Hatchet is a Young Adult classic and award winner that I have heard a lot about over the years and have always wanted to read. I love it when I am seaHatchet is a Young Adult classic and award winner that I have heard a lot about over the years and have always wanted to read. I love it when I am searching for an audiobook and books like this pop up as available. I think, “Ah ha! I can finally get to this one!”
It did not take me long to get through Hatchet during my daily lunchtime walks. It held my interest throughout, but probably wasn’t even long enough to lose it! It is definitely geared toward pre and early teens – however, there are a couple of more difficult topics (like death and survival) that this might be a kids first introduction to (unless they are like me and started reading Stephen King at 12!) If my kids decide to try this one out, I will be there for them if they have any questions about it.
Should you read this book? It is not bad for a quick read, but it may prove to be too simple for some peoples’ tastes. If you can adjust your mindset and think of it like a 10- to 13-year-old would, I think you will appreciate it more. Luckily, as I mentioned it is not very long, you are not committing too much of your time if it ends up not being your cup of tea. ...more
I am giving this book 3 stars because I was expecting so much more. And, maybe the author accomplished what he was going for with this book, but afterI am giving this book 3 stars because I was expecting so much more. And, maybe the author accomplished what he was going for with this book, but after his book A Gentleman in Moscow and the expectations I got from the first fourth (or so) of this book, it felt like it tapered off into rambling inconsistency. It wasn’t hard to follow, but I am still not quite sure what I read.
First of all, this book is called The Lincoln Highway and the cover features a car on a road by a train. To me, looks like a road trip book reminiscent of On the Road maybe . . . with the spirt of Route 66 perhaps. Well, that is my fault for judging a book by its cover and title. It is a road trip book of sorts, but not the one you are led to believe you are getting into in the beginning. Also, The Lincoln Highway itself barely plays a part in the whole book – just being mentioned a few times and gives the reader the anticipation that you are eventually going to get to it. But, spoiler alert . . . you never do.
It's not all negative, though. I do enjoy Towles storytelling. I think if I had approached this book thinking of it as a series of tied together vignettes (sometimes tied very loosely), I would have enjoyed it a lot more. It is almost as if he had a bunch of ideas for characters with interesting backstories and tried his best to incorporate them all into one book. So, if you are reading my review before you read this book, keep this in mind and I think you will enjoy it a whole lot more.
In summary . . . still a good book but my experience tainted by it never really living up to my expectations. ...more
Are you a fan of head shaking, cringing, and yelling at characters in books? Well, then let me introduce you to Evan Hansen.
He is the personification Are you a fan of head shaking, cringing, and yelling at characters in books? Well, then let me introduce you to Evan Hansen.
He is the personification of: - Open mouth, insert foot - Out of the frying pan and into the fire - Being your own worst enemy
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I cannot say that Evan Hansen is a tragic “hero”, but he is tragic and can’t stop digging himself into the biggest hole ever. He is not a bad guy; he just makes very bad decisions (or no decision at all when he really should be). It is so painful that you just cannot look away. That makes for a great book!
The characters and the story are interesting. The writing is great. I enjoyed the audiobook presentation. I understand that this is a stage play as well, so I hope to see it someday. It was an all-around good reading experience.
I will start this off with a 1-Star review disclaimer. There are probably some who will enjoy this book. I am sure the author/artist is an awesome perI will start this off with a 1-Star review disclaimer. There are probably some who will enjoy this book. I am sure the author/artist is an awesome person and she has published a graphic novel and I have not, so she has had more success in the genre than I have. Maybe this just wasn’t written for someone with interests like mine. So, this review is simply my experience with the book and may not match your own. But, I have to review how it honestly made me feel.
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Have you read a book or seen a movie where the focus of the story is a romp across Europe? Seems like there have been a series of comedies and romances over the past 20 years with the many countries of Europe as their setting. Imagine those stories, but with no humor or interesting dialogue and you have The Contradictions. Seriously, it is just two or three characters wandering about Europe looking for something to do and not having much success. The main characters are blah, the people they meet are blah. I kept figuring there would be some big climax to make it all worth it, but (SPOILER ALERT) there is not.
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For me, the art was not much better than the story. Not very much dialogue and the images don’t do that great of a job conveying a story without words. Each of the characters kind of look the same, so it was a bit hard to tell who was who. You have to look for subtle clues – slightly different hairstyle/hair color, glasses, black dots for freckles/pimples, etc. Sometimes I have read blah graphic novels but the cool imagery made up for it. That did not happen here.
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Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this to anyone simply for the same reason I would not tell you to go and sit and wait for a bus if you have nowhere to go: it would be boring and pointless. ...more
What can you say about Tom Sawyer? Classic Mark Twain! I think a lot of people already know many parts of this story – whether it is from reading the What can you say about Tom Sawyer? Classic Mark Twain! I think a lot of people already know many parts of this story – whether it is from reading the book, watching old Disney movies, pop culture references, etc. Raise your hand if you think of Tom Sawyer every time you see a white fence?
I enjoy Mark Twain’s downhome storytelling. When you read this is it not hard to imagine that you are sitting next to the fireplace or around a campfire (a fire of some sort!) while your Grandpa tells you tales that might be true or might be tall. It’s like a warm bowl of stew or chicken soup in book from. It just warms the soul!
I enjoyed the audiobook of this as narrated by Nick Offerman. I am pretty sure that Nick Offerman was born to narrate Mark Twain books. I noticed that there are several other Twain books narrated by him and I will definitely be checking those out!
And, now for the mandatory “Times – they were a different” disclaimer. The content of this story is based in the late 1800s. Things were different back then and that comes through in the writing. Doesn’t make it right, but it is just how they were. In this case, I feel like they are generally minor compared to other books from Twain and the era, but it is worth noting going in if you are bothered by culturally insensitive language and stereotypes.
Now, with that out of the way . . .
If you need a nice, easy to read book to curl up with on a cool fall day and you want to check another classic off your list, you cannot go wrong with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. ...more
This might possibly be the most exactly 2.5 star book I have read. Goodreads doesn't allow for half stars, but usually I can figure out easily if I wiThis might possibly be the most exactly 2.5 star book I have read. Goodreads doesn't allow for half stars, but usually I can figure out easily if I will round up or round down. With this book, that is not quite so easy.
Disclaimer before I go on. My review is 100% without a doubt influenced by the fact that, from the description in the book, I live exactly where this book takes place. I am not saying there are not some truths to how the area is described in the book, but, the author sets up suburban Indianapolis as an excessively cynical caricature of how it really is. He makes it sound like a total hell hole with nothing but misery, drugs, racism, etc. to be found on every block and every corner. I don't doubt that there may be some people around here who's view of this area is skewed that way, but overall, I don't this it is all that bad. Someone who is not familiar with the area will likely not be distracted by the descriptions. Also, it's okay for the sake of the story, but if you come visit, I hope you don't find it to be quite so awful.
Onward with the review!
First of all, my impression was that the author was trying to write like Sherman Alexie. Not a bad author to try and emulate! I cannot say for sure if this improved my experience or if I felt it did not quite achieve what Alexie has done. I just wanted to point out it was what the writing felt like to me, so if you are familiar with Alexie, you might feel the same.
The main character kind of drove me crazy with his disgruntled ramblings. And, while he is complaining about the environment and the people of Opioid, Indiana, he is making many dumb mistakes himself. I am not sure if we are supposed to sympathize with him, support his plight, or be disgusted with him.
There really is not much of a story. There are a few key settings and plot points, but it doesn't really develop much and nothing is resolved in the end. When I encounter books like this, they are often redeemed by a great resolution that ties it all together. In this case, there was nothing.
At least the book was not very long and the writing was not bad. I think if it had gone on much longer without the story improving, I would have had a tough time finishing it. To start 2020 I have read a lot of depressing stories. Unfortunately, none of them have impressed me much. Because of that, it's been a real reading downer lately.
Final note . . . I guess I will round down to two stars. I just cannot bring it up to 3 because when I try and compare it to other books I have given 3 stars, it just doesn't match up....more
Because of a book club, I did read you To join in discussion, I did need you A librarian did recommend On whosReview of Marlena A poem by Matthew McLean
Because of a book club, I did read you To join in discussion, I did need you A librarian did recommend On whose word I did depend Stream of consciousness I did find Through repetitious pages I did grind So-so and unlikable characters I did meet Drugs, alcohol, and sex did compete Coming of age was the theme Loss of innocence to the extreme Some would say the genre is Young Adult Because of teens in revolt But if a teen decided to read Some attention they might need Because there are some triggers you must abide Those mentioned above as well as death (maybe suicide?) Unfortunately, I must mention Other more interesting books required my attention So, three stars in the end Any higher and truth I would bend Perhaps it is one you would give an “A” But for me it was just okay...more
It would be easy for me to say that this series has become my guilty pleasure, but I have no shame! I say it loud and proud – I love this series by KaIt would be easy for me to say that this series has become my guilty pleasure, but I have no shame! I say it loud and proud – I love this series by Katherine McGee!
In my opinion, it’s so well written! Every chapter is a perfect part of the intricately twisted storyline. While some might find it a bit cheesy at times, it has exactly what I want when I go into a book like this – drama, gossip, who’s with who, who knows what, which back is the next to be stabbed, what is the next thing that will be totally misunderstood? Do you binge dramas like this? Then bring your binging tendencies over here right now because you are not going to be able to stop!
The atmosphere: I love the future world of this series! It is wildly sci-fi in certain places while being down to earth and familiar in other parts. Instead of feeling so imaginative and creative that there is no possible way we can reach this future, there is a lot of it that feels like we could easily be here in 100 years or so. But, also, on top of that, there are a few mind-blowing elements and technologies that are wildly cool and unimaginable.
The characters and story: Sometimes when I finish the first book in a series, and it is a few months until I read the next one, I am totally lost when I start the second. With this one I was right back in it within a couple of pages. It was like getting together with some old friends again . . . devious and questionable friends, mind you. Also, do you ever feel like the first 25 to 50 pages of a sequel are just a force fed rehash of the previous novel’s content? Not this one! Sure there were a couple lines of dialogue or descriptive paragraphs reminding the reader of the previous events, but it all felt smooth and natural.
Cliffhangers: Yup!
To Katherine McGee I say, “Bravo!” I will definitely be checking out book three ASAP! ...more
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. And, I wasn't really sure for the first half or so if I was enjoying it or not. But, as it built up to the eI enjoyed this book more than I expected. And, I wasn't really sure for the first half or so if I was enjoying it or not. But, as it built up to the end I was enthralled - definitely the sign of a good book.
The delivery of the story was very unique. The entire story (except for a few flashbacks) takes place over the course of a Thanksgiving Day Dallas Cowboy's game during the Gulf Conflict post 9/11. It concerns American heroes being honored and the reality of life in America vs military life in the Middle East being the catalyst for several interesting and intertwined storylines. I don't know the background of the author and how much he knows about military life (in person or researched), but he does a really great job providing some raw reality.
What is the most amazing to me is how many storylines he fits into one football game. Sure, as a story you can bend time how you want, but he does a pretty good job of making it seem reasonable that everything could have happened.
A great tear jerker that will make you think! I am hoping that it is an on point depiction of how military personnel view life coming out of combat because it is very eye opening and, in my opinion, worth everyone reading to see that it isn't all just,"Yay! 'Murica!" ...more
This story is cute, touching, heart-warming, tear-jerking. In other words, a classic!
The target audience is definitely not me. I would say it would beThis story is cute, touching, heart-warming, tear-jerking. In other words, a classic!
The target audience is definitely not me. I would say it would be perfect for a teenage girl living in Canada in the early 1900s. That makes sense, because that is exactly what Anne is! However, the point of this obvious detail is that sometimes it is fun to read a classic and try to put your mind in the mindset of who it was written for at the time. A couple of the storylines seemed silly or to not make sense, but if I stopped and changed my mindset, it would click.
A bit of a history lesson combined with a well written story. If you haven't read this before, give it a shot and maybe you will find your inner early 1900s Canadian teenager!...more
A quick but powerful read! I was not sure what to expect right after starting or if I was going to get into it, but it ended up being quite amazing. TA quick but powerful read! I was not sure what to expect right after starting or if I was going to get into it, but it ended up being quite amazing. This was my second Sherman Alexie and I continue to be impressed.
Flight is a bizarre story that is a bit coming of age and a bit magical realism. The different "lives" the main character experiences are difficult, controversial, and possibly uncomfortable to consider. But, they help lead to a beautiful redemption that is uniquely crafted by Alexie.
If you are looking for an emotional journey that might lead you to tears, but will definitely make you question humanity, Flight is the perfect little novel for you....more
This is a nice, short transitional volume after the high drama of the last volume. The main purpose here is to give some backstory on our heroines (FrThis is a nice, short transitional volume after the high drama of the last volume. The main purpose here is to give some backstory on our heroines (Francine and Katchoo) and at least one of our less than favorite characters (Freddie Femurs).
A typical High School morning for Francine and Katchoo: [image]
I would write more of a review here, but I am going to let my 20 year old self do that. After reading the High School mini-series I wrote a letter to Terry Moore (on what was then VERY new email technology). He published the letter in the back of issue 16 in July of 1998 - here it is!
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Side note on issue 16: It is grouped with the High School series, but it is a one shot shout out to Xena Warrior Princess and did not advance the main story.
I had to take some time after reading this and do some deep thinking before I could review. It is such an unusual story - good, but dark and full of nI had to take some time after reading this and do some deep thinking before I could review. It is such an unusual story - good, but dark and full of nooks and crannies for skeletons and other vermin to hide. It is hard to say I enjoyed a story like this - that would be like saying I enjoyed a car wreck; intriguing, but lots of people and property were damaged in the process.
One main thing I can say is I don't think I have seen the main story take as much of a back seat to the setting, the symbolism, and the side characters. The book is "The Virgin Suicides", but they might be the least important, as well as the most important, part of the book. Are you confused yet?
Setting: The neighborhood, the houses, the tree house, the school. Description of buildings. The importance of a location. Certain windows serving as stages into the performance of people's lives. All very complex and interesting.
Coated in muck: Throughout the book things are covered in dust, slime, dead bugs, etc. Everything is made to seem like it is coated, and a deeper truth is underneath. And, I think it is important that the "coating" is never pretty. Things aren't coated in sugar, or clouds, or pretty makeup. It is always foul, stinking, decaying, etc.
Symbolism - As the story deteriorates, so do the structures and the people. Buildings decay. People become more and more unstable. Every element spirals into a gloomy miasma and it moves towards the ultimate sad climax.
The boys - the boys in the story serving as narrators really kept making me think of Stand By Me or The Sandlot. Coming of age. Looking into other people's lives. Trying to figure things out while wrapped in the innocence of youth. It was a very intriguing approach to telling the story.
I think that many will enjoy this. Just remember that it is dark and somewhat disturbing. Not something to read while looking for a pick me up!...more
This book was cute - it was exactly what I expect from YA and that is perfect!
While there is some LGBT theme in it like the authors last book, it is mThis book was cute - it was exactly what I expect from YA and that is perfect!
While there is some LGBT theme in it like the authors last book, it is more of an accompanying theme, not the theme that drives the story. This book is more about body image and confidence. Our heroine, Molly, deals with being an overweight teenager and self-sabotaging herself because she is always assuming the worst. Also, because of her insecurities there is a lot of storyline based around how someone in her shoes views relationships. All very interesting and well written.
My favorite YA trope makes an appearance: lists. Seems like YA characters are always making lists. Molly doesn't let us down as she gives us a list of her crushes.
Speaking of YA tropes - YA books always seem to make teens sound more sophisticated than I remember being and more sophisticated than I feel now (I'm looking at you, John Green!). With this book I think the author did a good job of making the teenagers seem more realistic in their dialogue.
If you are a YA fan, this has to be on your list. If you enjoyed Simon, you won't be disappointed....more
I have seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book. The subject matter - suicide - is controversial. The show they made of this book is controversial. BeI have seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book. The subject matter - suicide - is controversial. The show they made of this book is controversial. Because of that, I am going to avoid too much commentary on the subject matter and just say that the content of this book is serious and does affect teenagers in different ways. I didn't have the easiest if teenage years, but I made it through okay, so it would be easy for me to say that this story is an overreaction. But, I would be a fool to not understand the we we all different and a cautionary tale like this one could result from the same events that another person might just brush off. It is important to keep that in mind.
As to the book itself, I give it bonus points for creativity of delivery. Learning what happened along with the narrator and hearing his emotions since he was directly affected is pretty powerful. I did find myself a bit on the edge of my seat ready to find out what happens next. Also, this book is a quick read. I think this is important to help make it feel like we are along with the narrator in real time.
Remember going in that the subject is suicide and if that bothers you, do not read this. However, if you are open to exploring the mind of someone going through this sort of pain, I think it could be a moving and enlightening experience....more
If this book does not get your brain churning, well, then you did not read the same book I just did!
This book is filled with so many scenarios wiDang!
If this book does not get your brain churning, well, then you did not read the same book I just did!
This book is filled with so many scenarios with so many questions and no perfect answers. Every situation is a little pile of kindling and any of the questionable solutions will only ignite the fire . . . soon you have a bunch of fires ready to burn everything to the ground. Man, that would be a great title for this book! Oh . . . wait . . .
It has been a long time since I remember reading a book where my mind and problem solving skills have been this challenged. Usually when you are reading you think, "well, the best route for them to follow is this" or "Geez, it's obvious that they should never have done that." In this book I just kept thinking, "I am glad I am not the one who has to make any of these decisions!"
Also, this book is full of so many misunderstandings. I get frustrated when someone is falsely accused or the wrong conclusion is assumed. Every 15 minutes I found myself yelling at this book!
"IT WASN'T HER!"
"NO, THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENED! SOMEONE SPEAK UP!"
"OH, THIS ISN'T GOING TO END WELL!"
I believe I have said it before, but any time a book has you engaged so much you yell at it, want to pull the characters out of the pages and shake them, and/or need a stiff drink to calm your nerves at the end of each chapter, you are reading a pretty darn good book.
Give your analytical side a gift and read this book - it would be a great one for a book club. I imagine it would certainly lead to some lively discussion!...more
Who here has seen the show Shameless? (I am thinking of the American version, but I know there is a British one, too, that it is based on.) To me, thaWho here has seen the show Shameless? (I am thinking of the American version, but I know there is a British one, too, that it is based on.) To me, that show could have been inspired by this memoir. Frank Gallagher and Rex Walls are the same guy!
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I enjoyed all the vignettes from Jeannette Walls' life. She did a great job throwing them all together to create a story even without a specific plot. I am not sure that any of the stories lasted more than a few pages, but each one of them was interesting and important in its own way.
I listened to the book and it was great because it was was read by the author. I think that this is how all audio memoirs should be. Also, I thought it was interesting that although some of the stories made me want to reach through the speaker and shake her parents, she told the story without any positive or negative inflection. It was like she was saying, "here is my story, you decide how you want to be affected by it."
I believe that most people will enjoy this book. Some might be frustrated. Others might be brought to tears. But, in the end, I think there is a little something for everyone here....more
"Magical realism, magic realism, or marvelous realism is a genre of narrative fiction and, more broadly, art (liMagic Realism - according to Wikipedia
"Magical realism, magic realism, or marvelous realism is a genre of narrative fiction and, more broadly, art (literature, painting, film, theatre, etc.) that, while encompassing a range of subtly different concepts, expresses a primarily realistic view of the real world while also adding or revealing magical elements. It is sometimes called fabulism, in reference to the conventions of fables, myths, and allegory. "Magical realism", perhaps the most common term, often refers to fiction and literature in particular, with magic or the supernatural presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting."
This book is the essence of Magic Realism. If you are a fan of other Magic Realism books (i.e. McCammon's Boy's Life) you should definitely check this out. The setting is small town America, the main characters are your average young boys, but the things they encounter are far from normal (or are they?) - you will question what is real and what is imagination.
Nostalgia, young vs old, new ideas vs the status quo are all main themes. Learning from past mistakes, respecting the experience of your elders, and history repeating itself all make appearances. There is no life or death - just sunrises/sunsets, new beginnings, strong tradition, and acceptance of your place in all of it.
This book is deeply poetic and rightly so. A fantastically written story that should be read by anyone that appreciates great literature. I am looking forward to the sequel, Something Wicked This Way Comes....more
Finally read this classic. Glad to be in the know!
I can see why this has stood the test of time. The story is easy to get into and keeps your attentioFinally read this classic. Glad to be in the know!
I can see why this has stood the test of time. The story is easy to get into and keeps your attention throughout. It seems like any person, young or old, rich or poor, popular or outcast could empathize or sympathize the themes. Finally, the key climax points are done very well and hit you right in the feels!
Another thought I had while reading is this is another one of the young adult fore fathers. We now take for granted that every week there will be 10 new YA titles to pique our interest. Back when this came out, the YA gems were few and far between. Reading this should be a right of passage for YA fans everywhere....more
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