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simplyalexandra's Reviews (888)
4 - lots of fun.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy a fluffy beach read, especially one that is comedic (think Bridget Jones), or related to travel.
Georgia Green has just been dumped, two weeks before her wedding. Not only that, she's lost her job. When her friend prompts her to make a list of all the things she's dreamed of doing, but put off, Georgia realizes it's time to start seeing the world. She books a tour of Thailand, and heads out on an adventure. The trips turns out to be a disaster. Catty roommates, gross accommodations, sketchy planning, etc. have her itching to return to England. Once she meets Dillon, however, she's having a much better time in paradise. But is Dillon who he says he is? Is he the reason she went traveling? and what does Georgia want long-term?
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit fluffy, but really fun to read. The humor was great, the romance was fun, the travel aspect was pretty unique. I found myself wanting to make lists and accomplish big dreams while reading this one. I liked that it wasn't all about the men in her life either, it was about her getting back to herself and moving forward with her life. As a traveler (though not nearly as exotically...) I can really relate to her travel woes and triumphs! I like that it is set up to be a series. I can totally see reading more of these books in the future. This was super fun.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy a fluffy beach read, especially one that is comedic (think Bridget Jones), or related to travel.
Georgia Green has just been dumped, two weeks before her wedding. Not only that, she's lost her job. When her friend prompts her to make a list of all the things she's dreamed of doing, but put off, Georgia realizes it's time to start seeing the world. She books a tour of Thailand, and heads out on an adventure. The trips turns out to be a disaster. Catty roommates, gross accommodations, sketchy planning, etc. have her itching to return to England. Once she meets Dillon, however, she's having a much better time in paradise. But is Dillon who he says he is? Is he the reason she went traveling? and what does Georgia want long-term?
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit fluffy, but really fun to read. The humor was great, the romance was fun, the travel aspect was pretty unique. I found myself wanting to make lists and accomplish big dreams while reading this one. I liked that it wasn't all about the men in her life either, it was about her getting back to herself and moving forward with her life. As a traveler (though not nearly as exotically...) I can really relate to her travel woes and triumphs! I like that it is set up to be a series. I can totally see reading more of these books in the future. This was super fun.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
5 Stars - I would recommend if you are feeling the "quarter life crisis" or like reading witty non-fiction or travel.
I picked up this book at Anthropologie on the sale rack. I liked the cover and the premise sounded good, turns out it was GREAT!
This book follows the life of Cara Benson as she pulls herself out of a quarter-life crisis complete with crippling anxiety, the bulk of the story occurs during a 13 day, 8 country trip, with (you guessed it) no baggage & a guy she met on OK Cupid. First of all, how intriguing! No baggage?! Also, no itinerary?! With someone you barely know... ?! Crazypants.
This book is part travel adventure, part witty dialogue, and a whole lot of what it means to be 25. If you're feeling the mid-life crisis thing... check out this book. It's a quick read, it doesn't drag, and it weaves together anxiety, finding yourself, travel, and adventure seamlessly. It's not depressing, but it's not unrealistically positive either. It seems real, it's very personal. I really loved this one!!
I picked up this book at Anthropologie on the sale rack. I liked the cover and the premise sounded good, turns out it was GREAT!
This book follows the life of Cara Benson as she pulls herself out of a quarter-life crisis complete with crippling anxiety, the bulk of the story occurs during a 13 day, 8 country trip, with (you guessed it) no baggage & a guy she met on OK Cupid. First of all, how intriguing! No baggage?! Also, no itinerary?! With someone you barely know... ?! Crazypants.
This book is part travel adventure, part witty dialogue, and a whole lot of what it means to be 25. If you're feeling the mid-life crisis thing... check out this book. It's a quick read, it doesn't drag, and it weaves together anxiety, finding yourself, travel, and adventure seamlessly. It's not depressing, but it's not unrealistically positive either. It seems real, it's very personal. I really loved this one!!
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4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy humorous fantasy, steampunk, and strong/confident female characters. This reminded me a bit of Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (the movie), spunky, silly, and fun.
This book follows Alexia Tarabotti, a high born lady (but half-Italian spinster) in Victorian England. She's eccentric and confident, always has an appetite, and happens to be without a soul. Her soulless ability allows her to negate supernatural powers.... so when she touches a vampire, his fangs disappear. After she accidentally kills a vampire, and is accosted by grumpy Lord Maccon (Scottish, werewolf, grumpy...), and vampires start disappearing.... Alexia must find out what's going on in London.
Overall this book was hilarious and incredibly fun to read. I hadn't read any steampunk (or anything like it before), so it was a bit of an adventure. I appreciated how light it was (despite heavy supernatural plot), I laughed a lot, and quite a bit of it was steamy. It reads a bit like a romance novel... but then about half way through you get more plot. Overall, I felt that the steampunk elements were small and it read like normal urban fantasy (aside from the Victorian setting). I really didn't know that there were vampires or werewolves in this book before I started it. The most enjoyable part of this book for me was definitely Alexia's character, she's ridiculous but owns it, and is very confident and modern for the setting. Reading her observations about the world around her (ugly hats, lack of food at parties, etc.) is hilarious. I also particularly enjoyed her interactions with Lord Maccon, it's like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett but with a lot less brooding. I will be interested to see where the rest of the books go, but I'm not in a huge hurry to get to them.
This book follows Alexia Tarabotti, a high born lady (but half-Italian spinster) in Victorian England. She's eccentric and confident, always has an appetite, and happens to be without a soul. Her soulless ability allows her to negate supernatural powers.... so when she touches a vampire, his fangs disappear. After she accidentally kills a vampire, and is accosted by grumpy Lord Maccon (Scottish, werewolf, grumpy...), and vampires start disappearing.... Alexia must find out what's going on in London.
Overall this book was hilarious and incredibly fun to read. I hadn't read any steampunk (or anything like it before), so it was a bit of an adventure. I appreciated how light it was (despite heavy supernatural plot), I laughed a lot, and quite a bit of it was steamy. It reads a bit like a romance novel... but then about half way through you get more plot. Overall, I felt that the steampunk elements were small and it read like normal urban fantasy (aside from the Victorian setting). I really didn't know that there were vampires or werewolves in this book before I started it. The most enjoyable part of this book for me was definitely Alexia's character, she's ridiculous but owns it, and is very confident and modern for the setting. Reading her observations about the world around her (ugly hats, lack of food at parties, etc.) is hilarious. I also particularly enjoyed her interactions with Lord Maccon, it's like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett but with a lot less brooding. I will be interested to see where the rest of the books go, but I'm not in a huge hurry to get to them.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy mystery and fantasy. This is definitely a series where they are finding clues step by step.
Blue is the only non-psychic in her family, but she does make their visions stronger. They've told her that if she kisses her true love, he will die. She's avoided boys, especially Raven Boys from a prestigious private school, on principle. However, the Raven Boys are solving a mystical secret, and she might be able to help.
There are so many characters in this book, getting "into it" (granted while trying to do other things) was kind of difficult with so many characters. I struggled to get which boy was which, and figure out all of their stories within the first few chapters. AND the chapters switch perspective between the boys, Blue, and a professor at their school. Confusing! BUT once I did, I was pretty invested in it. I really LOVED Blue and her unusual living situation. I found it fascinating that she lived with her mother, aunts, and their friends, -- all psychics. How whimsical! However, I wish the plot would have spent more time on them! The plot given to the reader before starting the book is a little misleading. It's not very romantic, but maybe that comes in during another book in the series. I wanted more lady power... I mean I know it's called The Raven Boys... but... I was so into the crazy house of lady psychics and I want to know more about them! Hopefully in the coming books! So, I'd say if you like books where the characters are solving a mystical mystery, clue-by-clue, pick this series up! It's four books, all have been published.
Right After Reading:
Took me about 50% to get a handle on each of the boys. Felt it picked up a lot at that point too. Didn’t leave me hanging, or dying to read next book... but I’ve got it on my shelf so I’ll read it next anyhow.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy mystery and fantasy. This is definitely a series where they are finding clues step by step.
Blue is the only non-psychic in her family, but she does make their visions stronger. They've told her that if she kisses her true love, he will die. She's avoided boys, especially Raven Boys from a prestigious private school, on principle. However, the Raven Boys are solving a mystical secret, and she might be able to help.
There are so many characters in this book, getting "into it" (granted while trying to do other things) was kind of difficult with so many characters. I struggled to get which boy was which, and figure out all of their stories within the first few chapters. AND the chapters switch perspective between the boys, Blue, and a professor at their school. Confusing! BUT once I did, I was pretty invested in it. I really LOVED Blue and her unusual living situation. I found it fascinating that she lived with her mother, aunts, and their friends, -- all psychics. How whimsical! However, I wish the plot would have spent more time on them! The plot given to the reader before starting the book is a little misleading. It's not very romantic, but maybe that comes in during another book in the series. I wanted more lady power... I mean I know it's called The Raven Boys... but... I was so into the crazy house of lady psychics and I want to know more about them! Hopefully in the coming books! So, I'd say if you like books where the characters are solving a mystical mystery, clue-by-clue, pick this series up! It's four books, all have been published.
Right After Reading:
Took me about 50% to get a handle on each of the boys. Felt it picked up a lot at that point too. Didn’t leave me hanging, or dying to read next book... but I’ve got it on my shelf so I’ll read it next anyhow.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy poetry, and are looking for something that will make you feel. This will make you feel ALL THE FEELINGS.
A collection of poetry and sketches divided by topic: love, breaking, healing, etc.
This was really hard for me to read. I think I was reading it while I was reading something else that was bumming me out. I put it down for several months and finally came back to it. These poems will definitely make you a little squirmy. Kaur doesn't hold back, and it's a bit of a shock sometimes. I found some of the poems to be lovely and relateable. I found some of them to be incredibly sad. Others were very brutal, and eye-opening. The whole collection will definitely make you think. Despite some extremely unsettling poems, and likely experiences, I appreciate that Kaur seemed to end the collection with a reminder to be kind, that we are stronger together as a community, etc. It was lovely, and needed more than ever. I also think she is incredibly brave for sharing these poems, it's a very raw way to share your life and feelings with the world. I've seen criticism that her poetry is quite a lot like Tumblr posts, I see where people are coming from, it is definitely a similar style of writing.. and some of the poems are just two lines long, but I don't feel that it's my job to define poetry. As an ex-art history major I can say that art can be anything, so why can't poetry?
A collection of poetry and sketches divided by topic: love, breaking, healing, etc.
This was really hard for me to read. I think I was reading it while I was reading something else that was bumming me out. I put it down for several months and finally came back to it. These poems will definitely make you a little squirmy. Kaur doesn't hold back, and it's a bit of a shock sometimes. I found some of the poems to be lovely and relateable. I found some of them to be incredibly sad. Others were very brutal, and eye-opening. The whole collection will definitely make you think. Despite some extremely unsettling poems, and likely experiences, I appreciate that Kaur seemed to end the collection with a reminder to be kind, that we are stronger together as a community, etc. It was lovely, and needed more than ever. I also think she is incredibly brave for sharing these poems, it's a very raw way to share your life and feelings with the world. I've seen criticism that her poetry is quite a lot like Tumblr posts, I see where people are coming from, it is definitely a similar style of writing.. and some of the poems are just two lines long, but I don't feel that it's my job to define poetry. As an ex-art history major I can say that art can be anything, so why can't poetry?
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Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy and have read the first book.
This book picks up where the first one left off. The search for Glendower continues.
I never like to give spoilers about series, so I won't say too much... but I enjoyed this sequel. There were some things that I liked more than the first book, and other things that I liked less. I liked that you figure out more about the mysteries within Cabeswater and related to Glendower. I liked that the characters are more developed. I liked that there is more plot related to Blue and her family/roomies. However, I did not enjoy all of the ridiculous wealthy boy nonsense. Racing cars, blowing up cars, excessive drug usage, etc. etc. I sometimes loved Ronan when he was vulnerable or really brave... and other times he was SO ANNOYING. I don't know.. In the end I'm struggling to decide if I liked it more or less, so I'll rate it the same. This one didn't leave off on a cliff hanger, so I wasn't dying to read the next one, but I went ahead and started it anyway so I won't forget what's going on.
Right After Reading:
I didn’t like this as much as the first but I’m excited to see where the series goes.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy and have read the first book.
This book picks up where the first one left off. The search for Glendower continues.
I never like to give spoilers about series, so I won't say too much... but I enjoyed this sequel. There were some things that I liked more than the first book, and other things that I liked less. I liked that you figure out more about the mysteries within Cabeswater and related to Glendower. I liked that the characters are more developed. I liked that there is more plot related to Blue and her family/roomies. However, I did not enjoy all of the ridiculous wealthy boy nonsense. Racing cars, blowing up cars, excessive drug usage, etc. etc. I sometimes loved Ronan when he was vulnerable or really brave... and other times he was SO ANNOYING. I don't know.. In the end I'm struggling to decide if I liked it more or less, so I'll rate it the same. This one didn't leave off on a cliff hanger, so I wasn't dying to read the next one, but I went ahead and started it anyway so I won't forget what's going on.
Right After Reading:
I didn’t like this as much as the first but I’m excited to see where the series goes.
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4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy and have read the other books.
This book picks up where the first one left off. The search for Glendower continues.
I like this book better than the others, there is a lot more focus on the relationships between the characters. I also feel like the action of the story is finally getting closer to the end goal... whereas the first two seemed a little bit "fight against people who are getting in your way.." I enjoyed learning more about the ladies in the story as well. This one left off on slightly more of a cliffhanger. Still not feeling the strong pull to keep going other than my own person preference to binge entire series.
This book picks up where the first one left off. The search for Glendower continues.
I like this book better than the others, there is a lot more focus on the relationships between the characters. I also feel like the action of the story is finally getting closer to the end goal... whereas the first two seemed a little bit "fight against people who are getting in your way.." I enjoyed learning more about the ladies in the story as well. This one left off on slightly more of a cliffhanger. Still not feeling the strong pull to keep going other than my own person preference to binge entire series.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction, and depictions of great struggle and growth.
This book is written in verse and tells the story of Billie Jo and her family's struggle through the dust bowl in rural Oklahoma during the great depression.
This was required reading for many I went to school with, I somehow was not assigned to read it. I had my mind made up that it would be very boring, but I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought that I would dislike that it is written in verse, but I liked that too. I love reading stories where the characters are struggling through an unimagineable time, but show so much strength. I felt very immersed in the story, especially for how short of a book it is. I definitely learned about the dust bowl quite a bit as well. I highly recommend if you enjoy moving historical fiction.
Right After Reading:
Sad, such a hard situation. But hopeful too. I enjoyed this a lot more than I anticipated.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction, and depictions of great struggle and growth.
This book is written in verse and tells the story of Billie Jo and her family's struggle through the dust bowl in rural Oklahoma during the great depression.
This was required reading for many I went to school with, I somehow was not assigned to read it. I had my mind made up that it would be very boring, but I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought that I would dislike that it is written in verse, but I liked that too. I love reading stories where the characters are struggling through an unimagineable time, but show so much strength. I felt very immersed in the story, especially for how short of a book it is. I definitely learned about the dust bowl quite a bit as well. I highly recommend if you enjoy moving historical fiction.
Right After Reading:
Sad, such a hard situation. But hopeful too. I enjoyed this a lot more than I anticipated.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy novels with multiple plot lines that weave together.
This book follows Adri in the year 2065 as she gets accepted to prestigious program to colonize Mars. She must move to Kansas to live with her long-lost (and last) relative 107 year old Lily, while she trains for her expedition. Adri begrudgingly gets to know Lily, and her past as she discovers a diary from the 1930s during the dust bowl, and letters from 1919. She must piece together the stories of brave women from each time period to know her own, and Lily's history.
At first I thought that this book was fun and intriguing, but boy it packed a punch too. For one thing, I was totally immersed in each time period as I read their stories. Once you get far enough into the book, the stories of the different women start to intertwine, and it all makes sense in the end. I loved the variation in characters and how they each chose their own paths. I also loved Galapagos, the tortoise, who made an appearance throughout the entire book. (what a perfect idea!) The ending had me in a puddle of both tears and emotions. It was so satisfying. but tugged at my heart strings as well.
Right After Reading:
Oh so many feelings. If you like interwoven plots where it all connects in the end, this one is for you.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy novels with multiple plot lines that weave together.
This book follows Adri in the year 2065 as she gets accepted to prestigious program to colonize Mars. She must move to Kansas to live with her long-lost (and last) relative 107 year old Lily, while she trains for her expedition. Adri begrudgingly gets to know Lily, and her past as she discovers a diary from the 1930s during the dust bowl, and letters from 1919. She must piece together the stories of brave women from each time period to know her own, and Lily's history.
At first I thought that this book was fun and intriguing, but boy it packed a punch too. For one thing, I was totally immersed in each time period as I read their stories. Once you get far enough into the book, the stories of the different women start to intertwine, and it all makes sense in the end. I loved the variation in characters and how they each chose their own paths. I also loved Galapagos, the tortoise, who made an appearance throughout the entire book. (what a perfect idea!) The ending had me in a puddle of both tears and emotions. It was so satisfying. but tugged at my heart strings as well.
Right After Reading:
Oh so many feelings. If you like interwoven plots where it all connects in the end, this one is for you.