Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Jonathan Safran Foer

"Often I get annoyed with books like this (Vonnegut etc.). Granted they raise a few interesting, if impractical ideas and provide a good number of quotes but they seem more of an author's indulgence than a legitimate story deserving of a book."

I wrote that early on through the book and was pleased that the story did settle in and become more of a story than an assortment of sporadic ideas and thoughts. That being said much of what happened in the story irked me for one reason or another. It didn't help that I'd started the movie and found it annoying for many of the same reasons, but even worse because you had to actually watch a kid actor acting grown up as written by an adult. 

The lack of wrapping up in the end could probably have been predicted but was still disappointing after having to persist in finishing the book despite reservations. It's not that it didn't have its moments and endearing qualities, just had many bothersome aspects to offset these. Hey - the creative font and photo inserts were neat.

Apr/May 2013

4

No Logo - Naomi Klein

No Logo takes on branding from a variety of angles and speaks of the (mostly ill) effects that it has on us individually and as societies. It comes across as an attack on the corporation and builds a strong case. Over a decade since publication many of the movements talked about have faded or changed but the basis for them has not likey improved drastically. Often during the book I wished for a current reader to tell me what has come of things, or what the modern equivalent is. Unfortunately the problems are massive and the solutions aren't clear cut so there is little in the way of concrete steps to take, but more some flimsy (and optimistic) hopes for the future. The most lasting information is definitely regarding the exploitation of workers in developing nations to produce cheap merchandise. Utterly appalling. 

Feb/Mar 2013
6.5

How To Be Good - Nick Hornby

There were some truly clever remarks to be found; cutting and incisive reflections on the meaning of life for the middle class. These buoyed the otherwise stretch of a story that included an element of witchcraft requiring the suspension of belief that took away from the validity of the work as a whole. Nick writes from a female's perspective which is believable (at least being read by a man) but the idea as a whole seems somewhat half-baked, especially with the lack of a conclusion in the end. This book seems to be a used book store favourite and that is understandable, meaning the consensus is unanimous that although there are redeeming qualities it is not his best work.

February 2013
5

Work Hard. Be Nice - Jay Matthews

An inspiring read about the sacrifice of two young teachers very devoted to the education of their classrooms of children and doing all that they can to improve their situations. The two founders of the KIPP school are presented as tireless advocates fighting in every way possible for the students. Not a book I would necessarily have been attracted to but one with a great deal to offer, read on recommendation. Interesting that the author is not directly linked to the story but seems to have done his homework and presents many of the interactions through imagined dialogue which lends to the immediacy of the book. Nearing the end a few chapters seemed crammed in to give a balanced view but took away from the flow. Regardless a pleasant surprise of a true story that I would surely pass on to any teacher, or even anyone who needs to increase their determination.

January 2013
7.5

I'm a Stranger Here Myself - Bill Bryson

A collection of weekly articles published in a British newspaper by 'the king of everyday' following his return to the USA after some years spent in Britain  Although it was slightly dated with figures and studies coming from the '90s the majority of the sentiments hold true, or are even more pronounced these days. Some truly laugh out loud moments as well as some interesting insights. Perhaps a few too many murder and suicide jokes for my liking but otherwise it's like the jacket says 'Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint [...] and still make us laugh out loud.'

December 2012 - January 2013
8

Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz

Seems like a pretty straightforward concept: there's an overwhelming amount of choices in our lives today and we need to make the best decisions. However there's a great deal more that goes into decisions, as well as our feelings following the decisions, that surprised me. Rifling through this book caused some personal reflection and pointed out a few aspects of my personality that seem obvious but weren't recognized until this reflection. Apparently I am a maximizer. There were a few studies mentioned which actually proved the opposite of what many people, myself included, would have reasoned when it comes to decision making. The advice is primarily common sense, but again until you spend the time to contemplate it you may not realize.

January 2013
7

Santaland Diaries - David Sedaris

An overtly sarcastic collection of tongue-in-cheek short stories loosely surrounding the Christmas holiday. The negativity persists even if it is veiled behind the sarcasm and really doesn't make for an uplifting read at all - in fact it was quite the opposite. Not funny so much as borderline offensive at times. The first story, about working as an elf, is the highest point and gives hope that the rest may be worth its while but that expectation is not met.

3
December 2012