For what it was worth, I liked it. People needing serious relationship help should not seek out this book, but for those of us who just want to get loFor what it was worth, I liked it. People needing serious relationship help should not seek out this book, but for those of us who just want to get lost in Bethenny's musings on relationships, this is an easy read that might give you something to think about. I recommend listening to the audio version for the full Bethenny experience....more
This book gave me a lot of things to think about regarding "love languages" and how to communicate with my husband. I had already had a good idea of wThis book gave me a lot of things to think about regarding "love languages" and how to communicate with my husband. I had already had a good idea of what our love languages are, but wanted more info about how to use that knowledge to communicate with one another. There's no hurt in trying to continue learning about one another as we enter our 10th year of marriage. Overall, the info in this book is part common sense, part advice, and part analysis. It was worth the read, but I will say that I skipped the part on children because it doesn't apply to me.
With all that said, I do not recommend the audio book. First of all, it moved too slowly for me. In reality, this was probably a book I would have skimmed in hard copy. While the narrator (the author) was well read and articulate, his southern accent was Dr. Phil-esque and I couldn't stop thinking of that as I listened. This book is definitely based in Christian religion, so if that bothers you, you will not appreciate its message. There is mention of scripture, prayer, God as an entity, etc. I typically just apply this language to my own perception of God/religion as I encounter it, so I wasn't disturbed by it. ...more
I don't know if I really liked this book, but I'm giving 4 stars for originality. Had this been me reading this book 15 years ago, I would have given I don't know if I really liked this book, but I'm giving 4 stars for originality. Had this been me reading this book 15 years ago, I would have given 5 stars for sure. There was a movie made of this book, and after reading it I'm curious to see how they pulled off this story in cinematic format.
At any rate, I thought that the co-writing meshed well and both Nick and Norah were original in their own cliches. Despite it being a short book, the characters have depth. I definitely identified with them on several levels. The chemistry between them was well developed, and one particularly well written sex scene (if you could call it that) stands out to me as being an incredibly accurate recollection of teenage lust/infatuation. I was kind of surprised by the abrupt ending, but after reflecting, I think it was the most appropriate way to continue the unpredictable nature of the plot. The 'style' of the writing was refreshing and a fun twist.
Wow, this audiobook was a commitment. It was 20 discs! Luckily, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the premise was interesting aWow, this audiobook was a commitment. It was 20 discs! Luckily, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the premise was interesting and original, although the romance angle that was in some of the descriptions was a bit of a misnomer for me. I didn't really find this novel to be about romance as it was more about the human condition and what it means to be a human. The story was pretty thought-provoking with consideration to how we perceive "aliens":
-are we too quick to consider aliens a threat, or must we react that way in order to preserve our species? After all, the aliens in this book initially take over Earth to purify and save the planet, as humans (in their opinion) have become excessively violent and destructive.
-can an outsider every really assimilate to full acceptance? Should we be all entrusting of an "alien" who has proven to be loyal, or should a level of skepticism remain?
-how do communities and relationships change and react to traumatic events?
I will admit by like disc 18 I thought the story had gone on for too long--it would have benefitted from some editing. I have never read any of Meyer's previous works, and I think that the reviewers who compared this book to the Twilight series in whatever sense before reading The Host may have done themselves a disservice. As far as the audio version goes, the narrator, Kate Reading, was superb, which definitely contributed to my enjoyment of the novel. It always goes without saying that sometimes your approach to the book (reading vs. listening) sways your experience.
I'd only recommend this book to someone who has the time to devote to either reading or listening to it. The length of it is somewhat of a deterrent....more
I went from really liking this story to just liking it by the end. I loved Jane's character, as I think most readers do, and I admired her honest spirI went from really liking this story to just liking it by the end. I loved Jane's character, as I think most readers do, and I admired her honest spirit and drive. With that said, this book suffered from too many happy coincidences, likely a reflection of the time period in which it was written. After the marriage SNAFU, the book dragged on and on and became more and more unrealistic and convenient. I found myself wanting to know more about Mr. Rochester in his absence from the story and could have cared less about the Rivers family and Jane's lucky inheritance. With all that said, I respect this novel for what it is and what it represents, and I'm glad I got around to finally reading [listening] to it....more
I'm perplexed by the attention that this book is getting because I didn't think it was anything special at all, just another addition to the forgettabI'm perplexed by the attention that this book is getting because I didn't think it was anything special at all, just another addition to the forgettable section of the YA canon. I found the narrator and characters unlikeable and unrealistic. I was also really bothered by the mediocre writing style that was reminiscent of a high school creative writing class. The excessive use of terrible metaphors like "He is coffee," "She is rain," etc. REALLY bothered me. The random sidetrack into verse was also completely unnecessary and did nothing to further the plot or characters. I am so thankful that this book was only 225 pages; anything longer and it would have been agonizing instead of annoying to finish. It wasn't until the 5th section that anything got good, and even then the author didn't spend nearly enough time on the actual crux of the book. The twisted ending was glossed over at best. I imagine that high schoolers might actually like this book, but I've read much, much better YA contemporary lit....more
Oh ma gawd, I can't believe I actually finished a series of TEN books! I generally have an aversion to series, but I am seriously so sad that this oneOh ma gawd, I can't believe I actually finished a series of TEN books! I generally have an aversion to series, but I am seriously so sad that this one is over! I would continue reading Georgia's nonsense for another ten books, no questions asked. Five stars overall for the series. I loved that the format is simple the plot is average, yet everything that happens seems so monumental. The characterization overall is awesome. Seriously, who else would have a best friend obsessed with voles and a Scottish wildcat that thinks cars are just big mice on wheels? The stupid little sayings and funnies, like substituting every third word with 'pants,' brought me right back to high school and really made me nostalgic for playing around with my girlfriends. I firmly believe that this series must be listened to, as Stina Nielsen, the narrator of almost all the books, is fantastic as Georgia. A few of the novels in the middle were narrated by Louise Rennison herself, and sadly I wasn't a big fan, but they were still good. I won't reveal how it ends, but I think most readers will be pleased.
P.S. - Dear Lousie Rennison, please consider bringing Georgia back in a new series of adult stories! She'd be sooooo funny as a grown woman!...more
Georgia continues to bring the funny. New developments in the life of Angus, as well as Tom and Jas's relaThe hills are alive with the sound of pants!
Georgia continues to bring the funny. New developments in the life of Angus, as well as Tom and Jas's relationship and a Georgia-Massimo-Dave the Laugh triangle. I am so sad that the next book is the finale of the series! :(...more
This series is becoming a little racier, and I like it! The b-word is used, and there's references to menage-a-trois, not to mention more frequent useThis series is becoming a little racier, and I like it! The b-word is used, and there's references to menage-a-trois, not to mention more frequent use of sexual puns. I'd certainly say that everything remains PG-13. Thankfully, the "original" narrator (Stina Nielson) is back for the rest of the audio...yay!...more
Just as funny as all the rest, if not more so, because this one included a lot more sexual puns than some of the previous novels in the series. I wishJust as funny as all the rest, if not more so, because this one included a lot more sexual puns than some of the previous novels in the series. I wish Georgia were a real person so I could seek her out and force her to be my friend, though we would probably fight over who is funnier and she'd push me into a ditch and run away laughing on a fast camel. Anyway, I hope no one else in my circle is reading the rest of the series because I fully plan on incorporating all of her little quips and sayings into my regular conversations (e.g., facsimile of a sham, aggers, brillo pad, loon, etc.). Once again, my only complaint is that I want the original narrator back! No offense, Lousie Rennison, because you are definitely brilliant, but you just don't sound like a 15 year old!...more
**spoiler alert** This was my first new adult novel and I quite enjoyed it. The college setting made me pretty nostalgic and I think that's part of wh**spoiler alert** This was my first new adult novel and I quite enjoyed it. The college setting made me pretty nostalgic and I think that's part of why I read this book so quickly. It was a welcome change from YA, especially the more graphic sex scenes that [thankfully] didn't involve teenagers.
The plot itself was somewhat contrived and certainly nothing new, but I suspended some outstanding disbelief, namely:
- the falling in love between Jacqueline and Lucas even though they didn't really know each other, especially considering that Lucas was not forthcoming about himself and had been lurking around for a little while
- the fact that Lucas kept popping up everywhere; it started to become a little too convenient
- the element of assault and my skepticism that any woman who experienced what Jacqueline did would be as willing to have a sexual relationship shortly thereafter, no matter how trustworthy the partner
Lucas's back story was interesting and tied in nicely. I also thought Jacqueline's character was likable and genuine. Overall, I really liked this book and look forward to reading more in the new adult genre....more
Despite its low-budget cover, this book was right up my alley and I really liked it. I was somewhat skeptical at first, as I have read one of Sara ZarDespite its low-budget cover, this book was right up my alley and I really liked it. I was somewhat skeptical at first, as I have read one of Sara Zarr's other novels and didn't care for it at all, but once I saw that this book is co-written with Tara Altebrando, who I've read and liked, I figured I'd give it a shot. This is good contemporary fiction that authentically captures the transition from high school to college, which is an underrepresented time period in YA lit. While I was reading, I pretty much forgot that this was a collaboration--the two authors' styles blend seamlessly while also creating two distinct characters. The epistolary portions really helped drive the characters, their motivations, etc. The writing was insightful and on point. Yes, there were some moments that might have been a little happy-go-lucky, but nothing over the top. Fans of general contemporary fiction should definitely give this one a shot....more
I wasn't sure if this sequel would live up to the first in the series, but it definitely did. I think this series is a very easy recommendation for guI wasn't sure if this sequel would live up to the first in the series, but it definitely did. I think this series is a very easy recommendation for guy readers (beware, though: lots of somewhat to very graphic violence, but nothing you wouldn't see in a movie). The plot moves quickly and Perry is a well rounded character. In this novel, he has been reunited with Gobi, the family's former exchange student/assassin, in Europe during his band's tour. The action was high intensity, as you never know who to trust. The pair's antics are basically the same as in the first book, but the sequel focused more on the growing relationship between Perry and Gobi, which I think was necessary to help readers sympathize with her character. These books are quick and formulaic, but worth it for those looking for an entertaining read. ...more
Another super funny installation, and I like where the plot is going between Gerogia, Robbie and Dave the Laugh. Curious to see how it all pans out inAnother super funny installation, and I like where the plot is going between Gerogia, Robbie and Dave the Laugh. Curious to see how it all pans out in the next one. ...more
A quick novel that certain readers will eat up. As an adult reading YA, I see through a lot of the fluff and become frustrated with superficial love tA quick novel that certain readers will eat up. As an adult reading YA, I see through a lot of the fluff and become frustrated with superficial love triangles, but a teen reader would probably really like this book. This book is written with at least a trilogy in mind, so readers should beware that it ends with a major cliffhanger (don't you just hate it when you can tell by the writing that a series is in the works?).
In a dystopian society in which people are born into a caste system, each prince holds a "selection" when it comes time for him to marry. Girls from all of the castes are invited to apply for the selection and 35 are chosen. From the 35, the prince will ultimately whittle his way down to one girl who will become his wife and eventually the queen. I like this concept; my only complaint is that I wish there had been more focus on the society and the castes and less on the silly and predictable love triangle between America, Maxon and Aspen. The raids of the palace could have been more threatening, the girls could have acted out their jealousy in a more dramatic way, etc. The characters were surprisingly well behaved considering the stress of the situation they were in.
By the way, the names in this book are sort of ridiculous.
Anyway, I thought America was characterized well and even though I wanted more drama between the girls, I was pleased that she always took the high road. She is a gracious heroine; I just wish that Aspen weren't a character with so much influence on her. She would shine much brighter if his character was reworked or nonexistent. ...more
I liked it, almost exclusively for Alexia's character. I was expecting more steampunk and less paranormal, and truthfully, I wasn't a fan of the vampiI liked it, almost exclusively for Alexia's character. I was expecting more steampunk and less paranormal, and truthfully, I wasn't a fan of the vampire/werewolf angle. Had it not been for Alexia's wit and banter, I probably wouldn't have continued reading. I did like the romantic exchanges and scenarios cast between Alexia and Lord Maccon, but I really, really wish that he weren't a werewolf! Regardless, this novel stands in a class of its own and I would definitely recommend this author to fans of this genre and style....more
Very good overall, but it didn't measure up to the first in the series for me. Love the characters, especially the witty banter from Kami, Angela, andVery good overall, but it didn't measure up to the first in the series for me. Love the characters, especially the witty banter from Kami, Angela, and Rusty. I think this sequel lagged a little because the sorcery was no longer mysterious which I felt took away from the general atmosphere that was created in Unspoken. I also didn't like the relationship between Kami and Jared in this book, especially (view spoiler)[the romance, although I'm sure a lot of readers were rooting for them (hide spoiler)]. Sarah Rees Brennan definitely knows her away around descriptive language, though, and I found myself impressed time and time again by the physical development of the setting. The cliffhanger ending was clutch and a smart move. I'm excited to see what's next!...more
Another enthralling addition to The Raven Cycle. Incredibly well written and true to the story and characters that have been developed over the last tAnother enthralling addition to The Raven Cycle. Incredibly well written and true to the story and characters that have been developed over the last three books. The amount of research that Stiefvater must commit to for this series is remarkable, from the Welsh mythology to the tarot deck to the other forms of divination. Everything seems as accurate as possible (coming from someone who reads cards). The four star rating instead of five stars really comes from my own negligence. I should have brushed up on Dream Thieves before embarking on this read. There were so many subtle references to the previous novels that were lost on me because I couldn't remember precise details from what I had read before. Stiefvater does not hit her readers over the head with the backstory as the plot moves forward - she expects everyone to be up to date and on top of their game as readers.
I do have to say that I would not recommend this book to just anyone, especially not just any teen. It really almost reads as an adult book with teenage characters. The plot continues to darken around the characters' psyches and internal motivations to the point that it's borderline horror.
This novel ends on the most intense cliffhanger that I really don't know if I can manage to wait more than a few months for the fourth book!
As a side note, when this particular character is introduced (you'll know who they are when you get there), do yourself a favor and listen to the pronunciation of their name here: ...more
Nothing profound, but I think younger teens might like this book. It's written in verse and reads like journal entries written by Ruby who has just loNothing profound, but I think younger teens might like this book. It's written in verse and reads like journal entries written by Ruby who has just lost her mother and moves from Boston to L.A. to live with her estranged movie star father. Typical teen drama ensues with lots of name dropping of actors and musicians, which I wasn't really impressed by. Despite its catchy title, sadly, I will probably soon forget that I ever read this book....more
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