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Femlandia was an enjoyable, if rather frustrating read. The end of civilisation doesn’t come from a killer virus, zombies or climate disaster, but instead is caused by a total economic collapse. The world (particularly the USA) goes broke. Food becomes prohibitively expensive, services are shut off, people are made homeless: it’s every man/ woman for themselves. Except, as is often the case in these circumstances, it’s the women and children who suffer the most.
Miranda Reynolds is left to fend for herself and her teenage daughter when her husband literally drives himself off a cliff. She realises her only safe space is with the mother she hasn’t spoken to in a very long time, and the community that she has set up: Femlandia. It’s her last resort.
Now, if I were Miranda, I wouldn’t have prevaricated for so long - I would have turned up on Femlandia’s doorstep pretty fast. This is regardless of the fact that it’s nothing like the safe haven it has always sold itself as.
As I’ve said, this frustrated and gripped me in equal measure. There are plenty of things in this, that as a feminist, made my toes curl. But let’s face it: who wants to read a dystopian novel where everything is lovely, there are no problems, and everyone lives happily ever after? That’s like NO dystopia I’ve ever read about!
This looks at human nature in all it’s glory and ignominy. It looks at some uncomfortable subjects: abuse, control and prejudice (especially misandry and anti-trans). But do you know what? I raced through this, it gave me a lot to think about, and I think it’s well worth a read.
Miranda Reynolds is left to fend for herself and her teenage daughter when her husband literally drives himself off a cliff. She realises her only safe space is with the mother she hasn’t spoken to in a very long time, and the community that she has set up: Femlandia. It’s her last resort.
Now, if I were Miranda, I wouldn’t have prevaricated for so long - I would have turned up on Femlandia’s doorstep pretty fast. This is regardless of the fact that it’s nothing like the safe haven it has always sold itself as.
As I’ve said, this frustrated and gripped me in equal measure. There are plenty of things in this, that as a feminist, made my toes curl. But let’s face it: who wants to read a dystopian novel where everything is lovely, there are no problems, and everyone lives happily ever after? That’s like NO dystopia I’ve ever read about!
This looks at human nature in all it’s glory and ignominy. It looks at some uncomfortable subjects: abuse, control and prejudice (especially misandry and anti-trans). But do you know what? I raced through this, it gave me a lot to think about, and I think it’s well worth a read.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts in Books
Nov 30, 2024
wouldn't have enjoyed as much, had I read it.
Indpendent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kristin (149 KP) rated How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid (Slug Pie Story #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy to have this one already when I finished "Zombie Cave" because I definitely dove right in (pun slightly intended). After his previous adventure, you'd think Mick might want to take it easy for a while, but nope! Now he's picked up a "friend" who has an issue of his own (thanks in large part to Mick and Finley), and the three of them have to figure out how to handle this creature which apparently likes tuna and SPAM...
Once again, I couldn't put this one down until I'd successfully gotten from cover to cover in one sitting. If you liked "Zombie Cave" you MUST read this one. And if you never read "Zombie Cave", just what's stopping you?!?
5 stars
I was so happy to have this one already when I finished "Zombie Cave" because I definitely dove right in (pun slightly intended). After his previous adventure, you'd think Mick might want to take it easy for a while, but nope! Now he's picked up a "friend" who has an issue of his own (thanks in large part to Mick and Finley), and the three of them have to figure out how to handle this creature which apparently likes tuna and SPAM...
Once again, I couldn't put this one down until I'd successfully gotten from cover to cover in one sitting. If you liked "Zombie Cave" you MUST read this one. And if you never read "Zombie Cave", just what's stopping you?!?
5 stars
DamsonRain (94 KP) rated Amazon Kindle in Apps
Dec 17, 2018
I can potentially carry a library of books with me (1 more)
Easy to use
I wouldn't be without this
As an avid reader, I never like to be without a book. With the Kindle and Kindle app, I never have to worry.
Now don't get me wrong, I also love the sensation of holding an actual book, and smelling the pages (yes, I am a book sniffer), but sometimes it is easier to read from my phone.
As I don't drive, public transport is my friend, and sometimes trying to read a book when in the middle or the rush hour commute, with your face squashed into a stranger's armpit, and an elbow digging into your back, reading on my phone is so much easier!!
Now don't get me wrong, I also love the sensation of holding an actual book, and smelling the pages (yes, I am a book sniffer), but sometimes it is easier to read from my phone.
As I don't drive, public transport is my friend, and sometimes trying to read a book when in the middle or the rush hour commute, with your face squashed into a stranger's armpit, and an elbow digging into your back, reading on my phone is so much easier!!
Alice (117 KP) rated The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2) in Books
Mar 3, 2021
It's a vicious cycle, I watched Bridgerton, I needed more Anthony Bridgerton in my life so I read this book, now I need season two because I need more Anthony Bridgerton in my life.
I relate to Kate Sheffield in two ways
1. I also am the slightly less desirable older sister
2. I am in love with Anthony Bridgerton against my better judgement
If you told me that my first read of the year was going to be a regency romance I would have laughed in your face but the jokes on me I guess because I was so pleasantly surprised by this book and just how well it was written. Maybe all the old ladies who bought all the mass-market paperbacks from the charity shop I worked in had some points.
I relate to Kate Sheffield in two ways
1. I also am the slightly less desirable older sister
2. I am in love with Anthony Bridgerton against my better judgement
If you told me that my first read of the year was going to be a regency romance I would have laughed in your face but the jokes on me I guess because I was so pleasantly surprised by this book and just how well it was written. Maybe all the old ladies who bought all the mass-market paperbacks from the charity shop I worked in had some points.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated I Am Groot in Books
Nov 30, 2020
This was FUN! Not 5-star fun, but still fun nonetheless! Christopher Hastings clearly had a good time writing this cute li;l gem! And while I could go on and on how Hastings' handling of all the G0tG member 9which was A+ for sure!), I feel the need to shower Flaviano Armentaro with a more than hearty helping of paise for his adorable art (rendered in an "old skool" Disney-esque style)! Everything about this series says perfect for a lazy afternoon with some Stash Asian pear green tea and a dog in your lap!
Oh, and I challenge you to NOT hear the late David Bowie's voice when you read the Adminstrator's dialogue!
Now, scoot, go and read it, summer is nearly here, and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is already at the movies!
Oh, and I challenge you to NOT hear the late David Bowie's voice when you read the Adminstrator's dialogue!
Now, scoot, go and read it, summer is nearly here, and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is already at the movies!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Letter Z (Coda Books, #3) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
This was probably my least favourite of the series so far.
My feelings toward this book went south early on with the scene with Angelo and Cole and the fact that Zach didn't mind. I know we aren't all alike in our relationships but I prefer to read about monogamous couples.
Jared annoyed me a little, too, in how much he stuck his nose into other peoples business. Yeah, you're friends but really it has nothing to do with you what Zach and Angelo get up to.
I have to admit that the character that I liked best in this book was Matt, who tried to keep everyone calm and friendly towards each other despite his loyalties.
I'm undecided on whether to read the next book now or to wait a bit :/
My feelings toward this book went south early on with the scene with Angelo and Cole and the fact that Zach didn't mind. I know we aren't all alike in our relationships but I prefer to read about monogamous couples.
Jared annoyed me a little, too, in how much he stuck his nose into other peoples business. Yeah, you're friends but really it has nothing to do with you what Zach and Angelo get up to.
I have to admit that the character that I liked best in this book was Matt, who tried to keep everyone calm and friendly towards each other despite his loyalties.
I'm undecided on whether to read the next book now or to wait a bit :/
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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated 100 Fathoms Below in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
I love books that take place under the sea–particularly horror books. If you’ve read my review on Something’s Alive on the Titanic, you probably already know that. (It’s a great book by the way, and its author is Robert Serling–brother to Rod Serling.) It’s only natural that I selected 100 Fathoms Below when I read its nautical, and eerie, description.
And here’s where my spoiler comes in, because I’m about to go on a mini-rant. The synopsis hints at a mysterious, evil monster hunting the crew of the ship, but it does not say what that creature is. Therefore, I feel that revealing this is a book about vampires is, in fact, a spoiler–contrary to popular belief of other reviewers. It’s pretty obvious early on, with the first hint coming in at 8%, however if I’d known this was a vampire book before I chose it, I wouldn’t have taken the time to read it. The key word there is BEFORE. Because I had it spoiled by a straight up summary of the prologue on Goodreads, coupled with a pretty hearty description about the… well, vampires. So, now that you know that overly used trope is here, let’s take a moment to discuss what Kent and Kaufmann do right, shall we?
The vampires in 100 Fathoms Below are good ol’ classic boys, in the sense that they’re bloodthirsty and want nothing more than to maim and breed more of their kind. They aren’t romanticized, either–and that’s a great thing. In fact, they’re written well enough that, despite having been spoiled by a fellow reviewer, I enjoyed the book enough to finish it. Mostly because I wanted to see how things ended.
Something else Kent and Kaufmann excel at is creating a connection between the readers and characters. I found myself sharing the hopes and dreams of many of the figures we meet. That made some of the deaths a lot more difficult on me.
The plot is quick, making it an easy read; however, the sense of intrigue isn’t really there. The whole discovering a prototype Soviet submarine takes the back burner with an occasional mention and even when it does come back into play toward the end of the book, there’s not exactly any excitement or fear of them being caught. I found that to be a bit disappointing.
Overall, it’s an entertaining read, but I probably wouldn’t take the time to re-read it. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And here’s where my spoiler comes in, because I’m about to go on a mini-rant. The synopsis hints at a mysterious, evil monster hunting the crew of the ship, but it does not say what that creature is. Therefore, I feel that revealing this is a book about vampires is, in fact, a spoiler–contrary to popular belief of other reviewers. It’s pretty obvious early on, with the first hint coming in at 8%, however if I’d known this was a vampire book before I chose it, I wouldn’t have taken the time to read it. The key word there is BEFORE. Because I had it spoiled by a straight up summary of the prologue on Goodreads, coupled with a pretty hearty description about the… well, vampires. So, now that you know that overly used trope is here, let’s take a moment to discuss what Kent and Kaufmann do right, shall we?
The vampires in 100 Fathoms Below are good ol’ classic boys, in the sense that they’re bloodthirsty and want nothing more than to maim and breed more of their kind. They aren’t romanticized, either–and that’s a great thing. In fact, they’re written well enough that, despite having been spoiled by a fellow reviewer, I enjoyed the book enough to finish it. Mostly because I wanted to see how things ended.
Something else Kent and Kaufmann excel at is creating a connection between the readers and characters. I found myself sharing the hopes and dreams of many of the figures we meet. That made some of the deaths a lot more difficult on me.
The plot is quick, making it an easy read; however, the sense of intrigue isn’t really there. The whole discovering a prototype Soviet submarine takes the back burner with an occasional mention and even when it does come back into play toward the end of the book, there’s not exactly any excitement or fear of them being caught. I found that to be a bit disappointing.
Overall, it’s an entertaining read, but I probably wouldn’t take the time to re-read it. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Becs (244 KP) rated The Book Thief in Books
Oct 2, 2019
I have no idea why I didn’t pick The Book Thief up sooner. It was honestly one of the best novels I’ve read so far this year. Scratch that, probably even one of the best novels I’ve read in my entire lifetime. Well, it might actually be a very close second to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo haha.
One thing that I enjoyed while reading was the narrator of the story (death himself) and all the little bits that are thrown throughout the text like this:
***THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN A BOY WHO HATES YOU***
A boy who loves you.
The author takes such a serious and sad topic and throws in love, sarcasm, and happiness. This was such a well rounded, beautiful and classic novel that I just couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of it, even though at first I was a little skeptical. But that’s only because I was in such a sour mood and reading slump when I started The Book Thief.
If you’re looking for a fast read, don’t read this. This took time to read and to understand. To process all that was going on. Markus Zusak doesn’t write The Book Thief in a morbid way that most books about the Holocaust are written, but instead with humor and love and happiness. The good and the bad all intermingled together to create an amazing book that I will be recommending to everybody from now on.
I cried. I laughed. I got pissed. I was stricken with grief, with pain, and with love. I felt that I went through almost every emotion that my body has while reading The Book Thief. And I honestly wanted more.
I wanted more of Liesel’s story after being the only one to survive on Himmel Street. I wanted spin-offs of Rudy and Liesel developing a relationship as they became teenagers and giving me that love story with a tragic back story. I wanted so much more but at the same time, I was content and happy with how the novel ended. I wouldn’t have changed anything about The Book Thief and I will most definitely be rereading it very soon. This is a book that will be cherished for an eternity.
If you haven’t picked up The Book Thief yet, please drop what you’re doing and read it. It will most defiantly change your life.
“And it would show me, once again, that one opportunity leads directly to another, just as risk leads to more risk, life to more life, and death to more death.”
One thing that I enjoyed while reading was the narrator of the story (death himself) and all the little bits that are thrown throughout the text like this:
***THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN A BOY WHO HATES YOU***
A boy who loves you.
The author takes such a serious and sad topic and throws in love, sarcasm, and happiness. This was such a well rounded, beautiful and classic novel that I just couldn’t put it down. I loved every second of it, even though at first I was a little skeptical. But that’s only because I was in such a sour mood and reading slump when I started The Book Thief.
If you’re looking for a fast read, don’t read this. This took time to read and to understand. To process all that was going on. Markus Zusak doesn’t write The Book Thief in a morbid way that most books about the Holocaust are written, but instead with humor and love and happiness. The good and the bad all intermingled together to create an amazing book that I will be recommending to everybody from now on.
I cried. I laughed. I got pissed. I was stricken with grief, with pain, and with love. I felt that I went through almost every emotion that my body has while reading The Book Thief. And I honestly wanted more.
I wanted more of Liesel’s story after being the only one to survive on Himmel Street. I wanted spin-offs of Rudy and Liesel developing a relationship as they became teenagers and giving me that love story with a tragic back story. I wanted so much more but at the same time, I was content and happy with how the novel ended. I wouldn’t have changed anything about The Book Thief and I will most definitely be rereading it very soon. This is a book that will be cherished for an eternity.
If you haven’t picked up The Book Thief yet, please drop what you’re doing and read it. It will most defiantly change your life.
“And it would show me, once again, that one opportunity leads directly to another, just as risk leads to more risk, life to more life, and death to more death.”