egghead23's Customer Reviews

egghead23 gave 5 stars to: Mudbound

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:11:57 GMT

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Spellbound, December 31, 2009

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My first thought is that this would be an excellent book club book. I couldn't put this book down and actually stayed up until the wee small hours to finish it. The novel is full of memorable, relatable characters, told in the richest (and still highly accessible) prose.

Jordan spins the story in several voices about a year on a Mississippi Delta cotton farm. The novel begins with a death of an old man, and the narrator alludes to the fact that he did not die of natural causes. That mystery kept me turning the pages from the first. And the tale of how the man came to his fate is one of the most compelling I have read in a long time.

The characters were wonderfully drawn. There is Laura, the city wife brought by circumstance and a landsick husband to a filthy farmhouse and a hard way of life. She has to care for two small children while dealing with her dark-hearted father-in-law. She develops feelings for Jamie, the brother-in-law who comes home from World War II to live with them. He's broken on the inside, but a lovable character as well. The family interacts with the sharecroppers on their land, whose own son is a decorated WWII veteran struggling to return to the realities of life in post-war Mississippi while helping his family bring in their crop. All of these narratives weave a stark but realistic view of the Jim Crow South.

This book had me breathless at times. It is a tale of love, loyalty, and tragedy. I read many good books this year. Mudbound was one of the best.

egghead23 gave 4 stars to: Lessons That Change Writers Electronic Binder

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 23:03:06 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Lessons That Change Writers Electronic Binder by Nancie Atwell

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Great, November 5, 2009

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This disc has everything the three-ring binder has, but on a disc. Converts the lessons into powerpoint presentations as well. My only "minus" is the packaging. Comes in a thin paper sleeve that makes it hard to keep track of on the shelf.

In the classroom though, it works great.

egghead23 gave 3 stars to: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle)

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:39:32 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle) by Mary Ann Shaffer

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Sugary, July 5, 2009

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Cute, and I mean that almost to a fault. Kind of took serious subject matter (the deprivation of war, life in concentration camps, etc.) and baked it with enough sugar to make it palatable for those who might not otherwise like to read about such things. I could totally see this as a movie though, most likely starring Brenda Blethyn and a cast of plucky Brits. Hillary Swank or Gwyneth Paltrow could lend the film a marquee name as the lead, a London journalist named Juliet. The whole story is told as a series of letters, which I wasn't too keen on, personally. I probably would have liked it more, felt more attachment to the characters, had it been told in more straight-forward prose.

egghead23 gave 2 stars to: Tallgrass

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:36:47 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Should be marketed as Young Adult Fiction, July 5, 2009

I was really excited to read this one because of the subject matter: a town in Colorado is affected by the Japanese internment camp outside its borders during WWII, but overall I found the novel disappointing. My main problem with the novel was the narrator. It tells the story from the perspective of a thirteen-year-old girl, which I found to be a bit of an annoying rip-off of To Kill A Mockingbird. There's even a scene where a lynch-mob-type crowd is dispersed when a plucky character calls out individuals' names. It's full of stereotypes and caricatures more than real or memorable characters.

I thought the book was more young adult fiction than anything else. As an adult reader, I found both the language and the narrator's perspective too immature.

egghead23 gave 5 stars to: Brooklyn

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 22:29:49 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Brooklyn: A Novel by Colm Toibin

Wonderful Book, July 4, 2009

So far, this is the best book I have read this year. The beautiful prose takes you into the mind of a young Irish girl who imigrates to Brooklyn in the 1950's so that you almost feel like you are Eilis herself. You could say that it's a small book in its focus, and by that I mean that the story involves the way Eilis makes her way and finds herself in Brooklyn, but on a larger scale the book looks at what the definitions of home and identity are. Even though the action is quiet and personal, the book had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. I feel like I will be thinking of Eilis and Brooklyn for a long time to come.

egghead23 gave 1 star to: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage)

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:26:11 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage) by Stieg Larsson

51 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

Disturbing waste of time, May 13, 2009

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Tedious, cliche-ridden and devoid of likable characters, I only finished this one because it's my book club's choice for this month. Contains graphic sex and violence, much of which has nothing to do with the mystery of the story. I saw the end coming from less than two-hundred pages in (though albeit, I thought the killer had a different motive), and I wish I had followed my gut instinct and stopped reading after two graphic rape scenes (warning: devices are used for these) that turned out to have NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY!!!

The main female character has trouble reacting to situations and interacting with people. She is often described as having a blank expression, and she refuses to talk to psychologists or any authorities. She's a ward of the state and deemed "mentally incompetent," yet she functions as this amazing researcher and computer hacker. It's only in the final pages that the main male character hypothesizes that she may have Asberger's Syndrome. Oh, yeah Stieg Larrssen? That might have been a handy piece of solid info earlier on to help us know the girl and be amazed by her talents at a much earlier point in the narrative.

And that male character, ech. He's a total mimbo, sleeping with every available lady in the book, none of whom he has any kind of attachment to. The ladies find him irresistible, though I myself imagined him as a kind of heavier, older version of Stellen Skarsgard, who is like, probably Robert Redford in Sweden. Seriously. Even the chicks he doesn't bag look at him sideways like all he has to do is say the word. He is attached to one woman, an old friend who's married, and yet both of them expect their other lovers to just "understand" their bond. Maybe it's that way in Sweden, but it didn't hold much weight for me.

In all the narrative goes off in quite a few directions that are never followed through on, with long portions that really don't tie well enough into the story. Overall, a big waste of my valuable reading time.

egghead23 gave 2 stars to: The 19th Wife

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:26:10 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

The 19th Wife: A Novel by David Ebershoff

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

It was like a Lifetime movie, November 22, 2008

This was one of those books I couldn't wait to be done with, as I had to read it for my book club. The writing is just okay, nothing overly literary, and at times the narrative is so cliche, or at least doesn't feel real, like the author is stretching a limited imagination. It tells two stories in two separate narratives that the author is trying to somehow relate to one another.

One is a historical fiction about Brigham Young's 19th wife, who divorces him and sets about on a crusade to end polygamy in the late-19th Century. That part of the book I really liked. It's fairly well researched and feels authentic. The other is a modern sort of murder mystery about a 19th wife in a cult-like sect that split of from the Mormons after 1890 who is accused of killing her husband. Her estranged gay son returns to the small town and proceeds to investigate the case, and I don't want to ruin it for you, but the author would like us to believe that the mother's innocent, and her son, the hero is trying to prove it.

But I had some real problems with that part of the book. First of all, the solving of the murder comes abruptly and totally from left field. There's no building of the clues, only a bit of meandering around them. The explanation of the murder is less than a page, and the motive isn't fully believable, especially given that the climax is the first we've heard of it. Also, the confession comes after a totally contrived scene where the main character is captured and seems to be threatened, but again, it doesn't feel as real as the author had been hoping to make it.

My biggest problem was with the main character, Jordan, who as I mentioned, is gay. Why? Because I guess that would make the story more interesting? The author tells us that Jordan spent a little time selling his bod, and on more than one occasion mentions that he was paid by a dude to let him put his "arm in a place where no arm should go." Ew. Ultimately though, I didn't get the feeling that the author knew thing one about being homosexual, that he was basically working with stock stereotypes, and overusing them at that.

And then, about 2/3 through the book, Jordan meets a guy, Tom, who falls in love with Jordan and wants him to stay, make a commitment after ONE NIGHT TOGETHER,. The author tries to kind of make a case that it's hard for Jordan to do that because of how he was raised in the polygamist sect. He can't love, you see. But I felt like -- well, he did just meet the guy. Frankly, the love interest comes off more like a creepy stalker than a sincere life partner. (I pictured him as Kenneth Parcells from 30 Rock, only you know, as a creepy stalker. If they ever make a movie of this book, Jack McBrayer should totally play the character of Tom.)

But I kept turning those pages, because I wanted to find out what happened to Ann Eliza Young, Bringham's 19th wife. Sadly, I was disappointed in that there was no resolution, nor was there any more mention of the son she had left behind but lamented over on several occasions.

The worst part of the book was the last paragraph, where Jordan, Tom, their precocious ward, and even their dogs are sitting on a bed contemplating the future. One man puts his arm around the other, and Jordan imagines his mother where he had left her, and again, I don't want to ruin it for you, but the writing here was particularly cheesey. I could almost here a swell of violins in the background.

egghead23 gave 1 star to: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:00:34 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special Edition) DVD ~ Harrison Ford

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

Worst movie I've seen this year, October 21, 2008

I would have given this movie no stars if I could have. The script is awful. The action sequences lack spontaneity. The effects and backgrounds are too obviously generated by CGI. The crystal skull itself is cheesey looking, like a big plastic case filled with crumpled cellophane. Marion and Indy meet again and there's absolutely no chemistry left between them. Even the lighting and sound are amateurish. A big disappointment from Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, especially given that they had sworn off making another sequel for "the right script." THIS was the right script?? Dreck.

egghead23 gave 5 stars to: Brain Quest Workbook

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:25:11 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Brain Quest Workbook: Grade 2 by Liane Onish

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Bright, Colorful and Challenging, July 13, 2008

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All the fun of the Brain Quest card game in a colorful page-turning book. I got this one and the third-grade one for my eight-year old this summer. He's been working in it every day. The activities appear to be fun as well as challenging for him.

The book has sections for Phonics, Spelling and Vocabulary, Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Cursive, Math Skills, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Fractions, Shapes and Measurement, Time and Money, Social Studies, and Science.

Answer Key is in the back, and there are also "extras," like a colorful map of the US, cut-out Q&A game cards and motivational stickers.

egghead23 gave 3 stars to: Away

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 18:27:41 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Away: A Novel by Amy Bloom

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Moving, for the first 100 pages..., July 3, 2008

I really liked this book at first. The writing was ethereal and fluid, pulling me in and carrying me through Lillian's story. I liked her character, and the characters around her in the first part of the book, where she is a broken hearted immigrant in NYC. Then she finds out that her daughter, whom she thought was dead, may still be alive in Russia. She takes a trek across the United States, heading for the Bering Straight with hopes of crossing to Siberia. Other reviewers have complained that its a ridiculous premise, but I didn't think so. I felt her pain for her daughter and believed she would be determined enough to make the trip.

But after she leaves NY, the book falls apart. She meets all of these characters, and the book is filled with graphic and gratuitous sex scenes that seem unnecessary as part of that narrative that had drawn me in. And in the end, this plucky determined character that I couldn't wait to get back to read about every day ends up going in a different direction than the one I got sucked into. Perhaps Bloom is trying to tell us that it's the journey that matters, but as a reader the climax of the novel left me feeling unsatisfied.

egghead23 gave 3 stars to: SCORE! Mountain Challenge Math Workbook, Grade 2 (Ages 7-8)

Thu, 1 May 2008 19:33:04 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

SCORE! Mountain Challenge Math Workbook, Grade 2 (Ages 7-8) by Kaplan

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Good, May 1, 2008

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My second-grade son enjoyed working through this book. It helped him learn multiplication. His only complaint was that the answers are printed on many of the work pages. He wished they were in a separate section in the back. He did finish the book though, and for several weeks, he worked happily in it whenever he had the chance.

egghead23 gave 3 stars to: Alvin and the Chipmunks

Thu, 1 May 2008 19:28:27 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Alvin and the Chipmunks DVD ~ Jason Lee

It has its moments, May 1, 2008

The kids liked it a lot, but I thought it was on par with Garfield: The Movie. The songs are a little grating, plus I found myself with the Christmas one stuck in my head all night. The kids, though, really liked it. Lots of laughs and they watched it several days in a row.

egghead23 gave 3 stars to: Child's First Remote Control Car

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:19:13 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Child's First Remote Control Car by Chicco

Good, but high maintenance, April 9, 2008

Durability: Fun: Educational:

This little car is peppy and lots of fun, easy for a two-two-year-old to handle. My only complaint is that every time she wants to play with it, the thing needs new batteries. If the car is not stored with its switch in the "off" position, it dies.

egghead23 gave 4 stars to: Fisher-Price My First Dollhouse

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 23:44:41 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Fisher-Price My First Dollhouse by Fisher Price

Good "Starter" House, March 8, 2008

Durability: Fun: Educational:

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My daughter loves this house. She has had it for several months and still plays with it every day. It is, by far, her favorite toy. It's strong and sturdy, is easily moved, and it doesn't take up much space at all.

I do have a few minor problems with it though:

First of all, we bought all of the furniture accessories that go with the house, some of which was kind of cheesey to sell separately. I mean, the house doesn't come with a bed or a crib for the baby. But whatever, we knew that going in, so we shelled out for the extra furniture. However, as one other reviewer mentioned, the extra pieces don't really all fit in the house too well. That was really disappointing. If the house was just a centimeter wider, I think the extra furniture would work a lot better.

Secondly, the furniture is kind of straight and slippery, so the dolls fall off the kitchen and rocking chairs a little too easily. Not a big deal, but it can be frustrating for a two-year-old. This could probably be fixed if the seats were a little longer, or perhaps angled at something less than ninety degrees.

Finally, as this toy is marketed to younger children, I feel the need to mention that the paint comes off the dolls pretty easily. If your child still tends to put things in her mouth, as mine does, you might want to consider that when you make your purchase.

egghead23 gave 5 stars to:

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:34:21 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Another infectious collection, February 12, 2008

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TMBG have done it again. My kids were obsessed with Here Come the ABCs, so we got this one as soon as it came out. We've had this DVD less than a week, and my kids are already singing the songs all around the house. The five-year-old especially loves "Triops Has Three Eyes", and the seven-year-old can't wait to watch it again when he gets home from school each day.

This collection, like Here Comes the ABCs is more for school-age kids than babies. It reminds me a lot of the Schoolhouse Rock songs of my own youth, songs that stick in your head and make learning fun!

egghead23 gave 4 stars to: Mattel Hot Wheels Flip N Go Spin City Playset

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:43:15 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Mattel Hot Wheels Flip N Go Spin City Playset by Mattel

Fun, December 26, 2007

Durability: Fun: Educational:

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My boys, ages 4 and 7 love this toy. The younger one got it for Christmas, but the older one, who isn't even that into cars, has been playing with it as well. They love making the cars go around and around. The part that moves up and down is a little delicate. Sometimes the boys bring the lift down too far, and then they have trouble getting it to go back again. They have managed to re-secure it so far, just by twisting the center pole in farther. Overall, they are having a ton of fun with it.

On a separate note, it is kind of big, and doesn't fold up easily. Not sure how easy it will be to store it after the holidays...

FOLLOW-UP - Does not store easily.

egghead23 gave 2 stars to: O Mop Wood Floor Kit

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:05:45 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

O Mop Wood Floor Kit by Method

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

Not the best method, December 22, 2007

I like Method products a lot, but this one isn't that great at cleaning. The other reviewers have complained about the microfiber cloth coming off. I found this isn't a problem, as long as I use plenty of the liquid. My biggest problem is that it doesn't really clean too well. I have kids, so occasionally I come across a sticky spot on the floor, and it takes a lot of elbow grease with this mop to get even the smallest spot clean. I use this system more as a polish than a cleaner. If you don't mind the extra step, it gives a nice shine on wood floors.

egghead23 gave 5 stars to: Leapster Kids Carry-It-All Backpack

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:06:58 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Leapster Kids Carry-It-All Backpack: Blue & Grey by LeapFrog

Sturdy and strong, October 31, 2007

Durability: Fun: Educational:

This is a great backpack for keeping all your Leapster gear together. It's surprisingly roomy. Holds both my sons' Leapster systems as well as a dozen or so games and the cords for the L-Max. We have given this backpack a workout with much travel in the last year, and so far it shows no sign of wear. Also provides a nice compact place to store everything. It just hangs right on their bedroom door.

egghead23 gave 5 stars to: Welcome To Blue's Clues (A Lift-the-Flap Book)

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:26:34 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Welcome To Blue's Clues (A Lift-the-Flap Book) by Angela C. Santomero

Here are a few clues to help you decide, October 30, 2007

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I took this book through three kids before the flaps got ripped out. I know a lot of reviewers have complained about "flimsy flaps" but I don't think it's fair to blame the book because a toddler ripped it. All I can tell you from my many years of experience with toddlers and board books is that rips are going to happen no matter what the flaps are made of.

That said, this is a really fun book. It has lots and lots of flaps, as well as a plethora of objects and characters for your toddler to identify. If anyone in your house is a fan of the original show, you'll be thrilled to see all of your favorite friends represented here. In addition to identification opportunities, there's also a story that takes you through a clue finding experience, as you and Steve try to figure out where Blue wants to go today.

My kids have loved this book. My two-year-old is currently obsessed with it. We read it like ten times a day.

egghead23 gave 1 star to: Corolle Mon Premier Nursery Doctor Set

Sat, 6 Oct 2007 12:51:46 GMT

egghead23 reviewed:

Corolle Mon Premier Nursery Doctor Set by Corolle

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

There are better sets out there, October 6, 2007

Durability: Fun: Educational:

My in-laws gave this to my 2-yr old daughter. The stethoscope made a lot of noise, often going off for no reason with the sound of a baby, rather than a beating heart, which I probably wouldn't have minded as much. I put that part of it away from the set early. But what bothered me most about this set was that the paint comes off of it. My daughter often put the little bottle in her own mouth, as well as the thermometer, and I noticed within a very short period of time that the paint was coming off.

There are lots of doctor sets out there. This is definitely not one of the better ones to choose.