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Crowned with Guilt
Crowned with Guilt
S.K. Rose | 2018 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
10
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
All the angst you could want and more (0 more)
Remember the Reaper (book 1)
I could never say enough about this book. Not only was it an amazing read, but it’s the authors debut novel. She takes you on a journey you don’t want to ever end. The characters have such depth, you’re sucked into a world you never knew you needed to be a part of. There’s something I find so sweet and innocent about a child’s unconditional love. Especially when it’s shared with another kid who needs it so much. The bond that forms is her lifeline in so many ways. Tessa’s story is not one of unicorns and rainbows but she finds her escape in books, a prince she doesn’t feel she deserves, and a castle built of dreams. It’s dark, gritty, and doesn’t feel anything but real. She goes through so much in her young life, it changes her. The weight of what she feels as her fault sits heavy on her shoulders. There’s not much that can hurt a person as much as their own guilt slowly eating away at them. When all you see in the mirror is the villain and you lash out at anyone who tries to get close what hope is left.

This is the first book of a series.
  
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
Erik Larson | 2004 | Crime, History & Politics, Reference
4
7.0 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not so much murder, magic, and madness
I'm a true crime junkie, aka murderino, so of course, I looked forward to reading this book. The title and description sounded great and I previously read another book, Isaac's Storm, about the 1900 Galveston hurricane, by Eric Larson, which was fascinating as he did a ton of research and brought that book to life. Though it's been 8 years since I've read Isaac's storm, I remember the stories he told as he narrative made you feel you were there. I expected the same with this book, but alas, that was not the case. Instead, I got pages upon pages of details about rivets and the meetings between city councilmen and architects and city permits needed to build everything. OMG, seriously? Why? There are a few stories in the book that are interesting such as the creation of the first Ferris wheel, some of the exhibits and entertainers and drama of the World's Fair. There is a little information about H.H. Holmes, his murder castle, and crimes but not as much detail as any true crime buff has already read someplace else. And what there is about Holmes is a dry recitation of facts, nothing intriguing at all. I was extremely disappointed in his coverage of the events in this book. The title made it sound exciting but it was mostly just drudgery.
  
As a Downton Abbey enthusiast, I enjoyed this book immensely! Full of romance, sorrow and drama! Just like the beloved show, Downton Abbey. Only, these people, really lived! I admit without shame, that I am an avid Downton Abbey fan. Having been sucked into it by the time the third season aired, I have been in love ever since. As some of you may know I have an obsession with finding out the real history behind stories that I love. Whether the Dark Ages or Contemporary Fiction, I want to know what actually happened. What I found the most intriguing about this book, is that there are many, MANY, similarities between Downton Abbey and the true history of Highclere Castle. (I am pretty sure that was no accident on Julian Fellowes's part.) This was one of my first real experiences with an audiobook, and I honestly wish I had just read the book instead. I am much more of a visual learner, and it was hard for me to retain all the dates and names...Especially since I was always driving as well. I believe I am more suited for novels on audiobook, rather than history. Any fan of Downton Abbey, or of Edwardian history in general, will enjoy this book. It was so much fun to learn about the real people that lived at Highclere one hundred years ago.
  
Nothing Wee About Me!
Nothing Wee About Me!
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A magical tale of female championship
You can also find this review on my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com

Nothing Wee About Me is a magical tale of one girl's power of imagination and self-confidence. The story follows the main character, Liesel as she visits her Grandma Rose. She takes her grandmother's ladle and goes on an adventure, this adventure leads her to an island that is inhabited by pirates. On this island, there is an active volcano and Liesel is determined to save the day. So she does just that, but it is only a temporary fix.

However, there are multiple of obstacles that get in her way such as a dragon that is guarding a castle. All throughout this little book, Liesel is called a "wee girl" and questioned by everyone. Liesel is confident in herself and what her capabilities are. Her use of a ladle is a bit of a symbolism towards reclaiming the stereotype against women. But Grandma Rose's dismissive attitude towards Liesel's confidence suggests that Liesel's choice isn't that radical.

The text doesn't really tell the story but it rather shows it with soft, sketchy illustrations that support the text with visual information. There are only three human characters while the rest of the characters are animals. Nothing Wee About Me! is a fun and easy read that makes for a great picture book about championing girl power.