Stephen King's 'IT,' Eerily Creepy and Scary

First King Book Payed Off By the Page

By Amir Ali Said

After reading my first Stephen King book, a lot of my pre-conceived notions were assured. I've arrived at the conclusion that IT alone is scarier than two film adaptations based on King's Books. I saw Christine and The Shining. Those are two scary films that were undone by only two or three chapters of reading It. The book is written in a style that is much scarier than an adaptation on the big screen. Instead of seeing a film, I'm imagining events through writing.

IT is the story of a clown. A clown who terrorizes kids of all ages. He does his job very well. His techniques originate from using simple blue or orange balloons to engage his prey. This clown isn't ordinary, he disguises himself in order to hunt and pounce on his victims. The clown appeared in small-towns. Where would a mysterious eery creepy scary clown like this reside? The sewer of course. The place where nobody would look, the place where the deaths would be quiet. His name was, Bob Gray, or should I say, Pennywise The Dancing Clown...

From the moment you enter the story misdirection takes a strong hold of you. Not knowing what you're getting into with IT early horror soon leads you to mind shifting. Reading a book of its stature requires preparation. You must be prepared to read some of the most scary horror you have ever read in black ink. When I began reading IT I wasn't prepared. The only thing I knew of the book was that Stephen King wrote it, and it would be outrageous. Little did I know how detailed the events would be.

I couldn't explain how or why this book's storyline is so scary. In fact, I couldn't tell you why I didn't see this coming. Watching film adaptations of King's writings are no where near reading one of his books. I'm certain that belief will only get stronger as I read more of Stephen King's books. I would like to compare each Stephen King adaptation to its respective book. King's writing is similar to Charles Dickens, except King is writing horror stories. But both writers use a lot of intricate details to get their stories across. Therein lies why I like IT so far. Nonetheless, IT should be on everybody's reading list.

Reading Spanish Classic, 'Don Quixote'

Storyline Twist and Classic Book, Set For Good Read

By Amir Ali Said

Yesterday, I began reading Don Quixote. I'd never heard of this book until the end of Literary Club with Laurie. There was a number of books she told me about, but Don Quixote was always at the forefront. This book stuck with me and resonated just about every time I thought about literature. At least two or three times I planned to purchase the book and begin reading. However, I forgot each time. Too my surprise, I took a look at Pop and I's book shelf and noticed Don Quixote was right there. I took the pick and immediately started reading. Here's a brief breakdown of the story.

Don Quixote is truly a very interesting "superhero" tale. Don Quixote is about a middle aged man, about 50 years old, who decides to set out a few expeditions. The catch is, he's got a sword and a lance and he's out to help and defend the helpless at all costs. Okay, let me backtrack, a 50 year old "superhero?" Now that's a major twist. Going into reading Don Quixote I expected to read a story about a young knight. When I realized the story centered around an elderly man, my interest grew even more.

I went into the book not knowing much. I knew this was a book I would be reading multiple times, and I also knew it was a classic. The fact that the storyline had such a twist that hits the reader smack dab in the face was shocking. But I think it was a great technique and misdirection tool. It also goes to show some sort of evolution in writing. At the time, a story like that must of been adored across the world. The story respected it's elders and also came up with an incredible twist that could not be expected by anybody.

After reading Don Quixote I think my reading speed and writing will improve drastically. Especially my writing. This story utilizes a twist that I've never heard or read before. The closest thing I could associate with this type of story is the Chinese and Japanese masters in Kung-Fu and Martial Arts films. But even that's a stretch, I've never heard of a story where a middle aged, 50 year old man goes on a voyage to protect the poor. Usually it'll be 30 or 40, but 50 is a bit of a reach. However, the story works perfectly.

It's been two days and I've read about one hundred pages. I've got a pretty grasp of the story and it's getting more interesting by the page. After reading this much of the book I've realized I'll be studying and reading Don Quixote numerous times. For now, I'll continue to read, giving updates after each section of the story that I reach. If you haven't already, get yourself a copy of Don Quixote, it'll be wort it.

Finished Reading 'David Copperfield,' Payed Off Big Time

Another Dickens Novel Proves His Great, Eloquent, Detailed Writing Style

By Amir Ali Said

I had David Copperfield sitting on one of my book shelves for at least six months now. On a casual trip to go get some gummy bears on my break, I came across David Copperfield. I also noticed another Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations. At that moment I had a decision to make. Which book would be next in my reading queue? After about three to five minutes of thought, I concluded that I'd start off with David Copperfield.

The story of David Copperfield deals with the life of a child named David Copperfield. The story follows Copperfield from his childhood to adulthood. Copperfield had a happy childhood, living with his mother and nurse Peggotty. David doesn't live with his father because he died six months before his birth. But when his mother re-marries Edward Murdstone, Copperfield doesn't like his new stepfather. Edward beats David for falling behind in school. When Copperfield bites his stepfather during one of these beatings he's sent to boarding school.

Ever since I read A Tale of Two Cities I became a Charles Dickens fan. Dickens is unlike any writer I've ever read. I like the way Dickens writes and utilizes details to get his stories across. Dickens doesn't waste words, but he sure knows how to elaborate upon one topic endlessly. His style of writing is so precise and he never fails to keep his readers engaged. Of all the writers I've read, Dickens is certainly one of my favorites.

David Copperfield's storyline was simple with layers upon layer of support. The way Copperfield's character was portrayed had a great deal to do with Dickens himself. Somehow in each one of his stories Dickens has at least one character who has his attributes. This book was practically an autobiography. Dickens life was similar to that of David Copperfield, and that was intentional. Nonetheless, I liked David Copperfield.

I'm fond of fiction and mysteries. I also like stories that take time to develop. David Copperfield is a perfect example since it spans over three quarters of one person's life. I liked how the storyline was executed and I wonder how the story would've turned out if it continued past the ending. David Copperfield is a classic, one of Dickens' best works. I look forward to reading more of his books, and I think everybody should do the same.

'The River,' Engaging Survival Tale

Sequel To Hatchet Almost Better Than the Original

By AMIR ALI SAID

About a year or two ago, I read Hatchet. It was a very engaging survival tale surrounding Brian Robeson. He was stranded in the Canadian wilderness after the pilot of the single engine plane was traveling in, had a heart-attack. Brian was forced to land the plane by himself, too bad he crashed into a lake near-by and just barley made it out alive. Hatchet was one of those, "keep you on the edge of your seat during the whole story" type of books. Needless to say, I didn't know that this was the first book in a series. I thought Hatchet was just one book Gary Paulsen decided to write.

Yesterday, I finished reading part two in the Hatchet series. I read The River. The twist that was introduced in the beginning had me shocked. I had no clue what direction the story was going to go into. But I certainly didn't expect what I read within 10 pages. From reading The River I can't wait to read the remaining two sequels. If they prove to be any thing similar or better than The River, then the Hatchet series may be one of the best I've read.

I've read about ten Gary Paulsen books, and I plan on reading more. The Hatchet series just goes to show his range. However, I think most of his stories have something to do with him and where he grew up. He's written survival stories before and he's practically carved his own spot in that style of writing. Besides A Series of Unfortunate Events (my favorite book series), the Hatchet series would have to be right behind. Do your self a favor, and go read.

Finished Reading 'The Art Of War,' Payed Off Big Time

Historic Military Book Shatters and Exceeds My Expectations By Far

By Amir Ali Said

I've finished reading The Art of War by Sun Tzu. What a book. I've certainly never read a book of this nature. The amount of detail that went into each page and chapter is incredible. Going into reading The Art Of War I had a lot of expectations. But reading this book has just shattered all expectations and exceeded them. The Art Of War is a book I'll be ready many times.

After completing the book I know how strategies for war could be used in real life. I don't mean strategies to a T, but they can be flexed to help at the workplace. But for warfare, Sun Tzu gave a lot of strategies that would work very well. He broke down so many different aspects of war, down to the ground that soldiers fight on. Sun Tzu's writing style isn't normal either, but in a good way. The Art of War is a classic book for many reasons and I'm just now realizing that.

The next time I read The Art Of War I'll have even more to say, but for now I'm just in shock. This book is incredible, I can't stress it enough. Plus, its only one hundred twenty three pages. Reading The Art of War has only encouraged me to read War and Peace much sooner than I wanted too before. The Art of War is a must read, the things that are in this book can not be spoiled; you just have to read it.

Barnes & Noble's Up For Sale

Founder Leonard Riggio Opts To Test Auction Waters, Will He Succeed?

By Amir Ali Said

The world's biggest bookstore chain, Barnes & Noble is up for sale. They've got shrinking cash, and declines in sales that have pushed the company to this point. Founder and top shareholder Leonard Riggio, whose family has run the company as its business declined, wants partners for a bid. However, he's having trouble finding somebody to back the bookstore chain.

Now here's the problem. Riggio has a 29.9 percent stake in Barnes & Noble. A billionaire investor, Ron Burkle holds more than 19 percent of the company and has made it clear that he believes Barnes & Noble has been mismanaged. Plus, word on the street is, nobody is going to show up for the selling party. Instead, Standard & Poor's Michael Souers, believes Burkle and Riggio are going to be bidding against each other. Apparently, Riggio is incredibly attached to Barnes & Noble, and couldn't stand selling out.

I've long been a Barnes & Noble fan. Over the years, I've bought at least 60 or more books from Barnes & Noble. I never expected the world's biggest bookstore chain to have problems. I'm not sure if this is problem is because people are online more, and don't have the capacity to sit down and read a book. Plus, with the release of the Amazon Kindle and the I-Pad Barnes & Noble and the Nook were kind of left behind. I've never seen anybody in New York with the Nook, but I've seen plenty with the Kindle and I-Pad. Point is, Barnes & Noble would have to come up with some crazy piece of innovation in order to stay alive, or else they'll be sold.

"The Art of War" By Sun Tzu Update

My Expectations Have Been Exceeded

By Amir Ali Said

Going into my expectations for "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu I expected to read about a lot of military techniques. But first, let me describe how the version I have is set up. Each point made by Sun Tzu is numbered. For instance, "1. (Insert Text here)" then it'll keep repeating with all kinds of advice from Sun Tzu. Plus, the pages and chapter transitions are cool. At the top and bottom of each page there is some sort of art design that I find cool. Plus, for each new chapter there is a graphic describing the title of the chapter.

Now for the content. After a quick glance over the blurb I wondered how techniques described for War in the book, could help a person in everyday life. But now, after reading about 45 pages, that point made in the blurb has come to fruition. Here’s two things that stood out to me so far, just in the first chapter is, "All warfare is based on deception," and "Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him." Both of those statements can be used in everyday life.

So far, I'm really into the "Art of War". The style of writing could really give a glimpse into the time when Sun Tzu lived. But one thing that I find odd is how there are only 126 pages. By the time I get to the end I suppose I'll find out why. I don't want to give to much away, just make sure you check out "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu as soon as possible.

Time To Dig Into "The Art of War" By Sun Tzu

I'm Hype that I've Got A Copy of Sun Tzu's Famous Military Book

By Amir Ali Said

I've got a copy of "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. Man, am I happy to finally have a copy of a book written by Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu is known for writing this book on military strategy. When I was younger, I heard of "The Art of War" along with "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. Couldn't tell you where I heard of these books from, but I can tell you that I made it my goal to read both of these books. It just happens that "The Art of War" is going to come first.

"The Art of War" seems to be a short book, with a lot of information. One thing that I find interesting is how in the blurb, the book mentions how strategies for war could be used in real life. But not just any part of real-life, I mean situations including business and sports. If the name of the book, and author didn't already catch my attention, the blurb has pulled me in some more. Needless to say, it's time to start reading, I'll be back with a full report.

Half-Way Done With 'Maus'

Mid Way Through, Maus' Only Gets Better

By Amir Ali Said

I've finished the first book in Maus. This is an incredibly moving book so far. Towards the end, the book only got sadder. Most likely because of how the second book begins and what it's about. I think this story could only be a graphic novel. If it was told any other way, I don't think it would be as affective. This story is so sad, there are many different things that are broken down in this story that are revealing.

I have respect for graphic novels now and I look forward to reading more. Maus is certainly in my top 5 favorite books at the moment. From the writing, graphics, suspense and storyline this book really catches the readers eye. I like the way this story is written, not only because of the graphic novel format, but Spiegelman's tone. I understand everything Spiegelman is saying and you can get a sense of his father's struggles. As well as Spiegelman's struggles to live up to his father because of what his father went through.

'Maus,' Intriguing True Story

Holocaust Tale Told Through Eyes of Mice

By Amir Ali Said

I've started to read the graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman. This book is crazy. The story is based on the struggle of Spiegelman's father (Vladek Spiegelman) to survive the Holocaust as a Polish Jew. Most of the story is told through his father's memory. But here's the catch. All the people in the book are represented by animals. The Jews are represented by mice, the Nazi's are represented by Cats and the Americans are represented by dogs. I think this use of animals to portray this story is very creative.

Vladek's story is very interesting. I've never read a story about a Holocaust survivor but this story is engaging. Through all of his vivid memories you as a reader feel sad for each character. Plus, Vladek breaks down everything that happened, including how and when. I've read about 130 pages of book one and it's hard to stop. I highly recommend this book. One more thing, this book will most likely get you hooked on graphic novels.