The Alchemist

As the quarter winds down, I find myself in the best spot I've been in all year in terms of Independent reading. The story of Pat Tillman is done, and that was a good book, and I'm almost done with The Last Lecture.

I have to say, in the words of Ms. O'Brien, The Alchemist was "El Sucko". I felt that there was absolutely nothing about it that I liked. The plot was boring, a boy in search of his "personal legend" or treasure, who cares! There is absolutely nothing unique about this book except for how poorly it was written. Normally authors slip casual messages about human nature in through the actions of their characters, here Paulo Cohelo simply stated his ideas in dry boring statements, that were hard to relate to. Long story short, I would not recommend The Alchemist to anyone who looks to enjoy reading a book.

Where Men Win Glory

A little behind schedule, still I'm done with my first book.

Pat Tillman. It's nearly impossible to describe him in words that due him justice but I'll do my best. From Krakauer's description, Pat is nearly impossible not to like. He gave everyone he encountered a fair shot. He was known for challenging people to advanced discussion in which he challenged their religious and intellectual beliefs, making them really think. I bet you can't name too many football players that do that. Furthermore, he was incredibly passionate about his sport. From a young age, Tillman was told he would not make it very far in football due to his size. Because of this, Tillman worked his hardest to advance in football and it only drove him to success.

Tillman is an inspiration to, and the thought that the Government manipulated his story enrages me. If he were here, Pat would also be disgusted by the Government's propaganda.

A Million Little Peices

A lot to be said about this book. Well first off I wish I had planned my reading better (I know I say that every quarter) and I would have had more time to enjoy this book. That said, I still enjoyed A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Like kite runner, it has a captivating story, one that immediately has the reader sympathizing with the strife of the main character -- I would say protagonist, except James can also be his own enemy here. As cliched as it is, after reading this book I will not do drugs. Not that I had really considered it before, but after reading someone's (claims of a) firsthand experience about substance abuse, I have a much better understanding for how strong these substances are. This book was much stronger than any lesson we had in health. One scene in particular stands out in my mind, it occurs when James receives 2 root canals without an anesthetic. After reading that vivid description its hard for anyone to find cause to use drugs. Despite the controversy accompanying this story, A Million Little Pieces, is a very powerful story.

Hunger Game

The first book I read this quarter was Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Overall I thought it was interesting, but not very exciting to read. I didn't feel as challenged with vocab as I had been in many other books that I read. Not to say it was too easy, but it was one of the less challenging books I've read. With that said, it was still a very captivating story, one that I think pokes fun at the American way of life. All though we don't host a "hunger games", it ridicules the rule of television, showing what people will do for money, recognition, and fame -- in games like Survivor and The Amazing Race. The portrayal of Katniss and Peeta (yes the names are kind of odd) as star-crossed lovers continues to mock the ideals of american society; much of present day entertainment is advertised by the romantic connections between characters. All said and done, I would recommend it, but not to someone looking for a challenge.

Five People Book Review

Found on Amazon

Albom takes a big risk with the novel; such a story can easily veer into the saccharine and preachy, and this one does in moments. But, for the most part, Albom's telling remains poignant and is occasionally profound. Even with its flaws, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a small, pure, and simple book that will find good company on a shelf next to It's A Wonderful Life. --Patrick O'Kelley

In response to this review:

I agree that a story of this nature -- a book about death-- can easily come across as saccharine (overly sentimental) yet Albom keeps this book from doing so. I do find however that I must disagree with Patrick O'Kelly describing this story as poignant. I felt as thought, rather than focusing on the sad part about the fact that Eddie died, Albom was able to depict Eddie's journey through heaven. Additionally I disagree with O'Kelly's description of this book as simple. Although the plot focuses mainly on his journey, it occasionally meanders into a more sophisticated plot about living your life to the fullest (though a little cliched, still the theme of the book).

Overall, I disagree with O'Kelly's views on this book, because I did not perceive this book to be, in any way, poignant or simple; I also would not say there are flaws substantial enough that they need to be addressed in a 4 line summary of the story.

Not So Happy with Independent Reading

Another quarter approaches its end, and I find myself saying the same things I said last quarter: I am not satisfied with my lack of Independent reading. Although I know this quarter (due to the inhuman amounts of swimming I had to do) I would face more challenges finishing my reading, I could not help but hope I would still manage to finish three books. Sadly, I can only say I've finished two (Kite Runner, 5 People you meet in heaven). On the bright side, I do look at the books I've read this quarter and remember how great they were (especially Kite Runner) and I find myself inspired to read more next quarter. With that said, I look forward to independent reading tomorrow where I will begin this challenge by reading Hunger Games by Suzane Collins.

Kite Runner....WOW!

Hands down, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hossieni was by far the greatest book I have read in a long time. Second only to the Harry Potter series I cannot find the right words to describe how perfect of a book this was. The novel kept the reader on the edge of their seat as they cogitate on Amir's different options for dealing with each of the many problems that arose during the book. In addition to boasting one of the greatest stories I've ever read, I also learned a lot of life lessons from The Kite Runner. The first of which, is the most cliched over-taught life lesson, yet I do not think I understood it that well until I read Kite Runner: don't take things for granted. As I learned of Amir's different struggles -- or even worse, Hassan's -- I began to see how even in the most difficult of times the boys made themselves happy with simple pleasures (flying kites, Amir's marriage to Soraya, writing stories) instead of relying on the fancy luxurious lifestyle Baba provided. Additionally I learned how difficult it is to understand a person unless you know them well. For example, Baba, who in America would have been looked down on as the poor immigrant working in a gas station, was hailed as a hero in his country for acts that extend beyond selflessness.

If I haven't made it clear enough as is, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This was one of the greatest books I have ever read.