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 II 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
When I went in, I was expecting either a very narrow story about a girl who had a strangeI 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
There are many things to love about this book. The vivid characters, the earnestness of the message, the descriptions of animal life. This belongs inThere 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 utter believable and charming way....more
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
I think this is both my favorite and least favorite of the Harry Potter series.
I loved how Harry has completely graduated from childhood intoI 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
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 myThere 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 orReading 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
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
I found myself equal parts frustrated with Dumbledore and understanding, knowing that there are certain pieces of information that would not improve aI found myself equal parts frustrated with Dumbledore and understanding, knowing that there are certain pieces of information that would not improve a situation if shared with a 16-year-old and yet sympathizing with Harry and wanting him to actually have access to all the information.
Also - is it just me or is Ron significantly less a good person in this book than in previous ones? Maybe it's just stupid teenage hormones, but he comes off as extremely self-centered to me, and I'm not sure what Hermione sees in him.
I wanna say the last... 5 chapters, maybe, improved my reading experience. Part of it was my eventual resignation to inconsistent characterization.I 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
The plot develops at a slow but steady pace, prominently featuring the interactions and development of the characters over the development of theThe 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 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 suicidalI 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
I never knew there was so much I didn't know about life with visual handicaps! Or handicaps in general, actually. I wish I'd started learn about thisI never knew there was so much I didn't know about life with visual handicaps! Or handicaps in general, actually. I wish I'd started learn about this years ago!...more
I must have read these more times than I can count, but it seems like something new this time. Not just that I can see foreshadowing and connections II must have read these more times than I can count, but it seems like something new this time. Not just that I can see foreshadowing and connections I didn't see before, but now that I know more about James and Lily (thank you, fanart, for making them real to me) I'm seeing people's reactions to Harry and realizing that they James in him - it's like their hero, their friend, back from the dead. And Snape looks into Harry's face and it's HER eyes looking back at him and gosh darnit but that must hurt something awful. And... there are just so many layers to this now, and I can't help but love it even more....more
I have to say, I enjoyed this book WAY more than I thought I would. I expected it to drag, explain things that didn't need explaining, and have bland,I have to say, I enjoyed this book WAY more than I thought I would. I expected it to drag, explain things that didn't need explaining, and have bland, flat worlds with no character. Why, then, did I pick it up? "Because it's a classic."
Boy, was I surprised! The characters are fully fleshed out and interesting, the world(s) are well developed, and the technology looks an awful lot like what I'm seeing in modern sci-fi, and nevermind that this was written so long ago.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
And I want more. I'm aiming for the rest of the series as soon as I can get my hands on them....more
An excellent heir to the legacy of Lady Trent. I love the colorful characters, and found myself unexpectedly attached - especially to a certainAn excellent heir to the legacy of Lady Trent. I love the colorful characters, and found myself unexpectedly attached - especially to a certain disreputable scholar. I've never had such strong conflicting feelings for a fictional character before....more
I have a particular love of "playing the victim" in fiction. It can be done badly and it can be overdone (both very easily). In this case, I thinkI have a particular love of "playing the victim" in fiction. It can be done badly and it can be overdone (both very easily). In this case, I think there is an excellent balance between the main character's position of power (especially in the beginning) and the main character's inherent gentleness. Her desire to avoid conflict is consistent, even when it causes problems for her and for others.
In short, I liked the first-person account of a girl who was almost entirely in the right. This is one of my guilty pleasure books, and I will stand by that. :)...more
I had fun with this story. It's short and light-hearted and asks for very little investment from the reader. This is clearly not something intended toI had fun with this story. It's short and light-hearted and asks for very little investment from the reader. This is clearly not something intended to support or demand suspension of disbelief.
While it was fun and I enjoyed the lyrical dialogue, this isn't a story I think I'll read very often. It was fun, but not meaningful in the way my favorite books are. It's a good one to read with children, though, and I look forward to doing so when I have little ones of my own....more
Black Beauty has been one of my favorite stories since I was a little girl, when I watched the 1994 film repeatedly, as much for my love of EnglishBlack Beauty has been one of my favorite stories since I was a little girl, when I watched the 1994 film repeatedly, as much for my love of English accents as for my love of horses. For many years, this book was the source of all my knowledge of horse-related vocabulary and horse care. And even now, having had experience with caring for horses in life as well as in my imagination, I would say that this book has served as a solid foundation for how animals ought to be treated. Full review available here.
Good lessons, no violence, no objectionable language - the opinions expressed in this book are VERY slanted, though, and while opposite opinions are acknowledged, they're given little ground and no justification. I highly recommend reading this with a group or with an adult so intelligent discussion and research can supplement the lessons found in this story....more
First of all, I'd like to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. It fits nicely into the genre that I love (the "kid discovers they're magical"First of all, I'd like to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. It fits nicely into the genre that I love (the "kid discovers they're magical" genre that started getting really popular with Harry Potter) and also has crossover points with historical fiction and some schoolyard interaction content. The characters were fun, and the setting was really interesting, but I found several instances of sloppy writing that could have been done better without changing the story - it would just have taken a little more effort.
For example: (view spoiler)[It makes no logical sense to rush a girl through what should have been several years of introductory lessons in a few weeks, then send her to school halfway through the term, thus drawing more attention to her while laying the lies on thick to cover for why she knows so little.
In addition, I would have liked to see a bit more actual evidence when the MC figured out who the Badguy really was, rather than a series of inferences that might have been wrong (since they were based almost entirely on assumptions). The fact that the Badguy showed up later in the same scene to monologue their master plan doesn't make me feel intelligent for figuring it out, it jarred me out of the narrative and had me looking at this in a very meta light, thinking about villain monologues and how an actually intelligent person might have executed this plan to raise an army and overthrow the government. It would have, if anything, enhanced the tension to have the Badguy continue to hide their true purpose - it escalated and defused too quickly at the end to provide a satisfying ending. (hide spoiler)]
In sum, I really enjoyed the book, but would have liked to see a bit more effort go into building the realism of the setting and the tension at the end. I think I'll probably read the sequel(s) anyway, because I enjoyed it. ...more
The reason I picked up this book is because I originally read Ender's Game a long time ago, and I was informed by a friend of mine that this bookbwasThe reason I picked up this book is because I originally read Ender's Game a long time ago, and I was informed by a friend of mine that this bookbwas basically a retelling of the same story from a different character's point of view. Now, I thought that this book was actually going to be kind of boring. After all, I knew exactly what was going to happen. I had already read this story.
I was surprised. Pleasantly so.
As a writer myself I understand the difficulty of telling the same story twice from two points of view. Under most circumstances I find that I do not have the skill necessary to make the story sound different even though there are two different characters telling it. At least, not without changing the story itself. I believe that I have a lot to learn from Mr. Card and I have a lot to learn from this book. I will definitely be reading it again. 5 out of 5. I am 100% impressed with this book it's going to stay on my shelf forever....more
As one might gather from the rating, I didn't enjoy this book very much. The problem, though, wasn't that it was bad (although it was that) it wasAs one might gather from the rating, I didn't enjoy this book very much. The problem, though, wasn't that it was bad (although it was that) it was that it could have been so good! With just a little more effort...
I will here try to lay out what made it less than good, without being too salty about it.
Mistake #1: The author either assumed his readers were too slow to catch the hints dropped the first, second or third times, OR the author assumed that dragging out the "reveal" for any of several hints when the readers already know what's coming is somehow interesting. Tension is good, but it needs to be done with a lighter hand.
Mistake #2: The protagonist is not a person I would want to spend time with. (A child that makes himself miserable and then blames everyone else - a child who wallows in self-pity and misdirected anger rather than being proactive.)
Mistake #3: Hypothesis - the author did not keep notes concerning facts/details revealed in-story. The character's age and the timeline of his flashbacks are confusing at best. He's 12 in the first chapter, 14 later on, and 13 at the end.
Mistake #4: Lack of research/experience. The protagonist is supposed to be from Oregon. Anyone from Oregon that can make a direct comparison between alien trees and giant redwoods or sequoias should know that a tree as big around as a house will not have branches low enough that a 12-14yo kid can jump and catch the lowest one, let alone climb it. A 12-14yo kid who has not been in intensive training will not be able to lift himself with arm-strength alone, turn in mid-air, and buckle himself into a harness while G-forces are actively dragging him away from his seat. (Some of this might be handwaved because it's an alien planet. I'm okay with that, but don't leave out the differences between our world and that one and plow ahead with things that aren't logically possible here.)
Mistake #5: There was a lot of emphasis placed on the main character's introspection, to the point where the super cool telepathic alien comes across as flat as a cardboard cutout.
Mistake #6: This might be a little too nitpicky of me, but I feel the need to set it down in writing anyway. There is a scene where Micah (view spoiler)[literally strips the flesh off his arm and hand, "just like taking off a glove." (hide spoiler)] I was physically ill at just reading the description, but Micah seemed completely unaffected. I accept that there was a telepathic alien messing with his brain, but his complete lack of shock, disgust, horror, fear, and/or panic was so far removed from my reaction that I lost all connection with him as a character.
To wrap this up, let me say that I think the ending was handled well. The hope at the end was a good touch, and the quality of writing in the last scene or two greatly improved, leaving me perhaps not satisfied, but at least not desirous of throttling the editor that let this go to print without serious revisions.
I hope you find this helpful. If this book sounds good to you, to read The Black Stallion, Hatchet, or The Sign of the Beaver for a good kid survival book....more
The pacing is a little choppy, a bit draggy in places, and the very nonhuman jinn are very relatably human in their characterization...
Other thanThe pacing is a little choppy, a bit draggy in places, and the very nonhuman jinn are very relatably human in their characterization...
Other than that, I really liked this book. An interesting twist on the old story of Aladdin and the Genie of the Ring smashed together with the story of Aladdin and the Genie of the Lamp, and a strong implication of adventures to come, whether or not they're written down....more
The prose was absolutely gorgeous and I loved what I read, but it was too visceral for me. Blood, death, masturbation in the first couple chapters.The prose was absolutely gorgeous and I loved what I read, but it was too visceral for me. Blood, death, masturbation in the first couple chapters. Too much for me. XP...more
It's a slow read, but I've always enjoyed the development of the characters as individuals. Gimli as an eloquent mountain prince. Aragorn as a man withIt's a slow read, but I've always enjoyed the development of the characters as individuals. Gimli as an eloquent mountain prince. Aragorn as a man with less than certain self-confidence. Legolas as a second-in-command that has some trouble letting go of what he thinks is right. Differences between Merry and Pippin. Development for Sam especially and his loyalty. ❤️ I love them all....more
There was a lot of really good advice in this book. I think I'll keep it and reread it when stress gets to be too much (which I'm sure it will at someThere was a lot of really good advice in this book. I think I'll keep it and reread it when stress gets to be too much (which I'm sure it will at some point. It always does....more
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