A Handful of Reviews

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (41 of 1294)

This was a book that I read in school, twice - once in English and once in Spanish.  Maybe we only had to read part of it in Spanish, but it didn't help much either way.  So it should have made an impression on me, but when I think of Don Quixote all I think of is chasing windmills, and the Moldy Peaches - "Don Quixote was a steel driving man".

Was it long - yes.  Was it worth reading - yes.  Did I get as much out of it being forced to read it in school - probably not.  I probably would get more out of it if I read it again today, but I'll be honest and say that probably won't happen.

My rating: 3 1/2 stars



Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (42 of 1294)

One of the most challenged books of the 21st century, I read Of Mice and Men in high school and it was one of those books that you always remember, and want to read again.  Set during the Great Depression it tells the story of George and Lennie.  Lennie, the mentally retarded gentle giant, and George, his protector, who live in California and looking for work.

I don't want to spoil anything if you haven't read it, but it's a classic, and if you haven't read it I strongly recommend reading it.

My rating: 5 stars




A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (43 of 1294)

I think that most everybody knows the basics of the story, at least in one way, shape, or form.  With so many different movie versions, to cartoon version done by everybody from Jim Carey to Mickey Mouse to the Jetsons the story of Ebenezer Scrooge is pretty well known.

It wasn't until a few years ago when I actually read the book during the holiday season, and I've read it again last year.  After reading it though, it is definitely worth reading.

My rating: 5 stars




Aesop's Fables (44 of 1294)

A collection of well known fables, many of which are well known - The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and The Ant and the Grasshopper are some examples.  Cute stories, good messages, and easy to read.

My rating: 4 stars




Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger (45 of 1294)

Two stories, originally published separately compromise the book.  Franny tells the story of Franny Glass and her weekend date with her college boyfriend, Lane while she experiences a breakdown, questioning everything about her life.

Zooey is her brother, and we learn more about the Glass family in the second part of the book.  I read this after Catcher and the Rye, and while I didn't find it as good, I did enjoy it.

My rating: 4 stars