Classic Double Challenge...Just In The Nick Of Time

My friend Melissa started this challenge just this year and I decided I really needed to join. I chose to just read one classic and a retelling. It's a dang good thing I didn't try to do more than that because I barely managed to read the two books for it! I decided at some point this last summer to read The Scarlet Letter and the retelling, When She Woke. When She Woke took me like maybe a week to read. The Scarlet Letter took me four freaking months! Argh! Anywho, here we go.

Title The Scarlet Letter
By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Genre Classic
Pages 247
Recommended by Me

First Sentence A throng of bearded men, in sad-coloured garments and grey steeple-crowned hats, inter-mixed with women, some wearing hoods, others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooded edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes.

Synopsis
Hester Pryne has been sentenced with the crime of adultery....does anyone NOT know what this one's about? Really???

Title When She Woke
By Hillary Jordan
Genre
Pages 344
Recommended by Kaye

First Sentence When she woke, she was red.


Synopsis
Hannah lives in a world where a person's crime is told by the color of their skin. She has been turned red. Her crime: abortion. Released after time in prison, Hannah must learn to live as she is. Haunted by her choices she begins a journey to discover who she truly is and what she really believes.


What it has going for it 
TSL
Um, well, it's a classic. That's something, right? Everyone and their dog and their neighbor's best friend's dog was forced had the pleasure of reading this one in high school. That has to mean it's an amazing book. I know people say there's all this symbolism and crap but really all I saw and took away from the book was... and shall here for be called "good ol' Puritan guilt". I was so freaking shocked at how guilty everyone felt! For heaven's sake! Quit living in the past, Hester, Reverend Dimmesdale! Sheesh! Your choices were made now deal with it and move on. So, yeah, I at least felt I took a little something away from the book. Let's not all walk around with are hand pressed to our chest feeling so guilty that we actually, physically make ourselves sick and die!

WSW
Sadly I read this one a good four five months ago and I don't remember every little detail. What I did enjoy about this one was Hannah's journey away from all that "good ol' Puritan guilt" to a new life with self acceptance. I also really liked that it slapped you in the face with every single thing in this world that makes people judge and called you out on it. It was eye opening, I tells ya! The world that was created in this one was very well put together and thought out. Nothing was fudged over or didn't make sense. Very important in a dystopian, am I right? Can I get an amen?! Alright it's late, I'm tired just ignore me. ;)

What's lacking
TSL
Oh boy, I'm really not sure why this one is required reading in high school. It's so ridiculously pretentious! The writing, I mean. The whole story could have been told in 25 pages...50 tops. But all that fluffy, snooty writing? So not necessary. I really despised all the characters too. Their guilt being the biggest reason. Reverend Dimmesdale was so freaking annoying! I mean, yeah, we're none of us perfect, but come on! What a pansy! I sure as hell wouldn't have fell for him. Hester would have been fine but her inner feelings about her only child being some devil spawn were awful. If guilt is making you feel that way towards your own kids, it's REALLY time to stop.

WSW
The only real complaint I had with this one was the whole lesbian thing. And not because of THAT reason. I just thought it came out of nowhere and was only thrown in to have one more thing in the story to remind us not to judge. That's fine but it didn't fit...at all.

Favorite moment
TSL
When the good Reverend FINALLY owned up and then died! Huzzah!

WSW
When Hannah finally stormed out of that "women's center". R E S P E C T find out what it means to me! You go girl!

Yea or Nay
TSC    If you weren't tied down to a chair in high school with your eyes taped open and forced to read this one, consider yourself lucky to have escaped THAT misery, and move on.
WSW  I would recommend this one. And just try not to judge anything that the author shoves in your face. I dare you!

Adults Only!

LOL! I love saying "adult books" It makes it sound like books that belong behind a beaded curtain. ;) Anywho, as much as I love YA books, I've been spending a great deal of time looking at all the adult books I have on my shelves that keep getting ignored. So, for some time now, I've been planning on having a month where I only read adult books. After all, I have about 213 adult fiction books and there's 84 I haven't read yet. That's not horrible but that number is never going to get smaller unless I read some, right?

So, I'm deeming February adult books only month! Here's some of the books I've chosen for the month. Mind you these are subject to change depending on my mood.

I think my kitty approves. I hope to get Midnight in Austenland that just came out today (whoohoo!) and read it too.

I hope you guys out there usually stick with YA books will still read my reviews this month. I'd hate to lose your attention cause I'm a bit of an attention whore. ;)  And, hey, maybe you could join me. Don't you have some adult books that keep getting set aside for YA? Sure you do, how's about giving them some love.

TV Addict Reading Challenge

K, just look at that challenge name...does that not describe me to a T? I'm so obsessed with TV and I love reading so when I saw this challenge over at Belle's Bookshelf  I just had to sign up for it.

The idea is to read a series of books that a TV show is based on. Belle has a list on her blog you should go check it out and join us...you know you want to. ;)

I'm actually going to just read one series and it's one that's not even on her list.

I watched this show on TV this summer and while it's a little hokey I'm interested to see how the books compare. So, yes, I've signed up for another challenge even though I said I wasn't doing any. :) Where's my willpower?!

Classic Double Challenge 2012

K, I won't be participating in a ton of challenges this year but when Melissa from One Librarian's Book Reviews came up with this challenge I figured I could handle it. Plus I think it's an interesting challenge. Want to know what it is? Well, if you look very closely at the button up there you'll see that the "bread" is Pride and Prejudice and a retelling of P&P, Enthusiasm. Is it making sense yet? So, you read a classic and then either a retelling or a book that is closely related to that classic. What do you think? I think it's going to be a blast. This isn't just a challenge that you read a certain amount of books in a certain genre, but one were you get to do a fun post where you compare the two books. How interesting will that be? I'm excited!

There's different levels too.

Small: You read 2 related books.

Medium: You read 4 books (2 sets of related books).

Large: You read 6 books (3 sets of related books).

Super Size: You read 8 books (4 sets of related books).

I'll just be doing the small challenge. I haven't decided on the books yet, I'll have to think about it, but I'll come up with something. 

Care to join? Head on over to Melissa's blog and sign up. 

Review: The Weight of Silence

Title The Weight of Silence
By Heather Gudenkauf
Source I own it
Pages 384
Recommended by Me

First sentence Callie stirred in her bed.

Synopsis
One August morning two girls go missing, Callie, a seven year old who hasn't talked since she was four, and her best friend Petra. Told from different points of view, we learn about these two girls, their families, and the secret behind Callie's silence.

* Note* I'm going to start adding who recommended a book to me, either directly or indirectly through their blog, on my review posts. But...I just want everyone to know, you don't have to get offended if I didn't like it; I'm not blaming you. Everyone has different opinions and I never hold anyone responsible for a book I didn't like. I choose to read a book based on the synopsis not so much a recommendation so it's always MY fault. ;) 


General thoughts
K, so I bought this book ages ago when I couldn't walk into bookstore without seeing it. I thought it might be a good, chilling story for the RIP challenge so it was the book I chose. Two little girls go missing, sounds kinda scary right? Not so much. First off, I just don't get why this book was so popular. It wasn't amazingly written, the author kept going back and telling all this back story, half of which was completely unnecessary to the rest of the story, and we're told right in the prologue that at least one of the little girls is found. BORING! I liked when it actually was telling the story but there was so much reminiscing and back story. Anywho, I guess I just didn't get why it was soooo popular. It wasn't THAT great. Oh and the convenience? Really? Really?! *rolls eyes*

Characters
Callie, She was the only POV I liked reading about.
Petra, How could you not like her?
Ben, He was a sweet kid.
Antonia, I just don't get girls that stay in abusive relationships.
Louis, Seriously, dude, move on!
Martin, Not much to him.
Griff, Yuck!

Would I recommend it? 
Meh, no, it wasn't that great.

Review: Under the Dome

Title Under the Dome
By Stephen King
Source I own it
Pages 1087!
Recommended by Me

First sentence From two thousand feet, where Claudette Sanders was taking a flying lesson, the town of Chester's Mill gleamed in the morning light like something freshly made and just set down.

Synopsis
When the town of Chester's Mill is suddenly shut off from the rest of the world by a giant dome, where it came from and how long it will trap them becomes the least of the towns worries. It's good vs evil vs The Just Plain Crazy.

* Note* I'm going to start adding who recommended a book to me, either directly or indirectly through their blog, on my review posts. But...I just want everyone to know, you don't have to get offended if I didn't like it; I'm not blaming you. Everyone has different opinions and I never hold anyone responsible for a book I didn't like. I choose to read a book based on the synopsis not so much a recommendation so it's always MY fault. ;) 

General thoughts
I really, really wanted to read this one for the longest time but until Suey and I decided to host a group read for the RIP challenge, I never had the courage. I'm so glad we got organized and went ahead because it's been ages since I read a book that had me, gasping out loud, crying, laughing, and, yes, even talking to it. I haven't read tons of King books, I think I've seen more of the movies based on his books, but I'm always pleasantly surprised by them. Even the ones with sad, or just plain weird, endings. This one was no exception. I thought I'd have a hard time keeping the characters straight but King does such a good job making each character have an individual personality and he makes them so gosh darn REAL, it was a piece of cake. I rooted for the good guys, booed at the bad, and when the big "mystery" was revealed, I set the book down and tried to gather the pieces of my blown mind.

Characters
There are Soooo many I'll just point out a few.
Barbie, Well, yeah, of course I loved him, he's humble, smart, and kicks ass!
Rennie, Wow, it's been awhile since a "villain" pissed me off THAT bad!
Rusty, Thank goodness the doc was on the good side, am I right?
Julie, Stubborn little thing, thank goodness for that, and, hey, she saved the day.
Joe, Smart teenager! This kid was indispensable.
Rommie, Yeah, so he was listed as a minor character, so what! I loved this guy! Now that his wife's gone maybe he'll marry me. ;)
Ollie, Wow, if there was anything to take away from this book it was the determination of this amazing kid!
Junior, I still shudder when I think of him. Freaky! I can't help but wonder what he was like BEFORE the tumor.

Oh man, I could go on and on with everyone of these unique, unforgettable characters but that would be one LONG post.

Would I recommend it? 
Yes, but not to the feint of heart or the easily depressed or queasy person. Plus it's long...but it doesn't feel like it.

Under the Dome Group Read Final Discussion

Well, we did it! I know you were worried. ;) We're all done and it's time for the last questions and answers discussion. Brace yourself. 

1. Were you pleased with the end that Stephen King gave Jim Rennie? Is it what you expected? Was it fitting? If not, how would you have changed it? 

Sigh! Yes, I suppose it was fitting, and definitely freaky, but I really wanted to see someone blow his brains out. Yeah, I have a violent streak in me. In fact, I started hoping at the end that he'd live just so I could see him get busted and thrown in prison.

2. Explain to us what you thought about the aliens and their "magnifying glass." Did you take it at face value, or is there some underlying deep meaning to it? In other words, is there actually a moral to this story? And if so, how would you explain it?
Oh snap! When the whole ant analogy was revealed I set the book down and just sat there trying to gather the pieces of my blown mind. Oh sure they were "aliens" but the description of them certainly sounded like ants to me and in my mind they were. Or at least represented them.

3. Pretty much everyone dies! Which death was the saddest for you? The hardest for you to read about? The most gruesome? The one that had you cheering? The one that made you the maddest?
Saddest? I cried when Sammy Bushey did the whole murder suicide thing. I just felt bad for her. 

Hardest to read about? When Rory tried to shoot a whole threw the Dome. :( I was sad but mainly I was just cringing like crazy.
Most gruesome? Hands down, when Junior killed Angie McCane at the very beginning. *shivers*

Cheering? I'd have to go with the Sammy Bushey murder suicide again. I was sad for her but glad she was killing those other two creeps! 

Maddest? I was furious when Brenda Perkins went to Rennie all alone. Like we didn't know what was coming.

4. If this were made into a movie (as Stephen King books often are) who would you cast in some of the leading roles?
I can't answer this. I never picture books made into movies and if I do I never imagine who would play the characters. Seriously. Sorry.

5. Do you think this book is an accurate portrayal of true human nature? Do you think everyone is as corrupt as this? How do you think your community would do in such a crisis? How would you personally handle it? What side would you have ended up on?

I think it was a good portrayal in certain communties\cities. There are people as insane and power hungry and corrupt as Rennie out there. Likewise, there are people as basically good as Barbie and his "gang". I have no idea how I'd handle something like this. I'd probably be most like one of the unnamed characters who dies horribly in the end. :( 

I had a blast reading this with everyone. I hope you all did too. I do have to add that by the end, my favorite character was Rommie. Don't ask, I just loved him. I also cried like a baby during the scenes between Ollie and Private Ames. Ollie's story was heartbreaking and inspiring.

Under the Dome Group Read Discussion 3

Whew! I had a tinsy lull during this section but things certainly got exciting again. Maybe it wasn't a lull but "the wall" You know? When you're running and you hit that point where you can't take one more step and then you get a second wind? Yeah, maybe that's what happened. Anyway here's the questions and my answers for this week.

We finally got to see what's probably behind the Dome. Did that freak you out? Are you convinced it's extraterrestrial?

Oh man! I was so freaked out and at the edge of my seat when Rusty was discovering what is probably behind the Dome. I say probably because who knows with King?! Anywho, I almost had a stab of disappointment when we found out it might be otherworldly. :( Still, it's very exciting...and scary!

Jackie thinks no one outside the Dome understands. She thinks it's "different" for the people inside the Dome. Do you agree with that, or do you tend to feel like Cox and think someone should just put a bullet in Rennie's head?

Oh, I'm so with Cox! Seriously. If I was in a situation like this or Lord of the Flies I swear I'd just kill off the bad guy and take the consequences. I hate control freaks and power hungry evil dudes! Of course, I say that, but in truth, I probably wouldn't do anything either. Sigh!

Speaking of Rennie, do you think he really believes that everything he's doing is for the good of the town, or is it all about power?

I have mixed feelings but I think I'm deciding that he tells himself that he's good and great and doing everything for the good of the town but he's just covering his ass and wants power; thrives on it, apparently. I swear if his heart takes him out and not Barbie, I'm gonna be so mad!!! The Chef on the other hand, I think he truly believes all that religious stuff.

I'm finding it very interesting that the bad guys all seem to have some strong religious beliefs. Have you noticed that and wondered about it? Do you think it's symbolic of something or just coincidence?

I don't think it's coincidence, nor is it bugging me. Sometimes I feel like authors have some issue with religion and think all religious people are freaks so they lash out at them in books. However I don't think that's what King is doing. And it is true that power hungry control freaks often use religion as an excuse to take over. 

Do you think Barbie being dragged to jail was the push the town needed to start forming their "side"? Do you think a war of sorts is brewing and will that be what causes the fire on Halloween? 

I'm afraid a war is brewing. What with The Chef having all those weapons and the police force being a bunch of crazy high school kids. But all that hot weather stuff is making me wonder if that won't eventually cause the fire. Either way I'm nervous but excited to see how it all comes together.

So, yeah, I'm excited to finish up in the coming week and finally see what the heck will happen and what's going on.

Under The Dome Group Read Discussion 2

Hey, everyone! It's week two of our group read of Under the Dome for the R.I.P Challenge. Some crazy stuff is going down and I'm getting all worked up. Argh! This book should not be read in public. I tried it once and kept gasping and drawing attention to myself. So, anyways, this week Suey from It's All About Books has provided our questions.

1.  We've talked a little bit about characters already, but I'd like to know who is your favorite so far? And why? 

This one's tough! One of my favorites just got killed! Ahhh! I don't think anyone's safe and I don't want to get attached. :( I think I'm going to have to go with "Scarecrow" Joe McClatchey. Mainly because I think he might be safe but I don't even know if that's true. I do like Barbie and his way of handling things (the store riot) but his hesitancy bothers me but it's probably for the best. So, basically, I don't want to have a favorite; they'll get killed! 

 

2. What do you think is up with these kid seizures? Do you have any clue how they are tied to the dome?

I'm thinking the Dome is electric or magnetic or something so I could see that having something to do with the seizures but why it's only affecting kids (sort of) is beyond me.

3. What has been your most favorite creepy/scary scene so far?

Oh boy, I don't know. The riot was freaky because it was so realistic but the truth is, Junior freaks me out. Who sits with dead people and touches them and holds their hands. He likes the smell of their decay, for heavens sake! Blech! Anytime it starts talking about him I get seriously creeped out! 

4. I'm assuming everyone knew what to expect from a Stephen King book, writing/style-wise. But still, I'm curious to know how you are all handling the vulgarity in parts. Does it bother you? Does it add to the story and give you a feel for certain characters? Or does it distract?

I'm so immune to this stuff (unfortunately) that I haven't really noticed. I've also been out there in the world and seen that people really do swear...a lot! So, it's not that unrealistic. Necessary? Meh, but it's normal for King and most people so why wouldn't he add it?

5. This last section ended with what I thought was an unexpected murder. Do you think anyone could get murdered at this point? Or is there a line that you do not cross regarding certain characters? In other words, do you think certain characters are safe from getting the ax? Are you curious about who will get it next, and who will survive? 

Oh my gosh! That murder was not unexpected when she chose to go alone to meet Big Jim but I was still devastated. And the way he "buried" the body...Ahhhh! With King anything is possible; Big Jim could win and all the good characters could be killed off. I almost wouldn't be surprised. And, because of all the ominous hints about more suicides I'm starting to think, "OK, crap! Who's going to kill themselves?" I said it before and I'll say it again, I'm trying REALLY hard not to get attached to these characters!

So, despite the anxiety this book is causing me I'm loving it so far and am dying to know what will happen next. It's very hard to reign myself in and try to keep to the assignments instead of reading ahead.

Under the Dome Group Read Discussion 1

Hey, everyone, it's week one the Under the Dome group read! As part of the R.I.P Challenge, Suey and I decided to host a group read of this massive book for the Peril of the Group Read Challenge. Fridays through the month of October will be our discussion days. So here we go, a few questions and my answers. 


Wow, we are being introduced to a lot of characters, some that aren't even making it. Are you having a hard time keeping everyone straight?   
I knew going into this one, that it was going to be full of lots and lots of characters so I was prepared. I try not to get to bogged down and worry about it. I figure King writes well enough to make me remember the important ones and so far so good. I'm Hating Jim Rennie and am downright scared of his freaky son. I'm liking Barbara, Dr Everett and Julia Shumway.

It's early in, but any predictions on what the Dome is or where it came from? Were you surprised at the idea of someone inside the town being responsible? 
I have absolutely no predictions at all, I don't even want to go there. I'll just let the story unfold. I hadn't even thought about someone inside being responsible until it was pointed out in the book. Now I'm looking at everyone suspiciously! 

Is the Science of the Dome and the science being used to test it interesting to you, or are you more character driven and could care less about what can and cannot get through the dome or how deep under ground it goes etc?
Once again, I hadn't really thought about it and now that things are being discussed in the book I'm quite fascinated, still I don't want to make any guesses as to where it came from. Either I'll be way off and embarrass myself, or I'll ruin the story by guessing too much so I'll just wait and see. 

Who do you think will prove to be the bigger threat inside the Dome: Jim Rennie or his son Junior? Or someone else entirely?  
Oh boy! Jim seems the bigger threat but knowing what we know about his son Junior...I'm terrified! I can't wait to see what happens. It's like being drawn to a gruesome accident; sure, you're cringing and horrified but also morbidly fascinated. 


Do you think, so far, King has realistically described what would happen if this happened in reality?
Oh yes! The military, the presidents speech, the religious reactions, the protests, all of it! You just know there would be some one looking to make a few bucks off a tragedy like this. So the store owner selling hot dogs and drinks at the protest and prayer meeting was incredibly realistic to me. 


So, yeah, I was a little scared going in that I wouldn't like it, or that I'd have a hard time, but now I'm all wrapped up in the story and all I want to do is read. I'm trying to pace myself but I'm already a little ahead of schedule, I can't help it, I'm loving it!


If you want to check out the other readers in our group and their answers and thoughts here they are.

Suey It's all about books
Selina Fragments of Fiction
Bellezza  Dolce Bellezza
Michelle The True Book Addict
Kaye Paper Reader

Under the Dome Group Read

Hey, everyone! For The R.I.P Challenge   Suey and I are hosting a group read of Under the Dome by Stephen King for the Peril of the Group Read Challenge. 

Yeah, it's a big one and we needed group support. ;) Here's the schedule we're going to try to stick to.

Oct. 1:  Begin reading
Oct. 7:  Discuss first ten sections (up to "This is not as bad as it gets" page 213) 
Oct. 14: Discuss next six sections (up to "In the Jug")        page 497
Oct. 21: Discuss next four sections (up to "Busted" page 757
Oct. 28: Discuss last five sections (the end!)

Each Friday we'll be having some fun discussion posts. So if there's any last interested parties you're welcome to join us. Just let me know in the comments and I'll email you with the details. I started reading it last night and have already been sucked in!

R.I,P Challenge And An Invite

Alright, I wasn't going to join this fun...er...spooky challenge hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings because I had my fall reading schedule full but when I saw this challenge...

This Peril involves reading one book that fits within the R.I.P. definition.

...I decided  that was easy enough, I could squeeze in one book. So I shall be reading...

I've had this book on my shelf forever and I think it will fit in perfectly for this challenge. Also, I shall be doing this challenge...

Suey of It's All About Books and I have been planning to read this...

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when -- or if -- it will go away.

...and are inviting anyone who was planning on reading it anyway, or who, just now decided they wanted to read it, to join us. Just let either me or Suey know and we'll let you know as soon as we get going which will probably be the first of October...maybe sooner.

Happy Reading, everyone!