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Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis
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[FULL GAME! NO EPISODES! Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis: Nina and Max return to the touch screen in...
He Who Drowned the World
10.0
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What would you give to win the world? Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her...
My rating 3.5
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Written by the English Pen Award winner Laia Jufresa (and excellently translated by Sophie Hughes) <i>Umami</i> is a story of the troubled lives of a small community in Mexico as they go through various stages of grief. What this story reveals is that everyone deals with heartache in his or her own personal way, however the things they do can affect everyone around them.
Set in Belldrop Mews, Mexico City, five characters give an account of their own experiences over a five-year period, which when combined together produce an overview of life within the mews. Firstly there is Ana (2004), a preteen determined to plant her own garden in the depressing back yard of her family home. Despite her steps to do something positive, she and her family are still mourning the death of her little sister Luz who drowned a few years ago. The second perspective comes from Marina Mendoza (2003), a young adult artist suffering from an eating disorder whilst dealing with memories of her childhood.
Alfonso, the aging owner of the mews, begins his story in 2002 a couple of years after the death of his wife. Previously he was an anthropologist obsessed with the concept of <i>umami</i>, a Japanese word meaning <i>“a savory taste; one of the five basic tastes.”</i> He is an old soul that has fallen into depression, feeling, like Ana, a misfit. The final two narrators are young girls: Pina (2001) who is Ana’s best friend, and Luz (2000), Ana’s five year old sister shortly before she died. Both speak of loneliness as they look at the world through childishly naïve eyes. Pina is suffering the effects of her parents’ constant fighting, whereas Luz is crying out for attention from her family who will not let her join in the “big girl” activities.
<i>Umami</i> may not be a happy book but it has a very powerful voice. None of the characters have yet completely recovered from their experiences however they are all (barring Luz) making positive progress. Without knowing it, each member of the Belldrop Mews community is encouraging the rest as they drag themselves out from the depths of their despair – some by aspiring to be like another, and others listening to what their neighbours are telling them.
The message of this story is about the benefits of a community. Whether big or small, being within a group of people can prevent you from wallowing in your dark feelings and begin to continue with your life instead. This is something that the world at large would profit from.
The unconventional style of <i>Umami</i> may not be agreeable with some readers due to its lack of a clear beginning, middle and end. In fact it does not have a conclusion at all, leaving nothing fully resolved. Yet Jufresa did not intend it to end “happily ever after,” real life is not like that; but what is true is that with time and exposure to positive relationships things can get better.
The aspect preventing a higher rating is the occasional allusion to sexual content, especially from the mouths of girls too young to fully understand the concept. This was uncomfortable to read, however thankfully the majority of the novel was free of unpleasant imagery. <i>Umami</i> is down to earth, relatable and moving; Laia Jufresa is definitely an author to watch.
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Written by the English Pen Award winner Laia Jufresa (and excellently translated by Sophie Hughes) <i>Umami</i> is a story of the troubled lives of a small community in Mexico as they go through various stages of grief. What this story reveals is that everyone deals with heartache in his or her own personal way, however the things they do can affect everyone around them.
Set in Belldrop Mews, Mexico City, five characters give an account of their own experiences over a five-year period, which when combined together produce an overview of life within the mews. Firstly there is Ana (2004), a preteen determined to plant her own garden in the depressing back yard of her family home. Despite her steps to do something positive, she and her family are still mourning the death of her little sister Luz who drowned a few years ago. The second perspective comes from Marina Mendoza (2003), a young adult artist suffering from an eating disorder whilst dealing with memories of her childhood.
Alfonso, the aging owner of the mews, begins his story in 2002 a couple of years after the death of his wife. Previously he was an anthropologist obsessed with the concept of <i>umami</i>, a Japanese word meaning <i>“a savory taste; one of the five basic tastes.”</i> He is an old soul that has fallen into depression, feeling, like Ana, a misfit. The final two narrators are young girls: Pina (2001) who is Ana’s best friend, and Luz (2000), Ana’s five year old sister shortly before she died. Both speak of loneliness as they look at the world through childishly naïve eyes. Pina is suffering the effects of her parents’ constant fighting, whereas Luz is crying out for attention from her family who will not let her join in the “big girl” activities.
<i>Umami</i> may not be a happy book but it has a very powerful voice. None of the characters have yet completely recovered from their experiences however they are all (barring Luz) making positive progress. Without knowing it, each member of the Belldrop Mews community is encouraging the rest as they drag themselves out from the depths of their despair – some by aspiring to be like another, and others listening to what their neighbours are telling them.
The message of this story is about the benefits of a community. Whether big or small, being within a group of people can prevent you from wallowing in your dark feelings and begin to continue with your life instead. This is something that the world at large would profit from.
The unconventional style of <i>Umami</i> may not be agreeable with some readers due to its lack of a clear beginning, middle and end. In fact it does not have a conclusion at all, leaving nothing fully resolved. Yet Jufresa did not intend it to end “happily ever after,” real life is not like that; but what is true is that with time and exposure to positive relationships things can get better.
The aspect preventing a higher rating is the occasional allusion to sexual content, especially from the mouths of girls too young to fully understand the concept. This was uncomfortable to read, however thankfully the majority of the novel was free of unpleasant imagery. <i>Umami</i> is down to earth, relatable and moving; Laia Jufresa is definitely an author to watch.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Knight's Bride: Chivalry Lives in 6 Stories from the Middle Ages in Books
Jan 2, 2019
In an age where chivalry thrives, danger abounds also. Follow six stories of love and honor that will warm your heart during these cold winter months.
With settings ranging from the years 1367 to 1815, there is a wide variety of stories in this collection. Each author brings to life the mystery and romance of the time in their own unique ways. The beauty of the language and the oddity of the customs is always a pleasure to learn more about. The Middle Ages has always held a fascination for me. Times were so different then that it is sometimes hard for me to understand why things happened the way they did. But this collection was eye opening to the culture of the time and inspired me to look up different aspects of the era. This is a nice collection and the stories are short and easy to read. My personal favorite was A Stranger's Kiss by Yvonne Lehman. Even though most of the time I was frustrated with the main character for not speaking out what was on her heart. I realised however, that in the real world, we could save so much stress and confusion if we would only speak out. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen right away. Fear and doubt riddle us until we no longer know what to do. But in the end the truth will win out and justice will reign.
I received a free digital copy of The Knight's Bride from Barbour Publishing Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
With settings ranging from the years 1367 to 1815, there is a wide variety of stories in this collection. Each author brings to life the mystery and romance of the time in their own unique ways. The beauty of the language and the oddity of the customs is always a pleasure to learn more about. The Middle Ages has always held a fascination for me. Times were so different then that it is sometimes hard for me to understand why things happened the way they did. But this collection was eye opening to the culture of the time and inspired me to look up different aspects of the era. This is a nice collection and the stories are short and easy to read. My personal favorite was A Stranger's Kiss by Yvonne Lehman. Even though most of the time I was frustrated with the main character for not speaking out what was on her heart. I realised however, that in the real world, we could save so much stress and confusion if we would only speak out. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen right away. Fear and doubt riddle us until we no longer know what to do. But in the end the truth will win out and justice will reign.
I received a free digital copy of The Knight's Bride from Barbour Publishing Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
When Basketball Was Jewish: Voices of Those Who Played the Game
Book
In the 2015-16 NBA season, the Jewish presence in the league was largely confined to Adam Silver,...
The Notebook (2004)
6.9
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In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel...
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Hunting for Spring (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #1) in Books
Mar 21, 2018
Hunting for Spring (Philadelphia Coven Chronicles #1) by Katherine McIntyre
Hunting for Spring is the first book in the Philadelphia Coven Chronicles and we have the world building that will enable us to read the rest of the series, knowing who is who and who does what. Hunter is a human Hunter - usually of the Fae - but he understands that just as not all humans are nice, not all Fae are 'bad'. Unfortunately, it's an opinion that is unpopular with his father and the man who was brought up as his brother. When he meets Brenna, he thinks she is a normal fae, which is also the opinion Brenna wants him to have as most people don't seem to think that highly of half-breeds. With Unseelie causing chaos and half-breeds disappearing Connor and Brenna work together to put things back to normal - or as normal as they possibly could be.
This was a great introduction to a new world, where casters and hunters work to the same end, without working together as much as possible. I have to say, whatever his reasons, Connor's dad was a first-class jerk, with Liam not far behind. I loved how Connor was, and am thankful he turned out that way! Brenna is a sweet and sassy character, fully capable of standing on her own two feet but also willing to stand back when necessary. There is also a bunch of characters I want to know more about, as well as this world as a whole.
This was an exciting read, with plenty of action and adventure. With smooth transitions from one scene to the next, there were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The world building was on point, and all the characters had depth, with their own quirks and foibles. An excellent start to the series that leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=20637
This was a great introduction to a new world, where casters and hunters work to the same end, without working together as much as possible. I have to say, whatever his reasons, Connor's dad was a first-class jerk, with Liam not far behind. I loved how Connor was, and am thankful he turned out that way! Brenna is a sweet and sassy character, fully capable of standing on her own two feet but also willing to stand back when necessary. There is also a bunch of characters I want to know more about, as well as this world as a whole.
This was an exciting read, with plenty of action and adventure. With smooth transitions from one scene to the next, there were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The world building was on point, and all the characters had depth, with their own quirks and foibles. An excellent start to the series that leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=20637
Protecting Tova (Iron Mountain #1)
Book
Escaping the tormenting demons of her past was all Tova wanted, but someone has other plans. An...
Adult Fantasy Romance
Up for the Challenge: Take on Over 60 of the World
Book
You're coming to the end of an epic race. Your chest burns as your lungs fight to suck in enough...
The Impostor's Handbook: The Rules of Success for Those of Us Who Have No Idea How to Play the Game
Book
All the advice you really need to be confident and authentic at work, even when you have no idea...