Blog Archives - BC Reads!

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

2/27/2013

Title: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
# pages: 464
Date published: 2009
Rating: 4 out of 5stars
Would you recommend it? Yes!

This heart-warming novel is a story about the help—a contingent of black maids raising white children in Jackson, Mississippi during the civil rights turmoil of the 1960s. Aside from its central focus on racial tensions during this time, it is also a story of unexpected friendship and love. Told from the perspectives of Aibileen and Minnie, two maids in Jackson, along with Skeeter, a young white woman who doesn’t quite fit in, The Help will have you laughing, crying, and wishing you had Minnie’s caramel cake recipe. From the delicious southern comfort food, to the scandalous drama within the upper-class social circles, there is always some action to maintain your attention.

While the recent film adaptation of the novel was relatively well done, even people who have already seen the movie will enjoy this book. As with most novel-based films, there are several scenes worth reading that were not included in the script. There is hardly a dull moment throughout the plotline, especially when the horrible Hilly Holbrook is involved.

As someone who has not studied much about the civil rights movement, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book where historical events and critical social issues of the era were interwoven in a way that wouldn’t bore me to tears. So, if you’re looking for a fairly light read with a feel-good ending, The Help is just the kind of book you need!

Review by Kristie Dickinson, CSOM '14

"Every Day" by David Levithan

2/27/2013

Title: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Genre: Fiction
Date Published: 2013
# pages: 336
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended?: Yes

“Every day I am someone else. I am myself—I know I am myself—but I am also someone else. It has always been like this.” A receives no warning and no preparation for the person he/she will become the following day. The life of transience that A, for whatever reason, has been forced to lead leaves little room for friendship and certainly no room for mistakes. The guidelines A has set for him/herself are simple: live each day without being noticed and without interfering. This system proves to be successful until the fateful day when falling in love causes A to break his/her own rules.

The constantly changing scenery in this David Levithan novel makes it a quick read, but the style also takes some getting used to. In the same way that A has to establish his/her own procedure for dealing with constant change, readers must find a way to adjust to an exceedingly dynamic main character. Despite the different bodies and situations in which A finds him/herself, however, A’s strong personality remains at the forefront of the narrative and gives the novel a sense of consistency. Every morning, he/she offers the reader a psychological and physiological analysis of the body he/she wakes up in. This unbiased report breaks open stereotypes, examines the nature of relationships, and presents the potential joys and horrors of high school in a way that evokes both pleasant and less desirable memories.

Although this novel is engaging for its ability to place the reader directly in the mind of the main character and in the bodies of several unsuspecting high-school students, it leaves much to be desired. A repeatedly makes imprudent decisions, the ending left me unsatisfied, certain aspects of the plot lacked development, and the romance reached a level of cheesiness that may have led me to set it aside were I not such already such a sucker for love stories. Nevertheless, it is A’s poor decision-making and romantic tendencies that help develop his/her character and the ending is, for lack of a better phrase, the way it had to be. In all, this was a good, quick read and one that I would suggest to anyone that has a few hours to spare.

Review by Christie Wentworth, A&S '13

"A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

2/27/2013

Title: A Game of Thrones
Author: George R. R. Martin
Genre: Fantasy
# of pages: 720
Publication Date: 1996
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommend: Yes

Winter is coming, and in the world of George R.R. Martin’s, winter can last for years – even decades. If everyone in the Seven Kingdoms wants to survive, a stable central government needs to be in place; unfortunately, it is anything but. The many families, Stark and Lannister the most prominent kin among them, struggle for the Iron Throne not only with sword and shield, but also through political maneuvering and ruthless backstabbing. Meanwhile, across the sea to the south, the last two living descendants of the late royal bloodline bide their time until they can reclaim the throne that was lost a few decades ago. The blood of the dragons flows through their veins and they will stop at nothing to take back what was once theirs. Wars are started, people are killed, and alliances are broken. Very few seem to realize that winter is coming along with a forgotten, ancient evil that may spell the end of humanity.

While not everyone has seen the HBO television series Game of Thrones, I’m sure most people have at least heard of the extent of its critical acclaim. With incredible actors, amazing cinematography, and a concrete storyline, the series has found fans of all different tastes, not just fantasy and sci-fi geeks such as myself.

The thing is, the books are even better than the television series.

The line between “good guys” and “bad guys” is blurred until it is nearly indistinguishable as the book goes deep into the minds and motivations of many different characters. The story becomes even more convoluted with multiple intertwining subplots and complex political strategies that are constantly changing. A masterful building of suspense and subtle hints of an impending cataclysmic event make A Game of Thrones an intense reading experience.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this book is that George R. R. Martin breaks all the rules of the fantasy genre. He writes from multiple viewpoints and makes even the most immoral characters seem sympathetic and even likeable at times. He also has no qualms about killing off main heroes. In fact, he does it a lot and with almost gleeful ease. If you like surprises, this book is for you.

Above all else, A Game of Thrones is a book about people and their relationships. Although magic is important, especially later in the series, it’s actually more of a backdrop to the interactions between the characters. That’s why this series has become so popular outside of fans of the genre. Admittedly, the prose can be a bit dense at times, but it’s worth getting through. Trust me. Read it.

Review by William Hwang, A&S ‘15

Illustration by Patrick Hughes, A&S '14

"The Mystery of Edward Drood" by Charles Dickens

2/20/2013

Title: The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Author: Charles Dickens
Genre: Mystery
Date Published: 1870
Pages: 432 (with notes)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

One of the most beloved of Dickensian tropes, and perhaps also one of the most ridiculed, the ending, in pulling together and even justifying the rest of the story, has been called the signature of all Dickens and even Victorian novels. In this sense, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, his last and unfinished novel, seems to violate every motivation that one would have in reading such a book. In breaking off a mere six installments into the planned twelve after its author’s untimely death, it lacks what most readers would consider the most satisfying portion, where Dickens tends to tie up loose ends into ingenious, if always perfectly fitting, conclusions. Furthermore, the title refers to a mystery, and indeed, by the end of the existing installments, Edwin Drood has vanished, apparently dead, without the ending Dickens almost certainly envisioned to explain the circumstances of his disappearance.

            What has continued to draw readers to the story is this unknowable nature; the story has no ending, yes, but that only increases the appeal. After all, isn’t the perfect mystery the one that can never be solved? As a result, one can attach significance to any small detail and conjecture the vital purpose it might have served in the final chapters. Scholars and laymen alike have pored over the details Dickens provides, but even with the help of the notes recovered after his death and the famed “Sapsea fragment,” a piece of a later chapter introducing new characters, the question of what happened to Edwin Drood cannot definitively be answered.

            The clues are all there, of course. Most pin the deed on John Jasper, Drood’s crafty uncle and the choirmaster, whose supposed piety masks an opium addiction and an obsessive love for Drood’s fiancé. Yet other questions abound; who, for instance, is the mysterious stranger and detective, Dick Datchery, whose inscrutable features many scholars believe hide the identity of a previously known character, disguising him or herself to uncover the truth? What stake does Princess Puffer, Jasper’s opium supplier, have in the case, and why does she venture to Cloisteram in the final chapters?

            Readers must accept that these questions can never be answered. Those who hope to find the answers to the questions The Mystery of Edwin Drood poses will inevitably be disappointed. But those perhaps accustomed to Dickens through his other works, who can wonder his motives and plans without ever realizing them, who can relish in the utter impenetrability of the mystery that Dickens has set before us, those are the readers who will enjoy this novel. The Mystery of Edwin Drood has been called the perfect mystery novel, not by virtue of its technique or even the author’s intention to deceive, but because it is the only one whose mystery can, quite literally, never be solved. Who killed Edwin Drood? Only his creator can fathom.

Review by Jennifer Heine, A&S '16
Illustration below by Patrick Hughes, A&S '14

"Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" by Mindy Kaling

2/17/2013

Title: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
Author: Mindy Kaling
Genres: Humor, Memoir
# pages: 219
Date published: September 18, 2012
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended? Yes

As an avid fan of The Office and a recent follower of The Mindy Project, there’s a special place for Mindy Kaling in my heart. I have never been an autobiography-reading kind of girl, but after reading Tina Fey’s BossyPants, I decided to give the genre a chance. Coupled with the realization that Kaling recently ventured into the egotistical category, I had to read it. Let me tell you, it was far from disappointing. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) was a hilarious depiction of Kaling’s life and her random tidbits of wisdom.

Kaling paints a picture of her life through self-deprecating humor. She talks about how much she admires her parents and the numerous times she embarrassed her brother in summer camp. She explains how rare it is to be an overweight Indian child and yet how her mother embraced her for it. She also humorously describes why romantic comedies are the best genre and what clothes every man should own. She strongly believes that JC Chasez was the cutest member of ’NSYNC and Converse sneakers have a lifetime of one year. With every topic Kaling hits on, whether it’s serious or ridiculous, she uses her humor and personable character to engage the reader. Kaling is a role model to all women due to her humility, intelligence, and work ethic. I not only admire her, but I wish she were my best friend.

I won’t lie to you; I could not put this book down. I read it in the gym, in between classes, even before bed. It took me a little less than two days to finally finish it. Obviously, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) isn’t the epitome of classic literature, but it’s still a captivating book which I highly recommend. Kaling covers topics every young woman has thought about, but she does so with a hilarious twist. This is the perfect novel to finish in a few days and to pass on to your best friend.

Review by Hallie Sullivan, A&S '15

"My Name is Memory" by Ann Brashares

2/17/2013

Title: My Name is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
Genre: Fiction
# of Pages: 336
Date Published: 2010
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Ann Brashares, who also wrote the much-acclaimed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, composes a unique and intriguing love story in My Name is Memory. Daniel has “the memory.” He can remember all of his past lives – from 520 A.D. to present day. Through countless deaths, parents, wives, and wars, he remembers it all. But despite living these different perspectives that span human existence, one thing remains constant in Daniel’s remembrance: his love for a soul, which he calls Sophia. From 552 A.D. Asia Minor to 1918 England to 1972 Virginia, Daniel and Sophia’s souls are constantly seeking each other, only to lose each other time after time again.

The book takes place in the present day, with Daniel and Sophia, named Lucy by her current parents, meeting in high school. However, in order for them to finally be together, they both must conquer the competing forces that have kept them apart for so long.

This book was fairly entertaining and well written but dragged on a bit in the middle. One can only take so much whining about how much Daniel and Lucy love and yearn for the other. Nothing of consequence happens within the first 300 pages; it is simply a summarized account of a number of their past lives and a never-ending stream of pained thoughts detailing their unrequited love.

Don’t get me wrong, the anecdotes of their past lives were interesting and varied. I enjoyed reading them and putting the pieces together. It just took Brashares too long to reach the climax of the novel – not to mention the unfinished ending. I have never been one to adamantly despise ambiguous endings, as long as they make sense with the rest of the story and leave the reader with a sense of thoughtfulness to take with them. However, the ending of My Name is Memory was far from thoughtful. I wouldn’t even call it ambiguous. It just ended, as if no further explanation or musing was necessary. As far as I know, there is no sequel to this book. The main action of the novel was completely cut short.

Despite the disappointing ending of this novel, I did enjoy the ride to the end and would recommend this book to lovers of romance novels. Only people who have an affinity for this genre will be able to stand the repetitive stream of consciousness that revolves around Daniel and Sophia’s love.

Review by Brittany Duncan, A&S '16

Illustration Below by Tashrika Sharma, A&S '15

If you liked this book, we recommend: Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn

"Drop Dead Healthy" by A.J. Jacobs

2/5/2013

Title: Drop Dead Healthy
Author: A.J. Jacobs
Genre: Memoir
# of Pages: 371
Date Published: 2012
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Recommend: Yes

I’ve read A. J. Jacobs’ work before. In addition to being an editor at Esquire, he has filled the bookstore shelves with funny memoirs about the crazy experiments he regularly attempts. The last book of his I picked up, A Year of Living Biblically, portrayed his experience trying to live a year following every rule of the Bible. Full of sass, he drives his family crazy with his social experiments. Jacobs’ books move quickly with reasonably paced chapters that get to the point and include pictures to hasten the dialogue! Normally, I’d give any book two stars minimum for having pictures. His latest work is the concern of this review, however. In Drop Dead Healthy, Jacobs attempts to become the healthiest man alive. After having a mid-life crisis, he realizes that he needs to get his act together on the health and fitness front. This book follows his journey as he embarks on a series of entertaining visits to a myriad of health experts.

I’m always trying to read different things and push myself out of the comfortable light reading I like to do outside of class. Being a tame yoga-going, stationary bike riding, sometimes-elliptical-if-there’s-no-one-to-watch-me-fall-off kind of girl, I was intrigued by the extreme health trends Jacobs tried; he described his experiences in a way that didn’t leave me feeling like I was reading another textbook for class. Instead of going to get acupuncture, going vegan, or turning my own desk into a treadmill, I witnessed him consult experts in every field in the hopes of finding the very best, but easy to follow advice for all aspects of health. From confronting germ phobias to discovering new tricks for dealing with stress, to trying out the “caveman movement” (don’t ask, just read), he attempts all sorts of extreme “hip” movements as well as trusted, old-fashioned exercise.

I’m pretty picky when it comes to books, so I gave this one three stars. It moves quickly enough hold your interest, but I didn’t find it as witty as his other works. Overall, he addressed a lot of different issues in a casual way that held the reader’s attention from the very beginning. If you’re curious about ways to live well, just want to laugh, or need a fast read for your time on the treadmill/stationary bike/elliptical, this is the book for you!

Review by Molly Saint, A&S '15 Illustration by Kayla D'Ambrosio, A&S '14

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth

2/5/2013

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Science Fiction
# of Pages: 487
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommend: Yes

Divergent is the first book in a trilogy by young novelist Veronica Roth. Beatrice ‘Tris’ Prior lives in a dystopian society that is divided into five factions, each of which highlights a particular virtue: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Although each child is born into a faction, at the age of 16 members of society are allowed to pick which faction they will dedicate the rest of their lives to. When the time comes for Beatrice to choose her fate, she struggles between her loyalty to her family and her own desires. Her surprising choice leads to an intense and competitive initiation that challenges her mental strength, her physical capabilities, and the durability of her friendships. As conflict brews and her seemingly perfect lifestyle begins to unravel, Tris realizes that her most closely guarded secret might be the key to saving the people she loves.

Through the development of a society characterized by divisions and faux peace, Veronica Roth plays on stereotypes, human nature, and the danger of conformity while building her scene. There are few lulls in the action, and I actually felt a sense of urgency to push forward while reading this novel. It was as if the next important event would have gone on without me if I set the book down for just a moment. With a defiant teenage girl as the leading character, a futuristic, bleak setting, a budding romance, and a fascinating blend of excitement, dread, and mystery, I could not help but compare the first book in this trilogy to The Hunger Games. Do not start this book if you have any enticing plans for the next eight hours. Or during finals week, like I did. It started as a casual read that I hoped would calm my nerves, but instead I ended up pulling a non-academically related all-nighter to finish it.

Honestly, the only real downside to this book is that conclusion of the trilogy will not be released until next fall. In Divergent, some questions remain unanswered and many situations do not make sense. I am expecting that these issues will be resolved in the second and third books, though. I’m not one for patience and would have preferred to read all three books in close sequence, but as far as flaws go I would say that this is a minor one. While Divergent is not for everyone, if you enjoyed The Hunger Games series I advise you to pick up this Veronica Roth novel!

Review by Christie Wentworth, A&S '13 Illustration by Patrick Hughes, A&S '14