Review: Queen of Shadows

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This took me a long time to get through for some reason, but in the end I didn't want to stop reading. I don't think this was my favorite of the series so far, but it was another excellent addition. I'm debating between jumping right in to the next one or waiting a while because the next one doesn't come out until the fall (and I think it might just be about Chaol). It is a little hard for me to keep track of all of the characters and events when I wait a long time between reading books in a series, so we'll see.

I found the sections about Manon to be the most interesting. I always like reading about people (or witches, in this case) struggling with their light and dark sides. Aelin is powerful and strong, but not as interesting to me. The story as a whole was very engaging though. I can't believe how the story has developed and changed since the first book. It was definitely a very enjoyable experience. I wish the rest of the series was out right now!

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Review: Calling on Dragons

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I read this when I was 12 or 13, this series was one of my favorites. While it is still fun, it is not as good as I remembered it being. I think it just works better for a younger audience. I'm rating it a "3" because I feel nostalgic about this series, but it was probably more of a "2" for a reread. I only have one more book in the series to reread, but I'm not sure I'm going to do it. We'll see if I get around to it. Still, the characters are likable and funny. Although the plot is silly, it is a fun, lighthearted read (which sometimes is much needed!). I would definitely recommend this series for younger readers but maybe not so much for adults (even adults that still love YA and middle grade).

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Review: Landline

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although this was not my favorite Rainbow Rowell book, I did enjoy it more than the reviews led me to believe I would. I love Rowell's writing style because her characters feel very authentic to me. I rarely read adult contemporary novels, so it was kind of nice to read about someone in sort of the same place in life as I am (married with kids). I think I am going to make it a goal to read everything Rowell writes because even when her books aren't rated as well (like this one), I still feel like I get a lot out of them. I'm now looking forward to reading Attachments!

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Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am trying to read more diverse books, and this seems to be at the top of everyone's list. It's for good reason. I've never read an LGTB+ contemporary*, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Simon was so relatable, and I appreciated that he was involved in school and had good parents who were present. So many YA books don't have caring, involved parents, well-developed friendships, or true participation in school events, but this one did. I'm looking forward to reading Becky Albertalli's next book,The Upside of Unrequited, coming out this month. She's a great writer and I can't wait to read more!

* Once I posted this, I realized that I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe earlier this year. I liked this better. Simon seemed much more like a a real teenage boy to me than Ari, although that was a good book also.

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Review: All the Light We Cannot See

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like all World War II literature, this is not a happy book. However, it was well-written and engaging. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was very good. I've actually also heard the author speak which made it even more interesting. I know everyone loves this book (and I did too), but I have read other WWII books that I've enjoyed more. Still, this one was excellent and I would probably read more by this author.

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Review: Birnbaum's 2017 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide

Birnbaum's 2017 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide by Birnbaum Guides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. This is a fun read when planning a Disney trip. It's very colorful and has a lot of great information in it. However, I wish there were reviews of hotels, restaurants, and rides. I know that it is a matter of opinion, but I still with they inserted more opinions into the book. I know this is the "official" guide, but I think some of the unofficial guides are better just because they give some more helpful advice than this one does. Still, this is nicely organized and fun to look at. We're unsure if we are going to Disney, but I'm enjoying dreaming about it! :)

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Review: Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. This was hilarious and exactly what I needed right now. I was giggling at inappropriate times while reading it and I kept having to explain myself to people around me. I read several passages aloud to my family and we all laughed pretty hard throughout. It just felt very authentic and I could totally relate to a lot throughout (especially the sections about her dogs!). I plan to pass this on to my mom, because she needs to laugh right now too. :)

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