The farther I got into this book, the less I enjoyed it. The book has an extremely depressing mood. I will say that Grossman is very skilled in drawing the reader into the story. However, I cannot say that I enjoy being drawn in. Quentin's entire attitude throughout the book is incredibly frustrating. It is physically impossible for him to be happy. No matter the situation, he has to find or create some issue that complicates it and ensures his continued depression and disatisfaction with life. I don't like any of the characters, they are all extremely self absorbed.
The book also felt more and more like a rip off of the Chronicles of Narnia as the reader learns more about Fillory. It is the same plot, the only difference is the names of the characters. Also, I have already finished the book so spoiler alert, but by the time they all go into Fillory, I was pretty annoyed with Grossman. It feels like he took another author's construction and distorted the world into this grotesque vision that seems to parallel Quentin's emotional isuues. I won't say anything about it since we aren't supposed to have read it yet, but I also really hated the ending.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Magicians
So far I am enjoying The Magicians. It definitely does not throw you right into the action like Hunger Games does but it has a much quicker start than Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. However, I think that one of the reasons that I am already interested is because the book is so reminiscent of Harry Potter and Narnia.
The whole concept of Fillory, the main character finding a secret world in a hidden cabinet in a grandfather clock in a "dark, narrow back hallway at his aunt's house" seems like a scene straight out of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. However, as the story progresses and Quentin is transported to the hidden college for magic, I feel as though we're moving to Hogwarts. I'm not sure if I like this mix of books. I love both series and feel intrigued by this novel but it does not feel like a new or original idea.
I know it's impossible to accurately judge a book based on the first 47 pages so I am interested in reading further and seeing where Grossman is going with the novel and whether or not new ideas will emerge.
The whole concept of Fillory, the main character finding a secret world in a hidden cabinet in a grandfather clock in a "dark, narrow back hallway at his aunt's house" seems like a scene straight out of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. However, as the story progresses and Quentin is transported to the hidden college for magic, I feel as though we're moving to Hogwarts. I'm not sure if I like this mix of books. I love both series and feel intrigued by this novel but it does not feel like a new or original idea.
I know it's impossible to accurately judge a book based on the first 47 pages so I am interested in reading further and seeing where Grossman is going with the novel and whether or not new ideas will emerge.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Hunger Games
Hunger Games is by far my favorite book that we've read this semester. I was unable to put the book down and read the whole thing in one sitting. I think it is an extremely well written and engrossing story. Suzanne Collins manages to incorporate so many different elements so effectively that it's obvious why this book is a bestseller. It has aspects that can appeal to many different audiences. This book also reminded me of many others that I have read such as The Giver, Lord of the Flies, 1984, and more.
Although I think that Collins created a very interesting world she doesn't develop it very much or explain a great deal to the reader. However, as much as I would like to know more about the Districts and the Capitol and the whole world in which the characters live, Collins doesn't need to in order to make the book a success. I think her entire construction of the novel around the Hunger Games was very clever. She is able to build up the world, the characters, and the story around it and it adds a sense of mystery that further engrosses the reader.
My one issue is that I found the book very predictable. Since it is the first in a trilogy, I was never really concerned for Katniss' safety, it seemed guaranteed. Also, the book seemed to follow a very predictable progression of events. The reader immediately knows that Katniss will end up participating in the games and that something will develop between her and Peeta. It's very apparent that they will be the final two. I also felt that Collins doesn't really resolve the issue of Peeta and Katniss. This might be because it is the first book in a trilogy and this is Collins' way of holding onto the readers' interest, however, I felt that the end was unsatisfying and a little lackluster. There is also the issue of Gale. In the beginning it appears as though he will be an important character, yet he his main role in the rest of the book seems to be to complicate Katniss' feelings about Peeta.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be finishing the trilogy.
Although I think that Collins created a very interesting world she doesn't develop it very much or explain a great deal to the reader. However, as much as I would like to know more about the Districts and the Capitol and the whole world in which the characters live, Collins doesn't need to in order to make the book a success. I think her entire construction of the novel around the Hunger Games was very clever. She is able to build up the world, the characters, and the story around it and it adds a sense of mystery that further engrosses the reader.
My one issue is that I found the book very predictable. Since it is the first in a trilogy, I was never really concerned for Katniss' safety, it seemed guaranteed. Also, the book seemed to follow a very predictable progression of events. The reader immediately knows that Katniss will end up participating in the games and that something will develop between her and Peeta. It's very apparent that they will be the final two. I also felt that Collins doesn't really resolve the issue of Peeta and Katniss. This might be because it is the first book in a trilogy and this is Collins' way of holding onto the readers' interest, however, I felt that the end was unsatisfying and a little lackluster. There is also the issue of Gale. In the beginning it appears as though he will be an important character, yet he his main role in the rest of the book seems to be to complicate Katniss' feelings about Peeta.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be finishing the trilogy.
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