Take a photo of a barcode or cover
kellysrambles's Reviews (619)
I'll start by saying that I didn't dislike this book in any way. I think it's a poignant and honest read and I think it deals with mental health issues in a sensitive but realistic manner. It does not sugar coat mental illness. At times, I felt desperately sorry for Pat and just wanted to look after him and make sure he was okay. This book is also very funny at times and I really enjoyed the writing style. I thought the way in which it was written was very reflective of how some people with mental illness may go through their thought processes and it gave Pat many endearing qualities. However, despite the humour, this is not a comedy book. It is a thoughtful and touching insight to mental illness and shows, despite a different outlook on life, the way in which Pat is made to confront so many issues in his life. Most importantly for me, this book is hopeful. Pat is constantly chasing his silver lining and by the end, we see that despite all the ups and downs, he still finds his silver lining. That is such an important message.
My only reason for the 3* rating is that I saw the film when it was out a few years ago and this is one of those rare occasions where I actually think the film was better. I think that if I had read this before seeing the film, I would potentially prefer the book but the cast of the movie is incredible. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job as Pat and Tiffany. They really lifted those characters out of the pages of the book and made them real. If you havent' seen the movie, I would recommend it!
My only reason for the 3* rating is that I saw the film when it was out a few years ago and this is one of those rare occasions where I actually think the film was better. I think that if I had read this before seeing the film, I would potentially prefer the book but the cast of the movie is incredible. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job as Pat and Tiffany. They really lifted those characters out of the pages of the book and made them real. If you havent' seen the movie, I would recommend it!
Wow, this book is fantastic! After seeing so many ridiculously positive reviews, I was slightly terrified that it wouldn't live up to the hype for me. Fortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a fast-paced and exciting fantasy take on the ultimate heist.
The story follows gang leader Kaz Brekker and his selection of fellow crooks as they embark on a heist that will test them emotionally, physically and morally. We read the story through their various viewpoints, something which I think is highly effective in telling this story. At no point are the points of view confusing. I thought the character building was superb: I feel like I've known all these characters for years and, most importantly, I care about them. My favourite character is Inej, closely followed by Kaz and Nina. I loved her back story and seeing how a vulnerable young girl fleed from her abuser and became someone much stronger than even she could imagine.
The world-building is exceptional. The writing of this story is excellent and it did not take me long to feel fully immersed in the history and culture of the world that had been created. The descriptions are beautiful and I was easily able to visualise the story while I read. Unlike most people, I had not read Bardugo's previous Grisha series but this did not stop me falling head over heels in love with the world and I didn't find the terminology too difficult to deal with. I may indulge in the series at some point.
The story was fast-paced and action-packed. The crew come up against all possible barriers and yet I was constantly left surprised by the twists and turns that the story took. I think the Ocean's 11 comparisons are justified: this is after all a story about the greatest and most unthinkable heist to happen to the Ice Court.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, exciting and action-packed read with a well written world and excellent character building, then I would highly recommend this! I can't wait for Crooked Kingdom!
The story follows gang leader Kaz Brekker and his selection of fellow crooks as they embark on a heist that will test them emotionally, physically and morally. We read the story through their various viewpoints, something which I think is highly effective in telling this story. At no point are the points of view confusing. I thought the character building was superb: I feel like I've known all these characters for years and, most importantly, I care about them. My favourite character is Inej, closely followed by Kaz and Nina. I loved her back story and seeing how a vulnerable young girl fleed from her abuser and became someone much stronger than even she could imagine.
The world-building is exceptional. The writing of this story is excellent and it did not take me long to feel fully immersed in the history and culture of the world that had been created. The descriptions are beautiful and I was easily able to visualise the story while I read. Unlike most people, I had not read Bardugo's previous Grisha series but this did not stop me falling head over heels in love with the world and I didn't find the terminology too difficult to deal with. I may indulge in the series at some point.
The story was fast-paced and action-packed. The crew come up against all possible barriers and yet I was constantly left surprised by the twists and turns that the story took. I think the Ocean's 11 comparisons are justified: this is after all a story about the greatest and most unthinkable heist to happen to the Ice Court.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, exciting and action-packed read with a well written world and excellent character building, then I would highly recommend this! I can't wait for Crooked Kingdom!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start by saying that I did like this book. But I didn't love it and I certainly wasn't blown away by it. If, like me, you have read a variety of dystopian YA novels, then there won't be much in this novel that will blow you away. We have a leading female character who gets herself in a spot of bother after standing up for her beliefs, a sort-of love triangle and people rallying to her cause (which she inadvertently started). Sound familiar?
I did really like the concept of this novel, however. Personally, I cannot imagine living in a world where people deemed to be imperfect, or Flawed, are branded and left to live a life outside of the norm. Different food allowances, no more than two Flawed people together at a time, lie detector tests each day, no alcohol and a curfew... I couldn't imagine it. Everyone has flaws and I often think that these flaws can be beautiful in many people, they definitely define us has human beings. The idea of a society where Flawed people are considered to be lesser humans was interesting to me and I did like the way this was represented in the book. I liked that the author had considered that people would be branded in different locations based on the way in which they were Flawed.
The characters were quite well written. For me, I didn't particularly love Celestine (the main character). I found her quite frustrating at times and actually much preferred her sister, Juniper. But again, this is personal preference and I am sure that there will be enough people out there who do like Celestine. Plus, you don't have to love a character to enjoy the story! I was terrified of Judge Crevan. (For some reason I picture him in my head to look like Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) He is so evil and I actually liked him because of this.
I won't write much in the way of spoiling the plot but some parts of it were fairly predictable if you follow the usual dystopian pattern. I enjoyed learning about the life of the Flawed and seeing the effect of having a Flawed person in the family. For me, some of the chapters were incredible. They were really fast-paced and action packed and I could easily devour three or four chapters without realising it. Then all of a sudden I would find myself reading through chapters which were a lot slower in pace and not as much importance (in my opinion) to the plot of the story. This ruined the story for me in a way as every time I started to feel really excited by it, it seemed to slow back down and I just didn't feel that spark of excitement.
I would say that there are some scenes in this book that I felt a little bit uncomfortable reading. There is nothing sexually graphic, but one of the chapters describing the brandings did make me feel a bit sick, but it was a perfect example of the effectiveness of Ahern's writing style. This shouldn't put anyone off reading this book though.
The romance isn't overwhelming in this book at all. Celestine is in a relationship with Art which comes under considerable strain during the story. Carrick isn't actually in the book a huge amount. He actually appears more in Celestine's thoughts about him than he does in any dialogue with her. I actually wish Carrick had been in this more as I think he will be a great character and I'm intrigued to learn more about him.
On the whole, I did like this book, I just didn't feel crazy about it. Had there been a little bit more action in parts then this would have been a solid 4 stars. As it stands, I've rounded my 3.5 upwards generously. If you like dystopian novels then you will probably like this, just don't expect to be totally blown away as it is fairly predictable. A good debut from Cecelia Ahern in the YA genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start by saying that I did like this book. But I didn't love it and I certainly wasn't blown away by it. If, like me, you have read a variety of dystopian YA novels, then there won't be much in this novel that will blow you away. We have a leading female character who gets herself in a spot of bother after standing up for her beliefs, a sort-of love triangle and people rallying to her cause (which she inadvertently started). Sound familiar?
I did really like the concept of this novel, however. Personally, I cannot imagine living in a world where people deemed to be imperfect, or Flawed, are branded and left to live a life outside of the norm. Different food allowances, no more than two Flawed people together at a time, lie detector tests each day, no alcohol and a curfew... I couldn't imagine it. Everyone has flaws and I often think that these flaws can be beautiful in many people, they definitely define us has human beings. The idea of a society where Flawed people are considered to be lesser humans was interesting to me and I did like the way this was represented in the book. I liked that the author had considered that people would be branded in different locations based on the way in which they were Flawed.
The characters were quite well written. For me, I didn't particularly love Celestine (the main character). I found her quite frustrating at times and actually much preferred her sister, Juniper. But again, this is personal preference and I am sure that there will be enough people out there who do like Celestine. Plus, you don't have to love a character to enjoy the story! I was terrified of Judge Crevan. (For some reason I picture him in my head to look like Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) He is so evil and I actually liked him because of this.
I won't write much in the way of spoiling the plot but some parts of it were fairly predictable if you follow the usual dystopian pattern. I enjoyed learning about the life of the Flawed and seeing the effect of having a Flawed person in the family. For me, some of the chapters were incredible. They were really fast-paced and action packed and I could easily devour three or four chapters without realising it. Then all of a sudden I would find myself reading through chapters which were a lot slower in pace and not as much importance (in my opinion) to the plot of the story. This ruined the story for me in a way as every time I started to feel really excited by it, it seemed to slow back down and I just didn't feel that spark of excitement.
I would say that there are some scenes in this book that I felt a little bit uncomfortable reading. There is nothing sexually graphic, but one of the chapters describing the brandings did make me feel a bit sick, but it was a perfect example of the effectiveness of Ahern's writing style. This shouldn't put anyone off reading this book though.
The romance isn't overwhelming in this book at all. Celestine is in a relationship with Art which comes under considerable strain during the story. Carrick isn't actually in the book a huge amount. He actually appears more in Celestine's thoughts about him than he does in any dialogue with her. I actually wish Carrick had been in this more as I think he will be a great character and I'm intrigued to learn more about him.
On the whole, I did like this book, I just didn't feel crazy about it. Had there been a little bit more action in parts then this would have been a solid 4 stars. As it stands, I've rounded my 3.5 upwards generously. If you like dystopian novels then you will probably like this, just don't expect to be totally blown away as it is fairly predictable. A good debut from Cecelia Ahern in the YA genre.
Yes Please is a touching but hilarious memoir from the loveable Amy Poehler. I had never listened to an audiobook before this one, but I could not be more happy that I made this my first one. Listening to Amy (and guests) reading her book was such a rewarding experience. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it quite as much had I read it myself. Amy touches upon many of her life experiences in this memoir. She talks about motherhood, marriage, divorce, love, family and, of course, her glowing comedy career. It was an interesting insight into her life and if you like Amy Poehler, you must read this!
.jpg)
I liked this book, in fact I really enjoyed it. This is your typical teenage read and I definitely feel that if I were a teenager reading this, I probably would have liked it even more. It reminded me of when I read the Confessions series by Louise Rennison. It had a fairly light-hearted and carefree feel to it but at the same time dealt with some much deeper issues such as self-image.
I think at some point in our lives we have all felt that we are the DUFF but as this book so cleverly points out - there is nothing wrong with that. You can only be the DUFF if you allow yourself to be and I liked that message in the book. I kind of wish we had seen a bit more of this explored towards the end.
I still can't decide if I like the main character or not. Bianca is a cynical and extremely sarcastic character and while I have no problem with these qualities (I am a very sarcastic person myself), I just felt that she made some incredibly questionable and silly choices. I did, however, really like some of the other characters such as Jessica and Wesley.
There is a LOT of love and romance in this book (although, of course, that is to be expected given the nature of the story!) and at times I felt it was a little too much. However, that's just personal choice. What I will point out is that there are a lot of quite descriptive sex scenes in this book, something which I certainly wasn't expecting. I was just surprised to find some of the descriptions in a young adult book.
I actually read this book as my sister told me the film is hilarious and I wanted to read the book first. I'm looking forward to watching the movie as I think it's the kind of film that will have a Mean Girls feel to it and I think I'll probably enjoy it a bit more than the book! Overall, this is a good read as long as you aren't expecting too much from it.
I think at some point in our lives we have all felt that we are the DUFF but as this book so cleverly points out - there is nothing wrong with that. You can only be the DUFF if you allow yourself to be and I liked that message in the book. I kind of wish we had seen a bit more of this explored towards the end.
I still can't decide if I like the main character or not. Bianca is a cynical and extremely sarcastic character and while I have no problem with these qualities (I am a very sarcastic person myself), I just felt that she made some incredibly questionable and silly choices. I did, however, really like some of the other characters such as Jessica and Wesley.
There is a LOT of love and romance in this book (although, of course, that is to be expected given the nature of the story!) and at times I felt it was a little too much. However, that's just personal choice. What I will point out is that there are a lot of quite descriptive sex scenes in this book, something which I certainly wasn't expecting. I was just surprised to find some of the descriptions in a young adult book.
I actually read this book as my sister told me the film is hilarious and I wanted to read the book first. I'm looking forward to watching the movie as I think it's the kind of film that will have a Mean Girls feel to it and I think I'll probably enjoy it a bit more than the book! Overall, this is a good read as long as you aren't expecting too much from it.
Maya Angelou is an incredibly inspirational woman and reading this first precious instalment of her memoirs has left no doubt in my mind as to why. In this first book, we follow Maya's early life and upbringing by her Grandmother. We see the developments in the close relationship with her brother as well as the reunion between the siblings and their parents. Some chapters were particularly hard to read, for example, reading about the sexual abuse that Maya endured as a young girl at the hands of someone who should have been a trusted adult. I thought the way in which Maya spoke about equality and race issues was extremely thought provoking. I love the way in which Maya wrote this book, I was captured from the very beginning. This was an emotional and heart-wrenching read and I'll definitely be adding the other instalments of her memoirs to by reading list.
In reality this is probably a 4.5 star read.
This book is packed full of gorgeous world-building and enchanting descriptions of The Night Circus. It took only a couple of pages before I was totally absorbed in the world of these characters and desperately wanted to visit the circus. By far my favourite parts of this long book were the wonderfully magical descriptions of a circus which is like no other. I could perfectly visualise each of the acts in my head, I could practically smell the cider and toffee popcorn. It really is mind-blowingly beautiful in that sense.
My only slight issue with the book is that at times I really felt quite confused. I had to flick back quite a few times at the beginning to check dates etc as I was unsure as to the sequencing of some of the chapters. It became clear later on in the novel but it certainly made it a little more difficult to follow a plot which is already fairly complex. There were also a huge amount of characters and we see the circus and developing story through their many points of view. I can't think of a single character whom I disliked but I also didn't really feel as though I got to know them all either.
The beautiful descriptions and enchanting circus totally made this book for me. I really, thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I am in love with the idea of a visit to The Night Circus.
This book is packed full of gorgeous world-building and enchanting descriptions of The Night Circus. It took only a couple of pages before I was totally absorbed in the world of these characters and desperately wanted to visit the circus. By far my favourite parts of this long book were the wonderfully magical descriptions of a circus which is like no other. I could perfectly visualise each of the acts in my head, I could practically smell the cider and toffee popcorn. It really is mind-blowingly beautiful in that sense.
My only slight issue with the book is that at times I really felt quite confused. I had to flick back quite a few times at the beginning to check dates etc as I was unsure as to the sequencing of some of the chapters. It became clear later on in the novel but it certainly made it a little more difficult to follow a plot which is already fairly complex. There were also a huge amount of characters and we see the circus and developing story through their many points of view. I can't think of a single character whom I disliked but I also didn't really feel as though I got to know them all either.
The beautiful descriptions and enchanting circus totally made this book for me. I really, thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I am in love with the idea of a visit to The Night Circus.
Shtum is a deeply moving and emotional read. In fact, I felt so emotionally affected by this book that I still find it hard to view this as a fictional piece. Maybe this is because it so cleverly and accurately displays the secret lives of so many families in the same situation.
Shtum explores just how far two parents can be willing to go to protect their children's best interests, no matter what this could mean for them. This beautiful book is full of sadness, despair, sacrifice, love and an overwhelming sense of anger. An anger that people outside the family cannot understand what is best for autistic ten year-old Jonah as he faces starting a live in secondary school. Ben and Emma (Jonah's troubled parents) are desperate for Jonah to move to a residential placement for school and we join their story in this novel as they embark on an appeal against the local council to pursue their dream for Jonah. Through their journey we learn the painstaking sacrifices they have made to protect their son. Marital problems, alcoholism, addiction and emotional distress are just a side dish to the unlimited love they hold for their son.
Embarking on life as a single father, Ben moves himself and Jonah into his own father (Georg)'s house where we learn that despite Ben's frustration at Jonah's non-communication, he himself lacks the ability to fully communicate with his own father. We follow a very special journey with these three men. Georg offers the right amount of humour for this novel with his sarcastic quips but I couldn't help fall in love with the affectionate side he shows to his precious grandson. Later in the novel we learn exactly why Georg adores his grandson so much and it left me in floods of tears. We also see Ben learning to communicate with his father, but has he left it too late?
The most poignant part of this novel for me is the fact that we follow this story through the eyes of the father. Something which is not often explored in literature, or even in the media. I thought it was incredibly touching and emotional to read how a father's perfect love for his son could be so self-destructive. Ben is willing to sacrifice everything for his son and I think this is something which is often left out of fiction.
As someone who works with autistic children, I thought this was a very painful, hard-hitting but accurate portrayal of just how difficult life is, not just for the autistic child, but for the families affected by it. Countless people are fighting the battles we see in Shtum on a daily basis and that is why this novel is so incredibly important.
Shtum will have you laughing and crying right up until the final pages. A poignant, emotional and touching read which will stay with me for a very long time.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
Shtum explores just how far two parents can be willing to go to protect their children's best interests, no matter what this could mean for them. This beautiful book is full of sadness, despair, sacrifice, love and an overwhelming sense of anger. An anger that people outside the family cannot understand what is best for autistic ten year-old Jonah as he faces starting a live in secondary school. Ben and Emma (Jonah's troubled parents) are desperate for Jonah to move to a residential placement for school and we join their story in this novel as they embark on an appeal against the local council to pursue their dream for Jonah. Through their journey we learn the painstaking sacrifices they have made to protect their son. Marital problems, alcoholism, addiction and emotional distress are just a side dish to the unlimited love they hold for their son.
Embarking on life as a single father, Ben moves himself and Jonah into his own father (Georg)'s house where we learn that despite Ben's frustration at Jonah's non-communication, he himself lacks the ability to fully communicate with his own father. We follow a very special journey with these three men. Georg offers the right amount of humour for this novel with his sarcastic quips but I couldn't help fall in love with the affectionate side he shows to his precious grandson. Later in the novel we learn exactly why Georg adores his grandson so much and it left me in floods of tears. We also see Ben learning to communicate with his father, but has he left it too late?
The most poignant part of this novel for me is the fact that we follow this story through the eyes of the father. Something which is not often explored in literature, or even in the media. I thought it was incredibly touching and emotional to read how a father's perfect love for his son could be so self-destructive. Ben is willing to sacrifice everything for his son and I think this is something which is often left out of fiction.
As someone who works with autistic children, I thought this was a very painful, hard-hitting but accurate portrayal of just how difficult life is, not just for the autistic child, but for the families affected by it. Countless people are fighting the battles we see in Shtum on a daily basis and that is why this novel is so incredibly important.
Shtum will have you laughing and crying right up until the final pages. A poignant, emotional and touching read which will stay with me for a very long time.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first time I've ever read anything like this. I've never been a huge comic fan so I didn't really have any expectations, I just knew I needed to read one to tick a box for a challenge and this seemed to be appearing on my feed a lot.
I actually ended up really enjoying this entertaining and quick read. There are moments of pure hilarity and I loved how sassy Nimona was as a character. I also liked how the themes of hero/villain were approached in the story, breaking from the more traditional approach. There were also plenty of sad moments and I enjoyed reading a little about Nimona's background.
I thought the illustrations were excellent and I liked the use of colour to represent different locations and stages in time. I thought this was a really well written and creative piece that I found myself really enjoying, despite it being outside of my normal comfort zone.
I actually ended up really enjoying this entertaining and quick read. There are moments of pure hilarity and I loved how sassy Nimona was as a character. I also liked how the themes of hero/villain were approached in the story, breaking from the more traditional approach. There were also plenty of sad moments and I enjoyed reading a little about Nimona's background.
I thought the illustrations were excellent and I liked the use of colour to represent different locations and stages in time. I thought this was a really well written and creative piece that I found myself really enjoying, despite it being outside of my normal comfort zone.
Let me start by saying that I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! I had heard so many good things about it but also seen a mix of not-so-great reviews so I went into this feeling fairly certain it wouldn't live up to the expectations. I am delighted that I could not have been more wrong!
Cinder is a very clever retelling of the Cinderella fairytale, only this time Cinder is part human/part cyborg, she has an adorable android best friend called Iko and she is a mechanic. The similarities are drawn from her family situation (living with fairly evil stepmother and two step-sisters - although Peony is adorable), she meets the Prince and they develop feelings for each other and she infamously attends the ball. However, I really feel that Cinder stands apart from being a retelling. On so many occasions I had completely forgotten that this was even related to the story of Cinderella and I think that goes to show the strength of the story and world that Marissa Meyer has created.
I loved the plot of Cinder. As soon as I had read the first couple of chapters I just couldn't bear to put this down. It was a real page turner. So many of the chapters left off on a point where I simply had to continue that before I knew it I was closing the book after a great ending! I'm going to keep this spoiler free but even though quite early on in the book the thought of what happens at the end crossed my mind, there was so much development and action throughout the book that I forgot about it and still enjoyed the ending.
I enjoyed the world that was created for the series in this book, too. New Beijing sounds like a super interesting place and I really enjoyed learning a little about the Lunars and their powers. The idea of being manipulated into not being able to see someone's true self is quite terrifying - especially the thought of being around Queen Levana. I really hope we'll get to see more of the Moon in the next few books and find out how the Lunars came to be there. I'm also really interested to see how it will play out between the Earthens and the Lunars.
I seriously loved the characters! Cinder is a great character and I absolutely adored her little android sidekick Iko. Iko was sassy and fabulous; the best friend every girl wants. I thought Peony was adorable and I loved to dislike Adri. Queen Levana makes me shudder with fright, she is so evil but I still liked her character. Even Kai is a great character. In fact, I struggle to think of a single character in this book that actually annoyed me, and that's quite something!
On the whole I thought this was a really great start to the Lunar Chronicles series and I can't wait to pick up the second book and see what happens next!
Cinder is a very clever retelling of the Cinderella fairytale, only this time Cinder is part human/part cyborg, she has an adorable android best friend called Iko and she is a mechanic. The similarities are drawn from her family situation (living with fairly evil stepmother and two step-sisters - although Peony is adorable), she meets the Prince and they develop feelings for each other and she infamously attends the ball. However, I really feel that Cinder stands apart from being a retelling. On so many occasions I had completely forgotten that this was even related to the story of Cinderella and I think that goes to show the strength of the story and world that Marissa Meyer has created.
I loved the plot of Cinder. As soon as I had read the first couple of chapters I just couldn't bear to put this down. It was a real page turner. So many of the chapters left off on a point where I simply had to continue that before I knew it I was closing the book after a great ending! I'm going to keep this spoiler free but even though quite early on in the book the thought of what happens at the end crossed my mind, there was so much development and action throughout the book that I forgot about it and still enjoyed the ending.
I enjoyed the world that was created for the series in this book, too. New Beijing sounds like a super interesting place and I really enjoyed learning a little about the Lunars and their powers. The idea of being manipulated into not being able to see someone's true self is quite terrifying - especially the thought of being around Queen Levana. I really hope we'll get to see more of the Moon in the next few books and find out how the Lunars came to be there. I'm also really interested to see how it will play out between the Earthens and the Lunars.
I seriously loved the characters! Cinder is a great character and I absolutely adored her little android sidekick Iko. Iko was sassy and fabulous; the best friend every girl wants. I thought Peony was adorable and I loved to dislike Adri. Queen Levana makes me shudder with fright, she is so evil but I still liked her character. Even Kai is a great character. In fact, I struggle to think of a single character in this book that actually annoyed me, and that's quite something!
On the whole I thought this was a really great start to the Lunar Chronicles series and I can't wait to pick up the second book and see what happens next!