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court_of_stars's reviews
598 reviews
Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie
4.0
I do not know how I have gone my entire adult life without reading a Jennifer Crusie book! "Anyone But You" first drew me in because of the half basset hound half beagle rescue dog (My husband and I just adopted a beagle about a month ago!). Crusie has a way of tugging at just the right heart strings to send you into tears or into laughing hysterically.
The novel wasn't long (I devoured in one sitting), but it was a well written easy read. Her characters were unique and well developed. The pacing was excellent (even if I wanted the main character to get her love interest sooner than she did.... but isn't that always the case with a compelling love story?).
I read many reviews that raved about the dog; however, I found Nina, Alex, and Charity to all be extremely compelling. I'm not sure I could have picked a more perfect book.
I certainly hope to read more of Jennifer Crusie's books in the future.
Happy Reading!
The novel wasn't long (I devoured in one sitting), but it was a well written easy read. Her characters were unique and well developed. The pacing was excellent (even if I wanted the main character to get her love interest sooner than she did.... but isn't that always the case with a compelling love story?).
I read many reviews that raved about the dog; however, I found Nina, Alex, and Charity to all be extremely compelling. I'm not sure I could have picked a more perfect book.
I certainly hope to read more of Jennifer Crusie's books in the future.
Happy Reading!
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling
3.0
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them by Newt Scamander".
It is presented as a direct copy of Harry Potters, so there are hand written notes on the inside, and that was absolutely the best part of the book.
I have never been huge into the lore of the Wizarding World (even though I love living there through my books).
The forwad is written by none other than Professor Albus Dumbledore. The introduction is written by Mr. Scamander in a very long-winded and boring way (Harry agreed!) which really took my interest down a notch.
Overall, it was a fun journey reading about the origins of different magical creatures in this world and I liked the book.
If you love the Harry Potter world, then do not miss checking out this book!
Happy Reading!
It is presented as a direct copy of Harry Potters, so there are hand written notes on the inside, and that was absolutely the best part of the book.
I have never been huge into the lore of the Wizarding World (even though I love living there through my books).
The forwad is written by none other than Professor Albus Dumbledore. The introduction is written by Mr. Scamander in a very long-winded and boring way (Harry agreed!) which really took my interest down a notch.
Overall, it was a fun journey reading about the origins of different magical creatures in this world and I liked the book.
If you love the Harry Potter world, then do not miss checking out this book!
Happy Reading!
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling
4.0
I am not sure what kind of mood I was in when I watched the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" movie, because I pretty much hated it.
Because I still love all things Harry Potter, and I really enjoyed the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play so much, I decided I would give the written screenplay a chance to change my mind. Consider me converted! I enjoyed this book so much, I am willing to give the movie another chance.
The stylistic differences between a novel, a play, and a screen play are quite different. It didn't take me long to get into the play; however, the additional details of the screen play threw me off for half of the book (the only reason this read did not get 5 stars). By the end of the screenplay, I was left wanting more. Good thing the second movie will be released this November!
If you love the Potter-verse, then this read will not disappoint. If you haven't seen the movie yet, even better! Getting lost in magic is always delightful. Easy read. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Because I still love all things Harry Potter, and I really enjoyed the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play so much, I decided I would give the written screenplay a chance to change my mind. Consider me converted! I enjoyed this book so much, I am willing to give the movie another chance.
The stylistic differences between a novel, a play, and a screen play are quite different. It didn't take me long to get into the play; however, the additional details of the screen play threw me off for half of the book (the only reason this read did not get 5 stars). By the end of the screenplay, I was left wanting more. Good thing the second movie will be released this November!
If you love the Potter-verse, then this read will not disappoint. If you haven't seen the movie yet, even better! Getting lost in magic is always delightful. Easy read. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World by Lizzie Velásquez
2.0
I am quite conflicted on what I want to write about "Dare to Be Kind" by Lizzie Velasquez. I suppose I need to break this into two parts. Lizzie as a human, her story--from troubles to triumph--and her crusade to rid the world of bullies is a wonderful concept. Because of who she is, I gave her a few stars.
Why I couldn't give this book more than two:
The writing is atrocious. It is concerning when not just the author, but the coauthor/consultant/writing coach Catherine Avril Morris allowed this to happen. There is little coherence. It's part autobiographical, part... I think it's supposed to be self-help/inspirational/encouraging. It felt flat in both aspects for me.
Truth be told, I probably should have stopped 25 pages in when I began openly admitting to how poorly it was written. I had the same conversation at page 35 and 50, etc until the end of the book.
I am sure Lizzie is a wonderful person. I am sure her community and her YouTube channel and her live speeches are great. Unfortunately, this book wasn't. I simply cannot recommend this to anyone. In fact, go read just about anything else. This was not my cup of tea.
If you choose to venture into this book (or into another), Happy Reading! I wish you well.
Why I couldn't give this book more than two:
The writing is atrocious. It is concerning when not just the author, but the coauthor/consultant/writing coach Catherine Avril Morris allowed this to happen. There is little coherence. It's part autobiographical, part... I think it's supposed to be self-help/inspirational/encouraging. It felt flat in both aspects for me.
Truth be told, I probably should have stopped 25 pages in when I began openly admitting to how poorly it was written. I had the same conversation at page 35 and 50, etc until the end of the book.
I am sure Lizzie is a wonderful person. I am sure her community and her YouTube channel and her live speeches are great. Unfortunately, this book wasn't. I simply cannot recommend this to anyone. In fact, go read just about anything else. This was not my cup of tea.
If you choose to venture into this book (or into another), Happy Reading! I wish you well.
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
5.0
Most know Jordan B Peterson through his YouTube lectures series. I know him through my husband. Of all of the books I have read this year, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" was my most challenging. I spent an entire week delving into the mind of this brilliant clinical psychologist as he explored twelve ways to live a life to its fullest potential.
Although I'm rating this book five stars, there were areas that hindered (and lost) me. But those are me falling short, not him. Most of those where when Peterson dug deeper into science, psychology, and the ideals behind modern and ancient religion and how those stories have survived as long as they have.
The best parts for me were when Peterson spoke stories of his life and that of his family and experiences he has had with his clients over the years. His stories are full of life and lessons to learn.
"12 Rules..." was a little wordy for me and I found it necessary to reread on multiple occasions in order to understand what was being told. Overall, this is an exceptional book, and I highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Although I'm rating this book five stars, there were areas that hindered (and lost) me. But those are me falling short, not him. Most of those where when Peterson dug deeper into science, psychology, and the ideals behind modern and ancient religion and how those stories have survived as long as they have.
The best parts for me were when Peterson spoke stories of his life and that of his family and experiences he has had with his clients over the years. His stories are full of life and lessons to learn.
"12 Rules..." was a little wordy for me and I found it necessary to reread on multiple occasions in order to understand what was being told. Overall, this is an exceptional book, and I highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Odd Birds by Ian Harding
4.0
"Odd Birds" by Ian Harding (most notable performance as Ezra Fitz in the ABC Family/Freeform show Pretty Little Liars) was a delightful mixture of memoir and bird enthusiast guide. Clear from the opening line of the book, Harding could definitely write prose. I hope to see fiction in his future.
A quick read and a not so in your face about how awesome I am type of memoir, which is refreshing. The general public seems to forget celebrities are just normal people with more recognizable faces.
Although I loved both aspects of "Odd Birds", I would have been equally content with the birding aspect. I found it delightful, unique, and a topic I am not too familiar with. I have a new appreciation for the birds of the world, and I have Ian Harding to thank for it.
If you like Pretty Little Liars, you will enjoy this book. If you are a birder, you will enjoy this book. If you like reading, there is a very good chance you will enjoy this book.
Happy Reading!
A quick read and a not so in your face about how awesome I am type of memoir, which is refreshing. The general public seems to forget celebrities are just normal people with more recognizable faces.
Although I loved both aspects of "Odd Birds", I would have been equally content with the birding aspect. I found it delightful, unique, and a topic I am not too familiar with. I have a new appreciation for the birds of the world, and I have Ian Harding to thank for it.
If you like Pretty Little Liars, you will enjoy this book. If you are a birder, you will enjoy this book. If you like reading, there is a very good chance you will enjoy this book.
Happy Reading!
Off the Page by Jodi Picoult
3.0
I've never been a huge Jodi Picoult fan; however, I received "Between the Lines" a few years ago from my aunt, a book that was written by Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer, and I was instantaneously taken into a uniquely magical story that I never expected. So, when I came across "Off the Page", the companion/sequel to "Between the Lines" I just had to get it (thank you, local library!).
Although an utterly delightful book, the story did not live up to the luster of its original story line. There were several topics and scenes that fell into cliche-ville which took me out of the story and back into reality.
Picoult and Van Leer have certainly left the door open for a third book in the series (ie: The College Years and resolutions to a couple that got left hanging. And maybe even a not-so-princess princess that deserves more of a story). If they write it, I will read it.
It's an easy read. If this book interests you, definitely read the first in the series (Between the Lines) otherwise you will be completely lost.
Happy Reading!
Although an utterly delightful book, the story did not live up to the luster of its original story line. There were several topics and scenes that fell into cliche-ville which took me out of the story and back into reality.
Picoult and Van Leer have certainly left the door open for a third book in the series (ie: The College Years and resolutions to a couple that got left hanging. And maybe even a not-so-princess princess that deserves more of a story). If they write it, I will read it.
It's an easy read. If this book interests you, definitely read the first in the series (Between the Lines) otherwise you will be completely lost.
Happy Reading!
The Dark Net by Benjamin Percy
4.0
What I found in Benjamin Percy's book "The Dark Net" was everything and more that I was expecting from Stephen King. "The Dark Net" is set in Portland, Oregon and is an occult/supernatural/technological thriller.
I suppose it was extra engaging for me because I spent the better part of 25 years in Oregon and I was very familiar with the locations within this novel which brought a realer feel to the story.
Expertly paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The absolute only reason this did not get five stars from me was because the resolution lacked haste and drug on a little too long for my liking.
Overall, excellent story, engaging characters, and lots of mystery and shock factor. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
I suppose it was extra engaging for me because I spent the better part of 25 years in Oregon and I was very familiar with the locations within this novel which brought a realer feel to the story.
Expertly paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The absolute only reason this did not get five stars from me was because the resolution lacked haste and drug on a little too long for my liking.
Overall, excellent story, engaging characters, and lots of mystery and shock factor. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Charlie All Night by Jennifer Crusie
4.0
Jennifer Crusie does it again with "Charlie All Night" a story of a radio producer and her new DJ and their uniquely budding relationship.
Crusie is a fast talker, giving her characters fire and unique personalities. The dialogue is snappy and the novel is full of perfect little laughs. She takes you to the edge of what could possibly be believable scenarios and then adds true heart.
If I didn't start so late in the evening this book would have been finished in one sitting. Easy and fun as always.
Happy Reading!
Crusie is a fast talker, giving her characters fire and unique personalities. The dialogue is snappy and the novel is full of perfect little laughs. She takes you to the edge of what could possibly be believable scenarios and then adds true heart.
If I didn't start so late in the evening this book would have been finished in one sitting. Easy and fun as always.
Happy Reading!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
3.0
"Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott was recommended to me by a woman I greatly admire and respect. I went into reading this book with the absolute highest expectations. I read reviews where people raved at Lamott's humor throughout this book.
The genre is set as writing. Writing is discussed in these long and loopy paths that lead me into a dark and confusing place. From the start through Radio Station KFKD, there was no connection from the writer to reader. The half stories of school lunches and broccoli bored me to tears. Have you ever read (or tried reading) a book that every few sentences kept putting you to sleep? That's what the first half of the book was to me. Up into this point, my rating was at a mere one star.
Starting in the Jealousy chapter, the quality of the writing improved some, and the advice was mostly sound which allowed me to give a few more (and I feel as though I am being very generous).
As far as writing books go, it gets an F.
The emotional advice that goes along with writing gets a B.
I don't think I could comfortably recommend this book to anyone I know.
Happy reading (hopefully something that is not this)!
The genre is set as writing. Writing is discussed in these long and loopy paths that lead me into a dark and confusing place. From the start through Radio Station KFKD, there was no connection from the writer to reader. The half stories of school lunches and broccoli bored me to tears. Have you ever read (or tried reading) a book that every few sentences kept putting you to sleep? That's what the first half of the book was to me. Up into this point, my rating was at a mere one star.
Starting in the Jealousy chapter, the quality of the writing improved some, and the advice was mostly sound which allowed me to give a few more (and I feel as though I am being very generous).
As far as writing books go, it gets an F.
The emotional advice that goes along with writing gets a B.
I don't think I could comfortably recommend this book to anyone I know.
Happy reading (hopefully something that is not this)!