east

East of the Sun: A Novel
$16.00
There's something rather intriguing about a group of women who know they need something, but have trouble realizing what it is. From Rose, who is pretty and sweet and pretty much an empty-headed doll to her best friend for ages Tor, the opposite of Rose in everything from looks to personality, but equally uncertain how to map out her future. Then of course there's Viva, who lies about her age, her experience, her purpose for wanting to go to India. With all the bad karma these three ladies are toting its no wonder things begin to unravel.

There's a lot to be said here for absentee parenting. Rose's mom had the most involvement (but that's not saying much) and Guy's parents were just...it should be criminal. Then again Viva really was too eager and didn't ask the right questions at her interviews at all. In that she showed her naivety and I think in some ways that's why she was chosen to 'chaperon' Guy to India. She didn't ask so they had deniability after all if anything went wrong.

For anyone not overly familiar with British occupied India of the late 1920's you will learn quite a bit. What we learn of India is seen through British eyes of course--Viva possibly being the most sympathetic of the three (having lived there during her childhood), but is still fascinating. My experiences with colonial India have been limited to one young adult novel and a bollywood movie called Lagaan, but neither gave me a real feeling of what it was like. Especially not for an officer's wife and family. Rose is perhaps lucky in that she makes the best of things, it doesn't seem like her life will be as thrilling as her mother believed.

Throughout the book I wondered if Guy could have been easily written out, if the novel would have suffered or not. He was rather repugnant and only serves to become worse and worse as the novel goes on. I think he was important however to round out the quartet--because of his actions decisions are made that would have otherwise not been and developments are forced upon Viva in particular that help her get past the ghosts of her past.

East of Eden (Two-Disc Special Edition)
$26.98
The Bottom Line:

This adaptation of the second half of Steinbeck's epic novel isn't a great piece of storytelling but it succeeds in being interesting because setting the method acting James Dean against old-school Raymond Massey (who genuinely disliked the young Dean) electrifies their scenes together, generating enough tension to keep the viewer engaged despite the less impressive secondary players and plot.

3/4

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (6 Volume Set)
$55.95
Fascinating report of finding incredible wisdom and knowledge from wise people living in this world but who are secluded from our civilization. Also giving teaching and instructions to enable everyone to perfect their lives and bring peace and harmony to the world. I cannot speak highly enough of the content of these books. If you don't believe me then read them and prove me wrong!

Hero's Song: The First Song of Eirren
$7.95
This book has a tone that is light and airy, as most fantasy books do. The author of this book is obviously a happy person who likes a happy ending. The tone of this book keeps the reader happy and not rally scared or sad at the events that take place. I like the way the author kept a character in the book that keeps the tone positive even in the most dire of situatations. ... So you see how the tone of the book can be a very positive one, and the author does very well in keeping that positive tone.
I thought this book was very well written in terms of tone. The author is one I respect and admire, and I also love this book. A fantasy reader will find its use of action and plot very intriguing, with the tone as it is. The book is one of my all time favorites and I'm sure the people who have read it will agree that, if made famous, this book will become an instant classic. ...