Book Review

"Rosie" by Anne Lamott

My grade: C

Built largely around cliches and 'what-you-would-expect' scenarios, this novel is neither talented nor new. The story has potential, but the mediocre writing and the characters' unbelievability make for a neutral read at best. It's definitely a fast read, but I'm not sure anything is gained in reading it.

Book Review

"The Dying Animal" by Philip Roth

My grade: B-

I have very mixed feelings about this book. As one critic put it, I would definitely agree that it's disturbing, but I'm not sure about the masterpiece part. This short novel in many ways is an analysis of the primitive and instinctual man, which in itself has huge potential. However, the overabundance of vulgarity, crudeness and bad taste take away from it to such an extent that I considered giving up on the book several times. There are, nonetheless, nice and smart moments, compelling the reader to continue. And there is both a point and a statement, although I'm not sure that Roth's arguments are so convincing one way or another.

There was a movie made based on the book, staring Penelope Cruz and Ben Kingsley: "Elegy". The movie follows the book quite closely, although a lot of the vulgarity is definitely (and thankfully) omitted.

Book Review

"Resolution 786: A Novel in Three Acts Telling Cuneiform Tales of Love and War and God and Lust and Loss" by Mohamed Mughal

My grade: A+

This is in many ways one of the most intelligent, and daring, books I have read in a long time. The concept alone - putting the Lord on trial - deserves an A for sheer creativity. What I appreciate most about this novel is that it assumes a smart and knowledgeable reader, one who will read actively. If you are not familiar with the Bible, however, many of the allusions and references will be lost on you.

While one of the central characters in this book is God himself, I would not call this a religious book. Rather, I think it is much more humanistic in both its form and goal. I also don't think you necessarily have to be a believer in order to appreciate its beauty. Beware though: while it reads like a fast-read, it is everything but that. This novel has many layers to it, both heartfelt and grotesque, making it quite genius.

Stay tuned for more information about a virtual blog tour with Mohamed Mughal, to take place in March. You will have the opportunity to voice your questions to the author, and get direct replies from him.

Book Review

"Irrational Man: A Study in Existential Philosophy" by William Barrett

My grade: B+

I will admit straight out, I did not finish this book. But, it wasn't because I didn't find it interesting or well-written. In fact, the only negative thing I have to say about it is that my interest in existential philosophy expired before the book did (which says more about me than either the book or the author). I think this is a book I will come back to in the future, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about existentialism. I am judging, however, from the perspective of a layman rather than a philosopher.

Book Review

"The Deep End of the Ocean" by Jacquelyn Mitchard

My grade: B-

I look at this book as having a lot of potential, but very poorly edited. The basic story is about a family whose child gets kidnapped, and what happens to their lives as a result. The characters are, though, mostly unbelievable. In other words, character development is poor at best. There was also very little emotion evoked, even though I expected this one to be a complete tear-jerker.

This book feels more like a draft rather than a finished project. With better/more editing, this could have been something good.

Book Review

"Russian Disco: Tales of Everyday Lunacy on the streets of Berlin" by Wladimir Kaminer

My grade: C-

While this book is mildly funny at times, most of the time it is useless and boring. It neither entertains nor enlightens. This author also seems to have quite a selection of friends, from prostitutes to druggies to madmen. If you're interested in hearing stories of what happens to the likes of these people, with no moral being drawn from it, read this book.

Book Review

"Embracing the Ties That Bind: Connecting With Spirit" by Carole J. Obley

My grade: put aside

The only thing I really want to say about this book is that it is about connecting to your own spirituality. And my reason for putting it aside is because it seems like a slightly worser version of anything by Sylvia Browne, whom I would highly recommend to anyone. Period.