Book Reviews

The Real Wizard of Oz

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The Real Wizard of Oz By Rebecca Loncraine

I did not finish this book, I only made it to the fifth chapter. One of the worst biographies I’ve ever read. The first five chapters were filled with so much conjecture, she also wrote like she was writing a work of fiction, very flowery. It was like she was trying to make Baum’s life into fantasy like his books. Very disappointing. Huge fan of Frank Baum and the Wizard of Oz but this book did not do them justice.

Giving it a 2/5 since I didn’t finish it

Lost in a Good Book

lost in a good bookLost in a Good Book By Jasper Fforde

This is the second book in the Thursday Next series, the sequel to The Eyre Affair. I didn’t think it was as good but it was still a fine follow up. It was similar to the first book, plot wise, but the new characters were nice. I enjoyed the Jurisfiction parts, and I thought Miss Havisham and her relationship with the Red Queen was amusing. My only problem was that it didn’t completely resolve everything, **SPOILER**there is still the question of her husband and getting him back.

4/5

This was previously post on my blog http://erinthedreamer.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/lost-in-a-good-book-by-jasper-fforde/

 

On Writing

on-writingOn Writing By Stephen King

Pg. 57 “when you write a story, you’re telling yourself the story”…”When you rewrite, your main job is taking out all the things that are not the story.”

Several message boards recommended this book to new writers or writers looking for a book on how to write. So I thought I’d check it out. I’m not a Stephen King fan, in fact I’ve only read one book by him and I don’t remember being very impressed by it. Still lots of people love him and he’s sold quite a few books so he must know something.

I feel conflicted after reading this book. So many places I’ve read say that everyone has their own approach to writing and what works for one person might not work for another. The way he writes doesn’t seem to lean that way. It’s possible that I missed something, I’ve had to read the book in snatches between taking care of Charlotte and I’m not getting as much sleep as I’m use to.

He definitely said some things I’m going to try next time I’m writing. I’m going to try and rely more on my characters and not mapping out a plot. I’m going to set aside what I’ve written for a time before I begin the editing process too. There were a few other words of advice that I want to follow but I can’t remember what they were right now, something about not using adverbs.

I did wonder about his getting published recommendations, they seemed a bit dated and I’m not sure if they still work, though they still could.

It’s  very obvious after reading this that he really loves his wife, which is sweet.

3.5/5 stars

This was originally posted on my blog http://erinthedreamer.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/on-writing-by-stephen-king/

The Eyre Affair

the eyre affairThe Eyre Affair By Jasper Fforde

So I’m a fan of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, at one point I considered it my favorite book. It could still be but I haven’t read it in a while. I loved all the literary references in The Eyre Affair, though since I’m not a Shakespeare buff I probably missed a few. The characters were great and the story interesting. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

4.5/5 stars

This was previously posted on my blog, http://erinthedreamer.wordpress.com/

Ringworld

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Ringworld By Larry Niven

I really like sci-fi but this was too much for me. So much science that I just didn’t understand or know anything about so I felt a bit lost or bored at times. I also wasn’t too fond of the characters. The aliens were interesting but Louis Wu, the main character, was just…eh. He just didn’t have much depth. He was smart and liked sex but that was pretty much it.

**SPOILERS** The fact that the entire book basically happened because Teela Brown, the female that Louis Wu bangs, was breed for luck and her one true love just happens to be on the Ringworld is a bit ridiculous.

2/5 stars only because I didn’t absolutely hate it

This was previously posted on my blog, http://erinthedreamer.wordpress.com/