Good Grief Charlie Brown

It has been a considerable length of time since I posted anything. I often slack off, for lack of better term, I suppose because I find other things to do. I have recently decided that the "Get X number of items done in a certain length of time" goal I usually set for myself isn't for me. Particularly when it comes to reading. I just need to keep reading. When I pressure myself I either get really bored or burned out. Whichever comes first. What is most important is that I keep reading, even if it is at a slower pace. I get caught up in so many other things anyway. Its in my nature. The important thing is that I always come back. I recently finished the long awaited first book of The Hunger Games series. I put it off for ages because of it's popularity. I generally try to avoid what society deems worthy for me to read, and lean more towards what friends recommend. In this case, a friend did suggest The Hunger Games to me, but I was still hesitant. I was so blind. It is honestly one of the greater stories that I have read in quite sometime. Once she set the scene, it carried me away entirely. I love it when a book does that. I also love it when I can identify with the characters. For some reason, that fates usually put books like that in front of me when I need them. They usually reaffirm things I am already thinking. Katniss is a survivor. She does what she needs to do to get through the task at hand, preferably alone unless it is with someone she trusts. She doesn't like to get to attached for fear of getting hurt, but if you are one of the lucky few there isn't anything in the world she wouldn't do for you. It is her inability to trust that makes us so unalike. She is so used to having to always think a certain way that she cannot see the truth before her very eyes. I love her though. I've been her, so I can understand. Overall it is a great read, and one that I could not put down.

Wow....I'm actually impressed....

I finished Anthem by Ayn Rand a couple of days ago, just haven't had much time to write about it. It was actually way better than I expected it to be. I only end up liking about half of the books that are suggested to me, so I was ready for a let-down when a friend of mine let me borrow it. It takes a few pages to get adjusted to the writing style. She uses "We" for "I". But that's the point. The book is supposed to show the emergence of a free thinking, anti-society being.

All the people in the book have ever known is what the Council tells them is so. They do the same routine every day, and can't have their own thoughts unless their "brothers" think them also. I loved it when Equality...whatever his number was...made his own discoveries, and would go down the hole he found and work for hours. But the best part, to me anyway, was when he made the discovery of the word "I". He began to refer to himself as "I" instead of "We". He became an individual instead of lumping himself in with the collective. I don't think the book is meant to say that all that matters is yourself. The character clearly points out that even though the Council says that one thing is better for their "brothers", it may not be so. He discovers things that furthers himself, but also would benefit others as well. I think the point is finding the balance. Not letting others dictate your life. I wish I had the book with me, because there were some really great quotes in the end that I would love to include.

All in all, it was a great book that was easy to follow and had a great message.

Hello good chaps!

Book #1:
So, I finsihed The Sun Also Rises about 10 minutes ago. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I really don't see what the big deal is. There was almost no emotion in the writing whatsoever, but he would describe every step Jake took when he went to brush his teeth. Jake was a pretty cool guy. He took a lot of crap from people. I don't feel sorry for him, because he did it to himself. Brett was really annoying. So many men loved her, and she only gave the new ones in her life the time of day. She and Jake loved each other, but she only used him when she needed him. I think that's dirty, and low. I don't think she was ever content...ever. The other characters aren't even worth mentioning. They neither added to, nor took away from the plot...if you can call it a plot.

I guess this just isn't the sort of book I'm used to reading. The era in which is was written also should be taken into consideration. Maybe I just don't get it. I don't know. I guess the random explanation of detail threw me off. The only thing that seemed worth describing were the bull fights. Discussion was repetitive between the characters. All anyone really knows about the characters is the description of Cohn in the beginning, and they're all drunks, and they rely on the rich ones to pay for everything.

I believe my favorite part would be the fishing trip. I guess because Jake got away from everything he usually has to deal with, and got to relax and do something he enjoys, without being bothered. I think everyone could use a little of that. I also liked the simiplicity in the language. It was fairly easy to follow. Except the slang from the time period, but its relatively easy to pick up on.
I'm glad I read it, just to say I read it. I doubt I will pick it up again though.

I'm not sure what's next. Currently reading a guitar dictionary while I go through my list.

The beginning of a much needed break....

Tomorrow will be the end of the first week of summer. It has been long awaited, and much needed. School was very hectic this year. The summer seems to be a bit more promising. One of my goals for the summer is to read at least 30 books. And I have decided to keep up a blog about the books I read. I love to read, and I'm so thankful that I can read for pleasure now, instead of being forced to.

I think I've decided to read all of the books on my shelf, and throw in some that are suggested to me. I love rereads, there's something comforting about a familiar book. Anyway, I'm going to write about the books I finish. Just general thoughts, likes and dislikes, etc. I'd love to know what other people think as well. And I'm always up for suggestions. I'm trying to broaden my horizons.

I decided to start the summer off with The Sun Also Rises. I'm about half way through now. So I will post again in the next day or two when I finish.

Enjoy the day :)