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serinde4books's reviews
837 reviews
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
So because I loved Gone Girl and Dark places so much, I just had to read Sharp Objects and I am so glad I did. It was true to Gillian's MO, it was great! The ending wasn't as twisty as I thought, I had the killer figured out, but the murders didn't happen in a way I expected.
The protagonist in this book is a mentally unstable journalist (she is a cutter) and she is sent back to her home town to investigate murders of young girls. She must stay with and get to know her dysfunctional family, including her never met little sister Amma. Sadly this trip home brings up new facts and memories regarding her dead sister.
I really like Flynn's writing, she draws you in with these dysfunctional and potentially unlikable characters, but yet you keep returning because you NEED to know what happened.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
The protagonist in this book is a mentally unstable journalist (she is a cutter) and she is sent back to her home town to investigate murders of young girls. She must stay with and get to know her dysfunctional family, including her never met little sister Amma. Sadly this trip home brings up new facts and memories regarding her dead sister.
I really like Flynn's writing, she draws you in with these dysfunctional and potentially unlikable characters, but yet you keep returning because you NEED to know what happened.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
3.0
Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Our heroine Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom since birth. Her entire life has been training to kill him once they are wed. Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. But Nyx puts duty first and as a good little sacrificial lamb she married the immortal Ignifex on her seventeenth birthday. Although not blindly, she has a plan. Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the curse he put on her people. But neither Ignifex or the curse is what Nyx expected. She finds that the story she knew was not the whole story, and despite herself she begins to love her husband.
I had a hard time putting this one down once I started reading it. The writing is simple and beautiful. There is a lot of Greek/Roman lore woven into the story that made me do a little happy dance. The story felt very familiar, but then again Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales, so the story wasn't that new. But the details were rich and gave it a fresh breathe. I really loved that Nyx was conflicted and not always a nice person, but then again being raised the way she was how could she not have some self image issues?
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
I had a hard time putting this one down once I started reading it. The writing is simple and beautiful. There is a lot of Greek/Roman lore woven into the story that made me do a little happy dance. The story felt very familiar, but then again Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales, so the story wasn't that new. But the details were rich and gave it a fresh breathe. I really loved that Nyx was conflicted and not always a nice person, but then again being raised the way she was how could she not have some self image issues?
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold by Terry Brooks
4.0
This is the next series in BOTM. Meet Ben Holiday, a trial lawyer from Chicago, grieving the loss of his wife and unborn child in a car accident. He finds an advertisement in an upscale Christmas catalog claiming to offer a magical kingdom for one million dollars by a man named Mr. Meeks. Although skeptical, Ben pursues the offer out of a desperate need to start a new life. Ben receives a magical medallion and is transported through a swirling mist to the kingdom of Landover. Unfortunately, he finds it not exactly as described.
This is my favorite type of book, lightweight fantasy with sarcastic and a bit self-depreciating humor. I can't believe I have missed this series before now. I am liking how easy this read is, nothing heavy and maybe I'm not laughing out loud, but I have absolutely caught my self snorting now and then. I think the simplicity of the story is what is so great, this was written in 1986, so I'm not sure if it is a landmark in the genre, but it wasn't a common style then either, at least as far as I know. This is light with humor, not a real thinker but something to go hey I feel like reading, and I don't want to be a better person when I'm done, but I want to enjoy it. Even if my book club doesn't read the rest of the series I will.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
This is my favorite type of book, lightweight fantasy with sarcastic and a bit self-depreciating humor. I can't believe I have missed this series before now. I am liking how easy this read is, nothing heavy and maybe I'm not laughing out loud, but I have absolutely caught my self snorting now and then. I think the simplicity of the story is what is so great, this was written in 1986, so I'm not sure if it is a landmark in the genre, but it wasn't a common style then either, at least as far as I know. This is light with humor, not a real thinker but something to go hey I feel like reading, and I don't want to be a better person when I'm done, but I want to enjoy it. Even if my book club doesn't read the rest of the series I will.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
3.0
In the opening scenes of the book we see Hollywood star, Arthur Leander, having a heart attack while on stage during a production of King Lear. Jeevan Chaudhary, a paparazzo-turned-EMT, Jumps onstage and performs CPR and tries to save Arthur. As Jeevan walks home from the theater, a terrible flu begins to spread. Hospitals are flooded and Jeevan and his brother barricade themselves inside an apartment, watching out the window as life as we know it disintegrates around them.
Kirsten Raymonde, a child actress, watches as Jeevan tries to save Arthur. Fifteen years later, Kirsten is an actress with the Traveling Symphony, a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Together, this small troupe moves between the settlements of an altered world, performing Shakespeare and music for scattered communities of survivors. Written on their caravan, and tattooed on Kirsten's arm is a line from Star Trek: "Because survival is insufficient." But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who digs graves for anyone who leaves. And the search for troupe members left behind ensues.
The book is told from multiple points of view, separate stories and separate times that all weave together in a way that doesn't come together until the very end. The magical way a single person can have so much impact, reminds me of the old story about dropping a pebble in a pond and the ripples created are countless. We had alot of debate in BOTM as to who the main character of the book truly was. I know who I feel, but if I shared that would take away some of the magic of this story. Some of the characters were flawed, but it made them more real in my mind. The writing was smooth, and moved the story along at a really nice pace. I really liked this book, I am glad I bought it rather than just checking out from the library. I will want to re-read for sure. I think a stormy winter night by the fireplace will be perfect for that.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Kirsten Raymonde, a child actress, watches as Jeevan tries to save Arthur. Fifteen years later, Kirsten is an actress with the Traveling Symphony, a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Together, this small troupe moves between the settlements of an altered world, performing Shakespeare and music for scattered communities of survivors. Written on their caravan, and tattooed on Kirsten's arm is a line from Star Trek: "Because survival is insufficient." But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who digs graves for anyone who leaves. And the search for troupe members left behind ensues.
The book is told from multiple points of view, separate stories and separate times that all weave together in a way that doesn't come together until the very end. The magical way a single person can have so much impact, reminds me of the old story about dropping a pebble in a pond and the ripples created are countless. We had alot of debate in BOTM as to who the main character of the book truly was. I know who I feel, but if I shared that would take away some of the magic of this story. Some of the characters were flawed, but it made them more real in my mind. The writing was smooth, and moved the story along at a really nice pace. I really liked this book, I am glad I bought it rather than just checking out from the library. I will want to re-read for sure. I think a stormy winter night by the fireplace will be perfect for that.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
3.0
The description is "A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it's not too late to start over. After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he's still in good health, and in one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn't interested (and he'd like a bit more control over his vodka consumption). So he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant). It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Allan has a larger-than-life backstory: Not only has he witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, but he has actually played a key role in them. Starting out in munitions as a boy, he somehow finds himself involved in many of the key explosions of the twentieth century and travels the world, sharing meals and more with everyone from Stalin, Churchill, and Truman to Mao, Franco, and de Gaulle."
I did the audiobook version for this month's read, audiobooks are harder for me to focus on, and I find myself re-listening to large chunks because I loose focus and miss stuff. I like all the characters, they are all screwy and screwed up, in some ways they remind me the Royal Tenenbaums. Their background stories make me chuckle. Overall I would say that it was 3 star. It was chuckle worthy and entertaining, but I wasn't ready to rush out and recommend this book to everyone I know. It ran a little long, and wrapped up a little too nicely. But if you want a light, laughable book this one fits the bill rather nicely.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
I did the audiobook version for this month's read, audiobooks are harder for me to focus on, and I find myself re-listening to large chunks because I loose focus and miss stuff. I like all the characters, they are all screwy and screwed up, in some ways they remind me the Royal Tenenbaums. Their background stories make me chuckle. Overall I would say that it was 3 star. It was chuckle worthy and entertaining, but I wasn't ready to rush out and recommend this book to everyone I know. It ran a little long, and wrapped up a little too nicely. But if you want a light, laughable book this one fits the bill rather nicely.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
4.0
The description is "At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert."
This was a great read. I'm an introvert myself, although after reading the book I believe I am a highly reactive introvert, which means I can play the role of an extrovert when there is something I am passionate about. I felt the research and write up of the research on personality types was interesting and easy to read, unlike some books were the research portion puts me to sleep, Cain wrote in a manner that kept me interested and awake. There were many parts of the book where she was describing introversion, and I went "Ah yes, that is me" or "Ah yes, that total sense." There were some great tips on how to get along in an extroverted world, but to still be true to your introverted self. Remember, Introversion doesn't mean Anti-Siocial, it just means limited dosages or smaller portions of social interactions.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
This was a great read. I'm an introvert myself, although after reading the book I believe I am a highly reactive introvert, which means I can play the role of an extrovert when there is something I am passionate about. I felt the research and write up of the research on personality types was interesting and easy to read, unlike some books were the research portion puts me to sleep, Cain wrote in a manner that kept me interested and awake. There were many parts of the book where she was describing introversion, and I went "Ah yes, that is me" or "Ah yes, that total sense." There were some great tips on how to get along in an extroverted world, but to still be true to your introverted self. Remember, Introversion doesn't mean Anti-Siocial, it just means limited dosages or smaller portions of social interactions.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
2.0
This was a book I received in one of my Book Riot boxes. The description is "In a Nigerian town in the mid 1990's, four brothers encounter a madman whose mystic prophecy of violence threatens the core of their close-knit family. Told from the point of view of nine year old Benjamin, the youngest of four brothers, The Fisherman is the Cain and Abel-esque story of an unforgettable childhood in 1990's Nigeria, in the small town of Akure. When their strict father has to travel to a distant city for work, the brothers take advantage of his extended absence to skip school and go fishing. At the ominous, forbidden nearby river, they meet a dangerous local madman who persuades the oldest of the boys that he is destined to be killed by one of his siblings. What happens next is an almost mythic event whose impact-both tragic and redemptive-will transcend the lives and imaginations of its characters and its readers. Dazzling and viscerally powerful, The Fishermen never leaves Akure but the story it tells has enormous universal appeal. Seen through the prism of one family's destiny, this is an essential novel about Africa with all of its contradictions-economic, political, and religious-and the epic beauty of its own culture."
This book has a ton of great reviews about how magical the writing was and how profound the story was. I found it depressing. Their lives and what happened to the narrator at the age of 10 was depressing and awful. I did not find it magical or enthralling. I was not drawn to the characters or the story, I found myself forcing myself to finish it, telling myself that in the next chapter it would get better. It didn't. Obioma's writing was great, he was smooth and the story moved at a nice pace. I just wasn't invested in the story. I think I may have been in the wrong mood for the book, I wanted something with a happy ending and I didn't get it with this book.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
This book has a ton of great reviews about how magical the writing was and how profound the story was. I found it depressing. Their lives and what happened to the narrator at the age of 10 was depressing and awful. I did not find it magical or enthralling. I was not drawn to the characters or the story, I found myself forcing myself to finish it, telling myself that in the next chapter it would get better. It didn't. Obioma's writing was great, he was smooth and the story moved at a nice pace. I just wasn't invested in the story. I think I may have been in the wrong mood for the book, I wanted something with a happy ending and I didn't get it with this book.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge
4.0
This was a short story I picked up as a filler between my book club books. It was a super quick read, novella length. I choose it because I liked Hodge's other book Cruel Beauty.
The story is about Maia (i.e. Cinderella). Maia's dead mother haunts anyone who hurts her, and her stepsisters are desperate for their mother's approval. Then Maia become the messenger for her stepsister trying to win the love of Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis. Of course nothing goes as planned but maybe there will still be a happy ending.
I liked this story, it was nice to see the Cruel Beauty world again, and the demon king still was granting wishes that were not what the person expected. It was a fun read, I still prefer Cruel Beauty, but it was a nice filler story.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
The story is about Maia (i.e. Cinderella). Maia's dead mother haunts anyone who hurts her, and her stepsisters are desperate for their mother's approval. Then Maia become the messenger for her stepsister trying to win the love of Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis. Of course nothing goes as planned but maybe there will still be a happy ending.
I liked this story, it was nice to see the Cruel Beauty world again, and the demon king still was granting wishes that were not what the person expected. It was a fun read, I still prefer Cruel Beauty, but it was a nice filler story.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com