Monday, April 23, 2012

BOOKWORM REVIEW, VOLUME II, ISSUE SEVEN

Latest review was posted on March 26th

Life of Pi by Yann Martel Four worms
First half of the book is outstanding in its examination of religion. Chapter 25 excels as it scrutinizes the self-righteous morality of the devoutly faithful. “To me, religion is about our dignity, not our depravity,” stated Pi. Time in the boat becomes arduous and fantastical. Should have kept a chronological order instead telling of the conclusion before the story was finished.

Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett Three and a half worms
Clever examination of feline behavior. Especially good for people who are thinking about procuring a cat companion, dealing with behavior issues, adding a child to the family, or just want to learn more about the felix in your home. Good stories but some needed a conclusion, as did the book. What happened to mourning Sophie?

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Three and a half worms
Well written but bewildering when the biographies were mixed together. I frequently became confused as to who was whom and what they were doing. It would have been better to write each biography independently and then blend them together when they met. Story became much more compelling after the President Lincoln’s election, about one third into the book. Well worth the effort to read though you may need to take notes to remember all the persons involved. Look at the photos, first, so that you can more easily visualize the people mentioned.

Red Earth, White Earth by Will Weaver Three worms
Harsh exploration of farming on a reservation. Lots of swearing and uncomfortable situations. Horridly prejudicial against Native Americans and Ojibwe Nation. Difficult to sympathize with the main character, his mother was much more interesting. The last few pages of Chapter 18 are fantastic. www.whiteearth.com

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson Three worms
Three compelling profiles of courageous people who journeyed from the South to the North during Jim Crow. Extensive historical research and interviews with a lot of notations. Unfortunately, the affectionate biographies were mixed together. It was very perplexing to determine who was being discussed because so many extra names were included in each story. Chronological exploration of each person would have been easier to read.

Book suggestions appreciated. Seeking a five-worm winner!

Read with a cat (or dog) on your lap.
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

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