Book of the Week

[Miss Opie]

An absolute classic...

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." The classic tale of love, hate, pride...and, well, prejudice! As cliche as this choice of reading may be, I think it to be one of Jane Austen's greatest works.

Franny and Zooey by J.D Salinger

The infamous dysfunctional Glass family re appears again with a story based off it's two youngest members, Franny and Zooey Glass. Franny looks for spiritual guidance. Zooey helps. A deep conversation about family, reason, self pity, motivation and ego ensues along with a look into the past of the Glass Family.

 

[[ Echoing ][ Palaver ]]

Camille

Alexandre Dumas

( I've read the book twice. The ending, even though you know it from the beginning, always makes me so sad. D< )

and

Emma

Jane Austen

 

[Chiisushi Daawa Wateru]

Miss Opie

An absolute classic...

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." The classic tale of love, hate, pride...and, well, prejudice! As cliche as this choice of reading may be, I think it to be one of Jane Austen's greatest works.

That was a very good book. If you liked the book, then I suggest watching the old movie that is about 6 hours long. It is really superbly done.

Dune, by Frank Herbert.

This LOTR of the sci-fi genre is about the life of Paul Atreides, later Paul Maud'Dib. Living on Caladan for fifteen years with his father and his mother, the Bene Gesserit concubine Lady Jessica, they move to Arrakis to claim the planet as their own and to take over the trade of the spice melange. About a year later, the Atreides home is penetrated with the help of the traitorous Suk Doctor Yueh, who had sumitted to the evil Harkonnen's whim on the Baron's word that his wife Wandra would be set free. Paul and his mother escape, and Paul's father is killed, along with Yueh. They find refuge with the Fremen, the desert dwellers and wormriders of Arrakis. Two years pass, and Paul, the Lisan Al-Gaib, the One from the Other World (?), is seen as prophet and leader of the Fremen population. They mount an attack on the Harkonnens and even bring the battle to his Imperial Majesty. Paul then takes the throne, and the book ends with him marrying the eldest daughter, Princess Irulan, and his Fremen concubine/mate learning that she is the one he truly loves, and he says he will give none of that love to the Princess. He married her to gain a firm seat upon the throne (or something along those lines...)

 

[iSpoken]

Rainbow boys, Rainbow high, and rainbow rode. I'm not sure of the authors name. I can't rember.

 

[Silvermaiden]

Chiisushi Daawa Wateru

Dune, by Frank Herbert.

Dude, I could KISS you right now if I weren't already married.

The Giver by Lois Lowry
I know this was mentioned a few times already, but I felt it needed a more in-depth description. I read this for an English class during my Sophomore year in High school.

It outlines something of a utopian society. Everyone has a job for which he or she is suited emotionally, physically and mentally. The elderly are lovingly cared for as are newborn children. Every family has a mother, father, and two children, one of each sex. There is laughter, joy, and harmony. There is no rudeness, no crime and no disease.

We see it all through the eyes of Jonas, a young boy about to receive his life's assignment along with others of his age group. To his astonishment he is given the most respected job of all. He is to be trained to become the "Receiver of Memory". The Reciever of Memory basically holds all the memories of the society as a whole. One of the reasons this society is so perfect is because noone is burdened by memories encompassing the evils of the world. And they don't want to be. It is the Reciever's job to take on those memories so that they may be passed down through the years, but not to the society as a whole. It is all laid upon one individual.

The Receiver's job is also to listen to their proposals and just tell them whether or not they should do it based on the lessons of history. The present Receiver, now referred to as The Giver, sets about giving the memories- all of them - to Jonas. He does so through all of the senses. Jonas learns of war and hate, of snow and trees and colors.. all of which are not present in this society. He also learns of the horror all around him and that everything in this "perfect" society is not as it seems.

A definite must-read. It borders on both fantasy and science fiction and has an emotionally enthralling story that takes your mind in different directions of thinking.


Acorna the Unicorn Girl by Anne McCaffrey and Margeret Ball

I picked this up for a book report in my Junior year thinking it was a fantasy story. It was more Sci-fi than fantasy.

Three grizzly old space miners named Gill, Rafik, and Calum, come across an alien looking space pod while mining an asteroid. Inside, they find an alien, though humanoid looking, infant girl. The three adopt her as mishap fathers and raise her to the best of their ability. Her alien nature quickly becomes apparent as she matures almost to adulthood within the span of three years. They also notice that a small bump on her head has grown into something resembling a horn, and that their "daughter" also seems to have special abilities. She can clean air and water, make plants grow, heal the sick, and detect even the slightest scent. On top of that, she is incredibly intelligent.

However, upon returning to the station to drop off their payload, Acorna is taken into custody by the organization running the outfit. Controversy erupts as bureaucrats want to have her stuffed in a home and cut off her horn, calling it a deformity, and scientists want to study the child as an anamoly.

Acorna's rough-and-ready "uncles" aren't about to let either happen. With the aid of Judith, a woman sympathetic to their plight, they take Acorna back at knife point, airlock out, and run with her - all the way to the bandit planet Kezdet, where no questions are asked, and the girl might grow up free.

But Kezdet has its own dark secret. The prosperity of the planet is based on an unseen horror - armies of pale, silent children toiling in the factories and mines; unnamed, unseen, and unloved. A hideous trade in child slave labor, and child prostitution, administered by the mystery man known as "the Piper."

As Acorna grows, she learns of the evil on Kezdet through the eyes of two children, Chuara and Jana. With a newly established resolve, Acorna sets her own plans in motion to expose and dethrone the mighty Piper and set all the children of Kezdet free.

Another must-read. Anne McCaffrey is also the author of the Dragon Riders of Pern series, which is also well established.


I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

Before anyone says anything... the movie was a total bastardization of this book. I read this in my 7th grade English class. It is a thrilling SUSPENSE novel. It is NOT an outright gorey horror story. The movie did not do this book any justice in the least. Wes Craven, you should be ashamed.

Four friends. Julie James, Ray Bronson, Barry Cox, and Helen Rivers. One summer they go out and have a night out together, thinking of nothing but having a good time. Then tragedy interrupts their night. While driving along a dark road, they hit a boy on a bicycle. They dont stop the car. They call the cops, but leave no name. They make a pact to forget this night and never speak of it again.
But someone knows what they did.
It all starts with a single note in an unmarked envelope. A single sentence that shatters their lives and forces them to face what they did. The events of the past summer come back to haunt the four teens in strange ways as they realize someone is after them. But regardless of how sorry they feel, it doesn't matter. Someone is out for revenge.

I still love this book to this day. Please give it a read and try to forget that awful film ever existed.

Red-Chocolate

"His Dark Materials" by Phillip Pullman

I haven't read this yet, but I am hearing great things about the series. I hope to pick it up and give it a read before The Golden Compass comes out in theaters this December.  

[adian daystar]

Golden Compass is wicked. You probably won't regret reading it.

I Know What You Did Last Summer was such an awesome book. I read it in grade eight, and subsequently attacked my local library in order to read everything else Lois Duncan has ever written lol. I remember that I got into an argument with a girl in my class about the plot of the book. She had only ever seen the movie. Needless to say, it was a frustrating conversation.

Right now I'm reading the fourth book (Feast for Crows) in the series A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R. R. Martin. Someone already mentioned it, but I'll say it again because it is absolutely amazing. Possibly the most epic series I have ever read in my life. It spans a number of different characters across a kingdom at war, and is so fully engrossing that when I started to read the first one, my social life suffered because I wouldn't leave the house. They're that good. If you like epic fantasy, pick up book one, A Game of Thrones. So good.  

[turtles rock]

Can you guys please post a brief synopsis of these books as you're listing them? How are we supposed to check them out if we have no idea what they're about and whether we're even interested in the subject matter of the book? Come on, use a little bit of common sense.
(A very big "Thank You" to those of you who have already done so!)  

[turtles rock]

adian daystar

Golden Compass is wicked. You probably won't regret reading it.

I Know What You Did Last Summer was such an awesome book. I read it in grade eight, and subsequently attacked my local library in order to read everything else Lois Duncan has ever written lol. I remember that I got into an argument with a girl in my class about the plot of the book. She had only ever seen the movie. Needless to say, it was a frustrating conversation.

Right now I'm reading the fourth book (Feast for Crows) in the series A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R. R. Martin. Someone already mentioned it, but I'll say it again because it is absolutely amazing. Possibly the most epic series I have ever read in my life. It spans a number of different characters across a kingdom at war, and is so fully engrossing that when I started to read the first one, my social life suffered because I wouldn't leave the house. They're that good. If you like epic fantasy, pick up book one, A Game of Thrones. So good.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman is a very good book, but the entire Trilogy from which that book comes from is excellent as well. (Almost "Narniaesque") I would highly recommend reading all three books in the series. Trust me, you won't be sorry you did.  

[Igdra]

I'm sorry, don't kill me, as I cannot give a good synopsis of the books...I read them long ago =/ (and I'm sorry if someone has already mentioned one or two, -or all- because I didn't read the whole post...it's late and I'm tired =P)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A tale about a sheperd in search of treasure, which leads him to travel through the desert, where he meets an alchemist. The adventure teaches him about listening to his heart, reading the omens on the path of life, and following his dreams.

Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
My personal favorite, the front page has gone missing and it's spine broken because I've turned it's pages so many times! Wonderful fantasy novel with history of philosophy crafted into it in an ingenius manner!

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
A touching story about a mentally handicapped man named Charlie, who is willing to try anything to overcome his disability. I won't write down what happens, because I cannot without ruining the story. ^^

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
This I remember the least of as I was waay too young to understand it yet when I read it. Yet I have to add it to the list...I remember that it was a wonderful story.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
An inspiring tale of a bird who stands out from the rest, who seeks meaning in life, and enjoyment in flying. A beautiful story about limits, determination, forgiving, and learning

All Men Are Mortal by Simone de Beauvoir
An enchanting story of a man who is not touched by time, and a woman, who wishes to do the same in her own way. Through acting, she wishes for her preformances to be remembered thus granting her immortality. Beauvoir throws existence itself into a whole new light with this spellbinding book!

I would also mention The Giver, though I noticed that that paticular one has already been mentioned (more than once). All I can add is that it is indeed a wonderful book, everyone would do well to read it at least once =)
I would write much more, but as I have already mentioned, I am tired. I apologise once again for the sad little excuses of synopses.  

[Jacked in the Box II]

My favorite books in the world are the Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy collection. The Author is Douglas Adams, so in saying that it is a given that they are hilarious and witty. I believe he was (yes was, he is dead now and the world is a much gloomier place because of it) the best writer of our time.  

[CentraliaSG]

Lullaby - Chuck Palahniuk  

[Professor Armitage]

I give total props to the people who referenced Frank Herbert's 'Dune' or Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' Both of these are books that were cutting edge during their publication era, and are still vastly superior to most books found in the modern 'science fiction' genre.

I'm currently revisiting William Peter Blatty's 'The Exorcist' and 'Legion', both books are spectacular reads, the kind that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. I like the movies, but the books are much more engrossing, and they have multiple interacting sub-plots that go unexplained in the movies, like how Detective Kinderman, Father Dyer, and Father Kerras had such a deep friendship, even though they actually knew each other very little throughout the course of the movie (the priests notwithstanding). For the sake of anyone who hasn't read the books or seen the movie . . .

The Exorcist Centers around the possession of Regan MacNeil, daughter of movie star Chris MacNeil. She becomes possessed by Pazuzu, a demon inspired by the Sumerian demigod, and throughout the course of this subjects the child and her family to a myriad of debasing acts of debauchery and emotionally destructive tirades. She even kills one of her mother's friends. Unlike the movie, the book's events are not Regan specific, and the unholy influence of the demon extends outward and corrupts the neurologist who is trying to pin down the cerebral cause of Regan's behaviors. The story climaxes with her exorcism, presided over by a saintly priest named Lancaster Merrin, and one Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest who has lost his faith.

Legion is the sequel to The Exorcist. It takes place ten years later, centering around Detective William F. Kinderman, the detective who followed up on a series of church defacements and a murder (all of which were done by Regan while possessed), and Father Joseph Dyer, the Jesuit priest who assumed Kerras' priestly duties after the end of the first book. During the events of the first book, Kerras, Dyer, and Kinderman developed a strong friendship, and the second book opens around the anniversary of Karras' death, with Dyer and Kinderman reminiscing about him. The sudden reemergence of The Zodiac Killer entangles Kinderman, and in his pursuit to solve the crime he is dragged deep into the occult, and is made aware of the spiritual side of Regan's exorcism, and Karras' death.

If you like books that will make you jump at shadows, or you like something that brings up a lot of interesting points of debate about faith, spirituality, and life after death, then buy and read these books. They were published in the late 70's and 80's, so check old bookstores or Amazon.com.  

[-x x kyoxtohru x x-]

x-Sadistic_Angel-x

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony.
While, yes, it is aimed at younger people/teenagers, I thought it was absolutely fantastic.
It was well written, witty, funny, and most importantly, engaging.

I just LOVE the Artemis Fowl series. And I agree with everything you said. biggrin
Some of the series I love (novels smile
Harry Potter
California Diaries
Guardians of Ga'Hoole (yes, I know it's for younger kids. I started reading it in 5th grade, but I still love it.)
There's more, but those are the ones I remember.
Mangas:
Fruits Basket
Chobits
FullMetal Alchemist
Kodocha
xxxHolic
Cardcaptor Sakura (I can't help it! I've loved it since I was a little kid!)
Those are the ones I remember at the moment. I especially love Fruits Basket.
Fruits-Basket.com is a good source to know what it's about. I'll type the summary it has:
"The story...
The Sohma family is cursed. When a member of the family is embraced by a person of the opposite gender, they transform into an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The Sohmas managed to keep the curse private for generations, but when a young girl stumbles upon their hidden secret, life at the Sohmas house changes forever! Conflict erupts as Zodiac rivals clash in this most unusual household. Young Tohru Honda must promise the secret will remain her own... or face the consequences!" n_n

 

[-x x kyoxtohru x x-]

Oh! And in addition to my last post, my favorite novel author is Lois Duncan. I recommend every single on e of her books! I'm currently reading "Who Killed my Daughter?" by her. For those of you who don't know what the book is about, it's non-fiction. Lois writes about her quest to find her real daughter's murderer.
Summary I found:
" Who Killed My Daughter?

The most difficult book Lois Duncan ever had to write was non-fiction. Who Killed My Daughter? is the true story of her search for the truth behind the brutal murder of the youngest of her five children. Although written for adults, this book was named a School Library Journal "Best Book Of the Year" and an American Library Association “Best Book For Young Adults.”

Kaitlyn Arquette, 18, was shot to death in her car in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1989. Although police pronounced the murder a random-driveby-shooting, Kaitlyn’s family believes she was deliberately killed because she was preparing to blow the whistle on organized crime. The case is still unsolved, but the family’s personal investigation is on-going. New information continues to surface. "

Credits to: "http://loisduncan.arquettes.com/Kate.htm"

 

[Snorlax says NO]

On my first note, I would like to say that I love every one of you who mentioned Lois Duncan. ^^ So far, out of my entire school library, I've read every single one of her books except for 4. Summer of Fear, Who Killed My Daughter?, I know what you did last summer, and it's sequel, I still know what you did last summer. My reasoning for searching through the entire school to find her books was when I read her book Stranger With My Face in seventh grade. ^^

Also, just recently, I have finished Twilight. It's a great book and I highly recommend it to those who like vampire novels, like myself.


I would also recommend Gallows Hill for a good read. Gallows Hill is one of a few of my favorites by Lois Duncan. It's been a while since I last read it, but from what I can remember it was about a girl who had to move because of her mother re-marrying. She's new to the school, and seems strange to most of the students. After a while, people start believing that she's a real witch and try to hang her. sweatdrop That's all I can remember. If anybody has input, add it please?