Review: Sleepwalk with Me (and other painfully true stories) By Mike Birbiglia

After reading scores and scores of Dystopian and Sci-Fi books over the last year I decided to change it up. Thus, Sleepwalk with Me by Mike Birbiglia. If anyone is a fan of the Radio Show on NPR called “This American Life” you are probably familiar with his comedy style or have heard a few of his stories. I for one, find him hilarious. I think his stand up is smart, quick witted, and enjoyable so I thought to myself  “Why not?”. I was not disappointed. This book may not be the best book that i have read lately but it was ultimately enjoyable.

The story follows Mike Birbiglia through his childhood growing up in New Jersey and follows the beginning of his career in stand up comedy. The book centers on his awkwardness both on stage and in real life.

The storys are well engrossing, well written, as well as funny. I read this book a few times on my lunch break at work and laughed a bit too loud and got a few strange looks from co-workers and i would highly recommend to anyone looking to enjoy a fast read.

Overall, 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Review: Crossed (Matched Trilogy) by Ally Condie

(source)

The First Book I read this year was the second book in the  Matched Trilogy. For about the last 8 months of 2011 I have had a slight obsession with Dystopian YA. I read the first book in this series in July or August of this past year, and was excited to continue reading the series. I have to say i was very disappointed with the progression of this book.

In Crossed the story starts out with Cassia going to the outer Providences in a work camp to find Ky, who was taken away from Society and punished by being sent to work camp for aberrations.

In this book the narrator changes from Cassia to Ky with every other chapter so you understand what is going on with each of them in their perspective camps. Cassia’s goal is to find Ky and by doing so escapes the work camp into the canyons to find him when she arrives at her second work camp that Ky escaped from.  The story follows Cassia striving to find Ky as well as understand and locate the Rebellion called the Rising.

This book is somewhat less action packed than Matched and has a lot of down time in the book. The moving of perspectives is also a very interesting idea for Condie but was not implemented to the best of her ability.

Overall i felt that the book, though was highly anticipated and had a great concept, really left a lot to be desired. I fully hope that the third book the series will complete the story and be a more interesting read the Crossed.