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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
I won this book on Goodreads as a giveaway. So thank you to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
Beautiful Hero: How We Survived the Khmer Rouge by Jennifer H Lau is a memoir about her young life in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge. She was 5 years old when the Khmer Rouge took over in 1975. The author’s mother, Meiyeng, is the center of the story. They were evacuated from their home and placed in camps. Any wrong move could result in their death. They were severely punished for anything and risked starving to death or dying of thirst. Meiyeng took great risks to ensure her family’s survival. She was firm and often referred to as “stone-hearted.” However, as the author closely studied her mother, she realized she acted this way purely for the survival of her family. She also led her family to escape to Thailand, where they had to endure the dangers of the jungle. Even though they survive, they carry the scars and nightmares from there journey every day.
The Khmer Rouge murdered a quarter of the population of Cambodia. Their atrocities were unfathomable. As I sit down to write this review, I really don’t have to words to express my feelings about this book. It ripped my heart out and then stepped on it, put it back, then ripped it out a few more times. I did study a little bit of this history in college. However, if I didn’t have friends that currently live in Cambodia working at an orphanage, I wouldn’t know the severity of these events and how they still impact life in Cambodia.
This memoir should be a requirement to read in high school or college. The way the author discusses their life during these events is clear and raw. She also discusses many themes like tyranny and democracy, life and death. She goes into great detail. Some details may be difficult to read and they are extremely graphic. There is so much suffering and death from all ages. I think it is necessary too. This is a part of history that we can’t forget. I can’t tell you how many times I had to put this book down because I had tears streaming down my face.
Throughout the pain and suffering, I kept thinking, “Humans are terrible. Why do we do this to each other?” But the strength and courage of the family shine through. Bravo. This book needs to be read by everyone. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
Beautiful Hero: How We Survived the Khmer Rouge by Jennifer H Lau is a memoir about her young life in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge. She was 5 years old when the Khmer Rouge took over in 1975. The author’s mother, Meiyeng, is the center of the story. They were evacuated from their home and placed in camps. Any wrong move could result in their death. They were severely punished for anything and risked starving to death or dying of thirst. Meiyeng took great risks to ensure her family’s survival. She was firm and often referred to as “stone-hearted.” However, as the author closely studied her mother, she realized she acted this way purely for the survival of her family. She also led her family to escape to Thailand, where they had to endure the dangers of the jungle. Even though they survive, they carry the scars and nightmares from there journey every day.
The Khmer Rouge murdered a quarter of the population of Cambodia. Their atrocities were unfathomable. As I sit down to write this review, I really don’t have to words to express my feelings about this book. It ripped my heart out and then stepped on it, put it back, then ripped it out a few more times. I did study a little bit of this history in college. However, if I didn’t have friends that currently live in Cambodia working at an orphanage, I wouldn’t know the severity of these events and how they still impact life in Cambodia.
This memoir should be a requirement to read in high school or college. The way the author discusses their life during these events is clear and raw. She also discusses many themes like tyranny and democracy, life and death. She goes into great detail. Some details may be difficult to read and they are extremely graphic. There is so much suffering and death from all ages. I think it is necessary too. This is a part of history that we can’t forget. I can’t tell you how many times I had to put this book down because I had tears streaming down my face.
Throughout the pain and suffering, I kept thinking, “Humans are terrible. Why do we do this to each other?” But the strength and courage of the family shine through. Bravo. This book needs to be read by everyone. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
Alone by Simon Pearce is the third story in The Spotlight Tales. This a short story as well and is just full of twists and turns. This story introduces David who is a mayor. He is cave diving with Mary when she notices that his air tank is empty. There is no way for both of them to make it back safely. So Mary goes to get help. Meanwhile, the timeline jumps back in time and brings to light political betrayal.
WOW!! Talk about plot twist!!! Trust me, it is jaw-dropping! This book is short and at first glance, I thought it was going to be an adventure/survival story. I was so wrong. The book really dives into political rivalries and mistakes–mistakes that are deadly. The characters are unbelievably flawed, especially David. He has a typical politician vibe about it, charismatic but manipulative. However, he doesn’t know the full consequences for his actions.
This book is gripping from start to end. This book is just slightly over 100 pages and can be enjoyed in one rainy afternoon! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
WOW!! Talk about plot twist!!! Trust me, it is jaw-dropping! This book is short and at first glance, I thought it was going to be an adventure/survival story. I was so wrong. The book really dives into political rivalries and mistakes–mistakes that are deadly. The characters are unbelievably flawed, especially David. He has a typical politician vibe about it, charismatic but manipulative. However, he doesn’t know the full consequences for his actions.
This book is gripping from start to end. This book is just slightly over 100 pages and can be enjoyed in one rainy afternoon! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I am getting close to finishing all the Witcher books and my heart can’t take it. Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski is the fifth book in the Witcher Series.
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SERIES, POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!
The last book in the series ends with Ciri walking through the portal of the Tower of Swallows. When she crosses through the portal she ends up in the Elven World. They make it possible for her to escape but she needs to get back to her own time. She needs to get back to Yennefer and Geralt. Geralt has not stopped his search for Ciri. He and his company discover that Yennefer has been taken prisoner. The walls seem to close in around them as they find more trouble than they bargained for…
God, I love this series. My heart is currently shattered but I love it all the same. This series is utterly addicting with constant action. My favorite aspect of this series is that it is not limited to one time. I love the portals, I love how it connects the universe. It even connects to a world that many of us are very familiar with.
The next best aspect is the characters. Goodness, Ciri is just marvelous. I love how the story is not just focused on Geralt (even though he is fantastic) but I love how Ciri looks up to him as a father. He taught her everything she knows and at times, little lessons help her through the most desperate times. However, it is Ciri’s own strength that sees her through. I must say, though, I love Geralt’s crew. They brought me so much joy while reading.
Then there is just the descriptions in general. The sword-fighting and battles are so descriptive. The sword-fighting scenes feel like a dance. When I read these scenes, I have a very clear picture in my head of the entire battle.
Now I must say, that the ending crushed me. I cried. I cried so much. But this book will receive nothing less than 5 out of 5 stars from me.
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SERIES, POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!
The last book in the series ends with Ciri walking through the portal of the Tower of Swallows. When she crosses through the portal she ends up in the Elven World. They make it possible for her to escape but she needs to get back to her own time. She needs to get back to Yennefer and Geralt. Geralt has not stopped his search for Ciri. He and his company discover that Yennefer has been taken prisoner. The walls seem to close in around them as they find more trouble than they bargained for…
God, I love this series. My heart is currently shattered but I love it all the same. This series is utterly addicting with constant action. My favorite aspect of this series is that it is not limited to one time. I love the portals, I love how it connects the universe. It even connects to a world that many of us are very familiar with.
The next best aspect is the characters. Goodness, Ciri is just marvelous. I love how the story is not just focused on Geralt (even though he is fantastic) but I love how Ciri looks up to him as a father. He taught her everything she knows and at times, little lessons help her through the most desperate times. However, it is Ciri’s own strength that sees her through. I must say, though, I love Geralt’s crew. They brought me so much joy while reading.
Then there is just the descriptions in general. The sword-fighting and battles are so descriptive. The sword-fighting scenes feel like a dance. When I read these scenes, I have a very clear picture in my head of the entire battle.
Now I must say, that the ending crushed me. I cried. I cried so much. But this book will receive nothing less than 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Our book club decided to read two books for March. One being Verity, which is definitely a book that sensitive readers should avoid, but still great. The next book we picked is City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. I decided to get the audiobook and it is narrated by Blair Brown. This book is a letter from Vivian to Angela. Vivian is telling Angela about her life, particularly in the 40s where she went to New York to work in a theater with her Aunt. She is a rich, white woman that hated school and drove her parents to send her away. She is highly skilled with clothing and sewing, and becomes the costumer! She works with showgirls and actresses and soon learns of one activity she needs to be in on…sex. She goes on to discuss her sexual exploits until World War II begins and her life begins to change…or does it?
I am not familiar with any other works by Elizabeth Gilbert and after this book, I probably won’t read another one of her books again. I hate saying that. I really do. I don’t write reviews to tear apart an author’s work. I always try to find positives. It is rare when I write negative reviews. I think my Goodreads average for reviews is above a 4.0. That being said, I was not a fan of this book. This book was unbelievably cliche, narcissistic, self-indulgent, selfish…I have more words but you get the point. Let me just say, if I were Angela receiving this “letter” I would not have finished it. I felt so bad for Angela having to read this book. (You never see Angela reading the letter, by the way, the whole book is the letter. 470 pages to be exact.)
So Vivian has a victim complex. She discusses all her mistakes, but it is NEVER her fault. She never learns. There is no character development. So she mentions several times how she strives to be an interesting person. She is not. The sex in this book does not bother me. I love it when women embrace their sexuality. I love when they love their bodies. I thought that since this book takes place in the 40s that she would be revolutionary. She is taking control. No. Sex became the only thing that defined her. She had zero personality. At one point, she doesn’t want her fiance to know about her sexual promiscuity and she lets him assume she was raped instead of admitting to how she lost her virginity. I SCREAMED. I LITERALLY SCREAMED at this moment. The thing that bothered me the most, she wasn’t even bothered by it. Now, I understand that especially during that time, losing your virginity before marriage is damning for women. And that makes me even angrier. But having dealt with people currently, that would rather give the man the benefit of the doubt than listen to a victim of rape, this storyline just didn’t sit well with me. False accusations make it more difficult for victims to come forward and they have to deal with being labeled a liar. OK. Sorry. I got distracted.
Then World War II begins…which maybe is only 20 minutes of the book. Something that should have made a deep impact on her life should have been more emotional. She does suffer loss, but it does not seem to affect her all that much. In fact, she says, “Wars are not necessarily bad for everyone.” —Not even going to expand on that quote. Then after the “brief” World War II section is done, she says, “Let me tell you about the next 20 years of my life…” I groaned out loud which left my husband in a fit of laughter. I honestly don’t know how you can have a book about theater, showgirls, and World War II and it be completely slow. So to wrap up this vent session. The story was slow, the characters were terrible, there was nothing that I could enjoy about this book. So, unfortunately, this book gets 1 star out of 5 stars from me. I will say that many members of my book club enjoyed it more than I did.
I am not familiar with any other works by Elizabeth Gilbert and after this book, I probably won’t read another one of her books again. I hate saying that. I really do. I don’t write reviews to tear apart an author’s work. I always try to find positives. It is rare when I write negative reviews. I think my Goodreads average for reviews is above a 4.0. That being said, I was not a fan of this book. This book was unbelievably cliche, narcissistic, self-indulgent, selfish…I have more words but you get the point. Let me just say, if I were Angela receiving this “letter” I would not have finished it. I felt so bad for Angela having to read this book. (You never see Angela reading the letter, by the way, the whole book is the letter. 470 pages to be exact.)
So Vivian has a victim complex. She discusses all her mistakes, but it is NEVER her fault. She never learns. There is no character development. So she mentions several times how she strives to be an interesting person. She is not. The sex in this book does not bother me. I love it when women embrace their sexuality. I love when they love their bodies. I thought that since this book takes place in the 40s that she would be revolutionary. She is taking control. No. Sex became the only thing that defined her. She had zero personality. At one point, she doesn’t want her fiance to know about her sexual promiscuity and she lets him assume she was raped instead of admitting to how she lost her virginity. I SCREAMED. I LITERALLY SCREAMED at this moment. The thing that bothered me the most, she wasn’t even bothered by it. Now, I understand that especially during that time, losing your virginity before marriage is damning for women. And that makes me even angrier. But having dealt with people currently, that would rather give the man the benefit of the doubt than listen to a victim of rape, this storyline just didn’t sit well with me. False accusations make it more difficult for victims to come forward and they have to deal with being labeled a liar. OK. Sorry. I got distracted.
Then World War II begins…which maybe is only 20 minutes of the book. Something that should have made a deep impact on her life should have been more emotional. She does suffer loss, but it does not seem to affect her all that much. In fact, she says, “Wars are not necessarily bad for everyone.” —Not even going to expand on that quote. Then after the “brief” World War II section is done, she says, “Let me tell you about the next 20 years of my life…” I groaned out loud which left my husband in a fit of laughter. I honestly don’t know how you can have a book about theater, showgirls, and World War II and it be completely slow. So to wrap up this vent session. The story was slow, the characters were terrible, there was nothing that I could enjoy about this book. So, unfortunately, this book gets 1 star out of 5 stars from me. I will say that many members of my book club enjoyed it more than I did.
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell is the 2nd book in the Saxon Stories series. It is narrated by Jonathon Keeble. This installment picks up right where the first book left off.
If you haven’t read the first book, turn back now. SPOILERS AHEAD!
The first book ends with the Battle of Cynuit, where Uhtred defeats Ubba. However, he has a choice, to go straight to Alfred to announce the victory or find his wife and son. He chooses to find his wife and son. This decision has a domino effect on the kingdom of Wessex. Odda the Younger takes credit for the battle. When Uhtred returns to Wessex to confront Odda and Alfred, they come under attack by the Danes. After this attack, Wessex hangs by a thread. Uhtred has decisions to make, and the fate of Wessex is in his hands.
Oo-de-lally! I love this series! It is seriously everything I want in a historical fiction series. The author makes this fictional tale so realistic. I love that he brings in famous names in history and brings them to life. His depiction of Alfred is how I always pictured him when I studied early English history. All the characters are perfectly, imperfect. –If that makes any sense. My favorite has to be older Uhtred. Older Uhtred is telling readers the story of his life and his commentary is everything. I love that it is only from his perspective. He is Northumbrian but also raised by the Danes so he has a unique perspective. It is as if you are sitting with him, drinking as he tells his story. It is very personable.
Another thing that I loved in this installment is the ancient legends that start to appear. There is discussion of the Arthurian legends, dragons, and the mounds from burials of the ancient peoples. Having been to these places myself, it makes the novel so magical.
As for the narrator, Jonathon Keeble, he is FANTASTIC! He has become one of my favorite narrators. You can tell he is having a blast reading this story and his passion is very obvious. He captures the battle scenes with such intensity that listeners have to stop what they are doing because they have to focus on what is happening.
So this audiobook obviously gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I love how it shows how easily history could change. One decision could have changed life as we know it.
If you haven’t read the first book, turn back now. SPOILERS AHEAD!
The first book ends with the Battle of Cynuit, where Uhtred defeats Ubba. However, he has a choice, to go straight to Alfred to announce the victory or find his wife and son. He chooses to find his wife and son. This decision has a domino effect on the kingdom of Wessex. Odda the Younger takes credit for the battle. When Uhtred returns to Wessex to confront Odda and Alfred, they come under attack by the Danes. After this attack, Wessex hangs by a thread. Uhtred has decisions to make, and the fate of Wessex is in his hands.
Oo-de-lally! I love this series! It is seriously everything I want in a historical fiction series. The author makes this fictional tale so realistic. I love that he brings in famous names in history and brings them to life. His depiction of Alfred is how I always pictured him when I studied early English history. All the characters are perfectly, imperfect. –If that makes any sense. My favorite has to be older Uhtred. Older Uhtred is telling readers the story of his life and his commentary is everything. I love that it is only from his perspective. He is Northumbrian but also raised by the Danes so he has a unique perspective. It is as if you are sitting with him, drinking as he tells his story. It is very personable.
Another thing that I loved in this installment is the ancient legends that start to appear. There is discussion of the Arthurian legends, dragons, and the mounds from burials of the ancient peoples. Having been to these places myself, it makes the novel so magical.
As for the narrator, Jonathon Keeble, he is FANTASTIC! He has become one of my favorite narrators. You can tell he is having a blast reading this story and his passion is very obvious. He captures the battle scenes with such intensity that listeners have to stop what they are doing because they have to focus on what is happening.
So this audiobook obviously gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I love how it shows how easily history could change. One decision could have changed life as we know it.
Thank you to Goodreads, the author, and Random House for the opportunity to read this book!
Warning: Suicide Warning and other possible mental health triggers
I am still reeling from reading Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Serritella. Cady Archer is accepted to Harvard. This should be a time of joy and celebrating accomplishments. However, her acceptance is clouded by the fact that she is still grieving over the death of her older brother. Her brother was also a student at Harvard, the top of the physics department, prepping a project for the Bauer Award until the paranoia set in. He changed so dramatically in a short amount of time and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and commits suicide. Cady attends Harvard to get answers regarding her brother. She gets more than answers, voices guide her on campus, these voices are from actual historical people of the past. Are these voices real, or is she falling down the same path as her brother?
“Just because it’s my choice to go doesn’t mean I’m not heartbroken to leave you.”
GHOSTS OF HARVARD
Tears. So. Many. Tears. I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest. The main theme is grief. Losing a loved one is hard beyond words. The author displays grief in a raw and in an accurate way. Everyone handles grief differently. This is shown is Cady’s family. Her mom holds so much hostility and anger. Her father is distancing himself. He wants to move on and doesn’t know how to move on. Cady wants answers. One of my closest friends lost her only brother, and I witnessed the heartbreak and the desperation to hold onto the memories.
Now, there is so much more to this book. In fact, this book has EVERYTHING! I am not kidding. This book goes into mental illness and how frightening it can be for those who suffer from it and how difficult it is for their loved ones. It also has historical elements, ghosts, suspense, romance, mystery, and espionage! Also, the plot twists are insane! The ending was not predictable in the slightest. I was heartbroken when the book ending. I fell in love with the characters. They are relatable and teach why it is so important to have empathy for those around you. You never know what struggles someone is going through.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I want to reread it already. The book is lengthy but I found that the pace moved along well and I never felt bored. I became completely addicted. I found out that this is a debut novel that has been 10 years in the making! It releases Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. So be sure to check it out! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Warning: Suicide Warning and other possible mental health triggers
I am still reeling from reading Ghosts of Harvard by Francesca Serritella. Cady Archer is accepted to Harvard. This should be a time of joy and celebrating accomplishments. However, her acceptance is clouded by the fact that she is still grieving over the death of her older brother. Her brother was also a student at Harvard, the top of the physics department, prepping a project for the Bauer Award until the paranoia set in. He changed so dramatically in a short amount of time and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and commits suicide. Cady attends Harvard to get answers regarding her brother. She gets more than answers, voices guide her on campus, these voices are from actual historical people of the past. Are these voices real, or is she falling down the same path as her brother?
“Just because it’s my choice to go doesn’t mean I’m not heartbroken to leave you.”
GHOSTS OF HARVARD
Tears. So. Many. Tears. I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest. The main theme is grief. Losing a loved one is hard beyond words. The author displays grief in a raw and in an accurate way. Everyone handles grief differently. This is shown is Cady’s family. Her mom holds so much hostility and anger. Her father is distancing himself. He wants to move on and doesn’t know how to move on. Cady wants answers. One of my closest friends lost her only brother, and I witnessed the heartbreak and the desperation to hold onto the memories.
Now, there is so much more to this book. In fact, this book has EVERYTHING! I am not kidding. This book goes into mental illness and how frightening it can be for those who suffer from it and how difficult it is for their loved ones. It also has historical elements, ghosts, suspense, romance, mystery, and espionage! Also, the plot twists are insane! The ending was not predictable in the slightest. I was heartbroken when the book ending. I fell in love with the characters. They are relatable and teach why it is so important to have empathy for those around you. You never know what struggles someone is going through.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I want to reread it already. The book is lengthy but I found that the pace moved along well and I never felt bored. I became completely addicted. I found out that this is a debut novel that has been 10 years in the making! It releases Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. So be sure to check it out! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
"This time-travel romance just goes to show that love knows no bounds and transcends time."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/78
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/78
"What a wild ride! This book is so much fun from beginning to end and has a wonderful mix of suspense!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/70
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/70
"This is not an ordinary historical romance; it is filled with magic and the paranormal."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/62
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/may/viewer/desktop/#page/62
Indigo Dawn by Elle J Rossi is technically the first book in the Josie Hawk Chronicles. I have read the prequel, Alabaster Nights and loved it! I have just found out that there is a second prequel called Crimson Beat which I need to get my hands on. Thankfully all the books in the series can be read as a standalone story. Keller and Josie cannot stay away from each other. They are like a magnet. Keller is a vampire and Josie is the Huntress. They shouldn’t be close but they are destined to be together and destined to be partners as well. Josie and Keller watch the streets of Nashville at night, to make sure paranormal entities are behaving. (Never likely.) One night, Josie is drugged by a pixie named Esmeralda. However, she isn’t the only one. Behind Esmeralda is someone more dangerous making a power play with the Assembly.
I LOVE a good paranormal romance. This book has evil beings, sexy vampires, badass females, politics, romance, mystery, and suspense. This is the first full-length novel in the series and I am so glad because the prequel was just a taste of the world Elle J Rossi created. I love the different factions (vampires, witches, demons, pixies) and their political intrigue. Each group has its own rules and they usually protect their own. However, when Josie is friends with different factions, it makes it that much more interesting. She is like a bridge between them.
I also love Josie and Keller’s relationship. Josie can be stubborn. Keller can be protective but when they are in sync, they are unstoppable. I love their humor. They play off each other and they bring a lightness to a dark story. I can’t wait to read more! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I LOVE a good paranormal romance. This book has evil beings, sexy vampires, badass females, politics, romance, mystery, and suspense. This is the first full-length novel in the series and I am so glad because the prequel was just a taste of the world Elle J Rossi created. I love the different factions (vampires, witches, demons, pixies) and their political intrigue. Each group has its own rules and they usually protect their own. However, when Josie is friends with different factions, it makes it that much more interesting. She is like a bridge between them.
I also love Josie and Keller’s relationship. Josie can be stubborn. Keller can be protective but when they are in sync, they are unstoppable. I love their humor. They play off each other and they bring a lightness to a dark story. I can’t wait to read more! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.