After the slightly less exciting Volumes 15 and 16, the story is back on track. This volume contained actual surprises and action sequences. People we...moreAfter the slightly less exciting Volumes 15 and 16, the story is back on track. This volume contained actual surprises and action sequences. People we cared about died. New plans were formulated. I feel like things are finally back on track. I'm excited to be reading again. Unfortunately, I have to wait until Volume 18 is released in June to see what happens. Loving the big cliffhanger! (less)
After reading the war survival story, I needed something light and fluffy. Sixteen Brides stepped in and fulfilled my need. It's a typical Christian h...moreAfter reading the war survival story, I needed something light and fluffy. Sixteen Brides stepped in and fulfilled my need. It's a typical Christian historical romance. There's nothing too surprising here and yet I enjoyed reading it. Whitson crafts a nice interweaving story of five women finding their places in this new world. At times the switch from character to character became a bit tiresome. But overall, I liked hearing from each of the women. We get a nice diverse collection of women. The men are fairly standard stereotypes, but still pretty good. As the ending was predictable, I wasn't surprised. And yet, this was just what I needed to have a change of mood.(less)
Fun fun! I am really loving these quick action adventure reads. I am extra excited that this series is all steampunky goodness. Harper has the right m...moreFun fun! I am really loving these quick action adventure reads. I am extra excited that this series is all steampunky goodness. Harper has the right mix of character and action to make me keep reading. The characters are intriguing. I especially loved the addition of Feng and Dodd to this volume. Harper's characters expand and grow, but they still retain their core of being. I loved continuing to follow Alice and Gavin (with Dr. Clef, Click, and Kemp) on their journey to China to bring about the end of the Clockwork Plague and a cure for Gavin. Plus, we get great stopovers in Luxembourg, Berlin, and Kiev. The encounter with the Gontas and Zalzinaks was fabulous. I can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.(less)
This month's book club selection was a heavy one. I've never been partial to war memoirs, but this one was very engaging. After the initially slow sta...moreThis month's book club selection was a heavy one. I've never been partial to war memoirs, but this one was very engaging. After the initially slow start, I was hooked into Louie's life. I knew there would be a relatively happy ending, but getting there tore my heart out. Hillenbrand definitely did her research. We get a beautifully crafted story piecing together a horrendous war experience. I'm sure we'll have an interesting discussion in a few weeks for this book. I am only hoping that our next selection isn't quite so serious.(less)
Wasn't the fast paced zombie thriller I thought it was going to be. Granted, the last 25 pages are fast paced and terrifying, it's just that the first...moreWasn't the fast paced zombie thriller I thought it was going to be. Granted, the last 25 pages are fast paced and terrifying, it's just that the first 150 pages are pretty slow. I was fairly disgusted by B's behavior throughout most of the book. B's constant swings from racist to nonracist get old really fast. I was intrigued by the zombie angle with the owl man and the mutant henchman. I would like to read more about what they are all about. And the final encounter with Mrs. Reed, the not quite-normal zombie sparks my interest. Unfortunately, I wasn't enamored with the rest of the book. I probably won't be picking up the others in this series.(less)
I picked this up on a whim at the library. It looked interesting. And it was amazing! I loved it! Cross the Gail Carriger Parasol Protectorate series...moreI picked this up on a whim at the library. It looked interesting. And it was amazing! I loved it! Cross the Gail Carriger Parasol Protectorate series with George Mann’s The Affinity Bridge. I loved the twists and turns. The action never stops… And the characters are too much fun. Alice has such spunk and life! Gavin is the perfect hero. I couldn’t wait to see these two get together. Of course, it had to be difficult and fraught with other complications. The side characters round out the whole story. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.(less)
This is one of those "I've been meaning to read this forever" books. I enjoy watching No Reservations. I love Bourdain's style. I even saw a few of th...moreThis is one of those "I've been meaning to read this forever" books. I enjoy watching No Reservations. I love Bourdain's style. I even saw a few of the episodes of the television series based on the book (starring Bradley Cooper pre-super stardom). And yet I never read the book. A long plane ride to Indiana was the perfect time to correct that oversight.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's part memoir, part tell-all, part guidebook. We see the world of restaurants from the inside, but often with a very particular perspective. I loved meeting the crazy characters in each restaurant and kitchen. I loved hearing about his journey from royal screw-up to famous and respected chef. The book is loud and crude, just like Bourdain himself. But to clean up his writing would destroy the essence of the story. While I may not have known all the food words, I loved hearing about the creation of good food. I love good food, and am willing to try just about anything. I love Bourdain's philosophy of quality ingredients instead of fancy presentation. I have a feeling I would love eating at any restaurant he cheffed at. My only issue with the book: it made me hungry! Reading about all this amazing food, I was constantly craving something! (less)
Another book that’s been on my TBR list for a while now. I finally grabbed it at the library and dove in. Cassidy’s writing reminds of Mary Roach. Cas...moreAnother book that’s been on my TBR list for a while now. I finally grabbed it at the library and dove in. Cassidy’s writing reminds of Mary Roach. Cassidy’s not as funny, but definitely crafts a story out of a tons of medical knowledge. I was entertaining, and at times, disgusted by the ignorance and misinformation in childbirth history. Overall, the story makes me feel very lucky at giving birth in the 21st century. I’m sure it will continue to improve, but my options are very good right now. Just a warning: don’t read if you’re squeamish…(less)
Not quite as good as the first book. I still love the characters. I still love the main premise of the books. But this one's addition of the Order, Mi...moreNot quite as good as the first book. I still love the characters. I still love the main premise of the books. But this one's addition of the Order, Mina, and the body of Lily just didn't do it for me. It all seemed to be a bit contrived. I would have liked to see more of Alona and Will's relationship (romantic and working) develop. I hope that the next one gets back to the story of Will and Alona. I still want to read the last of the trilogy, but I'm going to have to wait. The library doesn't have the third one yet...(less)
I had some reservations about this book after reading some of the Goodreads reviews. And I admit it wasn’t amazing, but it has great potential. I was...moreI had some reservations about this book after reading some of the Goodreads reviews. And I admit it wasn’t amazing, but it has great potential. I was only halfway in the characters and storyline until we got into Toxic London. With the first encounters of the Barrens, I was hooked. I love the idea of a virus that gives some people extra abilities. Once humanity acquires abilities, how do we deal? I think the politics and struggle between the Superiors, Irregulars, and Choppers is the most interesting aspect to this book. I am tempted to read the other books in the series (once they are released) just to see where the struggle ends. The characters themselves aren’t that well defined. Thank goodness the story kept me interested.(less)
This is definitely not the TV show. Instead we are treated to a reimagining of the story from the novels. I love the illustrations. There are just gor...moreThis is definitely not the TV show. Instead we are treated to a reimagining of the story from the novels. I love the illustrations. There are just gorgeous, full of so much detail. I especially loved the panels starring Daenerys. While Emilia Clarke is just amazing on the TV show, the graphic novel version is to die for. I really want to pick up Volume 2.(less)
This is cute, and that's the problem. I loved Gaiman's Sandman series for its dark humor and bleak outlook. This manga style volume focusing on Death...moreThis is cute, and that's the problem. I loved Gaiman's Sandman series for its dark humor and bleak outlook. This manga style volume focusing on Death makes her too cute. She loses all her mystery and cunning in this volume. I just couldn't stay with the book all the way through. It's too cute. I prefer Gaiman's volumes.(less)
An amazing Christmas present from J's parents. Overall this was a great collection of essays discussing Doctor Who. I was expecting lots of critical e...moreAn amazing Christmas present from J's parents. Overall this was a great collection of essays discussing Doctor Who. I was expecting lots of critical essays, but it was little lite on those. The volume did include a ton of "How I came to Who" essays. Those were interesting. But my favorites were the few gender critical essays. Those are my bread and butter. "Adventures in Ocean-Crossing, Margin-Skating and Feminist-Engagement with Doctor Who" by Helen Kang was hands-down my fave, mostly because Kang discussed all the reasons why I love Donna Noble. I want to read more...(less)
A few weeks ago a friend invited me to see Laurie King speak at the local library. Turns out she’s a Bay Area native. She was funny and self-depreciat...moreA few weeks ago a friend invited me to see Laurie King speak at the local library. Turns out she’s a Bay Area native. She was funny and self-depreciating and insightful. I loved hearing her talk. Unfortunately, I couldn’t read any of her books before the talk. I received her first Mary Russell book from the library soon after. I am not disappointed at all. We get a classic Holmes style story starring Holmes and a refreshing newcomer. The books starts a bit slow, but really King’s easing us into the crazy adventures soon to come. The capers were entertaining and lots of fun. I think I will definitely be adding this series to be TBR lists.(less)
Our February book Club selection and I freaking loved it! It's a gorgeous novel tracing the exposure of a huge mystery. I love Morton's writing. Even...moreOur February book Club selection and I freaking loved it! It's a gorgeous novel tracing the exposure of a huge mystery. I love Morton's writing. Even attempting to follow multiple narrators, I didn't have any problems. Morton seamlessly transitions between times and narrators. I was with each of the characters throughout. Speaking of characters, I was in love with all of them. Well, that's not exactly true. Rose and Adeline were definitely the villans of the piece. Of course, Rose is unintentionally a villan, but still her reversal towards Eliza makes her a suitable villan. I felt very connected with Cassandra and Nell and Eliza. There was something about those three characters that just pulled me straight in. And the mystery kept me guessing for most of the book. I admit that I figured it out before the big reveal, but Morton's storytelling kept me engaged throughout. Amazing book. Now I must add Morton's other books to my TBR list.(less)
My initial reaction was “that reminded me of Kick-Ass.” And then I actually looked at the authors and realized that Millar wrote both. Silly me. This...moreMy initial reaction was “that reminded me of Kick-Ass.” And then I actually looked at the authors and realized that Millar wrote both. Silly me. This volume still reminds me of Kick-Ass with the hyper-action violence and larger than life characters. But at the core, we get a story of lifelike characters. Even with the costumes or superpowers, at their core these characters are just like us. I really enjoyed the story of Wesley’s transformation. As an extra note, this volume also reminds me of The Boys, but without the really interesting political angle.
Movie:
I saw the movie two years, obviously before reading the comic. At the time I thought it was a somewhat interesting story, but I wasn’t over the moon for it.
After reading the comic, I have a new found appreciation for the film. It’s definitely different, but keeps the main story of Wesley Gibson intact. We see his transformation from pathetic loser to top assassin. The movie ditched the superhero and supervillian angle, but the story and tone stays. And the movie is shot beautifully. All of the special effects and stunts pull the watcher into a fantastical world. Plus James McAvoy is just outstanding…(less)
I had a few issues with this volume. Overall, I am still in love with this series. I love the illustrations. I love the characters. I love the general...moreI had a few issues with this volume. Overall, I am still in love with this series. I love the illustrations. I love the characters. I love the general storyline. My issues came with the pacing of the story and the style. There are many jump cuts in this volume. We get snippets of the action as instead of a complete follow through. The entire first chapter, I was a bit confused by the new style. And we get a ton of new keys with not much explanation of what they do. I would have liked a little less stuffed into this one volume. I like the slower pacing of the first three volumes. Even with my issues, I still love this story and can't wait to read the conclusion. But I'll have to until April since I don't have the next volume... Darn!(less)
Intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Oh my! The storyline just keeps getting darker and darker as this series goes on. I am in awe of how good this series...moreIntrigue, mystery, and suspense. Oh my! The storyline just keeps getting darker and darker as this series goes on. I am in awe of how good this series is. I imagined a flaky plot with flaky characters. Thankfully I was mistaken. I love Hill’s penchant for complex, but realistic characters. Even Dodge is realistic as a malevolent being possibly a puppet for another more malevolent entity. I loved the introduction of Scott and Jamal in this volume. They filled out the story even more. I can’t wait to read Volume 4!(less)
Another stunning volume. I am really into this series now. I love the colors, the drawings, the characters, and above all the storyline. This volume d...moreAnother stunning volume. I am really into this series now. I love the colors, the drawings, the characters, and above all the storyline. This volume deepened the mystery surround the house and the creature from the well. Plus we get the appearance of another mysterious key. At the very end, we get a page from an old journal detailing the known keys. I can’t wait to see the others in action.(less)
I grabbed this volume because it has appeared on many other book bloggers’ lists. And I was definitely not disappointed. This story starts off with a...moreI grabbed this volume because it has appeared on many other book bloggers’ lists. And I was definitely not disappointed. This story starts off with a bang and doesn’t stop. We follow a damaged family through their pain and eventual opening of new horrors. I loved the style of writing. Hill conveys such emotion through short dialogue bubbles. The story itself is intense and horrifying. I sped through the volume on pins and needles. And was left wanting more… Thank goodness I have Volumes 2-4 just waiting to be read.(less)
Interesting story… I must admit that I liked her Persepolis series much better than this one. But this volume does have some redeeming qualities. I lo...moreInteresting story… I must admit that I liked her Persepolis series much better than this one. But this volume does have some redeeming qualities. I loved the look into the head of Nasser Ali. Instead of a linear story, we get flashbacks and almost stream of consciousness. It’s an interesting choice of style. I liked it. And the drawings were amazing as ever. The stark black and white with figures really lends powers to the story.(less)
After reading this little preview of the longer Batman: Earth One volume, I might actually read some of the superhero comics. So far, I've stayed away...moreAfter reading this little preview of the longer Batman: Earth One volume, I might actually read some of the superhero comics. So far, I've stayed away. But I really enjoyed the idea of The Dark Knight. While I love Adam West's slightly zany Batman, the darker side of Batman has held much more pull with me. Plus this volume is beautifully drawn. Everything is a bit dark, but very clear and readable. Enjoyable few moments.(less)
This was January's book club selection. And I have to say that I did not enjoy it. The story of child soldiers is powerful, an evil we must combat. Bu...moreThis was January's book club selection. And I have to say that I did not enjoy it. The story of child soldiers is powerful, an evil we must combat. But I just didn't connect at all to the Beah or any of the other people in the memoir. I just didn't get emotionally wrapped into the story. I stood on the outskirts seeing the story unfold, but not needing to see more. I compare reading this story to reading We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch about the Rwandan genocide. The way Gourevitch's book was constructed drew me into the story and the people's lives. I felt connected to them. I felt their fear and joy throughout. This just didn't hit me the same way.(less)
A good choice to help kick off my new’s reads. I won this ARC a few weeks back and decided to throw it in my suitcase for reading on the plane. I didn...moreA good choice to help kick off my new’s reads. I won this ARC a few weeks back and decided to throw it in my suitcase for reading on the plane. I didn’t read it on the plane but devoured it in just two days before my trip back. The romane, the adventure, and the mystery were all great elements. I loved Eliza’s spunk and Hamilton’s devotion. The rest of the characters were fun and useful. Zayne and Agatha were by far my favorites. Piper and Ben were the cutest children ever. I really enjoyed read this book. However, I have one issue: the Christian angle. Suddenly about half way through the book more and more characters are bringing up their faith. It felt a bit after the fact to me. I didn’t see it as an apparent main theme. In that way, it seemed just a bit disingenuous. If that’s the angle taken, I would like to see it incorporated at the start of the book. But even that little issue didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. Plus, I started my year off right with a good read.(less)
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