The Crows Nest » Books

Dear John Review

adviser — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:08:41 +0000

The New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks has a reputation for writing phenomenal books, and many of his most popular works, such as The Notebook and A Walk to Remember have been made even more famous by getting time on the big screen as feature-films. Although I’m very familiar with much of his writing, I’ve never actually sat down and read any of it. After receiving Dear John, his most recent work, as a Christmas gift, I figured it was time that I experienced his writing for myself.

John Tyree is a rebellious, independent young man looking for a purpose in life. After breaking away from his coin-obsessed and socially awkward father, John spends much of his time drinking at bars or going on pointless dates with countless girlfriends, with not much else on his agenda. In an attempt to occupy his time and find a way to grow up a little bit, he decides to join the army. However, when he comes home for his first leave, John’s life is changed forever when he meets the lovely Savannah Lynn Curtis, a college student working with Habitat for Humanity that has come to Wilmington, North Carolina to build houses for local needy families. Both feel a powerful attraction for the other, one that only grows the more time they spend together. Despite the fact that John must return to the army, they both have high hopes of a future together. But neither one could have imagined the day that 9/11 hit, a day that will change their lives forever and challenge the love that they both share.

It turns out that all of the raving and praise for the book was well-deserved. Sparks created a fantastic, emotional story that begs the question of what it means to truly love someone, and how that love transforms people forever. His cast of characters becomes more than just words in the book, finding a place in your heart and feeling more and more real the further you read. You find yourself truly feeling for each character through every one of their struggles and joys. John, though much of his character is up-tight and slightly intimidating, has a comical and sarcastic quality that makes him an enjoyable character. Savannah balances out John’s gruffness by being a tender and gentle spirit with a strong faith and heavy values. Their friendship and devotion to each other is inspiring, and it’s a joy to read how they fight for their relationship despite the fact that it leaves wounds on their own hearts.

The only weaknesses in the story are that at times it tends to be a tad slow and the ending of the book is more or less predictable. However, overall it was extremely worth it to read. Novels that have as much depth as this one does are hard to come by, and it is truly a masterpiece of literature.

You can purchase either a hardback or paperback copy of Dear John from your local bookstore such as Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble, and look out for the movie that premieres February 5^th.

The Host Review

adviser — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:31:09 +0000

As another one of the millions of Twilight fans out there, I was excited to find out that Stephenie Meyer had written another novel entitled The Host. Although the book differed a good deal from the Twilight series, I decided that I would give it a try. After almost two weeks of reading, I found that it was possibly one of the best books I have ever read.

It has been years since Earth was taken over by an unseen enemy. Parasitic aliens known as “Souls” are inserted into human hosts, suppressing their minds and taking over their bodies. The human all but disappears while the Soul continues on life normally and seemingly unchanged.

When Wanderer, an experienced and some-what legendary Soul, receives the opportunity to spend another life term on Earth, she is warned of the complex, powerful emotions and vivid memories that come along with being a human. She is placed inside the body of a human known as Melanie Stryder, and feels confident that she can control the body and live out her term normally. However, Wanderer soon realizes that Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind. As Wanderer explores the remnants of Melanie’s memories in search of information of remaining human resistance, she begins to find herself longing for the ones that she sees: Melanie’s brother and the love her life, Jared. When difficult circumstances force Melanie and Wanderer to work together, they set off on a journey that changes both of their lives forever.

This is a science fiction novel for people that don’t read science fiction. Much like in her infamous Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer focuses more on the relationships between characters rather than the terror and chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. The characters of Melanie and Wanderer, although complete opposites mentally and emotionally, compliment each other beautifully, and their relationship is one that is inspiring. Other characters, such as Jeb, Melanie’s eccentric uncle, provide plenty of comic relief that would make any reader smile.

The themes of the novel are also evident as the plot unfolds including what it means to be human. Wanderer’s perspective on the human race allows the reader to sit back and question who we are as human beings and think about the ideas and values that we hold to be true. In addition, the idea that beauty is more important than just what is on the outside also appears, and Meyer argues her point through Wanderer and the bond that she forms with humans and another significant character.

Overall, this novel is a wonderful insight into the mind of the human race and has beautiful themes that make it worth while to read.

Copies of The Host can be found at virtually every local bookstore, including Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. You can also purchase it via Amazon.com. The average price of the book in stores is $25.99, while purchasing it online ranges from $14-16.00.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:58:43 +0000

Amazon.com Review:
Let’s start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.

The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown’s hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your “Lost Symbol” tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.

Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception–a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort–just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. –Daphne Durham