Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

A few people told me this was their least favourite Harry Potter novel, so I didn't have high expectations.

Although it did start out slow and a little depressing for Harry, I really enjoyed this novel - especially the realness of the ministry's hold on the lives of the wizards and students at Hogwarts. It made me think about how controlled we all are - and actually FEEL it.

People joke "It's real life, not Harry Potter" but I have to say that J.K. R brings her life experiences to her novels and this makes them much more real than many of the non-fiction books out there.

New York Visit

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A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'engle

I noticed this novel while browsing Chapters one night. I thought it sounded enlightening and vaguely remembered reading it as a child and liking it. Somehow I thought I would appreciate it even more now. I did.

A very simple story on how to overcome darkness and evil, with adventure along the way. Though written as a sci-fi, many of the themes are very real. Instead of using magic, as in Harry Potter, the medium the children work in is science - very basic - but science. I liked this, especially the time travel aspect. I loved Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which.

I may read it again soon, and eventually the other books in the series.

The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov

Contemplating this novel exhausted me! Definitely a must-read.

**SPOILERS** (I had to keep notes. Have a pen and paper handy when you read it, especially to write down names).

Satan, a sharp-dressed man with extreme character, named Woland, and his entourage (a black cat, a fanged angel of darkness, and an ex-choirmaster) visit Moscow to avenge - due to their fascist, non-authentic lifestyles - elite members of Russian society.

The first to be visited is an atheist editor who is commissioning a poet to write a poem about how Jesus did not exist. Woland explains to the editor, during a very weird meeting in a park, that Jesus did exist and that he (Woland) was there at the crucifiction, and that despite the editor's status and wealth, he is not in control of his own destiny. Woland then delivers a terrible fate to the editor to prove this. The poet, Bezdomny, whose name means "homeless", witnesses the grizzly event and ends up in a mental hospital.

The novel then takes a turn and focuses on a biblical-time dialogue between Jesus Christ and Pontius Pilate. Jesus claims that the nature of man is innocent and Pilate claims the nature of man is evil.

We all know the story from here - Pilate sentences Jesus to death by crucifiction, based on accusations (Judas) and for not following authority (Caesar) - even though he knows Jesus is innocent. Pilate later pays a price, consciously and spiritually, and so does Jesus, physically. The two carry on a relationship through time and space.

The story then moves forward to 1930’s Russia, focusing on the love affair between the Master (an authentic artist/writer) and Margarita, a rich women with significant intelligence and spirit, who's in an unhappy marriage. The Master is writing the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus, and Margarita is encouraging his work. She leaves her secure life behind for him.

The couple are living in love and bliss, but because of the literary elites' ridicule and authority, the Master’s tale will never be told and the couple's happy fate comes to an end. The Master checks himself into an asylum (the same one as the poet) and leaves Margarita because of his depression and assumed defeat, and she is left with emptiness and longing for him.

Bezdomny and the Master meet up in the mental hospital and the poet is afterwards transformed, claiming authenticity and new awareness, realising that he was previously a scam of an artist.

Woland, who delivered the horrible fate to the editor, visits Margarita through one of his retinue - Azazello, the charming but frightening angel, and asks her to join him for a night. The promise is she will be reunited with the Master - but first she must host a ball with all of Woland's followers. Margarita asks Azazello if Woland wants to use her for sexual purposes and Azazello smugly says, "in your dreams", and that this is not the reason for his request.

Margarita accepts and begin her journey, becoming a liberated witch and having fun along the way. She has trouble facing His followers (decayed beings who like to party, who have committed some awful crime in the past). However, she is prompted by Woland's gang to treat all the guests humanely. She does, far and beyond, but not without suffering. She is rewarded.

Eventually the fate of everyone is revealed, including our friends back in biblical time, and the novel displays again and again the continual polarity of light and dark, good and evil, confusing the reader... but in a very interesting way.

Did Woland know all along that love would prevail and that Margarita would return to her Master - or perhaps hope this - or plan it? There does not seem to be a higher power other than he, and it does seem that he causes more good and actually goes after the "bad" (why this book was so controversal, I'm sure, and why The Rolling Stones who wrote a song about this novel called it Sympathy for the Devil, including the lyrics, "But what's puzzling you is the nature of my game").

Woland does make a comment to a follower of Jesus: "Where would your light be without darkness? Of course you will not argue me on the point, you are too stupid". He's got a point - would light need to exist, or really exist at all, without darkness?? But this is tricky :)

The complexities are never ending. You have to read and reread to fully grasp this novel.

Catcher in the Rye - Salinger

I've struggled with the review for this one! I read it a few years ago and just recently came across a review which made me wonder if I had been too harsh in my judgement, not caring for it at the time, or maybe not understanding it. (I don't think so, but I should have read it as a teenager, I probably would have had a different view).

So, generally speaking, I didn't like this book - it was annoying and I didn't relate to the main character or appreciate the language (lousy this, lousy that)...although I did agree with Holden Caufield's view on how phony society can be - and kudos to him for having the courage to say it!

The underlying importance of this book, for me, is the thought that in order to change the world you must first be submissive to The Powers That Be, join them and then, when armed with the ammunition necessary, continue on your own path.

That's all I got from it. Maybe it's just me....

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Another great one! I was surprised with the ending, realising why everyone comments on how these books get a little dark. Was a little sad, and I have to say parts were really scary ;) As usual, though, filled with creativity and wisdom!

Can't wait for the next one!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

This was my favourite Harry Potter so far.

Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series and the characters and plot details are more complex than I would have dreamed. I loved the ending, just kept getting better with each page - with each word. Is that possible? It is. And obviously J.K. Rowling has some serious talent...why these books have become so iconic I am sure. Again, the creativity is astounding.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

I'd read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone over a year ago, but for some reason I didn't continue reading the rest of the books in the series, even though I really did enjoy the first.

Well, I am back at them, finally, with Chamber of Secrets and I can't believe I have waited sooo long to read these extremely entertaining and creative books! I love magic and all that stuff, so the subject matter doesn't hurt much either. What can I say...I can't wait to continue!

I love the Hogwarts classes: herbology, potions, defense against the dark arts, and I LOVE the characters and the creativity within them, such as the ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, who holds a deathday party for himself, speaking in a funeral-like tone when guests arrive.

The first book to keep me up in a long time.

Eragon - Christopher Paolini

I enjoyed Eragon, but I honestly can't explain why. It didn't blow me away, but it kept me reading, and I will read the other books in this series....just not immediately.

I think I enjoyed the journey: a boy with nothing but everything, a found magical egg, a dragon, hope, magic, growth, tragedy, comrades and enemies - all symbols any reader can relate to - the fantasy delivery just makes it more creative.

I was surprised by the amount of violence...in parts. I think it gave the book more cred, though, and I loved the connection between Eragon and Saphira (the dragon) - the friendship and the actual mind to mind telepathy.

Now talking about it, I kinda miss this book.

Turtle Moon - Alice Hoffman

This was my second Alice Hoffman novel and I was impressed again by her storytelling, honesty, and her way of thinking.

My main complaint is that I could not (often) remember the characters and I kept mixing them up, and I found that there were some loose ends when I had finished the novel. This didn't really matter all that much - the insight is what matters most with Alice Hoffman.

Really paints a colourful picture of this little Florida town in the month of May, when things go haywire and everything is weird, and you can sense the static in the air. A baby goes missing, unsuited people fall in love, and the characters lives are intertwined.

Alice Hoffman's books are not exactly page turners, and they don't really flow, and they are not memorable, but if you appreciate them for what they are - bits of practical mysticism (yes, these go together with her) - you won't be disappointed.

Incantation - Alice Hoffman

I've finally decided to read Alice Hoffman, and I am looking forward to more. Great storytelling talent!

I have to say this book was very simple...but beautiful. Based on the Spanish Inquisition, which I knew nothing about, this novel follows the journey of a young girl and her family, her found treasures and horrors in life, and how she rises above the horrors in the end.

Another Teen-Fiction gem.

Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

One of the most inspirational and practical books ever. Very similar to Ghost Rider in a very real - but not just because it is a true story - sort of way. Something rare in this day and age.

It's the story of mountaineer, Greg Mortenson, and his venture to rid Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan of terrorism by building schools and educating the children of the area.

What an adventure! Greg Mortenson is a hero. Sounds trite, but it's not - he's the real McCoy, and what he accomplishes is miraculous.

Read it! But don't expect a page-turner -it takes work to get through. It will make you believe that anything is possible.

Ghost Rider – Neil Peart

I read this book over a year ago and decided to write a quick review today -it really deserves one!

First, Neil Peart is the drummer for Rush, the successful (some say genius) band with lyrics that soar beyond many - even though their music is an acquired taste. Neil Peart writes most of the lyrics for Rush and is an exceptional writer in general, which brings us to one of his novels: Ghost Rider.

In a nutshell, this novel, or autobiography, is about loss and finding a way back from it.

After the death of his daughter and wife, within the span of one year, Neil is forced to come to terms with their deaths and move on with his own life. His very own philosophy of life is challenged during this process. Sad, but he has a way of addressing his grief that is very positive: he takes off on a road trip across Canada, describing in detail how he feels and the world around him, all the while making wine, restaurant and book recommendations. Sounds like denial but it's not - it's a much deeper reflection on how to survive tragedy.

Exceptional thinker and writer! No space is wasted on his page. This is not a page-turner - it demands insight and dedication and the ability to read a book as it should be read -by savouring every word.

The Reader - Bernhard Schlink

I think this book got more hype than it deserved, and I found the translation a little off (in my 'expert' opinion) and void of emotional charge -despite the claims to be very erotic and emotional (I think I am alone here...I just have a feeling the original would have hit its mark).

As the second part of the book commenced, the trial, I started getting into it like I thought I would, and somewhat understood the hype.

I didn't love it, though. Maybe I will try the movie.

The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough

"There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in the heaven smiles. For the best is only brought at the cost of great pain.......Or so says the legend."

These words, posted on the first page of this great novel, signed the deal for The Thorn Birds to be my next read. Wow! I had high expectations and they were more than met! Classic, exceptional writing!

Twilight Series - Stephanie Meyer

These books have consumed me since Dec 2008. I wanted to read Twilight because of the subject (vampires) but then decided against it when I found out it was young adult; I thought this would make it lame.

Well, I was wrong. The sensuality that comes through the pages is nothing short of genius, and would put most smut writers to shame - even though it is anything but smut. I was glued to this one from beginning to end, and I couldn't believe so much could be conveyed by saying so little.

New Moon pleasantly surprised me, even though I sceptically thought to myself, "How will Stephanie Meyer ever follow up Twilight?". The subject of Edward and Bella is set aside (somewhat) to focus on new material: Jacob Black and Bella. The relationship between Edward and Bella is contrasted by Jacob and Bella, and I found this to be very true-to-life and a heartfelt study. There is a lot of hidden wisdom, despite the bubblegum delivery.

Eclipse dives further into the lives of the other characters, with a little history about werewolf-ism and European vampires, but this was my least favourite of the series.

Breaking Dawn, the last book, was a gem. More surprises to please the senses.