Publish date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Romance Rating (1-5): 2.8
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada, and Marian Keyes for an ARC of Grown Ups in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions of this book are my own and not influenced by receiving an advanced copy.
CONTENT WARNING: eating disorders I am rating this book a 2.8 out of 5 stars. I rate different categories that are important to me personally in a book, and then take an average of the scores to get my overall rating. I don’t share this rubric, because everyone has their own opinions on what makes a great book, and should cater their ratings to their own personal preferences! I’m honestly having a hard time formulating an opinion on this book. There were plenty things I liked, but also quite a bit that I didn’t like. My overall view of the book would most likely be improved if I had liked the writing style better. It just seemed to jump from character to character so fast and it felt like whiplash. There never seemed to be a main plot the book was following, and sometimes it made me feel tired trying to read it because I was wondering if there was ever going to be a point made. It made the overall story somewhat hard for me to grasp, and it was hard to pay attention to the book. I think that if the novel was trimmed down a bit, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more. I really loved the character depth of Cara, Nell, and Johnny. Those three were so developed to me, and they felt very relatable. At the beginning of my post I put a content warning for eating disorders because Cara struggles a lot with bulimia in this book, and it could be triggering for those who have suffered from the same illness. I’m not totally writing off Marian Keyes on my to read list because I know she has written quite a few bestsellers. It just so happened that the first book of hers I tried, really fell short for me. SYNOPSIS FROM PUBLISHER: “They're a glamorous family, the Caseys. Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together--birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. And they're a happy family. Johnny's wife, Jessie--who has the most money--insists on it. Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much . . . Still, everything manages to stay under control--that is, until Ed's wife, Cara, gets a concussion and can't keep her thoughts or opinions to herself. One careless remark at Johnny's birthday party, with the entire family present, and Cara starts spilling all their secrets. As everything unravels, each of the adults finds themselves wondering if it's--finally--the time to grow up.”
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Publish Date: June 2, 2020
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Rating: 3.2
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Children’s publishing, and Kester Grant for an ARC of The Court of Miracles in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions on this book are my own and not influenced by receiving an advanced copy.
I am rating this book a 3.2 out of 5 stars. I rate different categories that are important to me personally in a book, and then take an average of the scores to get my overall rating. I don’t share this rubric, because everyone has their own opinions on what makes a great book, and should cater their ratings to their own personal preferences! The overall idea of this book is so intriguing to me, and I was hooked right in the first chapter. What happens in the first few chapters is the motivation behind everything our protagonist, Eponine (Nina), does. Her sister being sold into the Guild of Flesh (basically a prostitution ring) and having to serve The Tiger (Lord of the Guild of Flesh), sends Nina’s life into a spiral of revenge. Unfortunately, I feel like this is the only angle of Nina we see. I understand the whole premise of the book is to take down The Tiger, because why wouldn’t you? He’s a terrible person. However, if potential love interests like St. Juste, the prince, or Montparnasse are being introduced, it would’ve been good to see one or two (or three hehe) of those relationships develop more. Honestly, this story would not require a love story woven in, but since it was somewhat introduced, I just felt a little empty when it wasn’t explored. The world building was outstanding. It was so good that I don’t even want to try to summarize it, because it was so detailed. That was the main thing about the story I enjoyed. The writing felt choppy at times, which can happen when a book is jumping forward in time. But still, many transitions felt rushed, and it was so go-go-go, that sometimes I just felt confused ?. I’m still looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and will still recommend it to my sister (and her colleagues) to put in her classroom. Just fell short for me in a few areas, but a good book overall. Synopsis from publisher: ”In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina's life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father's fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.”
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Publish Date March 3, 2020
Genre: Romance Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Thank you to Netgalley, Social Butterfly PR, and Karen Erickson for an ARC of That One Summer in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions on this book are my own and not influenced by receiving an advanced copy.
I am rating this book a 4.2 out of 5 stars! I rate different categories that are important to me personally in a book, and then take an average of the scores to get my overall rating. I don’t share this rubric, because everyone has their own opinions on what makes a great book, and should cater their ratings to their own personal preferences! The hook in this book was excellent. Pulled you in right from the get go, but what was truly great was the writing keeping you hooked throughout the whole story. I read it in under 48 hours. The writing style was very fluid; just felt very natural for the story being told. I enjoyed the relatability of Chloe. I’m pretty sure all of us at some point had a major crush on a friend’s older brother. Possibly a flame some readers have carried into adulthood just like Chloe did for Cameron. Having a character like Chloe that you can relate to right away in the book is so great, because it helps the reader put themselves in the story. Loved the depth from both Chloe and Cameron, and their relationship. Everyone’s opinion of the level of steaminess in a book is different. For me being a somewhat conservative girl, it was toeing the line of being uncomfortable. Based on steam level, I would recommend this book to my college girlfriends, but probably not to my mother. ? Enjoyed this story immensely, and would recommend reading it when released! Synopsis from publisher: ” The girl next door never looked so good… Cameron McKenzie knows he's damaged goods. It's the reason he's stayed away from Lone Pine Lake--from just about everyone but his sister Jane. By default, that often meant her pesky, crushing best friend Chloe Dawson, too. But when he sees Chloe at Jane's wedding, he sees something new in her. Something unexpected. Chloe has always thought Cam hung the moon. She's even let herself dream of a future with the brooding bad boy in her heart of hearts. After one explosive kiss, it's time to make her move. The guy who always leaves might be tempted to stay by a no-strings offer of a summer romance. No strings is exactly what Cameron needs to explore these confusing feelings about the beautiful girl next door. He knows he's not worthy of their hometown's resident good girl. But this good girl's ready for an adventure…one that just might end up lasting a lifetime.”
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My first book of 2020 woohoo! I ended 2019 not being that active on here, but I was just having fun traveling around for the holidays and just enjoying the books I was reading. I also didn’t have much to say about the books I finished towards the end of the year, so didn’t want to spend time writing a post without much substance.
This year I’ve set a goal for myself to read 80 books. That’s a big number, I know. But in 2019 I read 37 books, and I didn’t read at all from May to September because, well, life. So if that doesn’t happen again (fingers crossed), I think 80 books is attainable! However, if I don’t reach my goal, I won’t be crushed. Alright, time to talk about the wonderful book this post is for. As a reader, I am drawn to the fantasy genre, and I have to say that Three Dark Crowns and the remainder of the series will probably remain one of my favorites in the category. The idea of three sisters (triplets actually!) who have gifts from the goddess of their island having to kill each other for the crown, is horrifying. But somehow I can’t put the book down. First off, I find the setting, the island of Fennbirn, phenomenal. I love that a map is included with the book as well! It is really helpful since there are so many different cities talked about. Each city is dedicated to a certain gift; elementals, naturalists, oracles, poisoners, and warriors. Each queen to be (Arsinoe, Mirabella, and Katharine) have qualities about them that you love and make you want to cheer for them, but also qualities that make you want to wring their necks. Or reach into the pages and slap some sense into them. This is what makes great characters though, and this series has multiple complex characters! I found myself being very fond of each of the queens to be, which was why I dreaded the moment when they ultimately were pushed together. But to find out what happens at that moment, well, you’ll just have to pick up the book and read it for yourself.
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The Grace Year was a very suspenseful page-turner that I enjoyed immensely. It was full of surprising twists and turns, but it was also predictable at times. Which is okay with me since things I saw coming were things I wanted to happen LOL. The concept of the book, and the events that transpire are definitely horrifying at times, quite a lot like The Handmaid's Tale. The way the men in the society have created a culture in which the women are pitted against each other and constantly trying to outdo each other, is very similar to the book by Margaret Atwood. In my opinion, the men are persecuting the women so much because they know they are outnumbered, and are trying to maintain some sense of control over their society.
Along with similarities to The Handmaid's Tale, I also felt connections to The Hunger Games. This has to do with the survival aspect of the book, I mean they are locked into a arena like forest. Sure this "sanctuary" isn't meant to bring about bloodshed and violence until the last one is standing, but it doesn't mean that doesn't happen. You can definitely translate the social issues in this book to present day; the bullying, isolation, ganging up on each other, belittling. It showed the importance of female camaraderie, and that if we spent our energy on uplifting one another, we could accomplish so much more. Extremely bittersweet ending, and after reading this book, I'm excited to read more from Kim Liggett. FYI, just because this book is labeled young adult, DOES NOT mean that adult readers can't enjoy it. Synopsis from publisher: "In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That's why they're banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive. Sixteen year old Tierney James dreams of a better life- a society that doesn't pit friend against friend or woman against woman- but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it's not just the brutal elements they must fear. It's not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other."
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At the university I went to (Valparaiso University), every student had to take what was called Core. It was a required general education class, and there was lots of reading and writing involved (my fav!). What was cool about this class, is that all the freshmen (or transfer students) on campus were all reading the same books at the same time, and having discussions about them.
A lot of these books are selected because of heavy topics, or because they are considered classics. Mostly though, because the conversations that stem from reading them, are crucial ones we need to have. So Valpo, you need to add this book to the curriculum. This book covers an extremely heavy topic, sexual assault, and it is probably the best book I've read all year. The most emotional, raw, and powerful pieces of literature I have ever read. I cried a lot, had to put down the book for a few days to process, and got extremely angry at how the system failed Chanel. Chanel's story is powerful, but her writing is on a level of it's own. To be able to convey the emotions in a way that I also felt every one of them, is a God given talent, and something most writers crave to have. I wish what happened to Chanel had never transpired, but the way she is using it to inspire change is stunning. Synopsis from publisher: "She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral- viewed by eleven million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time. Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways- there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and, ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life. Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. It also introduces reads to an extraordinary writer, one whose words have already changed our world. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic."
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I had high hopes for this book, just because the synopsis really pulled me in. In reality, the whole thing really fell flat. I would read a little bit, get bored and forget about it for a few days, and then repeat that process about four times. In the end I powered through mostly because I had to return it to the library, and just wanted to get the book behind me.
I really struggle finding books with multiple narrators enjoyable, which is definitely just a personal preference since I know other people enjoy this style. I have read some that are excellent, but majority of times those books are the very last in a series, after you've had the time to get to know each of the characters. For example, Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas is written from the viewpoint of multiple characters, but it was also the seventh, and last, book in the series. It was also 700+ pages, not just shy of 300. In Only Ever Her, there were so many characters that the viewpoint changed to from chapter to chapter, that I felt I never really got to know them. Each chapter that was dedicated to a different character was really short and choppy, which also didn't help with keeping me invested in the story. This probably contributed to the fact that I never felt the story reached a real climax, which is what I meant by the whole thing falling flat. Throughout the book there was a lot of build-up as to what happened to Annie, and there were many options floating through my mind. Then I got to that point in the book, and when what had happened was revealed, I was like, "this is a joke right?" It wasn't a twist in a good way. In my opinion it was a twist that was the easy way out, when there were many other good story-lines the author could have taken. Synopsis from publisher: “Annie Taft’s wedding is four days away, and it will be the grandest anyone can remember in her small South Carolina town. Preparations are in order. Friends and family are gathering in anticipation. Everything is going according to plan, except that Annie herself has vanished. Did she have second thoughts? Or has something much worse happened to the bride-to-be? As the days pass, the list of suspects in her disappearance grows. Could it be the recently released man a young Annie misidentified as her mother’s killer? Could it be someone even closer to her? While her loved ones frantically try to track her down, they’re forced to grapple with their own secrets- secrets with the power to re-frame entire relationships, leaving each to wonder how well they really knew Annie and how well they know themselves.”
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Genre: Young Adult Fiction Rating (1-5): 5 Length: 437 Publisher: Random House Add it:Goodreads Buy it:Amazon Synopsis from publisher: "Like most royal families, the Washingtons have an heir and a spare. Each child knows exactly what is expected of them. But these aren't just any royals. They're American. As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare expect when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either... except the one boy who is off-limits. Then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their handsome prince...but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart."
Katharine McGee did a tremendous job with this book, and now I'm kind of angry that the next book doesn't come out until fall 2020. TORTURE. The way she developed each of the characters had me feeling connected to them, and having sympathy for each of them in some sort of way. It was/had everything a young adult book should be; relatable, playful, lots of drama, love triangles, and dependable friendships. I'm very invested in each of the story lines (which is why the wait until next year is torture), and can't wait to see where McGee takes the story. Happy Reading!
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 5 Warnings: Some rated R material Length: 298 pages Publisher: Macmillan Wow. I sure did enjoy this book. Since it was a thriller, it was a page turner, and just kept me wondering what the end play would be. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I appreciated the writing style and how you really got to know the main character, Emily, and how her thought process worked. Sandie Jones also did a great job in making you question every character involved at some point, which can be a hard thing to do. If you are looking for a book full of drama, look no further! Synopsis: Emily meets Adam, and it’s a whirlwind romance. He’s everything she could’ve dreamed for herself, and the full package. Well, except in the potential in-law department. When Emily meets Adam’s mom, Pammie, she immediately begins to notice subtle, cruel ways Pammie speaks to her and treats her. As the story unfolds, you see Emily struggle with herself and the multiple situations where Pammie keeps making her feel insignificant and small. Is it all in her head? What did she do to make Pammie dislike her so much? And what lengths will Pammie go to keep Emily and Adam apart?
Genre: Coming of age Fiction
Rating:4 Length: 356 pages Publisher: Harper Collins Warnings: Abuse Horseshoe Cliff is a place of happiness and adventure for Merrow growing up as a child. However, it also holds what she fears most, her abusive older brother, Bear. When her father becomes a legal guardian to Amir, a young boy right around Merrow's age, they become best of friends. What helps them grow even closer to each other, is how Bear treats them both. Throughout the story you see their relationship grow, and how determined they are to never be apart. Feelings even start to develop between the two as they enter their teenage years, which makes Bear's rage all the worse. Their circumstances growing up are far from pleasant. In addition to Bear's treatment, they are dirt poor, with only the harvest from their land to live off of (which is hardly anything). As they grow up, Merrow becomes more and more curious about what else the world has to offer. She loves looking at large homes in their area, and even breaking in to them to see what the high life is like. Opportunities arise for Merrow to possibly go to college, and see the world. Through this process, she and Amir become estranged from each other. It was so great to watch Merrow say goodbye to her past, and step forward into her future. I actually felt proud of her. She goes to college, starts working for a program for underprivileged kids, and meets a great guy, Will, who wants to give her the world. She's even going to marry Will, no matter the hurt she feels in her heart whenever Amir comes to mind. Will she ever shake this feeling that she's making a mistake? Will she ever feel like anywhere can be considered home other than Horseshoe Cliff? This was such a moving, beautiful, bittersweet love story. Not only between two people, but also between the characters and their roots. It showcased that no matter how far you are from the places and people you love, that somehow you will always end up back with them. The ending wasn't particularly my favorite, just because I felt it required more detail. It felt somewhat rushed, and I wanted more! But I guess that goes to show how much I enjoyed the story. You can read more details about You, Me, and the Sea on Goodreads here. Happy Reading! |
AuthorHi, I'm Genny! You can always find me with a book in my hand. Dystopian, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction are among my favorite genres. I hope you enjoy the reviews I provide and can help you pick out your next book! Archives
October 2020
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