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Dana (24 KP) rated The Graveyard Book in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was my second book to read by Neil Gaiman and I wish I would have started with this one! It was so well written and the world was so well thought out that I felt I was in there with Bod on his adventures!
I think what I loved most about this is the fact that while each chapter can connect to one another, they are written in a way that can have them separate in a way. It's almost like they are a series of the children's picture books all put together. And that is amazing. If I was a parent reading this to my child, I wouldn't feel bad reading only one chapter a night to them because I feel that is one of the ways it is intended to be read. Who know, I could be completely wrong on that train of thought.
Bod and Silas are so great. I love their family dynamic without it being too over the top.
Each time Bod gets himself into a spot of trouble, I expect him to get out of it, but there is that lingering feeling of fear for him, especially with what happened to his family when he was a baby. There's nothing like starting off a book with a recently orphaned child, now is there? (Ahem, Harry Potter)
The story did feel a bit slow at some points for me, but I do understand that books cannot be ON at all times.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read another of Gaiman's books soon.
I think what I loved most about this is the fact that while each chapter can connect to one another, they are written in a way that can have them separate in a way. It's almost like they are a series of the children's picture books all put together. And that is amazing. If I was a parent reading this to my child, I wouldn't feel bad reading only one chapter a night to them because I feel that is one of the ways it is intended to be read. Who know, I could be completely wrong on that train of thought.
Bod and Silas are so great. I love their family dynamic without it being too over the top.
Each time Bod gets himself into a spot of trouble, I expect him to get out of it, but there is that lingering feeling of fear for him, especially with what happened to his family when he was a baby. There's nothing like starting off a book with a recently orphaned child, now is there? (Ahem, Harry Potter)
The story did feel a bit slow at some points for me, but I do understand that books cannot be ON at all times.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read another of Gaiman's books soon.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Saltation (Theo Waitley, #2; Liaden Universe, #14) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
[b:Saltation (Theo Waitley, #2)|6669085|Saltation (Theo Waitley, #2) (Liaden Universe, #13)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276362333s/6669085.jpg|6131174] is good enough that I finished [b:Fledgling (Theo Waitley, #1)|5585180|Fledgling (Theo Waitley, #1) (Liaden Universe, #12)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256005889s/5585180.jpg|5756422], then read it in one sitting. It simply has the sort of momentum that doesn't allow for good stopping points — something that is true of many of the Liaden Universe novels.
At the end of Fledgling, Theo was sponsored into pilot school by Scout Cho sig'Radia. Saltation begins with her time there, just as politically naive as ever, but a much more confident person than she was at the beginning of Fledgling. Many of the characters from Fledgling reappear, including Win Ton, Kamele, and Jen Sar. There are new characters too, though, such as Kara ven'Arith and Orn Ald yos'Senchul (who, by the way, also appear in a free story, <a href="http://baen.com/LandedAlien.asp">Landed Alien</a>, that has just been released at the Baen web site and should be read after Saltation).
Theo is a legal adult now, but a very young one, and she has plenty of growing up left to do. That said, this is a young ADULT novel, not a children's book — while it isn't discussed specifically, Theo does take a lover.
She continues to flex and stretch into an admirable heroine. She isn't perfect, by any means, being sometimes short-tempered and not understanding social cues easily. She's someone readers can relate to, though, and that is important. We were brought up concurrent with the end of [b:I Dare|1103876|I Dare (Liaden Universe, #11)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181013406s/1103876.jpg|1644933], which was vastly satisfying. I will go right on with reading [b:Ghost Ship|9762449|Ghost Ship (Liaden Universe, #14, Theo Waitley, #3)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327880001s/9762449.jpg|14651808], because I definitely want to know more!
At the end of Fledgling, Theo was sponsored into pilot school by Scout Cho sig'Radia. Saltation begins with her time there, just as politically naive as ever, but a much more confident person than she was at the beginning of Fledgling. Many of the characters from Fledgling reappear, including Win Ton, Kamele, and Jen Sar. There are new characters too, though, such as Kara ven'Arith and Orn Ald yos'Senchul (who, by the way, also appear in a free story, <a href="http://baen.com/LandedAlien.asp">Landed Alien</a>, that has just been released at the Baen web site and should be read after Saltation).
Theo is a legal adult now, but a very young one, and she has plenty of growing up left to do. That said, this is a young ADULT novel, not a children's book — while it isn't discussed specifically, Theo does take a lover.
She continues to flex and stretch into an admirable heroine. She isn't perfect, by any means, being sometimes short-tempered and not understanding social cues easily. She's someone readers can relate to, though, and that is important. We were brought up concurrent with the end of [b:I Dare|1103876|I Dare (Liaden Universe, #11)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181013406s/1103876.jpg|1644933], which was vastly satisfying. I will go right on with reading [b:Ghost Ship|9762449|Ghost Ship (Liaden Universe, #14, Theo Waitley, #3)|Sharon Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327880001s/9762449.jpg|14651808], because I definitely want to know more!
ClareR (5589 KP) rated In My World in Books
Nov 7, 2017
A beautifully illustrated and worded book
This is a book that looks in to the mind of an autistic child, and their struggle with other people understanding how they think and view the world. The illustrations are beautiful - and I like how the main character is actually a human child which is much more relatable to all children, whether they're autistic or not. The book shows that we might see autism as something negative, but the child has a world of their own imagination in which to live happily - I can see other children realising that they too have this imaginary world and that they're not so different after all. As with many children's books about autism that I've seen lately, it is all about fostering understanding; helping the non-autistic child learn that they are not so different, and that any differences are what actually make us all individuals. A lovely book that I'm sure will be popular.
I received this book free for an unbiased review through NetGalley and publisher.
I received this book free for an unbiased review through NetGalley and publisher.
Dominique Marie (7 KP) rated Dot and the Kangaroo in Books
Nov 28, 2018
MMD Reading Challenge 2017- For Fun
Category: Book set in a place you've never been/want to visit
Back to the Classics Reading Challenge 2017
Category: Book about an animal/or animal in Title
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I enjoyed it so much. Dot gets lost in the Australian Bush and is befriended by a Kangaroo. She meets many creatures while trying to find her way back home. I loved the descriptions of the Bush and the creatures that live there. This is a really good children's book, and the only problem I had with it is that all humans are demonized. There is no distinction made between poachers and those who hunt for food. I have always wanted visit Australia, even though some things about Australia terrify me, for example, killer spiders. I actually used to watch the Dot movies when I was a kid. I had no idea that it was based on this book until I was looking for books to read for the Challenges. I'm really glad I found it!
Category: Book set in a place you've never been/want to visit
Back to the Classics Reading Challenge 2017
Category: Book about an animal/or animal in Title
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I enjoyed it so much. Dot gets lost in the Australian Bush and is befriended by a Kangaroo. She meets many creatures while trying to find her way back home. I loved the descriptions of the Bush and the creatures that live there. This is a really good children's book, and the only problem I had with it is that all humans are demonized. There is no distinction made between poachers and those who hunt for food. I have always wanted visit Australia, even though some things about Australia terrify me, for example, killer spiders. I actually used to watch the Dot movies when I was a kid. I had no idea that it was based on this book until I was looking for books to read for the Challenges. I'm really glad I found it!
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated This is the Earth in Books
Oct 7, 2020
This is the Earth, is a book with a loving message for all. Not only for children but adults as well. It got a message about peace and respect for everyone that lives on the planet as well as nature. I enjoyed the message and the meaning of this book.
I know it is geared towards children. But it a must-have on your child or children's bookshelves at home and in the classroom as well. Teaches valuable lessons that children and adults need to remember. Just some saying I enjoy quite a few saying in this book.
"We just have to live.
We have to be.
You do you.
And I do me."
The pictures are done well. They are bright and colorful. They tell the story. Children will gravitate toward the pictures. I enjoy that along with the rhyming. Not many books pull at my heart and have remembered quotes or sayings. This book doe this. This book is good not only for children but also for older children people as well as adults.
I know it is geared towards children. But it a must-have on your child or children's bookshelves at home and in the classroom as well. Teaches valuable lessons that children and adults need to remember. Just some saying I enjoy quite a few saying in this book.
"We just have to live.
We have to be.
You do you.
And I do me."
The pictures are done well. They are bright and colorful. They tell the story. Children will gravitate toward the pictures. I enjoy that along with the rhyming. Not many books pull at my heart and have remembered quotes or sayings. This book doe this. This book is good not only for children but also for older children people as well as adults.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Sep 4, 2020
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Jun 22, 2022
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Tortured With Love The True Crime Romance of the Lonely Hearts Killers in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Tortured with Love is the sad yet horrible story of how a children's nurse gives up everything she has and becomes a killer, all for love.
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
A bit too drawn out children's fantasy.
I don’t read a lot of YA but if there's one thing that’s sure to get me to pick one up it’s…… bookclub pressure! I haven’t read a lot of fantasy recently so I did go into this looking forward to a change of pace and I certainly got that.
The premise for the book is interesting with the crossover of fictional characters into our world being enabled by those able to read them out. However the fact that this was something that was stated in the blurb but didn’t really get covered until well into the book I think speaks to the drawn out nature of this book. I really think it would of been better if it had been condensed. When a character gets captured for a second time I was all “oh no not this again” rather than feeling tension and excitement.
Perhaps a function of this being a translated work, I never really felt I got into the flow of this book. I didn’t like Meggie the 12 year old protagonist, although that may just be a dislike of stubborn annoying 12-year olds in general. I did however love the Elinor character (and not just for the solid name choice!) She’s a no nonsense full on book nerd. I did however find the books general and constant attitude of people that love books are far superior to everyone else to be a bit patronising.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed this a lot more when I was 12.
The premise for the book is interesting with the crossover of fictional characters into our world being enabled by those able to read them out. However the fact that this was something that was stated in the blurb but didn’t really get covered until well into the book I think speaks to the drawn out nature of this book. I really think it would of been better if it had been condensed. When a character gets captured for a second time I was all “oh no not this again” rather than feeling tension and excitement.
Perhaps a function of this being a translated work, I never really felt I got into the flow of this book. I didn’t like Meggie the 12 year old protagonist, although that may just be a dislike of stubborn annoying 12-year olds in general. I did however love the Elinor character (and not just for the solid name choice!) She’s a no nonsense full on book nerd. I did however find the books general and constant attitude of people that love books are far superior to everyone else to be a bit patronising.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed this a lot more when I was 12.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Housekeeping: Faber Modern Classics in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Haunting imagery, tremendous classic American literature
There was something deeply unsettling yet moving about this book exploring abandonment, solitude and loss over the span of three generations of women in a family.
Ruth, who is our main narrator, is speaking about her childhood in which her sister Lucille and her were continually abandoned by one family or another. Eventually they end up with their deeply eccentric aunt Sylvie, and she seems completely incapable in many ways of being a responsible parent, but rather a sister instead. She leads a transcient life, having deserted her husband, jumping on trains to get from place to place. She's a spirited wanderer, and sees Ruth as an ally and her own sister, Helen, who killed herself at the start of the book.
Their solitary life of never mixing, but staying in the great outdoors both seems idyllic and claustrophobic. There are images of the lake where the children's mother committed suicide, that seem to draw the women to this area. The metaphors are cold and quiet hence it feels unnerving.
It's a classic American tale about real women, which makes this different to the old books talking only about marriage and fidelity.
Ruth, who is our main narrator, is speaking about her childhood in which her sister Lucille and her were continually abandoned by one family or another. Eventually they end up with their deeply eccentric aunt Sylvie, and she seems completely incapable in many ways of being a responsible parent, but rather a sister instead. She leads a transcient life, having deserted her husband, jumping on trains to get from place to place. She's a spirited wanderer, and sees Ruth as an ally and her own sister, Helen, who killed herself at the start of the book.
Their solitary life of never mixing, but staying in the great outdoors both seems idyllic and claustrophobic. There are images of the lake where the children's mother committed suicide, that seem to draw the women to this area. The metaphors are cold and quiet hence it feels unnerving.
It's a classic American tale about real women, which makes this different to the old books talking only about marriage and fidelity.