I was new to the author when the book "Neverwhere" caught my attention. I, like any lover of books, read the synopsis first which was vague enough to peak my interest. I bought the book at the bookstore where I work, to get the discount of course, and proceeded home after my shift to begin reading. Thus began my first experience with Neil Gaiman.
I was drawn in after the first chapter, and was relieved the the chapters where longer than five pages. It helped feel like I was actually taking chunks out of the book when I would reach the next chapter, stick in my bookmark, and wait for the next session. However, the synopsis could not have prepared me for the roller coaster of a journey of shifting reality that this book was going to take me on. I expected weird. I love the absurd. I thought creativity in modern literature had been dead for some time now and that we were stuck with the cheap thrills and tear antics of such authors as Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Piccoult.
"Neverwhere" was a modern dark fairy tale that would crave any goth-geek's desire. By the time I had reached the end, I wanted more Gaiman. It was now evident to me that, after having made it through the journey of "Neverwhere" with my life, it sucked me in that much, Gaiman was not afraid to push the limits of his worlds. The best way I could describe "Neverwhere" is by saying that it's like an acid trip while sitting in a pile of filth in the sewers of London. It was beautiful.
It was at this point that I purchased the Kobo touch e-reader and proceeded to purchase "Stardust" by Gaiman. I was almost like taking a breath of fresh air. Again, a modern fairy tale that was both beautifully written and well composed. Unlike "Neverwhere," "Stardust" is less of an acid trip, for this world is set in an already fantastical world. It rivals right along with the stories of knights and dragons. It was another book that just breezed on by.
So to wrap up this ramble of a blog, I think it necessary to say, that if you haven't read his works and are looking for a good read, then pick up a Gaiman book and revive your imagination. Seriously, it's rejuvenating.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Book Review: Veronica Roth's "Divergent"
I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction, so I am probably about to give a bias review on this title. However, my love and passion for the genre could make me more picky and critical of it just as much. Regardless I will press on and take from it what you will.
It seems that dystopian fiction is slowly turning into the new vampire with Young Adult fiction, with such titles as "The Hunger Games" (which I have yet to read), "Matched," and now "Divergent" by Veronica Roth.
I had just finished reading Condie's "Matched" when I had discovered Roth's "Divergent," which was recommended to me by a co-worker at the bookstore at which I work. Reading a few chapters in I was disappointed at first. It seemed to be a knock off of "Matched." Opening up with a ceremony and the similar dilemma of choice being granted to the protagonist. However, where "Matched" pursues more emotional boy drama, "Divergent" takes a more tough as nails approach to dystopian fiction. Imagine the part of Orwell's "1984" when Wisnton is taken to the Ministry of Love...but, the whole book.
There is murder, fighting, action and of course the right amount of drama. There are parts where it drags towards the middle, but in my opinion that just makes you lower your guard for the grand conclusion to book one of a trilogy. Once I was about 80% though the book, I found multiple emotions being aroused at once. I felt hate, rage, and sadness in the same moments. It was brutal. I felt like I had just come from a rejuvenating work out at the gym after finishing the book. My brain felt fresh and new, like I had just woke up well rested and ready for the day.
This book is a must read, it's Young Adult book so the print is big and it's just dense enough to get the juices in your head flowing without giving you a headache. It's one that you could wake up on your day off and say, "I want to read a whole book today" and do it. So do it.
WARNING: After reading the book, DO NOT read the first sentence of the acknowledgments. It almost ruined the whole book for me.
It seems that dystopian fiction is slowly turning into the new vampire with Young Adult fiction, with such titles as "The Hunger Games" (which I have yet to read), "Matched," and now "Divergent" by Veronica Roth.
I had just finished reading Condie's "Matched" when I had discovered Roth's "Divergent," which was recommended to me by a co-worker at the bookstore at which I work. Reading a few chapters in I was disappointed at first. It seemed to be a knock off of "Matched." Opening up with a ceremony and the similar dilemma of choice being granted to the protagonist. However, where "Matched" pursues more emotional boy drama, "Divergent" takes a more tough as nails approach to dystopian fiction. Imagine the part of Orwell's "1984" when Wisnton is taken to the Ministry of Love...but, the whole book.
There is murder, fighting, action and of course the right amount of drama. There are parts where it drags towards the middle, but in my opinion that just makes you lower your guard for the grand conclusion to book one of a trilogy. Once I was about 80% though the book, I found multiple emotions being aroused at once. I felt hate, rage, and sadness in the same moments. It was brutal. I felt like I had just come from a rejuvenating work out at the gym after finishing the book. My brain felt fresh and new, like I had just woke up well rested and ready for the day.
This book is a must read, it's Young Adult book so the print is big and it's just dense enough to get the juices in your head flowing without giving you a headache. It's one that you could wake up on your day off and say, "I want to read a whole book today" and do it. So do it.
WARNING: After reading the book, DO NOT read the first sentence of the acknowledgments. It almost ruined the whole book for me.
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