hmcgivney
Multnomah County Library
hmcgivney's Completed Shelf
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So High A BloodSo High A Blood, BookThe Story of Margaret Douglas, the Tudor That Time Forgot
by Ring, MorganBook - 2017 | First U.S. editionBook, 2017. First U.S. edition
Added Oct 29, 2019
How to Be A WomanHow to Be A Woman, Unknown
by Moran, CaitlinUnknown - 2012 | Unabridged edUnknown, 2012. Unabridged ed
hmcgivney's rating:
Added May 03, 2014
The MartianThe Martian, BookA Novel
by Weir, AndyBook - 2014 | First editionBook, 2014. First edition
hmcgivney's rating:
Added May 03, 2014
Comment:
OMG. I haven't fangirled like this about a book in nearly 3 months (I'm looking at you The Rosie Project)! I loved the mix of humor, adventure, and science. How many times can a guy MacGyver himself out of almost certain doom? This book called to me on so many levels. Every time I picked it up, no matter if it was for a few minutes or a good lie in, I ended up with a huge grin on my face.OMG. I haven't fangirled like this about a book in nearly 3 months (I'm looking at you The Rosie Project)! I loved the mix of humor, adventure, and science. How many times can a guy MacGyver himself out of almost certain doom? This book called to me…
Different SeasonsDifferent Seasons, Book
by King, StephenBook - 1983Book, 1983
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Different Seasons, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 3 copies
Holds: 1 on 3 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added May 03, 2014
Comment:
I read these out of order because I knew that I wasn’t going to like Apt Pupil very much and I wanted to get it over with soonest. I admire the skill of the plot and the psychology of these two twisted souls feeding off of each other, but it was more sickening than enjoyable (I’m hoping that’s what King wanted). The other three stories I liked a lot more. The Breathing Method is more my kind of weird – a spooky tale within the great framework of the “gentlemen’s story club.” I knew that I would love The Body (though I think I like the movie better - sacrilege!) and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. They have a kind of nostalgia that I love, and I became so attached to the characters.I read these out of order because I knew that I wasn’t going to like Apt Pupil very much and I wanted to get it over with soonest. I admire the skill of the plot and the psychology of these two twisted souls feeding off of each other, but it was…
The Marriage Bureau for Rich PeopleThe Marriage Bureau for Rich People, Unknown
by Zama, FarahadUnknown - 2009 | 1st American edUnknown, 2009. 1st American ed
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
Very cute look at life and marriage in modern India. Interesting to learn about arranged marriages, caste, wedding ceremonies, parent-child relations, and some of the challenges of living in a semi-corrupt state. Many of the Indian ideas about marriage seem very practical (mutual respect, compromise, relationships changing over time), and perhaps more realistic than some of the Western ideas of marriage and romantic love solving all problems. Still, I'm glad to live in the US where customs are less rigid, and, you know, I'm more likely to have met my potential husband before the day of our wedding. It reminded me a little bit of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series.Very cute look at life and marriage in modern India. Interesting to learn about arranged marriages, caste, wedding ceremonies, parent-child relations, and some of the challenges of living in a semi-corrupt state. Many of the Indian ideas about…
Theodore RexTheodore Rex, Audiobook CD
by Morris, EdmundAudiobook CD - 2002 | Library edAudiobook CD, 2002. Library ed
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
This was mostly a political history and I prefer social history, so this one felt a little dry. The parts of Roosevelt's presidency that are interesting to me, like the founding of the conservation movement and T.R.'s increasing progressivism, got short shrift in favor of Congressional scandals and political maneuvering. I look forward to learning about Roosevelt's post-presidential life in the next book.This was mostly a political history and I prefer social history, so this one felt a little dry. The parts of Roosevelt's presidency that are interesting to me, like the founding of the conservation movement and T.R.'s increasing progressivism, got…
Ella Minnow PeaElla Minnow Pea, BookA Progressively Lipogrammatic Epistolary Fable
by Dunn, MarkBook - 2001Book, 2001
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Ella Minnow Pea, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
I enjoy words, and have been told before that I speak like a Dawson's Creek native (boy, howdy, knowledge of THAT show certainly dates me). So I loved the sense of fun that the Nollopians have with the written word, even before their meddling council started outlawing the use of certain letters. Their creativity in communicating as the strictures grew worse was very amusing, though their increasing desperation as more and more letters disappeared gave the story a dramatic drive. However, I do feel like there's a more serious message behind the clever premise: power corrupts, and True Believers can be dangerous enemies.I enjoy words, and have been told before that I speak like a Dawson's Creek native (boy, howdy, knowledge of THAT show certainly dates me). So I loved the sense of fun that the Nollopians have with the written word, even before their meddling…
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
I've enjoyed June and Day's story, but the "star crossed" elements to their relationship were a bit much for me. However, I thought that the ending was very satisfying. In some respects, I think Anden was the most interesting character in this book because he had to take on the responsibilities of leadership and make tough decisions without losing his humanity.I've enjoyed June and Day's story, but the "star crossed" elements to their relationship were a bit much for me. However, I thought that the ending was very satisfying. In some respects, I think Anden was the most interesting character in this book…
Before I Go to SleepBefore I Go to Sleep, Audiobook CD
by Watson, S. J. (Steven J.)Audiobook CD - 2011 | UnabridgedAudiobook CD, 2011. Unabridged
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
I don't know if the disconnect I feel for this book came from the plot itself or the narrator of the audiobook. I'm not hugely into the "suspense with an unreliable narrator" genre, if there even is such a thing, but after a while I started becoming annoyed with Christine for being so dramatic, and then I was losing patience with her paranoia, and finally I was exasperated by her stupidity and rolling my eyes at the cliches that were flying by left and right. The narrator was very dramatic in spots and really played up Christine's confusion and paranoia. It might also have helped if I'd spaced out my listening over a longer period of time. But by listening, and doing it so quickly, it was just too overwrought.I don't know if the disconnect I feel for this book came from the plot itself or the narrator of the audiobook. I'm not hugely into the "suspense with an unreliable narrator" genre, if there even is such a thing, but after a while I started becoming…
ProdigyProdigy, BookA Legend Novel
by Lu, MarieBook - 2012Book, 2012
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Holds: 0 on 4 copies
Holds: 0 on 4 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2014
Comment:
I've read a lot of trilogies, and this was a refreshing change from most of the other second books in my experience. I felt like the world of the Republic and the Colonies became much more real, and that June and Day's struggle was more desperate. There were a few things that could have been better - for instance I could do without the "love square" that has developed since our hero and heroine each got a new potential love interest. And I must be watching too many spy vs. spy shows on television, because I felt like June and Day could have been a little more smart and wary about some of the things that they encountered. But, on the whole, I'm very pleased with this installment and I'm looking forward to the conclusion.I've read a lot of trilogies, and this was a refreshing change from most of the other second books in my experience. I felt like the world of the Republic and the Colonies became much more real, and that June and Day's struggle was more desperate.…
Ex LibrisEx Libris, BookConfessions of A Common Reader
by Fadiman, AnneBook - 1998 | First editionBook, 1998. First edition
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2014
Comment:
These essays are not only about some of my very favorite topics (books! reading!), but they are well written, amusing, interesting, and enlightening. Fadiman writes charmingly about blended bookshelves, the ways that we love books (I'm definitely a courtly lover, and all of those people who write in the margins are barbarians, in my opinion), sesquipedalianism, and other delightful topics. I feel like I've sat down with a friend and she's told me all sorts of stories about her reading life. And perhaps that's the best way that I can describe how I feel about this book: in writing it, Fadiman has made me her friend.These essays are not only about some of my very favorite topics (books! reading!), but they are well written, amusing, interesting, and enlightening. Fadiman writes charmingly about blended bookshelves, the ways that we love books (I'm definitely a…
LegendLegend, Book
by Lu, MarieBook - 2011Book, 2011
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Legend, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 7 copies
Holds: 1 on 7 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2014
Comment:
I find this version of dystopia to be very chilling: a totalitarian regime, rigid class structure, a person's entire future determined by a test at 10 years old. I liked the writing, lots of action and enough of a mystery to keep the reader hooked as the story unfolds. I loved that June and Day are two sides to the same coin, both whip-smart and daring. The villains are good too - there's nothing more frightening than a True Believer. I'm eager to continue with the series.I find this version of dystopia to be very chilling: a totalitarian regime, rigid class structure, a person's entire future determined by a test at 10 years old. I liked the writing, lots of action and enough of a mystery to keep the reader hooked…
The Rosie ProjectThe Rosie Project, BookA Novel
by Simsion, Graeme C.Book - 2013 | First Simon & Schuster hardcover editionBook, 2013. First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for The Rosie Project, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 5 copies
Holds: 1 on 5 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2014
Comment:
It's been a long time since I've read anything this charming and fun. I loved that Don, the narrator, saw the world in a different way, and that he was fine with how he was. It was extremely entertaining to see his rigid personality mesh and at times clash with the "normal" world, and to watch how he reacted when confronted with someone unpredictable.It's been a long time since I've read anything this charming and fun. I loved that Don, the narrator, saw the world in a different way, and that he was fine with how he was. It was extremely entertaining to see his rigid personality mesh and at…
My Beloved WorldMy Beloved World, Audiobook CD
by Sotomayor, SoniaAudiobook CD - 2013Audiobook CD, 2013
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2014
Comment:
What an amazing lady! Justice Sotomayor has overcome so much (language barrier, class struggles, racism and sexism) and done it with a humility that is awe inspiring. Her self-discipline, work ethic, and ability to reason her way through a problem, even from a young age, is astounding. Further, Sotomayor took the long view of her life and career, and always challenged herself to improve. I've truly relished this chance to learn about Justice Sotomayor. She's a wonderful role modelWhat an amazing lady! Justice Sotomayor has overcome so much (language barrier, class struggles, racism and sexism) and done it with a humility that is awe inspiring. Her self-discipline, work ethic, and ability to reason her way through a problem,…
The Maze RunnerThe Maze Runner, Book
by Dashner, JamesBook - 2009 | First editionBook, 2009. First edition
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Holds: 12 on 5 copies
Holds: 12 on 5 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2014
Comment:
I thought the premise was interesting, but the "mystery" of the maze and its purpose seemed overdone and got to be annoying. The plot was a bit predictable and simplistic at times - I saw some of the "big" revelations and developments from a mile away. I liked Thomas, Teresa, and the boys, but I don't feel like I got fully invested in them. Nevertheless, it's enjoyable enough that I'll keep going.I thought the premise was interesting, but the "mystery" of the maze and its purpose seemed overdone and got to be annoying. The plot was a bit predictable and simplistic at times - I saw some of the "big" revelations and developments from a mile…
The Clothes They Stood up inThe Clothes They Stood up in, Unknown
by Bennett, AlanUnknown - 2001 | 1st edUnknown, 2001. 1st ed
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2014
Comment:
A strange little novella, funny in its own way. It brings up some interesting questions about how identity is shaped by one's possessions. I found myself looking around at my stuff and wondering what do I really need to be happy? And what would I miss if it all suddenly disappeared?A strange little novella, funny in its own way. It brings up some interesting questions about how identity is shaped by one's possessions. I found myself looking around at my stuff and wondering what do I really need to be happy? And what would I…
Cloud AtlasCloud Atlas, BookA Novel
by Mitchell, David (David Stephen)Book - 2004 | 1st U.S. edBook, 2004. 1st U.S. ed
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2014
Comment:
I think I may have psyched myself out about this one. I was told that it was challenging, high-brow literature, and so I pre-judged that I wouldn't "get" it. I'm glad I gave it the college try, though, because I think these nested and entwined stories are very good. A few of them took some time for me to find the rhythm, but it wasn't insurmountably difficult. I enjoyed the differences in tone and writing style among the six stories. And I liked most of the main characters, especially Luisa Rey and Sonmi-451 (I would have appreciated a whole book about either of these women, and I think Sonmi-451's story was particularly chilling and profound). Ultimately, I enjoyed the unusual structure and style, and I appreciate the message that an individual's struggle against cruelty and oppression may not seem like much (and may feel practically pointless), but that many drops make an ocean.I think I may have psyched myself out about this one. I was told that it was challenging, high-brow literature, and so I pre-judged that I wouldn't "get" it. I'm glad I gave it the college try, though, because I think these nested and entwined…
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2014
Comment:
Sweet book with a nice message about the need for kindness and understanding in the world. I liked that we got to see events from different points of view, not just August. I especially liked Via and her side story.
The SwerveThe Swerve, Audiobook CD[how the World Became Modern]
by Greenblatt, StephenAudiobook CD - 2011 | UnabridgedAudiobook CD, 2011. Unabridged
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2014
Comment:
It was a little more of the history of Poggio Bracciolini, the man who found the epic poem, than of the poem itself. Still, I was interested to learn about "On the Nature of Things," and how the ideas espoused therein were viewed as dangerous by the Church. I'm still a little confused about Epicurus and his philosophy, so I'll have to do some more research on that. Once again, I'm impressed with Edoardo Ballerini's narrative abilities. He did a fantastic job making some difficult ideas understandable.It was a little more of the history of Poggio Bracciolini, the man who found the epic poem, than of the poem itself. Still, I was interested to learn about "On the Nature of Things," and how the ideas espoused therein were viewed as dangerous by the…
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2013
Comment:
As with Looking for Alaska, I found the idea of centering a plot around a guy's obsession with a "mysterious" but self-centered girl to be a little tiresome. However, I love John Green. I love the way his mind works, and his use of language. I liked his ideas about how we often look at other people and project ourselves and our motivations onto them, seeing our idea of the person instead of the real person. I really liked the way that everything was resolved. The ending made the whole book worth it.As with Looking for Alaska, I found the idea of centering a plot around a guy's obsession with a "mysterious" but self-centered girl to be a little tiresome. However, I love John Green. I love the way his mind works, and his use of language. I liked…
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2013
Comment:
I loved the writing. I loved the premise. I loved A's personality and philosophy, and the way A reacted to things. I loved the romance, and how A tried to make something constant in a life that was nothing but change. It made me think about personality: how much of my personality is due to my gender and body and brain chemistry? How much is because of the particular place where I live, my history, the people I interact with? How much of all that goes into "me?" Big question.I loved the writing. I loved the premise. I loved A's personality and philosophy, and the way A reacted to things. I loved the romance, and how A tried to make something constant in a life that was nothing but change. It made me think about…
Rose Under FireRose Under Fire, Book
by Wein, ElizabethBook - 2013 | First editionBook, 2013. First edition
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2013
Comment:
As someone who likes reading about history, there are a number of reasons why I'll pick up a book: a cool setting, or an interesting event, or learning about someone's life. I picked up this book for a different reason altogether, one that Wein seems to understand - bearing witness. Some things are just so horrible, so unimaginable, that they have to be told, in the hope that they won't happen again. Bearing witness was important to Rose, and she kept fighting so that she could tell the story of the Rabbits who were experimented upon in Ravensbrück. At the other end of that pact is someone who listens to the story and acknowledges that it was real, thereby hopefully lightening the load of the storyteller. This isn't really a book to be enjoyed, but, I am acknowledging that while the names are made up, the story itself isn't, not really. It needs to be told, and it needs to be heard.As someone who likes reading about history, there are a number of reasons why I'll pick up a book: a cool setting, or an interesting event, or learning about someone's life. I picked up this book for a different reason altogether, one that Wein…
Beautiful RuinsBeautiful Ruins, Audiobook CD
by Walter, JessAudiobook CD - 2012 | UnabridgedAudiobook CD, 2012. Unabridged
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Dec 09, 2013
Comment:
I really enjoyed Walter's writing; he does a very good job with characterization, making each voice distinct and real. I felt a little lost by the broken narration, and the constant switching among times. I liked how the puzzle fit together in the end, but keeping up with the relationships between characters and straightening out their timelines was a bit challenging. Edoardo Ballerini's narration is top notch, and I'm glad that I got to experience the book this way.I really enjoyed Walter's writing; he does a very good job with characterization, making each voice distinct and real. I felt a little lost by the broken narration, and the constant switching among times. I liked how the puzzle fit together in the…
ArabellaArabella, Book
by Heyer, GeorgetteBook - 2009Book, 2009
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Arabella, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Nov 30, 2013
Comment:
I've gotten used to the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am of modern storytelling where plot developments unfold at a breakneck speed, so this book seemed a little slow to develop, and Heyer seemed only too happy to prove her historical research by putting in every. last. tidbit. However, I was looking for a light and diverting romance, and that's exactly what Heyer delivered. Arabella was a charming and winsome heroine, very appealing in her penchant for rushing to help the troubled; and Mr. Beaumaris is an amusing chap who plays at reluctance in helping Arabella's strays, but nevertheless does the right thing.I've gotten used to the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am of modern storytelling where plot developments unfold at a breakneck speed, so this book seemed a little slow to develop, and Heyer seemed only too happy to prove her historical research by putting in…
Destiny of the RepublicDestiny of the Republic, Audiobook CDA Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of A President
by Millard, CandiceAudiobook CD - 2011 | UnabridgedAudiobook CD, 2011. Unabridged
hmcgivney's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2013
Comment:
I wasn't too wild to read this book at first, but it was recommended by a friend, and I really enjoyed Millard's River of Doubt. I'm so glad I gave it a shot. What a story! James A. Garfield was born into poverty and lost his father as a toddler. His widowed mother and older brother worked their keisters off so that James would have a chance at an education. He took to it, and pretty much everything else he tried: teaching, leading troops in the Civil War, Congress. He was literally drafted to be his party's candidate for President (such humility, such character!). Stalked by a delusional madman, Garfield was shot, but not killed, by the bullet. No, he was killed by the doctors who didn't know any better than to stick an unwashed finger into the wound while he still lay on the train platform! Poor Garfield suffered infection and blood poisoning because stupid Dr. Bliss introduced new bacteria into the wound every day by stubbornly probing for the bullet where he expected it to be; however, the bullet zigged instead of zagged, and was nowhere near where Bliss expected it to be. The hubris of the man was maddening. The side story of Alexander Graham Bell inventing a metal detector to try to find the bullet was very interesting. And I actually got a little teary near the end when Garfield was plainly succumbing to his infection and wanted to be at the sea shore. They built a special track to get him there (2000 men working in one hurried night), and when the train couldn't climb the final hill, the people who had gathered along the route to pay their respects helped to push the train the last little way. It's hard to imagine anything like that amount of public good will and cooperation happening today.I wasn't too wild to read this book at first, but it was recommended by a friend, and I really enjoyed Millard's River of Doubt. I'm so glad I gave it a shot. What a story! James A. Garfield was born into poverty and lost his father as a toddler.…
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