It should not be so hard to write both poetry and fiction. Both arts, after all, make use of the same materials, words and punctuation. Poems...
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I judged this book by the cover. There, I said it. I was circling the new fiction section at my local bookstore and saw the cover and immediately picked it up in interest. Having never heard of Helen Grant, I was completely unaware this was "teen fiction" and read the first 10 pages in the store. I bought it and read it in 2 days - and loved every second of it. It's not the type of literature that stretches you or the realm of fiction, but it is a fantastical story with twists and turns that hint at Harry Potter but set in a darker reality. There are a few wonderful fire-side tales (read: Grimm Fairytales) imbedded within a larger context that set the tone for a dark, German, castle-laden adventure worthy of a couple nights of fall reading.
Master of the metaphor - Franzen's realism (almost naturalism) illuminates modern life through a series of character developments - each a collection of intricately thought out metaphors which enable the reader to perceive the struggles of a mid-western family in a unique light which both allows the reader to relate and to critique. While there is an over-arching sadness typical of realism throughout the book, Franzen offers humor to those who can see it. Definitely a must read!
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
I had enjoyed Pillars of the Earth a great deal and I had mixed emotions about picking up the sequel: excitement about re-engaging with the communities of Kingsbridge and Shiring, but also hesitation that the quality might not continue. Follett delivered spectacularly! I couldn't put it down and my only complaint is that there isn't a third book. This is definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys medieval history, or just a great novel with profound characters.
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Jude Bowerman has commented on (3) products.
The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant
Jude Bowerman, September 28, 2010
I judged this book by the cover. There, I said it. I was circling the new fiction section at my local bookstore and saw the cover and immediately picked it up in interest. Having never heard of Helen Grant, I was completely unaware this was "teen fiction" and read the first 10 pages in the store. I bought it and read it in 2 days - and loved every second of it. It's not the type of literature that stretches you or the realm of fiction, but it is a fantastical story with twists and turns that hint at Harry Potter but set in a darker reality. There are a few wonderful fire-side tales (read: Grimm Fairytales) imbedded within a larger context that set the tone for a dark, German, castle-laden adventure worthy of a couple nights of fall reading.The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
Jude Bowerman, September 28, 2010
Master of the metaphor - Franzen's realism (almost naturalism) illuminates modern life through a series of character developments - each a collection of intricately thought out metaphors which enable the reader to perceive the struggles of a mid-western family in a unique light which both allows the reader to relate and to critique. While there is an over-arching sadness typical of realism throughout the book, Franzen offers humor to those who can see it. Definitely a must read!(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
World without End by Ken Follett
Jude Bowerman, September 2, 2010
I had enjoyed Pillars of the Earth a great deal and I had mixed emotions about picking up the sequel: excitement about re-engaging with the communities of Kingsbridge and Shiring, but also hesitation that the quality might not continue. Follett delivered spectacularly! I couldn't put it down and my only complaint is that there isn't a third book. This is definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys medieval history, or just a great novel with profound characters.