Why I have this book: It was one of the last freebies I downloaded from Inspired Reads.
It was free, or I wouldn't have bothered with this one. I don't FB and I don't post in online chat rooms, although I used to belong to a couple of online forums based around adoption, parenthood and/or religion. I don't Tweet, either. But I have to say, my lack of social media usage isn't because I'm out of touch. I seriously just choose not to. (Four hours after opening a FB account, I closed it. It reminded me of high school.)
I thought the author made a lot of good points about the effect social media has on our lives. He doesn't at all suggest eliminating it completely, but to take some time to do just what the title says... detox (take three days off from social media), discern (see how it affects your life both positively and negatively), and decide how much you want social media to be a part of your life.
It's a good suggestion to take control of social media instead of letting it control you.
Clean.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Peony in Love (Lisa See)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the e-book library.
I put off writing this review because I'm not sure how I feel. On the one hand, I enjoyed the writing, the culture (Chinese), the history. I even did extra research on Chinese foot binding, as that was a significant part of the story. (And may I say, "Ew." For so many reasons.) The author based her story on real people and real events... but obviously, very artistic liberty was taken.
The repression of women was a significant part of the story... but at the same time, the author made it seem as though the women - to some degree - felt honored even in their repressed state. There is a depth in the relationships and the feelings of the characters that unfolds as the story goes on. The Chinese traditions are fascinating.
I found some parts of the writing disturbing. There is a sensuality to the story which is more than subtle, but not graphic for the most part. (There is one paragraph where I said, "Whaaaaatttt? Yuck!")
Based on this book, I would not likely read any other of the author's books, but a friend of mine said she and her sisters read another one and really liked it, so I'll give it a try. I put it on hold at the e-book library.
Very sensual and at times, sexual, undertones. Not extremely graphic, but the context of some of it was uncomfortable (and icky) to me. I don't recall any swearing.
I put off writing this review because I'm not sure how I feel. On the one hand, I enjoyed the writing, the culture (Chinese), the history. I even did extra research on Chinese foot binding, as that was a significant part of the story. (And may I say, "Ew." For so many reasons.) The author based her story on real people and real events... but obviously, very artistic liberty was taken.
The repression of women was a significant part of the story... but at the same time, the author made it seem as though the women - to some degree - felt honored even in their repressed state. There is a depth in the relationships and the feelings of the characters that unfolds as the story goes on. The Chinese traditions are fascinating.
I found some parts of the writing disturbing. There is a sensuality to the story which is more than subtle, but not graphic for the most part. (There is one paragraph where I said, "Whaaaaatttt? Yuck!")
Based on this book, I would not likely read any other of the author's books, but a friend of mine said she and her sisters read another one and really liked it, so I'll give it a try. I put it on hold at the e-book library.
Very sensual and at times, sexual, undertones. Not extremely graphic, but the context of some of it was uncomfortable (and icky) to me. I don't recall any swearing.
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