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anastaciaknits
Oh, boy. I am not sure where to begin with this one.
I can sum up my thoughts rather quickly - reading this book is a big waste of your time!
The writing overall is OK and there were a couple of scenes that were written well (the sinking of the ship itself) - so well written and put together that I think Lehman had a lot of help, because the rest of the book has plot holes the size of Titanic. But let's not forget Lehman's wonderful writing throughout the book, such as: “She knew that he knew she knew he knew better.” What???
When one calls a book "a novel of the titanic" you'd expect much more of the book to actually be on board the Titanic, wouldn't you? Well, less than a third of the book actually takes place about the ship. There's a lot of detail about the ship, some accurate and a lot of not-so-accurate bits. The actual sinking of the ship felt very rushed, was wildly inaccurate in places, and other than a few moments here and there, just left me feeling disappointed.
Lydia gets married on the ship, for crying out loud, and is pregnant, and her brand new husband John decides he's going to finish writing a poem and then sits down and dies. The scene where he dies was so horribly bad I was laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes.
Lydia of course survives the ship sinking, watches Craven (the family business's head honcho and the book's big evil bad guy) acting like an idiot/coward/fool, and then days later, marries him with hardly any thought. Then lies to him for the next 18 years, never admitting the child isn't him. And Craven is such a man about town, but is clueless that Lydia isn't a virgin.
Lydia survives the ship going down (of course) and though is traumatized a bit from it, none of the characters who survived really suffer any post-traumatic affects. Really? After just a couple of weeks everyone is just fine?
About 35% into the book, all of a sudden a new character is introduced - who ends up being Lydia's friend Caroline's love interest. But he doesn't get introduced until after the ship goes down... Really, Lehman could have introduced him into the book much sooner in the book and it wouldn't have been so disruptive to the story.
And what's with everyone having telephones ? Really? How many people had telephones in 1912? very very few, that's how many, yet everyone seemed to have them, even a lawyer in the middle of Halifax.
And now, 40% or so into the book, all of a sudden the story is all about Caroline and the book gets very, very preachy. There were some minor Christian elements in the beginning (Lydia tells John she's pregnant and he tells her to read her bible), but they weren't a significant part of the story. Now the book changes entirely, again, and is a Christian storyline and the writing is completely different, with metaphors that don't make any sense.
The plot begins rushing - years past on a single page - which I was honestly grateful for because the book was so horribly bad, I just wanted it to be over - and of course, the moment comes when John's poem magically resurfaces and Lydia tells her husband the truth about their child and then Craven dies and the grandkid's all get married and they all live happily ever after.
i could spend weeks writing about how bad this book sucked.
I can sum up my thoughts rather quickly - reading this book is a big waste of your time!
The writing overall is OK and there were a couple of scenes that were written well (the sinking of the ship itself) - so well written and put together that I think Lehman had a lot of help, because the rest of the book has plot holes the size of Titanic. But let's not forget Lehman's wonderful writing throughout the book, such as: “She knew that he knew she knew he knew better.” What???
When one calls a book "a novel of the titanic" you'd expect much more of the book to actually be on board the Titanic, wouldn't you? Well, less than a third of the book actually takes place about the ship. There's a lot of detail about the ship, some accurate and a lot of not-so-accurate bits. The actual sinking of the ship felt very rushed, was wildly inaccurate in places, and other than a few moments here and there, just left me feeling disappointed.
Lydia gets married on the ship, for crying out loud, and is pregnant, and her brand new husband John decides he's going to finish writing a poem and then sits down and dies. The scene where he dies was so horribly bad I was laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes.
Lydia of course survives the ship sinking, watches Craven (the family business's head honcho and the book's big evil bad guy) acting like an idiot/coward/fool, and then days later, marries him with hardly any thought. Then lies to him for the next 18 years, never admitting the child isn't him. And Craven is such a man about town, but is clueless that Lydia isn't a virgin.
Lydia survives the ship going down (of course) and though is traumatized a bit from it, none of the characters who survived really suffer any post-traumatic affects. Really? After just a couple of weeks everyone is just fine?
About 35% into the book, all of a sudden a new character is introduced - who ends up being Lydia's friend Caroline's love interest. But he doesn't get introduced until after the ship goes down... Really, Lehman could have introduced him into the book much sooner in the book and it wouldn't have been so disruptive to the story.
And what's with everyone having telephones ? Really? How many people had telephones in 1912? very very few, that's how many, yet everyone seemed to have them, even a lawyer in the middle of Halifax.
And now, 40% or so into the book, all of a sudden the story is all about Caroline and the book gets very, very preachy. There were some minor Christian elements in the beginning (Lydia tells John she's pregnant and he tells her to read her bible), but they weren't a significant part of the story. Now the book changes entirely, again, and is a Christian storyline and the writing is completely different, with metaphors that don't make any sense.
The plot begins rushing - years past on a single page - which I was honestly grateful for because the book was so horribly bad, I just wanted it to be over - and of course, the moment comes when John's poem magically resurfaces and Lydia tells her husband the truth about their child and then Craven dies and the grandkid's all get married and they all live happily ever after.
i could spend weeks writing about how bad this book sucked.
It was very weird to review this book, knowing Wink is gone (for those of you who don't know, the designer of the book passed away from depression last year). I didn't know Wink personally, but knew her online as a fellow designer and crochet nut, so my opinion is biased (I also got the book for free from netgalley in exchange for my honest views).
There are many different patterns in the book, including
an Aztec gold cushion
blooming brooch and button ring
dewdrop bowl cover
dream catcher
rainbow leaves mandala
for a variety of different skill levels (mostly beginner friendly). The designs all showcase Wink's usual signature style of bright, bold colors, but of course you can make any of the designs with any colors you want. Most of the designs can also use a multiple of other yarns and because of the multiple colors in each design, would make great stash busters as well.
There is NO how to section in this book, which I loved- I hate when books waste time with a basic beginner section.
I do have some negatives to point out, however - the book is not organized in any way (fine with me, but would be a negative for some), there is only one "real" garment in the book, and many of the projects aren't really projects at all, just embellishments to add onto something else.
There are many different patterns in the book, including
an Aztec gold cushion
blooming brooch and button ring
dewdrop bowl cover
dream catcher
rainbow leaves mandala
for a variety of different skill levels (mostly beginner friendly). The designs all showcase Wink's usual signature style of bright, bold colors, but of course you can make any of the designs with any colors you want. Most of the designs can also use a multiple of other yarns and because of the multiple colors in each design, would make great stash busters as well.
There is NO how to section in this book, which I loved- I hate when books waste time with a basic beginner section.
I do have some negatives to point out, however - the book is not organized in any way (fine with me, but would be a negative for some), there is only one "real" garment in the book, and many of the projects aren't really projects at all, just embellishments to add onto something else.
How do you review a beloved, favorite classic, by a beloved, favorite author?
(I actually sat here staring at my screen for ten minutes, trying to figure out where to start)
Everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol and has seen at least a half a dozen versions of it, either in cartoon or movie form (I prefer Mickey's a Christmas carol). All the versions stay pretty true to the book, remarkably - is it because it's such a classic that no one wants to stray too far, or is it because it's really that good?
Despite how jarring the ending is for me (how quick Scrooge makes his abrupt turnover, that is), and how quick the book actually ends after just a few pages of Scrooge making a complete turnaround, this book is such a classic for one reason - it is just such a heart-warming story that you have to revisit and reread every year.
(I actually sat here staring at my screen for ten minutes, trying to figure out where to start)
Everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol and has seen at least a half a dozen versions of it, either in cartoon or movie form (I prefer Mickey's a Christmas carol). All the versions stay pretty true to the book, remarkably - is it because it's such a classic that no one wants to stray too far, or is it because it's really that good?
Despite how jarring the ending is for me (how quick Scrooge makes his abrupt turnover, that is), and how quick the book actually ends after just a few pages of Scrooge making a complete turnaround, this book is such a classic for one reason - it is just such a heart-warming story that you have to revisit and reread every year.
How do you review a beloved, favorite classic, by a beloved, favorite author?
(I actually sat here staring at my screen for ten minutes, trying to figure out where to start)
Everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol and has seen at least a half a dozen versions of it, either in cartoon or movie form (I prefer Mickey's a Christmas carol). All the versions stay pretty true to the book, remarkably - is it because it's such a classic that no one wants to stray too far, or is it because it's really that good?
Despite how jarring the ending is for me (how quick Scrooge makes his abrupt turnover, that is), and how quick the book actually ends after just a few pages of Scrooge making a complete turnaround, this book is such a classic for one reason - it is just such a heart-warming story that you have to revisit and reread every year.
(I actually sat here staring at my screen for ten minutes, trying to figure out where to start)
Everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol and has seen at least a half a dozen versions of it, either in cartoon or movie form (I prefer Mickey's a Christmas carol). All the versions stay pretty true to the book, remarkably - is it because it's such a classic that no one wants to stray too far, or is it because it's really that good?
Despite how jarring the ending is for me (how quick Scrooge makes his abrupt turnover, that is), and how quick the book actually ends after just a few pages of Scrooge making a complete turnaround, this book is such a classic for one reason - it is just such a heart-warming story that you have to revisit and reread every year.
I love reading memoirs like this, because you get to live a life that you otherwise would never be able to. Whether you're reading about Boston in the 60's and 70's, living in war-torn Germany in the 40's, or Africa as a missionary, it's always just so fascinating to me. To live so humbly, where an American $1 can feed a family of 6 for a month, is just amazing.
(as always with memoirs, sometimes I have a hard time distinguishing from reviewing the author's life, to reviewing the actual book)
These are the adventures of Susan, from her love life, to trying to save children and somedays just trying to survive, from her parents who didn't understand her and what she was trying to accomplish, to her coworkers who could be so angry at the world.
There are some parts of the book that dragged a bit, and there were other scenes where I wish I had MORE - more detail, more stories, just MORE - but all in all, this was just such a great memoir that definitely made me laugh and cry (one of the very first scenes in the book, that just hooked you in).
(as always with memoirs, sometimes I have a hard time distinguishing from reviewing the author's life, to reviewing the actual book)
These are the adventures of Susan, from her love life, to trying to save children and somedays just trying to survive, from her parents who didn't understand her and what she was trying to accomplish, to her coworkers who could be so angry at the world.
There are some parts of the book that dragged a bit, and there were other scenes where I wish I had MORE - more detail, more stories, just MORE - but all in all, this was just such a great memoir that definitely made me laugh and cry (one of the very first scenes in the book, that just hooked you in).
It was different.
I'm really enjoying reading this genre lately - end of the world /Post Apocalyptic type of books, that is. This one is a different spin, and the beginning of a new series.
Six young adults enter a deep, underground cave, with five of the six having little caving experience, and then a disaster hits which takes out an unknown amount of the United States. Throughout the book, you see very little of the surface world, and you only know what happens to the group of six.
The book is very well written and seems to be well researched - I know nothing about caving, so I can only guess at how accurate everything is portrayed, but like I said, you definitely feel like you are in the cave. There are definitely some heart pounding events that happen, and you hold your breath a few times as you wonder how a character is going to get out of the next situation.
A love triangle ends up developing, and there definitely ends up being more romance then I like, but most of it is in the last third or so of the book. I could have done without most of the romance, and I definitely could have done without the love triangle stuff.
The book ends right as the group ends up on the surface again, leaving you wanting to read the next book.
All in all, I did like the book, but I really didn't love any of the characters, which is why I'm giving this one four stars.
I'm really enjoying reading this genre lately - end of the world /Post Apocalyptic type of books, that is. This one is a different spin, and the beginning of a new series.
Six young adults enter a deep, underground cave, with five of the six having little caving experience, and then a disaster hits which takes out an unknown amount of the United States. Throughout the book, you see very little of the surface world, and you only know what happens to the group of six.
The book is very well written and seems to be well researched - I know nothing about caving, so I can only guess at how accurate everything is portrayed, but like I said, you definitely feel like you are in the cave. There are definitely some heart pounding events that happen, and you hold your breath a few times as you wonder how a character is going to get out of the next situation.
A love triangle ends up developing, and there definitely ends up being more romance then I like, but most of it is in the last third or so of the book. I could have done without most of the romance, and I definitely could have done without the love triangle stuff.
The book ends right as the group ends up on the surface again, leaving you wanting to read the next book.
All in all, I did like the book, but I really didn't love any of the characters, which is why I'm giving this one four stars.
I loved it!
This is a great, light fantasy story with dragons, dracons (human/dragon crossbreed), vampires, even an odd witch and troll or two...
The story is written very engagingly, in a casual style, that makes you just feel like you are talking to your best friend about her adventures. You kept turning the pages, and I read just about the whole book in one sitting.
There's a couple of twists in the plot, which believe it or not I wasn't expecting.
There's a vague Hawaiian-feeling to the book; the island where the story takes place is similar in feel to Hawaii, but the author points out in the back of the book that it isn't meant to be Hawaii.
The only negative is that this is definitely the first book of a series, and though the overall plot of the first book was resolved, the story isn't really over.
This is a great, light fantasy story with dragons, dracons (human/dragon crossbreed), vampires, even an odd witch and troll or two...
The story is written very engagingly, in a casual style, that makes you just feel like you are talking to your best friend about her adventures. You kept turning the pages, and I read just about the whole book in one sitting.
There's a couple of twists in the plot, which believe it or not I wasn't expecting.
There's a vague Hawaiian-feeling to the book; the island where the story takes place is similar in feel to Hawaii, but the author points out in the back of the book that it isn't meant to be Hawaii.
The only negative is that this is definitely the first book of a series, and though the overall plot of the first book was resolved, the story isn't really over.
The Girl Immigrant, by Patricia Ruiz Steele, is a wonderful biography of the author's family, specifically Manuela, the author's grandmother. Manuela's family comes from Spain, and they were promised a new life, education for their children, homes and jobs, if they immigrated to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. After a few years living in Hawaii, the family chooses to continue their adventures by moving to California. The book is filled with family photos, legal documents, and other historical elements to round out the family history, from the family's early days to Spain, to moving to the United States. Patricia Steele writes with a lot of passion for her family history, and gives you a sense of what life was like in early 20th century Hawaii and California.
Manuela's adventures as "The Girl Immigrant" was heartbreaking at times. I really felt like I got to know her family and her life as she shared her adventures with me. I felt her pain and heartbreak when she did, and shared her joys when she was happy. How a multi-generational family separates from one another, knowing that they will never see or hear from each other again, and move halfway across the world with a bunch of young kids and babies, with next to no earthly possessions, I'll never know. The "Girl Immigrant" brings you back into another time and place, reads more as a biography and a history book then a memoir, and will make you wonder if the author will write a sequel on the rest of Manuela's life.
“Reviewed by Anastacia Zittel for Readers' Favorite”
Manuela's adventures as "The Girl Immigrant" was heartbreaking at times. I really felt like I got to know her family and her life as she shared her adventures with me. I felt her pain and heartbreak when she did, and shared her joys when she was happy. How a multi-generational family separates from one another, knowing that they will never see or hear from each other again, and move halfway across the world with a bunch of young kids and babies, with next to no earthly possessions, I'll never know. The "Girl Immigrant" brings you back into another time and place, reads more as a biography and a history book then a memoir, and will make you wonder if the author will write a sequel on the rest of Manuela's life.
“Reviewed by Anastacia Zittel for Readers' Favorite”
This book is definitely not going to be a book for everyone - but for the right person, you are going to love it!
This is a spoof book, a humorous take on the six wives of Henry VIII. You definitely need to be at least somewhat familiar with the Tudor era in order to really enjoy the book. Spears does a great job of explaining who the characters are as she goes along, so if you need a bit of a nudge for some of the minor characters, she'll help you with that. It's meant to be very funny; alas, I didn't find most of the jokes all that funny (the constant rhyming especially drove me crazy; I'm not a two year old), but I still loved the book. It was so, so refreshing to see a lighthearted look at what was actually a controversial time in our history, and it was just so much FUN to imagine all of the wives chattering about gossiping to one another.
So definitely a must read for a Tudor fan with a sense of humor - even if you are like me, and you don't enjoy all of the jokes or puns, you can still really enjoy the book for what else it offers you.
This is a spoof book, a humorous take on the six wives of Henry VIII. You definitely need to be at least somewhat familiar with the Tudor era in order to really enjoy the book. Spears does a great job of explaining who the characters are as she goes along, so if you need a bit of a nudge for some of the minor characters, she'll help you with that. It's meant to be very funny; alas, I didn't find most of the jokes all that funny (the constant rhyming especially drove me crazy; I'm not a two year old), but I still loved the book. It was so, so refreshing to see a lighthearted look at what was actually a controversial time in our history, and it was just so much FUN to imagine all of the wives chattering about gossiping to one another.
So definitely a must read for a Tudor fan with a sense of humor - even if you are like me, and you don't enjoy all of the jokes or puns, you can still really enjoy the book for what else it offers you.