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60second Recap®
60second Book Review
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Over 200 other reviews of the best in print. Browse away! http://www.60secondrecap.com/60second-book-review/
Over 200 other reviews of the best in print. Browse away! http://www.60secondrecap.com/60second-book-review/
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"Subway Love" by Nora Raleigh Baskin | 60second Book Review
http://www.60secondrecap.com/reviews/subway-love-by-nora-...
In "Subway Love," love at first sight is real--at least in a passing moment on a New York City subway. Jonas can't get the ...- CC
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"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart | 60second Book Review
http://www.60secondrecap.com/reviews/we-were-liars-by-e-l...
Cadence Sinclair Eastman comes from the perfect family, with the perfect pedigree, who live perfect lives...until they come togeth...- CC
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"The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" by Holly Black | 60second Book Review
http://www.60secondrecap.com/reviews/the-coldest-girl-in-...
In "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown," vampirism is a sickness, and a source of celebrity. And in Coldtowns around the...- CC
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All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry | 60second Book Review
http://www.60secondrecap.com/60second-book-review/
by Jenny Sawyer
Judith is an outcast. Silenced by a terrible crime, she returns to her bleak, backwoods town barely more than the ghost she's bee...- CC
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/fahrenheit-451/
Guy Montag is no ordinary fireman. Then again, his society in "Fahrenheit 451" is no ordinary society. In Montags world, books are banned, and Montags job is to start fires, not to stop them—to burn any remaining books, and the houses that hold them.
But being around all those books is starting to have a reverse effect on Montag. He wants to know whats inside the books—and what the world might be like if some of that forbidden knowledge was actually put to use.
Will Montag risk everything—his wife, his career, his life—for literature? Of course he will. And its precisely Montags choices regarding banned books that resulted in Ray Bradburys dystopian novel about censorship ending up on the banned books list itself.
Guy Montag is no ordinary fireman. Then again, his society in "Fahrenheit 451" is no ordinary society. In Montags world, books are banned, and Montags job is to start fires, not to stop them—to burn any remaining books, and the houses that hold them.
But being around all those books is starting to have a reverse effect on Montag. He wants to know whats inside the books—and what the world might be like if some of that forbidden knowledge was actually put to use.
Will Montag risk everything—his wife, his career, his life—for literature? Of course he will. And its precisely Montags choices regarding banned books that resulted in Ray Bradburys dystopian novel about censorship ending up on the banned books list itself.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/east-of-eden/
by Jenny Sawyer
In the unspoiled West where the land is wild, two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—struggle to tame nature and to eke out an existence. But that's not all they struggle to tame. In fact, while Steinbeck's "East of Eden" is a celebration of the beauty (and harsh realities) of California ranch life, its focus is actually on the people themselves—specifically, on the generations of the Trask family and their epic struggle between two conflicting forces. Between the power of good, and the ever-present temptations of evil.
If you think you've heard the good versus evil story before, you'd be right. It's the oldest story in the book—in the Bible, that is. And the decisions made by Adam Trask's original namesake—the first man, Adam—set the stage for the choices that play out in "East of Eden." Like the original Adam, all the Trasks struggle. Like Adam, few of them find salvation.
But unlike the Bible, "East of Eden" offers up a different version of salvation—one that isn't explicitly religious. Which means that, whether or not you buy the Adam and Eve story, "East of Eden" is still a tale that anyone can relate to. After all, salvation, in this book, is tied to a concept that's central to the human experience: Choice.
by Jenny Sawyer
In the unspoiled West where the land is wild, two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—struggle to tame nature and to eke out an existence. But that's not all they struggle to tame. In fact, while Steinbeck's "East of Eden" is a celebration of the beauty (and harsh realities) of California ranch life, its focus is actually on the people themselves—specifically, on the generations of the Trask family and their epic struggle between two conflicting forces. Between the power of good, and the ever-present temptations of evil.
If you think you've heard the good versus evil story before, you'd be right. It's the oldest story in the book—in the Bible, that is. And the decisions made by Adam Trask's original namesake—the first man, Adam—set the stage for the choices that play out in "East of Eden." Like the original Adam, all the Trasks struggle. Like Adam, few of them find salvation.
But unlike the Bible, "East of Eden" offers up a different version of salvation—one that isn't explicitly religious. Which means that, whether or not you buy the Adam and Eve story, "East of Eden" is still a tale that anyone can relate to. After all, salvation, in this book, is tied to a concept that's central to the human experience: Choice.
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/a-streetcar-named-desire/
"A Streetcar Named Desire," by Tennessee Williams, isn't exactly what you'd call a "hopeful" play. It begins when the aging debutante, Blanche DuBois, takes a streetcar named "Desire" (literally!) to her sister's place in New Orleans.
She's hoping to find a refuge from a cruel and unforgiving world. Unfortunately for Blanche, her sister Stella's place is anything but a sanctuary. Not only is Stella's husband, Stanley, not buying Blanche's damsel-in-distress routine, he's also determined to bring her face-to-face with her recent indiscretions. Someone cue the tragic ending!
But A Streetcar Named Desire isnt all denial and despair. This play was actually Tennessee Williams call for change. See, Williams thought there was something wrong with a world in which a single womans only recourse was either a man, or a complete departure from reality. And thanks to Williams—and A Streetcar Named Desire —things have changed. For the better.
"A Streetcar Named Desire," by Tennessee Williams, isn't exactly what you'd call a "hopeful" play. It begins when the aging debutante, Blanche DuBois, takes a streetcar named "Desire" (literally!) to her sister's place in New Orleans.
She's hoping to find a refuge from a cruel and unforgiving world. Unfortunately for Blanche, her sister Stella's place is anything but a sanctuary. Not only is Stella's husband, Stanley, not buying Blanche's damsel-in-distress routine, he's also determined to bring her face-to-face with her recent indiscretions. Someone cue the tragic ending!
But A Streetcar Named Desire isnt all denial and despair. This play was actually Tennessee Williams call for change. See, Williams thought there was something wrong with a world in which a single womans only recourse was either a man, or a complete departure from reality. And thanks to Williams—and A Streetcar Named Desire —things have changed. For the better.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/lord-of-the-flies/
Every kid dreams of what life would be like without adults. No rules, no curfews, and as much of your favorite food as you could ever want to eat. Sounds like paradise, right?
Not for the cast of William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. Of course, the complicating factor for the boys in Lord of the Flies is that they're marooned on a desert island. Which means they have to worry about survival—and a lurking Beast—and can't just enjoy life without adults.
The other complicating factor is that Golding's Lord of the Flies isn't just some cheerful adventure story. It's a study in human weakness. A meditation on barbarism. It's about the conflict between civilization and savagery. And, yes, the choice between good and evil. It's about what happens when selfishness trumps decency.
What happens? Here'a hint: William Golding was not an optimist.
Every kid dreams of what life would be like without adults. No rules, no curfews, and as much of your favorite food as you could ever want to eat. Sounds like paradise, right?
Not for the cast of William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. Of course, the complicating factor for the boys in Lord of the Flies is that they're marooned on a desert island. Which means they have to worry about survival—and a lurking Beast—and can't just enjoy life without adults.
The other complicating factor is that Golding's Lord of the Flies isn't just some cheerful adventure story. It's a study in human weakness. A meditation on barbarism. It's about the conflict between civilization and savagery. And, yes, the choice between good and evil. It's about what happens when selfishness trumps decency.
What happens? Here'a hint: William Golding was not an optimist.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/of-mice-and-men/
The Golden State. Such a cruel tease. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, presents Depression-era California as a sucker's bet, a place luring decent, simple folk with the promise of limitless potential and prosperity, then knocking them flat with the reality of unending toil and trouble. Decent, simple folk like George and Lennie, the two migrant workers whose story Steinbeck tells in Of Mice and Men.
In Steinbeck's slender masterpiece, George and Lennie endure just about every Depression-era hardship a migrant worker might endure. Of Mice and Men follows George and Lennie to a bad end, which is what we'd expect for simple, decent folk in the hardscrabble West. But Steinbeck's saga is true to the spirit of the times and people he depicts. George and Lennie live and die hard in Of Mice and Men. So did many thousands like them.
The Golden State. Such a cruel tease. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, presents Depression-era California as a sucker's bet, a place luring decent, simple folk with the promise of limitless potential and prosperity, then knocking them flat with the reality of unending toil and trouble. Decent, simple folk like George and Lennie, the two migrant workers whose story Steinbeck tells in Of Mice and Men.
In Steinbeck's slender masterpiece, George and Lennie endure just about every Depression-era hardship a migrant worker might endure. Of Mice and Men follows George and Lennie to a bad end, which is what we'd expect for simple, decent folk in the hardscrabble West. But Steinbeck's saga is true to the spirit of the times and people he depicts. George and Lennie live and die hard in Of Mice and Men. So did many thousands like them.
Animal Farm by George Orwell: Study Guide
[ http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/animal-farm/ ]
by Jenny Sawyer
George Orwell called "Animal Farm" a fairy story but, talking animals aside, this book is really an allegory. That's right. George Orwell was seriously concerned about the abuses of power he saw in the world—and the way citizens weren't questioning these corrupt politicians. So he wrote a book criticizing the politicians bad behavior—as well as the people who allowed them to remain in power. That book, of course, is "Animal Farm."
If this is all sounding a little dense and boring, 60sR says don't worry: "Animal Farm" is actually a pretty fun read. There are pig politicians and a religion-spouting raven and the most hard-working cart-horse you'll ever meet. Throw in a little political treachery and a surprise twist at the end, and you've got a book that makes for entertaining—not to mention thought-provoking—reading.
by Jenny Sawyer
George Orwell called "Animal Farm" a fairy story but, talking animals aside, this book is really an allegory. That's right. George Orwell was seriously concerned about the abuses of power he saw in the world—and the way citizens weren't questioning these corrupt politicians. So he wrote a book criticizing the politicians bad behavior—as well as the people who allowed them to remain in power. That book, of course, is "Animal Farm."
If this is all sounding a little dense and boring, 60sR says don't worry: "Animal Farm" is actually a pretty fun read. There are pig politicians and a religion-spouting raven and the most hard-working cart-horse you'll ever meet. Throw in a little political treachery and a surprise twist at the end, and you've got a book that makes for entertaining—not to mention thought-provoking—reading.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/crime-and-punishment/
In some ways, Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" reads like an episode of "Law and Order." There's a carefully-plotted crime, a criminal who's pretty certain he won't be caught, and a chief investigator who's got his quarry figured out ... but not enough evidence to get a conviction.
The difference, of course, is that "Crime and Punishment" isn't really a police procedural, or a courtroom drama for that matter. It's a story about the psychology of the criminal mind. Which means that after about 100 pages of crime, you get 400-plus pages of punishment, including main character Raskolnikov's fierce inner battle with guilt, paranoia, more guilt, more paranoia, and quite a bit of self-justification.
So with all the mental anguish in "Crime and Punishment," not to mention the focus on psychology rather than action, why should you read all the way to the last page? Because you'll want to find out if Raskolnikov gets away with his crime, of course! Or, whether his self-inflicted punishment turns into something the chief investigator would call justice.
In some ways, Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" reads like an episode of "Law and Order." There's a carefully-plotted crime, a criminal who's pretty certain he won't be caught, and a chief investigator who's got his quarry figured out ... but not enough evidence to get a conviction.
The difference, of course, is that "Crime and Punishment" isn't really a police procedural, or a courtroom drama for that matter. It's a story about the psychology of the criminal mind. Which means that after about 100 pages of crime, you get 400-plus pages of punishment, including main character Raskolnikov's fierce inner battle with guilt, paranoia, more guilt, more paranoia, and quite a bit of self-justification.
So with all the mental anguish in "Crime and Punishment," not to mention the focus on psychology rather than action, why should you read all the way to the last page? Because you'll want to find out if Raskolnikov gets away with his crime, of course! Or, whether his self-inflicted punishment turns into something the chief investigator would call justice.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/the-crucible/
"The Crucible" is two things. On the surface, its a play about the Salem witch trials—an exploration of the who and the what and the why of one of American historys darkest hours. Underneath, "The Crucible" is a crash course in the way hysteria can completely displace rational thinking and pit neighbors against neighbors.
Actually, "The Crucible" is three things. Its also a terrific play that takes you right to the core of the emotions that motivated Salems accusers and its accused. And why not? Its playwright, Arthur Miller, had his own run-in with a modern-day version of the witch trials—an episode with the American government that left him feeling a lot like his protagonist, John Proctor. Say what? Dive into the album to find out more.
"The Crucible" is two things. On the surface, its a play about the Salem witch trials—an exploration of the who and the what and the why of one of American historys darkest hours. Underneath, "The Crucible" is a crash course in the way hysteria can completely displace rational thinking and pit neighbors against neighbors.
Actually, "The Crucible" is three things. Its also a terrific play that takes you right to the core of the emotions that motivated Salems accusers and its accused. And why not? Its playwright, Arthur Miller, had his own run-in with a modern-day version of the witch trials—an episode with the American government that left him feeling a lot like his protagonist, John Proctor. Say what? Dive into the album to find out more.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: Study Guide
http://www.60secondrecap.com/decoder/a-tale-of-two-cities/
It was the best of books, it was the worst of books. Uh, sorry. We've been reading too much "A Tale of Two Cities"—and the book really is all about doubles. Maybe not doubles like best and worst. But doubles like tragic and comic, historical and fictional, good and evil, even personal and national? You bet. And that's only just the beginning.
See, "A Tale of Two Cities" follows two stories in two cities. There's the story of Dr. Manette and his daughter, Lucie. They spend most of the book in London, where Dr. Manette tries to overcome his dark past and various interesting characters shuffle in and out of their lives. Meanwhile, over in Paris, there's a second story unfolding: The story of the French revolution. There are rioting peasants and rolling heads and definitely some bloodthirsty revolutionaries. Pay particular attention to Monsieur and Madame Defarge: They're up to no good.
Actually, lots of characters in this book are up to no good, and because Dickens is Dickens, you can bet that he'll reveal all in part three of his story, when both storylines (and all the characters) converge in Paris. There are surprising revelations, dastardly schemes, daring escapes, and of course, more doubles! Call it an ending that turns the worst of times into the best of books—really! Because not only does Dickens skillfully wrap up the story's many loose ends, but he also manages to drive home a powerful lesson ... or two.
It was the best of books, it was the worst of books. Uh, sorry. We've been reading too much "A Tale of Two Cities"—and the book really is all about doubles. Maybe not doubles like best and worst. But doubles like tragic and comic, historical and fictional, good and evil, even personal and national? You bet. And that's only just the beginning.
See, "A Tale of Two Cities" follows two stories in two cities. There's the story of Dr. Manette and his daughter, Lucie. They spend most of the book in London, where Dr. Manette tries to overcome his dark past and various interesting characters shuffle in and out of their lives. Meanwhile, over in Paris, there's a second story unfolding: The story of the French revolution. There are rioting peasants and rolling heads and definitely some bloodthirsty revolutionaries. Pay particular attention to Monsieur and Madame Defarge: They're up to no good.
Actually, lots of characters in this book are up to no good, and because Dickens is Dickens, you can bet that he'll reveal all in part three of his story, when both storylines (and all the characters) converge in Paris. There are surprising revelations, dastardly schemes, daring escapes, and of course, more doubles! Call it an ending that turns the worst of times into the best of books—really! Because not only does Dickens skillfully wrap up the story's many loose ends, but he also manages to drive home a powerful lesson ... or two.