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The Slippery Year recounts one woman's candid thoughts as she journeys into Middle Age: Love, husbands, children, aging.
I think this book resonates highly with many women on a similar path--certainly many American women share these anxieties, concerns and emotions. This book would probably prove insightful for men who want to get a glimpse into what women are often thinking (although I imagine that few men will actually seek out the book--at best they'll peek at it when their wives read it).
While I found it strangely gratifying to know that my everyday worries are shared (and generally overblown), I somehow found the book unsatisfying.
The writing is generally brisk and clever without being cloying or too cutesy--which was a real relief since this type of book has become a magnet for over-the-top Bigger-Than-Life accounts. But I longed for Ms. Gideon to dig a little deeper.
I suspect that this dissatisfaction arises from the fact that this book is really a collection of stand-alone essays.
If I had read each as it was written, I might have been perfectly satisfied. But put together as a whole, they give a disjointed sensation since, while there is a continuity of subject matter ("The Slippery Year"), they don't truly connect in a real narrative.
For example, Ms. Gideon touches on the waxing and waning of her romantic love for her husband but never really explores that to any degree. She illustrates a particular situation or two sufficiently for an essay, then simply moves on to something else.
What happened afterwards? Where do they stand? Who knows? Moving on!
All that said, it was an enjoyable read and, although I didn't really think I would finish the book, I actually did, which is attributable to the strength of the writing, which carried me along to the end.
I think it's fair to say this is something of a grownup version of Harry Potter, which, based on the references in the book to Harry Potter, was no doubt Lev Grossman's intention.
While creating a world of magic that is different from that of J. K. Rowling's vision, there is not quite enough plot development to make this an excellent book. While the actual writing is well done, the book within a book concept seemed to be given short shrift.
Grossman spends too much time on unnecessary details then rushes through parts of the book that could have been quite exciting if handled deftly.
In some respects, Grossman may have fallen victim to his own writing skill. The concept is carried along well enough that the reader doesn't feel inclined to give up, drawn in by curiosity at what is hinted at to come.
This book could have used a skillful editor who looked beyond whether the sentences were put together properly. It might even have served the concept to be broken into at least 2 books.
By the time we reach the end, it seems as though the author has simply run his course and is done--not an altogether satisfying finish.
Entertaining enough as long as one's expectations are not too high.
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(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
"Fool" is, in the best sense of the word, a romp through a reimagined Shakespeare's King Lear.
Full of literate word play and clever plotting (and somewhat sexually graphic), Moore's take on this classic is refreshing and amusing, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny.
Highly recommended, especially for those who love a good pun.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(11 of 16 readers found this comment helpful)
When I picked up this book, I thought, here's another nut ranting about medicines that help a lot of people.
I was intrigued that this was written by a well-respected doctor and is carefully thought out The book is a quick read with excellent footnotes.
I was attracted to the book because my own memory has declined significantly and quickly, often leaving me wondering if I had early-onset Alzheimer's. In fact, I was just about to go to my doctor to have myself tested.
I had heard a bit about Lipitor affecting memory as a side effect, supposedly rare. So I was certainly predisposed for this book.
As it happens, the book is quite a reasoned argument that Lipitor certainly has the potential for creating a variety of memory problems, possibly for far greater numbers that physicians assume.
One must always be careful of mere anecdotal evidence, even in one's life, for even correlation is not always causation. But based on recent incidents and on the strength of data (which I confirmed as best I could through Google searches), I stopped taking Lipitor and have actually had what I consider an amazing rebound in my memory and thinking processes.
I am now looking at alternative ways to control my risk factors, and do have some options.
If you or a loved one take Lipitor, this is important reading which makes a good jumping off point for further investigation.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
The Unthinkable is the best place to start to begin preparing for disasters. Preparation is the key to survival and to quell fears.
The book is highly readable and informative from a practical standpoint as well as helpful in understanding human response to disaster and how to counter the natural reactions which could cost you time (and time is life) in an emergency.
Read this, then instruct your family in disaster preparedness. Pressure your workplace to implement emergency planning and drills.
Use this book as a stepping stone for further personal development. Someday, you'll be very glad you did.
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Marie Angell has commented on (23) products.
The Slippery Year by Melanie Gideon
Marie Angell, November 15, 2009
The Slippery Year recounts one woman's candid thoughts as she journeys into Middle Age: Love, husbands, children, aging.I think this book resonates highly with many women on a similar path--certainly many American women share these anxieties, concerns and emotions. This book would probably prove insightful for men who want to get a glimpse into what women are often thinking (although I imagine that few men will actually seek out the book--at best they'll peek at it when their wives read it).
While I found it strangely gratifying to know that my everyday worries are shared (and generally overblown), I somehow found the book unsatisfying.
The writing is generally brisk and clever without being cloying or too cutesy--which was a real relief since this type of book has become a magnet for over-the-top Bigger-Than-Life accounts. But I longed for Ms. Gideon to dig a little deeper.
I suspect that this dissatisfaction arises from the fact that this book is really a collection of stand-alone essays.
If I had read each as it was written, I might have been perfectly satisfied. But put together as a whole, they give a disjointed sensation since, while there is a continuity of subject matter ("The Slippery Year"), they don't truly connect in a real narrative.
For example, Ms. Gideon touches on the waxing and waning of her romantic love for her husband but never really explores that to any degree. She illustrates a particular situation or two sufficiently for an essay, then simply moves on to something else.
What happened afterwards? Where do they stand? Who knows? Moving on!
All that said, it was an enjoyable read and, although I didn't really think I would finish the book, I actually did, which is attributable to the strength of the writing, which carried me along to the end.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Marie Angell, September 15, 2009
I think it's fair to say this is something of a grownup version of Harry Potter, which, based on the references in the book to Harry Potter, was no doubt Lev Grossman's intention.While creating a world of magic that is different from that of J. K. Rowling's vision, there is not quite enough plot development to make this an excellent book. While the actual writing is well done, the book within a book concept seemed to be given short shrift.
Grossman spends too much time on unnecessary details then rushes through parts of the book that could have been quite exciting if handled deftly.
In some respects, Grossman may have fallen victim to his own writing skill. The concept is carried along well enough that the reader doesn't feel inclined to give up, drawn in by curiosity at what is hinted at to come.
This book could have used a skillful editor who looked beyond whether the sentences were put together properly. It might even have served the concept to be broken into at least 2 books.
By the time we reach the end, it seems as though the author has simply run his course and is done--not an altogether satisfying finish.
Entertaining enough as long as one's expectations are not too high.
(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
Fool by Christopher Moore
Marie Angell, July 13, 2009
"Fool" is, in the best sense of the word, a romp through a reimagined Shakespeare's King Lear.Full of literate word play and clever plotting (and somewhat sexually graphic), Moore's take on this classic is refreshing and amusing, sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny.
Highly recommended, especially for those who love a good pun.
(11 of 16 readers found this comment helpful)
Lipitor Thief of Memory by Duane Graveline
Marie Angell, October 15, 2008
When I picked up this book, I thought, here's another nut ranting about medicines that help a lot of people.I was intrigued that this was written by a well-respected doctor and is carefully thought out The book is a quick read with excellent footnotes.
I was attracted to the book because my own memory has declined significantly and quickly, often leaving me wondering if I had early-onset Alzheimer's. In fact, I was just about to go to my doctor to have myself tested.
I had heard a bit about Lipitor affecting memory as a side effect, supposedly rare. So I was certainly predisposed for this book.
As it happens, the book is quite a reasoned argument that Lipitor certainly has the potential for creating a variety of memory problems, possibly for far greater numbers that physicians assume.
One must always be careful of mere anecdotal evidence, even in one's life, for even correlation is not always causation. But based on recent incidents and on the strength of data (which I confirmed as best I could through Google searches), I stopped taking Lipitor and have actually had what I consider an amazing rebound in my memory and thinking processes.
I am now looking at alternative ways to control my risk factors, and do have some options.
If you or a loved one take Lipitor, this is important reading which makes a good jumping off point for further investigation.
(3 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes--And Why by Amanda Ripley
Marie Angell, August 25, 2008
The Unthinkable is the best place to start to begin preparing for disasters. Preparation is the key to survival and to quell fears.The book is highly readable and informative from a practical standpoint as well as helpful in understanding human response to disaster and how to counter the natural reactions which could cost you time (and time is life) in an emergency.
Read this, then instruct your family in disaster preparedness. Pressure your workplace to implement emergency planning and drills.
Use this book as a stepping stone for further personal development. Someday, you'll be very glad you did.
Stay safe out there!
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