Book Heads

Happy Valentine's Day!

2005-02-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Those of you who are single should be set up by me! What do you say, mootoo? :)

~Kavita

Happy Birthday Kavita!

2005-02-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know this breaks the rules of our blog, but this day only comes around once a year!

Happy Birthday, you old fart :-D

Confessions of an Heiress

2005-01-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Written By: Paris Hilton

Wow! What an amazing book this was!! Paris basically gave instructions on how to be an heiress. For example, she had chapter in the book about what to wear and what not to wear or how to party. I loved it. I also realized that I am definitely heiress material.
Paris Hilton is my role model.....Actually, she should be everyone's role model!

~Kavita

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

2005-01-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Written by: Milred Taylor

Summary: A harsh look at racism through the eyes of a fourth grader named Cassie. She struggles to understand why people treat her and her loved ones the way they do. Cassie has trouble with the fact that it only has to do with her skin color.

* The book says its for reading level four and up. However, I would suggest this to book sixth graders because the subject matter and actions might be too much to handle for fourth graders.

~Kavita

The Ultimate Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

2005-01-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Author: Douglas Adams

hehe...I won't describe this book as its kind of hard to describe. Or rather, my description will just come out all wrong and no one will be interested in reading it afterwards. This is actually the compilation of 5 books that were released between 1979 and 1992 and describe the continuing adventures of Arthur Dent -- former inhabitant of Earth who was forced to begin traveling through the universe after the Earth was destroyed because a hyperspatial express route had to built through it. Let me just say this: read this book before the movie comes out -- even if Marvin the martian is voiced by Alan Rickman, I doubt any movie can do justice to a book, especialy one this random.

9/10

~Prithi

Man and His Symbols

2005-01-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Authors: Carl G. Jung, M.L. von Franz, Joseph L. Henderson, Jolande Jacobi, Aniela Jaffe

The review for this book on Amazon.com describes this is book as psychology for the layman. I was attracted to this book when I heard it mentioned on a message board I visit and was compelled to pick it up from the library. I have read in passing, references to famous psychologist Carl G. Jung many times but had yet to learn about him and his theories (psych 101 didn't cover it). Of course, Jung is not the only psychologist who has presented his theories in this book -- several have written "summaries" of their life's work pertaining to the importance, implications and use of Symbols in man's psyche. Did your organic chemistry teacher ever describe the discovery of the benzene ring to you?? Well if you were unfortunate not to have ever heard about it, it is described here along with many other examples of ways in which dreams have disclosed the subconscious, dispelling the notion that all dreams are just random.

9/10 (so far)

~Prithi

Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America

2005-01-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Written by: Barbara Ehrenreich

Summary: Barbara goes undercover as a low wage worker. She takes jobs such as being a maid, a sales associate at Wal-Mart, and waitressing. She tried to live on her limited budget and found it to be very difficult. I also noticed the lack of respect she received. How sad!!

Thanks to Giggles for recommending this book to me.

Stars: 9/10

~Kavita

A Man Named Dave

2005-01-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Written by: Dave Pelzer

Summary: This was the conclusion to ' A Child Called It' and ' The Lost Boy'. The story takes a look at how Dave tries to make a better life for himself as an adult. It also gives final encounters with his father, mother, and brothers.

Stars: 8/10

~Kavita

Fast Food Nation

2004-12-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

This non-fiction book takes a cold hard look at what goes on in the fast food world. I thought the writer ( sorry, forgot his name) did an excellent job of giving details. For example, he talked about how fast food started, how french fries are made, etc. I thought the most interesting part of the book had to do with the workers and how they are treated. Really sickening......

Thanks, Giggles aka Kartick, for recommending this book to me!

Stars: 8/10

~Kavita

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2004-12-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Written By: Sophie Kinsella

Summary: A funny story about a young woman who loves to shop. She goes into major debt, and yet she can't control her spending. Rachel then tries to have a budget, but it fails her miserably. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she starts focusing more on her career and less on her shopping. Well, for awhile anyway.

My Opinion: I could see myself in the book. It was so crazy!

Stars: 8/10

~Kavita

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

2004-12-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Written by: Dave Pelzer

Summary: The second book about his abusive life ( 1st book was 'A Child Called It'). This time, Dave tells the story of what happened when he was in foster homes. Really sad, but better than reading about his abuse. His biological mother makes appearances throughout the book. It is still unclear why she abused him in the first place.

My Opinion: Really made me think about the foster home/care system in this country. I still felt really bad for Dave, because nobody should ever go through this! I can't wait to read the last part of this trilogy!!

~Kavita

Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul

2004-12-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

Author: Various

Summary: A collection of the cutest couple/love stories in the world. My personal favorite was the one about the lady whose husband died 8 months before Valentine's Day. She was recalling how he always sent her yellow roses on V-day and this year she wasn't getting any. But then, (omg, this is soooo touching!) she does get roses delivered because her husband planned it before his death.
*Sigh* Bust out a box of kleenex, snuggle up with a loved one, and read this book!!

Stars: 10/10

~Kavita

Brave New Word

2004-12-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Author: Aldous Huxley

Okay, this is a CLASSIC which i'm sure everyone has read, but seeing as its relatively new to me, I need to mention it. Firstly, I'm amazed that this story was written in 1932. Huxley's vision of life in the future is eerily close to our modern-day world and the direction in which it is headed. In "World State", a dystopian society where countries and borders have been eliminated, people are not born but are "decanted" in a lab and at birth placed into categories that define the job and rank that person will have for the rest of their life. People in this society frequently pop "Soma" pills to fight depression and attend "feelies" -- a kind of movie in which all the senses are stimulated. Reading this book, one can really feel the sterility and coldness of this place, but the most intriguing (and frightening) aspect of this book is that many of the ideologies presented do not really feel that alien now-a-days as they may have 60 years ago.

This book is a MUST read...you will never forget it!

~Prithi

Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit

2004-12-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Author: Daniel Quinn

This book is about a man who responds to a wanted ad from a teacher seeking serious pupils only to discover that the teacher is a Gorilla named Ishmael. Ishamel is an incredibly wise soul whose lessons delve into the history of mankind, the world and man's place in the world. He challenges his pupil to understand what mankind's presence means to other life on this planet and vice-versa.

My personal opinion: This is a book that i found very difficult to put down -- although the message itself is not new, the way in which it is presented and discussed is certainly unique and thought-provoking. One might come off of the synopsis believing that the reader has to be a hardcore liberal to enjoy it, but I genuinely feel the story (and message) have something for everyone. I personally loved the idea of another member of the animal kingdom getting an opportunity to speak up for themselves.

~Prithi

A Child Called ' It'

2004-12-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Written by: Dave Pelzer

Summary: The book tells the story about a young boy named Dave ( the author) and the severe child abuse that he suffered. I mean, SEVERE! This was the third worst child abuse case recorded in California. There are 2 more books right after this one.

My Opinion: I cannot believe what this kid went through. Horrifying just doesn't describe what happen to him. Everyone should read this and realize that there are millions and millions of kids who go through this crap!! I must admit, at times it was very hard to read. I will not go into details because I think you should read it on your own. Thank you, Melyssa, for recommending this book to me!

Stars: 10/10

~Kavita

Skipping Christmas

2004-11-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Written by: John Grisham
Summary: Story about a couple who decide to skip Christmas for the year because their daughter won't be there to celebrate with them and cause they spent more than $6,000 on it last year. Their neighbors go into shock when they hear that the Kranks decide to go on a cruise instead. But all hell breaks loose when their daughter calls them on Christmas Eve and tells them she is coming home for Christmas.
Stars: 6/10
~Kavita

The Lovely Bones

2004-11-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Author: Alice Sebold. The back cover of this book doesn't lie -- it really is a page-turner. I have to admit, I started this book with my usual skepticism about chic-lit but was pleasantly surprised. The book starts off by dropping a bomb-shell (in first person narrative, the main character tells the reader all about the rape and murder she was the victim of). How can this be first person narrative if she's dead you say?? Well the rest of the story is narrated by the main character and she watches her family and friends as a dead spirit. Besides the intrigue of the main character's explanation of death and heaven, this book really captivates the reader with interesting side characters each with their own backstory. Ultimately, you feel yourself cheering for the main character by the end of the story -- hoping she get her redemption and the killer is brought to justice. Good story, a little too many people to keep track of ( i was getting confused at one point) but pay attention to all the small details...they are important!

8/10

~Prithi

Riding In Cars With Boys

2004-11-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

A heartwarming story about a teenage girl who struggles with motherhood. Written by Beverly Donofrio, the book takes place in the late 60's-early 70's. The main character is Beverly, who is the daughter of a cop, but considered to be a 'bad' girl. Her interests are drinking, fooling around with boys, doing drugs, and you name it. Life chances for her when she becomes pregnant and ends up marrying the baby's father. After their failed marriage, Beverly takes matters into her own hands and goes to college. It's not that easy because she hardly has any money and a kid to take care of.
Made me realize that I still don't want to have any kids!
8/10 stars
~Kavita

A Portrait of An Artist As a Young Man

2004-11-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Written by James Joyce. I thought that this book was SO boring. I don't even know what to say about it because I don't know what it was about!!
0/10 stars.
~Kavita

Mutant Message Down Under

2004-11-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Author: Marlo Morgan. This is the real experience of an American woman who by strange turn of events ends up in Australia on a 'walk-about' across the desert with a group of Aborigines. Once you read this book -- you will never see the world in the same way. After I read this book, I was intrigued by the compassion and love the aborigines have for this planet -- its a real shame that their beliefs are quickly disappearing. Additionally, this book describes ways in which one can live more harmoniously with their surroundings and each other.

10/10

~Prithi

He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuse Truth to Understanding Guys

2004-11-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

I saw this book on the 'Oprah' show and thought it was a must read. The book was written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. Greg wrote this book mainly because he was sick and tired of seeing women put up with shit from their boyfriends. The book gives an indepth look at whether or not the guy is into you. For example, one of the chapters in the book is titled: ' He's Just Not Into If He's Not Calling You.' I must admit, I found this book to very entertaining. It also made me detest guys even more than before cause some of my male friends actually do these things!!
Greg's overall message to ladies is: don't waste the pretty. If the guy is not into you, move on! Who wants to date a freaking scum bag??
8/10 stars.
~Kavita

Life of Pi

2004-11-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying: go read this right away, before they go and make a movie out of it (which is apparently in the works). A boy named Pi (you thought this was a math book, didn't you!) finds himself in a most unlikely situation: in the middle of the ocean on a life-boat with a full grown bengal tiger. Not for the weak-of-stomach. Interesting fact: The author initially wanted to have an elephant on the life-boat instead of a tiger but decided against it since an elephant would be too goofy.
9/10 on comedy
10/10 on weirdness
8/10 on inner message
overall: 9/10

~Prithi

The Age of Reason

2004-11-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is an old one, but is very much ahead of its time and definetly worth reading. Here's a little back info on the author, Thomas Paine (thanks, Wikipedia) : Born in 1737, Thomas Paine is considered one of the United States' founding fathers. Paine advocated a liberal world view, which was radical at the time. He had no use for royalty, and viewed government as a necessary evil. He opposed slavery and was an early supporter of social security, public education, genuinely uncondonditional grant and many other ideas that came to fruition decades later. He was a Deist and outspoken critic of organized religion.

Okay, thats the end of the History Lesson. As I read this book, I was shocked and impressed by how outspoken Paine was -- albeit he was considered a radical during his time, I would imagine that his opinions (The Age of Reason focuses on western religion) might still cause a stir to this day. Interestingly, Thomas Paine wrote this book when he was in prison, and figuring that he would soon be killed anyway, he went ahead and basically cut loose on organized religion. A very interesting read: 9.5/10

~Prithi

The Devil Wears Prada

2004-11-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm forgot who wrote this book, but it's pretty good. ' The Devil Wears Prada' is about a 20-something who just graduated from college. Her goal is to become editor of a magazine. The only problem is you don't just get these jobs handed to you, you have to work for it. She starts working for a major bitch who takes advantage of her. All these mishaps happen, and yeah, you'll have to read the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone. However, I'm sure that females would enjoy this more than males since it really is chic-lit.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.
~Kavita

2004-10-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

we hope you enjoy our site!
~kavita

First Post

2004-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome to BookHeads!
-Prithi