Saturday, July 31, 2010

July 2010 Books and Movies

The Brightest Star in the Sky
Marian Keyes

Right out of the park, again. Very interesting twist, lots of guessing as to how it's all going to turn out, lots of personal drama. I really was invested, and read until I was finished, often staying up late. I can't really give too much away, other than it's about the various residents at 66 Star Street, Dublin, without divulging the entire plot. But I can say that it was a really great read, and of course, I'm looking forward to more!

No Dress Rehearsal
Marian Keyes

This is part of a easy adult learn to read series. It was a great short story about a 30 something who dies, but doesn't realise it. It makes some great points about modern life and Lizzie's death even inspires her friend to start living, because life is not dress rehearsal. Before reading it, I had forgotten how many adults are illiterate, and one of the main stumbling blocks are engaging materials. It's the same for children. It's a great project, and something I didn't know was out there until I got the ordered book from the library.

The Other Side of the Story
Marian Keyes

This was ok, but mainly because I only liked one of three characters in the novel. Jojo was really feisty and I enjoyed learning about her job as a literary agent. Gemma was really whinny and annoying, made intentionally so by her back story of losing her boyfriend to Lily, the third character. I just found Lily too wishy-washy to care too much about her. I did enjoy the pace of the story and the way the three characters connected (Jojo is Lily's publisher), and still think that Marian Keyes is a really good writer. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.