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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's Learned in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Full disclosure about my review of this book: I have always just liked Lena Dunham and harbored secret fantasies of us becoming friends. I'm sure this influenced my review somewhat. I'll admit that I would have liked to have read a bit more about how she got into the business, versus just random thoughts, but I also recognize that wasn't really the purpose of this particular book.
I also had to remind myself that Lena comes from the oversharing generation. There is a lot in this book that could potentially make you cringe, but if you know her work on <i>Girls</i> or anything else, it won't really come as a surprise. Overall, I found her writing style easy to read, and interesting, if not particularly amazing. I also enjoyed the chance to see any parallels between her life and <i>Girls</i>.
If this hadn't been an ebook I borrowed from the library, I definitely would have dog-eared some of the pages where she talks about how a woman deserves to be treated. There's certainly a lot to be learned from many of her pages, and I found a lot of what she said to be fascinating, if not disturbing, at times.
It was an easy, quick read and gave me some good insight into her life. (And I still want to be friends with her. And Lamby.)
I also had to remind myself that Lena comes from the oversharing generation. There is a lot in this book that could potentially make you cringe, but if you know her work on <i>Girls</i> or anything else, it won't really come as a surprise. Overall, I found her writing style easy to read, and interesting, if not particularly amazing. I also enjoyed the chance to see any parallels between her life and <i>Girls</i>.
If this hadn't been an ebook I borrowed from the library, I definitely would have dog-eared some of the pages where she talks about how a woman deserves to be treated. There's certainly a lot to be learned from many of her pages, and I found a lot of what she said to be fascinating, if not disturbing, at times.
It was an easy, quick read and gave me some good insight into her life. (And I still want to be friends with her. And Lamby.)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated The Dark Talent (Alcatraz, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Librarian army has just devastated Mokia, and Alcatraz, having recently given up the throne, is looking for a way to save his friend Bastille and keep his father from unleashing Smedry talents on the entire world, thereby destroying it. He hits upon the idea of infiltrating the biggest Librarian stronghold – the Highbrary, better known to the rest of us as the Library of Congress. Can he and his family do it without their Smedry talents?
If you are confused by the above, this is the fifth in a middle grade fantasy series. It had been several years since I read the last one, and enough background is given to remind me about this world, but if you are new, I recommend you start from the beginning. As I was expecting, there are lots of laughs and some twists. What I wasn’t expecting was a rather dark climax that felt abrupt. At the very, very end of the book there is a clue that this might not be the end of the story. I hope that’s the case because otherwise, for a book that was supposed to be the final book in the series, it is very disappointing.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-dark-talent-by-brandon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
If you are confused by the above, this is the fifth in a middle grade fantasy series. It had been several years since I read the last one, and enough background is given to remind me about this world, but if you are new, I recommend you start from the beginning. As I was expecting, there are lots of laughs and some twists. What I wasn’t expecting was a rather dark climax that felt abrupt. At the very, very end of the book there is a clue that this might not be the end of the story. I hope that’s the case because otherwise, for a book that was supposed to be the final book in the series, it is very disappointing.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-dark-talent-by-brandon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Lumos (380 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
Mar 21, 2018 (Updated Apr 5, 2018)
I love Betrayal at House on the Hill. It is similar to the game Elder Sign in that you are trying to complete a mission but rolling dice to defeat obstacles, but this game throws a twist at you… after a little while, one of your party members turns on you and suddenly it becomes everyone against them!
I like the way the items and events that occur throughout the game are very well thought out and work thematically with what happened and in what room (for example: it makes sense that you might find a spooky book in the library or a rotting corpse in the graveyard). I do like that one player becomes the enemy (although it causes me anxiety every time that that will be me and I will mess it up). I think this gives the game a unique spin and causes members (that aren’t involved in the haunt) to work together to defeat them. Each game is different and follows a different haunting. There are different books to read depending on if you are the evil player or not, Both sides have a different goal that the other doesn't know about. There is some common knowledge but it almost becomes two separate games against each other. A very well thought out game that is fun and challenging with a high replay level.
I like the way the items and events that occur throughout the game are very well thought out and work thematically with what happened and in what room (for example: it makes sense that you might find a spooky book in the library or a rotting corpse in the graveyard). I do like that one player becomes the enemy (although it causes me anxiety every time that that will be me and I will mess it up). I think this gives the game a unique spin and causes members (that aren’t involved in the haunt) to work together to defeat them. Each game is different and follows a different haunting. There are different books to read depending on if you are the evil player or not, Both sides have a different goal that the other doesn't know about. There is some common knowledge but it almost becomes two separate games against each other. A very well thought out game that is fun and challenging with a high replay level.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Blood from Stone (Retrievers, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
It feels like a spoiler, but since Gilman says this at the front of the book, I suppose it isn't: <i>Blood From Stone</i> is the last Retrievers novel, at least for a time. She's moving on to focus on other characters in the Cosa Nostradamus universe. I wasn't happy to read that, but after reading the book, I'm okay with it.
<i>Blood From Stone</i> definitely isn't a book to start with if you're new to Gilman's work. The Retrievers series really does need to be read sequentially. If you have read the rest, you know that Gilman has developed a very interesting universe and some very well-developed characters in the series. Book 6 doesn't disappoint at all, and brings the major plot threads to a very satisfactory close. I can't be more specific without real spoilers, though!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in the universe, which will focus on Bonnie and the PUPIs (Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigators). I adore <i>CSI</i>, <i>Bones</i>, <i>NCIS</i> and the like, so I'm curious as to how forensics will work in urban fantasy settings. Jes Battis' <i>A Flash of Hex</i> is supposed to be waiting for me at the library, so by the time I get to <i>Hard Magic</i> I'll have something else to compare it to.
<i>Blood From Stone</i> definitely isn't a book to start with if you're new to Gilman's work. The Retrievers series really does need to be read sequentially. If you have read the rest, you know that Gilman has developed a very interesting universe and some very well-developed characters in the series. Book 6 doesn't disappoint at all, and brings the major plot threads to a very satisfactory close. I can't be more specific without real spoilers, though!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in the universe, which will focus on Bonnie and the PUPIs (Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigators). I adore <i>CSI</i>, <i>Bones</i>, <i>NCIS</i> and the like, so I'm curious as to how forensics will work in urban fantasy settings. Jes Battis' <i>A Flash of Hex</i> is supposed to be waiting for me at the library, so by the time I get to <i>Hard Magic</i> I'll have something else to compare it to.
Little Concepts: ABC French: Take a fun journey through the alphabet and learn some French! by Daniel Roode is an alphabet book introducing mostly animal nouns A-Z based on their French words with the English noun below.
The illustrations are brightly colored and in a cartoon-like style kids should enjoy. This is a fairly good intro to French vocabulary. I say only fairly good because not all of the animals have their article before them and in French you've got to know if it is le or la to say it correctly. The description says there is a pronunciation guide, but it was not included in the preview so I can't comment on it. In addition, the pages for letters I, J, K, M, Q, R, V,W,X, and Y were also not included. I hope that this gets fixed before it is published; otherwise, it is a great introduction book to French.
If you're looking for a foreign language picture book or a different kind of alphabet book, this is a visually attractive option. I would love to have this added to my classroom/ school library.
I received this ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Jr. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars. If it was not missing pages or information it would receive 5/5 stars.
The illustrations are brightly colored and in a cartoon-like style kids should enjoy. This is a fairly good intro to French vocabulary. I say only fairly good because not all of the animals have their article before them and in French you've got to know if it is le or la to say it correctly. The description says there is a pronunciation guide, but it was not included in the preview so I can't comment on it. In addition, the pages for letters I, J, K, M, Q, R, V,W,X, and Y were also not included. I hope that this gets fixed before it is published; otherwise, it is a great introduction book to French.
If you're looking for a foreign language picture book or a different kind of alphabet book, this is a visually attractive option. I would love to have this added to my classroom/ school library.
I received this ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Jr. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars. If it was not missing pages or information it would receive 5/5 stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Tricky in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Tricky by Kari Rust is about Tricky,a dog, and the Duke, his human. In the beginning of the book they spend their days playing tricks on the townsfolk by tripping people, stealing, and cheating. Together they sleep well at night and awake the next day to do tricks on the townspeople again.
Mrs. Paisley, is unaware of their behavior so she is perfect for their next trick. The Duke uses his charm to warmly welcome Mrs. Paisley to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley gives Tricky a treat, which harms his heart. He then realizes his behavior with the Duke is wrong.
Tricky wanted to show the Duke that what they were doing is wrong. He shows this by playing tricks on the Duke. The Duke eventually catches on and kicks Tricky out on a night which was rainy. Tricky goes to the bakery to protect it and Mrs. Paisley takes him in and loves him. The Duke realizes how much he misses Tricky when he tries to do the tricks by himself but they were not successful and leaving town.
The illustrations are engaging and add to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom library. The book will allow for conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.
Mrs. Paisley, is unaware of their behavior so she is perfect for their next trick. The Duke uses his charm to warmly welcome Mrs. Paisley to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley gives Tricky a treat, which harms his heart. He then realizes his behavior with the Duke is wrong.
Tricky wanted to show the Duke that what they were doing is wrong. He shows this by playing tricks on the Duke. The Duke eventually catches on and kicks Tricky out on a night which was rainy. Tricky goes to the bakery to protect it and Mrs. Paisley takes him in and loves him. The Duke realizes how much he misses Tricky when he tries to do the tricks by himself but they were not successful and leaving town.
The illustrations are engaging and add to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom library. The book will allow for conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Time Travel Dinosaur in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received Time Travel: Dinosaur by Matt Youngmark for free in exchange for a review. When I found out I won this book I was excited. I grew up reading Choose Your Own Adventure books and I felt that this book would have the opportunity to throw me back to sitting on the floor in the library with my friends reading for hours on end. This book most definitely did except this time I was sitting in my bathtub soaking my soak body after a long day at work.
The book is witty yet it causes the reader to think beyond the story, it causes the readers imagination to run wild and imagine as if they are in a jungle somewhere, to running for their life from a dinosaur to being an actual dinosaur to spending time on the moon with cops. The goal is to save the original timeline and you are able to do this through time travel.
There is some profanity used in this book, so while it appears to be perfect for children I believe it is aimed more for readers who are teenagers because of language use. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope teenagers and other adults who want a revamped choose your own adventure book to spark their imagination and entertain them for several hours.
I received Time Travel: Dinosaur by Matt Youngmark for free in exchange for a review. When I found out I won this book I was excited. I grew up reading Choose Your Own Adventure books and I felt that this book would have the opportunity to throw me back to sitting on the floor in the library with my friends reading for hours on end. This book most definitely did except this time I was sitting in my bathtub soaking my soak body after a long day at work.
The book is witty yet it causes the reader to think beyond the story, it causes the readers imagination to run wild and imagine as if they are in a jungle somewhere, to running for their life from a dinosaur to being an actual dinosaur to spending time on the moon with cops. The goal is to save the original timeline and you are able to do this through time travel.
There is some profanity used in this book, so while it appears to be perfect for children I believe it is aimed more for readers who are teenagers because of language use. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope teenagers and other adults who want a revamped choose your own adventure book to spark their imagination and entertain them for several hours.
4.5 Rating.
I must admit that I got swept along with the hype when it came to this book. I read many glowing reviews and many one star reviews so I went in with an unbiased, open mind. I don't usually go for these types of books but because this book just seemed to be everywhere I decided to take it out from the library (obviously in a big queue due to the popularity of this book) instead of buying it. I was actually very surprised that I loved this book! Everyone knows the murder mystery structure to these types of books, they are always so predictable which is the reason why I usually stay away from them, however, this was very unpredictable. I was surprised by the amount of twists and turns and the characters were mind-bending. I do not like to put spoilers in my reviews and so I have to keep it pretty vague...but these characters...goodness me! How twisted, how cunning, how incredibly smart. The only reason why I knocked some points off was because it became a bit longwinded in places, I felt my interest slowly slipping away and parts became repetitive. This means I believe it would of worked just as well if it was a bit shorter.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much!
I must admit that I got swept along with the hype when it came to this book. I read many glowing reviews and many one star reviews so I went in with an unbiased, open mind. I don't usually go for these types of books but because this book just seemed to be everywhere I decided to take it out from the library (obviously in a big queue due to the popularity of this book) instead of buying it. I was actually very surprised that I loved this book! Everyone knows the murder mystery structure to these types of books, they are always so predictable which is the reason why I usually stay away from them, however, this was very unpredictable. I was surprised by the amount of twists and turns and the characters were mind-bending. I do not like to put spoilers in my reviews and so I have to keep it pretty vague...but these characters...goodness me! How twisted, how cunning, how incredibly smart. The only reason why I knocked some points off was because it became a bit longwinded in places, I felt my interest slowly slipping away and parts became repetitive. This means I believe it would of worked just as well if it was a bit shorter.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
It is a well known fact that I ADORE Jen Turano. In fact, my friends like to tease me about my "That's Jen Turano" face from when I met her in Nashville last summer. However, I only discovered her books in January of 2015 with After a Fashion. Ever since, I have been building my library and now own all her books and have finally been able to start catching up on reading them!
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Most Noble Heir in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Such a fun and unique story! Tensions are high as we begin this story and don't release until the end. I just had to know how it was all going to work out. Hannah has severe insecurities, and although relatable, a couple times I thought I was going to have to purse whomp her. Nolan...while sweet and charming, was a bit pig-headed on a couple of occasions. Watching Hannah and Nolan work through their insecurities and fears was real and heartbreaking. But I love, LOVE, how the author infuses the situation with GOD! It is truly amazing what can happen when we let HIM lead us, heal us, and strengthen us.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set in the Victorian era, Susan Anne Mason brings to life the upstairs/downstairs aspects and the brilliance of them intertwining in an unexpected way. Conflicted between his heart and duty, will Nolan become the heir worthy of his father's praise and Hannah's heart? Can Hannah adjust to the changes in life now demanded of her?
Filled with surprises, excitements, devastations, and romance...This is a perfect book for reading on vacation this year! So grab your copy from the library or bookstore now.
I received a complimentary copy of A Most Noble Heir from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.