- Emma Koenig
"Everyone has that moment-- the realization that adulthood has arrived, like a runaway train, and there's no getting out of its way. In an attempt to express the contradictions and anxieties that come with being over-educated, minimally employed, mostly single, and on your own, Emma Koenig turned to blogosphere..." - Taken from the back of the book.
Let me start off by saying that this was a nice break from heavier, more plot filled reads. F*CK! I'm In My Twenties is perfect for those looking for a quick, light, summer read. Not to mention that it is both humorous and relatable.
This read seems to have perfectly captured the fact that despite what the laws may say, being in your 20's isn't an automatic adult pass. I'm sorry to say, but despite what you might think or feel, you are not the exception to the rule, and that's okay, that's a realization that everyone will come to eventually. You are not the only who does not have their shit together.
Predictably, even with the good things, comes the bad things. I liked this read for a few reasons, but that doesn't mean that it was above being disliked for a few reasons as well. There were a lot of porn/sex jokes, which personally, made me feel uncomfortable, and more than a few of the jokes made fell flat. However, due to the fact that this book is essentially a mock autobiography made up of weird drawings, this can be excused.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to those willing to read it. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and all I can do is sincerely encourage you to keep warm & read.
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
Monday, 11 July 2016
Don't You Cry.
- Mary Kubica.
"It's dark by the time I leave the apartment of Nicholas Keller. It's darker than dark. It's pitch-black, a starless November night, the sky an inky black." - Taken directly from the book.
Let me start off by saying that according to the blurbs on this book, this story was "rightfully" compared to the likes of, Single White Female and Gone Girl. The story was good, the twists unsuspecting, the suspense was done well, but I wouldn't compare it to either of the two pieces mentioned above. Though, I can certainly see where the author got her inspiration from.
This story is told from two separate perspectives, forcing us (the readers) to piece together what we can from the hints and clues discovered (or ignored, or grossly overexaggerated) by the two protagonists; Quinn, a young woman who works at a job she hates, and an unreliable roommate to the now missing Esther Vaughan, as well as Alex, a kid in a dead end town, working a dead end job, who's only form of entertainment is gawking at the town's newest drifter.
If I'm being brutally honest, as someone who enjoys reading in first person narrative, I'm disheartened to admit that Kubica could have done a much better job. Instead of using this as a tool to grant the readers a better insight into the characters minds and allow for us to relate better to them on a deeper, more emotional level, the experience was slightly stilted and awkward due to the switch in perspectives and forced use of descriptive/fake deep/poetic wording.
That being said, the mystery of EV versus Esther Vaughan was most definitely an interesting one. The notion that these two strangers are connected by this one woman that neither of them truly know, yet once thought that they did so well, was what kept me reading until the very end despite the hiccups along the way. How Kubica managed to seamlessly tie together these two stories that although obviously connected in some way, still left the readers guessing as to what exactly was going on leading up to the final ten or so pages, rightfully deserves applaud.
All in all, this was a good read, the story was interesting if not drawn out and slightly annoying in parts. I would most definitly recommend this as a light summer read, but don't expect it to get your heaert racing or palms sweaty. In the end though, this is only my opinion, and so I encourage you all to form your own, and keep warm & read.
Reviews will be posted twice monthly. Once near the beginning of the month, and then again near the end.
"It's dark by the time I leave the apartment of Nicholas Keller. It's darker than dark. It's pitch-black, a starless November night, the sky an inky black." - Taken directly from the book.
Let me start off by saying that according to the blurbs on this book, this story was "rightfully" compared to the likes of, Single White Female and Gone Girl. The story was good, the twists unsuspecting, the suspense was done well, but I wouldn't compare it to either of the two pieces mentioned above. Though, I can certainly see where the author got her inspiration from.
This story is told from two separate perspectives, forcing us (the readers) to piece together what we can from the hints and clues discovered (or ignored, or grossly overexaggerated) by the two protagonists; Quinn, a young woman who works at a job she hates, and an unreliable roommate to the now missing Esther Vaughan, as well as Alex, a kid in a dead end town, working a dead end job, who's only form of entertainment is gawking at the town's newest drifter.
If I'm being brutally honest, as someone who enjoys reading in first person narrative, I'm disheartened to admit that Kubica could have done a much better job. Instead of using this as a tool to grant the readers a better insight into the characters minds and allow for us to relate better to them on a deeper, more emotional level, the experience was slightly stilted and awkward due to the switch in perspectives and forced use of descriptive/fake deep/poetic wording.
That being said, the mystery of EV versus Esther Vaughan was most definitely an interesting one. The notion that these two strangers are connected by this one woman that neither of them truly know, yet once thought that they did so well, was what kept me reading until the very end despite the hiccups along the way. How Kubica managed to seamlessly tie together these two stories that although obviously connected in some way, still left the readers guessing as to what exactly was going on leading up to the final ten or so pages, rightfully deserves applaud.
All in all, this was a good read, the story was interesting if not drawn out and slightly annoying in parts. I would most definitly recommend this as a light summer read, but don't expect it to get your heaert racing or palms sweaty. In the end though, this is only my opinion, and so I encourage you all to form your own, and keep warm & read.
Reviews will be posted twice monthly. Once near the beginning of the month, and then again near the end.
Monday, 27 June 2016
She Loves You, She Loves You Not...
- Julie Anne Peters
"Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family her best friends and, most important, she had Sarah." -Taken from the book.
The first time I read this book I was a wreck, not necessarily because of its groundbreaking or earth-shattering contents, but because it hit a little too close to home. I opened this book for the first time when I was eighteen years old and had just experienced my first heartbreak. That being said, upon my second encounter with this story, I was able to look past my own emotional baggage, and get lost in Alyssa's.
Alyssa is exactly what you'd expect from your typical seventeen-year-old to be completely honest, she cares about her friends, is a part of a few school committees and, you guessed it, still in the closet.
In all honesty, I found the main character a bit boring, the most interesting thing about her was the circumstances that caused her downward spiral, and even that was a bit far-fetched. Yet, I was still able to find the story pretty enjoyable. Partially due to the people that she has chosen to surround herself with and partly due to the choices that she ends up making throughout the story. However, it really isn't until closer to the end that Alyssa becomes less of an annoying concept and more of an actual character to me.
Basically, if you like to like your protagonists then maybe don't read this book, however, if you're willing to look past that and instead let the story itself unfurl before you, then you might find that this is just as enjoyable a read as any of Peters' other books. In the end, it's your choice, though, so please remember to form your own opinions and keep warm & read.
I would love to hear you thoughts on this one whether you agree or not.
"Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family her best friends and, most important, she had Sarah." -Taken from the book.
The first time I read this book I was a wreck, not necessarily because of its groundbreaking or earth-shattering contents, but because it hit a little too close to home. I opened this book for the first time when I was eighteen years old and had just experienced my first heartbreak. That being said, upon my second encounter with this story, I was able to look past my own emotional baggage, and get lost in Alyssa's.
Alyssa is exactly what you'd expect from your typical seventeen-year-old to be completely honest, she cares about her friends, is a part of a few school committees and, you guessed it, still in the closet.
In all honesty, I found the main character a bit boring, the most interesting thing about her was the circumstances that caused her downward spiral, and even that was a bit far-fetched. Yet, I was still able to find the story pretty enjoyable. Partially due to the people that she has chosen to surround herself with and partly due to the choices that she ends up making throughout the story. However, it really isn't until closer to the end that Alyssa becomes less of an annoying concept and more of an actual character to me.
Basically, if you like to like your protagonists then maybe don't read this book, however, if you're willing to look past that and instead let the story itself unfurl before you, then you might find that this is just as enjoyable a read as any of Peters' other books. In the end, it's your choice, though, so please remember to form your own opinions and keep warm & read.
I would love to hear you thoughts on this one whether you agree or not.
Monday, 6 June 2016
Incarceron
-Catherine Fisher
"This prison is alive"- taken from the cover of the book.
I'm going to be completely honest in saying that this book was 100% originally purchased because of the cover. The metallic detail over the black background drew me in instantly.
This is a futuristic novel with an old-timey twist and the magic of other worlds. It started off a bit slow, and admittedly there were moments in the story where I found myself zoning out. However, I also found myself being held captivated not only by the mystical prison and it's very few inhabitants, but also in this new society that was neither a dystopia nor a paradise.
If you're someone who is not a fan of unnecessary romantic relationships in your action reads (like I am) then this certainly is the book for you. If you're a fan of unexpected betrayal, then this is the book for you. If you're a fan of defiant women, a complex plot, and manly men who are not afraid to show what they're really feeling then I'd say that this is the book for you.
However, if you're not into big reads, and series, then maybe don't pick up this book. If you don't like the idea of reading about slight torture or heavy angst-ridden characters, then this might not be the book/series for you.
Ultimately, if I'm being asked if I would recommend this book for you guys to read, I'd say, yeah, why not. However, I'd also like to make a disclaimer that my sister purchased this book for me back in 2012 and since then I have not re-read this book (though I think about it often and fondly) and I have not bothered to purchase the second book (simply because every time I had the opportunity to I found a book that I was more willing to spend the $20.00 on). That being said, this story is just as satisfying as a stand alone. Bottom line is, form your own opinions, tell me what you think, and remember to keep warm & read.
"This prison is alive"- taken from the cover of the book.
I'm going to be completely honest in saying that this book was 100% originally purchased because of the cover. The metallic detail over the black background drew me in instantly.
This is a futuristic novel with an old-timey twist and the magic of other worlds. It started off a bit slow, and admittedly there were moments in the story where I found myself zoning out. However, I also found myself being held captivated not only by the mystical prison and it's very few inhabitants, but also in this new society that was neither a dystopia nor a paradise.
If you're someone who is not a fan of unnecessary romantic relationships in your action reads (like I am) then this certainly is the book for you. If you're a fan of unexpected betrayal, then this is the book for you. If you're a fan of defiant women, a complex plot, and manly men who are not afraid to show what they're really feeling then I'd say that this is the book for you.
However, if you're not into big reads, and series, then maybe don't pick up this book. If you don't like the idea of reading about slight torture or heavy angst-ridden characters, then this might not be the book/series for you.
Ultimately, if I'm being asked if I would recommend this book for you guys to read, I'd say, yeah, why not. However, I'd also like to make a disclaimer that my sister purchased this book for me back in 2012 and since then I have not re-read this book (though I think about it often and fondly) and I have not bothered to purchase the second book (simply because every time I had the opportunity to I found a book that I was more willing to spend the $20.00 on). That being said, this story is just as satisfying as a stand alone. Bottom line is, form your own opinions, tell me what you think, and remember to keep warm & read.
Monday, 23 May 2016
Send
- Patty Blount
"It's been five years since I clicked send. Four years since I got out of Juvie. Three months since I changed my name. Two minutes since I met Julie. A second to change my life." Taken from the back of the book.
This particular read isn't what I'd normally go for, as there isn't the right amount (or type) of angst in it for me, but it was an enjoyable and impactful story nonetheless.
It's about a young man and his rehabilitation to high school as well as his adjustment to a new state preceding his stay in Juvie. This young man (Daniel) is faced with the manifestation of his guilt over what got him sent away, the disappointment/anger of the people in his life, and a certain young lady (Julie) that for whatever reason cannot stand him. Let's not forget that he has managed to find himself to be the new interest of the school's bully on the first day of school.
Do I recommend this book for others? I can't say, if I'm being completely honest, though the story is an interesting one, the writing itself can be described as subpar in some areas. However, it also seems to make up for that where it matters most. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I do hope that you share your opinion with me if you do pick up this book, and remember to keep warm & read.
"It's been five years since I clicked send. Four years since I got out of Juvie. Three months since I changed my name. Two minutes since I met Julie. A second to change my life." Taken from the back of the book.
This particular read isn't what I'd normally go for, as there isn't the right amount (or type) of angst in it for me, but it was an enjoyable and impactful story nonetheless.
It's about a young man and his rehabilitation to high school as well as his adjustment to a new state preceding his stay in Juvie. This young man (Daniel) is faced with the manifestation of his guilt over what got him sent away, the disappointment/anger of the people in his life, and a certain young lady (Julie) that for whatever reason cannot stand him. Let's not forget that he has managed to find himself to be the new interest of the school's bully on the first day of school.
Do I recommend this book for others? I can't say, if I'm being completely honest, though the story is an interesting one, the writing itself can be described as subpar in some areas. However, it also seems to make up for that where it matters most. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I do hope that you share your opinion with me if you do pick up this book, and remember to keep warm & read.
Monday, 9 May 2016
The Book of Living and Dying
- Natale Ghent
" Her heart pumped in her throat as he reached for her, his mouth swinging open and closed like the loosely hinged gate to a dark deadly garden. She tried to scream when his cold hand encircled her wrist, but could only game helplessly back at him, the darkness spilling from his lips and flooding into her brain. 'Please go away,' she whispered." - Taken from the book.
This is a story that I hold dear to my heart, about grieving and loss, and that has helped me through one of the hardest moments in my life. Natale Ghent is a Canadian author, I'd like to say that I've read more of her books, but if I'm being completely honest, none of her other novels have caught my attention quite like this one has.
Actually, I only really came across this book by chance, my high school library was throwing away old or damaged books, and because I was close to my librarian she gave me free reign over them before they were sent off to wherever books go to die, and out of all of the books that were there, this one with a missing cover and cracked spine was the one that I decided to pick up and take home with me.
At first glance this is a story about a sad girls life, her mother is negligent and depressed, her best friend isn't always the best influence, she's losing weight- fast, and to make matters worse, she's being haunted by a ghost like no other. Yet, somehow, the further in that you get with this read, the more you realize that the story isn't as sad as you originally thought, but instead much more tragic.
Then again, what better way to appreciate life, then to submerge yourself into a world of loss and death? This book came to me during a very emotional time in my life, and I hope that it arrives just in time for one of you. If you can't find it in stores, then you can find it online for purchase, and when you do, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
" Her heart pumped in her throat as he reached for her, his mouth swinging open and closed like the loosely hinged gate to a dark deadly garden. She tried to scream when his cold hand encircled her wrist, but could only game helplessly back at him, the darkness spilling from his lips and flooding into her brain. 'Please go away,' she whispered." - Taken from the book.
This is a story that I hold dear to my heart, about grieving and loss, and that has helped me through one of the hardest moments in my life. Natale Ghent is a Canadian author, I'd like to say that I've read more of her books, but if I'm being completely honest, none of her other novels have caught my attention quite like this one has.
Actually, I only really came across this book by chance, my high school library was throwing away old or damaged books, and because I was close to my librarian she gave me free reign over them before they were sent off to wherever books go to die, and out of all of the books that were there, this one with a missing cover and cracked spine was the one that I decided to pick up and take home with me.
At first glance this is a story about a sad girls life, her mother is negligent and depressed, her best friend isn't always the best influence, she's losing weight- fast, and to make matters worse, she's being haunted by a ghost like no other. Yet, somehow, the further in that you get with this read, the more you realize that the story isn't as sad as you originally thought, but instead much more tragic.
Then again, what better way to appreciate life, then to submerge yourself into a world of loss and death? This book came to me during a very emotional time in my life, and I hope that it arrives just in time for one of you. If you can't find it in stores, then you can find it online for purchase, and when you do, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
The Raven Boys
-Maggie Stiefvater
" 'There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, Blue. Either you're his true love,' Neeve said, 'or you killed him.' " -Taken from the book.
There's a reason why so many are obsessed with The Raven Cycle, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't help to make up the many. However, with a protagonist like Blue Sargent who works so hard to stand out, and when you're granted the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a bunch of teenagers who refuse to back down, there's no wonder why this book sucks so many in.
Right off the bat, the reader is thrust into this world of mystic and wonder; a house full of female psychics, a young girl who has the uncanny ability to make things 'louder', and how easy it was to get sucked in and fall in love with even the most unlovable and unrelatable of characters (Richard Campbell Gansey III) and his band of rich (and not so rich) misfits searching for a sleeping king. As you get the answers to one question, you have to take a breath to ask a couple more.
So, yes, overall this was an enjoyable read that has something in it for everyone, however, I would like to warn you that if you were to currently pick up the book for the first time and have a place (may that be big or small) in the booklr community, you'll be hard-pressed not to come by a few crucial spoilers.
Personally, I tend to make an attempt to stay away from books that have been greatly raved about through the booklr community, simply because a lot of the more popular booklrs seem to like a lot of the same sort of books, that I have very little interest in or have attempted to read and have not enjoyed, (Eleanor and Park, The Captive Prince, Cinder, etc.). However, I took a chance on this series during the most stressful point of my exams, and my only regret is that I didn't have anyone close by who has read the books as well.
As with any post on this blog, this is simply my opinion, and if your opinion differs, let me know, until then, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
" 'There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, Blue. Either you're his true love,' Neeve said, 'or you killed him.' " -Taken from the book.
There's a reason why so many are obsessed with The Raven Cycle, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't help to make up the many. However, with a protagonist like Blue Sargent who works so hard to stand out, and when you're granted the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a bunch of teenagers who refuse to back down, there's no wonder why this book sucks so many in.
Right off the bat, the reader is thrust into this world of mystic and wonder; a house full of female psychics, a young girl who has the uncanny ability to make things 'louder', and how easy it was to get sucked in and fall in love with even the most unlovable and unrelatable of characters (Richard Campbell Gansey III) and his band of rich (and not so rich) misfits searching for a sleeping king. As you get the answers to one question, you have to take a breath to ask a couple more.
So, yes, overall this was an enjoyable read that has something in it for everyone, however, I would like to warn you that if you were to currently pick up the book for the first time and have a place (may that be big or small) in the booklr community, you'll be hard-pressed not to come by a few crucial spoilers.
Personally, I tend to make an attempt to stay away from books that have been greatly raved about through the booklr community, simply because a lot of the more popular booklrs seem to like a lot of the same sort of books, that I have very little interest in or have attempted to read and have not enjoyed, (Eleanor and Park, The Captive Prince, Cinder, etc.). However, I took a chance on this series during the most stressful point of my exams, and my only regret is that I didn't have anyone close by who has read the books as well.
As with any post on this blog, this is simply my opinion, and if your opinion differs, let me know, until then, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)