Although an interesting look into the role of women during the Civil War, it reads more as an overview or an introduction to the topic more than anyth...moreAlthough an interesting look into the role of women during the Civil War, it reads more as an overview or an introduction to the topic more than anything else. It is a short read, so don't expect anything too in-depth. This would be good for younger readers just starting to delve into the Civil War, but I wouldn't recommend this for seasoned veterans. (less)
Impulsively readable, but the ending was kind of disappointing. I will definitely be reading the next book though because I want to see what comes nex...moreImpulsively readable, but the ending was kind of disappointing. I will definitely be reading the next book though because I want to see what comes next for Caleb and Maggie. (less)
If you love poetry, birds, and/or nature in any way, shape or form...seriously do yourself the favor and go read this. What a stunning, little collect...moreIf you love poetry, birds, and/or nature in any way, shape or form...seriously do yourself the favor and go read this. What a stunning, little collection full of utterly evocative poems. I just finished it, and I already want to flip back to the beginning and read it all over again. (less)
After having watched the PBS documentary "Death and the Civil War," I was so compelled to read this book. And honestly, that's a good word for this bo...moreAfter having watched the PBS documentary "Death and the Civil War," I was so compelled to read this book. And honestly, that's a good word for this book: compelling. Drew Gilpin Faust shed light on a side of the Civil War that, admittedly, I hadn't given a great deal of previous thought. I found myself taking my time to read this so that I could afford this book the reflection that it deserved. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading this, and it was one of the most thought-provoking books that I've read in a while. Definitely recommended for Civil War/history buffs.(less)
Not very much detail about the battle, but I bought this mostly because of the gorgeous photographs of the battlefield. Reading through this makes me...moreNot very much detail about the battle, but I bought this mostly because of the gorgeous photographs of the battlefield. Reading through this makes me miss it so much, thank goodness I'll be there Thursday!(less)
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really think that some of Stephen King's best writing is his short stories. They are like crack to me, on...moreI've said it before and I'll say it again, I really think that some of Stephen King's best writing is his short stories. They are like crack to me, once I start reading, I have to keep reading one after another. It's like he really knows how to pack a punch in fifty pages or so. Now as it goes with any short story collection, there were some I liked more than others. My favorites included: "The Little Sisters of Eluria" (hello Dark Tower!), "Everything's Eventual," "The Road Virus Heads North," "1408," and "Riding the Bullet." For one reason or another, those stories just kinda stuck with me. My favorite, by far, though, was "The Man in the Black Suit." Actually, it probably ranks right now as my favorite short story by Stephen King. I was so creeped out by it. The story stuck with me for a few days after reading it. It still gives me the heebie jeebies to think of it. (less)
This book stressed me OUT. And I mean that in the best way possible. I'm talking like severe anxiety, as in "I HAVE to keep reading because I HAVE to...moreThis book stressed me OUT. And I mean that in the best way possible. I'm talking like severe anxiety, as in "I HAVE to keep reading because I HAVE to know what's going to happen because this person is seriously EVIL."
Ladies and gentlemen, Gillian Flynn has done it again. I have now read two out of her three published books, and I am seriously impressed. So impressed that I just may have to go to the library at some point this week to pick up Sharp Objects.
There's just something about the way she writes. She has this incredible knack for wording things in a way that I would never have thought of before. There were so many times while reading this where I would pause and just think Wow. I've said this about her before and I'll say it again--she treats her writing and her words like they are an art, and as a reader, I appreciate that.
Not only that, but the story in itself is a ride. I noticed this in Dark Places and it's evident here again in Gone Girl: Flynn has this way of feeding you details and plot lines so that you find yourself thinking, Okay, this is what's going on. Here's what is going to happen. This is the guilty person and points A, B, and C all go to prove that...only to turn around and give you the ultimate sucker punch that you don't see coming. I don't want to give anything away, but the first major plot twist about halfway through the book left me stunned. Out of everything that I thought was happening, that was probably the only alternative that I didn't (and never would have) guessed. I was stunned. Totally stunned.
Once I knew what was actually going on, that was when the real anxiety started. There are bad guys in stories. And then there are just the purely evil villains that make you really feel like good and truth won't ever win because how will they outsmart this evil person?! I mean, I was stressed out for the sake of a fictional person. That's when I know the writing is good, when it creates such a visceral reaction for me.
Between excellent writing and a story that will leave you breathless, wondering what is going to happen next, Gone Girl is not a book to be missed, and Gillian Flynn is definitely an author to keep an eye on. (less)
I like Kate Chopin's writing and her significance to feminism. I remember we read a lot of her stories in high school, including "The Story of an Hour...moreI like Kate Chopin's writing and her significance to feminism. I remember we read a lot of her stories in high school, including "The Story of an Hour." My favorite from this selection was "A Pair of Silk Stockings," though. You go, Mrs. Sommers! Feel free to pamper yourself for a change!
I love this Good Ink: American Shorts series published by Scout Books. The little books are adorable, and the illustrations make them a lot of fun. Plus, they serve as a good introduction to the short stories of many American classic authors. (less)
Here I am yet again, wondering why it took me so long to read a book that everyone swore I was going to love.
And I LOVED this book. It was just what...moreHere I am yet again, wondering why it took me so long to read a book that everyone swore I was going to love.
And I LOVED this book. It was just what I've been in the mood for. I've been absolutely aching for summer, hell, even spring would be nice if it would finally show up around these parts. One of my favorite things about summer is roadtrips. I love the spontaneity and the freedom. Morgan Matson absolutely nailed it. I thought the pictures, "receipts," and other various mementos were great additions, too.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was that it wasn't quite an "issue" book and it wasn't quite "fluff," either. It was an engaging read, with a surprising amount of depth, but not enough to drag the story down. I really enjoyed watching Amy and Roger both come to terms with their respective problems, and I liked how they helped each other along the way. I even found myself becoming really attached to the minor characters because they were so well developed. Yay character driven stories!
This has definitely been one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and if I somehow managed to not be the last person on Earth to read it, I highly recommend picking it up! (less)
Alright, ladies and gentlemen, it has officially been confirmed.
I will read anything and everything that Stephanie Perkins writes for the rest of ete...moreAlright, ladies and gentlemen, it has officially been confirmed.
I will read anything and everything that Stephanie Perkins writes for the rest of eternity.
Even if it's only the back of a cereal box.
Now that I have read both Anna and Lola (and finished both with goofy, dopey grins on my face), I can safely say that I am pretty positive that Ms. Perkins has a degree in The Art of Making Readers Swoon.
On one more random sidenote, I am typically a HUGE fan of good first lines in a novel. HOWEVER. This book contains my very favorite last line of all time. Seriously, I got goosebumps when I read it.
I can't wait to read whatever Stephanie Perkins writes next! (less)
I was pretty wary when I started this book. I read The Tommyknockers a few years back, and I felt kinda "meh" about it. I've never been big on "alien"...moreI was pretty wary when I started this book. I read The Tommyknockers a few years back, and I felt kinda "meh" about it. I've never been big on "alien" stories. I've heard some people describe Dreamcatcher as a blend between The Tommyknockers and IT, and now having finished, I have to say that's a pretty accurate description. I was also a little nervous because I've heard people say that Stephen King's newer stuff just isn't up to par with his older classics like IT or The Shining.
I shouldn't have been so worried. This was an excellent read.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: my favorite part of Stephen King's writing is his flawless character development. He has a knack for getting his readers truly invested in his characters, whether they are the main characters or even just minor characters around for a page or two. And his villains are always the nastiest that you can imagine. Kurtz gave me the creeps. Honestly, my favorite part of this book was reading about the friendship between Henry, Jonesy, Pete, Beaver and Duddits. I love that throughout all the action going on in the story's present-day, Stephen King takes the time to really make you understand what it is that makes their friendship so special. I know flashbacks aren't for everyone, but I liked how as the story went on, I got to see pieces of their past, never the whole thing all at once, which is what kept me reading.
I can see how this book could be off-putting for some readers. Of all of his books that I've read, this one is pretty gross. I can handle gore, but I will warn squeamish readers that this is one you'll probably want to avoid.
This book is pretty lengthy, as well. I found myself getting sucked into the story for hundreds of pages at a time, though. With any book of this length, there are bound to be faster parts and slower parts. But even through the slower parts, I found myself wondering what was going to happen to the characters and what the fate of the human race was going to be. And the last hundred pages? I felt myself getting stressed out because I HAD to know what was going to happen and I felt like I couldn't read fast enough to get there.
Overall, it was very satisfying for me to sink into this Stephen King read, much like coming home to an old friend. I'm pretty sure I'm destined to enjoy everything he has ever written. (less)
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING, JUST GO READ IT RIGHT NOW.
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I'm going to fill you in on Melina...moreHOLY MOTHER OF GOD THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING, JUST GO READ IT RIGHT NOW.
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I'm going to fill you in on Melina Marchetta's Finnikin.
But seriously. Just take my word for it. Go read it.
Anyhow, for fans of epic fantasy, this is an astounding YA take on the genre. First of all, I love books with maps in them. I guess I should probably clarify that. I love when you open up a book and there are maps for a whole new world that you have never experienced. Granted, sometimes an author just doesn't quite get the world building right. But Marchetta nails it. By the time I wasn't even halfway through the book, I had a feel for where each kingdom was in relation to the others and what each kingdom was all about. It didn't take me long to be all "YEAH LUMATERE!" I was lost, completely lost in this book's pages as I read.
Marchetta's writing was enchanting. I felt like I was sitting around with a Lumateran scribe who was telling me about the history of her people. It wasn't too flowery, but it wasn't too light, either. It was just right. It was so beautiful, considering how dark the story could be from time to time. I would not recommend this for younger teens. It felt like an ancient fairy tale. And I felt so much. I felt so much for each of the characters. ESPECIALLY Evanjalin. But I even felt for the countless, nameless Lumateran exiles. I felt so much for a world that was dealing with some pretty dark days. A world that doesn't even exist. (Even thought I sort of wish it did).
There are a handful of characters in this book, and they were all well-written, but I just want to take a second to talk about the awesomeness that is Finnikin and Evanjalin. They are my very favorite kinds of heroes/heroines. They are both mostly good, but they are not without their flaws. Finnikin could be seriously so stubborn, I wanted to smack him upside the head. Evanjalin was impulsive half the time without explaining (or even forewarning) what she was going to do. But at the same time, Finnikin was so fiercely loyal and Evanjalin was just so strong. They were real. I thought about them and this book constantly when I wasn't reading it. Seriously. I work a mindless part-time job and usually the only thing on my mind is how much time I have left until I get to go home. While I was reading this, all I could think about was what was going to happen next. Even now, after having finished this roughly 24 hours ago and I'm still thinking about the characters. And I have to wait until NEXT March until Froi of the Exiles comes out in the U.S. Major sad news for this girl.
Also, WOO HOO for no insta-love. And a relationship that I swooned over.
AND that cover? Uh, hello beautiful. I usually prefer paperback editions of my books, but I may just have to go out and buy the hardcover edition of this.
I feel like I'm blundering my way through this review. So just trust me--this is a book that you need to read if you're a fan of fantasy. It's amazing. I promise. (less)
So, I may or may not be sitting here completely freaked out. Freaked out in a "if-you're-sneezing-or-coughing-GET-AWAY-FROM-ME-I-DON'T-WANT-YOUR-ZOMBI...moreSo, I may or may not be sitting here completely freaked out. Freaked out in a "if-you're-sneezing-or-coughing-GET-AWAY-FROM-ME-I-DON'T-WANT-YOUR-ZOMBIE-INFECTION" kind of way.
I picked this book up randomly from the store where I work, and once I came home and found out it was the second in a series, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I rarely buy books because of blurbs, but when Sarah Langan was compared to Stephen King, and Peter Straub himself recommended this, I was like heck yeah I'm reading this!
After reading the first paragraph of the prologue, I knew I was in for a good book. I think what surprised me the most was the fact that Sarah Langan really did remind me of Stephen King. Now, in my eyes at least, n one can come close to Uncle Steve. But I see potential in Langan. She doesn't quite have the literary finesse King does (i.e. I don't quite see brilliance here), but DAMN--girl can write!
The biggest similarity to King that I saw was in the way Langan wrote her characters. You're introduced to these characters, and within pages, you feel like you've known them your entire life. And they're real. Not everything is hunky dory in these characters' lives. They have their frustrations, their addictions, their skeletons, and their demons. Which brings me to another area where Langan reminded me of King--she doesn't shy away from the raw parts of life. She faces them head-on and says it like it is.
And can we talk about the creep factor? This whole book had me on the edge of my seat. I was so anxious. I even had nightmares the past two nights after reading this. Part of what is so creepy is that as a reader, you watch as the virus spreads from victim to victim. And you never really find out what these monster things are...besides pretty freaking evil. There was gore, but a tasteful amount. Enough to be gross, but it wasn't like a Saw movie. The creepiest part though was that Langan dared to cross the line between fiction and non-fiction, begging the question--is this just a story? Or could it actually happen?
Also, being worried about this being the second book? I had nothing to worry about. I wouldn't necessarily call this a sequel. Sure, it picks up where The Keeper left off, but I don't think you necessarily need to read that to understand this one. But now that I devoured (no pun intended, I swear) The Missing, I'm dying (no...really...no pun) to read The Keeper! (less)
First and foremost, I would like to thank Erica at Harper Perennial for providing me with a copy of Drinking Closer to Home for review!
I fell in love...moreFirst and foremost, I would like to thank Erica at Harper Perennial for providing me with a copy of Drinking Closer to Home for review!
I fell in love with this book as I read. At first, I wasn’t so sure about the third person narrative—it seemed a little off to me. But as I read, I got used to Blau’s style and stopped noticing it. I actually really enjoyed Blau’s writing style. The way she writes, you forget that you’re reading and that you’re not actually there with the characters. And speaking of the characters, I grew to love all of them, and I know that I won’t soon forget this family and their antics. I found that Blau wrote with an incredible honesty and rawness about family life. We all seem to think that we are the sole beings with crazy families, but Blau goes to show us that not only are we not alone, but that every family and every family member has their own set of quirks. Buzzy and Louise were certainly interesting parents, and the grandparents definitely gave a new light to the word “eccentric.” I probably related to Portia the most and Anna the least. I grew to think of Emery as my own little brother. As you all know, characterization is my favorite part of any book, and as I’ve said, this book definitely painted clear pictures of these characters that I know will stick with me for quite some time.
Another thing I also particularly enjoyed about this book was the setup of the narrative. I liked how the story was told jumping between the present day and flashbacks to the past. Normally, that would make the story feel disjointed for me, but it worked really well in the case of this story.
Overall, I was really pleased with the opportunity to read and review this book, and I have Harper Perennial to thank for that. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy family dramas or just something that will make readers feel like they live less of a crazy life than they might believe. (less)
Okay, so this was a 3.5 for me. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I will say that it is a strong debut from M.J. Evans, nevertheless. Even t...moreOkay, so this was a 3.5 for me. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I will say that it is a strong debut from M.J. Evans, nevertheless. Even though I wasn't flying through the pages, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think it's important to slow down sometimes and just enjoy being transported to a different place, and Evans' first book definitely did that for me.
There were a lot of things that I really enjoyed about Behind the Mist. First and foremost, I have to say that I loved the emphasis Evans places on the power of love. Throughout the novel, love reigns, and it made me all warm and fuzzy and happy inside. It was really refreshing to see the good guys fight the bad guys with love instead of just fighting back with violence. I also enjoyed the other virtues that appear within these pages; off the top of my head, I remember that at one point, Nick has to learn patience and Jazz has to learn to acknowledge and embrace his own strengths. There are some great morals within this book that would lend themselves wonderfully to younger readers.
Going off of that thought, I liked how this was a clean and quaint fantasy. I could definitely recommend this to younger readers with no qualms.
Another thing that stood out to me about this novel was that you can really tell that Evans loves horses, and I especially loved that. There are times when a person is so passionate about something and you can just feel it in their words or what they say. Evans' passion absolutely shines through the pages, much in the same way that the power of love shines through Nick and Jazz. If you love horses, you will love this book, without a doubt.
The only problem I had with this book is that I wasn't quite sure of the audience. Nick is 17, but it read more like middle grade to me. Like I said before, this book is chock-full of morals that would speak nicely to a middle grade crowd, but would be overdone or preachy for YA. Plus, the writing itself seems more geared toward a younger audience. I kept thinking as I read this that it would be a good book for my 9-year-old brother to read because it would be something that he could understand easily. Now, this whole issue isn't too much of a problem. Once I had settled in and prepared myself for middle grade, the reading became much easier for me.
Not only that, but Evans picks up her stride as the story moves along. The writing becomes more confident, and the flow becomes more...well, flowing.
Overall, I am looking forward to book #2. There weren't any frustrating cliffhangers or any completely open-ended questions, but I was left wondering a few things. Like what's the deal with Portlas? And what is Hasbadana going to pull next? And I really want to see how Bethany develops. Besides that, I really enjoyed Nick and Jazz as a team, and I'll be looking forward to more!
On the one hand, I loved it. This is, without a doubt, the most unique book I have ever read. It was d...moreI'm not quite sure what to say about this book.
On the one hand, I loved it. This is, without a doubt, the most unique book I have ever read. It was different, it was crazy, it was a wild ride, and I loved that.
Hanna was an awesome narrator. I mean, this chick is certifiable. The last diagnosis from her doctor said manic-depressive, but they don't even really know what all is wrong with her. I wasn't always her biggest fan--her personality could be a bit grating, and sometimes she was way too whiny. I think what I liked about her so much was just that she was so different. As much as I can relate to the shy, awkward, average-looking girl that pops up in YA so often, it was nice to be jolted out of the same old, same old.
Portero was a cool little town, too. All of this weird and crazy stuff happens there on a daily basis, so as a reader, you kind of have to sit back and enjoy the ride and just go with it. I'm definitely looking forward to re-visiting this town, that's for sure.
On the other hand, sometimes it was hard to keep reading because, like I said, Hanna and especially Rosalee could be very grating. And sometimes, the weird and crazy stuff came across as gimmicky. However, as a whole, it didn't detract from my reading experience, and I really enjoyed this book. I have to say, too, that it has been a long time since I have been that satisfied by an ending. It couldn't have ended any other way.
I recommend this for older YA readers (there are some mature scenes) if you're looking for something unique to cleanse your palate. (less)
Prior to reading this collection, I considered myself a fan of John Steinbeck. I had, at one point or another, read The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden,...morePrior to reading this collection, I considered myself a fan of John Steinbeck. I had, at one point or another, read The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, and of course, Of Mice and Men. I enjoyed all of those well enough to want to read more, more, more by Steinbeck. Hence, I picked up this book and began reading.
The first thing that came to mind upon finishing this is that John Steinbeck has officially made it into my sacred realm of Favorite Authors. There were some novellas here that I enjoyed more than others, but there was not a single one that I disliked. I ended each one with an immense satisfaction rarely known to me as a reader. I can't even really say which novellas were my favorite because I enjoyed them all. I think what gets to me the most about John Steinbeck is that he makes me contemplate what I've read for quite some time after I've finished reading. What took me so long to read this collection was not the size of the book, but rather the fact that between each novella, I'd have to stop and pause for a few days just to sit and think and stew over what I had finished. I love that. It is so fantastic to me that with such simple, straightforward writing, Steinbeck can evoke so much effort from his readers.
Steinbeck isn't for everyone, but then again, neither is any other book out there. Don't go into this expecting it to change your mind on Steinbeck if you're iffy on him. If you are a fan of his, I highly recommend this collection. (less)
I am in all kinds of head-over-heels, heart-racing, swoony love with this book. So much so that I am ready to climb to the top of the bell tower of No...moreI am in all kinds of head-over-heels, heart-racing, swoony love with this book. So much so that I am ready to climb to the top of the bell tower of Notre Dame to proclaim my love of it to the world. (Heh-heh, see what I did there?)
Anyhow, since I'm probably the last person in the world who hasn't read this, I probably don't even need to tell you all to read this. But seriously. If you haven't read this yet--DO. IT. NOW.
This is the kind of book that will leave you with those goofy smiles on your face, but not in a cheesy Hallmark kind of way. The story of Anna and St. Clair isn't corny. It isn't overdone. It won't make you roll your eyes and it won't make you gag. It will, however, make you want to doodle little hearts all over your notebook, which I may or may not be doing as I'm sitting here thinking of a review...
I love Stephanie Perkins. She is definitely on my authors-to-watch list, and I NEED to read Lola ASAP. She's spunky. She really knows how to make you laugh. And she really gets feelings...especially the feelings of an eighteen-year-old. Her writing is incredibly readable. I definitely could have read this book in an afternoon, but I stretched it out over a couple days to savor it.
And never fear--this story isn't all rainbows and butterflies. Rough patches happen, and each character seems to have a set of personal problems that they're dealing with. Just like real life. Imagine that. Not only that, but this book isn't just about the relationships. Stephanie Perkins' description of Paris made me LONG for it. And I've never really had any desire to go there or even to France in general. But now, it is definitely on my list of places to see.
Anyway, I don't have much to say about this book that hasn't already been said. Just trust me. Believe the hype. Go out and read this. Heck, go out and re-read this. I know I, for one, am itching for a copy of this for my shelves now! (less)
Even though this book took me forever to read, I really enjoyed it.
Everyone is familiar with "The Gift of the Magi," and I had read a couple of his s...moreEven though this book took me forever to read, I really enjoyed it.
Everyone is familiar with "The Gift of the Magi," and I had read a couple of his short stories in school, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up this volume. I enjoy short stories from time to time, but I usually end up liking some stories more than others. Most of the time, short story collections are "meh" for me. Not so in this case. I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every story.
I was really surprised how much I looked forward to beginning each story. O. Henry writes about average people, and many critics call him "formulaic." Well, he is formulaic, let's face it. All of his stories have some kind of surprise twist at the end. However, in a twist that O. Henry himself would be proud of, this turns out to be one of the strongest features of his stories. Seriously. I would be reading along, and I'd try to be guessing at what was going to happen. But he fooled me just about every single time. He's formulaic, but absolutely unpredictable. It adds suspense to his stories; it makes them more exciting. You know it's coming, but you don't quite know what it is. I love it.
O. Henry is a great writer, to boot. I know a lot of people shy away from short stories because they're just not long enough to satisfy most people. Even though the character development isn't the greatest (I will admit), I was completely engrossed in the stories. When he was writing about the busy streets of NYC, I was there. When he was writing about bandits out West, I was there. He writes with just enough descriptive flair to put me where he wants me to be. Not only that, but his characters felt so real. He really understands people and human nature. This even shows in his use of vernacular. There have been many a time when I have felt that an author's attempts at the common vernacular have just seemed off. O. Henry is spot on. I could definitely hear each voice as I was reading.
I think one of O. Henry's strongest assets in writing these stories is his use of comedy, which lends itself to the twists. The twists would not work without the comedy. They go to show just how absurd life can be and how coincidence can play such a part in an average person's life. I can't say that O. Henry is the most hilarious author I've read, but there were times when I definitely laughed out loud. Life, and especially love, are funny in the way that they work out, and O. Henry uses this to make his tales entertaining.
I also want to point out that this particular edition is pretty good, and I applaud Barnes & Noble (or whoever put this together). There are a great variety of his stories from throughout his writing career. There is an informative introduction which lends insight into O. Henry and why he wrote the way he did. There was even a great section at the end that included reviews of O. Henry over time and some questions to ponder. I only have two complaints about this edition. First, it seemed that the editors clumped similar stories together, i.e. all the NYC stories, all the Western stories, all the robber/thief stories, etc. It made it a little redundant at times. My last complaint is more of a personal thing. I hate endnotes. I hate having to flip back to the end of the book to see what little blurb I have to read. I mean, there were footnotes throughout as well, so I feel like it just would have been nicer to have one or the other. But that's just me being picky.
Overall, I completely understand why they have a short story award named after him. Realistically, there are many, many different types of short stories, but O. Henry really has his own voice down. As I was reading this, I felt much like the readers who anxiously awaited his stories in the weekly printed magazines. I was constantly looking forward to when I could sit down with this book and soak up some good stories. So, if you're looking for a great collection of short stories, I recommend going out and picking up a copy of this! (less)
I'm going to start with what I did like and why I think this book has some merit in the YA world. This book is...moreThis was just "meh" for me, simply put.
I'm going to start with what I did like and why I think this book has some merit in the YA world. This book is extremely realistic. E.R. Frank has done work as a social worker, and it is definitely apparent. Everything about this book was plausible, and I never had a reality check moment, like I tend to have with some YA books. So, if you're looking for some realistic fiction, this is definitely your go-to book.
I also think that given the format of the book (each section/chapter told from the perspective of a different character), she created some pretty distinct voices. It would be so easy for the characters in this kind of book to become all lumped together, but she did a good job with keeping voices distinguishable.
The overlying point of this novel was definitely cool, and that's why this got 3 stars, instead of 2. I very much liked the fact that as I read this, I felt like almost like a social worker myself. I felt like all of these kids were telling me their stories. It's just a quick flash of time--we don't really get to see what happens to anyone. It's really like these kids were brought in on a particular day and were telling me about what was going on in their lives on that day. We see stories kind of overlap, and characters appear in each other's stories whether they really know each other or not. I'm not sure if any of that made sense unless you've read this.
However, there were a few things that I didn't enjoy. I understand that this is realistic fiction, but this just seemed overdone. I know that everyone has serious issues in life, but to go from chapter to chapter and from suicide to domestic abuse to sexual abuse to cutting to drug abuse to racism and on and on...it's just a bit too heavy for me. I read this for a class, and I spent some time talking about how the serious issues showing up wouldn't be such a problem if we could see the characters develop even just a little bit more. I felt like just as soon as I was beginning to understand a character and empathize with their situation, it was onto the next chapter.
Another big thing for me was that as I was reading, I could put this down and not really have any desire to pick it up again. If someone had stolen it away from me in the middle of me reading it, I wouldn't have really minded. And that's a problem for me. I mean, while I was reading it, it was good and I was interested, but after I put it down, I didn't really want to keep reading. I'm not really sure why, but this one just didn't do it for me. (less)
This was such an excellent read! I'm honestly surprised that Chris Crutcher is not a more prominent name in YA literature because he's one of the bett...moreThis was such an excellent read! I'm honestly surprised that Chris Crutcher is not a more prominent name in YA literature because he's one of the better ones that I've ever read. He is really an amazing writer, and I'm glad that my professor had us read this book.
Crutcher knows how to craft a very good line, and he uses his words effectively. There were some really gut-wrenching lines in this book. He gets in the heart of his character and stays there, creating the distinctive voice of the witty smartass narrator, Eric Calhoune. While I couldn't really visualize the characters, I got such a clear picture of their voices and their personalities that I would know them anywhere. I love when authors do this with their characters because it shows me that they actually care about their characters.
Another big plus in this book is that Crutcher absolutely does not shy away from any of the raw topics of life, ranging from domestic abuse to abortion to religion, which is why he gets banned quite frequently. I love that he takes these untouchable topics and has his readers really think about them through the antics of his characters. I think it's important for people to read about stuff like this, if just for the simple fact of being aware that it happens. Crutcher's approach also works really well because he uses comic relief and laughter to lighten the mood. Just because he talks about serious subjects does not mean that this book is a Debbie Downer, by any means. Hell, I read the first page and I was cracking up already. Eric, otherwise known as Mobe, is such a witty and hilarious narrator. There aren't many books out there that get actual physical reactions out of me, but this was one of them. I laughed out loud, I cried, and I gasped. That takes some good writing.
So, if you're looking for an author that you may not have heard of who writes quality novels (11 in total), I highly suggest checking out Chris Crutcher.(less)
LORD MACCON--how I love thee, let me count the ways!
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I will say that if this book is any indication of how m...moreLORD MACCON--how I love thee, let me count the ways!
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I will say that if this book is any indication of how my 2012 reading years is going to be--I'm going to have an awesome year.
There were so many things I loved about this book. First of all, Gail Carriger builds a phenomenally well-thought out supernatural world that parallels Victorian England. She really covers all her bases. This supernatural world has rules and structure--it puts other vampire/werewolf stories to shame. *ahem*
Her writing itself was a lot of fun to read, as well. Imagine Jane Austen with a bit of a modern twist. Gail's writing took a good story and gave it substance. This is, by no means, a serious book, but at no point did I feel like I was reading fluff. She really blended genres well, too. There was a little bit of everything here: historical fantasy, paranormal, steampunk, horror, suspense, romance. This being my first foray into the steampunk genre, I was pleasantly surprised, and I'll definitely be looking for more from the genre.
As if all that weren't enough, Soulless has an unforgettable cast of characters. Alexia, of course, is totally kickbutt. She is a beacon of Victorian propriety and decorum, but she is also completely independent and definitely not afraid to speak her mind. I loved that she would rather be alone and be considered a spinster than settle for someone with half her wit or someone who wouldn't view her as an equal. Lord Akeldama was another favorite character of mine--freakin' fabulous. Gotta give some props to Professor Lyall. I loved that at times it was like he was the only character acting with a level head. And Lord Maccon? Do I even need to go there? Totally hot. Totally Scottish. And totally perfect for Alexia. (And me, but that's besides the point). I'm telling you, I could see the steam rising from some of those pages! It probably didn't help that I was picturing him as Jamie Dornan, aka Sheriff Graham from Once Upon a Time. Gail Carriger even does her villians well. I hated them all with a deep burning hatred, when it was Alexia's mom or the mysterious shadow man or the creepy wax man. That's when you know you have a good author on your hands.
If you want a book that will make you laugh, make you cry, tug on your heartstrings or make you fan yourself from all the steam, you will find it here in Gail Carriger's Soulless. I can't wait to start Changeless! (less)
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