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Review Date: 4/30/2015
I listened to this as an audio book and it's no wonder he won a Grammy for it. Very funny and lively with several different character voices.
Review Date: 4/29/2020
Helpful Score: 7
What. Is. This??
This book is controversial. I wanted to read it, to see for myself, to form my own opinion. The controversy behind this book is valid. If "eyes were opened" after reading this, as some reviewers on booksellers' websites have said, then those readers have not been paying proper attention to the world. For this book is so poor that if it is the one to open eyes, then help us please.
This book also does not depict a realistic story. I do not think a story of a well-to-do person on the run is the story that needs to be told. Perhaps the author thought that the only way to gain understanding of migrants by a middle-class US readership was to create a character that closely mirrors her readership. But she was wrong. As a middle-class US reader, all she did was make me mad. I do not want this underdeveloped soap opera of a book to help me better understand cultures and circumstances different from my own.
I am not advocating for illegal immigration. No. I am advocating for a book that better explores the human condition and better educates me on the lived experiences of others.
I had higher expectations of this one, given all the publicity, but it failed. I am sorely disappointed that I bought this book.
This book is controversial. I wanted to read it, to see for myself, to form my own opinion. The controversy behind this book is valid. If "eyes were opened" after reading this, as some reviewers on booksellers' websites have said, then those readers have not been paying proper attention to the world. For this book is so poor that if it is the one to open eyes, then help us please.
This book also does not depict a realistic story. I do not think a story of a well-to-do person on the run is the story that needs to be told. Perhaps the author thought that the only way to gain understanding of migrants by a middle-class US readership was to create a character that closely mirrors her readership. But she was wrong. As a middle-class US reader, all she did was make me mad. I do not want this underdeveloped soap opera of a book to help me better understand cultures and circumstances different from my own.
I am not advocating for illegal immigration. No. I am advocating for a book that better explores the human condition and better educates me on the lived experiences of others.
I had higher expectations of this one, given all the publicity, but it failed. I am sorely disappointed that I bought this book.
Review Date: 7/4/2011
Helpful Score: 2
It's books like this that remind me why I love books.
Review Date: 4/26/2009
I have read all of Pat Conroy's works. He is one of my all time favorites. Beach Music is fairly long but well worth the time.
Review Date: 3/15/2015
This book had poignant moments, but overall was not a poignant book. A better choice, along somewhat of the same lines but nonfiction, is Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder.
Review Date: 4/24/2015
I love books where the characters' storylines intertwine in unforeseen ways. This is a book that will stay with you long after the last page.
Review Date: 2/21/2012
This book was very well done. The author took a large scope of information, from various nations, and compiled it into a concise, easy-to-read, and often funny book. This is a finance book for those who aren't looking for a numeric answer of what's happening in the economy, but rather an explanation in stories as to how the world is being financially affected by the crisis. Full of anecdotes and interviews that reveal the human side of the crisis. This book looks at what happened to cause the financial problems facing Iceland, Greece, Ireland, Germany, and the US.
Review Date: 1/26/2022
Helpful Score: 1
I quite enjoyed this book! The value of this book is in its positive messaging and vulnerability. The positive messaging is relatable and low-key. I've read books with messaging that is just too over-the-top in its sugary or superficial positivity. This is not that. This is a book about a normal person who found she had a talent and interest in running. She is not overly obsessive about her sport. She just decided to keep trying at it and see how far she could go and how good she could get. Turns out she could become very good as it took her to the Olympics.
Pappas is not trying to portray a glamorous life nor is the book all about "look-at-me-I-went-to-the-Olympics." Rather, only a very small part of the book is about being at the Olympics. What Pappas offers us instead is an open and honest look at all of the personal family struggles that took place before the Olympics and the mental health issues she faced after the Olympics. This book is very raw and depicts very honest vulnerability while at the same time thought-provoking and heartwarming. It shows us that even going to the Olympics is not all bright and shiny. And that there is so much more to her life than being an Olympian.
She is not about motivating others but instead she talks about the mindset she developed that helped her to overcome her hard times. It is this growth mindset that "losses and setbacks are instructional, not damaging" that makes this book so relatable and worthy.
I highly recommend!
Pappas is not trying to portray a glamorous life nor is the book all about "look-at-me-I-went-to-the-Olympics." Rather, only a very small part of the book is about being at the Olympics. What Pappas offers us instead is an open and honest look at all of the personal family struggles that took place before the Olympics and the mental health issues she faced after the Olympics. This book is very raw and depicts very honest vulnerability while at the same time thought-provoking and heartwarming. It shows us that even going to the Olympics is not all bright and shiny. And that there is so much more to her life than being an Olympian.
She is not about motivating others but instead she talks about the mindset she developed that helped her to overcome her hard times. It is this growth mindset that "losses and setbacks are instructional, not damaging" that makes this book so relatable and worthy.
I highly recommend!
Review Date: 9/23/2023
I liked the simple and subtle writing style, and some aspects of the plot were interesting. Overall, I would not recommend it.
The story alternates between present day and the past. The present day story line is told from the sister's point of view. The story line in the past is told from the brother's point of view. I feel like a few more points of view would have given the book more depth. Something about it just felt missing.
There are many very descriptive sex scenes in the book. This turns the book into something else. It is categorized as a coming-of-age book, but mostly it is a coming-of-age-sex book. It got to the point where when another sex scene started I was like "good grief, not another one." And the description was very detailed.
The story alternates between present day and the past. The present day story line is told from the sister's point of view. The story line in the past is told from the brother's point of view. I feel like a few more points of view would have given the book more depth. Something about it just felt missing.
There are many very descriptive sex scenes in the book. This turns the book into something else. It is categorized as a coming-of-age book, but mostly it is a coming-of-age-sex book. It got to the point where when another sex scene started I was like "good grief, not another one." And the description was very detailed.
Review Date: 12/16/2019
Because you haven't yet met everyone who will matter most in your life.
Review Date: 12/13/2011
Helpful Score: 11
This book is divided by character; five specific characters spread over a time line of past eras, the present era, and future eras. The stories move forward from past to future and then reverse to revisit the same characters in opposite order. This book is a project. I read it, and read it, and kept reading it. Finally, I finished, and I was happy I finished all the way through - More though for the accomplishment of it rather than the story itself. I would have hated to have invested so many hours only to put it down half way through. I was only tempted to stop though due to the daunting length, and slow pace; not due to the stories.
There were very profound moments along the way. I especially enjoyed the story lines that are set in the future as they make the reader reflect back on our actions of today and how they will impact the future.
I think this is a book that will loved by some and unloved by some. As for me, I am undecided, borderline indifferent. My best recommendation is to read it for yourself and see. There is something for everyone. Is it worth the while it takes to accomplish this massive project? That is questionable.
There were very profound moments along the way. I especially enjoyed the story lines that are set in the future as they make the reader reflect back on our actions of today and how they will impact the future.
I think this is a book that will loved by some and unloved by some. As for me, I am undecided, borderline indifferent. My best recommendation is to read it for yourself and see. There is something for everyone. Is it worth the while it takes to accomplish this massive project? That is questionable.
Review Date: 2/8/2015
Mackenzie Ford is the pen name of Peter Watson. As Ford, he's written two books as of now. This is the second. The other is Gifts of War. His writing style is excellent and the story lines portray very real life complications and real emotions. The only downside is the ending doesn't wrap up, it just ends. This is the case with both books; however, Clouds Beneath the Sun includes a very brief epilogue for those of us who just want to know what came of the main characters later in life. Some might find the ending a bit harsh, but I appreciated it for just this reason. I am glad I read it. It's one you can't help but think about days afterward. I will continue to read future Ford books if there are any.
Review Date: 6/19/2015
I really wanted to like this book, I mean I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE IT! I didn't even wait for it to come up on my WL, instead I bought it. I was so excited. And therein, I think, lies the problem. My expectations were too high. Sigh. Anyway, it didn't hit the mark with me (although I generally tend to be unimpressed by all young adult books, so I'm not the target audience here). In any case, it had its ups and downs, and I rate it middle of the road on overall impact.
Review Date: 7/10/2012
This book speaks my language. I love this author. I especially loved the chapter dedicated to women who know they will not have children, for any various reason, and she named them the Auntie Brigade. I learned from this book a lot on the history of marriage in society. There is strength in knowing who you are and having the conviction to live the life that's right by you.
Review Date: 7/10/2012
I started listening to this on audio on a long car trip. I picked up reading it in the middle for about 150 pages but found I liked the audio much better, so I finished it by listening. I liked it, but often I found myself feeling I'd read this before. It's a very solid mix of Harry Potter and Twilight. The Harry Potter-type plot I enjoyed - the old manuscript, the ancient alchemy, etc. The Twilight-type plot not so much - the vampire and girl forbidden relationship aspect. If you liked both HP and Twilight, you'd like this. Or, if you've never read either, then this will be all new to you.
Review Date: 9/7/2018
This story is slow and subtle, but rich and well-developed. I just finished it and I already know that I will miss the main character and the stories of his experience.
Review Date: 4/3/2016
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this fast-paced book. The ending was strong, but definitely demands a sequel, which is coming out later this year. This is meant for a YA audience, and while I was reading it, I couldn't help but notice SEVERAL elements reminiscent of other popular YA stories: Harry Potter's Goblet of Fire, Divergent, and Hunger Games. Some reviews have compared it to Game of Thrones, and while I can see how the fantasy elements combined with a ruling empire might bring GoT to mind, this book is no where near the sophistication in the depth of plot or the writing (but that's probably due to the intended YA audience).
In any case, I do think it to be an enjoyable read. It's not a life changer, but it has likable characters and even though the story isn't unique (and it could even be deemed trite), it is interesting. I will add that I wish the main female character had been stronger, as she is timid and gullible for most of this book, but I do see how she will probably be stronger in the second book.
I do think it has a good bit of violence, but it's nothing worse than Hunger Games. One other thought if you're trying to gauge this book appropriate for a young adult, the story does mention rape a lot but it never occurs as part of the story (meaning no one gets raped nor is it described, but it is threatened or is a close call on more than a few occasions).
In any case, I do think it to be an enjoyable read. It's not a life changer, but it has likable characters and even though the story isn't unique (and it could even be deemed trite), it is interesting. I will add that I wish the main female character had been stronger, as she is timid and gullible for most of this book, but I do see how she will probably be stronger in the second book.
I do think it has a good bit of violence, but it's nothing worse than Hunger Games. One other thought if you're trying to gauge this book appropriate for a young adult, the story does mention rape a lot but it never occurs as part of the story (meaning no one gets raped nor is it described, but it is threatened or is a close call on more than a few occasions).
Review Date: 12/13/2020
One of my top five books of 2020.
This is one of the most unique books I have read in a long time. It is a series of unconnected short stories that all center around characters who are using a new technology (different technology in each story).
Not only does this book share how the world might look different with these technologies but its true value comes from the philosophical look it gives to these technologies.
This book is thought provoking. It challenges you to reflect on how to still keep our humanity as technology plays a greater and greater role in our life. How will we keep our humanity as technologies start to change our way of life? And do the benefits outweigh the costs? What do we, as people, need to hold sacred and important about our culture, traditions, and humanity as our technological advances grow exponentially?
My favorite stories were The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling and The Great Silence (this one made me cry).
This is one of the most unique books I have read in a long time. It is a series of unconnected short stories that all center around characters who are using a new technology (different technology in each story).
Not only does this book share how the world might look different with these technologies but its true value comes from the philosophical look it gives to these technologies.
This book is thought provoking. It challenges you to reflect on how to still keep our humanity as technology plays a greater and greater role in our life. How will we keep our humanity as technologies start to change our way of life? And do the benefits outweigh the costs? What do we, as people, need to hold sacred and important about our culture, traditions, and humanity as our technological advances grow exponentially?
My favorite stories were The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling and The Great Silence (this one made me cry).
Review Date: 4/19/2020
Helpful Score: 4
I almost have nothing to say about this one, and for that reason I am writing a review. Some reviews talk about the subject matter being bothersome or disturbing, and I can see how that could be the case. For me though, that is not my reason for disliking it; all I can say is that I found the storyline and plot just plain bad. I am disappointed.
Review Date: 2/28/2019
This book is long, but it didn't feel long. There were times when I was surprised how fast I was moving through it.
I finished this book last night. It made me think. I fell asleep thinking about this book and this morning I am still thinking about this book. I was very surprised by how it all turned out in the end. I would recommend it.
I finished this book last night. It made me think. I fell asleep thinking about this book and this morning I am still thinking about this book. I was very surprised by how it all turned out in the end. I would recommend it.
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