Alexis Lampley's Blog, page 14
June 27, 2017
The Hate U Give
by: Angie Thomas
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, Khalil's death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Starr's best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming. When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protesters take to the streets and Starr's neighborhood becomes a war zone. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does-or does not-say could destroy her community. It could also endanger her life. {cover copy}
I'm sure you've heard this before, if you have seen anything about this book, but this is an important book. As an upper-middle-class white girl {yeah, I'm part Native American, but let's be honest, unless you're looking at my side profile and I'm wearing my hair straight with a middle-part, you wouldn't know that by looking. I'm basically just a tan white girl} who is more open and receptive than a lot of the people she knows IRL {no offense, but it's true} I found this book to still be eye-opening in ways that I can improve my thinking and my actions toward POCs. I can only imagine the impact it might have on those more close-minded. I wish that I could recommend it to everyone I know, but I fear that some would not hear the message. Regardless, this was such a great book. It was funnier than I expected. Starr's family prayers especially had me cracking up. Between this and the "Dear White People" show on Netflix, which I binged around the same time as reading this, I'm really starting to get a better sense of what POCs go through in their daily lives that make it harder, even when they are able to take advantage of opportunities. This is such a great example of the importance of diverse writers and main characters, because without those perspectives, how will we truly start to see through other's eyes? Also, it makes me thankful that I did not have to face that kind of struggle because of my skin color but also it makes me aware that I still have struggles because of being female. And imagine the struggles when you start piling on the supposed "disadvantages" like your skin color and your gender and your sexual preference and so on. It just makes you think. Which is exactly what a book should do. 100% recommend.
I shouldn't have come to this party. {first line}
"What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"
"At the end of the day, you don't kill someone for opening a car door. If you do, you shouldn't be a cop."
"At an early age I learned that people make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them."
"Lord, bless my mom, and thank you that she went into her retirement fund and gave us the money for the downpayment. Help us turn the basement into a suit so she can stay here sometimes." // "No, Lord," Daddy says. // "Yes, Lord," says Momma. // "No, Lord." // "Yes." // "No, amen!"
"Brave doesn't mean you're not scared."
• promise • {last word}
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.Soon afterward, Khalil's death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Starr's best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming. When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protesters take to the streets and Starr's neighborhood becomes a war zone. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does-or does not-say could destroy her community. It could also endanger her life. {cover copy}
I'm sure you've heard this before, if you have seen anything about this book, but this is an important book. As an upper-middle-class white girl {yeah, I'm part Native American, but let's be honest, unless you're looking at my side profile and I'm wearing my hair straight with a middle-part, you wouldn't know that by looking. I'm basically just a tan white girl} who is more open and receptive than a lot of the people she knows IRL {no offense, but it's true} I found this book to still be eye-opening in ways that I can improve my thinking and my actions toward POCs. I can only imagine the impact it might have on those more close-minded. I wish that I could recommend it to everyone I know, but I fear that some would not hear the message. Regardless, this was such a great book. It was funnier than I expected. Starr's family prayers especially had me cracking up. Between this and the "Dear White People" show on Netflix, which I binged around the same time as reading this, I'm really starting to get a better sense of what POCs go through in their daily lives that make it harder, even when they are able to take advantage of opportunities. This is such a great example of the importance of diverse writers and main characters, because without those perspectives, how will we truly start to see through other's eyes? Also, it makes me thankful that I did not have to face that kind of struggle because of my skin color but also it makes me aware that I still have struggles because of being female. And imagine the struggles when you start piling on the supposed "disadvantages" like your skin color and your gender and your sexual preference and so on. It just makes you think. Which is exactly what a book should do. 100% recommend.
I shouldn't have come to this party. {first line}
"What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"
"At the end of the day, you don't kill someone for opening a car door. If you do, you shouldn't be a cop."
"At an early age I learned that people make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them."
"Lord, bless my mom, and thank you that she went into her retirement fund and gave us the money for the downpayment. Help us turn the basement into a suit so she can stay here sometimes." // "No, Lord," Daddy says. // "Yes, Lord," says Momma. // "No, Lord." // "Yes." // "No, amen!"
"Brave doesn't mean you're not scared."
• promise • {last word}
June 19, 2017
Serenity: Those Left Behind
by: Stephen King
From Oscar and Emmy-nominated Joss Whedon--creator of acclaimed TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and writer/director of The Avengers--comes Serenity: Those Left Behind, a prequel to the Serenity feature film.
Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his ragtag crew of renegades take refuge from their former lives as soldiers, loners, and guinea pigs. Each has a story to tell of shady dealings; battles fought that are sometimes won, sometimes lost; and the enduring desire for peace. They find home on the Firefly-class starship names Serenity. {cover copy}
I can't believe it took me this long to buy this and the other three books. They are everything I wanted. Having a continuation of the show/movie along with some answers about the future and past of some of the characters just makes my heart so happy. Not gonna lie, the fourth book made me cry tears of happiness. Anyway these are amazing and I think if you are a fan at all, you absolutely need to get these. If you aren't a fan, go watch Firefly, then Serenity, then buy these and then message me so we can geek out over this. Seriously. I love it so much. Also, I just drowned myself in the awesomeness and didn't flag quotes or anything. So this is where the review ends this time.
From Oscar and Emmy-nominated Joss Whedon--creator of acclaimed TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and writer/director of The Avengers--comes Serenity: Those Left Behind, a prequel to the Serenity feature film.Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his ragtag crew of renegades take refuge from their former lives as soldiers, loners, and guinea pigs. Each has a story to tell of shady dealings; battles fought that are sometimes won, sometimes lost; and the enduring desire for peace. They find home on the Firefly-class starship names Serenity. {cover copy}
I can't believe it took me this long to buy this and the other three books. They are everything I wanted. Having a continuation of the show/movie along with some answers about the future and past of some of the characters just makes my heart so happy. Not gonna lie, the fourth book made me cry tears of happiness. Anyway these are amazing and I think if you are a fan at all, you absolutely need to get these. If you aren't a fan, go watch Firefly, then Serenity, then buy these and then message me so we can geek out over this. Seriously. I love it so much. Also, I just drowned myself in the awesomeness and didn't flag quotes or anything. So this is where the review ends this time.
June 14, 2017
The Shining
by: Stephen King
What of the penetrating cold terror of an old hotel, a haunted place of seductive evil with a malevolent will of its own--and a five-year-old boy of innocent beauty whose mind mirrors the nightmarish secrets of its past?
Behind every door of the Overlook's 110 empty rooms there is a chamber of horror. Little Danny knows of these things because he has the terrible power--the shining. {cover copy}
I will admit, I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. Which was actually really fun. All I knew of it was the few little snippets of the movie I had seen floating around in pop culture the way those things seem to do. But wow. It was really good. And scary. And I totally did not expect the shining to be what it was but I actually really love that. I expected it to be something bad. Anyway, very good story. And this cover is so fun. I got it at a used bookstore. It doesn't win an award for coolness but I sorta just love the vintage look of it anyway.
Jack Torrence thought: Officious little prick. {first line}
"You could be stung, but you could also sting back."
"The tears that heal are also the tears that scald and scourge."
"You're gonna get over this. You don't think you are right now, but you will."
What of the penetrating cold terror of an old hotel, a haunted place of seductive evil with a malevolent will of its own--and a five-year-old boy of innocent beauty whose mind mirrors the nightmarish secrets of its past?Behind every door of the Overlook's 110 empty rooms there is a chamber of horror. Little Danny knows of these things because he has the terrible power--the shining. {cover copy}
I will admit, I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. Which was actually really fun. All I knew of it was the few little snippets of the movie I had seen floating around in pop culture the way those things seem to do. But wow. It was really good. And scary. And I totally did not expect the shining to be what it was but I actually really love that. I expected it to be something bad. Anyway, very good story. And this cover is so fun. I got it at a used bookstore. It doesn't win an award for coolness but I sorta just love the vintage look of it anyway.
Jack Torrence thought: Officious little prick. {first line}
"You could be stung, but you could also sting back."
"The tears that heal are also the tears that scald and scourge."
"You're gonna get over this. You don't think you are right now, but you will."
June 12, 2017
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
by: Stephen King
Since his first collection, Night Shift, was published thirty-five years ago, Stephen King has dazzled readers with his genius as a writer of short fiction. In this new collection he assembles twenty short stories, some of which have never appeared in print, some of which King has revisited and revised. He introduces each with a passage about its origins or his motivations for writing it.
There are thrilling connections between stories: themes of morality, the afterlife, guilt, what we would do differently if we could see into the future or correct the mistakes of the past. "Afterlife" is about a man who die of colon cancer and keeps reliving the same life, repeating his mistakes over and over again. Several stories feature characters at the end of life, revisiting their crimes and misdemeanors. Other stories address what happens when someone discovers that he has supernatural powers--the columnist who kills people by writing their obituaries in "Obits"; the old judge in "The Dune" who, as a boy, canoed to a deserted island and saw names written in the sand, the names of people who then died in freak accidents. In "Morality," King looks at how a marriage and two lives fall apart after the wife and husband enter into what seems, at first, a devil's pact they can win.
Magnificent, eerie, utterly compelling, the stories in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams comprise one of King's finest gifts to his Constant Reader--"I made them especially for you," says King. "Feel free to examine them, but please be careful. The best of them have teeth." {cover copy}
I don't know why, but I always seem to want to ease my way into reading Stephen King by starting with his short stories. Not like these are going to be any less scary or freaky. Nevertheless... I do it. And this was a great re-introduction into the crash course of King novels which I am currently on. I listened to this on Audbile and it was truly enjoyable, even in the dead of night by myself. I don't know that I have a favorite from this set of stories, though some definitely stick out in the memory more than others, but at any given time those "some" switch and replace themselves with the "others" so that's not really fair to say. Either way, I'm glad I started with this book. {There is no first line or last word section since this had many and I don't want to write them all down. So here are the quotes that stuck out to me}:
"People who call themselves realists are often the biggest optimists of all."
"...curiosity rather than rage was the true bane of the human spirit."
"The ideas don't stop just because one is old. The body weakens, but the words never do."
"God's grace is a pretty cool concept. It tays intact every time it's not you."
Since his first collection, Night Shift, was published thirty-five years ago, Stephen King has dazzled readers with his genius as a writer of short fiction. In this new collection he assembles twenty short stories, some of which have never appeared in print, some of which King has revisited and revised. He introduces each with a passage about its origins or his motivations for writing it.There are thrilling connections between stories: themes of morality, the afterlife, guilt, what we would do differently if we could see into the future or correct the mistakes of the past. "Afterlife" is about a man who die of colon cancer and keeps reliving the same life, repeating his mistakes over and over again. Several stories feature characters at the end of life, revisiting their crimes and misdemeanors. Other stories address what happens when someone discovers that he has supernatural powers--the columnist who kills people by writing their obituaries in "Obits"; the old judge in "The Dune" who, as a boy, canoed to a deserted island and saw names written in the sand, the names of people who then died in freak accidents. In "Morality," King looks at how a marriage and two lives fall apart after the wife and husband enter into what seems, at first, a devil's pact they can win.
Magnificent, eerie, utterly compelling, the stories in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams comprise one of King's finest gifts to his Constant Reader--"I made them especially for you," says King. "Feel free to examine them, but please be careful. The best of them have teeth." {cover copy}
I don't know why, but I always seem to want to ease my way into reading Stephen King by starting with his short stories. Not like these are going to be any less scary or freaky. Nevertheless... I do it. And this was a great re-introduction into the crash course of King novels which I am currently on. I listened to this on Audbile and it was truly enjoyable, even in the dead of night by myself. I don't know that I have a favorite from this set of stories, though some definitely stick out in the memory more than others, but at any given time those "some" switch and replace themselves with the "others" so that's not really fair to say. Either way, I'm glad I started with this book. {There is no first line or last word section since this had many and I don't want to write them all down. So here are the quotes that stuck out to me}:
"People who call themselves realists are often the biggest optimists of all."
"...curiosity rather than rage was the true bane of the human spirit."
"The ideas don't stop just because one is old. The body weakens, but the words never do."
"God's grace is a pretty cool concept. It tays intact every time it's not you."
June 9, 2017
The Stacks: May 2017
So, it appears as though I totally killed it in May with my reading. I did. Partly because a lot of these were graphic novels or Manga and that made it easier because I could finish them in the time I finish maybe a chapter of a novel. It made me feel awesome because I was flying through books along with the ones I was listening to on Audible. Plus, they're really good. It's a great blend of art and story, both of which I love. Of course, I've been insanely busy so I haven't actually posted many of the reviews for any of these {I'm still in need of posting a couple reviews from the month before! yikes.} But I'll catch up eventually. I finally have a little room for things besides work. Like normal human sleeping hours, and the chance to take a night to write a few reviews. For now. I'm sure I'll be neck deep in some other project soon. Like my next book. The Dark Half Stephen King Review to Come
A Court of Wings and Ruin Sarah J Maas
I think this was a great conclusion to the story. It was especially nice that I read this instead of listened to it because I was able to skim the sex scenes. It was much more enjoyable that way as I was able to focus on the part that makes me most excited for this story, which is the action/plot.
Doctor Sleep Stephen King
Review to Come
Amulet: The Stonekeeper Kazuo Kibuishi
Review to Come
The Hate U Give Angie Thomas
Review to Come
Amulet: The Stonekeeper's Curse Kazuo Kibuishi
This was a great followup and drew me into the world even more. Can't wait to see what happens next! The artwork is fantastic
The Girl From the Other Side Siuil a Run
I'm sobbing over how long I have to wait between these publications. I dropped everything when this came in and devoured it in one sitting. I love this little girl and I'm so invested in her and Teacher.
Amulet: The Cloud Searchers Kazuo Kibuishi
These just get better and better. I'm loving this series.
Those Left Behind Joss Whedon and more
Review to Come
Better Days and Other Stories Joss Whedon and more
I am so grateful for these books because it continues Firefly, which I never want to end.
The Shepherd's Tale Joss Whedon and more
This was such a compelling one. I have always wondered about Book's background but this was so much more than I expected. I loved it. What a complex and layered character.
Leaves on the Wind Joss Whedon and more
The end of this book made me so sad/happy at the same time that I totally cried. I regret nothing.
Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass Lewis Caroll
Review to Come
May 19, 2017
Dreamcatcher
by: Stephen King
Twenty-five years ago, in their haunted hometown of Derry, Maine, four boys bravely stood together and saved a mentally challenged child from vicious local bullies. It was something that fundamentally changed them in ways they could never begin to understand. These lifelong friends--now with separate lives and separate problems--make it a point to reunite every year for a hunting trip deep in the snowy Maine woods. This time, though, chaos erupts when a stranger sudden;y stumbles into their camp, freezing, deliriously mumbling about lights in the sky. And all too quickly, the four companions are plunged into a horrifying struggle for survival with an otherwordly threat and the forces that oppose it...where their only chance of survival is locked into their shared past--and the extraordinary element that bonds them all. {cover copy}
This was my first dive back into King novels since my aborted attempt at The Stand {unabridged} back in high school {I was enjoying it, but it made me so paranoid i actually had to stop reading it. I was about halfway through lol}. And I was nervous and excited to start it. I was having a conversation with my sister Andi and my friend Alison who were telling me what King books were must-reads, and this one came up. My sister said "Oh, I haven't read that one yet. I've seen the movie and I'm terrified." So, naturally, I picked this one to start. It was awesome. Creepy as hell, but awesome. I really really liked this one. I love how all the pieces come together.
It became their motto, and Jonesy couldn't for the life of him remember which of them started saying it first. {first line}
"...sometimes you believe in nothing but the darkness. And then how do you go along?"
"Once acceleration passes a certain point, all travel becomes time travel. Memory is the basis of every journey."
"Wherever you are, there you are."
"...pain makes a shadow of substance and a mockery even of love."
• grass • {last word}
Twenty-five years ago, in their haunted hometown of Derry, Maine, four boys bravely stood together and saved a mentally challenged child from vicious local bullies. It was something that fundamentally changed them in ways they could never begin to understand. These lifelong friends--now with separate lives and separate problems--make it a point to reunite every year for a hunting trip deep in the snowy Maine woods. This time, though, chaos erupts when a stranger sudden;y stumbles into their camp, freezing, deliriously mumbling about lights in the sky. And all too quickly, the four companions are plunged into a horrifying struggle for survival with an otherwordly threat and the forces that oppose it...where their only chance of survival is locked into their shared past--and the extraordinary element that bonds them all. {cover copy}This was my first dive back into King novels since my aborted attempt at The Stand {unabridged} back in high school {I was enjoying it, but it made me so paranoid i actually had to stop reading it. I was about halfway through lol}. And I was nervous and excited to start it. I was having a conversation with my sister Andi and my friend Alison who were telling me what King books were must-reads, and this one came up. My sister said "Oh, I haven't read that one yet. I've seen the movie and I'm terrified." So, naturally, I picked this one to start. It was awesome. Creepy as hell, but awesome. I really really liked this one. I love how all the pieces come together.
It became their motto, and Jonesy couldn't for the life of him remember which of them started saying it first. {first line}
"...sometimes you believe in nothing but the darkness. And then how do you go along?"
"Once acceleration passes a certain point, all travel becomes time travel. Memory is the basis of every journey."
"Wherever you are, there you are."
"...pain makes a shadow of substance and a mockery even of love."
• grass • {last word}
May 16, 2017
Blaze
by: Richard Bachman aka Stephen King
Once up on a time, a fellow named Richard Bachman wrote Blaze on an Olivetti typewriter, then turned the machine over to Stephen King, who used it to write Carrie. Bachman died in 1985 ("cancer of the pseudonym"), but this last gripping Bachman novel resurfaced after being hidden away for decades--an unforgettable crime story tinged with sadness and suspense.
Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., was always a small-time delinquent. None too bright either, thanks to the beatings he got as a kid. Then Blaze met George Rackley, a seasoned pro with a hundred cons and one big idea. The kidnapping should go off without a hitch, with George as the brains behind their dangerous scheme. But there's only one problem: by the time the deal goes down, Blaze's partner in crime is dead. Or is he? {cover copy}
So, my sister said if I read any of the Bachman books, I need to read this one. All I can say after reading it is: Poor Blaze. This was like Of Mice and Men meets Raising Arizona, and it was so good. But like, a sad good. You just feel so bad for this guy the entire time. He could have been so much more than he was and he's got such a good heart deep down. I don't really know what else to say except that even though he's the "bad guy" you find yourself rooting for him. I really liked this book. Good call, Andi.
George was somewhere in the dark. {first line}
"The hate grew slowly. For him it was the only way. It grew at its own pace, and it grew completely, and it put forth red flowers."
"Something beat nothing every day of the week."
"The world was full of fools falling all over themselves to show you how smart they were."
• fly • {last word}
Once up on a time, a fellow named Richard Bachman wrote Blaze on an Olivetti typewriter, then turned the machine over to Stephen King, who used it to write Carrie. Bachman died in 1985 ("cancer of the pseudonym"), but this last gripping Bachman novel resurfaced after being hidden away for decades--an unforgettable crime story tinged with sadness and suspense.Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., was always a small-time delinquent. None too bright either, thanks to the beatings he got as a kid. Then Blaze met George Rackley, a seasoned pro with a hundred cons and one big idea. The kidnapping should go off without a hitch, with George as the brains behind their dangerous scheme. But there's only one problem: by the time the deal goes down, Blaze's partner in crime is dead. Or is he? {cover copy}
So, my sister said if I read any of the Bachman books, I need to read this one. All I can say after reading it is: Poor Blaze. This was like Of Mice and Men meets Raising Arizona, and it was so good. But like, a sad good. You just feel so bad for this guy the entire time. He could have been so much more than he was and he's got such a good heart deep down. I don't really know what else to say except that even though he's the "bad guy" you find yourself rooting for him. I really liked this book. Good call, Andi.
George was somewhere in the dark. {first line}
"The hate grew slowly. For him it was the only way. It grew at its own pace, and it grew completely, and it put forth red flowers."
"Something beat nothing every day of the week."
"The world was full of fools falling all over themselves to show you how smart they were."
• fly • {last word}
May 8, 2017
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by: Sarah J. Maas
She stole a life. Now she must pay with her heart.
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal but Tamlin--one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As Feyre dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world fo the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the Faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin--and his world--forever. {cover copy}
I was a little bit bullied {lovingly} into reading this series by my friends. I had been hesitant because of the whole "there are sex scenes in this series" thing. If you've followed me for any amount of time, you should know that my preference is middle grade or adventure-focused fantasy. But since I have really enjoyed Sarah J. Maas' other series, I figured I might as well, so I could shut them up {lovingly}. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the story. There was a small sex scene in this book, but there's like a whole chapter in the next one, so do be aware of that going into it. That being said, the awkwardness that I felt while reading {okay, listening, because Audible is about the only way I get to finish a book these days} those scenes was far outweighed by the excitement and anticipation and anxiety and concern and a bunch of other emotions that the rest of the story elicited in me. This first one is a pretty clear and clever re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, with a tad {I'm underplaying that} more darkness to it. While the second goes in its own direction, as there's not a Beauty and the Beast 2 to pull from. {That I know of}. I really like Feyre's journey, and I find certain relationship scenarios to be very well written by Maas {no I'm not talking about the sex scenes. I won't say those were bad but I can't claim they were anything but awkward for me personally so go ask someone who likes that type of detailed scene to give you a better idea about that}. The one thing I have started to notice in all of Maas's books that, at this point, is actually driving me a bit crazy and I can't stop wondering how NO ONE in the editorial team has picked up on it, is her overuse of "barking" to describe things. That is really my only complaint. Just like half as many uses of that would have been great. Maybe the next two books someone will catch it before production...
The forest had become a labyrinth of snow and ice. {first line}
"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."
"I threw myself into that fire...and let myself burn."
"We need hope or else we cannot endure."
"I had become the music and the fire and the night, and there was nothing that could slow me down."
• hand • {last word}
She stole a life. Now she must pay with her heart.When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal but Tamlin--one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As Feyre dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world fo the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the Faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin--and his world--forever. {cover copy}
I was a little bit bullied {lovingly} into reading this series by my friends. I had been hesitant because of the whole "there are sex scenes in this series" thing. If you've followed me for any amount of time, you should know that my preference is middle grade or adventure-focused fantasy. But since I have really enjoyed Sarah J. Maas' other series, I figured I might as well, so I could shut them up {lovingly}. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the story. There was a small sex scene in this book, but there's like a whole chapter in the next one, so do be aware of that going into it. That being said, the awkwardness that I felt while reading {okay, listening, because Audible is about the only way I get to finish a book these days} those scenes was far outweighed by the excitement and anticipation and anxiety and concern and a bunch of other emotions that the rest of the story elicited in me. This first one is a pretty clear and clever re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, with a tad {I'm underplaying that} more darkness to it. While the second goes in its own direction, as there's not a Beauty and the Beast 2 to pull from. {That I know of}. I really like Feyre's journey, and I find certain relationship scenarios to be very well written by Maas {no I'm not talking about the sex scenes. I won't say those were bad but I can't claim they were anything but awkward for me personally so go ask someone who likes that type of detailed scene to give you a better idea about that}. The one thing I have started to notice in all of Maas's books that, at this point, is actually driving me a bit crazy and I can't stop wondering how NO ONE in the editorial team has picked up on it, is her overuse of "barking" to describe things. That is really my only complaint. Just like half as many uses of that would have been great. Maybe the next two books someone will catch it before production...
The forest had become a labyrinth of snow and ice. {first line}
"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."
"I threw myself into that fire...and let myself burn."
"We need hope or else we cannot endure."
"I had become the music and the fire and the night, and there was nothing that could slow me down."
• hand • {last word}
May 4, 2017
The Stack: April 2017
WOW! Look at all the books I read! I'm amazing! Okay. so most of these I listened to. But still! So many stories were poured into my brain to be retained for ever and ever and I can't even tell you how much better about myself I feel when I have read a decent amount of books in a month. It's like a direct correlation. One book this month? You're a worthless person. Four books or more? Wow, look at you, you are succeeding at life. It's really a terrible way to gauge my self worth. But I guess it's better than tying that to the number on the scale or something. {Don't worry, I don't actually base my self worth on the books I read. I promise}. A Court of Mist and Fury Sarah J Maas
I reeeeally liked this one. Except the sex scenes. Those made me uncomfortable. Especially because I was listening to it on audiobook and rocking my daughter to sleep. It's a weird position to be in. I'm just not a smut girl so that one chapter I could have done with knocking it down to alluding to what was going on. lol But I actually really loved this story. It was so good and twisty!
Queen of Shadows Sarah J Maas
This was a re-read. Okay, re-listen. But I really enjoyed it again.
Empire of Storms Sarah J Maas
Okay. Now I'm caught up and very much neeeeeding the next installment! Hurry up, SJM! PS I really love Manon. She's my favorite.
Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo
*insert all the heart eyes and crying face emojis here* I loved this so much. This duology is in definite favorite-ever status now. Took me forever to read it because I have no time, and I actually read this one, but I did manage it when I finally said screw being an adult, I'll just go ahead and read all day. It was glorious. And totally worth it.
Bazaar Of Bad Dreams Stephen King
Review to Come
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning Lemony Snickett
Review to Come
Dreamcatcher Stephen King
Review to Come
The Shining Stephen King
Review to Come
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea Ben Clanton
Review to Come
Blaze Stephen King/ Richard Bachman
Review to Come
April 29, 2017
Hyperbole and a Half
by: Allie Brosh
This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain how great the book is and also sounds vaguely authoritative--like maybe someone who isn't me wrote it--but I soon discovered that I'm not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly.
"...some might say the book is full of stories..."
"...It could be claimed that this has more pictures than the dictionary..."
"...IS GREAT BOOK."
So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book:
• pictures.
• words.
• stories about things that happened to me.
• stories about things that happened to other people because of me.
• Eight billion dollars.*
• Stories about dogs.
• The secret to eternal happiness.*
*These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness. {cover copy}
This book is hilarious. I cried from laughing a LOT. I laughed practically every page for the first 50 pages. It has been a while since I read this, so I don't have more specific info to say, really. So this is a tiny review. But I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I was sent it in a Glom box and figured it would be quick and easy to get a completed book under my belt with this one, and I was right. It was utterly devourable!
Usually I highlight favorite quotes here, but you need the pictures to get some of the quotes, and honestly I would have highlighted like half the book, so, I'll just say to get this book. You need this book.
This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain how great the book is and also sounds vaguely authoritative--like maybe someone who isn't me wrote it--but I soon discovered that I'm not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly."...some might say the book is full of stories..."
"...It could be claimed that this has more pictures than the dictionary..."
"...IS GREAT BOOK."
So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book:
• pictures.
• words.
• stories about things that happened to me.
• stories about things that happened to other people because of me.
• Eight billion dollars.*
• Stories about dogs.
• The secret to eternal happiness.*
*These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness. {cover copy}
This book is hilarious. I cried from laughing a LOT. I laughed practically every page for the first 50 pages. It has been a while since I read this, so I don't have more specific info to say, really. So this is a tiny review. But I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I was sent it in a Glom box and figured it would be quick and easy to get a completed book under my belt with this one, and I was right. It was utterly devourable!
Usually I highlight favorite quotes here, but you need the pictures to get some of the quotes, and honestly I would have highlighted like half the book, so, I'll just say to get this book. You need this book.
