Conversations with Friends was a 'same author pick-up' after I had finished Normal People. Initially I enjoyed the opening of the book, with the greatConversations with Friends was a 'same author pick-up' after I had finished Normal People. Initially I enjoyed the opening of the book, with the great introductions to the characters and establishing setting. I found Bobbi's character to be presented as slightly irritable, however this is most likely the result of the first person POV construction of the book, from Frances' perspective.
The book is truly about people experiencing existential crises in the personal lives and then transferring that confusion to the feelings towards people they interact with. Those who are outside this circle, or in this case square (i.e. Frances, Bobbi, Nick and Melissa) find this situation bizarre and confusing as nobody seems to be able to explain or describe what they want. Frances, as well as Nick, exude self-centred tendencies that seem to torment their emotions and result in suffering in the personal life.
This book, overall, encouraged me to consider the idea of personal 'suffering' and torment; as was reinforced by the references to the bible. The book reads a as psychological profile of a young woman (the same age as me), who is seemingly made to feel scared to reveal herself in fear of enslavement to the norms of society.
Some quotes for thought: "I liked to sit in the library to write essays, allowing my sense of time and personal identity to dissolve as the light dimmed outside the windows" "I'm glad my ancestral homeland could help nourish your class identity" "On one reading it might give an impression of devotion and acquiescence, and on another it appeared indecisive or ambivalent"
Marie Kondo is an absolute Queen when it comes to anything in regards to tidying up. I felt compelled to pick up this book after watching the Netflix Marie Kondo is an absolute Queen when it comes to anything in regards to tidying up. I felt compelled to pick up this book after watching the Netflix show. I wanted to know what other secrets Marie had to reveal when it came to the sometime daunting task of 'tidying up'. However, the book does not focus on the act of 'tidying', rather it describes the process of living intentionally and surrounding your self with meaningful possessions that 'spark joy' or generate happiness in your life.
I firmly disagree with her view on books, as to me they symbolise the physical manifestation of knowledge and passion for a particular topic or story. The more meaningful books that I have inspire me to create and write.
Some quotes for thought: "Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong" "Face them now, face them sometime, or avoid them until the day we die"...more
This book, whilst very hyped was slow to begin with and only began to speed up towards the end. This was unfortunate as the writing was very enjoyableThis book, whilst very hyped was slow to begin with and only began to speed up towards the end. This was unfortunate as the writing was very enjoyable and the story had a logical flow.
The different perspectives for each chapter was interesting and allowed for more of the story to be explored in a shorter number of pages and without all characters recounting every mere aspect of their lives.
The book too often focuses on the idea and concept of self-improvement; it overuses and exploits this to the enth degree with typical stereotypes foreshadowing the conclusion....more
Shane was a fantastic main character with wonderfully relatable qualities that any young university student could draw parallels. I was super excited Shane was a fantastic main character with wonderfully relatable qualities that any young university student could draw parallels. I was super excited to read this book as I am a huge fan of Christine's Booktube channel. Her channel was one of the first I discovered in the wonderful universe where people discuss books on the internet.
I really enjoyed the setting of the book in London. However, I was not to convinced on the names of the characters (Shane and Pilot???), but it's the authors' choice. The major plot point of Shane misleading her parents to the fact that she wasn't partaking in a pre-med program, instead studying creative writing, was not my favourite part of the story. It merely seemed necessary to create tension between Shane and her parents, and providing a need for Shane to take part in the program.
Overall, it was a pleasant read that was slightly different to what I would normally pick up....more
A Court of Frost and Starlight is a novella in the Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas. Set after the events of the third novel, A CourtA Court of Frost and Starlight is a novella in the Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas. Set after the events of the third novel, A Court of Wings and Ruin, the book revolves around the adventures and happenings of the characters from the ACOTAR series in the lead up to the Winter Solstice celebrations.
I think the Winter Solstice is similar to Christmas celebrations with the exchanging of presents amongst family over a dinner or meal. Which is really sweet to show the familial side to all these characters.
This book is essentially a filler and I presume, will be used as a connective tool to the second trilogy of books within this universe. As a result, do not expect this book to follow the same strong plot lines that the three main novels follow. Instead this book is a somewhat reassurance that our favourite characters from the series actually survived the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR).
In other words, think of ACOFAS (yes, another acronym - this fandom is full of them) as a status update on the Facebook profiles of all the characters....more
In Kendra Donovan's second adventure in a time that is certainly not her own, she is tasked with solving another murder. Whilst 1815 England lacks manIn Kendra Donovan's second adventure in a time that is certainly not her own, she is tasked with solving another murder. Whilst 1815 England lacks many of the modern gadgets to aid in Kendra's crime solving, so she must rely on her own deductions and intellect to find the culprit.
After enjoying the first book in the series, I was hanging out for the sequel to be available from the library and when I checked a few days ago, it was! I was excited to discover what would unfold on Kendra's next adventure and whether her relationship with Alec would continue…
This book follows on from where the first left off with our protagonist sitting in the duke's stairwell, attempting to return home to the 21st century. When Kendra, again comes to terms that she will not be returning this full moon, another murder occurs. With Alec first called as prime suspect, Kendra and the Duke (Alec's uncle), head to London to prove Alec's innocence whilst pursuing the true murderer.
I thought the first book set up a closer relationship between Kendra and Alec, that could have continued well throughout the second. Aside from this, A Twist in Time was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of mystery or time-travel books. ...more
Requiem for the East was a short and sweet Russia tale. Working its way through the history books, Requiem for the East certainly delivers to the readRequiem for the East was a short and sweet Russia tale. Working its way through the history books, Requiem for the East certainly delivers to the reader, with strong characters who developed alongside the story. The book didn't require the action nor the fast-paced story of a war-time novel, rather the story was carried on the views of the protagonists.
Reading a book from 1st person POV is something I enjoy. I find there is something truly unique about seeing the world from another persons perspective. On this level, the book was great at detailing the surrounding environment the protagonists found themselves in.
Russian history is certainly a draw-card for any novel I will read, this novel surely met my expectations as the historical detail was perfect for establishing and developing the story.
I recommend this novel for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction, particularly Russian history or to anyone who enjoys war-time classics....more
Why didn't they ask Evans is a book by renowned mystery author, Agatha Christie. This mystery surrounds the death of a man, who is found on the golf cWhy didn't they ask Evans is a book by renowned mystery author, Agatha Christie. This mystery surrounds the death of a man, who is found on the golf course by others. However, moments from his death, the man whispers a phrase to the bystanders 'Why didn't they ask Evans?'
I just absolutely love it when authors use the title of the book as a line in the text. It makes the book come full circle, and reinforces the relevance and importance that a title has to any story. Anyway the character whom discovers the man, Bobby, must hurry back to his establishment in order to please his father, thus unfortunately leaving the scene of the crime. Before Bobby does so, he searches for any identification of the man and discovers a photograph, and replaces it immediately to avoid suspicion. Interrupting his thoughts, another man arrives at the scene and promises to stay with the deceased until another returns with help. All the reports in the paper appear well and dandy until Bobby sees a different photo appear in the paper to that of which he himself discovered. Common to the time of authorship, the wording and writing of this book is very polished, making for very interesting and intelligent characters.
This is the third book I have read by Agatha Christie and, although it was not as great as the two before it, 'Why didn't they ask Evans?' made for a good read. More often, I find myself returning to classic mystery novels like that of Christie's just to shake up the genre and historical timeline of the books I have been reading recently. ...more
Fortunately the milk is a short story/novel by author, Neil Gaiman. It follows the journey of a father who is sent out to retrieve milk from the localFortunately the milk is a short story/novel by author, Neil Gaiman. It follows the journey of a father who is sent out to retrieve milk from the local shop for his family's breakfast needs. Of course you can't have cereal without milk, how preposterous. They even suggest orange juice as a substitute to milk - not too sure about this one though. The father goes to the store and tells his children of the adventures he had on the way home, that include getting abducted by aliens and meeting pirates.
Overall, the book is a light-hearted middle grade read for anyone to enjoy. The length is great for anyone to read, whether you are looking for a short story or one that is slightly different to the rest, this book cannot go amiss....more
Death in the Clouds is another story by mystery author Agatha Christie. The mystery in this story surrounds the suspicious death of a passenger on a cDeath in the Clouds is another story by mystery author Agatha Christie. The mystery in this story surrounds the suspicious death of a passenger on a commercial flight. Poirot returns in this story to solve another mystery.
I really enjoyed this Poirot mystery, it was easy to follow and had clear story development. Confining the story to a airplane forces the reader to scrutinize each character, because it had to be someone on the plane. This reduction is a clear way to approach the mystery, which then allows for the focus to shift to the motives and allows for character development to explain the back-stories of all the characters. The map included in the front of the story was really helpful. I enjoy it when books have maps, coupled with the image I conjure up, it makes my visualisation more accurate.
Whilst this novel is written in a style similar to that of Agatha's other books, it is an effective style that makes each story enjoyable and easy to follow. Any of Agatha's books are easy to read as they are clear in their story development....more
Murder on the Orient Express is a fantastic original murder mystery, written by none other than Agatha Christie. The murder of a passenger on the OrieMurder on the Orient Express is a fantastic original murder mystery, written by none other than Agatha Christie. The murder of a passenger on the Orient Express, sparks a train of mystery in determining who committed the crime. Each character that Christie introduces into the story is unique, and can easily be pictured by the readers within a few lines of description. Their personalities sometimes conflict and are all unique, covering a range of ages, occupations and nationalities. The ending is unique, although I did have some idea, part way through the story who had done it. But I kept reading to find all the little details that are scattered throughout the novel.
Poirot's language and comments enhance the story, and makes the mystery just a little bit better. The formality in the language of the other characters transport the reader back to the 1930's, when the story was published and the English language made just a bit more sense.
This Poirot mystery is certainly one of my favourite mystery stories. Traditional mystery books have been absent from my reading patterns lately and I thought it was time to get back to the genre. This is the perfect book for any reader looking to do the same thing....more
Counting by 7s is an emotional book. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I really liked the synopsis, particularly WillCounting by 7s is an emotional book. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I really liked the synopsis, particularly Willow and her obsession with order and the number 7. Upon first glance, Willow's world is perfect, she is incredibly smart and independent. Until her world gets turned upside-down with the sudden death of her parents in a car accident. I was certainly not expecting that to come so early in the novel. At that stage I took a break from the book, it was just too sad - I am not really one for contemporary novels but this was certainly one of the best I have read.
When I dove back into the book a week or so later, I found that Willow was optimistic and although she was sad for a time, she managed to make new friends along the way. My favourite character in this book is definitely Dell Duke. Dell is a Councillor who works at the school that Willow is transferred to. He is such a character, and as the story develops we get to see more into this slightly awkward and weird character who manages to be amazed at anything and everything that Willow does.
Overall, it was an easy read. I would recommend it to middle grade readers and to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary novel that doesn't have a love triangle in it - this was certainly a positive in my books. ...more
The Circle. Dave Eggers seems to seamlessly integrate the Circle company with our modern world. Without setting the scene as too outlandish, Eggers maThe Circle. Dave Eggers seems to seamlessly integrate the Circle company with our modern world. Without setting the scene as too outlandish, Eggers manages to make the circle seem as if it exists today. The technology that the Circle creates is believable and warrants the reader to question the requirements and necessities of social media and related online services. The services of the Circle are akin with the non-fictional Google, Facebook and Twitter services, that continue to require our participation in living our lives online. the Circle eliminates the need for a private life or any privacy for that matter, with employees and politicians in the novel going 'transparent' - the equivalent of live streaming your actions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As the novel progresses, it is clear that the Circle, as a company, aims to become a monopoly in every technological based aspect of markets, social media and daily life. I deduced that the main objectives of the Circle were the connectedness of people around the world, the availability of knowledge to all who seek it and maintaining reality.
Whilst these themes seem Orwellian in nature, Eggers has done well to modify these themes to fit his own storyline that left me questioning how much information I share with the world versus what I keep private. Hopefully, this review doesn't sound too hypocritical, but overall, this book was an eye-opening read to the nature of social media and how it can be exploited by those in positions of power.
Overall, I recommend this book to older teenagers and above for the themes it explores, throughout the story line....more
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley is a fantastic read for those seeking an interesting thriller with wonderful characters. The plot of the book certaiThe Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley is a fantastic read for those seeking an interesting thriller with wonderful characters. The plot of the book certainly lived up to my expectations with a parallel story revealing both the past and present of Samuel Hawley and his daughter Loo. The Twelve Lives refers to twelve significant points in Hawley's life, the twelve times he has been shot. Honestly, I don't know how someone could survive something like that but, Hawley's character is ever persistent and an expert at first aid. Hawley is an unusual character who is very meticulous. Hawley teaches his daughter Loo some core 'life skills' that he had learned throughout his 'adventurous' years, including hot-wiring cars and how to shoot guns. Tinti, describes in great detail the complex relationship between father and daughter. Their bond is very strong and is constantly reinforced throughout the book, which appealed to me - as it was something different in the fiction novels I have read. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and how Loo navigates the ever changing world around her and how the relationships she has with those around her shape her personality.
I had an ARC of this book and the cover is fabulous!
I recommend this book to older YA readers and adults, due to some of the themes explored in the book. Whilst Loo is a younger character, I think the rest of the content of the book speaks to older readers more than those younger/ the same age as Loo. ...more
Short and sweet. This feel good short story is fabulous for anyone seeking a quick read by a fabulous author such as Rainbow Rowell. This story followShort and sweet. This feel good short story is fabulous for anyone seeking a quick read by a fabulous author such as Rainbow Rowell. This story follows Elena and her obsession with the Star Wars franchise. This obsession results in her queuing for that latest Star Wars film at the cinema. Thinking that there would be heaps of people there, Elena is prepared to wait a few days in this line with people she has never met, or so she thinks......more
Love, Peace and Chocolate is a short story by UK author, Cathy Cassidy. I purchased this book many years ago and decided to pick it for my first read Love, Peace and Chocolate is a short story by UK author, Cathy Cassidy. I purchased this book many years ago and decided to pick it for my first read of 2017. The books follows the friendship between Kady and Jess, two long time best friends, whose friendship ultimately becomes tested when Jack Somers is the new student at their school. I love it when authors reference the title of the story within the book, and Cassidy manages this perfectly. This book is a short easy read and is well suited to middle grade readers....more
The Alchemist was an enjoyable read that focused more on the journey rather than the destination. The book also had a heavy focus on the 'moral of theThe Alchemist was an enjoyable read that focused more on the journey rather than the destination. The book also had a heavy focus on the 'moral of the story' concept that is found in many self-help books. Reading through some of the reviews on here, I understand that the self-help genre isn't for everyone; admittedly I was not aware of the plot before commencing the book. Originally, I picked up this book because I was interested in the story of Nicholas Flamel, one of the most know alchemists in history (he was referenced in Harry Potter, if the name seems familiar to some).
The story focuses on the journey of Santiago, a young soul searching for a treasure of legend. Santiago's search takes him from his Spanish homeland to the great pyramids of Egypt.
Character development was a clear focus of this book, that I believe the author achieved successfully. I thought the Alchemist could have been a more prominent character in the novel, considering the title of the book. Whilst the book was thought provoking, I felt that it began to drift away from reality and actuality.
Overall the book is short and easy to read, and I would recommend to any readers from high school students to adults.
Here are two of my favourite quotes from the book:
~ "Every blessing ignored becomes a curse" - page 58
~ "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" - page 62 ...more
Before the Fall is a 'Fargo' like story full of twists and hidden clues in each page. The book combines flashbacks from key characters and descriptionBefore the Fall is a 'Fargo' like story full of twists and hidden clues in each page. The book combines flashbacks from key characters and descriptions of artwork to illustrate key points of the plot. This technique ensures the reader carefully considers all components of information in an attempt to decipher why the plane crashed. The story highlights how the media can not only exploit small details but the lengths to which some will go in order to get the story. More like an invasion of privacy, if you ask me, but the media will be the media and compete amongst each other in order to get the juiciest story. The story also focuses on collateral damage. In this case the passengers become trapped in the story and have no choice but to go down with the flight. The majority of the book is spent defining the relationships between the characters and analysing their personal 'trials and tribulations' whilst trying to establish why the plane crashed into the ocean. The book is certainly a thriller not to be missed....more
Caraval met and exceeded every single expectation that I had, going into this book. The book follows the adventures of Scarlett Dragna, a dreamer. ScaCaraval met and exceeded every single expectation that I had, going into this book. The book follows the adventures of Scarlett Dragna, a dreamer. Scarlett always dreamed of escaping from her home on a tiny island. Caraval is the name of a magic show/ circus/ mysterious game that Scarlett has all but dreamed of seeing. When given the opportunity to visit Caraval, Scarlett's sister insists that the two of them escape their father and seek a new adventure in Caraval. How will they do this? With the help of Julian, a dreamy sailor who happens to be in the right place at the right time and works with Scarlett her sister to reach Caraval, before the doors close. When they arrive, all is not what it seems, motives change, romances bloom and identities are questioned.
WOW!! I absolutely love this book. The idea behind Caraval is amazing. The world is establishing clearly, the character development is continuous all surrounded by a story line that flows seamlessly from one page to the next. Regardless of whether he could be trusted or not, Julian was my favourite character. Each character experience a roller-coaster of emotions in the pages and have to adapt to each and every situation in a different way.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is a unique YA novel that everyone must read. I enjoyed the ending, but then realised that there was a second book - really excited to see where Stephanie Garber takes the story next....more
This book... WOW. So the Mortal Instruments series is one of the greatest. City of Ashes is the second novel in this fantastic series. This book takesThis book... WOW. So the Mortal Instruments series is one of the greatest. City of Ashes is the second novel in this fantastic series. This book takes the word complicated to a whole new meaning, now that Clary and Jace are brother and sister - awkward.
The character development in this novel is supportive in advancing the story line. The book begins exactly where City of Bones left off. Valentine is up to his old tricks again, Clary is questioning everything and Jace; well Jace is just being even more Jace in this book. He is absolutely charming. Simon, however, is the ultimate geek, who is charming in his own way. With his new status, Simon is finding it harder and harder to escape from the Shadow world and the troubles of the Shadow Hunters.
The book was fast paced and full of action, with some more fabulous world building to further establish the Shadow world in our minds. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of fantasy with a twist. The Shadow Hunters are a fantastic group of characters that have significant potential which I hope is explored in the subsequent books....more
Emily ~ Emmeline's Books
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