Dreaming in Cuban

Dreaming In Cuban - Christina Garcia

The first chapter to this book I think I have read probably ten times and then put the book down because it was rather dry. However, after the first chapter it really picks up, which makes me glad that I finally read the entire book. The book, while I didn't find it as "well-written" as many of the reviews of it, was very good. The history overall social setting in 1950's and -60's Cuba was very interesting. It is written in that familiar Hispanic-literature fashion of following one family for a while. And the chapters are divided up and then told through the perspectives of different family members which helps keep the story flowing, and it also advances the plot in a very interesting way. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the Cuban revolution or Hispanic literature. As one of her first novels - I think Garcia has firmly established herself in the world of Hispanic writers.

Next: The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Alchemist

The Alchemist - Paolo Cohleo

I found this book to be very weird. I liked the plot, and I thought it was written pretty well. But - I felt as though when I was reading it I was having life's 'ideal lessons' forced down my throat, such as how to be the happiest person and never to stop striving for what you want most in life. The whole book seemed more than centered around that - more like it was written for people who are looking back on their lives and can now read this book and either think they did everything they wanted or read the book and regret many many of their life decisions. However - the life lesson bit aside, I think it had an overall good message. I think it was quite well written. I really enjoyed the plot, which I think is the only reason I continued to read it. I think I would recommend it to high school junior/seniors and college students who are about to go on their way into the world. I think people in this age bracket can usually use a good forced dose of life's lessons, especially the idea of doing what you love instead of what will make you the most money.


Next up: Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia

Brave New World

Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

When I first started reading this book, I felt like it went on forever with no plot. But then after the first 50 or so pages I began to understand the plot of the book. Now that I have finished it, I can definitely see why it is a classic. I really liked the idea of the book, and especially that it requires the reader to really think and consider different "life-y" things while reading it. I think everyone should read this book because it is a classic, but most definitely everyone who is college-bound should read it; I have heard it referenced in many different classes.

Next: The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

Summer Postings & The House on Mango Street

For this summer (Summer 2008 that is) I am the head lifeguard at the local town beach. Being a lifeguard means monitoring people swim, ect. However, when people aren't swimming that leaves a lot of time for reading. So - I have decided to dedicate my blog to my own book reviews/interpretations for any readers who may be interested in any of the books I decide to read (I have also decided this summer shall be dedicated to the 'classics' and mostly Hispanic literature).

For the first two entries:

Teacher Man – Frank McCourt

This book I think is unofficially part of a trilogy linked with his other books. But, either way, as someone with a passion for education I really liked this book. Although I am not a teacher, therefore I cannot even begin to imagine the hardships faced on those first days in the classroom, the author really makes out a good illustration for someone to be in that place. I would really recommend this book for teachers and future teachers, and anyone who is interested in realizing the hardships people in education face.

The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros

I really liked this book once I got into it. It is very short and is made up of a number of short stories that work to tell the story of a girl growing up on a place where she did not want to. The reviews all call it poetic, but I don't think that is the word I would use (though don't get me wrong, it is very nicely written). But - I think the book speaks to more than hispanic culture. I think it has a message and lesson about loving and appreciating where you come from - despite all the little weird quirks that may anger and upset you. And that is a message that, as a second year college student, I am quickly learning. I would highly recommend this book to everyone - avid readers, people who don't particularly enjoy reading, and all those in between. It is very short and offers a good message about life.

Next up: Brave New World - Aldous Huxley