The Sun Also Rises (Ernest Hemingway) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

33. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
      Topic/Theme: a book from the 20th century

Synopsis: 

A poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation, the novel introduces two of Hemingway's most unforgettable characters: Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley. The story follows the flamboyant Brett and the hapless Jake as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates. It is an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions.

My Review:

I chose this book for the theme because I had enjoyed Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea when I had to read it in high school. Although both are completely different, I do like Hemingway's writing style for the most part. This book was just okay. I'm not a fan of bullfighting, which is what a good portion of this story is about. 

Generally speaking, The Sun Also Rises is about a group of friends who drink their troubles away. They don't always agree with each other and sometimes cause trouble (thanks to drunkenness), but remain loyal and still get together. I didn't really care that much for the beginning when they were in France as it lacked in detail. Talking, complaining, and arguing about the same things all the time got to be annoying. When they took their journey to Spain, I was able to get I to it a little bit more. I found myself feeling sorry for Robert, who seemed to get the most rigging from the others. I had a love-hate relationships with the characters in general, liking them at times and other times, I would just be frustrated at them for the way they acted and accepted things for what they were.

As I've already mentioned, I'm not interested in bullfighting or the running of the bulls so I don't have anything really that stuck out to me throughout the story. What I did like was getting to know more about France in the 1920s, as well as Spain and the whole traditions there about bullfighting and such. The Sun Also Rises is based on actual events that took place (then and now, like the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona) and people back then. I found that pretty interesting that Hemingway was able to create good fiction off from his own experiences.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

A Million Steps Book Review

2015 Reading Challenge

37. A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz
     Theme/Topic: a memoir

Synopsis:
Kurt Koontz thought he was well prepared for his 490-mile walking trip on the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain. He was fit and strong. He had a good guidebook and all the right equipment. His pilgrim passport would grant him access to the shelter of hostels along the way. But all that, however helpful, did not begin to encompass the grandeur of his external or internal adventure. A Million Steps climbs over the high meadows of the Pyrenees, quests through the unceasing wind of the Meseta, and dances in the rains of Galicia. While following the yellow arrows that mark the route, Koontz also navigates through his personal history of addiction, recovery, and love. With outgoing humor and friendliness, he embraces the beauty of the countryside and joyful connections to other pilgrims from around the world. Part diary, part travelogue, A Million Steps is a journey within a journey all the way to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and beyond.

My Review:
In recent years, I have really been interested in reading stories about self-discovery or life changing adventures. A Million Steps was exactly that. Kurt is not a natural writer, but everyone has a story. While his actual writing was far from great, Kurt accomplished the task of getting his story across. I've never been Spain and to be honest, I don't have any desire to go to Spain. However, it was interesting to read about all the towns he passed and stayed in on his journey. It was also neat to hear about all the people he met along the way as well. He opened up about his own life stories and struggles and how he was able to meet them head on during the trip.

If you could take a trip of a lifetime anywhere in the world (no matter what the reason), where would it be? For me, that would be Australia and Ireland.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥