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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!!!

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. I wasn't sure if I should give it 4 or 5 stars in the official rating since my real rating is in-between (Please let us give half-stars, Goodreads!!), but I ultimately decided on 5 stars since I think it will stick with me and it is a Harry Potter book (mostly).

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I so love this world and these characters. It was neat to see what they looked like and how they related to each other twenty years later. I also loved some of the new characters, especially Scorpius. (Note: The spoilers ahead are very minor, but don't read any further if you want to be completely surprised by the book.) I was surprised that Albus ended up in Slytherin, but in the story it really made sense. I was glad to finally see more Slytherins that were both good people and more likable. The friendship between Albus and Scorpius was believable and deep. The only character I had trouble with was Ron. For some reason, he seemed a bit too goofy for me. I know he could be goofy in the books, but something felt slightly off about him. All the other characters, however, were exactly as I imagined them to be.

The flashbacks and seeing alternate realities was fascinating. It was so interesting (and terrifying!) to see what could have become of the world with just a few slight changes. The plot made sense for the most part, although I really wish I could have seen it unfold on a stage, as it was intended. It was great to be able to imagine it the way I wanted to, but since Rowling was so involved in the play's production, I wish there was a way to see it in person. London is a bit far though. :)

This isn't a full 5 stars for a couple of reasons. First, I didn't love the play format as much as I love the novel format. I just personally prefer reading novels to plays and I think that plays are really meant to be watched. Second, although this story was wonderful and exciting and brilliant . . . it didn't quite live up to the original novels for me. Of course I want more Harry Potter and I will be thrilled if she writes more in this world for any reason, but I just feel like it is hard to top the original ending of book 7. I loved this, but I loved the novels slightly more, resulting in the 4.5 instead of a full 5 star rating here. That said, I really, really, really enjoyed this!! I wish I hadn't read it so quickly because I know I won't get any more Harry Potter maybe ever again. I will re-read it, but it won't be the same. Any Harry Potter fan should definitely read it, and I suspect most people will enjoy it! I know I did.

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Review: Buzz Books 2016: Young Adult Fall/Winter

Buzz Books 2016: Young Adult Fall/Winter by Publishers Lunch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great collection of upcoming releases in YA! I enjoyed many of these excerpts and I'm especially excited about Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake and Replica by Lauren Oliver. There were many books that I either wouldn't have known about or may not have become interested in had I not read this collection. While I may not spend my own money on a collection of excerpts, I'm glad this introduced me to many upcoming releases. I can't wait to read so many of these!

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