The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follet

I don't know where to begin.  As I start writing now, I feel like I did when I first started this book.  Hesitant.  Intimidated.  Overwhelmed. 

In fact, I started it about three times before I REALLY read it.  It's thick.  The time frame, the subject and the intensity were quite intimidating.

I'm so glad I got over that!  This book is absolutely amazing!  The plot keeps you moving, wanting more.  The characters are endearing or loathsome, depending on which one you're reading about (and there are quite a few!)  The theme, which is too difficult to sum up, was compelling and wonderfully woven.  I just loved this book!

I actually started (the fourth attempt) LISTENING to this book.  (Audible.com - check it out!) An internet friend of mine suggested I listen to it.  That honestly helped me get into the story, although I realized I really am a poor listener!)  I would pop my earphones in as I exercised.  Time flew.  I grew engrossed in the story.  And I could multi-task! Being able to hear the names, the places and the story itself really was what drew me in.

And then I couldn't put the book down after I listened to about half of it and actually picked the novel up.  (It also got too hot to go on my walks and listen!) 

Some of the situations in Pillars were graphic, violent and harsh.  The times themselves, middle of the 12th century, were just that - violent and harsh.  This book is set during a time that's been called The Anarchy.  A king is dead.  Who will replace him?  There is a battle between religion and power of the kingdom.  Everyone wants to win.  Anyone who tries to win by force, greed and manipulation shall never gain true power.  The battle rages on as faith is tested. 

And that's what it boils down to for me.  Faith.  Faith in God.  Faith in oneself.  Faith in dreams being fulfilled.  Tom Builder had a dream to build a magnificent cathedral.  All the trials and tribulations that spin 'round and 'round about him could pull him under......or lift him up.  Does it really matter who is king in his world?  Does it really matter who has the power?  Read the book.  Find out.

Who should read it?  I can't say EVERYONE because it's definitely not for everyone.  It's not gender specific, but there are some major heroines and romance in this terrific novel for the chicks.  Sword fights, power plays and murder could draw in anyone interested in mystery and suspense.  Fowl language and awful, corrupt actions aren't for the readers who prefer innocents and purity.  And if the incredible length of this book doesn't scare you off......

Read.  The.  Book.

*****
(Five stars, baby!)

The Girl.... (Steig Larsson)

All three books.  All three thrilling, brutal, time-sucking, can't-put-'em-down books.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl Who Played With Fire
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

These books kept me turning the page until they were done.....because I had no choice.  They didn't suck me in immediately, though, because they were WORK at the beginning.  For me, anyway.  I had to kind of skim the names, locations, business and such because 1) I couldn't pronounce half of them or 2) they all seemed so similar that I was just going to get confused about them later regardless of the time I spent "learning" them at the beginning.

I read these book with my step-mom.  The third we literally were racing to finish together.  We weren't racing each other, we were just anxious to get it DONE so that we could move on with life!  They kept us on our toes to the very end....and then the real end....and then finally THE END END.  The third book seemed to have a lot of loose ends that needed to get tied-up before it ended so it just kinda went on and on.....but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Just an exhausting thing.

So, how do I REALLY feel about these crazy books?  I wasn't quite sure about the first one.  I thought it was so brutal and....well....frankly, nasty.  I loved the mystery and the main characters, Lisbeth and Mikael.  I loved the sound of the location and all the players in the story.  I hated the horrible treatment of women.  (Ah HA - I know.  The book is originally translated as "Men Who Hate Women.")  But I seriously still can't say I disliked the book.  And as I read the second?  I grew to like #1 even better.  The third and final book really had me loving the whole entire trilogy.  So much so that I plan on reading them all again.....someday.....after I rest and read some no-brainers. ;-)

I would recommend this book to a certain select group of people.  It's not for the romancy, touchy-feely book lovers.  It's not for the faint of heart, either.  Nor for the ones who love a funny, light, simple plot.  But those that are okay with reading about the brutality that some women face by men/family/others and are fine with some serious swearing.....then read this deeply woven mystery.

* * * * *
(five stars from me!)

So many books, so little time!

I love books.  I am obsessed with books.  I think about buying books like lots of women think about buying clothes.....or shoes!  I spend A LOT of my money on books.  YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY BOOKS!

With that said, I thought I would start a little blog (probably not updated a ton) about the books I've read, am reading or will hopefully read someday.  Again - so many books, so little time.

I probably shouldn't admit this right outta the gate, but I write down all the books I've bought (yes, I DO know about libraries) and scratch them off as I read them.  About once a year or so, I revamp my list.  I create a new list with the books I own that I haven't read and add the ones I've read to another list.  I'm not necessarily a list maker for anything else.  Just. My. Books.

My list is up to 154 books.  That doesn't count the ones I've crossed off though.  Nor does it count the ones I've bought, read and added to the "read" list before re-doing my "to-read" list again.  So, I guess not only are books my obsession, but keeping track of my books has become somewhat of one, too.

I am a self-diagnosed "book freak," and I'm not ashamed of it.  And I don't want help with it.  I'm just sayin'.

So, here I will record my own OPINION of the books I've read.  I know everyone has different tastes - especially in literature - and will have entirely different (or sometimes similar) opinions of the books I will write about.  I'm not here to pass judgment on authors or books that aren't necessarily in the genre I prefer, so I hope that you won't pass judgment on ME and my views.  I'll always stay polite (unless a book STINKS).  I will try to avoid spoilers (unless we get a discussion going in the "comments" section).  I will have a vast array of genres ('cause that's what I like - variety).  I will try to post as I finish a book (which could very well be sporadic.)

I hope you join in.  I really, truly do.  I love a good book discussion almost more than I love my own kids. (I'm teasing, really!)  I share my books because I want others to enjoy them as much as I do (just don't dog-ear my pages, please!).  And if you want to SUGGEST any books to me, please be warned.  I WILL go out and buy it - or put it on my wish list at Amazon!

With ALLLLLL of that said, I'm no literary genius.  I don't have a degree in English or Literature or anything special like that.  In fact, I'm probably not the best writer of reviews, either.  But I'm a busy mom who loves to read when she can.

So, "follow" me as I go on this journey (less damaging than dog-earring pages, that's for sure) and add your two cents.  Just don't read the end before you get there. ;-)