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A lush, intoxicating novel that charts the life of Bit Stone, the first born into the hippie commune of Arcadia, in the mid-sixties. Bit is acutely perceptive and it is this characteristic, along with Groff’s lyrical and heady prose, that make the novel come alive. From the smallest details--a peppermint that looks like a bloodshot eye--to the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in Bit’s life, like the “black dog” of depression that trails at his mother’s heels, every experience of Bit’s is keenly felt.
As Bit makes his passage into adulthood, so too does Arcadia suffer from a loss of innocence, falling short of the utopian ideal it set out to create. The plight of the commune and Bit’s own journey, both so intrinsically linked, are immensely satisfying. Even with one foot deeply rooted in the past and another stretching into the near future of 2018, Groff’s novel seems timeless--a swift kick to the heart that will surely resonate for a long time to come.
I read Swamplandia! almost a year ago and was immediately impressed by Karen Russell's unique voice and awkward, yet irresistible characters. After just a few chapters, I declared myself a devoted fan and, as soon as I'd finished the novel, went on to devour Russell's collection of short stories (St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves) which were equally as bright, wild, and entrancing. I've read many excellent books this past year, but none have evoked that same awe and delight I found in the worlds of Russell’s creation--worlds which are somehow simultaneously familiar and exotic, new and so very ancient. She is a true Storyteller and I can’t wait to see what beast (be it alligator or Minotaur) she tackles next.
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(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Teenage angst plus magic is a dangerous combination, but it also makes for a great story. With a nod to Narnia and a wink at Harry Potter, The Magicians sinks its magical roots deep into the real world. Against this cold and mundane backdrop, teenage love, lust, and desire flare brightly, drawing the reader in, making us too wish for new worlds where magic is commonplace and adventure lurks around every corner--even if it comes at a great price.
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(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Great coming-of-age story set in England in the early eighties. Definitely David Mitchell's most "normal" book (no exotic locations, fractured narratives, or reflective time frames) but excellent nonetheless and further proof that Mitchell is a master at creating three-dimensional worlds both small and vast.
If you eat, you need to read this book. I don't care if you're an ovo-lacto vegetarian or a meat eater who hunts and kills your dinner. I thought I was knowledgeable about what I ate and then I got schooled by Michael Pollan, who lays it all out in a very informative, entertaining, non-judgmental way. I only wish I'd read this five years ago instead of coasting by, feeling superior because I buy organic food and go the farmers market once in a awhile. Lesson learned. (Better late than never.)
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Danielle M has commented on (9) products.
Arcadia by Lauren Groff
Danielle M, May 10, 2012
A lush, intoxicating novel that charts the life of Bit Stone, the first born into the hippie commune of Arcadia, in the mid-sixties. Bit is acutely perceptive and it is this characteristic, along with Groff’s lyrical and heady prose, that make the novel come alive. From the smallest details--a peppermint that looks like a bloodshot eye--to the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in Bit’s life, like the “black dog” of depression that trails at his mother’s heels, every experience of Bit’s is keenly felt.As Bit makes his passage into adulthood, so too does Arcadia suffer from a loss of innocence, falling short of the utopian ideal it set out to create. The plight of the commune and Bit’s own journey, both so intrinsically linked, are immensely satisfying. Even with one foot deeply rooted in the past and another stretching into the near future of 2018, Groff’s novel seems timeless--a swift kick to the heart that will surely resonate for a long time to come.
Swamplandia! (Vintage Contemporaries) by Karen Russell
Danielle M, January 23, 2012
I read Swamplandia! almost a year ago and was immediately impressed by Karen Russell's unique voice and awkward, yet irresistible characters. After just a few chapters, I declared myself a devoted fan and, as soon as I'd finished the novel, went on to devour Russell's collection of short stories (St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves) which were equally as bright, wild, and entrancing. I've read many excellent books this past year, but none have evoked that same awe and delight I found in the worlds of Russell’s creation--worlds which are somehow simultaneously familiar and exotic, new and so very ancient. She is a true Storyteller and I can’t wait to see what beast (be it alligator or Minotaur) she tackles next.(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Danielle M, September 7, 2011
Teenage angst plus magic is a dangerous combination, but it also makes for a great story. With a nod to Narnia and a wink at Harry Potter, The Magicians sinks its magical roots deep into the real world. Against this cold and mundane backdrop, teenage love, lust, and desire flare brightly, drawing the reader in, making us too wish for new worlds where magic is commonplace and adventure lurks around every corner--even if it comes at a great price.(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
Danielle M, May 27, 2011
Great coming-of-age story set in England in the early eighties. Definitely David Mitchell's most "normal" book (no exotic locations, fractured narratives, or reflective time frames) but excellent nonetheless and further proof that Mitchell is a master at creating three-dimensional worlds both small and vast.The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
Danielle M, May 12, 2011
If you eat, you need to read this book. I don't care if you're an ovo-lacto vegetarian or a meat eater who hunts and kills your dinner. I thought I was knowledgeable about what I ate and then I got schooled by Michael Pollan, who lays it all out in a very informative, entertaining, non-judgmental way. I only wish I'd read this five years ago instead of coasting by, feeling superior because I buy organic food and go the farmers market once in a awhile. Lesson learned. (Better late than never.)1-5 of 9next