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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Summer of '69 in Books
Aug 23, 2019
Every year Kate Levin and her family spend the summer on Nantucket with Kate's mother, Exalta. But this summer is different. Kate's eldest, Blair, 24, is now married to a MIT professor named Angus Whalen and they're expecting their first baby in August. As such, Blair won't be on Nantucket this summer. Middle sister, Kirby, is a junior in college and spending the summer on Martha's Vineyard. Her only son, Tiger, recently deployed to Vietnam, which has left Kate feeling completely panicked and lost. Only her youngest, thirteen-year-old, Jessie, makes the trip. But without her siblings, Jessie feels overlooked and ignored. It's the historic summer of '69--and Levin family will have some memorable experiences of their own, too.
I just love Elin Hilderbrand's books and this was a really fun one. It didn't feel that much like "historical fiction," despite the 1969 setting, but it was fascinating to get a glimpse of how the late 1960s affected the family and their decisions--especially the females. The time period affects each woman, even Jessie, in their own way. Mom Kate was a tough one to love, at times, ignoring her poor daughter and moaning about Tiger and her own past. But, man, Hilderbrand just comes up with the best family dynamics. She sets an amazing scene, aided by her beloved Nantucket, and before you know it, you are there with her characters, immersed in their drama and daily lives.
For me, the star of this one was young Jessie. I loved how much of the book revolved around her--the points of view vary, but we hear from her a lot, and I couldn't help but love the kid. Nothing like growing up with a slightly absent mom, domineering grandmother, and a bunch of way older siblings, one of whom is at war. She was a breath of fresh air, and of course, Hilderbrand wrote from a teenage point of view perfectly. She gives all Kate's daughters their own unique voice, and it's amazing how each character stands out easily as distinct from one another.
This is not "simply" a tale of a family over a summer, it's captivating and engaging look at a family shaped by historical and domestic circumstances. I certainly enjoyed this novel and would definitely recommend it. I usually shy away from historical fiction, but I found it quite interesting--great characters and family dynamics as always from our summer novel queen. 4 stars.
I just love Elin Hilderbrand's books and this was a really fun one. It didn't feel that much like "historical fiction," despite the 1969 setting, but it was fascinating to get a glimpse of how the late 1960s affected the family and their decisions--especially the females. The time period affects each woman, even Jessie, in their own way. Mom Kate was a tough one to love, at times, ignoring her poor daughter and moaning about Tiger and her own past. But, man, Hilderbrand just comes up with the best family dynamics. She sets an amazing scene, aided by her beloved Nantucket, and before you know it, you are there with her characters, immersed in their drama and daily lives.
For me, the star of this one was young Jessie. I loved how much of the book revolved around her--the points of view vary, but we hear from her a lot, and I couldn't help but love the kid. Nothing like growing up with a slightly absent mom, domineering grandmother, and a bunch of way older siblings, one of whom is at war. She was a breath of fresh air, and of course, Hilderbrand wrote from a teenage point of view perfectly. She gives all Kate's daughters their own unique voice, and it's amazing how each character stands out easily as distinct from one another.
This is not "simply" a tale of a family over a summer, it's captivating and engaging look at a family shaped by historical and domestic circumstances. I certainly enjoyed this novel and would definitely recommend it. I usually shy away from historical fiction, but I found it quite interesting--great characters and family dynamics as always from our summer novel queen. 4 stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Autoboyography in Books
Mar 19, 2020
When Tanner's family relocates from progressive California to Provo, UT, the bisexual teenager is basically forced back in the closet. While his parents are actually incredibly supportive of his sexuality, their own past experiences lead them to want to keep their son safe and guarded in the largely conservative Mormon community. Now a senior in high school, Tanner is ready to graduate and leave Provo behind. But when his best friend Autumn convinces him to join the Seminar--a rather famous Provo high school class where students write a novel in four months--everything changes. There Tanner meets the Seminar's most well-known graduate, Sebastian Brother, a Mormon who sold his book rights last year. Tanner immediately falls for Sebastian, and he starts chronicling it all: in his own book.
I have a lot of complicated feelings about this book. It's wonderful to see a bisexual protagonist in YA literature, even if Tanner's bisexuality doesn't seem fully explored (and he's not always believed). This is very emotional book, and it certainly wrenched at my heartstrings. From the beginning, it seems pretty clear that there isn't going to be an easy outcome. Sebastian and Tanner are going to fall for each other. The Mormon community doesn't support their brethren being gay. Sebastian can either have Tanner or his family, right?
I also wasn't sure why Tanner's family was so against him a) coming out in Provo or b) falling for a Mormon. We learn that his family has a lot of baggage that causes this, but it was a little strange. The book's exploration of the religious aspect of Mormonism was very interesting and eye-opening, though, as a result, I wasn't sure how realistic the ending was. Still, I found the two boys' exploration and relationship to be heartbreaking and riveting.
There is a lot going on in the book--so many deep emotions, along with coverage of religion and sexuality. I found myself very protective of Tanner and trying to understand his parents, at times, even if they were supportive overall. I even felt that way about Sebastian, even though I couldn't imagine, truly, how he must be feeling, trying to reconcile his own emotions about Tanner against his religious upbringing.
In the end, I liked this one a lot even if I found some areas problematic (Tanner's parents; an incident with Tanner and Autumn; the ending wrapping up a little neatly). It was a very insightful look at religion and sexuality for these two young men and really got me thinking about a lot. Through all the angst, there was a lot of depth and feeling. 4 stars.
I have a lot of complicated feelings about this book. It's wonderful to see a bisexual protagonist in YA literature, even if Tanner's bisexuality doesn't seem fully explored (and he's not always believed). This is very emotional book, and it certainly wrenched at my heartstrings. From the beginning, it seems pretty clear that there isn't going to be an easy outcome. Sebastian and Tanner are going to fall for each other. The Mormon community doesn't support their brethren being gay. Sebastian can either have Tanner or his family, right?
I also wasn't sure why Tanner's family was so against him a) coming out in Provo or b) falling for a Mormon. We learn that his family has a lot of baggage that causes this, but it was a little strange. The book's exploration of the religious aspect of Mormonism was very interesting and eye-opening, though, as a result, I wasn't sure how realistic the ending was. Still, I found the two boys' exploration and relationship to be heartbreaking and riveting.
There is a lot going on in the book--so many deep emotions, along with coverage of religion and sexuality. I found myself very protective of Tanner and trying to understand his parents, at times, even if they were supportive overall. I even felt that way about Sebastian, even though I couldn't imagine, truly, how he must be feeling, trying to reconcile his own emotions about Tanner against his religious upbringing.
In the end, I liked this one a lot even if I found some areas problematic (Tanner's parents; an incident with Tanner and Autumn; the ending wrapping up a little neatly). It was a very insightful look at religion and sexuality for these two young men and really got me thinking about a lot. Through all the angst, there was a lot of depth and feeling. 4 stars.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Passenger in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Firstly I'd like to thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
The Passenger is thrilling and exhilarating! With twists and turns around every corner, I can assure you, you will not be bored.
While this books plot is overused, Lutz did really well to add her own spark to it, making it unique and fast paced, exactly what I love in a book. Each character presented had their own story to tell and I'm happy to say I found none of them annoying or boring (maybe apart from Domenic's use of the word 'sweetheart' a lot).
Tanya/Nora/Debra's/whatever you want to call her's story is heartbreaking and challenging throughout. I tend to find women found in these predicaments (in books) do all the wrong things and only make their life more difficult, but Tanya does everything expertly and wonderfully. She's such a likeable character that you are backing her the whole way through, even at the times where her actions are questionable.
I will definitely recommend this to friends and family when it is published as I believe it's a fabulous fast paced thriller that thousands will enjoy.
The Passenger is thrilling and exhilarating! With twists and turns around every corner, I can assure you, you will not be bored.
While this books plot is overused, Lutz did really well to add her own spark to it, making it unique and fast paced, exactly what I love in a book. Each character presented had their own story to tell and I'm happy to say I found none of them annoying or boring (maybe apart from Domenic's use of the word 'sweetheart' a lot).
Tanya/Nora/Debra's/whatever you want to call her's story is heartbreaking and challenging throughout. I tend to find women found in these predicaments (in books) do all the wrong things and only make their life more difficult, but Tanya does everything expertly and wonderfully. She's such a likeable character that you are backing her the whole way through, even at the times where her actions are questionable.
I will definitely recommend this to friends and family when it is published as I believe it's a fabulous fast paced thriller that thousands will enjoy.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Hold Back the Dark (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #18) in Books
Sep 27, 2018
I always love a good Bishop/SCU story.
Contains spoilers, click to show
** spoiler alert ** I was lucky enough to win a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway!
I love, love, LOVE the Bishop/SCU books. The characters are so familiar to me, it feels like coming home each time I start a new story.
I found HOLD BACK THE DARK to be just as good as the previous installments, with one exception: the ending felt rushed. Once the team found the cave, it seemed like everything moved very quickly and then -boom- the story was over. What happened to the people who were forced by the energy to do horrible things? Does the woman who killed her family ever come out of the coma, horrified at what she's done? Does the real estate agent who killed his clients ever "snap out of it?" In addition, what about the team members who were not SCU or Haven? Do any of them decide to finally join?
While I was completely engrossed in the story from the very first page, I do wish the ending had been fleshed out a bit more. Won't stop me from continuing the series, though! :)
I love, love, LOVE the Bishop/SCU books. The characters are so familiar to me, it feels like coming home each time I start a new story.
I found HOLD BACK THE DARK to be just as good as the previous installments, with one exception: the ending felt rushed. Once the team found the cave, it seemed like everything moved very quickly and then -boom- the story was over. What happened to the people who were forced by the energy to do horrible things? Does the woman who killed her family ever come out of the coma, horrified at what she's done? Does the real estate agent who killed his clients ever "snap out of it?" In addition, what about the team members who were not SCU or Haven? Do any of them decide to finally join?
While I was completely engrossed in the story from the very first page, I do wish the ending had been fleshed out a bit more. Won't stop me from continuing the series, though! :)
Shane Crick (5 KP) rated Archipelago (The Man Who Loved Too Much, #1) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
I was given a copy of this book In return for an honest review.
I was expecting something totally different when I started this book and It turned Into a completely different story. It was Interesting to see Billy's journey throughout his first 20 years of his life. It was as though you were viewing his world through his eyes with each page turn. From his dysfunctional family, his school years, and his experiences with women that come Into his life. My one big quirk with this book was that at times I felt as though this story was written specifically for Intelligent readers. Their are several big words In the book that I found myself having to look up the definition since I've never heard or seen used before. It really took away from the story for me and at times I just wanted to put the book down and not read any further. Aside from that, I carried on and found myself enjoying the book. I can't wait to start on book #2 and see how the story progresses with Billy and the other characters from this book.
I was expecting something totally different when I started this book and It turned Into a completely different story. It was Interesting to see Billy's journey throughout his first 20 years of his life. It was as though you were viewing his world through his eyes with each page turn. From his dysfunctional family, his school years, and his experiences with women that come Into his life. My one big quirk with this book was that at times I felt as though this story was written specifically for Intelligent readers. Their are several big words In the book that I found myself having to look up the definition since I've never heard or seen used before. It really took away from the story for me and at times I just wanted to put the book down and not read any further. Aside from that, I carried on and found myself enjoying the book. I can't wait to start on book #2 and see how the story progresses with Billy and the other characters from this book.
Sam (228 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Oct 19, 2019
Character Development (2 more)
Amazing Fight Scenes
Charming Plot
Teen Rom-Com With A Superhero Twist
Here we seem to have two separate movies mixed into one. On the one hand we have this adorable romantic comedy about two teens that go on a trip with their class overseas. On the other we have our class superhero movie with Spiderman facing off against the villian and coming into his own as a hero. Both of these not only play well but were also well combined to formulate this movie.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
lurkykitty (3 KP) rated Saint X in Books
Mar 26, 2020
A compelling and intelligent mystery
When Claire is only seven years old, her eighteen year-old sister Alison disappears and is found dead when their family takes a vacation on a Caribbean island. This book takes place mostly in NYC where Claire, now called Emily, is a young adult working at her first job. By happenstance, she runs into one of the men from the island who was accused of killing her sister, but was not convicted due to lack of evidence. She befriends this man to learn more about what happened to her sister, to the detriment of her own mental health. The initial impression of this book was that it would be a fast paced thriller with a stunning conclusion. However, it is more a commentary on unresolved grief, the assumptions that are made based on race and class, and how one event can shatter the lives of so many. It could still be categorized as a mystery. I found the multiple points of view valuable in understanding the characters and events. Even though, at times, Saint X did not move quickly, it was still a compelling and interesting read.
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