BEASTS OF NO NATION-Incendiary novel

If you have not yet read Beasts of No Nation, maybe it is time to try. TRY is the key word here because this is not a book that is everyone's taste. In fact, this "pseudo-memoir" and the life that it reflects make for one harrowing read.

Written as a thesis at Harvard, Uzodinma Iweala offers this harrowing portrait of Agu, the preteen boy who becomes a guerilla soldier in a war-torn, unnamed West African nation, gives this anguished account while forced to serve in this batallion. He has seen his quiet preacher father killed before his eyes, his bible-reading mother and sister eveacuated by the U.N. and nowAgu relays this heartbreak, while fighting a war which he knows little about, attempting to stay alive in the mayhem and chaos surrounding him. Told in Pidgin English, Agu's haunting voice takes the reader into this descent into hell, this nightmare of violence. Once a scholarly boy, Agu is now in the throes of brutality and takes on the ways of his marauding fighters. conflicted yet fascinated by war, Agu comes to receive care at a shelter/ hospital. This totally different powerfully important novel is a dehumanizing coming-of-age tale.

any splendid thoughts?

Well, I have finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. I guess it is really difficult for a writer of a terrific, much-loved novel to turn around and WOW readers again. I am a fan of Kite Runner, so my expectations for the author's second novel may have been high, as Kite Runner was terrific. So, readers, such as this one probably approached this second novel with trepidation. Hosseini has aimed high with his second novel. I have to admit that I liked the idea of this novel more than I actually enjoyed the novel. I had problems with Hosseini's writing this time out. Mainly I felt that these characters were cardboard-y. He tells a gripping story, conveying 30 years of Afghan history; readers learn the endurance of the women facing enormous oppression. The unbelievably tragic story, filled with graphic violence, is definitely an eye-opener: the war-torn story that unfolds is of two women survive tremendous odds. at times Hosseini seemed heavy-handed and preachy; at times, he merely seemed rushed. Kite Runner is a subtle novel, with depth and style that rarely slowed down; though an interesting novel that offers a big slice of history, A Thousand Splendid Suns, unfortunately, feels a bit contrived and manipulative. Looking foorward to many thoughts about this novel...splendid or otherwise.

plotz

Wednesday, September 12, 2007
thousand splendid thoughts?


Thoughts on A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I probably should wait until I am finished, but I am just wondering who has read this second novel by the author of The Kite Runner. I have read about 150 pages and while it is interesting and intriguing, I find that it is not as compelling as Hosseini's debut novel. Undoubtedly, he is a marvelous story-weaver, which is evident in this work; there is a good amount of heartbreak, a dramatic presentation of escalating danger and various violent turns yet I am finding the characters a bit one-dimensional. I am sure very soon I will find it difficult to put down, but so far my reaction is a bit tepid. Let's hear from you and your reactions to this highly acclaimed novel...looking forward to your thoughts.

Posted by ana anyogn at 5:46 PM 0 comments



Thursday, September 6, 2007
so interesting

As a sort of footnote to what I previously posted~for those of you interested in reading additional info. about author, Haven Kimmel, there is a most interesting interview with her on this lovely blog: Seven Impossible Interviews before Breakfast#9: The One. The Only. Haven Kimmel

Here you go: http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=522

ENJOY!

Posted by ana anyogn at 4:53 PM 0 comments

Wow!

I often read "advance copies" of books soon to be published so that I can review them for various resources. Often this is a lot of fun, but, at times, there can be a time-crunch where I find myself looking for extra time to read these books. Recently, I became acquainted with Haven Kimmel's newest book, The Used Emporium, which is the final book in her sort of Indiana-based trilogy---the first books of the trilogy are Solace of Leaving Early followed by Something Rising (Light and Swift). I had never read Kimmel, but was aware of her two non-fiction works: A Girl Named Zippy and She Got up off the Couch.

This novel is incredible. A bit slow to begin, by the time I got to page 100, the many developments began to play out. Many characters here and some spirituality, many memories, sordid secrets and more than a twists and turns. Caution: read carefully. Readers who enjoy Billie Letts' novels are likely to appreciate Kimmel's new book. The book is surprising in many ways and as the characters seem like living, breathing individuals, I expect it will stay with me for some time.

Stay tuned for more book news. . .

short stories

I have been waiting to read Away by Amy Bloom, but before trying it, I decided to sample a collection of short stories by this author. A Blind Man can See How Much I Love You is the title of this collection I brought home. Warning: don't begin reading this unless you are prepared to do nothing but read, read, read for several hours. Powerful stories that are difficult to put down. Each one is haunting in its own inimitable way. The focus of these stories cover the gamut from family illness, to familes reuniting to re-formed familes. Amazing. Highly recommended.

Welcome to "Plotz" - This is the place where we talk about books we're reading, books we want to read and book we've read...