jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)

4.5 stars. So ... I absolutely loved this. Why not 5* then? Well, this is aimed at a very specific audience, Princess Bride (the movie) lovers. I honestly don't know if someone who wasn't intimately familiar with the movie would get anything out of this book at all. And it's interesting that it IS a book as well ... I went with the audio edition and can't even imagine just reading it. Loved that so many (although not all) of the individuals who were quoted/telling their story, came in to also voice their own words. I realize scheduling likely wouldn't allow for everyone, but I missed Mandy saying his own words, and Fred Savage ... Billy Crystal's narration was phoned in, the change in quality was evident, but still appreciated to have his own voice. I actually didn't know Wallace Shawn (Vizzini) by name ... but absolutely by voice! Of course Andre the Giant, and others, have passed. Elwes is also an impersonator as well as an actor, and he actually brought Andre's words (not direct quotes, but memory of him talking "yeah boss") were brought to life.  I can't imagine not listening to the audiobook ... but I was also able to snag the Kindle copy and appreciate being able to look over the text as well. It was fun to re-read after listening, and to see how it was presented (quotes from others in a shaded box). I'm liking the print/Kindle copy too! 

Have I mentioned I LOVE the movie? I'm one of those people who will quote all the lines. I was not aware of the New York Film Festival reunion in 2012 (not a great quality video, but found a little clip on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiOKu4jyR_0). That must have been fun! As was the recounting created for this book. I loved all the backstories and details ... for being a fan, there was a lot I didn't know.  There were laugh out loud moments, and lots of memories, even just from MY connection to the movie.

I have read the book too ... which I also really enjoyed, and was amazed at how much the movie matched exactly. Who would have guessed they would find Andre the Giant, who matched the description in the book exactly! 

I appreciate the Table of Contents having the Headers included (in print anyway, it was missing in the audio) ... If I wanted to quickly go back to a certain part to re-read, that is very helpful. The Epilogue is included in the audio, but not Elwes's "Acknowledgements" while, while mostly just thanking all who helped out, also added a little bit of additional information that I appreciated. I always like to have the Kindle copy to see if there are things there (there were also some pictures) not included in the audio. 

I'm not sure that this book is 5* (with quotes, discussion topics, profound statements) or one that I'd recommend to anyone other that Princess Bride fans, but I absolutely loved, loved, loved it!

This was mentioned at book club as an interesting read - so I put it on hold at the library. It became available just as I was deciding to attempt a "non-fiction November" (not solely, but dominantly). 

This had a bit of a textbook feel, much more historical/factual than a story. Starting with the discovery of his body at sea, then going back to his childhood, his education, his discoveries, etc ... I struggled a bit at the start, as while I was expecting the focus and background of Rudolf Diesel, when it shifted and then began the background of others (Kaiser Wilhelm II, John D. Rockefeller) and we also get their background and buildup (the author indicates that these two, plus Churchill and Rudolf, are essential to understanding the time leading up to WW1, and the Diesel "collided" with Rockefeller and Wilhelm, a tycoon and an emperor ... and even early starts to allude to them possibly being behind Diesel's death). 

I'd also just watched "The Dropout"(fictionalized series based on true events of Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos) and a documentary, as well as having listened to [book:Thicker Than Water: The Untold Story of the Theranos Whistleblower|55649203] ... and so I think I zeroed in much more on the process of inventing, testing, showing prototypes, getting investors and patents, etc ... than I might have otherwise. Diesel and Holmes both seemed to want to "change the world" with their inventions.

Lots of interesting stuff - historical ... the time frame before WW1 isn't written about as much as WW2 (so many on the subject, every angle). The science of discovery and the information on the diesel engine, which I'll admit I didn't know much about (Hubs truck is diesel). 

The final portion ... delving more into guesses and conspiracy, left me lacking ... especially after everything had been so factual up to that point. I guess ultimately, no one really knows? The author seems to be leaning toward certain conclusions, but I didn't feel there were any true facts to support for sure. 

I listened to the audio, and it was fine. I had been able to get the Kindle copy as well, and needed to refer to it a few times (there when the shift went from Diesel to suddenly feature other people, I wasn't sure if I'd missed something ...) I feel like I might have made some highlights and notes, had I been reading the Kindle copy. 

I do appreciate the information I learned, historical and about the diesel engine. 

The Hulu/Disney production "A Small Light" increased my interest in AnneFrank. I've heard of her of course, was familiar with her journal and story. After watching the show, I read the official diary, and then looked into the graphic novel adaptation. I also saw this, and added it to my list. 

The drawings seemed a bit inconsistent to me, I didn't love the style - sometimes realistic, other times cartoonish and awkward. But the information presented, was actually one of the most informational. Not a direct adaptation of the diary (as is [book:Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation|35794821]) this provided a lot of extra information, background details Anne herself wasn't aware of, and the story of what happened after Anne's diary ended. There were still some direct quotes from the diary, easily attributable, with quotes and "Anne wrote" explanations, so the reader here still gets a taste of the diary directly.

The diary itself, whether the original (and what IS the original ... Anne's original, the one she started to rewrite in hopes of publication/changing names/writing FOR a reader more than a simple standard diary, the one her father compiled, the various translations ...), or the graphic novel, while interesting, also delves into the minutiae of a 14-year old girl and her talk of boys, of her body, of hating her mother ... that give insight into ANNE, but if reading mostly to learn about life during the war, can be distracting. THIS book focuses so much more on the overall situation, not only of Anne and the others in the annex, but of the world, before/during/after Anne's diary snapshots. 

I struggle with some of the reading in graphic novels ... I go with a physical book, because it's just hard to navigate digitally (and of course with graphic novels, audio isn't really an option, as the drawings are a huge part of the presentation). Some may be learned (the order in which to read the blocks of text, etc). Unlike digital, I can't enlarge the text, and I'm so used to reading with a backlight, it was always hard to find enough light to make the pages visible without glare.  But it was worth the effort, and I appreciate authors/adapters/illustrators coming up with different ways to present stories and information, as everyone has different preferences in how they learn. Having this in a graphic novel format may reach some people that wouldn't get the information otherwise.

While this is based on a true story (Salva's storyline), it is still categorized as historical fiction. There are two timelines, both fairly contemporary. Salva's starts in 1985 and moves through the years until 2009. Nya's storyline starts in 2008 and moves slowly to 2009. Every chapter starts with a short "Nya" snapshot, then moves into Salva's story, which is the meat of the book. In print, Nya's story is printed in a different color, and there are headings, which list the location and date, the POV is not indicated, but isn't hard to figure out (it just shifts between Nya and Salva). In audio, there were two different narrators, female and male. There was also some music (not sure how I felt about the music ... on one hand it did add to the ambience a bit, but music in audiobooks generally annoys me. At times it sounded like a the alert/ringer on a phone, and that would distract me out of the story). In print, there were also symbols ... I'm thinking these were tied to the two tribes?

Both POVs were told in 3rd person, past tense.

Both storylines, while not present day, aren't that far in the past. I have heard (a very little) about the Lost Boys of the Sudan, and about starvation and water issues in Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda. There are SO many stories about the genocide of the Jews during WW2, the "never again" thoughts ... yet, it happens again. Families separated, being forced to flee, the deaths.  This was informative and interesting. It just didn't have that little something to bump it to a 5* read for me. No profound quotes to save. Some discussion topics. Yes, one I'd recommend. Probably not one I'll re-read or buy for my personal library.

I did absolutely appreciate the "Message from Salva Dut" at the end ... and in audio, he narrated that portion. THANK YOU! It makes it SO much more personal! There were some Author's notes too, I believe read by the author. I'm glad they were included in the audio as well. I like to have the Kindle copy for reference, and here, I noticed an addendum added in 2015, after the audio was recorded (2013), which was especially interesting! Mentioning how the popularity of the book, especially in schools, has lead to more fundraising, and more wells for water.  

I'm not really a graphic novel gal ... but I have absolutely enjoyed some of the recent adaptations from classics ([book:To Kill a Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel|38359009], [book:The Giver: Graphic Novel|40796210]) amazed at how true they stayed to the original, how the artwork only added another dimention to a favorite work. 

Admittedly, Anne Frank's Diary (the original), while intriguing and enlightening, doesn't hold the same space in my heart as the latter titles. The same is true for the graphic novel adaptation. 

It's a matter of personal preference on books and art, we don't all like the same styles. I didn't love the style of artwork here. I also struggled with the 'dialog' added in the bubbles, which did not come from the text, and didn't seem to match the original. It ended up distracting, rather than adding to my original experience. Even with some pages from the diary being copied completely (little to no artwork added), my memory of this adaptation will be the new words written and the strange style of of the eyes/mouths, etc.

I did really appreciate the the Afterward, and the adapter's notes at the end, as it gives much needed info, both on Anne's story, her diary's journey, and this adaptation's background.

I did have this on my "to read" list prior to when Matthew Perry passed away. I'll admit, his death brought it back to the center of attention for me (and I'd decided on a "non0fiction November" whereas I usually stick with fiction). Not really sure how to rate it, so I just went with the middle of the road there. I found it interesting and had no trouble finishing it, read it in just a day or two. Not really something I saved "profound quotes" from or would recommend though. It was all over the place ... the timeline, shifting from a present to the past, and back, jumping all over.  Very conversational, maybe too much so. Several times he would shift into talking TO the reader. His presentation ... often coming across a little arrogant (talking about the money he made, how his emphasis changed the way the world spoke, all the girls he slept with) to brutal (his addictions, his inability to stay in a relationship, etc). Lots of name dropping throughout. 

My family is a HUGE fan of Friends. I remember it was on at the hospital as I gave birth to my first child. I was familiar with several of the moments along the way, but most of Matthew's life was new to me. Sadness during success. 

I have to say, I dislike drinking, and drugs. My Hubs will say it's because I was raised in a churchy family, but you do not have to be religious to have a loathing for alcohol and addiction. There are obviously huge issues.  You can love a person, and hate their drinking. It was interesting his take on it ... indicating a physical issue with addiction in himself (hereditary, brought on by early introduction?)  His absolute disbelief that someone (ie his father) could just "decide" to be done and to that successfully. "Excuse me? You went for a walk and quit drinking? I have spent upward of $7 million trying to get sober. I have been to six thousand AA meetings. I've been to rehab fifteen times. I've been in a mental institution, gone to therapy twice a week for thirty years, been to death's door..." Was Matthew "weaker" than his dad? How much play is there with actual physical addiction preventing some people from being able to break free?  But the fact remains, that Matthew DID stop several times ... for a couple of years each time, then relapsed (can that still be blamed on something in the genes?) But it DOES also raise awareness ... just because YOU can stop, doesn't mean that those around you won't have a harder struggle, and what is your example showing, will those around you possibly play with drinking and drugs, thinking they will also be able to stop ... then not? The damage drinking and drugs can cause ... sometimes I admit I'd love to just take a pill or something and "feel better" too. 

Matthew had his moments touched by God ... which likely hits home for those with similar religious feelings, but can be a turn off for those who don't share those same beliefs. Being in the latter camp, it was a little God heavy in parts, for me. But that is extremely personal, not something I can really judge. 

I went with the audiobook - appreciated it being read by Matthew. Can't really comprehend a memoir NOT being read by the author, even if they don't have acting experience. I know Brittney's new book [book:The Woman in Me|63133205] is narrated by Michelle Williams. No matter how talented, that just seems off to me, if it's in the first person.  I prefer to have Author's Notes read by the author, not the narrator, in my fiction reads. Makes it more personal. 

I'm glad I listened. I'm sad for his death - we'll never know what his epilogue might have been, for good or bad. 

I liked this. It was well written and unique. I think I would appreciate it more if I did a re-read, delved deeper (for a class or book club discussion). But on just a quick listen for "enjoyment" (not that suicide is an enjoyable topic) I don't know how much I'll really remember, how much of this will stick with me.  I went with the audiobook, the narration was good (narrator sounded very young, which matches the MC). There are some illustrations in the print copy that of course don't convert to audio. Also how Ingrid's journal is presented ... in a shaded background, little punctuation/capitalization, incorrect spellings. There is an Author's Note in the kindle copy ... NOT included in the audio, which is SO wrong, the author's note adds so much, it's its own story that perhaps hit me harder than the actual novel, maybe because it was real.

Suicide is always a sensitive subject ... I've got my own personal feelings. This was definitely a look at both how friends/family deal with the aftereffects, and also a look (via journal) at the individual. I can't help but think that Ingrid wouldn't fully regret her actions even seeing the aftermath. Ultimately, Caitlin IS alright. Is it better to stay, unhappy, until you destroy relationships with friends/family, would it be better to exit and be mourned and remembered positively? Where "Ingrid was alive not not really awake" ... just going through the motions, for others? There are always "what ifs" but ... that can go both ways. This is definitely a push toward hope (especially the author's note at the end, NOT included in the audio), but is there always? 

For some reason - while reading/listening, I'd misremember the title as "Still Life" (photographic term, and ... deeper meaning).

Simple chronological chapters within "seasonal" sections ... Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Again. 1st person - dominantly present tense, with some shift to past tense for memories. Often letters/journals don't feel authentic but I felt Ingrid's were. Written like letters ... like AnneFrank did. I just write for myself, not TO someone, but the "letter" approach does seem common.

The buzz on these books! I'll often wait until a series is complete (rather than waiting between books) but I went ahead and read Fourth Wing to see what the big deal was. I've always enjoyed dragons, adored the Pern series. This is similar with the human/dragon bond/selection, dragonrider. The Pern series will always be the best in my opinion :)

I went with the audio edition again. Despite the popularity, I was able to get this book almost immediately after release (as my libraries had anticipated demand and ordered a ton of copies!) I don't love the 1st person/present tense. I DID really appreciate the change in the presentation of the little quotes before each chapter. In the last book, I couldn't tell if the thoughts were a quote or our MC's thoughts, as the attribution (of a quote) wouldn't be given until the end. Not a big deal in print, as it's easy to see it's a quote (different font, centered). In this installment, the audio shifts from the printed text just a bit to start with "Excerpt from" ... listing the attribution given at the end in print, then saying the quote. THANK YOU EDITORS/PRODUCERS for seeing this need in audio! I still wonder if these excerpts would have been better read by the male narrator. Again, this is pretty much all from Violet's POV, with a final chapter from Xaden's. Simple numerical chapters, two "parts" ... 

There was a lot of action, a lot of sex, a lot of proFanity (f-bomb 395 times). Again ... the sex/swearing almost felt added JUST to pull in the audience that likes smut but not fantasy/dragons. I still wonder how a "made up" replacement (like "frack" in BattlestarGallactica) would have come across. My mom had started Fourth Wing (I guess she didn't read my review saying I would NOT recommend it to her because of the sex/swearing) but had to stop early on, just didn't like the constant profanity (hadn't even hit the sex yet). Yes, there is a "warning" (trigger warning, proud shout out?) at the beginning of both books. It would be interesting to find out how many read the book BECAUSE of the adult content, how many read DESPITE it, and how many won't read it because of it. I can't deny the popularity, so I guess it doesn't matter to most. It would be interesting for me to have an "edited" edition w/o the sex and profanity and see if the story was really affected negatively. I honestly don't think it would. 

Book 1 had ended on a major cliffhanger, and this book started up right where the last one left off. It had been a few months and a lot of books in-between. I did a little skim, but generally remembered the overall story (if not the names of all the locations/characters). Lots going on, with the revolution, the reveals, fighting and death. The story is pretty interesting ... I know I'm perhaps a bit biased, but it doesn't live up to Anne McAffrey's Pern series. I never got completely connected to the characters here, emotionally intwined as I did with the Pern books. 

This was just okay for me ... I really liked the beginning (we are a basketball family, so some connection there) but then it just dragged and got so tedious. Just depressing with little/no redemption or "ahhh" moments to make me like it. I was ready for it to be over. 

My boys play basketball, my youngest is hoping to play college ball. I was ready to criticize the "reality" of the storyline, but realize that back in the 1970s when this was set, things were likely different. Today - a kid getting to D1 status/getting a scholarship, without parental support, tons of leagues/tournaments outside of high school, without paying a recruiter, without actively seeking out post-high school possibilities ... it's not going to happen (even non-D1 play). Even with extreme height and talent, that William would have gone on to play ... unlikely. Still, it was fun to have the topic of basketball play such a big part in the story.  I even thought about having my son read the first chapter or two, just to see what his feeling were about the presentation. 

I liked the characters enough - but they were all certainly flawed, almost to the point of unlikability.  I think the story just went on too long, and despite everything, I did feel things were a little "ewww" SPOILER

The mother abandoning the family, William leaving the one sister, abandoning his daughter, marrying the other sister. How intertwined the younger three sisters were, all living together for so long.

So - eh. While the title came into play, I don't know if it was enough for me to be featured as the title. Not that I can think of an alternative. This just didn't have anything special that I'd really recommend it, and I think my memories of it are mostly negative.

I'm going to 5* this one. It really kept my interest as I listened to the audiobook. I had been able to nab the Kindle copy from the library too, and after I finished, I turned to it before writing my review ... and ended up pretty much re-reading it all. So many notes and highlights. Trying to trace all the connections, points to ponder ... this would make for good discussions at a book club. 

No numerical chapters listed in the Table of Contents ... there are three "Parts" and an Epilogue. Part 1 covers three stories ... The Writer, The Assistant, The Actor (turned audiobook narrator). These were all not only the individual's story, but very much featuring the fictional book Theo and its beginnings. Very interesting to see some of the steps, get some insight behind the scenes.

Part 2 is unique in that it is not a person's story, but press/social media and such. This part here was a little reminiscent of parts of [book:Yellowface|62047984] which also had little tweets, Goodreads reviews, etc. 

Part 3 ... there are seven stories, mostly related by the individual reading the book. There's The Artist, The Diver, The Teenager, The Bookseller, The Caretaker, The Coordinator and finally The Agent (played a bigger part than just a reader). One issue I had with the audiobook, is that these "titles" weren't viewable in the TOC, instead the location/date was shown (also good information, but not as informative as the descriptors).  The audiobook had a great "conversation with the author (and narrator)" which was great and very interesting, but I kind of felt like that should be something available on YouTube (maybe it is?) and that the written Author'sNote (included in Kindle) should have been included instead. I like consistency between the audio and the print copy.

Some of the relationship connections seemed a bit of a stretch - an attempt to pull the stories together through more than just the book. It was interesting that even though we don't really ever read any of Theo (there aren't excerpts, maybe just a sentences/quote or two) we see a few of the scenes a couple times, get a little recap (sounded a bit like the Julia Roberts movie "Sleeping with the Enemy" with the whole "learn how to swim then pretend to drown to get away" premise. 

So many "bookish" themes and ideas, and background info (from the writing, to the selection, to the publication, to the marketing, to sales) ... just interesting from a reader standpoint. And then there's the whole "no two persons" idea showcased, which is so true and interesting. 

I really liked it. Granted, I love reading and books, so the basic premise is one that appeals, and it was fun to try and catch all the connections between the stories.