Feed, by M.T. Anderson

Feed by M.T. Anderson was an intriguing book, describing the possible consequences of allowing media to infest themselves into our lives. Bringing the situation to a fatal extreme, the eerie novel leaves the reader knowing the importance of being unique. The book also provides a peek into the future—a place of flying “up-cars”, new slang, partying on the moon, and a personal shopper, instant messenger, and reference book, installed into almost everyone’s brain (called “the feed”). However, what seems to be amusing era of awesome technology turns out to be a manipulating and deadly one, especially when malfunctions occur. Anderson creates a tone and mood that makes the reader feel like they really are in the future. His theme, of nonconformity, can be applied to any decade, but it is the setting that really makes the book wonderful. He concentrates on every aspect of the time, from house design, to technology, to fashion, to education. However, he maintains connection with the reader, by showing that, despite all this, people will always act the same towards each other. Anderson’s interesting outlook on originality and the results of giving in to “the system” is combined with a thrilling tragedy to make for a page-turner.

The end of Toby Tyler

Toby Tyler, by James Otis describes the adventures of a young boy who ran away from home to join the circus. What is a simple story of “The grass is always greener on the other side” can be dissected further through analyzing symbolism throughout the novel. For example, Toby’s pet monkey, whom he befriended at the beginning of his journey, symbolizes naivety or immaturity. During Toby’s first day at the circus, he latched on to this monkey (named Mr. Stubbs) that he was sure could understand every word he said, for what he needed the most at the time was a friend—this proves Toby’s initial naivety and simple outlook. However, at the end of the book, when Toby runs away from the circus, with a new perspective on life, Mr. Stubbs is shot, representing the end to Toby’s naivety and immaturity. One thing I never completely understood about the novel was why Toby ran away in the first place. At the start of the book, he described there being little to eat, and that he was not treated very nicely by his guardian. However, at the end, Toby is thrown into his guardian’s arms who expresses his love for Toby in an affectionate manor. But then, it is referenced that Toby’s friends predict that his guardian will whip Toby every day because he ran away. James Otis seems to jump around about Toby’s guardian’s personality, but possibly it is to demonstrate the imagination and exaggeration of Toby. Toby Tyler was a fun book to read, but, because of simplicity, it gave the reader an opportunity to examine and scrutinize the book more carefully.

Toby Tyler by James Otis is a simple story about a young boy who runs off and joins the circus, only to be displeased with his new life. Despite the simplicity, when one takes a deeper look at Toby’s relationships with those he meets along the way his journey, Toby’s inner feelings and traits are revealed. For example, up until a point, everyone Toby met was unusually cruel, so he resorted to befriending a monkey. The monkey, who he’s named Mr. Stubbs, does not judge Toby; the monkey does not threaten Toby; S/he does not do anything but listen to Toby, something no one else has done for Toby throughout his life. Toby is convinced that Mr. Stubbs understands every word he says. This shows Toby’s naivety and childishness. When Mr. Ben, a member of the circus with whom Toby travels with, attempts to convince Toby he is only imagining the monkey’s “responses”, that Toby claims to see (such as a tug at his coat, and a wink). He tells Toby that the monkey is completely oblivious to every word Toby says. Instead of being upset with the realization, Toby argues with Mr. Ben, holding true to what he thinks is right and standing up for his new friend. This displays Toby’s persistence. Although Toby Tyler tells a small tale about the American child dream—running away to join the circus—his small acts of immaturity expose his personality.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye-- Up to page 200/298

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti brings the old expression “Money doesn’t by happiness” to a whole new level. In return for honest advice, a plea to stop smoking and some good coffee, a very rich man gives Indigo, an 18-year-old waiter at a local diner, the biggest tip of her life: two and a half million dollars. Being a down to earth and reasonable woman, Indigo is not yet changed negatively, but it has started to affect her family, friends and boyfriend. Her mother keeps pestering her about making plans, her friend calls her constantly, and her boy friend keeps buying things—like a paint job for his car named Bob. However, Indigo has acquired a streak of confidence, which she has used to tell off two rude customers at the diner. While reading, one starts to realize why it is said that money turns people into divas. It is not the person who changes, but the ones around them. The money itself does not change Indigo directly, but the people around her certainly will. So no, money does not buy happiness—it buys a bit of confidence and odd behavior from everyone you know.

The Secret of Peaches-- Beginning

The beginning of The Secret of Peaches is woven with mini plot lines and keeps the reader enthralled by the characters and issues that many can connect to. The three main characters, Birdie (the nice farm girl), Leeda (the pretty one) and Murphy (the bad girl) interact in ways more like sisters than just friends, creating an understanding of how three completely different girls can get along. In the recent pages of the book, the characters have all been consumed in their own conflicts, and in result, have been acting oddly to each other. For example, when Leeda gives the cold shoulder to Murphy, who is often not there for her friend, the two remain best friends and neglect the obvious awkwardness. Thinking of my own life, I know many friendships that are no longer because of much more minor issues. However, when I think of particular friends, I can understand how Leeda and Murphy’s friendship is still strong, because of what I’ve been through with my own friends. What is awkward, uncomfortable and annoying at the time, is often laughed at later. Because of the connection to the characters that the author, Jodie Lynn Anderson, creates, the book continues to keep me wanting to find out what happens next.

I Am a Cat intrigues me with its unique topic, yet bores me with the writing style, and so I have decided to not continue reading the book. The book is moving at such a slow pace, that I find myself looking at the page numbers more than I do the text. In whole, the entire book seems interesting, but I refuse to read almost 500 pages of what could most likely be summarized in about 50. I blame whoever translated the book. I Am a Cat was originally written in Japanese, and I find the English translation to be butchered and monotonous. Possibly, in Japanese, the book is fluent and well written, for the Japan Quarterly called it “A well-loved work by a Japanese writer of genius”. However, I think that some of my peers may enjoy the book. I know some people are perfectly content with reading about a life style. Personally, I cannot stand books with no build-up to a climax and then a solution to a problem. I felt that the first half one of my favorite books, The Kite Runner, was like this as well, but, because of recommendations and the blurb, I stuck to it and did not regret it. The second half was far more thrilling and exciting. Another of my favorites, Water for Elephant, was also more about a way of life. However, it was a way of life I have a connection to. I was fascinated by the tales about how that way of life, which I have heard many first-hand accounts of, was many years back. I could connect what I knew to what I was learning, which kept me engrossed in what otherwise would have been a dull book.
Then why, one may ask, am I choosing not to continue this book if I have learned it is best to stick with books? Well, the past 45 pages, or so, have described purely how ignorant humans are, in addition to the narrators childish arguments with a neighboring cats, which are essentially about nothing—something I cannot say I enjoy reading, and I have little hope that the book will change much in the near future. To replace this book, I have begun reading The Secret of Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson, which has been proven to be a page turner.

I am a Cat- beginning

“I am a Cat” by Soseki Nasumer observes people in their everyday life from the point of view of a cat. The cat—who has no name—often judges humans, but really the cat is a prime example of human nature. For example, the cat considers all people to be narrow minded. However, the cat does not look at things from others point of view, and therefore is narrow minded his self. This hypocrisy and naïveté of the cat is exactly what humans tend to do—judge someone on the exact characteristics that they them selves are exhibiting. This trait is far more flattering on an innocent cat than it is on a human, causing the reader to feel sympathetic for the forlorn cat. As much as I enjoy reading about this bit of irony, I do not care for the writing style. The book was originally written in Japanese, and as with any translated novel, some of the style is lost, making for a slightly choppy and a very slow read. Despite the poor writing quality, due to translation, I find reading about a cat’s perspective on life quite interesting .