Finished “Damned” by Chuck Palahniuk this afternoon. It was an interesting read, and I liked it, but I’m having a hard time quantifying how much. I was intrigued with the writing style, and felt compelled to hurry up so I could get to his trademark twist. The descriptions of hell and how you get there made me laugh and/or cringe (especially because I’ve broken a few rules to be damned), but I didn’t love it. I think it’s mostly because his books always leave me with this weird unsettled feeling after I put it down, which is probably why I also enjoy them. 

But it was really nice to read a book that the Boo has so we can discuss it. Our book tastes don’t intersect too often, and it’s fun when it does.

Started “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland” by Patton Oswalt since I still had the Boo’s kindle.  I definitely wouldn’t have picked this out on my own, but it is a very unique collection of essays. I’m about half way through, and I’ve read an epic poem about Oswalt’s high school D&D character. And I’m not saying epic as in super awesome, I mean epic as in the narrative poem. He’s quite talented.

21/50 

50 Book Challenge 2012

Book 18

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Started: May 16, 2012

Completed: May 31, 2012

293 pgs.

—--

I’ve always had a desire to just head out and travel wherever the road takes me. I thought that On the Road would be an interesting look at that urge, and so I looked forward to reading it.

I wasn’t really a fan. It’s not that it’s a bad book, it’s just not my kind of book. It’s interesting, because I know exactly what kind of people would like it—I can even think of specific friends. I’m just not one of them.

Kerouac’s style is definitely unique and sometimes very beautiful, and I respect him for that, but it kind of drove me crazy. As far as the story itself, I felt that there wasn’t much real character or plot development, and what little there was seemed to be forced, almost shoehorned in. (I know, it’s mostly non-fiction so it’s kind of weird to talk about plot development, but every story told well has development—fiction or not.) The characters sort of irritated me.

I think the point of the book is that we’re always searching for the elusive IT in sex and drugs and travel and other people, all of which let us down in the end. I agree with that completely. I just didn’t really enjoy the book itself.

12. The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks

I fell in love with this story from the minute I started reading. It may be because of my military history and the fact that the main character, Logan Thibault, is a former Marine, but I’m sure it’s more than that. Nicholas Sparks always has such wonderful books. This has been my favorite. It’s such an amazing story of love, fate, and destiny. If you’ve already seen the movie and you’re expecting to read the book and find the same events, don’t read it. I loved the movie as well, but I found myself a little pissed off that there were points of the movie that were drastically different from the book. Anyway, if you like Nicholas Sparks, it’s safe to say that you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book!

50 Book Challenge: Books 17, 18 and 19 
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien :: Fantasy

The Fellowship of the Ring :: 398 pps :: First Time Read
The Two Towers :: 322 pps :: First Time Read
The Return of the King :: 312 pps (Excluding Annexes) :: First Time Read

I finished these awhile ago and have been putting off this review. I don’t feel like there is anything to say that hasn’t been said other than my own opinion.

I really enjoyed the trilogy, a lot more than I thought I would beginning it. I like it even more now that I’ve finished it, meaning I feel more accomplished on the other end of these books than I have at the end of any other series. For those who have not read the trilogy but have considered it, even briefly, go for it. They are classics for a reason and worth the journey. 

“It was the first time I ever loved someone. Love is love, no matter how old you are, and I knew that if I gave you enough time, you’d come back to me.”

“Your feelings say a lot about you. You’re the kind of person who loves someone forever.”

“Can I help it if I miss you when you’re gone?
   ” I may leave, but you know I’ll always come back”

“You’re a man who loves deeply, but you’re also a man who loves forever.”

Date Completed: 27 May 2012

57/50

Date Completed: 23 May 2012

56/50