L V
A beautifully told story of a boy who faces so many challenges at school because of his appearance. He's really a cool kid but people keep him at arms length - that is until someone finally breaks from the pack and shows him some decency. Not all follow suit at once, but it goes to show that sometimes it only takes one small act of kindness to turn things around. Such a simple idea, yet such a complex concept for most.
A beautifully told story of a boy who faces so many challenges at school because of his appearance. He's really a cool kid but people keep him at arms length - that is until someone finally breaks from the pack and shows him some decency. Not all follow suit at once, but it goes to show that sometimes it only takes one small act of kindness to turn things around. Such a simple idea, yet such a complex concept for most.
Many years ago I came across the film of the same name, I almost changed the channel, but upon seeing Baby Jane played by Bette Davis, wearing insane makeup and laughing with that throaty smoker’s voice, I dropped the remote and watched the rest of the film. I thought it was the most insane thing I had ever seen, and loved every minute of it. I loved the film even more when I learned through older members of my family that it was rumored that Davis and Crawford couldn’t stand each other.
Mitch Douglas, Farrell’s literary agent, confirms the rumors in this book’s introduction: <i>Henry Farrell and the Story of Baby Jane</i>. Both actresses agreed to take the parts with the intention of mopping the floor with the other. On set, Davis “accidentally” kicks Crawford. Crawford retaliates by adding weights under her clothes, causing Davis’ back to give during a scene in which she has to carry and drag Crawford. Later, the actresses were to star in another film together. By this time, Crawford was married to the president of Pepsi. So what does Bette do? Before Crawford arrives, she gets the crew to replace all the Pepsi machines with Coca-Cola machines. She even takes pictures with some of the crew drinking Coke.
No matter to what extreme their animosity ran for each other, the final film product shows nothing but professionalism on both their parts. Knowing about their personal rivalries and reading the book cover to cover, I can’t imagine who else might play the roles of the Hudson sisters. For those of you who have only seen the film and are curious, the book is pretty much the same as the film, with very minor differences – such as Blanche is blonde and Baby Jane has dark hair. In the book, the neighbor watches the old Blanche Hudson movies with her neighbor, not her daughter.
Long story short: If you love the movie, you’ll love the book!
Many years ago I came across the film of the same name, I almost changed the channel, but upon seeing Baby Jane played by Bette Davis, wearing insane makeup and laughing with that throaty smoker’s voice, I dropped the remote and watched the rest of the film. I thought it was the most insane thing I had ever seen, and loved every minute of it. I loved the film even more when I learned through older members of my family that it was rumored that Davis and Crawford couldn’t stand each other.
Mitch Douglas, Farrell’s literary agent, confirms the rumors in this book’s introduction: <i>Henry Farrell and the Story of Baby Jane</i>. Both actresses agreed to take the parts with the intention of mopping the floor with the other. On set, Davis “accidentally” kicks Crawford. Crawford retaliates by adding weights under her clothes, causing Davis’ back to give during a scene in which she has to carry and drag Crawford. Later, the actresses were to star in another film together. By this time, Crawford was married to the president of Pepsi. So what does Bette do? Before Crawford arrives, she gets the crew to replace all the Pepsi machines with Coca-Cola machines. She even takes pictures with some of the crew drinking Coke.
No matter to what extreme their animosity ran for each other, the final film product shows nothing but professionalism on both their parts. Knowing about their personal rivalries and reading the book cover to cover, I can’t imagine who else might play the roles of the Hudson sisters. For those of you who have only seen the film and are curious, the book is pretty much the same as the film, with very minor differences – such as Blanche is blonde and Baby Jane has dark hair. In the book, the neighbor watches the old Blanche Hudson movies with her neighbor, not her daughter.
Long story short: If you love the movie, you’ll love the book!
The podcast is way better.
* I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
After a mundane and low-paying job as a typist, Vera , a nice Jewish girl from humble beginnings models jewelry on the side to make ends meet. They dress her up in the nicest clothes and most expensive jewelry and have her model in the swankiest hotels. Vera dreams of living the high life and longs for the glitz and glamour of it all. She gets more than she bargains for when she meets and falls in love with two rival Chicago gangsters.
The carefree days of the Jazz Age and sinister Prohibition crime wave come to life in this read. At first Vera seems like a one dimensional character, but when she is forced to do for herself, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. This one is more a 3 star read, but I'll give it a 4 for the realistic depiction of how Chicago used to be in the Roaring Twenties.
* I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
After a mundane and low-paying job as a typist, Vera , a nice Jewish girl from humble beginnings models jewelry on the side to make ends meet. They dress her up in the nicest clothes and most expensive jewelry and have her model in the swankiest hotels. Vera dreams of living the high life and longs for the glitz and glamour of it all. She gets more than she bargains for when she meets and falls in love with two rival Chicago gangsters.
The carefree days of the Jazz Age and sinister Prohibition crime wave come to life in this read. At first Vera seems like a one dimensional character, but when she is forced to do for herself, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. This one is more a 3 star read, but I'll give it a 4 for the realistic depiction of how Chicago used to be in the Roaring Twenties.
“Everything changes into something else, turns into some version of what it was before.”
“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”
I think I’ve found a new favorite writer. Keegan has such talent for drawing you into a story, as though you’re actually in it - viewing and experiencing everything that’s going on first-hand.
In Small Things Like These the ending leaves the reader thinking about what happens to the characters beyond the chapter’s end. This story’s little twist will have you doing the same. This is my second read from this author. I will definitely read more of her work.
“Everything changes into something else, turns into some version of what it was before.”
“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”
I think I’ve found a new favorite writer. Keegan has such talent for drawing you into a story, as though you’re actually in it - viewing and experiencing everything that’s going on first-hand.
In Small Things Like These the ending leaves the reader thinking about what happens to the characters beyond the chapter’s end. This story’s little twist will have you doing the same. This is my second read from this author. I will definitely read more of her work.
Jeeves and the Hard-Boiled Egg
Not going to review PG’s works anymore. I’ve come to realize how much I love his short witty stories and already know they’re all going to be 4 to 5 stars across the board. I will say one thing about this particular story, had it taken place in current times, Chiswick would definitely have given old Bicky the money to corner the egg market!
Not going to review PG’s works anymore. I’ve come to realize how much I love his short witty stories and already know they’re all going to be 4 to 5 stars across the board. I will say one thing about this particular story, had it taken place in current times, Chiswick would definitely have given old Bicky the money to corner the egg market!
Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest
Wooster has a bit of a problem that only Jeeves can help him resolve. Jeeves, however, is a bit ticked off with Wooster for not taking his advice in another matter, and this leaves Wooster pretty much hanging by a rope. Not until the very end does Jeeves come through and help save the day. The story is funny, the plot is creative and engaging, and the characters are all so lovable. Wodehouse’s way of writing is just so witty and delightful.
Wooster has a bit of a problem that only Jeeves can help him resolve. Jeeves, however, is a bit ticked off with Wooster for not taking his advice in another matter, and this leaves Wooster pretty much hanging by a rope. Not until the very end does Jeeves come through and help save the day. The story is funny, the plot is creative and engaging, and the characters are all so lovable. Wodehouse’s way of writing is just so witty and delightful.
This was a fast and fun read. It wasn’t hilarious, but the non-work related chats workers engaged in were amusing in that they are pretty realistic and true to office culture. Aside from their personal chats and inside jokes, is the PR firm’s biggest and most pressing project: putting out fires for Bjärk, their dog food client. Those of you who have the misfortune of talking up a shitty client, stretching report data (or making it up) to their favor, or exaggerating and manipulating interviews, quotes, social media posts, etc. to keep the client happy and paying up, will nod in agreement and understanding with a lot of the back and forth chat going on in the Slack channel.
The story does get weird (in a good way). Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that the twist is creative and fresh, yet I would have liked a bit more action and detail to the ending’s resolution. Just like in the the beginning of the story, the wrap-up could’ve seemed a bit more exciting had it stayed true to office culture by having the characters gossip and dissect the crap out of the ending (have an office meeting, one-on-one meetings, and after work gossip sessions about what just happened!). Each character could have provided a piece to the puzzle as to how and why things took a turn. Overall, makes for a very fast and enjoyable read when you’re in between books or want to get out of a reading slump. Lydia??
This was a fast and fun read. It wasn’t hilarious, but the non-work related chats workers engaged in were amusing in that they are pretty realistic and true to office culture. Aside from their personal chats and inside jokes, is the PR firm’s biggest and most pressing project: putting out fires for Bjärk, their dog food client. Those of you who have the misfortune of talking up a shitty client, stretching report data (or making it up) to their favor, or exaggerating and manipulating interviews, quotes, social media posts, etc. to keep the client happy and paying up, will nod in agreement and understanding with a lot of the back and forth chat going on in the Slack channel.
The story does get weird (in a good way). Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that the twist is creative and fresh, yet I would have liked a bit more action and detail to the ending’s resolution. Just like in the the beginning of the story, the wrap-up could’ve seemed a bit more exciting had it stayed true to office culture by having the characters gossip and dissect the crap out of the ending (have an office meeting, one-on-one meetings, and after work gossip sessions about what just happened!). Each character could have provided a piece to the puzzle as to how and why things took a turn. Overall, makes for a very fast and enjoyable read when you’re in between books or want to get out of a reading slump. Lydia??
Leave it to Jeeves
I needed a palette cleanser after reading a pretty heavy book about death and dying. This short comedy fit the bill.
Wooster knows that listening to Jeeves will always pay off in the end, so when his friend, Corky, finds himself in a bit of a bind and seeks Wooster’s help, Wooster doesn’t hesitate to bring Jeeves into the conversation.
Jeeves’s plan to help Corky is played out, but it backfires on old Corky. Not to worry. Jeeve finds a better way out, and it leaves Corky in much better shape than if Plan A had panned out. Wooster knows how lucky he is to have Jeeves by his side and knows that things will always be okay with Jeeves there:
“I agree with Shakespeare and the poet Johnnies about it always being darkest before the dawn and there’s a silver lining and what you lose in the swings you make up on the roundabouts.”
I haven’t read Wodehouse’s work in a long while, but I’ll definitely be seeking out his work whenever I need a bit of a mood booster or quick read.
I needed a palette cleanser after reading a pretty heavy book about death and dying. This short comedy fit the bill.
Wooster knows that listening to Jeeves will always pay off in the end, so when his friend, Corky, finds himself in a bit of a bind and seeks Wooster’s help, Wooster doesn’t hesitate to bring Jeeves into the conversation.
Jeeves’s plan to help Corky is played out, but it backfires on old Corky. Not to worry. Jeeve finds a better way out, and it leaves Corky in much better shape than if Plan A had panned out. Wooster knows how lucky he is to have Jeeves by his side and knows that things will always be okay with Jeeves there:
“I agree with Shakespeare and the poet Johnnies about it always being darkest before the dawn and there’s a silver lining and what you lose in the swings you make up on the roundabouts.”
I haven’t read Wodehouse’s work in a long while, but I’ll definitely be seeking out his work whenever I need a bit of a mood booster or quick read.
A friend told me to read this, so I did. I went in not knowing anything about it at all. And, holy smokes, this read crushed me.
This book tackles the stages of grief. Life experiences shared throughout serve as a lesson that some stories don’t have happy endings, but if we can confront our fears, we can begin to heal and move on and not allow the grief to make us feel isolated and unseen. It also allows the reader to forgive themselves for wanting to ease their own pain by secretly wanting to let go.
“You were merely wishing for the end of pain, the monster said. Your own pain. An end to how it isolated you. It is the most human wish of all.”
It’s beautifully told, but as it tackles some rough subject matter, I’d never recommend this as a blind read (just a heads up). The last two pages will get you. Be ready to be sad and perhaps quiet-cry. Have a fun, light-hearted read as a chaser waiting for you.
A friend told me to read this, so I did. I went in not knowing anything about it at all. And, holy smokes, this read crushed me.
This book tackles the stages of grief. Life experiences shared throughout serve as a lesson that some stories don’t have happy endings, but if we can confront our fears, we can begin to heal and move on and not allow the grief to make us feel isolated and unseen. It also allows the reader to forgive themselves for wanting to ease their own pain by secretly wanting to let go.
“You were merely wishing for the end of pain, the monster said. Your own pain. An end to how it isolated you. It is the most human wish of all.”
It’s beautifully told, but as it tackles some rough subject matter, I’d never recommend this as a blind read (just a heads up). The last two pages will get you. Be ready to be sad and perhaps quiet-cry. Have a fun, light-hearted read as a chaser waiting for you.
A friend told me to read this, so I did. I went in not knowing anything about it at all. And, holy smokes, this read crushed me.
This book tackles the stages of grief. Life experiences shared throughout serve as a lesson that some stories don’t have happy endings, but if we can confront our fears, we can begin to heal and move on and not allow the grief to make us feel isolated and unseen. It also allows the reader to forgive themselves for wanting to ease their own pain by secretly wanting to let go.
“You were merely wishing for the end of pain, the monster said. Your own pain. An end to how it isolated you. It is the most human wish of all.”
It’s beautifully told, but as it tackles some rough subject matter, I’d never recommend this as a blind read (just a heads up). The last two pages will get you. Be ready to be sad and perhaps quiet-cry. Have a fun, light-hearted read as a chaser waiting for you.
A friend told me to read this, so I did. I went in not knowing anything about it at all. And, holy smokes, this read crushed me.
This book tackles the stages of grief. Life experiences shared throughout serve as a lesson that some stories don’t have happy endings, but if we can confront our fears, we can begin to heal and move on and not allow the grief to make us feel isolated and unseen. It also allows the reader to forgive themselves for wanting to ease their own pain by secretly wanting to let go.
“You were merely wishing for the end of pain, the monster said. Your own pain. An end to how it isolated you. It is the most human wish of all.”
It’s beautifully told, but as it tackles some rough subject matter, I’d never recommend this as a blind read (just a heads up). The last two pages will get you. Be ready to be sad and perhaps quiet-cry. Have a fun, light-hearted read as a chaser waiting for you.
This was our very first pick for book club and I might have made my reading partner a little nuts flip-flopping from liking a character to disliking him/her and then liking them again. An unreliable narrator and events that keep building up and leaving you with questions you need answered, like right now, make for a good read because it keeps you reading until you get to the answers. I tacked on an extra star because having someone to share my thoughts about this read provided me with some insight and different perspectives on the characters that I would not have come to had I read on my own.
This was our very first pick for book club and I might have made my reading partner a little nuts flip-flopping from liking a character to disliking him/her and then liking them again. An unreliable narrator and events that keep building up and leaving you with questions you need answered, like right now, make for a good read because it keeps you reading until you get to the answers. I tacked on an extra star because having someone to share my thoughts about this read provided me with some insight and different perspectives on the characters that I would not have come to had I read on my own.
This was our very first pick for book club and I may have made my reading partner a little nuts flip-flopping from liking a character to disliking him/her and then liking them again. An unreliable narrator and events that keep building up and leaving you with questions you need answered, like right now, make for a good read because it keeps you reading until you get to the answers.
This was our very first pick for book club and I may have made my reading partner a little nuts flip-flopping from liking a character to disliking him/her and then liking them again. An unreliable narrator and events that keep building up and leaving you with questions you need answered, like right now, make for a good read because it keeps you reading until you get to the answers.
“Everything changes into something else, turns into some version of what it was before.”
“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”
I think I’ve found a new favorite writer. Keegan has such talent for drawing you into a story, as though you’re actually in it - viewing and experiencing everything that’s going on first-hand.
In Small Things Like These the ending leaves the reader thinking about what happens to the characters beyond the chapter’s end. This story’s little twist will have you doing the same. This is my second read from this author. I will definitely read more of her work.
“Everything changes into something else, turns into some version of what it was before.”
“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”
I think I’ve found a new favorite writer. Keegan has such talent for drawing you into a story, as though you’re actually in it - viewing and experiencing everything that’s going on first-hand.
In Small Things Like These the ending leaves the reader thinking about what happens to the characters beyond the chapter’s end. This story’s little twist will have you doing the same. This is my second read from this author. I will definitely read more of her work.
How, after all these years, King continues to churn fresh and engaging page-turners is beyond me. I can only suspect that the tale of the Two Talented Bastids is based on his life story, and that the character of Laird Carmody is based on none other than the distinguished master himself.
I read this book on my e-reader and listened to the audiobook at the same time (I highly recommend for the best reading experience). The audiobook’s narrator is outstanding, and the timbre of his voice will pull you in. In one of the stories, a character uses a voice-altering device when making a phone call, and one is used in the audiobook version; it made for a nice touch.
How, after all these years, King continues to churn fresh and engaging page-turners is beyond me. I can only suspect that the tale of the Two Talented Bastids is based on his life story, and that the character of Laird Carmody is based on none other than the distinguished master himself.
I read this book on my e-reader and listened to the audiobook at the same time (I highly recommend for the best reading experience). The audiobook’s narrator is outstanding, and the timbre of his voice will pull you in. In one of the stories, a character uses a voice-altering device when making a phone call, and one is used in the audiobook version; it made for a nice touch.