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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fangirl in Books
Jan 11, 2021
So I've pretty much devoured this book over the weekend, having very short breaks because I was a little bit hooked on the story. I fell in love with Levi, and Cath annoyed me at times, the secondary characters were great, or some of them were better than others, i.e Reagan, I loved her. As for the rest of the book, I didn't read half of the inserts from Simon Snow and Cath's fanfaction stuff because that wasn't the story I was interested in. I was interested in Cath and Levi. That being said, I was a little disappointed in the ending. I wasn't bothered about the eighth Simon Snow book being released, I wanted to read about what happened after break with Cath and Levi. Sigh...
Nevertheless, I was very gripped by this story and enjoyed it more than the other Rainbow Rowell book I've read Eleanor and Park
Nevertheless, I was very gripped by this story and enjoyed it more than the other Rainbow Rowell book I've read Eleanor and Park
Vegas (725 KP) rated The Husband in Books
Jul 12, 2019
Easy reading (2 more)
The action
The characters
A thrill a minute
I have only read one Koontz book before and that was a very early one, so didn't know what I was going to get. The blurb on the cover grabbed me which is why I had to try it and I am glad I did... I found the story well written and composed and the short paragraph blocks made it an easy read, if an unusual style... It reminded me of Richard Laymons style of writing which I really enjoy...
The plot although far fetched is enjoyable and makes you think what you would do if you were put in the same position. It is suspenseful, action packed and violent in places but you do find yourself drawn in to the situation and feel for the characters involved.
For a quick and easy read it is worth giving a go.
The plot although far fetched is enjoyable and makes you think what you would do if you were put in the same position. It is suspenseful, action packed and violent in places but you do find yourself drawn in to the situation and feel for the characters involved.
For a quick and easy read it is worth giving a go.
TM
Toni Morrison: Life, Liberty, and Literature
Book
Toni Morrison is one of the most celebrated living authors. Her work, for which she received the...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Gwendy's Button Box in Books
Nov 4, 2018
Interesting Plot (2 more)
Great Characters
An Easy Read
A Nice Short Read
I was on the hunt for my next great read from my local library. While browsing the books, I came across Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. The synopsis definitely caught my attention. I'm glad I found this book because I loved it! I also loved the illustrations peppered throughout the book.
The pacing for Gwendy's Button Box was spot on. It flowed at such a nice even pace. Not once did I find myself becoming too bored or wondering what had just happened.
The world building and plot are written superbly. This is a short read, and all of the chapters are short as well. However, the plot is still strong and told in a way that answered all my questions. The world building is believable, and I found myself wanting a button box but also wondering if I'd want all that responsibility. The plot is as follows. Gwendy, an overweight 12 year old is tired of being made fun of because of her size. One day while exercising, she encounters a man in a black hat. He gives her a box with button on top. It is not a normal box though. It seems to have powers. Before long, Gwendy is popular, thin, beautiful, and everything is going swimmingly for her. In time, events start to happen that make her think the box isn't all it's cracked up to be. Gwendy is left wondering what life would have been like without the box, and she comes to resent it. Will Gwendy be able to live life without the box after it's done so much for her?
Gwendy's Button Box focuses mainly on the titular character. We get to see her starting out as a 12 year old, and we read about her growing up throughout the years. I loved Gwendy, and I loved her thought process and how curious she was about the box. It was interesting seeing the change in her through the years and how she matured. I found her to be fleshed out well enough to be enjoyable to read about. The minor characters mentioned throughout the book are also well written, and each adds something to the story however minor. I enjoyed Mr. Farris. I still can't figure out his motives for giving Gwendy the button box or where he came from, but I believe that's the beauty of Gwendy's Button Box. It does leave it up for speculation on purpose.
Trigger warnings for Gwendy's Button Box include swearing (although not much), violence, attempted rape (though not graphic), mentions of nudity, and murder.
Overall, Gwendy's Button Box is a short yet interesting read. It held my attention throughout and was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar to everyone aged 16+.
The pacing for Gwendy's Button Box was spot on. It flowed at such a nice even pace. Not once did I find myself becoming too bored or wondering what had just happened.
The world building and plot are written superbly. This is a short read, and all of the chapters are short as well. However, the plot is still strong and told in a way that answered all my questions. The world building is believable, and I found myself wanting a button box but also wondering if I'd want all that responsibility. The plot is as follows. Gwendy, an overweight 12 year old is tired of being made fun of because of her size. One day while exercising, she encounters a man in a black hat. He gives her a box with button on top. It is not a normal box though. It seems to have powers. Before long, Gwendy is popular, thin, beautiful, and everything is going swimmingly for her. In time, events start to happen that make her think the box isn't all it's cracked up to be. Gwendy is left wondering what life would have been like without the box, and she comes to resent it. Will Gwendy be able to live life without the box after it's done so much for her?
Gwendy's Button Box focuses mainly on the titular character. We get to see her starting out as a 12 year old, and we read about her growing up throughout the years. I loved Gwendy, and I loved her thought process and how curious she was about the box. It was interesting seeing the change in her through the years and how she matured. I found her to be fleshed out well enough to be enjoyable to read about. The minor characters mentioned throughout the book are also well written, and each adds something to the story however minor. I enjoyed Mr. Farris. I still can't figure out his motives for giving Gwendy the button box or where he came from, but I believe that's the beauty of Gwendy's Button Box. It does leave it up for speculation on purpose.
Trigger warnings for Gwendy's Button Box include swearing (although not much), violence, attempted rape (though not graphic), mentions of nudity, and murder.
Overall, Gwendy's Button Box is a short yet interesting read. It held my attention throughout and was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar to everyone aged 16+.
Merissa (12611 KP) rated Who am I: Prequel to the Semiramis series in Books
Oct 11, 2019
Who am I: Prequel to the Semiramis series is exactly what it says. It is a short novella giving you an insight into the main character's childhood. It shows you just what Alex goes through and why she is the person she is at the beginning of Semiramis Awakened (book one in the series).
It is exceedingly well-written and packs a punch for all it is so short. You will feel for Alex before you even really know her, which is exactly how it should be. The writing is the usual high standard you would expect from a Maya Daniels book, and although there is no world-building per se, it still gives you enough to give you an inkling into Alex's world.
I have already read the three books in this series, and am waiting oh so patiently (!!!!) for the fourth book to arrive. Therefore I already know Alex and what she goes through. Did this impact my enjoyment of this story? Absolutely not. You don't have to read it in order to gain maximum enjoyment out of it. Absolutely recommended!
* 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!
It is exceedingly well-written and packs a punch for all it is so short. You will feel for Alex before you even really know her, which is exactly how it should be. The writing is the usual high standard you would expect from a Maya Daniels book, and although there is no world-building per se, it still gives you enough to give you an inkling into Alex's world.
I have already read the three books in this series, and am waiting oh so patiently (!!!!) for the fourth book to arrive. Therefore I already know Alex and what she goes through. Did this impact my enjoyment of this story? Absolutely not. You don't have to read it in order to gain maximum enjoyment out of it. Absolutely recommended!
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1392 KP) rated Bendy in Books
Oct 29, 2023
far too short!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
So! Jumping straight in, much like the book.
I liked this, a lot, but my overall feeling about this is : too flipping short!! 40 odd pages, 20 minutes, less than the time it takes to drink a cuppa tea, and the whole book takes place in one day.
Ben splits from his girlfriend and his best friend, Josh, gets him to explain why. This leads to a conversation about feelings and then they are having the smexy times!
And that, my dear peeps, is it. Apart from the trip to visit Ben's ex girlfriend and what happens there. Which was kinda hilarious, and very much something I saw coming!
Because it's such a short book, there is very little build up, or character background and I missed that.
I liked that once Ben and Josh realise their feelings for each other, they jump straight in. I liked that they both get a say, even if it flips between them mid chapter. There is a break, but still.
I would also have liked an epilogue, sometime later. Just to catch up with them and how things were going.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into.
Still, I did like it, I did enjoy it, and it passed a short time while the other half watched his bikes going round!
So, I'm flipping between 3 and 4 stars, and because you can't do half stars on some sites, I'm gonna err on the lower side. I just wish it were longer, you know??
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
So! Jumping straight in, much like the book.
I liked this, a lot, but my overall feeling about this is : too flipping short!! 40 odd pages, 20 minutes, less than the time it takes to drink a cuppa tea, and the whole book takes place in one day.
Ben splits from his girlfriend and his best friend, Josh, gets him to explain why. This leads to a conversation about feelings and then they are having the smexy times!
And that, my dear peeps, is it. Apart from the trip to visit Ben's ex girlfriend and what happens there. Which was kinda hilarious, and very much something I saw coming!
Because it's such a short book, there is very little build up, or character background and I missed that.
I liked that once Ben and Josh realise their feelings for each other, they jump straight in. I liked that they both get a say, even if it flips between them mid chapter. There is a break, but still.
I would also have liked an epilogue, sometime later. Just to catch up with them and how things were going.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into.
Still, I did like it, I did enjoy it, and it passed a short time while the other half watched his bikes going round!
So, I'm flipping between 3 and 4 stars, and because you can't do half stars on some sites, I'm gonna err on the lower side. I just wish it were longer, you know??
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper Who Broke the NHL Colour Barrier in Books
Jan 12, 2018
This book was a really quick read. As a lifelong hockey fan I was fascinated by the story. As a New York Ranger's fan I was appalled I hadn't heard of this before.
[King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper Who Broke the NHL Colour Barrier] by [Paula Johanson] is a short well written account of the struggle to make it into the NHL if you weren't of European decent. Larry Kwong was a very skilled player but only got to play one shift in the NHL. This did not dampen his love for hockey as he traveled the world spreading this awesome sport wherever he went. I wish I had this in a paper copy so I could give it to my students to read.
[King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper Who Broke the NHL Colour Barrier] by [Paula Johanson] is a short well written account of the struggle to make it into the NHL if you weren't of European decent. Larry Kwong was a very skilled player but only got to play one shift in the NHL. This did not dampen his love for hockey as he traveled the world spreading this awesome sport wherever he went. I wish I had this in a paper copy so I could give it to my students to read.
An Interesting Lead in to the Next Novel
Contains spoilers, click to show
I read this one last after I'd finished the whole series and I feel that was the best way to do it. You really get a feel for the struggle that Thimble and Stone had. *SpoilerAlert* Spoiler for book three! I would have liked to have read their story all the way to the docks where they go to the island as it would have tied in nicely with the third book but I understand that would have probably been a book in itself instead of a short story but yeah, overall a great piece of fiction. I'm really glad the author saved Thimble and Stone they were great characters too good to lose in a series like this.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Teletubbies: The Tubby Custard Ride in Books
Nov 14, 2018
My 3 year old spotted this at the library and wanted to take it home with us. It's bright, colourful and interactive so very appealing to children. She likes to pull the tags and spin the discs within the pages but I have to make sure she doesn't damage the book as some of the interactive parts look like there are pages stuck together but there aren't, pulling them about would break the book. The interactive parts will probably cause most children to not be interested in the story at all but it's Teletubbies so I don't think it really matters that much. It's very short and simple to read...well...if you're not trying to read a page that your child is trying to interact with.
A short while ago (my book read before last) I wrote a review of James Rollin's novel 'Altar of Eden'. In it, I stated that I found Rollins to be a bit hit and miss, with that particular novel falling somewhere between the two camps. If that was the case, then 'Ice Hunt' also belongs alongside 'Altar of Eden': alongside, but closer to the 'hit' side of things than to the 'miss'.
A bit predictable in parts, this one maintains a faster pace right from the off than the previously mentioned novel. I also read another review on GR that states that this is a pre Sigma novel: if that is the case, it is easy to see the influences this one has on those later(?) works.
A bit predictable in parts, this one maintains a faster pace right from the off than the previously mentioned novel. I also read another review on GR that states that this is a pre Sigma novel: if that is the case, it is easy to see the influences this one has on those later(?) works.