The Oh-Shit-The-Book-Is-Due-To-The-Library-Tomorrow-And-I-Have-300-Pages-Left Book

Title: Game of Thrones
Author: George R.R. Martin
Did I like it: It was OK
Should you read it: If you are a fantasy fanatic and need to read all the popular books, go for it.
Synopsis: In the land of the Seven Kingdoms, the King's Hand had just died and the King needs a replacement, setting off a cascade of political shtuff

I don't know if you were aware, but this book was promo'd like CRAZY.  There is a TV series about it, it was in the front of all the bookstores, on the top of everyone's list, sold out from used bookstores...  and there was a HUGE wait from the library.  I waited several months for this book.  Not even Hunger Games took that long to come. 

For all that wait and suspense, was this seriously what was supposed to be such an amazing fantasy book?  SERIOUSLY?  Its not a bad book, I'm going to read (am currently reading) the second book, but its not as good as you'd think based on the publicity.  There are too many characters introduced too fast I got them all mixed up, they are fairly clearly divided as Good and Evil, and I didn't feel like the book was a well rounded story.  Where was the beginning middle and end??  

Also, when I was about halfway through the book I got a notice from the library that it was due in 2 days and I couldn't renew it because it was so highly requested.  And thus began 2 days and 2 nights of nearly non-stop reading.  It was due yesterday and I returned it this morning before the library opened.  I win!

Oh, and should you read it?  Like I said above, basically if you feel the need to read it because you've been hearing about it left and right, give it a try.  Otherwise, leave this one on the shelf.

Calming

Title: The Pillars of the Earth
Author: Ken Follett
Did I like it: Yes!
Should you read it: It wasn't fast but it was fulfilling.
Synopsis: Many lives are lived as a cathedral is built in the 1100's in England.

I loved this book.  It really captured me, and I felt very involved in the lives of all the characters.  I also felt that most of the characters really had depth and were well rounded people, not just text on the page.  

The premise might sound sort of cliche, you know, pick some event and describe how several people's lives intertwine around the event, bla bla bla... And yeah, thats been done, but Follett really does it well.  This felt like reading a slice of life, and I had a short but very effective history lesson in the process!

This book might frustrate newer readers because it does move along at a steady but sedate pace.  I would suggest it for anyone who loves to curl up with a good book (especially now that its cooling down outside, this is the perfect curl-up-in-bed-with-fuzzy-socks-thick-blanket-and-steaming-mug-of-hot-chocolate book.  The best part is that its huge so it really puts off that awful 'damn the book is over' feeling!)