Wulf C. Krueger

In 2014, I came across Allie Brosh's first book “[b:Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened 17571564 Hyperbole and a Half Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened Allie Brosh https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1409522492l/17571564.SY75.jpg 24510592]”. Apart from funny stories from Allie's life, it contained the story of her experiences with depression.Reading about that in what amounts to a crude comic was a singular experience for me - despite suffering from depressions myself at the time. Soon after I had read “Hyperbole”, Allie disappeared from the net. We, her fans, hoped she was well but we rarely got any (reliable) information.Six years later, in September 2020, Allie “resurfaced” and announced her new book “Solutions and Other Problems”. Needless to say, I immediately read it - and initially, I was very slightly disappointed.Allie still did her quirky, charming, weird comic - about a balloon, her stalking her neighbour as a kid and other issues. These panels in the first few chapters feel like Allie had to find her way back to her style. Like regaining her voice after a long spell of silence.She's “warming up” and, obvious in hindsight only, paints and writes up her courage to tackle what Allie calls “the serious part” and this is the part that just plain floored me.I won't go into any kind of detail but what Allie went through is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (the number of which is zero, though).What follows is both a great feat of celebrating life and at the same time the panels in the “serious part” are basically oozing existential pain and hardly endurable loss. Many pages just consist of comic panels without any text. It's as if Allie temporarily lost her voice again and this makes it all the more intense. Especially since she is unrelentingly honest and authentic. Allie depicts her losses, her regrets just as believably as in showing us how she overcame them.It was the first time I ever cried over a comic.Allie Brosh wouldn't be Allie Brosh, though, if she didn't pick herself up, “reassembling” herself and moving on with life. For me, that is the most important lesson of both “Hyperbole and a Half” and “Solutions”: In spite of seemingly insurmountable, almost unsurvivable issues, life goes on.From laugh-out-loud funny (“pile dog”) to stirringly human (befriending herself), Allie Brosh is an icon of hope. I wish her all the best and hope to get to read more of her brilliant comics. Even if not, though, she's hereby inducted into my personal hall of fame and unlikely heroes! Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

“I don't think I actually felt any of those ways, but it seemed on-brand.” This book actually is a remarkable thing. Remarkably horrible, in fact. Or maybe it's the generation gap – at least if we're not talking about biological age because Green is just about four years younger than me. This “Thing” deals with the appearance of aliens in every major city on earth and a young adult woman, April May (seriously?), who becomes an Internet celebrity for dealing with the implications of this “visit”. I chose the initial quote because everything in this book is pretty much superficial and only deals very shallowly with all the possible implications of physical confirmation of the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. (Well, intelligence is relative – as anyone reading to the end will find out when “Carl” utters a single simple word as “judgement” on mankind.) The entire book is basically Hank Green trying to build upon his clout as an Internet celebrity (at least I guess he is; I've never heard of him) and tries to stay “on-brand” just like his not-very-likeable heroine. Oh, and April May is, of course, bisexual. Now, don't get me wrong: That's perfectly fine with me (hey, I am, too!) but the way Green writes her makes it very obvious that April is just bisexual because Hank thinks it's “trendy” and “modern”. She's a tool on many levels... April is terrified of intimacy, nevertheless often lonely, insecure, neurotic and egotistical (traits many of which she most likely shares with the majority of the nerd-ish target audience). In short, she's a mess. A mess with Thoughts, though: “We're going to skip around the timeline of the story a bit here, but I have now been on the news a lot, and I have Thoughts.” Yes, brilliant, the audience is oftentimes directly addressed which I find almost as HIGHLY ANNOYING AS THE SHOUTING (in net-speak) which occurs often. I actually hate it when literary figures address me as the reader. Do not break the fourth wall unless you have a really good reason for that or the writing talent that Green very obviously lacks. What he lacks in talent, he tries to make up for in preaching liberal ideas: “But in those manic moments when I thought I could be some kind of vessel for truth, I'd thought about what I'd say if I someday got a soapbox. That income inequality is out of hand. That all people are pretty damn similar so it would be great if we stopped hating each other. That prison sentences for nonviolent crimes are dumb and that drug addiction is a health problem, not a crime problem.” Yes, Hank, I agree with all your points and so probably does about 95% of intelligent mankind with me. Even for an Internet celebrity “stop hating each other” is a bit on the intellectually “thin” side, though, eh? The entire book seems solely written to build upon Green's status and to appeal to his “Nerdfighteria” (read: fanboys and –girls) from the “millennials” generation. Parts of the book are probably meant as (self-)criticism or reflection on this Pavlovian reflex to jump on pretty much any bandwagon that (seems to) remotely make sense, no matter what the consequences: “Of course, I was pulling this all straight out of my ass. I didn't know if the Carls were dangerous or if my mind was being controlled. Who cared as long as my made-up shit wasn't as poisonous as Peter Petrawicki's made-up shit. In the end, my brand was me, so whatever I said became something I believed.” Ultimately, though, this will more likely work self-affirmatively – after all, the “Nerdfighteria” are just sitting behind their keyboards and surfing the net; it's not like they'd ever act like that “IRL” (in real life). Even when Green tries to do more than scratch on the surface of things, he doesn't get beyond a single sentence at best before falling back into his comfort zone of writing with the philosophical depth of fortune cookies: “I'm honestly worried, because I think we're just starting to get used to the impact that the social internet is having on us culturally and emotionally and socially.” Green caters to his audience so much that he even includes verbatim tweets of dubious value to the story, transcripts of interviews and, most annoying, lists, e. g. “Here are a list of thoughts I had in the space of five seconds”. I could forgive all that stuff if only Green had some talent for writing and something resembling style in between lists and tweets but it only gets to this level: “I reached under my shirt to feel my own skin, warm and soft and as fragile as air.” “Fragile as air”? Her skin? What kind of comparison is that? Have you ever managed to break air? Let's see how a competent author handles a very similar feeling her heroine experiences: “I felt like a newly laid egg, all swishy and gloopy inside, and so fragile that the slightest pressure could break me.” (From: “[b:Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine 31434883 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493724347s/31434883.jpg 47327681]”, by [a:Gail Honeyman 14558709 Gail Honeyman https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1475252960p2/14558709.jpg]) That makes much more sense. All that mess basically boils down to one simple truth that seems to apply to both creation and creator: “I was really, deeply, honestly, and truly infatuated with having people pay attention to me.” Don't get me started on the ending, by the way; it's the coup de grâce for the entire book. So, if you're a teenager up to a twenty-something (and daft to boot), you might enjoy this thing. If you're above the age of 40, find a real book. Anyone in between should proceed with caution.P.S.: If you intend to include senseless, meaningless gore in your book for no reason but to cater to violence freaks, at least have the decency to just write it. Or, better even, just leave it out because, honestly, if you're aware you should warn your readers, it's a pretty good indicator you're doing it wrongly: “This chapter is going to contain some graphic violence. I will tell you when it's coming. I will not be offended if you skip it.”

This is a nice and typical Bruno short story. It's a good sample for the early Bruno novels since it represents everything that's good about the series:Bruno is so wonderfully likeable, friendly and empathic.The market obviously plays as an important role as in many of the novels.There's a small conflict but Bruno congenially solves it.I felt right at home with this short story. Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

“The stories I write might be fantasy, but the depiction of the feelings people share for each other is real.”I'm cheating. The above quote is not from the actual content but from Michael's afterword. I chose it for the simple fact that, to me at least, this is what makes Michael's books “work” for me. But we'll come to that yet...First, I have to admit that I was actually afraid of reading this book. “[b:Age of Death 30613608 Age of Death (The Legends of the First Empire, #5) Michael J. Sullivan https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576702783l/30613608.SY75.jpg 51146016]”, this book's predecessor, was not exactly my favourite. It felt long, uninspired, weighed down by metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. The creative playfulness, the lightness, was mostly missing and those were important reasons I really liked the books before it. Would “Age of Empyre” “fix” this and as easily achieve what the first four books did?Not quite...“Brin felt altogether miserable. The written language was her one thing, her life's achievement. She'd spent years creating, refining, and polishing the system. It was the accomplishment she was proudest of, at least until a moment ago.”... where early on the wheel was invented and Michael actually managed to make me believe it could have happened the way he envisioned it, this feels a bit more heavy-handed as you can see.And, yet, we do get a glimpse of the wonders that made the earlier books so good here as well.Metaphysics are back as well but they feel less forced and actually intrinsically make sense - especially the idea of both literally and metaphorically becoming “light”(er) by freeing oneself from whatever bogs us down appeals to me.Once more, Michael gets almost everything right - every loose end is wrapped up and seemingly disconnected events unavoidably lead to the brilliant conclusion not only of this book but the entire series.Overall, all the choices Michael makes for his characters (and there are some I didn't entirely like) are great. His way of telling his story is above reproach and I stick to what I wrote early about the series being his magnum opus.Why is that? Because Michael. The feelings he tells us are real, feel real. I don't know Michael personally but after having read thousands of pages he wrote, I've come to see him as a bright beacon of hope, empathy and love.In his protagonists' darkest hours, there's hope...“That's what stories are for, Brin realized. They are magic that aid people in times like this. They provide hope, a light to see by when all others are snuffed out.”... and love of all kinds...“A mouse trapped in a corner by a bear will still fight for survival. Love, he came to realize, was like that. No matter the odds, love refused to give up.”... as well as empathy and forgiveness. That, basically, is what the tremendous and epic story Michael has told us is about.The human warmth Michael's books practically exude (combined with his good-natured humour) shine through in many places (major spoiler ahead so think hard before you reveal it!):““Minna?” Suri said, and the wolf stopped to look back. “Would you like it better if I called you Gilarabrywn?” The wolf whimpered. “You like Minna better?” Yip. The wolf's head jerked up with enough force that her front paws came off the ground. Suri shrugged and smiled. “Minna it is.””The afterwords of both Michael and his wife Robin shed light on some decisions and opinions and greatly helped to get “the big picture”.Michael, Robin, should you read this: Thank you for doing this and allowing me to help via Kickstarter. It was a wonderful, amazing, brilliant ride and please, please, please keep on writing - whatever it is, I'm going to read it. You two are the real Legends - and you didn't even have to die! ;-)Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

I've recently reread Neil Gaiman's “Neverwhere” and it exceeded my expectations from when I read it years ago. It took me on a thrilling and rather surreal journey through the fictitious underworld of London.From the very beginning, Gaiman drew me in with his vivid descriptions of the bustling city and the mundane world of Richard Mayhew, the protagonist. The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Richard helps an injured young woman and becomes immersed in a dangerous and supernatural world. The plot is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.The world-building in “Neverwhere” is nothing short of remarkable. Gaiman's imagination brings to life the vivid and fantastical setting of “London Below”, a parallel universe that exists beneath the streets of London. He creates a fascinating and complex society of outcasts who are living in the shadows and forgotten corners of the city. The individual characters are just as captivating, each one with their unique backstory and quirks that make them feel like real people.Gaiman's writing style is eloquent, descriptive, and immersive. He has a way of painting a vivid picture with his words that makes the story come to life in my mind. I found myself completely lost in the story at times.In conclusion, “Neverwhere” is a fantastic novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy or just a good adventure story. Four out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

Vor vielleicht einem Jahr kam meine Tochter auf mich zu und fragte, ob wir eine Ausgabe von Schlinks “[b:Der Vorleser 233858 Der Vorleser Bernhard Schlink https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483809171l/233858.SY75.jpg 23684]” besäßen. Sie brauche es für den Deutsch-Leistungskurs in der Schule.Ein Vierteljahrhundert vorher war Schlinks Roman gerade erschienen und machte Furore. Meine damalige Freundin schenkte es mir 1995 zum 20. Geburtstag und ich habe es verschlungen und geliebt.Mir war ein wenig bange, als ich das Buch zurückerhielt und durchaus nicht zu Unrecht, denn für meine Tochter überwog die Kritik. (Und außerdem: Ein Buch, das heute in den Lehrplänen steht? Das ich als junger Mann geliebt hatte? Konnte das heute noch etwas sein?)Ich hingegen hatte einen großartigen Roman über Schuld, Pflicht und Verbundenheit im Hinterkopf. So pirschte ich mich kürzlich mit etwas flauem Gefühl in der Magengegend an eines meiner Lieblingsbücher nach so langer Zeit erneut heran. In Wahrheit allerdings hat die Geschichte mir aufgelauert, mich harmlos-scheinend geködert und dann wie einst überfallen, mitgerissen und völlig eingenommen...Michael Berg, beim ersten Zusammentreffen gerade einmal 15, begegnet zufällig Hanna Schmitz und wird fortan nie mehr wirklich frei von ihr sein.Schnell entwickelt sich zwischen beiden eine eigenartige Routine: Vor allem anderen liest Michael Hanna vor.»Vorlesen, duschen, lieben und noch ein bißchen beieinanderliegen – das wurde das Ritual unserer Treffen.«Doch diese Treffen nehmen ein jähes Ende als Hanna ohne ein Wort verschwindet. Für lange Jahre verschwindet sie aus Michaels Umfeld, aber nicht aus seinem Kopf. Er legt sich einen Panzer aus Arroganz zu, um nur nicht wieder derart verletzt zu werden, denn er hat »die Erinnerung an Hanna zwar verabschiedet, aber nicht bewältigt«. Ausgerechnet im Gerichtssaal eines Prozesses gegen Wärterinnen des Konzentrationslagers Auschwitz trifft Michael als Jura-Student erneut auf Hanna, die dort angeklagt ist. Schnell wird klar: Hanna ist schuldig.Für Michael wird aber auch klar, daß Hanna Analphabetin ist. Im Laufe des Verfahrens versteht er: Hanna wird jede Strafe auf sich nehmen, will aber um keinen Preis ihren Analphabetismus bloßgestellt wissen.Michael kann die Bilder, die er von “seiner” Hanna mitnahm nicht mit denjenigen der KZ-Wärterin in Einklang bringen. Zeitweise verschwimmen beide gar miteinander.Hanna wiederum weiß um ihre Schuld, sie bestreitet nicht die Fakten, aber während des Prozesses versteht sie dennoch nicht, wie es dazu kommen konnte.Letztlich wird Hanna zu lebenslangem Gefängnis verurteilt und verschwindet somit wieder für Jahre aus Michael Bergs Leben - bis dieser beginnt, laut zu lesen und dies aufzunehmen. Die so entstehenden Kassetten-Aufnahmen schickt er Hanna ins Gefängnis - über einen Zeitraum von zehn Jahren. Noch immer ist Berg gewissermaßen gefangen in ihrem Bann und ist einerseits stolz auf sie, weil sie Lesen und Schreiben gelernt hat, gleichzeitig aber »traurig über sie, traurig über ihr verspätetes und verfehltes Leben«.Als Hanna nach 18 Jahren im Gefängnis begnadigt wird, bereitet Berg “draußen” alles für sie vor und besucht sie im Gefängnis. Doch wiederum bekommt sein Bild von Hanna Risse; er hat sie als “immer frisch” riechend in Erinnerung und trifft auf eine Hanna, die, neben ihm sitzend, wie eine alte Frau riecht.Hanna, die spätestens nach diesem Besuch weiß, daß das Vorlesen nunmehr wirklich zu Ende ist und sie sich letztlich auch von Berg nichts versprechen kann und darf, nimmt sich daraufhin das Leben. Ihre Beschäftigung mit dem KZ-System, dessen Bestandteil sie war, kann sie nicht rehabilitieren. Auschwitz kann man nicht vergeben und darf es nicht vergessen.Auch Michael Berg wird nie wirklich von der gemeinsamen Geschichte frei sein. Er ist und bleibt gefangen in der Ambivalenz seiner subjektiven Geschichte mit Hanna.Ich wiederum kann diesem Buch nicht gerecht werden. Was auch immer ich schreibe, bleibt hinter meinen eigenen Erwartungen zurück. Auch 26 Jahre nachdem ich es zum ersten Mal las, bleibt es mir ein unvergeßliches Meisterwerk.Fünf von fünf Sternen und eine unbedingte Lese-Empfehlung.»Die Schichten unseres Lebens ruhen so dicht aufeinander auf, daß uns im Späteren immer Früheres begegnet, nicht als Abgetanes und Erledigtes, sondern gegenwärtig und lebendig. Ich verstehe das. Trotzdem finde ich es manchmal schwer erträglich.« Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

Wow, this was a huge let-down for me. I've never been the greatest Dresden fan but with Harry being a character one can relate to, I always found something to actually really like. Not so in this book.Basically, we're reading about a huge battle during which everyone and (sometimes literally) their dog makes an appearance - oftentimes just for the sake of appearing and showing that, yes, they still exist and Butcher hasn't forgotten about them.Unfortunately, as pitched as the battle must be, I never really “connected” with the story. Yes, all of Chicago and its inhabitants are at risk but I was rather indifferent about that.I was even repelled by some aspects of the way the story is told, e. g. There are many places during which it gets overly gory for no reason at all. I actually tried to find a somewhat moderate part to quote here as an example but, alas, I failed. There is no example I could quote here with a clean conscience towards younger readers.Fortunately, though, the good-natured trademark humour is still around, though:»“Guys!” I said. “The pizza—all the pizza—is in danger!” That got their attention.«So, yes, the small folks are around as well but even they - who sometimes played rather prominent roles in earlier books - feel like they only get a few “honourable mentions”. They're not really in any way integrated into the story albeit the potential for that existed.Yes, it's still the Dresden Files but it feels like Butcher wrote himself into a corner from which he couldn't really escape. The path he chose feels like that of a pubescent boy in a frenzy - because Butcher can rest assured I don't care about Harry's scrotum or the gore I mentioned before.Over-the-top battles, feverishly written about and bringing in everyone doesn't really endear the book to me either.Nevertheless, Dresden Files - if you liked them so far, you might grind your teeth a bit while reading this book but you'll probably still like it to some extent, like I do.If you didn't like Harry Dresden by now, after 16 books (“Battle Ground” being no. 17), this instalment won't change your mind and you should probably abstain.Let's just hope that Jim Butcher will find his way back from epic megapolis-scale wars to what he did early on: Portraying the foremost wizard of Chicago, a deeply mixed character who tries to do “the right thing” to the best of his abilities. That's what makes Harry relatable (despite the urban fantasy setting); that's what makes Harry Harry.»The real battle for your own soul isn't about falling from a great height; it's about descending, or not, one choice at a time.«This holds true not “just” for souls but books as well...Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

Sodium azide? Just take it and be done with it, George.

This book was so extraordinarily bad, I don't even know where to start criticizing it.

I've read all the Lynley novels and enjoyed them greatly until one of the protagonists was killed off. From then on, not only a life derailed but the entire series and its author.

It looks like George would much prefer to become known for “serious” books instead of mysteries but doesn't understand she simply doesn't have it in herself to ever really succeed at that.

Instead, she keeps writing horribly bad books that deserve no praise at all because they fail at being mysteries and serious social criticism both.

Just calling it a Lynley novel doesn't really make it one and this certainly was the last sham I've fallen victim of.

Here we go again... Yet another Harry Dresden and yet it's both more of the same as well as different.The first nine books were all mediocre to me - three stars because I felt generous - and ridiculously stupid for reading nine ok'ish books in a row till the Stockholm Syndrome set fully in with [b:book 10 927979 Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10) Jim Butcher https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1298085176l/927979.SY75.jpg 2054834].So, we're at number 16 (!) now and most series have become bland, boring and/or been warped beyond recognition (cf. [a:George's 1402383 Elizabeth George https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1235518043p2/1402383.jpg] Lynley!). In fact, it's somewhat similar with respect to the “beyond recognition” part:Harry Dresden, who used to be a “a male chauvinist pig; [...] a misogynist arse” by my own words, has turned into a mostly-decent human being. A very long-lived human being (think centuries!) and a wizard to boot.“It's not about who they are,” I said quietly. “It's about who I am. And the example I'm setting.”Maybe it's all me who enjoys a Dresden who - in the midst of a pitched battle - thinks that “Sometimes the best defense is a T. rex”. Comic relief, hilarity ensuing while the forces of the unlikely good and the most-definitely evil battle it out. That too is Harry Dresden.Or maybe it's Butcher who - by now in his mid-forties - still looks like an irredeemable nerd but has grown together with his wizard hero into something that not only other nerds can respect.How could I not love someone who explains “home” like this:“But there's a deeper meaning to home. Something simpler, more primal. It's where you eat the best food because other predators can't take it from you very easily there. It's where you and your mate are the most intimate. It's where you raise your children, safe against a world that can do horrible things to them. It's where you sleep, safe. It's where you relax. It's where you dream. Home is where you embrace the present and plan the future. It's where the books are. And more than anything else, it's where you build that world that you want.”Apart from all that, my four stars are still generous because this book feels like Butcher tried (successfully!) to become reacquainted with his characters himself - they're all there: Murphy, Molly, Mouse, Maggie, Michael, Lara, Thomas - pretty much everyone makes a (more or less) short cameo appearance.Don't get me wrong: You'll feel right at home with this book if you like Dresden. It's just that “Peace Talks” feels a lot like a transitional book; at its end, nothing is resolved. It's not a horrible cliffhanger either. It's just that once you've read the final sentence, you'll realise you'd have been ready for the main action. Which is likely what's coming up in “[b:Battle Ground 23106013 Battle Ground (The Dresden Files, #17) Jim Butcher https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1587778549l/23106013.SY75.jpg 42654036]”. While it's not a huge deal, it's sad that we have to wait yet another few months.Even worse, though: Having everyone meet Harry again - who is sorting out his legacy anyway already - is a bit like having his life pass by... It feels slightly as if Butcher is working up courage for Harry's endgame. That, too, could just be me again.Either way, this book most likely won't sway you in either direction: If you liked Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden before, this book won't change that. It might, in fact, inspire more sympathy for Harry.On the other hand, if you don't like Harry (yet), you won't be convinced by reading this book. It doesn't lend itself to be a starting point for the series either - you'll hardly know who's who and why they are as they are, as “Peace Talks” is about how all the Houses, factions and monsters we all know come together to make peace - or shoot to kill?Secondly, “Peace Talks” is probably some slight nod to us, the readers, who (mostly) held our peace for those six long years after its glorious predecessor, “[b:Skin Game 19486421 Skin Game (The Dresden Files, #15) Jim Butcher https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387236318l/19486421.SX50.jpg 23811929]”, was published.I have high hopes for Dresden, Butcher and, most of all, “Battle Ground”. I just hope that won't be Harry's last dance...“Promise me you'll fight smart,” I said. She bumped her head against my arm and said, “How would you know if I did?” Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

It was “[b:The Nightingale 21853621 The Nightingale Kristin Hannah https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598993363l/21853621.SY75.jpg 41125521]” by [a:Kristin Hannah 54493 Kristin Hannah https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517255843p2/54493.jpg] that originally introduced me to Hannah and I've since read everything she published. Next to her “[b:The Four Winds 53138081 The Four Winds Kristin Hannah https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594925043l/53138081.SY75.jpg 79888572]” this remains one of the most emotionally impactful novels I have ever read. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate their way through Nazi-occupied France during World War II.One of the things I loved most about this novel is how well-developed the characters are. Both Vianne and Isabelle are complex and multi-dimensional, and I found myself becoming deeply invested in their stories. Vianne is a mother and a wife who is forced to make difficult choices to protect her family, while Isabelle is a rebellious young woman who becomes a member of the French Resistance. Despite their differences, the sisters' love for each other shines through and is a constant source of strength for them both.The historical setting of the novel is also incredibly well-done. Hannah does an excellent job of depicting the horrors of war and the impact it has on both individuals and communities. The descriptions of the brutalities committed by the Nazis are difficult to read at times, but they are important in conveying the gravity of the situation. The novel also highlights the bravery and resilience of the French people during this time, and it left me with a deep sense of admiration for their courage.Another aspect of the novel that I appreciated was the themes of love and sacrifice. The relationships between the characters are beautifully portrayed, and the sacrifices they make for each other are truly moving. The novel shows that even in the darkest of times, love and compassion can still exist and make a difference.“The Nightingale” is a heartbreaking and uplifting story of love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit. Hannah's writing is masterful, and she has created a novel that has stayed with me for the better part of a decade by now. Thus, easily five out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry was promised to be just that: The love child of a well-known romance author, centring on two authors set against each other. The prize: To write a book about a famous socialite from a legendary family who disappeared and is shrouded in mystery.

What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, while this novel had high hopes of growing up to become Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, a strong and bold story, “Life”’s story is immensely conventional. Whereas “Life” is “Dallas” or “Dynasty”, “Husbands” is “The Crown”.

Margaret Ives, our former socialite, has no special story to tell our authors. It’s just a rich-girl story with some drama and tragedy and some, very simplistic, family secrets.

Alice Scott, an author at a run-of-the-mill yellow press gossip magazine, senses the chance of a lifetime when she finds Margaret. Sadly, she just isn’t a very interesting or convincing character. She falls in love with her competitor, Hayden, a Pulitzer Prize winner, at first glance. Apart from the friction due to both being after the same job, there is practically no chemistry between them.

Hayden is portrayed as the typical “grumpy” love interest which is pretty much all he is throughout the entire novel. He hardly has any discernible character, and despite spending almost as much time with Margaret as Alice does, we never see his perspective. In stark contrast to the tediously detailed interviewing sessions between the two female leads, we’re told only sparingly about his own experiences.

Seemingly worried we might not understand the dual timelines of the narration, Henry plasters a huge “The Story” over every part that tells Margaret’s story (as narrated by Alice). What follows is a brief, one-sentence ‘Their version’ headline from the yellow press, and then a much longer “Her version”.

In between, we get encounters between Alice and Hayden, but most of the time they simply hold back or occasionally even push each other away. Their story is just as boring and superficial as all the family drama around Margaret is conventional, convoluted, and rarely believable.

The writing is typically Henry: adequate but nothing special. Compared to Henry’s romance novels, this one feels like she tried to write a romance/family story crossover, but thoroughly failed at both. Emily Henry is to Taylor Jenkins Reid what Katherine Heigl is to Meryl Streep: they may share a profession, but they are not in the same league.

Two stars out of five.

Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam

This is my second approach to the work of Ernest Hemingway and I thoroughly hated the experience. I dimly remember my first attempt when I had just seen “Hemingway”, 1988's mini series about the author. I think at the time I read “A Farewell to Arms” and put it aside about half way through.Now, more than 30 years later, I thought it was time to revisit Hemingway and maybe I would like his work better this time. Cautiously, though, I opted for “The Old Man and the Sea”, fearing I might still be bored. Which I was. Thoroughly. The old fisherman going out to fish, ill-prepared, being pulled out onto the deep sea in a small boat, a skiff, by a fish that's about as large as said skiff, battling it out, may be impressive to an author who loved bull-fighting, women and drinking hard but it's nothing I care about anymore.For me, this is it: A Farewell to... Hemingway Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

Another great instalment, delving deep into Josie's past cases and showing much character development. Especially Turner gets better and Mettner is mentioned only in passing.

If you like the Josie Quinn series, you won't be disappointed.

Randall Munroe’s “What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” certainly has a clever premise, and I recognise its appeal to the science-curious. Drawing from his background as a physicist and former NASA roboticist, Munroe sets out to tackle (mostly) nonsensical questions with rigorous scientific logic. While that might sound fun in theory, in practice I found the book trying far too hard to be clever, and as a result, it came off as more smug than smart.

Admittedly, some of the questions Munroe attempts to answer are genuinely imaginative, but his tone often feels too enamoured with its own geekiness. Rather than inviting the reader into a playful exploration, it too often felt like being caught in an endless lecture by someone who delights excessively in their own intellect. I couldn’t help but feel that the answers to these questions were taken far too seriously—so much so that any joy or playfulness quickly evaporated under the weight of equations and thought experiments.

But then, take my subjective opinion with a grain of salt: Despite its immense popularity, I don’t really enjoy Munroe’s XKCD either.

DNF at 78% and two stars out of five.

Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam

This review is going to be quite a bit different from what I expected after eleven of the thirteen chapters this book comprises... Let's start at another angle, though: I like to read what one of the greatest of the genre, [a:Tony James Slater 5005420 Tony James Slater https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1326400289p2/5005420.jpg], likes to call “travel memoirs”. If written by the right person, they're often funny, interesting and, at times, even insightful and inspiring. Unsurprisingly, they often include “romantic encounters” of a very intimate nature or - as Newman's mother is quoted “Grown-ups don't just hold hands.”.I went into this book expecting amusing anecdotes of female solo travel - a travel memoir. What I got to read was very, very different because the twenty-ish Kristian Newman listens to her boyfriend's voicemail and reads his diary of all things...When she writes about Lesbian relationships that a »social scientist might argue that the girl-on-girl trend started with rave culture ... and Ecstasy.« I found myself taking a note that reads “And someone with a brain might disagree”.On her first trip to Russia, she finds herself at a dinner among Russians and, not speaking Russian, she finds that being unable to express herself, she completely relaxes. Newman doesn't shy away from putting her xenophobia into words that she defends by stating that her friend Sasha, who emigrated from Russia at the age of three to go to America, and, thus, for all intents and purposes (apart from becoming president) is as American as Newman herself was actually »first to note that, so it's more about self-loathing than xenophobia«:»A side note about Russian women: good God are they hot when they are eighteen. The girls in this club were all legs and cheekbones, pouty lips and exquisite big eyes. But, quite tragically, every woman over forty in Russia looks like a tiny, shriveled, ancient little gnome. That cold, pessimistic, vodka-and-cigarette-filled, fresh-vegetable-free life is hard—it drives over women's faces like a Soviet tank. Now that Sasha is a fantastic-looking forty, I can tell you it is not the genes, it is the life.«And this is how the book goes on for a much-longer feeling eleven chapters. Newman runs away from what she calls “the Void”. She's fleeing true intimacy whenever it rears its - for her - frightening head and travels to some “exotic” locale at which she immediately proceeds to have sex with any available guy.Now, don't get me wrong: I have no beef whatsoever with that but, unfortunately, the actual travel stories not only take a backseat compared to her sex stories but the travel part is pretty much non-existent. Even that could have been ok if the writing and the sex stories had been funny. Sadly, they weren't. Plus: The more I read of these escapades the sadder I felt for Newman: Not only was she having completely meaningless sex to try and fill the void in her life, she is immensely egocentric, crying at her friend's wedding because said friend wouldn't be exclusively available as a travel partner anymore:»I wept at losing my single buddy. Not those emotional, joyful, smiley wedding tears you shed because you're so happy. Big, heaving sobs of genuine grief sprang out of me as I stood under the chuppah, watching a person who felt like a piece of myself walk toward me, while somehow really walking away.«“Genuine grief” because someone she calls a friend marries and, thus, inconveniences her...Newman is judgemental as can be; about one of her travel companions she pretentiously writes...»Before I launch into what was wrong with Sally,«... as if Newman herself was the measure of how travelling should be...» [I] probably should say that this is what makes you a good traveler in my opinion, but deep down I really think this is just universal, incontrovertible truth.” Newman owns the “universal, incontrovertible truth” - even if that was meant to be sarcastic, the entire book makes this one sentence universally, incontrovertibly ring true.Almost all over the place, Newman is ignorance impersonated...»We were seated with a group of six people from Mauritius, which, it turns out, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about twelve hundred miles east of Africa.«... interspersed with racial condescension...»The country is a mix of Indian, African, and French descendants, and if this little table of gorgeously colored people was any indication, the mix is a good one.«... that is only ever rivalled by the condescending title - “Breeding”... What a word when applied to human beings, friends of the author's even. Meanderingly, Newman tells us clumsily about her ancestors...»So it was my maternal line's wandering, ambivalent soul that made its way to me. And at thirty-one, I had one regret in my life: I had never lived in another country. I decided to dodge depression and the dates my friends were finding me on the Internet by spending this last job-hunt-free hiatus pretending that I lived in another country for a few months.« ... and she's going to fulfill her life's dream to live abroad, among the common people. Lacking the practical skills and common sense to actually do so, she does the next best thing: She pretends to. Newman desperately tries to be funny or at least provoking in order to get noticed: »The nice thing about a gay club is there is no possible way to be the sluttiest person in the room.« Either she really means that or she thinks she's being funny. I'm not sure what I find more disturbing. At one point, Newman really seems to find love: In Argentine, Newman meets an almost-priest who she promptly calls “Father Juan”. Juan is one of the few guys Newman seems to let come close and when she talks about Juan, you feel for once real warmth and true feelings. Which Newman immediately destroys: »And I met a lot of other Juans.« Tragically for her, she doesn't. In fact, whenever she gets to take a breath - from her work as a comedy writer for television or travelling, her thoughts and her loneliness are creeping up on Newman: »Well, hello, Void! How'd you find me way down here?! And so I asked out my Spanish teacher.« As you can see, her answer is always the same. It's not only the dim-witted local whom Newman seduces but it's much less “tiresome”... »So I would trill at cocktail parties how I loved romance abroad because I could abandon my tiresome Stateside need for quick-wittedness in a mate.« ... no, it's her supposed friends as well. When a travelling companion, a friend of Newman's falls ill abroad, these are her first thoughts we learn about: »It's hard to talk about exactly how disappointed I was about this, because it rightly makes me sound like a selfish monster. But I was. The trip was already not perfect.« Ultimately, she gets help: »Another thing happened in 2007: I went back to therapy, and started taking antidepressants.« Meanwhile, Kristin Newman has told us all of the above plus how she was a stalker, in an imaginary romantic relationship, how she actively sabotages her relationships and how entitled she is (»My life was starting to become what it was supposed to be.«).Ironically, after all this ignorance, willfully hurting people and - in hindsight, it seems - regretting it. After having been a horrible friend, in the last two chapters (and the epilogue) - those chapters that most people who liked this book did not like - in those last two chapters, Newman grows and “gets over herself” as another reviewer puts it. We finally get to know that she knows her obsessive travelling, the random sex was actually running away and the experiences kind of... cathartic... for Newman. Nevertheless, Newman stays Newman and her comments on the horrible death of her stepmother - culminating in »Ding-dong« - sound just like the younger her. Thus, Kristin Newman, promising a travel memoir, delivers anecdotes about sex in exotic places and tries to be funny, knowing full well... »But my story wasn't ultimately a sad story« ... but still mostly so. All the more reason to wish her and her family best of luck! Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

Aus dem Scheitern erwächst Größe – Ein literarischer Höhenflug voller Herz und Verstand![a:Joachim Meyerhoff 4964066 Joachim Meyerhoff https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1461861368p2/4964066.jpg] hat sehr viel erlebt und darüber schreibt er in seiner Reihe “Alle Toten fliegen hoch”, die — mit Ausnahme seiner “[b:Hamster im hinteren Stromgebiet 53472587 Hamster im hinteren Stromgebiet (Alle Toten fliegen hoch #5) Joachim Meyerhoff https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590341688l/53472587.SY75.jpg 83591747]” — für mich zu den Höhepunkten deutschsprachiger Literatur gehört.In den “Hamstern” schrieb er über seinen Schlaganfall; im vorliegenden Band nun verarbeitet er in gewohnter und doch immer wieder begeisternder Art seinen Rückzug von Berlin aufs Land zu seiner 86-jährigen Mutter. Eigentlich gekommen, um mit ihr auch über ein wirklich übles Geschehnis zu sprechen, kommt Meyerhoff erst ganz am Ende des Buches dazu. Vorher erfahren wir von seinen Versuchen, zu sich selbst zurückzufinden, zum Schreiben zurückzukehren und, nicht zuletzt, viel über seine bemerkenswerte Mutter. Mit viel Humor, von subtil bis grotesk, schreibt er sich frei und gewinnt damit seine Souveränität, seine Lebensfreude und zumindest diesen Leser zurück.Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite habe ich dieses Buch genossen, inhaliert und geradezu begierig verschlungen. Meyerhoffs Schreibstil, seine episodischen Erzählungen, seine entwaffnende Offenheit — all das lädt geradezu dazu ein, bis tief in die Nacht zu lesen und seine Lesezeit nur ungern von so etwas Banalem wie Arbeit zwecks Broterwerbs unterbrechen zu lassen.Wer “Alle Toten fliegen hoch” kennt, wird sich schnell heimisch fühlen. Wer Meyerhoff noch nicht als Schriftsteller kennt, dem würde ich eher empfehlen, die Reihe von Beginn an zu lesen, obschon auch “[b:Man kann auch in die Höhe fallen 211160409 Man kann auch in die Höhe fallen Joachim Meyerhoff https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718942879l/211160409.SY75.jpg 217395195]” einen guten Eindruck seines schriftstellerischen Schaffens bietet.Der Titel ist dabei ebenfalls wunderbar passend, denn mit diesem Buch und dessen Inhalten beweist Meyerhoff eindrucksvoll, wie man aus dem eigenen Scheitern (an sich selbst) neue (literarische) Höhepunkte schaffen kann.Dafür kann es nur fünf von fünf Sternen geben.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

I think I must have been about 18 when my older brother gave me [a:Paul Auster's 296961 Paul Auster https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554662932p2/296961.jpg] “[b:The New York Trilogy 431 The New York Trilogy Paul Auster https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386924429l/431.SX50.jpg 2343071]” as a gift for my birthday. I started reading it - and hated it! I couldn't get into it, couldn't get a grip on it. I put it back into my bookshelf and forgot about it for a few years.It fell again into my hands (quite literally!) when I reorganised my shelves and I decided to give it another chance. This time around, though, I just read and suspended judgement. I won't lie to you: I had similar difficulties as before but this time I kept reading. And, somehow, things started falling into place...With accepting that Auster employs a unique kind of storytelling came understanding and respect for his masterful writing. Ultimately, I became completely engrossed in the three interconnected novels that make up this trilogy.The first novel, “City of Glass”, sets the tone for the rest of the trilogy with its atmospheric and almost dreamlike descriptions of New York City. Auster's ability to capture the essence of the city, with all its chaos and intrigue, is truly remarkable. The protagonist, Daniel Quinn, is a complex and fascinating character who becomes embroiled in a mysterious case that takes him on a journey through the city and ultimately leads him to question his own sanity. The way Auster weaves together the themes of identity, language, and the power of perception in this novel is simply brilliant.The second novel, “Ghosts”, picks up where “City of Glass” left off and follows a new protagonist, Blue, as he investigates a strange case involving a man named Black who may or may not be dead. As the story unfolds, the lines between reality and fiction become increasingly blurred, and Auster expertly explores the themes of memory, history, and the idea of the self.So far, though, those novels didn't seem like parts of a trilogy. Yes, there were interconnections, both obvious ones as well as more obscure ones but I was still a little sceptical...And then came the final novel, “The Locked Room”, which brings the trilogy to a more-than-satisfying conclusion by tying together the threads that run throughout the three books. Sometimes these threads are so thin, they might be mistaken for an undercurrent or background noise and yet they're there...In this final part Auster took all those threads and wove them into a beautiful complex literary “tapestry” that even now, decades later, shines bright in my memory.Its protagonist, Fanshawe, is a writer who mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a cache of unpublished manuscripts. As his childhood friend attempts to unravel the mystery of Fanshawe's disappearance, the reader is taken on a journey through the worlds of literature, art, and the human psyche.What I appreciated most about the “New York Trilogy” was Auster's willingness to take risks with his writing. His art - and there can be no doubt this is on par with any other great piece of art - was obviously more important than mainstream success. I remain convinced that Auster lost many potential readers like he initially lost me.And yet he took the risk and explored complex ideas and themes in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The trilogy is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes, and the characters are so well-drawn that it's impossible not to become invested in their stories.In conclusion, I would highly recommend Paul Auster's “New York Trilogy” to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. Auster's writing is truly masterful, and the trilogy as a whole is a testament to his brilliance and genius as an author. After reading the “New York Trilogy” I've “blindly” bought each and every book Auster has written and with one exception (“[b:4 3 2 1 30244626 4 3 2 1 Paul Auster https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463822564l/30244626.SY75.jpg 50710100]”) I've enjoyed them all. For me, Paul Auster has become an icon of literature and his “New York Trilogy” is the reason I hesitate to leave a book unfinished - what if it's another unique masterpiece?!Five stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

After the police procedural version of a “grimdark” novel, I needed “light” - and quickly! “[b:Failure to Match 210277479 Failure to Match (Bad Billionaire Bosses, #2) Kyra Parsi https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711589437l/210277479.SY75.jpg 215329056]” by [a:Kyra Parsi 20746623 Kyra Parsi https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1690751051p2/20746623.jpg] got the job done.Of course, everything was highly predictable and, yet, I enjoyed reading how Jamie fell in love with Jackson. In the beginning, I was highly sceptical considering character descriptions like these:»Minerva Sinclair was a tall, willowy woman with stark white hair and cutting features, and her signature “look” consisted of cherry-red pantsuits, vintage cat-eye sunglasses, and knife-sharp stilettos. Per our client paperwork, she had her personal tarot reader (Imogen) on speed dial and kept her wrinkly sphynx cat (Harry) cradled against her bony chest everywhere she went, as per the guidance of her spiritual advisor (Velma).«Or eye-roll inducing humour like this:»Also, she'd literally named her hairless cat Harry, and I didn't think she'd intended the pun.«(Since it's so bad: It's not a pun because “Harry” and “hairless” lack intentional wordplay or a double meaning, and it also makes no sense phonologically.)All the characters were pretty much the literary equivalent of cardboard cutouts (Bensen, the stoic factotum; Mable and Molly, scheming twin sister housekeepers; the deceased evil, child-torturing father; Beatrice, man-eating, cheating wife who eventually left them all to go and live in Paris) and the story - matchmaker fails her customer but falls in love with him due to forced proximity and, ahem, his tongue - is almost as ridiculous as the title of the series “Bad Billionaire Bosses”.And, yet, there were some ideas expressed, some pictures painted, some writing skills acquired in the process that—despite all the stupidity—made me enjoy this novel and recover from the kitten and child torture of my previous read.»You know how sometimes you manage to convince yourself that you're fine and that everything's under perfect control when, in reality, you're barely hanging on by a frayed thread? And then something really small happens, or someone says something seemingly insignificant, and it makes you break in half?Well, I broke in half.«There's a fine line between intentional cheesiness and downright cringe-worthy missteps, and the author walks that line with a precarious yet daring confidence. At times, the rope stiffens beneath her feet, granting balance; at others, it sags, pulling her dangerously close to a full tumble into cringeworthy territory (which she skirts more often than not). Yet, despite the wobbles and near-falls, she completes the tightrope act with a redeeming bit of flair.Three stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

I came to reading this by way of alleviating my fear of being let-down by my next read because the previous one had been so perfect. A good plan (thanks, Berengaria, for looking this up and letting me know!) — till it met with the reality of this novel, “[b:Because of You 216311550 Because of You (Laws of You) Samantha Brinn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1720581686l/216311550.SY75.jpg 216169953]”, [a:Samantha Brinn's 48996679 Samantha Brinn https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1710660675p2/48996679.jpg] debut novel and the first instalment of her “Laws of You” series.“Because” features some of the same strength the second novel has: No third-act breakup, a very nice, kind, and even somewhat cosy friends-to-lovers story with Hallie, another strong and independent lawyer, at its centre. Her love interest is her life-long best friend Ben who comes across as a very likeable, decent, and down-to-earth man.Their path to each other is, just as Brinn mentions in her acknowledgements, “a warm hug of a story” and I read for long stretches under a soft, warm blanket in extremely comfortable armchairs.There was some non-relationship drama, but there were no real disappointments — just not the kind of sensitivity and other highlights I found in “[b:When I'm With You 220225863 When I'm With You (Laws of You) Samantha Brinn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1728399272l/220225863.SY75.jpg 222416176]”.Maybe I should have expected it since I do love my coloured spreadsheets as well and one of my former bosses (hi, Thomas!) once called a “Methoden-Monster”, meaning “Problem-solving Machine”. I'm less of a people pleaser like Hallie and more of a workaholic and problem-solver like Julie - so how could I not like her book more than Hallie's? ;)Either way, if you're looking for a sweet contemporary romance “[b:Because of You 216311550 Because of You (Laws of You) Samantha Brinn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1720581686l/216311550.SY75.jpg 216169953]” will likely not disappoint. If you want to read one that's slightly more evenly paced, fewer sex scenes than in this one (which had more than just one too many), features the most root-worthy couple, and has an ending that even surpasses “Because of You”'s lovely and fitting one, take a look at “[b:When I'm With You 220225863 When I'm With You (Laws of You) Samantha Brinn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1728399272l/220225863.SY75.jpg 222416176]”. They can be read independently of each other and in any order.Four stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

I really enjoy [a:Lisa Regan's 6443334 Lisa Regan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1589563239p2/6443334.jpg] Josie Quinn novels. Regan almost always succeeds in crafting intricate plots and compelling characters. After the previous instalment's short departure from Josie's usual haunts, I wondered where “[b:Her Dying Secret 209518760 Her Dying Secret (Detective Josie Quinn, #20) Lisa Regan https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715633758l/209518760.SY75.jpg 215715964]” would take us. Thankfully, it is firmly set in the familiar world of Josie Quinn and her friends and colleagues in Denton. As for her friends, most of them are absent: Misty and her son, Harris, are mentioned a few times but play no role. The same is true for her parents and her twin sister, which is slightly sad but doesn't detract much from the novel's overall appeal. Regan's prose continues to channel an atmosphere thick with suspense and emotional tension. This is especially the case since the story opens with a car accident, the body of a murdered woman in the car, and a child in danger.A recurring issue in Regan's works, however, is the narrative ending way before the book's actual last page. This time, it's at 88%, and the remainder of the book are advertisements and excerpts. One can't help but feel a bit short-changed, which leads to the subtraction of one star.All in all, if you like Josie Quinn, you'll certainly get your “fix” out of this one. It can also be read standalone but it's certainly not the best starting point for this series.Four out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I thought the topic of the Normans was interesting but didn't get my hopes up high since I had never heard of the author before, popular history books are usually not my taste and the cover was somewhat attention-seeking.
I very quickly got drawn into the book deeply, though. Brownworth definitely succeeds in explaining the main Norman rulers and their feats. I was a bit worried about all the names and references but most of the time, a chapter or a few later, Brownworth picks up and expands on the subject he mentioned before and one gets an excellent overview.
Sometimes, the chapters are a bit short and there would likely be more to say about the respective protagonist (e. g. Frederick II deserves more attention than he gets here, I think) but all in all, this book makes a very interesting read. I like how Brownworth isn't shy to voice his own opinion about the respective protagonist at the end of almost every chapter - I don't always agree with his assessment but I like his style.
I can't really say much about the historical accuracy but this book made me read up on quite a few of the Normans depicted and that's definitely a good sign.

“Every sixty to seventy million years or so, life starts getting very well adapted to its environment. Too well adapted, perhaps. There is a population explosion of the successful life forms. Then, suddenly, a new species appears out of the blue. It is almost always a predatory creature, a killing machine. It tears through the host population, killing, feeding, multiplying. Slowly at first, then ever faster.”


“Relic” was a fast and easy read: New York City's Natural History Museum has already had its share of dark rumours about a “Museum Beast” when two kids are found brutally murdered in the basement of the museum. And further deaths follow...

Thus, Lieutenant D'Agosta from the local Police department takes the lead in the investigation, closely followed by FBI agent Pendergast from New Orleans who knows the killer's modus operandi from a previous case.

Furthermore, there are Margo Green, a graduate student, preparing her dissertation, supported in both that and her independent investigation by Professor Frock, her wheelchair-bound mentor who is part of the higher echelon of the museum.

Soon, all of them will find out that sometimes the hunters turn into the hunted quickly...



So, why read this? Simple: After a long streak of taxing reads, I wanted something simple, something easy and satisfying and, depending on the kind of “easy” I want, this could be a murder mystery who-dun-it or, as I this instance, a fast-paced thriller.

In a thriller I'm looking for...

- Thrills (obviously!) – check!
- Suspense – check!
- Surprise (as I knew the 1997 film, there was less of it than I would have liked but:) – check!
- Excitement – check!
- Anticipation – check!
- Anxiety – check!

... and I got it all. Especially the flight through the basement and subbasement of the museum was farily great and I certainly didn't expect the ending which differs somewhat from the film.

Thus, if you're looking for an easy read with a lot of thrills, just grab a copy of “Relic”, turn the lights low and get reading!

So, bad books, work sucks but it's not too bad? A bit of escapism would be nice? Quickly, grab a fluffy romance novel and laugh, cry, cringe. Sometimes at the same time. That pretty much covers how I came to read this book - and for a long time, I was absolutely loving it because probably most of us have “leaned back against [our] car and grinned like a fool”. This is Bree Prescott, heroine in this wonderfully sappy romance, fawning over Archer Hale, “the local, mute loner” - well, you get the gist.This book features a lot of those moments and they were definitely a huge part of what made this book appeal to me. The writing is... adequate. It's certainly not great but it fits the overall mood quite well:“I stared at him, our eyes meeting and tangling just like the first time we had met.” As long as you don't actually think about “tangling eyes”, you'll be fine. There are even a few insights in there that were unexpected, at least for me: “Maybe there was no right or wrong, no black or white, only a thousand shades of grey when it came to pain and what we each held ourselves responsible for.” And, at times, it gets very, well, soggy... “He moved toward me, his lips parting slightly, the look on his face a mix between uncertainty and blatant lust.” What follows is exactly what you're thinking of right now. Spelled out. Blatantly. If you like that, you won't be disappointed. At times, I actually loved this book and was already thinking how this review would read - raving, that I was sure of. I was touched by little things that reminded me of my wife of more than 20 years. Everything was hunky-dory. And right before we were happily riding into the sunset, Sheridan royally messes up. I won't go into the details but it's so horribly bad, I felt cheated, lied to - belittled as the reader, Sheridan's audience. I don't need to be taken overly seriously but there are limits to my patience and while I suspend disbelief, experience and parts of my brain for a good romance, I won't be fooled. With the last few chapters Sheridan really manages to totally destroy the entire book for me. I'm still reeling right now because I still feel abused. Without that, I'd have awarded this book four stars at least, with this “twist” I cannot help make that two only and an author I will avoid from now. Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram

“[b:We'll Prescribe You a Cat 209891170 We'll Prescribe You a Cat Syou Ishida https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711043307l/209891170.SX50.jpg 210659078]” by [a:Syou Ishida 48196256 Syou Ishida https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is a peculiar attempt at blending magical realism and episodic storytelling, but one that ultimately veers off course. While on the surface it shares superficial similarities with “[b:The Travelling Cat Chronicles 40961230 The Travelling Cat Chronicles Hiro Arikawa https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532711745l/40961230.SX50.jpg 50618763]”, the comparison hardly holds due to the stark differences in execution and tone. Unfortunately, “We'll Prescribe You a Cat” leans heavily into clichés, offering overdoses of preachy content and saccharine lessons that come across as formulaic and forced.The novel presents a range of short vignettes, promising to deliver moments of heartfelt connection between humans and their feline counterparts. However, the episodic nature makes each chapter feel disconnected and shallow. Rather than a cohesive story, the book presents a series of almost obligatory moral lessons, which feel more esoteric than engaging. The subtlety I hoped for is utterly missing here. »”Everyone is delighted by your reactions”. Before he knew it, the sincere words had dropped out of Koga's mouth. “Your compliments bring people joy. I think that's great.”«Reading moments like this felt more like being spoon-fed life advice than becoming emotionally involved in a character's journey. The translation doesn't help either, as it often borders on clunky and sometimes detracts from what could be poignant moments. At times, it even feels like the novel is dunking one's nose into moral teachings rather than letting the story naturally unfold. Though there are some tender moments and nice ideas, this novel, sadly, misses the mark.Two stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

Isabel Allende - I've been in love with her work since I first encountered her “[b:House of the Spirits 9328 The House of the Spirits Isabel Allende https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1621672028l/9328.SY75.jpg 3374404]” decades ago. I still feel its echoes in my soul.At a mere 5414 words, this is the shortest story of hers I've read but it is quintessential Allende: Charming, magical, life-affirming, and just plain fun!Go on and read it - if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber, you get it for free. Everyone else gets it for a fair EUR 1,99.Five stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam