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One thing I will say in Veronica Roth's favor - this is nothing like [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328559506l/13335037._SY75_.jpg|13155899].
I applaud Roth for writing a book that is nothing like her famous first series. She created a whole new world with a new set of rules. Her worldbuilding, as usual, was on point. The setting stole the show. It was gorgeous, multi-layered, so amazing that I could picture it with ease. I could imagine each scene. I never go for space stories so the fact that I couldn't stop reading this one is impressive. Also, somehow, Roth made the prophecy trope work!
However...
I didn't care about the people featured in this book. At all. Cyra's life is too depressing to read about and I can't believe she didn't just run away as a little kid. While she was an intriguing character and my least hated of the bunch, she also is too indecisive on what side to join. Will she turn evil or good?
Ryzek is so twisted I'm shocked there wasn't a rebellion beforehand, Akos needed more of a backstory about adapting to his new life, Eijeh was too tragic and bland to read about (remind anyone else of Caleb?) and their mother was too mysterious even for an oracle.
I probably won't read the next book in the series. It was too much of a challenge for me to relate to any of these characters.
I applaud Roth for writing a book that is nothing like her famous first series. She created a whole new world with a new set of rules. Her worldbuilding, as usual, was on point. The setting stole the show. It was gorgeous, multi-layered, so amazing that I could picture it with ease. I could imagine each scene. I never go for space stories so the fact that I couldn't stop reading this one is impressive. Also, somehow, Roth made the prophecy trope work!
However...
I didn't care about the people featured in this book. At all. Cyra's life is too depressing to read about and I can't believe she didn't just run away as a little kid. While she was an intriguing character and my least hated of the bunch, she also is too indecisive on what side to join. Will she turn evil or good?
Ryzek is so twisted I'm shocked there wasn't a rebellion beforehand, Akos needed more of a backstory about adapting to his new life, Eijeh was too tragic and bland to read about (remind anyone else of Caleb?) and their mother was too mysterious even for an oracle.
I probably won't read the next book in the series. It was too much of a challenge for me to relate to any of these characters.
No one writes like [a:Maggie Stiefvater|1330292|Maggie Stiefvater|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1540386769p2/1330292.jpg]. Her voice and language, the way she commands words, is a style that no one uses anymore. Her details are poetic, hearkening back to writers like [a:Emily Dickinson|7440|Emily Dickinson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1198536260p2/7440.jpg] and [a:F. Scott Fitzgerald|3190|F. Scott Fitzgerald|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517864008p2/3190.jpg]. Hers is a forgotten tongue that other writers have abandoned.
Some quotes that amazed me in "All the Crooked Saints" were: "Miracles are very like radio waves in this way,"
"Above them the bigger stars had been pushing the smaller stars out of their heavenly home,"
"Pete Wyatt woke as a stranger in the world of miracles,"
"Sometimes, Francisco thought that people might be roses,"
"Lightning and love are created in very similar ways,"
"It would have been a fine setting for the beginning of a love affair,"
"The sun delayed its rising, too, so as to not bear witness, hesitating just at the edge of the earth," and "'I don't show feelings like other people.'"
I couldn't help but give this a 5 star rating. Stiefvater impressed me again! I had no idea that I enjoyed stories about magical Spanish families in Colorado that interact with pilgrims but apparently I love them. I fell in love with the first page of the story, which rarely happens to me. The character dynamics gave the story its true power, and there was plenty of action and suspense. What really got to me was the character Beatriz. We are alike in so many ways. I've never read a heroine quite like her. She is relatable, modern, and broken in an understandable way. Honestly an amazing standalone novel.
Some quotes that amazed me in "All the Crooked Saints" were: "Miracles are very like radio waves in this way,"
"Above them the bigger stars had been pushing the smaller stars out of their heavenly home,"
"Pete Wyatt woke as a stranger in the world of miracles,"
"Sometimes, Francisco thought that people might be roses,"
"Lightning and love are created in very similar ways,"
"It would have been a fine setting for the beginning of a love affair,"
"The sun delayed its rising, too, so as to not bear witness, hesitating just at the edge of the earth," and "'I don't show feelings like other people.'"
I couldn't help but give this a 5 star rating. Stiefvater impressed me again! I had no idea that I enjoyed stories about magical Spanish families in Colorado that interact with pilgrims but apparently I love them. I fell in love with the first page of the story, which rarely happens to me. The character dynamics gave the story its true power, and there was plenty of action and suspense. What really got to me was the character Beatriz. We are alike in so many ways. I've never read a heroine quite like her. She is relatable, modern, and broken in an understandable way. Honestly an amazing standalone novel.
I tore through this book! This was my first [a:Sarah Dessen|2987|Sarah Dessen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1372181953p2/2987.jpg] read and I can't believe I took this long to read her books! I am now on board the Dessen train and I know I will become obsessed with her stories.
"Say Anything" was the perfect read for me at the right time. It made me feel all warm and happy inside, like a Christmas cookie with cold milk. It's a book you curl up and read under the blankets at night. It's a stay up all night, read 200 pages in a row, quotable all the time, wish the characters were real, honest and relatable, truly magical kind of book. It's difficult to describe how much I enjoyed this read but the best phrase I can think is "feel good," it's a feel good read.
In a strange way it reminds me of [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760l/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161], another feel good book. While these two books are in completely different genres, they both make the reader feel hopeful and emotional in the best way.
This book was relatable on a personl level. Besides the fact that I've dated someone named Mac who is similar to the character in this book, I've also felt ignored by a parent. The way Dessen creates these relatable moments is so impressive. It was a relief to read about a character like Sydney who reminded me of myself. She tries her best to be a good daughter and to make friends, both of which are her greatest challenges. The scene where she is caught drinking is wonderfully written. It made me think of how the good kids always have such high expectations on them, and that this is a hard way to live. This scene reminds me of the times I've been disciplined. Such amazing dialogue in this moment!
To sum up, this story is filled to the brim with memorable characters, believeable dialogue, gorgeous writing and a well-plotted narrative. I might even read it again!
"Say Anything" was the perfect read for me at the right time. It made me feel all warm and happy inside, like a Christmas cookie with cold milk. It's a book you curl up and read under the blankets at night. It's a stay up all night, read 200 pages in a row, quotable all the time, wish the characters were real, honest and relatable, truly magical kind of book. It's difficult to describe how much I enjoyed this read but the best phrase I can think is "feel good," it's a feel good read.
In a strange way it reminds me of [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760l/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161], another feel good book. While these two books are in completely different genres, they both make the reader feel hopeful and emotional in the best way.
This book was relatable on a personl level. Besides the fact that I've dated someone named Mac who is similar to the character in this book, I've also felt ignored by a parent. The way Dessen creates these relatable moments is so impressive. It was a relief to read about a character like Sydney who reminded me of myself. She tries her best to be a good daughter and to make friends, both of which are her greatest challenges. The scene where she is caught drinking is wonderfully written. It made me think of how the good kids always have such high expectations on them, and that this is a hard way to live. This scene reminds me of the times I've been disciplined. Such amazing dialogue in this moment!
To sum up, this story is filled to the brim with memorable characters, believeable dialogue, gorgeous writing and a well-plotted narrative. I might even read it again!
“Be warned, then: the collected volumes of this series will contain frozen mountains, foetid swamps, hostile foreigners, hostile fellow countrymen, the occasional hostile family member, bad decisions, misadventures in orienteering, diseases of an unromantic sort, and a plenitude of mud.”
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WOW this was a thrill ride! It's been four months and I'm still thinking about this book. Isabella, eventually known as Lady Trent, is an original character that's truly independent and wise beyond her years. After reading this book I want to be her best friend. Sign me up for any early feminist dragon narrative!
What I admire about Brennan was how she made it clear that the dragons weren't the monsters, but that people are more capable of that. The pace of the storytelling was rough at times and slow, but ultimately the ending was satisfying. While the ending was sad, it was also a great segway into the next chapter of Isabella's story. I liked learning about her backstory. It was interesting to read a book that was basically a prequel story. In the introduction to "A Natural History of Dragons," we learn that Lady Trent becomes a famous dragon naturalist and that this book is about her personal journey. While it may seem strange to read a series to which you already know the ending, the story leading up to it is fascinating enough to be worth reading.
If you were obsessed with [b:How to Train Your Dragon|352262|How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon, #1)|Cressida Cowell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431930187l/352262._SX50_.jpg|1484561], [b:Dealing with Dragons|150739|Dealing with Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385526967l/150739._SY75_.jpg|1178402] and [b:The Fire Within|312043|The Fire Within (The Last Dragon Chronicles, #1)|Chris d'Lacey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1362325249l/312043._SX50_.jpg|302958] as a kid then this is similar, just for teens and adult readers. There are a million reasons that this is worth reading. The relationships are complex and feel real between the characters, the dialogue is on point and the settings are gorgeously depicted. Lady Trent is a mix of Merida from "Brave," Princess Leia, Ginny Weasley and Jo March. She's unique and spirited and whip smart! I can't wait to read more books with this dynamic and fabulous woman!
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WOW this was a thrill ride! It's been four months and I'm still thinking about this book. Isabella, eventually known as Lady Trent, is an original character that's truly independent and wise beyond her years. After reading this book I want to be her best friend. Sign me up for any early feminist dragon narrative!
What I admire about Brennan was how she made it clear that the dragons weren't the monsters, but that people are more capable of that. The pace of the storytelling was rough at times and slow, but ultimately the ending was satisfying. While the ending was sad, it was also a great segway into the next chapter of Isabella's story. I liked learning about her backstory. It was interesting to read a book that was basically a prequel story. In the introduction to "A Natural History of Dragons," we learn that Lady Trent becomes a famous dragon naturalist and that this book is about her personal journey. While it may seem strange to read a series to which you already know the ending, the story leading up to it is fascinating enough to be worth reading.
If you were obsessed with [b:How to Train Your Dragon|352262|How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon, #1)|Cressida Cowell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431930187l/352262._SX50_.jpg|1484561], [b:Dealing with Dragons|150739|Dealing with Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385526967l/150739._SY75_.jpg|1178402] and [b:The Fire Within|312043|The Fire Within (The Last Dragon Chronicles, #1)|Chris d'Lacey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1362325249l/312043._SX50_.jpg|302958] as a kid then this is similar, just for teens and adult readers. There are a million reasons that this is worth reading. The relationships are complex and feel real between the characters, the dialogue is on point and the settings are gorgeously depicted. Lady Trent is a mix of Merida from "Brave," Princess Leia, Ginny Weasley and Jo March. She's unique and spirited and whip smart! I can't wait to read more books with this dynamic and fabulous woman!
I love reading fairytale retellings, but I never read [b:Peter Pan|34268|Peter Pan|J.M. Barrie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337714526l/34268._SX50_.jpg|1358908] ones. This is because it's common to have Peter depicted as a villain. Even one of my favorite shows, "Once Upon a Time," has this trope. Even though I love season two, I can't watch it anymore because of how horribly Peter Pan is portrayed. The idea of making everyone into a villain is a cheap shot - one that young adult fantasy as a genre does too regularly. In "Stars," Wendy echoed my exact feelings about this book when she said "everyone here is insane."
Peter Pan has always been one of my favorite fictional characters. I will be the first to admit that he's strange and quirky, and accidentally puts his friends in danger, but he's more a Gryffindor than anything else.
Peter taught me that it's ok not to be like everyone else, and that it's normal to not want to grow up. I thought I was alone in that. I appreciate his adventurous spirit, love of nature and loyalty to the lost boys. I think it's dangerous to make Peter out to be a villain, because if all children's heroes are portrayed now as villains, then who will we have to root for? Life feels empty without righteous characters.
The reason I bring this up is because in "Stars" Peter is sneaky and manipulative. While he's intriguing and I was desperate to know more about him, his childhood innocence is absent. The pirate raids felt out of character, and I can't believe what he did to Tink at the end of the book.
What really irked me, and made it impossible to give this book a four star rating, was JOHN DARLING. I've read many books but I've never come across such a sexist pig! If he would've thrown a few insults at Wendy I would've been able to tolerate it, because siblings do this. However, the amount of sexist and offensive comments he makes are terrible! I want to fight him for poor Wendy's sake. I know that John is an upper class, privileged guy from the twentieth century who doesn't know better, but it's still wrong! I feel that John shouldn't have been portrayed so harshly.
While some characters did bother me, the pacing and descriptive language were lovely. I was completely absorbed in the world of Neverland and all the new ideas Oakes had for its depiction. From Hook's liquor stash to the houses that the lost boys lived in, I loved the scenes of Wendy exploring the island. Later I'll continue reading this series, especially since Hook will be in the next book and I can't wait! I have the sneaking suspicion that Peter has been lying about him all along.
“Some people ask: “'Why the word feminist? Why not just say you are a believer in human rights, or something like that?'” Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is, of course, part of human rights in general—but to choose to use the vague expression human rights is to deny the specific and particular problem of gender. It would be a way of pretending that it was not women who have, for centuries, been excluded."
--
This book was assigned for my women's studies class but I read it at least twice because I loved it SO MUCH. It explains feminism in the most remarkable way, a way that everybody can understand. It is a book by a beautiful person full of beautiful words.
This book is a gift to the world. By combining her own experiences with those of women of history, [a:Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie|11291|Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1474446019p2/11291.jpg] makes it clear why feminism is relevant today. Like a person playing whack-a-mole, she slams down on gender bias and arguments for gender inequality. When you're reading the book, you get the feeling that she is attacking the world with her words - anything to try and get people to understand her.
I recommend this book to anyone who read [b:I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban|17851885|I Am Malala The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban|Malala Yousafzai|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375414895l/17851885._SY75_.jpg|24987300], [b:Bad Feminist|18813642|Bad Feminist|Roxane Gay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1421292744l/18813642._SY75_.jpg|26563816] and/or [b:Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics|168484|Feminism is for Everybody Passionate Politics|bell hooks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327933698l/168484._SY75_.jpg|843092]. This book belongs in the same class of esteemed literature. Also, it's worth it to read the book and watch the TED Talk.
https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_we_should_all_be_feminists?language=en
Adichie is becoming such an important and empowered voice in women's rights and I can't wait to see what she does next!
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This book was assigned for my women's studies class but I read it at least twice because I loved it SO MUCH. It explains feminism in the most remarkable way, a way that everybody can understand. It is a book by a beautiful person full of beautiful words.
This book is a gift to the world. By combining her own experiences with those of women of history, [a:Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie|11291|Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1474446019p2/11291.jpg] makes it clear why feminism is relevant today. Like a person playing whack-a-mole, she slams down on gender bias and arguments for gender inequality. When you're reading the book, you get the feeling that she is attacking the world with her words - anything to try and get people to understand her.
I recommend this book to anyone who read [b:I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban|17851885|I Am Malala The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban|Malala Yousafzai|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375414895l/17851885._SY75_.jpg|24987300], [b:Bad Feminist|18813642|Bad Feminist|Roxane Gay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1421292744l/18813642._SY75_.jpg|26563816] and/or [b:Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics|168484|Feminism is for Everybody Passionate Politics|bell hooks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327933698l/168484._SY75_.jpg|843092]. This book belongs in the same class of esteemed literature. Also, it's worth it to read the book and watch the TED Talk.
https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_we_should_all_be_feminists?language=en
Adichie is becoming such an important and empowered voice in women's rights and I can't wait to see what she does next!
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I've been dying to read this book and it did not disappoint! I was floored by the gorgeous illustrations, and they get even better the more you read. The pictures give you a greater sense of what the women were like, all while portraying their beauty in a genuine and flattering way.
Some illustrations that were absolutely stunning were those of Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou, and Ada Lovelace. You expect that all the women in this book are well-known, but I'm a history buff and I didn't recognize half the women in its contents!
So many of these extraordinary women have been forgotten, including Tomyris, Lilith, Maria Mitchell, and Khutulun, Genghis Khan's great granddaughter. There are enough fan favorites, such as Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, two women that I admire. There's also plenty of new women to learn about. All feminists should read this book!
“Everyone on Earth, they'd tell us, was carrying around an unseen history, and that alone deserved some tolerance.”
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This is easily one of the greatest memoirs I've ever read. The pacing was perfect and the details created a visual experience. I felt that I was traveling around the world with the Obamas, from Chicago to London.
The interactions were genuine and fascinating to read, especially [a:Michelle Obama|2338628|Michelle Obama|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1549464043p2/2338628.jpg]'s discussions with the Queen. All of the stories fit together and it reminded me of an anthology. The stories didn't feel like facts, but part of a much larger story that was Michelle Obama's life. The eloquent words and beautiful emotion made me feel closer to such a famous figure.
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This is easily one of the greatest memoirs I've ever read. The pacing was perfect and the details created a visual experience. I felt that I was traveling around the world with the Obamas, from Chicago to London.
The interactions were genuine and fascinating to read, especially [a:Michelle Obama|2338628|Michelle Obama|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1549464043p2/2338628.jpg]'s discussions with the Queen. All of the stories fit together and it reminded me of an anthology. The stories didn't feel like facts, but part of a much larger story that was Michelle Obama's life. The eloquent words and beautiful emotion made me feel closer to such a famous figure.
3.5 stars
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The hype was well deserved! The feminist short stories were thrilling, with beautiful language and astonishing imagery. I could visual every single detail. The story that I loved was "The Husband Stitch," which draws from "The Green Ribbon" story of my childhood. It was a marvelous rendition and the writing is superb. I can see this book becoming a modern classic.
The feminist undertones made the stories feel even more meaningful. The female narrators in each story have individual flaws, making them relatable to the reader. These characters were well-developed, which isn't easy to do in a short story. The original ideas combined with classic folklore were brilliantly plotted.
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The hype was well deserved! The feminist short stories were thrilling, with beautiful language and astonishing imagery. I could visual every single detail. The story that I loved was "The Husband Stitch," which draws from "The Green Ribbon" story of my childhood. It was a marvelous rendition and the writing is superb. I can see this book becoming a modern classic.
The feminist undertones made the stories feel even more meaningful. The female narrators in each story have individual flaws, making them relatable to the reader. These characters were well-developed, which isn't easy to do in a short story. The original ideas combined with classic folklore were brilliantly plotted.
"If Jane Eyre had only looked around a little, she might have saved herself a lot of heartache.”
3.5 stars
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Wow just when I thought [a:Annie Barrows|63116|Annie Barrows|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432257831p2/63116.jpg] couldn't impress me after [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760l/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161], she did just that! The language was similar and beautiful so now I can't wait to read more of her work! Her books are pure escapism - new realms for readers to travel to where they can feel free and happy. I couldn't ask for a more remarkable story.
One of my favorite literary movements is the Federal Writers' Project. Before I read this, all I knew about it was what I learned in school, which was very little, but I was desperate to know more. I've never found a novel about this topic. Barrows dives into unknown territory while highlighting one of the most important periods of literary history.
While the language and immersive settings were perfect, I couldn't bond with any of the characters. Layla was great and I loved her spunk, but her feelings for Felix confused me. She was enigmatic in this way and I could never understand what she was feeling. For such an outgoing person, I felt that the reader never really got to know her. As for Felix, well, he reminded me strongly of Hans from "Frozen." Enough said there.
Also the plot felt too loose. The first part of the book was focused on Layla growing up and working on a meaningful project, but then all the book's attention fell on Felix. He became the main focus of Layla's anger, and that lessened her power as the main character. Felix had too much "screen time" and I wish Layla could have been more focused on her writing and her healthy relationships in town.
* I do have to give credit to Layla for writing the best insult letter ever! Oh my gosh the book is worth reading just for her legendary take down of selfish men all in one letter! *
3.5 stars
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Wow just when I thought [a:Annie Barrows|63116|Annie Barrows|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432257831p2/63116.jpg] couldn't impress me after [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760l/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161], she did just that! The language was similar and beautiful so now I can't wait to read more of her work! Her books are pure escapism - new realms for readers to travel to where they can feel free and happy. I couldn't ask for a more remarkable story.
One of my favorite literary movements is the Federal Writers' Project. Before I read this, all I knew about it was what I learned in school, which was very little, but I was desperate to know more. I've never found a novel about this topic. Barrows dives into unknown territory while highlighting one of the most important periods of literary history.
While the language and immersive settings were perfect, I couldn't bond with any of the characters. Layla was great and I loved her spunk, but her feelings for Felix confused me. She was enigmatic in this way and I could never understand what she was feeling. For such an outgoing person, I felt that the reader never really got to know her. As for Felix, well, he reminded me strongly of Hans from "Frozen." Enough said there.
Also the plot felt too loose. The first part of the book was focused on Layla growing up and working on a meaningful project, but then all the book's attention fell on Felix. He became the main focus of Layla's anger, and that lessened her power as the main character. Felix had too much "screen time" and I wish Layla could have been more focused on her writing and her healthy relationships in town.
* I do have to give credit to Layla for writing the best insult letter ever! Oh my gosh the book is worth reading just for her legendary take down of selfish men all in one letter! *