Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale

How did I come into possession of this book?
I think I picked up this book at a thrift store in Tahoe.  I figured I should read some of the classic dystopian books, since it is one of my favorite genres.  I've also been given a couple other of Margaret Atwood's more recent books, so I guess I should start with her best known novel.

What is it about?
It takes place in a future after many things have gone wrong with the government.  It takes a while to actually figure out how the world is and how they got to where they are.  It is a society where women have a much different place in the world, a much lesser place.  The story follows one handmaid and how she fits into this society.  There start to be flashbacks of her life before the world changed and you can fit the puzzle together a little to see how she got to where she is now

What did I think?
I really enjoyed the way you don't know how the society works off the bat.  Details are revealed here and there and the flashbacks help with that.  A lot of the book is learning how the world is now functioning which can lead to some slower reading, but still held my attention.  I wasn't a big fan of the main character, she just seemed so passive to everything going on in her world, but I guess that's a product of what she has experienced.  I also wish there had been more to the ending, but I'll try not to get too spoiler-y about it.

Who would I recommend it to?
Anyone who enjoys a good dystopian novel or anyone who just enjoys good literature.  It is very well written and doesn't get to far out as far as some dystopian novels will.  So it's a good book for pretty much any reader, if you like books you should probably read this one.  It would also be a great book to discuss, so if you enjoy that sort of thing, this is a good book to read.

Sidenote: My copy of the book is pretty old, but it said that it was now a major motion picture.  Has anyone seen this movie? Is it any good? I had no idea it existed!

New Year of Reading

One of the downsides of taking a temporary assignment was that I couldn't bring all my stuff with me.  This meant leaving behind a bunch of books.  I have a book problem, I will go to a used book store (or free book exchange!), or even an awesome local book shop and walk out with an arm full of books.  I also get books passed onto me by my mom and other literary obsessed friends.  I can't read books as fast as I acquire them, which meant I had a great collection of "to-read" books back in California.  This comprised most of my book collection since I rarely hold onto book after I read them (unless they are a favorite or signed or something). I like to pass them on to someone who will like them, sell them back to a used book store to get credit to buy more books (!), or just donate them to a free books exchange/local thrift store.

Of all those books I only brought about 15-20 with me, thinking I would still be acquiring books at a fast rate and if I take a trip home I can always get some of those books I left there.  I also got a library card at the Lexington public library (which is a very nice library).  I'll keep a to-read list here with all the books I currently have and add to it the more books I acquire, along with links to the books I review.  Hopefully that will also remind me which books I've read and should review.  I think I'll make a goal of reading 50 books this year, about 4.17 books per month, and yes that will include audio books (since I drive 30 minutes to work everyday and sometimes have mindless tasks at work).



Yay, reading!



I also got a fantastic little journal as a late xmas present from my wonderful mama!  Its a cute little readers journal where I can keep track of all the books I read and I love it!



Isn't my mom great?



USA domination!



I know there are lots of people out there who could care less about soccer, let alone women's soccer.  But, like I've said before you are really missing out. 

The USA Women's National team (USWNT) recently won the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in a very dominating fashion.  One of the reasons this was such a big deal was that during this same tournament for wold cup qualifying a year ago the US team failed to automatically qualify for the first time ever.  After such a strong performance in the world cup hopes were high that they could automatically qualify and make a run for first place in the tournament.

They went one step above, outscoring their opponents 38-0 over five games.  And winning the final (which should've been the most competitive game) 4-0 against a good Canada team with a full stadium of Canadian fans supporting them.  Not only were the goals flowing but the USWNT also kept the ball out of their own net, even after losing one of their best defenders.

Wambach and Morgan each had 2 goals in the final

Ali Kreiger got injured on a dirty tackle during the first game. The result is a torn ACL and partially torn MCL. She will be out for the Olympics leaving a hole in the defense.  The coach of the women's team, Pia Sundhage, tried some different combinations back there and hopefully someone will step up to help fill that hole.  It will take a little more development and the back line playing together a little more, but I like our chances of having a solid back line come London.
As I'm sure I've said before, this team is so much fun to watch and when they play this summer I encourage you to at least tune into at least one of their games.  They are doing great things for the sport and being great role models for female athletes young and old.  I can't wait to see what this team has in store for us in London!