Book Reviews for January 2010

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire

3 of 5 stars

Might be the rare case where I like the theatrical performance better than the book. It was a bit long and tended to drag at parts. But a good story, and imaginative.

Recommendation: A good vacation read, because you won’t have a problem putting it down.

Cage of Stars
by Jacquelyn Mitchard

4 of 5 stars

Surprised that I liked this book as much as I did! Heavy subject material, with a young Mormon girl witnessing the brutal murder of her two sisters. But the author handled it well, and the book was suspenseful and well-written.

Recommendation: Read in the afternoon on the couch. No tissues necessary, but you might want a hug after.

Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine
by Glenn Beck

1 of 5 stars

First off, let me say I did not buy this book. My grandma bought it for me, I think as a joke. And I also have to admit I did not finish reading this. I got thoroughly fed up with Beck’s anti-intellectualism and far-fetched conspiracy theories. And where does this guy get off comparing himself to Thomas Paine? It thoroughly scares me that people are reading the uninformed ranting of this madman and giving it any sort of credence.

Recommendation: I would say burn it, but Beck would still get a royalty. So I say return it and get the money back.