Review: The Fate of the Tearling

The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review to come once I have time write! First thoughts: Very good, but not as good as the first two. More to come later!

View all my reviews

Review: The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick and easy Christmas read that my book club picked out. I read it and enjoyed it for the most part, but I read it more to finish it than anything. I have so many books I really want to read, it was hard to be motivated to focus on this one. However, I was more intrigued when I found out that it was based on a true story. I appreciated that the gifts were small and reasonable, but very meaningful to the grieving family. While I think it is a bit of a stretch to say that it was the small gifts that brought the family back together entirely, I recognize that it was an incredibly kind gesture that was clearly helped them get in the holiday spirit. It served as a reminder that small things can make a big difference and it is important to do what we can to help others. I'm looking forward to discussing with my book club in a couple of days!

View all my reviews

Review: I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of this, and I really enjoyed it! I was impressed by Malala's maturity, but I also appreciated her moments of immaturity. She did so much for her community and country, but she still discussed how she and her friend Moniba were constantly fighting and not getting along (much like most young teenage girls I know). These moments made her more human. I was also very impressed by her parents, especially her father, who has worked his whole life to promote education in very practical ways.

Malala narrated the prologue, but then an excellent, similar-sounding narrator took over. As an ESL teacher, it was fascinating to me to learn more about the Pakistani culture. I hope someday it is a place of peace both because the people there desperately need peace and because it looks and sounds like such a beautiful area. I looked up photos and it is breathtaking. I can't believe Malala has done so much and she is only 19. I'd love to meet her someday and I am eager to see what she does in the future.

View all my reviews

Review: Two for the Dough

Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I started listening to this on my phone and realized when I was partway through it that I was listening to the abridged version. I was disappointed because I think I may have enjoyed this book more if it hadn't been abridged. I thought about stopping it and finding the book (unabridged) version, but by the time I realized it, I thought I might as well just finish it. I was entertained by it, but it moved too quickly since it was abridged. I may pick up the third one sometime just to see what I actually think of the series. I like mysteries, but I've enjoyed the Charlaine Harris vampire mysteries better than these two so far. I think I'll try for one more book though and see what I think. I have a couple friends who have read this entire series, so it must be decent, right? We'll see. :)

View all my reviews

Review: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really interesting look at many difficult issues. I enjoyed the writing style and the unique take on issues such as education, drugs, safety, etc. However, I did have a few issues with it. While Levitt presents many facts and is clearly trying to show that he is leaving his personal beliefs or biases out, but I'm not sure that is the case. He makes a lot of assumptions that do indicate his biases. For example, Levitt writes a lot about high stakes testing and the bad teachers who cheated to have their students do better on state tests. He writes a lot about the "good" verses "bad" teachers, but fails to define what makes them good or bad. Obviously cheating on tests is a terrible thing to do, but there is little to no discussion about how the high stakes tests themselves could be problematic or how students may do poorly on these tests despite having a good teacher. It is simply assumed that if teachers have a group of students that does well on these tests they must be good teachers and if the students do not do well they must have bad teachers. I don't personally believe that. I am sure there are plenty of bad teachers, but I don't think that a multiple-choice state-mandated test can tell you which teachers are good and which or bad (or which students, for that matter). High stakes testing doesn't tell half the story for students or for teachers.

As a teacher and the daughter of educators (one parent is a principal, one a reading specialist), I have a little bit of knowledge about education and was able to see some of the issues with Levitt's writing in this area. Because I don't know much about a lot of the other topics he wrote about, I'm not sure what else I'm missing, but I kept feeling like I may only be getting part of the story. I really enjoyed it and flew through it while reading, but I am still concerned about some of what he had to say. I just kept wondering what else I was missing. He writes about things as though they are indisputable facts, when in fact, there may be other ways of looking at the issues. That can be dangerous. However, it was certainly an entertaining read and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.



View all my reviews

Review: Commonwealth

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was very well-written, but I took too long to read it, which made it less enjoyable. I kept getting distracted by other books. I didn't feel like I liked many of the characters that much, and I just felt so upset by how the siblings treated Albie that I almost didn't even want to continue reading it. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I had started reading and stuck with it, but I didn't. Honestly, I skimmed the last 50 pages or so. I just keep hoping Ann Patchett will write something that will entrance me the same way Bel Canto did, but that hasn't happened yet. That said, it is clear that she is an excellent writer and I will probably continue reading her books in hopes of another Bel Canto.

View all my reviews

Review: Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great finish to an extremely enjoyable series. I loved the first two, and this one was wonderful too. The characters, the female friendships, the romance, the high stakes - everything about this made me just want to keep reading! My only complaint would be that (view spoiler)[ I think the ending went on too long. I thought it would have been better if it ended right shortly after they returned victorious rather than going into everything with Akiva and his return to his family's land. I was frustrated by it and I'm not sure how much it added to the story. I found it to be a bit confusing and unnecessary. (hide spoiler)] However, I love Laini Taylor's writing style and I am so glad I randomly picked up the first one! I may check out her other writing and I certainly hope she writes even more.

View all my reviews

Review: Illuminae

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 or 4.75 stars. This was SO good!! I couldn't put it down! I stayed up WAY too late two nights in a row because I couldn't stop reading it! The format was so unique and told such a compelling story. I enjoyed the two protagonists, especially Kady. It was also seriously creepy in some places, but in a way that just makes you want to read more as quickly as you can. The only reason I didn't give it the full 5 stars is simply because while I enjoy science fiction, it isn't my favorite genre personally. This is the best example of science fiction I've read though and I cannot recommend it highly enough! I put Gemina (book 2) on my Christmas list, and if I don't get it, I will be going out to buy it immediately after Christmas because I can't wait!!!

View all my reviews

Review: Nimona

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. What a great graphic novel! I think this is probably my favorite graphic novel but I've ever read. It was simultaneously exciting and very sweet. It was violent and funny and action-packed and heartwarming all at once. I loved Nimona's character and Blackheart was pretty great too. I appreciated that Nimona was such a strong female, but not sexualized. She was strong and powerful and smart and vicious, but she chose for herself a normal body (perhaps even more notable because she was a shape-shifter, so she could take any form she wanted). A powerful woman whose power doesn't come from sexuality is something that is needed more in the graphic novel world (actually, everywhere). It was such a wonderful story, too. I wanted more! I hope Stevenson continues this as a series or comes out with more similar graphic novels. It was great!!

View all my reviews

Review: What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this. It was November's book club book of the month. I thought the plot was compelling and I liked Alice's character. The ending seemed a little rushed, but overall I thought it was an interesting picture of a marriage and family. It made me think about the last 10 years of my life and wonder what I'd think if I'd lost my memory of all of that as well. I think I'd be pretty happy, but obviously Alice had some changes she was not prepared for. I also appreciated some passages from Alice's sister Elizabeth's perspective as she's dealing with infertility. Moriarty wrote about that painful topic in a way that rang true I think for many people. The passages from Frannie's perspective were ok also, although they didn't add a lot to the plot. I enjoyed her character though. So far, I think it's my favorite book club book that we've read! I will definitely read more by Moriarty.

View all my reviews

Review: Madame Bovary

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. To be honest, I did not finish it. I started it because I had it forever. I actually enjoyed it more at first than I expected to, and I did like Flaubert's writing style. However, I have many other things to read and it didn't grip me enough to keep going. I googled the ending, and all I can say is . . . geez. It made me glad I didn't finish it. I wouldn't have wanted to read it.

My understanding is that it is supposed to be a criticism of society, not necessarily of Emma's behavior. I got that from the tone throughout. The message is basically about the importance of being content and not always wanting or needing more. I think it is a good message for today's society as well, but I just didn't feel the need to get all the way through this one. I'm glad I finally picked it up, but I only feel a tiny bit sorry that I'm not finishing it.

View all my reviews

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars at least. I think V.E. Schwab is one of my new favorite authors. I love how her characters aren't all good or all evil. Her word choice, complex characterization, world building, and exciting plot lines come together to create incredible stories.

A longer review will come, but for now, know that I loved this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!

View all my reviews

Review: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the most incredible books I've read (and I've read a lot).

It is not scary (at least not in the way you think it might be from looking at the cover). It is pretty short and you can easily read it in one sitting if you have an hour or two. It is heartbreaking and you will cry (probably), but it is important. There are several people I immediately wanted to buy it for once I finished it, so I purchased a copy so I can at least loan it out. If you have ever dealt with loss or grief, read this book. If you are human and have the ability to read, read this book. Please, buy it, borrow it, check it out of the library! Just read it!

View all my reviews

Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book! Full review to come!

View all my reviews

Review: Carry On

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 or 3.75 stars. I love Rainbow Rowell's writing, but I read this to try to get out of a reading slump and it only partly worked. I was interested, but because I was still partially in a reading slump, I took too many breaks while reading it and kept loosing sight of the story. Once I got towards the end, it went very quickly and I was really drawn in. However, I had to get through 2/3 of the book before I got to that point. I think if I hadn't taken so many breaks from reading it, I'd likely feel differently. I was really glad that Rainbow Rowell wrote a book for Simon and Baz (I loved them in Fangirl!), but I think I liked Fangirl and Eleanor and Park better. I appreciated the diverse romance aspect of it, but I felt a little bit like I had missed a lot in the previous "books" (for those who aren't familiar, this book is sort of supposed to be the final book in a fake series that made an appearance in Fangirl). I appreciated getting Simon Snow's story, but I still felt like I was missing so much. Still, I loved the last third of this book and I always enjoy Rowell's writing. I know some complained that it was too similar to Harry Potter, but I didn't really think so. It was clearly inspired by "chosen one" narratives, but Rowell has her own voice and it was a very unique story. I can't wait to read more by her!

View all my reviews

Review: Wreckage

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 or 3.5 stars. My book club picked this book for October and I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I did. It had some mixed reviews, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I wasn't spectacular or anything, but it was fast-paced and kept me wanting to know more. Some was fairly predictable and some should have been predictable (but wasn't), but everyone in the book club said they liked it. It led to some interesting discussion about lying and when it is/is not ok to lie. The author also has some interesting discussion questions posted on her website (found at https://emilybleeker.com/wreckage-dis... ). It's not something I would have picked out, but I'm glad I read it!

View all my reviews

Review: Wreckage

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 or 3.5 stars. My book club picked this book for October and I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I did. It had some mixed reviews, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I wasn't spectacular or anything, but it was fast-paced and kept me wanting to know more. Some was fairly predictable and some should have been predictable (but wasn't), but everyone in the book club said they liked it. It led to some interesting discussion about lying and when it is/is not ok to lie. The author also has some interesting discussion questions posted on her website (found HERE . It's not something I would have picked out, but I'm glad I read it!

View all my reviews

Review: Wreckage

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 or 3.5 stars. My book club picked this book for October and I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I did. It had some mixed reviews, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I wasn't spectacular or anything, but it was fast-paced and kept me wanting to know more. Some was fairly predictable and some should have been predictable (but wasn't), but everyone in the book club said they liked it. It led to some interesting discussion about lying and when it is/is not ok to lie. The author also has some interesting discussion questions posted on her website (found HERE. It's not something I would have picked out, but I'm glad I read it!

View all my reviews

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. I am LOVING this series!! And it came as such a pleasant surprise! I picked up the first book on a whim and devoured it. Then I listened to the second on audiobook. The narrator is excellent (one of my favorite narrators in a long time, actually).

This book definitely doesn't suffer from second-book syndrome. The characters are vivid and complex and the story is extremely engaging. I love the continued friendship between Karou and Zuzana (and now Mik as well). I hope she continues to play an important role in the last book. The book (view spoiler)[ ended on such a cliffhanger (hide spoiler)], so I can't wait to read more! I will be continuing this series as soon as possible!!

Has Laini Taylor written anything else? Because I want to read it!! :)

View all my reviews

Review: Edenbrooke

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. These are such light, fun books! They are a little silly, but very enjoyable. I really looked forward to my drive to work so I could listen. That said, the narrator's voice for the audiobook version did really annoy me. Also, a few of the lines came across as very sexist. I understand that it was written to take place in regency-era England, but I still found a few of the lines to be unnecessary. However, the book was a quick listen and extremely entertaining. I think I enjoyed it a bit more than Blackmoore, although both were fun. I liked the main character and the love interest. I love regency-era romances (although I prefer to just read Jane Austen, but these are good too). You know everything is going to turn out ok in the end in these books, but that is part of their appeal. I hope that Donaldson writes more of the "Proper Romances," because I'm sure I'd read them!

View all my reviews

Review: The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. With Nicholas Sparks, you know exactly what you are going to get. Take some tragedy paired with true love and something "heartwarming" and coincidental and there you have it. However, even though I know exactly what to expect, I always enjoy it! This was just like all of his others, but it was a good story. I was always looking forward to when I could next listen to it. There were two stories told at the same time, and I enjoyed both of them. Ruth and Ira's story was good, although not a whole lot happened in it. Sophia and Luke's story moved more quickly, but (view spoiler)[ connected to Ruth's desire for a child more, (hide spoiler)] so I enjoyed them fairly equally. I got exactly what I was expecting, but that was exactly what I wanted. I need to see the movie now!

View all my reviews

Review: The Mayor of Casterbridge

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. It's been a while since I read a classic, and I picked this one up on my mom's recommendation (technically I listened to it on Librivox . . .). I had a hard time deciding what to rate this one! On one hand, I enjoyed it and was engaged the entire time I was listening. Also, Hechard's character was fascinating! On the other hand, I was so incredibly frustrated with Henchard for pretty much everything he did, starting with giving his wife and child away right at the beginning of the novel. I mean, what a horrible, awful thing to do! I felt like I spent so much of the book thinking "No, no, no, no, don't do that!!" Also, I know it was the time they lived in, but all the referenced to "the weaker sex" and blatant sexism annoyed me. That said, Henchard was one of the most dynamic characters I've ever read about because he was so flawed and real. I think Hardy really wrote an incredible book. I will absolutely read more by him in the future!

View all my reviews

Review: The Mayor of Casterbridge

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. It's been a while since I read a classic, and I picked this one up on my mom's recommendation (technically I listened to it on Librivox . . .). I had a hard time deciding what to rate this one! On one hand, I enjoyed it and was engaged the entire time I was listening. Also, Hechard's character was fascinating! On the other hand, I was so incredibly frustrated with Henchard for pretty much everything he did, starting with giving his wife and child away right at the beginning of the novel. I mean, what a horrible, awful thing to do! I felt like I spent so much of the book thinking "No, no, no, no, don't do that!!" Also, I know it was the time they lived in, but all the referenced to "the weaker sex" and blatant sexism annoyed me. That said, Henchard was one of the most dynamic characters I've ever read about because he was so flawed and real. I think Hardy really wrote an incredible book. I will absolutely read more by him in the future!

View all my reviews

Review: Flamecaster

Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed it, but took me forever to get through. It wasn't that it wasn't interesting; I just had a lot going on in the past month that made it hard to find time to actually read (baby in the hospital, start of school, etc.). I think I definitely lost something taking so long to read it. I kept forgetting what was going on, since I read in such short chunks. Still, I was never bored, and I love Chima's writing!

The book was really good, but it felt like the beginning of something much larger to me. There were more unanswered questions than answers. Also. . . (view spoiler)[ Dragons????? That could be a game-changer for this world. I was also so sad about Han's death... I understand why some people just put down the book at that point, but it was worth it to keep going. (hide spoiler)] I wish we didn't have to wait until April for the next one!! Overall I just really enjoy Chima's writing and I can't wait for the next one!

View all my reviews

Review: Stars Above

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great little collection to add to a great series! I have been reading these follow the recommendation of Trina from the "Between Chapters" booktube channel, and it was a great way to read it. I especially enjoyed the last story, because I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to the characters from the series after finishing Winter. The whole series is a solid 4 stars for me and this short story collection definitely added to it. I really enjoyed it!

View all my reviews

Review: Winter

Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun series! I really enjoyed the entire series, and this one was especially good. Maybe even 4.5 stars. I know I felt sad when the story was over because I wouldn't be reading about these characters anymore. I've looked up fan art because I was curious about what other people thought these characters looked like. To me, that means I was pretty interested in the series.

I think it was incredibly creative to rewrite these fairy tales into one big story. I love fairytales and retellings, and I especially love when several fairy tales are woven together well. Meyer did just that, and it was lots of fun! I don't think the story was particularly deep, and some of the characters seemed a little flat to me, but overall it was very enjoyable. I was very satisfied with conclusion.

I just have the last short story in Stars Above to finish before I am completely done. I'm glad Meyer is writing more, because I am really sorry this is over!

View all my reviews

Review: Anthem

Anthem by Ayn Rand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5-3.75 stars. I enjoyed it! All I'd heard about Rand's writing was that it was decent, but that her philosophy on life was not so good. Given that, I enjoyed this novella a lot more than I expected to. I still don't know much about Rand's ideas about life (I should probably research them just so I know what I am talking about), but I found the theme of Anthem interesting. I can see how the theme of the novel, taken to an extreme, could be problematic. It seems that she highly values individualism, and I wonder if her other novels have the same theme. The story itself though reminded me a bit of The Handmaid's Tale at least in that it was a dystopian society set in a future where everyone and everything is highly controlled. It was a very quick read and certainly held my attention! I probably will read more by her at some point.

View all my reviews

Review: Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love anything Rowling writes. It was very short, but I enjoyed reading this collection that included a lot of background information about some of our favorite characters (McGonnagall, Lupin, Trelawney, etc.) and topics related to them (anamagi, werewolves, etc.). Almost everything could be found on Pottermore for free and I thought it was too short (although I always want more), but this was a nice arrangement and I really enjoyed learning more about these characters!

View all my reviews

Review: Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 or maybe even 4.5 stars. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this! I picked it up somewhat randomly at a book sale for $1, and honestly wasn't that intrigued by the cover. I saw it was on Overdrive to listen to through my library, so I decided to listen to it as well. I really liked the narrator's voice. I am somewhat picky about the voices I like when listening to an audiobook, but I found hers to be smooth, expressive, and enjoyable to listen to.

I also really appreciated Karou's character. She was just very likable, as was her friend, Zuzana. I just love a book with a great female friendship! I've never read a book that had anything to do with angels before, and it's not a subject matter I'd usually be drawn to. However, I was completely drawn into the story and actually had a hard time stopping myself from listening to it when it was time to go to bed. Also, (view spoiler)[ that ending!!! Whoah! I was very surprised and genuinely sad and horrified for Karou. I hope that somehow at least Brimstone is still alive, although it sounded pretty definite. I am so curious about where the story is going to go from here. (hide spoiler)]. I just can't wait to read the next one! Unfortunately, it is currently checked out of our library, so I'll have to wait until it is returned. I would highly recommend this one though to anyone who enjoys YA and fantasy!

View all my reviews

Review: Cleopatra: A Life

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I knew nothing about Cleopatra before I read this. I have a couple historical fiction books about her but I wanted to know more about the actual person before I read them. I definitely learned more about her, although I wish more of what she wrote/actually said survived. While I enjoyed Shiff's writing overall, sometimes I lost interest and had a hard time focusing while reading for some reason. I liked it and learned from it, but I had a hard time sticking with it until the end. I did, however, and I hope to enjoy the historical fiction pieces more now because of it, or be able to at least differentiate between fact, fiction, and guesswork as I am reading.

View all my reviews

Review: Fairest

Fairest by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. This was a decent, very fast read. It gave readers some good background information about Levana. She was always kind of a messed up girl, but I felt a little bit bad for her. She just always so badly wanted love. I enjoyed learning more about her and seeing her from a different perspective.

View all my reviews

Review: The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. I stayed up until 2 in the morning to finish this book. When I do that, it is sometimes a sign that it was an excellent book. Other times it is a sign that I just want to finish it because it is upsetting. In this case, it was a mix of both.

This is a World War II story about two sisters who seem very different and have a lot of emotional baggage between them. Vianne is married with a child and Isabelle is a rash 19-year-old, forever making bad decisions and getting herself into trouble. Unsurprisingly, the war changes everything for them.

I tend to try to stay away from WWII stories because they are so emotional and depressing, but my mom recommended this one and it was on sale for $2.99 on Amazon one day. It was very, very good, but not without its emotional moments.

This is one of those books that I think I read differently now than I would have before I became a mother. I enjoyed both sisters' stories, although I identified more with Vianne, since she is a mother as well. I wonder if I would have identified more with Isabelle pre-children. WWII stories always make me question how I would have responded had I lived during the same time. I liked Vianne because I feel like I would have been a lot like her. I completely understood her need to protect her child, no matter the cost to herself. Both sisters were courageous in their own ways.

I did tear up once (a rarity for me), (view spoiler)[ near the end (I got through all the other emotional stuff - and there was a lot - without crying, but I lost it when Vianne had to give Ari/Daniel to go to his biological family. How confusing and terrifying for him and how devastating for her and her family!) (hide spoiler)]. I could handle it, but you should know going into it that like most WWII/Holocaust literature, there are many atrocities that occur because of the war. It was a truly excellent book, but I was relieved when it was over.

View all my reviews

Review: High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never

High Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now or Never by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To be honest, I didn't really enjoy reading this book. So why did I still give a 3/5 stars? For two reasons. First, although I just don't really enjoy reading essays (not a good start since it is a collection of essays), I can tell that she is an excellent writer and she has many wonderful things to say. As I was reading, I would underline things that resonated with me so I could remember them for our book club discussion. I have a lot of underlines. For example, I loved the line "Children are adept at becoming what we expect them to be. 'Terrible' [after a discussion of the phrase 'terrible twos'] does not seem to be a wise expectation" (p. 89). Or how about "cleanliness is next to godliness only if you are God's wife . . . housework is mostly about dirt. Other people's. The world's most renewable resource" (p. 62-63). Lines like these made me laugh because I can so identify with them (as a mother of a 2-year-old and as I seem to be incapable of keeping my house close to anything resembling the word "clean").

The second reason I gave it a 3 (instead of a 2 or 2.5) is because this book led to some of the best book club discussion we've had yet. We all underlined or took notes as we read, and we had so many lines to discuss. It was wonderful because it led to a lot of honesty and compassion between us (as well as some laughter). Anything that can inspire the kind of conversation we had deserves some credit.

That said, although Kingsolver certainly has many pearls of wisdom sprinkled throughout and inspired incredible conversation, I didn't actually enjoy reading it very much. Part of it is my own problem. I just don't like reading essays that much. I have a hard time sticking with it and reading them all because I get distracted by other books I want to read more. I never actually wanted to pick this book up; it was always a task. The essays were all written very conversationally, but seemed a bit ramble-y. One woman in the book club commented, "I think I would be friends with Kingsolver because I talk just like her, but when I was reading it, I just wanted her to get to the point!" I really would love to read her novels, because I really think I'd enjoy them more. Overall, this collection of essays was probably worth reading (if for the conversation it led to, if nothing else), but just not one of my favorites.

View all my reviews

Review: Cress

Cress by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this series will be a solid 4-star rating all the way through. I listened to this one in my car, and really enjoyed it (just as I've enjoyed the rest of the series so far). I think I liked it a little better than Scarlet because there was more relevant action and it felt a little less like a filler book. I liked Scarlet, but this one was a little more exciting to me. I liked Cress's character and Captain Thorn's, and overall felt like it was just a fun, adventurous story! I got Fairest out of the library so I can read that next. I've kind of made it a goal to read this entire series this summer, so I need to finish it up! Looking forward to Fairest and Winter!

View all my reviews

Review: Peony in Love

Peony in Love by Lisa See
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. I feel bad because I've so enjoyed her other books, but I had a lot more trouble caring about this one for some reason. Honestly, I just really didn't like the main character. I found her to be exceedingly annoying. She was (view spoiler)[obsessed with a man, made a completely avoidable mistake, died because she starved herself to death for being "lovesick," and then spent her afterlife controlling and manipulating others (hide spoiler)]. I get that it is based on Chinese mythology (I think?), but I just couldn't get myself to like her character or the story. I was also very surprised that (view spoiler)[she died (hide spoiler)], which I think threw me through a loop. It was just very unlike other Lisa See books. Maybe if I hadn't been so surprised I would have enjoyed it more, but I'm not sure. I will definitely read more of See's books in the future though, because I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls. Hopefully I will enjoy others more!

View all my reviews

Welcome to my New Blog!/Rapid Fire Book Tag

Hello, everyone! Welcome to my new blog! I had been posting on blog.com, but it hasn't been working for some reason, I like this format better (it is WAY easier to post!), and blogger.com will automatically publish my reviews from goodreads. It's a win-win-win! To kick this off, I thought I would do the "Rapid Fire Book Tag." I found this on Ariel Bissett's youtube channel (found HERE) and she apparently got it from Girlreading (original video HERE). Without further ado, lets do this!

1. E-Book or Physical Book? 

This is a hard one because it's probably a pretty close tie for me. I love e-books because I can read them without the lights on while trying to get my little guys to bed and they are so convenient. However, if I HAVE to choose, it will probably be a physical book, mostly because I'm emotionally attached to them in a way I am not to e-books. I love their texture and smell and I love actually seeing how far I am in the book rather than just seeing a percentage sign.

2. Paperback or Hardback? 

Paperback!! They are way lighter and take up less space on my bookshelf (making room for MORE BOOKS! hahaha!). They also fit easier into my purse.

3. Online or In-Store Book Shopping?

I love the deals you can get online, but it is nothing compared to the feeling you get walking through bookstores. In-store book shopping. No contest. (Doesn't this one look amazing? ^)

4. Trilogies or Series?

Either! If it's a series I really love (like Harry Potter), the longer, the better. However, it is nice to have an end in sight sometimes.

5. Heroes or Villains?

I prefer it when there is not a clear right/wrong (it makes the book so much more interesting), but in general, I like heroes. However, it is best when the hero/heroine is not perfect or even makes some pretty big mistakes like Victor from Vicious by V.E. Schwab. He was a great anti-hero!

6. A book you want everyone to read?

My automatic answer is and always will be the Harry Potter series, but I feel like that is a little bit too obvious. When looking through my favorite books, I think I will choose Watership Down by Richard Adams because it is a great classic that has something everyone should enjoy (action, adventure, and heart).

7. Recommend an underrated book. 

One book I really enjoyed was Moloka'i by Alan Brennert. I read it right after having my first child so I was a bit hormonal at the time, but it was a very emotional read. It really was wonderful. I felt so connected to the characters and it has stuck with me in the two years that have passed since I've read it.

8. Last book you finished? 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed it! See my review HERE.

9. Last book you bought?

I just bought the e-book of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Peasonbecause it went on sale for $2.99 and I've heard great things about it. It's been all over booktube. A runaway princess? Sounds right up my alley! I'm looking forward to reading it.

10. Weirdest thing you've used as a bookmark?

Oh I don't know. I tend to dog-ear my books (Gasp! It's a terrible habit, I know), but I've used everything and anything from other books to (unused) toilet paper to car keys.

11. Used Books: Yes or No?

YES! A thousand times over, yes! They cost less (or are free in the library) and have already been loved. I prefer them, in fact.

12. Top three favorite genres?

I like most types of books and I'll read anything, but I especially love anything YA, fantasy, and historical fiction. But if it's a good book, I'll read it, regardless of the genre.

13. Borrow or Buy?

Buy. I love the library and use it all the time, but I love having my own books to keep even more. Also, no due dates!

14. Characters or Plot?

Of course any great book is good in both areas, but character development is really important to me. If I don't care much about the characters, it's hard for me to love the plot. This is part of my problem with anything by Rick Riordan. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but the characters (and plots, actually) all seem sort of similar to me. I just don't care enough about the characters for some reason, so I don't love the books as much. However, if you can get me to care about the characters (like Kelsea from The Queen of the Tearling - I LOVED her!!), I will enjoy the story so much more.

15. Long or short books?

If I'm enjoying the book, the longer, the better!

16. Long or short chapters?

Short. It helps me read the story quicker because I keep thinking, "I'll just read one more chapter. They're not too long. . ." Then three hours later . . .

17. Name the first three books you think of . . .

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - I haven't read it yet, but I bought it and I can't wait to!!

Career of Evil  by Robert Galbraith (AKA J.K. Rowling) - I just read it and really enjoyed it, although it creeped me out. See some of my thoughts on it HERE.

Cress by Marissa Meyer - I'm reading it right now and really enjoying this series!


18. Books that make you laugh or cry?

Calvin and Hobbes always makes me laugh! I read it when I'm stressed. :) 

I don't usually cry for books or movies, but I think I teared up when I read Fire by Kristin Cashore when (minor spoiler ahead!) she talks about how desperately she wants children and knows she can never have them. She was a character I really connected to. 

19. Our world or fictional worlds?

I like fictional worlds. I don't know why, but I just love fantasy! 

20. Audiobooks: Yes or No?

YES!! I am constantly listening to audiobooks! I get more reading in that way!! 

21. Do you ever judge a book by its cover? 

I try not to, but I can't help it. Can anyone? I always leave my ultimate judgment to my reading, but I am certainly attracted to certain covers. 

22. Book to movie or book to tv adaptations? 

I think I tend to enjoy book to TV adaptations because they can be more in-depth and you can get to know the characters better (I'm all about that character development!). 

23. A movie or TV-show you preferred to its book?

I love the Game of Thrones TV show!! I read the first two books, but I think TV is the perfect format for that series. The books are great, but honestly, I think I prefer the TV show! 

24. Series or stand alones? 

If it is a good series, I prefer them because I can stay in the world longer. :)

Thanks for reading!!!