A Garden in the Pocket

One day when I had nothing better to do I wander out of the apartment and down to my local Borders and discovered this book on the ‘buy 2 get the 3rd book free table’ so as I had already picked two I desperately wanted to read this seemed like a good choice for the third. With only a week to go before my trip to Germany it seemed like and interesting choice to read a fictitious book about the childhood of Adolf Hitler.

This was a very intriguing and unique book. The story follows the life of young Adi and his family as they develop each into there own persona. The family story and dynamic is dictated to us from the point of view of a Cudgel (a Devil Minion). Throughout the story the cudgel reinforces his and the Maestro’s (the Devil’s) role on the life of Adi and the molding influences they have.

Many times in the book I found myself feeling sorry and compassionate towards Adi. It was a strange feeling when we all know how Adolf Hitler eventually turned out. It made me stop and think, if his up bring had been different, if his older brother was different, if his relationship with his father was different, could history have been change….even prevented?

The only truly disappointing thing about ‘The Castle in the Forest’ is that it was the first book in a trilogy but unfortunately Norman Mailer passed away after completing this book. I therefore felt that the story could have gone on further and I wished it had of gone on further but alas this will not be. Even without the final books this is a stand alone story and one that I found interesting and would recommend to anyone who likes something out of the ordinary a story told with a difference, it is definitely different.

I have just moved to Germany for a year. A fairly big move considering I don’t yet speak German. It has taken me a little while to settle in but once I am comfortable and refreshed more posts will be coming your way.

I believe that the best books are those that one can relate to. So depending on what you like and what your views and experiences are you will either like an author’s style or not. There’s probably more to what makes a good book but I still think this basic principle holds true in most cases.

Bill Bryson seems to be one of those who has the rare gift of being able to relate to many of us. He’s funny, direct, knowledgeable, well traveled and still manages to maintain a certain “next door neighbour” flair that makes you not only like his books but also makes you want to have a beer with him while listening to his stories. “Down Under” is written in a straight forward way, almost like fast food for bookworms - and I found this Big Mac delicious.

Bill Bryson has probably seen more places around the world than most of us. Yet, even a well travelled person such as Bryson finds himself captured by the vast country that Australia is. Its people, its culture, its unique landscapes and the massive, endless open space - all those aspects are pretty much unique to Australia and make it such a wonderful place. It’s hard not to like Australia, even if you try. You follow Bryson’s footsteps while he travels from one end of Australia to the other and it feels as if you sit next to him in the car or on the train. The funny thing is that Bryson looks exactly how you would picture him, a middle aged, slightly overweight, bearded, grey haired man who loves a beer (or two) and who gets sunburned (as most English people do when they come to Australia). He manages to add historical information about Australia to his travel report without ever being boring or sounding like a science text book - that alone is a gift that only a few have. On almost every page you find a passage where you can’t help yourself but smile or even laugh out loud. His hopeless attempt trying to understand the complex rules of Cricket or the fact that there is a town in Australia called Tittybong are just two examples of what you should prepare yourself for.

Personally, I have not read a funnier book (better ones… well, that’s hard to say), and if you find yourself wanting to go on the exact same trip that Bryson has been on, that alone is evidence enough for a well written story. As a matter of fact I would not know anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this book. (Review by Ole Brandenburg)

Everyone I know that saw the movie version of the book said it was a waste of time and one of the worst movies they had sat through. I wanted to see the movie and thought to make it such less it my might be better to read the book first (which none of my friends had done). So I read the book to watch the movie, and it was on “the list”.

The story is an interesting one; a young girl witnesses a strange incident between her sister and a family friend. This moment of voyeurism has profound impacts on the characters and irreparably changes there lives.

It took so long for the story to develop while reading this book I was screaming in my head “get to the point already”. So much of the setting and the mood is described in place of story line. I have to say I was very frustrated and disgruntled. The book was interesting and good to read but I would have to say that I didn’t really like it. The wading through pages of description is tough work, the story finally starts to develop and it ends so abruptly. 

Read this book if you want but it is not one I would recommend. I will cross it of my list but I doubt I will ever come back to it and read it again. Sorry for everyone (and there are lots of you) that enjoyed this book. 

I am not the biggest fan of fantasy books. I read ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and loved it but I don’t intentionally search them out. ‘Across the Nightingale Floor’ is a fantasy book and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I could not put the book down and I am currently reading the last book in the trilogy.

Set in a country and time similar to ancient Japan the story follows the same principals of most fantasy books. Laced with ferocious battles, long an arduous quest this book makes for entertaining reading. The Japanese element also made this book slightly more interesting then most fantasy, I was interested in their class system, the need for honour at all costs and if it is not obtained then death must come by your own hand.

This story focus on the Otori clan and the struggle of the heir (Shigeru) has trying to claim what is rightfully his. Shigeru stumbles upon a young Hidden boy running from the clutches on the evil Tohan clan. Saving the boys life Shigeru decided to protect it further by adopting Tomasu and naming Otori Takeo. Neither had any idea how powerful that name would become.

I could not stop reading, for me this was a huge page turner. I had to know what happened to Shigeru and Takeo, would old wrongs be righted and would revenge be granted to them. Of course as with any fantasy story there is romance and being a romantic at heart I loved the descriptions of the first meetings, the need to be together and the stolen glances. However, the finest descriptive passages in the book come from the gruesomeness yet poetic of the battle scene. You feel as if you are there watching the blades slice through air and flesh with equal ease.

I recommend this book to everyone, though if you are into battles, ancient family honour codes and revenge then this story is definitely for you. I warn you though, once you read the first you will have to read the second and third books, this story doesn’t really stand alone but once you finish ‘Across the Nightingale Floor’ I think you will want to read the rest anyway.

Everytime that I finish a book from my list I am glad that I decided to start this reading quest. It may be taking me a while to complete but every book that I read is like a treasure under layers and layers of wraping. Every book that I have finished not only tells a beautiful story but it also feels that by reading there stories they are helping me unravel mine. I remember reading somewhere (don’t quote me on this) that books are like mirrors and show us ourselves, I believe this whole heartedly.

I fell in love with this book. I read this while my partner was away; it was this seperation that made me bond with the character of Claire. Her partner is constantly leaving unexpectedly and she never knows when he will return. Although I had some indication of when my partner was coming back I still understood the longing and uncertainty she felt.

The story revolves around Claire and Henry. Henry has a genetic condition where he jumps through time, when and where he travels to is completely random. The only certainty in Henry’s life is Claire. For Claire, Henry has always been there, even when not physically near her, her thoughts are occupied by him. To me this is one of the greatest love stories that I have read. I found it incredibly romantic, a couple against all odds manages to find one another, fall in love a create a life together.

This is an unusual story and one that can only be done justice in a book. Books are places where even the most far fetched and impossible stories can seem real. I love this book with a passion. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good romance. The time travel elements of the story can be cofusing but the characters more then make up for this. I cried reading this book; it does have some sad moments but I think I was mostly crying because I found the story beautiful (may also be because I was missing my significant other). This review does not do justice to the story, I cannot express how moved I was and how much I enjoyed reading ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’. I hope Audrey Niffenegger can create another book like this.

I broke the cardinal rule and watched the movie before I read the book. Even though this happened I still always wanted to read the book and I am glad I did. The book is similar to the movie but very different, for example the book is no where near as tragically romantic as the movie. Also the description of Lara (the main female character) is nothing like Julie Christie. This being said the book was a snapshot into Russian life and socialist history that is not even touched upon in the movie.

Doctor Zhivago follows the life of Yurii Zhivago. Orphaned at a young age he moves to Moscow with distant relatives to pursue a doctor career and a hobby in poetry. With a life that seems planned out from when we met his wife, things take monstrous turns. With the tumultuous time of the Russian revolution Yurii is stolen from the ones he loves and flung into the arms of another. This book is romantic but not a typical romance and not at all like the one portrayed in the movie.

Yurii is an interesting character. I wouldn’t say he is likeable. At times he is opinionated, obnoxious and at the same time compassionate. I am still annoyed and feel somewhat betrayed by the events of his later life. I sympathise with his wife (maybe it is just the female bond) but I am unsure how to take Lara. She is described as breathtakingly beautiful, but is that a reason to forgive her, her sins? I do feel for her in the beginning of the story where she was stripped of her childhood, this may account for complications in the future.

This is a good book but not one that I would recommend to everyone. It felt like a constant struggle to read. I had to wade through it and it seemed to take me forever. However if you are interest in the Russian revolution and enjoy your historically novels then read this one, it is very interesting.

I had to read this book for school though there is no doubt in my mind that I would have read it any way. What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said? It is an instant classic and a story that has meaning and provides wisdom for today’s society. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird” is told through the eyes of Scout Finch (a six year old tomboy), her brother Jem and their friend Dill. During a summer of innocence we witness a struggling adult society through their childlike eyes. Scout’s father Atticus has been given the uphill task of representing a black man accused of raping a white woman. Even during this turbulent time Scout, Jem and Dill still manage to get up to mischief trying to spy on the local outcast Boo Radley.

This story deals with many issues including racial tension, family dynamics and the end to the carefree childhood of a little girl. This review does not do justice to the story. There are so many subtleties within the story and the plot that you can read this book numerous times and still uncover hidden treasures. The characters a very human and real, so you can relate. Everyone remembers a carefree, hot summer like the one in the book. Reading this will bring back your own childhood memories as well as experience those of Scout. Even if you don’t like this book you will be able to appreciate it not only for its story but also for its social commentary on a time long gone but not forgotten by many. I highly recommend this book so please if you get the chance read it. Don’t tell anyone I told you this but if you can’t be bothered reading the book at least watch the movie, Gregory Peck is perfect as Atticus Finch.

Where do I begin? This book is a cult classic that has impacted everyone in one way or another for good and bad (I cannot however forgive it for being the inspiration behind that dreadful reality TV show). I wanted to read this book and I think everyone else should because it is referenced all the time in movies, TV shows and political discussions. It also just so happens to be number 57 on my shrinking (slowly but surely) list.

Nineteen Eighty-four follows the life of Winston Smith an unassuming peon in the Big Brother ruled society of “future” London (remember this book was written in the 50’s so 1984 was the future). Winston plays the part of the perfect comrade (or party member) all the while he despises Big Brother and constantly questions the rewritten past.

The thing I loved about this story is the Big Brother society, video cameras everywhere, communist-based ideas (Big Brother posters, comrade etc) and the two minutes of hate. It was fascinating to see that all the bad things that were happening in the story are actually happening now. The whole BB society is based around a war that is never ending, to use up resources and give the community a common enemy (Iraq, terrorism, ring a bell?). Every house has telescreens to monitor everyone (CCTV, familiar?). I could go on but this isn’t meant to be a political/English essay.

How many people have read ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’? Everyone (or the majority, I can speak for everyone) agrees that it is a horrible society and yet we are headed on the same path. Read this book and see if you think we are headed for our own 1984 (2014?). Maybe we can change it.

Being number twenty-two on the Top 100 list I was always planning to read this book. The moment just presented itself when I had the whole apartment to myself for a month and need some stimuli. Whilst browsing the bookshelves (in an airport bookstore), this was the only book that I could remember being on the list. I decided to grab the chance to read it and finally get back on track with my Top 100 count down, or should I say “read” down.

This book was unlike any other that I have read. The style was unique and made the reading process interesting though at times frustrating. Not frustrating in the sense it was hard to get through but that so many things are left unsaid and not revealed until the last chapters.

The story is set in 1960’s India and deals with class struggles, life, death, love and most of all the complications that come with family. Throughout this book there is reference to a tragedy that has caused major upheaval and discontent with in the family. All problems seem to be centred around the twins Estha (male) and Rahel (female). This tragedy and what part they played in it is not revealed until the very end giving you a sense of reading half a story, which at times keeps you interested but can be at other times annoying.

I did however enjoy this book and it was nice to read something slightly different. I also found it interesting learning about the class system and Untouchables of India. If you get the chance read this book, reading a story from other sides of the world is enjoyable but also you feel like you are learning at the same time.