Because we recently had St. Patricks day a few days ago I thought I would review something different for a change. Irish Fairy and Folk Tales is not like a novel or a book that is read straight through. It is actually a collection of all sorts of Irish myths and legends compiled into one volume.
Almost all cultures have their stories about magical creatures and folk lore that have come to be a major part of their culture. Ireland is not unique in the amount of legends and stories, but it is unique in some of its characters. For example the leprechaun is an exclusively Ireland creation(although many other cultures have similar types of creatures, known elsewhere as wood sprites or elves).
This particular book is edited by William Butler Yeats and is a thorough compilation of all sorts of strange and fascinating Irish stories and old Irish folktales. Many of the stories involve various creatures, including: leprechauns, fairies, banshee's, and ghost stories. There are also quiet a few short stories about the Irish faith and stories where it overcomes negative omens and beings such as demons and the devil.
Stories and folktales are often the essence of literature and inspiration for other works of art. If you would like to learn about some of the interesting cultural origins of many of Ireland's beliefs and stories, I would greatly recommend this book.
Recommended Reading:
Actually, for once, I have nothing to put here. Before this book I knew very little about Irish culture, and it is not a topic that I have ever read much on. I also have not read any Irish literature. So if anyone out there has any recommendations they would like to give me, feel free.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Book Review 7: Wicked
Take a well known fictional story, a story that almost every American can recite by heart, that almost everyone cherishes as a popular culture icon, and then write a book that completely changes it. Write a book that warps the well known world that people have come to love into an strange and sometimes frightening place fraught with all the problems and social issues that we have here in the land of reality.
That's essentially what author Gregory MaGuire does in Wicked, a novel that takes the well known characters and events from The Wizard of Oz and tells it from the point of view of the Wicked Witch of the West. The point of this novel on the surface is to show that every story has two sides and history is written by the victors, it's just a quirky twist on a classic story. The deeper point of this novel is to show, through heavy symbolism, issues of social injustice and hypocrisy.
Caution: If you love The Wizard of Oz and the rose-colored glasses version that most Americans know, then you may want to avoid Wicked because it might taint your idealistic version of the story. Once read, there is no unreading it, you can't click your heels three times to go home. At times it's a difficult read, but its well worth it because it is also an example of an author who knows a lot about literature and has used that knowledge to weave a highly fascinating, if somewhat confusing, story.
This is book worth reading, if for nothing else but to see the strange twist on a classic story. The book was so popular that it has spawned a musical production (I have not seen it so I'm not able to tell how well it follows the book), and has consistently been on the best-sellers. I'm glad that people have enough interest in literature to read a story that makes use of a fictional place and characters from a classic story, but I'm not so sure that Judy Garland would have signed on to play the role of Dorothy in this land of Oz.
Recommended Reading: Son of a Witch
Also by Gregory MaGuire, Son of a Witch is the sequel to the best-selling Wicked. If you do read Wicked, and you enjoy it, then prepare to spend money to buy a copy of Son of a Witch because you will want to know what happens to the characters and the land of Oz. But also be prepared to be slightly unsatisfied. Son of a Witch is well-written and interesting, but it may just leave you with more questions then answers.
That's essentially what author Gregory MaGuire does in Wicked, a novel that takes the well known characters and events from The Wizard of Oz and tells it from the point of view of the Wicked Witch of the West. The point of this novel on the surface is to show that every story has two sides and history is written by the victors, it's just a quirky twist on a classic story. The deeper point of this novel is to show, through heavy symbolism, issues of social injustice and hypocrisy.
Caution: If you love The Wizard of Oz and the rose-colored glasses version that most Americans know, then you may want to avoid Wicked because it might taint your idealistic version of the story. Once read, there is no unreading it, you can't click your heels three times to go home. At times it's a difficult read, but its well worth it because it is also an example of an author who knows a lot about literature and has used that knowledge to weave a highly fascinating, if somewhat confusing, story.
This is book worth reading, if for nothing else but to see the strange twist on a classic story. The book was so popular that it has spawned a musical production (I have not seen it so I'm not able to tell how well it follows the book), and has consistently been on the best-sellers. I'm glad that people have enough interest in literature to read a story that makes use of a fictional place and characters from a classic story, but I'm not so sure that Judy Garland would have signed on to play the role of Dorothy in this land of Oz.
Recommended Reading: Son of a Witch
Also by Gregory MaGuire, Son of a Witch is the sequel to the best-selling Wicked. If you do read Wicked, and you enjoy it, then prepare to spend money to buy a copy of Son of a Witch because you will want to know what happens to the characters and the land of Oz. But also be prepared to be slightly unsatisfied. Son of a Witch is well-written and interesting, but it may just leave you with more questions then answers.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Book Review 6: In The Heart of the Sea
This a historical book about the whale ship Essex, a US whale ship that during the early 1800's was attacked by a sperm whale and destroyed. The crew that survived were forced to abandon ship, were crammed into little life boats, and left adrift on the ocean.
In The Heart of the Sea is the true account, written years later by surviving crew members of the disaster. The tragedy was so terrible that the crew mates who were cast adrift had to eat the bodies of the crew mates who died of thirst, in order to avoid starvation.
Years later, Herman Melville would read about this tragedy and be inspired to write Moby Dick, a book that would become an American classic.
My problem with history has always been this: it's usually written in a boring and heavily prosaic style. I like history, and so often I pick up history books and think about buying them because they have an interesting premise. For the most part, I don't buy them though, because I've found that no matter how interesting a history book sounds I usually can't bring myself to finish it because an interesting idea is written about in a dull fashion.
Heart of the Sea won the 'National Book Award' and was recommended to me by a friend, so I figured I would give it a shot. The first few chapters were not very interesting and I struggled to stay with it. I'm glad I did though because the book got better as it went along and turned out to be an interesting read. It narrowly avoided falling into the dust like so many other history books I start, but it didn't and I'm glad because it turned out to be pretty good.
Recommended Reading: Chased by Sea Monsters
This is a really cool non-fiction book about prehistoric sea monsters, many of which are ancestors of today's modern sea monsters. Nigel Marven and his co-authors are the same people who worked on the "Walking with Dinosaurs" documentary aired by National Geographic. This book is really fascinating because its both informative and has a lot of great pictures of prehistoric sea monsters.
In The Heart of the Sea is the true account, written years later by surviving crew members of the disaster. The tragedy was so terrible that the crew mates who were cast adrift had to eat the bodies of the crew mates who died of thirst, in order to avoid starvation.
Years later, Herman Melville would read about this tragedy and be inspired to write Moby Dick, a book that would become an American classic.
My problem with history has always been this: it's usually written in a boring and heavily prosaic style. I like history, and so often I pick up history books and think about buying them because they have an interesting premise. For the most part, I don't buy them though, because I've found that no matter how interesting a history book sounds I usually can't bring myself to finish it because an interesting idea is written about in a dull fashion.
Heart of the Sea won the 'National Book Award' and was recommended to me by a friend, so I figured I would give it a shot. The first few chapters were not very interesting and I struggled to stay with it. I'm glad I did though because the book got better as it went along and turned out to be an interesting read. It narrowly avoided falling into the dust like so many other history books I start, but it didn't and I'm glad because it turned out to be pretty good.
Recommended Reading: Chased by Sea Monsters
This is a really cool non-fiction book about prehistoric sea monsters, many of which are ancestors of today's modern sea monsters. Nigel Marven and his co-authors are the same people who worked on the "Walking with Dinosaurs" documentary aired by National Geographic. This book is really fascinating because its both informative and has a lot of great pictures of prehistoric sea monsters.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Book Review 5: Riders of the Purple Sage
The best selling western of all time, this novel is considered the pinnacle of the genre and a literary classic. It was originally published in 1912 by Zane Grey, a man from Ohio who was fascinated by the American West. He explored the west and took many vacations there, and would write a fictional story in that setting.
During the time period, this book was actually controversial because of the way its characters (aka the bad guys) represent the Mormon faith. Despite the controversy though, it would become a great seller.
Westerns are a literary genre created by American writers. Unfortunately, many are considered (and many are) cheesy shoot em' up style books strictly for entertainment, and having no real literary value. Riders of the Purple Sage is the opposite of that, with in-depth characters, an engaging plot, and well written descriptions of the environment, religious zealotry, and what is now a historic time period.
If you want to read an American classic, Riders of the Purple Sage is the book for you.
Suggested Reading: The Last of the Mohicans- James Fenimore Cooper
Another classic of American Literature, this is a great book. It was written almost eighty years before Riders of the Purple Sage, and is a interesting tale about what was then the frontier, and the clashes that occurred between Native Americans and the Settlers. Its not really a "western" per say, because at this period in time there really was no such thing, but it is an exciting story about the frontier and the wilderness, and has many elements of the western genre.
During the time period, this book was actually controversial because of the way its characters (aka the bad guys) represent the Mormon faith. Despite the controversy though, it would become a great seller.
Westerns are a literary genre created by American writers. Unfortunately, many are considered (and many are) cheesy shoot em' up style books strictly for entertainment, and having no real literary value. Riders of the Purple Sage is the opposite of that, with in-depth characters, an engaging plot, and well written descriptions of the environment, religious zealotry, and what is now a historic time period.
If you want to read an American classic, Riders of the Purple Sage is the book for you.
Suggested Reading: The Last of the Mohicans- James Fenimore Cooper
Another classic of American Literature, this is a great book. It was written almost eighty years before Riders of the Purple Sage, and is a interesting tale about what was then the frontier, and the clashes that occurred between Native Americans and the Settlers. Its not really a "western" per say, because at this period in time there really was no such thing, but it is an exciting story about the frontier and the wilderness, and has many elements of the western genre.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Book Review 4: A Salty Piece of Land
There are two reasons why I chose to review A Salty Piece of Land, which I recently read. The first is, I absolutely hate winter. I hate the cold, the ice, the snow. It should be summer all year round, exceptions only granted for Christmas. The second reason is because I really enjoyed it.
Jimmy Buffett, well known for his music about the islands and island life, has taken his talents to writing before, and each time the book that he has created has became a bestseller. In this quirky fiction novel, Mr. Buffett spins us a tale of a cowboy, who on the run from the law, has relocated to the islands of the Caribbean, where there is plenty of warmth, alcohol, beautiful girls, and adventure to go around.
While the writing is a little slow in parts, the overall quality of the story and hilarity of the characters makes up for it. There are parts that will make you laugh out loud and there are other parts that will pull at the heartstrings. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotion, combined with vivid imagery created by the words.
The story is appealing on many different levels because it is ultimately a story about life and the crazy paths that it can take you on. The main character gets into all sorts of trouble, but has lots of fun doing it, and since your along for the ride, you'll have fun too. Encompassing both comedy and adventure, this is a lighthearted book that is to be enjoyed. So forget the cold weather, have a Margarita, and lose yourself in this funny tale.
Suggested Reading:
Travel guides to any place where it is warm and sunny.
Jimmy Buffett, well known for his music about the islands and island life, has taken his talents to writing before, and each time the book that he has created has became a bestseller. In this quirky fiction novel, Mr. Buffett spins us a tale of a cowboy, who on the run from the law, has relocated to the islands of the Caribbean, where there is plenty of warmth, alcohol, beautiful girls, and adventure to go around.
While the writing is a little slow in parts, the overall quality of the story and hilarity of the characters makes up for it. There are parts that will make you laugh out loud and there are other parts that will pull at the heartstrings. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotion, combined with vivid imagery created by the words.
The story is appealing on many different levels because it is ultimately a story about life and the crazy paths that it can take you on. The main character gets into all sorts of trouble, but has lots of fun doing it, and since your along for the ride, you'll have fun too. Encompassing both comedy and adventure, this is a lighthearted book that is to be enjoyed. So forget the cold weather, have a Margarita, and lose yourself in this funny tale.
Suggested Reading:
Travel guides to any place where it is warm and sunny.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Book Review 3: The Search For The Giant Squid: The Biology and Mythology of the World's Most Elusive Sea Creature
The planet Earth is 2/3 water and so much of it remains unexplored. In this fascinating non-fiction book, author and famous marine biologist Richard Ellis compiles the most information known about the Giant Squid, one of the strangest creatures to ever inhabit that planet Earth.
Very little is known about this animal, yet Richard Ellis is able, through extensive research and real life experiences, to write a book that examines every aspect of this creature's life and habits. The book provides important information on a topic that there is little information about. There are also illustrations and photographs throughout the book.
Mr. Ellis does a superb job of talking about the life of the giant squid, it's role in ancient historical myths and legends, and the life it has taken on in pop culture through fiction novels and movies. For anyone who is fascinated by the sea and the unknown creatures that the ocean holds, this is a well-written, informative, and interesting book.
Suggested Reading: Shark Trouble By Peter Benchley
After the success of Jaws, Peter Benchley, would spend the rest of his life (he passed away a little less then a year ago) donating money and his time to educating people about the importance of conservation of sharks and other ocean life. In numerous interviews Mr. Benchley confessed that he felt guilty about people's hatred of sharks, a hatred fueled by a fiction novel that he wrote. Shark Trouble is one of the last books he wrote before he died, a non-fiction book about sharks and the importance of them and other ocean life. Also, Mr. Benchley was friends with Richard Ellis the author of The Search for the Giant Squid and both reference each other in their respective books.
Very little is known about this animal, yet Richard Ellis is able, through extensive research and real life experiences, to write a book that examines every aspect of this creature's life and habits. The book provides important information on a topic that there is little information about. There are also illustrations and photographs throughout the book.
Mr. Ellis does a superb job of talking about the life of the giant squid, it's role in ancient historical myths and legends, and the life it has taken on in pop culture through fiction novels and movies. For anyone who is fascinated by the sea and the unknown creatures that the ocean holds, this is a well-written, informative, and interesting book.
Suggested Reading: Shark Trouble By Peter Benchley
After the success of Jaws, Peter Benchley, would spend the rest of his life (he passed away a little less then a year ago) donating money and his time to educating people about the importance of conservation of sharks and other ocean life. In numerous interviews Mr. Benchley confessed that he felt guilty about people's hatred of sharks, a hatred fueled by a fiction novel that he wrote. Shark Trouble is one of the last books he wrote before he died, a non-fiction book about sharks and the importance of them and other ocean life. Also, Mr. Benchley was friends with Richard Ellis the author of The Search for the Giant Squid and both reference each other in their respective books.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Book Review 2: Ghost Road Blues
Its kind of the usual story: There's a killer on the loose in a really small town, a small town that happens to be just big enough to also contain an ancient evil that has been laying dormant in the spooky forest outside of town. Now the killer will awaken the ancient evil and the Apocalypse as we know it, is upon us.
That's the gist of my second book that I am reviewing: Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry. The author, Mr. Maberry is a Pennsylvania native. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the eastern part of the state, not far from Philadelphia. Appropriately enough that is where this story takes place. Jonathan Maberry has been writing for a few years now, mostly non-fiction books about the occult and real-life hauntings. Ghost Road Blues is actually his first fiction novel, and the first of a trilogy, the other two of which have not yet been published. The second book is coming this summer, and the third the summer of 08'.
There is no real literary value here. What there is, is old-fashioned, horror fun with a well-written and engaging story. This book will never win a Pulitzer prize, nor does it deserve to. But it will keep you on the edge of your seat with an exciting, fast-paced plot. I'm not usually a big horror novel fan, but on occasion I get in the mood for one. I was in the mood for a horror story that's why I picked this up.
If your looking for literary substance, pass this one up. But if your looking for an exciting and entertaining read that will give you the creeps, by all means try Ghost Road Blues.
That's the gist of my second book that I am reviewing: Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry. The author, Mr. Maberry is a Pennsylvania native. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the eastern part of the state, not far from Philadelphia. Appropriately enough that is where this story takes place. Jonathan Maberry has been writing for a few years now, mostly non-fiction books about the occult and real-life hauntings. Ghost Road Blues is actually his first fiction novel, and the first of a trilogy, the other two of which have not yet been published. The second book is coming this summer, and the third the summer of 08'.
There is no real literary value here. What there is, is old-fashioned, horror fun with a well-written and engaging story. This book will never win a Pulitzer prize, nor does it deserve to. But it will keep you on the edge of your seat with an exciting, fast-paced plot. I'm not usually a big horror novel fan, but on occasion I get in the mood for one. I was in the mood for a horror story that's why I picked this up.
If your looking for literary substance, pass this one up. But if your looking for an exciting and entertaining read that will give you the creeps, by all means try Ghost Road Blues.
Similar Reading:
The Town- Bentley Little
This is a really creepy novel, that follows the same "small town and ancient evil" format that Ghost Road Blues has. The main difference between them: Ghost Road Blues has more of a plot and is much better written. The Town, is similar and I did enjoy it, but its more of a gore fest, cheap scares and a lot of graphic horror elements: sex, gore, violence etc. If you want a horror novel like that read The Town. If you want a horror novel that is really interesting with an engaging plot that has more depth and suspense read Ghost Road Blues.
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