While reading Sylvia Plath I remembered my oldest daughter had this book stashed away on her bookshelf. I wanted something to compare what I was readiWhile reading Sylvia Plath I remembered my oldest daughter had this book stashed away on her bookshelf. I wanted something to compare what I was reading to, so I decided to follow up with this. The difference between the two were night and day. Plath was complex and took more effort to digest whereas this was simple and easy to absorb. What I discovered was this book is meant for a younger audience or an audience that is in a different phase of their life. Married with teenagers love speaks a different language than young love. I remember those feelings but do not actively feel them. I can relate with nods to the past but can’t pull from the present-day stream of life flowing around me.
Three stars to a read that wasn’t meant for the current version of me....more
Q: What does an evil twin sister and a dead homeless person have in common?
A: Two people that can’t keep their asses out of trouble for longer than fiQ: What does an evil twin sister and a dead homeless person have in common?
A: Two people that can’t keep their asses out of trouble for longer than five seconds.
This is not a bad little story if you can accept that the current author’s vision of the characters is not the same as the original author. I can say that I am finally far enough removed from the original to be okay with this. I can also say that I will forever miss the hell out of the original Lisbeth and Blomkvist.
I liked the part of the story involving the case Blomkvist was investigating. I did not like the storyline involving Lisbeth, her twin sister and how it connected with Blomkvist. Things were damoiseau in distress at certain points and I was left rolling my eyes in disbelief and disappointment.
Three stars to a book that led me on a lot of educational google searches....more
A man smarter than every person currently living has a scientific discovery that no one will believe.
I can suspend belief for a story that requirA man smarter than every person currently living has a scientific discovery that no one will believe.
I can suspend belief for a story that requires it. I cannot suspend belief for a story this awful. The characters were annoying, the writing was terrible and the plot was an absolute train wreck. My biggest gripe had to do with the lead character, Oz. He was so full of himself and his endless prattle about how he had all the answers and if only the world would listen to him was enough to make any creature (man or beast) want to maul him.
One star to a book that is the reason I will never pick up a Patterson book again....more
A mother decides to return to the workforce but will the live-in nanny she hired be the biggest mistake of her life?
Anna misses the career part oA mother decides to return to the workforce but will the live-in nanny she hired be the biggest mistake of her life?
Anna misses the career part of life. Bringing in outside help so she can get back into it seems to be the logical next step. Finding trustworthy help that doesn’t leave her mind full of doubts is harder than it appears. With a husband that is preoccupied with issues of his own, and a neighbor that’s offers more judgement than help, Anna is spending most of her time rethinking her choice of nanny. Especially after her usually healthy children start making trips to the local ER.
Reviewing a book based on three things and how well they are done is the core of my rating system. The first is the writing style because I need something that stands out from the rest. The second is how well the characters are done because I need to feel an attachment or emotion towards them as I fall into their life alongside them. The third is the plot because it must be something that captures my attention and holds it. I do not require a book to hit the mark on all three but what I do need is at least one of them to be above average.
This book did not impress me at all. The writing was average, the characters were obnoxious and the plot was predictable. Anna, the lead character grated on my nerves from the first page until the last. She was selfish, annoying and her inner dialogue made me want to chuck the book across the room. The other supporting characters were bland and without personalities which was unfortunate considering how crucial to the plot a few of them were.
Two stars to a book that put a lot of unnecessary and irritating nonsense on the last page....more
An unsolved past crime is woken up after a new crime stirs the pot.
This is one of those books where even the most basic piece of regurgitated infoAn unsolved past crime is woken up after a new crime stirs the pot.
This is one of those books where even the most basic piece of regurgitated information in a review could ruin how the story impacts the reader. Each character introduction connects to the next piece of the puzzle, so something as simple as using a name or how they are related to another character could be a potential spoiler. This is exactly why I enjoyed reading this book so much. Each chapter revealed a little more of the mystery and kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The characters were engaging, the plot stellar and the writing was excellent. I would have given it five stars if it wasn’t for a smidge of predictability and a bit of beyond belief happenings....more
Growing up on fairy tales where the princess had to find her prince to fulfill her life's purpose of the happily ever after is something I look back uGrowing up on fairy tales where the princess had to find her prince to fulfill her life's purpose of the happily ever after is something I look back upon with skepticism. Not all of us are meant to take that path and the path presented by those stories is never as simple as they make it. That is why I loved this story. It shows it isn't always easy and that all parties have their wants and needs that carry equal weight. The writing was perfection and I will remember this story with fondness for years to come....more
This is the story of a woman that can tame the land by holding it in place with her mind long enough for surveyors to pin it down permanently. I reallThis is the story of a woman that can tame the land by holding it in place with her mind long enough for surveyors to pin it down permanently. I really enjoyed this concept and would have liked to see more from it minus most of the adjectives that were used. I felt they distracted from the story instead of adding to it. When every sentence is heavy with at least two or three extra bits of sugar the dessert story is only good for the first few bites. Not many want to stick around to lick the plate....more
I found out this story existed because of a not yet released Netflix movie and was excited. I immediately decided I wanted to read it first.
I found ouI found out this story existed because of a not yet released Netflix movie and was excited. I immediately decided I wanted to read it first.
I found out this story existed in a electronic book format and was devastated. I hate that method and do everything I can to avoid it.
I found out this story existed online where I could easily access it and was excited again. I read the story, loved the story mostly (the bit of weird flashback lost me) and was satisfied.
I found out this story existed as a released Netflix movie I could now watch and was back to excited again. It was last Saturday night and I watched it and absolutely loved it. There were differences between the two but nothing that took from the original.
I found out this story existed in an upcoming book that I was having shipped to me and felt sheepish. Why didn’t I do my research better before going on a mad crazy search?
Five stars to a short story that was worth all of the shenanigans....more
Time has passed and with it comes change in the form of cracks in the foundation of the Republic of Gilead.
Stepping back into a story that I thougTime has passed and with it comes change in the form of cracks in the foundation of the Republic of Gilead.
Stepping back into a story that I thought was finished is an interesting experience. I didn’t want or need this continuation of the story but enjoyed the reading experience all the same. A predictable plot that still managed to entertain with an above average writing style and ordinary characters made this an okay read. I say ordinary, because the spark that the characters provided in the first book was not present in this one.
Three stars to a book that was neither here nor there....more
A boy wakes up in a room like his own but not quite and a man lets destiny choose his path while traveling.
I have no shame when it comes to how muA boy wakes up in a room like his own but not quite and a man lets destiny choose his path while traveling.
I have no shame when it comes to how much I talk about my love for Stephen King books. His body of work is legendary and I am thankful every day for its existence. His books are the main reasons I have such a deep love for reading. They came into my life right as I started to wade into the arena of adult reading and have been my constant companion since.
I eagerly anticipated the release of this book (as I do for all King books) and was slightly nervous it wouldn’t meet my expectations. This year has not been the best reading year for me and I was afraid it would carry over into the one book I looked forward to the most. A few chapters in and I knew all would be well because this story was perfection. It was exactly what I wanted and needed it to be and I am so thankful for that.
As always, the writing was phenomenal and the story flowed as it should. The characters were top-notch and I fell in step with them moments after entering their world. If anything, negative could be said about this story it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to know more about Tim Jamieson and his time spent in DuPray dealing with the locals.
Five stars to a book that sparked so much joy that I couldn’t put it down....more
Aiden Bishop must solve a murder in a limited amount of time, but he does have a few extra bodies to inhabit along the way.
This was an interestingAiden Bishop must solve a murder in a limited amount of time, but he does have a few extra bodies to inhabit along the way.
This was an interesting read that left me wondering whodunit pretty much the whole entire book. I don’t want to say too much about the story because I think going in clueless is the best way to do it. It makes the reader wonder what in the hell is going on which can be a fun and exciting way to mix things up. Especially when the story is as crazy as this one is.
I did deduct a star from my rating due to some conflicting information. In one part of the story the reader is told one thing and later it is changed to something else. I also felt there was a lot of back story missing that would have been appreciated at the end when the big info dump occurred. Other than that, the writing was great and the characters were engaging.
Four stars to something completely different and very much appreciated....more
Lucien is a douche. He lives for himself and only pursues things based on how they directly benefit him. When a high-risk commission lands in his lLucien is a douche. He lives for himself and only pursues things based on how they directly benefit him. When a high-risk commission lands in his lap that includes helping others, he finds himself in a bind. To be a douche, or not to be a douche, that is the question.
One word comes to mind when describing this book, predictable. From the moment I realized what the story was about (about a chapter or two in) I knew where it was headed. As each character was introduced, I knew instantly what kind of role they had and how they factored into the plot. This would have been fine (worth another star) if the plot and/or characters had brought anything extra to the table. It would have also been worth another star if the writing was anything more than average. If I love your characters, I can forgive a weak story or if your story packs a punch then generic characters can blend into the background. If everything is on the table for the world to see from beginning to end without any extra such as a flair of fantastic in the writing department then why bother?
There was one thing that I did find interesting about this book and that was the parts of the story that detailed the architectural side of things. It was obvious without looking at the author’s bio that he had some affiliation with that type of work. What he wrote about the various buildings, hiding places and so on it was easy to visualize. That was the one piece of this book that did deserve a star. The other star was earned because the idea behind the story was intriguing, just not well done.
Two stars to a book that was bland, basic and unsatisfying....more
Cats are so much more than people give them credit for. I type this as my calico she beast paces around me because my review writing is cutting into hCats are so much more than people give them credit for. I type this as my calico she beast paces around me because my review writing is cutting into her resting quietly time. I call her she beast lovingly because she truly is a terror on four paws and I adore her for it. Everything about this story reminded me of her and I couldn’t help but smile and think back on the 14 plus years of various moments she has permitted me to share with her. One of my favorite moments has to do with her reaction to a stray dog that was on our front porch one evening. I had opened the door to investigate not realizing she was there with me ready to strike. She saw it has her guard cat duty to chase the dog off and owned it like a boss as she strutted back in after completing the task.
The guard cat concept is the theme of this perfectly written short story and the she beast gives it four stretched out paws for pulling it off.
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A huge thank you to the book friend that shared the link to this little gem.
When it comes to reviewing a short story collection, sometimes I break it down to comment on each individual one and sometimes I go for one overall reWhen it comes to reviewing a short story collection, sometimes I break it down to comment on each individual one and sometimes I go for one overall review. It has nothing to do with the quality of the book and everything to do with my level of laziness. For this book I am giving it my 100% because it was outstanding AND I am wanting to go balls to the wall, full throttle (lame joke I know but hey, why the hell not).
MISC. Introduction: Who’s Your Daddy? � This was my favorite part of the book because it gave the reader some insight into life growing up with the King family.
Story Notes and Acknowledgements -As always, I enjoy the hell out of the behind the scenes information.
FAVORITES Throttle � Biker gang meets determined trucker. With the backstory of family and growing up in the introduction it made perfect sense to start with the story that was cowritten by Stephen King. The use of father and son to write it matched perfectly with the content of the story.
Dark Carousel � Dark thundering visions from a payback gone wrong. I loved the visuals this story painted in my mind.
By the Silver Water of the Lake Champlain � The one that got away. This story brought out the nostalgia for past adventures I went on with my neighborhood friends.
Late Returns � You can check a book out any time you like, but you can never leave. The only negative about this story was that I would have loved it more as a novel. This girl wanted way more.
Mums � A mother’s love. This was a nightmare inducing story when “things� started sprouting.
NOT SO FAVORITES Wolverton Station � A train pulls into a station where things aren’t as they seem.
Faun � Once upon a time, hunting in a faraway land.
All I Care About is You � Rent a robot friend for the day.
Thumbprint � When your past comes back to haunt you.
The Devil on the Staircase � Cascading words tell a fable.
Twittering from the Circus of the Dead � Step right up and get your tickets for a night of family fun.
N/A BECAUSE I ALREADY READ/RATED THEM In the Tall Grass � Lost in the grass. You are Released � One-way flight....more
If you have been a passenger of the Never Mandy review train for a while you should be familiar with my inability to sugarcoat things. It’s not a bad If you have been a passenger of the Never Mandy review train for a while you should be familiar with my inability to sugarcoat things. It’s not a bad problem when a book is mostly decent because I can find some bits of kind to turn it into a compliment sandwich kind of review. The terrible reading experiences are the ones that sink my battleship. I want to find some good, but the overwhelming negative reading experience wins out and the darkness pours from soul. I do respect the hell out of people that have the courage to step up to the writing table, but I don’t always like the content that they produce.
A woman that had walked out on her life so many years ago with a secret gets invited to a weekend away in the middle of nowhere with a past life bestie and a mix of known and barely known others.
A few months back I found this book on my to read list which was odd because I couldn’t find a single reason for it being there. The author was unfamiA few months back I found this book on my to read list which was odd because I couldn’t find a single reason for it being there. The author was unfamiliar, there wasn’t a friend review that I had liked in the past and the blurb did nothing for me. My gut immediately said give it the boot, so I did, but the ghost of wondering why our paths had crossed hung around until I happened upon it again on a clearance rack. I’m not one to ignore a second meeting so back on the list it went and what a truly awful decision that was. People listen to your gut, it knows what your brain and heart are too stupid to figure out.
PLOT � 1 STAR I have never read a movie script but I feel like if I read one for a bad action movie it would be comparable to this. The action was way over the top and there wasn’t a single moment I was on the edge of my seat excited to read what came next. There is just no way a person could get themselves into that many ridiculous situations. One or two and I might have been able to suspend my disbelief for a moment and actually enjoy the story but the overkill in this book couldn’t be ignored. The only positive in the plot was the whodunit portion of it and for that I gave it one star and a few badly timed claps.
WRITING STYLE � 1 STAR I wrote in my notes that the writing style hurt my soul and I can admit that was a little dramatic. I was tired, cranky and completely over this book when I typed up my initial reaction to it. The writing really wasn’t that bad just not something I enjoyed. It was clunky, basic and lacked any amount of extra to make it stand out from the rest. If the other two items listed above had been better, then my issues with this part of the book would have been less. For that reason and that everyone deserves a little pity now and then I gave it one star.
Two stars to a book that my gut warned me about....more
Abraham Lincoln’s son passes away and his final resting place becomes the scene of so much more.
For real, this book is about Abraham Lincoln, his Abraham Lincoln’s son passes away and his final resting place becomes the scene of so much more.
For real, this book is about Abraham Lincoln, his son and a cemetery full of ghosts. It was weird and I am still not quite sure if I fully liked it or not. I guess the true test of like is if I would be willing to recommend it to others and the answer to that is no. There is a lot to unpack with this read and the effort isn’t entirely worth it. The premise was interesting, but the general flow of the story kept getting interrupted by random bits of story that aren’t well put together. I feel that it had so much potential to be more than it was, and I am curious enough to want to read other books by this author after I let this one marinate a bit longer. I will say that the historical data used (I know not all of it was real) was interesting and is why it earned three stars....more
Let’s cut to the chase because I am tired of reviewing Handler books. This book was better than the last one I read but still not enough to make me waLet’s cut to the chase because I am tired of reviewing Handler books. This book was better than the last one I read but still not enough to make me want to read anymore of her books. Times have changed and the girl who read the first book and loved it is not the same girl that read the last two. Also, I think her writing style became a little difficult to tolerate once the novelty of it wore off. One and done should have been the name of the game with this author.
The parts of this read I did enjoy had to do with her boyfriend and a group vacation her crew took. There isn’t a person in this world safe from her teasing, especially not her boyfriend. I liked the fact that he rolled with the punches and kept on doing his thing even if it was being ridiculously dressed in swim gear while Handler and her crew made friends in a very public way while on vacation. I can’t even begin to imagine how much fun it would be to take on a beach adventure like that. What that part of the story said to me was that you are only as old as you feel and never assume you have outgrown something just because society wants you to. To let loose and live in the moment is how we should all strive to live when the right opportunity presents itself.
Three stars to a book that made me wish for a beach vacation with friends....more
I absolutely adored my very first Handler book and expected much the same out of this one. Apparently my predicting the future skills need a little poI absolutely adored my very first Handler book and expected much the same out of this one. Apparently my predicting the future skills need a little polishing up because this book was terrible. It contained a few funny spots but overall it was lacking the required goods. The transitions were rough as hell and the presentation of the content was poorly done. The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking of another book by a different author that I did a hard DNF on. It was the same kind of stories told from the male perspective with mediocre content and terrible presentation. The only difference was at least this author knew to lay off the trash talking of the other people involved in the stories and to share a little self dissing of her own.
The other thing that kept entering my mind was the simple fact that I have laughed way harder during any one of the many times my cousin and I have got to together to rehash old dating horror stories. It’s not that I expect a book to do better than real life experiences, but it does need to at least come in a close second. I am hoping this situation is a one off, it was this author's first book, and that my planned future reading experience goes way better. Thanks to the previously mentioned cousin, I do have one more of her books tucked away in my nightstand stash. It will be the deciding read on if I am going to continue down this author path or not.
One star to a book that didn’t bring what needed brought. *snap*...more
A grandfather on the edge of death decides to unleash stories from a life richly lived on an unsuspecting grandson.
I have often pondered how much A grandfather on the edge of death decides to unleash stories from a life richly lived on an unsuspecting grandson.
I have often pondered how much I have missed out on by not knowing about the portion of my grandparents� and parents� lives lived outside of my existence. Of course, we have these amazing shared memories but what about all the rest, the good stuff that most people choose to not share with just anybody. Those moments that made us and define who we are years after they have passed. I could ask and have, but the scraps they give are those that have been told a million times before and happen to be safe for general consumption. I find myself guilty of the same crime with my own children. Answering questions with a few words summarizing the story followed by a yada yada yada that glosses over all the intimate details that matter most.
I wanted to love this book but couldn’t for two reasons, the writing style and the ending. (Also there was one minor detail that I found quite irritating, but I am going to leave it out of this review because it isn’t mentioned in the synopsis and I don't feel like dicking around with a spoiler tag.) The writing was heavy on obscure word usage and I’m not the type of reader that wants to have a vocab lesson with their reading. A few here and there and I am intrigued, sprinkling every other sentence with them and I am skipping past them. The ending left a lot to be desired because the story had a build-up feel to it that it couldn't deliver on. Let me rephrase that, the build-up was delivered right before the end but it really wasn't anything amazing. That left the ending just sitting there with nothing left to really satisfy the reader with.
I did thoroughly enjoy the grandfather’s stories from his past and that alone was worth the time spent reading this book....more
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