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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated My Dark Vanessa in Books
Mar 19, 2020
At fifteen, the very bright Vanessa Wye earns a scholarship position to boarding school. It's the year 2000. There she meets Jacob Strane, her English teacher, who is forty-two-years-old. Soon the two are involved in a powerful relationship--and one that quickly turns sexual. Seventeen years later, Vanessa is working as a concierge at a hotel, just another in a series of dead-end jobs. She hasn't had any real serious relationships. And now, Jacob Strane, has been accused of sexual abuse by a former student, Taylor Birch. Taylor tracks down Vanessa, wanting her to share her story, too. But Vanessa doesn't feel she was abused by Strane. In fact, her entire life is framed by her love story with Strane. As Taylor Birch's story gains traction in the press, Vanessa must confront her past and what it means to her.
"'I'm going to ruin you.' He says it with obvious torment, a glimpse into how much he's thought about it, wrestled with it."
This book...wow. I was absolutely captivated by Vanessa's story. She tells her tale in two parts: her adolescence, as she meets Jacob Strane at school and they begin their relationship; and then the present, as Taylor Birch's story hits the press and Vanessa must deal with the fact that her love for Jacob Strane is being portrayed as abuse and assault.
"It's strange to know that whenever I remember myself at fifteen, I'll think of this."
For a book with such dark subject matter, it's really beautiful. Russell is a wonderful writer, and this story unfolds almost lyrically. It's so well-done and completely mesmerizing. The sections featuring young Vanessa capture that early adolescent yearning and longing so perfectly--that deep desire to feel needed and wanted. To Vanessa, this is a love story, a romantic tale of a man needing and loving her. She blocks out and overlooks the parts of the story that don't fit. Understanding that some victims don't see abuse as abuse is key to the story, and Russell portrays the dynamic between Strane and Vanessa so well.
"'It's just my luck,' he said, 'that when I finally find my soul mate, she's fifteen years old.'"
As a result, we get a very thoughtful look at abuse, rape, and assault. And, yes, the sections of older Vanessa's story touch across the #metoo movement, as Taylor Birch and others want so desperately for Vanessa to join their side, to share her story. For them or for Vanessa, it's hard to say. This book is so dark, yet so insightful. Vanessa's inner struggle--basically she's having to re-look at the entire foundation upon which her life is built--is one of the most profoundly written and moving journeys I've seen in literature in quite some time. It's not easy to read about, certainly, and it's not always easy to understand her actions, of course. The story can make you uncomfortable; it can feel problematic. But it's an important read, and it's so beautifully and poetically written. I highly recommend it (taking into account the obvious trigger warnings, of course). 4.5+ stars.
"'I'm going to ruin you.' He says it with obvious torment, a glimpse into how much he's thought about it, wrestled with it."
This book...wow. I was absolutely captivated by Vanessa's story. She tells her tale in two parts: her adolescence, as she meets Jacob Strane at school and they begin their relationship; and then the present, as Taylor Birch's story hits the press and Vanessa must deal with the fact that her love for Jacob Strane is being portrayed as abuse and assault.
"It's strange to know that whenever I remember myself at fifteen, I'll think of this."
For a book with such dark subject matter, it's really beautiful. Russell is a wonderful writer, and this story unfolds almost lyrically. It's so well-done and completely mesmerizing. The sections featuring young Vanessa capture that early adolescent yearning and longing so perfectly--that deep desire to feel needed and wanted. To Vanessa, this is a love story, a romantic tale of a man needing and loving her. She blocks out and overlooks the parts of the story that don't fit. Understanding that some victims don't see abuse as abuse is key to the story, and Russell portrays the dynamic between Strane and Vanessa so well.
"'It's just my luck,' he said, 'that when I finally find my soul mate, she's fifteen years old.'"
As a result, we get a very thoughtful look at abuse, rape, and assault. And, yes, the sections of older Vanessa's story touch across the #metoo movement, as Taylor Birch and others want so desperately for Vanessa to join their side, to share her story. For them or for Vanessa, it's hard to say. This book is so dark, yet so insightful. Vanessa's inner struggle--basically she's having to re-look at the entire foundation upon which her life is built--is one of the most profoundly written and moving journeys I've seen in literature in quite some time. It's not easy to read about, certainly, and it's not always easy to understand her actions, of course. The story can make you uncomfortable; it can feel problematic. But it's an important read, and it's so beautifully and poetically written. I highly recommend it (taking into account the obvious trigger warnings, of course). 4.5+ stars.
Glory Road
Book
Written in Lauren Denton’s signature Southern style, Glory Road tells the story of three...
Fiction Romance Women's Fiction
Merissa (11958 KP) rated A Reflection of Ice in Books
Apr 12, 2018
A Reflection of Ice by Katherine McIntyre
A Reflection of Ice is a contemporary, urban, fairy-tale suited more to the Brothers Grimm than Disney! Lyra is a young girl at school, struggling with issues in her home life. When she arrives home earlier than expected one day, she sees something she shouldn't and ends up fleeing. During her escape, she finds somewhere new and shiny (literally). Exhausted from her escape, she is rescued and taken into the home. Once she awakens, she finds out she is in between. She has a choice to make - stay in the castle that has sheltered her and kept her safe? Or return to her broken family life and home in the 'real' world?
This is a gripping, enthralling read that would seamlessly fit with stories of old; where fairy-tales were meant as warnings, not as glitter covered cupcakes. The descriptions in this story give the whole thing a feeling of foreboding, an eeriness guaranteed to seep into your veins as you read. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I read this book in one sitting as I did not want to put it down. An amazing story from a brilliant author. This is another jewel in the crown of Katherine McIntyre. Absolutely 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!
This is a gripping, enthralling read that would seamlessly fit with stories of old; where fairy-tales were meant as warnings, not as glitter covered cupcakes. The descriptions in this story give the whole thing a feeling of foreboding, an eeriness guaranteed to seep into your veins as you read. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I read this book in one sitting as I did not want to put it down. An amazing story from a brilliant author. This is another jewel in the crown of Katherine McIntyre. Absolutely 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!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Back on Me - Single by Marshall Loren in Music
Jul 10, 2019
marshall loren is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released a heartfelt emo-pop tune, entitled, “Back on Me”.
“I said I know that we’re going different ways right now. Can’t help but think that you’re on your way back now. I know I’m the fool that let you go on the loose. Never thought I’d be the one that’s waiting for you.” – lyrics
‘Back on Me’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young guy who wants his ex-girlfriend back. Oftentimes, he reminisces about her and blames himself for their emotional breakup.
Later, he admits if he could change anything, he would have never let her go.
‘Back on Me’ contains a relatable storyline and harmonious vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses murky instrumentation flavored with hip-hop, trap, and urban-pop elements.
“‘Back on Me’ is about ending a relationship with someone that you wish you hadn’t. You see them moving on a lot faster than you anticipated which makes you feel a loss. It’s about wanting that person back in your life. Also, it’s time to bring back the influences of the early 2000s emo scene. This song starts with an old-school steel guitar to bring back those elements that my generation grew up on. The melodies are reminiscent of younger years while having a modern flair. I want to bring back nostalgia for my generation and to show the new kids a style they might not have heard before.” – marshall loren
“I said I know that we’re going different ways right now. Can’t help but think that you’re on your way back now. I know I’m the fool that let you go on the loose. Never thought I’d be the one that’s waiting for you.” – lyrics
‘Back on Me’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young guy who wants his ex-girlfriend back. Oftentimes, he reminisces about her and blames himself for their emotional breakup.
Later, he admits if he could change anything, he would have never let her go.
‘Back on Me’ contains a relatable storyline and harmonious vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses murky instrumentation flavored with hip-hop, trap, and urban-pop elements.
“‘Back on Me’ is about ending a relationship with someone that you wish you hadn’t. You see them moving on a lot faster than you anticipated which makes you feel a loss. It’s about wanting that person back in your life. Also, it’s time to bring back the influences of the early 2000s emo scene. This song starts with an old-school steel guitar to bring back those elements that my generation grew up on. The melodies are reminiscent of younger years while having a modern flair. I want to bring back nostalgia for my generation and to show the new kids a style they might not have heard before.” – marshall loren
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Zinnia (Angelbound Offspring #3) in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Zinnia (Angelbound Offspring #3) by Christina Bauer
Zinnia is the third book in the Angelbound Offspring series, and this time it features the children of Portia and Tempest. I say children because Kaps plays just a big a role in this as Zinnia does. I know they are twins, but I really would have preferred for Zinnia's story to be less involved with Kaps.
At a young age, Zinnia knows that Rhodes is her Rhana, and is happy with all the innocence that brings. However, enemies of the family do 'bad magic' and Zinnia is taken away, and her memories bound. Fast forward, and Zinnia is preparing herself for the ritual that will bring back Chimera when her only friend is taken from her. In a rebellious moment, she decides to take the last few days of her life for herself, and accidentally finds Rhodes.
This was a smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I loved how Zinnia was different, more formal and old school, to the others. Kaps I just found annoying. The connection between Rhodes and Zinnia was just as strong as before, and I loved how he was trying to help her without fully knowing the story.
A great addition to the series, and 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
At a young age, Zinnia knows that Rhodes is her Rhana, and is happy with all the innocence that brings. However, enemies of the family do 'bad magic' and Zinnia is taken away, and her memories bound. Fast forward, and Zinnia is preparing herself for the ritual that will bring back Chimera when her only friend is taken from her. In a rebellious moment, she decides to take the last few days of her life for herself, and accidentally finds Rhodes.
This was a smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I loved how Zinnia was different, more formal and old school, to the others. Kaps I just found annoying. The connection between Rhodes and Zinnia was just as strong as before, and I loved how he was trying to help her without fully knowing the story.
A great addition to the series, and 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Feb 14, 2020
I got this because I saw the film was out on DVD and I like to read the books before I see the film.
So, this centres around 16 year old Simon who's in the closet, scared to come out to his friends and family. He's instead having an email conversation with someone else from his school - someone whose identity he doesn't know - sharing tales of his life while starting to fall for this someone.
I actually really enjoyed this from the first page. I was drawn into the drama as Simon is pretty much blackmailed by a fellow pupil into helping him get a date with one of Simon's friends. Things escalate and don't go great in the end and I really felt for Simon. Kids can be so cruel to each other and over stupid things that shouldn't matter.
I just fell in love with this group of friends. I loved how protective they could all be of each other and then when Simon and his crush/Blue finally got around to meeting each other...I was smiling like a lunatic. It was so cute. I fell in love with them even more. There was just something so believable about this group. Crushes, friendships, parents.
I cannot write a truly fitting review of this book but if you like young adult books with gay characters or just a sweet romance, then you really should give this book a read.
I definitely feel like I need to read more books by Becky Albertalli now, if they're anything like this one
So, this centres around 16 year old Simon who's in the closet, scared to come out to his friends and family. He's instead having an email conversation with someone else from his school - someone whose identity he doesn't know - sharing tales of his life while starting to fall for this someone.
I actually really enjoyed this from the first page. I was drawn into the drama as Simon is pretty much blackmailed by a fellow pupil into helping him get a date with one of Simon's friends. Things escalate and don't go great in the end and I really felt for Simon. Kids can be so cruel to each other and over stupid things that shouldn't matter.
I just fell in love with this group of friends. I loved how protective they could all be of each other and then when Simon and his crush/Blue finally got around to meeting each other...I was smiling like a lunatic. It was so cute. I fell in love with them even more. There was just something so believable about this group. Crushes, friendships, parents.
I cannot write a truly fitting review of this book but if you like young adult books with gay characters or just a sweet romance, then you really should give this book a read.
I definitely feel like I need to read more books by Becky Albertalli now, if they're anything like this one
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