest marks in the saga. The prequels only explore that even more, and giving the job to Ewan McGregor only makes Obi Wan even better.

11. "Anakin's the father, isn't he." --Obi Wan. This is the best quote from all three of the movies, because it is just so obvious! No, Anakin's not the father, he just hugs Padme whenever he sees her and she's pregnant...and you knew they loved each other...

12. Battle Scene on Mustafar. Now this is by far the most amazing thing in all of Star Wars--this battle is amazing. Just think, they did that all by themselves--no CGI, no stunt doubles, all Ewan and Hayden fighting with lightsabers! Not to mention, a lightsaber battle on a lava planet is pretty sexy!

13. Coruscant. Without Timothy Zahn we would have no Coruscant. Without Coruscant there would be no prequel movies! Coruscant is the center of the prequels, it's where all the politics happen, where the Emperor comes to power, where Anakin betrays the Jedi counsel, where the Jedi academy is! It's the whole Old Republic and it is the center of the New Republic in the expanded universe! Besides, you just have to love how pretty it looks!

14. Naboo. I love Naboo! It is so beautiful and peaceful, and it's where Padme comes from! 

15. Shaaks. Enough said.

16. Pod Races. I think the Pod Races are so cool and they really introduce the real Anakin, his characterization of taking risks and master of flying and just about everything else.

17. Ascension Guns. As my friend pointed out, they are just like grappling hook guns, except these are so much better! First of all, they're from Star Wars; second, they lift you up and you don't have to do anything! I really want one (besides, I like Padme's outfit!)

18. Lightsabers. Who knew you could have a purple light saber, or even a pink one? I didn't know until I had seen the prequels! Lightsabers are the most amazing weapon in all of Sci-fi and fantasy worlds--cauterizing wounds with just one swipe, made out of special crystals, just being the weapon of a Jedi. Everything about them is just amazing, and the prequels make sure to show that the Lightsaber characterizes a Jedi as much as their ability to use the force.

19. The Partnership. The relationship between Anakin and Obi Wan is just amazing to watch, they become so much like brothers it is just devastating when Anakin turns on him! 

20. The Battle Arena. I like the battle arena because it's a) a battle with lots of Jedi, b) the place where Padme confesses her love, c) I like the Acklay and the other alien creatures!

21. Aliens. I love all the new aliens they introduce in the prequels. Also, I like knowing that humans (and Yoda) weren't the only Jedi! What makes Star Wars great is the aliens, from Tatooine to Kashyyyk to Coruscant to Naboo, the planets and the aliens are just amazing!

22. C3P0. I love C3P0 because he's just so funny! Also, it's wonderful to know where he came from, and it's a surprise that Anakin built him and that he lived in the same house where Luke did! Mind Blown! I love his funny quotes, especially in the Geonosis battle scene!

23. General Grievous. Why does he cough? That's the question. Besides that, he's a pretty mean guy! Also, he has four arms and is evil. That's why he's so cool.

24. Count Dooku. I like Count Dooku, he's a jerk and a coward, but he needed be there to create tension and allow Anakin to commit his first act of "Vader evil"! 

25. The Rise of the Empire! This is the whole reason for the prequels and boy do they deliver! The Emperor is evil, Anakin turns into Darth Vader and A New Hope is born! 

26. Honorary (not from prequels). Mara Jade Skywalker! She's KICK BUTT! I love Mara Jade, and besides, she married Luke!

I drew this picture!