Thoughts on Past Reads

Not so long ago...

I haven't been blogging much lately because I've had a lot of personal stuff going on.  But this is an anonymous literature blog so we aren't going into that.  Anyways, lately I've been delving into the bookshelves again, feeling like I was ten and going to the library was a shopping spree.

I mean, I've brought home over twenty-five books in the past month and as I've been reading again, I've been looking back on that marvelous site, Goodreads, at past books I've read.  (To the people out there who I pretend reads my blog--no it's not a link to my Goodreads account so you still don't get to see who I am.)

In over four years of serious writing, I've changed how I look at books I read. (And by serious I mean actual butt-in-seat-typing-I-want-to-be-published-one-day serious rather than random jottings or serious writing topics such as why I truly am one hardcore loner, which also will not be brought up on this blog.)

Of course I would look at another writer's work differently than I did when I was younger.  Any writer who wants to get better and is actively improving themselves will learn as they read, becoming more critical in their readings.  But, I was looking at books that I marked in the past as being wonderful and marvelous and realized that maybe, actually...they are kind of crappy. Sure I loved them once but I can't honestly rate them so awesomely now. So, my point is--I'm wondering--who goes back and changes their ratings? Do you?

Have your opinions on previous favorites changed?  If so, how or in what ways?

Am I the only one who feels like they are breaking up with former favorites, the more they read and study writing? (For further elaboration, see my awesomely prodigious illustrations.

Today...

Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

So I've been away for awhile.  I'm calling it a health sabbatical.

Anways, I'm here to post my first book review for this blog!  Woot, woot!  And for a talented debut author!  I will make a review debut off her novel debut....uh, eh, sorry.  Sounded wittier in my head.  : / 

Moving on...

When I first heard this story was coming out I had access to the first chapter where it was posted online for reading pre-publication.

I was instantly IN LOVE.

My thoughts post-first chapter: "OMG, must read, MUST READ!!!"

This book had such an interesting concept, so unique and intriguing (dystopian+sci-fi+murder mystery, all on a 300+ year space trip) that I really knew--especially after hearing such good reviews--this book wouldn't be any borrow or check out.  I had to buy it.

And I did.

I read it in two days.

That said, after finishing it today I have come to conclude that I both love and am annoyed by the story, but over all I would recommend this story to anyone. Really, go get it!

So, my nit-pickies?

First off, the main character got to me; Her age felt a little inconsistent.  Sometimes I was wondering, Huh, she's 17?  Really? Not like 10 or something? and other times she seemed to be acting older than 17, not quite the same character as before.  Or maybe those latter parts were just me.  But I found that influenced my ability to relate and become as emotionally involved.

Also a plot technicality (in relation to the ship)--which I heard that the author said is addressed in the next book--which didn't quite make sense with the story or get explained kinda bugged.  I'll definitely read the next one to find out.

Then in the end, I couldn't help but think...REALLY? I felt a little bummed and gypped because I'd figured out the whole story from early on and was hoping there was some twist...except there was and the way that resolved made me question the main character again. And in relation to the ending incident--which I'm sure now has you confused if you haven't read it--I also wasn't totally convinced of the chemistry between the two main characters.

In the end, her writing was very lovely and simple in a pleasing, clean way, and that aspect made any little plot or character annoyance easy to look over.

One last thing--loved her use of the senses and symbolism. All the reference to colors and temperatures, the sun and stars and sky-- very beautiful writing there!!!

 My final thoughts? If you haven't already, go read this book! :)