Book Review: Cleavage )(

Now, now this book isn't what you think it is...that is, if you're thinking with a dirty mind. This short novel, by Canadian author Theanna Bischoff, is a compilation of tidbits of a woman's life before, during and after dealing with breast cancer. The story takes place in Calgary, Alberta. It's about her relationships with her family, friends, significant others as well as her semi-developing spiritual relationship.

Although it was a decent read, I don't think it was one of my favourites. The tidbits are very disjointed, that sometimes you have to wonder about the relevance of certain parts at all - since they're so random, and don't necessarily tie into the story or contribute to it. You're going all ways too, that sometimes I wonder if a particular event is before or after another - which makes a huge difference in some instances.

Also the author didn't 'end' it. She left it at an ending that you could interpret as you pleased. Sometimes this is okay, but there's an additional segment of the book where she explains that she just didn't know what people would want, so she left it as it (although she also says in her shorter, pre-novel, version she did end it). But anyways, I like endings. Whether it's an ending I agree with or not, I don't like 'not knowing'. And, I think the author might have been too scared to make such a decision since it is her first novel.

I give this book 2.5 out of 5

I would recommend this read still. Not just to women, but both men and women. Being that breast cancer is so evident in our society now, even in men. It isn't a 'heroic' perspective. It is of a girl, who develops breast cancer and learns new way to deal with life's challenges.

Book Review: Come, Thou Tortoise

I have just recently become the proud owner of an Orillian library card. Geeky, maybe. But being a poor student, this now means that I can read new books, instead of rereading the ones I have for a zillionth time.

Anyways, I wandered throughout my maiden voyage to the library. And of course I had to take a peak at the 'new books' wall. I won't deny that I'm some who does judge a book by its cover. Bad, I know. But it's the first thing that draws me in. That being said, if I know the author, or have heard great things about a book, I will still pick it up regardless of the cover.

Come, Thou Tortoise was a cover that caught my eye in an instant. Even better, it is by Canadian author Jessica Grant.

My first word to describe this book is, odd. But it's a good odd. It doesn't have any punctuation for speech in it (I'm talking about these bad boys: " and "), but you get used to the style quite easily. It's a nice summer read too - very light.

It is about a young women, Audrey - also known as Oddly - which already tells you that this book will indeed be odd. She has a pet tortoise Winnifred, who she must leave with friends as she attends to her comatose father back in Canada. The story takes the perspective of both Audrey and of Winnifred; I was a particular fan of Winnifred's thoughts (especially when she gets excited about tortoises being to the exponent of 60 - I can't tell you more than that). Audrey has a special take on life, and it's just a refreshing to view it through both Audrey's and Winnifred's eyes (mostly Winnifred's to me).

What I love most is that it isn't 'in-your-face' funny. It's very subtle, like what is occurring is an everyday thing.

I give it 4 adorable tortoises out of 5. It was a great book, but I was able to put it down and proceed with other life tasks. (A 5-book is one which literally consumes me).


This is my first book review, and there's so much that I want to say, but I know that I can't since you have to read it for yourself, and I would hate to spoil anything.