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191 reviews by:
lyricalreads
[ 5🌟 ]
A story of perseverance and hope.
I cannot say much about this book without spoiling something. So this mini review is going to be very very mini.
It’s these kinds of books like The Librarian of Auschwitz that I think of when I hear that someone does not believe the Holocaust happened or did not even realize that happened. Then, I get really angry. If you are looking for powerful stories and want to know more about the Holocaust, I recommend the true stories, the memoirs. Nothing can compare to the stories of survivors.
Onto the Librarian of Auschwitz!
This story follows Dita Adler, whose character is based off of Dita Kraus, the real Librarian of Auschwitz. The hidden school and library are located at Block 31 which was part of the “family camp” in Auschwitz. The novel also follows the stories of other people at Auschwitz, but the main focus is Dita.
It took me a little longer to finish this novel compared to what it has been taking me lately. The pace was slower, but I got the sense that every word was chosen for a reason. The story is woven rather than purely written in a way. There was also the fact that the content of this book is extremely heavy. There were times when I had to put it down because the fact that this story was somebody’s reality.
Dita was forced into Auschwitz (her family was relocated to the Terezin ghetto before the concentration camp) when she was about 9 years old. The British Allies liberated those in the death camp when she was 16. She lost the childhood and innocence she was supposed to have to the Nazis who believed that she should not have existed in the first place.
This novel is an incredibly heart breaking story that illuminates the cruelty of human beings but also the brilliance of humanity and those who fought to keep it alive.
A story of perseverance and hope.
I cannot say much about this book without spoiling something. So this mini review is going to be very very mini.
It’s these kinds of books like The Librarian of Auschwitz that I think of when I hear that someone does not believe the Holocaust happened or did not even realize that happened. Then, I get really angry. If you are looking for powerful stories and want to know more about the Holocaust, I recommend the true stories, the memoirs. Nothing can compare to the stories of survivors.
Onto the Librarian of Auschwitz!
This story follows Dita Adler, whose character is based off of Dita Kraus, the real Librarian of Auschwitz. The hidden school and library are located at Block 31 which was part of the “family camp” in Auschwitz. The novel also follows the stories of other people at Auschwitz, but the main focus is Dita.
It took me a little longer to finish this novel compared to what it has been taking me lately. The pace was slower, but I got the sense that every word was chosen for a reason. The story is woven rather than purely written in a way. There was also the fact that the content of this book is extremely heavy. There were times when I had to put it down because the fact that this story was somebody’s reality.
Dita was forced into Auschwitz (her family was relocated to the Terezin ghetto before the concentration camp) when she was about 9 years old. The British Allies liberated those in the death camp when she was 16. She lost the childhood and innocence she was supposed to have to the Nazis who believed that she should not have existed in the first place.
This novel is an incredibly heart breaking story that illuminates the cruelty of human beings but also the brilliance of humanity and those who fought to keep it alive.
[ 4🌟 ]
Netgalley provided an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy when I found out that I had been approved to review Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean! I have been making a conscious effort to read more diversely, particularly those stories that are written by Asian authors and features Asian main characters!
I read Empress of All Seasons for BookTubeAThon 2018, so I was able to finish Empress in a few hours! What initially struck me was the inclusion of so many STRONG WOMEN in this novel!! Mari, the main protagonist, is a strong character in her own way as she is more than her ability to fight.
I particularly liked the concept of this novel! It was a nice twist on the storyline of princes competing for the princess's hand. I loved the addition of the Animal Wives; they gave the novel a fresh dynamic. Mari, although she is an Animal Wife, is different from the rest; thus, she is an outsider among them.
Empress does have a bit of a love triangle, which I am not always a fan of, but this novel had an unexpected twist to this cliché that made me cackle just *a little bit*. On the topic of romance, the main pairing seemed a bit rushed and undeveloped. For me, it felt shallow, but, then again, that might have been the point.
Now for the ending: a lot happened in a very short period of time. I wish that these scenes could have been expanded and allowed readers become immersed in the action that way we could really be able to connect to the characters and the chaos.
It would have been interesting to split this book into two (yay duologies!!) in order to draw out the tension and to further develop the characters. It felt, for me, like I was watching these chapters from a distant (to be more specific, a bird's eye view). I would have loved to feel like I was part of these last few scenes, which have particularly high-stakes. Things worked out too easily, in my opinion. But there are still many unexpected twists and turns in Empress! They definitely kept me on my toes at all times.
If you are not sure about this book, please read it for its quality quotes (I wish I could write them all, but spoilers). THEY ARE AMAZING. Tons of just pure mic drops. My notes on my kindle are filled with ***, !!!!!, and lots of YESSS!!! Honestly, though, I highlighted so many lines, it got kind of ridiculous. (ahhh I can't share my favorites because major spoilers!!)
[ well, maybe I can share one of them ]
"'We've been pushed around and forced into quiet rooms our whole lives. Nobody's ever asked us what we wanted. The prize isn't the prince. It's the power.'"
Emiko Jean draws on Japanese mythology, and those stories are intermingled with Mari, Taro, and Akira's, adding another element to Empress of All Seasons. If you love to read high-stakes fantasy novels and are on the lookout for stories featuring POC written by POC, then Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean is the book for you!
Empress of All Seasons will be released on November 6, 2018!
*Keep an eye on my blog, Lyrical Reads, for an interview with Emiko Jean closer to the publication date of Empress!
Netgalley provided an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy when I found out that I had been approved to review Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean! I have been making a conscious effort to read more diversely, particularly those stories that are written by Asian authors and features Asian main characters!
I read Empress of All Seasons for BookTubeAThon 2018, so I was able to finish Empress in a few hours! What initially struck me was the inclusion of so many STRONG WOMEN in this novel!! Mari, the main protagonist, is a strong character in her own way as she is more than her ability to fight.
I particularly liked the concept of this novel! It was a nice twist on the storyline of princes competing for the princess's hand. I loved the addition of the Animal Wives; they gave the novel a fresh dynamic. Mari, although she is an Animal Wife, is different from the rest; thus, she is an outsider among them.
Empress does have a bit of a love triangle, which I am not always a fan of, but this novel had an unexpected twist to this cliché that made me cackle just *a little bit*. On the topic of romance, the main pairing seemed a bit rushed and undeveloped. For me, it felt shallow, but, then again, that might have been the point.
Now for the ending: a lot happened in a very short period of time. I wish that these scenes could have been expanded and allowed readers become immersed in the action that way we could really be able to connect to the characters and the chaos.
It would have been interesting to split this book into two (yay duologies!!) in order to draw out the tension and to further develop the characters. It felt, for me, like I was watching these chapters from a distant (to be more specific, a bird's eye view). I would have loved to feel like I was part of these last few scenes, which have particularly high-stakes. Things worked out too easily, in my opinion. But there are still many unexpected twists and turns in Empress! They definitely kept me on my toes at all times.
If you are not sure about this book, please read it for its quality quotes (I wish I could write them all, but spoilers). THEY ARE AMAZING. Tons of just pure mic drops. My notes on my kindle are filled with ***, !!!!!, and lots of YESSS!!! Honestly, though, I highlighted so many lines, it got kind of ridiculous. (ahhh I can't share my favorites because major spoilers!!)
[ well, maybe I can share one of them ]
"'We've been pushed around and forced into quiet rooms our whole lives. Nobody's ever asked us what we wanted. The prize isn't the prince. It's the power.'"
Emiko Jean draws on Japanese mythology, and those stories are intermingled with Mari, Taro, and Akira's, adding another element to Empress of All Seasons. If you love to read high-stakes fantasy novels and are on the lookout for stories featuring POC written by POC, then Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean is the book for you!
Empress of All Seasons will be released on November 6, 2018!
*Keep an eye on my blog, Lyrical Reads, for an interview with Emiko Jean closer to the publication date of Empress!
[ 5/5🌟]
I laughed. I almost cried. My heart felt like it was going to burst on multiple occasions.
So much love for this story.💞
I laughed. I almost cried. My heart felt like it was going to burst on multiple occasions.
So much love for this story.💞
[ 4.5🌟 ]
Too many twists and turns for 12 am.
I. Am. Not. Okay.
Too many twists and turns for 12 am.
I. Am. Not. Okay.
[ 4.5 stars ]
I really enjoyed reading this collections of myths & retellings! I personally loved "Olivia's Table" by Alyssa Wong and "Eyes Like Candlelight" by Julie Kagawa! I also liked how the anthology included a note from the authors at the end of their stories to give readers a little more insight on their chosen stories. I highly recommend!
I really enjoyed reading this collections of myths & retellings! I personally loved "Olivia's Table" by Alyssa Wong and "Eyes Like Candlelight" by Julie Kagawa! I also liked how the anthology included a note from the authors at the end of their stories to give readers a little more insight on their chosen stories. I highly recommend!
[ 4🌟 ]
A must read for those who love the musical!
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel allows readers to gain an insight on the characters known from the show on a deeper level, something that was restricted because of the musical form. Readers see more of Connor, his personality, and his hurt as well as his side of the story. Also, since the novel is told from Evan’s perspective, the audience maintains a direct connection with his character and his thoughts. The musical, in contrast, attempted to show the sides of most of the characters through the different songs.
Familiar scenes are included in the novel that many readers will recognize, such as the “You Will Be Found” sequence. Others reach a new level of understanding including the insight on the relationship between Evan and his father in Colorado, as his mother and father divorced when he was young.
As with the musical, the novel continues to tackle topics that need to be out in the open and talked about such as bullying, mental illness, and suicide. Both contemplate the potential devastating impact if one does not check in on loved ones. There are many people who are hurting on a level that is deeper than one’s initial understanding.
The novel and the Broadway show take care to not conclude with a “happily ever after” ending. As Evan discovers, there are serious ramifications for lying even with good intentions. But there is good and hope that emerges from tragedy and pain as well, even if it is in ways that are the most unexpected.
Dear Evan Hansen is a story of hope, of knowing that you are not alone, of realizing that you will be found.
A must read for those who love the musical!
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel allows readers to gain an insight on the characters known from the show on a deeper level, something that was restricted because of the musical form. Readers see more of Connor, his personality, and his hurt as well as his side of the story. Also, since the novel is told from Evan’s perspective, the audience maintains a direct connection with his character and his thoughts. The musical, in contrast, attempted to show the sides of most of the characters through the different songs.
Familiar scenes are included in the novel that many readers will recognize, such as the “You Will Be Found” sequence. Others reach a new level of understanding including the insight on the relationship between Evan and his father in Colorado, as his mother and father divorced when he was young.
As with the musical, the novel continues to tackle topics that need to be out in the open and talked about such as bullying, mental illness, and suicide. Both contemplate the potential devastating impact if one does not check in on loved ones. There are many people who are hurting on a level that is deeper than one’s initial understanding.
The novel and the Broadway show take care to not conclude with a “happily ever after” ending. As Evan discovers, there are serious ramifications for lying even with good intentions. But there is good and hope that emerges from tragedy and pain as well, even if it is in ways that are the most unexpected.
Dear Evan Hansen is a story of hope, of knowing that you are not alone, of realizing that you will be found.