The (UN)Fun Parts (Book #14) = Fail

The Fun Parts by Sam Lipsyte

Do no be fooled by this title – this book sucks.  It is not fun to read, it’s not very interesting and it is a swamp and a half to get through.  However, it’s an easy read, so if you need something to add to your checklist, why not.  But again, this book sucks.  The author has gotten high reviews from people from his previous – I don’t know, I’ve not read it.

So this book – oh where to begin – is a conglomerate of stories.  There is a theme: narcissism of the author.  It doesn’t make for a good theme, or a good read, which is why I think I’m so annoyed with this book.  I like the idea of the book, short stories coming together, but it’s just so BORING.  The stories are all droll and dry, and one or two of them were sort of related, but it was like the background character’s aunt’s cousin’s uncle’s sister-in-law---not quite that complicated, but you know what I mean.

There were a couple of interesting stories/chapters, but there were two out of the whole book that I actually enjoyed.  I don’t know why this book is famous, or why the author has so much credit – it’s probably roll over from the last book.  I just don’t know what else to say about this – sorry.  Well, I guess the actual writing was good; clear, concise, ya know, good structure, etc.  But yeah, I don’t recommend this book so avoid it if possible.

Cheers!

The Phantom of the Opera (Book #13)

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

OH MY GOD!!  I LOVE THIS BOOK.  I know that may be a little emphatic, however, those of you who know me, know that I get seriously perturbed by the characters in the “Phantom of the Opera” opera.  Whenever I watch it, there’s just always been something in the back of my mind that has been incomplete about the three main characters: Christine Daae, the Phantom, and Raoul.

The book is much fuller in the explanation of these characters and SURPRISE the book is not solely about the girl.  I mean, don’t get me wrong the story revolves around her, however, we never hear from her point of view, instead we hear from the point of view of an investigator who is looking into the disappearance of Christine Daae some odd-number-years ago, Raoul, and the point of the Persian (WHO IS SUPER IMPORTANT).

Whenever I watch the opera, I always feel sympathetic towards the Phantom, but after reading the book I don’t feel that way.  I don’t want to give too much away because I really think you should read the book.  But his whole character is different in the book, and we get to see where he lived and what he did before he came to the Opera House in Paris.

It is also a little clearer of the role of the managers in the story, and how the “ghost” affects them.  The phantom actually has a name, which I don’t think is ever mentioned in the opera.  His name is Erik.  There is also the Persian, who is (SPOILER) a former Royal policeman from Persia and he plays a significant role in Erik’s life, which I don’t remember occurring in the opera. 

The ending is a shocker; in that it doesn’t occur like it does at the end of the opera.  It’s an easy read and it took me a little over a week to finish with maybe reading no more than 2 hours a day.  But I’m not a super fast reader, and I’m unsure of the time.  READ THIS BOOK!  It’s free on Amazon.com as an e-book, or you can buy a regular copy. 

Read on!

Life After Life :: Life After Life :: Life After Life (Book #12)

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Everyone has read the story, or at least seen some version on TV, about the person who makes some silly wish and relives their life the same day over and over until they get it just right.  Once they finally have that “a-ha!” moment and learn the life lesson, they go on with their lives seemingly happily ever after. 

This book is similar, but instead of living the same day over and over the main character, Ursula, lives her life over and over. 

The book focuses from 1910ish to 1970ish (I think).  Its theme is during the time of World War I and World War II, which I think is a fascinating era.  The first chapter is about a page long, and it starts with Ursula in Germany going into a restaurant, words are exchanged back and forth between her and an unnamed man (pretty obvious as to who), and then she shoots him and is herself killed.  

The book then takes you to the beginning of her life and we follow her from there.  What I really enjoyed about this story was that it opens your eyes to all the little details that could dramatically affect your life – especially if you were growing up in the early 20^th century as a female.  One of the dominant themes of the book was the emphasis of the role of women, focusing on being a mom and wife.  There are various factors and settings that could either push you towards that role, or make you a scarlet-letter-wearer of society.  Often the circumstances leading towards being an outcast were out of women’s control and ability to do anything to be viewed as different.  The storyline of Ursula that follows the outcast is very sad and depressing. 

As the book progresses, Ursula sort of remembers more from her previous lives, but not always why she acts that way.  It’s a “gut instinct” that she knows she has to follow. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.  It is easy to get through because the story is captivating.  There are a few instances where it drags, but it’s not long and arduous; as the reader you just want Ursula to “move-on.”  The ending was very satisfactory, but simultaneously a slap in the face.  If you read it, you’ll know what I mean.

Happy reading!

-Jackie