Book Blurb: Cloud Atlas

Title: Cloud Atlas


Author: David Mitchell


Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Crime Thriller, pretty much everything


Synopsis: This book is made up of 6 mini stories all packaged together like one of those Russian nesting dolls, you get the first half of each story in chronological order all the way to the middle, then you get the second half in descending chronological order until you've finished the first story of the book.


Stars: 5/5


Lauren's Review: I absolutely loved this book! Like I said in the synopsis, it is made up of six 'nesting' stories. Each story is told in a different 'style' (diary entries, letters, crime novel, first person account), focusing on a different character in a different time period. That being said, this is NOT a collection of short stories! Each character encounters the works of the previous story in some form and they are all linked in subtle ways involving theme and a comet shaped birthmark.

This is one of those rare types of book that draws you in for the characters and plot, but leaves you thinking about the themes days and weeks later. It focuses on power, corruption, and the value of a human life; but it does so in a way that is unique and interesting. Please please pick up a copy and don't be turned off by the first story or two (which are a little old-Englishy), I promise it's worth it!

I got into a bit of an online debate about whether or not this book is 'pretentious.' Some people thought of it as a poorly written and without meaning...I really could not disagree more, but to each their own. I will say that not every aspect of the story is completely fleshed out nor is there an 'all loose ends tied up' kinda ending. I think this is troubling to some who want every story to wrap up or have a sequel, but it's just not that kind of book.

Just last month filming started on a movie version of this book, which is going to have an EPIC all star cast! I'm pretty excited - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371111/

I'd love to hear from someone else who read it and what their take on it is!

Book Blurb: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan


Author: Lisa See


Genre: Historical Fiction


Synopsis: Two young girls are matched to be laotong, life long friends. But as they grow up they must deal with the realities of life in 19th Century China and their friendship struggles.


Stars: 3/5


Lauren's Review: I wanted to like this book much more than I did, but the problem was I had read The Good Earth by Pearl Buck not that long ago. After reading Buck's account of China, anything else just feels kinda fake. Also she used a few expressions that just jumped out at me as out of context, for example at one point the narrator is climbing a mountain and says that she was "beyond tired." This book is definitely an interesting read and study in female friendship, but if you're looking for a more realistic picture of rural life in China before the cultural revolution, go for The Good Earth.

There is a movie version out in select theaters now, I have yet to see it but I enjoyed the book enough I probably will.

Book Review: Bridget Jones' Diary

Title: Bridget Jones' Diary


Author: Helen Fielding


Genre: Chick Lit


Synopsis: Kinda like the movie, but not.


Stars: 5/5


Lauren's Review: The two 'grown up' books I'm reading right now were stressing me out/getting dull so I had to take a chick lit break. I decided to read this book because it's one of my favorite movies and it reminds me of Christmas time, which I am so excited for!

The book is a lot like the movie, but there are a few subtle differences that made reading it exciting. For one, Bridget is a little smarter....which I totally enjoyed. I love Renee's Bridget, but you have to admit she brought a lot of misery on herself. The book Bridget is a little more relatable.

Also, the plot is different, so it wasn't just like reading the screen play.

And Daniel was nicer...he was half nice half asshole...so more like a real world guy.

Anyway, while I enjoyed the movie's ending more, I liked the books characters more. I would recommend the book to all movie fans. It was a light-hearted, easy read. Now back to the hard stuff.

Book Review: Never Let Me Go

Title: Never Let Me Go


Author: Kazuo Ishiguro


Genre: Fiction


Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Kathy, who is now 31 years old, and tells about her life starting with her childhood at the boarding school Hailsham. The students of Hailsham know that they are 'special' but there is something mysterious going on that neither they, nor the reader, seem aware of.


Stars: 5/5


Lauren's Review: I really don't want to say too much about this book because the best way to read it is totally blind. The art of Ishiguro's story telling is in the way he reveals the truth little by little. Suffice to say that it is a beautifully told and deeply moving novel with something for everyone. I had a hard time thinking of a good genre for it and so I just left it as 'Fiction.' If you're thinking of reading this book, I say go for it. Don't peek around the internet looking for reviews or summaries, because too many of them have spoilers. Just pick it up and jump in, you won't regret it. After reading the novel, I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie next week!