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Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

11 May

Author: Amy Chua

Overview
I really enjoyed this book.  I heard about it when it was all over the news last year and thought I knew what it was about –the insane methods of “Tiger Mothers.”  However, it is more than that, and more than a defensive memoir.  Chua talks about the ways she was successful in her parenting, and the ways in which she had to adapt.  Her love for her daughters is clear as she describes the sacrifices she made for them and the dedication they all had to music and learning.  Though I don’t think I could ever be a true “Tiger Mother,” I do think I learned some good things, and I think most Western parents could learn from her as well.
Three full books
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Posted in Cultural Fiction, Fiction

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Veil of Roses

27 Apr

Author: Laura Fitzgerald

Overview
I had heard that this book was similar to A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I loved.  I suppose it is, if you are just defining the books by general content.  However, this is a much lighter read.  You get a feel for what women in Iran deal with, but it isn’t as graphic and bold as A Thousand Splendid Suns.  This book is far more uplifting and full of hope.  It was a fun read, for the most part.  I think it is probably better for people who are oversensitive to violence and things like that, but still want to learn about women in Iran.  The main character is sad and broken by how her life has been and I felt like I did learn about a different perspective as she struggled to allow herself to hope for happiness.
Two and three-fourths books
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Posted in Cultural Fiction, Fiction

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The Help

13 Apr

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Overview
I was very much looking forward to reading this book because I’d heard so much about it.  And I’m the kind of person that can’t watch a book-based movie without reading the book first, so I wasn’t even tempted to spoil it for myself by seeing the film.  I was a little cautious, knowing that so many “trendy” books are poorly written these days, but I was not disappointed!  This book is not only entertaining, it is definitely well-written.  It is quality literature –both in content and writing.  This was a great, fresh perspective from the Civil Rights movement and I felt like I even learned a few things while reading it, though it is mostly fiction.  I only hope the movie does it justice!
Four and one-half books
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Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction

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A Lesson Before Dying

30 Mar

Author: Ernest J. Gaines

Overview
I didn’t pick this book because it was one of Oprah’s Book Club picks, and I have to admit when I noticed that it was, I set my standards a little lower.  I feel like she (or perhaps her staff) really picks books just because they are controversial, not necessarily because they are well-written.  This book sounded promising, I thought I was going to read something similar to Tuesdays With Morrie.  However, it was too depressing and the characters were weak.  I am disappointed that it wasn’t better, since the idea had great potential.
Two full books
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Posted in Classic, Fiction

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Empire of the Sun

02 Mar

Author: J. G. Ballard

Overview
I wasn’t aware of what had gone on in China during World War II, so I was very interested to read this book.  The boy that tells the story makes it interesting, since he is very honest about what he sees, but also not completely aware of what is really happening.  He is afraid of what is going on, but also enjoys the excitement.  It reminded me a lot of the movie Life is Beautiful, and I found myself hoping that Jim would never have to lose his innocence and the war would end without him fully understanding it all.  But he does grow up and does understand the changes taking place.
Three full books
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Posted in Historical Fiction

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