Alexis Lampley's Blog, page 8
May 16, 2018
The Name of the Wind
by: Patrick Rothfuss
My Name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the mistrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature--the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend. {cover copy}
I picked up this book as part of my research for the Fantasy Nerdy Post box. I had seen it a few times in the bookstore and been intrigued by it, but hadn't ever picked it up. When I finally did, it was along with several others. I was trying to decide which book to start with, so I asked in a poll on my IG. It was overwhelmingly the favorite. So I dove in.
I wish I could accurately explain what it was about this book that caught and then held my attention, but I honestly don't know. Something about hearing the story being told from the main character's point of view was intriguing, because you keep getting these hints of events to come. But it wasn't just that. The story itself was really engaging. The magic, the school, the trials and tribulations of the main character... it all just had me sucked in. I loved it so much I immediately wanted to start the next one, but I didn't for two reasons. 1: there are only two parts of the story currently published, and there seemed to be a pretty large gap between them, so i figured it would be best to wait as long as I could stand to read the next one so I would have to wait less time for the final one. 2: I had a bunch of other fantasy books to read for the box and a short amount of time to do so.
Regardless, it was a great start to a story I am absolutely invested in, and while I can't wait to read the next one, I'm forcing myself to! For now.
It was night again. {first line}
"Onward then. Music and magic. Triumph and folly."
"That was what I wanted. Stacks of books. Great heaps of books. Shelf after endless shelf of books."
"There's no good story that doesn't touch the truth."
"All stories are true... But this one really happened."
"You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way."
"As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts."
• die • {last word}
My Name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the mistrels weep. You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature--the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend. {cover copy}
I picked up this book as part of my research for the Fantasy Nerdy Post box. I had seen it a few times in the bookstore and been intrigued by it, but hadn't ever picked it up. When I finally did, it was along with several others. I was trying to decide which book to start with, so I asked in a poll on my IG. It was overwhelmingly the favorite. So I dove in.
I wish I could accurately explain what it was about this book that caught and then held my attention, but I honestly don't know. Something about hearing the story being told from the main character's point of view was intriguing, because you keep getting these hints of events to come. But it wasn't just that. The story itself was really engaging. The magic, the school, the trials and tribulations of the main character... it all just had me sucked in. I loved it so much I immediately wanted to start the next one, but I didn't for two reasons. 1: there are only two parts of the story currently published, and there seemed to be a pretty large gap between them, so i figured it would be best to wait as long as I could stand to read the next one so I would have to wait less time for the final one. 2: I had a bunch of other fantasy books to read for the box and a short amount of time to do so.
Regardless, it was a great start to a story I am absolutely invested in, and while I can't wait to read the next one, I'm forcing myself to! For now.
It was night again. {first line}
"Onward then. Music and magic. Triumph and folly."
"That was what I wanted. Stacks of books. Great heaps of books. Shelf after endless shelf of books."
"There's no good story that doesn't touch the truth."
"All stories are true... But this one really happened."
"You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way."
"As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts."
• die • {last word}
May 14, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: I Would Tuck You In
By: Julie Kim
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a board book, so we don't read nearly as many of these anymore, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one because of how much information it actually provides. It's simple and subtle, but each page features a different animal and a little tidbit about that particular animal. For instance, the book opens with "If you were a brown bear... I would snuggle next to you all winter long." For those of us who have been on this planet for longer than a couple years, we immediately know the context of this is hibernation. But this is something of a new concept for the kid. So it opens up to learning when they are ready and just enjoying until then! Others are a little less subtle, like "If you were a rufous hummingbird... my heart would beat 1,000 times per minute for you." Either way, it's adorable and simple and a clever way to teach some new information about the animal in a way a kid can grasp it. On top of that, the artwork is so beautifully done! I would honestly frame the Arctic Tern page and hang it on my wall. It, too, is simple. But I love it.
I know we will be reading this one many many times over the next few years, as it's going to be a great one fro Madeline to join in on with me reading to the new baby as well!
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.This is a board book, so we don't read nearly as many of these anymore, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one because of how much information it actually provides. It's simple and subtle, but each page features a different animal and a little tidbit about that particular animal. For instance, the book opens with "If you were a brown bear... I would snuggle next to you all winter long." For those of us who have been on this planet for longer than a couple years, we immediately know the context of this is hibernation. But this is something of a new concept for the kid. So it opens up to learning when they are ready and just enjoying until then! Others are a little less subtle, like "If you were a rufous hummingbird... my heart would beat 1,000 times per minute for you." Either way, it's adorable and simple and a clever way to teach some new information about the animal in a way a kid can grasp it. On top of that, the artwork is so beautifully done! I would honestly frame the Arctic Tern page and hang it on my wall. It, too, is simple. But I love it.
I know we will be reading this one many many times over the next few years, as it's going to be a great one fro Madeline to join in on with me reading to the new baby as well!
May 7, 2018
The Stacks: April 2018
Apparently there is not a single month this year that isn't going to be crazy. But there's not much I can do about it except adapt and get better (aka morph into a creature who never sleeps and listens to a LOT of audiobooks). That said, I actually read 2/3 of April's list with my eyes and not my ears. So I'm feeling rather impressed with myself!Illuminae Amy Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Review to Come
The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
Review to come
Ender's Game Orson Scott Card
It has been years since I read this book the first time, and I was so happy to discover that I loved it just as much in this reading as I did all those years ago. I can't believe it took me so long to re-read it. I love this book so much.
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Frank the Seven-Legged Spider
By: Julie Kim
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So, I wasn't sure whether Madeline would be into this one, as she has not shown any signs of dislike for spiders... just bugs in general. (Except ants. She wouldn't go down a slide the other day because there was an ant at the bottom hahahaha) But her dad is not a fan of spiders. I personally have no issue with them, so I wasn't sure which way she was going to lean. (She's never seen me react to a cockroach, or I'm sure she would instantly fear them, too).
That said, she showed no signs of aversion when we read it, so I think we are safe for now!
The story itself is super cute, and actually has a really nice layer of empowerment for those with something different about them. Frank loses his leg, and goes on to question his entire existence. He doesn't feel complete without his leg, fearing that he is no longer a spider. He searches long and hard for the missing leg, but we know he's not going to get it back. So he has to learn to live with his new seven-legged self, and I think it was done really well. There's no pity for him, just a feeling of "well, Frank, you're still you!" from the other insects, which I like. It's very clearly his own personal journey we are going through alongside him. It's a great little character arc!
That is... if you aren't afraid of spiders! ;)
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.So, I wasn't sure whether Madeline would be into this one, as she has not shown any signs of dislike for spiders... just bugs in general. (Except ants. She wouldn't go down a slide the other day because there was an ant at the bottom hahahaha) But her dad is not a fan of spiders. I personally have no issue with them, so I wasn't sure which way she was going to lean. (She's never seen me react to a cockroach, or I'm sure she would instantly fear them, too).
That said, she showed no signs of aversion when we read it, so I think we are safe for now!
The story itself is super cute, and actually has a really nice layer of empowerment for those with something different about them. Frank loses his leg, and goes on to question his entire existence. He doesn't feel complete without his leg, fearing that he is no longer a spider. He searches long and hard for the missing leg, but we know he's not going to get it back. So he has to learn to live with his new seven-legged self, and I think it was done really well. There's no pity for him, just a feeling of "well, Frank, you're still you!" from the other insects, which I like. It's very clearly his own personal journey we are going through alongside him. It's a great little character arc!
That is... if you aren't afraid of spiders! ;)
April 30, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Where's Halmoni?
By: Julie Kim
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really interesting because it's set up in a comic book style. It also happens to have a lot of Korean in it, which is fun, visually, but since I can't actually read it, I either just make funny animal noises in its place or pretend it's just part of the artwork as I read it. It's not detrimental to the story, though, as everything can be inferred without those parts, so there's no real worry of Madeline getting lost as far as what's happening. Basically when the animals/creatures speak is where you get the Korean. But what this story is really about is imagination. It's like following along as children play, which is definitely something of interest for a kid Madeline's age.
That said, the first time we read through it, I was a little concerned that she wouldn't be able to follow along. It felt like maybe it was going to go over her head a bit as there are little breaks between "scenes" that I wasn't expecting and so did a terrible job reading through correctly. But her expression of serious listening lasted the entire book, so I was curious as to whether she understood what was going on.
I should have known she wouldn't have any trouble with this book. I asked her if she liked it and she went on to tell me all the different parts she found exciting. She had no trouble whatsoever following along. She has actually requested to read it several times since the initial reading, which is always a good sign since, as you can tell by the photo, she has quite a lot of books to choose from!
I love that I can introduce her to books that feature other cultures, as I think that's very important, and I find it wonderful that she tends to actually gravitate toward some of these. We have a Thai Lullaby book that she would definitely include on her list of favorites as well.
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really interesting because it's set up in a comic book style. It also happens to have a lot of Korean in it, which is fun, visually, but since I can't actually read it, I either just make funny animal noises in its place or pretend it's just part of the artwork as I read it. It's not detrimental to the story, though, as everything can be inferred without those parts, so there's no real worry of Madeline getting lost as far as what's happening. Basically when the animals/creatures speak is where you get the Korean. But what this story is really about is imagination. It's like following along as children play, which is definitely something of interest for a kid Madeline's age.
That said, the first time we read through it, I was a little concerned that she wouldn't be able to follow along. It felt like maybe it was going to go over her head a bit as there are little breaks between "scenes" that I wasn't expecting and so did a terrible job reading through correctly. But her expression of serious listening lasted the entire book, so I was curious as to whether she understood what was going on.
I should have known she wouldn't have any trouble with this book. I asked her if she liked it and she went on to tell me all the different parts she found exciting. She had no trouble whatsoever following along. She has actually requested to read it several times since the initial reading, which is always a good sign since, as you can tell by the photo, she has quite a lot of books to choose from!
I love that I can introduce her to books that feature other cultures, as I think that's very important, and I find it wonderful that she tends to actually gravitate toward some of these. We have a Thai Lullaby book that she would definitely include on her list of favorites as well.
April 23, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: B is for Bear; A Natural Alphabet
By: Hanna Viano
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is an alphabet book that focuses on nature, and is a delight for the eyes. I adore the style of artwork here, with lots of simple line work and bold, but muted, nature-y colors. It has such a lovely aesthetic!
On the top of each page is the featured letter and the name of what is represented in the photo (Oo Otter, for example). Then at the bottom is a small sentence that gives a little description and teaches a little something about the featured thing ( "Resting securely on a bed of kelp, the hungry sea otter can enjoy a snack in peace" to continue the example). I have found that I really like the alphabet books that expand on their subjects rather than simply saying A is for Apple and moving on. At Madeline's age, it's perfect, because she's learning a little something and it's a bit more engaging for her. But if we are working through seventeen books before bedtime, it can be read in the simple A is for Apple and move on style to get her to go to sleep sooner! haha
Overall, this is a lovely addition to our book collection, and one I will definitely be choosing over and over to discuss alphabets. It's also perfect for someone like my sister and her husband who go camping a lot and do outdoor things. So whenever they get around to having kids, I'll 100% be sending them a copy (not our copy. We will be keeping that thankyouverymuch).
We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is an alphabet book that focuses on nature, and is a delight for the eyes. I adore the style of artwork here, with lots of simple line work and bold, but muted, nature-y colors. It has such a lovely aesthetic!
On the top of each page is the featured letter and the name of what is represented in the photo (Oo Otter, for example). Then at the bottom is a small sentence that gives a little description and teaches a little something about the featured thing ( "Resting securely on a bed of kelp, the hungry sea otter can enjoy a snack in peace" to continue the example). I have found that I really like the alphabet books that expand on their subjects rather than simply saying A is for Apple and moving on. At Madeline's age, it's perfect, because she's learning a little something and it's a bit more engaging for her. But if we are working through seventeen books before bedtime, it can be read in the simple A is for Apple and move on style to get her to go to sleep sooner! haha
Overall, this is a lovely addition to our book collection, and one I will definitely be choosing over and over to discuss alphabets. It's also perfect for someone like my sister and her husband who go camping a lot and do outdoor things. So whenever they get around to having kids, I'll 100% be sending them a copy (not our copy. We will be keeping that thankyouverymuch).
April 18, 2018
The Stand
by: Stephen King
A patient escapes from a biological testing facility, unknowingly carrying a deadly weapon: a mutated strain of super-flu that will wipe out 99 percent of the world's population within a few weeks. Those who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader.
Two emerge--Mother Abigail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious "Dark Man," who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them--and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity. {cover copy}
When I was in the summer between high school and college, I read this book. Or tried to. I made it just under halfway through and became so paranoid that I had to quit reading the book. I distinctly remember getting on a plane and hearing someone cough and seriously contemplating my chance of survival from the plague they were most certainly going to be spreading if I happened to breathe in. lol It was ridiculous. But I finally decided I needed to know how the story ended, and I'm so glad I came back to it, because it was a really good story. Long and as thick as a brick, but still. I was glad to finally know how it ended.
Sally. {first line}
"The glory of a good tale is that it is limitless and fluid; a good tale belongs to each reader in its own particular way."
"No one can tell what goes on between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just...come out the other side. Or you don't."
"I like crazy people. I'm crazy myself."
"...hope--that indestructible weed of the human heart..."
"The bricks of language. A stone, a leaf, an unfound door. Words. Worlds. Magic. Life and immortality. Power."
"The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there...and still on your feet."
• again • {last word}
A patient escapes from a biological testing facility, unknowingly carrying a deadly weapon: a mutated strain of super-flu that will wipe out 99 percent of the world's population within a few weeks. Those who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader.Two emerge--Mother Abigail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious "Dark Man," who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them--and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity. {cover copy}
When I was in the summer between high school and college, I read this book. Or tried to. I made it just under halfway through and became so paranoid that I had to quit reading the book. I distinctly remember getting on a plane and hearing someone cough and seriously contemplating my chance of survival from the plague they were most certainly going to be spreading if I happened to breathe in. lol It was ridiculous. But I finally decided I needed to know how the story ended, and I'm so glad I came back to it, because it was a really good story. Long and as thick as a brick, but still. I was glad to finally know how it ended.
Sally. {first line}
"The glory of a good tale is that it is limitless and fluid; a good tale belongs to each reader in its own particular way."
"No one can tell what goes on between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just...come out the other side. Or you don't."
"I like crazy people. I'm crazy myself."
"...hope--that indestructible weed of the human heart..."
"The bricks of language. A stone, a leaf, an unfound door. Words. Worlds. Magic. Life and immortality. Power."
"The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there...and still on your feet."
• again • {last word}
April 16, 2018
Maddie Moo Kids Book Review: Quest
By: Aaron Becker
As you may recall from our review about the first of these books, Journey, it is a book without words. But the story is still fantastic! And it makes it a little extra fun because you can tell it in so many different ways!
What I loved about this one is how it starts off where the other one finishes, so they are extra great to read back-to-back and have her follow along. I also love that so many other colors were introduced! The plot is slightly more complicated to explain successfully to a two-year-old, but after a couple of tries and getting the wording right, I was able to get through to her. After that, she was explaining to me what was going on!
So the story jumps back into the imaginative world of the little girl and boy, expanding on it and bringing in an entire rainbow of colors, which the kids must search for. Since our last review, Madeline has changed the girl's name to her own, and kept her best friend's name as the boy's because that friendship is still solid as a rock lol
Madeline models Book 1: JourneyThis is such a great journey into the imagination and is as fun for me as it is for her. The only drawback, and it's simply because she's actually at this stage now, is that some of the other books we read a lot have gotten to a point where she can read along with me or pretend to be reading each page and recite the thing word for word, which is a great step toward her actually being able to read, I know. That doesn't really happen with these books, however, since the way I tell it varies every time. On the flip side, it allows her to work on her storytelling skills, so maybe we won't call it a drawback after all!
We love this book and its predecessor! Highly recommend it!
As you may recall from our review about the first of these books, Journey, it is a book without words. But the story is still fantastic! And it makes it a little extra fun because you can tell it in so many different ways!
What I loved about this one is how it starts off where the other one finishes, so they are extra great to read back-to-back and have her follow along. I also love that so many other colors were introduced! The plot is slightly more complicated to explain successfully to a two-year-old, but after a couple of tries and getting the wording right, I was able to get through to her. After that, she was explaining to me what was going on!
So the story jumps back into the imaginative world of the little girl and boy, expanding on it and bringing in an entire rainbow of colors, which the kids must search for. Since our last review, Madeline has changed the girl's name to her own, and kept her best friend's name as the boy's because that friendship is still solid as a rock lol
Madeline models Book 1: JourneyThis is such a great journey into the imagination and is as fun for me as it is for her. The only drawback, and it's simply because she's actually at this stage now, is that some of the other books we read a lot have gotten to a point where she can read along with me or pretend to be reading each page and recite the thing word for word, which is a great step toward her actually being able to read, I know. That doesn't really happen with these books, however, since the way I tell it varies every time. On the flip side, it allows her to work on her storytelling skills, so maybe we won't call it a drawback after all!We love this book and its predecessor! Highly recommend it!
April 14, 2018
A Wizard of Earthsea
by: Ursula K. LeGuin
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea. But he was once called Sparrowhawk, a reckless youth, hungry for power and knowledge, who tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore balance. {cover copy}
This book was a really good blend of the really epic and the more simple focus stories you see in fantasy. It wasn't too dark or too light-hearted. If I had to line it up with a particular book I think I'd say it's similar to maybe The Hobbit. There's some intense stuff that goes on, but when you finish the book you still have an overall sense of having completed reading a great fantasy adventure. I really like that level of fantasy. It makes me excited to read the rest of the series set in this world. Just an overall really enjoyable book. Can't believe it has taken me so long to read something by her!
The island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. {first line}
"But need alone is not enough to set power free: there must be knowledge."
"To light a candle is to cast a shadow."
"The hunger of a dragon is slow to wake, but hard to sate."
"But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them."
"Where mages argue, dragons may be wise."
• joy • {last word}
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea. But he was once called Sparrowhawk, a reckless youth, hungry for power and knowledge, who tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore balance. {cover copy}This book was a really good blend of the really epic and the more simple focus stories you see in fantasy. It wasn't too dark or too light-hearted. If I had to line it up with a particular book I think I'd say it's similar to maybe The Hobbit. There's some intense stuff that goes on, but when you finish the book you still have an overall sense of having completed reading a great fantasy adventure. I really like that level of fantasy. It makes me excited to read the rest of the series set in this world. Just an overall really enjoyable book. Can't believe it has taken me so long to read something by her!
The island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. {first line}
"But need alone is not enough to set power free: there must be knowledge."
"To light a candle is to cast a shadow."
"The hunger of a dragon is slow to wake, but hard to sate."
"But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them."
"Where mages argue, dragons may be wise."
• joy • {last word}
April 7, 2018
The Green Mile
by: Stephen King
Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E. Block. Convicted killers all, each awaits his turn to walk "the Green Mile," the lime-colored linoleum corridor leading to a final meeting with Old Sparky, Cold Mountain's electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities over the years working the Mile, but he's never seen anything like John Coffey--a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. And in this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about John Coffey--a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs... {cover copy}
Oh, how much I loved this story. And how glad I am that it was all combined into one book by the time I got around to reading it. Because it would have sucked to have had to wait between the little novellas as they were published. This was a really good but really sad story. I very much enjoyed it. It's one that has found its way into popular culture enough that I knew some things about it before I ever read it, so it was really nice to actually know the story for myself. This book deserves all the hype it has gotten. And this isn't scary, so don't be afraid to read it just because of who wrote it. Also, clearly, I sucked at remembering to mark quotes, but this was because I was too engrossed in the story to stop and make note.
This happened in 1932, when the state penitentiary was still at Cold Mountain. {first line}
• long • {last word}
Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E. Block. Convicted killers all, each awaits his turn to walk "the Green Mile," the lime-colored linoleum corridor leading to a final meeting with Old Sparky, Cold Mountain's electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities over the years working the Mile, but he's never seen anything like John Coffey--a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. And in this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about John Coffey--a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs... {cover copy}Oh, how much I loved this story. And how glad I am that it was all combined into one book by the time I got around to reading it. Because it would have sucked to have had to wait between the little novellas as they were published. This was a really good but really sad story. I very much enjoyed it. It's one that has found its way into popular culture enough that I knew some things about it before I ever read it, so it was really nice to actually know the story for myself. This book deserves all the hype it has gotten. And this isn't scary, so don't be afraid to read it just because of who wrote it. Also, clearly, I sucked at remembering to mark quotes, but this was because I was too engrossed in the story to stop and make note.
This happened in 1932, when the state penitentiary was still at Cold Mountain. {first line}
• long • {last word}
