A ~12 hour journey of self-discovery in finding out that I prefer “sappy� over “smutty� stories� and all-around halfway decent writing. Needless to saA ~12 hour journey of self-discovery in finding out that I prefer “sappy� over “smutty� stories� and all-around halfway decent writing. Needless to say that I was the wrong audience for this book. ...more
- Was this the best piece of literature I've ever come across? Nope. - Do I consider myself a big-time fantasy reader? No. - Have I read enough fantasy - Was this the best piece of literature I've ever come across? Nope. - Do I consider myself a big-time fantasy reader? No. - Have I read enough fantasy books to give an adequate assessment of this book? Mmno. - Is the main character portrayed as a convincing heroin in her 20's? Negative ghost rider. - Was I able to exercise self-restraint in flying through this book? Also no... - Am I going to pre-order the next book? .......
Four gold.. er.. I mean, ORANGE stars for keeping me highly entertained. ...more
3.5 stars rounded up. Interesting read but I think the author went down a few death related rabbit holes as opposed to staying on the topic of cadaver3.5 stars rounded up. Interesting read but I think the author went down a few death related rabbit holes as opposed to staying on the topic of cadavers. I think that there was more that could have been discussed and/or explored. ...more
3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed the first book more but I still liked this one especially since it expanded on Malik’s character. Overall, I’m looking3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed the first book more but I still liked this one especially since it expanded on Malik’s character. Overall, I’m looking forward to reading the third installment!...more
This children's book tells the story of a bear learning how to read and his little journey to seek out more books. While I absolutely loved the vivaciThis children's book tells the story of a bear learning how to read and his little journey to seek out more books. While I absolutely loved the vivacious and colorful illustrations, I felt that the story could have been stronger in terms of its educational content. I would have appreciated a little more focus on the process of learning to read (i.e recognizing letters and sounding out words) or exploring the emotional aspects of the learning journey � patience, frustration, and elation.
Additionally, I was a bit confused by some of the book's messaging, such as the [paraphrased] statement that, "grown-ups hardly notice anything important." While I'm all for promoting the value of reading and librarians, I also didn't see why the author needed to cast classrooms and bookshops in a slightly negative light. Could the teacher and bookshop keeper have just encouraged Bear to go to the library from the get-go and in a kinder way?
As a mom of young children, I like to use [some] books to teach valuable lessons and I saw potential for this story (being about books and all) to incorporate more learning opportunities. That being said, I still think it's a decently charming children’s book with beautiful illustrations, and I would recommend it to others with the caveat that it may not have as much educational content as some parents might be expecting or looking for.
(Minor plot hole but someone in/around the forest is also forever without their bike�)
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC....more
My self-imposed stress levels were at an all time high with this book. It was tense, multi-layered, creepy AF, and I just couldn’t get enough. I’m alsMy self-imposed stress levels were at an all time high with this book. It was tense, multi-layered, creepy AF, and I just couldn’t get enough. I’m also a sucker for badass female protagonists and their [space] dog.
I thought this story offered valuable insights into some of the history tucked away within the WWII era.
However, I really felt the length of this booI thought this story offered valuable insights into some of the history tucked away within the WWII era.
However, I really felt the length of this book even with layering in two POV and two time periods. The flow of the story was disrupted as certain chapters ended abruptly and transitioned into the beginning of the next with a different theme or time period that detracted from the previous one at certain times and consequently, establishing a connection with the main characters became challenging.
Nevertheless, I must commend Martha Hall Kelly for her careful and thorough research in authenticating her historical fiction. My interest is piqued to read some of her other works.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review....more
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