Review -- The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The Magicians
by Lev Grossman
Penguin Group, 2009
416 pages
*I borrowed this book from the library

Summary: Quentin, a depressed high school student, finds purpose when he is selected for admission into Brakebills, a college for magicians.

Review: I read somewhere that this book is described as "Harry Potter for adults". Our hero, Quentin, is no Harry Potter. He is flawed and is darker than Harry, but that makes Quentin real and more intriguing. The world that Lev Grossman paints is a vivid one cloaked in darkness. I couldn't distinguish between the good and bad characters because each had moments of terribleness and of brilliance. The plot is fascinating in the beginning as Quentin begins his magical journey, but I lost interest at times when he stumbles as a young adult trying to find happiness. However, I am glad I kept reading because the ending of this book (specifically their adventures in another dimension) were fantastic. Rating: ***1/2 out of 5

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 5/3

I had a fantastic weekend for reading. I was able to finish The Magicians by Lev Grossman (review to come), read half of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (very sad but loving this book), and even read Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin by Kathy Griffin (review to come). I even finished my review of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I just hope that I can keep the momentum going!

What are you reading? (This meme is hosted by Book Journey).

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 4/26

Last week was not a good week for me. I continue to work my way through The Magicians by Lev Grossman. The book hit somewhat of a lull in the plot during the week making it hard to finish. But last night at bedtime, the action picked up and I didn't want to put it down. I am hoping to finish it tonight. Today at lunch I am planning on starting one of my mom's favorite books, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This is our book club pick for May and I am very excited to read it! Lastly, I had to return Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian to the library and was unable to finish in time. I really need to stop watching episodes of Modern Family and Glee on hulu and read more!

What are you reading? (This meme is hosted by Book Journey.)

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 4/19

Happy Monday!!!!

Currently Reading: The Magicians by Lev Grossman (really good, at a very sad part) and Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian (started off well, in a slow spot)

Read / Reviewed Last Week: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (great book club discussion regarding this novel)

What are you reading? (This meme is hosted by Book Journey)

Friday Finds -- 8/14

This meme is hosted over at Should Be Reading.

This week my find comes from Entertainment Weekly. It is The Magicians by Lev Grossman. Here is the Barnes and Noble description:

At once psychologically piercing and magnificently absorbing, The Magicians boldly moves into uncharted literary territory, imagining magic as practiced by real people, with their capricious desires and volatile emotions. Lev Grossman creates an utterly original world in which good and evil aren't black and white, love and sex aren't simple or innocent, and power comes at a terrible price.

Sounds utterly fantastic, doesn't it?