Collateral
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Written in Hopkins’s stunning poetic verse style, Collateral centers on Ashley, an MFA student at...
The Mark of Zorro
9.0
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Timid Don Diego Vega grows faint at even the mention of bloodshed and would rather read poetry than...
AdventureBooks ClassicBooks ClassicLit
Salvage the Bones
7.5
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A hurricane is building over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the coastal town of Bois Sauvage,...
Contemporary Fiction African American Literary Fiction
New and Selected Poems, Volume One
8.0
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Mary Oliver was awarded the National Book Award for New and Selected Poems, Volume One. Since its...
The Gallows Pole
9.0
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'I saw them. Stag-headed men dancing out on the moor at midnight, nostrils flared and steam...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Verse and Vengeance (A Magical Bookshop Mystery #4) in Books
Sep 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the third book in the series earlier this year, so I sat down looking forward to this one. Sadly, the mystery disappointed. While there are some developments, the pacing could have been better. Then, in the rush to wrap things up, a major part of the mystery remains unexplained. I don’t normally read paranormal cozies, but I do enjoy the magical essence of this series. We get some additional mythology here, which I appreciated. Likewise, the series characters continue to grow, as do their relationships. Series fans will still enjoy this book even if the mystery could be stronger.
Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax
Book
The only biography to receive awards from both the Association of Catholic Publishers and the...
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Peach in Books
Jan 15, 2018
The story follows Peach, who has been brutally battered and left bruised one night, though it is never clear what has happened. Her thoughts meander over the incident and the consequences in which at one point she believes she may be pregnant.
The remainder of the book paints a graphic picture of the effect the trauma has had on Peach and how this is expressed by her in changes to her body shape, and in her perception of the ordinary things of life.
There are mythical and superstitious elements to Peach's damaged psyche, which you will need to experience yourself. I must admit that some of it escaped me, but this thin volume has such power and leaves the reader in no doubt of Peach's pain and the ultimate consequences.
It is quite unlike anything I have read before, and whilst I cannot claim to have fully understood it, it definitely is unique. Unfortunately it is an acquired taste so not everyone will appreciate the style.
Fred (860 KP) rated The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in Books
Mar 7, 2018
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Penelopiad in Books
Apr 1, 2018
This is Penelope's side of the story, told by her and her 12 unfortunate handmaidens. It shows how men ruled all aspects of life, even when they disappeared on their adventures for 20 years.
It's a very theatrical retelling - the handmaidens deliver their chapters in poetry, song and little plays. Penelope has a very modern turn of phrase (let's just say that I don't picture an ancient Greek!), perhaps something she has learnt in the fields of Asphodel, perhaps!
Penelope comes across as very clever, cunning even. She distracts and holds off the attention of the many suitors who are sponging off her riches. She has no love for her cousin, Helen of Troy, either. She is to blame for Odysseus disappearing for 20 years, after all.
A funny, insightful retelling of Penelope's story, and the story of the injustice suffered by the 12 poor handmaidens. The men don't come out of this story at all well, by the way!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this.