hillysreads's Reviews (381)

The Coldest Winter Ever is a classic, this was my first time reading it and omg y’all, Winter had me on my toes at the turn of every page.

Oh, guys I loved reading this book so much (I don’t think I’ll ever not love James Baldwins books) I finished this book last week and it’s still lingering around in my thoughts and probably will for a long time

I read this book years ago when I was in school; to reread this again especially for veterans day, just reminds me how much we do not appreciate our vets and all they have sacrificed for this country.

Tim O'Brien's book is considered fictional military/war short stories told from O'Brien's perspective. It's supposed to be a fictional war story but I truly believe there is much truth to these stories; as O'Brien explains throughout the book. We will never truly know what really happens to the soldiers who fight in combat, they truly don't know themselves what their true experiences are at times because it all happens so quickly. O'Brien does a spectacular job executing the plot in this novel, the true soldier's story that we will never truly know but there will always be some truth behind the fictional story.

The emotional rawness throughout the book hits you to the core, helps you understand - just a smidgen - combat veterans. I see why this book is read in schools across America, it is an important book that everyone should read at least once. This book gets all the stars!

Casiopea is pretty much a maid to her grandfather during the Jazz Age in Mexico. She finds a chest in her grandfather's room one day and decides to open it only to find out it’s the skeleton of a Mayan god. She cut her hand on one of his bones and he comes to life with the touch of her blood. He is eager to get revenge against his brother who put him in the chest and takes Casiopea on a wild journey through Mexico and SW America to find pieces of himself so he can be whole again. ✨

What I liked about Gods of Jade and Shadow is the detailed writing, as you all know, I love when the author has descriptive writing and Silvia Moreno-Garica does that perfectly. She wrote this book as classic folklore which I enjoyed. I also loved the Jazz Age-era atmosphere of the book! That time always fascinated me; the fashion was on point!

Epic. Wonderful. Cultural. Bold. Complex! Are the perfect words to describe this book, Black Sun has a cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting and needing the next book ASAP. The book starts strong with a dramatic scene and a bold and intense character, it sucks you in right away. But then the book slows down a bit, the author focuses on BEAUTIFUL world-building. She creates this environment that is so realistic, it felt like I was transported right into the book! The last chuck of the book happens so quickly, I had to go back and re-read the last few chapters because I read it way too quickly! I was anxious to see what happened. The characters are diverse and wildly intriguing, each has a distinct personality. The characters change with each chapter; I loved reading the chapters of Xiala and Serapio (my favorite characters). Xiala is so sassy, I loved her attitude and her sense of humor! Serapio is a very intense character, he was so serious in which I loved!

Parable of the Sower was such an interesting and great read! The weird thing about it is that its set in 2025 which is 4 years from now. Octavia Butler creates this apocalyptic world where there is nothing but chaos, people are on drugs, disease is running rapid, the country is on fire. She creates this strong black female character that is determined to save the world. Lauren creates Earthseed, a new revolutionary concept which may save humankind. The beginning of the book is an introduction to the characters and the crazy world they live in. Lauren lives in this enclosed community, they work together to protect one another from the dangerous people. One day their community is attacked and Lauren's family is killed and she is set to survive with a handful of other survivors. They are looking for another place to live and settle down, to build up Earthseed.

I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, Octavia creates this new concept that is quite interesting to read about. I would love to see this series be made into a movie/tv show! I'm not sure why this has not happened yet! I'm excited to read the next book in the series to find out what Lauren and her group will face next and how they will save humankind from destruction, disease, and war.

I was hooked, from the first chapter. I really loved the MC Lily, she was a strong, bold woman who had her own unique floral shop. CoHo built dynamic characters that have a complicated past that affects their futures. CoHo has a way with words that just sucks you in from the first chapter. I think that is why I DEVOURED this book in one day over my holiday break.

It Ends With Us broke me; it was so deep and introspective. It’s about domestic violence and all the emotions and pain wrapped up in it.

I still think about this book every day. SO good. I need to read more CoHo. NOW.