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stephsbooktalk's Reviews (915)
Mini Audiobook Review: I never understood the concept of banning books but this for some reason is a top book that is banned in the US. The essays collected in this book are based off George's life which likely mirrors so many other children, teens and adults so why ban it? Simply because it wasn't your experience doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
This is not a very long book but packs a punch in the pages that it has. I had done the audiobook and George delivered the narration so beautiful and their voice never waivered despite the heavy themes. I also enjoyed their letters to their family members that were woven throughout.
This book will hopefully be the first book for my company's Pride Book Club and if it is chosen I am looking forward to discussing this book with my colleagues.
**I will not be rating Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**
This is not a very long book but packs a punch in the pages that it has. I had done the audiobook and George delivered the narration so beautiful and their voice never waivered despite the heavy themes. I also enjoyed their letters to their family members that were woven throughout.
This book will hopefully be the first book for my company's Pride Book Club and if it is chosen I am looking forward to discussing this book with my colleagues.
**I will not be rating Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.**
Mini Audiobook Review: This was one of my favorite reads of September and I have no idea why!
I was so fascinated by the Sally Diamond character. She was so complex and her growth was amazing to see. She lived 40+ years being so isolated and her whole world opened up after her father passed away. And then it just spirals to learning more about Sally's past and the trauma she endured. This is told from two POVS - Sally and a gentleman name Peter. Having both of the point of views really helped the audience learn more about Sally especially in her childhood days. This is one that I am still thinking about and wonder how Sally is doing. I thought the audiobook was done really well and both narrators played Sally & Peter's character perfectly.
I feel like the cover(s) of this book is a lot more creepy than the book itself. If you are looking for a gateway into suspense/thrillers this could be a good one to start with.
I was so fascinated by the Sally Diamond character. She was so complex and her growth was amazing to see. She lived 40+ years being so isolated and her whole world opened up after her father passed away. And then it just spirals to learning more about Sally's past and the trauma she endured. This is told from two POVS - Sally and a gentleman name Peter. Having both of the point of views really helped the audience learn more about Sally especially in her childhood days. This is one that I am still thinking about and wonder how Sally is doing. I thought the audiobook was done really well and both narrators played Sally & Peter's character perfectly.
I feel like the cover(s) of this book is a lot more creepy than the book itself. If you are looking for a gateway into suspense/thrillers this could be a good one to start with.
Mini Audiobook Review: This was the last book in Riley's backlist for me to complete! This was a great book to start of the fall TBR!
Right off the back, I am not sure why ANYONE would want to go back to a camp where her friends previously had gone missing. It just screams bad juju! But hey then we wouldn't have a book. In true Riley writing, he writes from the female perspective which honestly I have been surprised about (I'm excited for his next release which will be a male POV). This definitely kept me guessing until the end and even then I was slightly surprised by what happened!
I have mentioned previously I LOVE when thrillers take place in one location so I loved that this was all taken place at a camp. There was just so much creepiness that happens when the area is so spaced out.
I don't know if this was my favorite Sager book but just like all his others I was hooked and was kept engaged in what was happening. If you are a fan of his work as well as love a camp thriller, check this one out!
Right off the back, I am not sure why ANYONE would want to go back to a camp where her friends previously had gone missing. It just screams bad juju! But hey then we wouldn't have a book. In true Riley writing, he writes from the female perspective which honestly I have been surprised about (I'm excited for his next release which will be a male POV). This definitely kept me guessing until the end and even then I was slightly surprised by what happened!
I have mentioned previously I LOVE when thrillers take place in one location so I loved that this was all taken place at a camp. There was just so much creepiness that happens when the area is so spaced out.
I don't know if this was my favorite Sager book but just like all his others I was hooked and was kept engaged in what was happening. If you are a fan of his work as well as love a camp thriller, check this one out!
Mini Audiobook Review: 3.5 - Thank you so much to Penguin Random House for a free copy of the book!
I thought this was such a charming story!
I love the concept a child prodigy who is now an adult because as a society we often forget about them. Also I just can't imagine the feeling of "peaking" at X age. I wasn't sure if I was going to be into this and almost thought about DNFing it but ultimately I got into the storyline and needed to see how it ended. This was told in multiple point of views with parallel storylines.
If you are a fan of second chances in life and a musical (specifically piano) element, this may be for you.
I thought this was such a charming story!
I love the concept a child prodigy who is now an adult because as a society we often forget about them. Also I just can't imagine the feeling of "peaking" at X age. I wasn't sure if I was going to be into this and almost thought about DNFing it but ultimately I got into the storyline and needed to see how it ended. This was told in multiple point of views with parallel storylines.
If you are a fan of second chances in life and a musical (specifically piano) element, this may be for you.
Mini Book Review: 4.75 - This was such a page turner! I couldn't believe how sucked into this twisty story!
“But you can’t believe everything she says.”
Definitely check out the the trigger warnings as there are some heavy topics involved. This was my first Lisa Jewell book and if this is how twisty she does her books, then sign me up to read her back list!
She had such a way of mixing the different point of views and keeping the story going. And then as we get closer to the end, you really start to questioning reality and what really is the truth. I love that we got to see the beginning of all the madness. I thought it was done in such a unique way and I definitely thought it was going to be a book about stalking and stolen identify and not what it was (I did not read the synopsis).
“You don’t even realized you’re being controlled until it’s too late.”
The only reason why I took off a quarter of a point is that I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending. Perhaps because I am used to thrillers ending one way and this didn't follow the formula of others. I can't say more than that.
“But you can’t believe everything she says.”
Definitely check out the the trigger warnings as there are some heavy topics involved. This was my first Lisa Jewell book and if this is how twisty she does her books, then sign me up to read her back list!
She had such a way of mixing the different point of views and keeping the story going. And then as we get closer to the end, you really start to questioning reality and what really is the truth. I love that we got to see the beginning of all the madness. I thought it was done in such a unique way and I definitely thought it was going to be a book about stalking and stolen identify and not what it was (I did not read the synopsis).
“You don’t even realized you’re being controlled until it’s too late.”
The only reason why I took off a quarter of a point is that I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending. Perhaps because I am used to thrillers ending one way and this didn't follow the formula of others. I can't say more than that.
Thank you so much to Sourcebook Landmark for an advance copy of this!
This book will be published on October 3rd.
This book was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I read Ashley Winstead for the first time last spring as In My Dreams I Hold A Knife was a book club pick with my friends and then I read The Last Housewives and my mind was blown. This woman knows how to write a thriller that keeps you on your toes!
"Move careful round dangerous creatures, Miss Ruth. They get cornered and desperate, their first instinct is always going to be to sting you."
This book was such a ride!! The relationship between Ever and Ruth was so special. You don't know whether to root for them or to want them to fail. And you are left feeling that way up until the very end.
This book had a lot of heavy religious tone to it and I just was so flabbergasted by how there are communities where religion is life. I am not so much in my bubble to know that it doesn't exist but it just amazes me of how much control one person could have over a community. I felt so bad for Ruth because you knew she wanted to break free from it all but just didn't know how to go against her parents and to what she knew.
"There's something to be said for being the biggest beast in the forest. That's power, and its something people get addicted to. Rots their inside."
One thing I was not expecting was how much Twilight played a role throughout the book?? I am sorry Ashley but the one part towards the last half of the book where Ruth & Ever were talking that I did have to laugh and for those who know, know. Unless it was just me who got a chuckle out of it.
It is hard to discuss all the things that happened in this book without giving too much of the storyline away. I will admit the first 50% dragged a little for me (I think there was an issue with my brain) but then the last half it took off. I could not stop reading and I needed to know what was going to happen to everyone and make all the connections.
Ashley has a way with her writing that makes you feel and think about things after the fact. It has been a few days since I have finished and yet I am still thinking about Ruth & Ever.
Ashley, I am ready to see what else you have up your sleeve!
Definitely recommend this book if you were an Edward Cullen girlie, love a Bonnie & Cylde-esque theme mixed with religion!
Bonus: A line that made me laugh "Every teenage girl I've met has been the scariest create on the planet."
This book will be published on October 3rd.
This book was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I read Ashley Winstead for the first time last spring as In My Dreams I Hold A Knife was a book club pick with my friends and then I read The Last Housewives and my mind was blown. This woman knows how to write a thriller that keeps you on your toes!
"Move careful round dangerous creatures, Miss Ruth. They get cornered and desperate, their first instinct is always going to be to sting you."
This book was such a ride!! The relationship between Ever and Ruth was so special. You don't know whether to root for them or to want them to fail. And you are left feeling that way up until the very end.
This book had a lot of heavy religious tone to it and I just was so flabbergasted by how there are communities where religion is life. I am not so much in my bubble to know that it doesn't exist but it just amazes me of how much control one person could have over a community. I felt so bad for Ruth because you knew she wanted to break free from it all but just didn't know how to go against her parents and to what she knew.
"There's something to be said for being the biggest beast in the forest. That's power, and its something people get addicted to. Rots their inside."
One thing I was not expecting was how much Twilight played a role throughout the book?? I am sorry Ashley but the one part towards the last half of the book where Ruth & Ever were talking that I did have to laugh and for those who know, know. Unless it was just me who got a chuckle out of it.
It is hard to discuss all the things that happened in this book without giving too much of the storyline away. I will admit the first 50% dragged a little for me (I think there was an issue with my brain) but then the last half it took off. I could not stop reading and I needed to know what was going to happen to everyone and make all the connections.
Ashley has a way with her writing that makes you feel and think about things after the fact. It has been a few days since I have finished and yet I am still thinking about Ruth & Ever.
Ashley, I am ready to see what else you have up your sleeve!
Definitely recommend this book if you were an Edward Cullen girlie, love a Bonnie & Cylde-esque theme mixed with religion!
Bonus: A line that made me laugh "Every teenage girl I've met has been the scariest create on the planet."
Mini Audiobook Review: This was such a cute YA book!
The idea of having a club at school to borrow a boyfriend is a little far fetched but in the book world I thought it was cute. Noah is a new student & is trying to prove to everyone that they are a man. And what is more manly than joining a football and ferrari club aka the Borrow a Boyfriend club! What Noah did not expect is to start having feelings for the club president Asher who is also very popular.
I did really want to shake Asher. He was so set in his rules and ways that he couldn't separate them for Noah. And poor Noah, he just kept getting led on by Asher's actions. I was glad he stood up for himself. I do wish at the end we got to see more of them together.
I thought the audiobook was well done & the voice was fine. The story kept me engaged.
I am so happy that teens and even adults have these books with trans characters. Their stories are so important to be heard.
The idea of having a club at school to borrow a boyfriend is a little far fetched but in the book world I thought it was cute. Noah is a new student & is trying to prove to everyone that they are a man. And what is more manly than joining a football and ferrari club aka the Borrow a Boyfriend club! What Noah did not expect is to start having feelings for the club president Asher who is also very popular.
I did really want to shake Asher. He was so set in his rules and ways that he couldn't separate them for Noah. And poor Noah, he just kept getting led on by Asher's actions. I was glad he stood up for himself. I do wish at the end we got to see more of them together.
I thought the audiobook was well done & the voice was fine. The story kept me engaged.
I am so happy that teens and even adults have these books with trans characters. Their stories are so important to be heard.
Mini Audiobook Review: Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!
This book is out now!
If you are a fan of Peloton or perhaps seen Cody on "Dancing With the Stars" then you'll want to check this out! Cody is one of my favorite instructors on Peloton. There is just something about his honesty & how he tells it like it is that always makes the rides entertaining. Plus he usually has a great playlist for the riders. The book had such a mix of heart and laughs throughout the book. He talked about hard times growing up, losing a friend to addiction, his identity and how he became who he is today.
I do recommend this on audio as Cody narrates and it's just as entertaining as you can imagine. If I had read this with my eyes rather than with the audio, I still feel as though I could hear Cody reading to me. His voice definitely came through in the text.
This was a short book that went rather quickly via audio. And the physical book comes in under 300 pages.
It was nice learning more about him!
I will not be rating Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.
This book is out now!
If you are a fan of Peloton or perhaps seen Cody on "Dancing With the Stars" then you'll want to check this out! Cody is one of my favorite instructors on Peloton. There is just something about his honesty & how he tells it like it is that always makes the rides entertaining. Plus he usually has a great playlist for the riders. The book had such a mix of heart and laughs throughout the book. He talked about hard times growing up, losing a friend to addiction, his identity and how he became who he is today.
I do recommend this on audio as Cody narrates and it's just as entertaining as you can imagine. If I had read this with my eyes rather than with the audio, I still feel as though I could hear Cody reading to me. His voice definitely came through in the text.
This was a short book that went rather quickly via audio. And the physical book comes in under 300 pages.
It was nice learning more about him!
I will not be rating Non Fiction books as it is based on real events and real experiences.
Mini Audiobook Review: 4.5 - This was such a fun ride!!! I don't know what it was about it that got me hooked.
There is just something about rich people behaving badly and I think I would classify this as that trope. I just wanted to keep listening and to see how this story played out. I wouldn't say the twists were all that shocking but it still made for a fun time and kept me engaged.
The end was kind of flat and wrapped up a little to nicely for me. I was anticipating something else happening. Either way I still loved it. Thought it was great on audio with the two narrators. The are a dual POV but not interchanging.
There is just something about rich people behaving badly and I think I would classify this as that trope. I just wanted to keep listening and to see how this story played out. I wouldn't say the twists were all that shocking but it still made for a fun time and kept me engaged.
The end was kind of flat and wrapped up a little to nicely for me. I was anticipating something else happening. Either way I still loved it. Thought it was great on audio with the two narrators. The are a dual POV but not interchanging.
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for advance copy!
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!
This book will be published on September 26th.
This was my first ever heist book! And I really enjoyed it!!!
“A Quest can only trust another Quest.”
It is fate that Rosalyn's last name is Quest because her family's business is doing heist. And she pretty much was raised on doing these different tasks and is an assistant to her mom on these different missions. I love that the book opened with her doing a heist with her mom. Once her mom gets kidnapped, she joins the Gambit as the winning prize would be anything she wants. So naturally she wants to free her mom. And that's when the fun begins!
Trust is a big theme throughout the book. Ross has always been told not to trust anyone. But during the course of the Gambit that theory is constantly being tested. And it was tested in the form of another competitor - Devroe. The immediate attraction was hard to ignore. Ross did resist until she caved in. I felt bad for her throughout the book because you could tell that she had a hard time connecting with the other competitors. Though you could see things changing toward the end still you could tell she had difficulty accepting any sort of friendship. I really liked her character and thought she was could think ahead and was quick on her feet. Even if she had a hard time trusting people, people trusted her.
"These are real people, Devore." I felt my lips quiver. "Real people. Lives --"
"So are we."
There were a few different twists that I wish I could discuss but you have to read to find out what they are! I was surprised by the end and also disappointed at some of the characters involved. And the way that the book ended it felt like there could be sequel which I am in for! I want to see more of the new relationship Ross will have with this particular character. The last 50% definitely kept the pace moving and I was really sucked into the game.
I paired this with the audio which only added to the element of the fast pace feel of the book.
I did see that this is going to be adapted for theaters and prior to knowing that I thought this would be a perfect movie! I will definitely go and see it and I think my husband would enjoy it as well.
Check this book out if you enjoy young adult competition games with a wee bit of romance.
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!
This book will be published on September 26th.
This was my first ever heist book! And I really enjoyed it!!!
“A Quest can only trust another Quest.”
It is fate that Rosalyn's last name is Quest because her family's business is doing heist. And she pretty much was raised on doing these different tasks and is an assistant to her mom on these different missions. I love that the book opened with her doing a heist with her mom. Once her mom gets kidnapped, she joins the Gambit as the winning prize would be anything she wants. So naturally she wants to free her mom. And that's when the fun begins!
Trust is a big theme throughout the book. Ross has always been told not to trust anyone. But during the course of the Gambit that theory is constantly being tested. And it was tested in the form of another competitor - Devroe. The immediate attraction was hard to ignore. Ross did resist until she caved in. I felt bad for her throughout the book because you could tell that she had a hard time connecting with the other competitors. Though you could see things changing toward the end still you could tell she had difficulty accepting any sort of friendship. I really liked her character and thought she was could think ahead and was quick on her feet. Even if she had a hard time trusting people, people trusted her.
"These are real people, Devore." I felt my lips quiver. "Real people. Lives --"
"So are we."
There were a few different twists that I wish I could discuss but you have to read to find out what they are! I was surprised by the end and also disappointed at some of the characters involved. And the way that the book ended it felt like there could be sequel which I am in for! I want to see more of the new relationship Ross will have with this particular character. The last 50% definitely kept the pace moving and I was really sucked into the game.
I paired this with the audio which only added to the element of the fast pace feel of the book.
I did see that this is going to be adapted for theaters and prior to knowing that I thought this would be a perfect movie! I will definitely go and see it and I think my husband would enjoy it as well.
Check this book out if you enjoy young adult competition games with a wee bit of romance.