Chris Lee
Many moons ago, when I became absolutely obsessed with hiking and mountaineering, I went to the second-hand book store and picked up old copies of Into Thin Air, High Adventure, and this book, Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors. There is nothing quite like the persistence of human achievement, and these stories speak to my adventurous soul. I'm not quite sure why this book sat and collected dust for so long. Maybe it's because I knew Sir Edmund and Jon had the supplies necessary to aid them in their frigid endeavors, whereas the unfortunate souls traveling on the Fairchild for Chile were terribly unprepared for their fate, which made it much more difficult to begin. Either way, this was a grim book filled with dismay, fear, and anguish, but I was not ready for the impact it would leave once the final page was turned.
** I like to be extremely vague when writing these reviews, but I feel particularly strongly about this story so I think I will add quite a bit of detail concerning the content. Please skip if you: 1.) Intend to go into this harrowing story knowing nothing; or 2.) Are squeamish. This book contains some grisly content. **
If you are not familiar with the story, it's a non-fiction book about a Uruguayan rugby team that chartered a plane from Montevideo to Santiago. The Fairchild F-227 aircraft with the 40 passengers aboard crashed in the Andes mountains, leaving very few alive to try to survive in the frigid temperatures. For the reader, it places you in the minds of those left to survive, and you can only begin to guess the horror of how it affected them both mentally and physically.
With the help of numerous interviews, the author was able to provide a detailed account of the events that took place over the course of those few weeks along the icy mountainside. It became apparent very quickly that if the survivors were to be located, they would need to attempt to signal for assistance. Using fabric from the plane, those who were not severely hurt in the crash built a cross in the snow, while others tore up cushions to fashion crude snowshoes and gathered up clothes from those who had passed on so they could survive the fridged temperatures. Most of the passengers were farmers and athletes, but there were a few who had some basic medical training. The injuries some of the crew sustained from the crash were just heartbreaking to read about. Boils formed, organs protruded through the body, and some had frostbitten appendages. This crew suffered a lot, but they also summoned the courage to survive by telling stories about food, leading a daily prayer service, and messaging each other's legs as they slept to keep the blood flowing. It is so incredibly hard to imagine the mindset it would take to persevere under these conditions. But just like in our world today, as long as we, as a collective, put our minds to something, anything and everything can be accomplished and overcome—even when all hope is lost.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects transpires as the group starts to run out of food. They ration a bit of chocolate after a few days, but once that dwindles, they look to their fellow passengers as sustenance. Most are completely against the idea because of their religious morals, but as time goes on, they come to the collective decision that the soul has left the body, and if Jesus gave up his body and blood for the people so that they all may live, these frozen bodies would help give them a chance for survival. The details are ultimately soul-crushing, but their fellow passengers who passed on helped a few of them survive in the end.
|| “You can make it tough God, but do not make it impossible.”
Once the food is sorted, the survivors attempt to create a sort of work hierarchy. This is the point where you get more insight into their families, politics, opposing views, and backgrounds. A few write letters to be found if they do not make it, while others stare into the stars at night, knowing that a loved one is doing the same. It helps make them feel more attached and boosts their mental state. A game plan is formed, and from here on out, expeditions are planned to see if they can summit the mountain and look for a path for rescue.
A tale of two: What's interesting is that you get quite a bit of story involving those looking for their loved ones on the other side of the mountains. The families turn to anything to help gain reprieve. They pray, concoct ideas about a plane hi-jack, and even hire clairvoyant mediums who give them locations on a map. There were desperate to come up with anything to help find them.
Eventually, an airplane and helicopter are sent out to try and locate them one last time, and that's where I'll leave it.
|| “I'm going to chew up the Andes. Search foot by foot until I find the boys.”
I do have a few nitpicks towards the end. The last 50 pages seemed a bit rushed and had a few too many jumbled sequences, which made it sort of hard to process. The media aftermath touched on because it had some important moments and messages, but I would have liked it to be more structured like the rest of the book, but this is just a personal preference.
The writing is done with sensitivity and compassion, even though the subject matter is quite disheartening. However, if you do plan to read it, I would suggest taking breaks. I feel like I only touched on the misfortune and struggles the crew had, but it is heartening to know that some of the brave ones returned home to be with their loved ones.
I do not even know how to accurately review this book. It is a special book. One that showcases Africa in all its splendor. The people, the landscape, the dangers, and the lands serenity are detailed with such a grand literary prose that fills the soul with inspiration. It's an utterly mesmerizing story told with gusto and heart.
Beryl Markham moved to Kenya with her father when she was very young. When she wasn't surrounded by an astonishing array of animals, she traveled to the air and scouted elephants for the locals. She was also an adventurer and a racehorse trainer, but she probably best known for being the first person to fly non-stop from Europe to America alone.
This is the story of an amazing woman.
Read this if...
❖ You want to learn more about Beryl Markham and her journeys throughout Africa.
❖ Have an affinity for animals and want to learn more about those that roam the African landscape.
❖ Want to be captivated by a variety of African tribes' daily lives and learn about some of their history.
❖ You enjoy a bit of literature with your autobiography.
❖ Want a lyrical take on life, death, hope, and comradery.
❖ Like beautifully descriptions of the sounds and adventure that Africa had to offer at the time.
❖ Require a pick-me-up for your soul.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
||”A map says to you. Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt me not... I am the earth in the palm of your hand.”
||”It is no good telling yourself that one day you will wish you had never made that change; it is no good anticipating regrets. Every tomorrow ought not to resemble every yesterday.”
||”I am incapable of a profound remark on the workings of destiny.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to the wild west of art forgery in the 1970s and 1980s, where the money is lucrative as long as you have a certain base trait. That trait is, surprisingly, not being a master painter. This is the story of Tony Tetro, the “world's greatest art forger.”
Tony grew up without a formal education, married at the ripe age of 16, and just like every other enterprising individual, he had a dream of “hitting it big” as a young man. What started out as a fun hobby transformed into a lucrative way to make money. After the glitz and glamour of owning his dream cars, having endless supplies of drugs, and schmoozing at top restaurants in L.A. fizzled out, Tony was left spending nearly a year in jail with little or no money left over to show for it.
I was surprised to find that this book reads like a how-to guide to art forgery, but do not get any wise ideas about using Tony's tips and tricks. Nowadays, a painting can go under extreme scrutiny using incredibly interesting techniques, which are detailed in the book. Spectroscopic analysis can tell you which mine your pigments came from, dendroecology can reveal which type of wood your paint pallet originated from, and radiocarbon dating can measure the half-life of the carbon used in the painting.
A local would use an appraiser's loupe to check the DPI, or dots per square inch, to give an accurate idea if it was printed or completed by hand, but I was surprised to find out that most people, buyers and appraisers alike, really did not care if the painting was fake or not. The art was really not all that appreciated by most (I'm sure they were generalizing in the novel), but it was used to show off. All you needed was a sound story, a semi-convincing painting, an appraiser's signature, and you were off to the races. This was pre-internet, so it was extremely hard to verify facts and paper trails.
Some of the other interesting topics include art history, where Tony obtained period paper, his aging techniques, his ties to the mob, the billionaires who hired him to create replicas, and details of the secret room where he stashed most of his paintings & workbooks.
Overall, it was an exciting novel that reads like a film. If you purchased a Rembrandt or Chagall a few decades ago, you might want to go take a closer look.
The second I started this short, I was reminded of ‘The Body Snatcher' staring the inimitable Boris Karloff. I looked it up, and to my surprise, it is indeed loosely based on the book. Exciting!
|| “You can't begin and then stop. If you begin, you must keep on beginning: that's the truth. No rest for the wicked.”
Written in 1884, this is a tale that will chill the bones! Basically, a group of friends are having a few drinks with a doctor in a local pub. One of the friends recognizes the local health services purveyor and, funny enough, worked with him in medical school. The friend, Fettes, used to ahem ‘run the logistical side' of providing the doctor with bodies so he could run tests on them. Unethical or progressing science at the time? You'll have to decide.
As these things go, conscience starts to play a big role, certain people in-the-know are beckoned to keep silent about the doctor's procurements, and evidence is tampered with. There is one curiosity, though. What happens when the body evidence you thought you destroyed comes back to haunt you? Creepy, indeed.
|| “The more things are wrong the more we must act as if all were right.”
This was a fun and interesting little haunt of a story. I did have a hard time (at points) following this one for some reason. The flow of the writing was sort of disjointed to an extent, but the insults cast between the characters were so much fun and dignified. There is always a certain charm to these types of books. The scientist or doctor is always attempting to ‘finish their work', but meddlesome family, colleagues, and friends ultimately thwart their progress, leaving them no choice but to ramp up the timeline, which leads to some sort of catastrophic mistake(s).
So, the next time your professor asks you to obtain a corpse, it's probably time to go to the registrar and change your course.
A great short to end the spooky season.
Have you ever wondered what the ghost lurking in the corridor is thinking? Then pick up Oscar Wild's rip-roaring, hilarious tale of a ghost whose sole purpose is to send shivers down the spines of Canterville Chase. You will not find a macabre tale here. Sir Simon de Canterville is a dignified ghost. One who sets a time schedule and deploys tried-and-true scare patterns to get a rise out of its guests.
But what if the new owners do not believe in ghosts?
|| “They were evidently people on a low, material plane of existence, and quite incapable of appreciating the symbolic value of sensuous phenomena.”
Poor old Sir Simon tries everything to get a rise out of the entire family. Scraping heavy chains along the floor, moving items, and even leaving blood stains on the carpets to no avail. The family offers the ghost ‘Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator' to end the cacophony of chain sounds that echo throughout the night. This angers the ghost quite a bit. The small children add to the ghost's misery by setting up traps a-la Home Alone, such as trip wires, water buckets, and peashooters to humiliate him.
The hijinks are funny, but what about the ghosts' feelings? The Canterville ghost has not slept in over three hundred years and had lost his beloved Lady Eleanor de Canterville years prior. Does anyone offer a helping hand and conjure up some sympathy for the master of terror? Find out by checking out this fun classic.
But remember, the next time you see a ghost, try not to lash out, scream, or go running from them in haste. They have feelings too!
|| “Yes, Death. Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace. You can help me. You can open for me the portals of Death's house, for Love is always with you, and Love is stronger than Death is.”
C.J. Tudor's “A Sliver of Darkness” is an exciting short story collection that was fantastic from start to finish. This book was recommended to me by a good GR friend, and I am so glad I saved it to my spooky read list. Each story has quite a bit of intrigue, scares, and immersion that I think just about everyone can enjoy. I had not read any of the author's work before this, but I will definitely start to read her back catalog. One thing that stands out to me is how incredibly relatable each story is. You can tell that the author is having quite a bit of fun writing these stories, and the passion shines through. Each short is fun, dark, atmospheric, and overall creative. The horror is not shocking all the time. Sometimes it is sprinkled on top for a ‘slashtastic' twist or a ferociously brilliant statement.There are still a few spooky-season days left. What are you waiting for? Check this one out!It's so hard to review this as a whole, so I'll just post the mini-reviews of each below.~~~~~~~~~~~❖ Story 1 “End of the Liner” - A post-apocalyptic world where we follow a group of people stuck on a cruise ship for decades. Exciting and full of tense moments! 4⭐'s❖ Story 2 “The Block” - A group of kids break into an old abandoned warehouse and find something unsettling. The location, setting, and twist was fantastic! 4⭐'s❖ Story 3 “Runaway Blues” - A couple loves going to the Pink Flamingo to see their favorite blues singer. The singer has a mysterious hat box given to him by his love. What's inside is haunting. This one was amazing! Full of twists and turns. 5⭐'s❖ Story 4 “The Completion” - A sordid real estate agent will do anything to sell an expensive property and the owner makes a deal that the firm cannot refuse. This one was so dark, grimy, and fun! These short stories keep getting better and better. 5⭐'s❖ Story 5 “The Lion At The Gate” - A lion on a wall might just bite if you get too close. I enjoyed the idea behind this one. Very clever. 4⭐'s❖ Story 6 “Gloria” - This could be my favorite short yet. It throws you right into a Luc Besson-inspired narrative that is compelling and full of tension. 6 out of 5⭐'s
A quick short that is packed with details, atmosphere, and a striking narrative that will not soon be forgotten.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4 out of 5
“As to his head, he was conscious of nothing but a feeling of fullness—of congestion. These sensations were unaccompanied by thought. The intellectual part of his nature was already effaced; he had power only to feel, and feeling was torment.”
How do I even begin to review this book? First off, this is an extreme zombie book. It's dark, grimy, gritty, uncouth, and not politically correct in any shape or form. Secondly, if you have a trigger warning of any kind, chances are this book has it. There are some genuinely fun and exciting moments in the book that I will touch on that really add to the zombie lore as a whole, but if you do think about reading it, just know that I personally do not agree with any of the hateful sentiments, extreme stereotypes, or really any other behaviors these morally corrupt characters portray. This is the Walking Dead if it was written by Rob Zombie on an extended bender.
With that said, let me set the stage for you.
A world-wide pandemic has hit, and those lucky enough to survive have to wade off the undead. Things get interesting, however. These are not your run-of-the-mill zombies. These demons or creatures are not the sluggish, brain-dead type you often see in movies. They can interact, drive vehicles, and spout off one-liners from your favorite ‘dad joke' book.
Animals are not immune to this disease either. Zombie deer, rats, birds, bunnies, and their brethren are all on the hunt to varying hilarious effects. But they do not crave brains; oh no, they want to keep the body intact so that they can become hosts. In this book, the zombies take over the body in a symbiotic manner. After the bond takes hold, the person's knowledge is transferred to the undead. It's an interesting twist on the genre, for sure.
|| “But if they're demons, shouldn't we be able to throw holy water on them or exorcise them or something?”
The main plot centers around a construction worker by the name of Jim. He is a divorcee who very much wanted to be in his son's life, but the new family moved a few states over, and he rarely gets to see his boy anymore. Jim's son finds a hiding place in the attic and calls his father for help. He tells him that the zombies are attacking the house, so Jim vows to race across a few states to save him. It is a flimsy narrative, but one that keeps you fairly engaged.
We also follow a lady-of-the-night who is on the run from some unsavory individuals, an up-beat priest who encourages everyone that there is a plan in place and they will be saved, and a gung-ho military unit who basically captures citizens and uses them for shields, pleasure, and the like.
As you can imagine, no matter what each group does to avoid these zombie creatures, they will eventually have to engage with them. Nobody is safe, which I can appreciate. Even though some of the lesser characters are used for fodder, other, more central characters are put into some hairy situations.
|| “How are they re-animating? And do you think we will see more and more as time goes by?” ~~ Says the guy who is a self-proclaimed zombie movie watcher. He might have missed a few.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It was a fun and exciting take on a classic horror tale that is definitely not foreshadowed on the cover or short story title.Plot: Rachel, Sam, and their two kids live in a rural area that is serene and quiet. That is, until they start to get hounded by a few predators, both inside the house as well as on the outside. How will the family cope throughout the night?This short was the last I read in the creature feature collection. It was a brisk read that held my attention and delivered on building tension. The characters back stories were strong, and I appreciated the level of depth that was taken to flesh them out, especially in a story under 60 some-odd-pages. Even though the material may be familiar, I think it has enough to make it stand out in the collection.The book shines when it focuses on the kids. They are fairly resourceful, cunning, and curious, which makes the semi-twist ending stand out.Overall, this was a fun collection to sift through. Best of Luck was still my favorite, but each had its own high and low points. Hopefully, in the future, we will get a full-on horror comedy. That would be fantastic.Series Rating:1. Best of Luck 2. It Waits in the Woods3. In Bloom4. Big Bad5. The Pram6. Ankle Snatcher
Environmental horror with a fun story and a tad bit of nostalgia. Sign me up!
Heidi is a Cape Cod journalist who is writing a story about a recent uptick in algae blooms in the area. A local named Jimmy has a story to tell Heidi that may seem too fantastical to believe. Back in the 80's, Jimmy witnessed something horrific at a baseball game that has haunted him for decades. Will Heidi believe what he has to say and publish the story? She may not have the opportunity to do so.
This short story was pretty exciting, but I really enjoy old monster movies such as The Blob, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, The Stuff, etc. All the campy stories where an experiment goes wrong and is released to the populous. I was surprised at how much nostalgia and backstory the author was able to pack into this short and where it ultimately ended up. The creature is multi-faceted and causes a unique array of ailments on its victims.
I enjoy how varied the creature feature collection is, and this one was a fun standout.
Ratings so far:
1. Best of Luck
2. It Waits in the Woods
3. In Bloom
4. The Pram
5. Ankle Snatcher
“Good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose.” – RWEI really enjoyed “Best of Luck” by Jason Mott. It's an elevated horror short that is relatable, exciting, terrifying, and fun.Plot: Will and Barry are friends who both have something they need to get off their chests. (quite literally) One accuses the other of stealing the luck out of their lives, which leaves the pair in a precarious situation. Tensions rise as the pair's conversations take a turn for the worst. What type of otherworldly creature could spawn from this envious confrontation? Well, you will have to dive into this fresh, exciting story that is far and away my favorite of this series. Give it a go, but if you have bad luck with it, you might just want to check your person for creepy crawlies.
I enjoyed this short creature feature story by Josh Malerman. It had a simple yet effective narrative that blended quite a few familiar horror tropes into a small page count.
Amanda disappears in the woods one evening, and the town believes a creature out of an urban legend has taken her. Amanda's body was never found, so after three years, her sister, Brenda, takes a trek out into the forest to search for her.
I would give this a 1 out of 5 in terms of scares, but a 4 out of 5 in terms of tension building. It reminds me of a good X-files or Twilight Zone episode. It does not linger for too long and flips the classic phone concept on its head. Most stories like these have to showcase how the main character's phone breaks right before any type of peril takes place, but this book embraces the technology and makes it part of the story. Bravo!
I remember my grandmother reading me James Howe's “There's a Monster Under My Bed” as a youngster, and for whatever reason, the blurb on of this book immediately made me think that it was going to be a more “adult” version of that short.
This is a short, short, story about a young man who grew up believing his mother was murdered by a boogeyman that lives beneath the bed because his father told him so.
I was on board for the first page or two, but soon fell out with the quick relationship banter, gross-out attempts, and the boogeyman-under-the-bed bit. There might be something to the story if it was fleshed out a bit more, but there was just not enough inherent backstory to really play up that fear of a monster under the bed.
The book opens like a dream. A fever dream built around a main character who has experienced something tragic. A young woman named Belle takes a plane from Canada to California after she finds out her mother passed away under questionable circumstances. She must meet with the solicitor to talk about her mothers apartment, her dress shop, and the surprising amount of debt that she will be responsible for.
This part of the story is quite clear, but the lines start to blur when Belle thinks back to her childhood and the disparities in parenting between her grandmother and mother. Her mother never wanted Belle to go into her bedroom and peruse her closet. What was in her room that was so secretive and off-limits? Perhaps it was the mirror. The mirror allowed one to see things. Things that excite, things that seduce, and things that frighten. On the other hand, the grandmother wants to expose young Belle to the outside world. She rents her Tom Cruise movies from the video store so she can experience feelings such as envy, revenge, lust, and anger. But how does she cope with these new feelings? Well, you have to jump down the rabbit hole to find out.
This intricate plot has numerous levels to dig through: dealing with family, discovering yourself, inner problems with outward-facing issues, and a variety of other complex mental states. It's a puzzle box to solve, and as you start to put the pieces together, the “a-ha” moments might just leave you with emotions you were not prepared for.
If you have read Mona Awad's novel Bunny and enjoyed it, I believe you will be right at home with this book. She has an uncanny ability to explain complex feelings in the fully realized worlds she creates. It may be confusing at first, but the author weaves together some familiar story lines, which help with some of the heavy lifting that's required. Everything makes emotional sense, even if some of the visuals might leave you scratching your head at first. If you do read it, I would suggest filing away some of the more repetitive and neurotic behaviors, such as the overabundant explanations of cosmetics for use in the latter portion of the book. But just like in Bunny, everything comes together in the end.
I had an amazing time with this book, and I think the best way to go into it is to know very little about the plot. Try to avoid any mention of themes, and I think it will really surprise you. There is no avoiding the emotional response to her journey. The impact of the book showcases a young woman's outward struggles with the world around her, illuminating thoughts and feelings we all go through in one way or another. This book also shines in the last 100 or so pages. It's a masterclass in compiling previous emotional sequences into a form that not one person might interpret the same way. It's mysterious, charming, cautionary, and surprisingly heartfelt.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4.5 out of 5
Merged review:
The book opens like a dream. A fever dream built around a main character who has experienced something tragic. A young woman named Belle takes a plane from Canada to California after she finds out her mother passed away under questionable circumstances. She must meet with the solicitor to talk about her mothers apartment, her dress shop, and the surprising amount of debt that she will be responsible for.
This part of the story is quite clear, but the lines start to blur when Belle thinks back to her childhood and the disparities in parenting between her grandmother and mother. Her mother never wanted Belle to go into her bedroom and peruse her closet. What was in her room that was so secretive and off-limits? Perhaps it was the mirror. The mirror allowed one to see things. Things that excite, things that seduce, and things that frighten. On the other hand, the grandmother wants to expose young Belle to the outside world. She rents her Tom Cruise movies from the video store so she can experience feelings such as envy, revenge, lust, and anger. But how does she cope with these new feelings? Well, you have to jump down the rabbit hole to find out.
This intricate plot has numerous levels to dig through: dealing with family, discovering yourself, inner problems with outward-facing issues, and a variety of other complex mental states. It's a puzzle box to solve, and as you start to put the pieces together, the “a-ha” moments might just leave you with emotions you were not prepared for.
If you have read Mona Awad's novel Bunny and enjoyed it, I believe you will be right at home with this book. She has an uncanny ability to explain complex feelings in the fully realized worlds she creates. It may be confusing at first, but the author weaves together some familiar story lines, which help with some of the heavy lifting that's required. Everything makes emotional sense, even if some of the visuals might leave you scratching your head at first. If you do read it, I would suggest filing away some of the more repetitive and neurotic behaviors, such as the overabundant explanations of cosmetics for use in the latter portion of the book. But just like in Bunny, everything comes together in the end.
I had an amazing time with this book, and I think the best way to go into it is to know very little about the plot. Try to avoid any mention of themes, and I think it will really surprise you. There is no avoiding the emotional response to her journey. The impact of the book showcases a young woman's outward struggles with the world around her, illuminating thoughts and feelings we all go through in one way or another. This book also shines in the last 100 or so pages. It's a masterclass in compiling previous emotional sequences into a form that not one person might interpret the same way. It's mysterious, charming, cautionary, and surprisingly heartfelt.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4.5 out of 5
Merged review:
The book opens like a dream. A fever dream built around a main character who has experienced something tragic. A young woman named Belle takes a plane from Canada to California after she finds out her mother passed away under questionable circumstances. She must meet with the solicitor to talk about her mothers apartment, her dress shop, and the surprising amount of debt that she will be responsible for.
This part of the story is quite clear, but the lines start to blur when Belle thinks back to her childhood and the disparities in parenting between her grandmother and mother. Her mother never wanted Belle to go into her bedroom and peruse her closet. What was in her room that was so secretive and off-limits? Perhaps it was the mirror. The mirror allowed one to see things. Things that excite, things that seduce, and things that frighten. On the other hand, the grandmother wants to expose young Belle to the outside world. She rents her Tom Cruise movies from the video store so she can experience feelings such as envy, revenge, lust, and anger. But how does she cope with these new feelings? Well, you have to jump down the rabbit hole to find out.
This intricate plot has numerous levels to dig through: dealing with family, discovering yourself, inner problems with outward-facing issues, and a variety of other complex mental states. It's a puzzle box to solve, and as you start to put the pieces together, the “a-ha” moments might just leave you with emotions you were not prepared for.
If you have read Mona Awad's novel Bunny and enjoyed it, I believe you will be right at home with this book. She has an uncanny ability to explain complex feelings in the fully realized worlds she creates. It may be confusing at first, but the author weaves together some familiar story lines, which help with some of the heavy lifting that's required. Everything makes emotional sense, even if some of the visuals might leave you scratching your head at first. If you do read it, I would suggest filing away some of the more repetitive and neurotic behaviors, such as the overabundant explanations of cosmetics for use in the latter portion of the book. But just like in Bunny, everything comes together in the end.
I had an amazing time with this book, and I think the best way to go into it is to know very little about the plot. Try to avoid any mention of themes, and I think it will really surprise you. There is no avoiding the emotional response to her journey. The impact of the book showcases a young woman's outward struggles with the world around her, illuminating thoughts and feelings we all go through in one way or another. This book also shines in the last 100 or so pages. It's a masterclass in compiling previous emotional sequences into a form that not one person might interpret the same way. It's mysterious, charming, cautionary, and surprisingly heartfelt.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4.5 out of 5
Merged review:
The book opens like a dream. A fever dream built around a main character who has experienced something tragic. A young woman named Belle takes a plane from Canada to California after she finds out her mother passed away under questionable circumstances. She must meet with the solicitor to talk about her mothers apartment, her dress shop, and the surprising amount of debt that she will be responsible for.
This part of the story is quite clear, but the lines start to blur when Belle thinks back to her childhood and the disparities in parenting between her grandmother and mother. Her mother never wanted Belle to go into her bedroom and peruse her closet. What was in her room that was so secretive and off-limits? Perhaps it was the mirror. The mirror allowed one to see things. Things that excite, things that seduce, and things that frighten. On the other hand, the grandmother wants to expose young Belle to the outside world. She rents her Tom Cruise movies from the video store so she can experience feelings such as envy, revenge, lust, and anger. But how does she cope with these new feelings? Well, you have to jump down the rabbit hole to find out.
This intricate plot has numerous levels to dig through: dealing with family, discovering yourself, inner problems with outward-facing issues, and a variety of other complex mental states. It's a puzzle box to solve, and as you start to put the pieces together, the “a-ha” moments might just leave you with emotions you were not prepared for.
If you have read Mona Awad's novel Bunny and enjoyed it, I believe you will be right at home with this book. She has an uncanny ability to explain complex feelings in the fully realized worlds she creates. It may be confusing at first, but the author weaves together some familiar story lines, which help with some of the heavy lifting that's required. Everything makes emotional sense, even if some of the visuals might leave you scratching your head at first. If you do read it, I would suggest filing away some of the more repetitive and neurotic behaviors, such as the overabundant explanations of cosmetics for use in the latter portion of the book. But just like in Bunny, everything comes together in the end.
I had an amazing time with this book, and I think the best way to go into it is to know very little about the plot. Try to avoid any mention of themes, and I think it will really surprise you. There is no avoiding the emotional response to her journey. The impact of the book showcases a young woman's outward struggles with the world around her, illuminating thoughts and feelings we all go through in one way or another. This book also shines in the last 100 or so pages. It's a masterclass in compiling previous emotional sequences into a form that not one person might interpret the same way. It's mysterious, charming, cautionary, and surprisingly heartfelt.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4.5 out of 5
Merged review:
The book opens like a dream. A fever dream built around a main character who has experienced something tragic. A young woman named Belle takes a plane from Canada to California after she finds out her mother passed away under questionable circumstances. She must meet with the solicitor to talk about her mothers apartment, her dress shop, and the surprising amount of debt that she will be responsible for.
This part of the story is quite clear, but the lines start to blur when Belle thinks back to her childhood and the disparities in parenting between her grandmother and mother. Her mother never wanted Belle to go into her bedroom and peruse her closet. What was in her room that was so secretive and off-limits? Perhaps it was the mirror. The mirror allowed one to see things. Things that excite, things that seduce, and things that frighten. On the other hand, the grandmother wants to expose young Belle to the outside world. She rents her Tom Cruise movies from the video store so she can experience feelings such as envy, revenge, lust, and anger. But how does she cope with these new feelings? Well, you have to jump down the rabbit hole to find out.
This intricate plot has numerous levels to dig through: dealing with family, discovering yourself, inner problems with outward-facing issues, and a variety of other complex mental states. It's a puzzle box to solve, and as you start to put the pieces together, the “a-ha” moments might just leave you with emotions you were not prepared for.
If you have read Mona Awad's novel Bunny and enjoyed it, I believe you will be right at home with this book. She has an uncanny ability to explain complex feelings in the fully realized worlds she creates. It may be confusing at first, but the author weaves together some familiar story lines, which help with some of the heavy lifting that's required. Everything makes emotional sense, even if some of the visuals might leave you scratching your head at first. If you do read it, I would suggest filing away some of the more repetitive and neurotic behaviors, such as the overabundant explanations of cosmetics for use in the latter portion of the book. But just like in Bunny, everything comes together in the end.
I had an amazing time with this book, and I think the best way to go into it is to know very little about the plot. Try to avoid any mention of themes, and I think it will really surprise you. There is no avoiding the emotional response to her journey. The impact of the book showcases a young woman's outward struggles with the world around her, illuminating thoughts and feelings we all go through in one way or another. This book also shines in the last 100 or so pages. It's a masterclass in compiling previous emotional sequences into a form that not one person might interpret the same way. It's mysterious, charming, cautionary, and surprisingly heartfelt.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 4.5 out of 5
A criminal named Frank acquires an interesting box that can be used to conjure up whatever the solutionist desires, or so he thinks. Seeking the pleasures of the world, Frank solves the box and opens up a doorway in his bedroom, welcoming in a few interesting guests. These guests, named Cenobites, who wear some sort of pseudo-sadomasochism apparel, eventually grant Frank his wish.
|| “ Your most treasured depravity is child's play beside the experiences we offer.”
We are then introduced to Frank's brother, Rory, and his wife, Julia, whom Frank had an affair with right before their wedding day. Since that day, Julia has wanted Frank back, so you can sense her surprise when he shows up in her room, but something is definitely awry. He asks Julia for a favor that is downright depraved and immoral.
|| “No tears, please. It's a waste of good suffering.”
If you are familiar with the movie Hellraiser, then you will be at home with this novella. Although Pinhead is not mentioned by name, the descriptions of the creatures and Frank's transformation are much more terrifying to read than how they are depicted on screen. (imo)
Barker has an extraordinary way of describing extreme violence with haunting realism. Since there is really no character to ‘root for', you find yourself becoming enveloped in the ferocity and savagery of the story. It's curiously sensual in parts, and the ending packs a punch that I will not soon forget.
|| “ Everything tires with time, and starts to seek some opposition, to save it from itself.”
I believe this is considered a classic in the splatter-punk genre, and although it touches on some pretty heavy themes, it was quite good. Are there any other must-reads in the genre that I should add to my reading list?
Two buddies take a fishing trip in a remote area of Ireland near an old decrepit house. While exploring, they come across an old manuscript filled with unimaginable horrors.
Cosmic horror is the central theme running throughout this pulse-raising book. The manuscript that the two feverously read features an old recluse who spins fantastical stories about his time at the house. Some interactions with things that go bump in the night are familiar within the genre, while others are quite innovative for the time and are brought to a fever pitch: exploring cellars with a lantern, visiting the moors at night, and gloomy caverns that descend into chasms.
|| “It was not Halloween. If I were telling a story for amusement's sake, I should probably place it on that night of nights; but this is a true record of my own experiences, and I would not put pen to paper to amuse anyone.”
I felt I was walking the unlit corridors with the recluse and pepper (his dog), twisting around corridors and pondering what evil lay ahead. There is a keen sense of foreboding the author implies, which just amplifies the subtle scares and magnifies the twists and turns. Overall, I just think it is so ahead of its time! Do you like Gothic elements? It has it. Do you like other worldly creatures crashing the party? Call the Ghostbusters. Do you like decaying mansions and those who lift trap doors to find out what's beyond? Yep, this has it.
Oh, and the cosmic horror elements just put it over the top! I do not want to give much away, but it has the most ingenious visual of variable space and time. Very Lovecraftian.
Add it to your Halloween repertoire. You will not be disappointed.
|| “Then, at least, I should have known my danger, and been able to meet it; but to wait like this, through a whole night, picturing all kinds of unknown devilment, was to jeopardize one's sanity.”
A couple moves out to a farmhouse and has some interesting dealings with something sinister after the husband brings his groceries home in a loaner baby stroller.
This story hangs its hat on previous horror stories and uses it's built in language to try and graft together an interesting story. The only problem is that it does not have that extra gear of creativity or added ingredient to help make it stand out.
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 2.5 out of 5
Come one, come all, and read a festive Halloween tale about a group of kids who travel the globe learning about the many mysteries behind death itself. Your spooky ticket includes trips to Pre-Christian Europe, Egypt, Paris in the 16th century, and Mexico. You'll be in awe as the master storyteller uses his poetic pen to explain and describe how death originated in these cultures. Will all the passengers survive? Turn the pages to find out.
|| “They thought of All Hallows' Night and the billion ghosts awandering the lonely lanes in cold winds and strange smokes.”
This book is just pure excitement and joy. I'm sure this is not an original idea, but the story feels like a Halloween version of A Christmas Carol. Bradbury has a way with words, and this story whisks you away on a fun adventure through time. Even though this is probably aimed at kids, there were so many cultural references that I had to hit Wikipedia to learn more. If you are looking for a book that will bring a sparkle to the eye and a shudder to the heart this fine, spooky season, this one will do the trick.
|| “Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows' Eve”
⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 5 out of 5
|| “As passions decrease, character is revealed.”
Iain Reid has a knack for writing slow-burning, low-key books that come across as relatively simple ideas on the surface yet have deep, complex threads that peel away in layers. If you have read “I'm Thinking of Ending Things,” I think you will like this one as well.
Penny, an artist and introvert, is an elderly lady who lives alone and must be escorted to a long-term patient care facility after she falls from a stool and injures her head. It was the wish of her deceased partner that she be transferred to this long-term health unit when she was unable to care for herself. Penny immediately ingratiates herself with the new facility, meets the staff and the residents, and finds her accommodations pleasing, which have a view of a forest.
Not everything is rosy and wonderful. As you can expect, the center is home to some very dark secrets. Why are certain places off-limits? Why does the staff seem to want to maintain her hair and nails constantly? And why are there no privacy locks on any of the doors?
|| “We can't hold onto feelings forever.”
One thing is certain: psychological torment happens to both Penny and the reader. It pin-points our innermost fears, such as aging, and hones its heavy literary guise on regret with a larghetto tempo.
|| “ At what cost am I being protected from my age.”
I should probably mention that the events that happen herein are open to interpretation. That is why I think the book is great. You will certainly have quite a bit of contemplation after you flip the last page.
Yoko Ogawa writes a range of thrilling shorts in this collection called “Revenge.” Each story takes a short look into the lives of seemingly interconnected characters. However, once you get to know the characters, their tendencies, and their innermost thoughts, each thread sort of winds its way together.
The dark narratives always include some sort of macabre undertone and subtly that really gets under the skin. For instance, in “Sewing for the Heart” (my absolute favorite of the bunch), we are introduced to a singer who literally has her heart attached to the outside of her body. She is self-conscious of it, and as you can imagine, she wants it covered up so nobody can see it when she performs. She enlists the help of a handbag designer to develop something that fits over it. He has some interesting inner thoughts (to say the least) and develops a unique solution. This story really captures the feel of Japanese horror in a way that excites, nauseates, and makes you think. Sadly, not all of the shorts are as good as this one.
To me, most of the stories are a bit too heavy-handed. Yes, the universe being built between the stories is interesting, but it meanders quite a bit throughout, leaving some of the ah-ha moments to fall flat. I really did not have the inkling to review some of the past stories to really connect each and every thread together.
So, who is this for? Well, that is a tricky question to answer. It is effective enough to give you genuine goosebumps if you are a seasoned horror fan while also stimulating the brain with some extra sensory imaginative underpinnings if you are looking for something a bit more challenging. It just does not hit any trope with a wide brush.
———
A reaction to each story and a separate review for each:
Story 1 of 11: “Afternoon at the Bakery” - This one was on the creepy side. Especially the refrigerator scene. (⭐⭐⭐)
Story 2 of 11: “Fruit Juice” - this story had an eerie feel to it. A weird date, some fruit eating, and a melancholy follow up later in life. (⭐⭐)
Story 3 of 11 - “Old Mrs. J” - This was the best one so far! A drunk husband, fingerling vegetables, and massages gone wrong.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how “complete” it was. The final book in the series leaves no stone unturned, no emotional state unchecked, and no page left unturned without some sort of visceral reaction. Brandon Sanderson stated in the notes that he was fearful of this book because he actually had to end a series. Well, fear not, this ending was fantastic! Everything comes together like a grand puzzle. It's bold, clever, and satisfying.
What stands out to me is the flow of the book and the dedication to flesh out certain character traits in a methodical manner. No tricks here; just pure, exciting fantasy lore that has a quick pace and has something for everyone.
From here, I'll just say that I am not going to mention any characters storylines or plot points because, if you made it this far in the series, you are probably invested enough to give this last book a go. And if you do, it's best to go in without any knowledge, so it will probably be scatter-brained and vague from here on out.
I will say, however, that it is epic! There is such a fantastical density to the series. It ebbs and flows from one chapter to the next, adding memorable moments to characters while at the same time focusing your imagination on nostalgic moments and fully realized landscape eye-candy.
Initially, the draw of the first book is the hero's journey, the action, and the fun allomancy system, but those aspects are just a small fraction of what makes this book so great. It moves along at break-neck speeds, and although it is long in terms of page numbers, it never feels like it is too long or too short, if that makes sense. I even really enjoyed the action sequences in this novel as well. This is something that kind of irked me in the first two, but the large-scale descriptions worked better than the one vs. one fisticuffs.
Brandon Sanderson has done something special with this series. I know this isn't really a review, but I hope these ramblings will be the boost you need to check out the series if you are in the mood for a fun journey.
I'd like to believe that being a king or an emperor is simple. To be fit for kingship, all you have to do is draw a sword from a stone or demonstrate your ability as an emperor by marching across a three-mile bridge wearing Alexander the Great's armor. In Brandon Sanderson's “The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2),” Elvis (I'm changing the character's name as to not spoil anything from the first book) is a new king. And it is anything but easy. He'll have to have ‘a little less conversation' with his enemies, put up with a ‘hound dog' that watches over his beloved, and be a voice of reason for his people, most of whom are ‘living in the ghetto'. He must do all this without getting ‘all shook up' with his other duties. Basically, ‘it's now or never!' (I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it with the name.)
|| “A good king is one who is trusted by his people—and one who deserves that trust.”
Okay, so the book is more Attack of the Clones and less Empire Strikes Back, if you get my drift. (I told myself I would not mention Star Wars in this review, but here we are.) It is strong in its politics, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. For me, at least. Basically, Elvis is trying to be a shining light to Lutadel by setting up a new government that is run by the people, for the people. The land is stricken by the events of the last book, and it's up to Elvis to quell the ‘suspicious minds' of the people and its enemies. (I swear that's the last one.) Along the way, a few armies appear on the kingdom's doorstop looking to conquer, but Vin, our favorite allomancer, might have something to say about that.
|| “Those who take lightly promises they make to those they love are people who find little lasting satisfaction in life.”
I thought this was a strong book in the series. It checks all the fantasy boxes you come to enjoy from the author while tossing in a bit of extra lore and some exciting twists. The new metals (more on that later) and the semi-interesting love triangle hamper it a bit, but in the end, it's a satisfying tale.
One of my favorite characters is OreSeur. He is part of a race of people called Kandra who can imitate a being by eating them after they pass on. (Gross, I know, but fun!) After the bones and flesh are consumed, they eat, smell, act, and talk just like their predecessors. It's sort of like a conglomeration of ideas from Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing. The Kandra are subservient to their contracted master and are very protective of their special abilities and their past. Vin has a contract in place at the beginning of the book, and she makes her Kandra take on the appearance of a wolfhound. (I don't know why, but I pictured it looking like some sort of weird beast-folk being from Dr. Moreau's island.) The banter between Vin and Onseur is top-tier! Remember the wit, jest, and meaningful convo's with Kaladin and Slyphrena in The Stormlight Archive? Yeah, it's sort of like that.
|| “Perhaps it is also time to learn of other truths, other ways”
Let's do the checkmark thing again. (Work with me here, there is ALOT to unpack in this book.)
I think you will dig this book if you like......
✔ Politics – Quite a bit of base-line politics. King's rulings are in question; King questions if he is right for the position; King is often challenged because of his inexperience. (It's a fun and clever dynamic.)
✔ A teeny tiny bit of romance – I mean a MINUSCULE amount. The slightest of slight, itsy bitsy, infinitesimal, mini, etc. Girl likes boy(s), Boy likes Girl, Girl snuggles with Boy, Boy thinks Girl is attractive in a unique way, Girl wants to be held by Boy, Girl questions relationship with Boy. Girl straddles Boy at one point. (Oh là là, spicy!) I'm making fun, but it's pretty standard fare. Nothing too heavy-handed, just the right amount to keep you interested.
✔ Familiar-y fantasy lore - A hierarchy of magic users, an ancient power, a hero's quest. Basically, all the good stuff.
✔ Magic System - The new metals do not make a whole lot of sense, to be honest, but their action/reactionary visuals are just pure eye candy.
✔ Fantastical Creatures Koloss and Mistwraiths. Say no more.
|| “If you perpetuate the dreams of the past, you stifle your own dreams of the future.”
** Okay, this is where the nitpicks section begins, so advert your eyes if you would rather not read me rant a bit about some of my personal misgivings and/or wants.**
Remember when you watched The Matrix for the first time and you were like, “Whoa! The fight scenes were just mind-blowing. When you started the sequel, you said to yourself, “How could the fight scenes get any better?”, Then the scene where Neo fights 100's of agents scrambled your brain. Well, the battle sequences in this book never really reached those heights for me. They were serviceable, but I just thought there would be a little extra oomph (scientific book term) added to the allomancy system. A few coins are thrown; there are some reactionary moments that were intriguing, but it was really hard for me not to be sort of bored. (The last battle not withstanding) At one point, as I was reading a fight sequence and my eyes started to glaze a bit, I pictured Vin as Trinity and started to develop some of my own battle sequences. I know, “What a mind job.”
Let's talk about the bite-sized attempts at democracy. Just give me an all-out, detailed take on the kingship. Human rights, fundamental freedoms, separation of powers, accountability, etc. I know this is an extreme nitpick, but the stakes seemed to warrant a more detailed sense of the divisionary process. The pieces fit well, but did the recurring issues with the crown make me care as much as Elvis did? Not so much.
This book was a fun and enchanting sequel. It was easy to read, easy to get attached to certain characters, and it had enough twists to make you want to keep learning more about the world. Was it as good as the first? I think so. I also champion a book that dives knee-deep into the overarching story as the climax looms. It's so much better than just having a battle to “find out who wins.” This happens all too often in the last third of both books and movies.
Last note: I nominate this book series to add to your reading repertoire.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm eyeing the third book with as much anticipation as Indy eyes an idol. I must get to it.
In 1963, a young literature student by the name of Annie Ernaux discovers she is pregnant and decides to seek an abortion. At that time in France, the practice was illegal, so she attempted to find other furtive ways to perform the procedure.
Some four decades later, Ernaux recounts these past moments by piecing together excerpts from her daily journal in a straightforward and brutally honest fashion. It's succinct, eye-opening, and assiduous in description.
Ernaux discusses how some sounds and visuals leave permanent imprints on your mind's eye, influencing how you view the world as you grow older and when you recall them. This is definitely a memoir that will not soon be forgotten.
Brandon Sanderson's “The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)” is insanely good, but you do not need me to tell you that. I flipped a coin (picture Watto saying, “Let's let fate decide.”) when deciding to start either the Stormlight Archive or the Mistborn series, and well, Stormlight won out, but I eventually made my way back to Mistborn, and I am SO glad I did.
Oh, boy. I sopped up and devoured the political intrigue, the world-building, and the battle sequences while feasting on my favorite snack, hummus and naan, each day during lunch. Which allomantic metal do I have to burn to get an endless supply?
Hmmm. What is the best way to describe the book? Basically, a thief by the name of Kelsier (do names get any cooler than that?) is setting up an ultimate heist to bring back stability and peace among the lands. He must conquer someone by the name of the Lord Ruler, with whom he has a checkered past. However, he cannot complete his quest alone. He channels his inner Danny Ocean and puts together a rag-tag group of ‘magic' users, thugs, miscreants, scholars, and impersonators. Can he trust this group to help him secure the land and overthrow pure evil? Kelsier has a leg up on some of his foes. He can use allomancy. A special power that allows him to consume and burn metals. These metals give short bursts of power. But we all know what comes with great power. No, not great responsibility; these guys are thieves. It comes with great caution. Because if an allomancer burns a metal that is not pure, they can get sick and even die!
This book has a little bit for everyone. Do you like political upheaval? Check! Do you like a good revenge story? Check! Do you like a teeny tiny bit of romance with your exploratory magic system? Check, check! Do you like descriptive action sequences as much as you like spending time masquerading at balls? Check! Okay, enough of the check marks. You basically want to root for each and every character. Most are flawed, but it's easy to pick a few that you can relate to. You will undoubtedly become embroiled in the plot, and when you do, it will spark a fun sense of creative adventure, page after page.
|| “While I may wonder about my stature as the hero, there is one thing that I have never questioned: the ultimate good of our quest.”
In my opinion, the book is less epic fantasy and more urban fantasy. It's not quite YA, either. Well, I guess you could consider it that; let's just say it has a YA underpinning but can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone! I love how the book focuses most of its energy on the ‘fish out of water' character named Vin. She is strong, fierce, caring, and a down-right bad-to-the-bone character. Without giving too much away, she's the Linus Caldwell of the group (if we are still running with the Ocean's Eleven analogy. You know, Matt Damon's character). She must keep up appearances in a noble setting to gain information as well as train her inherent abilities so that she is ready for the long fight ahead. It's enduring to see how the character changes throughout. Her fawning over a certain someone was a bit trying at times, but I kind of warmed up to it after a while.
**Note: – have tried the “Oh, I am just here in the library at the same table as you” reading move back in the day; it does not work. Not in the slightest. Come to think of it, maybe it's because I was reading a horror novel. Oh, well, I digress.|| “Our belief is often strongest when it is weakest; that is the nature of hope.”So, okay, the story is great, and the character development is superb. What about the action? Right. Well, it's sort of a conglomeration of all your favorite hero and villain tropes. We have rooftop running and jumping, ala TMNT and Batman; aerial battles similar to any Marvel comic; restorative and regenerative powers not unlike any good video game; but what this has that sets it apart from all those things is time to explain its fun and exciting alloy-based ‘magic' system.Now please, advert your eyes, because now I would like to focus on a few nit-picks I have with my somewhat limited Sanderson scope. For all the minutia put behind the power systems he creates (generalizing here), I feel like his take on battles can be a bit too long. Do not get me wrong, though. The beginning of Way of Kings has one of the most eye-opening and exciting battle sequences I have read, but, more often than not, the battles are simply *cough ordinary. The initial training stages between Vin and Kelsier are great, but, for me, most of the fight sequences kind of run together. It's not that my eyes were glazing over or anything; it's just that the stakes are not well defined. As nuanced as the alomancy system is, there are a few too many “If it bleeds, we can kill it!” moments and not enough cause-and-effect cerebral fist-a-cuffs.
|| “Plots behind plots, plans behind plans. There was always another secret.”
What makes this novel so great is that even though Vin has these incredible powers at her disposal and can inflict much pain on her foes, she is ultimately vulnerable emotionally. There is an underlying sadness that she carries with her, and it endures you to her plight. Conjuring those heavy emotions and using them to help defeat evil like Skywalker (too many Star Wars references, I know!), Wonder Woman, or Bruce Wayne hits you harder in the gut than any exciting action sequence can. It's a glorious tale that anyone can appreciate and sink their teeth into.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm writing this review while hanging from a cliff I fell off after reading the last few pages. I really need to make it back up so I can start book two.