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!!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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