Roof Beam Reader

Review: Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Adam Burgess

Sad and comic autobiography of an outcast’s youth during America’s Great Depression. Vivid descriptions and honesty to the past are two of the “pros” for this novel. The “cons” include a lack of any real plot or character development (static, everyone) and humor that was too often infused with violence or sex. Overall, though, it is an enjoyable work for any fan of Bukowski, particularly those interested in Bukowski’s youth and home-life.

Reviews: The Earlies Part 16

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Adam Burgess

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Goat: A Memoir by Brad Land

Interesting.. twisted at times.

The Order of the Poison Oak by Brent Hartinger

Not that great.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Wonderful young adult book about a boy growing up during the Revolutionary War. Fun fiction story which includes meetings with the likes of Ben Franklin, John Adams, etc.

A Son Called Gabriel by Damian McNicholl

Such a great find! I don’t remember where I came across this book, but I’m glad I did. Story about a boy growing up in Ireland during the war.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Kind of sappy, but good. Makes you think about the important thigns in life.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Very cute. Worth the read – it’s quick.

Reviews: The Earlies Part 15

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Adam Burgess

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A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Wonderful, wonderful book. Highly recommended.

The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Probably one of my favorite Hawthorne novels. I think I like it even better than The Scarlet Letter.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Beautiful ‘writing back to empire’ book. Rushdie is pretty amazing.

Geography Club by Brent Hartinger

Simple. Kinda boring.

Jack Maggs by Peter Carey

This is another ‘colony strikes back at imperialism’ boko – like Wide Sargasso Sea. Jack Maggs takes on the story of the character Magwitch from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Beautiful and intelligent telling of the characters – cunningly writes a Dickens-esque character into the book.

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

This is a brilliant prequel to Bronte’s Jane Eyre. If you read Jane Eyre and liked it – read this book! Actually, read it anyway. I read it before reading Jane Eyre and still loved it.. but it’s definitely better to get the back-story first – makes you appreciate the symbolism and storyline even more. A wonderful ‘colonial’ book.

Reviews, The Earlies Part 14

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Adam Burgess

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The Coming Storm by Paul Russell

Another book about the blurred lines between teacher/student and adult/teen and lover/lover relationship. A boarding school boy falls for and seduces a new young teacher… and all the mayhem follows close behind. Actually a very good read.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Wildly intelligent and fun. Almost as good as Angels and Demons.

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice

Very interesting fictionalization of the story of Jesus Christ’s childhood. Very much enjoyed this book.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Great, great book. Don’t know what else to say except ‘read it.’

Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

Amazing! Incredibly funny and intelligent. One of my favorite books.

England, England by Julian Barnes

Hilarious irony. Brilliant.

Totally Joe by James Howe

So cute and funny. An easy, enjoyable read. Something for a lazy summer day.