[Book Philosophy] Never Too Many Books

 

Damn right!

[Current Read] The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I finally decided that my next read should be The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I've heard so much about how great both the novel and the movie are. I figured this way I can join in on the fangirling the next time the book is mentioned.

I started reading it on the subway, on my way to meeting some friends for karaoke. I've read only two chapters and I have that tingly feeling one gets when he or she begins a truly awe inspiring book and knows it. I can already tell that Ms. Stockett is a masterful storyteller. One second, I was on the train with Red's "Forever" blasting in my ear, thinking about how late I was and one hand holding the book, the other trying to open up my croissant. The next thing I knew, I was sitting at the kitchen table with Mae Mobley watching Aibileen go about her duties as Ms. Leefolt's housemaid. My croissant was abandoned. I no longer knew what song I was listening to. And the coffee that had been held between my knees grew cold. I cannot remember the last time, I was so quickly, so irrevocably drawn into a story. I was starting to miss the feeling of becoming lost in a world created lovingly by a author's pen (or keyboard, or pencil, or quill). Kathryn manages to take us back in time to a time that is no longer our own (at least not exactly), but there is no disconnect from reality. The story is real. The characters are real. Their emotions, as well as the ones evoked in us as readers...are real. And isn't that all we ask for in a good work of literature? For it to be real, believable, irresistible, and make us feel.

Next Read? Decisions, Decisions.

Sigh...

I'm in the miserable place of being in between books. Just finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower and I can't decide what to read next. I have too many amazing possibilities on my "to-be-read" shelf. So, I'm bringing my dilemma to the world. Which book should I read next?

To begin, I have a couple of Jodi Piccoult's works to choose from. The Pact, Nineteen, Sing You Home, Change of Heart, and Plain Truth. Only problem is that Piccoult does it to me EVERY time. Her works always make me cry. I'm not quite in the mood for tearjerkers. 

There's also the highly-acclaimed, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I'm almost positive that this is one I'll enjoy and then I'll finally be able to watch the movie.

Then there's the first two books of The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo trilogy. I started reading the first one and couldn't quite get into it. I think part of the issue is the fact that it's translated. I found myself bogged down by the Swedish references that seemed to go over my head.

Oh, we can't forget the few Tori Morrison titles I've yet to read: Sula, Beloved and Jazz.

I also have something by Joyce Carol Oates, The Falls. I've been meaning to be read something by Oates. She's supposed to be an acclaimed writer, no?

Do you see NOW why the decision is so painful? Leave your verdict in the comments.

Much Obliged,
Fatuma
Book Rants

The Perks of Being a Wallflower REVIEW OF MOVIE ADAPTATION

 
Dear Friend,

Oh my God! This is actually one of those! a movie adaptation that is actually better than the original novel!

I cannot believe how good this movie was!

Firstly, all of the characters came alive in the movie. My complaints about the novel (i.e. conflicts between Charlie's personality and his voice in his letters and etc. Read prev. post for more) became nonexistent! THe Charlie I expected and felt was not properly portrayed through his letters came through in movie format. The story is obviously better suited to movie form than episolary form. The letters vastly narrowed the scope of Charlie's experience. His friends also became more interesting and beleivable. This is Sam and Patrick as they were meant to be!

In addition, the telling of his past traumas was much more powerful with the use of flashbacks in the movie. We also get a more believable and enjoyable hint of Charlie's sensitivity without the constant crying like in the novel. I was almost afraid that they would make Logan Lerman actually sob every 20 minutes!

The movie also gives viewers a clearer picture of Charlie's role as a wallflower and what exactly that means. Patrick says, "You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand." It's not until the very end, (of the movie) however that you realize that Charlie also takes in all of the pain he witnesses in others. THAT is what makes him special.

The ending was absolutely perfect! It was fascinating, powerful, and heart-warming. It's the epitome of the kind of friendship that makes life worth living, and makes its crap just a little bit less crappy. You are either thankful that you have friends like Sam and Nothing, I mean Patrick, or hoping that you find some clones of them someplace. It makes YOU feel infinite.

Final Verdict: An amazing movie that's better than the book. It Should be added to the list of movies to watch before you die. I'm sure such a list exists. Perfect movie to portray the trials of adolescence and the glory of true friendship. So go give it a watch...NOW! But read the book first...just because.

Oh. Did I mention that the soundtrack is absolutely freaking awesome? No? Well, it is! Only thing I like the book better for? It contains a list of songs on pages 61-62! EDIT: Found a playlist on youtube. Gotta love these youtubers for making things easy. Charlie's Xmas Mix Tape for Pattycakes

Love Always,
Charlie Fatuma
Book Rants

[Review] The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Young Adult

Published: February 1st, 1999 by MTV Books and Pocket Books 

Paperback, 213 pages

Original Cover

Movie Cover

Blurb: 

Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.

Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix-tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

Click below for review:

[Current Read]The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I'm currently rereading The Perks of Being a Wallflower for the first time since I first read it in my 10th grade English class.

Reading it is like meeting an exboyfriend after a few years and suddenly you forget all of the reasons why you fell out of love. Instead, you remember the good and find yourself falling once again. Charlie is that exboyfriend for me... I'm suddenly remembering all of the reasons why I loved this book and I'm cursing myself for not having read it again sooner. Six wasted years...

More ranting after I finish the novel.

However, I'll leave you with one of my favorite lines so far:
"'He's a wallflower.'... 'You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand'." (37)

Quietly yours,
Fatuma
Book Rants

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

ISBN:9780525423287

 Publication: 2011

Novel: Young Adult, Fiction, Romance 

Blurb:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Click below for the book rant!

Currently Reading as of January 1st, 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

Here's my currently reading list as of the first day of 2013:

Click below to read my thoughts about my current reads!