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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
Good Time Girl by Heather Gay
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
I loved Heather's first book, so naturally I had to pick this one up too. It's a good companion to Bad Mormon, and covers different periods in her life, with even more interesting stories. There's even a Housewives chapter, which I'm sure everyone has been looking forward to.
I enjoyed listening to her narration once again and I'm seated for whatever she puts out next.
I enjoyed listening to her narration once again and I'm seated for whatever she puts out next.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
So, I have never seen the musical, but I do have plans to watch it and the movie, and I thought this would be a good place to start...you know what? I was wrong.
Because this book is A LOT. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, or the constant sexualisation of everyone and everything, half the time I had no idea what was going on because it was so jumpy (probably shouldn't have picked the audiobook), I had trouble liking the characters, so I 100% believe everyone who says the musical is better. And if you were thinking about reading this before the movie...mayhaps reconsider.
I might still give the second book a try, because I at least liked Liir, and it was published 10 years after this so it's hopefully better?
Because this book is A LOT. I wasn't a fan of the writing style, or the constant sexualisation of everyone and everything, half the time I had no idea what was going on because it was so jumpy (probably shouldn't have picked the audiobook), I had trouble liking the characters, so I 100% believe everyone who says the musical is better. And if you were thinking about reading this before the movie...mayhaps reconsider.
I might still give the second book a try, because I at least liked Liir, and it was published 10 years after this so it's hopefully better?
You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck, Ellis Henican
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
Sooooo, when's the second part coming out? Soon? As in now? Because I need it. And if there's no second book, please consider writing one, Mr Selleck, because we need to know more!!
I've literally had this book on hold since the start of April, I know it came out in May, but that's when Libby added it, so I'm counting it. They finally gave it to me now and well, was it worth the wait you ask? I'd say yes, yes, it was.
I was interested in his earlier acting years and that's what I got, but also a lot of Magnum. It really was almost a play-by-play of each episode & season so be prepared for that. That's why we need another book, because so much time was taken up by just that one show.
The pace is slower, and Selleck narrates his own audiobook which I liked, but somehow I felt as if I'd spent a very long time listening, even when sped up.
There wasn't a lot about his personal life inside, but there was enough. I would've loved a little bit more, but I'm just happy we got a memoir in the first place.
I found the Yugoslavia section particularly fun, being from Serbia. It was interesting that they paid him in Dinars, and that back in the early 80s, 10 Dinars equaled 1 Dollar. For reference, it's about 110 Dinars for a Dollar now, give or take a few.
I'll have to see Cats, the musical, purely because Mr Selleck said he loves it and has seen it 8 and a half times. Surely it must be good and all those people who hate it are lying through their teeth. Hah. I'll probably like it, I love every musical I've seen.
Anywho, fingers crossed for a sequel, and that it also has an audiobook.
I've literally had this book on hold since the start of April, I know it came out in May, but that's when Libby added it, so I'm counting it. They finally gave it to me now and well, was it worth the wait you ask? I'd say yes, yes, it was.
I was interested in his earlier acting years and that's what I got, but also a lot of Magnum. It really was almost a play-by-play of each episode & season so be prepared for that. That's why we need another book, because so much time was taken up by just that one show.
The pace is slower, and Selleck narrates his own audiobook which I liked, but somehow I felt as if I'd spent a very long time listening, even when sped up.
There wasn't a lot about his personal life inside, but there was enough. I would've loved a little bit more, but I'm just happy we got a memoir in the first place.
I found the Yugoslavia section particularly fun, being from Serbia. It was interesting that they paid him in Dinars, and that back in the early 80s, 10 Dinars equaled 1 Dollar. For reference, it's about 110 Dinars for a Dollar now, give or take a few.
I'll have to see Cats, the musical, purely because Mr Selleck said he loves it and has seen it 8 and a half times. Surely it must be good and all those people who hate it are lying through their teeth. Hah. I'll probably like it, I love every musical I've seen.
Anywho, fingers crossed for a sequel, and that it also has an audiobook.
Paschia's Hidden Journals - Volume I: Awakenings and Aeveaternity by Sam Paisley
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"Just remember, knowledge is never a replacement for wisdom."
Wow!! So much worldbuilding packed into a little novella. I just kept being more and more impressed with every page.
I feel like this is even better when you've read the main book, puts a few things into perspective, but if this is where you're choosing to start, you're in for such an amazing ride, I envy you.
100% worth the read, PLEASE STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES!!!
Wow!! So much worldbuilding packed into a little novella. I just kept being more and more impressed with every page.
I feel like this is even better when you've read the main book, puts a few things into perspective, but if this is where you're choosing to start, you're in for such an amazing ride, I envy you.
100% worth the read, PLEASE STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES!!!
The Krampus' Queen by Ellen Mint
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Tis the season for steamy Krampus stories my friends, and we're kicking it off with The Krampus' Queen!!
The story follows a nanny who was hired to babysit a really bad kid, and ended up being offered to Krampus by the kid's equally awful father, the way one would offer Santa some cookies. Well, maybe not exactly like that, there were chains, and spiked booze...not a good time for dear Amaya, not at all.
So Krampus actually rescues her from the clutches of evil, and now she's free to leave. But does she? Nah, and I wouldn't either.
The plot unravels, and we learn so many things about the evil father-son duo, you can't help but wish they get what's coming to them. Meanwhile though, Amaya and Krampus have their fun, and lots of it.
I can't say that I ever imagined jingle bells in places where they shouldn't be, but after this book, I'm afraid I won't be able to unsee it every time I look at Krampus art or a statue of him.
And what's funny is that every time she said she heard jingle bells, I was expecting Santa and his reindeer to make a cameo. You have no idea how wrong I was. Hah.
I recently watched the movie Red One, so the image of Krampus in my mind kept switching from that version to the version described (and pictured, yes, there's art) here. I can't say that I managed to fully make the switch, but I enjoyed the book either way.
I loved that the heroine was tall, and not just tall, but tall-tall, she's 6'3. And that might not be much compared to Mr 8 feet tall, but it still counts for me okay!! This is a huge win for the tall girlies!!
I also loved that little revenge plot that was brewing throughout, we do get to see the outcome, but I do wish it was a few pages longer, because I don't think (REDACTED) suffered enough on-page for what he put our girl though, hmph.
As for the romance, I'm used to this author coming up with some interesting concepts, and this time was no different. You could even say the book was educational, because I truly feel like I know what it's like to mate with Krampus now. What I'll do with this knowledge, remains to be seen.
It was such a fun read, perfect for the holiday season, so you might wanna sink your claws into this one and enjoy a hot spring inside of a snow globe while you're at it.
4.5ish
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The story follows a nanny who was hired to babysit a really bad kid, and ended up being offered to Krampus by the kid's equally awful father, the way one would offer Santa some cookies. Well, maybe not exactly like that, there were chains, and spiked booze...not a good time for dear Amaya, not at all.
So Krampus actually rescues her from the clutches of evil, and now she's free to leave. But does she? Nah, and I wouldn't either.
The plot unravels, and we learn so many things about the evil father-son duo, you can't help but wish they get what's coming to them. Meanwhile though, Amaya and Krampus have their fun, and lots of it.
I can't say that I ever imagined jingle bells in places where they shouldn't be, but after this book, I'm afraid I won't be able to unsee it every time I look at Krampus art or a statue of him.
And what's funny is that every time she said she heard jingle bells, I was expecting Santa and his reindeer to make a cameo. You have no idea how wrong I was. Hah.
I recently watched the movie Red One, so the image of Krampus in my mind kept switching from that version to the version described (and pictured, yes, there's art) here. I can't say that I managed to fully make the switch, but I enjoyed the book either way.
I loved that the heroine was tall, and not just tall, but tall-tall, she's 6'3. And that might not be much compared to Mr 8 feet tall, but it still counts for me okay!! This is a huge win for the tall girlies!!
I also loved that little revenge plot that was brewing throughout, we do get to see the outcome, but I do wish it was a few pages longer, because I don't think (REDACTED) suffered enough on-page for what he put our girl though, hmph.
As for the romance, I'm used to this author coming up with some interesting concepts, and this time was no different. You could even say the book was educational, because I truly feel like I know what it's like to mate with Krampus now. What I'll do with this knowledge, remains to be seen.
It was such a fun read, perfect for the holiday season, so you might wanna sink your claws into this one and enjoy a hot spring inside of a snow globe while you're at it.
4.5ish
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Wretched by Emily McIntire
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
We are back to a five star rating for a book in this series, I loved Wretched almost as much as Hooked.
I do have to say that it took me a stupid amount of time to realise what story this was inspired by, even with one of the characters being named Dorothy. I was like "why is she called Dorothy? That's like in The Wizard of Oz"...I didn't connect the dots and I don't know why. I think I forgot this series was supposed to be retelling-adjacent.
ANYWAY, I loved the storyline as always, and I did eventually see the elements from Oz thrown in, but I wouldn't say this is super close to the source material.
The romance was perfect, the writing too, I loved the characters and the audio and I hope the next three books will be just as good.
I do have to say that it took me a stupid amount of time to realise what story this was inspired by, even with one of the characters being named Dorothy. I was like "why is she called Dorothy? That's like in The Wizard of Oz"...I didn't connect the dots and I don't know why. I think I forgot this series was supposed to be retelling-adjacent.
ANYWAY, I loved the storyline as always, and I did eventually see the elements from Oz thrown in, but I wouldn't say this is super close to the source material.
The romance was perfect, the writing too, I loved the characters and the audio and I hope the next three books will be just as good.
You've Got the Map Backwards by Brian Usobiaga
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I started reading this last night and found it so hard to stop, but alas, I was getting sleepy, so I finished it today instead. It's such an easy read, despite the topics covered, so you'll have no problems finishing it in one go.
The story was intriguing from the beginning, the way it started - it could've been a thriller!! But really, it's a book about two childhood friends figuring things out while dealing with different mental health issues.
Both Sarah and Ai-eesh (yes, I had to) felt like real people to me, and I could relate to them both.
I had a family member who was an alcoholic, and who unfortunately passed away from related issues, so Sarah's behaviours were familiar to me on a deeper level.
I so badly wanted her to succeed, to go back to rehab, but she kept messing up AAAAAAH. Did I feel like hugging her? Yes. Did I feel like throwing that burnt mac and cheese at her until she stopped drinking? Also yes.
Aisha meanwhile, struggles in school, unsure if she picked the right path for herself, and if that isn't me...I 100% picked the wrong major and I'm suffering, I get you Aisha.
She meets a boy named Tim who I wish had a bigger role in the story. He helps Aisha break out of her shell a bit, and keeps trying with her, the way she keeps showing up for Sarah.
I do feel like the book is a teensy bit short, because, while it does end on a happy note, not everything was resolved fully. I wouldn't have minded an extra chapter in between chapter 29 and the epilogue filling those blanks in.
But anyway, read this if you want to see mental health, addiction and homelessness be tackled properly, and in an approachable way for YA readers, and also if you want to read about a cool female friendship where one friend has awesome music taste *cough* kpop *cough*.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The story was intriguing from the beginning, the way it started - it could've been a thriller!! But really, it's a book about two childhood friends figuring things out while dealing with different mental health issues.
Both Sarah and Ai-eesh (yes, I had to) felt like real people to me, and I could relate to them both.
I had a family member who was an alcoholic, and who unfortunately passed away from related issues, so Sarah's behaviours were familiar to me on a deeper level.
I so badly wanted her to succeed, to go back to rehab, but she kept messing up AAAAAAH. Did I feel like hugging her? Yes. Did I feel like throwing that burnt mac and cheese at her until she stopped drinking? Also yes.
Aisha meanwhile, struggles in school, unsure if she picked the right path for herself, and if that isn't me...I 100% picked the wrong major and I'm suffering, I get you Aisha.
She meets a boy named Tim who I wish had a bigger role in the story. He helps Aisha break out of her shell a bit, and keeps trying with her, the way she keeps showing up for Sarah.
I do feel like the book is a teensy bit short, because, while it does end on a happy note, not everything was resolved fully. I wouldn't have minded an extra chapter in between chapter 29 and the epilogue filling those blanks in.
But anyway, read this if you want to see mental health, addiction and homelessness be tackled properly, and in an approachable way for YA readers, and also if you want to read about a cool female friendship where one friend has awesome music taste *cough* kpop *cough*.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
River Woman by Katherena Vermette
informative
fast-paced
4.0
"this river is full
this river is family
this river is forever
because this river
of course
is red"
Giving this a four for the message, even if some poems were really close to sounding the same. It's not a lot of them, most are different, but yeah.
The writing style reminded me of Tanya Tagaq, but less graphic. Not a lot of rhyming poetry (the kind I prefer, nothing against this book though), but you can can feel it either way.
My favourite poem was probably "when Louis Riel went crazy", and generally all the longer ones spoke to me more than the shorter ones, that's where this author shines.
I'll have to check out Vermette's non-poetry books, and see how her style translates to fiction.
this river is family
this river is forever
because this river
of course
is red"
Giving this a four for the message, even if some poems were really close to sounding the same. It's not a lot of them, most are different, but yeah.
The writing style reminded me of Tanya Tagaq, but less graphic. Not a lot of rhyming poetry (the kind I prefer, nothing against this book though), but you can can feel it either way.
My favourite poem was probably "when Louis Riel went crazy", and generally all the longer ones spoke to me more than the shorter ones, that's where this author shines.
I'll have to check out Vermette's non-poetry books, and see how her style translates to fiction.
Cherie Amour by D. Rose
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I love that D. Rose has so many books featuring musicians as love interests because they always hit. I will never get tired of reading about them, so please never stop writing them!!
In this one there's a friends to lovers story, it's clear they love each other, but Jasmine needs a little push in the right direction.
It was a really sweet story, like I'm used to from this author. There was also some focus on mental health and therapy that fit right in. All in all, a very satisfying read.
In this one there's a friends to lovers story, it's clear they love each other, but Jasmine needs a little push in the right direction.
It was a really sweet story, like I'm used to from this author. There was also some focus on mental health and therapy that fit right in. All in all, a very satisfying read.
Puck & Prejudice by Lia Riley
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
You add the time travel trope to a book, I'm reading it. Time travel books have never failed me, and this was was expectedly amazing.
Tuck is a hockey player who accidentally ends up in 1812, and falls in love with Lizzy, who just so happens to be friends with Jane Austen, no biggie.
THE PINING WAS TOP TIER!!! Exactly what I expect from a (mostly) historical romance. It took them forever to properly get together and I loved every single moment of it. The chemistry was leaping off the page, the storyline was super fun, I adored the characters and the setting and all the Jane Austen references, I just love love love this book so much.
Having only a male narrator for the audiobook was an interesting choice, but he did a really good job with all the voices so I do recommend it. I'll also be getting a physical copy, because this is getting reread!!!
I'm so glad I picked this up, I had a blast.
Tuck is a hockey player who accidentally ends up in 1812, and falls in love with Lizzy, who just so happens to be friends with Jane Austen, no biggie.
THE PINING WAS TOP TIER!!! Exactly what I expect from a (mostly) historical romance. It took them forever to properly get together and I loved every single moment of it. The chemistry was leaping off the page, the storyline was super fun, I adored the characters and the setting and all the Jane Austen references, I just love love love this book so much.
Having only a male narrator for the audiobook was an interesting choice, but he did a really good job with all the voices so I do recommend it. I'll also be getting a physical copy, because this is getting reread!!!
I'm so glad I picked this up, I had a blast.