The sun rose red and resplendent, its first rays tinting the fleecy clouds with many delicate and brilliant hues. (Pg.19)
I really love the picture that Dumas nearly 'paints' in my mind here. He uses unique vocabulary that truly depicts a magnificent scene in my head.
1) The crystal surface of the azure lake stood motionless, its face only reflecting the graceful flight of geese overhead.
2) The insignificant forest stood grounded as it marveled in the opaque glimmer of the innumerable realms above it.
3) The storm swelled and stirred ominously, its relentless roars causing even the greatest mountains to quiver.
Good fortune is like the palaces of the enchanted isles, the gates of which were guarded by dragons. (Pg.21)
I really liked the unique description Dumas uses to summarize Dantès' good fortune here. He has a beautiful way with words that I can only hope to come close to imitating.
1) Love is like beautiful fields of blooming hemlock, the poison of which will strangle all those who treat it flippantly.
2) Joy is like a captivating congregation of butterflies; so beautiful, yet never found for it is sought out in the wrong places.
3) Peace is like a rainbow. Albeit right in front of you, it's always being hopelessly chased after.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Good Earth Book Review
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is a historical fiction novel that portrays life in early twentieth-century China. Although this book contains many characters, only a handful of their names are revealed.The main character in The Good Earth is a poor and humble farmer named Wang Lung. He lives on his small farm with his elderly father who is only referred to as Wang Lung's father throughout the entire novel. One of the most captivating and likable characters in the book is the hardworking and former slave O-lan who is sold to Wang Lung from the extravagant House of Hwang to become his wife. Throughout the book, many other characters such as Wang Lung's devious uncle, Wang Lung's six children, the kind and reliable neighbor Ching, the occupants of the House of Hwang, the prostitute named Lotus, and the young slave Pear Blossom are introduced and entwined in this powerful story as the reader watches Wang Lung's character evolve as he gains more land, wealth, and makes a name for himself.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book, considerably more than I was expecting to, and I would give this book a rating of four stars. I would give this book a four star rating for a couple various reasons. First, I thought that Buck's book was very emotionally provoking. I found myself getting angry at certain characters, and I also cried and sympathized with others. Buck does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the story and creating an emotional connection with the characters. Second, I thought that Buck did an excellent job in capturing the time period, people, and culture. As I read through the book, Buck's skillful writing and subtle details about the Chinese culture and social classes really captivated me. I felt that the characters were all very human, and that also allowed me to relate and even apply some of the lessons I have learned through following Wang Lung's story. Throughout the book, one can clearly see the extent of human depravity and true human nature. This being said, I also disliked certain parts and events that took place in the book, and I probably would have stopped reading part way had it not been required. However, I am glad that I finished reading the book, and I believe that it did have a positive impact on my life. This isn't a book that I would recommend to anyone, but I believe that it can be very influential to those who are willing to go into it with an open mindset of learning and acceptance. I have no plans on reading the sequels, but I am glad that this book has found its way into my life.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book, considerably more than I was expecting to, and I would give this book a rating of four stars. I would give this book a four star rating for a couple various reasons. First, I thought that Buck's book was very emotionally provoking. I found myself getting angry at certain characters, and I also cried and sympathized with others. Buck does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the story and creating an emotional connection with the characters. Second, I thought that Buck did an excellent job in capturing the time period, people, and culture. As I read through the book, Buck's skillful writing and subtle details about the Chinese culture and social classes really captivated me. I felt that the characters were all very human, and that also allowed me to relate and even apply some of the lessons I have learned through following Wang Lung's story. Throughout the book, one can clearly see the extent of human depravity and true human nature. This being said, I also disliked certain parts and events that took place in the book, and I probably would have stopped reading part way had it not been required. However, I am glad that I finished reading the book, and I believe that it did have a positive impact on my life. This isn't a book that I would recommend to anyone, but I believe that it can be very influential to those who are willing to go into it with an open mindset of learning and acceptance. I have no plans on reading the sequels, but I am glad that this book has found its way into my life.
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