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My memory of this read is a bit muddled because it's been a while since I read it. I recall that upon completion of reading it, I was left with the realization that most of the time happiness is a matter of perspective. One should not hold off on righting all of their wrongs. And a good long walk is sometimes the perfect thing to do to help reflect and clear all the chaos that can accumulate and consume your soul.
A very decent debut. The relationship between the main two characters is disturbing – is it a classic case of Stockholm syndrome or no? Although I do consider this a page-turner, it loses a couple of stars because of the mother and father's relationship towards one another – it was quite tedious having to read through those parts.
What the heck, Scout? You stand your ground almost until the very end not caring whether you alienate your family because dang it, you have ethical morals and you will defend them to the end – almost. Then your uncle slaps you across the face and pours some liquor down your throat and all of a sudden you concede and are okay with the way things are? Tsk tsk, young lady. This book does not hold a candle to [b:To Kill a Mockingbird 2657 To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361975680s/2657.jpg 3275794], and fortunately for fans of the great classic it does not take anything away from it either. In fact fans of TKAM may end up loving the classic even more!
I read this one again in preparation for its sequel-prequel, and thought to myself: whether [b:Go Set a Watchman|24817626|Go Set a Watchman|Harper Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428234289s/24817626.jpg|44458285] turns out to be a hit or a flop, it will never take away from this amazing piece of literature. [b:To Kill a Mockingbird|2657|To Kill a Mockingbird|Harper Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361975680s/2657.jpg|3275794] will always stand alone as one of the greats. Afterthought: Many find Atticus to be the hero, however, my fondness for the sheriff grows with each read.
I was very young the first time I read this so I thought I'd give it another shot. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time around, however, the changes that happen to Nettie during her last year or so before she reunites with Celie are not as believable as the other events that take place throughout the story. And though her letters to Celie remain about the same length throughout, the last few somehow feel rushed and not as detailed. With that said, whether in the book or on the big screen, I find it oh so touching when the sisters finally reunite. And I was very pleased with how all of the characters find some inner peace that provides them with the strength to be more accepting of one another and appreciate the small things in life. I can't ever pass by purple flowers or a purple field and not think of Shug, Celie, and Sofia!
Not since [b:Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 14940 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Albee https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327962277s/14940.jpg 461400]have I come across such a dysfunctional family. This family mudslings and harbors deceit in pretty hefty doses. And true to life, once all of the toxic resentment surfaces, it leaves the readers with unsettling questions about how everything turns out. No one is able to, or attempts to take back what they've said. And no one leaves living happily ever after. For some, it may have been better to be kept in the dark. Mental note: book flight to Hawaii this Thanksgiving!
I‘m not really into post-apocalyptic novels, but this one had everything to keep my interest going: a vivid setting, realistic characters, and a plot finely woven between pre- and post-pandemic times. I often imagine if I were in a show like Survivor, or a character in [b:The Hunger Games 2767052 The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) Suzanne Collins https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437799453s/2767052.jpg 2792775], if I would have what it takes to survive. I think I'd stand a good chance, but how would the experiences change me? Would I have a more cynical outlook in life? Would I be an all-or-nothing cut throat? The arrogant narcissist? The one, who despite all the hardships, remains unchanged? This book really made me stop and think about the type of person I would become if I were to survive a world sans technology, loved ones, media or social order of any kind. The underlying message here is that we are more resilient than we think because “survival is insufficient.” But how we choose (or are forced) to survive and live our lives anew is a horse of a different color.
A beautifully detailed story set in occupied France and mostly told through the eyes of a blind girl and a boy with big hopes and dreams (and the brain and skills to achieve them) who is forced to become a Hitler youth. The plot was extremely original for the subject matter, and the characters jumped out of the pages.
I read this book back in January - what a great way to kick off this year's reads. The storyline of necromancer Cabal trying to get what he wants by duping the devil is genius and hysterical. A bit like The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, Cabal is a socially inept scientist. This doesn't necessarily make him a bad person...just a sort of misunderstood one.
Lily Casey is definitely someone I'd love to have a friend. Full of grit, she would've been a blast going cross country with. And I loved the dynamic between her and her second husband. They did everything they could to support each other and make each other and their children happy. I wish Jeanette's parent's had been a little more thoughtful about the legacy they'd be leaving behind for their kids. Good thing she had Lily's blood coursing through her veins. Strong gals those two.
One of the most disturbing coming of age stories I've read in a while - loved the minor reference to [b:Joyland 13596166 Joyland Stephen King https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348154483s/13596166.jpg 19185026]. I had to take away a star because a few parts were a bit too long winded for my taste. Overall, a very solid and enjoyable read.
I was excited to sit down and read my first Tanizaki book. Boy, did I choose the wrong one! The love triangle plot was just ridiculous. The characters seemed like overgrown adolescents on a hormonal rampage. Halfway through the book I began wishing that they'd all have mercy on me by killing themselves.
I just finished reading some Goodreads members' reviews, and many have confirmed that Tanizaki's other works are much more dynamic and pleasant to read, so I will give his work another shot - just not anytime soon. I need to heal from this traumatic episode first.
A tale of unexpected gifts told through beautiful visuals of NYC. Paul Auster has committed to writing a Christmas story for his paper but has no idea what to write about. He doesn't want to write about cliché overly sentimental holiday sap. He wants something original and true to his style of writing - true to his voice. Enter Auggie who shares with Paul a story that may just save Paul's hide.
Daphne du Maurier draws up a suspense infused with a million details (that doesn't read like a long, drawn out body of work) which still only manages to weave an ambiguous understanding of whether one had ill intentions over another from the start. It's open to interpretation which will make for great discussion, and it makes for a cozy read on a chilly and rainy afternoon!
When I opened the book I was surprised to see
That it was written in verse, yet the mystery
Of little Margaret and her flaming red hair,
Ended abruptly, with piqued interest - already drawn to the lair,
I kept reading on, I was a bit saddened to find
‘twasn't a novel I'd read, but short stories whose characters' lives intertwined.
That aside, I enjoyed it a lot.
Some of the characters will not soon be forgot.
Margaret's mom, in denial, comes to my mind.
She made me so mad, she made my teeth grind.
Clifford's dreams and aspirations I wish had been realized.
Lest we forget his father: eyes full of life, body paralyzed.
But when I think back to my favorite of all,
It is young man Nathan who answers the call.
Duped to make a speech at his ex-girlfriend's wedding,
The ex thought she'd have a laugh hearing him stutter and watching his face reddening.
But he had the last laugh. He was a pip.
He exposed her for who she was – man, he let it rip!
Moral of the story: karma's a bitch, you cheating cow!
Nathan, good job! G'head, take a bow.
Rebecca: a classic which calls to me and demands to be read time and again. After suffering a series of painful headaches preventing me from reading, my friend surprised me with the audio version – I was a little hesitant listening to it, but am so glad I did. Anna Massey does an outstanding job narrating this classic – Her soft, clear voice makes for the perfect Mrs. de Winter, and she does a beautiful job of changing her voice's tone and accent to fit the other characters as well. I highly recommend to Rebecca lovers.
