The full title of this book by Neil Postman is “Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the age of Show Business”
Reading this book, I just kept thinking about how much it made me seem like a Communications grad. I actually knew what Neil Postman was talking about because of my studies. #win
I understood references, theorists, arguments, it was great. And I felt it perfectly encapsulated my academic studies in 164 pages. Continue reading
Odd Thomas is quite possibly my favourite character. As this if the fifth Odd Thomas book in the series, I was not disappointed. This book is more supernatural (I know right, how can that be when Odd sees ghosts) than the rest, and has many crazy elements.
Carrying off from Odd Hours, Annamarie and Odd find themselves at Roseland estate (built by a Roaring 20s Hollywood Film Maker). In typical Odd Thomas fashion, Continue reading
This is not your typical “beach read” and should be regarded as more than that. Sure, the plot-line is perhaps more so on the basic side, and the reader is left with a feeling of “oh but do give me more,” but the book is nonetheless entertaining, funny, and will teach you a lesson on people. What I draw away from this reading experience is this: that people are complex; they lead complicated lives, they hide secrets from others and sometimes from themselves, and nearly everyone is critical about themselves.
Jess Dunne is a sarcastic thirtysomething who’s third generation Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean she’s in the business (though her Mother tried). When the opportunity strikes, she begins work as a personal assistant for C-list composer, drawing the attention of a B-list approaching A-list actress.
Jess Dunne’s estranged mother enters the picture wanting to wiggle herself back into Jess’ life, especially with fame looming around.
I found that I connected to Jess. The sarcastic writing, thoughts running through her mind constantly, how she approached situations, it was refreshing to read a character I could and can relate to so much.
These lovely words caught my attention:
“We all in this together, yo. Our people make the village.”
“Hot is fleeting, but funny lasts forever.”
“And you might want to get over it,” he says. “Bitter only poisons the bearer.”
ooooo! This book was well written, such a good mystery, and featured not your typical characters. Guessed the mystery about half-way through, but man. Loved the novel!
The book begins with Rachel who rides a commuter train each day in the morning and night. She becomes engrossed with a couple she sees outside the train window. Rachel constructs their lives thinking they are perfect and are the ideal couple. Nevertheless, one day Rachel catches a glimpse of something, leading Rachel to become entwined with the police.
I definitely recommend reading this book! Follow my reading adventures at GoodReads.
The full title of this book is “Barefoot in Baghdad: A Story of Identity — My Own and What It Means to be a Woman in Chaos.”
Personal Image of my Copy of Barefoot in Baghdad
Thought-provoking, eyeopening, and well written. The book centres Manal Omar’s experiences working in Iraq to provide relief to women in dire situations. Additionally, it discusses Omar’s personal story of identity of being an American-Palestinian Muslim woman choosing to wear the hijab in a war torn country.
Based on other reviews I came across for this book, some were convinced Manal Omar is/was anti-American. It is clear that for those who have this conception did not actually read the book. Manal Omar is not anti-American, she is more so against the occupation of military in Iraq, and is critical of the “War on Terror.” There is a difference between being American and the military.
There was an important quote Omar writes, which I will include here: “Years of humanitarian work had taught me that the smallest intervention could set loose an avalanche of unexpected consequences. I knew better than to dive in on a whim.” pg. 142.
This quote can be applied to humanitarian work such as the donation of clothes, textbooks, shoes, etc. On the surface these are great causes, but only offer short-term solutions. The real solution is long-term, in which communities are taught ways to sustain themselves. Just something I thought about whilst reading.
Two years ago, I decided to create a challenge for myself entitled “20 FOR 20.” Twenty novels in which I would complete in my twenties. These books were initially chosen based on the authors and what the content entailed, hoping that the novel would educate me in some way and/or teach a meaningful lesson.
As I found it difficult to put this list together, thought I would share what I came up with for those who want to challenge themselves in their twenties as well or are just needing a book to read for the summer. Continue reading
Picked this book up because a) needed something that was mindless b) it was on sale for $5.99.
Nevertheless, it was an excellent read, and provided just what I needed. As this is my third Sarah Dessen book I have noticed a recurring theme throughout her writing. Strong relation to Dreamland, except not to the same extent. Continue reading
So this book picked up from page ten? And didn’t stop there. The last few chapters, I was sitting in Starbucks reading – as one would – and all I could think of was: “Wow, the people around me don’t even know how intense this is, and it’s not like I can just open my mouth in full disbelief of the amount of things happening at this moment.” It was that good. Continue reading