Wizard's First Rule

I realize that I am a little late jumping on the Terry Goodkind bandwagon but never being a huge "fantasy genre" fan, I did not know they even existed until the TV came out. It really was all a turn of fate because I just happened to come across the show on Saturday night at 11pm, when looking for something to fill my normal "Friends reruns" slot. I began obsessing over the show (based on the books) early in season 1 and then a friend bought me the first book for Christmas. Little did either of us know the consequences of her actions. With that one purchase, she ruined me life- subjecting me to the emotional distress and financial investment that is this 12-part series. Basically, I have done NOTHING else for the past 3 weeks and don't know how I'm going to get through me school classes with 9 books to go. Humor me a moment while I tell you of my new love:

Sword of Truth: Wizard's First Rule
Book Review by Christine Antonios

While the TV show is solid, it does not even come close to the understanding of the main characters that the reader experiences in the text. The story follows Richard Cypher's journey to save the world. He is accompanied by a Confessor, Kahlan Amnell, and a Wizard of the First Order, Zedd. Though the setting is completely made up, the reader learns all about the rules of magic and of the land through Richards eyes, because he is discovering this world along with us. He is named The Seeker and was prophesied as the only one who defeat Darken Rahl. For those just joining us, this may sound identical to most other fantasy stories. It is not uncommon, considering they all stem from Tolkein's Lord of the Rings- therefore carrying much of the same language. Richard must wheeled the Sword of Truth to defeat evil and free the Midlands.

Though the summary seems unoriginal, it is the captivating characters that keep the reader interested. Richard and Kahlan quickly fall into a forbidden love and the magic that defines their existence is a perfect contrast to their characters. Kahlan is feared by everyone who encounters her, yet she carries the burden of Confessor with grace and respect. Her fragility as a woman counters her persona as a Confessor and the power she holds as the highest rank in the world. The reader (as does Richard) goes almost 500 pages before learned what Kahlan is, and by that time, we have fallen in love with her so much that it would not even matter. It's brilliant on the writers part, because we learn enough to know she is a force to be reckoned with, but not enough to prevent us from knowing her as a person first. Richard, on the other hand, has the character necessary to every hero. He is quick and intelligent, learning fast as he goes and reasoning his way out of mind-tricks. He is, again, a perfect contrast to the Sword he carries because he has a knack for befriending ever creature that he encounters but is forced to carry the burden of death. The author also ties Richard's background to the magic- balancing his destiny and his choice that allow him to accomplish his quest.

The most fascinating part of the book is Richard's capture by the Mord-Sith. The text presents an interesting psychology into the character that will continue to alter his actions for books to come. The Mord-Sith are a unique kind of evil that specialize in torture. and enslavement They are women trained to use capture one's magic and break them into submission. It is one of the most terrifying and interesting portions of the text. Through Richard's 'Mistress', Denna, Goodkind describes a kind of madness that is created deep in Richard's psyche. Like Richard, the reader is brought to an understanding of the woman, blaming her yet never being able to hate her. The weird mix of subtle love/ compassion and frightening pain works to further character development rather then plot development.

Lastly, the flow of the text itself is it's saving grace. From the very beginning, the book moves at an even pace and there is a constant mix of danger and pleasant humor. The reader is never overwhelmed by the information- but is constantly learning new things that fit in with and complete previous knowledge. The novel chooses a few key characters and switches the point of view periodically. It never re-tells any information, but it allows the reader insight into other characters while progressing the story with key information. I have no complaints about the book because its arch is just right and the ending/climax is neither too quick nor too slow. The author resolves all parts of the text but opens new possibilities to carry us into the sequels.

The Shack

Book by William Young

Review by Jessica DeSalva

After spending 39 weeks on the New York Times best seller list and currently holding the #1 spot, one would have to admit that The Shack by William Paul Young has swept the nation. What was written as a story for his children, with no intention of being published, has soared into selling over 5.5million copies and will soon be appearing in over 30 languages around the world. Not bad for a guy living a simple life in Gresham, Oregon, working three jobs (janitor, general manager, and sales representative), raising 6 children, expecting two grandkids and maintaining a marriage.

One must first recognize that the novel was written as theological fiction. This makes it difficult for the reader to discern what the author is saying and decipher whether it is holds evident with Holy Scripture. Keep in mind that the novel isn’t meant to be a Bible lesson. With that being said, The Shack is written as a personal testimony of the protagonist, Mackenzie (Mack) Philips, coming to terms with God. His youngest daughter, Missy, was abducted three years earlier during a family camping trip. Although her body is never found, police find evidence in a shack hidden deep within the forest that reveals she has been viciously murdered by a notorious children’s serial killer. Mack immediately dispatches into “The Great Sadness”, the constant guilt he holds for not saving his beloved daughter. At the height of Mack’s “Great Sadness” he receives a letter from God, inviting him back to scene of the crime or the shack. Although skeptical, Mack goes and experiences the unbelievable: a weekend-long encounter with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. From this point on, the dialogue focuses around topics that theologians have debated for centuries. Young provides anthropomorphism of the Trinity. God is a vivacious African American woman whom goes by the name “papa”, Jesus is a middle-aged man of Jewish descent, and the Holy Spirit is a sylph like Asian women by the name of Sarayu. At this point, the reader feels the urge to close the book and be done with it , but if that’s the path they choose then they are truly missing out. Once you get past the personifications, the reader dives into deep stimulating ideals that surround the Trinity, submission, free will, forgiveness, redemption, love, salvation, and judgment. Most of the communication between Mack and the Trinity focuses around his inability to trust God. One of the most touching parts in the novel is when Mack is working in a garden that is a complete mess; full of weeds, dead flowers, just plain ugliness. Sarayu reveals to Mack that, “this garden is your soul. This mess is you! And it is a wild and beautiful and perfectly in process.” Whether one reads this as a religious lesson or not, it’s a nice metaphor of how every once in awhile we go through periods of time where we have to first internally cleanse ourselves in order to make our external world enjoyable.

Even for non-religious readers, The Shack is a great read because it opens you up to topics you may not usually contemplate. The author provides answers without forcing his opinions upon the reader and stimulates one’s own morals and beliefs. At times I found myself setting the book down and pondering what I just read, internalizing it, thus re-discovering myself. When reading this book it’s all about openness. It’s not about whether you believe in God or not. Allow Young’s creativity and imagination to take you on a journey into self discovery and dap into the divine.
The story line isn’t truly original, yet again this novel wasn’t written for the purpose of simply telling a story. Rather the content and teaching it contains sparks a deep, spiritual and emotional impact upon the reader.

What makes us want to leave the book at this point? Are the characters not believable? Is the theology over out head?

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

Book by David Sedaris

Review by Christine Antonios

David Sedaris’ Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is largely a collection of short stories based on Sedaris’ real life and family. His humor is mostly self-deprecating and mainly pokes fun of his middle class, dysfunctional family. From early childhood in North Carolina to adulthood in Paris, Sedaris continues to recount awkward moments that leave the reader laughing while contemplating the similarities in their own lives. With over 7 million books already sold, Sedaris has had widespread success among American readers and critics alike. Sedaris’ humor has often been compared to Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain or Woody Allen, so the general consensus is that he has promise and his success is not going to diminish any time soon.

The reader quickly realizes that the source for Sedaris’ material will be his awkward childhood (that lasted well past his elementary school days), different occupations, homosexuality, and living on his own. As a child, Sedaris contemplates getting his sister hit by a car, “her life handing by a thread as [his] parents paced the halls of Rex Hospital, wishing they have been more attentive”. He rationalizes, “It was really the perfect solution” to getting back at his parents. As an adult, Sedaris traveled the world, trying to learn about different countries from taxi drivers. He would ask what any normal person asks in a foreign country: “‘What do roosters say?’…as every country has its own unique interpretation”. With further explanation, the reader learns more about a certain country and their customs from Sedaris than they would actually traveling there. In such accounts, Sedaris mixes side-splitting humor with a touch of warmth and understanding about the world around him.

Sedaris began his career on the radio, telling stories from his personal life in five to ten minute readings, so it is no surprise that his autobiography reads the same way. The short, single-event chapters make for a quick read and leave the reader curious about the realities of his upbringing. Sedaris’ style serves his purpose well because each chapter is like a new story and can be read as if it were a fresh start with each character. Sedaris does not worry about having a coherent plot line for the entire 257 pages and can focus on the humor between each incident. The downside is that readers looking for some character growth or dynamic may be disappointed. Once the novelty of the humor wears off around chapter 10, the character stagnates and the author begins to rely on his absurd situations to capture the audience. However, do not underestimate the effect of such absurd situations. Readers will find themselves appalled as well as laughing until their sides hurt when Sedaris is mistaken for an erotic housecleaner or is driven out of his apartment by a nine-year-old girl.

It is clear that nothing is off limits to the author, much to his family’s dismay. Sedaris clarifies that his family’s “personal lives are the so-called pieces of scrap I usually pick up, and they're sick of it. More and more of their stories begin with the line, 'You have to swear you will never repeat this.'”. Fortunately for us, he does not keep his word. The autobiography is filled with embarrassing stories of his siblings, his parents, and often the crazy neighbor everyone hopes to never encounter. Some have even criticized Sedaris for trying to bring humor to topics that are anything but funny. Issues like Anne Frank and pedophilia are fair game for Sedaris. The effect on the reader is a feeling of discomfort and slight shock, but these chapters succeed because the novelty of Sedaris’ humor is continually wearing off. The provocative topics add material for him to explore. When visiting Anne Frank’s hiding place, Sedaris confesses that “the first words that come to mind are not ‘I still believe all people are really good at heart,’ but ‘Who do I have to knock off in order to get this apartment?’”. However, do not misunderstand me. To say the book is based on awkward moments and a dysfunctional family is not to say it is without heart. Sedaris takes moments to remember saving his brother from drowning or to remember his brothers wedding. They are well written reflection on the author’s experiences that go beyond the humor of Sedaris’ commentary, but in the end, the books humor out ways any other positive or negative qualities it may posses.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Book by Ray Bradbury

Review by Jessica DeSalva

After attending Ray Bradbury’s panel at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in association with UCLA last April I was eager to read more of his novels. Of course I had already read his internationally acclaimed science fiction novel, Fahrenheit 451, which deals with censorship and defiance, but still I was ready to dive into another one of his worlds.

Each time I read a book, I always ask myself, “I wonder what inspired the author?” Fortunately, Bradbury answered my question. He spoke about each life experience and inspiration that led to each of his brilliant creations. However, there was one story in particular that intrigued me. When Bradbury was 12 years old he had an encounter with a carnival magician named Mr. Electrico, who was part of what could be classified as a “freak carnival” in which the most obscure of human oddities is displayed. Each character he witnessed as a child was integrated into his 1962 novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes. The title itself may sound familiar if you have read Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, in which the title is directly quoted from "By the pricking of my thumbs / Something wicked this way comes". As Macbeth may be rendered as a tragedy of moral order so may Something Wicked This Way Comes

The novel opens on a stormy October 23rd night in which the two thirteen year old protagonists, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade are introduced by an encounter with a bizarre lighting rod salesman, who claims a storm is heading in their direction of Green Town, Illinois. Ironically, promptly at 3AM, the hour of the dead, Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show rolls into town. From the beginning Bradbury sets a sinister tone that continues to echo throughout the novel. Bradbury reveals each of the boys in different ways. Although the boys are best friends each represent entirely different personalities. Will takes on the realistic, reserve, empathic little boy who is not eager to grow up. However, Jim is quick to act and flawed by his tunnel vision, therefore, finds himself in drastic danger with the carnival. The boys soon discover the carnivals secret as they witness Mr. Cooger (co-partner of the carnival) ride the merry-go-round backwards, causing him to de-age into a young boy. From this point on the action picks up as the boys are discovered watching and chased the rest of the novel by the lead evil character, Mr. Dark, the illustrated man. He is covered in tattoos each representing a figure he exerts control over.

The chapters are short in length, making the novel an easy read and a page turner. His usage of rich imagery is amazing. At times I found myself re-reading pages just because of the rich language he uses to describe simply things, such as the library. A lot of the novel is written as a stream of consciousness for each character. Making it hard to keep track what is being said out loud and what isn’t.

I have to say what I love most about the novel is the satire on human nature. Bradbury has the ability to use his characters in order to evoke deep flaws that are present within individuals. The only thing that frightens the carnivals evil characters is happiness, the sound of laughter. Each figures feeds off of fear from its captive. The key as Charles Halloway discovers when faced with the evil Witch is belief that the magic doesn’t work. His laughter serves as a testament of how ridiculous her powers are. The same is evident in Mirror Mazes, once he accepts that what he is seeing is not the real image the mirrors crack and lose all their illusion hold. The power of belief is more powerful than even magic.

The novel is wonderful for those who relish in science fiction and a love for carnivals.

Twilight Book Review

Book by Stephenei Meyer

Review by Irine Fabringas

About three things I was certain, concerning Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight:

1. It’s a book about vampires.
2. A part of it, and I’m not sure how dominant that part is, is incredibly cheesy.
3. It has irrevocably become one of my favorite books.

But that’s just me.

Twilight begins simply enough, laying down a necessary foundation as Bella Swan narrates how she ends up in Forks, Washington with her father, after having lived in Phoenix, Arizona for most of her life, with her mother. While the story may drag for some when it starts, action quickly picks up with the introduction of the Cullens—five students at Bella’s new high school who redefine beauty.

For a new author, Stephenie Meyer does a pretty good job with setting up her story, and introducing new and seemingly inconsequential characters. Her choice of perspective, through the eyes of Bella, is important to the story and the way the characters are viewed. She manages to capture the naivety of a 17-year old girl who just wants to escape and find true love.

Of course, the perspective, and Meyer’s writing style has its disadvantages. For those who aren’t so romantically inclined, certain scenes in the book may be too “sappy,” “corny,” and/or “cheesy,” which does get annoying, but holds true to the age-group and mentality of her characters. However unbelievable Edward Cullen and his interaction with Bella may be, it’s best to remember that Twilight is a love story about two star-crossed lovers, who for one reason or another are finding it difficult to be together (sound familiar?) and Stepehnie Meyer makes it clear from her own description of the book that it’s a fantasy that has to do with vampires.

Having fallen in love with other fantasy stories (Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter at the very top of that list), yet at the same time not accepting the romantic side of me, I first read Twilight with a critical mind. For someone who enjoys JK Rowling’s series and JRR Tolkien’s classics, Twilight may be the next book/series to conquer, now that the previous two have come to a close. I loved the way Meyer sets her story in an actual place, with circumstances and events occurring that are appropriate to the story’s setting. There’s a reason the Cullens are in Forks, just as there’s a reason Bella has to move there. Is it fate? Or is it just a series of events that lead two teenagers (one a teenager for almost a century) to find love in an unexpected location at an unexpected time? I like to think of it as such an outrageous fantasy that it just might be true; who knows? Maybe there really is an Edward Cullen wooing a Bella Swan somewhere in the wilderness surrounding Forks; or maybe a Jacob Black enjoys moonlit walks on La Push beach? I can dream, in any case—much like countless other mothers and daughters (and some reluctant boyfriends) who have gotten caught up in the world that Meyer has created.

I also really liked her new and original spin on the vampires themselves. Meyer keeps enough of the myths that allow readers to recognize the danger associated with keeping the company of such creatures, yet at the same time changes enough so that reading this vampire story is different from reading countless other stories before that dealt with the same subject. She may make them more beautiful, but they are just as deadly and vengeful as the characters in Bram Stoker’s work.

While the story is focused on Bella and Edward, the other characters are definitely not lacking whatsoever. Meyer gives life and voice to the other Cullens (some are focused on in greater detail in the later books), as well as some of Bella’s high school friends. While I would have liked to see a little more from those characters, any lack of depth in that arena is due, once again, to the point of view from which the book is written; Bella isn’t as omniscient or all-knowing as some of the other characters in the book turn out to be. Readers see the world the way Bella sees the world, and that view proves incredibly biased.

Twilight is, by no means, a story that makes you think incredibly deep thoughts (though, that of course can be argued). It is not a story that challenges you to rethink your morals, or the way the world works, or anything epic like that. It is, however, a story that will take you away from yourself for a while, into a world where vampires exist—a world where not all vampires want to be monsters and are actually kind of attractive…without the “kind of.” It’s a story that can either uplift your views on love, or ruin them because Edward is just that good.

It’s a fairy tale, that doesn’t necessarily begin with “Once upon a time,” or end with “happily ever after,” but it might just leave you with some warm happy feelings, or the need to avoid candy because that book was just too sweet for you.

Of course, you might end up like me, and avoid garlic instead of candy in the hopes of finding your own Edward Cullen.

the five people you meet in heaven

Book by Mitch Albom

Review by Christine Antonios

Albom's book is an interesting read and could have even some of the toughest critics crying by the end. The story begins with the death of the main character and follows his journey in heaven where he meets five people of the past. These five people teach him lessons that help explain his life. It is a moving life story told in an unusual way. In the end, we do not know everything about Eddie's (the main character) life, but we know the important events and emotions that made up his past. We learn bits and pieces and the frequent encounters with new characters keep us interested in Eddie's past as well as his future.

The five people that Eddie meets get more and more interesting although the themes of the book are fairly predictable and un-unique. Eddie has daddy issues and lost the love of his life too early. He feels like his life was meaningless and he has wasted it on a job he never liked. Early on, the reader realizes that these issues will be solved before the book is over but that does not leave the book predictable. Although I was never invested enough in the character to try and guess the outcome, there were a couple of noteworthy twists that keep the book alive. Certain truths are revealed about Eddie's time in the war and about Eddie's father that give the character a full life and are revealed in interesting ways. It was also interesting to see the progression of the lessons learned. The novel presents them as if the next lesson is more important than the previous, beginning with the importance of life itself and leading to sacrifice, love, etc.

As one reads the book, however, there is little left for the reader or the character to figure out on their own. Each lesson is fully explained by these five people and (perhaps this is a benefit in heaven) but Eddie is never left to internalize the lesson and gradually change his mind about his life. Although each lesson is interesting, thorough and presented well, the reader does not have much to interpret. In the end, the most moving part is as Eddie remembers his wife's death and last two people Eddie meets in heaven make it a worthy tearjerker.