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Becs (244 KP) rated Of Mice and Men in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, a (somewhat) great historical fiction novel. I was just appalled by how slow the middle of the book was. I was so excited to read this book, as I’ve heard such great things about it. When I started, it was a little bumpy but as I kept reading, the road just kept becoming almost unbearable to continue. The ending though, spot on and definitely kicked my attention back into place. In all aspects, Of Mice and Men deserves a solid four gold stars. Reasons why below.
Genre: Literary classic, historical fiction
Audience: I definitely recommend at least a high schooler or up to read it. As it’s a little controversial and a bit harder of a read for a younger crowd.
Difficulty Reading: I almost put this down to never pick up and read again. I was about a millimeter away from doing it. But I have a thing against never finishing a book or DNF. If I’m going to pick something up and start reading it, I HAVE TO finish it, something about having an unfinished book doesn’t sit right with me. So, the answer is yes. This was a bit more of a difficult read. Now that it’s finished, I’m glad I stuck through and read the rest of the novel.
Insights: John Steinbeck is a great author and writer. I’ve read a few of his other novels and have loved them. Of Mice and Men just does not compare to the others. Maybe it’s the way that the characters speak. Maybe it’s the topic. Maybe it’s just Steinbeck lost touch with his writing when creating Of Mice and Men. Who knows, apparently some think that this novel is a piece of art. I mean, it’s still being sold nationwide. That must mean it’s somewhat good, right?
Ah-Ha Moment: When I found out that Lennie has a bit of a mental handicap issue. (This honestly sounds so bad in writing but I’m not trying to be rude about people who are mentally handicapped. I use to work as a caretaker for them and I loved it.) To continue on. You typically don’t see this style of character in this novels era. It was refreshing and different from other literary classic novels.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
Favorite Quotes: “Trouble with mice is you always kill ’em. ” – Honestly, this is a perfect short, one sentence summary of the novel. If you don’t want to read Of Mice and Men, what happens is: you have George and Lennie, always traveling together. Lennie is mentally handicapped and likes to pet soft things. He gets in trouble in Weed by touching a female’s dress and not letting go when she screams. They run and come to find work bucking barley. Here, Lennie kills a newborn pup then kills Curley’s wife. George shoots Lennie in the back of the head and the novel ends.
***END OF SPOILERS***
“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to.” – I mean, you’re not wrong George. Ranchhands are typically pretty lonely, especially in those olden days.
What will you gain: A love-hate relationship for this novel. Seriously. I love it so much I gave it four gold stars. But I hate it so much because man, it was a bit of a bore.
“Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”
Genre: Literary classic, historical fiction
Audience: I definitely recommend at least a high schooler or up to read it. As it’s a little controversial and a bit harder of a read for a younger crowd.
Difficulty Reading: I almost put this down to never pick up and read again. I was about a millimeter away from doing it. But I have a thing against never finishing a book or DNF. If I’m going to pick something up and start reading it, I HAVE TO finish it, something about having an unfinished book doesn’t sit right with me. So, the answer is yes. This was a bit more of a difficult read. Now that it’s finished, I’m glad I stuck through and read the rest of the novel.
Insights: John Steinbeck is a great author and writer. I’ve read a few of his other novels and have loved them. Of Mice and Men just does not compare to the others. Maybe it’s the way that the characters speak. Maybe it’s the topic. Maybe it’s just Steinbeck lost touch with his writing when creating Of Mice and Men. Who knows, apparently some think that this novel is a piece of art. I mean, it’s still being sold nationwide. That must mean it’s somewhat good, right?
Ah-Ha Moment: When I found out that Lennie has a bit of a mental handicap issue. (This honestly sounds so bad in writing but I’m not trying to be rude about people who are mentally handicapped. I use to work as a caretaker for them and I loved it.) To continue on. You typically don’t see this style of character in this novels era. It was refreshing and different from other literary classic novels.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
Favorite Quotes: “Trouble with mice is you always kill ’em. ” – Honestly, this is a perfect short, one sentence summary of the novel. If you don’t want to read Of Mice and Men, what happens is: you have George and Lennie, always traveling together. Lennie is mentally handicapped and likes to pet soft things. He gets in trouble in Weed by touching a female’s dress and not letting go when she screams. They run and come to find work bucking barley. Here, Lennie kills a newborn pup then kills Curley’s wife. George shoots Lennie in the back of the head and the novel ends.
***END OF SPOILERS***
“Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to.” – I mean, you’re not wrong George. Ranchhands are typically pretty lonely, especially in those olden days.
What will you gain: A love-hate relationship for this novel. Seriously. I love it so much I gave it four gold stars. But I hate it so much because man, it was a bit of a bore.
“Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Skinny Me in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Jennifer is overweight and miserable. She has recently lost her mother and even more recently, her job. After a party at her cousins house, she is feeling even more miserable about her life. She decides to make a chand and finally lose some weight. She joins a gym and when she finds out her trainer is her cousin, Autumn's hot boyfriend, it's all the motivation she needs. If she loses the weight she knows she will be so much happier. She just has to reach that goal weight. But with so many other issues plaguing her life is this really what is going to make her happy? Will lusting after someone she knows is taken make her happy?
I could relate to Jennifer in some ways. There are days when I look in the mirror and am completely unhappy with my reflection. Then there are other days when it is no big deal. There are so many women with body image issues all over the world regardless if they are overweight or not. It's good to see Charlene Carr tackling an issue such as this one. Jennifer's issues were more than just the number on the scale and until she was ready to face those issues and deal with them head on. Along the way she ends and mends relationships and finds the person her family always knew existed, but hadn't seen behind all of the anger.
I could relate to Jennifer in some ways. There are days when I look in the mirror and am completely unhappy with my reflection. Then there are other days when it is no big deal. There are so many women with body image issues all over the world regardless if they are overweight or not. It's good to see Charlene Carr tackling an issue such as this one. Jennifer's issues were more than just the number on the scale and until she was ready to face those issues and deal with them head on. Along the way she ends and mends relationships and finds the person her family always knew existed, but hadn't seen behind all of the anger.
Merissa (13786 KP) rated Siren Song (The Chameleon Effect #3) in Books
Oct 24, 2019
Siren Song is the third book in The Chameleon Effect series, and although we still have Idris and Cadi, Rowan and Connell take the front. They were a matched pair but were separated, neither of them old enough to properly remember the other. When Cadi and Rowan end up going to LA to meet up with Idris, Rowan feels the pull of her crystal and searches for her other half. Unfortunately, due to circumstances in book two, Rowan suffers from PTSD which does have consequences for her.
This is the third book in the series, and definitely needs to be read as such. Trust me, it won't make much sense if you just start with this one. However, if you do read the first two, you will re-enter a world of Livrans, and lost children, soul mates and crystals.
It is perfectly paced, with plenty of build up and action. You stay with Idris and Cadi as their relationship progresses, and yet there is plenty of time for Rowan and Connell. An excellent story with a cast of characters that you will both like and loathe.
A brilliant addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the third book in the series, and definitely needs to be read as such. Trust me, it won't make much sense if you just start with this one. However, if you do read the first two, you will re-enter a world of Livrans, and lost children, soul mates and crystals.
It is perfectly paced, with plenty of build up and action. You stay with Idris and Cadi as their relationship progresses, and yet there is plenty of time for Rowan and Connell. An excellent story with a cast of characters that you will both like and loathe.
A brilliant addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Shine the Light in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time. Shes stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives especially when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised. And shes even let down her guard long enough to let a boyfriend, Justin, into her life.
Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?
My Thoughts: This is a book that touches the heart. A book that deals with many concerns. It deals with homelessness, physical disabilities, and PTSD. The author has spun a story expertly around these topics. It is a story of love, friendship, healing, and forgiveness.
This was a novel that the reader can become engrossed in, finding it hard to put down. The characters are easy to relate to, and the reader can come to know and love. It brings empathy toward the homeless and their plight. It is a compelling read and I enjoyed this and I know that the author has put much time into research for this novel.
Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?
My Thoughts: This is a book that touches the heart. A book that deals with many concerns. It deals with homelessness, physical disabilities, and PTSD. The author has spun a story expertly around these topics. It is a story of love, friendship, healing, and forgiveness.
This was a novel that the reader can become engrossed in, finding it hard to put down. The characters are easy to relate to, and the reader can come to know and love. It brings empathy toward the homeless and their plight. It is a compelling read and I enjoyed this and I know that the author has put much time into research for this novel.
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Merissa (13786 KP) rated The Darkening (Dawn of Ascension #2) in Books
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Samuel has only had a year of freedom after being rescued by Duncan and, for various reasons, is content to keep his distance from one and all. Vela is also keeping her distance but hers are more specific. She is avoiding all the militia warriors as she has already lost her husband to the war and wants to avoid being hurt any further. However, the breh-hedden has other ideas and these two become entangled within its sensual and overpowering grasp. Samuel has his power that he is afraid of, as he can't control it. Vela also comes into her power of being able to travel via the Darkening. A match has been made but will they work together or fall apart?
This is a brilliant story that straddles two series without being at all complicated for those not completely au fait with them. It is exciting and thrilling, whilst being heartbreaking in places too. Samuel has the opportunity to pay Duncan back for rescuing him but will he be too late? This book will grip you and leave you breathless, both for the sexy scenes but also for the action and 'behind the scenes' you get.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended to all.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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This is a brilliant story that straddles two series without being at all complicated for those not completely au fait with them. It is exciting and thrilling, whilst being heartbreaking in places too. Samuel has the opportunity to pay Duncan back for rescuing him but will he be too late? This book will grip you and leave you breathless, both for the sexy scenes but also for the action and 'behind the scenes' you get.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended to all.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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