Take a photo of a barcode or cover
court_of_stars's reviews
598 reviews
Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
5.0
Blast the cliffhanger endings?! The final chapters had me reading as fast as I could. Thankfully I have the next book in the line... in which I’ll be starting right now!
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
3.0
3.5 stars.
The science aspects were great. I am fascinated by the cosmos. I appreciated the subtlety of suggestion that we would be extremely self absorbed to think we are the only life in the multiverse.
This lost 1.5 stars because: the puns/jokes were really bad and actually took away from the information provided instead of adding to the content.
I don’t know how much information I will actually retain about astrophysics, but, I am at least more familiar with the subject.
If you want to dabble in the science of space, this is a great starting point.
Happy reading!
The science aspects were great. I am fascinated by the cosmos. I appreciated the subtlety of suggestion that we would be extremely self absorbed to think we are the only life in the multiverse.
This lost 1.5 stars because: the puns/jokes were really bad and actually took away from the information provided instead of adding to the content.
I don’t know how much information I will actually retain about astrophysics, but, I am at least more familiar with the subject.
If you want to dabble in the science of space, this is a great starting point.
Happy reading!
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
4.0
Dark and disturbing, yet brilliantly written. My first Atwood, and certainly will not be my last.
Why it didn’t get five stars:
The historical notes portion did not add to the novel at all for me.
The ending. I see multiple points of view as how this could be good, but not for me. I don’t need a happy ending to enjoy a book, but I much prefer when things end and characters’ stories are wrapped up (any of them).
What I really enjoyed:
I love how Atwood structured the novel. The switch back between conversations and narration without quotations fascinated me. Once I got used to it though, it was beautiful.
She gives just enough throughout the pages that allow your mind to swirl and wander, but enough detail to keep you on track.
Why it didn’t get five stars:
The historical notes portion did not add to the novel at all for me.
The ending. I see multiple points of view as how this could be good, but not for me. I don’t need a happy ending to enjoy a book, but I much prefer when things end and characters’ stories are wrapped up (any of them).
What I really enjoyed:
I love how Atwood structured the novel. The switch back between conversations and narration without quotations fascinated me. Once I got used to it though, it was beautiful.
She gives just enough throughout the pages that allow your mind to swirl and wander, but enough detail to keep you on track.
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
5.0
If I were to rank each book of the trilogy, it would look like this:
1) The Return of the King (this surprised me)
2) The Fellowship of the Ring (long time favorite)
3) The Two Towers
This series is not without its flaws; however, in my eyes, it is still a complete master piece.
I laughed. I cried. I yelled. I cheered. I sobbed. I loved.
I don’t know why I waited so many years to read this series, but I can tell you right now I will be reading it again.
Happy Reading and see you in Middle Earth!
1) The Return of the King (this surprised me)
2) The Fellowship of the Ring (long time favorite)
3) The Two Towers
This series is not without its flaws; however, in my eyes, it is still a complete master piece.
I laughed. I cried. I yelled. I cheered. I sobbed. I loved.
I don’t know why I waited so many years to read this series, but I can tell you right now I will be reading it again.
Happy Reading and see you in Middle Earth!
Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie
3.0
A delightful light rom-com from Jennifer Cruise. The character work was a little over the top for me which left some of the interactions between Tess and Lanny awkward.
Was it wickedly witty as the cover suggests? Not really. It was cute, and exactly what I needed after the monster trilogy I just finished.
If you’re looking for light and airy, this might be the book for you.
Happy reading!
Was it wickedly witty as the cover suggests? Not really. It was cute, and exactly what I needed after the monster trilogy I just finished.
If you’re looking for light and airy, this might be the book for you.
Happy reading!
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3.0
A classic that I was supposed to read in high school, but never did.
Both it’s start and finish left me a little wanting, I thought this was a solid read. There were moments of surprise and massive intensity.
Overall, I enjoyed the read; however, it’s not likely one I will reread anytime in the near future.
Both it’s start and finish left me a little wanting, I thought this was a solid read. There were moments of surprise and massive intensity.
Overall, I enjoyed the read; however, it’s not likely one I will reread anytime in the near future.
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
5.0
I am not a fast reader. Today was my first full day off (with no obligations) in months and I took advantage of that by reading this novel in a day.
The story itself was well written and riveting. The characters were relatable and the suspense was palpable every step of the way.
My only critique (and it’s a small one) is regarding the inside jacket review from the Kirkus Reviews. They identified this as a legal thriller. Just because one of the main characters happens to be a lawyer doesn’t really fit in that category (to me).
Overall, very satisfied.
Happy Reading!
The story itself was well written and riveting. The characters were relatable and the suspense was palpable every step of the way.
My only critique (and it’s a small one) is regarding the inside jacket review from the Kirkus Reviews. They identified this as a legal thriller. Just because one of the main characters happens to be a lawyer doesn’t really fit in that category (to me).
Overall, very satisfied.
Happy Reading!
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
5.0
What can I say about the final book in the All Souls Trilogy? I didn’t want it to end. I still don’t, and it ended yesterday. I’m still trying to figure out how to fill that void this set of books left behind on me.
I adore Deborah Harkness and her ability to write compelling fiction. History was brought to life in a whole different way and it was exquisite.
I cannot tell you how many times I got chills after reading a section of the book. I cannot tell you how many times she surprised with where she took the novels, and I loved it.
The concepts of witches and vampires are ancient; however, everything felt fresh and unique and it left me wanting more.
This is a must read!
I cannot wait for her next book to come out! Thankfully, I only have to wait about a month whereas some have been waiting for years.
Happy reading my friends!
I adore Deborah Harkness and her ability to write compelling fiction. History was brought to life in a whole different way and it was exquisite.
I cannot tell you how many times I got chills after reading a section of the book. I cannot tell you how many times she surprised with where she took the novels, and I loved it.
The concepts of witches and vampires are ancient; however, everything felt fresh and unique and it left me wanting more.
This is a must read!
I cannot wait for her next book to come out! Thankfully, I only have to wait about a month whereas some have been waiting for years.
Happy reading my friends!
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
2.0
2.5 stars... I’m feeling generous this morning. I absolutely do not get the hubbub about Philip K. Dick’s “The Man in the High Castle”.
The story lacked drive and cohesion. The final three chapters carried the entire story to an okay place. There was a serious lack of world building.
I’ve been asked by friends to read more of his work; however, I don’t even think I can do that.
I don’t recommend this book.
Happy reading (something else)!
The story lacked drive and cohesion. The final three chapters carried the entire story to an okay place. There was a serious lack of world building.
I’ve been asked by friends to read more of his work; however, I don’t even think I can do that.
I don’t recommend this book.
Happy reading (something else)!
Persuasion by Jane Austen
5.0
My mistake here was trying to read this novel at the same time as another.
When I allowed myself to be fully involved in Austen’s world, everything fell into place.
The glimpse into Austen’s era was also quite delightful and found myself more engaged than ever.
Of all the books of hers I have read, this one is my favorite. I am looking forward to more in the future as well!
When I allowed myself to be fully involved in Austen’s world, everything fell into place.
The glimpse into Austen’s era was also quite delightful and found myself more engaged than ever.
Of all the books of hers I have read, this one is my favorite. I am looking forward to more in the future as well!