As much as I love analyzing stories, it’s sometimes a challenge to take the time to do a detailed review of every single book that I read; last year alone, I read over 100 different books, and while this year has been a bit slower it’s still over the 50 mark. That said, I thought it might be fun to do a quick overview of the last five books I’ve read, with my thoughts on each:
Chimpanzee – Darin Bradley – With the USA’s millennial generation currently drowning in student debt, this book, much like the Circle, is a dystopia perfectly crafted for our time. There’s some interesting science fiction ideas in here, but what really matters are the big themes, which are masterfully plotted and executed. Chimpanzee is one of the leaner, meaner and more interesting dystopic books in some time. (And by the way, what a great cover!)
2001: A Space Odyssey – Arthur C. Clarke – Not going to get into the whole book vs. movie debate, but I will say this: the book doesn’t get nearly enough credit. While the movie’s genius is in its openness to interpretation, the book’s genius is found in its specifics. Exploring the beginnings of humanity and ending with its possible future in a realm beyond understanding, it doesn’t get much more epic than this.
Saint Odd – Dean Koontz – I was surprised by just how much I loved the initial Odd Thomas book. Odd himself was a quirky, likeable character, and his town of Pico Mundo felt real. That said, I haven’t been as fond of the direction the series took after that point. I really enjoyed the third book, Brother Odd, but the other ones took a track that was different than what I expected–not necessarily bad, just different–and I missed the Pico Mundo town folk from the first and second book. The Annamaria storyline never quite clicked for me. Saint Odd brings us back to Pico Mundo, and in many ways back to the beginning of the series. Interestingly, what’s strange about Saint Odd is how small the scale is; whereas the previous books have been building toward some sort of epic, metaphysical conclusion with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Saint Odd never quite goes there, and delves into the supernatural far less than its predecessors.
Overall, I have mixed feelings, but my affection for the Odd Thomas character is no less strong, and it’s both enjoyable and saddening to accompany Odd on one last journey back to Pico Mundo.
Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates – A brilliant, heartbreaking and vulnerable piece of writing that may very well revolutionize the conversation on race in the United States. I’ve been reading Coates’ articles in The Atlantic for some time, but this book takes is writings to an entirely new level. Probably one of the most important works of this year.
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini – Okay, I’m really floored that I didn’t read this sooner. One of the most profoundly emotional stories I’ve ever read, this is a brave story written by a writer who truly knows its subject matter and has something he wants to say to the world. Can’t recommend this enough.
So now, fellow readers, how about you?
What’s the last book you read?
These are some great mini reviews, my friend. Thank you so much for sharing! I couldn’t agree more about The Kite Runner’s utter brilliance. I’m so glad you discovered his breathtaking talent. A Thousand Splendid Suns is just as good, if not better. It’s been many years since I read 2001, and the way you describe it makes me want to revisit it, man. I recently learned about Between The World And Me and added it to my Goodreads shelf right away. I cannot wait to read it now.:) I’ve only read the first Odd Thomas book, and I’m not sure that I want to try the rest of the series. And agreed, the cover of Chimpanzee is amazing, I love it, I must TBR it.
Looks like we’re (more or less) in agreement about everything! Yes, the Kite Runner was absolutely amazing, honestly one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. Out of the other ones listed here, I most highly recommend Between the World and Me.
Yes, we are in full agree here.:) I couldn’t agree more about the impact The Kite Runner has had on my life. I’ll never look at Afghanistanian fiction the same. way again. May your Hosseini journey continue to treat you well! Thanks so much for HIGH recommendation of Between The World And Me.:)
And thank YOU for recommending A Thousand Splendid Suns!
You are most welcome!
By the way, I added Chimpanzee to my GR shelf.:) It sounds amazing!
Hi It’s been a busy fall of reading w a study at church having 2 reading sources + the Bible! My latest was “Coming Home” debut by Julie Kubner (my fave ). Previously, The Story of Dietrich Bonhoffer”, The Silver Star”. Looking ahead, “I’m Not Making This Up, You Know (auto bio of Anna Russell), The Gravity of Birds, The Promise (Galveston flood of 1900). Will have to skim, got behind on book clubs! Happy reading! analyn anderson lee
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Hi Analyn, thanks for dropping by! Sounds like a bunch of interesting titles there, particularly The Gravity of Birds. I’ll make sure to check them out!
The last book ? Your book, actually. TToTT
Haha wow, sounds like it’s been a while! In any case, I’m still glad you took the time to read The Cage Legacy, thank you for that.
The Kite Runner is truly a great read. Have you read A Thousand Suns from the same author? Perhaps even better.
Not yet, but definitely planning on it. I was really blown away by The Kite Runner — I expected it to be good, but was surprised by just HOW good it was — so I can’t wait to check out A Thousand Suns.
I really think it’s an even deeper book. Difficult sometimes, but important and well written. I would be surprised if you didn’t like the story and admire the writing style.
Sounds excellent. Thank you for the recommendation!
I know 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Kite Runner, both of which are great. The other books you mentioned are ones I haven’t read, though. I’m particularly interested in Chimpanzee, so I’ll probably get round to ordering a copy at some point.
I’m afraid to say the last book I read was Blogging for Dummies. Although I definitely fall within the target audience, I didn’t think much of the characters and I found the plot rather thin.
Haha, so I take it that Blogging for Dummies contained no surprise plot twists?
I definitely recommend Chimpanzee. It has a unique concept that is executed in an equally unique fashion, and leaves one thinking afterward in the way that the best dystopic novels do.
The sting in the tail was the price sticker on the back cover. Thanks for the tip about Chimpanzee. When I need cheering up, nothing beats a good dystopic novel.
Very true. Well, except for a Cormac McCarthy novel: those are even cheerier!
Yes, Blood Meridian certainly made me feel that my own life was not so bad after all. If nothing else, it’s a good bit less violent.
Wow you really have great taste in literature! I now HAVE to read 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Kite Runner is among my most treasured books of all time. And great theme for the reviews by the way 😉
A nice mix, Chimpanzee sounds like it deserves a place on my list as does The Kite Runner which I have been told about before I think.
2001 is brilliant, I read it before seeing the film and 2010 they changed the planet to Jupiter so as to be in line with the film which threw me as I liked the Saturn setting much more. The film was great as well, I think they work as they were written as companion pieces, both bringing out facets better suited to its medium.
Yes, they were written side by side, which makes for a really interesting comparison between the two; the same story told in dramatically different ways, each suited to its particular medium. A great story, either way!
(I also prefer the Saturn setting.)
The last book I read was Sydney Sheldon’s Sands of time.
Interesting! I knew Sidney Sheldon from his TV work, but wasn’t aware that he wrote novels until now. How is his work?
I’ve read a couple of his novels and they are all intriguing.. holds the reader’s attention right till the last word.
Awesome, thanks for the tip! Will look into him.
The last book I read is the book I’m still reading, Segu by Maryse Condé, I’d read a couple of non-fiction titles by her and now reading her masterpiece of a novel, 1797 in the kingdom of Segu and also based on true events.
I came across her when she was nominated for the 2014 Man Booker International Prize long list, which back then was for an author’s body of work in their lifetime, not a prize for a recently published work.
Thanks for this, I’ve read and heard a lot of exceptionally positive things about her fiction work. I’ll have to go check it out.