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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Crossings in Books

Jul 31, 2020  
Crossings
Crossings
Alex Landragin | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Clever story that can be ready 2 different ways
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

I loved reading "choose your own adventure" books. Everyone started reading at the same place, but you could decide how the story played out. You could spend hours rereading without taking the same path twice. In Crossings by Alex Landragin, there are two paths to choose from, the linear path or what is referred to as the Baroness sequence. I followed the Baroness sequence and was in for quite an adventure.

Crossings is the first novel I read that can be read in two ways. It can be read straight through which contains a collection of loosely connected stories. You can choose to follow the Baroness sequence and follow an alternative page sequence that cleverly reworks the stories into a single novel.

I was going to read Crossings both directions it can be read but decided to wait a few months to read the linear version. The concept of writing the novel is imaginative and creative, and I added a star because of how well it works.

The e-book links to the next section in the sequence were not always accurate. If that occurs in the final draft, go to the "note to reader" and click the links from there.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/30/20.
  
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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Dead Air in Books

Aug 6, 2020  
Dead Air
Dead Air
Michael Bradley | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

It is no secret I am proud to be from Philly. I love the people, the sports, the arts, and the energy. Philadelphia is not perfect, but if you want to get my attention, set a novel in my city. I will read it. Michael Bradley, a southern Jersey native, set his third novel in Philly and combined his knowledge of the area and radio broadcasting to write Dead Air: A Novel of Suspense.

Kaitlyn Ashe, a radio DJ in Philadelphia, receives anonymous letters that threaten the life she built for herself. That life hides secrets she does not want to be revealed but, when the letters escalate, her fiance insists on calling the police. Kaitlyn needs to figure out who knows about the Shallows before her life crashes down around her, and her secrets revealed.

Rachel Fulginiti, an Audie-nominated narrator and veteran of the stage, skillfully narrates the audiobook, allowing us to hear Kaitlyn's "radio voice" and her normal voice. You can imagine Rachel is Kaitlyn conveying the story to us.

I found the audiobook a little slow to listen to at 1.0 speed. Philadelphians do not talk slowly so I played it at a more comfortable, higher rate.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/5/20.
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Lie to Me in Books

Feb 1, 2018  
Lie to Me
Lie to Me
J.T. Ellison | 2017 | Mystery, Thriller
8
7.8 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sutton and Ethan Montclair had the ideal life--a beautiful marriage, a gorgeous house, successful writing careers, and a beautiful baby son. But with the death of their baby, Dashiell, things started to crumble. Peering into the cracks, it was clear that Ethan's career isn't going well and Sutton was depressed and broken after Dashiell's death. So when Ethan wakes up and finds a note from Sutton telling him that she's left and not to look for her, he doesn't know what to think. Did she really run off, leaving her phone, laptop, credit cards, and ID behind? Or did something more sinister happen? As for Ethan and Sutton's friends--and the police--they quickly start to wonder if the something sinister is Ethan.

So in the years since [b:Gone Girl|19288043|Gone Girl|Gillian Flynn|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397056917s/19288043.jpg|13306276] has come out, I've seen so many books compared to that juggernaut and felt that so little truly were similar (and keep in mind that I wasn't one of those that *adored* the novel). However, reading LIE TO ME, I felt like this book really deserved the plot comparison to GONE GIRL -- wife missing, volatile marriage, husband under suspicion, unreliable narrators, etc. For a while, I was curious how [a:J.T. Ellison|1311949|J.T. Ellison|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1450824118p2/1311949.jpg] would differentiate her novel from GONE GIRL, but she pulled it off (more on that later).

<i>This novel was compulsively readable</i>; I read it basically in two sittings. I stayed up until midnight to finish it, which is no small feat considering my small children don't care how late I stay up! It slowly builds suspense with the unknown, dropping little hints as to bits and pieces of the story. We start with Ethan's piece of the story, eventually switch to Sutton, and then finish with both of them. Interspersed are various portions where an unknown "narrator" speaks directly to us, the reader, as well as the police. All of this <i>creates suspicion and tension</i> and lets us know that we certainly have unreliable narrators in both Ethan and Sutton. Who do we believe? Even the police--called in to investigate Sutton's disappearance--are confused. <i>I was completely hooked and, honestly, madly flipping the pages. </i>

The Sutton portion slowed things down slightly, but things rapidly picked back up. I won't lie (ha), I worked out some of the plot, but it certainly didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel, and I definitely didn't figure out everything. <i>The book's a little crazy, with a slightly wild plot, but it's a fun and thrilling read.</i> The supporting cast is interesting--especially a policewoman itching to become a detective, and some of Sutton and Ethan's friends. As I mentioned, the plot is a little insane, but fun crazy, and Ellison weaves together all the pieces quite effectively.

This is my second novel by Ellison and I'm finding that I just enjoy the suspense and escapism of her novels. (You can read my review of her novel, NO ONE KNOWS, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1460145588?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">here</a>;). The book isn't always perfect, but it's a really enjoyable thriller, hence the 4-star rating--which makes it higher than GONE GIRL for me. Sacrilege for some, but I just enjoyed this one more.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 09/05/2017.

<center><a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mwcmoto">Twitter</a>; ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KristyHamiltonbooks">Google+</a>; ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justacatandabook/">Instagram</a>; </center>
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Heirs in Books

Feb 13, 2018  
The Heirs
The Heirs
Susan Rieger | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rupert Falkes is a wealthy, (somewhat) self-made man. A British orphan, he came to America, charmed his way into Yale Law, and made a career as a successful lawyer. He also married well: the beautiful (and rich) Eleanor Phipps. Together, the pair had five sons (Harry, Will, Sam, Jack, and Tom) and a happy life. When Rupert dies of cancer, a woman comes forward, claiming to have had two sons with him as well. The revelation causes different reactions among Eleanor and all the Falkes boys (now men), setting off a chain of reactions throughout the privileged family.

I'll be honest; I requested this ARC solely because I enjoyed Reiger's previous novel, [b:The Divorce Papers|18142403|The Divorce Papers|Susan Rieger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1378708022s/18142403.jpg|25489091], so much. I did not realize THE HEIRS was set in New York City and focused purely on a wealthy family--it seems like so many of these novels lately are tedious, and I can't find any connection to the characters.

And, truly, at first seemed it seemed like a boring look at a bunch of rich people. However, the novel becomes more interesting and nuanced as it progresses, with the viewpoints varying by chapter (and really within each chapter). The story is told by the people who were within Rupert Falkes' orbit. We hear from his wife, some of his sons, and past love interests of both Rupert and Eleanor. It turns out to be an effective way to tell the story, with bits and pieces of various stories coming out from the characters throughout the book, including about the possible illegitimate sons. (The focus is less on these two potential heirs than you would think, albeit their potential existence sort of kicks off the story.)

About halfway through, I found many of the characters to be petulant and annoying again--probably because we were in whiny middle son Sam's chapter. Truly, a lot of the people in this book are jerks. Sadly, Eleanor and Rupert's sons aren't always of the best character. Still, Eleanor is a fascinating person. She's strong, witty, and deep. She was definitely my favorite character in the novel, and any stories related to her were my favorite as well.

There is a lot of talk about money, class, and heritage in the novel. It's set in an earlier time period; it sometimes seems a bit much, but I suppose it's a realistic portrayal of wealthy New York in that era. Still, it is a lot of Jews versus Gentiles, rich versus poor, Yale versus Princeton.

I was a bit torn on this one for a bit, but I can't deny that I really enjoyed it, even if I didn't always like the characters. Besides, I was quite taken with Eleanor and even Anne (the wife of Eleanor's past love, Jim). Rieger is simply a good writer: her books are crisp and sharp. While on the surface the novel seems to be about a bunch of rich people, it also depicts the ties that bind us; there's meaning behind the sniping. There are touching moments in this novel, heartbreaking ones, and even funny ones. I didn't love it quite as much as THE DIVORCE PAPERS, and would probably rate as it 3.75 stars, but I'll round up to 4 stars here.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Librarything (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 05/23/2017.

<center><a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mwcmoto">Twitter</a>; ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KristyHamiltonbooks">Google+</a></center>;
  
Her Every Fear
Her Every Fear
Peter Swanson | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.8 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Read my review here: https://bookbumzuky.wordpress.com/

NOW AVAILABLE!

<b><i>Face it. Accept it. Float with it. Let time pass.</i></b>

Kate, our anxiety riddled main character, has just flat swapped with her American cousin in order to boost her confidence and try to escape her haunted past for a little while, but as soon as she arrives at her cousin's luxurious apartment, things begin to go sour. Her new next door neighbour has been murdered, and her secretive American cousin seems to the main suspect.

<b>This <i>could</i> have been <i>so</i> good.</b> Swanson’s last hit novel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1427280826">The Kind Worth Killing</a> (aw look at my baby review) was so goddamn exciting and thrilling but this was completely missing whatever spark the other had. A co-reviewer (Maxi/Slothreads) commented that this book was “uninspired” and I couldn’t have put that any better myself, hence why I’m quoting it. This had potential to work and be great but I feel like Swanson was pushed for time by his editors on this and spewed out whatever came to mind first. I know I sound like a total arse for saying that but I’m just really disappointed in this novel! <b>Warning: some spoilers ahead.</b>

LetÂ’s start off by talking about our uninteresting characters. Kate suffers from anxiety disorder, made a lot worse by a terrifying incident she had with her ex boyfriend, so she decides to travel across the pond and into her cousin's apartment. While anxiety is something IÂ’m all too familiar with, I donÂ’t actually have any sympathy for Kate, as weÂ’re supposed to. If she was really as damaged as she is made out to be, I find it very hard to believe she would move to America for 6 months all by herself, make friends and chat with everyone she comes across and sleep with a guy, Alan, whoÂ’s admitted to be a creepy window watcher after 3 days of knowing him. Next comes olÂ’ cousin Corbin whoÂ’s a cliche jock. Swanson makes him out to be the guilt ridden, caring man but after the revelation of his bad deeds in the past, how are we supposed to like him or feel sorry for him? It makes all the empathetic talk from him seem so creepy. Our only interesting character is, of course, the psycho. A bit of an over-the-top, cliche psycho, but at least worth reading about.

My <b>main</b> issue with this novel is the repetition of scenes. Our narrator chops and changes several times in the novel, so we’re often presented with a retelling of what we’ve already been told by another narrator. I’d say that at least 25% of this book is a repeat of a part we’ve already read, so it gets very tedious, very quickly. Another issue with this novel is the lack of plot twist, I mean, there is a plot twist, but it’s not that exciting and it happens early on in the novel, so the rest of the book plays out exactly how you would expect it to. Can I also quickly just complain about the unnecessary focus on the fact that Alan is Jewish? It made me uncomfortable. And that Swanson should have done some more research into England because we don’t have £100 notes.

This novel had great potential, but in the end, it was a let down. The “ending” was terribly mediocre and then the remaining chapters were a waste of time to read, they really could have been removed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Faber & Faber Ltd for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
  
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Books Editor (673 KP) shared own list

Oct 10, 2017
Queer representation in the young adult book world has improved in recent years as authors and stories have focused on more than just the coming out process, which while an important milestone, isn’t a defining one.

As a result, readers who do identify as LGBTQIA can now pick up a steampunk adventure set in Victorian London, a contemporary tale about a gender fluid protagonist finding fame on the internet, and a fantasy novel featuring a lesbian romance.

Entertainment Weekly has been highlighting the best LGBTQIA representation in pop culture by putting together a list of young adult novels that showcase the wealth and diversity of the LGBTQ spectrum.


Wild Beauty

Wild Beauty

Anna-Marie McLemore

6.0 (4 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Love grows such strange things. Anna-Marie McLemore's debut novel The Weight of Feathers garnered...


Young Adult LGBTQ Fantasy Romance
Spinning

Spinning

Tillie Walden

(0 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden’s powerful graphic memoir Spinning captures what it’s like to...


LGBTQ Young Adult
They Both Die At The End

They Both Die At The End

Adam Silvera

9.0 (22 Ratings) Rate It

Book

n September 5th, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give...

Mask of Shadows

Mask of Shadows

Linsey Miller

8.5 (6 Ratings) Rate It

Book

"I love every aspect of this amazing book―a genderfluid hero, a deadly contest, and vicious...


Young Adult LGBTQ Fantasy
Gentleman&#039;s Guide To Vice And Virtue

Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue

Mackenzi Lee

8.9 (18 Ratings) Rate It

Book

SIMON VS. THE HOMOSAPIENS meets the 1700s in this hilarious and swashbuckling standalone teen...

and 10 other items
     
     
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Fractured in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
F
Fractured
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a debut novel by this particular author and, to be honest, not one that I would have chosen to read myself but was lucky enough to have been sent an advance copy from the publisher, Legend Times Group, in return for an honest review and I am really pleased they did as I really enjoyed it.

Full review on my blog - <a href="http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/fractured-by-clar-n-chonghaile.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
  
The Green Mile (1999)
The Green Mile (1999)
1999 | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Thoughtful, intelligent movie for older teens and adults. (2 more)
Tom Hank's, as usual, is superb.
Well crafted and moving story.
Whilst it's a good movie in it's own right, it will always play second fiddle to the more acclaimed Shawshank Redemption, by the same director. (0 more)
based on King's 1996 serialized novel set in a prison. In 1935, inmates at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility call Death Row "The Green Mile" because of the dark green linoleum that tiles the floor.
  
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Dave P. (9 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books

Jul 20, 2017  
Ready Player One
Ready Player One
Ernest Cline | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.9 (161 Ratings)
Book Rating
Anything 80's can't be too bad
Ernest Cline's futuristic novel references back to the 80's in many ways. The story of a kid in 2044 tied to a virtual world called OASIS has the chance to win the grand prize if he can beat the thousands of others to solve it. Love the references used through out the book and the culture of it. Great read, couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.
  
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Arundhati Roy | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
A spotlight on the dark side of modern India
After 20 years, Arundhati Roy has returned with a stunning novel looking at contemporary Indian society through the eyes of a Hijra, an 'untouchable' called Saddam Hussein and various colourful characters on the periphery living in an old Delhi graveyard. The language and descriptions are decadent, but the political and controversial social aspect is truly groundbreaking, especially the content covering Kashmir. It's a pleasurable, satirical, and mildly dark read