a MUST HAVE for anyone who wants to cook a genuine Indian meal!
This was one of my favorite series as a pre-teen/teen and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, fantasy, female-heroined book to escape with.
This is a great collection of Grimm tales, presented as they originally were by the Brothers Grimm (as opposed to modified to be read to children as moral stories at night).
Every time I see this cover, I am brought back to that time when I read and was completely moved by the writing and the tales of the book. Masterfully weaving in magical realism and tales-within-tales, Puig shows several sides of humanity in a way that moves the reader and remains. The movie was nowhere near as impressive and couldn't even come close to presenting the magic that was accomplished in this book. Highly recommend.
In my opinion, the best of David Sedaris. Had me laughing out loud throughout. No need to wait for the holidays to enjoy this!
Black by Ted Dekker
What a cool trilogy. I can't stop thinking about these books and the two story lines that encompass them. Follow a young man (mid-20s) on two separate journeys. The novels interweave present & future, dreams & reality, good & evil. This fascinating, page-turning exploit keeps its reader wide awake, well into the early morning hours. Who needs sleep? Certainly not the protagonist of this tale. While it may seem that the fate of 2 "worlds" rests on the shoulders of 1 man, this trilogy is a much grander epic tale that combines present political concerns with both Armageddon & the Garden of Eden in a masterful and fast-paced thriller. Part thriller, part war story, part science fiction/fantasy, part romance -- this trilogy has it all.
See http://bookzone.zedzone.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6572
See http://bookzone.zedzone.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6572
A quick read, reminiscent of Christopher Pike, but updated to present-day. I flew through this well-told story, eager to solve the riddle(s) and understand the meaning(s). Enough creepiness to keep you awake until the end; but, not so much that you can't sleep when it's over.
This book should never be compared with Da Vinci Code because it is infinitely better written. Although it is a mystery surrounding a historical document, the characters are sympathetic and intriguing, the plot is subtle and fast-paced, and the resolution is natural. In short, it is everything that Da Vinci Code hoped it could be, but failed in accomplishing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries!
Review based on ARC.
I'm feeling nostalgic these days and this book fit in with that mode. While I could not relate to the time of this book, I did enjoy learning about it. Sexton's style is easy and conversational, though not as polished as I have become accustomed to. However, the style of the author - in its somewhat clumsy, completely accessible, old-lady-next-door way, was endearing and comforting.
Coming from a relatively "small town" (not this small) myself, and having been raised to appreciate Soda Jerks and Otis Redding, after spending over a decade out in the real world, this was a welcome saunter down simplicity.
I can understand why many were frustrated with the book. The plot is less a plot and more a series of memories, the writing style is basic, and the references do not always involve the younger reader in its import. However, I think if you take the book as a series of conversations with your grandma or neighbor, it becomes enjoyable and sweet.
I recommend. It will more likely appeal to older readers who can relate to the period and the mentality -- and many younger, more impatient readers will have difficulty staying focused. But if you're looking for that simple little break, pick it up and read a chapter or two...
(note: I was born in the late 70s)
I'm feeling nostalgic these days and this book fit in with that mode. While I could not relate to the time of this book, I did enjoy learning about it. Sexton's style is easy and conversational, though not as polished as I have become accustomed to. However, the style of the author - in its somewhat clumsy, completely accessible, old-lady-next-door way, was endearing and comforting.
Coming from a relatively "small town" (not this small) myself, and having been raised to appreciate Soda Jerks and Otis Redding, after spending over a decade out in the real world, this was a welcome saunter down simplicity.
I can understand why many were frustrated with the book. The plot is less a plot and more a series of memories, the writing style is basic, and the references do not always involve the younger reader in its import. However, I think if you take the book as a series of conversations with your grandma or neighbor, it becomes enjoyable and sweet.
I recommend. It will more likely appeal to older readers who can relate to the period and the mentality -- and many younger, more impatient readers will have difficulty staying focused. But if you're looking for that simple little break, pick it up and read a chapter or two...
(note: I was born in the late 70s)
Review based on ARC.
I am always grateful for a book that is intriguing *and* a page-turner. Fortunately for me, amidst the too-busy life I have been living the past few months, I found such a book in Bastianelli's Jokers Club. I have a pretty broad history with horror, suspense, and King, all of which are found in this book. Without the hundreds of pages of "details" that King employs, Jokers Club is almost a novella, quickly developing characters, background, and plot.
I was impressed with Bastianelli's narrative and flow. Geoffrey Thorn and his mates were involved in a horrible accident that they kept secret into adulthood. When they return to their reunion, they begin to die, one by one. Sure the plot is a little cliche for the genre, but Bastianelli wrote it well and added a nice element of haze into the narrative with Thorn's brain tumor. I liked the little twists, the uncertainties, and the overall feel and flow of the book and appreciated the quick escape.
I recommend the book to anyone interested in the genre (horror, suspense, thriller).
I am always grateful for a book that is intriguing *and* a page-turner. Fortunately for me, amidst the too-busy life I have been living the past few months, I found such a book in Bastianelli's Jokers Club. I have a pretty broad history with horror, suspense, and King, all of which are found in this book. Without the hundreds of pages of "details" that King employs, Jokers Club is almost a novella, quickly developing characters, background, and plot.
I was impressed with Bastianelli's narrative and flow. Geoffrey Thorn and his mates were involved in a horrible accident that they kept secret into adulthood. When they return to their reunion, they begin to die, one by one. Sure the plot is a little cliche for the genre, but Bastianelli wrote it well and added a nice element of haze into the narrative with Thorn's brain tumor. I liked the little twists, the uncertainties, and the overall feel and flow of the book and appreciated the quick escape.
I recommend the book to anyone interested in the genre (horror, suspense, thriller).
My book group review:
We received the books as part of a promotion:
We were all given the choice between Iron House and Last Child and everyone started with Iron House. I say started with because after reading Iron House, many of the girls are ready to read Last Child.
The Group comments, as a whole:
- a fast read
- "How are you not done?! I couldn't put it down!"
- very entertaining
- "Oh! He's a lawyer! No wonder!" (that was a compliment :))
- "How did you find this? I've never even heard of him! It was really good!"
- "How many books has he written?"
- "The Last Child is even better!"
Overall, the group was very pleased with the book and, as I said, many are ready to read The Last Child. The pace was great and we felt that he moved the story along quickly. One member did not love the beginning, but by page 30 or 40, was wrapped up in the plot, the characters, and the story.
Without offering any spoilers: It's about a career killer who attempts to "go straight" for his love and his baby. Unfortunately, his past life has no interest in letting their golden killer walk away and he is chased while the people that he loves are put in grave danger, all of their lives being upended and, in some ways, completely destroyed. There are twists and turns along the way, keeping the story interesting and the reader reading.
Many agreed that, once reading, it was difficult to put the book down.
Overall, the group was PLEASED! And would recommend to anyone who likes a good story, a good thriller, a show more Grisham/King (mild) story. show less
We received the books as part of a promotion:
We were all given the choice between Iron House and Last Child and everyone started with Iron House. I say started with because after reading Iron House, many of the girls are ready to read Last Child.
The Group comments, as a whole:
- a fast read
- "How are you not done?! I couldn't put it down!"
- very entertaining
- "Oh! He's a lawyer! No wonder!" (that was a compliment :))
- "How did you find this? I've never even heard of him! It was really good!"
- "How many books has he written?"
- "The Last Child is even better!"
Overall, the group was very pleased with the book and, as I said, many are ready to read The Last Child. The pace was great and we felt that he moved the story along quickly. One member did not love the beginning, but by page 30 or 40, was wrapped up in the plot, the characters, and the story.
Without offering any spoilers: It's about a career killer who attempts to "go straight" for his love and his baby. Unfortunately, his past life has no interest in letting their golden killer walk away and he is chased while the people that he loves are put in grave danger, all of their lives being upended and, in some ways, completely destroyed. There are twists and turns along the way, keeping the story interesting and the reader reading.
Many agreed that, once reading, it was difficult to put the book down.
Overall, the group was PLEASED! And would recommend to anyone who likes a good story, a good thriller, a show more Grisham/King (mild) story. show less
Review based on ARC:
Also, my book group, Desert Girls, read the book. See the group's review at desertgirlsbook.blogspot.com.
I thought the book was OK. I didn't hate it, but I found it cliched and predictable.
I found the characters to be somewhat dull and 2-dimensional, and a lot of them seemed to have a lot of anger and negativity. The so-called best friend of the protagonist seems to love her friend by offering good advice, but seems to turn her back on the emotional sufferings and baggage of bad decisions. She was a friend who seemed present only when it was convenient for her to be so. The various "mother" figures in the book were interesting and ... well, probably the only likeable characters that were really there.
The writing and the story-telling, however, were quite good. I thought Gideon did a *great* job interweaving various social networking, texting, emailing, etc. to tell the story. I also felt that there were a lot of realistically drawn characters, but I felt that the "resolution" was altogether too easy for the lack of self-reflection and growth the characters seemed to exhibit or experience in the story.
Overall, I would recommend to someone who likes suburban stories about the emotional struggles that we experience as a result of our own decisions. The book isn't challenging, but it's funny at times, light at times, thoughtful at times, and written well enough to not throw.
Also, my book group, Desert Girls, read the book. See the group's review at desertgirlsbook.blogspot.com.
I thought the book was OK. I didn't hate it, but I found it cliched and predictable.
I found the characters to be somewhat dull and 2-dimensional, and a lot of them seemed to have a lot of anger and negativity. The so-called best friend of the protagonist seems to love her friend by offering good advice, but seems to turn her back on the emotional sufferings and baggage of bad decisions. She was a friend who seemed present only when it was convenient for her to be so. The various "mother" figures in the book were interesting and ... well, probably the only likeable characters that were really there.
The writing and the story-telling, however, were quite good. I thought Gideon did a *great* job interweaving various social networking, texting, emailing, etc. to tell the story. I also felt that there were a lot of realistically drawn characters, but I felt that the "resolution" was altogether too easy for the lack of self-reflection and growth the characters seemed to exhibit or experience in the story.
Overall, I would recommend to someone who likes suburban stories about the emotional struggles that we experience as a result of our own decisions. The book isn't challenging, but it's funny at times, light at times, thoughtful at times, and written well enough to not throw.
I discovered this book over twenty years ago in the public library. I was in 7th or 8th grade and I had a voracious appetite for reading and had already read through several Stephen Kings, all of the available Christopher Pikes, most of the R.L. Stines... well, you can see the type of book I was reading back then. But I was looking for something different.. something I could really get lost in. I found this hard-cover, largely nondescript book somewhere on one of the back walls. I was with my best friend who was newly obsessed with the Clan of the Cave Bear series, which I couldn't get into. I started reading this and never looked back. I often think of it as the first non-horror book I really enjoyed.
Fast forward about 18 years and I'm feeling particularly nostalgic. I am certain that somewhere in the back of my head the title of "that one book that was SO good" was Ballerina. I start in on Google, amazon, goodreads, biblio, etc. I really searched. I could not find it. Until I thought... you know, maybe it IS that out-of-print one by Edward Stewart. I ordered two copies - just in case.
How pleased I was when it not only WAS that book, but that upon reading it again as a lawyer in her early thirties, I discovered that it was JUST AS GOOD. Such a well done novel that simultaneously makes the ballerina world look enrapturing, exciting, and devastating. It delves into the pain, the politics, the pressure. And it also brings the reader with it into the highs, the show more accomplishments, the glory.
I am so happy that others agree. I highly recommend this book. show less
Fast forward about 18 years and I'm feeling particularly nostalgic. I am certain that somewhere in the back of my head the title of "that one book that was SO good" was Ballerina. I start in on Google, amazon, goodreads, biblio, etc. I really searched. I could not find it. Until I thought... you know, maybe it IS that out-of-print one by Edward Stewart. I ordered two copies - just in case.
How pleased I was when it not only WAS that book, but that upon reading it again as a lawyer in her early thirties, I discovered that it was JUST AS GOOD. Such a well done novel that simultaneously makes the ballerina world look enrapturing, exciting, and devastating. It delves into the pain, the politics, the pressure. And it also brings the reader with it into the highs, the show more accomplishments, the glory.
I am so happy that others agree. I highly recommend this book. show less
Another one. I mean, another good sink-your-teeth-in book. I read this one in a matter of hours.
Christmas Day, Tara returns home. Tara's been gone for 20 years but, upon her return, has hardly aged at all. She looks tired, maybe wiser, but otherwise, she appears to be a 36-year-old in the body of a 16-year-old. The story is told from various perspectives. When Tara is telling her story, it is from her perspective, though the listener varies between her brother Peter, her ex-boyfriend Richie, and her shrink Vivian (Mr. Vivian Underwood). Tara's story is the heart of it -- what events led up to her disappearance, where she was, what has happened since she has been back.
Sometimes the story is in first person, sometimes in third. Sometimes the author uses quotes to indicate conversation, sometimes merely logic (e.g., He told me, don't do that). Joyce uses a variety of quotes to intro his chapters, which quotes set the mood for the chapter and the perspective, the best of which are a transcription of the trial of Michael Cleary for the murder of his wife Bridget Cleary.
The book is well paced and pulls you through. I really didn't put it down until I was done. I was impressed with the way Joyce implemented the various perspectives and thought his voice was largely convincing for most if not all of the characters. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Underwood's report, perspectives, conversations.
The first 50 or so pages aren't the best in the book. It almost feels like a little too much show more set up before we get to "the goods." I didn't think I really loved the ending, either, but I felt like I understood the reasoning behind it. Then, upon further reflection, I was very impressed with the window that was left open. It was all cinched up *just* enough to keep you wondering about absolutely all of it. Which I am surprisingly very happy about because I normally like nice, neat packages.
I definitely recommend the book. It falls somewhere between magical realism and fantasy. It's interesting and well told. And best of all, it's a real novel. show less
Christmas Day, Tara returns home. Tara's been gone for 20 years but, upon her return, has hardly aged at all. She looks tired, maybe wiser, but otherwise, she appears to be a 36-year-old in the body of a 16-year-old. The story is told from various perspectives. When Tara is telling her story, it is from her perspective, though the listener varies between her brother Peter, her ex-boyfriend Richie, and her shrink Vivian (Mr. Vivian Underwood). Tara's story is the heart of it -- what events led up to her disappearance, where she was, what has happened since she has been back.
Sometimes the story is in first person, sometimes in third. Sometimes the author uses quotes to indicate conversation, sometimes merely logic (e.g., He told me, don't do that). Joyce uses a variety of quotes to intro his chapters, which quotes set the mood for the chapter and the perspective, the best of which are a transcription of the trial of Michael Cleary for the murder of his wife Bridget Cleary.
The book is well paced and pulls you through. I really didn't put it down until I was done. I was impressed with the way Joyce implemented the various perspectives and thought his voice was largely convincing for most if not all of the characters. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Underwood's report, perspectives, conversations.
The first 50 or so pages aren't the best in the book. It almost feels like a little too much show more set up before we get to "the goods." I didn't think I really loved the ending, either, but I felt like I understood the reasoning behind it. Then, upon further reflection, I was very impressed with the window that was left open. It was all cinched up *just* enough to keep you wondering about absolutely all of it. Which I am surprisingly very happy about because I normally like nice, neat packages.
I definitely recommend the book. It falls somewhere between magical realism and fantasy. It's interesting and well told. And best of all, it's a real novel. show less
This is another book that we read for book group, but which I also feel inclined to personally review.
This is a great debut. While reading this book, I have told many who will listen that this is what I wanted The Great Gatsby to be, but wasn't. I know, blasphemy. But I had heard so much about The Great Gatsby before reading it, and I really really built it up in my head. I don't know that anything could have lived up to what I was expecting. And along came Rules of Civility.
Set in 1938 in Manhattan, the book explores the "life and times" of a young girl (late 20s), finding her way. The book is told from the perspective of Katya a/k/a Kate a/k/a Katherine a/k/a Katey, with brief and infrequent deviations from her perspective to Tinker Grey (Teddy/Theodore). Many authors try to garner familiarity with their characters by the forced imposition of nicknames... Towles' use flowed off the proverbial tongue. I never felt as if my feelings about the characters were being forced upon me or manufactured by clever tricks--whether that was in fact happening or not ;) Instead, I felt that there was a natural, organic discovery of the various individuals in the story, and I was able to come to my own conclusions about them as "time" (the pages of the novel) passed.
I truly enjoyed Rules of Civility. I loved reading about Kate's job as a paralegal, and then as an assistant (however briefly) in the literary world, and best of all, her role as co-executive assistant of the classed-up show more gossip magazine. I loved reading about Kate's various friends and acquaintances. I loved Anne Grandyn. I loved Wallace. I didn't particularly love a couple of the other characters -- including Tinker himself, but they were still intriguing ... and I'm not so sure I was meant to love them. There was depth to the story and dynamics to the characters, and I appreciated that not everyone was the 150% version of what a real person would have been at that time.
The primary thing I did not love about the book: There was a bit of time, in the middle to 2/3 point of the book, where it felt likt it was dragging just a little, where Kate's love life seemed to take on a depressing-romantic weighed down feel. But Towles moves past that point and brings the reader back into activity and movement without straying too long in the "drama" side of Kate's year.
Overall, an excellent debut that definitely made me want to read more. Definitely recommend to all readers, men and women alike. Towles did an impressive job writing from the perspective of a woman, but there's still a gentleman's touch that I think will appeal to both genders alike. show less
This is a great debut. While reading this book, I have told many who will listen that this is what I wanted The Great Gatsby to be, but wasn't. I know, blasphemy. But I had heard so much about The Great Gatsby before reading it, and I really really built it up in my head. I don't know that anything could have lived up to what I was expecting. And along came Rules of Civility.
Set in 1938 in Manhattan, the book explores the "life and times" of a young girl (late 20s), finding her way. The book is told from the perspective of Katya a/k/a Kate a/k/a Katherine a/k/a Katey, with brief and infrequent deviations from her perspective to Tinker Grey (Teddy/Theodore). Many authors try to garner familiarity with their characters by the forced imposition of nicknames... Towles' use flowed off the proverbial tongue. I never felt as if my feelings about the characters were being forced upon me or manufactured by clever tricks--whether that was in fact happening or not ;) Instead, I felt that there was a natural, organic discovery of the various individuals in the story, and I was able to come to my own conclusions about them as "time" (the pages of the novel) passed.
I truly enjoyed Rules of Civility. I loved reading about Kate's job as a paralegal, and then as an assistant (however briefly) in the literary world, and best of all, her role as co-executive assistant of the classed-up show more gossip magazine. I loved reading about Kate's various friends and acquaintances. I loved Anne Grandyn. I loved Wallace. I didn't particularly love a couple of the other characters -- including Tinker himself, but they were still intriguing ... and I'm not so sure I was meant to love them. There was depth to the story and dynamics to the characters, and I appreciated that not everyone was the 150% version of what a real person would have been at that time.
The primary thing I did not love about the book: There was a bit of time, in the middle to 2/3 point of the book, where it felt likt it was dragging just a little, where Kate's love life seemed to take on a depressing-romantic weighed down feel. But Towles moves past that point and brings the reader back into activity and movement without straying too long in the "drama" side of Kate's year.
Overall, an excellent debut that definitely made me want to read more. Definitely recommend to all readers, men and women alike. Towles did an impressive job writing from the perspective of a woman, but there's still a gentleman's touch that I think will appeal to both genders alike. show less
Review based on ARC.
Sigh. I really like Jack Nicholson. At least, I really like what I think I know about him. I think he's a great actor and he seems really interesting. I knew someone who was at a fancy resort'y island restaurant that Jack was dining at, and she said he was a complete A**. This didn't shake my interest in the man or alter my favor of his acting. Nor was it really surprising. But then again, we all have bad days, and maybe that was just one of his.
I'm not a big tabloid girl (anymore) and I don't particularly love gossip. I'm happy to watch actors on TV/movies and then maybe some day I'll read a biography or an autobiography. Preferably authorized.
But, then again, this is Jack Nicholson, so I eagerly signed up for the advanced readers copy and I even more eagerly awaited my copy once I was informed that I'd won one!
So the "sigh." Sigh. This was not what I was hoping it would be. And, from reading other reviews of other disappointed readers, I'm not alone. The so-called biography felt more like an article in US Weekly than a biography. I don't deny that Eliot did research, and I'm sure that he spoke with many "close friends" of Nicholson. But the book took the tone of a gossip column... "hey, psst, READ IT HERE FIRST! Nicholson has problems 'down there'!" It just felt kind of sad.
Who knows, maybe Eliot was on the receiving end of one of Nicholson's bad days. But his tone was petty. I'm not saying lift the man (Nicholson) up as a god and ignore his faults. show more He has faults. Great. Show them. But there are ways to show a man's fault (see, e.g., Walk the Line re Johnny Cash) without being petty and gossipy about it. And, in this book, Eliot missed the boat.
So. it's not a terrible thing -- there's a lot of good information in there, and I appreciated the time that Eliot spent seeking to learn more about a man that so much of the world finds fascinating. So it gets a couple stars. But the tone, the lack of real depth, the lack of a greater understanding of what really drives Nicholson, those things make the biography a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, TWO AND A HALF of 5 stars -- a middle-of-the-road rating for a book with a lot of potential and some noteworthy disappointments.
This and other reviews can be found at AllBookReviewer.blogspot.com show less
Sigh. I really like Jack Nicholson. At least, I really like what I think I know about him. I think he's a great actor and he seems really interesting. I knew someone who was at a fancy resort'y island restaurant that Jack was dining at, and she said he was a complete A**. This didn't shake my interest in the man or alter my favor of his acting. Nor was it really surprising. But then again, we all have bad days, and maybe that was just one of his.
I'm not a big tabloid girl (anymore) and I don't particularly love gossip. I'm happy to watch actors on TV/movies and then maybe some day I'll read a biography or an autobiography. Preferably authorized.
But, then again, this is Jack Nicholson, so I eagerly signed up for the advanced readers copy and I even more eagerly awaited my copy once I was informed that I'd won one!
So the "sigh." Sigh. This was not what I was hoping it would be. And, from reading other reviews of other disappointed readers, I'm not alone. The so-called biography felt more like an article in US Weekly than a biography. I don't deny that Eliot did research, and I'm sure that he spoke with many "close friends" of Nicholson. But the book took the tone of a gossip column... "hey, psst, READ IT HERE FIRST! Nicholson has problems 'down there'!" It just felt kind of sad.
Who knows, maybe Eliot was on the receiving end of one of Nicholson's bad days. But his tone was petty. I'm not saying lift the man (Nicholson) up as a god and ignore his faults. show more He has faults. Great. Show them. But there are ways to show a man's fault (see, e.g., Walk the Line re Johnny Cash) without being petty and gossipy about it. And, in this book, Eliot missed the boat.
So. it's not a terrible thing -- there's a lot of good information in there, and I appreciated the time that Eliot spent seeking to learn more about a man that so much of the world finds fascinating. So it gets a couple stars. But the tone, the lack of real depth, the lack of a greater understanding of what really drives Nicholson, those things make the biography a bit of a disappointment.
Overall, TWO AND A HALF of 5 stars -- a middle-of-the-road rating for a book with a lot of potential and some noteworthy disappointments.
This and other reviews can be found at AllBookReviewer.blogspot.com show less
I'm not going to say too much about this... but I read it at the perfect time... about a month after leaving my busy-all-the-time, perma-attached-to-phone, high-stress law job for a wonderful job working for the courts.
This was my first Kinsella, and I will definitely read more! She's funny and at times poignant and flippant and thoughtful and easy. Although of *course* not everything in the book is realistic, including sort of one of the underlying premises (it is a *fiction* after all), but Kinsella does a good job of capturing the essence of both perspectives.
What was most impressive to me was that I noticed that my pace of reading the book matched the pace of what was happening in the book.. i.e., it was a little frenetic at the start and again at the end, but slowed down to enjoy the roses in between. I think this is a mark of a good story teller - the ability to control your reader's flow.
Definitely recommend to ANY female lawyers (and probably a fair few male lawyers as well), or anyone who has a lot of job-related stress or used to have a lot of job-related stress, or anyone who just wants to be entertained. A super quick read, and fun to boot.
This was my first Kinsella, and I will definitely read more! She's funny and at times poignant and flippant and thoughtful and easy. Although of *course* not everything in the book is realistic, including sort of one of the underlying premises (it is a *fiction* after all), but Kinsella does a good job of capturing the essence of both perspectives.
What was most impressive to me was that I noticed that my pace of reading the book matched the pace of what was happening in the book.. i.e., it was a little frenetic at the start and again at the end, but slowed down to enjoy the roses in between. I think this is a mark of a good story teller - the ability to control your reader's flow.
Definitely recommend to ANY female lawyers (and probably a fair few male lawyers as well), or anyone who has a lot of job-related stress or used to have a lot of job-related stress, or anyone who just wants to be entertained. A super quick read, and fun to boot.
Wonderful elementary and middle-school level book. Highly recommended.
The protagonist is an eighth grader who has lost her mother to an alien invasion.
The book takes the form of an essay being written by the girl to explain what Smekday really means to her... The winner will have their essay included in a time capsule to be opened 100 years in the future.
So Gratuity ("Tip") Tucci begins her story. She's funny, witty, and mature, while still having the light-heartedness and hopefulness of a, well, a middle-schooler.
She first goes into the "what happened"... then the "what next" when her teacher urges her to include more personal reflection.
Tip, her alien (Boov) compadre "J-Lo," and her cat all set out to first save themselves and then to save the world.
It's light, fun, quick, and cute. It's original, thoughtful, and funny. Well-populated by a wide variety of characters with their own personalities, this book is a gem that I'm glad I've discovered!
Definitely recommend for elementary (high level) and middle school readers looking for something new...
FOUR of five stars.
The protagonist is an eighth grader who has lost her mother to an alien invasion.
The book takes the form of an essay being written by the girl to explain what Smekday really means to her... The winner will have their essay included in a time capsule to be opened 100 years in the future.
So Gratuity ("Tip") Tucci begins her story. She's funny, witty, and mature, while still having the light-heartedness and hopefulness of a, well, a middle-schooler.
She first goes into the "what happened"... then the "what next" when her teacher urges her to include more personal reflection.
Tip, her alien (Boov) compadre "J-Lo," and her cat all set out to first save themselves and then to save the world.
It's light, fun, quick, and cute. It's original, thoughtful, and funny. Well-populated by a wide variety of characters with their own personalities, this book is a gem that I'm glad I've discovered!
Definitely recommend for elementary (high level) and middle school readers looking for something new...
FOUR of five stars.
I finally sat down with Clarke's second, the Ladies of Grace Adieu. I'm fairly certain I waited as long as I did because I was afraid I'd be disappointed. Because Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is one of my favorites.
And I kind of was and kind of was not. The short story collection definitely did not blow me away. But it was also really well done, really well written, well imagined. Each of the stories advances the world Clarke's created, or a version of the world. It feels almost like anecdotes that you might have heard told by characters from Jonathan Strange's world... fables, tales, stories.
The writing is, of course, immaculate. The story-telling is good.. great, even. The collection read quickly, and each story felt complete in its own right. I'm not sure what more I wanted, but it seems that I did want something more. When I was done, I felt it was sort of anti-climactic.
So, I would definitely recommend to Clarke fans and people who would be Clarke fans (but who just haven't had the good sense to read her yet ;)), but with the note that it is good, really good, great, but not as satisfying and fulfilling as Strange & Norrell...
Overall, FOUR of five stars.
And I kind of was and kind of was not. The short story collection definitely did not blow me away. But it was also really well done, really well written, well imagined. Each of the stories advances the world Clarke's created, or a version of the world. It feels almost like anecdotes that you might have heard told by characters from Jonathan Strange's world... fables, tales, stories.
The writing is, of course, immaculate. The story-telling is good.. great, even. The collection read quickly, and each story felt complete in its own right. I'm not sure what more I wanted, but it seems that I did want something more. When I was done, I felt it was sort of anti-climactic.
So, I would definitely recommend to Clarke fans and people who would be Clarke fans (but who just haven't had the good sense to read her yet ;)), but with the note that it is good, really good, great, but not as satisfying and fulfilling as Strange & Norrell...
Overall, FOUR of five stars.
I liked the iconic references and the gritty world, but I felt that the "trashy" part was a little too gratuitous for my preferences..
Review based on ARC.
What a lovely teen fantasy. Bedard pays tribute to bookstores, creativity and poetry, and the Green Man himself in his aptly named book. The Green Man is the bookstore owned by Ophelia's ("O") aunt Emily, named after the legend of the Green Man, a protector who stands between the worlds and where life began. While O's father travels to research Ezra Pound, he sends O to Emily for the summer in a dual effort to ensure both are taken care of. Initially, fifteen-year-old O and seventy-year-old Emily clash in some to-be-expected ways, but eventually their similarities and common love of poetry and all things related thereto draw them into a very close relationship. Although each believes she is really taking care of the other, Bedard has deftly created an actual dual relationship that feels organic and true.
While visiting Emily at the Green Man, O learns about not only the magic of poetry and poets, but also about a recurring sinister plan that continues to plague her aunt and the town in which she lives. Saying much more about the plot would ruin it, so I won't.
What I will say is that I loved this little YA novel that is atmospheric, soft, and lovely. It has ghosts and books and hot summers. It lifts up jazz and pays homage to the receding world of used bookstores. There is also darkness and hard life, an acknowledgment of the deterioration of such a world and the effects it can and does have on real people. It is somewhat gothic and somewhat romantic. show more It is simple as a YA, but will appeal to book and bookstore lovers alike. To me, it gave just a little of a lot, just enough to satiate, just enough to squeeze your heart and then leave you for a peaceful night's sleep.
Highly recommended.
FOUR AND A HALF of five stars (boosted to 5 on sites w/o halves).
I note that I am *not* typically a fan of poetry. While this novel is about poets at its heart, and the power of poetry to those moved by it, and while this novel occasionally drops a poem here and there, it is not overdone and definitely did not turn me off, despite my natural disinclination to poetry. show less
What a lovely teen fantasy. Bedard pays tribute to bookstores, creativity and poetry, and the Green Man himself in his aptly named book. The Green Man is the bookstore owned by Ophelia's ("O") aunt Emily, named after the legend of the Green Man, a protector who stands between the worlds and where life began. While O's father travels to research Ezra Pound, he sends O to Emily for the summer in a dual effort to ensure both are taken care of. Initially, fifteen-year-old O and seventy-year-old Emily clash in some to-be-expected ways, but eventually their similarities and common love of poetry and all things related thereto draw them into a very close relationship. Although each believes she is really taking care of the other, Bedard has deftly created an actual dual relationship that feels organic and true.
While visiting Emily at the Green Man, O learns about not only the magic of poetry and poets, but also about a recurring sinister plan that continues to plague her aunt and the town in which she lives. Saying much more about the plot would ruin it, so I won't.
What I will say is that I loved this little YA novel that is atmospheric, soft, and lovely. It has ghosts and books and hot summers. It lifts up jazz and pays homage to the receding world of used bookstores. There is also darkness and hard life, an acknowledgment of the deterioration of such a world and the effects it can and does have on real people. It is somewhat gothic and somewhat romantic. show more It is simple as a YA, but will appeal to book and bookstore lovers alike. To me, it gave just a little of a lot, just enough to satiate, just enough to squeeze your heart and then leave you for a peaceful night's sleep.
Highly recommended.
FOUR AND A HALF of five stars (boosted to 5 on sites w/o halves).
I note that I am *not* typically a fan of poetry. While this novel is about poets at its heart, and the power of poetry to those moved by it, and while this novel occasionally drops a poem here and there, it is not overdone and definitely did not turn me off, despite my natural disinclination to poetry. show less
FOUR and a HALF of five stars...
A great conclusion to the trilogy! Taylor didn't dwell too much in teen-romance, and instead focused on the other very interesting aspects of her created mythology and the future of all the races. Though, of course, some of the romance is still in there, I felt it was well-handled and balanced.
A great conclusion to the trilogy! Taylor didn't dwell too much in teen-romance, and instead focused on the other very interesting aspects of her created mythology and the future of all the races. Though, of course, some of the romance is still in there, I felt it was well-handled and balanced.
Yes. Yes. Still wonderful. Massively better than the last.
I had a hard time really deciding what to rate this one... On the one had, it was a really quick read and it was really unique, interesting, silly, and kind of fun. On the other hand, there was such a lack of information presented, that I'm not sure is really necessary?
It's about a boy genius... whose age is never revealed, but based on context clues could be anywhere from .... 12 to 17? He's sort of girl-crazy, but doesn't care at all about his appearance; he's obviously super intelligent, but also kind of arrogant-a** about it; and he seems to be appealing to the opposite gender of various ages... ranging from, I don't know, 8 to 50? And his detective agency cohorts, Lollipop, who I think might be younger and less intelligent, and Bubble Gum, who is I think the same age as Boy Genius (aka Phidias) and perhaps just as smart. And they have started a "kid" detective agency and Boy Genius is concerned about not being taken seriously... when Wham! Boom! Bam! they're suddenly in the middle of some crazy sci-fi, super-villain, time-traveling, time-looping, telepathy whirlwind adventure. And the wham-boom-bam... it's a literal description. The book reads like a comic book, but without the actual pictures.
And it somehow works! Although there's virtually no set up of the overall book or each scene, somehow you have just enough information to mostly glean what is going on and keep turning the pages (quickly) to find out how it all resolves. And you mostly know at the end of it show more all. Or maybe not. Despite the plethora of unanswered questions (including, notably, how old Boy Genius and Bubble Gum are and... I don't believe we know when it takes place? (though it's definitely in the future)), it's a fun middle-grade book with bad guys, super-hero abilities, intrigue, hot women (perhaps a little too much focus on this?), and a clear ongoing plot-base (i.e., it's the beginning of a series). I think the younger generation will appreciate a book that seems much more catered to their way of thinking (maybe? at least insofar as the ADD plot & pace were concerned), though I am a little hesitant to suggest it to my friend's 12-year-old son because, really, Boy Genius has a serious wandering-eye, and it does not seem to matter how old the girl/woman is.
So. Enjoyable? yes. Quick fun read? yes. Amazing? well, no. But still recommended for something completely different.. and pretty well accomplished. So overall, . (bumped to 4 stars on sites w/o half-stars) show less
It's about a boy genius... whose age is never revealed, but based on context clues could be anywhere from .... 12 to 17? He's sort of girl-crazy, but doesn't care at all about his appearance; he's obviously super intelligent, but also kind of arrogant-a** about it; and he seems to be appealing to the opposite gender of various ages... ranging from, I don't know, 8 to 50? And his detective agency cohorts, Lollipop, who I think might be younger and less intelligent, and Bubble Gum, who is I think the same age as Boy Genius (aka Phidias) and perhaps just as smart. And they have started a "kid" detective agency and Boy Genius is concerned about not being taken seriously... when Wham! Boom! Bam! they're suddenly in the middle of some crazy sci-fi, super-villain, time-traveling, time-looping, telepathy whirlwind adventure. And the wham-boom-bam... it's a literal description. The book reads like a comic book, but without the actual pictures.
And it somehow works! Although there's virtually no set up of the overall book or each scene, somehow you have just enough information to mostly glean what is going on and keep turning the pages (quickly) to find out how it all resolves. And you mostly know at the end of it show more all. Or maybe not. Despite the plethora of unanswered questions (including, notably, how old Boy Genius and Bubble Gum are and... I don't believe we know when it takes place? (though it's definitely in the future)), it's a fun middle-grade book with bad guys, super-hero abilities, intrigue, hot women (perhaps a little too much focus on this?), and a clear ongoing plot-base (i.e., it's the beginning of a series). I think the younger generation will appreciate a book that seems much more catered to their way of thinking (maybe? at least insofar as the ADD plot & pace were concerned), though I am a little hesitant to suggest it to my friend's 12-year-old son because, really, Boy Genius has a serious wandering-eye, and it does not seem to matter how old the girl/woman is.
So. Enjoyable? yes. Quick fun read? yes. Amazing? well, no. But still recommended for something completely different.. and pretty well accomplished. So overall, . (bumped to 4 stars on sites w/o half-stars) show less
It's about: Hannah, a teenager who decides to commit suicide. But, before she does, she makes recordings on tape cassettes explaining why and pointing to 13 very specific reasons (people). She tells her story from where she sees the beginning, and explains how each of the 13 people who get copies of the recordings either contributed to her decision or could have helped her and didn't.
The thing is, it's uncomfortable, and the main character is at times very off-putting and unrelatable - in many ways a typical selfish self-obsessed teenager... and yet, I think the book should be REQUIRED reading for all 8th graders. Maybe even younger, I'm not sure.
Asher did an amazing job of going through the actual psyche and impact that various words and actions have had on Hannah that led her to kill herself. And although these words and actions will not always have the same impact on all teenagers, it is certainly not unusual for this type of reaction -- the isolation and fear and depression that results. At the same time, Asher did an amazing job with Clay (the other narrator) and hope and awareness.
Such an impressive feat.
An easy (based on audio version, listened to at 1.5 speed)
The thing is, it's uncomfortable, and the main character is at times very off-putting and unrelatable - in many ways a typical selfish self-obsessed teenager... and yet, I think the book should be REQUIRED reading for all 8th graders. Maybe even younger, I'm not sure.
Asher did an amazing job of going through the actual psyche and impact that various words and actions have had on Hannah that led her to kill herself. And although these words and actions will not always have the same impact on all teenagers, it is certainly not unusual for this type of reaction -- the isolation and fear and depression that results. At the same time, Asher did an amazing job with Clay (the other narrator) and hope and awareness.
Such an impressive feat.
An easy (based on audio version, listened to at 1.5 speed)
The story was sufficiently creepy & scary, which is always a challenge... I don't scare easily. Koontz describes creatures in the novel so well that even though they completely originate within his imagination, after reading his descriptions, I felt not only as though I could fully envision them, but also that they were actually familiar to me.
I also laughed out loud at a few points... Although I feel that there is a bit of self-conscious writing--explaining away the humorous parts, rather than just including them sans explanation--I thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth that Koontz did w/ the horror, intensity, and humor.
For an author such as Koontz... one of those I've thought of as "formulaic", to create characters that were likable, and even lovable was, I felt, quite a feat. While this is technically a 3rd book in a set, it stands on it's own just fine and, indeed, I'm ready to go back and read the first 2.
I also laughed out loud at a few points... Although I feel that there is a bit of self-conscious writing--explaining away the humorous parts, rather than just including them sans explanation--I thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth that Koontz did w/ the horror, intensity, and humor.
For an author such as Koontz... one of those I've thought of as "formulaic", to create characters that were likable, and even lovable was, I felt, quite a feat. While this is technically a 3rd book in a set, it stands on it's own just fine and, indeed, I'm ready to go back and read the first 2.
Three & a half stars. I think I liked this better than the first and I'll definitely read more. I definitely appreciated the humor.
Four and a half stars - a great little story about a girl who experiences some tragic event and her mind shuts down (this is all what happened before the story starts). Through the story, we are taken through Audrey's struggles and recoveries. Rating based on audio version, which was lovely.