akujunkan: (TWIB)
akujunkan ([personal profile] akujunkan) wrote2008-11-24 12:27 pm
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TWIB-III: 6

Only one book this week, and one so bad it took me four months to buckle down and read it.

1) Artemis Fowl: Book 1 - Eoin Colfer
Judging by the bookstore displays, it's clear that the publisher of the Artemis Fowl was trying to position the it as the next Harry Potter. Like most of the "next Harry Potter" candidates, it is, predictably, a solidly horrible book. Even when Colfer's writing isn't obviously trying to imitate the worse aspects of JKR's style, it utterly lacks descriptive power, to say nothing of rhythm or poetry. The "characters" are one-dimensional placeholders for whatever emotional or physical trait, happy mistake, or deus ex machina Colfer needs to advance the "plot," which itself is little more than a flimsy pretext excusing Colfer's constant shit, shit-play, and vomit jokes. And yes, I use that language intentionally, because Colfer's brand of "humor" is indeed that brazenly scatalogical--and just as amusing. I frequently read books that might be enjoyed more by younger audiences than older (or vice versa), but it's rare that I come across a book I can't imagine possessing any redeeming characteristics for any reading demographic: this is one such book. Colfer's non-Fowl novels come to me highly recommended by a good friend; all I can say is that I hope they are better than this offering.

That will be all.

OMG... that sucks!

[identity profile] bran420-7.livejournal.com 2008-11-25 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
I've read Airman and The Wish List and I enjoyed both. Guess my suspicion of HP wank was well founded. And BTW, Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games was so good I cried. IT'S BOOK ONE!!! NO!!!! Of course, I cried more after I was arrested. Up side, I read Anna Karenina. I now need a newer non-abridged version. The one I got my hands on was translated and abridged in 1963. Go KCJ! If only I could show you my rolling eyes...I shall post on the morrow...

Re: OMG... that sucks!

[identity profile] akujunkan.livejournal.com 2008-11-25 08:10 am (UTC)(link)
Well, I will definitely be looking out for those books, because I trust your good taste, but please trust mine and stay away from AF.

That said, I think I might put Hunger Games first, since I enjoyed the first chapter you let me read.

Sounds good--I'll look for your post tomorrow. I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!