Birthdays Books

This was a rather difficult book to get through. Lots of old English and lots of footnotes describing what the words or phrases meant. I struggled through about 3/4 of the book, but then it picked up and I managed to get it read. In the end, it was worth the time and effort but does take some patience to get through. Not for everyone.

a classic literary staple of the modern world! a must read for any intellectual. every sentence is brimming with stimulating ideas and paradoxes.

As was the case with quite a few other readers, I had been snookered into believing this was a near-universally lauded classic. Hello? The emperor has no clothes and this book has no redeeming qualities. The writing style was absolutely maddening!

The only reason I read the entire thing was because I purchased the book and felt compelled to get my money's worth (not entirely possible with such a low quality "classic")

After reading it in its entirety, I felt the type of satisfaction one feels after completing a particularly odious chore. Removing my copy from my home will be most satisfying. Bottom line: Boooooooooooooring!

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a thought-provoking novel that vacillates between ambling, seemingly directionless conversation and a riveting narrative thread that eventually bubbles up to the surface with the intensity of a volcanic eruption. The Picture of Dorian Gray, though not much more than a century old, has already been deemed a "classic" by literature-lovers, and after reading the book, I can understand its status. Wilde's command of the English language is almost unparalleled in recent literature.

Warning - Spoilers Follow

Here's the gist of the book. Dorian Gray is a young man whose physical appearance is handsome and innocent. An aspiring artist paints a beautiful portrait of Dorian. Dorian wishes that he always look like his youthful appearance in the portrait. The wish comes true. Dorian remains the same - youthful and charming, but the portrait begins to transform itself into the image of his soul.

When Dorian embraces a life of hedonism, he uses his good looks and charm to obtain whatever he desires in life. His insensitivity drives a friend to suicide. The evil desires of his heart eventually cause him to murder a friend in cold blood. Over a period of twenty years, Dorian becomes a monster on the inside (reflected by the portrait of his soul) even as he remains youthful and innocent on the outside.

Oscar Wilde's homosexuality is no secret, and the reader can easily discern certain homosexual overtones in the book (especially at the beginning). Perhaps Wilde's subtle innuendoes of homosexuality have made his works so appealing to lovers of literature who tend to sympathize and approve of homosexual behavior.

Upon reading Dorian Gray, however, I could not help but notice how the lifestyle of hedonism is so implicitly condemned by the narrative's outcome. If Dorian's hedonism includes sexual relationships with men as well as with women (and Wilde does hint at this), then homosexuality comes under the same umbrella as the rest of Dorian's sinful passions. One can hardly characterize The Picture of Dorian Gray as a pro-homosexual book.

Readers of this blog will find the picture of depravity in Dorian Gray to be intriguing. Throughout the story, Dorian, even in his hedonism, acts in a manner that forces the reader to desire justice and redemption. The book's end emphasizes the need for punishment and retribution - pointing at death as the wages of sin.

What does the life of unbridled hedonism look like? What does it do to the soul? What happens to the human being who seeks to fulfill his every passion and desire? How does sin affect us physically? Do we age because we sin? These and more are the questions that Oscar Wilde raises in The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Basil Hallward is an artist, who paints a portrait of Dorian Gray, a very good looking and naïve young man. The portrait is a masterpiece that in reality depicts Basil's feelings for Dorian, as well as, Dorian's youth and beauty.
Lord Henry Wotton, a seductive emotional predator and selfish pleasure seeker, is a friend of Basil who meets Dorian at Basil's house and gives him a philosophical speech about the fading nature of youth and beauty. Dorian whose greatest qualities are his youth and beauty pledges his soul to stay young and beautiful. As part of the deal Dorian Gray's portrait becomes the surrogate for the disgrace and aging of the real Dorian Gray.
Under the growing influence of Lord Henry over Dorian, the later embraces Hedonism and increasingly sinks into a sinful corrupt life and shows no regard for values or morals. A tragic event caused by Dorian's behaviors starts the projection of Dorian's ugliness and self -centeredness on the portrait. Dorian creates excuses and excuses himself with lame explanations for the tragedy and hides his portrait so he can't see the hideous transformation of himself reflected in his picture. As long as his beauty remains, he can ignore the changes in his portrait. It's interesting how Dorian tries to avoid his inner feeling of ugliness by trying to surround him self by beauty, and other beautiful distractions such as roses and music.

Basil's love for Dorian, which is likely a real life reflection of Wilde's love for Lord Alfred Douglas, causes Basil to defend and protect Dorian, even from his self destructive acts, until the last shocking event. I'm tempted to describe the ending event, but I won't deprive the reader from the pleasure of exploration and discovery.

Given the period when this novel was written, Wilde is artistically candid and courageous beyond belief. Wilde displays his usual wit, sarcastic playful ways and funny style, while he walks us through serious dilemmas like the supremacy of youth and beauty, homosexual feelings, repentance and murder. Wilde grabs the reader through the use of shocking events that not only criticize Victorian morality, but ironically displays a moral lesson about vanity and narcissism.

"The picture of Dorian Gray" is a wonderful piece of literature in which the portrait asserts itself as Dorian's conscience in a superficial society that places values on looks and wealth while ignoring the real value of humans. Simply, a one of a kind work.

Beautifully written story. It transports you on a life journey from a numbing single holocaust incident and on though the continuing affected life of the individual involved and into the life bonding friendship/relationship with another. Poetic fluidity and evocative language, a gem to read over and over again.

I put off reading this book for a long time because I was going through a grieving period and I didn't want to read a book on a depressing topic, but now I'm sorry I waited so long. While I agree with other posters that the structure of this book is flawed, what magnificent writing!! I was just blown away by the beautiful prose. I can overlook the structural problems. Please give this one a shot, I recommend it highly. Well worth your time.

Perhaps one of the most influential books of my (granted short) life. Beautiful prose, storyline, everything. It is a MUST READ!

This is one of my favorite books. Because Anne Michaels is a poet, the scenery comes to life for the reader. This book is hopeful, devastating, and beautiful all at the same time. I would highly recommend it.

Fugitive Pieces is one of the greats of the Holocaust genre. With the Holocaust being such a complex and disturbing experience, only poetry and metaphor can begin to convey the sense of loss and destruction to a generation. Ms Michaels has written a beautiful book that I found engaging from start to finish. It is the hero's journey not only for the plot, but also for the way it resonates in the soul.

"Witch Child" is written in a diary format. Mary is a young girl living in the 17th century, during a time where religious fervor reigned and witch-hunts were a frequent. As a young girl, Mary witnesses her grandmother's demise when the town's people accuse her of being a witch and burn her at the stake. Mary is rescued by a mysterious noble woman, who sends her to the New World so she does not suffer the same fate.

Mary takes on her new "pilgrim" life and tries to conform to society's expectations, but she finds it difficult to suppress her true nature. Mary falls under suspicion when she begins to explore the "dark woods," makes friends with the native Indians, and is accused by her rivals of being a witch.

Overall, I think this is a good book. I think teens will enjoy it. I found the historical details in the story to be accurate. Many of the diary entries were realistic and sometimes shocking when you realize these things actually happened. However, the ending left me a bit unresolved. I felt it ended abruptly. I would have liked the author to expand a little bit more on the events that take place in the last chapter.

I loved this book. There are some writers who have such an amazing way
with words, and Celia Rees is one of them. She is a gifted writer and
wonderful story teller.

The story begins with the torture and ultimate hanging of Mary's grandmother in England for being a witch. Mary is then ubducted
by a mysterious woman who sends Mary to America by ship in hopes
that she will escape the same fate as her grandmother. The rest of
the story chronicles Mary's new life in a very new land with the
puritains.

I loved this character. Although, she is only fourteen, she already
speaks as a wisewoman which is why I recommend this book to both
adult and young adult alike. I'm forty one and could not put it down.
Celia Rees also did a lot of research, so I felt like I got a history
lesson too.

The sequel to "Witch Child" is "Sorceress" which you'll definately want
because "Witch Child" leaves you hanging.

The only negative thing I have to say is that I thought that both
of these books deserved better book jackets and perhaps even titles.
This is a beautiful story told about a strong and courageous young woman,
and I think that the cover should some how reflect that better.

Other than that, it's a terrific read.

I love a good reference to the Salem times as much as anyone, so I have nothing against the sly horror of lies and rebellion and betrayal. And Ms. Rees is certainly if nothing a pretty writer.

Still, it seemed more attempt to make an exciting plot than truly create characterization and terror. A little fluffy while trying to be serious.

Still, it's a worthy read and should be best appreciated by teenagers looking for something with a darker spark.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book was the simplicity of the story while offering young readers the chance to have a history lesson of life in 1600's. The young main character, Mary, is set on a course of life where she is offered opportunities to change or stay true to her spiritual path as a witch. I think the word "witch" alone sets up a red flag for the reader. Assumptions and prejudices are foremost in the readers' minds but as the story unfolds we learn being a witch is a choice for living spiritually as is any person who choices a spiritual path. Mary must make choices and is supported by those who understand her and I think that is what the young reader wishes to experience in her or his life, understanding. I will and have, recommended this book for younger and older people interested in understanding witches. Easy read.

The story starts off in the 1600s during the witch-hunt times, where young Mary Newbury has to begin a new life after the death of her grandmother. She travels to America with a lady named Martha who takes her in. It isn't expressed in great detail, but hinted when Mary and Martha met that Martha knows more about what Mary is going though than she lets on. It is obvious that anyone deemed 'different' back in those times had to be very careful, especially if they practiced with herbal remedies, etc.
The book is written diary format, since the story is 'based' on a diary that was found stitched in a quilt. Martha had found Mary's diary one night, and knew that if the wrong person read it Mary would be in grave danger. Mary, not wanting to burn her diary, took to folding each piece of paper and then stitching it in her quilt.
Honestly, if I had not read the fine print stating that this book was a work of fiction, I would've believed every single word.
It was amazingly put together with the note at the beginning from Alison Ellman and the afterword left by her as well. Most definatly one would think that it was indeed a real-life story!
I am sure likely happened similar to this story took place in the 1600's, it was definatly a troubled time period.
This book takes you back to the time period where everyone was severely and wrongfully judged. To me it is a history lesson, and a lesson on how people can be so quick to judge, especially when they fear differences.

I'm somewhat new to Margaret Atwood, having only read "The Handmaiden's Tale." I loved that book, its imagery, and the haunting theme. I had similarly high hopes for this book, particularly since my best friend of 40 years spoke so highly of Atwood.

I enjoyed the portion of the book discussing with Elaine's early years, particularly those dealing with her immediate family. Perhaps the portion of the book concerning her school years and friends hit too close to home. It brought back all the feelings I had in junior high of being on the outside looking in, and of wanting desperately to have control over my own life. The portion of the book dealing with her college years was neither a plus or a minus; the balance of the book was okay.

This is a well written, intelligent text which is the reason I gave it four stars. If you enjoy taunt psychological stories which disturb you and cause you to reflect on your life, as well as that of the characters in the book, then you will like this novel. If you read for pure pleasure, this probably isn't the book you'd choose for your escape. Personally, it didn't hold my interest enough to keep me reading until I finished it before I started - and finished - two other books - "The Toss of a Lemon" and "The Gargoyle". I did finish "Cat's Eye", but it wasn't a book I'd reread.

This is a well written book, a page-turner; I like the details of Elaine's past and am interested in what viewpoints formed her as a person. However, I also think it is quite depressing. I read it a couple of times, years ago. When I saw a positive review on it I read it again, and each reading makes it more depressing. Her outlook is bleak, and I really don't see anything positive or uplifting about it.

Simply put, I worship this book.

Cat's Eye follows the controversial painter Elaine as she reflects upon her childhood and younger years when she returns to Toronto (the city of her youth) for a retrospective of her works. Her reflections stir up memories of friendship, longing, betrayal, love, hate, and pain. Especially haunting are her memories of Cordelia, a childhood friend with whom she had a complex relationship. It is a truly brilliant story, so completely well-written and beautiful that I just wanted to read certain sentences over and over again. Her story also rouses intense emotions in the reader, as we can all unearth memories of childhood friendships gone awry, awkward teenage years, and failed love.

Elaine finds she needs to mourn her past in order to get through the present. Her past is so achingly realistic and personal, that you can't help but empathize and contemplate your own personal grief. That's not to say the book is fully depressing; instead, I would say that it is haunting. There are certain things to which I can relate at this exact moment in my life, which may have caused the book to have a bigger impact on me than it might for others. Regardless, I think this is another brilliant masterpiece by Atwood and would recommend it to both Atwood fans, and those new to her writing.

Cat's Eye / 0-385-49102-6

Cat's Eye is supposed to be Atwood's most autobiographical novel, and it certainly shows. The book is a long one - well over 400 pages - but it flies by quickly. Atwood lingers over lavish descriptions of childhood loneliness and the cruelties which are inflicted by one's peers. This book will not resonate with everyone, but for adults plagued by an childhood in happy circumstances (a loving home with gentle parents) but which nevertheless was made unhappy by one's peers, this book will strike a deep chord.

Elaine is constantly berated by her childhood companions. She frequently feels unhappy and yet is unaware of her unhappiness - these are, after all, her "friends" who are tormenting her. She develops a minor body dismorphic disorder (though this is never explicitly described as such) and chews her fingers (not her nails, as nails don't hurt), peels off the skin from her feet, and develops a small appetite and an inability to keep her food down. Her mother recognizes that her child is unhappy, but feels powerless to confront the problem. Elaine eventually stands up to her friends, but the damage is done and the criticism has been internalized, destined to remain with her into adulthood.

Elaine remains conflicted over the years with regards to her rights, her worth, and her defects. She allows a teacher to take advantage of her, because she isn't sure she didn't send out the wrong signals to seduce him. She is conflicted over her first husbands affairs - did she drive him to it by being too temperamental over his share of the rent and housework? Is he compensating for his disappointment that she turned out to be better as an artist than he? She approaches feminism warily - has she suffered 'enough' to warrant inclusion in their ranks? She feels guilty that the paintings that describe her personal anguish are seen as feminist icons, when she meant no such thing.

This is a wonderful treatise on the nature of guilt and childhood anguish, and no answers are offered. I saw myself reflected in this book, and found some solace to know that I'm not the only one who doubts myself.

People always say that children are so innocent, and yet most of us have memories of being tormented by other kids at some point during our childhoods. Sometimes we were even guilty of being the young tormenters ourselves. "Cat's Eye" explores the complexities of female friendships and the effects these relationships have on people's lives.

The novel is narrated from the perspective of Elaine Risley, a middle-aged Canadian painter who returns to her hometown of Toronto for a retrospective of her work. From the very beginning of the novel, it is obvious that Elaine has a slight obsession with her childhood friend, Cordelia, whom she hasn't spoken to in years but expects to encounter at the retrospective. The book soon flashes back to Elaine's youth and describes the experience of moving to Toronto with her parents and brother. Young Elaine eventually befriends a group of three other girls, Cordelia among them. There are times when all four girls get along very well, but at other times Cordelia can be incredibly cruel, especially where Elaine is concerned. These childhood relationships have a profound impact on Elaine's life, particularly the interactions she has with Cordelia, which continue into young adulthood. Elaine eventually realizes how her friendships have affected her whole life and helped shape the woman she has become.

I enjoyed "Cat's Eye" very much. Margaret Atwood's portrayal of girlhood friendships is incredibly accurate and painfully honest. It's true that all relationships, even those that ended long ago, have a major affect on people for the rest of their lives, and this book does a great job of illustrating that fact. Personally, I think the book drags a bit in places, and it's not my favorite Atwood novel of all time. However, "Cat's Eye" is very dynamic, powerful, and emotional. It's definitely worth reading.

Crazy though it might seem, the kidnappers (armed with guns and no strangers to crime) never stood a chance against the arsenal of intelligence Alpert had going for him. How he kept his cool, got the abductors to like him and let him go, and then came after them makes for a fascinating true life story.

will make a great movie.

I found the Birthday Party to be a very entertaining book, although the other reviewers are correct in their assertions that the author is full of himself. He is, but the experience that he describes is riveting. One thing that really stuck with me from this book is how the author talks about his belief that the death penalty is wrong. However, in the story it turns out that the biggest reason why he wasn't killed was the criminals' belief that if they killed government attorney they would be more likely to get the death penalty. Can we all get business cards with our profession listed as Federal Prosecutor so our chances of being murdered by the criminal element will drop to Stanley's?

After hearing a great interview with the author on NPR, I ordered the book anticipating a great read. I'm sorry to say that I was sorely disappointed. The narrative drags, the protagonist's whining description of his predicament did not bring the natural empathy that the story surely deserves. His portrayal of his abductors never goes beyond the level of stick figure drawings and are filled with superficial stereotypes. I would recommend passing this one up.

I was eager to read this book after hearing an interview with Stanley on the radio. After getting through the initial kidnapping and the first couple of hours he spent with the thugs, the book drags a bit. I commend Stanley for what he went through and how he survived this terrible ordeal and I mean no dissrespect at all to him, but the book was just a little dull for me. Granted, Stanley is a lawyer, but much of the legalistic writing in the later chapters tend to run together. Great, intriguing story, but I found myself bored by the end of the book. I will say...it's amazing the amount of detail Stanley recalls from this ordeal.

others have used the words "annoyingly arrogant and apparently editor-less man" and i totally agree. how insecure must he be to continually bring up his wannabe dating habits? and if i was that lisa woman, i'd be pissed that he continually kept writing her full name, including middle initial. jerk. borrow this book from the library.

It seems to me that the negative reviews overwhelmingly express the disappointment of not being amused and punish the author for her lack of intent to please by denigrating and dismissing her (rather sharp) political opinions and generally dark observations of human nature. People, this is NOT A CHICK LIT NOVEL. For that matter, perhaps it was mis-marketed to housewives' book clubs. Indeed, the characters are not very likeable, but they are very, very real and alive. You may not want to hang out with them -- or with the author herself -- but it's not the point. Shriver took two "what if" situations and followed each through to its logical end. The unlikeability of the characters to some readers is not a failing: they are so real that, like in real life, some people can relate to them, some may recognize themselves or parts of themselves in them, some may sympathize, and some may have emotional baggage preventing them from even being in the same room with these characters. Her sometimes annoying and unnecessary penchant to overflaunt her vocabulary aside, Shriver's style is brilliant, and her turn of a phrase is what makes her a writer with a capital WRITE. She's not perfect. She's not flawless. But she's always interesting and she never takes the easy way in or out.

The Post-Birthday World: A Novel (P.S.)
I can always tell when I really liked a book... I keep thinking about it days and even weeks after I've read it. That's the way it is with this book - pieces of the story just pop into mind at odd times, reminding me of parts of the book. Like a song on the radio that sticks with you all day, this great book will keep you entertained long past the last chapter read.

I loved this book and still hated it at times. In the end, it left me thinking. What more can you ask? It's absolutely perfect for a book club - both for the reasons it's likeable and for those that it's not:

I loved the writing!: I've never read a Shriver book, so maybe unlike others I'm not disillusioned by comparison to others - but WOW, CAN SHE WRITE. Few authors could carry this ambitious concept off well.

I loved the univeral theme and concept: The passionate, temptuous roller-coaster ride of love or the relaxed, dependable love that's like an old, comfy sweater? Which is really best? Who in the end is the best choice? Both come with their ups and downs. What woman hasn't faced this?????

I loved the clever writing - particularly when the protaganist (and I don't think this is a spoiler) as a children's illustrator creates 2 different themed children's books that parallel the novel - WOW!

I loved that I still thought about and debated which was the best of her choice- long after the last page. Even though, deep inside, I wished SHriver had told me her answer.

I hated that both of the heroine's choices had terrible, abusive flaws. It would have been better, if she'd made both choices more likable. Though, in the end, I've decided she was illustrating that the "grass is always greener on the other side". Each choice is more likable when she's not with them.

And what I hated about it is also what makes it so great for endless pondering and discussion. What route should our heroine have chosen --- it's up to you. Fascinating reading!

Bottom Line: I think if you liked Sliding Doors or The Time Traveler's Wife, you'll really like this one!

One of the best books I have read this year. (and I read alot) I am in 2 bookclubs and listen to 4-8 audiobooks a month. ALL of my girlfriends are buzzing about this book.

I'll be the first to admit I thought the literary 'Sliding Doors' was simply going to be a clever device to map out a story with obvious results. I couldn't of been more wrong. This was a book I kept closing at night and found it replaying in my head like scenes form a movie. This is the first book I'd read by Shriver and found her writing both exceptional, and her observations on love and life both keen and razor sharp in their exactness. Yes, the book can be uncomfortable, especially for anyone whose been in a long term relationship, but that's why the book is so affecting.It pushes buttons and provokes discourse, whether verbal or not, about love, life, and the choices we make. What I appreciated is that as an author she takes a completely unbiased view and just presents two mirrored alternatives from which you can draw your own conclusions. I didn't, like many people, find the book depressing, and actually found it pretty affirming ultimately.

It seems to me that the negative reviews overwhelmingly express the disappointment of not being amused and punish the author for her lack of intent to please by denigrating and dismissing her (rather sharp) political opinions and generally dark observations of human nature. People, this is NOT A CHICK LIT NOVEL. For that matter, perhaps it was mis-marketed to housewives' book clubs. Indeed, the characters are not very likeable, but they are very, very real and alive. You may not want to hang out with them -- or with the author herself -- but it's not the point. Shriver took two "what if" situations and followed each through to its logical end. The unlikeability of the characters to some readers is not a failing: they are so real that, like in real life, some people can relate to them, some may recognize themselves or parts of themselves in them, some may sympathize, and some may have emotional baggage preventing them from even being in the same room with these characters. Her sometimes annoying and unnecessary penchant to overflaunt her vocabulary aside, Shriver's style is brilliant, and her turn of a phrase is what makes her a writer with a capital WRITE. She's not perfect. She's not flawless. But she's always interesting and she never takes the easy way in or out.

The Post-Birthday World: A Novel (P.S.)
I can always tell when I really liked a book... I keep thinking about it days and even weeks after I've read it. That's the way it is with this book - pieces of the story just pop into mind at odd times, reminding me of parts of the book. Like a song on the radio that sticks with you all day, this great book will keep you entertained long past the last chapter read.

I loved this book and still hated it at times. In the end, it left me thinking. What more can you ask? It's absolutely perfect for a book club - both for the reasons it's likeable and for those that it's not:

I loved the writing!: I've never read a Shriver book, so maybe unlike others I'm not disillusioned by comparison to others - but WOW, CAN SHE WRITE. Few authors could carry this ambitious concept off well.

I loved the univeral theme and concept: The passionate, temptuous roller-coaster ride of love or the relaxed, dependable love that's like an old, comfy sweater? Which is really best? Who in the end is the best choice? Both come with their ups and downs. What woman hasn't faced this?????

I loved the clever writing - particularly when the protaganist (and I don't think this is a spoiler) as a children's illustrator creates 2 different themed children's books that parallel the novel - WOW!

I loved that I still thought about and debated which was the best of her choice- long after the last page. Even though, deep inside, I wished SHriver had told me her answer.

I hated that both of the heroine's choices had terrible, abusive flaws. It would have been better, if she'd made both choices more likable. Though, in the end, I've decided she was illustrating that the "grass is always greener on the other side". Each choice is more likable when she's not with them.

And what I hated about it is also what makes it so great for endless pondering and discussion. What route should our heroine have chosen --- it's up to you. Fascinating reading!

Bottom Line: I think if you liked Sliding Doors or The Time Traveler's Wife, you'll really like this one!

One of the best books I have read this year. (and I read alot) I am in 2 bookclubs and listen to 4-8 audiobooks a month. ALL of my girlfriends are buzzing about this book.

I'll be the first to admit I thought the literary 'Sliding Doors' was simply going to be a clever device to map out a story with obvious results. I couldn't of been more wrong. This was a book I kept closing at night and found it replaying in my head like scenes form a movie. This is the first book I'd read by Shriver and found her writing both exceptional, and her observations on love and life both keen and razor sharp in their exactness. Yes, the book can be uncomfortable, especially for anyone whose been in a long term relationship, but that's why the book is so affecting.It pushes buttons and provokes discourse, whether verbal or not, about love, life, and the choices we make. What I appreciated is that as an author she takes a completely unbiased view and just presents two mirrored alternatives from which you can draw your own conclusions. I didn't, like many people, find the book depressing, and actually found it pretty affirming ultimately.

It seems to me that the negative reviews overwhelmingly express the disappointment of not being amused and punish the author for her lack of intent to please by denigrating and dismissing her (rather sharp) political opinions and generally dark observations of human nature. People, this is NOT A CHICK LIT NOVEL. For that matter, perhaps it was mis-marketed to housewives' book clubs. Indeed, the characters are not very likeable, but they are very, very real and alive. You may not want to hang out with them -- or with the author herself -- but it's not the point. Shriver took two "what if" situations and followed each through to its logical end. The unlikeability of the characters to some readers is not a failing: they are so real that, like in real life, some people can relate to them, some may recognize themselves or parts of themselves in them, some may sympathize, and some may have emotional baggage preventing them from even being in the same room with these characters. Her sometimes annoying and unnecessary penchant to overflaunt her vocabulary aside, Shriver's style is brilliant, and her turn of a phrase is what makes her a writer with a capital WRITE. She's not perfect. She's not flawless. But she's always interesting and she never takes the easy way in or out.

The Post-Birthday World: A Novel (P.S.)
I can always tell when I really liked a book... I keep thinking about it days and even weeks after I've read it. That's the way it is with this book - pieces of the story just pop into mind at odd times, reminding me of parts of the book. Like a song on the radio that sticks with you all day, this great book will keep you entertained long past the last chapter read.

I loved this book and still hated it at times. In the end, it left me thinking. What more can you ask? It's absolutely perfect for a book club - both for the reasons it's likeable and for those that it's not:

I loved the writing!: I've never read a Shriver book, so maybe unlike others I'm not disillusioned by comparison to others - but WOW, CAN SHE WRITE. Few authors could carry this ambitious concept off well.

I loved the univeral theme and concept: The passionate, temptuous roller-coaster ride of love or the relaxed, dependable love that's like an old, comfy sweater? Which is really best? Who in the end is the best choice? Both come with their ups and downs. What woman hasn't faced this?????

I loved the clever writing - particularly when the protaganist (and I don't think this is a spoiler) as a children's illustrator creates 2 different themed children's books that parallel the novel - WOW!

I loved that I still thought about and debated which was the best of her choice- long after the last page. Even though, deep inside, I wished SHriver had told me her answer.

I hated that both of the heroine's choices had terrible, abusive flaws. It would have been better, if she'd made both choices more likable. Though, in the end, I've decided she was illustrating that the "grass is always greener on the other side". Each choice is more likable when she's not with them.

And what I hated about it is also what makes it so great for endless pondering and discussion. What route should our heroine have chosen --- it's up to you. Fascinating reading!

Bottom Line: I think if you liked Sliding Doors or The Time Traveler's Wife, you'll really like this one!

One of the best books I have read this year. (and I read alot) I am in 2 bookclubs and listen to 4-8 audiobooks a month. ALL of my girlfriends are buzzing about this book.

I'll be the first to admit I thought the literary 'Sliding Doors' was simply going to be a clever device to map out a story with obvious results. I couldn't of been more wrong. This was a book I kept closing at night and found it replaying in my head like scenes form a movie. This is the first book I'd read by Shriver and found her writing both exceptional, and her observations on love and life both keen and razor sharp in their exactness. Yes, the book can be uncomfortable, especially for anyone whose been in a long term relationship, but that's why the book is so affecting.It pushes buttons and provokes discourse, whether verbal or not, about love, life, and the choices we make. What I appreciated is that as an author she takes a completely unbiased view and just presents two mirrored alternatives from which you can draw your own conclusions. I didn't, like many people, find the book depressing, and actually found it pretty affirming ultimately.

This book is okay. It's not the best if you are mid twenties because it asks you about marriage, kids and later years. If you plan on keeping it and filling in the blanks later in life then it's fine

Definately a more serious tone than books like "Listography" but that's not a bad thing. If you prefer really writing a record of your life, this is it. My only complaint is the "early-medium-late" life layout, it feels like you have to drag it out, not for someone who wants a quick, fun, book.

I love this book. It is broken up into the different stages of your life- Early years, high school, young adult- etc. I have yet to experience my first child and such so those pages are blank, but they are waiting to be filled. I love that I have it sitting at my bedside and when I think of something I have it and can start writing. There is one page for each question- just enough room to write about it.
My husband wil pick up and read page here and there and it is an interesting conversation starter. I have bought several as presents.

Sadly enough the person I wanted to surprise did NOT receive this item yet. It's been a full month already...

I love the premise of this book--and got copies for friends and family members--but the point of it is you have to contribute the memories. There are 201 questions that, when answered by the recipient, will produce an autobiography that could turn into a family heirloom.
If you're giving this book to an elderly person, why not ask them the questions and then fill in their answers? That way you will have some great personal time, find out a few surprises, and produce a journal of life stories that will record some family history.
You get out of Book of Myself just what you put into it. Maybe this is the year to finish this project.

Wow! This book is so funny that I kept my spouse awake with my raucous laughter -- and had to put it away as soon as he fell to sleep so I didn't end up in divorce court.

After sharing a few anecdotes with him, we both started going to bed laughing hysterically as if we were back in high school!

A delightful read -- and wonderful gift for those boomers approaching their 50th birthdays.

Anything by Dave Barry is genius - full of insight, uncannily funny, entertaining, and thought provoking. Dave Barry Turns 50 makes a perfect small gift for 50th birthdays (as does Dave Barry Turns 40 for those a decade younger.)

This is one of Barry's books where he includes a lot of personal stories and like in other novels where he does this, the overall quality, entertainment and humour doesn't quite reach the high benchmark of his usual work where he just comments on the world. This book should really be called Dave Barry relives his life in the 60's and early 70's as that pretty much is all that's in this book. Even though when turning 50 Barry obviously lived must have lived through the 80's and 90's there is no commentary what so ever on these decades so if you weren't alive back in the 60's and 70's then obviously you are not going to enjoy the reminiscing factor.

An interesting look at America in the 60's and 70's but if you weren't alive back then I'd suggest better Barry non fiction books such as Boogers are My Beat and Homes and Other Black Holes. Also read Barry's fiction masterpiece Tricky Business.

The guy is gross, goofy, really really funny, but he's not the tenage moron he sets you up for. I read this book on my way to Japan for the first time. It was a great flight companion and every word of it turned out to be true. How he could get such insights out of so short a trip, with kids in tow amazes me, but my point here is that he handled the tough stuff--racism, pacifism...you know, the NOT FUNNY!!! stuff...with the compusure of a monk! Really. I would have read the book just for the profound insights (sorry Dave). As it happened my trip coincided with Bush's declaration of war on Iraq. Had I not read his chapter on Hiroshima, I would have been blindsided by the questions I was asked in highschool classrooms about the American attitude toward war. Intestinal fortitude or not, I vote for Dave to represent us around the globe.

Dave Barry Turns 50 is less about turning 50 than it is a humorous recounting of growing up a Baby Boomer.

Barry chronicles all the major events, fads, trends and people who impacted the life of a typical boomer. Along the way Barry unleashes heavy doses of his wildly funny wit, recurring punch lines and he even throws in a bit of social and political commentary to boot.

If you're a Barry fan or an aging boomer then this book won't disappoint. Plenty of Barry humor to chuckle at and lots of references to stuff and events to which every boomer can relate.

However, if you're new to Barry's world then I suggest you start with one of his other works - Dave Barry Slept Here for example. It similar to Turns 50 in the way it's constructed and written, but the humor is turned up to high and the commentary is turned completely off (except when used to poke fun at something).

Though Turns 50 goes back to the fence...it's not a quite a home run.