L V
I‘m not really into post-apocalyptic novels, but this one had everything to keep my interest going: a vivid setting, realistic characters, and a plot finely woven between pre- and post-pandemic times. I often imagine if I were in a show like Survivor, or a character in [b:The Hunger Games 2767052 The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) Suzanne Collins https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437799453s/2767052.jpg 2792775], if I would have what it takes to survive. I think I'd stand a good chance, but how would the experiences change me? Would I have a more cynical outlook in life? Would I be an all-or-nothing cut throat? The arrogant narcissist? The one, who despite all the hardships, remains unchanged? This book really made me stop and think about the type of person I would become if I were to survive a world sans technology, loved ones, media or social order of any kind. The underlying message here is that we are more resilient than we think because “survival is insufficient.” But how we choose (or are forced) to survive and live our lives anew is a horse of a different color.
A beautifully detailed story set in occupied France and mostly told through the eyes of a blind girl and a boy with big hopes and dreams (and the brain and skills to achieve them) who is forced to become a Hitler youth. The plot was extremely original for the subject matter, and the characters jumped out of the pages.
I read this book back in January - what a great way to kick off this year's reads. The storyline of necromancer Cabal trying to get what he wants by duping the devil is genius and hysterical. A bit like The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, Cabal is a socially inept scientist. This doesn't necessarily make him a bad person...just a sort of misunderstood one.
Lily Casey is definitely someone I'd love to have a friend. Full of grit, she would've been a blast going cross country with. And I loved the dynamic between her and her second husband. They did everything they could to support each other and make each other and their children happy. I wish Jeanette's parent's had been a little more thoughtful about the legacy they'd be leaving behind for their kids. Good thing she had Lily's blood coursing through her veins. Strong gals those two.
One of the most disturbing coming of age stories I've read in a while - loved the minor reference to [b:Joyland 13596166 Joyland Stephen King https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348154483s/13596166.jpg 19185026]. I had to take away a star because a few parts were a bit too long winded for my taste. Overall, a very solid and enjoyable read.
I was excited to sit down and read my first Tanizaki book. Boy, did I choose the wrong one! The love triangle plot was just ridiculous. The characters seemed like overgrown adolescents on a hormonal rampage. Halfway through the book I began wishing that they'd all have mercy on me by killing themselves.
I just finished reading some Goodreads members' reviews, and many have confirmed that Tanizaki's other works are much more dynamic and pleasant to read, so I will give his work another shot - just not anytime soon. I need to heal from this traumatic episode first.
Daphne du Maurier draws up a suspense infused with a million details (that doesn't read like a long, drawn out body of work) which still only manages to weave an ambiguous understanding of whether one had ill intentions over another from the start. It's open to interpretation which will make for great discussion, and it makes for a cozy read on a chilly and rainy afternoon!
A tale of unexpected gifts told through beautiful visuals of NYC. Paul Auster has committed to writing a Christmas story for his paper but has no idea what to write about. He doesn't want to write about cliché overly sentimental holiday sap. He wants something original and true to his style of writing - true to his voice. Enter Auggie who shares with Paul a story that may just save Paul's hide.
When I opened the book I was surprised to see
That it was written in verse, yet the mystery
Of little Margaret and her flaming red hair,
Ended abruptly, with piqued interest - already drawn to the lair,
I kept reading on, I was a bit saddened to find
‘twasn't a novel I'd read, but short stories whose characters' lives intertwined.
That aside, I enjoyed it a lot.
Some of the characters will not soon be forgot.
Margaret's mom, in denial, comes to my mind.
She made me so mad, she made my teeth grind.
Clifford's dreams and aspirations I wish had been realized.
Lest we forget his father: eyes full of life, body paralyzed.
But when I think back to my favorite of all,
It is young man Nathan who answers the call.
Duped to make a speech at his ex-girlfriend's wedding,
The ex thought she'd have a laugh hearing him stutter and watching his face reddening.
But he had the last laugh. He was a pip.
He exposed her for who she was – man, he let it rip!
Moral of the story: karma's a bitch, you cheating cow!
Nathan, good job! G'head, take a bow.
Rebecca: a classic which calls to me and demands to be read time and again. After suffering a series of painful headaches preventing me from reading, my friend surprised me with the audio version – I was a little hesitant listening to it, but am so glad I did. Anna Massey does an outstanding job narrating this classic – Her soft, clear voice makes for the perfect Mrs. de Winter, and she does a beautiful job of changing her voice's tone and accent to fit the other characters as well. I highly recommend to Rebecca lovers.
I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway
A beautiful account about a couple whose days are kept plenty busy maintaining a household full of children (on a very slim budget) and moving from land to land maintaining the crops for various landowners. The couple strives to work hard and own land of their own and after many years of hard honest work, they realize their dreams. However, a cruel turn of events takes their home away from them and they are back to working for landowners. But it is their love for one another and their family that enriches their lives in a way that no material possession can. The characters were so well developed that I felt I knew them – I love when a book makes me feel that way. As a child, I often heard bits of conversation from the past and how my parents helped their folks tend the farm; I could almost imagine my grandparents befriending and working alongside Jake and Marina. A beautiful story that made me reflect on my life and most definitely helped me open my eyes to the hard those who came before me worked to provide me with an easier life.
I have never read the story or seen any of the film adaptations. I thought it fitting, however, to finally read before heading to Sleepy Hollow to see a live production of the short story. Irving's description of the place is spot on – Sleepy Hollow certainly hasn't lost its beauty and charm since the story was published almost 200 years ago. The ending made me chuckle.
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Although it is the fictitious An Imperial Affliction that brings Hazel Grace and Augustus together, this could have easily been a love story based on the poem In Memoriam by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
...I hold it true, whate'er befall;I feel it, when I sorrow most;‘Tis better to have loved and lostThan never to have loved at all...
A group of boys set out to make the most out of their favorite holiday are in for a real treat when they travel back in time to when Halloween all started. The story is fast-paced and spans hundreds of years across multiple countries to show how it's been celebrated and how it has evolved through time. Read it with the kids – they'll ask a lot of questions that will surely have you researching deeper into the making of this deliciously spooky holiday.
If you need a good laugh, read this book! The insane descriptions of her dogs were enough to get me going, but her childhood recollection of the walk in the woods with her mom and sister did me in. What I like most about this author is that she knows her limits. She knows where her stumbling blocks are, looks at them, and then just kind of shuffles around them. One of my favorite quotes: “I am incensed that reality has the audacity to do some of the things it does when I clearly don't want those things to happen...” It's like you read my mind, Allie. Like you read my mind!
Not David Sedaris funny, but funny all the same. Burroughs is able to blend humor into his most gut wrenching memories. I give him props – had I lived most of the things he talks about, I would've done everything in my power not to ever let anyone know they ever happened. But God bless him, Burroughs writes them down for all the world to read. I especially loved reading about how he and George met – absolutely beautiful.
“No one is born to failure; and no one is poor who has friends.”
I never knew that one of my favorite Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life, was based on this short story. So glad I stumbled across this nugget of info. Although the illustrations are worth a good look, I couldn't help wanting to see Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey.