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wuthrinheights's reviews
197 reviews
Tales from the Odyssey, Part 1 by Mary Pope Osborne
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had time to kill, so I grabbed this kids version of The Odyssey. With my back against the window, the cool breeze flowing in my room to mark the start of a storm, I felt like I was on the boat with Odysseus himself as he started his voyage with his men.
With additional details from Virgil, Hyginus, and Apollodorus, this retelling of Homer's second epic was even more full fledged than the original Odyssey. It gave it more emotional depth and vibrant story-telling. I also love the illustrations throughout the whole book.
This book was like a soothing ointment to my bitter disappointment of reading The Odyssey from the night before. I no longer have that awful taste in my mouth regarding the boredom and letdown, because this one did a much, much better job at recounting Odysseus' adventures. I am so glad I can finally have a better memory to hold on to regarding this epic.
With additional details from Virgil, Hyginus, and Apollodorus, this retelling of Homer's second epic was even more full fledged than the original Odyssey. It gave it more emotional depth and vibrant story-telling. I also love the illustrations throughout the whole book.
This book was like a soothing ointment to my bitter disappointment of reading The Odyssey from the night before. I no longer have that awful taste in my mouth regarding the boredom and letdown, because this one did a much, much better job at recounting Odysseus' adventures. I am so glad I can finally have a better memory to hold on to regarding this epic.
Cliffs Notes on Homer's The Odyssey by Stanley P. Baldwin
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
How can a summarised version of an epic (with explanations and critical analyses) be better than the full fledged original book? If I had known this version was better, I would never have picked up the actual Odyssey.
It was short and concise, it highlighted all the best parts and you didn't even have to read through the boring, unnecessary parts by Homer.
Stanley P. Baldwin made the book sound a lot more interesting, and it was written in a language so simple and fun, I wish he'd written a translated version of the book.
This was a really great companion and I am thankful I have a copy in hand.
It was short and concise, it highlighted all the best parts and you didn't even have to read through the boring, unnecessary parts by Homer.
Stanley P. Baldwin made the book sound a lot more interesting, and it was written in a language so simple and fun, I wish he'd written a translated version of the book.
This was a really great companion and I am thankful I have a copy in hand.
The Odyssey by Homer
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
This long, arduous book entailing 20 years of Odysseus's life felt like it took me two decades to finish it too, despite being read within a month. My life force is depleted, I am crawling on the floor in exhaustion and insanity. An epic? I'm afraid not.
From the start, the book was unbelievably slow. From CliffsNotes, I was expecting it to jump into a crazed adventure once Odysseus was introduced. But again, it fell flat. The interesting parts of his Odyssey were briefly mentioned, while the boring parts were stretched on for so long, my eyes kept threatening to shut itself.
I felt nothing for the characters (apart from the mini cameos of Achilles/Patroclus in the Underworld), and I couldn't even root for the hero(es). Odysseus, so charming and intelligent in The Iliad, was bland, aggravating, and promiscuous in his own book. I was excited to love him but I certainly did not the longer I spent time with him.
Athena was endlessly devoted to Odysseus, fluttering by his side, encouraging him, using her godly powers to do makeovers (I told my reading buddy that there should be a drinking game because of her. To take a shot every time she did a makeover in this book). Was she trying to be Aphrodite?
I expected a book full of action and adventure, a tale of cunning and brave heroes, a love story so strong, it never wavered for decades. But instead it was dull, foolish, and disloyal. I can't even rate it 2 stars.
Truly disappointing work with an even dumber ending that felt like a high school girl putting herself in between brawling boys fighting over her attention. I am so glad I finished this so I never again have to wonder about Homer's sequel.
From the start, the book was unbelievably slow. From CliffsNotes, I was expecting it to jump into a crazed adventure once Odysseus was introduced. But again, it fell flat. The interesting parts of his Odyssey were briefly mentioned, while the boring parts were stretched on for so long, my eyes kept threatening to shut itself.
I felt nothing for the characters (apart from the mini cameos of Achilles/Patroclus in the Underworld), and I couldn't even root for the hero(es). Odysseus, so charming and intelligent in The Iliad, was bland, aggravating, and promiscuous in his own book. I was excited to love him but I certainly did not the longer I spent time with him.
Athena was endlessly devoted to Odysseus, fluttering by his side, encouraging him, using her godly powers to do makeovers (I told my reading buddy that there should be a drinking game because of her. To take a shot every time she did a makeover in this book). Was she trying to be Aphrodite?
I expected a book full of action and adventure, a tale of cunning and brave heroes, a love story so strong, it never wavered for decades. But instead it was dull, foolish, and disloyal. I can't even rate it 2 stars.
Truly disappointing work with an even dumber ending that felt like a high school girl putting herself in between brawling boys fighting over her attention. I am so glad I finished this so I never again have to wonder about Homer's sequel.
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.75
I picked up this random book at a thrift store, thinking faintly that it sounded interesting--despite having a sport (which I'm almost never interested in) as a major part of the plot. But it sounded promising; about people's lives being changed. I was curious. I've always liked reading books about normal people having their lives thrown up in the air and them having to scramble to fix it and change it indefinitely. It inspires me to want to change my life too. Grab it by the reins or horns--whatever floats your boat.
First we meet Henry: a scrawny baseball prodigy. His untainted innocence reminded me a lot of Charlie from "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". How his life doesn't start until someone older or wiser picks him by the scruff and drag him along for the ride. And he's just happy to be there and to participate. Otherwise he's just drinking in everything from the sidewalk. Sweet, innocent Henry who is always saying yes to anything that comes his way. But when tragedy struck, he's losing his lucky streak. His descent into darkness is making him lose everything--and he's forced to face the real Henry, the rising legend.
Next, there's the Westish College President: Guert Affenlight. A classic literature lover, intelligent 60 year old man whose life has always been about work and his daughter (which recently had a strain on), is secretly developing a crush. A girly, awkward crush on someone no would ever expect. But when it developed into something bigger, he's risking everything just to live a new life, dipping his toes into unknown territory that could end very, very badly.
Then we have Mike Schwartz. The burly, smart, broke law student who first spotted Henry's talent and brought him to Westish College. His knee injury kept him from furthering his career in baseball. His dreams of being a lawyer is dangling from a thread from all his focus on prepping Henry. Suddenly his dreams are way out of reach, just to carry Henry on his back.
We also get to meet Pella Affenlight, the daughter of President Guert. Growing up, the two were as similar as carbon copies. But when she dropped out of Yale to marry an academic lecturer who was twice her age, she no longer talk to her dad. Until now--once the marriage fell off and she's trying to get back into the world of academia with nothing more than a bag of items brought for a swim when she ran away from her husband.
And lastly, we have Owen Dunne. He didn't have his own POV, but his character is equally important as the previous four. He's the gifted kid with the expansive book collection, neatly potted plants, and tasteful paintings hung in a room shared with Henry. His calm, erudite self is like the glue bringing the others closer and closer, until they're inescapably tangled in one another. But beneath his cool, quiet presence, he's harbouring a secret so heavy and dangerous, it could jeopardise everything he's planned for.
These five characters, where once were five different coloured blots on paper are now strewn and mashed together into one swirly rainbow--must navigate their less-than-desired lives together. Will they ever come clean and live their true, honest lives and reach their dreams?
With nearly 5 stars, this book was pleasant from the start till the end. It was cute and innocent in the beginning but once the characters became more full fledged and are starting to entwine with one another, I find it harder to put down each time. I loved that by the end of the book, it felt like a full circle. The story introduced by Guert that inspired Mike became a foreshadowing, and the ending (although the characters have changed internally and externally) went right back to where it first started. Incredibly satisfying. It's like starting their lives all over again.
The Art of Fielding felt like the first friend you made when you just started college. Fresh, awkward, not knowing one another. But when you're paired up for an assignment, you begin to spend more time together and suddenly you're taking up each other's time more and more, and in the end you two have made a project so good together, you feel incredibly proud of it. The reason why I didn't give full stars was because it didn't feel very life-altering as I thought it would be. Perhaps I just didn't feel very connected to the characters or find them relatable. But for a debut novel, it was pretty good. Not once did I feel bored or regret picking this up.
First we meet Henry: a scrawny baseball prodigy. His untainted innocence reminded me a lot of Charlie from "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". How his life doesn't start until someone older or wiser picks him by the scruff and drag him along for the ride. And he's just happy to be there and to participate. Otherwise he's just drinking in everything from the sidewalk. Sweet, innocent Henry who is always saying yes to anything that comes his way. But when tragedy struck, he's losing his lucky streak. His descent into darkness is making him lose everything--and he's forced to face the real Henry, the rising legend.
Next, there's the Westish College President: Guert Affenlight. A classic literature lover, intelligent 60 year old man whose life has always been about work and his daughter (which recently had a strain on), is secretly developing a crush. A girly, awkward crush on someone no would ever expect. But when it developed into something bigger, he's risking everything just to live a new life, dipping his toes into unknown territory that could end very, very badly.
Then we have Mike Schwartz. The burly, smart, broke law student who first spotted Henry's talent and brought him to Westish College. His knee injury kept him from furthering his career in baseball. His dreams of being a lawyer is dangling from a thread from all his focus on prepping Henry. Suddenly his dreams are way out of reach, just to carry Henry on his back.
We also get to meet Pella Affenlight, the daughter of President Guert. Growing up, the two were as similar as carbon copies. But when she dropped out of Yale to marry an academic lecturer who was twice her age, she no longer talk to her dad. Until now--once the marriage fell off and she's trying to get back into the world of academia with nothing more than a bag of items brought for a swim when she ran away from her husband.
And lastly, we have Owen Dunne. He didn't have his own POV, but his character is equally important as the previous four. He's the gifted kid with the expansive book collection, neatly potted plants, and tasteful paintings hung in a room shared with Henry. His calm, erudite self is like the glue bringing the others closer and closer, until they're inescapably tangled in one another. But beneath his cool, quiet presence, he's harbouring a secret so heavy and dangerous, it could jeopardise everything he's planned for.
These five characters, where once were five different coloured blots on paper are now strewn and mashed together into one swirly rainbow--must navigate their less-than-desired lives together. Will they ever come clean and live their true, honest lives and reach their dreams?
With nearly 5 stars, this book was pleasant from the start till the end. It was cute and innocent in the beginning but once the characters became more full fledged and are starting to entwine with one another, I find it harder to put down each time. I loved that by the end of the book, it felt like a full circle. The story introduced by Guert that inspired Mike became a foreshadowing, and the ending (although the characters have changed internally and externally) went right back to where it first started. Incredibly satisfying. It's like starting their lives all over again.
The Art of Fielding felt like the first friend you made when you just started college. Fresh, awkward, not knowing one another. But when you're paired up for an assignment, you begin to spend more time together and suddenly you're taking up each other's time more and more, and in the end you two have made a project so good together, you feel incredibly proud of it. The reason why I didn't give full stars was because it didn't feel very life-altering as I thought it would be. Perhaps I just didn't feel very connected to the characters or find them relatable. But for a debut novel, it was pretty good. Not once did I feel bored or regret picking this up.
Say It to My Face by Francine Pascal
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Just when my last review of Sweet Valley High was me saying I'm outgrowing it, this new series is definitely the answer to my prayers. New characters, new plots, new writing style. It's so fresh, it's like reading a spin-off series.
First impression: I was surprised that it had more mature content. The older series felt more innocent and childlike, and this being the second book, already started off with a more sexual tone and handling heavy topics like substance abuse and strained relationships with parents.
It was a little odd to read about all these new characters but after some time, they grew on me and I'm definitely intrigued to learn more about them and see how their characters will become more full fledged along the way.
I am absolutely digging the diary entries in between the chapters to show what the characters are like, and what stories they each hold. It made the book even more enjoyable and I liked how everyone had their own distinct voice (along with different handwritings to showcase their personality type).
I didn't think much of this new series before, thinking I'll favour the older ones more but now that I'm done with this book, I'm excited to see what else Pascal has in store for me.
First impression: I was surprised that it had more mature content. The older series felt more innocent and childlike, and this being the second book, already started off with a more sexual tone and handling heavy topics like substance abuse and strained relationships with parents.
It was a little odd to read about all these new characters but after some time, they grew on me and I'm definitely intrigued to learn more about them and see how their characters will become more full fledged along the way.
I am absolutely digging the diary entries in between the chapters to show what the characters are like, and what stories they each hold. It made the book even more enjoyable and I liked how everyone had their own distinct voice (along with different handwritings to showcase their personality type).
I didn't think much of this new series before, thinking I'll favour the older ones more but now that I'm done with this book, I'm excited to see what else Pascal has in store for me.
Pirate/Castle Diary by Richard Platt
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Pirate Diary was a surprisingly good book. I thought it would be a simple, silly kids book but it was a lot more than that. On top of the language written like a classic book, it was also filled with a lot of educational knowledge about ships, piracy, and history. It was explicit and grueling. I learned a lot in this short book and I'd love a reread someday to study the contents again.
Castle Diary (plot wise) wasn't as great as Pirate Diary, but the main character was better. He was a hater and it was funny to read about. I couldn't connect with any of the other characters, though. I think the characters in Pirate were more interesting. But personally medieval books have always been an interest of mine recently so this was great to learn more about the castle and the work that goes behind it. Absolutely loved the last part of the book where they talked about the historical context of the theme.
The illustrator was amazing. His artworks (although it was in black and white,) were alive and colourful. It made you feel like you were in those stories. The duo was a match made in heaven!
Castle Diary (plot wise) wasn't as great as Pirate Diary, but the main character was better. He was a hater and it was funny to read about. I couldn't connect with any of the other characters, though. I think the characters in Pirate were more interesting. But personally medieval books have always been an interest of mine recently so this was great to learn more about the castle and the work that goes behind it. Absolutely loved the last part of the book where they talked about the historical context of the theme.
The illustrator was amazing. His artworks (although it was in black and white,) were alive and colourful. It made you feel like you were in those stories. The duo was a match made in heaven!
The Wakefield Legacy: The Untold Story by Francine Pascal, Kate William
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.75
It's been years since I've read this but I am still blown away by it.
The many years and generations of the Wakefield family; the different struggles and triumphs, the love and betrayal and loss, the different economic and historic eras, the lives between Ned and Alice's ancestors constantly meeting and parting--only to reunite again in the end.
It was beautiful and it gives me so much hope for destined love. Incredible story telling, probably the best saga to come out of the Sweet Valley books. I wish I have the Patmans and the other Wakefield book to complete this saga. I remember loving the other Wakefield book the most.
The many years and generations of the Wakefield family; the different struggles and triumphs, the love and betrayal and loss, the different economic and historic eras, the lives between Ned and Alice's ancestors constantly meeting and parting--only to reunite again in the end.
It was beautiful and it gives me so much hope for destined love. Incredible story telling, probably the best saga to come out of the Sweet Valley books. I wish I have the Patmans and the other Wakefield book to complete this saga. I remember loving the other Wakefield book the most.
Goosebumps Graphix #3: Scary Summer by R.L. Stine
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was one of my fave Goosebumps books before, and probably the only Goosebumps graphic novel I have. I used to reread it so often when I was younger. It's been a super long time and I've forgotten 2 out of 3 of the stories so it was nice to feel like I'm reading it for the first time again!
And finding this book while it's still in summer felt like a stroke of good luck/perfect timing. It fits the weather perfectly.
Plot wise, I'd rate them as Ghost Beach > The Horror at Camp Jellyjam > Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes. Graphic wise would be Gnomes > Camp > Beach.
Ghost Beach was the story I forgot the most so it felt fresh to read it. Without the memories, I didn't quite know what to expect and it felt brand new. The illustrations looked really creepy and the ending was the scariest to me.
Camp Jellyjam had an almost lighthearted feel to it compared to the other stories. The horror at the end felt a bit too rushed, though. But the plot was still better than the Gnomes.
Lawn Gnomes was the most memorable to me and I think even back then, it wasn't the best story out of the 3. But I loved the illustration style the most.
And finding this book while it's still in summer felt like a stroke of good luck/perfect timing. It fits the weather perfectly.
Plot wise, I'd rate them as Ghost Beach > The Horror at Camp Jellyjam > Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes. Graphic wise would be Gnomes > Camp > Beach.
Ghost Beach was the story I forgot the most so it felt fresh to read it. Without the memories, I didn't quite know what to expect and it felt brand new. The illustrations looked really creepy and the ending was the scariest to me.
Camp Jellyjam had an almost lighthearted feel to it compared to the other stories. The horror at the end felt a bit too rushed, though. But the plot was still better than the Gnomes.
Lawn Gnomes was the most memorable to me and I think even back then, it wasn't the best story out of the 3. But I loved the illustration style the most.
Murder on the Line by Francine Pascal, Kate William
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Have always loved reading SVH and I was thrilled I had an unread copy on my shelf. The special editions are usually more dark than the usual series and this one was no exception.
While doing their summer internship at the local newspaper, Jessica accidentally stumbled on a dangerous drug ring in the building and suddenly her life is in danger! With no one to trust, carrying a lethal secret like this could make her life incredibly shorter by the seconds.
Fast paced, tense, and mysterious, it was a real page turner. The reason why it wasn't 5 stars was because it was a little predictable and I'm starting to feel like I've outgrown this little town.
While doing their summer internship at the local newspaper, Jessica accidentally stumbled on a dangerous drug ring in the building and suddenly her life is in danger! With no one to trust, carrying a lethal secret like this could make her life incredibly shorter by the seconds.
Fast paced, tense, and mysterious, it was a real page turner. The reason why it wasn't 5 stars was because it was a little predictable and I'm starting to feel like I've outgrown this little town.
Herman et Dominique by Alexandra Pichard
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
3.5
With my very rusty French, I could probably translate like maybe 20-35% of this book, and the ending left me feeling quite confused. Especially with the funny illustration, I couldn't quite figure out what Dominique was until I got to the last page.
Using Google translate, I translated each page and I understood better but the ending still had me feeling stumped. Did Dominique really write that parting letter? Did Herman find a new companion in her absence? Was she human? And did he reunite with Dominique or was he just reminded of her when he saw the plate in the end?
Quite funny. I'll work on my French then reread this another day. But for now, I'm just happy I could still remember some vocabulary enough to roughly read a book that's fully French.
Using Google translate, I translated each page and I understood better but the ending still had me feeling stumped. Did Dominique really write that parting letter? Did Herman find a new companion in her absence? Was she human? And did he reunite with Dominique or was he just reminded of her when he saw the plate in the end?
Quite funny. I'll work on my French then reread this another day. But for now, I'm just happy I could still remember some vocabulary enough to roughly read a book that's fully French.