Ok, so, for fun, I decided to re-read some of the Narnia series (I say some, because I really hate some of them and find them rather pointless). About 2 chapters into the first book, The Magician's Apprentice, I realized just how much I had been missing out on as a child. The clever illusions, imagery, and tiny details I didn't pick u on as a child are now clear to me and make the books that much more enjoyable because i can't wait to find out what else I missed the first time through. I guess this is the appeal of the old Disney movies to parents, the reason why, when watching them now, we see why our parents wanted to watch them with us. After reading the first three I can already tell I'm going to give the series a 5 out of 5 for all ages and for any number of times re-reading it.
Ok, so the first three books are just riddled with Christian references that one might miss as a child. On first glance, it appears that C.S. Lewis has made a direct correlation to Christ in the form of the Lion Aslan. However, me being the inquistive person I am, searched for answers, and found that Lewis actually did not mean for Aslan to represent Jesus, but rather, to create a world in which God interacted with the people in a unique way (statement taken from interview i found on google). This poses an important distinction in that all the symbolism in the book is not just an illusion to Christian references, but also a commentary on life and the nature of the universe (however, Lewis is a Christian, so he fundamentally believes that nature is Christian and good, which is an important note to begin on). Many of the symbolisms are obvious, such as the breaking of the stone table representing Jesus conquering death, or Aslan's breath representing God giving the Holy Spirit to us. However, when reflecting on Lewis's actual meaning, the illusions become quite different. Lewis is trying to say that true unlimited love doesn't just come in one form. That anyone can find that love and extend it to others. Lewis tells us that love can be found anywhere and in everything if only we know where to look. Now, we might not have a mystical trip to a far away land and a tlaking lion to show us that. However, Lewis takes us on that journey through his books. The imagery and illusion only help to illustrate his point and help us to make connections to things which we already know to help get his point across. The important Bible illusions help readers to understand that which they already know, the Christian teachings, and apply and think about them on another level.
I think that Lewis is a genius, especially after realizing the series was not just a big illusion, but actually a way to get us to think. I can;t wait to read the rest of the series again!
Keep Calm and Blog On
Showing posts with label Book Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Review. Show all posts
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
WICKEDly good!
So, I decided to read the novel Wicked by Gregory Maguire mostly because of my love of the Broadway musical. But let me just say, I'm glad my 5-th grade mind that loved the musical didn't read this book, because I definitely would not have understood it, or found it appropriate. The book had a very interesting pot, taking something we all thought we knew everything about and flipping it on our heads. The plot was captivating and witty, and the characters all played into what would become our fabled childhood heroes from The Wizard of Oz. I would recommend the book to most anyone high-school level or above and would give it a 5 out of 5 stars. Now on to the goods....
My favorite quote from the book that really stood out to me was - "Being born with a talent or an inclination for goodness is the aberration." This quote really embodies the essence and theme of the book (as well as the title for that matter!). The quote is saying that all people are born with the inclination to do evil, but are forced to fight it, and that someone who is born good is the one who is really odd, and not the other way around. This begs the essential question Elphie asks herself in the book (to quote from the musical), "Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" From the very beginning, Elphaba is faced with challenges because of her skin color and background. She at first sees herself as an aberration because of her skin color and thinks that she will never fit in anywhere. However, she grows to find that it is not because she is green that she is an aberration, it is because she has an inherent nature to do good. Throughout the novel, she feels the need to help others despite her own welfare, whether it be releasing a caged lion, caring for her sister, or taking on the most powerful man in Oz. In the course of events she comes into contact with some truly wicked people, including Glinda. Contrary to what we may think, Glinda was not always the perfect angel she is made out to be in the movie. She was, in fact, a stuck up aristocrat who wanted nothing to do with the affairs of the land. However, by the end of the novel, because of her rebel ways, Elphaba is no longer seen as a kind soul, but as a wicked one, and Glinda has been transformed from snobby aristocrat to beacon of goodness for the people of Oz. However, whether it was turning someone into a tin man, or capturing Dorothy, it was all out of good intentions that Elphaba acted, not out of wickedness. This points to two essential themes in the novel; don't judge a book by it's cover, and that people are born wicked, and we must fight to recognize and overcome it. Everyone in the novel judged Elfie for her skin, when in reality that judgment could not ave been more wrong. Also, the reversal of Glinda's roles in the novel reverses her own question against her, the answer, according to the novel, is that people are born wicked and they have goodness thrust upon them.
Keep Calm and Blog On
My favorite quote from the book that really stood out to me was - "Being born with a talent or an inclination for goodness is the aberration." This quote really embodies the essence and theme of the book (as well as the title for that matter!). The quote is saying that all people are born with the inclination to do evil, but are forced to fight it, and that someone who is born good is the one who is really odd, and not the other way around. This begs the essential question Elphie asks herself in the book (to quote from the musical), "Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" From the very beginning, Elphaba is faced with challenges because of her skin color and background. She at first sees herself as an aberration because of her skin color and thinks that she will never fit in anywhere. However, she grows to find that it is not because she is green that she is an aberration, it is because she has an inherent nature to do good. Throughout the novel, she feels the need to help others despite her own welfare, whether it be releasing a caged lion, caring for her sister, or taking on the most powerful man in Oz. In the course of events she comes into contact with some truly wicked people, including Glinda. Contrary to what we may think, Glinda was not always the perfect angel she is made out to be in the movie. She was, in fact, a stuck up aristocrat who wanted nothing to do with the affairs of the land. However, by the end of the novel, because of her rebel ways, Elphaba is no longer seen as a kind soul, but as a wicked one, and Glinda has been transformed from snobby aristocrat to beacon of goodness for the people of Oz. However, whether it was turning someone into a tin man, or capturing Dorothy, it was all out of good intentions that Elphaba acted, not out of wickedness. This points to two essential themes in the novel; don't judge a book by it's cover, and that people are born wicked, and we must fight to recognize and overcome it. Everyone in the novel judged Elfie for her skin, when in reality that judgment could not ave been more wrong. Also, the reversal of Glinda's roles in the novel reverses her own question against her, the answer, according to the novel, is that people are born wicked and they have goodness thrust upon them.
Keep Calm and Blog On
Monday, December 26, 2011
Hungry for more Hunger Games
I have found my new obsession. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is a three-part series that tells the story of Katniss Everdeen. Katniss is a member of District Twelve, the poorest District in the future North America called Panem. There are 12 Districts, all ruled by a vicious and powerful capitol. Each year, this capitol holds the annual hunger games where volunteers from each district are chosen to fight to the death in an arena for the Capitol's entertainment. Katniss' sister is chosen and she volunteers to take her place, and is sent to the Hunger Games.
While reading the book, I could not help but notice the common theme of rebellion. From the smallest of things to the largest, everything that Katniss does represents this theme. The most noticeable, perhaps because it is even talked about in the book, is Katniss' final act in the Hunger Games. By attempting to commit a double suicide, thereby securing a victory for both her and Peeta, Katniss defied the Capitol and showed that their rules could be broken. She had done this same thing before when she covered Rue's body with flowers. She showed to the people of the Capitol that Rue meant something to her and was not just another pawn in a game, but a real human being. Another final noticeable symbol is the symbol of the mockingjay. The mockingjay, a mutant bird that was created outside of the Capitol's control, symbolizes everything that Capitol cannot control, and everything that it fails realize. By wearing this symbol in the arena, Katniss herself becomes like a mockingjay. Because she defies the Capitol with every act, and continues to survive no matter the odds, she herself becomes the new mockingjay, the new symbol of rebellion.
Another subtle reference that speaks to the theme of Rebellion is the Thirteen Districts. The Thirteen districts are eerily similar to the Thirteen colonies of the British Empire in North America. Just like the original thirteen colonies, the ones in the Hunger Games were each created to serve the Capitol (England), supply it with goods, and be obedient. This subtle reference puts a frame on the theme of rebellion from the beginning of the novel and cleverly foreshadows what is to come in the other two books.
As an aside, I personally loved the book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the last one (since i read book two the day after). I think that Collins cleverly holds you in suspense throughout the entire novel, and each little detail is important, nothing is negligible, which makes the book interesting and captivating. Collins also sets up each book very carefully to lead into the next one, making you believe one thing will happen, when another does (when in fact, after you read what does happen, it all makes sense, you just didn't realize!). I give the book by itself a 10 out of 10 and the series (so far) a 9 of 10. I think its safe to assume that I'm hungry for more Hungry Games!
Keep Calm and Blog On
While reading the book, I could not help but notice the common theme of rebellion. From the smallest of things to the largest, everything that Katniss does represents this theme. The most noticeable, perhaps because it is even talked about in the book, is Katniss' final act in the Hunger Games. By attempting to commit a double suicide, thereby securing a victory for both her and Peeta, Katniss defied the Capitol and showed that their rules could be broken. She had done this same thing before when she covered Rue's body with flowers. She showed to the people of the Capitol that Rue meant something to her and was not just another pawn in a game, but a real human being. Another final noticeable symbol is the symbol of the mockingjay. The mockingjay, a mutant bird that was created outside of the Capitol's control, symbolizes everything that Capitol cannot control, and everything that it fails realize. By wearing this symbol in the arena, Katniss herself becomes like a mockingjay. Because she defies the Capitol with every act, and continues to survive no matter the odds, she herself becomes the new mockingjay, the new symbol of rebellion.
Another subtle reference that speaks to the theme of Rebellion is the Thirteen Districts. The Thirteen districts are eerily similar to the Thirteen colonies of the British Empire in North America. Just like the original thirteen colonies, the ones in the Hunger Games were each created to serve the Capitol (England), supply it with goods, and be obedient. This subtle reference puts a frame on the theme of rebellion from the beginning of the novel and cleverly foreshadows what is to come in the other two books.
As an aside, I personally loved the book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the last one (since i read book two the day after). I think that Collins cleverly holds you in suspense throughout the entire novel, and each little detail is important, nothing is negligible, which makes the book interesting and captivating. Collins also sets up each book very carefully to lead into the next one, making you believe one thing will happen, when another does (when in fact, after you read what does happen, it all makes sense, you just didn't realize!). I give the book by itself a 10 out of 10 and the series (so far) a 9 of 10. I think its safe to assume that I'm hungry for more Hungry Games!
Keep Calm and Blog On
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Water for Elephants
"Age is a terrible thief. Just when you're getting the hang of life, it knocks your legs out from under you and stoops your back. It makes you ache and muddies your head and silently spreads cancer throughout your spouse." (p. 12)
This is a quote from the book "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Throughout the novel, the narration switches points of view from the narrator as an old man to him as a young man.This structure is, firstly, parallel to the quote. This is because, just when, in the story, you think you know what will happen, you discover something, and then the point of view switches and leaves you in suspense. However, it is not just suspense for suspense's sake, the points of view give complimentary views ans facts that help you piece together an accurate picture of the man and the plot line. It also reveals a greater depth in the views and motivations of the characters.
This quote serves to illustrate Gruen's message for the novel. That life is unpredictable, and not all will ever go as planned. The structure of the novel helps to emphasize the theme illuminated by this quote. When the story is being told from the point of view of him as an old man, he is reflecting on how these things have changed him, whereas this is the opposite of him as a young man - confident, and sure of what will be, or at least sure of what he wants. The reflection serves to not only give conclusion onto what happens into the story, but show the more calm and reflective side of the man. He recognizes that these changes were now meant to be, whereas at the time, he might not have recognized their significance.
on a side note- The message is artfully executed, I liked how she almost plainly stated her message at the beginning so you can reflect on it as you are reading, and realize how each of the plot devices and even the structure flow together. A good read- 7 out of 10.
This is a quote from the book "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Throughout the novel, the narration switches points of view from the narrator as an old man to him as a young man.This structure is, firstly, parallel to the quote. This is because, just when, in the story, you think you know what will happen, you discover something, and then the point of view switches and leaves you in suspense. However, it is not just suspense for suspense's sake, the points of view give complimentary views ans facts that help you piece together an accurate picture of the man and the plot line. It also reveals a greater depth in the views and motivations of the characters.
This quote serves to illustrate Gruen's message for the novel. That life is unpredictable, and not all will ever go as planned. The structure of the novel helps to emphasize the theme illuminated by this quote. When the story is being told from the point of view of him as an old man, he is reflecting on how these things have changed him, whereas this is the opposite of him as a young man - confident, and sure of what will be, or at least sure of what he wants. The reflection serves to not only give conclusion onto what happens into the story, but show the more calm and reflective side of the man. He recognizes that these changes were now meant to be, whereas at the time, he might not have recognized their significance.
on a side note- The message is artfully executed, I liked how she almost plainly stated her message at the beginning so you can reflect on it as you are reading, and realize how each of the plot devices and even the structure flow together. A good read- 7 out of 10.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
A Brave "Not So New" World
I am currently reading A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, is a book about a so-called perfectly engineered society. Every person is give a pre-determined destiny. Everything from occupation to social class. Even from fetal development, they are molded to become what they need to be, whether that entails flipping them upside down so as to be better astronauts, or heating them up so they like warmer temperatures and move to South America.
While Reading this book, I did have to complement Huxley on his extraordinary vision into not only the minute workings of the world, but his vision of industrialized society. Many of his predictions about biological developments are correct. However, while reading the book, I could not help thinking of everything that would now be done by computers. This is something I think Huxley, or anyone from his time. could not have predicted. So, as contemporary readers of Huxley's A Brave New World, I see the reader as seeing this as completely plausible. However, one must consider that at the time written, in 1932, it would have been considered extremely fantastic, similar to War of the Worlds when it was published.
So, I think while reading this book, I must keep in mind a Historical Literary context and read it as a reader in 1932. Where this information was not commonly known, and the piece would have been considered fantastic (in the impossible meaning of the word).
Keep Calm and Blog On
While Reading this book, I did have to complement Huxley on his extraordinary vision into not only the minute workings of the world, but his vision of industrialized society. Many of his predictions about biological developments are correct. However, while reading the book, I could not help thinking of everything that would now be done by computers. This is something I think Huxley, or anyone from his time. could not have predicted. So, as contemporary readers of Huxley's A Brave New World, I see the reader as seeing this as completely plausible. However, one must consider that at the time written, in 1932, it would have been considered extremely fantastic, similar to War of the Worlds when it was published.
So, I think while reading this book, I must keep in mind a Historical Literary context and read it as a reader in 1932. Where this information was not commonly known, and the piece would have been considered fantastic (in the impossible meaning of the word).
Keep Calm and Blog On
Friday, November 18, 2011
Inheritance - Realism, or Just Real Dissapointment
First off -- SPOILER ALERT -- If you haven't read Inheritance yet, as I know many of you are fans of the series, you might not want to read this yet, because I'm going to be giving away some major plot points and endings.
Now, about the book. I'll first start off by saying, that my anticipation probably almost matched that of Harry Potter (a hard thing to do) only because this has been the longest wait between books in a series like EVER. I'll say that I enjoyed reading the book, but to what end, I'm not sure. It was a good read, and it had thrilling moments, making me laugh and gasp, but I was still left feeling disappointed. I'm not sure if the enjoyment came from the excitement of finally having the book and finishing the series, or from the quality of the book I was reading. I know that I'm not the first to say this, and definitely not the last, but the ending was a huge let down. In the series, it was foretold that the main character, Eragon, would have an epic romance before leaving the land forever. But at the end of the series, that romance was tallied up as a few moments alone, a sharing of names, and a hug. A HUG. Really?!? Disappointment. However, this brings me to my point of discussion. After reading the novel, I wanted to reflect on Paolini's purpose and message in the hole series, and whether he was trying to convey this message through utter realism.
Throughout the entire cycle, Paolini sets up his characters to their fates through a series of trials that every hero must go through. The call, the refusal of the call, the supernatural powers, etc etc. However, Eragon's journey was different in that by a few chapters into the first book, his entire future was foretold, and many of the events that would come to pass were given in the beginning. Being a fantasy novel, these aspects are obviously not involved in the Realistic nature of the novel. However, the fact that makes this a Realism novel is the fact that after all the characters go through, they get the fate that was rightfully deserved, even if it was not what the reader necessarily wanted. For example, Arya, after all her work to promote peace among all peoples, and working so closely to restore the dragons to a prospering species, rightfully deserved to become the next Dragon Rider. It also make sense because of all her close work with dragons, and her extreme want to keep peace and help her people. These are all valid reasons why it would choose her. The same goes for probably the biggest disappointment in the cycle, Eragon and Arya's relationship.
The couple have shared many intimate moments from their first contact to the most recent enthralling endeavor against King Galbatorix (who was FINALLY killed). However, not only their roles and duties separate them, but also their ages. No matter how one tries to justify their relationship (be it with Eragon's immortality or their ability to share thoughts), the two are simply to different in experience, maturity, and age to be able to hold a working relationship. They are each destined for different people, if any, ones who match or complete them. Their parting was just because each had their own responsibilities, that, in reality, they would have had to do in order for the world to remain at peace. Each had a duty greater than themselves, and had to overcome whatever they wanted to achieve the greater purpose. There lies Paolini's purpose, I believe. Throughout the whole series, he tests the characters, and sometimes they pass and sometimes they fail. However, they always earn their right to continue on through hard work, and they arrive at the right path, even if it was not the one they originally or still wanted. Paolini tells the reader that what one wants is not always what one needs, and that you must look beyond yourself to the needs of the whole, so that balance, order, and peace can be achieved.
As an aside, I do believe that each of the characters had Realistic endings, but I'm not sure Paolini gave them Realistic trials and solutions. For example, in Eragon's defeat of Galbatorix, I do not believe that in reality, Eragon would have won. I think that is one place that was compromised, because Galbatorix was written as such a powerful character, and Eragon such an underdog, that, even though one roots for the underdog, they do not win. Some other spots such as the Vault of Souls, Cuaroc, and the fact that so many dragon eggs escaped seemed a little outlandish, and almost written as if Paolini just wanted certain parts of the story to turn out for the best, instead of realistically. But, overall, Inheritance and the series was well written and is exciting, witty, and thought-provoking. I would rate the book individually as a 3 out of 5 and the series as a whole as a 4 out of 5.
Keep Calm and Blog On.
Now, about the book. I'll first start off by saying, that my anticipation probably almost matched that of Harry Potter (a hard thing to do) only because this has been the longest wait between books in a series like EVER. I'll say that I enjoyed reading the book, but to what end, I'm not sure. It was a good read, and it had thrilling moments, making me laugh and gasp, but I was still left feeling disappointed. I'm not sure if the enjoyment came from the excitement of finally having the book and finishing the series, or from the quality of the book I was reading. I know that I'm not the first to say this, and definitely not the last, but the ending was a huge let down. In the series, it was foretold that the main character, Eragon, would have an epic romance before leaving the land forever. But at the end of the series, that romance was tallied up as a few moments alone, a sharing of names, and a hug. A HUG. Really?!? Disappointment. However, this brings me to my point of discussion. After reading the novel, I wanted to reflect on Paolini's purpose and message in the hole series, and whether he was trying to convey this message through utter realism.
Throughout the entire cycle, Paolini sets up his characters to their fates through a series of trials that every hero must go through. The call, the refusal of the call, the supernatural powers, etc etc. However, Eragon's journey was different in that by a few chapters into the first book, his entire future was foretold, and many of the events that would come to pass were given in the beginning. Being a fantasy novel, these aspects are obviously not involved in the Realistic nature of the novel. However, the fact that makes this a Realism novel is the fact that after all the characters go through, they get the fate that was rightfully deserved, even if it was not what the reader necessarily wanted. For example, Arya, after all her work to promote peace among all peoples, and working so closely to restore the dragons to a prospering species, rightfully deserved to become the next Dragon Rider. It also make sense because of all her close work with dragons, and her extreme want to keep peace and help her people. These are all valid reasons why it would choose her. The same goes for probably the biggest disappointment in the cycle, Eragon and Arya's relationship.
The couple have shared many intimate moments from their first contact to the most recent enthralling endeavor against King Galbatorix (who was FINALLY killed). However, not only their roles and duties separate them, but also their ages. No matter how one tries to justify their relationship (be it with Eragon's immortality or their ability to share thoughts), the two are simply to different in experience, maturity, and age to be able to hold a working relationship. They are each destined for different people, if any, ones who match or complete them. Their parting was just because each had their own responsibilities, that, in reality, they would have had to do in order for the world to remain at peace. Each had a duty greater than themselves, and had to overcome whatever they wanted to achieve the greater purpose. There lies Paolini's purpose, I believe. Throughout the whole series, he tests the characters, and sometimes they pass and sometimes they fail. However, they always earn their right to continue on through hard work, and they arrive at the right path, even if it was not the one they originally or still wanted. Paolini tells the reader that what one wants is not always what one needs, and that you must look beyond yourself to the needs of the whole, so that balance, order, and peace can be achieved.
As an aside, I do believe that each of the characters had Realistic endings, but I'm not sure Paolini gave them Realistic trials and solutions. For example, in Eragon's defeat of Galbatorix, I do not believe that in reality, Eragon would have won. I think that is one place that was compromised, because Galbatorix was written as such a powerful character, and Eragon such an underdog, that, even though one roots for the underdog, they do not win. Some other spots such as the Vault of Souls, Cuaroc, and the fact that so many dragon eggs escaped seemed a little outlandish, and almost written as if Paolini just wanted certain parts of the story to turn out for the best, instead of realistically. But, overall, Inheritance and the series was well written and is exciting, witty, and thought-provoking. I would rate the book individually as a 3 out of 5 and the series as a whole as a 4 out of 5.
Keep Calm and Blog On.
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