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MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Under Currents in Books
Sep 20, 2019 (Updated Sep 23, 2019)
AGAIN. Nora Roberts did it again. She got me.
Definition of undercurrent:
1: a current below the upper currents or surface
2: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown<
While Under Currents may not have put me on the edge of my seat as often as some previous Nora Roberts titles (see: Shelter in Place, Come Sundown), it more than made up for that in sheer emotion.
The first part of this book is both brutal and beautiful. The descriptions of the horrific abuse Zane and his sister suffer at the hands of their father can be hard to get through; I found myself tearing up quite a few times, entwining the sorrow with anger that anyone should have to experience any of it, least of all a child. However, there is beauty in how they come out of it.
Thankfully, the horror does lift, and we're treated to a wonderful story, at times simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking. The character development here is terrific. Each character, down to the most random of townspeople, has a purpose and a backstory, and interacts perfectly with the other characters, building a supportive community with a definite small-town vibe.
The descriptions of landscaping and gardening are so well done I could picture the finished products quite clearly in my head - and man do I want a "water feature" now! (the fact that I do not have a yard in which to do this is completely irrelevant š).
Each plot line, whether primary, secondary or tertiary, was well developed and led toward a satisfying resolution - and each contained under currents of its own.
A couple of final thoughts:
*Zane & Darby are #couplegoals.
*I feel like there's always a dog, and I always love the dog. š¶ Although, hey, Nora: cats are pretty awesome too. š±
*Nora Roberts is a master of attention to detail.
*Sad tears? Happy tears? This book will bring them all.
*Can we take a minute to appreciate this gorgeous cover??
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARE!
1: a current below the upper currents or surface
2: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown<
While Under Currents may not have put me on the edge of my seat as often as some previous Nora Roberts titles (see: Shelter in Place, Come Sundown), it more than made up for that in sheer emotion.
The first part of this book is both brutal and beautiful. The descriptions of the horrific abuse Zane and his sister suffer at the hands of their father can be hard to get through; I found myself tearing up quite a few times, entwining the sorrow with anger that anyone should have to experience any of it, least of all a child. However, there is beauty in how they come out of it.
Thankfully, the horror does lift, and we're treated to a wonderful story, at times simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking. The character development here is terrific. Each character, down to the most random of townspeople, has a purpose and a backstory, and interacts perfectly with the other characters, building a supportive community with a definite small-town vibe.
The descriptions of landscaping and gardening are so well done I could picture the finished products quite clearly in my head - and man do I want a "water feature" now! (the fact that I do not have a yard in which to do this is completely irrelevant š).
Each plot line, whether primary, secondary or tertiary, was well developed and led toward a satisfying resolution - and each contained under currents of its own.
A couple of final thoughts:
*Zane & Darby are #couplegoals.
*I feel like there's always a dog, and I always love the dog. š¶ Although, hey, Nora: cats are pretty awesome too. š±
*Nora Roberts is a master of attention to detail.
*Sad tears? Happy tears? This book will bring them all.
*Can we take a minute to appreciate this gorgeous cover??
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARE!
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Meddling Kids: A Novel
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With raucous humor and brilliantly orchestrated mayhem, Meddling Kids subverts teen detective...
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Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Rusty Brown in Books
Aug 6, 2020
Just look at what a beautiful object this book is! It gets better on the inside, too. The detail and creativity is immense; the dust cover unfolds into a gorgeous mosaic, with puzzles, and even the copyright notes have a little Easter egg snuck in there. Every satisfyingly thick page of it is dense with ideas and art of admirable quality. Itās heavy and well made. Simply, one of the nicest books aesthetically Iāve ever owned.
I donāt have a big history of reading graphic novels. In fact I can count them on one hand: this one, Watchmen, V for Vendetta and Persepolis. But what I see I like. There is something extra on the storytelling that is the best of both a book and a film ā like a film unravelling at the pace of a book, with your imagination made into still images. I love the possibilities of them! There really isnāt anything you couldnāt do with it given enough imagination. I must try a few more as I go through life.
Rusty Brown, by Chris Ware is rich, melancholy, sometimes downright sad, but always truthful. Nothing is exaggerated, only presented, as we see snapshots of all the children and teachers that live in a small American town. They are dealing with regret, nostalgia, self-esteem, bullying and secret Joys, but in a mundane way as the routine of life plays out around them. Yet it manages never to seem bleak or hopeless, as enough moments of beauty keep everyone afloat.
There is a hint of subversive politics going on under the surface, but no more than issue flitting through Chris Wareās mind; thereās no agenda or propaganda going on. Heās basically showing us a place he knows and saying, huh, what do you think of this. It made me laugh out loud many times, and cry at least twice. Remarkable work.
Both this artist and graphic novels in general are now very much something on my radar to learn more about and enjoy. If you havenāt ever really tried, I recommend Rusty Brown Chris Ware whole-heartedly as a starting place.
I donāt have a big history of reading graphic novels. In fact I can count them on one hand: this one, Watchmen, V for Vendetta and Persepolis. But what I see I like. There is something extra on the storytelling that is the best of both a book and a film ā like a film unravelling at the pace of a book, with your imagination made into still images. I love the possibilities of them! There really isnāt anything you couldnāt do with it given enough imagination. I must try a few more as I go through life.
Rusty Brown, by Chris Ware is rich, melancholy, sometimes downright sad, but always truthful. Nothing is exaggerated, only presented, as we see snapshots of all the children and teachers that live in a small American town. They are dealing with regret, nostalgia, self-esteem, bullying and secret Joys, but in a mundane way as the routine of life plays out around them. Yet it manages never to seem bleak or hopeless, as enough moments of beauty keep everyone afloat.
There is a hint of subversive politics going on under the surface, but no more than issue flitting through Chris Wareās mind; thereās no agenda or propaganda going on. Heās basically showing us a place he knows and saying, huh, what do you think of this. It made me laugh out loud many times, and cry at least twice. Remarkable work.
Both this artist and graphic novels in general are now very much something on my radar to learn more about and enjoy. If you havenāt ever really tried, I recommend Rusty Brown Chris Ware whole-heartedly as a starting place.
Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right
Book
2016 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST FOR NONFICTION A 2016 NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK NEW YORK...
Politics social issues
I'll Be Your Blue Sky
9.0
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The New York Times bestselling author revisits the characters from her beloved novels Love Walked In...
fiction contemporary fiction series
The Buried: An Archaeology of the Egyptian Revolution
6.0
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From the acclaimed author of River Town and Oracle Bones, an intimate excavation of life in one of...
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Stronger Than Hope (Chesapeake Days #1) in Books
Mar 11, 2022
so much with the warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have to say, I think that Ms McIntyre's MM books are coming on in leaps and bounds! They've all been good but they get better and better!
I try really hard NOT to read other people's reviews before I read a book: I got burned once and will never do it again. I will, however, read them before I write mine. Mostly to see if what they thought and if I thought the same. The general consensus for this book is this:
It's a really sweet book, with most wanting to punch Linc in the face a time or two. And I have to say, I feel exactly the same!
Linc is self-sabotaging his life. He loved his wife, he really did, but dealing with a 6-year-old, his job and his grief is pulling him under. He's a bad bet in anyone's book, he thinks. Nate, on the other hand, thinks he's no good cos he won't settle. But he WANTS to settle, just not for the sake of it, you know? They really are polar opposites, but so well suited!
Linc grew on me, though, and I really did wanna wrap him up in cotton wool a time or two! He needed a hug!
The book deals with grief, Linc lost his wife in child birth. It is handled sensitively, making the point that there is no time line for your grief, it's up to you when you want to move on. Living in a small town is difficult at the best of times, but in this matter? making Linc want to run away. And it's that fact the most that he should have conveyed to Nate, once they decided they were a thing. That he wanted to run, but NOT from Nate.
It's an emotional read, a steamy read and a well-handled difficult read. It's full of the warm and fuzzies and is too stinking cute and I loved it!
Linc's friends, Nico and Jer, need a story, please, Ms McIntyre! I'll grovel if need be!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I have to say, I think that Ms McIntyre's MM books are coming on in leaps and bounds! They've all been good but they get better and better!
I try really hard NOT to read other people's reviews before I read a book: I got burned once and will never do it again. I will, however, read them before I write mine. Mostly to see if what they thought and if I thought the same. The general consensus for this book is this:
It's a really sweet book, with most wanting to punch Linc in the face a time or two. And I have to say, I feel exactly the same!
Linc is self-sabotaging his life. He loved his wife, he really did, but dealing with a 6-year-old, his job and his grief is pulling him under. He's a bad bet in anyone's book, he thinks. Nate, on the other hand, thinks he's no good cos he won't settle. But he WANTS to settle, just not for the sake of it, you know? They really are polar opposites, but so well suited!
Linc grew on me, though, and I really did wanna wrap him up in cotton wool a time or two! He needed a hug!
The book deals with grief, Linc lost his wife in child birth. It is handled sensitively, making the point that there is no time line for your grief, it's up to you when you want to move on. Living in a small town is difficult at the best of times, but in this matter? making Linc want to run away. And it's that fact the most that he should have conveyed to Nate, once they decided they were a thing. That he wanted to run, but NOT from Nate.
It's an emotional read, a steamy read and a well-handled difficult read. It's full of the warm and fuzzies and is too stinking cute and I loved it!
Linc's friends, Nico and Jer, need a story, please, Ms McIntyre! I'll grovel if need be!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Renovating the Model (Forestville Silver Foxes #1) in Books
Apr 28, 2023
RENOVATING THE MODEL is the first book in a new contemporary series, Forestville Silver Foxes.
Forestville is a small town with five young friends, their lives still ahead of them. In the prologue, you get a flash-in-the-pan moment with them, which is still enough to give you a general feeling. Then we fast-forward to the present and the High School Reunion. There we catch up with what they've each been up to.
Tiago and Tomas are the twins who became world-famous models. Tomas still loves it. Tiago... not so much. Cas is the local handyman who walks in on Tiago, not knowing the room was occupied. And BOOM! There we go.
Let me say ALL the characters in here are fantastic in their own ways and I really can't wait to read more in this series. I was playing matchmaker in my mind as I read! But, back to this one. Cas is the charmer in here for me. He is confident in his work, although not as confident in his appearance due to scars on his face from a car accident. He will help anyone with anything if he can. He is also the younger of the two. And that is where my problem lay. I just couldn't believe that Tiago was that detached from the world! I understand his dyslexia. It runs in my family, so I know how hard it can be. Tiago had an innocence, a naivety, that just didn't hold true for me. I'm glad for both Tiago and Tomas that they are out of that unhealthy sibling relationship. It's past time for them both to spread their wings.
Saying all of the above though, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. A great start to a series that I will be continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Apr 28, 2023
Forestville is a small town with five young friends, their lives still ahead of them. In the prologue, you get a flash-in-the-pan moment with them, which is still enough to give you a general feeling. Then we fast-forward to the present and the High School Reunion. There we catch up with what they've each been up to.
Tiago and Tomas are the twins who became world-famous models. Tomas still loves it. Tiago... not so much. Cas is the local handyman who walks in on Tiago, not knowing the room was occupied. And BOOM! There we go.
Let me say ALL the characters in here are fantastic in their own ways and I really can't wait to read more in this series. I was playing matchmaker in my mind as I read! But, back to this one. Cas is the charmer in here for me. He is confident in his work, although not as confident in his appearance due to scars on his face from a car accident. He will help anyone with anything if he can. He is also the younger of the two. And that is where my problem lay. I just couldn't believe that Tiago was that detached from the world! I understand his dyslexia. It runs in my family, so I know how hard it can be. Tiago had an innocence, a naivety, that just didn't hold true for me. I'm glad for both Tiago and Tomas that they are out of that unhealthy sibling relationship. It's past time for them both to spread their wings.
Saying all of the above though, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. A great start to a series that I will be continuing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Apr 28, 2023
The Treasure of Rigmore House (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #3)
8.0
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An heiress forced to choose a husband by her next birthday. A former selkie bent on revenge. Can...
Historical Fantasy Romance