This book was a very pleasant surprise! Not that I was expecting I wouldn’t like it, I just never know with classics on must read lists. Often it is hThis book was a very pleasant surprise! Not that I was expecting I wouldn’t like it, I just never know with classics on must read lists. Often it is hard for me to determine what about the book gets people excited about it or what exactly made it a classic. With Death Comes for the Archbishop, it was not difficult to see the appeal at all!
I listened to this book in its entirety in one sitting on the road coming back from Spring Break. The storytelling and the characters were a great way to pass the time and end a fantastic vacation. I wish all books I try as “road books” ended up being this good because I have encountered some that try their best to put me to sleep!
The structure of the plot is a series of short stories all taking place in the world of missionaries in the American Southwest during the expansion of the country. The story is influenced by a lot of real-life circumstances involving cultural clashes, native people, cowboys/frontiersmen, and old religion vs new religion. The characters you meet along the way are extremely interesting and extremely fascinating to follow on their journey.
One thing I think I appreciated the most about this book is that it is quick and too the point. Often it seems like these classics drag things out unnecessarily and it starts to get kind of bloated and boring. Cather sticks to what is important and keeps the story moving along which is I think is much better than overdoing it with excess exposition.
You should give this one a try – I hope you will be pleasantly surprised as well! ...more
I am in the middle of a reading slump which has lending itself to a reviewing slump! I finished this book weeks ago but have not been inspired to reviI am in the middle of a reading slump which has lending itself to a reviewing slump! I finished this book weeks ago but have not been inspired to review it . . . or any others I have finished in that time. This is not a reflection on the book, it is just where my head is at right now.
This book is another entry in Grisham’s sports series of books. Along with Bleachers, Calico Joe, and Playing for Pizza – this book helps to firmly plant Grisham in a genre other than legal thrillers. I have loved all of this sports books and I think he does a pretty good job with them. In fact, lately I have been kind of lukewarm on his legal dramas, so Sooley is some of his best recent work in my opinion.
This time the sport is college basketball and you should give it a try if you are a fan of the sport. It also touches a lot on the situation international refugees go through and the contrast between life in war torn countries and the United States. So, while there is a lot of sports to be enjoyed here, there is also a lot to be learned about the world.
If you are just a fan of Grisham’s legal dramas, you may not enjoy this one. But I think it is worth giving it a try no matter what your interests. ...more
Slaughterhouse-Five is a weird book. In prepping to review this adaptation I saw several mentions of it being practically unadaptable to any other forSlaughterhouse-Five is a weird book. In prepping to review this adaptation I saw several mentions of it being practically unadaptable to any other format. However, I think this graphic novel version does a pretty darn good job.
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Both the original and this version are weird. They are hard to follow. But they are oh so beautiful in their melancholy cynicism that is tainted with a little bit of hope. The story is a non-linear reflection on life that varies from the gut-wrenchingly real to the outlandishly absurd. It really is a story worthy of classic status and it was expertly handled and adapted by Ryan North and Albert Monteys.
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The art is perfect and wonderful to look at. It goes from light to dark and realistic to far fetched with perfect fluidity around our tragic hero, Billy Pilgrim. It is detailed where it needs to be, simple in other perfectly placed areas. I think it was the art that really helped make the unadaptable adaptable. I would love to read more works illustrated by this artist.
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I always say you should read the source material first – and I agree with that statement here. However, this is an adaptation worthy of the original and should be checked out by fans of Vonnegut’s work.
This is the ultimate “what if I had done it differently?” story. I guarantee it will make you think and might give you some new perspective on life. AThis is the ultimate “what if I had done it differently?” story. I guarantee it will make you think and might give you some new perspective on life. Also, while it starts a bit dark, I think people who are looking for a way out of a dark place might find this story uplifting overall.
I have been sitting here thinking about how to review this book and I don’t want to say too much about it because after 10 pages or so, everything little thing would be a spoiler! That, in itself, should probably pique your interest; it is so packed with interconnected and surprising content I can barely even talk about it! So, just read it because all the stuff that happens is totally worth it . . . I’ll leave it at that.
I was hooked by this book from page one. It is not a long book and because it was written so well, it flew right by. If you are looking for a well written and unique story that I believe will appeal to people with a wide variety of interests, The Midnight Library is worth giving a try. ...more
This was a fantastic book – overall, 100% through and through fantastic!
It was funny. It was heart-wrenching. It was thought provoking. So wel5+ Stars
This was a fantastic book – overall, 100% through and through fantastic!
It was funny. It was heart-wrenching. It was thought provoking. So well written that I was intensely invested the entire time. No mind wandering at all! No filler!
The characters . . . oh, the characters . . . so great – all of them! They all have some good, some bad, some ugly, and some beautiful. Lots of tragedy, but lots of humanity and love as well. And, the fact that the main character is dealing with memory loss makes the dynamic between the characters extremely fascinating. Think about what it would be like if you woke up and thought it was 10 years ago? What relationships have changed? Jobs? Family? Pretty mind blowing all the what-ifs!
If you are looking for a great book with a great story about people and life, you must try this book. Your brain will be triggered by all of the what-if scenarios, your heartstrings will be pulled by the love and loss, and your funny bone will be tickled by the witty dialogue – 100% guaranteed!
Side note: For those familiar with my reviews, you may know that I consider it a sign of a good book if I talk back to it and/or long to interact with the characters (often with the desire to smack some sense into them). That was the case with this book – so a very good sign! ...more
Terrifying, disturbing, twisted, gory, and EXCELLENT!
In fantasy novels you often hear the term "world-building" and many will base part of the5+ stars
Terrifying, disturbing, twisted, gory, and EXCELLENT!
In fantasy novels you often hear the term "world-building" and many will base part of their enjoyment of the book on how well the author does this. For The Sorrows, I am going to use the phrase "Haunted House Building", and Janz does it perfectly. I just love what he has done here is creating a creepy castle on a creepy island and all of the related creepy lore. If you love a good haunted house story, look no further.
There area few things I could be nit-picky about. At times things are coincidental and convenient. Maybe it is a little obvious that something happens just to keep the plot moving. But, at no point did these things distract to the point of lessening my enjoyment.
One plot hole that kind of bugged me (view spoiler)[ one of the main characters inflicts a fairly significant injury to their abdomen while having a sleepwalking nightmare. Later on, other characters see her naked - including a sex scene where someone gets up close and personal with her abdomen. But, no one acknowledges that she has an abdominal injury. It seemed odd - maybe the injury was a figment of her imagination, but I didn't think it was described that way. (hide spoiler)]. Oh well, it was not big enough of a deal to ruin the plot or my enjoyment.
If you like your horror a bit demented, and your suspense intense (this book did not let up AT ALL during the last 1/3) then you have to try The Sorrows. This is my second Janz book and after having great experiences with both I am surprised he is not yet more widely known among horror readers.
I was born almost a decade after most of the chaos surrounding the Vietnam War in the late 60s/early 70s. I can oPowerful and moving - 5+ Stars
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I was born almost a decade after most of the chaos surrounding the Vietnam War in the late 60s/early 70s. I can only imagine what it was like to grow up with the threat of being drafted and the chaos of military action on our home soil. Unfortunately, 2020 has shown that maybe we have not come quite as far from the events of Kent State as we hoped.
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Backderf does a great job with all of his research and sharing this important story using the graphic novel medium. It may not seem like a topic for a "comic book", but it really does a great job in making a complicated and difficult subject relatable. As the story is told, he makes you want the visuals and then he gives them to you instantly. I looked up a few of the backgrounds on Google Maps and he did a great job in accurately recreating the setting. Just amazing all around.
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Speaking further about the visuals, I enjoy Backderf's style. It is a bit cartoonish and sometimes reminds me of old Mad Magazine art, but that does not get in the way of telling a serious story. It is enjoyable to look at and very precise so that there is not a lot of "extra" to get in the way of the main focus of each panel. Again, really great stuff here!
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I have read non-fiction recently about 9/11 and mention in that review that the story might be a difficult one for some, but sometimes the truths are hard and we still need to learn about them. That is the case with Backderf's Kent State, and I think anyone would benefit by reading this, learning, and remembering what happened 50 years ago in northeast Ohio as Americans attacked other Americans in a conflict that could have been avoided. Again, it is a lesson I think that some still need to learn....more
Maybe the Gaiman curse is over for me because I loved this book.
As those who follow my reviews may know, I have been trying Gaiman for years w5+ Stars
Maybe the Gaiman curse is over for me because I loved this book.
As those who follow my reviews may know, I have been trying Gaiman for years without much luck. I could never really put my finger on it except for two things:
- Sometimes it felt like it was being artsy and weird in order to be cool and trendy - Often the magic and supernatural happenings felt contrived and convenient. Fantasy is made up, but it should not feel like it is made up.
However, I did not encounter that at all with The Graveyard Book. The fantastical story was unique, flowed organically, and was super fun. While it was a bit dark in places, it was not scary - a light-hearted ghost story most of the time. The characters were excellent and I enjoyed my journey with them - I did not want it to end and I hated saying goodbye.
I highly recommend this one and will more than likely be pointing fellow readers to this one if they want to try Gaiman.
So . . . the curse is broken . . . will I have additional success if I try others or do I end my pursuit on top?...more
4 to 4.5 stars (Rounding up because I was so darn entertained)
I read Riders of the Purple Sage several years ago and always wanted to try Zane Grey ag4 to 4.5 stars (Rounding up because I was so darn entertained)
I read Riders of the Purple Sage several years ago and always wanted to try Zane Grey again. However, after reading Riders and looking at several other titles as possible follow-ups, I always assumed my next would be a classic Western. But, that is not the case with Boulder Dam.
While Boulder Dam does take place in the American West just outside of Las Vegas, it is not the typical cowboys and cattle rustler type story. Instead, as the title would indicate, the events of the story take place during the construction of Boulder Dam (eventually Hoover Dam) and deal with corruption and human trafficking in Las Vegas and the newly constructed Boulder City.
I found this title while looking through some options on Audible. Grey was a very prolific writer and this appears to be one of his lesser know titles. But, I think I found a gem! It jumped out at me because I visited Hoover Dam a few years ago and was fascinated by the history of the construction. To read a historical fiction novel based on that time period, location, and the people who built it was perfect!
The story is a perfect balance of action, suspense, intrigue, and history. If you have zero interest in the history of the construction of Hoover Dam, some of the sequences may not interest you. I love how all the characters are sort of caricatures of certain types instead of being realistic written: manly heroes, vile villains, hard-nosed lawmen, damsels in distress. I felt like I was watching a black and white film from the 40s with borderline bad acting and I loved it!
If you love historical fiction and "sort-of" Westerns - especially anything relating to the early days of Las Vegas - do yourself a favor and check this one out!...more
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow might be one of the most perfect spooky tales to read, listen to, or tell on a cool October night. I listened to the wholeThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow might be one of the most perfect spooky tales to read, listen to, or tell on a cool October night. I listened to the whole thing on one, chilly, misty, fall walk. As the leaves fell from the trees and the dew from the fog condensed on my coat, I was transported to Sleepy Hollow and the mysterious tale of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman.
I am writing this review on Halloween (even though I read it a few days ago) and can tell you this story is short enough that if my review makes you want to read it, you still have time to fit it into your plans for Halloween night. In fact, after finally reading this story that I previously only knew from pop culture references, I might make it a tradition to reread it during future Octobers. Tonight I plan to watch the classic Disney cartoon with my kids and, from what I remember, it stayed pretty true to the story.
I guess you can tell by now that I was very pleased with my experience. For a classic, it is very easy to read and follow (not always the case with classics). It is the perfect balance of spooky supernatural legend, mystery, humor, and historical fiction. You will be transported across the years, maybe a little freaked out, and left to make your own decisions about the encounter between Ichabod and The Headless Horseman!...more
Sure, it is loaded down with science and math. And, at times, the science and math can slow down the narrative a bit. BuWoah! This book was excellent!
Sure, it is loaded down with science and math. And, at times, the science and math can slow down the narrative a bit. But there is no need to understand the math and science to enjoy this unconventional sci-fi story. And, in a world flooded with sci-fi literature for the past 75 years or so, it is kind of amazing to find a fresh new take. (Note: I am sure that someone who is more well read in sci-fi is going to read this review and give some examples where this is not actually as creative as my experience was. But, at least for me, it was fresh, new territory!)
If you have enjoyed Weir’s other books, I have no doubt that you will enjoy this adventure. It is another case of someone “Science-ing the s#%t” out of many tight spaces. A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and heart; I laughed, I cried, I screamed out loud! This was a great way to help start of my reading in 2022....more
My first thought after finishing The Halloween Tree is that it should be a Halloween tradition in the same way A Christmas Carol by Dickens is a ChrisMy first thought after finishing The Halloween Tree is that it should be a Halloween tradition in the same way A Christmas Carol by Dickens is a Christmas tradition. They are both stories of how characters have forgotten the meaning of the season and the mysterious supernatural spirits that help them find it again. In The Halloween Tree, it is a group of boys dressed as the usual Halloween characters (mummy, skeleton, grim reaper, etc.) who don't know anything more about Halloween than it is costumes and Trick or Treating. Then, they run into the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud who takes them on a journey to show them why they dress up and what Halloween really is.
I love Bradbury and I love his writing. That was no different with The Halloween Tree. The flow of the book was perfect and I was enthralled every step of the way. He is so good at combining reality with fantasy - it is always a pleasure to read one of his works. I can't say that everyone will have the same experience with this book, but if you are a Bradbury fan, you CANNOT go wrong giving this one a try.
Another fascinating thing about this one is that it is non-fiction in a way as well. As the characters journey through time to learn the meaning of Halloween, they learn the history of the superstitions that combined to create the Halloween we know today. From Egyptian tombs, to Druidic rituals, to witch hunts, to the towers of Notre Dame, to the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico - you are definitely going to learn something along the way!
And, finally, after all that a very harrowing "what would you do?" climax. All of this in a novella length story. A lot is packed in here so that you can get a complete and fulfilling Halloween experience in a short period of time.
I don't know if everyone will agree that this is Halloween perfection, but it is pretty darn close!
Bonus: our 2020 Jack-o'-lanterns as designed by my 8 and 6 year old:
Alaska is the most epic book I have ever read. I did read another Michener – Centennial – and it was very epic as well. But Alaska is super-duper EPICAlaska is the most epic book I have ever read. I did read another Michener – Centennial – and it was very epic as well. But Alaska is super-duper EPIC! I cannot imagine how one person could write one book like Alaska much less all the other epics he wrote in his life. Michener is truly incredible.
One of the things that astounds me the most about Michener is that he takes non-fiction information, shares it with the reader in a really engaging way, and then seamlessly integrates it into a rich and colorful fictional narrative. If I told you this book is a history of Alaska from the creation of the Earth until the late 1980s and it is over a thousand pages long (depending on the edition your read), you would probably doze off just hearing the description. But it is not boring at all (at least it wasn’t for me). Fantastic characters, storytelling, historical events, disasters, triumphs, and generations of people and culture overlapping all serve to create a rewarding experience.
I will add a disclaimer to my review – one that has become very common as of late. As this book spans generations of time when ideas of what is appropriate have changed, there are some cultural depictions and language used that would be offensive if not being used to tell a story explaining how things were during these times. If you have any concern that you will not be able to handle these harsh depictions and language – even though they are historically relevant – you may want to proceed with caution if you decide to read this book.
If you are ready to invest a lot of time and energy into America’s largest and maybe most mysterious state, this is the book for you. Even if you never thought you would care all that much about Alaska and you just want to immerse yourself in an epic, historically based story, you cannot go wrong here. When I started it, I didn’t have any specific interest in learning about Alaska, but now I am very glad I did! ...more
After volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I uAfter volume one of this series, I was skeptical. It was super weird, which, in this case, was more distracting than cool. And, I wasn’t even sure I understood what happened at all. I only hesitantly picked up volume two figuring I would give it one more chance. But, I did and it was better! I was really getting into it. With volume three, I have come full circle – this series was great!
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While great, it is not for everyone. At times gruesome, at other times irreverent – the imagery is often 100% nightmare fuel. If this is not your jam – stay away! If this is your jam, you must hop on this twisted and wild ride.
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Speaking of imagery, the artwork remained top quality for this volume. While I did not look for the specifics, I am pretty sure that the artist was not the same for each issue of this volume (or, at least parts of issues). Luckily, it meshed well and was not so distracting that it ruined the story (I’m looking at you The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 3: Commercial Suicide) This series as a whole was a joy to look at!
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If you are into darker and less mainstream comics, this is a title worth checking out. Also, as far as I can tell, this is only a three-volume series (it definitely feels over), so there is not too much of a commitment. Just remember, if you enter Astrid Mueller's Clean Room, you are under her control . . . don’t kid yourself otherwise!
"Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." - The first li"Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." - The first line of Cannery Row
I always enjoy Steinbeck. I don’t think I have read a single one that is not 5 stars. I am glad to finally read Cannery Row and discover that it is not an exception to the 5-star rule.
Cannery Row is one main storyline interspersed with slightly related anecdotes every other chapter. Each story is a snapshot into part of the life of a citizen of Cannery Row. The writing is perfect and drew me in and held me. Some parts felt like a little bit of filler, but they really are not. They all serve to enrich the story and the atmosphere. Every second of this story was an absolute treat!
Characters! I want to meet them all: the good, the bad, the silly, the sweet, the criminal, the questionably moral, and the seemingly righteous. Every time I read Steinbeck, I love getting to know the people he creates. And, I figure based on how he writes and what he writes about he probably knew someone just like every one of his characters. While with some of his other stories there have been obvious villains, this is a book you will leave loving very character you meet no matter what they are like.
If you have been wanting to try Steinbeck but are not ready to commit to a larger tome like East of Eden or Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row would be a great place to start!...more
I know that this is a reread for me, but I never had Of Mice and Men marked as read in Goodreads. I am pretty sure it was required reading in high schI know that this is a reread for me, but I never had Of Mice and Men marked as read in Goodreads. I am pretty sure it was required reading in high school and I know I enjoyed it the first time around. And, as luck would have it, I enjoyed it this time as well.
I can sum it up by saying that Steinbeck can write (and that is an understatement)! I have loved every book I have read by him. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are richly developed, and stories are powerful. Of Mice and Men is no exception. In fact, if you have been wanting to try Steinbeck but find the size of Grapes of Wrath or East of Eden daunting, this is a great place to start.
Even if you have never read this book, you have probably seen many tributes/homages to its main characters George and Lenny; cartoons, movies, tv shows, etc. George is the gruff and scrappy brains of the operation while Lenny is a mentally challenged giant who does not know or understand his own strength. Their relationship is an odd one but kind of beautiful. Without it, this story would just not be the same.
Also, this book has one of the most (view spoiler)[tragic and gut-wrenching finales in literature (hide spoiler)]
This is a classic that I feel everyone should read. And, I feel like Steinbeck is an author that everyone should read at least once. The writing is just too amazing to miss out on and it is so awesome how consistently amazing Steinbeck was. ...more
Everyone tells Chuck Norris jokes, but what type of jokes does Chuck Norris tell?
Chuck Norris tells Velvet Templeton jokes!
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Velvet Templeton is Everyone tells Chuck Norris jokes, but what type of jokes does Chuck Norris tell?
Chuck Norris tells Velvet Templeton jokes!
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Velvet Templeton is 100% smooth, 100% sexy, 100% badass! This is the strong female lead you have been looking for! Everyone underestimates her . . . and that was a big mistake. This issue, and the whole series, are action packed and dripping with political espionage. It has to be one of the best written and finest presented spy thrillers I have ever read. 5+ stars!
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I love the art in this book! The covers are fantastic and the panels inside are a throwback to old school comics. The art keeps the story moving along perfectly – and this is extremely helpful as often I find espionage stories get confusing and convoluted and my mind starts to wander. This is not the case here – the images kept my face glued to the page and the story moving right along.
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I cannot recommend this series enough. If you like action comics, spy/espionage thrillers, kick ass female leads, etc. you just cannot go wrong here. Seriously – read it!
This is the touching, raw, heart-string pulling, and sometimes frustrating story of Christopher Boone. He is the protagonist and narrator of th5 stars
This is the touching, raw, heart-string pulling, and sometimes frustrating story of Christopher Boone. He is the protagonist and narrator of the story while suffering from emotional and developmental disorders with some savant capabilities. The interesting thing is the whole time he tells his story, while his behavior is odd and different from others, he never seems to acknowledge the fact that he knows he is different. During his interactions with other characters he feels he is being logical and reasonable while those he is talking to are ripping their hair out in frustration. It makes for some very interesting and entertaining situations.
A character and story that this could possibly be compared to is Forrest Gump. Lots of little anecdotes mixed in with a main storyline by a narrator who really does not understand the impact of his involvement or why things are the way they are. Curious, but simple. The only major difference is that Forrest stayed fairly pleasant throughout the story while Christopher gets very violent when he gets uncomfortable.
I read this towards the end of a reading slump. I think this might be the perfect book to help get someone out of a reading slump. It is not very long, the story is not complex, and the content is very intriguing. I burned right through this because I could not wait to see what happened next while Christopher unraveled the mystery. I feel I could recommend this to almost anyone.
Disclaimer: Have you not read The Hound of the Baskervilles, but you want to? DO NOT READ THIS BOOK FIRST! Christopher ruins the book! He spends one chapter going through the entire plot and then lays out the key points and spoilers in bullet points. Between this and several books I have read recently describing the climax of Anna Karenina, I kind of don’t feel safe from spoilers!...more
My official last book of 2020 – I still had a few pages left in 2021, but most of it was read in 2020. As the main theme of the book is don’t give up My official last book of 2020 – I still had a few pages left in 2021, but most of it was read in 2020. As the main theme of the book is don’t give up hope in a beat-up world, it seems an appropriate way to end 2020 and begin 2021.
5+ Stars
The word “epic” does not even begin to describe Swan Song. While it took me many months to finish it, it is not because it was not good or hard to stay interested in. It was just that there was so much in the book that I had to savor the journey. Now that it is over, I am a little sad and a little hungover . . . but so glad I read this fantastic book!
Many compare Swan Song to King’s The Stand. It is very easy to see where the comparisons come from – the ultimate battle between good and evil in post-apocalyptic America. In The Stand, it is a plague. In Swan Song, it is nuclear war. I think that because of the nuclear holocaust in Swan Song, it is the dirtier and rawer of the two. But I think it is worth getting past the comparisons and appreciating them both as great tales on their own.
Plot and character development are both very rich in Swan Song. Everything and everyone change so much between page 1 and page 919. I will say that there is a stretch in the middle where the plot and character development does seem to slow down quite a bit to focus on some specific plot points, but this is not a complaint, just an observation. Overall, McCammon does an amazing job on every page.
I mention that this book took me several months (about half a year) to read. This does not mean that it will be a slow read for you. I can easily see someone getting really into this book and gobbling it up in less than a week. I am interested in hearing how others who read this approached the book: Devoured quickly or slowly absorbed?
If you have an interesting in post-apocalyptic stories, this might be one of the gold-standards so you should definitely check it out. Don’t be too daunted by the size – it is all there for a reason (no filler) and it is an incredible journey every step of the way. Highly recommend! ...more
I have liked the Rolling Stones for a long time. I remember going to see them back when I was in high school on the Voodoo Lounge tour (2004 – [image]
I have liked the Rolling Stones for a long time. I remember going to see them back when I was in high school on the Voodoo Lounge tour (2004 – and I thought they seemed old back then!). But, I will say while I enjoyed them, I was more of a casual fan. However, in the past couple of years I have become obsessed. I am sad that it took me this long because while many successful bands have a few great songs here and there, the Stones have one of the best collections of music of any band I have ever enjoyed. I can honestly say they have over 100 songs that I would enjoy listening to at any moment. The next band behind them might have 20 at the most.
I am going this summer to see them again! I can’t wait!
Many will put the Beatles up against the Rolling Stones. For me, it is no contest . . . by a long shot. The Stones ALL THE WAY!
Due to my recent obsession I was excited to check out this autobiography by Keith Richards. I will say that unless you are as into the Stones as I currently am or you really enjoy any music history, I don’t know if you will like this or not. So, be sure you base your response on whether to check this book out or not on that in addition to my review.
I thought this book was phenomenal! I enjoyed every single second of this book. Even when Richards was discussing music theory that went way over my head, I loved it. I feel like you could turn the story of Richards’ live into a fantastic movie. He had so many different things that happened in both his life and with the Stones: death, drugs, travels, relationships, controversy, feuds, successes, failures, etc. This was quite a long book and it needed every page to fit it all in!
Note on the audiobook: I think this may be a case where listening to the book will greatly enhance the experience. A few sections are read by Johnny Depp and the final part of the book is read by Richards himself. However, MAJOR KUDOS to Joe Hurley for his narration – his delivery was perfect! I am sad to see that this appears to be the only book he has narrated as I would love to hear more from him.
Many joke that Keef (his famous nickname) has been around forever and, when the world ends it will just be some cockroaches and Richards. You know, I kind of hope this is true because I think the world is a better place with a colorful character like him in it!
What a powerful little book. Sure, it is a coming of age story about a pre-teen girl in the late 1960s, early 1970s, but it feels like a story with leWhat a powerful little book. Sure, it is a coming of age story about a pre-teen girl in the late 1960s, early 1970s, but it feels like a story with lessons and ideas that are important to everyone in any era. I can see why this is on many must read lists.
Simply written – it can be read in one or two sittings. This is a great thing for those looking for a quick and entertaining read in the midst of a busy schedule. No great commitment is required to get through this one. And, you may find more content in 150 pages than you sometimes get in 400 to 500 pages!
Another important element of this book that is very applicable to everyone today is the pressures Margaret goes through – social, religious, relationships, etc. She just wants to live, but people are filling her head with lies and arguments that make it difficult for her to make decisions for herself. All it does is make her miserable. This reminds me of how some people seem to be willing to treat others today (especially with the anonymity of the internet). While it isn’t everyone, it seems like many people like to force their opinions down people’s throats and make them feel bad about their own feelings. Those people don’t consider – or don’t care - how this makes others feel. It makes me very sad! And, it made me very frustrated for Margaret!
Side note related to the comment above: The key plot of the story is Margaret trying to decide which religion she wants to be – if any. I was reading online that this book has been censored and banned in some places because of its take on Christianity. As a Christian myself, this is ridiculous – and the behavior of the Christians in the book is ridiculous. No one should be made to feel bad about exploring what feels comfortable to them and, if they decide one thing over another, that is their choice and no one else’s business. The way she is treated in this book I am not surprised she responds the way she does!
I recommend this book to everyone. I think it will teach us all a lot about how we should treat each other, and it is a good reminder that we are all human, no matter what our differences are. ...more
This is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. The bravery with which Katie Green shares her story is beyond amazing.
[imThis is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. The bravery with which Katie Green shares her story is beyond amazing.
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I have never had a personal experience with an eating disorder. But, the way Green shares her story, I could feel her anxiety deep in my bones. I was uncomfortable, and I should have been. She shows us that mental illness is truly an uncontrollable monster. You can't just brush it aside and say "you should eat more" or "stop binging - just don't eat even if you feel like you should". You cannot just turn it off. I have had some anxiety issues in my life - and while I would never pretend that they affected me to the extent you read about in this book - I still can understand when it feels out of control in a way that others don't understand.
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The art here is perfect. You can feel Green pouring herself out on the page. This was not a matter of someone just drawing a story they wanted to tell. What I see is pictures that poured forth uncontrollably from her because they had to escape. She had been told so long that there was no future in art for her. Because of this she focused on other subjects while the images that would tell her story built up until she could hold them in no more. The result is phenomenal.
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Many will find the story here difficult to read. This is raw. This is real. It was amazing that Green shared this story as many can learn from it and those struggling with similar issues may find some solace in it....more
I have read other 9/11 books and watched 9/11 specials – they are all very powerful. So, I will not say that this one iWow . . . just wow . . .
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I have read other 9/11 books and watched 9/11 specials – they are all very powerful. So, I will not say that this one is “better” or “more powerful”, but it certainly might be the most complete and thorough coverage of all the various events in one place. Pulling from hundreds of interviews with people directly involved, or who had family and friends involved, it is a very moving portrait of that fateful day.
This should be read by everyone, but it will not be easy for most people. However, not forgetting means that sometimes there are hard truths. We have a choice to remember or not, but there are many people who had no choice that day – they were fated to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One thing about this particular book compared to other 9/11 books/shows is that it was the most complete retelling of the events at the Pentagon that I have seen. In the afterward, there is mention of a book that was written specifically about the Pentagon, but I have not read that one. Also, I knew very little about the events around the government response, the journey of Air Force One, etc. This really is a very complete picture of the events of that day.
I think the story that got to me the most was near the very end (view spoiler)[there was a woman who worked in the Twin Towers who was laid off on September 10th. A few weeks after the disaster, her boss hunted her down to check on her and ask when she would be returning to work. The entire HR department had been destroyed and all HR employees killed on 9/11. Her boss had never been told she was laid off. (hide spoiler)] I was left speechless by that story. It is one of the saddest but also ironically laughable (not funny laughable – more like shake your head laughable) stories I have heard from that day.
Again – check this book out. We owe it to the heroes who saved many lives that day and the innocent people who were not expecting to lose their lives just doing their daily routine. Let’s keep their memories alive. ...more
Before I get into my review, I want to make those reading this aware that I was informed that this book has a similar story to The Book Woman of TroubBefore I get into my review, I want to make those reading this aware that I was informed that this book has a similar story to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Whether The Giver of Stars was inspired by the other book, just coincidentally about the same subject matter, or, as some conjecture, a “rip off” of the other title, I will not be addressing. I know that I see many books in one genre released close to each other a lot. One example is it seems like every other week there is a new book about female spies during WWI and/or WWII. So, for now, and with not having read The Book Woman, I will just share my feelings on The Giver of Stars.
Speaking of giving stars, I give this one 5 of them!
This story is built around the WPA Pack Horse Library Project in rural Eastern Kentucky. According to Wikipedia, this project ran from 1935 to 1943. The idea was to deliver books to those who may not have easy means to access them as people would be able to in more affluent, urban areas. It is a very interesting part of American history that I knew nothing about until I read this book and it made for a fantastic backdrop to the story.
This book is full of fantastic and interesting characters. I was easily able to invest fully in each of their lives and backgrounds. When good things happened to them, I rejoiced. When bad things happened to them, my heart broke. When they were angry or mistreated, I raged right along with them. Being able to empathize/sympathize like that tells me I am reading some well developed characters.
The story was fantastic throughout – no filler at all. I was on the edge of my seat watching the project develop from the very beginning, through all the trials and tribulations (greed, racism, sexism, abuse, etc.), to the final conclusion showing the power of the sisterhood of librarians. This is a book that I wanted to step into and when I hit the final page, I did not want it to be over.
I highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans, mid-20th Century American History buffs, and anyone who just loves a great story. ...more
Wow! Quite an epic novel here! I can see why this one is a classic.
At first, I was not sure how this one was going for me. As it is very long and hit Wow! Quite an epic novel here! I can see why this one is a classic.
At first, I was not sure how this one was going for me. As it is very long and hit a somewhat slow and repetitive patch about a third of the way through, I thought it was going to be 3 or 4 stars. But, with the way it was written, I was enthralled as it hit the midpoint and could not keep myself away from it until it was done. So, I am giving the slow and repetitive part a pass in this case and saying, without a doubt, that this is a 5-star book.
You may see that I marked this as a legal drama. Unfortunately, that is a bit of a spoiler because it does not become that until about 2/3 of the way through. But, that is exactly what the first two thirds of the book is building up to. It is a commentary on society at the time the book was written: religion, social status, relationships, morals, crime, punishment, etc. etc. etc. It is all in here and it makes for quite a stew for the readers consumption.
I think that this book that will certainly engage many and might infuriate some. The main character, Clyde, is such that you want to reach into the pages frequently, shake him, and yell,”WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?” But, no matter how you react to the story and the characters, it will leave you thinking about right vs wrong, decision making, justifying behavior to yourself, etc. I cannot say for sure that there is one definitive interpretation for the resolution of this book. I think it could possibly be interpreted a hundred different ways and they would all be correct.
I am very thankful to have read this for a book club, because I am not sure if I would have ever picked it up otherwise. It is nice that groups of fellow readers help me find intriguing titles like this that will have me thinking for quite some time to come. ...more
If you like spy craft, revenge, espionage, and graphic novels and you are not reading this series 5 stars again – so great! Just like Volume 1!
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If you like spy craft, revenge, espionage, and graphic novels and you are not reading this series right now, I am not really sure what you are doing with your life. So far this series has been absolutely amazing. Well written, beautiful art, and a fabulously perfect heroine. Velvet Templeton is the character authors hope to create when they set out to create a strong female lead.
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Oh, did I mention the artwork? Yes, yes I did . . . but I will again! I always put in a few images with my reviews of graphic novels, but it was tough to pick only a few this time because every frame is stunning. Sometimes brutal, sometimes sleek and dark, sometimes sexy – always perfect!
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I read this in one sitting. I could not stop! And, I did not want to binge into volume 3. I need to savor this. And, I don’t want to rush to the end as it appears volume 3 is the last!
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Moral of this story so far: Don’t f&$! with your secretary – you never know what secrets she might be hiding . . . and she might be really good at revenge!...more
In the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mIn the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and sci-fi horror. It is suspenseful. It is funny. It is gruesome. A little part of me really wishes the exploration of the American West was just like this.
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I'm still loving the art. For the most part, the panels have a bit of a sepia aura to add to the historical feel - as if pulled straight from the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. But, then, every few pages there is a full page image with intense colors and dramatic presentation highlighting one of the key horrors being encountered. Great stuff!
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This title is just great, creepy, horror-filled fun. If you are looking for a graphic novel that is a complete escape to enjoyable reading, give this one a shot.
UPDATE 9/14/2020: In case you were wondering if my positive review was legit, I recently saw that it won the category of Literary Fiction at the AmeriUPDATE 9/14/2020: In case you were wondering if my positive review was legit, I recently saw that it won the category of Literary Fiction at the American Fiction Awards 2020. That's high praise!
UPDATE 11/5/2019: This is my write in selection for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards in the category of Fiction. I encourage others to do the same!
Two facts about author Michael Bowe:
- As of my writing of this review he is not very well known (but should be) - His first two books are CONSIDERABLY better than some of the big named books that get lots of circulation and attention
With these two things in mind, if you like consistently good story telling, an emotional connection with what you are reading, unforced poetical prose, etc. etc. etc., you really need to give Michael Bowe a try!
The Weight of the Moment focuses on how life can very quickly be changed by a single, short lived event – sometimes as quick as the blink of an eye. In the examples that drive this story, the moments cannot easily be changed, erased, or taken back with a simple apology. I was frequently reminded of the book So, You’ve Been Publicly Shamed; where one ill thought out tweet or statement made in public can destroy the life of someone who had, up until then, lived a perfectly normal and happy life. In this day and age, I think almost all of us can relate to fears over how easy it is for a small mistake to be broadcast to the world.
How can demons of a single moment be exorcised? The amazing storytelling of Michael Bowe will take you from big city Philadelphia to rural Pennsylvania where the two protagonists, Nick Sterling and Tom Corbett form a friendship that helps them both overcome their own demons. Along the way they also manage to clean some skeletons out of Tom’s family closet. All the characters met along the way are wonderfully fleshed out – often with a side story (unrelated to the main story, but important none the less) that offers insight on the moment that defines them. Again, simply fantastic storytelling!
I guarantee that if you like great fiction that tugs at your emotions and leaves you thinking, you must give Michael Bowe a try. Either Skyscraper of a Man, The Weight of the Moment, or both. You just cannot go wrong!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! And, it is honestly great! ...more
UPDATE 11/5/2019: This is my write in selection for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards in the category of Graphic Novels & Comics.
That’s it . . . it’s oUPDATE 11/5/2019: This is my write in selection for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards in the category of Graphic Novels & Comics.
That’s it . . . it’s over!
The afterward to this volume mentions that there was not a lot of fanfare leading up to the final volume and that was the way the author wanted it. He figured if there was an announcement that issue 193 would be the last there would be a lot of expectation leading up to it. Instead it went out quietly – and, I must admit, I was surprised after this volume was released to discover that it was the last one.
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It was definitely time for the series to end. As much as I have loved the journey along the way, it has felt for a long time like things needed to wrap up. Some of the storylines felt repetitive. Some of the character tropes were getting a bit stale. I didn’t want to have what was a great series meander off into mediocrity.
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I am pleased to say that this volume did a great job wrapping things up. The ending was not necessarily happy. Not all loose ends were necessarily tied up. But, I feel like there was a satisfactory wrap up for fans of the series along with enough hints of places where things are still not perfect to leave the reader imagining what the future could possibly hold; a story that leaves a little for the reader to think on is a great story!
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The art throughout the series has remained steady. The first few issues were a different artist, but over 90% has been the same and I have enjoyed all the artwork along the way. The fact that it was black and white for every issue has been awesome. While I do enjoy when graphic novels are in color, I think that black and white is my favorite.
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Time for the dead to shamble on to other stories and other graphic novels. Their time here is done and it has been a great ride from start to finish. Congratulations to Robert Kirkman and all others involved in this journey – may they all have many more successes in the future!
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