Alexis's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:43:35 -0700 60 Alexis's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg The Wall 586852 The Wall chronicles the life of the last surviving human on earth, an ordinary middle-aged woman who awakens one morning to find that everyone else has vanished. Assuming her isolation to be the result of a military experiment gone awry, she begins the terrifying work of survival and self-renewal. This novel is at once a simple and moving tale and a disturbing meditation on humanity.
]]> 240 Marlen Haushofer 1573440949 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 1963 The Wall
author: Marlen Haushofer
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1963
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law]]> 56769577
Roach tags along with animal-attack forensics investigators, human-elephant conflict specialists, bear managers, and "danger tree" faller blasters. Intrepid as ever, she travels from leopard-terrorized hamlets in the Indian Himalaya to St. Peter’s Square in the early hours before the pope arrives for Easter Mass, when vandal gulls swoop in to destroy the elaborate floral display. She taste-tests rat bait, learns how to install a vulture effigy, and gets mugged by a macaque.

Combining little-known forensic science and conservation genetics with a motley cast of laser scarecrows, langur impersonators, and trespassing squirrels, Roach reveals as much about humanity as about nature’s lawbreakers. When it comes to "problem" wildlife, she finds, humans are more often the problem—and the solution. Fascinating, witty, and humane, Fuzz offers hope for compassionate coexistence in our ever-expanding human habitat.]]> 308 Mary Roach 1324001933 Alexis 0 to-read 3.81 2021 Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law
author: Mary Roach
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Bluebird 55977809 A historical novel, set in postwar New York City.

In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York City, stepping from the fiery aftermath of one war into another, far colder one, where power is more important than principles, and lies are more plentiful than the truth. Eva holds the key to a deadly secret: Project Bluebird -- a horrific experiment of the concentration camps, capable of tipping the balance of world power. Both the Americans and the Soviets want Bluebird, and it is something that neither should ever be allowed to possess.

But Eva hasn't come to America for secrets or power. She hasn't even come for a new life. She has come to America for one thing: justice. And the Nazi that has escaped its net.]]> 438 Sharon Cameron 1338355961 Alexis 0 to-read 4.31 2021 Bluebird
author: Sharon Cameron
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers]]> 56769575
For two thousand years, cadavers—some willingly, some unwittingly—have been involved in science’s boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They’ve tested France’s first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender confirmation surgery, cadavers have helped make history in their quiet way. Stiff investigates the strange lives of our bodies postmortem and answers the question: What should we do after we die?]]> 320 Mary Roach 0393881725 Alexis 0 to-read 4.13 2003 Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
author: Mary Roach
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War]]> 32191737
"America's funniest science writer" ( Washington Post ) Mary Roach explores the science of keeping human beings intact, awake, sane, uninfected, and uninfested in the bizarre and extreme circumstances of war. Grunt tackles the science behind some of a soldier's most challenging adversaries―panic, exhaustion, heat, noise―and introduces us to the scientists who seek to conquer them. Mary Roach dodges hostile fire with the U.S. Marine Corps Paintball Team as part of a study on hearing loss and survivability in combat. She visits the fashion design studio of U.S. Army Natick Labs and learns why a zipper is a problem for a sniper. She visits a repurposed movie studio where amputee actors help prepare Marine Corps medics for the shock and gore of combat wounds. At Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti, in east Africa, we learn how diarrhea can be a threat to national security. Roach samples caffeinated meat, sniffs an archival sample of a World War II stink bomb, and stays up all night with the crew tending the missiles on the nuclear submarine USS Tennessee. She answers questions not found in any other book on the military: Why is DARPA interested in ducks? How is a wedding gown like a bomb suit? Why are shrimp more dangerous to sailors than sharks? Take a tour of duty with Roach, and you’ll never see our nation’s defenders in the same way again. 15 illustrations]]> 288 Mary Roach 0393354377 Alexis 0 to-read 3.90 2016 Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War
author: Mary Roach
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Raising Hare: A Memoir 214269337 A moving and fascinating meditation on freedom, trust, loss, and our relationship with the natural world, explored through the story of one woman’s unlikely friendship with a wild hare.

Imagine you could hold a baby hare and bottle-feed it. Imagine that it lived under your roof and lolloped around your bedroom at night, drumming on the duvet cover when it wanted your attention. Imagine that, over two years later, it still ran in from the fields when you called it and slept in your house for hours on end and gave birth to leverets in your study. For political advisor and speechwriter Chloe Dalton, who spent lockdown deep in the English countryside, far away from her usual busy London life, this became her unexpected reality.

In February 2021, Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare—a leveret—that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how impossible it is to rear a wild hare, most of whom perish in captivity from either shock or starvation. Through trial and error, she learns to feed and care for the leveret with every intention of returning it to the wilderness. Instead, it becomes her constant companion, wandering the fields and woods at night and returning to Dalton’s house by day. Though Dalton feared that the hare would be preyed upon by foxes, stoats, feral cats, raptors, and even people, she never tried to restrict it to the house. Each time the hare leaves, Chloe knows she may never see it again. Yet she also understands that to confine it would be its own kind of death.

Raising Hare chronicles their journey together, while also taking a deep dive into the lives and nature of hares, and the way they have been viewed historically in art, literature, and folklore. We witness first-hand the joy at this extraordinary relationship between human and animal, which serves as a reminder that the best things, and most beautiful experiences, arise when we least expect them.]]> 285 Chloe Dalton 0593701844 Alexis 0 to-read 4.42 2025 Raising Hare: A Memoir
author: Chloe Dalton
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea]]> 216470365
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…]]> 352 Axie Oh 125086609X Alexis 0 to-read 4.80 2022 The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
author: Axie Oh
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Grave Empire (The Great Silence, #1)]]> 214229274 From critically acclaimed author Richard Swan, Grave Empire begins the epic tale of an empire on the verge of industrial revolution, where sorcery and arcane practices are outlawed � and where an ancient prophecy threatens the coming end of days.

Blood once turned the wheels ofĚýempire. Now it is money.

A new age of exploration and innovation has dawned, and theĚýEmpireĚýof the Wolf stands to take its place as the foremost power in the known world. Glory and riches await.

But dark days are coming. A mysterious plague has broken out in the pagan kingdoms to the north, while in the south, theĚýEmpire’s proxy war in the lands of the wolfmen is weeks away from total collapse.Ěý

Worse still is the message brought to the Empress by two heretic monks, who claim to have lost contact with the spirits of the afterlife. The monks believe this is the start of an ancient prophecy heralding the end of days—the Great Silence.Ěý

It falls to Renata Rainer, a low-ranking ambassador to an enigmatic and vicious race of mermen, to seek answers from those who still practice the arcane arts. But with the road south beset by war and theĚýEmpireĚýon the brink of supernatural catastrophe, soon there may not be a world left to save...Ěý]]> 529 Richard Swan Alexis 0 to-read 4.17 2025 Grave Empire (The Great Silence, #1)
author: Richard Swan
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Travelling to Infinity 22668675 Soon to be a major motion picture, this moving memoir written by Stephen Hawking’s first wifeĚýcovers the turbulent years of her marriage to the astrophysics genius, her traumatic divorce, and their recent reconciliation
ĚýProfessor Stephen Hawking is one of the most famous and remarkable scientists of our age and the author of the scientific bestseller A Brief History of Time, which has sold more thanĚý25 million copies. In this compelling memoir, his first wife, Jane Hawking, relates the inside story of their extraordinary marriage. As Stephen's academic renown soared, his body was collapsing under the assaults of a motor neuron disease. Jane's candid account of trying to balance his 24-hour care with the needs of their growing family reveals the inner strength of the author, whileĚýthe self-evident character and achievements of her husband make for an incredible tale presented with unflinching honesty.ĚýJane's candor is no less apparent when the marriage finally ends in a high-profile meltdown, with Stephen leaving Jane for one of his nurses andĚýJane marrying an old family friend. In this exceptionally open, moving, and often funny memoir, Jane Hawking confronts not only the acutely complicated and painful dilemmas of her first marriage, but also the relationship'sĚýfault lines exposed by the pervasive effects of fame and wealth. The result is a book about optimism, love, and change that will resonate with readers everywhere.]]> 487 Jane Hawking 1846883474 Alexis 0 to-read 3.64 1999 Travelling to Infinity
author: Jane Hawking
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.64
book published: 1999
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Alchemist 18144590 The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, following our dreams.]]> 182 Paulo Coelho 0062315005 Alexis 0 to-read 4.01 1988 The Alchemist
author: Paulo Coelho
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1988
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)]]> 76703559 An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass—and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.]]> 406 Sarah J. Maas 163973094X Alexis 3 been-recommended
this was not a bad book dont come for me! The lore I can tell is going to ramp up and be great, but it only took reading three quarters through boredom and nothing of substance to get me there.
My biggest complaint involving the lack of depth in the first half - is I felt like I did not see the character relationships grow at a natural speed. It felt like there was a lot happening in the background, overtime, that we as the reader didn't get to see or experience that brought characters together. So I felt unattached to some of the characters, like I was missing something, like time was skipping and I just had to accept that these characters were indifferent to each other one moment, to 'I would die for you' the next. Maybe I am just a cranky grandma but they spent too many words on describing how 'handsome' the prince looked and I felt I was reading more filler than story.

I did go into this slightly biased - this is not my genre. Honestly by force of will I had to believe everyone when they said it was going to get better - and it did. I'm keeping my socks on for books 2 and 3 though, I hear it might take just that long for things to pick up even more. I have hope though, so won't shut this out just yet]]> 4.18 2012 Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: been-recommended
review:
Wanted to rank this 2.5 but I've ranked books at a 3 that were worse than this

this was not a bad book dont come for me! The lore I can tell is going to ramp up and be great, but it only took reading three quarters through boredom and nothing of substance to get me there.
My biggest complaint involving the lack of depth in the first half - is I felt like I did not see the character relationships grow at a natural speed. It felt like there was a lot happening in the background, overtime, that we as the reader didn't get to see or experience that brought characters together. So I felt unattached to some of the characters, like I was missing something, like time was skipping and I just had to accept that these characters were indifferent to each other one moment, to 'I would die for you' the next. Maybe I am just a cranky grandma but they spent too many words on describing how 'handsome' the prince looked and I felt I was reading more filler than story.

I did go into this slightly biased - this is not my genre. Honestly by force of will I had to believe everyone when they said it was going to get better - and it did. I'm keeping my socks on for books 2 and 3 though, I hear it might take just that long for things to pick up even more. I have hope though, so won't shut this out just yet
]]> <![CDATA[The Floating World (The Floating World, #1)]]> 215149209 From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by, until he comes across the score of a lifetime—a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light.

Meanwhile, far to the east, Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when the village is attacked by a horrific humanlike demon. In a moment of fear and rage, Ren releases a blast of silver light—a power she has kept hidden since childhood—and kills the monster. But her efforts are not in time to prevent her adoptive family from suffering a devastating loss, or to save her beloved uncle from being grievously wounded.

Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off over the mountains, where the creature came from—and from where Ren herself fled ten years ago. Her path sets her on a collision course with Sunho, but he doesn't realize she's the girl that he—and a hundred other swords-for-hire—is looking for. As the two grow closer through their travels, they come to realize that their pasts—and destinies—are far more entwined than either of them could have imagined...]]> 368 Axie Oh 1250853087 Alexis 0 to-read 4.21 2025 The Floating World (The Floating World, #1)
author: Axie Oh
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Orphanage by the Lake (The Orphanage by the Lake, #1)]]> 221206051 A MISSING GIRL. AN ORPHANAGE FILLED WITH SECRETS.

Hazel wants a new life.

She's thirty years old, single, and her private investigation business is months away from folding.

Her luck takes a turn when Madeline Hemsley, a mysterious socialite, pays Hazel a visit with an offer too enticing to resist. An orphan girl has disappeared from a children's home—The Orphanage By The Lake, as the locals call it—and Madeline wants Hazel to find her.

At first glance, it appears to be a standard runaway case, but as Hazel plunges into the investigation, she finds signs of something unexplained blood stains, cryptic symbols, sinister figures shadowing her every move. The more she digs, the more she realizes that The Orphanage By The Lake holds terrifying secrets, and even worse�

…so does Madeline.

Fans of Freida McFadden's The Housemaid, Charlie Donlea's The Girl Who Was Taken, and Karin Slaughter's Pretty Girls will love this twisty, suspenseful thill-ride.]]> 336 Daniel G. Miller 146424636X Alexis 0 to-read 3.82 2024 The Orphanage by the Lake (The Orphanage by the Lake, #1)
author: Daniel G. Miller
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fallen City (Fallen City Duology, #1)]]> 222376635 In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose—to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casoeria was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds—a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.]]> 416 Adrienne Young 1250794196 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 2025 Fallen City (Fallen City Duology, #1)
author: Adrienne Young
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)]]> 68428 What if the whole world were a dead, blasted wasteland?

Mistborn
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn trust if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

Brandon Sanderson, fantasy's newest master tale-spinner and author of the acclaimed debut Elantris, dares to turn a genre on its head by asking a simple question: What if the prophesied hero failed to defeat the Dark Lord? The answer will be found in the Mistborn Trilogy, a saga of surprises that begins with the book in your hands. Fantasy will never be the same again.]]> 541 Brandon Sanderson Alexis 0 to-read 4.48 2006 Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Women 126918788 From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie� McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.]]> 472 Kristin Hannah Alexis 0 to-read 4.71 2024 The Women
author: Kristin Hannah
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Four Winds 53138081 Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.

Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781250178602]]> 464 Kristin Hannah 1250178606 Alexis 0 to-read 4.27 2021 The Four Winds
author: Kristin Hannah
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> West With Giraffes 56449476 An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

“Few true friends have I known and two were giraffes…�

Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave.

It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.

Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late.]]> 346 Lynda Rutledge 1542023351 Alexis 0 to-read 4.35 2021 West With Giraffes
author: Lynda Rutledge
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Metamorphosis 485894 Alternate cover edition of ISBN 0553213695 / 9780553213690

"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. He was laying on his hard, as it were armor-plated, back and when he lifted his head a little he could see his domelike brown belly divided into stiff arched segments on top of which the bed quilt could hardly keep in position and was about to slide off completely. His numerous legs, which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk, waved helplessly before his eyes."

With it's startling, bizarre, yet surprisingly funny first opening, Kafka begins his masterpiece, The Metamorphosis. It is the story of a young man who, transformed overnight into a giant beetle-like insect, becomes an object of disgrace to his family, an outsider in his own home, a quintessentially alienated man. A harrowing—though absurdly comic—meditation on human feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and isolation, The Metamorphosis has taken its place as one of the most widely read and influential works of twentieth-century fiction. As W.H. Auden wrote, "Kafka is important to us because his predicament is the predicament of modern man."]]> 201 Franz Kafka 0553213695 Alexis 0 3.90 1915 The Metamorphosis
author: Franz Kafka
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1915
rating: 0
read at: 2012/12/26
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> The Darkest Path 17381993
A civil war rages between the Glorious Path--a militant religion based on the teachings of a former US soldier--and what's left of the US government. Fifteen-year-old Callum Roe and his younger brother, James, were captured and forced to convert six years ago. Cal has been working in the Path's dog kennels, and is very close to becoming one of the Path's deadliest secret agents. Then Cal befriends a stray dog named Bear and kills a commander who wants to train him to be a vicious attack dog. This sends Cal and Bear on the run, and sets in motion a series of incredible events that will test Cal's loyalties and end in a fierce battle that the fate of the entire country rests on.]]> 336 Jeff Hirsch 0545512239 Alexis 4 Teen me would've ATE THIS UP 3.92 2013 The Darkest Path
author: Jeff Hirsch
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/11
date added: 2025/02/11
shelves:
review:
Teen me would've ATE THIS UP
]]> Pachinko 34051011
Richly told and profoundly moving, Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty. From bustling street markets to the halls of Japan's finest universities to the pachinko parlors of the criminal underworld, Lee's complex and passionate characters—strong, stubborn women, devoted sisters and sons, fathers shaken by moral crisis—survive and thrive against the indifferent arc of history.]]> 496 Min Jin Lee Alexis 0 currently-reading 4.35 2017 Pachinko
author: Min Jin Lee
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Jungle Book (Jungle Book, #1)]]> 77270
Best known for the 'Mowgli' stories, Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book expertly interweaves myth, morals, adventure and powerful story-telling. Set in Central India, Mowgli is raised by a pack of wolves. Along the way he encounters memorable characters such as the foreboding tiger Shere Kahn, Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. Including other stories such as that of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a heroic mongoose and Toomai, a young elephant handler, Kipling's fables remain as popular today as they ever were.]]> 277 Rudyard Kipling 0812504690 Alexis 0 3.94 1894 The Jungle Book (Jungle Book, #1)
author: Rudyard Kipling
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1894
rating: 0
read at: 2024/01/01
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:

]]> The Jungle Books 20888207 448 Rudyard Kipling 0141394625 Alexis 0 dnf 3.64 1895 The Jungle Books
author: Rudyard Kipling
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.64
book published: 1895
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: dnf
review:

]]> Project Hail Mary 54493401
Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.

Or does he?]]> 476 Andy Weir 0593135202 Alexis 0 to-read, been-recommended 4.49 2021 Project Hail Mary
author: Andy Weir
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read, been-recommended
review:

]]> Juniper & Thorn 58966216 From highly acclaimed, bestselling author Ava Reid comes a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, set in another time and place within the world of The Wolf and the Woodsman, where a young witch seeks to discover her identity and escape the domination of her abusive wizard father, perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Catherynne M. Valente.

A gruesome curse. A city in upheaval. A monster with unquenchable appetites.

Marlinchen and her two sisters live with their wizard father in a city shifting from magic to industry. As Oblya’s last true witches, she and her sisters are little more than a tourist trap as they treat their clients with archaic remedies and beguile them with nostalgic charm. Marlinchen spends her days divining secrets in exchange for rubles and trying to placate her tyrannical, xenophobic father, who keeps his daughters sequestered from the outside world. But at night, Marlinchen and her sisters sneak out to enjoy the city’s amenities and revel in its thrills, particularly the recently established ballet theater, where Marlinchen meets a dancer who quickly captures her heart.

As Marlinchen’s late-night trysts grow more fervent and frequent, so does the threat of her father’s rage and magic. And while Oblya flourishes with culture and bustles with enterprise, a monster lurks in its midst, borne of intolerance and resentment and suffused with old-world power. Caught between history and progress and blood and desire, Marlinchen must draw upon her own magic to keep her city safe and find her place within it.]]> 368 Ava Reid 0062973169 Alexis 0 to-read 3.64 2022 Juniper & Thorn
author: Ava Reid
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Man in the High Castle 36684085
It is 1962 and the Second World War has been over for seventeen years: people have now had a chance to adjust to the new order. But it's not been easy. The Mediterranean has been drained to make farmland, the population of Africa has virtually been wiped out and America has been divided between the Nazis and the Japanese. In the neutral buffer zone that divides the two superpowers lives the man in the high castle, the author of an underground bestseller, a work of fiction that offers an alternative theory of world history in which the Axis powers didn't win the war. The novel is a rallying cry for all those who dream of overthrowing the occupiers. But could it be more than that?

Subtle, complex and beautifully characterized, The Man in the High Castle remains the finest alternative world novel ever written, and a work of profundity and significance.]]> 288 Philip K. Dick 1473223482 Alexis 3
I really was excited to read this because I love this concept, in that it makes me think about how differently the world could turn out had a few small actions been taken differently. I think Philip K. Dick has a real knack for political dystopia and imagining futures that are so uncanny and uncomfortable that you can tell he really thinks existentially on a lot of the world and societies problems.
My main issue with getting through this book is just his writing style, the jumping between perspectives is not made clear and at times it can be hard to follow where in the timeline I am experiencing each character. I also wanted a little more of a deep dive into seeing the world that had become of this alternate history, I think a lot of the setting gets lost when the focus is so heavy on each characters interpersonal lives, and I think there is a lot of filler text that could be replaced with describing this world more pointedly. I had these same issues with his other book, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep' and I think it is just in the way he likes to tell his stories, but that is the only reason I gave it 3 stars.
I think it is deserving of a 4 for its concept and well written, thought-provoking points of conversation and inner character monologue, and I would recommend this to people of a similar interest. I did not give it a 5 because it is slow paced for my taste and I would have liked to see certain plot points play out differently. But I think it is best read with context of the political situation and history to a lot of the war itself - maybe it is not necessary but I think for me, personally, it made the story much better having had some frame of reference to ponder on and made it that more exciting to discuss with those around me.
]]> 3.35 1962 The Man in the High Castle
author: Philip K. Dick
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.35
book published: 1962
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/29
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves:
review:
The Man in the High Castle explores an alternative history where the Allies lose World War II and America is divided up, the west coast controlled by the Japanese, the East coast controlled by Germany, and the Midwest left without a government as a buffer zone between the two ruling countries.

I really was excited to read this because I love this concept, in that it makes me think about how differently the world could turn out had a few small actions been taken differently. I think Philip K. Dick has a real knack for political dystopia and imagining futures that are so uncanny and uncomfortable that you can tell he really thinks existentially on a lot of the world and societies problems.
My main issue with getting through this book is just his writing style, the jumping between perspectives is not made clear and at times it can be hard to follow where in the timeline I am experiencing each character. I also wanted a little more of a deep dive into seeing the world that had become of this alternate history, I think a lot of the setting gets lost when the focus is so heavy on each characters interpersonal lives, and I think there is a lot of filler text that could be replaced with describing this world more pointedly. I had these same issues with his other book, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep' and I think it is just in the way he likes to tell his stories, but that is the only reason I gave it 3 stars.
I think it is deserving of a 4 for its concept and well written, thought-provoking points of conversation and inner character monologue, and I would recommend this to people of a similar interest. I did not give it a 5 because it is slow paced for my taste and I would have liked to see certain plot points play out differently. But I think it is best read with context of the political situation and history to a lot of the war itself - maybe it is not necessary but I think for me, personally, it made the story much better having had some frame of reference to ponder on and made it that more exciting to discuss with those around me.

]]> <![CDATA[God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics]]> 111563 God in the Dock. Here Lewis addresses himself both to theological questions and to those which Hooper terms "semi-theological," or ethical. But whether he is discussing "Evil and God," "Miracles," "The Decline of Religion," or "The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment," his insight and observations are thoroughly and profoundly Christian. Drawn from a variety of sources, the essays were designed to meet a variety of needs, and among other accomplishments they serve to illustrate the many different angles from which we are able to view the Christian religion. They range from relatively popular pieces written for newspapers to more learned defenses of the faith which first appeared in The Socratic Digest. Characterized by Lewis's honesty and realism, his insight and conviction, and above all his thoroughgoing commitments to Christianity, these essays make God in the Dock very much a book for our time.]]> 346 C.S. Lewis Alexis 0 to-read 4.24 1971 God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1971
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)]]> 38965859
Sweeping from a harsh land of cold to a summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, A Game of Thrones tells a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; a child is lost in the twilight between life and death; and a determined woman undertakes a treacherous journey to protect all she holds dear. Amid plots and counter-plots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, allies and enemies, the fate of the Starks hangs perilously in the balance, as each side endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.]]> 835 George R.R. Martin Alexis 0 4.46 1996 A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1996
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: been-recommended, currently-reading
review:

]]> Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) 209439446
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]> 527 Rebecca Yarros 1649374186 Alexis 0 currently-reading 4.18 2025 Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fathomfolk (Drowned World, #1)]]> 173404001 Ěý
But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on peering down from skyscrapers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolkĚý—Ěýsirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas—who live in the polluted waters below.
Ěý
For half-siren Mira, promotion to captain of the border guard means an opportunity to reform. At last, she has the ear of the city council and a chance to lift the repressive laws that restrict fathomfolk at every turn.ĚýBut if earning the trust and respect of her human colleagues wasn't hard enough, everything Mira has worked towards is put in jeopardy whenĚýa water dragon is exiled to the city.
Ěý
New arrival Nami is an aristocratic water dragon with an opinion on everything.ĚýFrustrated by the lack of progress from Mira's softly-softly approach in gaining equality, Nami throws her lot in with an anti-human extremistĚýgroup,ĚýleavingĚýMira to find the headstrong youth before sheĚýmakes everythingĚýworse.
Ěý
And pulling strings behind everything is Cordelia, a second-generation sea-witch determined to do what she must to survive and see her family flourish, even if it means climbing over the bodies of her competitors. Her political game-playing and underground connections could disrupt everything Nami and Mira are fighting for.
Ěý
When the extremists sabotage the annual boat race, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Even Nami realises her new friends are not what they seem.ĚýBoth she and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth it, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.]]> 448 Eliza Chan 0316564923 Alexis 0 to-read 3.13 2024 Fathomfolk (Drowned World, #1)
author: Eliza Chan
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.13
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Water Moon 211479192 A woman inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets, and then embarks on a magical journey when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop, in this dreamlike and enchanting fantasy novel.

On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see a cozy ramen restaurant. And only the chosen ones—those who are lost—will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets.

Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner to find it ransacked, the shop’s most precious acquisition stolen, and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike its other customers, for he offers help instead of seeking it.

Together, they must journey through a mystical world to find Hana’s father and the stolen choice—by way of rain puddles, rides on paper cranes, the bridge between midnight and morning, and a night market in the clouds.

But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own—and risk making a choice that she will never be able to take back.]]> 384 Samantha Sotto Yambao 0593724992 Alexis 0 to-read 3.81 2025 Water Moon
author: Samantha Sotto Yambao
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Illustrated Walden 36366813 296 Henry David Thoreau Alexis 0 3.67 1854 The Illustrated Walden
author: Henry David Thoreau
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.67
book published: 1854
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: wildlife-book-club, currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Liberators (World War II, #4)]]> 24612573 Kirkus Reviews

Chris Lynch concludes his gritty, thoughtful, and critically acclaimed WWII fiction series -- providing entirely new insight into "The Good War."

The US Marines Corps is home to some of the roughest, toughest combatants in World War II. Their courage and daring are legendary. And the best of the best -- the boldest among them -- are joining the Corps' elite new paratrooper combat unit. As Paramarines, they'll be expected to do everything a typical Marine does... and do it while skydiving.

Nick Nardini knows that he's destined to become a Paramarine. He also knows that he has to convince his best friend, Zachary Klecko, to sign up too. Nardini and Klecko used to be inseparable, ever since they met in kindergarten, but recently they've been drifting apart. Fighting in the same battalion -- and jumping out of the same planes -- seems to Nardini like a surefire way to restore their bond and come out of the war stronger than ever. The Axis powers, however, may have other ideas...]]> 192 Chris Lynch 0545523044 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 2015 The Liberators (World War II, #4)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Alive and Kicking (World War II, #3)]]> 22571258 Theo has always looked up to his older brother, Hank, but never more so than the day Hank enlisted in the US Navy. Not to be outdone, Theo followed his older brother's lead in joining the war effort -- but preferring the wide open sky to the untamed ocean, Theo chose to serve with the Army Air Force.

As a gunner on a B-24 Liberator, Theo is enthusiastic about his crew's mission to save all of Europe from the Nazis. Fearlessness is a requirement for dog fights at 50,000 feet. But when Theo's brother goes missing in the Pacific, fear start creeping in. Can Theo keep his head in the game while he awaits word of his brother's fate?
]]> 192 Chris Lynch 054552301X Alexis 0 to-read 4.02 2015 Alive and Kicking (World War II, #3)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dead in the Water (World War II, #2)]]> 20799493
Hank and Theo are brothers who share everything: sense of duty, a love of baseball, and a healthy fear of their fierce little sister, Suzie. They have been inseparable for their entire lives. But when America is drawn into World War II, the young brothers find themselves fighting the same war on opposite sides of the globe.

As an airedale in the navy, hank now lives aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS [i]Yorktown[/i]. His job is to assist the pilots who soar off each day to engage Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean. It is a crucial and terrifying duty in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

As the days at sea be3come weeks and months, hank adapts to life apart from his family. He adapts to the fear of torpedoes and dive-bombers. But in an era of prejudice and segregation, it's Hank's choice of friends that might prove the most dangerous of all.]]> 188 Chris Lynch 0545675987 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 2014 Dead in the Water (World War II, #2)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Walking Wounded (Vietnam, #5) 21534902
Morris, Rudi, Ivan, and Beck were best friends. So when one of them was drafted into the Vietnam War, the others signed up, too. They promised to watch out for one another. They pledged to come home together.

Now, that pledge has been broken. One of the four has been killed in action. And the remaining three are the only men alive who know the awful truth about their friend's death.

Each is left to deal with their secret in his own way. One of them will accompany his friend's body home to Boston. One of them will defy orders in an act of protest. And one of them will decide it's up to him to single-handedly win the war.

In the end, Vietnam may claim more than their lives. As the war grinds on, their very souls are at stake. And their shattered friendship will prove either their salvation . . . or their ruin.]]> 208 Chris Lynch 054564013X Alexis 0 to-read 4.22 2014 Walking Wounded (Vietnam, #5)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Right Fight (World War II, #1)]]> 17981402
There are few things Roman loves as much as baseball, but his country is at the top of the list. So when it looks like the United States will be swept up into World War II, he turns his back on baseball and joins the US Army.

Roman doesn't mind. As it turns out, he is far more talented with a tank than he ever was with a baseball. And he is eager to drive his tank right into the field of battle, where the Army is up against the fearsome Nazis of the Afrika Korps.

The North African terrain is like nothing Roman has ever known, and desert warfare proves brutal. As Roman drives his team deeper into disputed territory, one thing becomes very clear: Life in wartime is a whole new ball game.]]> 192 Chris Lynch 0545522943 Alexis 0 to-read 3.93 2014 The Right Fight (World War II, #1)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Free-Fire Zone (Vietnam, #3) 13591675 Morris, Rudi, Ivan, and Beck are best friends for life. So when one of the teens is drafted into the Vietnam War, the others sign up, too. Although they each serve in a different branch, they are fighting the war together -- and they promise to do all they can to come home together.
Rudi is perhaps the most concerned about whether or not he'll be able to keep that promise. After all -- and he'd be the first to admit this -- he's not the most capable guy. He's not smart like Beck, or brave like Ivan. He lacks the strength of Morris's moral convictions.
But once Rudi is pulled kicking and screaming into the Marines, he at last finds something he's good at: following orders. Will that be enough to keep him alive? And if he does survive the war, will his best friends even recognize him on the other side?]]> 192 Chris Lynch 0545270251 Alexis 0 to-read 4.32 2012 Free-Fire Zone (Vietnam, #3)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Sharpshooter (Vietnam, #2) 12846423
Of all his friends, Ivan is the only one looking forward to war.

That's because Ivan has never backed down from a fight--especially when it comes to fighting for what's right. He has protected his friends from bullies for years. And now, as war erupts in Vietnam, Ivan wants nothing more than to fight for his country, just as his father did in World War II.

Enlisting in the United States Army, Ivan is trained to be a sniper. And he's good at it. Very good. But Vietnam is not the war he was expecting. Somehow the glory and heroism of his father's war stories do not come so easily in the jungle.

Now, for the first time, Ivan is forced to question what he's really fighting for . . . and whether it's a fight he can hope to win.
]]> 192 Chris Lynch 054527026X Alexis 0 to-read 4.22 2012 Sharpshooter (Vietnam, #2)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Pledge Allegiance (Vietnam, #1)]]> 10284234
Morris, Rudi, Ivan, and Beck are best friends for life. So when one of the teens is drafted into the Vietnam War, the others sign up, too. Although they each serve in a different branch, they are fighting the war together--and they pledge to do all they can to come home together.

Haunted by dreams of violence and death, Morris makes it his personal mission to watch over his friends--and the best place to do that is in the US Navy. Stationed off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Boston, Morris and his fellow sailors provide crucial support to the troops on the ground.

But the Boston itself isn't safe from attack. And as Morris finds his courage and resolve tested like never before, he keeps coming back to a single thought.

He made a pledge. He must keep them safe.]]> 192 Chris Lynch 0545270294 Alexis 0 to-read 4.02 2010 I Pledge Allegiance (Vietnam, #1)
author: Chris Lynch
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> One in a Millennial 211004135
One In a Millennial is an exploration of pop culture, nostalgia, the millennial zeitgeist, and the life lessons learned (for better and for worse) from coming of age as a member of a much-maligned generation.

Kate is a pop culture commentator and host of the popular millennial-focused podcast Be There in Five . Part-funny, part-serious, Kate navigates the complicated nature of celebrating and criticizing the culture that shaped her as a woman, while arguing that great depths can come from surface-level interests.

With her trademark style and vulnerability, One In a Millennial is sharp, hilarious, and heartwarming all at once. She tackles AOL Instant Messenger, purity culture, American Girl Dolls, going out tops, Spice Girl feminism, her feelings about millennial motherhood, and more. Kate’s laugh-out-loud asides and keen observations will have you nodding your head and maybe even tearing up.]]> 336 Kate Kennedy 1250874165 Alexis 0 to-read 3.49 2024 One in a Millennial
author: Kate Kennedy
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath]]> 11623
A major literary event--the complete, uncensored journals of Sylvia Plath, published in their entirety for the first time.

Sylvia Plath's journals were originally published in 1982 in a heavily abridged version authorized by Plath's husband, Ted Hughes. This new edition is an exact and complete transcription of the diaries Plath kept during the last twelve years of her life. Sixty percent of the book is material that has never before been made public, more fully revealing the intensity of the poet's personal and literary struggles, and providing fresh insight into both her frequent desperation and the bravery with which she faced down her demons. The complete Journals of Sylvia Plath is essential reading for all who have been moved and fascinated by Plath's life and work.]]> 732 Sylvia Plath 0385720254 Alexis 0 to-read 4.27 2000 The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
author: Sylvia Plath
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2000
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Bell Jar 56616095 (back cover)]]> 288 Sylvia Plath 0060837020 Alexis 0 to-read 4.12 1963 The Bell Jar
author: Sylvia Plath
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.12
book published: 1963
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Where the Dark Stands Still 125201142 A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power in this young adult fantasy perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens and House of Salt and Sorrows.

Liska knows that magic is monstrous, and its practitioners are monsters. She has done everything possible to suppress her own magic, to disastrous consequences. Desperate to be free of it, Liska flees her small village and delves into the dangerous, demon-inhabited spirit-wood to steal a mythical fern flower. If she plucks it, she can use its one wish to banish her powers. Everyone who has sought the fern flower has fallen prey to unknown horrors, so when Liska is caught by the demon warden of the wood—called The Leszy—a bargain seems better than death: one year of servitude in exchange for the fern flower and its wish.

Whisked away to The Leszy’s crumbling manor, Liska soon makes an unsettling discovery: she is not the first person to strike this bargain, and all her predecessors have mysteriously vanished. If Liska wants to survive the year and return home, she must unravel her taciturn host’s spool of secrets and face the ghosts—figurative and literal—of his past. Because something wakes in the woods, something deadly and without mercy. It frightens even The Leszy…and cannot be defeated unless Liska embraces the monster she’s always feared becoming.]]> 368 A.B. Poranek 1665936479 Alexis 0 to-read 4.13 2024 Where the Dark Stands Still
author: A.B. Poranek
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (Emily Wilde, #1)]]> 184584595
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.]]> 352 Heather Fawcett 0593500156 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 2023 Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (Emily Wilde, #1)
author: Heather Fawcett
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #3)]]> 2277378
It's spring in the tiny, forgotten village; buds are on the trees and the first flowers are struggling through the newly thawed earth. But not everything is meant to return to life. . .

When some villagers decide to celebrate Easter with a séance at the Old Hadley House, they are hoping to rid the town of its evil—until one of their party dies of fright. Was this a natural death, or was the victim somehow helped along?

Brilliant, compassionate Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is called to investigate, in a case that will force him to face his own ghosts as well as those of a seemingly idyllic town where relationships are far more dangerous than they seem.]]> 310 Louise Penny 0755328949 Alexis 0 to-read, been-recommended 4.10 2007 The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #3)
author: Louise Penny
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves: to-read, been-recommended
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #2)]]> 352921
No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter—and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her death.

When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, of the Sûreté du Québec, is called to investigate, he quickly realizes he's dealing with someone quite extraordinary. CC de Poitiers was electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake, in front of the entire village, as she watched the annual curling tournament. And yet no one saw anything. Who could have been insane enough to try such a macabre method of murder—or brilliant enough to succeed?

With his trademark compassion and courage, Gamache digs beneath the idyllic surface of village life to find the dangerous secrets long buried there. For a Quebec winter is not only staggeringly beautiful but deadly, and the people of Three Pines know better than to reveal too much of themselves. But other dangers are becoming clear to Gamache. As a bitter wind blows into the village, something even more chilling is coming for Gamache himself.]]> 311 Louise Penny 0312352565 Alexis 0 to-read, been-recommended 4.04 2006 A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #2)
author: Louise Penny
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves: to-read, been-recommended
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #1)]]> 338691
But Gamache knows that evil is lurking somewhere behind the white picket fences and that, if he watches closely enough, Three Pines will start to give up its dark secrets...]]> 293 Louise Penny 0312948557 Alexis 0 to-read, been-recommended 3.86 2005 Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #1)
author: Louise Penny
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves: to-read, been-recommended
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Winter of the Witch (The Winternight Trilogy, #3)]]> 221584461
Vasilisa Petrovna is an unforgettable heroine determined to forge her own path. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse.

Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.]]> 384 Katherine Arden Alexis 4 4.33 2019 The Winter of the Witch (The Winternight Trilogy, #3)
author: Katherine Arden
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy, #1)]]> 22878967 It has been twenty years since the end of the war. The dictatorial Augurs—once thought of almost as gods—were overthrown and wiped out during the conflict, their much-feared powers mysteriously failing them. Those who had ruled under them, men and women with a lesser ability known as the Gift, avoided the Augurs' fate only by submitting themselves to the rebellion's Four Tenets. A representation of these laws is now written into the flesh of any who use the Gift, forcing those so marked into absolute obedience.

As a student of the Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war fought—and lost—before he was born. Despised by most beyond the school walls, he and those around him are all but prisoners as they attempt to learn control of the Gift. Worse, as Davian struggles with his lessons, he knows that there is further to fall if he cannot pass his final tests.

But when Davian discovers he has the ability to wield the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything. To the north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir. And to the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian’s wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is…]]> 602 James Islington 099258020X Alexis 0 to-read 4.13 2014 The Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy, #1)
author: James Islington
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars, #1)]]> 75668288 The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire's shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor's only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire's rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion--one that could save their world...or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.]]> 472 Thea Guanzon 0063277271 Alexis 0 to-read 3.65 2023 The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars, #1)
author: Thea Guanzon
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Monsoon Rising (The Hurricane Wars, #2)]]> 199793372 Two hearts circle each other in the eye of the storm in this highly-anticipated follow-up to The Hurricane Wars—prepare for more enemies-to-lovers romance, magical adventures, and political schemes in this Southeast Asian-inspired world.

After a lifetime of war, Alaric and Talasyn were thrust into an alliance between their homelands that was supposed to end the fighting; however, being married to their sworn foe feels far from peaceful. Now Talasyn must play the part of Alaric’s willing empress while her allies secretly plot to overthrow his reign. But the longer the couple are forced together, the harder it becomes to deny the feelings crackling like lightning between them. When the time comes to act, can she trust him, or must she ignore her heart for the sake of so many others?

As the master of the Shadowforged Legion, Alaric has trained for battle all his life, but marrying a Lightweaver might be his most dangerous challenge yet. With tensions between nations churning, he needs to focus on the greater threat—the Moonless Dark, a cataclysmic magical event that could devour everything. Only he and Talasyn can stop it, with a powerful merging of light and shadow that they alone can create together. But saving their world from this disaster is a mere preface to his father’s more sinister schemes, and his wife is a burning flame in the darkness, tempting both his loyalties and his desires.

The Hurricane Wars aren’t over. It’s time to choose what—and who—to fight for. The world holds its breath amidst a whirlwind of new magic and old secrets that could change everything.]]> 400 Thea Guanzon 0063277301 Alexis 0 to-read 4.15 2024 A Monsoon Rising (The Hurricane Wars, #2)
author: Thea Guanzon
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> A Sea of Unspoken Things 207677131 A woman investigates her brother's mysterious death while coming to terms with her own haunting past in this atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow

The only thing James and Johnny Golden have ever had is each other. For as long as she can remember, James’sĚýdeep connection with her twin brother,ĚýJohnny,Ěýhas gone beyond intuition—she can feel what he feels.ĚýSo, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that she’s alone—truly alone—for the first time in her life.Ěý

When James arrives in the rural town of Hawthorne, California to settleĚýher brother’sĚýaffairs,Ěýshe’sĚýforced to rehash the ominous past she and Johnny shared and finally face Micah, the only person who knows about it. He’s also the only man she’s ever loved.Ěý

But James soon discovers that the strange connection she had with Johnny isn’t quite gone, and the more she immerses herself into his world, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was keeping secrets, and he’s not the only one. What she uncovers will push her to unravel what happened in the days before Johnny’s death, but in the end, she’ll have to decide which truths should come to light, and which should stay buried forever.]]> 288 Adrienne Young 0593598709 Alexis 0 to-read 3.71 2025 A Sea of Unspoken Things
author: Adrienne Young
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5)]]> 214331246 When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.]]> 382 Suzanne Collins 1546171460 Alexis 0 to-read 4.66 2025 Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, #0.5)
author: Suzanne Collins
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.66
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3)]]> 211721797 The third installment in the heartwarming and enchanting Emily Wilde series, about a curmudgeonly scholar of folklore and the fae prince she loves.

Emily Wilde has spent her life studying faeries. A renowned dryadologist, she has documented hundreds of species of Folk in her Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Now she is about to embark on her most dangerous academic project studying the inner workings of a faerie realm—as its queen.

Along with her former academic rival—now fiancé—the dashing and mercurial Wendell Bambleby, Emily is immediately thrust into the deadly intrigues of Faerie as the two of them seize the throne of Wendell’s long-lost kingdom, which Emily finds a beautiful nightmare filled with scholarly treasures.

Emily has been obsessed with faerie stories her entire life, but at first she feels as ill-suited to Faerie as she did to the mortal How can an unassuming scholar such as herself pass for a queen? Yet there is little time to settle in, for Wendell’s murderous stepmother has placed a deadly curse upon the land before vanishing without a trace. It will take all of Wendell’s magic—and Emily’s knowledge of stories—to unravel the mystery before they lose everything they hold dear.]]> 358 Heather Fawcett 0593500229 Alexis 0 to-read 4.21 2025 Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3)
author: Heather Fawcett
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York]]> 7054123 The Poisoner's Handbook Blum draws from highly original research to track the fascinating, perilous days when a pair of forensic scientists began their trailblazing chemical detective work, fighting to end an era when untraceable poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime.

Drama unfolds case by case as the heroes of The Poisoner's Handbook—chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler—investigate a family mysteriously stricken bald, Barnum and Bailey's Famous Blue Man, factory workers with crumbling bones, a diner serving poisoned pies, and many others. Each case presents a deadly new puzzle and Norris and Gettler work with a creativity that rivals that of the most imaginative murderer, creating revolutionary experiments to tease out even the wiliest compounds from human tissue. Yet in the tricky game of toxins, even science can't always be trusted, as proven when one of Gettler's experiments erroneously sets free a suburban housewife later nicknamed "America's Lucretia Borgia" to continue her nefarious work.

From the vantage of Norris and Gettler's laboratory in the infamous Bellevue Hospital it becomes clear that killers aren't the only toxic threat to New Yorkers. Modern life has created a kind of poison playground, and danger lurks around every corner. Automobiles choke the city streets with carbon monoxide; potent compounds, such as morphine, can be found on store shelves in products ranging from pesticides to cosmetics. Prohibition incites a chemist's war between bootleggers and government chemists while in Gotham's crowded speakeasies each round of cocktails becomes a game of Russian roulette. Norris and Gettler triumph over seemingly unbeatable odds to become the pioneers of forensic chemistry and the gatekeepers of justice during a remarkably deadly time. A beguiling concoction that is equal parts true crime, twentieth-century history, and science thriller, The Poisoner's Handbook is a page-turning account of a forgotten New York.]]> 319 Deborah Blum 1594202435 Alexis 0 to-read 4.00 2010 The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
author: Deborah Blum
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Earthlings 50269327
Now Natsuki is grown. She lives a quiet life with her asexual husband, surviving as best she can by pretending to be normal. But the demands of Natsuki's family are increasing, her friends wonder why she's still not pregnant, and dark shadows from Natsuki's childhood are pursuing her. Fleeing the suburbs for the mountains of her childhood, Natsuki prepares herself with a reunion with Yuu. Will he still remember their promise? And will he help her keep it?]]> 247 Sayaka Murata 1783785675 Alexis 0 to-read 3.59 2018 Earthlings
author: Sayaka Murata
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Warm Hands of Ghosts 209641660 The sweeping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Katherine Arden.

World War One, and as shells fall in Flanders, a Canadian nurse searches for her brother believed dead in the trenches despite eerie signs that suggest otherwise in this gripping and powerful historical novel from the bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale.

January 1918. Laura Iven has been discharged from her duties as a nurse and sent back to Halifax, Canada, leaving behind a brother still fighting in the trenches of the First World War. Now home, she receives word of Freddie's death in action along with his uniform - but something doesn't quite make sense. Determined to find out more, Laura returns to Belgium as a volunteer at a private hospital. Soon after arriving, she hears whispers about ghosts moving among those still living and a strange innkeeper whose wine gives soldiers the gift of oblivion. Could this have happened to Freddie - but if so, where is he?

November 1917. Freddie Iven awakens after an explosion to find himself trapped under an overturned pillbox with an enemy soldier, a German, each of them badly wounded. Against all odds, the two men form a bond and succeed in clawing their way out. But once in No Man's Land, where can either of them turn where they won't be shot as enemy soldiers or deserters? As the killing continues, they meet a man - a fiddler - who seems to have the power to make the hellscape that surrounds them disappear. But at what price?

A novel of breathtaking scope and drama, of compulsive readability, of stunning historical research lightly worn, and of brilliantly drawn characters who will make you laugh and break your heart in a single line, The Warm Hands of Ghosts is a book that will speak to readers directly about the trauma of war and the power of those involved to love, endure and transcend it.]]> 400 Katherine Arden Alexis 4
This story is told from two different points of view, a soldier and his nurse sister who is trying to find him during WW1. Timelines that differ about a year, where they converge toward a satisfying end.

This story intertwines real history and real traumas of WW1 with a fictitious being known as Faland, who takes advantage of War torn soldiers and people in their time of weakness.

Once again, Arden has been able to bring me into this vision, this world, feeling as though I am a part of it, and can see it's movie in front of me. As though I am walking beside the characters I am reading about. She tells her story gracefully, in a pleasant slow burn that is carried by beautiful descriptions and timeless dialogue.

My only wish I had for myself while reading it is I wish my focus had been solely on this book and nothing else. I think it really needs your full attention to appreciate it for all it's depth and sentiment.]]> 3.79 2024 The Warm Hands of Ghosts
author: Katherine Arden
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:
Another great story by Arden. The way she blends historical fiction with fantasy is done so beautifully here. Her excerpt at the end giving more context to her process and story of writing this I also cherish, and always look forward to reading with her books.

This story is told from two different points of view, a soldier and his nurse sister who is trying to find him during WW1. Timelines that differ about a year, where they converge toward a satisfying end.

This story intertwines real history and real traumas of WW1 with a fictitious being known as Faland, who takes advantage of War torn soldiers and people in their time of weakness.

Once again, Arden has been able to bring me into this vision, this world, feeling as though I am a part of it, and can see it's movie in front of me. As though I am walking beside the characters I am reading about. She tells her story gracefully, in a pleasant slow burn that is carried by beautiful descriptions and timeless dialogue.

My only wish I had for myself while reading it is I wish my focus had been solely on this book and nothing else. I think it really needs your full attention to appreciate it for all it's depth and sentiment.
]]> <![CDATA[The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire, #1)]]> 201129898 Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventureĚýinspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young womanĚýdetermined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another?ĚýAs her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.]]> 432 K.X. Song 0593815726 Alexis 0 to-read 3.80 2024 The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire, #1)
author: K.X. Song
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy, #1)]]> 123008494 Illumicrate presents The Winternight Collection with cover art by Em Allen.

At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn't mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse's fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

After Vasilisa's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa's new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa's stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse's most frightening tales.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a magical debut novel from a gifted and gorgeous voice. It spins an irresistible spell as it announces the arrival of a singular talent.]]> 324 Katherine Arden Alexis 4
The best part about this book and made me keep reading was definitely the historical context and references -- I did not have a lot of prior knowledge about the folklore discussed here, and the Russian naming system is not explained well (had to look it up) but I feel like I learned so much about medieval Russian culture and religion through this dark fairytale.
The characters were believable, interesting, different in their own way and I really cared for some of them. The author does an amazing job of painting the picture of who these people are and the setting in which they reside. I felt like I could see it's movie right before my eyes.

You can tell Katherine Arden put devout work into her research for this story, I admire greatly the care an author takes to being as close to the truth as humanely possible while still being able to write a story that is uniquely their own. I cannot vouch for how accurate the history was, but from the little I know, it seems accurate at least where it's most important. Her descriptions were written beautifully, I felt the speech patterns of the people and the way the world is presented - it felt believable, true, like I was really present for a history that has long been forgotten. There is a unique voice here, and it's a shame she has so few books out, but if any of her others are like this, I will be looking forward to more work by her in the future.

Update: I also want to add that I am grateful Katherine Arden did not skimp on the realities of the time period in which these characters are portrayed. It is dark because it definitely shows the vices or morally grey sides to many of the characters, and the flaws of a culture that used to be so common in many noble societies. While some parts were disturbing, such as the way the marriages were set up in this story - it is unfortunately a part of history that not everyone agrees with and is much rarer to hear about today in many parts of the world. I noticed a lot of people giving poor reviews on this alone - I don't think this makes it a bad story. I think that is a matter of whether a reader can stomach those facts, and I think Katherine Arden wrote it in a way that was graceful and polite- without giving us any too deep of detail as to weight so heavy on any reader (it is listed as YA, after all). I personally do not like books that scream feminist characters - they often come off very cringe. I did not however, see this one that way, I felt like it was simply writing a woman-hero of the story in a way that made sense for the character's surroundings and upbringing. I do not understand the offense people have to the way the characters speak to one another - not everything in life is rainbows and sunshine and I'm not sure it would be close to reality if Arden pretended it was in this story.]]> 4.11 2017 The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy, #1)
author: Katherine Arden
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/14
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves:
review:
I knew from the moment I found this book that something very unique and interesting was lying here, perfectly at my feet just for me. I can't say I would recommend this to just anyone, I think you have to really enjoy the niche this fits into and it was a bit of a slow burn at the start, but I thought it was a good read nonetheless. I think it works as a standalone but I am also excited to see where the rest of the series takes me.

The best part about this book and made me keep reading was definitely the historical context and references -- I did not have a lot of prior knowledge about the folklore discussed here, and the Russian naming system is not explained well (had to look it up) but I feel like I learned so much about medieval Russian culture and religion through this dark fairytale.
The characters were believable, interesting, different in their own way and I really cared for some of them. The author does an amazing job of painting the picture of who these people are and the setting in which they reside. I felt like I could see it's movie right before my eyes.

You can tell Katherine Arden put devout work into her research for this story, I admire greatly the care an author takes to being as close to the truth as humanely possible while still being able to write a story that is uniquely their own. I cannot vouch for how accurate the history was, but from the little I know, it seems accurate at least where it's most important. Her descriptions were written beautifully, I felt the speech patterns of the people and the way the world is presented - it felt believable, true, like I was really present for a history that has long been forgotten. There is a unique voice here, and it's a shame she has so few books out, but if any of her others are like this, I will be looking forward to more work by her in the future.

Update: I also want to add that I am grateful Katherine Arden did not skimp on the realities of the time period in which these characters are portrayed. It is dark because it definitely shows the vices or morally grey sides to many of the characters, and the flaws of a culture that used to be so common in many noble societies. While some parts were disturbing, such as the way the marriages were set up in this story - it is unfortunately a part of history that not everyone agrees with and is much rarer to hear about today in many parts of the world. I noticed a lot of people giving poor reviews on this alone - I don't think this makes it a bad story. I think that is a matter of whether a reader can stomach those facts, and I think Katherine Arden wrote it in a way that was graceful and polite- without giving us any too deep of detail as to weight so heavy on any reader (it is listed as YA, after all). I personally do not like books that scream feminist characters - they often come off very cringe. I did not however, see this one that way, I felt like it was simply writing a woman-hero of the story in a way that made sense for the character's surroundings and upbringing. I do not understand the offense people have to the way the characters speak to one another - not everything in life is rainbows and sunshine and I'm not sure it would be close to reality if Arden pretended it was in this story.
]]> <![CDATA[The Girl in The Tower (Winternight Trilogy, #2)]]> 59715332 The magical adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home—but soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it comes under siege.

Orphaned and cast out as a witch by her village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent, or allow her older sister to make her a match with a Moscovite prince. Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the vast world she longs to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a boy and riding her horse into the woods. When a battle with some bandits who have been terrorizing the countryside earns her the admiration of the Grand Prince of Moscow, she must carefully guard the secret of her gender to remain in his good graces—even as she realizes his kingdom is under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop.]]> 366 Katherine Arden 152915037X Alexis 4
There was a lot of subtle, slowburn romance in this that I adored. Not too much, just enough to leave us wanting. This entire story feels brutally morally grey, but all the more interesting for it. A very beautiful story, well written, and with new characters and perspectives that we get to explore. I still have so many questions, but many were answered here as well! I can only wonder what the third tale will tell]]> 4.22 2017 The Girl in The Tower (Winternight Trilogy, #2)
author: Katherine Arden
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/20
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves:
review:
I love that this book was written without the need to read the first one - though I did, I feel like each book in this series allows for newcomers to jump in at any point.

There was a lot of subtle, slowburn romance in this that I adored. Not too much, just enough to leave us wanting. This entire story feels brutally morally grey, but all the more interesting for it. A very beautiful story, well written, and with new characters and perspectives that we get to explore. I still have so many questions, but many were answered here as well! I can only wonder what the third tale will tell
]]> Bel Canto 209629322
A beautifully designed edition of number-one New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett's prized classic, annotated and with an introduction by the author herself.

"Tremendous fun... Rereading this terrific novel with [Patchett]... is a master class in fiction writing conveyed in marginalia that has the tone of an ideal dinner conversation." --Ron Charles, The Washington Post

First published in 2001, Bel Canto is possibly Ann Patchett's most beloved novel. Set in an unnamed South American country, at the home of the vice president, it is the story of a lavish birthday party honoring Mr. Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman. Roxanne Coss, opera's most revered soprano, has enthralled the international guests with a mesmerizing performance. The evening is perfect--until a band of gun-wielding terrorists takes the entire party hostage. But in Patchett's skilled hands, what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, a moment of great beauty, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different continents become compatriots. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion--and cannot be stopped.

Now, more than two decades after this bold and artistically daring novel's debut, Patchett revisits her early work. In this special annotated edition, the acclaimed prize-winning author opens the story to readers, providing enlightening commentary on her original version, including reflections on her narrative choices and style. A mature writer looking back at her younger self, Patchett takes us deep into her creative process and considers her career and growth as an artist, from that novel to her most recent, Tom Lake.

Funny, full of insight, informal, and often unexpectedly moving, this annotated edition is an intimate encounter with a celebrated novelist, an opportunity to reconsider a great work through her eyes, and a guide for anyone who wants to understand how a novel takes form.]]> 352 Ann Patchett 006341936X Alexis 0 to-read 4.16 2001 Bel Canto
author: Ann Patchett
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2001
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/18
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]]> Hive (Madders of Time, #1) 222567665 What if saving the future meant rewriting the past?
Ěý
In a dying world overrun by microdrones, humanity's last survivors cling to life inside the Eden-17 biodome. Isabelle Sanborn knows her time is running out, but one desperate plan might give humanity a second chance. With the help of Madders, an enigmatic AI built from the memories of a brilliant physicist, Isabelle sends Diego Nadales—the love of her life�35 years into the past. His mission? To change the course of history and prevent their world's collapse.
Ěý
When Diego arrives in the vibrant yet fragile Main Timeline, he's forced to confront ghosts of the past, including a younger, ambitious version of Isabelle. As he battles to shape a better future, Diego must navigate a delicate web of relationships and events without destroying the very fabric of time.
Ěý
Brimming with suspense, heart-pounding action, and a poignant love story that transcends time, Madders of Time - Book One is a breathtaking science fiction adventure. Award-winning author DL Orton weaves a tale that explores sacrifice, resilience, and the timeless power of love.
Ěý
Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife and Dark MatterĚýwill find themselves captivated by this unforgettable journey through parallel worlds and intertwining destinies.
Ěý
The clock is ticking. Can love survive the collapse of time itself?
Ěý
Prepare to lose yourself in the first installment of the Madders of Time series—a story that will keep you turning pages and leave you hungry for more.]]> 350 D.L. Orton 1941368336 Alexis 0 to-read 4.17 Hive (Madders of Time, #1)
author: D.L. Orton
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/16
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]]> Nettle & Bone 56179377
Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.]]> 243 T. Kingfisher 1250244048 Alexis 0 to-read 4.08 2022 Nettle & Bone
author: T. Kingfisher
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/11
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]]> <![CDATA[Creepy Creatures (Goosebumps Graphix, #1)]]> 125620

With his shadowy illustrations, Gabriel Hernandez creates the perfect atmosphere in The Werewolf of Fever Swamp, a spooky story about a boy and his dog who go sniffing around in a lonely swamp...and wish they hadn't!


Greg Ruth's beautiful but eerie drawings in The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight turn a girl's visit to her grandparents' farm into one scary and dangerous summer vacation.


Scott Morse brings his quirky sense of humor and madcap illustrations to The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena, where a curious brother and sister unwittingly unleash a fierce - and frosty - monster in sunny California.


Three of Goosebumps creepiest creature books ever come to life in this ghoulish collection of spine-tingling Graphix fun!]]> 144 Scott Morse 0439841259 Alexis 0 3.89 2006 Creepy Creatures (Goosebumps Graphix, #1)
author: Scott Morse
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2006
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/11
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]]> <![CDATA[How I Got My Shrunken Head (Goosebumps, #39)]]> 125578
What has two eyes, a mouth, and wrinkly green skin? Mark's shrunken head. It's a present from his Aunt Benna. A gift from the jungle island of Baladora.

Mark can't wait to show the kids at school his shrunken head. It's so ugly. So gross. So awesome. But late one night the head starts to glow. Because it's no ordinary head. It gives Mark a strange power. A magical power. A dangerous power....]]> 144 R.L. Stine 0439568358 Alexis 0 3.56 1996 How I Got My Shrunken Head (Goosebumps, #39)
author: R.L. Stine
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.56
book published: 1996
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/11
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]]> <![CDATA[Stay Out of the Basement (Goosebumps, #2)]]> 125542 160 R.L. Stine 0439568455 Alexis 0 3.72 1992 Stay Out of the Basement (Goosebumps, #2)
author: R.L. Stine
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.72
book published: 1992
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/11
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]]> <![CDATA[It Came from Beneath the Sink! (Goosebumps, #30)]]> 125536 144 R.L. Stine 0439568374 Alexis 0 3.58 1995 It Came from Beneath the Sink! (Goosebumps, #30)
author: R.L. Stine
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.58
book published: 1995
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/11
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]]> <![CDATA[A Canticle for Leibowitz (St. Leibowitz, #1)]]> 164154 334 Walter M. Miller Jr. 0060892994 Alexis 0 to-read 3.99 1959 A Canticle for Leibowitz (St. Leibowitz, #1)
author: Walter M. Miller Jr.
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1959
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Agenda 21 (Agenda 21, #1) 15826004 Just a generation ago, this place was called America. Now, after the worldwide implementation of a UN-led program called Agenda 21, it’s simply known as “the Republic.� There is no president. No Congress. No Supreme Court. No freedom.

There are only the Authorities.

Citizens have two primary goals in the new Republic: to create clean energy and to create new human life. Those who cannot do either are of no use to society. This bleak and barren existence is all that eighteen-year-old Emmeline has ever known. She dutifully walks her energy board daily and accepts all male pairings assigned to her by the Authorities. Like most citizens, she keeps her head down and her eyes closed.

Until the day they come for her mother.

“You save what you think you’re going to lose.�

Woken up to the harsh reality of her life and her family’s future inside the Republic, Emmeline begins to search for the truth. Why are all citizens confined to ubiquitous concrete living spaces? Why are Compounds guarded by Gatekeepers who track all movements? Why are food, water and energy rationed so strictly? And, most important, why are babies taken from their mothers at birth? As Emmeline begins to understand the true objectives of Agenda 21 she realizes that she is up against far more than she ever thought. With the Authorities closing in, and nowhere to run, Emmeline embarks on an audacious plan to save her family and expose the Republic—but is she already too late?

]]> 304 Glenn Beck 1476716692 Alexis 4 3.82 2012 Agenda 21 (Agenda 21, #1)
author: Glenn Beck
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2012
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/12/06
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]]> The Paris Wife 8683812
Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.]]> 314 Paula McLain 0345521307 Alexis 0 to-read 3.81 2011 The Paris Wife
author: Paula McLain
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2011
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/06
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]]> <![CDATA[The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore]]> 201751300 An affectionate and engaging history of the American bookstore and its central place in American cultural life, from department stores to indies, from highbrow dealers trading in first editions to sidewalk vendors, and from chains to special-interest community destinations

Bookstores have always been unlike any other kind of store, shaping readers and writers, and influencing our tastes, thoughts, and politics. They nurture local communities while creating new ones of their own. Bookshops are powerful spaces, but they are also endangered ones. In The Bookshop, we see those stakes: what has been, and what might be lost.

Evan Friss’s history of the bookshop draws on oral histories, archival collections, municipal records, diaries, letters, and interviews with leading booksellers to offer a fascinating look at this institution beloved by so many. The story begins with Benjamin Franklin’s first bookstore in Philadelphia and takes us to a range of booksellers including The Strand, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Company, Gotham Book Mart, specialty stores like Oscar Wilde and Drum and Spear, sidewalk sellers of used books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Books, and Parnassus. The Bookshop is also a history of the leading figures in American bookselling, often impassioned eccentrics, and a history of how books have been marketed and sold over more than two centuries—including, for example, a 3,000-pound elephant who appeared to sign books at Marshall Field’s in 1944.

The Bookshop is a love letter to bookstores, a charming chronicle for anyone who cherishes these sanctuaries of literature, and essential reading to understand how these vital institutions have shaped American life—and why we still need them.]]> 416 Evan Friss 0593299922 Alexis 0 to-read 3.93 2024 The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore
author: Evan Friss
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/06
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]]> <![CDATA[The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness]]> 171681821
A must-read for all parents: the generation-defining investigation into the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood.

“With tenacity and candor, Haidt lays out the consequences that have come with allowing kids to drift further into the virtual world . . . While also offering suggestions and solutions that could help protect a new generation of kids.� —Shannon Carlin, ,i>TIME, 100 Must-Read Books of 2024

After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on many measures. Why?

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults. Haidt shows how the “play-based childhood� began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the “phone-based childhood� in the early 2010s. He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood� has interfered with children’s social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep deprivation to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison, and perfectionism. He explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world, with disastrous consequences for themselves, their families, and their societies.

Most important, Haidt issues a clear call to action. He diagnoses the “collective action problems� that trap us, and then proposes four simple rules that might set us free. He describes steps that parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments can take to end the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more humane childhood.

Haidt has spent his career speaking truth backed by data in the most difficult landscapes—communities polarized by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the public health emergency faced by Gen Z. We cannot afford to ignore his findings about protecting our children—and ourselves—from the psychological damage of a phone-based life.]]> 400 Jonathan Haidt 0593655036 Alexis 0 to-read 4.36 2024 The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness
author: Jonathan Haidt
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/06
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]]> <![CDATA[We Solve Murders (We Solve Murders, #1)]]> 219449299 A brand new series. An iconic new detective duo. And a puzzling new murder to solve...

Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.

Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job...

Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?]]> 387 Richard Osman 059365322X Alexis 0 to-read 4.07 2024 We Solve Murders (We Solve Murders, #1)
author: Richard Osman
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/06
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]]> The God of the Woods 199700434 When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide.

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.]]> 478 Liz Moore 0593418913 Alexis 0 to-read 4.10 2024 The God of the Woods
author: Liz Moore
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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]]> <![CDATA[The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story]]> 32722510 368 Diane Ackerman 0393354253 Alexis 3 I do however recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about WW2 - especially from another country's perspective. I knew that the Polish had one of the largest rebel forces during WW2, but I did not realize just how much they did to slow down the Germans and how deep their underground network went, so this was very intriguing. I also think learning about how zoos were effected during this period was very interesting as well.
There is no sugar coating it though, this was very sad to read at times but I think the author did a great job trying to introduce us to Antonina and Jan's life, while trying to also introduce us to all of the people they were surrounded by everyday.
As boring and slow as this felt as times, this definitely was a novel written in tribute to all in the story whose lives were lost or had an impact in the work Antonina and Jan were doing.]]> 3.47 2007 The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
author: Diane Ackerman
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/05
date added: 2024/12/05
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review:
Another one of those that's harder to rate higher than 3, mostly because as the author is transcribing Antonina's diary, there isn't much room to make it more interesting if it is not already -it either is or it isn't.
I do however recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about WW2 - especially from another country's perspective. I knew that the Polish had one of the largest rebel forces during WW2, but I did not realize just how much they did to slow down the Germans and how deep their underground network went, so this was very intriguing. I also think learning about how zoos were effected during this period was very interesting as well.
There is no sugar coating it though, this was very sad to read at times but I think the author did a great job trying to introduce us to Antonina and Jan's life, while trying to also introduce us to all of the people they were surrounded by everyday.
As boring and slow as this felt as times, this definitely was a novel written in tribute to all in the story whose lives were lost or had an impact in the work Antonina and Jan were doing.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10)]]> 853510
One of the passengers is none other than detective Hercule Poirot. On vacation.

Isolated and with a killer on board, Poirot must identify the murderer—in case he or she decides to strike again.]]> 274 Agatha Christie 0007119313 Alexis 0 to-read 4.22 1934 Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1934
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/04
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]]> Station Eleven 20170404 An audacious, darkly glittering novel set in the eerie days of civilization’s collapse—the spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity.

Kirsten Raymonde will never forget the night Arthur Leander, the famous Hollywood actor, had a heart attack on stage during a production of King Lear. That was the night when a devastating flu pandemic arrived in the city, and within weeks, civilization as we know it came to an end.

Twenty years later, Kirsten moves between the settlements of the altered world with a small troupe of actors and musicians. They call themselves The Traveling Symphony, and they have dedicated themselves to keeping the remnants of art and humanity alive. But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who will threaten the tiny band’s existence. And as the story takes off, moving back and forth in time, and vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, the strange twist of fate that connects them all will be revealed.]]> 333 Emily St. John Mandel 0385353308 Alexis 0 to-read 4.05 2014 Station Eleven
author: Emily St. John Mandel
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2014
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/04
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]]> The Things We Cannot Say 40899464
Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina’s tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate. Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents� farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.

Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative that weaves together two women’s stories into a tapestry of perseverance, loyalty, love and honor. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced…and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it.]]> 448 Kelly Rimmer 1525831518 Alexis 0 to-read 4.51 2019 The Things We Cannot Say
author: Kelly Rimmer
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2019
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/03
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]]> Starling House 65213595 A grim and gothic new tale from author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can't stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland--and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.

Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.

As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.

If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.]]> 320 Alix E. Harrow 1250799058 Alexis 0 to-read 3.77 2023 Starling House
author: Alix E. Harrow
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2023
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/26
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]]> The Unmaking of June Farrow 216971223
In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm - and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow's disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors.

It's been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren't there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere - the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own.

After her grandmother's death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother's decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she's been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

With The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young delivers a brilliant novel of romance, mystery, and a touch of the impossible--a story you will never forget.]]> 352 Adrienne Young 0593598695 Alexis 0 to-read 4.11 2023 The Unmaking of June Farrow
author: Adrienne Young
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2023
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/26
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]]> The Librarians of Lisbon 208580945 The romance of Casablanca meets the spy world of Ian Fleming in this WWII love story for the ages.In a glittering city of secrets and shadows, love is the most perilous gamble of all. Lisbon 1943. As two American librarians are drawn into a city of dangerous subterfuge and unexpected love affairs, they are forced to choose between their missions and the men they love. Brimming with evocative writing and meticulous research, award-winning author Suzanne Nelson spins a web of secret aliases, sweeping romance, and great sacrifice. Inspired by real historical figures, this is the captivating story of two remarkable young women, their bravery and heartache, and a friendship that withstands the ravages of war.

With World War II raging across Europe, best friends Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan are enlisted by the U.S. Intelligence Office and sent to Lisbon—a sparkling city and hotbed of trouble, harboring exiled royalty, hunted refugees, and spies trading double-edged secrets in seductively dark corners. In official capacity, librarians Selene and Bea have been recruited to catalog the vast mountain of information gathered by the Allies, but by night, both women are undercover agents tasked with infiltrating the Axis spy network.

Where Selene is confident and brash, Bea is bookish and careful. Selene longs to escape her family’s impossible expectations and embrace her independence, while all Bea wants is to heal from heartbreak and keep impulsive Selene out of trouble. But soon, both librarians are caught up in treacherous games of deception alongside two of Lisbon’s most notorious men—the outcast Portuguese baron, Luca Caldeira, and the lethal double-agent, Gable. As Selene charms her way through lavish ballrooms and fêtes with Luca, Bea is plunged into Gable’s shadowy underworld of informants.

Victory depends upon the joint success of their missions, but when an unexpected betrayal throws a carefully spun web of lies into chaos, everything they’ve sacrificed is put at risk. As Selene and Bea are pushed to their breaking points can their friendship, and their hearts, survive the cost of war?]]> 352 Suzanne Nelson 1638931658 Alexis 0 to-read 3.92 The Librarians of Lisbon
author: Suzanne Nelson
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/25
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]]> <![CDATA[A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1)]]> 165940202
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.]]> 419 Danielle L. Jensen 0593599837 Alexis 0 to-read 3.91 2024 A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1)
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/25
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]]> <![CDATA[The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)]]> 211081101
The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she’s sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king.

Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she’s the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save� and which kingdom she’ll destroy.

Passionate and violent, The Bridge Kingdom is a seductive fantasy perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.]]> 448 Danielle L. Jensen 0593975189 Alexis 0 to-read 4.01 2018 The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)
author: Danielle L. Jensen
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2018
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/25
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]]> Notes from Underground 49455 Notes from Underground marks the dividing line between nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, and between the visions of self each century embodied. One of the most remarkable characters in literature, the unnamed narrator is a former official who has defiantly withdrawn into an underground existence. In complete retreat from society, he scrawls a passionate, obsessive, self-contradictory narrative that serves as a devastating attack on social utopianism and an assertion of man’s essentially irrational nature.

Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, whose Dostoevsky translations have become the standard, give us a brilliantly faithful edition of this classic novel, conveying all the tragedy and tormented comedy of the original.]]> 136 Fyodor Dostoevsky 067973452X Alexis 0 to-read 4.21 1864 Notes from Underground
author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1864
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness]]> 43306206
The Courage to Be Disliked shows you how to unlock the power within yourself to become your best and truest self, change your future and find lasting happiness. Using the theories of Alfred Adler, one of the three giants of 19th-century psychology alongside Freud and Jung, the authors explain how we are all free to determine our own future free of the shackles of past experiences, doubts and the expectations of others. It’s a philosophy that’s profoundly liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change, and to ignore the limitations that we and those around us can place on ourselves.

The result is a book that is both highly accessible and profound in its importance. Millions have already read and benefited from its wisdom. Now that The Courage to Be Disliked has been published for the first time in English, so can you.]]> 288 Ichiro Kishimi Alexis 0 to-read 3.90 2013 The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
author: Ichiro Kishimi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Great Alone 34912895 Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents� passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights� lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.]]> 435 Kristin Hannah Alexis 0 to-read 4.44 2018 The Great Alone
author: Kristin Hannah
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail]]> 12262741 An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State � and she would do it alone.

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.]]> 336 Cheryl Strayed 0307592731 Alexis 5 wildlife-book-club
What I really value most about this book is how incredibly, soul crushingly HUMAN it was
By no stretch of the imagination was Cheryl a great person, in my eyes. Much of her story had me dumbfounded, jaw dropped, side eyeing and even often crying, but I absolutely think that's part of the point in that her life and experiences and thoughts and dreams were REAL
She didn't sugar coat anything, with simplistic candor she was honest about even some of her more trivial thoughts and I think that's worth it's weight

It is clear we see huge growth in Cheryl as she explores this journey and I have to say as treacherous as much of it I'm sure was, I can't stop thinking about how incredible she must have felt taking this hike and especially at the end. At a time when the internet was but a mere spec in our world, it is crazy to me how she accomplished this with her amateur experience and while I know she set it out for a very personal reason, she should be proud, so so proud that she did this
It makes me want to consider long hikes on my own. Maybe not 3 months but I think I could kick it a week on a trail, and it's inspiring.
I got to see the world through her eyes and at times it felt like I was on the trail with her, I could see myself doing the things she was doing and while on the surface a hike might not seem like much, a hike and a story like this is truly nourishment for the soul and I'm sure in many way most won't understand unless they live it for themselves]]> 4.06 2012 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
author: Cheryl Strayed
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/22
date added: 2024/11/22
shelves: wildlife-book-club
review:
I came upon this on a whim earlier this year, as it was referenced in Gilmore Girls. Had no idea how popular this book once was or that it was also a movie, but I'm glad it fell into my path.

What I really value most about this book is how incredibly, soul crushingly HUMAN it was
By no stretch of the imagination was Cheryl a great person, in my eyes. Much of her story had me dumbfounded, jaw dropped, side eyeing and even often crying, but I absolutely think that's part of the point in that her life and experiences and thoughts and dreams were REAL
She didn't sugar coat anything, with simplistic candor she was honest about even some of her more trivial thoughts and I think that's worth it's weight

It is clear we see huge growth in Cheryl as she explores this journey and I have to say as treacherous as much of it I'm sure was, I can't stop thinking about how incredible she must have felt taking this hike and especially at the end. At a time when the internet was but a mere spec in our world, it is crazy to me how she accomplished this with her amateur experience and while I know she set it out for a very personal reason, she should be proud, so so proud that she did this
It makes me want to consider long hikes on my own. Maybe not 3 months but I think I could kick it a week on a trail, and it's inspiring.
I got to see the world through her eyes and at times it felt like I was on the trail with her, I could see myself doing the things she was doing and while on the surface a hike might not seem like much, a hike and a story like this is truly nourishment for the soul and I'm sure in many way most won't understand unless they live it for themselves
]]> <![CDATA[Lucinda's Secret (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #3)]]> 280277 Let the story of my niece and nephews be a warning. The more you know, the more danger you're in. And trust me, you don't want to meddle with the Little People. -- S.S.
One thrilling adventure -- The Spiderwick Chronicles!
Their world is closer than you think.]]> 114 Tony DiTerlizzi 0689859384 Alexis 0 to-read 3.91 2003 Lucinda's Secret (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #3)
author: Tony DiTerlizzi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Ironwood Tree (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #4)]]> 277191 At school, someone is running around pretending to be Jared, and it's not Simon. To make matters even worse, now Mallory has disappeared and something foul in the water is killing off all the plants and animals for miles around. Clues point to the old abandoned quarry, just outside of town. Dwarves have taken over an abandoned mine there. And the faerie world's abuzz with the news that a creature with plans to rule the world has offered them a gift to join with him -- he's given them a queen...]]> 114 Tony DiTerlizzi 0689859392 Alexis 0 to-read 3.96 2004 The Ironwood Tree (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #4)
author: Tony DiTerlizzi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2004
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wrath of Mulgarath (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #5)]]> 277190 Their world is closer than you think.]]> 146 Tony DiTerlizzi 0689859406 Alexis 0 to-read 3.97 2004 The Wrath of Mulgarath (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #5)
author: Tony DiTerlizzi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2004
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Seeing Stone (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #2)]]> 519048 we said no still you looked
now instead
someone gets cooked
The Grace kids are just beginning to get used to Aunt Lucinda's strange old mansion when Simon suddenly disappears. Jared and his sister have to rely on the help of a mischievous house boggart, a nasty bridge troll, and a loud-mouthed hobgoblin to get him back.]]> 114 Tony DiTerlizzi 0689859376 Alexis 0 to-read 3.93 2003 The Seeing Stone (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #2)
author: Tony DiTerlizzi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2003
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #1)]]> 444304
The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them...]]> 114 Tony DiTerlizzi 0689859368 Alexis 0 to-read 3.93 2003 The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #1)
author: Tony DiTerlizzi
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2003
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Darkest Part of the Forest]]> 20958632
Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries� seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does�

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?]]> 328 Holly Black 0316213071 Alexis 0 to-read 3.87 2015 The Darkest Part of the Forest
author: Holly Black
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2015
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir]]> 203708995 400 Griffin Dunne 0593652827 Alexis 0 to-read 4.01 2024 The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir
author: Griffin Dunne
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop]]> 133938826 should feel successful—but all she feels is drained. Haunted by an abandoned dream, she takes a leap of faith and leaves her old life behind. Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeongju moves to a quiet residential neighborhood outside the city and opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.

The transition isn’t easy. For months, all Yeongju can do is cry. But as the long hours in the shop stretch on, she begins to reflect on what makes a good bookseller and a meaningful store. She throws herself into reading voraciously, hosting author events, and crafting her own philosophy on bookselling. Gradually, Yeongju finds her footing in her new surroundings.

Surrounded by friends, writers, and the books that bind them, Yeongju begins to write a new chapter in her life. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop evolves into a warm, welcoming haven for lost souls—a place to rest, heal, and remember that it’s never too late to scrap the plot and start over.]]> 307 Hwang Bo-Reum Alexis 0 to-read 3.94 2022 Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
author: Hwang Bo-Reum
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2022
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tell Me Everything (Amgash, #5)]]> 204811915 People) of a novel about new friendships, old loves, and the very human desire to leave a mark on the world.

With her remarkable insight into the human condition and silences that contain multitudes, Elizabeth Strout returns to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to her beloved cast of characters—Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more—as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question, as Lucy Barton puts it, “What does anyone’s life mean?�

It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives down the road in a house by the sea with her ex-husband, William. Together, Lucy and Bob go on walks and talk about their lives, their fears and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, is finally introduced to the iconic Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known—“unrecorded lives,� Olive calls them—reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.

Brimming with empathy and pathos, Tell Me Everything is Elizabeth Strout operating at the height of her powers, illuminating the ways in which our relationships keep us afloat. As Lucy says, “Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love.”]]> 326 Elizabeth Strout 0593446097 Alexis 0 to-read 3.99 2024 Tell Me Everything (Amgash, #5)
author: Elizabeth Strout
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Syncing Back (Syncing Back, #1)]]> 220415931
Along the way, Amara’s investigations will uncover human trafficking and their grim use of nanotech, rogue government agencies and terrorist agendas. But nothing can prepare her for the boy: nine years old with no name, no history, and the same age she was when her father was attacked. All she knows is Millennial wants the boy dead, and they are willing to kill thousands to do it.]]> 289 W. Lawrence 0990486133 Alexis 0 to-read 4.33 Syncing Back (Syncing Back, #1)
author: W. Lawrence
name: Alexis
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The City and Its Uncertain Walls]]> 209192695 From the bestselling author of Norwegian Wood and Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World comes a love story, a quest, an ode to books and to the libraries that house them, and a parable for our peculiar times.

We begin with a nameless young couple: a boy and a girl, teenagers in love. One day, she disappears . . . and her absence haunts him for the rest of his life.

Thus begins a search for this lost love that takes the man into middle age and on a journey between the real world and an other world—a mysterious, perhaps imaginary, walled town where unicorns roam, where a Gatekeeper determines who can enter and who must remain behind, and where shadows become untethered from their selves. Listening to his own dreams and premonitions, the man leaves his life in Tokyo behind and ventures to a small mountain town, where he becomes the head librarian, only to learn the mysterious circumstances surrounding the gentleman who had the job before him. As the seasons pass and the man grows more uncertain about the porous boundaries between these two worlds, he meets a strange young boy who helps him to see what he’s been missing all along.

The City and Its Uncertain Walls is a singular and towering achievement by one of modern literature’s most important writers.]]> 449 Haruki Murakami 0593801970 Alexis 0 to-read 3.73 2023 The City and Its Uncertain Walls
author: Haruki Murakami
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2023
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/11/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Darkly 208430757
As Dia and her fellow interns delve into the heart of Darkly, they discover hidden symbols, buried clues, and a web of intrigue. Who are these other teens, and what secrets do they keep? Why were any of them really chosen? The answers lie within the twisted labyrinth of Darkly.]]> 399 Marisha Pessl 0593706552 Alexis 0 to-read 3.71 2024 Darkly
author: Marisha Pessl
name: Alexis
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>