Blogging the Books

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

2010-05-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

Think about a match. Tiny. Simple. Seemingly innocuous. These are the things that may come to mind. Not at first do you think of forest fires and utter destruction. You probably didn't think about it causing people to flee from their homes or tattered belongings strewn across lawns. This is what The Tipping Point delves into--how the little things in life can actually make a big difference whether it be the reemergence of Hush Puppies, the success of Paul Revere, the effectiveness of the knowledge that Blues' Clues imparts to the young or any epidemic for that matter.

Malcolm Gladwell classifies his book as an "intellectual adventure story" and rightfully so. It's definitely an adventure as the book pulls you from the world of business, education, fashion and media drawing psychological conclusions from then all. Different than a novel in that it doesn't have a plot, it's just as entertaining for those of you who don't like to read non-fiction. Full of funny stories, interesting facts and great tips to succeed in life, The Tipping Point has it all. An example of Gladwell's entertaining and interesting writing starts in one of the first pages:

Yawning is incredibly contagious. I made some of you reading this yawn simply by writing the word "yawn". The people who yawned when they saw you yawn, meanwhile, were infected by the sight of you yawning--which is a second kind of contagion. They might even have yawned if they only heard you yawn, because yawning is also aurally contagious: if you play an audio-tape of a yawn to blind people, they'll yawn too. And finally, if you yawned as you read this, did the thought cross your mind--however unconsciously and fleetingly--that you might be tired? I suspect that for some of you it did, which means that yawns can also be emotionally contagious. Simply by writing the word, I can plant a feeling in your mind. Can the flu virus do that? Contagiousness, in other words, is an unexpected property of all kinds of things, and we have to remember that if we are to recognize and diagnose epidemic change.

Change and the path of epidemics were relatively untouched subjects until The Tipping Point. After it, a plethora of subject-related material emerged. Gladwell attributes the success of epidemics, trends and phenomena to three rules of epidemics: the Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor and the Power of Context (all of which have a dedicated chapter).

Book Overview
The Three Rules of Epidemics:
1. The Law of the Few
- Connectors: have ties to connect people
- Mavens: want to help others make informed decisions
- Salemen: people with charisma who persuade people to make certain buying decisions
2. The Stickiness Factor
- the ability of a phenomena to retain its popularity by "sticking" in the minds of the people rather than turning into a fad
3. The Power of Context
- environment and timing is important for a trend to tip
- certain groups and certain types of groups must embrace it

Special Blog: Genre Plans

2010-04-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the week! However, this week is a little more special than usual as the 3rd quarter comes to a close and the heat turns up. This quarter consisted of some good reading, although not as much as I had hoped. The genre that I have left for the 4th quarter, I believe, is a classic book having read a mystery book this quarter. This quarter, I chose a different path than I usually do. Rather than the realistic fiction like Sarah Dessen and Jodi Picoult I usually go for, I opted for an even more realistic genre: non-fiction. By reading books like Freakonomics, Superfreakonomics and The Tipping Point, I think that I'm really expanding my knowledge and having a fantastic time while doing. It's some really intriguing stuff that just might help in my day-to-day life. This quarter, I read the aforementioned Superfreakonomics, The Tipping Point as well as Angels & Demons (which also slightly strayed from the well trodden path) and I have to say, all these books were phenomenal. I am in the process of reading Talent is Overrated and I also got through A Crowd of One.
I really can't pick one book as my favorite. Honestly, they were all REALLY good. However, I will give out three(3) awards to showcase the versatility of my 3rd quarter reading:

The Best Vatican City Thriller Award goes to...Angels & Demons!
The Best Explanation of the Components of Trends goes to...The Tipping Point!
The Best Portmanteau Word goes to...Superfreakonomics!

AG

A Review of a Review: An NYT Review of a Very Reviewable Freakonomics

2010-03-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

The New York Times takes on the two Ste(v/ph)ens. Jim Holt's review of Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner's Freakonomics delves into the intricacies of the book and reveals all the things that could have been done wrong. He highlights the fact that the economist of the two (Levitt) "strayed far from the customary paddock of the dismal science in search of interesting problems" which is something I touched on in my own review. It is true that Levitt did this, but he walks right back onto the path by connecting it to daily encounters and real-life situations. To so many, science has become boring and confusing. It's the kind of work Levitt and Dubner have shared that makes it interesting so much so that you wouldn't even call it science anymore--just freakonomics. Described as "an odd book" by Holt, I would never not not not agree to that statement. However, Holt implies that it's a bad thing. I checked the thesaurus and "bad" is not a synonym of "odd"..."freaky" is though. Holt does redeem himself, though, by crediting the great trivia and lengths that both authors (and others) went through in order to make this book possible--two of the things I most admire about this book. Holt ends his slight criticism and praise with a little paragraph about how economists are, for the most part, arrogant. (I can neither refute nor support that claim.) He gives Levitt and Dubner where credit is due and says that they are the odd ones out of his economist claim. Like Holt, I believed that this was a truly awesome book.

It's Been a While...Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

2010-03-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

So...it's been a while. This time around I have a really good book to share: the very popular Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. It's definitely a change from my usual (sorry Sarah Dessen, Steven D. Levitt & Steven J. Dubner!). I'm glad I did start to read this because I had tried to read it before, but stopped because I didn't think I would like it...six pages in. I had heard a lot of good reviews (not on the movie though) from my brother and my friends, but never really got a chance to interrupt my reading roll of easier realistic fiction and entertaining economics books.

In short, Angels & Demons is the story of a well-known Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon, who gets a mysterious call in the middle of night. Little did he know, that mysterious call would alter his perspective on life and put it in danger as well. That call came from a Maximilian Kohler, director of CERN--the European Organization for Nuclear Research as well as the inventors of the internet. Awaken and frankly annoyed by the call, Langdon gets up to find a picture printing in his fax machine: a disfigured man with a perfectly symmetrical brand on him that stated the group that Langdon had researched, pondered and questioned for so long. It was the Illuminati brand and he couldn't believe it. He travels to Switzerland then to the Vatican to try to save the world--yeah, it sounds cheesy, but read it to find out what happens!

So far (I'm 265 out of 569 pages in), it is an amazing book filled with suspense, an inevitable romance, facts that would blow your mind and writing that is equally amazing. Dan Brown captivates and makes a lot of small cliffhangers and creates the illusion that there is a dead end. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.

Superfreakonomics Part Dos

2010-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Superfreakonomics continues to be super, Levitt and Dubner writing continue to dazzle, and I continue to read. I'm not quite finished yet, but it's mostly because I haven't had the time. With mid-winter break coming, I'll be sure to read more and maybe finish off a couple of books!

I really like these types of books--the ones that make you really think and see the inner workings of the world and the people that occupy it. Although this book has a more money, incentive perspective, it does reveal a lot about human nature. One chapter that directly related to this was Chapter 3: Unbelievable Stories About Apathy and Altruism which delves into the issue of people in pop culture and in reality and how they really connect.

I know I shouldn't really be thinking about this now, but the next book I want to read is of the same genre entitled Talent is Overrated by Geoff Calvin which was actually mentioned in this book how talent really doesn't matter when you're after something you really want to accomplish something. A segment of this book was supposed to be in this book but due to the amount of books addressing the topic, it wasn't included.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this book and I highly recommend it. No, it's not a story with an actual plot, but it is really captivating and it's not too difficult of a concept once you're into it.

Superfreaknomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

2010-02-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

The time has come to admit that in our first book, we lied. Twice.
The first lie appeared in our introduction, where we wrote that the book had no "unifying theme."...But in truth, the book did have a unifying theme, even if it wasn't obvious at the time, even to us. If pressed, you could boil it down to four words: People respond to incentives. If you wanted to get more expansive, you might say this: People respond to incentives, although not necessarily in ways that are predictable or manifest. Therefore, one of the most powerful laws in the universe is the law of unintended consequences.

SUPERFREAKONOMICS (XIII-XIV)

That's how Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner begin "the explosive follow-up to Freakonomics" (which I also blogged about way back in October). After hours spent reading their book I was under the impression that it was a collection of random facts...and now they're telling me that they were lying? Yes, they are, and I am alright with that.

Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance really is super so far. By tackling the questions and supporting the seemingly freaky raw data, Levitt and Dubner prove themselves to be the dynamic duo. Through their humor, personal anecdotes, and odd revelations through economics, they capture and push to read on.

The book is split into various chapters that question what most people dare not ask (or even think of): How is a street prostitute like a department-store Santa? and Why should suicide bombers buy life insurance? being just two of the mind-boggling and ultimately informative sections in this book.

What I like most about this book is that it's not only facts. It's not only economics. It's not only stories. It's not only the writing. It's all of it put together. This book has it all. The stories put the raw facts on a personal level while the facts put stories to bear more meaning. The writing keeps you hanging and the economic aspect...well, it makes you feel smart.

I highly recommend this book based on my freaky economic experience and the fact that I am enjoying this already. Packed with statistics and anecdotes written in a way that won't get you bored, this book is a good read. It's also not difficult and is relatively short. I have to get back to my reading now!

Escape to Manila Part II

2010-01-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ephraim continues to impress and enlighten in Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror. This engaging novel continues to state facts that are both interesting and informative. I've already learned so much about a topic that I thought I was well-informed about. In fact, in Global, we are currently learning about World War II and the Holocaust. I've heard stories about people escaping from the wrath of the Nazis by going to countries from all over Europe, but going to Asia and the Philippines specifically was a shock. I like how Ephraim makes this account so personal with the people he talks about and their connections with even others. Even though this book reads as a textbook at some points, it's been an enjoyable read.

Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror by Frank Ephraim

2010-01-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

I decided to take a break from In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner in order to read a book that I had never heard before about a topic that I never knew about written by an unknown author. The book is entitled Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror by Frank Ephraim highlighting the journey of a young German boy under Hitler's reign who finds safety in the strangest place: the Philippines.

You could say that I found out about this book by chance. Last weekend I, along with my brother and my cousin's cousin and aunt, journeyed to a Connecticut Filipino-American association annual dinner/dance. The guest speaker happened to be a German Jew by the name of Ralph Preiss who shared his story of the freedom, safety and hospatality found in a country his family had never heard of before a newspaper advertised it. When most of the world's countries refused to allow Jews across their borders, the Philippines implemented an Open-Doors Policy and allowed for 10,000 visas to be given out.

This story really struck me because I was not familiar with it as I'm sure most people aren't. As I left the building, books were being sold. It was the book written by a boy Ralph Preiss met in the Philippines all those years ago and by buying it I would be donating to the association's surgical trip. It was two for one: a good cause and a good book.

Although the book has many names and facts, I actually really enjoy it. Ephraim describes in detail the situation during the WWII period as well as the subtler facts about being a German Jew in the Philippines.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

2010-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

In Her Shoes tells the story of two sisters aged 30 and 28 who have nothing in common but the size of their shoe and the mother that died when they were so young. Rose Feller has the brains going from school after school and finally settling as a lawyer at a law firm while her younger sister Maggie relies on her good looks to get through life. I like this book because it shows two really strong characters that are also opposing forces. It goes back and forth between the characters and is in the perspective of other minor characters as well. Oddly, there are perspectives from people you don't know connect to the characters at first which could be a little confusing and boring. Overall, it's been a good read though.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

2009-12-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sarah Dessen is regarded as one of the most popular writers for young adults and I know exactly why. I've only read one of her books before (This Lullaby) which was very good, but I like this even more. Her portrayal of the teenage characters--and all her characters for that matter--are all so real. It is so enjoyable to read her books because they are so believable. In Along for the Ride, it is the realness and actual plot that captivates me.
Riding bikes. Bowling with friends. Food fights. Breaking curfew. These are just a few things that academically-focused Auden West has missed out on in her life. The socially-inept teenage girl just graduated high school at the top of her class. There wasn't much she left behind though. She had few friends, and none of them were close to her and the typical "high school experience" was just a myth to her. Then, she decides that it's time to change. Inspired by her older brother's impromptu travelling all over Europe, Auden decides to visit her father, stepmother and new born sister at their beach town home. This experience changes her life forever and helps her to develop as a person.
Among many other reasons which I've already addressed, I liked this book because it teaches the lesson to not assume and be judgmental. There's more to a person than what they wear or how they seem to act.

I knew she was cataloging him instantly: high school education, not college bound or even interested, working class. The same things, if I was honest, that I would have thought, once. But I was one night, and many hours, further away from my mother now. Even with the short distance between us.

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar Part II

2009-12-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful Mind continues to highlight the historic context of John Nash's achievements. As I continue to read this book, it becomes increasingly difficult to read because it was not exactly what I was expecting. Although I was aware that it was a biography of John Forbes Nash, Jr., I was not aware that the book would be totally based on facts and history. However, that's how it seems to be. I don't like that style very much. I am more interested in books that have a more clear storyline. I see where this book is going though, and I have learned a lot. Through the accounts of people that actually knew Nash, I could tell that he was an awkward person. I'm also very intrigued by how he got to where he did: Winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. It's interesting to learn about his life, but also boring. I plan to stick with it though.

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nash Part 1

2009-11-19T18:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of those books that you find out about after you've seen the movie. In most cases, people would say that the book is better than the movie. Others say that whatever came out first is better or which ever one was popularized first. Well, at this point, I'm liking them both. A Beautiful Mind is a biography of John Forbes Nash, Jr., the schizophrenic Nobel Prize winner in economics in 1994. It is a challenging book so far given the content, but I really like it. I had high hopes, too since I loved the movie so much. I know what I'm in for already. This book differs from the movie because it goes through a lot of facts and way more detailed explanation about every little thing. This is good most of the time, but sometimes it is an overload of information at least for my brain. Because of the fact that it's a non-fiction book with so many sources needed, it reads like a text book at some points with stories in between, but I'm only in the beginning so far so I'm not sure what to expect next. I find the story interesting though, and I hope to continue to read this and enjoy it.

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Part 1

2009-11-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

Imagine yourself surrounded by tiny, tiny people (about 6 inches high) for just a second (because that's all you need to think of such a ludicrous thought). And then imagine thinking that you're the odd one and that they are normal-sized. Crazy, right? This is exactly what Lemuel Gulliver encounters on his travels. He first ventures to Lilliput which, like the name suggests, is a funny place; people six inches tall occupy this realm.

This satirical and classical piece of literature by Jonathon Swift struck me as very odd at first, and I didn't enjoy it. Now, that I think about it, it's because I didn't really read it that well. This is the kind of book that would be read in class. It has so much symbolism and historical context. Reading it freely, without the hassle of daily analysis and tedious homework makes it all the better. Gulliver is a very gullible person and he's an unreliable narrator who tells of his journey to four places including Lilliput. I think it's a good book, but I've decided to drop it.

The Blogging Experience (First Quarter Blogging Review)

2009-11-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Looking it Over:
Looking over all my blogs, I do notice a unifying theme: I usually talk about the title or cover of the book. It's no wonder though because I really do judge books by their covers (and titles for that matter). Experience has taught me that the books, movies, and articles with the most interesting and thought-provoking covers and titles happen to be the best. No, it doesn't have to have the flashiest cover or such a tongue twister of a title that you can't even read it. It just has to be simple. Simply creative. Okay, the correlation between title/cover creativity and the actual likability of whatever I read/watch is so scattered, but those few movies and books that I will forever remember just happen to have the most creative and though-provoking titles and covers. I mean, who wants to read a book called This Girl Died and I'm Trying to Find Out How (Looking for Alaska sounds a tad better) or I'm in the Adult Psychiatric Hospital Because...(It's Kind of a Funny Story sparks my interest just a little more) and I don't think I'd be compelled to read a book with a black and white cover with small lettering saying that the book is about economics (Freakonomics' apple/orange is pretty cool). I think that the title/cover thing will be a recurring focus in blogs to come, so be ready!

Besides that trend, I found myself being critical of all the books in some way, shape or form. That was surprising because I usually see the good side of the book rather than the bad, but through these blogs, I was able to express the tiny hints of discontent that I don't think I would have been able to express otherwise. This blogging experience has proved to be a good one albeit a little tedious.

Goals for the Future:
As a blogger of my reading experiences, I hope to let the word out about these books to my peers. I would improve my descriptions a little more because they seem to be lacking. For the most part, they are clear, but the detail is not as full as is necessary to convey to readers whether the book is worth the read. I actually am interested in what I have to say, but sometimes it varies on what book I am blogging about. I try to make it more interesting than the black-and-white "This is what happens" by mentioning those little tidbits of my reading style (titles/covers). I want to make connections, inferences, predictions and point out symbolism in blogs to come.

By the way:
Congrats to the 2009 World Series Champions (27 all time :))

Freakonomics Part 2

2009-10-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Two hundred seven pages later, and Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt (an economist) and Stephen J. Dubner (a writer) has not disappointed. Throughout the book, the two authors touched on topics and attempted to ask questions that never seemed to be on anyone's mind before. Yet, these are interesting, freaky and by the end of the explanation, thought-provoking questions that would keep anyone entertained. Levitt and Dubner question the motives of seemingly innocent--or not so innocent--civilians in our society. Teachers, sumo-wrestlers, drug dealers, day-care centers, real-estate agents. These are just some of the groups of people mentioned in this economic-based, yet fun read. As I said in the last post, there is a hidden side to everything. Freakonomics unveils the stunning facts behind a thick curtain of ignorance and narrow-mindedness. Some people wouldn't normally dare to read a book about economics, but this is not an ordinary economics book (not that I have ever read one). By demonstrating the relationship between economics and real-life examples (albeit, a little odd), Levitt and Dubner can pretty much capture the attention of just about anyone. Another plus of this book is the humorous anecdotes and witty one-liners included. After reading this thouroughly enjoyable book, maybe I'll read Super Freakonomics also by Levitt and Dubner. One thing is for sure, this is one read I won't forget easily.

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

2009-10-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Not everything is as it seems. Freakonomics teaches this from the get-go by revealing what would otherwise be a plain green apple to be an orange inside. The mission of Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner is simple: to reveal the root of economics. Economics excluding the boring numbers and graphs. Levitt and Dubner explore the hidden side of everything, and they promise that this book "will literally redefine the way we view the modern world".

By asking the questions that no one else would think of and that no one would think to apply to economics, Levitt and Dubner have kept me entertained. The stories are funny and I have actually been learning a lot through this book. There are six parts and each poses a freaky question (What Do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers in Common?; How is the Ku Klux Klan Like a Group of Real-Estate Agents?; Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live with Their Moms?). So far, the book hasn't lost a beat. I have thouroughly enjoyed the comical qualities of the writers as well as their keen ability to stick a little learning in there. The blurb has left a lot to look for and so far, it has satisfied. The blurb says,

"...despite a surfeit of obfuscation, complication, and downright deceit, [the modern world] is not impenetrable, is not unknowable, and--if the right questions are asked--is even more intriguing than we think."

It's Kind of a Funny Story Part 4

2009-10-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

As I finally reached the final page of It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, I was left with a good last impression: the feeling that there is hope out there and to enjoy the little things that you are able to do in life. I learned that the author himself spent five days in adult psychiatric--exactly like Craig. The whole book, however, seemed to lag at some points for me. I began to get bored with the book once he was checked into the hospital. It just wasn't that captivating to me, and I almost wanted to drop it. As the book went on, it got better. I think it was the last 1/4 of the book that was the most interesting. Craig finally found something that he had always been lacking: happiness. All his life, he tried to get to the next thing by studying and studying. There was never any time for him to enjoy just living and being. Instead, his one goal was to get into one of the best high schools. Once he accomplished that, it was all down-hill. His five-day experience at the adult psychiatric ward was more rewarding of an experience than his time at Executive Pre-Professional High School in Manhattan. It was at this psychiatric ward that he found his real niche: art. I think that this book taught a lot about life. You have to do what makes you happy. Don't just do something for the prestige or the recognition. Just live for yourself because that's all that's worth doing. I think that once this book got to the point, it was very good. Here are the last few lines of the book that sum it all up:

"Take these verbs and enjoy them. They're yours, Craig. You deserve them because you chose them. You could have left them all behind but you chose to stay here. So now live for real, Craig. Live. Live. Live. Live. Live." (444)

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini Part 3

2009-10-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Now that Craig is in the hospital, he has to learn the ways of the hospital. The hospital, he finds, is just like any other institution in life--you have to roll with the right people to get what you want. Right away, Craig finds himself in a good position, but by the end of the day, he realizes that this place is not so ordinary. He introduced to the various crazy and mysterious characters that occupy the place, and for once, he is not so average. I found that the craziness of the new characters and the place in general was a bit overwhelming at first. I didn't really understand what was going on at one point. It was only until later that I understood what had happened before. Overall, the book is going well, but not so interesting to me. There are some profound quotes I see that I really understand and feel for, but other times, the situation is just not all that relatable. I found this one passage very profound, though:

"Dad nods, looks me dead in the eyes; slowly and regretfully, he banishes all the smiling and joking from his face, and for once he's just my dad, watching his son who has fallen so low."

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini Part 2

2009-10-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, I've made a lot of progress in the book. Although I'm still enjoying it very much, It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is yet to impress. I've learned more about Craig Gilner since last post. He still strives for simplicity and uses odd terminology, but now, I know that ever since he got into Executive Pre-Professional High School, he's been depressed. He's depressed because he's just average in this ultra-smart school. He had always believed that he was some sort of genius, but now he realizes it's only because he's worked so hard. Some people, like his pot-smoking best friend Aaron, don't have to do anything to do well. Craig is in such a bad state as of late that he plans to commit suicide by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. On "the day", he decides instead to call the suicide hotline and ends up checking himself into a hospital. That is when his journey begins.

I think that the plot is very intriguing and the characters even more so. I really feel for Craig, but I never believed for one second that he would actually kill himself or even try. He just likes to talk. His talks are very profound though, like this one:

"I'm going to do it tonight. This is such a farce, this whole thing. I thought I was better and I'm not better. I tried to get stable and I can't get stable. I tried to turn the corner and there aren't any corners; I can't eat; I can't sleep; I'm just wasting resources." (126).

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini Part 1

2009-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a book solely based on it's title? Well, quite honestly, that's one of the biggest reasons I chose to read Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of a Funny Story. I've always been enamored by the titles of books and movies. My experience has always been that the most interesting titles turn out to be the most thought-provoking and I love books and movies that make you take a look around and think. Of course, there are some exceptions, but hopefully this book will satisfy.

It's Kind of a Funny Story follows the story of Craig Gilner, a teenager who strives for simplicty, but has some mental problems. He goes to a psychologist who already understands his odd terminology and his desire to be alone to experience the simplicity that seems to be nonexistant in other surroundings. I'm way too early in the book to know that much about Craig and the plot, but so far I've really enjoyed Craig's narration and his odd ways.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

2009-09-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

After hearing so many positive things about John Green's Looking for Alaska at school, I decided to finally read it this summer. With very high expectations, I began reading and I honestly did not like it at first. But, I kept on reading it with the hope that it would get better, and by the last page, I realized how great of a book it really is.

Looking for Alaska is narrated by the main character, Miles "Pudge" Halter--an unpopular boy from Florida who memorizes last words. Francois Rabelais' last words were "I go to seek a great perhaps" and this is exactly what he intends to accomplish by going to Culver Creek Boarding School in Alabama. There, he is exposed to drinking, smoking, enemies, pranks and so much more. His roomate, Chip "The Colonel" Martin dubs Miles "Pudge" despite his lanky figure. He is also thrust into the world of the wild Alaska Young who he is enamored by. Simon Bolivar's last words were "How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?" and Alaska is and has always been looking for the answer.

This book is separated into Before and After in reference to a huge event in the lives of Alaska, Pudge, The Colonel and another friend, Takumi. Green describes each of the characters so well and because they all have such strong and distinctive personalities, it makes the book a fun read at times. More than anything though, it teaches you about life and incorporates the ideas of the Great Perhaps that Pudge is always seeking and how to get out of the labyrinth of suffering we are in. This is such a thought-provoking book that teaches lessons about life and still provides time for a lot of pranks and many new experiences for the characters.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

2009-09-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Since reading My Sister's Keeper and Nineteen Minutes, I've been wanting to read another of Jodi Picoult's books. Her courage to write about such controversial topics that require so much research and fact-checking has been remarkable. From a girl who sues her parents over the right to her own body to school shootings and The Pact's focal point of teenage suicide, Jodi Picoult has covered many issues that plague the world today that most authors dare not touch. When I read her books, it's as if I'm journeying into the minds of all those who took part in the events to see what was really going on. It's this and the many other aspects of her writing that led me to read The Pact: A Love Story.

Chris Harte and Emily Gold are lifelong neighbors and best friends. Their parents are best friends too and the two families are practically inseparable, so it's no wonder that both sets of parents have always hoped that they would end up together. Then suddenly, Emily is dead from a gun shot while Chris is in the hospital and being investigated for her murder. He initially claims that the two were planning to kill themselves together--a suicide pact.

Through the use of flashbacks and the present state of all the characters during the trials, Picoult conveys how they feel well. The point of view is from Chris, his lawyer, Emily, each of their parents, and even more. However, some characters' stories are a little more interesting than others which made the pace feel very slow at times. The book is also split up into three parts: Part I: The Boy Next Door; Part II: The Girl Next Door; and Part III: The Truth. The title of each part tells exactly what it was mainly about.

The one part of the book that I really felt the emotion in was Chris' "confession" during the trial. I won't give anything away, but the description of what actually took place that fatal night was so emotional that I even cried. I felt how Emily felt, I felt how Chris felt and I knew exactly how both of them felt about each other even if they didn't know it themselves. It was the deciding factor of the whole trial.

All in all, I really enjoyed The Pact. Learning about the characters' true feelings and dark secrets allowed me as a reader to put some of the pieces together myself. There were only some minor flaws like the epilogue and some of the ending. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Picoult's books.