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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Probability of Miracles in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you read a lot of books like I do, you know by now that you can't always trust what the back cover says. Someone comes up with a way to make even the crappiest book seem like it is the most well written, entertaining piece of literature you'll ever see. Well...I can happily say that the back cover of Wendy Wunder's book does not lie, especially the part that says, "...will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn on the page."
This book tells the story of Campbell, a 16 year old dying from cancer. Her mom, in one last effort to save her life, decides to move the family the family to Promise, Maine. A town that is said to produce miracles by the truck load. The book follows Cam through her journey in Promise and lets the reader watch her slowly realize that miracles can and do happen, even if they aren't the miracle you came looking for.
I won an ARC of this book on First Reads and am I ever glad I did! I will be sure to suggest it to anyone who is willing to listen!
This book tells the story of Campbell, a 16 year old dying from cancer. Her mom, in one last effort to save her life, decides to move the family the family to Promise, Maine. A town that is said to produce miracles by the truck load. The book follows Cam through her journey in Promise and lets the reader watch her slowly realize that miracles can and do happen, even if they aren't the miracle you came looking for.
I won an ARC of this book on First Reads and am I ever glad I did! I will be sure to suggest it to anyone who is willing to listen!
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.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Better Together in Books
May 15, 2018
Better Together by BL Maxwell
Better Together tells the story of two young boys, both only seventeen years old, who have to deal with situations that would stress out adults. Caden is thrown out of home when his parents discover he is gay, and Rio has to become the father of the family when his parents are deported, due to a small mistake. These two struggle when separate, but once they are together, things get better.
This is a sweet story, full of hope and love, showing that maturity isn't necessarily linked with age. In fact, it seemed strange to hear their ages being referenced, as they seemed so much older in themselves. By pulling together, taking one step at a time, and asking for help when needed, Caden and Rio appear to be able to do anything.
With a high feel-good factor, I can definitely recommend this story for when life seems insurmountable!
* 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 a sweet story, full of hope and love, showing that maturity isn't necessarily linked with age. In fact, it seemed strange to hear their ages being referenced, as they seemed so much older in themselves. By pulling together, taking one step at a time, and asking for help when needed, Caden and Rio appear to be able to do anything.
With a high feel-good factor, I can definitely recommend this story for when life seems insurmountable!
* 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!
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Big Hero 6, Vol. 1 in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received Disney's Big Hero 6, vol. 1 from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review of the book. I am a person who loved all things Disney. When I entered to review this book I was not expecting it to be a comic book. Comic books are not something I enjoy typically. This book is about a boy named Hiro who is a genius and dreams of being an inventor like his older brother. The book takes an unexpected turn when Hiro's old brother vanishes while saving his life. Hiro was devastated. Hiro had every right to sulk in his grief and be lonely and blame himself for his brothers disappearance, but instead he develops a friendship with his brother's last invention; a health-care companion robot named Baymax. The robot was exactly what Hiro needed to get back up on his feet. Baymax and Hiro go on many adventures which helps Hiro to not be as lonely. The book follows the plot of the movie closely but the author has his own twist to it.
I received Disney's Big Hero 6, vol. 1 from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review of the book. I am a person who loved all things Disney. When I entered to review this book I was not expecting it to be a comic book. Comic books are not something I enjoy typically. This book is about a boy named Hiro who is a genius and dreams of being an inventor like his older brother. The book takes an unexpected turn when Hiro's old brother vanishes while saving his life. Hiro was devastated. Hiro had every right to sulk in his grief and be lonely and blame himself for his brothers disappearance, but instead he develops a friendship with his brother's last invention; a health-care companion robot named Baymax. The robot was exactly what Hiro needed to get back up on his feet. Baymax and Hiro go on many adventures which helps Hiro to not be as lonely. The book follows the plot of the movie closely but the author has his own twist to it.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Spooning Leads to Forking: A Gay Teen Romance Story in Books
Jun 25, 2018
Spooning Leads to Forking by B.A. Smith
Spooning Leads to Forking is a very well written story about two boys who are figuring out just who they are. It is very fast paced, and you quickly get to the 'action'.
Dylan is a misfit, and happy to be one. Michael is the basketball star. One day their relationship changes in a BIG way, and you get the rawness, the nitty-gritty, the 'real' relationship two seventeen-year-old boys can have, including the insults, bitch slaps, and rough-housing. I would also say it is full of emotion and passion, bordering on obsession.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a more 'real' story than one filled with unicorns and cupcakes (although they have their place too!). I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and would like to see more of Dylan and Michael as they grow older. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dylan is a misfit, and happy to be one. Michael is the basketball star. One day their relationship changes in a BIG way, and you get the rawness, the nitty-gritty, the 'real' relationship two seventeen-year-old boys can have, including the insults, bitch slaps, and rough-housing. I would also say it is full of emotion and passion, bordering on obsession.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a more 'real' story than one filled with unicorns and cupcakes (although they have their place too!). I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and would like to see more of Dylan and Michael as they grow older. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4) in Books
Jul 18, 2018
Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4) by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise
Dire Straits is the fourth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we get to know Jessica and Jarrett a bit better. Both of them are unhappy in their current jobs/situation, but neither of them feel able to make a change. Just before Jessica has a week's vacation, a dead body is found. This leads to questions being asked by Jarrett and Jess, both professionally and personally.
The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Spooning Leads to Forking: A Gay Teen Romance Story in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Spooning Leads to Forking is a very well written story about two boys who are figuring out just who they are. It is very fast paced, and you quickly get to the 'action'.
Dylan is a misfit, and happy to be one. Michael is the basketball star. One day their relationship changes in a BIG way, and you get the rawness, the nitty-gritty, the 'real' relationship two seventeen-year-old boys can have, including the insults, bitch slaps, and rough-housing. I would also say it is full of emotion and passion, bordering on obsession.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a more 'real' story than one filled with unicorns and cupcakes (although they have their place too!). I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and would like to see more of Dylan and Michael as they grow older. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dylan is a misfit, and happy to be one. Michael is the basketball star. One day their relationship changes in a BIG way, and you get the rawness, the nitty-gritty, the 'real' relationship two seventeen-year-old boys can have, including the insults, bitch slaps, and rough-housing. I would also say it is full of emotion and passion, bordering on obsession.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a more 'real' story than one filled with unicorns and cupcakes (although they have their place too!). I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and would like to see more of Dylan and Michael as they grow older. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
David McK (3372 KP) rated Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire, Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
Ross (3284 KP) rated One Word Kill in Books
Dec 4, 2019
Nothing original but a good read
Mark Lawrence has stepped out of the fantasy bubble into this loosely sci-fi trilogy set in the 1980s. 15 year old Nick is diagnosed with cancer and while undergoing chemotherapy starts to have strange visions and deja vu. A mysterious figure seems to be stalking him and his D&D friends, and he ends up planning a siege to help this person from the future.
The story is very short (a little over 200 pages on kindle), but is quite heavy on the 80s references and D&D gameplay. The story itself is nothing new but with a little more head-scratching time travel/parallel universe pseudo-science crammed in. The twists throughout the story are fairly predictable and cliched.
The dialogue also doesn't feel like authentic 80s teenager speech to me, a few too many Americanisms ("hey" instead of "hi", "do it, already" etc).
A reasonably enjoyable short book, but a little Stranger Things bandwagon-jumping to me. I'm not sure whether the other two books carry on the story or how, so I will be interested to see where they go from here.
The story is very short (a little over 200 pages on kindle), but is quite heavy on the 80s references and D&D gameplay. The story itself is nothing new but with a little more head-scratching time travel/parallel universe pseudo-science crammed in. The twists throughout the story are fairly predictable and cliched.
The dialogue also doesn't feel like authentic 80s teenager speech to me, a few too many Americanisms ("hey" instead of "hi", "do it, already" etc).
A reasonably enjoyable short book, but a little Stranger Things bandwagon-jumping to me. I'm not sure whether the other two books carry on the story or how, so I will be interested to see where they go from here.
The Shaman in Stilettos
Book
When celebrity journalist Anna Hunt takes a break from her glamorous, high-powered and fast-paced...