LuxBuzz

Malcolm Gladwell’s rather psychological book explores the power of snap judgments. That is, thinking without thinking. Gladwell focused upon thin-slicing, “our ability to gauge what is really important from a very narrow period of experience. In other words, spontaneous decisions are often as good as—or even better than—carefully planned and considered ones.”

What did I think of the book?

While I learned quite a bit, the book basically was an explanation of more complicated stereotyping. And the author had some issues in his writing: at some points, he needed more information to support his claims, and at other points, he oversimplified and kept repeating himself.

I would rate “Blink” 7/10. Interesting, but certainly not a favorite.

Still searching for that elusive present — the one for that friend that has everything? Seek no more, my friend. I’ve got the perfect solution: a quote book.

A book of quotations is especially ideal for someone you don’t know well, or don’t want to offend with a gag gift (such as your boss!).

With many priced as low as $13, such as the Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations, shown at right, you can afford to buy something useful for your friends and family this year — rather than another fruitcake from Costco (though I sincerely hope none of you, dear readers, have ever gone that route).

Besides the Dictionary of Humorous Quotations, as mentioned above, look for the New International Dictionary of Quotations and the original Oxford Dictionary of Quotations — always a classic.

This will also be posted at Belles and Whistles, my new literary-themed blog, so give it a look

– Halie

A haunting story of an ordinary girl named Susie, “The Lovely Bones” takes place in a small town development. Fourteen-year-old Susie is raped and murdered by a creepy yet at first glance, seemingly harmless neighbor.

Susie narrates the book from in heaven, retelling the story of her death and following closely the people she loved on Earth. She guides us through an emotional roller coaster of her sister’s love, her mother’s growing distance, and more.

The thing that struck me most about this book is that Susie is incredibly relatable. Even the smartest of people and the most average can find themselves in extraordinary positions– good and bad.

I found that there is a little Susie in all of us. Though haunting, this book is definitely worth the read. Check it out at your local library, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.com.

Now, I have to say that as a senior in high school, I never read the Harry Potter books. I may have made a silly attempt in the second grade to obtain those precious AR points, but I never made it past the first chapter.

However, after going to the movies at midnight with my crazed friends, I was impressed. And books are always better than film adaptations, so over my Thanksgiving break I decided to read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers’ Stone”. The great part about reading the book at an older age is how fast it goes. It only took me a few hours to finish off.

The book was entertaining, suspenseful, and I kept wondering just how J.K. Rowling crafted the story the way she did. I was skeptical at first, but I think I am now a full-fledged Hogwarts fan and will be reading the entire series and having a movie marathon in these upcoming weeks!

So, whether you are skeptical or a huge fan, read the books! Read the series for the first time, or go back and re-read for some entertainment.

Happy Sunday!

This book was seriously phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down, so all other priorities and work was put on the backburner for Wednesday and Thursday as I devoured “The Glass Castle”.

The book is a memoir of the author, Jeannette Walls, who has captured her struggles and triumphs in the pages of her compelling piece. Listed as a New York Bestseller, it truly lives up to every expectation. I was kept on the edge of my seat as she offered to readers her experiences with sleeping in cardboard boxes, “skedaddling” from one state to the next because “they were after dad”.

From her father’s alcoholism to her mother’s interesting philosophies on life, you are certain to enjoy your read.

Pick up “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls at your local library, Barnes & Noble, or any other book retailer. And of course www.amazon.com is always an easy option.

Enjoy your Friday.

Happy Reading!

You might think an old John Steinbeck novel has absolutely nothing to do with you. Plus, East of Eden is like, a million pages long! But if you take the time to really read “East of Eden”, I think that any reader can grasp concepts that can be utilized for the rest of one’s life.

The beginning is a bit…dry. It’s hard to get into, because in the first few chapters the author is simply setting up his stage: the characters, the setting, etc. But it truly picks up and there are some unbelievable surprises and some can’t-miss events. At a certain point in the book, I became completely engrossed and couldn’t put it down!

I would truly recommend this book to any mature reader. The plot and characters are completely developed and enthralling, and it was really an enjoyable, albeit lengthy read.

Novel available at nearly all book retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and B. Dalton book stores.

Enjoy!

Peace

Not interested in reading novels so much? I can’t say I adore it either, but this time was different. Recently in my literature class, we were assigned to pick out a book that peaked our interest and write a review on it. Well, of course I would try to pick something that involved fashion, specifically a “Devil Wears Prada” type of book. After about an hour of internet research, I found Fashion Victim by Sam Baker.

Fashion Victim is an amazing book that involves suspense, style, and an overview of what it’s like to be an editor working in Manhattan. The author makes sure of this, giving amazing details about those working in the fashion clique and truly molding the landscape of the city in your mind. Sam Baker, the author, knows exactly what it’s like being an editor. Baker herself was the former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan in the United Kingdom. She only resigned to work on her first book, the one I’m reviewing now. You can bet that this author really makes you feel as if you’re walking down Park Avenue working for the chicest of chic magazine.

To summarize the book without giving away anything, being only six chapters in, I can tell you the story centers around Annie Anderson. She’s not the most fashionable of journalists, but is dedicated to her job. She was a former journalist in London for one of the major papers there, working to uncover current events not in fashion, but what she refers to as “the important stuff.” This included breaking a major story about child prostitution in Europe. So far, I am not really sure about why she left her former job, but it seems that the horrors of her previous investigation (journalistically) scarred her to the point of quitting. This is when she moves to New York and the story truly picks up. After working as a fashion journalist for a little more than a month (I’m guessing) one of her fashion friends is murdered before her eyes. Latest and hippest designer Mark Mailer, and now Annie has to find out why.

I’m not giving anything else about the book away, hoping that perhaps I’ve hooked your interest and maybe when your literature class lets you pick out a book, maybe you will choose this one because I can guarantee (from just the six chapters I’ve read) it’s a really great read. Thats it for my review, so pick up a copy of Fashion Victim at your local Barnes & Noble.

-Russ

Patricia McCormick’s first book, Cut is an interesting read. In the book, 15-year-old Callie is admitted into Sea Pines, a mental institution. She has been cutting herself and blaming herself for her family’s problems. She refuses to speak to anyone about what she is going through. The story is told from Callie’s point of view. The story is interesting and compelling.

At first, all the names in the story are a bit confusing. After a while, though, it gets easier. Overall, the book is pretty good. I recommend it, and give it a 3.5 of 5.

-Sheryl

The incredibly popular book series “Gossip Girl” is making the leap to television. The series, as many LuxBuzz readers know, follows Manhattan’s elite young society, where anyone who is anyone lives on the Upper East Side and religiously reads updates from a mysterious anonymous blogger, “Gossip Girl”.

The series premieres September 19^th on the CW at 9:00 p.m. The episodes are an hour long.

We have waited a long time for this. Years, in fact. I remember in 2004 or something when Lindsay Lohan announced in CosmoGirl that she would be playing Blair in a movie adaption of the book. Thank god that didn’t work out. LuxBuzz favorite Blake Lively will be starring as Serena. So excited.

Many readers are unable to contain their excitement for the television, while others are rather upset with some book deviations in plot and character. For example, the character Jenny is described in the books as petite, a double D, and curly brown hair. In the TV series, Jenny is played by Taylor Momsen (You may remember her as Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch!), who is tall, thin, and blonde.

For a sneak peek, check out the promo on YouTube (if you haven’t already). It looks fabulous! The premiere will definitely be a must-see!

Edward Wilson’s book “The Future of Life” is something everyone on this Earth should read.

Though said to be a scientific genius, Wilson wrote the book for general audiences and explains even the most basic biological terms. The book contains startling facts and figures that everyone living on this planet must be aware.

The book is rather short, only about 180 pages, followed by notes, an index, and a helpful glossary. It won’t take you long to read, and the impact that you as an individual can do to help preserve the environment and prepare it for future generations. The conditions of the natural world are spiraling downwards at a frightening pace, and this book explains the horror of what is happening, the ignorance of the human race, and what we can do about it.

The facts are startling and scary, but definitely evoked a feeling of responsibility to save our Earth. This book is an absolute must-read for all. If we don’t take action now, the future of life will be incredibly grim.

Pick up the book on Amazon.com or head to your local Barnes & Noble!

Enjoy the reading!

xoxoL