Comments for The Book Shark http://thebookshark.com In Search of the Best Books of the Year Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:33:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 Comment on The Family Fang by Lola http://thebookshark.com/the-family-fang/comment-page-1/#comment-14772 Lola Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:33:51 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3574#comment-14772 I really like the way you view the difference between weird Southern characters that are literary, versus weird Southern genre characters that are flat and unbelievable. It's very true. I used to call myself a Southern Fiction fan, but got tired of the characters. Many years ago I read a Southern book in which a character was named after a time (Half-Past Two? Quarter to Twelve? Three-Fifteen?) because his arms were permanently stuck in that position. Made no sense whatsoever. Now I wish I could remember his name, or the name of the book. It was ludicrous. Just what you're talking about. I really like the way you view the difference between weird Southern characters that are literary, versus weird Southern genre characters that are flat and unbelievable. It’s very true. I used to call myself a Southern Fiction fan, but got tired of the characters. Many years ago I read a Southern book in which a character was named after a time (Half-Past Two? Quarter to Twelve? Three-Fifteen?) because his arms were permanently stuck in that position. Made no sense whatsoever. Now I wish I could remember his name, or the name of the book. It was ludicrous. Just what you’re talking about.

]]> Comment on Book Cover Art by Donna http://thebookshark.com/book-cover-art/comment-page-1/#comment-14689 Donna Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:24:40 +0000 http://gustineawards.wordpress.com/?page_id=948#comment-14689 I have no plans to review Helen Oyeyemi's <em>Mr. Fox</em>, because I am unlikely ever to read it: I can't get past the first few pages. (But I very much enjoyed—and can heartily recommend—Oyeyemi's first book, 2006's <em>The Icarus Girl</em>.) The <em>Fox</em> hardcover is screaming to be addressed, though, and this seems like the appropriate place to address it. What wonderfully charming little fox illustrations! The book is <em>everywhere</em>, and I've probably picked it up twenty times in the last month, because the art is absolutely irresistible. Cindy writes (above) about cover art that could be mounted on the wall; this is in that category. It has the look of a book that I would gently carry everywhere and study the cover endlessly until I've finished it, then would cherish forever. This is a sad case, however, in which the less attractive cover art (the paperback version, below) actually suits the tone of the book much, much better. (Granted, I've only read a few pages, but that's enough to see that the paperback art is a significantly better match with the story in both tone and style.) This page has many examples of bad art with great books, but I'm not sure we've ever complained before about exceptional art for a boring book. The tragedy, of course, is that this art <em>could</em> have been paired with an award winner, but has instead been wasted. I wished they had saved the foxes in a file labeled “Extraordinary art waiting for extraordinary writing,” and realized that staying true to the spirit of the book is more important than catching our eye with outstanding art that doesn't match. <img src="http://thebookshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Mr-Fox.jpeg" alt="Mr. Fox" /> <img src="http://thebookshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/images.jpeg" alt="Mr. Fox2" /> I have no plans to review Helen Oyeyemi’s Mr. Fox, because I am unlikely ever to read it: I can’t get past the first few pages. (But I very much enjoyed—and can heartily recommend—Oyeyemi’s first book, 2006’s The Icarus Girl.) The Fox hardcover is screaming to be addressed, though, and this seems like the appropriate place to address it. What wonderfully charming little fox illustrations! The book is everywhere, and I’ve probably picked it up twenty times in the last month, because the art is absolutely irresistible. Cindy writes (above) about cover art that could be mounted on the wall; this is in that category. It has the look of a book that I would gently carry everywhere and study the cover endlessly until I’ve finished it, then would cherish forever. This is a sad case, however, in which the less attractive cover art (the paperback version, below) actually suits the tone of the book much, much better. (Granted, I’ve only read a few pages, but that’s enough to see that the paperback art is a significantly better match with the story in both tone and style.) This page has many examples of bad art with great books, but I’m not sure we’ve ever complained before about exceptional art for a boring book. The tragedy, of course, is that this art could have been paired with an award winner, but has instead been wasted. I wished they had saved the foxes in a file labeled “Extraordinary art waiting for extraordinary writing,” and realized that staying true to the spirit of the book is more important than catching our eye with outstanding art that doesn’t match.

Mr. Fox Mr. Fox2

]]> Comment on Formerly Favorite Authors Suffer Simultaneous Brain Damage by Sally http://thebookshark.com/formerly-favorite-authors-suffer-simultaneous-brain-damage/comment-page-1/#comment-13165 Sally Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:16:57 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3453#comment-13165 Many years ago I fell in love with Patchett's <em>Bel Canto</em>. It will always stand out in my memory as the kind of read that made time stand still. I was there in that room with the hostages; I could hear the singing. So I automatically bought <em>State of Wonder</em> I didn't even bother reading the back to see what it was about. I trusted the author. What a mistake. I got a little way into the second chapter and gave up on the book in disgust. I've learned my lesson and will try not to let that happen again. For the most part I agree with the two reviewers, Cindy and Donna. For example, as much as I loved <em>The Devil's Teeth</em> I will not buy Susan Casey's other book, <em>The Wave</em> based on their recommendation. Even though I do like genre books not listed in here such as thrillers, chick lit, and the occasional mystery and sci-fi book, I find these reviewers to be right on the mark with everything they say. Many years ago I fell in love with Patchett’s Bel Canto. It will always stand out in my memory as the kind of read that made time stand still. I was there in that room with the hostages; I could hear the singing. So I automatically bought State of Wonder I didn’t even bother reading the back to see what it was about. I trusted the author. What a mistake. I got a little way into the second chapter and gave up on the book in disgust. I’ve learned my lesson and will try not to let that happen again. For the most part I agree with the two reviewers, Cindy and Donna. For example, as much as I loved The Devil’s Teeth I will not buy Susan Casey’s other book, The Wave based on their recommendation. Even though I do like genre books not listed in here such as thrillers, chick lit, and the occasional mystery and sci-fi book, I find these reviewers to be right on the mark with everything they say.

]]> Comment on Fruitless Fall by Sally http://thebookshark.com/fruitless-fall/comment-page-1/#comment-13164 Sally Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:57:44 +0000 http://gustineawards.wordpress.com/?p=726#comment-13164 I completely agree with the review. I knew nothing about bees until I read this book and regularly bought the large bottle of honey at the store without giving it a second thought. Now I only buy local honey from a reputable bee keeper. I am also proud to say that our home is like a giant beehive. The little orchard bees that pollinate all the fruit trees etc. in the area live all over our house literally. The cracks between the shingles provide just the right size for them to hibernate and lay their eggs in. This was not only an informative book but a fast paced read, nothing dry about it. I have passed it on to 5 other people now who have also changed their honey buying habits. I completely agree with the review. I knew nothing about bees until I read this book and regularly bought the large bottle of honey at the store without giving it a second thought. Now I only buy local honey from a reputable bee keeper. I am also proud to say that our home is like a giant beehive. The little orchard bees that pollinate all the fruit trees etc. in the area live all over our house literally. The cracks between the shingles provide just the right size for them to hibernate and lay their eggs in. This was not only an informative book but a fast paced read, nothing dry about it. I have passed it on to 5 other people now who have also changed their honey buying habits.

]]> Comment on Reader Reviews by Sally http://thebookshark.com/reader-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-13163 Sally Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:46:48 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/reader-reviews/#comment-13163 I would like to submit one of my favorite books for the nonfiction award, <em>The Worst Hard Time </em>by Timothy Egan. I would like to submit one of my favorite books for the nonfiction award, The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan.

]]> Comment on Reader Reviews by Sally http://thebookshark.com/reader-reviews/comment-page-1/#comment-13013 Sally Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:47 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/reader-reviews/#comment-13013 I am wondering if either of you have ever read <em>City of Ash</em> - is is historical fiction set at the turn of the century in Seattle. I have not finished yet, am in the middle of it but thought you may want to take a look. Copyright 2011 http://www.amazon.com/City-Ash-Novel-Megan-Chance/dp/0307461033/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316491047&sr=1-1 I am wondering if either of you have ever read City of Ash – is is historical fiction set at the turn of the century in Seattle. I have not finished yet, am in the middle of it but thought you may want to take a look. Copyright 2011

http://www.amazon.com/City-Ash-Novel-Megan-Chance/dp/0307461033/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316491047&sr=1-1

]]> Comment on The Wave by Donna http://thebookshark.com/the-wave/comment-page-1/#comment-11128 Donna Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:35:36 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3427#comment-11128 Marty, I am SO HAPPY to hear from a reader who noticed the same thing. Thanks so much for writing! You know, I happened to catch Susan Casey's appearance on Jay Leno (I did not MEAN to catch her; I just wanted to see Headlines), and when Hamilton walked on stage about 10 minutes into her interview, the look on her face confirmed, 100%, my impression from reading the book. If I were poor Gabby Reese, I would divorce him simply because of that look. Marty, I am SO HAPPY to hear from a reader who noticed the same thing. Thanks so much for writing!
You know, I happened to catch Susan Casey’s appearance on Jay Leno (I did not MEAN to catch her; I just wanted to see Headlines), and when Hamilton walked on stage about 10 minutes into her interview, the look on her face confirmed, 100%, my impression from reading the book. If I were poor Gabby Reese, I would divorce him simply because of that look.

]]> Comment on Formerly Favorite Authors Suffer Simultaneous Brain Damage by Donna http://thebookshark.com/formerly-favorite-authors-suffer-simultaneous-brain-damage/comment-page-1/#comment-11127 Donna Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:27:04 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3453#comment-11127 Thanks for writing! I love hearing from readers--whether they enjoyed my posts or not--but I would love it if next time you mention specific books and give a few details about what you did & didn't like about them. I think disagreements about books between readers are really interesting, but it's not clear to me in this case (since it's a long post and I reference 16 different books) what we are actually disagreeing about. Thanks for writing!
I love hearing from readers–whether they enjoyed my posts or not–but I would love it if next time you mention specific books and give a few details about what you did & didn’t like about them. I think disagreements about books between readers are really interesting, but it’s not clear to me in this case (since it’s a long post and I reference 16 different books) what we are actually disagreeing about.

]]> Comment on The Wave by Marty http://thebookshark.com/the-wave/comment-page-1/#comment-9912 Marty Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:57:15 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3427#comment-9912 Well, thank you! I just finished 'The Wave' (thankfully, a library book) and immediately went on line and searched "Susan Casey, Laird Hamilton affair' ! Come on. They MUST HAVE. Either that or Susan Casey is stuck in her adolescence because it was just too OBVIOUS. I enjoyed parts of the book...more than you...but in the end, I was left with a sad feeling for Gabby Reese...she was so obviously glossed over in the book and this shark-woman constantly stroking her man's ego as she is trying to have and raise his babies (seemingly alone). It was so strange that she mentioned that Sky child several times and never mentioned HIS children ONCE. In my opinion, she was deliberately marginalizing his marriage, his wife and his children. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Well, thank you! I just finished ‘The Wave’ (thankfully, a library book) and immediately went on line and searched “Susan Casey, Laird Hamilton affair’ ! Come on. They MUST HAVE. Either that or Susan Casey is stuck in her adolescence because it was just too OBVIOUS. I enjoyed parts of the book…more than you…but in the end, I was left with a sad feeling for Gabby Reese…she was so obviously glossed over in the book and this shark-woman constantly stroking her man’s ego as she is trying to have and raise his babies (seemingly alone). It was so strange that she mentioned that Sky child several times and never mentioned HIS children ONCE. In my opinion, she was deliberately marginalizing his marriage, his wife and his children. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

]]> Comment on Formerly Favorite Authors Suffer Simultaneous Brain Damage by richard http://thebookshark.com/formerly-favorite-authors-suffer-simultaneous-brain-damage/comment-page-1/#comment-9825 richard Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:10:32 +0000 http://thebookshark.com/?p=3453#comment-9825 I am sorry to say this, but your commentary is a disgrace. It is sad to see that simply because you failed to either understand or connect with what these authors wanted to create you feel the call to insult and disparage their work with an opinionated, ignorant and disdainful rant. It is also disheartening to see that even though you claim to have admired their previous work, you don't grant them any right to try something different, to experiment and just condemn with your narrow minded views books that are perfectly fine, when not wonderful. Yes, I have read many of these books you so loudly dismiss here and I do not agree on a single point with your rants. It is my impression that you did not understand a single one of them and , like a simpleton that requires others to repeat the same trick or joke over and over, expect that every artist will write the same book again and again just because that was the one you liked. You rants betray such a disrespectful ignorance about the process of creation and a sad dearth of intellectual depth. You may try to influence the views of other fellow narrow minded people who, listening to a fool on the hill, will not explore these books (that many readers around the world have enjoyed) simply because a negative, obtuse and idiotic voice on the net said so. Why don't you stop reading and just concentrate on your TV. I am sure that there you'll find products designed just for people like you: who only can accept and understand a single thing. Pathetic. I am sorry to say this, but your commentary is a disgrace. It is sad to see that simply because you failed to either understand or connect with what these authors wanted to create you feel the call to insult and disparage their work with an opinionated, ignorant and disdainful rant. It is also disheartening to see that even though you claim to have admired their previous work, you don’t grant them any right to try something different, to experiment and just condemn with your narrow minded views books that are perfectly fine, when not wonderful. Yes, I have read many of these books you so loudly dismiss here and I do not agree on a single point with your rants. It is my impression that you did not understand a single one of them and , like a simpleton that requires others to repeat the same trick or joke over and over, expect that every artist will write the same book again and again just because that was the one you liked. You rants betray such a disrespectful ignorance about the process of creation and a sad dearth of intellectual depth. You may try to influence the views of other fellow narrow minded people who, listening to a fool on the hill, will not explore these books (that many readers around the world have enjoyed) simply because a negative, obtuse and idiotic voice on the net said so. Why don’t you stop reading and just concentrate on your TV. I am sure that there you’ll find products designed just for people like you: who only can accept and understand a single thing. Pathetic.

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