I watched the movie (more than once) several years ago, and loved it. It was fun and quirky and I really liked the premise. It was clever and funny I I watched the movie (more than once) several years ago, and loved it. It was fun and quirky and I really liked the premise. It was clever and funny I must have watched it four or five times. At least once for the sake of Robert De Niro in a skirt.
But then I saw the book come on sale through Audible and realized that I hadn't gotten around to reading the book like I had planned to a few summers ago. In addition, I realized it was narrated by the author, which gave it +10 points in my book before I'd even started listening.
So now, in addition to liking the story, I appreciate how the movie stayed pretty close to the book (not exact, but close enough that I am satisfied) and I got a bit more background on the characters, the setting, and some of the things that couldn't be covered in detail on screen (for example, the little descriptions of the brothers' ghosts really added another layer for me, though I would have liked to hear some commentary from them a little more often).
There were some moments that jarred me - (view spoiler)[the sex scene at the beginning of the book, for example (hide spoiler)] - and didn't seem to really match the tone of the rest of the book. Those moments were few, though, and I appreciated the cohesiveness of the story as a whole, bringing it all together under a fantastical but mature journey from love as object to love as relationship.
There's a lot to learn from this book, both in the story and in the telling. I intend to put those lessons to good use. ...more
The tone and subject of this book tell me this is basically Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets the One Ring from Tolkien's work. It was extremely well exeThe tone and subject of this book tell me this is basically Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets the One Ring from Tolkien's work. It was extremely well executed. Good pacing, likable characters, believable situations, and a couple of really clever twists that I definitely didn't see coming....more
I didn't realize until this rereading that the plot of this story is lifted almost wholesale from Watership Down. Obviously, there are some adjustmentI didn't realize until this rereading that the plot of this story is lifted almost wholesale from Watership Down. Obviously, there are some adjustments for species, as rabbits and deer don't behave in precisely the same way, but the amount of overlap on major plot points is large enough that I'm surprised I didn't notice it sooner.
That said, I don't think this is a bad adaptation. In fact, I think it's very well done. This is still one of my favorite books, and I will fall back to reread this one in future.
Extra points for talking animals that still behave mostly like animals. You'll like this book if you liked the Warriors, Seekers, or Survivors series....more
Wonderful as always. I listen at night when going to bed, comforted by a familiar story and characters I might admire without reserve. Aragorn in his Wonderful as always. I listen at night when going to bed, comforted by a familiar story and characters I might admire without reserve. Aragorn in his willingness to look danger in the teeth. Pippin's incorrigible cheerfulness. Sam's steady loyalty and slow pleasure in the world around him. Frodo's quiet wisdom and desire to submit to authority. If my rolemodels are fictional, at least they possess the qualities I would like to see in myself, and in great abundance....more
When I went in, I was expecting either a very narrow story about a girl who had a strange relationshiI was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
When I went in, I was expecting either a very narrow story about a girl who had a strange relationship with nighttime celestial bodies, or an exposition-heavy fairytale-style rendition of one of several stories about a princess that either is the moon or lives on the moon.
It was neither.
Instead I got a very well fleshed-out set of characters, each with their own backstories (although after a while there are only so many variations on "lost my parents at a tragically young age" that one can come up with) and character arcs. The ending was a bit formulaic, but I found it satisfying. It might have been done with a bit more punch than it was, but I was not upset with the ending, so I'm happy to leave it as it is.
All in all, I think this is a book I will happily come back to and reread in the future. ...more
First, I want to clarify that I really did enjoy this book. It was fun, and as usual, Mr. Gaiman's characters and worldbuilding are superb.
But
I have aFirst, I want to clarify that I really did enjoy this book. It was fun, and as usual, Mr. Gaiman's characters and worldbuilding are superb.
But
I have a very heavy bias against stories that refuse to explain themselves. The "character has no idea what's going on" trope is extremely useful, especially in settings where the reader will require more information to catch up on what's happening, but when that information is never actually given, then it just makes me feel stupid, and resent the knowledgeable characters for refusing to explain things when they have both the freedom and the ability. I don't really like feeling stupid. Not a good feeling.
That said, much of the information I wanted in the first two chapters was eventually revealed through the narrative, just not as quickly or as succinctly as I would have liked. I am Very Opinionated....more
This is another one of the books that I reread when I'm stressed. And as usual, I enjoyed it immensely.This is another one of the books that I reread when I'm stressed. And as usual, I enjoyed it immensely....more
There are two things about this book that really impressed me. First, that the author managed to make a prequel so engaging and fun to read. Second, tThere are two things about this book that really impressed me. First, that the author managed to make a prequel so engaging and fun to read. Second, that the prequel about the villain ended with the villain still being a villain. So many times I've seen people try to give their BBEG a backstory and maybe a sympathetic past, and at the end of the prequel, the villain isn't a villain anymore, because he's too sympathetic, too justified, and by all accounts, not evil at all.
But in this prequel, the development of Snow from downtrodden orphan to evil dictator is so clear, it's almost linear. His romantic past made him (somewhat) sympathetic, but it didn't change him from one character into another.
That said, he's not a character I like very much (which is as it's supposed to be, I think) so I had a hard time understanding the way he thought. I hope it stays that way, honestly. ...more
I especially appreciate how the motives of one character don't just steamroller right over the motivations of the other. There are realistic (if frustI especially appreciate how the motives of one character don't just steamroller right over the motivations of the other. There are realistic (if frustrating) clashes of purpose in this book, and it makes perfect sense. It also makes these characters utterly believable, and I love it....more
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I loved it. I think... Dragonriders of Pern battle scenes meet Hunger Games character developmI really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I loved it. I think... Dragonriders of Pern battle scenes meet Hunger Games character development, with some Star Wars level worldbuilding and extra brownie points for a main character who struggles with how to handle a bad reputation she didn't earn.
If you like vivid characters, complete worlds, and intense action sequences, this is definitely the right book for you.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. The style and humor of the narrative reminded me strongly of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Very good read. WillI enjoyed the book thoroughly. The style and humor of the narrative reminded me strongly of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Very good read. Will probably read again....more
There are passages in this book that make me squeal in happiness.
Sometimes I imagine there's a clerk sitting behind a desk situated between the brainThere are passages in this book that make me squeal in happiness.
Sometimes I imagine there's a clerk sitting behind a desk situated between the brain and the mouth, whose job it is to examine utterances, and either stamp them with approval or send them back for reconsideration. If there is such a clerk, mine must be very harried and overworked, and sometimes he just lays his head on the desk in despair and lets things pass without a second glance.
This, among others, keeps dragging me back to read and reread the whole series....more
This was an excellent sequel to the first Skyward book, and really I only have two biased nitpicks.
The first is that it took too long for the main chThis was an excellent sequel to the first Skyward book, and really I only have two biased nitpicks.
The first is that it took too long for the main character to put together conclusions I felt ought to have been relatively clear, given the provided information. That said, it seemed very in-character for such conclusions not to come easily to her.
The second is that the author chose to end this second installment with a CLIFFHANGER. That monster. *shakes fist impotently*
Personally, I really appreciated that the first book had a semi-satisfactory ending. It was a humane exit point, and I might have comfortably chosen at that time to put the series aside. This cliffhanger denies me that relative comfort, which is aggravating, since the next book doesn't exist yet.
In all, a good story that stayed true to the characters developed in the first book. An excellent read for those that like the "I'm not qualified for this" plot arc of an action hero in an espionage setting....more
This was a fun story that used a lot of storytelling patterns that I think would be entertaining for younger listeners. It used a very fairytale strucThis was a fun story that used a lot of storytelling patterns that I think would be entertaining for younger listeners. It used a very fairytale structure, lots of repetition, and a very simple plot to explore some fun characters and family dynamics. (As well as themes of trust and confidence!)
Would definitely recommend to first or second grade readers looking for a short, fun story along the lines of Junie B. or Skippyjon Jones (not related)....more
There is such gorgeous prose in this book I was just blown away. But the pacing seemed a bit... draggy? I was about 3/4 of the way through and my sensThere is such gorgeous prose in this book I was just blown away. But the pacing seemed a bit... draggy? I was about 3/4 of the way through and my sense of pacing told me that the climax needed to come soon, because the tension had been holding at a high point for several chapters.
In the end, the wait was worth it, but I don't think I'll reread it. This was an exhausting read....more
Reading this book was a delight in worldbuilding. I didn't need an explanation of which lighter-than-air gasses the airships used to stay aloft or whaReading this book was a delight in worldbuilding. I didn't need an explanation of which lighter-than-air gasses the airships used to stay aloft or what kind of engines made the cities mobile in order to imagine that this alternate history post-apocalypse dystoia was possible.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because there were seemingly arbitrary points at which it would switch from past tense to present tense, and that was disorienting, among other things. But the characters were vivid and the consequences of their actions were real enough that it didn't feel like any of them wore plot armor thick enough to truly protect them - not even the main cast.
This felt like Harry Potter meets George R.R. Martin, despite the absence of magical elements, and reminds me in scope of works like Dune and Ender's Game, though the theme is a little more optimistic....more
There are many things to love about this book. The vivid characters, the earnestness of the message, the descriptions of animal life. This belongs in There are many things to love about this book. The vivid characters, the earnestness of the message, the descriptions of animal life. This belongs in the category with Black Beauty and Firebringer for stories that bring the animal world to life in an utterly believable and charming way....more
I only just finished reading this about 5 minutes ago. And I'm not even sure I have words for it. I was hoping so hard but the main character would beI only just finished reading this about 5 minutes ago. And I'm not even sure I have words for it. I was hoping so hard but the main character would be there at the end.
And when Mom said "I hope you'll let me keep you, in my heart I mean. And do come home. The window is always open. Fly safe." I don't think I could have stopped myself from crying even if I had wanted to. Which I didn't.
In her afterword the author says that she wanted to make her story plausible. I think she did that very, very well. I've never read a book that touched me quite so deeply. I hope someday I can have a friend like Julie.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go cry my heart out....more
I really liked the worldbuilding in this book, but there was a lot in the plot that left me unsatisfied. I liked the narrator's voice, and I liked howI really liked the worldbuilding in this book, but there was a lot in the plot that left me unsatisfied. I liked the narrator's voice, and I liked how she communicated everything about the world around her, but I didn't like the fact that the storytelling was almost completely nonlinear. In addition, I felt like there was no actual conclusion, and I realize that this is actually something really daring and bold that the author did.
In sum: I didn't really like it as a story, but I really did like it as an instructive work. I feel like I learned a lot about how to write well from this book, I just didn't much enjoy the story that it was telling....more
The worldbuilding and characterization were very well done, though I maintain that the fight scenes were too long and detailed for my taste. I hesitatThe worldbuilding and characterization were very well done, though I maintain that the fight scenes were too long and detailed for my taste. I hesitate to venture such an opinion, but I think that maybe the narrative pacing was just a shade out of step with the length of the book. I struggle with the idea, since Lord of the Rings is both longer and slower-paced, but doesn't feel too long for its pace at the end like this one does.
But the real reason this book is at 4 stars instead of 5 is the romantic subplot. Even the main character doesn't seem convinced of her own feelings, and the way she interacts with them is completely out of character.
It did have a very satisfying conclusion, though. :)...more
I think this is both my favorite and least favorite of the Harry Potter series.
I loved how Harry has completely graduated from childhood into adulthoI think this is both my favorite and least favorite of the Harry Potter series.
I loved how Harry has completely graduated from childhood into adulthood, treating his father's old friends as equals and making choices for himself even when he's uncertain and upset.
I hated how much I disliked Ron. I noticed it a little in Book 5, and more in Book 6, but... he's not a nice person, and he's not really trying to be any better - not in general. He only wants Hermione to like him, and doesn't attempt to improve himself at all as they grow closer. (And why does she even like him?) I liked him in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd books. In Book 4 he showed some really not-nice tendencies that I didn't appreciate (violent jealousy not the least among them) and from there is just went downhill. I feel like he should have made an effort to improve himself.
In addition, this habit of Ron and Hermione to repeatedly disbelieve Harry when he's literally almost never wrong - you would think after 6 years, they would have learned. He was right about needing to protect the Stone (Book 1), he was right about hearing the Disembodied Voice (Book 2), he was right about not putting his own name in the Goblet (Book 4), he was right about Draco being Up to No Good (Book 6)... pretty much every time he had a hunch, he was right, except for that one time in Book 5 when Voldemort planted a hunch in his brain.
And seriously, Hermione, you mastered nonverbal spells in the last book. Why are you screaming your incantations all over Book 7? *sigh*
I like this book. I really do. It delivers several brilliant emotional gut punches, in addition to wrapping up subplots that have been in the works since Book 1, and I loved how neatly that was done. But gosh there were some things about this book that just sort of irritated me....more
I wanna say the last... 5 chapters, maybe, improved my reading experience. Part of it was my eventual resignation to inconsistent characterization. ThI wanna say the last... 5 chapters, maybe, improved my reading experience. Part of it was my eventual resignation to inconsistent characterization. The rest was due to the story finally getting around to exploring a theme I can get behind - that is, to what extent do vows and loyalty determine your identity, and how much choice does a person really have?
The last handful of chapters was a deep dive on that subject and I loved seeing that taken seriously. But... it sorta made the other 40 chapters of this book feel like pointless super draggy inconsistent kinda sexist "romantic tension" setup. To be honest, if we just went through and cut out every scene where Elias is thinking about how hot Hel is, or where Laia is noticing how men smell, this book would probably be about 40% more enjoyable.
The main characters are not consistent with their established backgrounds, and logic seems to not be a thing that exists in this world. (Pro tip: If I spend several chapters shouting at a character that "this should be obvious!" then perhaps the reveal might be a touch too slow?)
Twists at the end were fun, though. +1 star for that....more
I discovered these books early last year, and fell in love with them. It's not just because they're about dragons and the people that love them (thougI discovered these books early last year, and fell in love with them. It's not just because they're about dragons and the people that love them (though I will never deny that I have a soft spot for dragon books). It's the characters, the dialogue, the world, the utter snark of this old lady relating her life story and telling her prissy contemporaries to get over themselves. It's the character flaws abundant in every chapter and how they overcome those challenges. It's the complete believability of the story - this is something that might have happened in Edwardian England.
Everything fits together, and it's beautiful, even where it's horribly embarrassing or packed with logical insanity. I especially appreciate that where the main character pulls an impossible victory out of thin air, it's presented as a critical accident with a happy ending, and even then the ending isn't all "happy," because there are consequences to what happened. Nothing is just black and white, and that lends itself beautifully to the believability of the characters and the world....more
Considering how lengthy the story is, and how the pace drags through the second half, the book actually has a very satisfactory ending. I enjoyed thatConsidering how lengthy the story is, and how the pace drags through the second half, the book actually has a very satisfactory ending. I enjoyed that the book seller got some screen time later on, though I wondered why the father didn't think his son had gone nuts.
The book might have presented its stories better as a two-part series or at least as a more focused two halves. Part 1, where Bastian learns about Fantastica and Part 2 where he goes there. The narrative suffered a bit from being too fuzzy, and from having an unsympathetic or at least not likable main character for at least half of the book.
That said, the descriptions and worldbuilding sprinkled throughout the story was quite good, and I enjoyed the book. ...more
This book is an accurate representation of the disorienting, non-linear progression of a dream, in which failure features prominently, closure is frusThis book is an accurate representation of the disorienting, non-linear progression of a dream, in which failure features prominently, closure is frustratingly elusive, and there is no way to comfortably predict what should or will happen next. Often, scenes are concluded before they reach any sort of reasonable ending.
It was worth reading once but I doubt I'll read it again....more
This was a surprisingly engaging book, with plenty of humor and an intriguing double-ended narrative telling the main character's story in the presentThis was a surprisingly engaging book, with plenty of humor and an intriguing double-ended narrative telling the main character's story in the present as well as in the past.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and its overt ridiculousness. Would definitely recommend to those who enjoy a good tall tale. This book is not for those that want a story they can really believe in. The required suspension of disbelief for this tale is quite high. ...more
The plot develops at a slow but steady pace, prominently featuring the interactions and development of the characters over the development of the worlThe plot develops at a slow but steady pace, prominently featuring the interactions and development of the characters over the development of the world as a whole. The world is discovered through the characters rather than for the world's sake, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. They don't grow or change much, but they learn, and that's near and dear to my heart. In addition, the setting is as charming as I could have wished. 10/10, would read it again....more
I had a blast reading this short little book. It's a pretty transparent allegory, but all the characters are horses, and I think that's 100% acceptablI had a blast reading this short little book. It's a pretty transparent allegory, but all the characters are horses, and I think that's 100% acceptable.
Would recommend for Christians that like Watership Down and The Firebringer. ...more
No matter how many times I read it, I cry like a baby every time. I especially like the main character's continued acknowledgement that she's not a veNo matter how many times I read it, I cry like a baby every time. I especially like the main character's continued acknowledgement that she's not a very nice person, and yet she's determined to do the right thing. 10/10, will read again. And again....more
I think I like the themes in this installment of the series better than the first. It was very brave to tackle the topic of suicide and suicidal thougI think I like the themes in this installment of the series better than the first. It was very brave to tackle the topic of suicide and suicidal thoughts, and I very much respect Ms. Roth for taking that risk. I think it was handled well....more
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