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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
I'm confused about how I actually feel about All the Bright Places. I often found Violet and Finch to be pretentious a la Dawson's Creek or John Green characters, but I felt like their story was an important one. Seriously, do not read or listen to this unless you are looking for a punch in the heart.
I'm sad to see that so many YA novels of 2015 are focusing on suicide, not because they are bad or a "trend" but because suicide is still a horrible reality for far too many. Niven dealt with the topic sensitively and with insight, as she herself is a "survivor of suicide," or someone who has lived through the suicide of a loved one.
Unfortunately, I felt the story was uneven. A horrible student newspaper article announcing a student was stopped from jumping to his death is basically ignored by any adults in the story (really?!) and the characters mostly felt they couldn't talk to or get assistance from the adults in the story. This was redeemed at the end for one character, I won't get into spoilers, but phew. Also after the big SHOCK, I felt the ending meandered on in an unrealistic way.
However, still a worthwhile read, and will definitely be popular with fans of hard issue contemporary fiction.
I'm sad to see that so many YA novels of 2015 are focusing on suicide, not because they are bad or a "trend" but because suicide is still a horrible reality for far too many. Niven dealt with the topic sensitively and with insight, as she herself is a "survivor of suicide," or someone who has lived through the suicide of a loved one.
Unfortunately, I felt the story was uneven. A horrible student newspaper article announcing a student was stopped from jumping to his death is basically ignored by any adults in the story (really?!) and the characters mostly felt they couldn't talk to or get assistance from the adults in the story. This was redeemed at the end for one character, I won't get into spoilers, but phew. Also after the big SHOCK, I felt the ending meandered on in an unrealistic way.
However, still a worthwhile read, and will definitely be popular with fans of hard issue contemporary fiction.
Wein expands her expository YA novels into 1930s Ethiopia with this tale of siblings, race, aviation, and war. A wonderfully rambling adventure, with dark glimpses into human nature and hard choices, I would recommend this to any high school Advanced Placement History course as a supplementary reading.
Well, yet another time I wasn't aware of an amazing internet phenomenon. Consider me an XKCD convert after this! I'm terrible at math, and while I adore science I often feel like a lame observer. Munroe made me feel right at home with his well researched and excellently explained answers. I laughed out loud so many times I can't even count them. I also dug all of Munroe's geeky references (hello Kip Durran and the Star Crusher) which made me feel like an insider.
Also, Wil Wheaton should narrate ALL THE THINGS like this. A perfect voice talent who brought alive concepts that are difficult to fathom, with a irreverent hilarity I just am obsessed with. Bravo!
I will never ever be able to look at a mole the same ever again, or a speed bump. At least I know I'd live going over one faster than I'd think.
Also, Wil Wheaton should narrate ALL THE THINGS like this. A perfect voice talent who brought alive concepts that are difficult to fathom, with a irreverent hilarity I just am obsessed with. Bravo!
I will never ever be able to look at a mole the same ever again, or a speed bump. At least I know I'd live going over one faster than I'd think.
I tried holding off as long as I could before reading this one, because I'm so scared to run out of story. However, returning to Fraser's Ridge and all my favorite people was just so damn enjoyable (even though the library copy I was reading vexed me the entire time due to the broken binding).
Basically, revolution is brewing in the colonies, and the Frasers, Mackenzies, and other denizens of Fraser's Ridge need to figure out when and how they will declare for the revolutionaries. Various horrible and dangerous things happen, and LOTS of medical procedures are performed. Claire finally distills some ether, which will play a huge role later in the book, and Brianna creates little gadgets and tries to get running water to her and Roger's homestead. We get more info on Ian and why he left the Mohawk, and Fergus and Marasali have another baby (and oh baby what a baby). There's kidnappings, more time travel talk, and one big huge snake living in their midst that turn Jamie and Claire's life upside down. And holy crap, that ending!
My one quibble as usual with Gabaldon's writing style is that it takes 500 pages for her to 'set the scene' and then holy shit let the crazy times roll. And the ending felt very rushed to me. Basically from the Bonnet stuff-the resolution, I couldn't believe all of THAT took up so little page count.
And of course, with that flippin' ending, I want to read the 7th book so very badly...but I'll wait :)
Spoilers ahead of the jump.
-Ian. So glad Ian is back. I felt sorry for his situation, but was a little surprised to hear his wife is still alive. I wonder if she will ever return to the narrative. I hope we find a different lady for him, and soon.
-speaking of Ian, that scene where he catapults Fergus into the air so Fergus can use his hook to tear open a feather mattress made me spit my drink out of my mouth. Awesome.
-Rollo is the best dog ever.
-Brianna is still my least favorite character. She just slightly bothers me for some reason. She just always seems a bit awkward and not happy. Although, when she shot Bonnet in the head (FINALLY) that was pretty amazing.
-Lizzie and her damn Beardsley twins. Who knew. I can't get over how well that seems to be working for her, even if her father won't talk to her. So much crazy sex stuff going on in Fraser's Ridge.
-That Malva Christie story ARC kept me reading all hours of the night. I hated her so much for accusing Jamie and betraying Claire, but then when you found out WHY, gross.
-Ether blew up the house! Poor Jamie and Claire have nothing.
-That ending. They are going BACK to Scotland. They aren't dead. The newspaper was WRONG! Thank god. I did cry when Brianna and Roger took the babies back to the future. So sad.
And I just deleted half of what I typed so I'll come back to this later.
Basically, revolution is brewing in the colonies, and the Frasers, Mackenzies, and other denizens of Fraser's Ridge need to figure out when and how they will declare for the revolutionaries. Various horrible and dangerous things happen, and LOTS of medical procedures are performed. Claire finally distills some ether, which will play a huge role later in the book, and Brianna creates little gadgets and tries to get running water to her and Roger's homestead. We get more info on Ian and why he left the Mohawk, and Fergus and Marasali have another baby (and oh baby what a baby). There's kidnappings, more time travel talk, and one big huge snake living in their midst that turn Jamie and Claire's life upside down. And holy crap, that ending!
My one quibble as usual with Gabaldon's writing style is that it takes 500 pages for her to 'set the scene' and then holy shit let the crazy times roll. And the ending felt very rushed to me. Basically from the Bonnet stuff-the resolution, I couldn't believe all of THAT took up so little page count.
And of course, with that flippin' ending, I want to read the 7th book so very badly...but I'll wait :)
Spoilers ahead of the jump.
Spoiler
-Jamie and Claire, despite being "old" (mid-fifties) are still super hot, super sexy, and so happy being together. I love their relationship and their firm strength in the others regard. Even with naked native lassies keeping you warm or flippin' Malva Christie.-Ian. So glad Ian is back. I felt sorry for his situation, but was a little surprised to hear his wife is still alive. I wonder if she will ever return to the narrative. I hope we find a different lady for him, and soon.
-speaking of Ian, that scene where he catapults Fergus into the air so Fergus can use his hook to tear open a feather mattress made me spit my drink out of my mouth. Awesome.
-Rollo is the best dog ever.
-Brianna is still my least favorite character. She just slightly bothers me for some reason. She just always seems a bit awkward and not happy. Although, when she shot Bonnet in the head (FINALLY) that was pretty amazing.
-Lizzie and her damn Beardsley twins. Who knew. I can't get over how well that seems to be working for her, even if her father won't talk to her. So much crazy sex stuff going on in Fraser's Ridge.
-That Malva Christie story ARC kept me reading all hours of the night. I hated her so much for accusing Jamie and betraying Claire, but then when you found out WHY, gross.
-Ether blew up the house! Poor Jamie and Claire have nothing.
-That ending. They are going BACK to Scotland. They aren't dead. The newspaper was WRONG! Thank god. I did cry when Brianna and Roger took the babies back to the future. So sad.
And I just deleted half of what I typed so I'll come back to this later.
A lovely, quiet tale of a sixty-something year old photographer who finds a new start in life after moving into a rural New York cottage. Finding herself lacking in funds and no-longer the famous photographer she once was Rebecca Winter tries to save some money by leasing out her expensive Manhattan apartment and living in a ramshackle little cottage in the woods near a small New York State town. Learning to live quietly and cheaply, alone, Rebecca eventually finds lots to love about her new life.
This was a slow-build story for me, but I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Rebecca's former world with her new existence. It was great to read a story about an older lady who can be happy on her own (or with new friends) while making real art.
This was a slow-build story for me, but I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Rebecca's former world with her new existence. It was great to read a story about an older lady who can be happy on her own (or with new friends) while making real art.
This was sweet, but I didn't really buy into the love story. I would have liked this better as a friends' tale. The marginalia and the playlists were a cute idea.
Re-read 3.18.15 to prepare for book 2!
As the daughter of a high ranking general, Kestrel has a choice - join the Vallorian army or marry. She wants neither. Never a great warrior but definitely a strategist, Kestrel prefers above all her beloved piano. Too bad her society doesn't prize art and music, but instead focuses on honor, war, and keeping the conquered Herrani enslaved. Kestrel knows she will soon have to make a decision but she is thrown even further off course when she impusively purchases a male Herranni slave at an auction. Arin, who was definitely "someone" before being a slave, challenges Kestrel like no one has before. When they are both thrown into a revolution, will their budding feelings for each other change the way they each view the other's society?
Pretty amazing world building, I was immediately immersed in the world and belived its structure, language, and myths. Rutkoski is an excellent writer, and I really look forward to seeing where this political romance trilogy goes. Thanks Kristin Cashore for the recommend.
As the daughter of a high ranking general, Kestrel has a choice - join the Vallorian army or marry. She wants neither. Never a great warrior but definitely a strategist, Kestrel prefers above all her beloved piano. Too bad her society doesn't prize art and music, but instead focuses on honor, war, and keeping the conquered Herrani enslaved. Kestrel knows she will soon have to make a decision but she is thrown even further off course when she impusively purchases a male Herranni slave at an auction. Arin, who was definitely "someone" before being a slave, challenges Kestrel like no one has before. When they are both thrown into a revolution, will their budding feelings for each other change the way they each view the other's society?
Pretty amazing world building, I was immediately immersed in the world and belived its structure, language, and myths. Rutkoski is an excellent writer, and I really look forward to seeing where this political romance trilogy goes. Thanks Kristin Cashore for the recommend.
I fondly remember reading this in grade school. Jacen and Jaina's adventures at the Jedi Academy with ol' Uncle Luke. I am still sad that this is no longer canon. Long Live the EU!
Oh, do I ever love a tragic, ill-fated love story and this was so much more than that! Book 2 of the Winner's Curse trilogy pulled no punches.
Kestrel is engaged to be married to the Emperor of Valoria's son; Arin is the new Herrani governor. Both are trying to play the political game(s) required of their new position, all while 'secretly' simmering for each other. I loved how Kestrel is a strong leading lady, who is not sure how much she is willing (if anything) to give up for her love of Arin. I also really enjoy how conflicted she is; this is not an easy 'game' to play, and there are horrific consequences to all of her actions. Man that torture scene is GRUESOME.
This second book also introduced us to some additional secondary characters who also defied tropes.
I didn't give this five stars due to the fact I found some of the leaps of intuition a bit of a stretch, but whatever. This is great!
I cannot wait for the last book.
Recommended for younger fans of GOT and political intrigue.
Kestrel is engaged to be married to the Emperor of Valoria's son; Arin is the new Herrani governor. Both are trying to play the political game(s) required of their new position, all while 'secretly' simmering for each other. I loved how Kestrel is a strong leading lady, who is not sure how much she is willing (if anything) to give up for her love of Arin. I also really enjoy how conflicted she is; this is not an easy 'game' to play, and there are horrific consequences to all of her actions. Man that torture scene is GRUESOME.
This second book also introduced us to some additional secondary characters who also defied tropes.
Spoiler
The Emperor's son and his obvious love of the political prisoner princess of the Eastern Empire especially. Most books would make this into a 'love triangle' between Kestrel, the son, and Arin, but not here! Yay!I didn't give this five stars due to the fact I found some of the leaps of intuition a bit of a stretch, but whatever. This is great!
I cannot wait for the last book.
Recommended for younger fans of GOT and political intrigue.
Grace lied. Now the two men who know the truth are on parole. Despite re-inventing herself as Julie the antiques restorer, Grace knows time is ticking.
Alternating between Grace's past in Tennessee leading up to the big lie and her current life in Paris, this novel was a stunner. Crammed with evocative language and lush descriptions of antiques, art, and lust, I was swept away from the beginning.
Grace was such an intriguing female character; I felt empathy for her yet loathed her all at the same time. I don't want to give much away, but she is one of those girl's who is a chameleon. She's the girl you want her to be, no matter her true feelings, but how long can the facade last?
Unfortunately, I hated the ending, but the entire ride was so worth it.
Alternating between Grace's past in Tennessee leading up to the big lie and her current life in Paris, this novel was a stunner. Crammed with evocative language and lush descriptions of antiques, art, and lust, I was swept away from the beginning.
Grace was such an intriguing female character; I felt empathy for her yet loathed her all at the same time. I don't want to give much away, but she is one of those girl's who is a chameleon. She's the girl you want her to be, no matter her true feelings, but how long can the facade last?
Unfortunately, I hated the ending, but the entire ride was so worth it.