Ps: this book is a sequel… just a heads up so you know, I didn’t and this might have cleared up some of the confusing plot 

His book is great! You should read it :)

Look, I’m not here to tell you what to do, but if you love horror stories (or hate horror stories, there are no rules), you should DEFINITELY read The Shining by Stephen King. Have you been DYING to read a book with a good plot, but a totally annoying adaption of said plot? Or maybe you love alcoholic fathers who continuously do freaky things to their family in creepy hotels? Or, and this is a real game changer, you love to think deep and try to figure what things like ‘Redrum” mean? If you love all of those things, then this book is really for you. Not only do you get a drug out, mediocrely scary development of what could have been a truly nice novel, you also end up just a tiny bit (majorly) bored for over 50% of the book. But that’s okay, because we all need something to help put us to sleep sometimes. I’m telling you, if you want the melatonin to start flowing, just pick up this horror novel, kiss your kids goodnight, and sweet dreams. 

Are you a messy bitch??? Do u live for drama???? WELLLLL ladies and gentlemen do I got a read for u. Bel Canto by Anne Patcherr is one of the SAUCIEST books I've ever read. It's about a bunch of rich people at an opera party but it's HIJACKED by terrorists!!! Scare Bleu! But then after like three months they start to like each other. And then there's affairs and death and opera oh my!!! But hey even if u don't live for the drama like me, you'll still probably like this book. Ya see all of drama and intrigue still serves a porpoise and contributes to subtle themes throughout the book. So even if u don't love the drama there is still subtlety and beauty to the book that u can appreciate.

You should read Bel Canto. Although opera is the uniting love that brings terrorist and hostage together alike, one does not have to be an opera lover to enjoy it. It is compatible with any passion with the way Patchett lyrically writes in a way that flows from the heart like one with a passion would, building off drama like their story is an opera itself. It makes the situation not appear scary at all but more beautiful like a well-needed vacation. To just build on the beautiful diction, Patchett develops many topics that could be discussed in a classroom setting as part of the curriculum or with friends because you don't have to read the book to know the poor are less fortunate than the rich, passions unite people, or denial of situations. It creates more insight to their perspectives, and she really develops their perspectives well. The characterization is so distinct with emotions that each character contributes something different even though overall there are probably around like 10 or 11. From a hostage wanting to learn opera from the renown Roxane to Gen learning to forget instead of learn and absorb like usual as his job as a translator, everyone is built differently as well as use different signs to show their true selves like Gen hiding in the China closet with Carmen or mr. Hosokawa sitting with Roxane for hours without being able to communicate because of the language barrier. Not that that stops either of them from loving each other. There is nothing that isn't unique about this book. While I think it should be apart of the curriculum due to the endless teaching points on the literary techniques and themes, it is so beautiful that I wouldn't want students to dismiss it due to it being an assignment as well as a delight. You have to want to read it to truly appreciate it.

Made you look! Of course you read this if someone tells you not to... however in my case, I am telling you to read something. Not just any something, the something that is greater than most somethings. I recommend reading The Shining, by Stephen King. Not only is it a great thriller, it provides examples of deeper meanings and thought provoking topics that are good for discussions. Many may argue that they will not read the book  because it is scary, but those people are missing out. It is true that the book provides suspense and the occasional creeps, but those are not good reasons to dismiss a book that is well written and explains the transformation of it’s characters. The book will also tear at your heart strings for those who connect with the characters. One part of the book that gets me, is when Danny truly sees his dad for the last time, “ But suddenly his daddy was there, looking at him in mortal agony, and a sorrow so great that Danny’s heart flames within his chest. The mouth drew in a quivering bob. ‘Doc,’ Jack Torrance said. “ Run away. Quick. And remember how much I love you.’” No matter what Jack Torrance did to his son, Danny loved him anyways. The father son bond through out the book is an interesting relationship to follow when reading the book. The Shining is a classic novel that can hook any reader, so here I am, a person who is not a big reader, recommending this great book to you. Enjoy!

If you’re into hyper-vulgar comedy based around a revenge scheme then The Serpent of Venice is the book for you. The story follows the journey of a fool as he struggles to unfurl the plans of 3 three men - a merchant, a soldier, and a government official - as they made a bid for power and status in the city of Venice. The story never took itself seriously - in-fact the fool broke the 4th wall multiple times throughout the story as he randomly conversed with the narrator and the reader - and that was quite possibly one of its best qualities. A great example was right at the beginning of the book when the Fool first confronted the trio of antagonists and - in a situation where he was completely outnumbered and alone - proceeded to insult the living crap out of them using his handy dandy stick puppet that 100% (not lying at all) was definitely not him. As the story progresses the humor begins to degrade to just blatant vulgarity for the sake of having vulgarity and honestly just making it difficult to keep reading and the added vagueness of the main story line gets lost in the multitude of side stories the book decides to delve into. Overall I would recommend giving this book a read for the sake of a good laugh, just keep in mind that the book won’t ever take itself seriously.

Although the deeper meanings are easily lost in the plot, this work of fiction is good for those looking for an easygoing summer plot! If deeper meaning are your thing, however, fear not! They are still able to be found with a little more work. One of the big themes here is how old age renders you useless and how loneliness is unavoidable unless you get yourself out of the rut you are in. With endearing characters and a cute love story, this book is a must read!