Maria's Blog

• "Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown

This is an enthralling story about Harvard professor (Robert Langdon) who is invited to France, in order to uncover a life-alterating secret and becomes a prime suspect in a murder. We follow this character throughout France in search for a truth that should never be discovered. I think what I liked the most about the book (aside from the suspense), was all the art-history involved. I, as a devout lover of art, was so hooked when many of my favorite pieces, monuments and places were discussed throughout the novel. A very controversial piece, with valid points, but in no way have I become a true believer of the Da Vinci Code. Nonetheless, it is good to have such points of views.. one must always question everything, specially questioning the motives of the Catholic Church (this coming from a baptized Roman Catholic :) ). Tatiana told me she approves of the movie trailer. I have no expectations and I am sure that some parts of the book will be cut, but I am very excited to see Tom Hanks and my favorite french actress, Audrey Tautou. Since Ron Howard is directing the film, I am sure to see greatness.

• "A Million Little Pieces" & "My Friend Leonard" by James Frey

"A Million Little Pieces" is the first one of Frey's novels. This the true story of James Frey and his battle with drug addiction. The first paragraph begins with Frey waking up in an airplane. He is half conscious, with broken ribs, no front teeth, bleeding and smelling like bile. He has no recollection of how he got the plane and has no idea where he is going. The beginning is not the most pleasant thing to read, but this is life, life is not always pretty. We soon find that Frey is headed to rehab, and with every chapter, we feel most of the emotions that a person who is an avid drug addict/alcoholic must go through when detoxing. The greatest aspect of this book, is that it has a lot of dialogue. While some people do not like this, I find it incredibly interesting and real.
The second book, "My Friend Leonard" is the sequel to "A Million Little Pieces".. and it still holds it's own against the first novel. This book is mainly about the type of friendship that Frey has with, Leonard, his bestfriend who he meets in rehab and soon becomes a father-like figure to Frey. Leonard helps James piece his life back together through offering his guidance, and 'employment' in doing some highly undercover/unlawful work for him. Further on in the book, we uncover a secret that Leonard has been keeping throughout his life, this secret was completely shocking as well as clears any sort of questioning in the story. Both these books make the reader cry, laugh and see the hardships of drug abuse in both pre and post stages of rehabilitation. Highly recomend these books, it really makes one appreciate life a little more.

• "Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
  

Where to begin with this book???? Wow.. this book is more than incredible to me. This book is set in old day Afghanistan, pre-Russian invasion and Taliban. It chronicles the life of Amir, a son of a well known and highly respected and rich Afghan man. It also presents a clear picture of a society based on classes. Amir grows-up with Hassan, the son of the supposed servant of his household. Amir also battles with Hassan for his father's love, and in little time, his pride becomes his downfall. When he sees a horrific act to Hassan taking place, he becomes haunted for life. He then flees to America (Bay Area) with his father, but is constantly haunted by his cowardness. Only when he travels back to Afghanistan for a completely unexpected and much needed rendez-vous, is when he finally redeems himself of this pain and remorse and has the chance to make things better. We also see the a great deterioration of Kabul and it's society's morale after the Russian Invasion, and how the Taliban imposed a corrupted government when coming into power.
I cried so much throughout this book. I was still thinking about the book weeks after I had finished it, and I think that I still think about it now. There are no other ways to decribe this book, but just simply over-exceedingly marvelous. While talking to my good friend David, he told me that some characters in the book really did exist. His mother had met some of them when she lived in Kabul... just amazing.


Currently, I am reading the "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. It is supposed to be the prequel to "Da Vinci Code". I have just begun the novel, but I cannot wait to read more of it. A review of this will come shortly.