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ashleybythelibrary's reviews
101 reviews
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
5.0
I received THE IDIOT as an ARC at this year's AWP conference. There were many tempting ARCs on the table, but when I asked the staff at the table to tell me about THE IDIOT, she said the acquiring editor couldn't stop raving about it. The book design stood out to me on a table of covers that were blue, black, and unmemorable.
I often think about when Internet was unknown. Set in 1995, Selin uses email for the first time as an undergraduate at Harvard. Her naiveté throughout the novel was relatable to my own undergrad experiences.
I quickly dove into this novel. Although my Russian lit. knowledge is subpar, this did not hinder me from enjoying this book (there are references; however, you don't need to worry about not understanding the plot if you miss a reference). I loved it because it's written in a Brontë-esq style. A young girl goes abroad to teach English. The pacing, details, and overall narrative felt like a modern VILLETTE in a way.
I often think about when Internet was unknown. Set in 1995, Selin uses email for the first time as an undergraduate at Harvard. Her naiveté throughout the novel was relatable to my own undergrad experiences.
I quickly dove into this novel. Although my Russian lit. knowledge is subpar, this did not hinder me from enjoying this book (there are references; however, you don't need to worry about not understanding the plot if you miss a reference). I loved it because it's written in a Brontë-esq style. A young girl goes abroad to teach English. The pacing, details, and overall narrative felt like a modern VILLETTE in a way.
Eden Springs by Laura Kasischke
5.0
When browsing the Fairy Tale Review/Wayne State University Press table at AWP, I was offered a free copy of EDEN SPRINGS. Hesitant to take free books unless I know I'll read them or pass them on to someone who will enjoy it, I listened to the pitch from the bookseller. Based off of a true story, I was sold.
Flipping between narrative and clippings from newspapers, I felt unsure of the novella until I finished. It was then that I knew EDEN SPRINGS had hooked me. Like the cult leader it features, the novella hypnotizes you until you reach the epilogue and find yourself image searching Benton Harbor.
Flipping between narrative and clippings from newspapers, I felt unsure of the novella until I finished. It was then that I knew EDEN SPRINGS had hooked me. Like the cult leader it features, the novella hypnotizes you until you reach the epilogue and find yourself image searching Benton Harbor.
The Death of an Heir: Adolph Coors III and the Murder That Rocked an American Brewing Dynasty by Philip Jett
4.0
I learned about this book via the Tattered Cover email list and was able to attend the book signing. The story of Ad Coors is quite interesting. I wouldn't have known about this piece of local history if it hadn't been for this book.
Jett presents the facts of the case while adding some colorful scenes that aren't 100% accurate, but add to the story of Coors's murder.
Overall, this book presents some Colorado history that should be on every Coloradans coffee table.
Jett presents the facts of the case while adding some colorful scenes that aren't 100% accurate, but add to the story of Coors's murder.
Overall, this book presents some Colorado history that should be on every Coloradans coffee table.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
3.0
I decided to pick up a copy of this book because I thought it would be a quick read. I was right—once I was 60-ish pages in. The first few chapters repeat details about the characters and how OASIS operates. This repetition continued throughout the book, but wasn’t as noticable once I felt immersed in the story. Because of the Huffington Post quote on the back—“Delightful..the grown-up’s Harry Potter”—I expected more from the writing. Although my expectations weren’t completely met, I enjoyed the world Cline creates, and I look forward to seeing how the film interprets the text.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
4.0
All I can say is if you're looking for an odd story, read this book. I was intrigued, and didn't want to put it down until I knew the events of that night.