I'll be taking a break for a bit from reading challenges and Litsy.
No worries, though, I will return, just not sure when. 😊
I wish you all a wonderful New Year, and I look forward to seeing all the great books you've read when I return.
I'll be taking a break for a bit from reading challenges and Litsy.
No worries, though, I will return, just not sure when. 😊
I wish you all a wonderful New Year, and I look forward to seeing all the great books you've read when I return.
#tob24 long list
Perhaps it's me and not the book because, to be honest, I don't have anything negative to say about this read. It just didn't really resonate with me personally.
I can see the appeal for others with this book, but for me, it has a good premise/story and forgettable characters.
#tob24 long list
Give me a story with well-developed characters that allow me to see and experience the world around them, and I am hooked. Idlewild was such an enjoyable read that made me think, made me feel, and even surprised me.
It's a great story about growing up and reflecting, and the 9/11 storyline was very well handled in it.
And, I loved the ending. 😁
#tob24 long list
Another just okay read from the list for me. As a fan of a sci-fi, time travel, and books about cults, I liked many aspects in this complex story following a woman, Ursa, who can travel back to memories of her past.
This story has a lot to it with trauma, love, and family relationships. In the end, it could have used some editing because all of the different themes become heavy and ultimately get lost amongst each other.
#tob24 long list
Sparrow is probably one of the toughest reads I've read all year. My emotions were all over the place with this unflinching story of a young boy growing up in a Roman brothel. It is a wonderfully written historical fiction that will leave you utterly drained yet satisfied when finished.
If you are a fan of books like Shuggie Bain, this book reminded me of that in the way it brutally attacked my emotions.
#tob24 long list
Moby Dick is one of my favorite books, so when I started this book about someone researching Melville, I was excited.
The good: I thought the story was unique and enjoyed the back and forth between Melville's life and the life of the main character. I was also a fan of how things became more blurred between what was real and what was research as the story unfolded.
The bad: For me, the big turn-off is not knowing what ⬇️⬇️
#tob24
It isn't a normal thing for me to bail, but as time ticked away on this library hold and I found myself unable to connect, and kept having to restart from the beginning each time I tried because I was confused about what was happening, I decided to return it in the hopes the next person would have better luck. 😁
I don't think I'll attempt to revisit this one later. It hurts my head just thinking about it.
#tob24 longlist
Yet another example of a book from this list that could have been great. I loved the gritty, Western tone; it felt original. Also, focusing on two women recently released from prison was a great premise.
Sadly, though, another book falls short due to poor execution in the end. The book starts strong, then the storyline tries to be too complex and ultimately collapses on itself.
I would read this author again, though.
#tob24 longlist
I found myself pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. There is so much detail in this story. I'll admit that at times, I found myself asking why the author was telling me every miniscule detail of the way something looked or the supplies being used, but it really does all come together to enrich the story.
This book might not be for everyone, but fans of sweeping historical tales like East of Eden will like it.
#tob24
I'm a big fan of this feminist retelling of Orwell's classic. I felt it was really well done and timely. Learning about Julia's young life was fascinating to me. Newman has done something special here; she's breathed new life into a timeless novel while also paying reverence to the genius of the original.
I only wish I had reread 1984 before this one because it's been years since my last read.
This was one I was excited to read even before the #tob24 long list came out. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. Great ideas, interesting setting, but ultimately the author has too many unanswered questions and giant cavern sized plot holes.
And don't even get me started on that terrible ending! 🤦♀️ I will be surprised if this makes the shortlist.
I'm still working on a few from the #tob24 list that I already had checked out, but these are my library holds that I have gotten in the past two days.
Have you read any that you liked from these?
If you've followed me for long on Litsy, then you know that weird, grotesque horror is right up my alley. However, this book pushed some boundaries that left me feeling uneasy. It also still left me with a lot of questions once I finished.
I'm thankful books like this are showing up in the #tob24 though.
If you had trouble reading last year's pick, Manhunt, then you'll probably want to skip this one.
#tob24
This is a unique story that I really enjoyed. It was fun to read a story where the top literary writers of the time come together to discuss what will happen next for America now. It's set in 1883, but I couldn't help but make connections between societal issues then and now.
Part of why this works so well is because it's short. I feel if it were longer, I would have lost interest.
#tob24
Definitely one of my favorites from the long list! 💚
This Sapphic historical fiction swept me up in the story and had me enthralled. Julia Watts paints a vivid picture of life in 1950s Kentucky. Usually, romance isn't my thing, but that is just a small part of this sweeping tale of friendship, acceptance, and learning to be oneself.
#tob24
This book was a bit of a mess. The ideas presented felt relevant and current, but the length of this book and the way the story is told does not do it justice. I never felt connected to any of the characters, and because of all the different POVs, I was confused a lot about who was talking.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but this book needed editing and polishing.
While I did not find this one scary, I still really liked it. It doesn't compare to the foreboding paranoia I felt while reading Shirley Jackson, but Elizabeth Hand has done an incredible job of creating interesting, flawed characters.
The house itself wasn't as big of a character as I would have liked, but Hand still has some great descriptions of it in her writing.
I wanted a quick thriller to read, so I grabbed this from the library one night on my way home.
I should have left it there. 🤣 This book was terrible. The characters are superficial, annoying people living in unrelateable scenarios who find themselves caught up in a situation with the Mafia.
Just avoid this one.
This is an excellent collection of stories. I even discovered some new to me authors. The stories are varied, from horror to sci-fi, with each one showing the injustices still prevalent in our society.
By far, my favorite was Dark Home by Nnedi Okorafor. But there were so many other great ones in this anthology. Horror fans will be pleased.
#tob24
Although not a favorite from the long list, I wouldn't be upset if it made the short list. It's a quiet, poetic novel of a woman in her 60s reflecting on her life. She finds herself in a location that allows her to analyze and make changes she might not have otherwise.
The setting has strong symbolism to the story, and even though this book is quite melancholy, it didn't leave me feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
This is a charming read that explores the meaning of life from various points of view. I really enjoyed getting wrapped up in each character's life.
Although I liked this one, I am surprised it made it on the #tob24 long list.
@BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @Megabooks @Suet624 @BkClubCare @Jas16 @cariashley @MicheleinPhilly @Larkken @merelybookish @batsy @Readerann @Hooked_on_books
#tob24
I love weird, and I love fairytale retellings. Kelly Link is a brilliant writer, but there were only two stories in this collection that I enjoyed.
The others felt lackluster in comparison. I do appreciate that she explored fairytales not commonly known. Some of the connections to the original tales were too loose, which made it difficult to follow.
I listened to this one, and I'm glad I did because I might have bailed on it as a book. It's another short read on the #tob24 long list.
I really don't have much to say about this one. Overall, it was just okay for me. I think had I read this in my 20s, I might have connected with it more.
Perhaps I'm too old and jaded now to fully appreciate the wanderlust of this journey. 😁
#tob24
I loved this book! It helps too that I grew up in the Golden Triangle area of Texas that is a huge part of this story because of the oil/gas industry there.
Kiesling tackles climate change, geopolitical issues, social injustices, and more. We see the problems of the world through Bunny's view. As she ages, we see her question her role in these problems.
This is a rich novel that will leave you contemplating it long after you finish.
#tob24
I wanted so much more from this book. Paul Harding has presented a heart-wrenching story with beautiful prose. I have enjoyed other books by him previously, but the vast time frame with the large cast of characters did not feel fully explored for my tastes in this short read.
I do love that Harding introduced me to something I knew nothing about before reading this book. Now I plan on researching more about Malaga Island.
I have loved Carlile's music for a long time. This was a beautifully written look into the artist's life.
Bonus: I had no clue that she sang on the audiobook!
#NonfictionNovember
Loved it!
I know Friends had its issues, but like Miller talks about in the book, watching the show is like comfort food.
There was a lot in this that I already knew, but there were also some things I had no clue about. Either way, listening to this was bittersweet, but also brought up a lot of warm fuzzy feelings.
#NonfictionNovember
#NonfictionNovember
Coming from a family with a history of schizophrenia, I was very interested in this book. Fans of Hidden Valley Road should definitely read this one.
The Genain sisters have a tragic story, and the author did a great deal of research to ensure the reader fully understood the world in which these quadruplets grew up in.
Difficult, but informative read.
I didn't love it; I didn't hate it. It was just okay overall for me.
Jada is open about many things, and I appreciate her taking responsibility, but something in her style with this memoir just didn't connect for me.
#NonfictionNovember
I graduated high school in 1999 in Louisiana, so Britney was a huge part of my memories that year and my first year in college. While I wasn't a fan of her music, I still thought she was very talented.
This book was full of so much heart. Like others have said, I'm thankful she is finally being seen and getting to tell her story.
#NonfictionNovember
#NonfictionNovember
I was let down by this book. Aside from reading, playing video games is a favorite hobby of mine. Most of the games mentioned I have played. Perhaps knowing the stories for these games kept me from enjoying it more. I felt like it was just a synopsis of popular games and not really a look at the extensive storytelling I expected.
This book is written for teen readers, though, so it might work better for a younger crowd.
#NonfictionNovember
I've been binging celebrity memoirs recently, and this one was a great audiobook read by Jennifer Grey.
The 80s nostalgia in this was a lot of fun. Grey gives insights into both her acting career and her personal life, and through it all, she felt "real" and honest. It was much more candid than I expected it to be, but that's what made it so entertaining.
Great YA nonfiction!
This is a brief look into authors who have contributed to making the horror genre great. It may be short, but the details and authors featured were all well-researched and presented in an accessible way for readers both familiar and unfamiliar with the authors.
It would make a perfect gift for a budding horror fan.
#NonfictionNovember
#NonfictionNovember
Having read her sister's book first, this one was enjoyable but echoed thoughts from that one, so I couldn't help but spend my time comparing them.
Although Jinger's journey to separate herself from her family takes a slightly different path than her sister's, it hits on key points from their childhood of the control used to keep the family in line.
Fascinating read! I loved this one.
I'm not a hiker, but I can understand the pull of those seeking connection with the natural world. Andrea Lankford did a thorough job with her research about three missing hikers and the search to find out what happened to them. She delves into the culture around the hiking world and doesn't shy away from discussing the terrible accidents that can easily claim a hiker's life.
#NonfictionNovember
#ToB24
I've read 13 of the 58 books listed this year for the Tournament of Books Long List (https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the-year-in-fiction-2023).
The bigger the picture above, the more I liked it. I am pleasantly surprised with the horror books featured this year. That's not normally a genre you see many of in this tournament.
I was drawn to this book because the house involved is called "The House of Seven Gables." That made me think this was going to be a gothic haunted house story. But, it wasn't.
Instead, this book is a fast-paced more modern haunted house tale where ancient powers lay hidden both in the house and in an "ancestor" attached to the house. It read like a made for TV horror film, with enough to keep me entertained, but no lasting power.
#NonfictionNovember
I never watched Jennette McCurdy's show, but I was familiar with its popularity. When I started this one, I wasn't sure what to expect. She's so vulnerable with her writing right from the beginning that I instantly felt an emotional connection. The pure honesty of this, mixed with humor through the darkness she faced in her life made me appreciate her story and made me hope for healing and brightness for her future.
I have to admit, I only recently watched this show. I was busy with life when it originally aired, but I have now binged all seasons and needed more. 😁
This book is written in interview style, which I personally loved. It gives so much information on how the show came together, the writers, the actors, and even the struggles.
It was fun to revisit one of my favorite sitcoms and all those who made it great.
#NonfictionNovember
Another book in the Paperbacks from Hell collection.
This book just didn't work at all for me. I love creepy, and I love weird, and this book has both of those things, but nothing makes sense, and it all is too absurd with minimal character development.
The cover is the best part of this book.
I highly recommend listening to this one. The audiobook was so well done.
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It ended up on my TBR, and I couldn't remember why. However, I'm thankful to #NonfictionNovember for pushing me to read it.
This collection of essays is eye-opening, beautifully written, and addresses many different topics. The combination of social commentary with popular music was pure genius.
Amazing! 🤩
I can't sing enough praise about this book. It is written in free verse with gorgeous illustrations on every page. The way the words and the graphics come together are flawless.
I borrowed this from my library, but I will definitely buy myself a copy for my shelves.
#NonfictionNovember
#NonfictionNovember
Growing up, my parents worked in a funeral home, so I had a different view of death than others around me at the time. Reading about other jobs that deal with death on a daily basis was fascinating, and I thought the author did a great job choosing a varied group of people and jobs to explore in this book.
This book is difficult at times to read. Even the author has trouble at one point, and I appreciated her honesty.
Working at the library means I get to take books home before they go on the shelves, and I was excited to read this one last week.
This book isn't perfect or groundbreaking, but like the first book, it pulls you into a fun, action-packed fantasy world that reads like getting lost in a well-done movie.
I still love the dragons the most. 💚
Although I had heard of Jeanne Villepreux-Power, I was unaware of her history and all the amazing contributions she made to marine science.
This is written for teen readers, but it's still a fascinating read for adults interested in this subject.
The author did a great with the visuals; it added to my understanding and appreciation.
#NonfictionNovember
My local library on Libby recently acquired some of the horror novels re-released in the Paperbacks from Hell series.
Nightblood is a campy vampire story set in a rural town full of secrets and small mindedness. The main character, led by the ghost of his brother, hunts down the undead.
This book had everything I love in an old-school horror read. It was fast-paced, entertaining, and had a few good jump scare scenes.
#NonfictionNovember
I've never watched the show, but I will admit to being intrigued by this family for a long time. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Jill offers a candid look into what it was like growing up a Duggar. She also opens up about breaking free of her family. How she was able to still be around her father after realizing the control he had over her for years really shows maturity and strength on her part.
Mary Shelley has such a tragic story, and yet through that, she created Frankenstein at such a young age that it leaves me in awe.
This is a YA nonfiction (#nonfictionNovember) and it was a tad dry and focused on Percy Shelley more than Mary.
It's a good introduction for readers who might not know anything about her life.
This YA fiction book based on true events was such a powerful read.
Two high school students protest an assignment about Hitler and the Final Solution. The impact this has on not only the school, but the community around it shows how important it is to stand up for what's right.