Grant

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau surprised me in ways I didn't expect. At first glance, with its larger text and quick pace, it seemed like just another YA novel. However, it quickly surpassed my initial expectations, offering a unique take on the apocalyptic genre that kept me hooked.

The premise of Ember, a city running out of power and resources while the outside world remains a mystery, had me intrigued from the start. The idea of an underground society, sheltered from an unknown catastrophe, somehow feels cozy and compelling. As the protagonists, Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet, discover the truth behind their city's plight, the pacing never slows down. The plot is fast and gripping—so much so that it's easy to finish in a day. The discovery of the instructions to escape Ember adds to the urgency, making the story feel like a race against time.

Doon's determination to save Ember is one of the aspects that made him so relatable. He's a flawed character, struggling with his temper and youthful impatience, but his desire to break free from the confines of his world reminded me of my own feelings of wanting to explore and experience more, especially around the time I was approaching college age. His counterpart, Lina, provides a perfect counterbalance to him. Her perspective on life, full of hope and optimism, adds depth to their relationship, and I'm curious to see how their dynamic evolves in the sequels.

Beyond the characters, The City of Ember touches on some complex issues, such as societal collapse, dwindling resources, and the human instinct to protect oneself. These themes are especially poignant given the state of the world today, with parallels to global warming, political unrest, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book makes you reflect on how societies struggle when resources are scarce and how individuals react in times of crisis.

The sense of urgency is constant, but there's always a thread of hope running through the protagonists. Despite some incredibly sad and relatable events, the story is ultimately uplifting, particularly because of the characters' resilience.

By the end of the book, I was hooked and eager to continue the series. The ending leaves you with a sense of anticipation, not only for what happens to Ember but also for the mystery of what caused the city's downfall in the first place. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Overall, The City of Ember is a quick, engaging read that brings both tension and hope. It's a perfect blend of adventure and introspection, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique take on a post-apocalyptic world.

Introduction
When I first picked up The Hobbit, I wasn't entirely prepared for its whimsical and lighthearted tone. I've heard that Tolkien's later works, like The Lord of the Rings, are more epic in scope and serious in style, so it was interesting—and occasionally challenging—to settle into the fairy-tale vibe of this story. Still, I quickly found myself drawn in by the cozy world of hobbits and the promise of adventure beyond the Shire.

Pacing
One aspect that stood out to me was the uneven pacing. Certain conflicts, such as the trolls turning to stone, are resolved almost in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, other parts—like the journey through Mirkwood—feel deliberately slow. Though it sometimes frustrated me, I grew to appreciate that these slower stretches encourage readers to really live in Tolkien's world. They give time to savor each place, even if it might momentarily stall the forward momentum.

World-Building
Middle-earth as described in The Hobbit is rich and detailed—something Tolkien is famous for. Mirkwood, in particular, left a vivid impression on me. The dense forest, lurking spiders, and general sense of foreboding created a tension that made me eager to turn the pages. It felt like a pivotal moment in the story, heightening both the stakes of the journey and my investment in Bilbo's success.

Characters and Arcs
Bilbo Baggins: At first, I adored Bilbo for his love of comfort and good food (who can't relate?). Over time, I was impressed by his growth—he transforms from a reluctant homebody into a clever, resourceful adventurer.
The Dwarves: They provide wonderful comedic relief and contrast to Bilbo's initial meekness. While I didn't pick up on all the nuances of Thorin Oakenshield's arc during this read, I was surprised by how intensely he fixates on the treasure near the end. On a second pass, I'd like to delve deeper into his pride and the way it affects the rest of the group.
Resolution
The final sections of the book—particularly the Battle of the Five Armies—are packed with action, yet I found them a bit overwhelming. So much unfolds so quickly that it's easy to lose track of the players and motives. When Bilbo returns home, I felt a touch of sadness at how the Shire carried on without him; it underlined just how much Bilbo changed through his journey. It's not a triumphant hero's welcome, but it fits the bittersweet nature of the story's conclusion.

Prose and Style
The whimsical narration, sprinkled with gentle humor and occasional asides, definitely sets The Hobbit apart from what I've heard of Tolkien's later works. While it took some getting used to, that playful tone eventually grew on me. It's part of the charm of experiencing this adventure through Bilbo's eyes—a simple hobbit thrown into extraordinary circumstances.

Final Thoughts
Overall, The Hobbit is a delightful read that blends fairy-tale warmth with moments of genuine peril. Although the pacing can be uneven, Tolkien's world-building and knack for immersive detail ensure that slow passages remain engaging. Bilbo's personal growth is truly the heart of the story, and it provides a compelling contrast to the more grandiose, sometimes greedy ambitions of those around him. For anyone new to Tolkien, this is a great place to start—just be prepared for the enchanting (and occasionally meandering) tone that sets it apart from more conventional fantasy epics.

The Cartographers hooked me right away with its mix of mystery, history, and just enough magic to keep things interesting. The concept—maps that hold hidden power—felt fresh and creative.

The character development stood out. Every character had real weight, and their personal histories and motives came together in a way that made me care about the outcome. The family dynamics, in particular, added some real tension that kept things grounded.

The pacing was solid. It moved fast enough to keep me turning pages but gave enough time to build up the bigger picture. I started to figure out where it was going before the end, but that didn't take anything away from how much I enjoyed it. The ending wrapped things up well and kept me locked in to the last page.

Excellent Resource

As an adult who struggles with ADHD, this was a wonderful read and very insightful. I found myself flipping through some sections, but I can see this being a book I come back to time and time again for guidance and reassurance. Would certainly recommend to anyone who is curious about ADD, lives with someone with ADD or who has been (or will be) diagnosed with ADD.

I may have picked this up to read after a bad day at work, but Murder Your Employer turned out to be a delightful and darkly comedic escape. With its cheeky title, it felt like the perfect way to direct my workplace frustrations into something lighthearted yet intriguingly twisted.

The plot centers around a boarding school for adults, but not just any adults—these are people grappling with unique problems and honing a particularly unconventional set of skills. The story is a fresh and original take, blending suspense and humor in a way that feels wholly its own.

The protagonist stood out to me for his relatable frustrations with the corporate world. His journey, set against the backdrop of such an unconventional setting, kept me engaged throughout. While there weren't any specific quotes or scenes that lingered long after reading, the overall tone of dark comedy trending towards suspense made the book memorable.

This isn't just a book for those venting workplace frustrations—it's an easy, compelling read with broad appeal. Whether you're a fan of dark humor, suspense, or just looking for something unique, this is a story worth diving into.