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Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated Like Vanessa in Books
Nov 28, 2018
From Goodreads: 13-year-old girl from the '80s sees the first black woman win Miss America, which inspires her middle school to throw a pageant to boost moral. What could possibly go wrong?
Normally, I would say everything.
This book, nothing went wrong. In fact, Tami Charles did everything right.
You get an interesting main character. You have her going through real problems. You have this story take a look at a real problem with young black girls when it comes to what level of black skin is beautiful. You have major plot twists at every turn (And I don't take that sentence lightly.) And I actually don't hate the parental character this time (Because seriously, a lot of them try to make these characters awful for no reason at all). And you have the main character drop their walls to tell their vulnerable story to the audience.
In short, I love this book. One of the best middle grade and young adult novels I have ever read.
Normally, I would say everything.
This book, nothing went wrong. In fact, Tami Charles did everything right.
You get an interesting main character. You have her going through real problems. You have this story take a look at a real problem with young black girls when it comes to what level of black skin is beautiful. You have major plot twists at every turn (And I don't take that sentence lightly.) And I actually don't hate the parental character this time (Because seriously, a lot of them try to make these characters awful for no reason at all). And you have the main character drop their walls to tell their vulnerable story to the audience.
In short, I love this book. One of the best middle grade and young adult novels I have ever read.
David McK (3251 KP) rated The Magic of Recluce (The Saga of Recluce #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
If ever there was an argument for Goodreads to expand beyond a 5-star rating system, this is it: better than some other books I've rated 1 star, but not as good as some others I've rated as 2 stars.
The first book in what has become known as The Saga of Recluce, I found this to be quite unusual in that (in this world world), it equates the White Wizards with evil (or chaos) and Black Wizards with good (or order). In many respects, this is also a coming-of-age tale, with the central protaganist maturing throughout the course of the story: a story that, I felt, could have been told in about 1/2 the number of pages if the author didn't insist on detailing each and every little iota of noise - who wants to read about (roughly, and all told) a page or two per chapter of <i>Wheee-urrrggg</i> (stomach noises) or <i>caw-caw</i> (bird noises) or <i>thrum-thrum-thrum</i> (hoof-beats)?!?
The first book in what has become known as The Saga of Recluce, I found this to be quite unusual in that (in this world world), it equates the White Wizards with evil (or chaos) and Black Wizards with good (or order). In many respects, this is also a coming-of-age tale, with the central protaganist maturing throughout the course of the story: a story that, I felt, could have been told in about 1/2 the number of pages if the author didn't insist on detailing each and every little iota of noise - who wants to read about (roughly, and all told) a page or two per chapter of <i>Wheee-urrrggg</i> (stomach noises) or <i>caw-caw</i> (bird noises) or <i>thrum-thrum-thrum</i> (hoof-beats)?!?
Merissa (11805 KP) created a post
Feb 14, 2021
Kristina (502 KP) rated Reflected in You (Crossfire, #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
What a roller coaster! Eva and Gideon continue their story. It’s rocky, literally, from beginning to end. There are so many ups and downs, I began to wonder if Dr. Peterson was available for myself! Throughout it all, I kept arguing with Eva and Gideon, I was even arguing back and forth with myself for a long while. There are so many questions, so many half-truths, and secret upon secret. It’s aggravating, it’s intruiging, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s fascinating to play detective and try to figure out the picture. From the moment I began Bare to You and even through Reflected in You, I found myself at war and choosing sides. I’m not sure if Sylvia planned to have her readers side with Eva and feel suspicious, hurt, ignored, and heartbroken, but I (mostly) sided with Gideon, while still feeling the sharp pain of Eva’s confusion. This book is a whirlwind of emotion! Once again, I’ll complain that Goodreads does not allow a half-star rating and say my true rating for Reflected in You is a 4.5.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated A Light in the Attic. Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I recently decided that I need to read some poetry books, and this happens to be the one that I started with. I'm also planning on reading another of Silverstein's collections, The Giving Tree. I don't really know all that much about poets or poetry, so I may have just searched Goodreads for high-rated books...
Silverstein often uses prominent, simply rhyme schemes throughout this book of poetry, making them easy to follow and popular with younger children/teens. They flow beautifully, almost rhythmically, and are all rather short. They are mostly humourous poems, with little illustrations alongside them. These illustrations, also by Shel Silverstein, are also often funny, and help us understand the point/joke being made in the related poem.
These are all pretty easy-reading poems, nothing too thought-provoking or hard to understand. Quite a nice book to read in bed, or when you just have a little time to relax. There are definitely poems in here that remind me of stories and poems from my early childhood. I think I can give his 4 stars quite easily.
Silverstein often uses prominent, simply rhyme schemes throughout this book of poetry, making them easy to follow and popular with younger children/teens. They flow beautifully, almost rhythmically, and are all rather short. They are mostly humourous poems, with little illustrations alongside them. These illustrations, also by Shel Silverstein, are also often funny, and help us understand the point/joke being made in the related poem.
These are all pretty easy-reading poems, nothing too thought-provoking or hard to understand. Quite a nice book to read in bed, or when you just have a little time to relax. There are definitely poems in here that remind me of stories and poems from my early childhood. I think I can give his 4 stars quite easily.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Anything for Her in Books
Sep 6, 2019
Technically my mum won a copy of this book via Goodreads' Giveaways/First Reads program, but since she doesn't write reviews and I do, I'll read it too.
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3.5 stars.
So, I've read it. And though it isn't my usual genre--I like to mix it up every so often--I must admit I got quite into it. I wanted to know what happened that night; what secret were the mum and daughter keeping? Was it really that bad? Who was this guy scaring them?
Now that I've read it, I've gotten answers to all of the above and strangely enough; I kind of feel it was justified. How Louise and Brooke went about it was just all wrong on many levels, especially what Louise did. I was extremely put off by that.
Some of the other stuff put me off as well. What was with Michael?
As I mentioned above, this isn't my usual genre but for a first book--going via createspace for paperbacks--this is a pretty good book.
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3.5 stars.
So, I've read it. And though it isn't my usual genre--I like to mix it up every so often--I must admit I got quite into it. I wanted to know what happened that night; what secret were the mum and daughter keeping? Was it really that bad? Who was this guy scaring them?
Now that I've read it, I've gotten answers to all of the above and strangely enough; I kind of feel it was justified. How Louise and Brooke went about it was just all wrong on many levels, especially what Louise did. I was extremely put off by that.
Some of the other stuff put me off as well. What was with Michael?
As I mentioned above, this isn't my usual genre but for a first book--going via createspace for paperbacks--this is a pretty good book.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Glass Hotel in Books
Aug 11, 2020
Gripping
I decided to give this book a go as it's one of the top reads on Goodreads and sounded intriguing, and i really do love it when you pick up something completely unknown that turns out to be highly enjoyable.
The plot for this is rather wide ranging. It covers a variety of characters that are all connected through both an isolated hotel and a financial scheme, and follows them at various points in their lives (mostly before, after and during the downfall of this scheme). I love stories like this that don't try to be overcomplicated with ridiculous twists and turns. This is extremely well written and intriguing and gripping throughout to read about how these people's lives turn out. It potentially does get a little weird when it verges onto the supernatural later on which is why I've marked it down a little. However aside from this, I found this to be such an enjoyable and thrilling read and it was made even more enjoyable by the fact that I had no expectations of this whatsoever.
The plot for this is rather wide ranging. It covers a variety of characters that are all connected through both an isolated hotel and a financial scheme, and follows them at various points in their lives (mostly before, after and during the downfall of this scheme). I love stories like this that don't try to be overcomplicated with ridiculous twists and turns. This is extremely well written and intriguing and gripping throughout to read about how these people's lives turn out. It potentially does get a little weird when it verges onto the supernatural later on which is why I've marked it down a little. However aside from this, I found this to be such an enjoyable and thrilling read and it was made even more enjoyable by the fact that I had no expectations of this whatsoever.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated This Brutal House in Books
Nov 4, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, but I really don’t think that I “got” it. As it was all written in the third person, I struggled to work out who some chapters were about until I was a good way into them. And considering the subject matter, the ballroom culture, the missing children, it was just quite uninspiring. Perhaps I’m just not the target audience for this book. Actually, I DON’T agree with this. I was really keen to read a book about Drag culture and to learn something from it, and to some degree, I did. I just wish there had been a bit more “oomph”. Even the scene with the gun barely raised a gasp from me - it was more of a “but why?” Maybe I missed the motivation. I don’t know. This book has a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads, which just goes to show that what doesn’t work for one person works really well for another. I’m glad I tried it though.
A book that will stay with you.
This book is amazing! I have literally spent over a decade trying to find it, it is that good! I have a mysterious and interesting bond with this book I can't explain. I bought this book around 10 to 15 years ago at my local Dollar General for a couple bucks. I read it and fell in love with it. I was in my teens and liked to write stories and began to name some of my characters Naomi after the character. However, shortly after finishing it, it mysteriously disappeared. I looked behind furniture, under furniture, and tore apart my house, nothing. I tried to find another copy, but there were no more at the store. I tried other places, but found that I could not remember the authors name to save my life and when I described it no one had heard of it. I then moved and was hoping that packing everything I own would help me find it again, but I didn't. And so began a decade long obsession with this book. I typed it in search engines, including details I could remember. I did try goodreads at one point a long time ago and nothing. I had begun to think I was crazy and imagined this book. I would periodically think about it and wish I could find it so I could read it again. Tonight there was a big thunderstorm and I couldn't sleep. For some reason I thought of the book as I was scrolling through some kindle books. My goodreads app was there and I just typed it in. I was disappointed when it didn't immediately pop up. I was going to give up and then decided to scroll all the books. I was scrolling and suddenly I saw a cover I recognized. I've finally found it. I read the synopsis and confirmed this is it. Would I recommend it yes. This book has haunted me for years and I never forgot it. Not many books can do that. I'll admit it's not for everyone, but if you like a good suspense, you will.
Please note this review is for an earlier publication of this book (1998-2001ish) which is why I've been looking for it for over 10 years and the current publication is 2012 (new publisher).
Please note this review is for an earlier publication of this book (1998-2001ish) which is why I've been looking for it for over 10 years and the current publication is 2012 (new publisher).
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Dear Mr. M in Books
Feb 13, 2018
"M" is a famous writer whose best days are probably, if truth be told, behind him. He's best known for his novel, Payback, which tells the story of a high school history teacher, Mr. Landzaat, who went missing one winter after having an affair with one of his female students. That student, Laura, had moved on to a relationship with a boy her own age, Herman. The two were staying at a vacation cottage and were the last ones to see their teacher. Did they have something to do with his disappearance? Now, M lives with his beautiful (much younger) wife and little daughter in an apartment. They have a neighbor who seems to have a odd fascination with the couple, but why? The novel weaves together the tales of these disparate characters.
I had heard a lot about Koch's novels and was excited to win this one via a Goodreads Giveaway. It was certainly interesting and definitely different than many novels I read. I have to admit that it was a rather slow read, especially the first three quarters or so. There was actually a point where I was considering giving up for a bit, but I soldiered on. Some characters in the novels never have names (just initials), and we don't really get insight into who our varying narrators are. While I understand why (and it adds to the drama of the novel), I'll confess that it gets a little confusing at times. You really have to stay on your toes as you read.
Still, the novel is definitely more compelling toward the end, and I found myself staying up late to finish it. The twist at the end was certainly not what I expected. The varying viewpoints wind up working out well, as you really see the story unfold from everyone's perspective. Still, I found the story a bit diluted by a bit of a "meta" storyline about writers, as well as an odd insertion about M's father and his role in the resistance, as well as M's own views, which never really seemed to have a full role or point in the tale. I enjoyed the novel, but I didn't love it, and it (frankly) exhausted me a bit.
I received a copy of this novel via a Goodreads Giveaway (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
I had heard a lot about Koch's novels and was excited to win this one via a Goodreads Giveaway. It was certainly interesting and definitely different than many novels I read. I have to admit that it was a rather slow read, especially the first three quarters or so. There was actually a point where I was considering giving up for a bit, but I soldiered on. Some characters in the novels never have names (just initials), and we don't really get insight into who our varying narrators are. While I understand why (and it adds to the drama of the novel), I'll confess that it gets a little confusing at times. You really have to stay on your toes as you read.
Still, the novel is definitely more compelling toward the end, and I found myself staying up late to finish it. The twist at the end was certainly not what I expected. The varying viewpoints wind up working out well, as you really see the story unfold from everyone's perspective. Still, I found the story a bit diluted by a bit of a "meta" storyline about writers, as well as an odd insertion about M's father and his role in the resistance, as well as M's own views, which never really seemed to have a full role or point in the tale. I enjoyed the novel, but I didn't love it, and it (frankly) exhausted me a bit.
I received a copy of this novel via a Goodreads Giveaway (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.