Tenderness:

i read this on a recomendation from a fellow occasional reader. hard to get used to the style of writing and view point changes but once you do it's a good story of realism, i.e. not a happy ending. in this psychological thriller, Cormier takes you on a journey with two people seeking "Tenderness" in their own ways. for Lori Cranston, it has to do with the search for unconditional love, security, & respect--concepts she only dreams of as her dysfunctional mother drags her from town to another town and from one abusive boyfriend to another abusive boyfriend. for Eric Poole, the eighteen year old who serial killer who has murdered his mother and step-father under the guise that he has been abused, as well as killing 3 teenage girls for pleasure, "tenderness" becomes the obsession of control that he has over a human life just before he kills it. when these two characters come together, Cormier weaves a tale of suspense with an ironic ending neither expected or even hoped for. although neither character is very likable in the beginning, by the end of the novel, both Lori and Eric are somewhat sympathetic as Cormier subtlely reveals more and more exposition of the character's backgrounds. What is so disturbing about this book is the knowledge that in the real world, there are probably real people who are just as chilling as these two characters. in Tenderness, it's the realism that is so repugnant.

Favaorite quote: "Later, in the deepest heart of the night, the monster also cried."

The Great Santini:

i've read this book over at least six times. it tells a story so well of militarism in a family, and it's physocological affects on the characters. it's a compelling story and easy to get hooked on. really good for those of strange or odd disfunctional familes, it makes you appreciate what you got. :Þ

Favorite Quote:

"From the halls of Montezuma,
To the halls of Tennessee,
We're the biggest bunch of assholes,
That the world will ever see.

First to beat our wives and children,
Then to wipe their bodies clean,
May the whole damn Navy take a crap
On the United States Marines."

Memoirs of a Giesha:

i adore this read. it's fascinating to see how others live, especially when their life is so complete opposite of one's own. i also appreciated that the narrators life was not always a cinch. that at times it was a pain and nuisance, but instead of becoming nasal and whiney about it she carries on and conveys all her emotions vividly and captivatingly. it's intriguing to see what other people see in their life, it's almost like playing a peeping tom into the private life of someone, in this case while wearing a kimono.

Favorite Quote:

"After all, when a stone is dropped into a pond, the water continues quivering even after the stone has sunk to the bottom."

Griffin & Sabine:

there must be a secret thrill to peering into other people's lives and most intimate thoughts. richly illustrated, complete with postcards and letters, this beautiful novel thrusts the reader in to the tangled and mysterious relationship and correspondence of Griffin and Sabine. who is real and who is the others wild imagination?

Favourite Quote:

"Be gentle to yourself."