So I finished the Land of the Painted Caves, and with it the Children of the Earth series is over. Pause for the end of an era...
Okay I'm done. Seriously it was a great series, and while the last book didn't quite live up to my expectations, it doesn't deter from the collection as a whole, the epic idea behind it, and most importantly, Ayla.
She is the main character, with the books spanning her life from childhood to the fine old age of 26. She is resourceful, brave, kind and talented, but before that gets too annoying, she's also pretty dumb at times, naive and stubborn.
Ayla also manages to get everything she most wants in life, but has to sacrifice a lot to get there, which is the kind of realism I like in books. (I know that's quite at odds with all the fantasy and scifi, but I mean writing that makes you believe it's true, regardless of how factually improbable/impossible it is). I don't believe in fairytales, but appreciate the idea that there is some sort of balance of happiness at work. I'm also aware that this in itself is unrealistic, as not everyone gets an equal balance. But I still like to believe it.
Anyway, it is a welcome change from some of the more unrealistic elements of the series...Ayla single handedly discovers how to domesticate animals, and invents needles, carriages and firelighters to name just a few.
Apart from the bad parts of the latest book- slow start, endless descriptions of caves, repeated plots from an earlier book, ending without a bang- I did enjoy the examination of prehistoric culture, and the existence and replacement of societal norms. It offers an interesting perspective on how certain knowledge could have been discovered, shared and integrated into their daily lives.
It also looks at cultural differences between what are essentially very similar people, and how each seperate tribe will always consider themselves to be superior to all others. The struggle to understand, and accept these differences reflect the same difficulties we deal with when interacting with social groups outside our own.
Ayla shows that living in different circumstances, and experiencing different types of people allows us to be more tolerant of others, and a better person as a result. Being able to handle social situations well hasn't changed that much since way back then...
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Wednesday 24 August 2011
The youth of today
do not read enough books. This makes me sad. Parents, take your children to libraries, buy them books as presents, tuck them up in pages of literature! Okay maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but I really think they are missing out. Websites and magazines are great, but books are better.
Saturday 20 August 2011
Respect for books
While I do respect books (obviously), I am not one of these people who treats their books as if they are still in the shop. I like my books to look like they have been read, and the slightly-worn-ness just adds to their charm, reflecting how much they are loved. I am in no way advocating dropping books in baths or pools (although I have done both, I am ashamed to admit), or throwing them about the room etc.
But I do fold the corners of pages down to save my place. Bookmarks are so fussy, and always fall out and lose your place. They are a very nice item in theory, but not practical enough for me. I also keep the page I'm reading by putting books face down on some surface, which I know is bad for their spines. The whole point of books is to be read, not to sit there looking immaculate.
I think the reason I feel this way is that most of the books I read are either second hand or from libraries, so have already been handled by multiple readers. I like that as well, knowing that the very book you're reading has been read and enjoyed by so many others before you; it adds a bit of history.
Having said that, I do have a thing for penguin classics. They are so beautiful, they really demand to be kept in mint condition and displayed proudly.
But I do fold the corners of pages down to save my place. Bookmarks are so fussy, and always fall out and lose your place. They are a very nice item in theory, but not practical enough for me. I also keep the page I'm reading by putting books face down on some surface, which I know is bad for their spines. The whole point of books is to be read, not to sit there looking immaculate.
I think the reason I feel this way is that most of the books I read are either second hand or from libraries, so have already been handled by multiple readers. I like that as well, knowing that the very book you're reading has been read and enjoyed by so many others before you; it adds a bit of history.
Having said that, I do have a thing for penguin classics. They are so beautiful, they really demand to be kept in mint condition and displayed proudly.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Boys books vs. girls books
There is no denying that certain genres are considered as more suitable for one gender rather than catering to the whole population. Books targeted towards males include sci-fi, crime, war and thrillers. The female half of the equation is chicklit (of course), romance, family sagas etc. It made me wonder whether my personal tastes fit these society prescribed molds...
To check off the female side first; I do like chicklit. Sometimes fluffy, predictable, easy to read books are just what you need. As for romance, while I like fiction with a romantic element, I wouldn't say I'm a particular fan of the full-blown, mills&boon, viking-on-the-front-cover type Romance genre. I have never read a family saga and never wish to.
As for traditionally male genres, war books bore me beyond belief. I don't read many thrillers, but I have nothing against them. Crime I quite like, and have read a bit more of. Sci-fi I love. I admit it, books about different worlds, futuristic dystopias, parallel universes, the whole lot.
Another favourite genre of mine is fantasy, not sure where that lies on the male-female spectrum. I also like adventure stories (male!) but equally books about the supernatural (mainly female?). The only horror stories I have ever read were Goosebumps, although I would quite like to try something more grown up. Maybe Stephen King? I don't really know where to start.
Anyway, the point is, at least from my perspective, that these categories shouldn't be treated like iron-clad barriers between the sexes. Of course they are based on generalisations, and I have no doubt that yes, more men do enjoy stories about battles, whereas women want to read about Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome. That doesn't mean we can't mix and match; it can broaden your horizons, and you might find something you like. The stereotypes are creations, crafted by us. Which means we can create new ones if we choose to.
To check off the female side first; I do like chicklit. Sometimes fluffy, predictable, easy to read books are just what you need. As for romance, while I like fiction with a romantic element, I wouldn't say I'm a particular fan of the full-blown, mills&boon, viking-on-the-front-cover type Romance genre. I have never read a family saga and never wish to.
As for traditionally male genres, war books bore me beyond belief. I don't read many thrillers, but I have nothing against them. Crime I quite like, and have read a bit more of. Sci-fi I love. I admit it, books about different worlds, futuristic dystopias, parallel universes, the whole lot.
Another favourite genre of mine is fantasy, not sure where that lies on the male-female spectrum. I also like adventure stories (male!) but equally books about the supernatural (mainly female?). The only horror stories I have ever read were Goosebumps, although I would quite like to try something more grown up. Maybe Stephen King? I don't really know where to start.
Anyway, the point is, at least from my perspective, that these categories shouldn't be treated like iron-clad barriers between the sexes. Of course they are based on generalisations, and I have no doubt that yes, more men do enjoy stories about battles, whereas women want to read about Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome. That doesn't mean we can't mix and match; it can broaden your horizons, and you might find something you like. The stereotypes are creations, crafted by us. Which means we can create new ones if we choose to.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
The more the merrier
So you may have noticed I like to be reading multiple books at the same time- there's usually one or two that I've started but not got back to for a while, books which take much longer to read, and a stream of books that are so quick to read they're constantly changing.
The benefits of this approach include having a book to suit every occasion. There's at-home books, too big to carry about with you, there's my e-reader which is a must for train journeys, books in my desk drawer to read at lunch at work, books at my mum's house for when I visit, books to re-read when only something familiarly brilliant will do.
If one of these categories is missing a current book, I can just start another one. Or if I get bored of a book, I can switch. The extra books provide a great variety of different topics to choose from, so whatever mood strikes me, there's a book to fit that.
The benefits of this approach include having a book to suit every occasion. There's at-home books, too big to carry about with you, there's my e-reader which is a must for train journeys, books in my desk drawer to read at lunch at work, books at my mum's house for when I visit, books to re-read when only something familiarly brilliant will do.
If one of these categories is missing a current book, I can just start another one. Or if I get bored of a book, I can switch. The extra books provide a great variety of different topics to choose from, so whatever mood strikes me, there's a book to fit that.
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Stylist
From today's Stylist:
"Even the longest journey can be transformed into a holiday in its own right with a great book. The pleasure that we extract from reading fiction has long fascinated psychologists. They postulate – although it is near-impossible to prove – that reading novels significantly improves a person’s capacity to navigate their social world, changing the way we see ourselves and helping us identify what we want from social interaction. Novels help us make sense of the world around us; they help us carve out our sense of right and wrong, they influence what we look for in our romantic relationships and they help us assess our life priorities."
I think this is definitely true. A lot of times after I've finished reading a book, its taken a while to revert to 'my' personality, rather than the character of the protagonist. Reading about situations you may never had experience of (and perhaps never will) allows you to consider how you would react, and how suitable you feel the character's reactions are. Reading fiction also introduces you to new people, some of whom can be more real to you than people you actually know. Having contact with different people, even if just through the removed medium of writing, gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate some of your assumptions, learn something new, and furthermore, discover what kind of a person you are.
Some books can change your life.
"Even the longest journey can be transformed into a holiday in its own right with a great book. The pleasure that we extract from reading fiction has long fascinated psychologists. They postulate – although it is near-impossible to prove – that reading novels significantly improves a person’s capacity to navigate their social world, changing the way we see ourselves and helping us identify what we want from social interaction. Novels help us make sense of the world around us; they help us carve out our sense of right and wrong, they influence what we look for in our romantic relationships and they help us assess our life priorities."
I think this is definitely true. A lot of times after I've finished reading a book, its taken a while to revert to 'my' personality, rather than the character of the protagonist. Reading about situations you may never had experience of (and perhaps never will) allows you to consider how you would react, and how suitable you feel the character's reactions are. Reading fiction also introduces you to new people, some of whom can be more real to you than people you actually know. Having contact with different people, even if just through the removed medium of writing, gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate some of your assumptions, learn something new, and furthermore, discover what kind of a person you are.
Some books can change your life.
Sunday 7 August 2011
Delirium- Lauren Oliver
I'd read a review, or some recommendation for this book recently, so when I saw it in Smiths I started to read, to see what it was like. I was waiting for a friend and it turned out her train was severely delayed, so I decided to buy it and read until she arrived. Quite a big thing as I hardly ever buy books, especially in a non-virtual setting and at full price!
Anyway, I'm really glad I did, as I really enjoyed this book. The premise is 'what if love was a disease...and we had the cure?'. This involved a future in which society-is-improved-but-with-a-hidden-dystopia sort of thing, which is a favourite genre of mine. Of course there are the rebels who have shunned the new order and are living on the outskirts. So the main character's questioning of her mapped-out future and subsequent rejection of the values she was brought up with are predictable enough. But the book is well written, I think it's a great idea, and it makes you want to read it so quickly, so very addictive. One good thing about gobbling books is you will always be able to appreciate it as much a second time, as you actually take in all the details you missed the first time around.
Add to this wonderful mix that the book is incredibly sad, and it's a surefire winner for me. I love books that really make you feel something, and my favourite emotion to be manipulated into is sadness. If a book makes you angry, its frustrating because your emotion has nowhere to go, no tangible subject to attach to. If they induce an abundance of happiness I usually dismiss it as unrealistic. I have never yet been truly scared by a book (would be interesting to experience though). Anyway, part of the whole ideology of the book is that it is better to have pain, to have a full range of emotions, including sorrow and heartbreak, as this means we are really living and connecting rather than just sailing through, indifferent.
So although this may look like a trashy romance, I think it transcends this pigeonhole marvellously and I was very impressed.
Anyway, I'm really glad I did, as I really enjoyed this book. The premise is 'what if love was a disease...and we had the cure?'. This involved a future in which society-is-improved-but-with-a-hidden-dystopia sort of thing, which is a favourite genre of mine. Of course there are the rebels who have shunned the new order and are living on the outskirts. So the main character's questioning of her mapped-out future and subsequent rejection of the values she was brought up with are predictable enough. But the book is well written, I think it's a great idea, and it makes you want to read it so quickly, so very addictive. One good thing about gobbling books is you will always be able to appreciate it as much a second time, as you actually take in all the details you missed the first time around.
Add to this wonderful mix that the book is incredibly sad, and it's a surefire winner for me. I love books that really make you feel something, and my favourite emotion to be manipulated into is sadness. If a book makes you angry, its frustrating because your emotion has nowhere to go, no tangible subject to attach to. If they induce an abundance of happiness I usually dismiss it as unrealistic. I have never yet been truly scared by a book (would be interesting to experience though). Anyway, part of the whole ideology of the book is that it is better to have pain, to have a full range of emotions, including sorrow and heartbreak, as this means we are really living and connecting rather than just sailing through, indifferent.
So although this may look like a trashy romance, I think it transcends this pigeonhole marvellously and I was very impressed.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Library & News
I was very excited to visit my new library today. Manchester City Library is in a different location while they redo the old one, and you can really tell its not permanent; the building looks nothing like a library. Its very unassuming from the outside (I've already walked straight past it once), and inside it has stained glass windows and thistle (yes, thistle!) wallpaper, juxtaposed with modern chairs, moveable shelves and all the latest do-it-yourself technology. I'm actually dubious about whether those self-service checkout things are a good idea. Maybe in a big city, but in my hometown, there is a high percentage of elderly people who are less confident/good with computers or technology. It takes twice as long to work than the old fashioned way and can get a bit irritating if there are queues. On the other hand, maybe its a good opportunity for more people to have access to the speedily techny world we now live in. Anyway, I like the library! Didn't have much of a chance to browse, but I'm still reading a fair few bits and pieces so I'll be back soon.
Also very excited to get Stylist and Metro in real paper copies again, even though my commute is walking distance. The best bits (of Stylist) is the Elsewhere page- news from around the world in bitesized chunks, the Work Life feature- some people have some crazy jobs!, and Tanya Gold, even though she does wind me up, I appreciate thats pretty much the point of her writing.
Some disapointing news for Larsson fans; apparently the rumour that he had left remains of a workable fourth book were overexaggerated- there are some notes, but nothing substantial enough to work into a full novel. I will be keeping my eye out for anything his partner, Eva Gabrielsson, writes, as she claims that much of the Millenium series comes from her ideas.
Final piece of news; Penguin Ink covers! To celebrate the company's 75th anniversary, they are producing ten of their favourite books with unique, tattoo-inspired cover art, and they are beautiful. I think my favourite is The Bone People, but check it out and tell me what you think.
Also very excited to get Stylist and Metro in real paper copies again, even though my commute is walking distance. The best bits (of Stylist) is the Elsewhere page- news from around the world in bitesized chunks, the Work Life feature- some people have some crazy jobs!, and Tanya Gold, even though she does wind me up, I appreciate thats pretty much the point of her writing.
Some disapointing news for Larsson fans; apparently the rumour that he had left remains of a workable fourth book were overexaggerated- there are some notes, but nothing substantial enough to work into a full novel. I will be keeping my eye out for anything his partner, Eva Gabrielsson, writes, as she claims that much of the Millenium series comes from her ideas.
Final piece of news; Penguin Ink covers! To celebrate the company's 75th anniversary, they are producing ten of their favourite books with unique, tattoo-inspired cover art, and they are beautiful. I think my favourite is The Bone People, but check it out and tell me what you think.
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