Customer Comments

ltobin has commented on (21) products.

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

ltobin, January 6, 2012

Much different from what I expected, Keneally's Schindler's List is more of a historical account than a dramatic re-telling of a true story. Do not get me wrong, there is mystery, and subterfuge, and pain, but Keneally does not need to dress up the details in any way but the truth. I found myself completely engrossed in what I thought was going to be just be a dramatic story interwoven with a painful account of concentration camps and death. I could not put the book down, even when the tears were flowing and I was scared for the next paragraph to confirm my deepest fears.

An imperfect man, Schindler does something extraordinary. It reminds me that even with all my mistakes, I can still make a difference.

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Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

ltobin, November 5, 2011

A bit of an academic read, Diamond takes a direct approach to describing why and how groups of people evolved at different rates on separate continents. Although interesting and thought-provoking, many of Diamond's insights were "duh" moments for me as it all seemed rather obvious at the end of each chapter (of course environment would have such a strong influence).

A good read if you have the time, I think I would have enjoyed the book more on audio.

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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One by Rick Riordan

ltobin, November 5, 2011

Nothing too surprising here, but this cute children's story showcases heroism and strong moral character traits, if not a little spunk. The main character is likable and the danger an acceptable level for 6th grade readers. I am not sure, but I find that this book geared more toward young men and think that encouraging your tween boy to pick this up is probably a good idea.

Overall, I am gonna stick with the series. I can probably read a book a night if I tried hard enough.

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The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

ltobin, October 16, 2011

I cannot believe I liked this book as much as I did, which leads me to realize that you cannot separate any part of this book from itself. You have to judge it in its entirety - a sign of a well-written, captivating tale. It was not the story, albeit unique; and, it is not the writing, which was eloquent and crass (at the same time); but, it was something about the book that made me feel hopeful - when the book, unto itself, is not hopeful at all.

At first, I could have cared less for Jake (the main protagonist). He is self-loathing, vulgar, and unable to connect to anyone. I did not want to like him - maybe that is a better way to put that...but I ended up wanting him to succeed. I got caught up in the hope and I disregarded the deplorableness of his actions, his words. That, in itself, is amazing.

Duncan has a way with words - a style that wants to throw the book at the flowery, poetic word choices while making you crave the next sentence. I wish I could say something else here, but all I really have is an appeal for you to read the book

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The History of Love: A Novel by Nicole Krauss

ltobin, May 10, 2011

I hate to go against the grain here, but I found a History of Love too difficult to follow well and/ or understand at all. I thought I would enjoy this book much more than I did. The writing style was just too much for me. The several person's perspectives, the weird innuendos and surprises, all of it was just too much to follow the story well. I am not sure what exactly was Krauss's goal or hope for this book, so I am not sure if she met it. The story of an old man and his lost love was oddly executed and frustrating to follow, if only his perspective pieces. The only reason I am giving this book two stars is that I thought the premise was interesting and the pieces with the little girl were nice to read. They lent some credibility to the overall story.

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