jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)

2.5 stars? Hmmmm -- how to rate this. 3* means "I liked it" (not as much as 4* or 5* of course) and 2* generally has something that bugged me/didn't like (more for a 1*). Here ... there was nothing I was critical of; the writing was fine, the story was okay ... I just really never got pulled in. It didn't keep my interest, I finished it, but it was a bit of a push and I don't think I'll remember it. Not going to go on to the sequel. 

After some realistic/contemporary/historical I really WANTED something different and sought this out (looking for fantasy included in KU w/audio). This turned out to be more sci-fi than fantasy though, and with the "empire" and "imperial" and "The Senate" and the bad guy who ends up half-machine and the boy/girl twins who are the heirs (not Skywalker, but "Scourwind" even has the S....W...) but too many parallels to Star Wars for me. 

I don't give recaps in my reviews ... probs a good thing, as I don't think I absorbed enough of the story (was there enough of a story?) to write one up.  It started right off with the action (prologue ... I often wonder why some things are a "prologue" and not just the first chapter ... I had that though here) - a train through a snowy mountain, an "enhanced" character Mira (would have liked to learn a little more about that, felt like it was mentioned a couple times but not really explored). I liked Mira. Then there were the twins, Kayle and Lydia. The bad guy. So basically the story was Mira helping the twins take back the empire from the bad guy.

Everything was 3rd person/past tense - staying chronological.
I went with the audio, although I turned to the Kindle text at times (very rarely a book will capture me in text if it didn't in audio ... unfortunately not the case here).  One thing I've been tracking ... is the f-bomb in it. Again, have to say yes, even though it was just once. 

Well, all I have left now is to see the movie (not released yet, but the preview looks lifted directly from the book, everything was recognizable to me). I read Wonder, then the add-on Julian Chapter where Grandmere and her story is introduced, then looked up the graphic novel White Bird. Unlike previous novel/graphic novel combos, the graphic novel WAS first. While having a graphic novel based on a book seems more common now, to see this "novelization" of the graphic novel was a first for me. With the movie imagery as the cover, and photos of the movie included in the book, it almost seems like one of those "books based on a movie" (which are rare, but I've seen before ... and avoided). 

This was very true to the graphic novel ... some parts repeated verbatim, other areas had background filled in (that was presented in pictures, and just makes the novel flow better). I'd actually listened to the audio edition of the graphic novel (which seems counter-intuitive) but had the book right there, following along with the graphic novel. My eyes are just getting old and it's harder to READ the little letters. The audio was wonderful, "graphic audio" with a full cast and sound effects and music. This felt just a tad lacking after that (although I wonder how I'd feel if I started with this one? Two narrators here trading off, Grandmere and young Sara, just voicing the other characters ... I missed the voice of Julian from the graphic audio). 

While writing my review for the graphic novel, I read other reviews and noticed some controversy regarding the final pages ... possible spoiler?

when Grandmere feels sad after reading news headlines: addressing refugees being turned away, Islamophobia and one naming TRUMP and the detention centers, children separated from families. The final images are of Julian in a protest, with a sign Never Forget #weremember. Some reviewers panned the book completely saying a comparison off the Holocaust and illegal immigration are not the same ... and they are not, and I don't believe the author was implying that at all (just on trying to teach the next generation kindness, or stopping injustice), others saying the book was good, but the final pages should be cut ... which squeaks of censorship to me. Here ... without the visual image of the Trump name in the article, and not seeing the visual signs at the protest, I doubt people would make a direct link to "the wall" and Trump and the issues at the US border. Julian tells Grandmere "I went to a peace march today" without naming exactly what the protest was for. I wonder if this was just a natural shift from image to text, or if it was done because of blowback from the original? It will be interesting to see how it's addressed in the movie.

The afterward and author's notes were the same (felt a little odd, as I listened back-to-back and recognized all the words being said, noting the different voices of the narration. In the original graphic novel audio, I could almost imagine it was the author herself talking in the author's notes, whereas here, it was obvious it was not ... and I didn't love the narrator's pronunciation of Sara (say-raw). While I listened to this edition in audio, I grabbed the Kindle copy as well. The Table of Contents was pretty much the same (the parts/chapter breakdown), there were some discussion questions included here, which I do appreciate. It does give me something to think about and diving deeper can make me appreciate a book more (which is why I enjoy bookclubs). 

There was also a note from Erica S Perl, who took the original graphic novel and was the one who wrote it up in novel format, indicated she had been asked to do so. As R.J. Palacio IS an author (Wonder and the additional chapters are regular novels, it's not as if she only does the graphic novel style) I did wonder why an additional author was brought in for the conversion. No complaints about it (I didn't notice a style difference or anything) ... just curious by Palacio didn't just do it herself (time, perhaps she wanted to see what an outside set of eyes brought to it). 

Whereas graphic novels are great for some kids who can't get into reading regular books ... graphic novels are NOT for everyone either. They are a bit of a struggle for me, it's been a stretch for me to branch out and give them a try. This novelization IS a great thing, just to have the material in several different formats, hopefully one that will appeal to all. 

I'm not really a graphic novel gal ... I've always associated them more with manga and "comics" but last year noticed more adaptations into the format from books/classics. I dipped a toe in, and just like when a book is made into a movie/series, it's interesting to see another side, how it's adapted. Overall, the graphic novels I've read have stayed extremely true to the source material.

Here - while White Bird was inspired, a spin-off if you will, of [book:Wonder|11387515], or more specifically [book:The Julian Chapter|20878809] (a companion piece on its own), it's graphic novel format was the original presentation. It has since been made into a movie (yet to be released, but the preview seemed the book come to life) and ironically, a novelization based on the graphic novel. I think I'll put that on my to-read next, to see how it compares. 

Also ironic here ... is that there is an AUDIOBOOK of the graphic novel! That seems counter-intuitive, as the "graphic" in "graphic novel" IS the illustrations ;) My eyes are getting old, and I struggle with the text size (and while there are e-book versions that can be enlarged somewhat, I find graphic novels in digital hard to navigate, it isn't simply making the font larger). I tried with [book:Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood|9516] to follow along with a Youtube narration, and it just didn't really work (as with graphic novels you often have the basic storyline across the top/bottom, then the dialog in bubbles, which should be read first, it can break up the flow). Here though ... the audio was WONDEFUL. Basically "graphic audio" with a full cast and sound effects, and it was very effective. I'd grabbed the physical book from the library, and for much of it looked at the book while listening to the audio, although there were times I just went with the audio (while multi-tasking) and then did a quick skim, re-read of the physical book and graphics. 

I do wonder how someone unfamiliar with the book Wonder/The Julian Chapter, would feel, as Julian's story is the backdrop, the intro and conclusion. 

And the CONCLUSION ... although many reviewers (even dropping the rating to 1* despite saying the book was good other than the last few pages, that they'd recommend the book if the last pages were cut-out and censored) ... are anti-immigration enough that their view of the whole book is tainted by Grandmere's sadness at some of the current situations in the US ... I have to wonder if these same people would take such offense if the ONE article (granted, the main one in view) didn't feature the US border situations and mention Trump by name, if instead the 1975 Vietnamese refugees (as highlighted in the book [book:Where the Wind Leads: A Refugee Family's Miraculous Story of Loss, Rescue, and Redemption|18126604]), or the situation in the middle East as [book:Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood|9516] - Islamophobia IS one of the illustrated articles,   or other stories from the more current situation in the Ukraine were spotlighted (this came out before that started) instead ... NOT saying Mexican immigrants being detained is the SAME as the Holocaust, but that there are parallels to what the people are going through; being forced to flee, losing all belongings, families being separated, hoping that neighboring countries will accept and help instead of refusing/looking away, even contributing to what is happening? It seems to miss the point of the book. To be kind, to do good, even when there is a cost to yourself. Another recent read [book:The Happiest Man on Earth|53239311] ... story of a Holocaust survivor. I can only imagine if he saw the news headlines as Grandmere did in the book, that he would feel the same way. I guess other reviewers were most upset that Julian was at a demonstration against Trump, against the wall, for love and kindness ... if it was mainly his sign "Never Again.  #weremember" (Holocaust correlation) that is angering people? I think Julian is just taking Grandmere's words "If you see injustice, you will fight it. You will speak out."  I know some will say "immigration" is not the same as "refugees" (although the people IN the situation may beg to differ), and of course there are "bad hombres" out there, and yes, it's "illegal" ... so was the creation of false passports and papers and breaking "laws" and crossing borders. What would have been your stance during WW2/Holocaust? It's so easy to judge retroactively. This author, and by default, the character Julian sees what is happening as injustice. I'm sure the author anticipated blowback and cancel culture over speaking out specifically.

Loved the imagery of the white bird throughout the whole story. I'm not super into poetry, but was intrigued by the little intro blurbs/quotes by Muriel Rukeyser. I really liked the illustrations (I read a couple Anne Frank graphic adaptations and just didn't care for the illustrative style). 

The story kept me captivated - I wonder how much of the "politics" will be in the movie (was scheduled for release in 2023, but it was pushed to 2024). Lots of topics of discussion, saved quotes, characters to care about - would be a good bookclub book (although I'd worry a bit about the possible political strife). So interesting how it's intertwined with other works (Wonder/Julian chapter, the movie, the novelization). It IS one I think I'll buy and put on my personal bookshelf. 

Interesting to not the 5* and rave reviews ... really? My main take-away from this was "at least it was free" ... the text was included in KindleUnlimited, and the audio was available on Hoopla. I fell asleep listening, so I had to turn to the text to re-read what I'd missed. The writing was more awkward reading it, the audio made it better, although I was frustrated at only two narrators, with four distinct characters, all 1st person POV (present tense). While the narrators (one female, one male) attempted to do different voices (the mother Amanda, the daughter Louise/the Stranger, James) they still sounded too similar. At least the chapters in audio listed the POV next to the chapter number (something lacking in the Kindle TOC) so I could glance at my phone and double check whose POV it was if needed.

One of the first things I disliked was the prologue ... this enabled the tired trope of showing a scene from later in the book. Basically a spoiler. We, the reader, KNOW of an upcoming event (here, a woman pushing a man in front of a train). At a certain point in the book, still far before the event is repeated, I knew exactly what was going to happen. Annoying.

This jumped back and forth in time - not only starting with the prologue, which is a scene from the final 3rd of the book, but then "flashbacks" to some events earlier in the various POVs stories. Fine, that's used quite a bit in writing, and at least the headers spelled out the time (although again, NOT included in the Table of Contents, where some reference might be helpful).

None of the characters were likable -- even Amanda (the MC). Her 17-year old daughter was awful. Of course the two "bad guys" aren't likeable, but it was just a little hard having no one I cared about. At all. 

I have to admit, "psychological thrillers" aren't my preferred genre. I always seem to be annoyed. Why do I keep reading them? Occasionally one IS good ... alas. This is supposed to be realistic, but I can't in good conscious put it on my "realistic" Goodreads shelf. Too many things are far-fetched, the "suspension of disbelief" required is too much.  Hard to discuss more without spoilers ...

So the fact that the MC was keeping oodles of cash in a little safe in her house... okay. The daughter was so bad, she was almost unbelievable. That she and James could have hooked up, okay ... that she could have told him about the money, and he and his crony plot the theft ... starting to push it. I guess The Stranger could have staked out Amanda. BUT ... the whole flashback of Amanda murdering (yes, self-defense) the rich old man and GETTING AWAY WITH IT. I mean, how incompetent are the police there? She's a hired escort, seen with him just a little earlier in the evening, methinks the police would have found out who she was (blond wig not-withstanding) and questioned her. Even people planning a crime leave behind evidence. The fact that she was able to murder, then rob, and get away completely? That this hadn't been weighing on her more than we see ... just doesn't ring true. I think by this time I was dismissing the story as fairly ridiculous and just pushing through because I didn't have another book ready to go on my phone. That these altercations happen on the train and no one calls in authorities, that the characters are able to track James down (little "find my phone" tracking was helpful to a point). Amanda ... she's already killed one man, what's another, and another? Justification notwithstanding, this little working mom, no qualms about killing multiple times. The predictability ... given the prologue, you KNOW she's going to push one of the guys in front of the train (and again, magically get-away without a problem, it's surprising more people don't simply murder people this way, it seems so easy!) - I'd thought it might be James until "the Stranger" magically figured out where James might be going (London's not that big, right?). And the James thing was totally premeditated and planned ... and also predictable, the second she pulled out the bag of crisps (which crisps have peanuts in them)? Anyone with THAT life-threatening of an allergy would likely be more cautious about picking up random food. At least he did have an epi-pen handy ... to make it somewhat more believable. And then all HEA for Amanda and the brat Louise. I didn't even want them to have a HEA ...

Glad to be done and to move on. I was almost expecting her to submit her book under a pseudonym ... Daniel Hurst. 

I really enjoyed this. Contemporary ... some romance, but I wouldn't call it a romance overall. It's more about family and friendships and self-discovery amidst turmoil. 

Our MC Alex (girl Alex) is one year post divorce when she finds out she has a brain tumor. Thought to be non-cancerous, but still, it needs to come out. She went to the doctor because of headaches, and a "fall" situation. I ended up at the neurologist after a "fall situation" ... no brain tumor for me, although I must admit I had wondered. I had been surprised to find out just how many people I know personally who have had a tumor/brain surgery. (As for me, we just don't know why I've had two seizures, both ending up with a cracked head/ambulance/ER ... I had wondered if an explanation and "fix" might be preferable to just not knowing, but after reading this, I think I'm better where I am?)

I know books are often labeled LGBTQ if there are characters/storyline ... Alex has two moms. It's just part of the story, and they are both pretty great. One is Cuban, and I enjoyed the Spanish elements (some connection to that, as my DIL is Mexican, but ... also a divorce in our family.) I had gone with the audio, so the accents and Spanish was fun (even though I don't speak Spanish). 

First person, present tense. All Alex.  The "Parts" and the parts had headers ... Bob, I was Much Happier Being in Denial, I've Got Ninety-Nine Problems, and Ninty of Them are Scenarios I've Made Up In My Head.  You can just glance at the headers and get a feel for the attitude of Alex, and the book. A little snarky, doesn't totally speak TO the reader, although we get a couple "don't judge me" that couldn't really be aimed at anyone else. Very easy, conversational tone. Based on the snark, I might have expected some f-bombs thrown in, but there weren't any. 

I would give this a "thumbs up" recommendation to most family/friends. 
It was included in KindleUnlimited with text and audio (not at the local library though). 

I liked this a lot ... I just read a "birdwatching" book ([book:The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America|41188319]) with a very similar setup. Name of the bird, scientific name, some information and a picture. Whereas the latter was snarky and a little over the top silly (while still being somewhat informative), this one was lovely.

Another book I read recently - a dystopian world ([book:The Grace Year|43263520]) where flowers are used almost as part of the language, every flower having a meaning. It really didn't have much to do with the story overall, but I think the idea (and knowing that flowers DO have meanings behind them in our world) made this book catch my eye.

This was included in KindleUnlimited ... I read it on my app, rather than my paperwhite, as the illustrations NEED to be seen in color. They are lovely! Definitely my favorite part of the book. Could be a nice coffee table book in hardcover.

I already knew some of the "meanings" and origins of meanings for some of the flowers ... many come from Greek myths, with some bible or Shakespearean references too. 

In today's day and age though ... I think people just give flowers because they think they are pretty. I'd get a little stressed out of I thought I had to decipher a hidden meaning/message behind a bouquet.

I wish the Kindle copy had a more extensive/linked Table of Contents ... FLOWERS as a chapter is too general. Although the flowers are all organized and entered alphabetically, it would be easier for me to glance through two pages of TOC, and see exactly where to go to read up on a specific flower, rather than having to flip through the book to find what I'm looking for (in Kindle, the search function might be helpful here), although as mentioned, I'm not sure I want to stress over the hidden meaning of flowers (who knew the petunia represented anger and resentment ... I've gifted a flat of petunias to my mother, because she likes them, great summer flower to plant ... I meant no anger or resentment!). Beyond flowers, some blossoms, trees, herbs and even stinging nettle were covered. Imagine gifting someone a bouquet with stinging nettle in it (meaning - cruelty, origin a fairy tale "The Wild Swans") ... "Pair with petunia to tell someone their apology has been deemed insincere" ...  Tansy ... "In Victorian times, sending a bouquet of tansy flowers was a way of declaring that the recipient had made the sender sick to their stomach" ... really, people sent flowers as a MEAN thing?

Loved the illustrations and enjoyed getting some history ... but I think I'll just enjoy flowers for their beauty, not secret meanings. 

I liked this, it kept my attention and I felt like I learned a little ... about Morocco, saffron, historical trading. This was one of those "sagas" that covers years and years. Divided into two parts, part one (1835-1840) features Sibylla before marriage/marriage/early motherhood. Part two then jumps forward (1859-1862) and continues on from there. 

3rd person, past tense. While Sibylla is the main character, and the majority of the book is from her POV, we (the reader) get a peek into other perspectives too, seeing the world (omniscient) through a variety of eyes; getting details and background. 

I believe this was originally written in German - although nothing takes place there. It's all placed in England and Morocco. I went with the audio, one narrator/female, and she was good, for Sibylla and the main narration. I struggled a LOT with the voices for Benjamin (his voice was described as "nasally" and he is not a likeable character ...) it was just so annoying I wasn't sure I'd be able to continue, as I could see his character was going to be around for a while. I pushed through.  Love the English accent and pronunciation of many words. I note a variety of words in my books ... this had deign and dais. 

No profanity, some sex. Nothing super explicit, not "bodice ripper" style, but a little more detailed than some "romance" novels. Included in KindleUnlimited, text and audio (but not at the local library). 

Amazon has a bunch of "originals" ... short stories around a central theme. They are included in KindleUnlimited (which I have presently) and I think also included (text and audio) for Prime subscribers. The stories/collections can be hit and miss, but can be a good "palate cleanser" between books. So short (just over an hour listening time to the audio) it's not one many would BUY outright, but are perfect as little inclusions in paid subscriptions (like KU/Prime). 

Nonfiction, told 1st person, past tense ... a writer for the associated press (I don't see him as an "author" of other "books") has this expanded "article" where he plays a part. Some other reviewers mention hearing about the 'missing dog' in Vermont and the city-wide search over a couple years... maybe it was based on locality, or I just don't really watch much news. I wasn't familiar with the details at all, so the story here unfolded fresh for me. 

It was interesting - glad that there was a happy ending.  

This book was available from the library (Hoopla/Libby), but the text is also included in KindleUnlimited. I went with the audio (not narrated by the author, but still with an accent to give that feeling), but know I really should go over the text, make some notes and highlights. I'll check out the quotes section here on GoodReads too. 

I think this may top the "Auschwitz Survivor" memoirs for me. I connected more here than with[book:Night|1617], and [book:Beneath a Scarlet Sky|32487617] - which so many have loved, but felt SO over the top to me (and it's FICTION, even if there is some basis in actual events). Many of the ideas of "Man's Search for Meaning" and [book:The Choice: Embrace the Possible|30753738] are included here too ... in the prologue, he states "Happiness is something we can choose."

Written in a very conversational tone, this is simply an old man telling his life story (he does address the reader, "my friend"). While he discusses his very early years, his 13th year is where he really begins (1933). Hard not to make some comparisons with AnneFrank as well (although this is an older man's reflections, not a direct diary). Not 'as' in hiding as Anne, but going to school under an assumed name, completely on his own. Caught in 1938 on "the night of broken glass" and then shifted to various camps and experiences. 

I appreciated that the chapters in Hoopla included the little "headers" for each chapter ... reading over these, ones can get a good glimpse of the topics covered/learned. I wish the Kindle copy included the header text on the Table of Contents instead of just a numerical chapter listing. 

1. There are many things more precious than money.
2. Weakness can be turned into hatred.
3. Tomorrow will come if you survive today. One step at a time.
4. You can find kindness everywhere, even from strangers.
5. Hug your mother.
6. One good friend is my whole world.
7. Education is a lifesaver.
8. If you lose your morals, you lose yourself.
9. The body is the best machine ever made.
10. When there is life, there is hope.
11. There are always miracles in the world, even when it seems dark. 
12. Love is the best medicine.
13. We are all part of a larger society, and our work is our contribution to a free and safe life for all.
14. Shared sorrow is half-sorrow; Shared pleasure is double pleasure.
15. What I have to share is not my pain. What I share is my hope. 

I like just looking over these simple statements ... they really bring back what it talked about throughout the book in each connected chapter. I know had I read this, I would have made many notes and highlights (hard to stop and do when listening while multi-tasking). 

I need to look up his TED talk - although I'm thinking it will be some of the same. I'd like to hear it from his own lips though. 

I continued on with book 2 in this series right after book 1 ... book 3 is available, although not already in my library. I put it on my wishlist and figure I'll wait to read it and book 4 (not yet out) together in the future. Maybe need a little change from the zombie apocalypse. 

The story keeps my attention - very "The Walking Dead" feel ... "The Last of Us" (even mention of fungus). Just not that extra to bump it up to five stars. 

Grateful that the chapters in the Table of Contents DO include the POV (lacking in book 1). Rose, Tom, Clara, Craig ... same four POVs as the first book. 1st person, past tense. Fx99 and some sexual stuff (minor). 

Some talk of sourdough ;) 

For MYSELF (some spoilers) ... things to remember coming back into the series in the future

  Rose and Tom have gotten together. Holly and Nora have gotten together. Clara and Jessie have gotten together.  Things got rough with Boone, Boone and his cronies left the park, are out there somewhere. Sabotage? The kids had a close call during a supply run. Former "in charge" Carver and a few others found - Boone had sent them off to die. Holly appendicitis, medical run, bad but they make it back, save her. New sickness hits ... park is overrun, many dead. Ethan(Holly/Jessie's dad) sacrifices himself so the others can get away.  So just a few, our main characters and a few more are left deciding on where to go next ... (and was it Boone/Stephanie, sabotaging the water to infect everyone?)