I have been a big fan of Nicholas Sparks for a long time. It goes without saying that I would read this book as well. See me is a bit different than his other books. There is a lot of mystery in this book, with a bit of a thriller twist. I felt Safe Haven was sort of leaning toward this style of writing, but it still heavily relied on the intimacy of the main characters.
We can all agree that Nicholas Sparks has a way with romantic notions. What I like so much about this book is that the romance is more on the level of truly getting to know the other person and accepting who they are. I like that the two main characters come from they types of families that are at opposite ends of the spectrum and still find a common ground.
Then you have the suspense portion of the book. Maria is a lawyer who going through some work related issues, including the return of someone from her past. Colin has some temper issues that have caused him to come into contact with the police. His character flaws have caused many to disbelieve him and the intentions of his actions. Only those who are closest to him seem to truly understand the weight of his actions.
I also like that a younger woman, Maria's sister, seems so insightful, yet people tend to just brush her off as a young college student. I like the empowerment of women in the book. Yet somehow he still maintains that a man can be there as a safety net in the form of a partnership.
There is a lot going on in the book and the character building is extensive. In the end though, you still end up with the warm fuzzies that a Sparks book generally leaves you with.
Happy reading!
Judi
Monday, December 12, 2016
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
Hollow City is book number 2 of the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. At the end of the last book Miss Peregrine had been kidnapped and the children set out to rescue her. Their success was short lived when they realize that their beloved headmistress is injured and stuck in bird form, as an Ymbryne's other talent is shape shifting into a bird. The problem is that without Miss Peregrine to reset the time loop every evening their home will cease to exist.
They set out to find other time loops and see if they can find another Ymbryne who might be able to help Miss Peregrine. Along the way they are being hunted by the wights and hollowgasts. They have lost the map of the time loops but take a page out of Jacob's book by listening to their bedtime stories, a copy of which they happened to have, and used that to find their way. Along the way they encounter other peculiar children; some who are alone and others who never left their non-peculiar families. These other characters provide another viewpoint with regard to the life of a peculiar.
They make their way to another Ymbryne who is able to turn Miss Peregrine back to herself. However, Miss Peregrine is not who she seemed. This curve ball has yet again changed the course of the children's journey and results in their capture.
This book, once again, uses a collection of old photographs to drive the story. The tangle of plot points weave you in and out of a very creative story. Again, this book leaves you questioning what will happen next.
Happy reading!
Judi
They set out to find other time loops and see if they can find another Ymbryne who might be able to help Miss Peregrine. Along the way they are being hunted by the wights and hollowgasts. They have lost the map of the time loops but take a page out of Jacob's book by listening to their bedtime stories, a copy of which they happened to have, and used that to find their way. Along the way they encounter other peculiar children; some who are alone and others who never left their non-peculiar families. These other characters provide another viewpoint with regard to the life of a peculiar.
They make their way to another Ymbryne who is able to turn Miss Peregrine back to herself. However, Miss Peregrine is not who she seemed. This curve ball has yet again changed the course of the children's journey and results in their capture.
This book, once again, uses a collection of old photographs to drive the story. The tangle of plot points weave you in and out of a very creative story. Again, this book leaves you questioning what will happen next.
Happy reading!
Judi
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This book is aimed at a younger crowd due to the fantastic nature of the story. However, the tone of the book is more geared toward an older audience. The story is laid out slowly and meticulously. It establishes a solid foundation for the story line. Then starts to build so quickly that you can't really put the book down.
The world that Riggs has built is constructed around these old photographs that have some anomalies...and truth be told some of the anomalies are down right creepy. The imagination one has to posses to take such photographs and create a story where you can include the photographs in the story is simply amazing. They are not set in the same time and place so the story can unfold a little unusually; albeit in an entertaining fashion.
The premise of the book is that not everyone is born the same. Some have peculiarities. However, true to societal form, those who are different are not always appreciated for their differences. The solution to such treatment were homes for the peculiar. These homes were run by a headmistress known as an Ymbryne. These women are the protectors of the peculiar and create time loops by manipulating time alone. Those that hunt the peculiars are called wights and they feed the peculiars to a humanoid creature known as the hollowgasts. The hollowgasts were created by a mission for immortality gone awry. Now they want to try again...
The book follows Jacob who grew up listening to fanciful stories from his grandfather. As he grew older he truly believed his grandfather was nothing more than a great storyteller who used his stories as a coping mechanism to survive a less than ideal childhood. Little did he know that the stories his grandfather told him were stories of his life. Jacob and his grandfather share a talent that can help save the children under the Ymbryne, Miss Peregrine's, care.
It's an interesting book and ends with you wanting more. If you enjoy a little of the fantastic, I'd recommend this book.
Enjoy!
Judi
The world that Riggs has built is constructed around these old photographs that have some anomalies...and truth be told some of the anomalies are down right creepy. The imagination one has to posses to take such photographs and create a story where you can include the photographs in the story is simply amazing. They are not set in the same time and place so the story can unfold a little unusually; albeit in an entertaining fashion.
The premise of the book is that not everyone is born the same. Some have peculiarities. However, true to societal form, those who are different are not always appreciated for their differences. The solution to such treatment were homes for the peculiar. These homes were run by a headmistress known as an Ymbryne. These women are the protectors of the peculiar and create time loops by manipulating time alone. Those that hunt the peculiars are called wights and they feed the peculiars to a humanoid creature known as the hollowgasts. The hollowgasts were created by a mission for immortality gone awry. Now they want to try again...
The book follows Jacob who grew up listening to fanciful stories from his grandfather. As he grew older he truly believed his grandfather was nothing more than a great storyteller who used his stories as a coping mechanism to survive a less than ideal childhood. Little did he know that the stories his grandfather told him were stories of his life. Jacob and his grandfather share a talent that can help save the children under the Ymbryne, Miss Peregrine's, care.
It's an interesting book and ends with you wanting more. If you enjoy a little of the fantastic, I'd recommend this book.
Enjoy!
Judi
Thursday, July 28, 2016
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet is one of those books that is timeless. It's relevant throughout the ages and is immensely dynamic. It was originally published in 1923 and I believe I read that it has been translated into over 20 languages. The English translation reads as a story broken down into shorter essays...if that makes sense.
It starts out with Mustafa talking about how his "ship" has come to take him home. The people of the town revere him and ask that he share his knowledge. They wish for him to speak of various issues; such as love, marriage, freedom, friendship, teaching, religion, prayer, birth, and death... just to name a few. The story goes along like this...with Mustafa commenting on one topic and when finished, another person will ask him to speak on another topic.
He speaks of a person's life, his in particular, in the beginning as a passing of time and lessons. As if his goal was to find the meaning of life and in this place he found the answers he sought. In the end he speaks of going home and returning again.
The book is peaceful and insightful. It is non-judgmental. I like that the language was Old English but the sentiments are so very relevant. I think the book would be a great introduction into religion. I don't consider myself to be a particularly religious person. I do feel rather spiritual. If this book were to be classified as a "religious" book I'd love to read and re-read it (as I suspect that I will).
The lessons in the book are ones that every person should heed. If we did, our world and the peoples of this world would be much better off. I highly recommend this book for all to read!!
Happy reading!
Judi
It starts out with Mustafa talking about how his "ship" has come to take him home. The people of the town revere him and ask that he share his knowledge. They wish for him to speak of various issues; such as love, marriage, freedom, friendship, teaching, religion, prayer, birth, and death... just to name a few. The story goes along like this...with Mustafa commenting on one topic and when finished, another person will ask him to speak on another topic.
He speaks of a person's life, his in particular, in the beginning as a passing of time and lessons. As if his goal was to find the meaning of life and in this place he found the answers he sought. In the end he speaks of going home and returning again.
The book is peaceful and insightful. It is non-judgmental. I like that the language was Old English but the sentiments are so very relevant. I think the book would be a great introduction into religion. I don't consider myself to be a particularly religious person. I do feel rather spiritual. If this book were to be classified as a "religious" book I'd love to read and re-read it (as I suspect that I will).
The lessons in the book are ones that every person should heed. If we did, our world and the peoples of this world would be much better off. I highly recommend this book for all to read!!
Happy reading!
Judi
Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich
Top Secret Twenty-One is the 21st novel in the Stephanie Plum series. I've been a long time fan of Janet Evanovich. I find this series rather entertaining. I believe I've mentioned before that I will laugh out loud reading these books.
I am coming to the point, however, where these stories do all seem to be the same. The quirkiness of the book is still top notch, however, Stephanie still hasn't decided between Ranger and Morelli, she still takes Lula around with her to capture skips, Lula still wears too small of clothes, Grandma Mazur is still a bit out there (however funny as all get out), Stephanie has another vehicle torched, she's still worried about money, her apartment gets firebombed again, and she mooches meals off her parents.
Don't get me wrong, the stories are quick reads that provide a bit of relief, or a buffer of sorts, between other books. I find myself smiling, laughing, and shaking my head when I read the book. But it has had no new developments in a long time. And, honestly, how many people truly need to be bonded out in Trenton, New Jersey? Are there really that many fruitcakes in Trenton that she can continue to write stories about them?
Even the conversation between Stephanie and Morelli seemed a bit tired in this book. No real need for elaboration, as we've all been reading their story for the last 20 books. I did notice that some of the devices and phrases have been updated to reflect the times; such as text messages, smartphones, and GPS via the phones.
I could have a bit of a skewed viewpoint because I wasn't sure what I wanted to read and thought, 'these are usually quick and entertaining I can go with that.' I may not have been in the right mindset for this book. I also wanted to read something more upbeat because my last book I read was a bit of a tear-jerker. Maybe some of that atmosphere leaked in...
Anyhow, Evanovich fans are sure to read this book, as we've come this far...
If you want a quick, entertaining read I'd recommend any of the Plum novels.
Happy reading!
Judi
I am coming to the point, however, where these stories do all seem to be the same. The quirkiness of the book is still top notch, however, Stephanie still hasn't decided between Ranger and Morelli, she still takes Lula around with her to capture skips, Lula still wears too small of clothes, Grandma Mazur is still a bit out there (however funny as all get out), Stephanie has another vehicle torched, she's still worried about money, her apartment gets firebombed again, and she mooches meals off her parents.
Don't get me wrong, the stories are quick reads that provide a bit of relief, or a buffer of sorts, between other books. I find myself smiling, laughing, and shaking my head when I read the book. But it has had no new developments in a long time. And, honestly, how many people truly need to be bonded out in Trenton, New Jersey? Are there really that many fruitcakes in Trenton that she can continue to write stories about them?
Even the conversation between Stephanie and Morelli seemed a bit tired in this book. No real need for elaboration, as we've all been reading their story for the last 20 books. I did notice that some of the devices and phrases have been updated to reflect the times; such as text messages, smartphones, and GPS via the phones.
I could have a bit of a skewed viewpoint because I wasn't sure what I wanted to read and thought, 'these are usually quick and entertaining I can go with that.' I may not have been in the right mindset for this book. I also wanted to read something more upbeat because my last book I read was a bit of a tear-jerker. Maybe some of that atmosphere leaked in...
Anyhow, Evanovich fans are sure to read this book, as we've come this far...
If you want a quick, entertaining read I'd recommend any of the Plum novels.
Happy reading!
Judi
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I must admit I have a hopeless romantic side. As such, I love reading love stories. A long time ago I read the back cover of Me Before You while wandering in the bookstore. I have a habit of just perusing and taking note of a book for later. I'm not being metaphorical here, I have a note created in my phone that is labeled "Books." When I find something I want to read but either do not have the money or the time to procure said book at that time I add it to the list for another date. So Me Before You goes on the list. And there is sits for several years. I ended up getting the book as a gift later on and it still sat waiting for me to get to it.
Fast forward a bit to June 2016 and I find myself FINALLY getting around to reading the book. I was wasting all that time leaving that book to sit. It was such a good book. I've made note that there is a second book, to which I'm excited and a bit befuddled-as the end of the book leaves little room to continue on. As such, I cannot wait to get to reading that book and finding out what Moyes can do with the sequel.
I like the development of the characters and how this is not your typical love story. Lou Clark has worked one job all her life. She has not real aspirations to go anywhere or do anything outside of her mundane life. She has a boyfriend, Patrick, who is very...familiar. Lou takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a socialite adventurer who has an accident and gets spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed. The nature of her job is not desired by Will and he does his best to make her go away.
Lou finds out more about Will and makes it her mission to help him out of his depressive state. She enlists the help of Nathan, Will's nurse, and they set out on adventures that end up helping Lou along on her journey to self discovery more than anything else. Lou and Will teach each other so many crucial aspects of life. And they do this all within the 6 month deadline that has been set for her.
The book touches on issue such as quality vs quantity of life and doctor assisted suicide. It shows the types of support systems people in Will's condition can have available to them. As someone with a nursing background I found the medical aspect of the book to be spot on but not overwhelming or overshadowing to the storyline.
This story is frustrating, humorous, cute, thought provoking, and heart-wrenching. It's a good read that so many can appreciate.
Happy reading!
Judi
Fast forward a bit to June 2016 and I find myself FINALLY getting around to reading the book. I was wasting all that time leaving that book to sit. It was such a good book. I've made note that there is a second book, to which I'm excited and a bit befuddled-as the end of the book leaves little room to continue on. As such, I cannot wait to get to reading that book and finding out what Moyes can do with the sequel.
I like the development of the characters and how this is not your typical love story. Lou Clark has worked one job all her life. She has not real aspirations to go anywhere or do anything outside of her mundane life. She has a boyfriend, Patrick, who is very...familiar. Lou takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a socialite adventurer who has an accident and gets spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed. The nature of her job is not desired by Will and he does his best to make her go away.
Lou finds out more about Will and makes it her mission to help him out of his depressive state. She enlists the help of Nathan, Will's nurse, and they set out on adventures that end up helping Lou along on her journey to self discovery more than anything else. Lou and Will teach each other so many crucial aspects of life. And they do this all within the 6 month deadline that has been set for her.
The book touches on issue such as quality vs quantity of life and doctor assisted suicide. It shows the types of support systems people in Will's condition can have available to them. As someone with a nursing background I found the medical aspect of the book to be spot on but not overwhelming or overshadowing to the storyline.
This story is frustrating, humorous, cute, thought provoking, and heart-wrenching. It's a good read that so many can appreciate.
Happy reading!
Judi
The Aeronaut's Windlass (The Cinder Spires, #1) by Jim Butcher
I am a big fan of the world's Jim Butcher creates. A friend, and fellow Butcher enthusiast, told me about this series and I was excited. I cannot imagine a series tanking when it is written by Mr. Butcher. That being said, I was a bit disappointed by this book. I think I hyped it up in my head too much.
I felt the book was forced a bit. It felt like Star Wars presented in a steampunk sort of atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I will still read the subsequent books because it leaves you hanging at the end...way to be Butcher. However, this series pales in comparison to The Dresden Files and is more akin to the Codex Alera books. As I've only read one of the books in this new series I do not yet know which of the two series I'd rank above the other.
The Aeronaut's Windlass is set in a futuristic world in which people do not live on the surface of earth anymore. Steam-powered technology, magical solders, and the Spires protect and rule the human-race. Everyone has a faction style mindset.
Captain Grimm is commander and chief of a merchant ship. He seems to be in the right place at the right time throughout most of the book. Due to his military background he is able to turn his serendipitous tendencies into acts of heroism. A rather hideous and deadly creature has made it's way up from the surface of the earth. If not for Captain Grimm and band of mix-matched crewmembers, as well as the help of an Etherealist (an Oracle of sorts) and his assistant, all might have been lost. Now a type of civil war has broke out and chaos has started to descend upon the Spirearchs.
If you enjoy Jim Butcher's writing style I'd pay your homage and take a look at this series; especially if you enjoyed the Codes Alera series. If you are a Star Wars fan and/or find the steampunk genre intriguing, you should give this book a try.
Happy reading!
Judi
I felt the book was forced a bit. It felt like Star Wars presented in a steampunk sort of atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I will still read the subsequent books because it leaves you hanging at the end...way to be Butcher. However, this series pales in comparison to The Dresden Files and is more akin to the Codex Alera books. As I've only read one of the books in this new series I do not yet know which of the two series I'd rank above the other.
The Aeronaut's Windlass is set in a futuristic world in which people do not live on the surface of earth anymore. Steam-powered technology, magical solders, and the Spires protect and rule the human-race. Everyone has a faction style mindset.
Captain Grimm is commander and chief of a merchant ship. He seems to be in the right place at the right time throughout most of the book. Due to his military background he is able to turn his serendipitous tendencies into acts of heroism. A rather hideous and deadly creature has made it's way up from the surface of the earth. If not for Captain Grimm and band of mix-matched crewmembers, as well as the help of an Etherealist (an Oracle of sorts) and his assistant, all might have been lost. Now a type of civil war has broke out and chaos has started to descend upon the Spirearchs.
If you enjoy Jim Butcher's writing style I'd pay your homage and take a look at this series; especially if you enjoyed the Codes Alera series. If you are a Star Wars fan and/or find the steampunk genre intriguing, you should give this book a try.
Happy reading!
Judi
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