Chloe Miller Hansen

Memoirs of a Geisha

A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel tells with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it. In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.

I didn't particularly like this book, it was pretty slow for me, and beyond that it was kinda disturbing. But it was their way of life back then so I really can't say anything against it.

Been There, Done That

Kathy isn't enjoying her promotion to "education features" writer at the pretentious regional magazine where her career is currently stalling. Her 11-year relationship with her college sweetheart has ended and rather than re-enter the dating scene, Kathy plans to avoid dating altogether. While denial is a powerful weapon, Kathy can't say no when her ex-boyfriend Tim, now an online newsmagazine journalist, calls with a juicy lead on a scandalous story and asks for her help. Even at 32, Kathy still looks quite young for her age, so Tim sends her undercover as a freshman at a nearby private college.
Escaping from her life and having a second chance at being a freshman doesn't seem so bad at first. She's armed with some investigative advice, a plastic milk crate of belongings and a synthetic fiber comforter for her dorm room twin bed. While Kathy diligently spends seven weeks befriending the girls and guys on her dorm floor, she's searching for any clues to confirm the rumors of a prostitution ring on campus that Tim's source has revealed. College life has changed quite a bit even in the 10 years since Kathy graduated, but the depressed roommate, bad cafeteria food, boring classes and sexy Resident Advisor seem to be staples of the freshman year experience. As her deadline looms, Kathy is desperate to sniff out her story, although the lies she has told and what she eventually uncovers instead may have serious consequences.
Carol Snow dares to explore some "what ifs" of college life in a novel full of zany adventures, reflecting the wisdom of an adult revisiting the past and trying not to make the same mistakes. The author's subtle digs at ethics in journalism are right on target for her character's development, but this story has plenty of surprises. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT is insightful and fun, with a hint of mystery and romance.

I actually liked this book. It was very funny and had a well written story-line. It was one of those books that you got mad at the characture because she was so real and made the same mistakes you would make if you were in her position. I highly recommend it to everyone who would read something like this.

posted by EoLhC @ 7:43 AM