Sam's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:42:31 -0700 60 Sam's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Madonna in a Fur Coat 52379413 'The pain of losing something precious can be forgotten over time. But our missed opportunities never leave us, and every time they come back to haunt us, we ache.'

A shy young man leaves his home in rural Turkey to learn a trade and discover life in 1920s Berlin. There, amid the city's bustling streets, elegant museums, passionate politics and seedy cabarets, a chance meeting transforms his life forever. Caught between his desire for freedom and his yearning to belong, he struggles to hold on to the new life he has found.]]> 176 Sabahattin Ali 0241422264 Sam 4 classics
The little moments of awkwardness and self doubt felt so genuine, and the tragicness that you know is coming hurts as it happens. Not to mention how visually pleasing the writing was, I could almost feel 1920s Berlin right in front of me. I really really enjoyed this. Tragic and charming all at once.]]> 4.35 1943 Madonna in a Fur Coat
author: Sabahattin Ali
name: Sam
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1943
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: classics
review:
Such a beautiful book about young love, passion, yearning, and what it feels like to lose what felt like everything you had. For a pretty small book, the relationship that unfolds truly feels like it covers so many more pages.

The little moments of awkwardness and self doubt felt so genuine, and the tragicness that you know is coming hurts as it happens. Not to mention how visually pleasing the writing was, I could almost feel 1920s Berlin right in front of me. I really really enjoyed this. Tragic and charming all at once.
]]> East of Eden 40607194 602 John Steinbeck Sam 5 classics, favorites "And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good."

Quite literally the easiest five stars I've ever given to a book. Not only was this a gripping and intriguing story filled with such genuine, real characters, but it was also packed with wisdom and life lessons. This book shows us the concepts of good and evil, the power of choice, the desperate need to be loved and what people can do when they have been rejected from love. It shows wanting to live up to our parent's expectations of us, and how we feel when we can't reach those standards. It talks about the desire to be rich versus the desire to be fulfilled. It covers identity, jealously, rivalries within families. It felt as if every core aspect of what makes us human is within this book.

The prose of East of Eden puts so many books to shame. Throughout this entire reading experience, I truly felt as if I was reading a masterpiece due to the writing alone. I was in awe with how Steinbeck makes his language sing, how the words flow together so effortlessly and so beautifully. I love when I read a book and just know that the author is just as in love with writing as I am. So much passion went into this book, and it demands to be savoured.

Complex characters is a term that gets thrown around a lot but one that I think isn't executed well. Along with the fact that more often now readers want their good guys to be good, and their bad guys to be bad. We say we want complex characters, but are so quick to label a character as 'bad' after they make a terrible mistake. In East of Eden, we have finally have the complexity of real humans that readers claim they want. No one is black and white here. We root for characters like Adam and get frustrated when he makes genuinely terrible mistakes. Even those like Samuel and Lee, who are the novels "good guys", admit their hypocrisy to the exact thing they are preaching against. Cal is an angry and bitter character, but we understand why, and even after he does an awful act of betrayal we as readers sympathise with him, and want him to change. Redemption is also a strong theme in this book, and it's shown best through Cal.

This is the sort of book that I see myself rereading throughout my entire life, and coming away each time with something new. It's just that good. Going through this story, meeting its characters, staying in its landscapes, seeing the time pass and families grow and break and rebuild, and learning its lessons, truly felt like luxury. Calling East of Eden a novel feels like a disservice. It's so much deeper and dense than that. Calling East of Eden a retelling of the book of Genesis is a disservice. There's just so much life within these pages. There's so much joy and anger and frustration and regret and rejection and compassion and love here. This book makes me feel as if I've lived multiple lives, and has me reflecting on my own. It's just unlike anything else.

"But “Thou mayest'! Why, that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.� Lee's voice was a chant of triumph.]]> 4.65 1952 East of Eden
author: John Steinbeck
name: Sam
average rating: 4.65
book published: 1952
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: classics, favorites
review:
"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good."

Quite literally the easiest five stars I've ever given to a book. Not only was this a gripping and intriguing story filled with such genuine, real characters, but it was also packed with wisdom and life lessons. This book shows us the concepts of good and evil, the power of choice, the desperate need to be loved and what people can do when they have been rejected from love. It shows wanting to live up to our parent's expectations of us, and how we feel when we can't reach those standards. It talks about the desire to be rich versus the desire to be fulfilled. It covers identity, jealously, rivalries within families. It felt as if every core aspect of what makes us human is within this book.

The prose of East of Eden puts so many books to shame. Throughout this entire reading experience, I truly felt as if I was reading a masterpiece due to the writing alone. I was in awe with how Steinbeck makes his language sing, how the words flow together so effortlessly and so beautifully. I love when I read a book and just know that the author is just as in love with writing as I am. So much passion went into this book, and it demands to be savoured.

Complex characters is a term that gets thrown around a lot but one that I think isn't executed well. Along with the fact that more often now readers want their good guys to be good, and their bad guys to be bad. We say we want complex characters, but are so quick to label a character as 'bad' after they make a terrible mistake. In East of Eden, we have finally have the complexity of real humans that readers claim they want. No one is black and white here. We root for characters like Adam and get frustrated when he makes genuinely terrible mistakes. Even those like Samuel and Lee, who are the novels "good guys", admit their hypocrisy to the exact thing they are preaching against. Cal is an angry and bitter character, but we understand why, and even after he does an awful act of betrayal we as readers sympathise with him, and want him to change. Redemption is also a strong theme in this book, and it's shown best through Cal.

This is the sort of book that I see myself rereading throughout my entire life, and coming away each time with something new. It's just that good. Going through this story, meeting its characters, staying in its landscapes, seeing the time pass and families grow and break and rebuild, and learning its lessons, truly felt like luxury. Calling East of Eden a novel feels like a disservice. It's so much deeper and dense than that. Calling East of Eden a retelling of the book of Genesis is a disservice. There's just so much life within these pages. There's so much joy and anger and frustration and regret and rejection and compassion and love here. This book makes me feel as if I've lived multiple lives, and has me reflecting on my own. It's just unlike anything else.

"But “Thou mayest'! Why, that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.� Lee's voice was a chant of triumph.
]]> Giovanni's Room 35224268 9780141186351.

'Exquisite, a feat of fire-breathing, imaginative daring' Guardian David, a young American in 1950s Paris, is waiting for his fiancee to return from vacation in Spain. But when he meets Giovanni, a handsome Italian barman, the two men are drawn into an intense affair. After three months David's fiancee returns and, denying his true nature, he rejects Giovanni for a 'safe' future as a married man. His decision eventually brings tragedy. Filled with passion, regret and longing, this story of a fated love triangle has become a landmark of gay writing.

James Baldwin caused outrage as a black author writing about white homosexuals, yet for him the issues of race, sexuality and personal freedom were eternally intertwined.

'If Van Gogh was our 19th-century artist-saint, James Baldwin is our 20th-century one' Michael Ondaatje

'Baldwin writes of these matters with unusual candour and yet with such dignity and intensity' The New York Times

'Violent, excruciating beauty' San Francisco Chronicle]]> 176 James Baldwin Sam 4 classics
Internalised homophobia, gender roles, heteronormativity, self (or lack of) acceptance, all within a tragic story of a gay romance with stunning prose. For such a small book, I'm pretty stuck on what to actually say about it. It's one of those books where you stare at the ceiling after finishing. And all I can truly say to someone is “just read it.�

Powerful and devastating.]]> 4.43 1956 Giovanni's Room
author: James Baldwin
name: Sam
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1956
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: classics
review:
"You want to be clean. You think you came here covered with soap and you think you will go out covered with soap—and you do not want to stink, not even for five minutes, in the meantime.� He grasped me by the collar, wrestling and caressing at once, fluid and iron at once: saliva spraying from his lips and his eyes full of tears, but with the bones of his face showing and the muscles leaping in his arms and neck. ‘You want to leave Giovanni because he makes you stink. You want to despise Giovanni because he is not afraid of the stink of love. You want to kill him in the name of all your lying little moralities. And you—you are immoral. You are, by far, the most immoral man I have met in all my life. Look, look what you have done to me. Do you think you could have done this if I did not love you? Is this what you should do to love?�

Internalised homophobia, gender roles, heteronormativity, self (or lack of) acceptance, all within a tragic story of a gay romance with stunning prose. For such a small book, I'm pretty stuck on what to actually say about it. It's one of those books where you stare at the ceiling after finishing. And all I can truly say to someone is “just read it.�

Powerful and devastating.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mad Ship (Liveship Traders, #2)]]> 25985861
The Vestrit family’s liveship, Vivacia, has been taken by the pirate king, Kennit. Held captive on board, Wintrow Vestrit finds himself competing with Kennit for Vivacia’s love as the ship slowly acquires her own bloodlust.

Leagues away, Althea Vestrit has found a new home aboard the liveship Ophelia, but she lives only to reclaim the Vivacia and with her friend, Brashen, she plans a dangerous rescue.

Meanwhile in Bingtown, the fading fortunes of the Vestrit family lead Malta deeper into the magical secrets of the Rain Wild Traders. And just outside Bingtown, Amber dreams of relaunching Paragon, the mad liveship . . .]]> 906 Robin Hobb 0008117462 Sam 5 fantasy
I do definitely think this book didn’t need to be 900 pages long. While I’m used to Hobb’s slow pace books, this one at times felt like it pushed that a little too far. It was never boring, but a few times I thought things needed to speed up a little. The politics of this book are fascinating and engaging, but getting to the actual grit of the political discussions took a couple chapters too long.

This trilogy is a truly special experience within the genre, one that I am so excited (and nervous) to watch its inevitable catastrophic conclusion. And whilst this book did have pacing issues, anything lower than five stars would be doing The Mad Ship a disservice.]]> 4.53 1999 The Mad Ship (Liveship Traders, #2)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Sam
average rating: 4.53
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/22
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: fantasy
review:
A fantastic continuation from the previous book. I am in total awe of how Robin Hobb creates characters that feel so real and human, along with their conflicts and drama that feel so earned and genuine. The Mad Ship makes you route for people you know you shouldn’t be, and has you cheer for characters you hated in the book before. This is a skill I find extremely hard to genuinely pull off. Not to mention how creative the concept of this trilogy truly is, as well as how unique the world itself is. I have so much praise for this series I could go on forever.

I do definitely think this book didn’t need to be 900 pages long. While I’m used to Hobb’s slow pace books, this one at times felt like it pushed that a little too far. It was never boring, but a few times I thought things needed to speed up a little. The politics of this book are fascinating and engaging, but getting to the actual grit of the political discussions took a couple chapters too long.

This trilogy is a truly special experience within the genre, one that I am so excited (and nervous) to watch its inevitable catastrophic conclusion. And whilst this book did have pacing issues, anything lower than five stars would be doing The Mad Ship a disservice.
]]> The Flood (Blackwater, #1) 218225041 211 Michael McDowell 1804996378 Sam 0 to-read 3.65 1983 The Flood (Blackwater, #1)
author: Michael McDowell
name: Sam
average rating: 3.65
book published: 1983
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 35606102 9780141185224 .

Carson McCullers' prodigious first novel was published to instant acclaim when she was just twenty-three. Set in a small town in the middle of the deep South, it is the story of John Singer, a lonely deaf-mute, and a disparate group of people who are drawn towards his kind, sympathetic nature. The owner of the café where Singer eats every day, a young girl desperate to grow up, an angry drunkard, a frustrated black doctor: each pours their heart out to Singer, their silent confidant, and he in turn changes their disenchanted lives in ways the could never imagine.]]> 328 Carson McCullers Sam 0 to-read 4.01 1940 The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
author: Carson McCullers
name: Sam
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1940
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Cannery Row (Cannery Row, #1) 61250650 148 John Steinbeck Sam 3 classics
This book is a love letter to humanity as a whole, and this entire book has little segments of life and living. I can't say I loved it, due to the total lack of plot. But I still think it set out to do exactly what it wanted, and for that I can admire it.]]> 4.14 1943 Cannery Row (Cannery Row, #1)
author: John Steinbeck
name: Sam
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1943
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: classics
review:
More of a character study than anything, which is exactly what Steinbeck intended to do with this short book. It was beautifully written, and has themes of empathy and also judgement. This book asks why we judge people based on where they work, where they live, how they look, how they surround themselves with. It asks why what we admire most in people (honesty, compassion, kindness) seems to not get us far in life career wise, and why what we seem to dislike the most (ego, greed, boastfulness) seems to led to great success.

This book is a love letter to humanity as a whole, and this entire book has little segments of life and living. I can't say I loved it, due to the total lack of plot. But I still think it set out to do exactly what it wanted, and for that I can admire it.
]]> Anna Karenina 153
Anna Karenina seems to have everything - beauty, wealth, popularity and an adored son. But she feels that her life is empty until the moment she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalizes society and family alike and soon brings jealously and bitterness in its wake. Contrasting with this tale of love and self-destruction is the vividly observed story of Levin, a man striving to find contentment and a meaning to his life - and also a self-portrait of Tolstoy himself.]]> 838 Leo Tolstoy 0140449175 Sam 0 to-read 4.21 1878 Anna Karenina
author: Leo Tolstoy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1878
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Stoner 50213170 This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9780099561545.

Colum McCann once called Stoner one of the great forgotten novels of the past century, but it seems it is forgotten no longer - in 2013 translations of Stoner began appearing on bestseller lists across Europe. Forty-eight years after its first, quiet publication in the US, Stoner is finally finding the wide and devoted readership it deserves. Have you read it yet?William Stoner enters the University of Missouri at nineteen to study agriculture., A seminar on English literature changes his life, and he never returns to work on his father's farm. Stoner becomes a teacher. He marries the wrong woman., His life is quiet, and after his death his colleagues remember him rarely. Yet with truthfulness, compassion and intense power, this novel uncovers a story of universal value. Stoner tells of the conflicts, defeats and victories of the human race that pass unrecorded by history, and reclaims the significance of an individual life., A reading experience like no other, itself a paean to the power of literature, it is a novel to be savoured.]]> 288 John Williams Sam 5 classics
This classic consumed my mind when I wasn't reading it. When I was reading it, I couldn't put it down. It was as if Stoner was a mate of mine, and I was reading about his troubles at work, his issues with his wife, his fears of the future. And it's since we can all relate to Stoner on such a personal level, it makes this seemingly boring book work. It's filled with existentialism and dread, but sprinkled with hope and joy and victories, even if those triumphs are so small that the only ones who celebrate them is ourselves alone.

Stoner is a quiet work of art, and I cannot think of a single person who I wouldn't recommend this too.]]> 4.44 1965 Stoner
author: John Williams
name: Sam
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1965
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: classics
review:
So little happened and yet so much happened within these pages. John Williams captured the mundane, ordinary human existence so effectively and masterfully. The prose was so matter-of-fact and straight to the point and yet filled with simplistic beauty that the words just melted into my brain. Another author could have made this story boring and repetitive, but the story of Stoner is one that is going to be impossible to forget.

This classic consumed my mind when I wasn't reading it. When I was reading it, I couldn't put it down. It was as if Stoner was a mate of mine, and I was reading about his troubles at work, his issues with his wife, his fears of the future. And it's since we can all relate to Stoner on such a personal level, it makes this seemingly boring book work. It's filled with existentialism and dread, but sprinkled with hope and joy and victories, even if those triumphs are so small that the only ones who celebrate them is ourselves alone.

Stoner is a quiet work of art, and I cannot think of a single person who I wouldn't recommend this too.
]]> I Who Have Never Known Men 43208407 ‘For a very long time, the days went by, each just like the day before, then I began to think, and everything changed�

Deep underground, thirty-nine women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only vague recollection of their lives before.

As the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl - the fortieth prisoner - sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others' escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground.]]> 188 Jacqueline Harpman 152911179X Sam 4
I Who Have Never Known Men is pretty much an allegory for life itself. When we are stripped of conversation, love, community, people, can we truly be called human beings? Will we ever understand why we are here, what the point of it all is? And if we can’t understand it all, why should we even bother trying? And the beauty and genius of this book is that we never do find out anything. The story ends with as little information as we had in the beginning. Nothing is answered. And yet, this book is absolutely filled with all we ever need to know.

Really enjoyed this one. Could have maybe used a bit more character development, but that’s just me being picky.]]> 4.24 1995 I Who Have Never Known Men
author: Jacqueline Harpman
name: Sam
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves:
review:
4.5. I loved this book. From the first page I knew this story would totally be my thing. This kept me gripped the entire time, it made me cry, and it had me reading out passages to my mum, which is always a good sign that I’m enjoying a book. And most importantly, it made me think.

I Who Have Never Known Men is pretty much an allegory for life itself. When we are stripped of conversation, love, community, people, can we truly be called human beings? Will we ever understand why we are here, what the point of it all is? And if we can’t understand it all, why should we even bother trying? And the beauty and genius of this book is that we never do find out anything. The story ends with as little information as we had in the beginning. Nothing is answered. And yet, this book is absolutely filled with all we ever need to know.

Really enjoyed this one. Could have maybe used a bit more character development, but that’s just me being picky.
]]> Lolita 41738391 An alternate cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.

Poet and pervert, Humbert Humbert becomes obsessed by twelve-year-old Lolita and seeks to possess her, first carnally and then artistically, 'to fix once and for all the perilous magic of nymphets, Is he in love or insane ? A tortured soul or a monster ? Humbert Humbert's fixations is one of many dimensions in Nabokov's dizzying masterpiece, which is suffused with a savage humour and rich elaborate verbal textures. Filmed by Stanley Kubrick in 1962, and again in 1997 by Adrian Lyne, Lolita has lost none of its power to shock and awe.]]> 331 Vladimir Nabokov 0141182539 Sam 3 classics
But I didn’t enjoy reading it. Just because something is extremely impressive, doesn’t make it an enjoyable reading experience. Not to mention that the subject matter is pretty rough to invest time in. I put this book down multiple times due to it being the absolute last thing I wanted to read about. And whilst I think it’s great to challenge ourselves when it comes to consuming media, I still want to have a somewhat good time, and with Lolita, I didn’t. If anything, this was exhausting to get through, due to both the language and the subject matter.

So while I can admire Nabokov as a writer, I couldn’t care less about him as a storyteller. I’m glad I can finally say I’ve read this book, but I am so so so glad it’s over.]]> 3.78 1955 Lolita
author: Vladimir Nabokov
name: Sam
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1955
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: classics
review:
Vladimir Nabokov was undoubtedly a genius but I have no desire to read any other books of his. This was by far the most intelligent book I’ve ever read, and the fact that English was this man’s (I think) fourth language is incredible. As a fan of literature as a whole, I couldn’t help but be stunned at the prose of this book.

But I didn’t enjoy reading it. Just because something is extremely impressive, doesn’t make it an enjoyable reading experience. Not to mention that the subject matter is pretty rough to invest time in. I put this book down multiple times due to it being the absolute last thing I wanted to read about. And whilst I think it’s great to challenge ourselves when it comes to consuming media, I still want to have a somewhat good time, and with Lolita, I didn’t. If anything, this was exhausting to get through, due to both the language and the subject matter.

So while I can admire Nabokov as a writer, I couldn’t care less about him as a storyteller. I’m glad I can finally say I’ve read this book, but I am so so so glad it’s over.
]]> A Christmas Carol 15994514 A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens created a modern fairy tale and shaped our ideas of Christmas. The tale of the solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of the season by a series of ghostly visitors and given a second chance, was conjured up by Dickens during one of his London night walks, who "wept and laughed" as he composed it. Taken to readers' hearts for its humour, compassion and message of redemption, it remains its best-loved book.]]> 94 Charles Dickens 0141389478 Sam 4 classics
Now it's time to rewatch the Muppets Christmas Carol lol.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve been in a total reading slump lately, so I wanted to read something quick and good! So I got A Christmas Carol!

If I’m honest I nearly put this book down. I couldn’t deal with the older writing style, and I found myself not being able to picture what was happening in the book because of it. But once I got to the ghost of Christmas present, I was sold.

I loved the book from there. It was so warm and comforting to read. The settings became more clear and real, and I found myself flying through the rest of the book.

This is truly a wonder read this time of year. I think I’d give it five stars if it wasn’t for the writing, but of course it’s because it’s around 150 years old. But other than that, it was a warm and cosy read. And I’ll definitely read it again next year (or sooner)

Happy Christmas!]]> 4.08 1843 A Christmas Carol
author: Charles Dickens
name: Sam
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1843
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: classics
review:
Honestly don't love Dickens' writing so much, but I'll always love this story. It's so comforting and totally feels like Christmas. The atmosphere created in this book is like being in a blanket. Such a classic.

Now it's time to rewatch the Muppets Christmas Carol lol.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ve been in a total reading slump lately, so I wanted to read something quick and good! So I got A Christmas Carol!

If I’m honest I nearly put this book down. I couldn’t deal with the older writing style, and I found myself not being able to picture what was happening in the book because of it. But once I got to the ghost of Christmas present, I was sold.

I loved the book from there. It was so warm and comforting to read. The settings became more clear and real, and I found myself flying through the rest of the book.

This is truly a wonder read this time of year. I think I’d give it five stars if it wasn’t for the writing, but of course it’s because it’s around 150 years old. But other than that, it was a warm and cosy read. And I’ll definitely read it again next year (or sooner)

Happy Christmas!
]]> 'Salem's Lot 11743019 This a previously-published edition of ISBN 9781444708141.

"Turn off the television—in fact, why don't you turn off all the lights except for the one over your favourite chair?—and we'll talk about vampires here in the dim. I think I can make you believe in them." Stephen King, from the Introduction.

'Salem's Lot is a small New England town with the usual quota of gossips, drinkers, weirdos and respectable folk. Of course there are tales of strange happenings—but not more than in any other town its size.

Ben Mears, a moderately successful writer, returns to the Lot to write a novel based on his early years, and to exorcise the terrors that have haunted him since childhood. The event he witnessed in the house now rented by a new resident. A newcomer with a strange allure. A man who causes Ben some unease as things start to happen: a child disappears, a dog is brutally killed—nothing unusual, except the list starts to grow.

Soon surprise will turn to bewilderment, bewilderment to confusion and finally to terror . . .]]> 751 Stephen King Sam 4 horror, stephen-king
Despite all of that, 'Salem's Lot is a horror classic, and one that I'll visit again. There's something about the tension this book builds, the sense of impending doom, that just grows and grows until it inevitably blows up. The characters feel real, the friendships and relationships feel earned, the town feels lived in (up to a point, anyway) and the scares are genuinely creepy. Being a fan of vampire horror, you really can't go wrong with this book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Really enjoyed this one. Another Stephen King book that genuinely kept me up at night and jumped at times I thought I heard scratches by my window. There were moments when I thought it dragged on a bit, but the payoff was worth it completely.

Another great book by Mr. King!]]> 3.99 1975 'Salem's Lot
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1975
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/16
date added: 2024/12/16
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
Finally finished my re-read of 'Salems Lot and I probably enjoyed it more the second time. To me, this is the ultimate modern vampire story, and once it gets going, it never stops. I do think that a slightly older Stephen King would tell this story better, as the first part of this book (while enjoyable and readable) is very slow, even by King standards. It's a fairly long book, and there's a chunk which I think doesn't necessarily need to be deleted, but tightened up a bit. I also think older King (Needful Things era) would have made the town feel even more alive.

Despite all of that, 'Salem's Lot is a horror classic, and one that I'll visit again. There's something about the tension this book builds, the sense of impending doom, that just grows and grows until it inevitably blows up. The characters feel real, the friendships and relationships feel earned, the town feels lived in (up to a point, anyway) and the scares are genuinely creepy. Being a fan of vampire horror, you really can't go wrong with this book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Really enjoyed this one. Another Stephen King book that genuinely kept me up at night and jumped at times I thought I heard scratches by my window. There were moments when I thought it dragged on a bit, but the payoff was worth it completely.

Another great book by Mr. King!
]]> Soul Music (Discworld, #16) 15798104 This is a story about sex and drugs and Music With Rocks In.
±�
…one out of three ain’t bad.

Being sixteen is always difficult, even more so when there’s a Death in the family. After all, it's hard to grow up normally when Grandfather rides a white horse and wields a scythe. Especially if he decides to take a well-earned moment to uncover the meaning of life and discover himself in the process, so that you have to take over the family business, and everyone mistakes you for the Tooth Fairy.

And especially when you have to face the new and addictive music that has entered Discworld. It's lawless. It changes people. It's got a beat and you can dance to it.

It's called Music With Rocks In.

And it won't fade away.]]> 431 Terry Pratchett 055216755X Sam 3
However I loved this quote:

“It was sad music. But it waved its sadness like a battle flag. It said the universe had done all it could, but you were still alive.� TP was a genius.]]> 3.96 1994 Soul Music (Discworld, #16)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves:
review:
Not one of my favourites, but even the “bad� Discworld books are still pretty enjoyable. The story just didn’t do a lot for me.

However I loved this quote:

“It was sad music. But it waved its sadness like a battle flag. It said the universe had done all it could, but you were still alive.� TP was a genius.
]]> <![CDATA[Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Everest Disaster]]> 11233289 319 Jon Krakauer 1447200187 Sam 4 non-fiction
Until now, I was unaware of the 1996 Everest tragedy. But this book paints an extremely vivid - at times disturbing and heartbreaking - picture of its details. As a storm comes in at 29,000 feet, it leaves several mountain guides, along with their clients and Sherpas, fighting for survival. This book tells an extremely personal and detailed account of everything that happens, along with the lives lost and the scars that are left. I also think this book has a very important warning. Mountaineering is a dangerous sport, and it can inevitably lead to death. But for some reason, despite all of the people who perish year after year, it continues. I think this book is essential to read if one is looking to get into climbing, or even more, climbing Everest itself.

I didn’t love it all. I found the first 40% to have some pacing issues. One moment I’d be totally invested in the journey, and then I’m flung into the backstory of a climber. I get why it was done, as I’m sure the author wanted to be as respectful as possible, especially when describing a climber who does not survive the trip. But I still found it pretty boring to read. However the second half of this book, which solely focused on the decent itself along with its deathly consequences, was amazing.

I don’t think I’ll be climbing Everest anytime soon. Reading this was enough.]]> 4.43 1997 Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Everest Disaster
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Sam
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/03
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves: non-fiction
review:
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction books, but when I do I always try to make sure it’s a topic that I would watch a TV show or documentary on. Anything else just won’t do it for me, as overall, I like a story. Thankfully, Into Thin Air almost reads like a survival story. At times I literally had to remind myself that this is a true account of a very serious and very terrifying disaster, and not a fictitious mountain climbing book.

Until now, I was unaware of the 1996 Everest tragedy. But this book paints an extremely vivid - at times disturbing and heartbreaking - picture of its details. As a storm comes in at 29,000 feet, it leaves several mountain guides, along with their clients and Sherpas, fighting for survival. This book tells an extremely personal and detailed account of everything that happens, along with the lives lost and the scars that are left. I also think this book has a very important warning. Mountaineering is a dangerous sport, and it can inevitably lead to death. But for some reason, despite all of the people who perish year after year, it continues. I think this book is essential to read if one is looking to get into climbing, or even more, climbing Everest itself.

I didn’t love it all. I found the first 40% to have some pacing issues. One moment I’d be totally invested in the journey, and then I’m flung into the backstory of a climber. I get why it was done, as I’m sure the author wanted to be as respectful as possible, especially when describing a climber who does not survive the trip. But I still found it pretty boring to read. However the second half of this book, which solely focused on the decent itself along with its deathly consequences, was amazing.

I don’t think I’ll be climbing Everest anytime soon. Reading this was enough.
]]> The Death of Ivan Ilyich 29551368 'It is only a bruise'

A carefree Russian official has what seems to be a trivial accident...

One of 46 new books in the bestselling Little Black Classics series, to celebrate the first ever Penguin Classic in 1946. Each book gives readers a taste of the Classics' huge range and diversity, with works from around the world and across the centuries - including fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles and elephants.

]]> 118 Leo Tolstoy 024125177X Sam 5 classics “It is impossible that all men have been doomed to suffer this awful horror!�

This was my first introduction to Tolstoy and it's as if I've been slapped in the face. For a book as short as this (just under 100 pages) it's extremely impressive how hard hitting this was. Throughout my day, in between reading sessions, Ivan Ilyich was on my mind. His pain, suffering, and existential questions all felt so scarily real. Tolstoy did an incredible job of introducing this career and status driven character, only to completely destroy him for the second half of the book.

Words can't really do it justice, but the amount of philosophy crammed into this tiny book makes this an impactful gut punch of a read.

(My "Little Penguin Classics" version also had a bonus story called Three Deaths, which was fine, but nothing special).]]> 4.07 1886 The Death of Ivan Ilyich
author: Leo Tolstoy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1886
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/30
date added: 2024/08/31
shelves: classics
review:
“It is impossible that all men have been doomed to suffer this awful horror!�

This was my first introduction to Tolstoy and it's as if I've been slapped in the face. For a book as short as this (just under 100 pages) it's extremely impressive how hard hitting this was. Throughout my day, in between reading sessions, Ivan Ilyich was on my mind. His pain, suffering, and existential questions all felt so scarily real. Tolstoy did an incredible job of introducing this career and status driven character, only to completely destroy him for the second half of the book.

Words can't really do it justice, but the amount of philosophy crammed into this tiny book makes this an impactful gut punch of a read.

(My "Little Penguin Classics" version also had a bonus story called Three Deaths, which was fine, but nothing special).
]]> <![CDATA[Grief Is the Thing with Feathers]]> 29376835
In this moment of despair they are visited by Crow - antagonist, trickster, healer, babysitter. This sentimental bird is drawn to the grieving family and threatens to stay until they no longer need him.

This extraordinary debut, full of unexpected humour and emotional truth, marks the arrival of a thrilling and significant new talent.]]> 114 Max Porter 0571327230 Sam 1
This also reminded me that I really, really don’t like poetry. Especially fake deep poetry.]]> 3.83 2015 Grief Is the Thing with Feathers
author: Max Porter
name: Sam
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2015
rating: 1
read at: 2024/08/27
date added: 2024/08/27
shelves:
review:
It’s like an edgy fourteen year old read a Cormac McCarthy novel and tried to have a go themselves. I literally got nothing out of this.

This also reminded me that I really, really don’t like poetry. Especially fake deep poetry.
]]> Jane Eyre 59701670 Librarian note: An alternative cover for this ISBN can be found here.

A gothic masterpiece of tempestuous passions and dark secrets, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is edited with an introduction and notes by Stevie Davis in Penguin Classics.

Charlotte Brontë tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of Byronic, brooding Mr Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall's terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions - even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom.]]> 590 Charlotte Brontë 0141441143 Sam 3 classics
But on the other hand, I can't say I exactly enjoyed reading this. At least, not all of the time. It was painfully slow, and this really dragged down all of the before mentioned points I loved about this book. I'd read ten pages, and Jane had gone from one room to the next. I'd read twenty pages, and I've just read about a bunch of rich people playing charades, in heavy detail. And again, I don't want to come across as stupid. I totally understand how much detail (for better or worse) went into this story, particularly in said slower moments, which really dived into the themes Charlotte Brontë wanted to discuss. However I also read for entrainment, and there were many times during Jane Eyre where I was thinking: "Alright, I get the point, can we move on now?"

So I'm conflicted. This is probably the harshest three star rating I've given (which by no means is a bad rating) and I almost feel as if I'm doing this book a disservice as to how great and important it truly is, especially for its time. Jane was such a wonderful character to follow. I loved how she interacted with the people around her. I loved her dynamic with Mr. Rochester. I loved watching her grow up, both physically and mentally. I loved the overall plot. I just didn't love reading it sometimes. The parts I loved - Gateshead, arriving in Thornfield, Bertha in the attic, running away and surviving on her own - seemed to move too quickly. Parts that got old very quickly - Lowood, St John and Moor House, the repeated dialogue between Jane and every man, along with Jane and Adele - seemed to drag on forever, repeating the same points and messages over and over. And I get it! This book is not far off 200 years old! But just because it's a classic, doesn't mean I have to enjoy the whole thing.

Jane Eyre, in my opinion, is essential reading for anyone who has the slightest interest in classic literature. Jane herself is such a rememberable character that even though I am not exactly this books target audience, I can still appreciate it. But this book took me almost two months to finish, which is always an indicator for me to show how invested I really was. To me, somewhere in this book, is a five star story. And at times it really felt like one too. I could have spent a lot more time with Jane at Gateshead (the start of this book is basically perfect to me), and less time with her doing not a lot at Thornfield Hall. But I still truly acknowledge the greatness of this book, and how this story has and will continue to stand the tests of time.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.�]]> 4.25 1847 Jane Eyre
author: Charlotte Brontë
name: Sam
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1847
rating: 3
read at: 2024/08/25
date added: 2024/08/25
shelves: classics
review:
This is a really hard book for me to review. On one hand, I am in awe of this story. A book written in the 1800's, following a young girls journey finding independence and empowerment. A character who goes through so much at the expense of being born the 'wrong' sex, or not looking 'handsome' enough to earn the respect of men (and women). Not to mention the brilliant gothic elements of this story, and absolutely stunning writing within these pages, creating such a vivid image of the Victorian era. Jane Eyre is one of the most charming books I've read in a long time.

But on the other hand, I can't say I exactly enjoyed reading this. At least, not all of the time. It was painfully slow, and this really dragged down all of the before mentioned points I loved about this book. I'd read ten pages, and Jane had gone from one room to the next. I'd read twenty pages, and I've just read about a bunch of rich people playing charades, in heavy detail. And again, I don't want to come across as stupid. I totally understand how much detail (for better or worse) went into this story, particularly in said slower moments, which really dived into the themes Charlotte Brontë wanted to discuss. However I also read for entrainment, and there were many times during Jane Eyre where I was thinking: "Alright, I get the point, can we move on now?"

So I'm conflicted. This is probably the harshest three star rating I've given (which by no means is a bad rating) and I almost feel as if I'm doing this book a disservice as to how great and important it truly is, especially for its time. Jane was such a wonderful character to follow. I loved how she interacted with the people around her. I loved her dynamic with Mr. Rochester. I loved watching her grow up, both physically and mentally. I loved the overall plot. I just didn't love reading it sometimes. The parts I loved - Gateshead, arriving in Thornfield, Bertha in the attic, running away and surviving on her own - seemed to move too quickly. Parts that got old very quickly - Lowood, St John and Moor House, the repeated dialogue between Jane and every man, along with Jane and Adele - seemed to drag on forever, repeating the same points and messages over and over. And I get it! This book is not far off 200 years old! But just because it's a classic, doesn't mean I have to enjoy the whole thing.

Jane Eyre, in my opinion, is essential reading for anyone who has the slightest interest in classic literature. Jane herself is such a rememberable character that even though I am not exactly this books target audience, I can still appreciate it. But this book took me almost two months to finish, which is always an indicator for me to show how invested I really was. To me, somewhere in this book, is a five star story. And at times it really felt like one too. I could have spent a lot more time with Jane at Gateshead (the start of this book is basically perfect to me), and less time with her doing not a lot at Thornfield Hall. But I still truly acknowledge the greatness of this book, and how this story has and will continue to stand the tests of time.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.�
]]> <![CDATA[We Have Always Lived in the Castle]]> 26852229
"Her greatest book ...at once whimsical and harrowing, a miniaturist's charmingly detailed fantasy sketched inside a mausoleum...Through depths and depths and bloodwarm depths we fall, until the surface is only an eerie gleam high above, nearly forgotten; and the deeper we sink, the deeper we want to go". (Donna Tartt, author of The Goldfinch).

Living in the Blackwood family home with only her sister Constance and her Uncle Julian for company, Merricat just wants to preserve their delicate way of life. But ever since Constance was acquitted of murdering the rest of the family, the world isn't leaving the Blackwoods alone. And when Cousin Charles arrives, armed with overtures of friendship and a desperate need to get into the safe, Merricat must do everything in her power to protect the remaining family. This Penguin edition includes an afterword by the acclaimed novelist Joyce Carol Oates.

Alternate cover edition here.]]> 158 Shirley Jackson Sam 3 horror, classics
I didn't really like any of the characters that much. I found Mary annoying and Constance irritating, how she literally never stood up for herself the entire book. And I get that this is meant to (maybe?) be because she's scared, or perhaps a bit brainwashed from living in isolation for six years, but that didn't mean I could enjoy the character itself (also if I had to read the words "silly Merricat" one more time I was going to lose it). Plus, I thought the "twist" was extremely obvious, to the point where I'm pretty sure Shirley Jackson intended the reader to figure it out within the first few pages.

Despite it's short length, this book has left a massive lasting impact on me. I keep finding myself thinking about the ending, Mary (even though I didn't like her and thought she was insane) the house itself, the village people, all of it really. It's hard to call this book horror, but when you really deep dive into it, it has a lot of unsettling aspects to it, and a sense of eeriness, particularly towards the end. I'm happy I read it and would recommend it to people so they can experience the weirdness of this story.]]> 4.06 1962 We Have Always Lived in the Castle
author: Shirley Jackson
name: Sam
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1962
rating: 3
read at: 2023/02/06
date added: 2024/08/25
shelves: horror, classics
review:
One of the weirdest books I've ever read, to the point where I thought it was almost too crazy to be enjoyable at times. But I always wanted to read more, to see wtf was going to happen next. Not to mention the picture it created in my head was immersive and unsettling, particularly towards the latter half of the book.

I didn't really like any of the characters that much. I found Mary annoying and Constance irritating, how she literally never stood up for herself the entire book. And I get that this is meant to (maybe?) be because she's scared, or perhaps a bit brainwashed from living in isolation for six years, but that didn't mean I could enjoy the character itself (also if I had to read the words "silly Merricat" one more time I was going to lose it). Plus, I thought the "twist" was extremely obvious, to the point where I'm pretty sure Shirley Jackson intended the reader to figure it out within the first few pages.

Despite it's short length, this book has left a massive lasting impact on me. I keep finding myself thinking about the ending, Mary (even though I didn't like her and thought she was insane) the house itself, the village people, all of it really. It's hard to call this book horror, but when you really deep dive into it, it has a lot of unsettling aspects to it, and a sense of eeriness, particularly towards the end. I'm happy I read it and would recommend it to people so they can experience the weirdness of this story.
]]> White Nights 1772910 82 Fyodor Dostoevsky Sam 3 classics
I found it to be very easy to read, despite it published in 1848. There were tons of great quotes in this about love and sadness and having feelings for someone who clearly doesn’t love you back. But I’m personally not the biggest fan of short stories, just because I find it’s never enough material for me to get invested in to experience any sort of emotion. Which, a regular sized book would. However, whilst I didn’t shed any tears, I find myself thinking again and again about these two lonely characters, about what their love might have been. Not to mention the great passages of feeling awkward around others, and fears of the future and of forever feeling sad and lonely and isolated. And the last pages of the last two chapters� sheesh.

I’m glad I finally read Dostoyevsky, and the story itself was worth the short amount of time it took to finish.]]> 4.16 1848 White Nights
author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
name: Sam
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1848
rating: 3
read at: 2024/02/26
date added: 2024/08/25
shelves: classics
review:
This was a very charming short story about loneliness and love, along with being stuck in your own delusional thoughts and dreams. I’m also pretty sure this was the first example of being stuck in the friend zone lmao.

I found it to be very easy to read, despite it published in 1848. There were tons of great quotes in this about love and sadness and having feelings for someone who clearly doesn’t love you back. But I’m personally not the biggest fan of short stories, just because I find it’s never enough material for me to get invested in to experience any sort of emotion. Which, a regular sized book would. However, whilst I didn’t shed any tears, I find myself thinking again and again about these two lonely characters, about what their love might have been. Not to mention the great passages of feeling awkward around others, and fears of the future and of forever feeling sad and lonely and isolated. And the last pages of the last two chapters� sheesh.

I’m glad I finally read Dostoyevsky, and the story itself was worth the short amount of time it took to finish.
]]> Ethan Frome 5246
Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena's vivacious cousin enters their household as a hired girl, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent.

In one of American fiction's finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio toward their tragic destinies. Different in both tone and theme from Wharton's other works, Ethan Frome has become perhaps her most enduring and most widely read book.]]> 99 Edith Wharton Sam 3 classics
That's not to discredit Ethan Frome. I think it does exactly what it sets out to do. You follow a poor farmer who is in love with the servant Mattie, whilst being married to the horrible Zeena. It paints the picture of being in love with someone and knowing you can't be together. It shows how life can be if we push all of our happiness and existence on another human, rather than ourselves. It shows (quite well; quite strange in other places) how these lovers act when they are left alone. It's a quick, sad and bleak story of love and life that is doomed from the start. I also appreciated the descriptions of snowy Massachusetts, which whilst reading in thirty degree heat was a nice escape.

But at times this book felt silly and almost pathetic. I found it hard to root for a man who is cheating on his wife, and also for a man who is clearly so dependent on other people. It also felt that Mattie didn't have a brain, and Zeena was underdeveloped. And for a 99 page book, not a lot happens. Which depending on my mood, I'd either love or hate. In one sense I enjoyed the borderline sexual tension between Ethan and Mattie, only to find myself frustrated when nothing happened. I get this was written over one hundred years ago, but I feel if you're going to write a story about a man cheating on his ill wife, you might as well go all in.

It's done now, and I'm happy I read it, but I can't help but feel this book was just a sillier version of Dostoyevsky's White Nights. However, Ethans depressing life is far from the worst thing I've ever read. In a way, I actually quite enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be returning to Frome, or Starkfield any time soon.]]> 3.42 1911 Ethan Frome
author: Edith Wharton
name: Sam
average rating: 3.42
book published: 1911
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/26
date added: 2024/08/25
shelves: classics
review:
This is a supposedly bleak book (according to critics) that I found myself not caring a whole lot about. Maybe it's due to its short page count, or maybe the characters? Despite this actually being quite enjoyable to read (compared to what I've heard others say about Ethan Frome) I still found that by the end of it, once the initial shock of the ending which I somehow hadn't had spoilt for me, I thought: "Right, what should I read next?"

That's not to discredit Ethan Frome. I think it does exactly what it sets out to do. You follow a poor farmer who is in love with the servant Mattie, whilst being married to the horrible Zeena. It paints the picture of being in love with someone and knowing you can't be together. It shows how life can be if we push all of our happiness and existence on another human, rather than ourselves. It shows (quite well; quite strange in other places) how these lovers act when they are left alone. It's a quick, sad and bleak story of love and life that is doomed from the start. I also appreciated the descriptions of snowy Massachusetts, which whilst reading in thirty degree heat was a nice escape.

But at times this book felt silly and almost pathetic. I found it hard to root for a man who is cheating on his wife, and also for a man who is clearly so dependent on other people. It also felt that Mattie didn't have a brain, and Zeena was underdeveloped. And for a 99 page book, not a lot happens. Which depending on my mood, I'd either love or hate. In one sense I enjoyed the borderline sexual tension between Ethan and Mattie, only to find myself frustrated when nothing happened. I get this was written over one hundred years ago, but I feel if you're going to write a story about a man cheating on his ill wife, you might as well go all in.

It's done now, and I'm happy I read it, but I can't help but feel this book was just a sillier version of Dostoyevsky's White Nights. However, Ethans depressing life is far from the worst thing I've ever read. In a way, I actually quite enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be returning to Frome, or Starkfield any time soon.
]]> <![CDATA[Outer Dark (Picador Collection)]]> 18915096 A dark, nihilistic tale, Cormac McCarthy's second novel Outer Dark sees brother and sister wander separately through a countryside scourged by three terrifying and elusive strangers.In an unspecified place in Appalachia, sometime around the beginning of the twentieth century, a woman named Rinthy bears her brother's child. The brother, Culla, abandons the baby in the woods, and tells Rinthy that the he has died by natural causes. When she sees his grave empty, she sets forth alone to find her son.Wracked by sin, Culla too leaves for the countryside. He will be haunted by The Trio, punishers and murderers, as the novel moves towards its eerie, apocalyptic resolution.'A profound parable that ultimately speaks to any society in any time' � TimePraise for Cormac ‘McCarthy worked close to some religious impulse, his books were terrifying and absolute� � Anne Enright, author of The Green Road and The Wren, The Wren'His prose takes on an almost biblical quality, hallucinatory in its effect and evangelical in its power' � Stephen King, author of The Shining and the Dark Tower series'[I]n presenting the darker human impulses in his rich prose, [McCarthy] showed readers the necessity of facing up to existence' � Annie Proulx, author of Brokeback Mountain]]> 254 Cormac McCarthy 0330474804 Sam 4 horror
Took me half an hour to read 5 pages after reading this books climax.

A nihilistic nightmare of a story filled with passages I read over and over to fully appreciate its beauty and genius.]]> 4.03 1968 Outer Dark (Picador Collection)
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1968
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/07
date added: 2024/07/07
shelves: horror
review:
Without a doubt the most disturbing book I’ve ever read.

Took me half an hour to read 5 pages after reading this books climax.

A nihilistic nightmare of a story filled with passages I read over and over to fully appreciate its beauty and genius.
]]> A Little Life 60182973 New 723 Hanya Yanagihara 1529077214 Sam 5
Life changing.

"Jude," Harold says to him, quietly. "My poor Jude. My poor sweetheart." And with that, he starts to cry, for no one has ever called him sweetheart, not since Brother Luke. “My sweetheart,� Harold says again, and he wants him to stop; he wants him to never stop. “My baby.”]]> 4.38 2015 A Little Life
author: Hanya Yanagihara
name: Sam
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2023/08/05
date added: 2024/06/22
shelves:
review:
There are no words I can think of to describe how I feel about this book. Only that my eyes sting and I have a headache from crying.

Life changing.

"Jude," Harold says to him, quietly. "My poor Jude. My poor sweetheart." And with that, he starts to cry, for no one has ever called him sweetheart, not since Brother Luke. “My sweetheart,� Harold says again, and he wants him to stop; he wants him to never stop. “My baby.�
]]> Christine 11740839 This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9781444720709.

A supernatural tale about girlfriends, boyfriends and a car called Christine.

Christine was eating into his mind, burrowing into his unconscious.

Christine, blood-red, fat, and finned, was twenty. Her promise lay all in her past. Greedy and big, she was Arnie's obsession, a '58 Plymouth Fury. Broken down but not finished.

There was still power in her - a frightening power that leaked like sump oil, staining and corrupting. A malign power that corroded the mind and turned ownership into Possession.]]> 768 Stephen King Sam 0 dnf
Sorry Stephen but this one bored me. Or maybe I just read it at the wrong time? I found none of the characters all that interesting; they more felt like stereotypes than people. The main villain (other than the bullies, and again, didn’t interest me) being an evil car didn’t do a lot for me either.

Maybe I’ll try this again some other time, but for now it’s getting put away.

]]> 4.01 1983 Christine
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1983
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/06/20
shelves: dnf
review:
DNF at 53%

Sorry Stephen but this one bored me. Or maybe I just read it at the wrong time? I found none of the characters all that interesting; they more felt like stereotypes than people. The main villain (other than the bullies, and again, didn’t interest me) being an evil car didn’t do a lot for me either.

Maybe I’ll try this again some other time, but for now it’s getting put away.


]]> You Like It Darker 201574164 You Like it Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

'Two Talented Bastids' explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In 'Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream', a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny's most catastrophically. In 'Rattlesnakes', a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In 'The Dreamers', a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. 'The Answer Man' asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King's ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.]]> 484 Stephen King 1399725092 Sam 0 to-read 4.22 2024 You Like It Darker
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Men At Arms (Discworld #15) 15798108 'What's so hard about pulling a sword out of a stone? The real work's already been done. You ought to make yourself useful and find the man who put the sword in the stone in the first place.'

The City Watch needs MEN! But what it's got includes Corporal Carrot (technically a dwarf), Lance-constable Cuddy (really a dwarf), Lance-constable Detritus (a troll), Lance-constable Angua (a woman... most of the time) and Corporal Nobbs (disqualified from the human race for shoving).

And they need all the help they can get, because someone in Ankh-Morpork has been getting dangerous ideas - about crowns and legendary swords, and destiny. And the problem with destiny is, of course, that she is not always careful where she points her finger. One minute you might be minding your own business on a normal if not spectacular career path, the next you might be in the frame for the big job, like saving the world...]]> 432 Terry Pratchett 0552167533 Sam 5 fantasy
This book focused less on Vimes (although he had some standout moments) and more so on the other members of the Watch. Carrot, Colon, Detritus, Cuddy, Angua and Nobby steal the show this entire book, and made me connect with them all. I also really appreciated the social commentary on racism, sexism and gun violence. Everything about this book was perfect to me. Intriguing plot, lovable characters, emotional and heartwarming moments, funny moments (obvs) and a great ending. I get sad every time I finish these books, then immediately happy knowing I still have so many more.

So so good. ]]> 4.46 1993 Men At Arms (Discworld #15)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1993
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/06
date added: 2024/05/07
shelves: fantasy
review:
I forgot how good the City Watch books are (I haven’t read a new one since 2020). I’m reading this series in publication order, but these books in particular make me wanna focus solely on the Watch books. They’re just that good. I love the Discworld in its entirety, but the Watch books are on another level of good.

This book focused less on Vimes (although he had some standout moments) and more so on the other members of the Watch. Carrot, Colon, Detritus, Cuddy, Angua and Nobby steal the show this entire book, and made me connect with them all. I also really appreciated the social commentary on racism, sexism and gun violence. Everything about this book was perfect to me. Intriguing plot, lovable characters, emotional and heartwarming moments, funny moments (obvs) and a great ending. I get sad every time I finish these books, then immediately happy knowing I still have so many more.

So so good.
]]> Suttree 211987161
Conjuring James Joyce's Ulysses, Suttree wanders the river with a detachment and wry humour, encountering a broad cast of humanity as he does � even as dereliction and destitution threaten the last of his remaining dignity.]]> 568 Cormac McCarthy 1035039273 Sam 0 to-read 4.36 1979 Suttree
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.36
book published: 1979
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Demon Copperhead 62086891 This is an alternative cover edition for ISBN 9780571376483

Demon's story begins with his traumatic birth to a single mother in a single-wide trailer, looking 'like a little blue prizefighter.' For the life ahead of him he would need all of that fighting spirit, along with buckets of charm, a quick wit, and some unexpected talents, legal and otherwise.

In the southern Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, poverty isn't an idea, it's as natural as the grass grows. For a generation growing up in this world, at the heart of the modern opioid crisis, addiction isn't an abstraction, it's neighbours, parents, and friends. 'Family' could mean love, or reluctant foster care. For Demon, born on the wrong side of luck, the affection and safety he craves is as remote as the ocean he dreams of seeing one day. The wonder is in how far he's willing to travel to try and get there.

Suffused with truth, anger and compassion, Demon Copperhead is an epic tale of love, loss and everything in between.]]> 546 Barbara Kingsolver Sam 4 "Time passed and eventually my mind had only one thought in it as regards childhood. For any kid that gets that as an option: take that sweet thing and run with it. Hide. Love it so hard. Because it's going to fucking leave you and not come back.�

Finishing Demon Copperhead feels like losing an old friend. I've been following Demons life for three weeks, and now that I've reached the end makes me sad. Demons unique voice - Kingsolver's prose - made this book a special experience. I also love a coming of age story, so I knew before even starting that I would enjoy this book. If enjoy is the right word. It's a very dark and heavy book, going into what it's like to be grown into poverty and drug addiction. Demons life is filled with drugs, bullying, crime and pain, that it can make this book rough to read. But somehow the narration manages to also throw in humour and heartwarming moments, friendship and love.

I didn't love it all though. It's a long book, and I found a big chunk of the second half to be no where near as interesting as the first. The book loses its steam, and I found myself not caring as much about all of the side content. I also thought the ending was a little long winded, but the actual final scene was beautiful, albeit predictable. Not to mention that I found one certain plot point quite rushed.

As mentioned above, this book has a very unique writing style, one that is objectively stunning. However since it almost reads like a fictional memoir, I found that my emotional attachment to the story wasn't all there. There were scenes where I'd think "I should be crying at this" and I just couldn't (the final scene did bring on tears though). For me this was due to the fact that this book is Demon TELLING HIS story, not so much following the story from Demons point of view. This also led me to not care about many of the characters outside of the protagonist himself, other than Angus. I still think the prose is wonderful, but it comes with its downsides too.

Demon Copperhead was an unforgettable journey, that tackles some raw and rough topics, that are sadly still a big problem today. It's a long book that I do think is worth the time investment, as I loved being in Demons world and hearing his story. It wasn't perfect, but I will miss my time that I spent in Lee County, cheering Demon on.

"This is what I would say if I could, to all smart people of the world with their dumb hillbilly jokes: We are right here in the stall. We can actually hear you.�]]> 4.45 2022 Demon Copperhead
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Sam
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/19
date added: 2024/04/20
shelves:
review:
"Time passed and eventually my mind had only one thought in it as regards childhood. For any kid that gets that as an option: take that sweet thing and run with it. Hide. Love it so hard. Because it's going to fucking leave you and not come back.�

Finishing Demon Copperhead feels like losing an old friend. I've been following Demons life for three weeks, and now that I've reached the end makes me sad. Demons unique voice - Kingsolver's prose - made this book a special experience. I also love a coming of age story, so I knew before even starting that I would enjoy this book. If enjoy is the right word. It's a very dark and heavy book, going into what it's like to be grown into poverty and drug addiction. Demons life is filled with drugs, bullying, crime and pain, that it can make this book rough to read. But somehow the narration manages to also throw in humour and heartwarming moments, friendship and love.

I didn't love it all though. It's a long book, and I found a big chunk of the second half to be no where near as interesting as the first. The book loses its steam, and I found myself not caring as much about all of the side content. I also thought the ending was a little long winded, but the actual final scene was beautiful, albeit predictable. Not to mention that I found one certain plot point quite rushed.

As mentioned above, this book has a very unique writing style, one that is objectively stunning. However since it almost reads like a fictional memoir, I found that my emotional attachment to the story wasn't all there. There were scenes where I'd think "I should be crying at this" and I just couldn't (the final scene did bring on tears though). For me this was due to the fact that this book is Demon TELLING HIS story, not so much following the story from Demons point of view. This also led me to not care about many of the characters outside of the protagonist himself, other than Angus. I still think the prose is wonderful, but it comes with its downsides too.

Demon Copperhead was an unforgettable journey, that tackles some raw and rough topics, that are sadly still a big problem today. It's a long book that I do think is worth the time investment, as I loved being in Demons world and hearing his story. It wasn't perfect, but I will miss my time that I spent in Lee County, cheering Demon on.

"This is what I would say if I could, to all smart people of the world with their dumb hillbilly jokes: We are right here in the stall. We can actually hear you.�
]]> Night Shift 11247977 488 Stephen King Sam 4 horror, stephen-king
Jerusalem‘s Lot - A pretty cool and creepy story but I wasn’t crazy on how it was written like from the 1850s, or in letter form. Just made the reading experience not the most enjoyable. 3/5

Graveyard Shift - This made my skin crawl. The image of all of those rats crawling over Hall, up his legs and into his ear, along with the flying ones, AND a massive 3 foot rat?? Stuff of nightmares. Really solid, gross story. 4.5/5

Night Surf - For what it was, I quite liked this. Reads almost like a prologue to The Stand, and made me wanna read that book again too. Quite a depressing and eerie vibe, but feels more like an idea than story. 3/5

I Am the Doorway - Space exploration is a bad idea according to this story, and for a pretty chilling and unsettling reason. Enjoyed this one, despite it being sci-fi. Ending was great too, freaked me out. 4.5/5

The Mangler - A possessed washing machine is the most Stephen King thing I’ve ever read lol. But it was surprisingly exciting and tense, not to mention gory. I simultaneously liked and disliked the ending. 4/5

The Boogeyman - Pure horror. I have a pit in my stomach after reading. Extremely unsettling. (Update: this kept me up until 4am) 5/5

Grey Matter - Suspenseful and gross. Absolutely crazy idea but it worked somehow. 3.5/5

Battleground - Probably my least favourite so far. Just found it a little too silly, but it was still entertaining-ish to see toys come to life and try and kill someone. 2/5

Trucks - Feels like a very dated “robots gain consciousness� story but with trucks. I liked it. 3.5/5

Sometimes They Come Back - Loved 90% of this one, but the ending really threw me off. Didn’t hate the ending, but it wasn’t the one I was hoping for. Felt a bit rushed and cheap. But the majority of this was great. 4/5

Strawberry Swing - An atmospheric murder story. The ending was great, but overall this one didn’t do much for me. 2.5/5

The Ledge - The perfect suspense story. I loved how this one didn’t have any horror in it other than the horror of humans. Amazing. 5/5

The Lawnmower Man - What the actual fuck did I just read?? 1.5/5

Quitters Inc. - A sinister story about quitting smoking. I absolutely loved everything about this. 5/5

I Know What You Need - Engaging throughout and a cool concept, felt it ended quite suddenly though. I personally feel like this one will end up being quite forgetful. 3/5

Children of the Corn - This being a longer one in this collection, I wish there was more time spent with the crazy cult of kids than the town with the husband and wife trying to understand why it’s deserted. Pretty cool concept though. 3.5/5

The Last Rung on the Ladder - I have no words other than it made me cry. 5/5

The Man Who Loved Flowers - Such an effective way to write a story that’s less than ten pages long. Loved the twist of this one. 3.5/5

One for the Road - Really liked going back to ‘Salems Lot after the events of the actual book. Creepy atmosphere and chilling imagery 3.5/5

The Woman in the Room - I appreciated the McCarthy-like writing style, but overall I can’t see myself returning to this one. This more felt like something Stephen King had to write for himself, given the death of his mother was very recent to this book being published. 2/5

I’ll always prefer novels over short stories, but some of these were legitimately just as terrifying and enjoyable as his full length books. Would recommend.
]]> 3.91 1978 Night Shift
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1978
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/28
date added: 2024/03/28
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
I’ve been putting off reading Stephen King’s short story collections for years now, just because they never appealed to me. I want to read a full length novel over short stories every single time. But, I should have trusted that this man is one of my favourite authors for a reason. This was a really enjoyable collection, and I’m looking forward to read more of them. There were some stand outs, some forgetful ones, but each one (20 in total!) was worth my time. I’m just going to copy and paste my thoughts on all these stories from my notes app, which I updated after I finished every story.

Jerusalem‘s Lot - A pretty cool and creepy story but I wasn’t crazy on how it was written like from the 1850s, or in letter form. Just made the reading experience not the most enjoyable. 3/5

Graveyard Shift - This made my skin crawl. The image of all of those rats crawling over Hall, up his legs and into his ear, along with the flying ones, AND a massive 3 foot rat?? Stuff of nightmares. Really solid, gross story. 4.5/5

Night Surf - For what it was, I quite liked this. Reads almost like a prologue to The Stand, and made me wanna read that book again too. Quite a depressing and eerie vibe, but feels more like an idea than story. 3/5

I Am the Doorway - Space exploration is a bad idea according to this story, and for a pretty chilling and unsettling reason. Enjoyed this one, despite it being sci-fi. Ending was great too, freaked me out. 4.5/5

The Mangler - A possessed washing machine is the most Stephen King thing I’ve ever read lol. But it was surprisingly exciting and tense, not to mention gory. I simultaneously liked and disliked the ending. 4/5

The Boogeyman - Pure horror. I have a pit in my stomach after reading. Extremely unsettling. (Update: this kept me up until 4am) 5/5

Grey Matter - Suspenseful and gross. Absolutely crazy idea but it worked somehow. 3.5/5

Battleground - Probably my least favourite so far. Just found it a little too silly, but it was still entertaining-ish to see toys come to life and try and kill someone. 2/5

Trucks - Feels like a very dated “robots gain consciousness� story but with trucks. I liked it. 3.5/5

Sometimes They Come Back - Loved 90% of this one, but the ending really threw me off. Didn’t hate the ending, but it wasn’t the one I was hoping for. Felt a bit rushed and cheap. But the majority of this was great. 4/5

Strawberry Swing - An atmospheric murder story. The ending was great, but overall this one didn’t do much for me. 2.5/5

The Ledge - The perfect suspense story. I loved how this one didn’t have any horror in it other than the horror of humans. Amazing. 5/5

The Lawnmower Man - What the actual fuck did I just read?? 1.5/5

Quitters Inc. - A sinister story about quitting smoking. I absolutely loved everything about this. 5/5

I Know What You Need - Engaging throughout and a cool concept, felt it ended quite suddenly though. I personally feel like this one will end up being quite forgetful. 3/5

Children of the Corn - This being a longer one in this collection, I wish there was more time spent with the crazy cult of kids than the town with the husband and wife trying to understand why it’s deserted. Pretty cool concept though. 3.5/5

The Last Rung on the Ladder - I have no words other than it made me cry. 5/5

The Man Who Loved Flowers - Such an effective way to write a story that’s less than ten pages long. Loved the twist of this one. 3.5/5

One for the Road - Really liked going back to ‘Salems Lot after the events of the actual book. Creepy atmosphere and chilling imagery 3.5/5

The Woman in the Room - I appreciated the McCarthy-like writing style, but overall I can’t see myself returning to this one. This more felt like something Stephen King had to write for himself, given the death of his mother was very recent to this book being published. 2/5

I’ll always prefer novels over short stories, but some of these were legitimately just as terrifying and enjoyable as his full length books. Would recommend.

]]> <![CDATA[Lords And Ladies (Discworld #14)]]> 15798106
Reality is all very well in small doses. It's a perfectly conventional and convenient way of neutralising the imagination. But sometimes when there's more than one reality at play, imagination just won't be neutralised, and the walls between realities come tumbling down. Unfortunately there's usually a damned good reason for there being walls between them in the first place. To keep things out. Things who want to make mischief and play havoc with the natural order.]]> 400 Terry Pratchett 0552167525 Sam 4 fantasy
What’s there to say that I haven’t already said about the Witches series? I love them. I love Granny, Nanny and Magrat, and I loved how in this book each witch had their moment of power. I also loved the deeper philosophical themes in this book, such as focusing on what could have been vs what is, along with regret. The idea that in some other universe, you might be happier than you are now. I loved reading all about that, especially from the perspective of the witches.

The plot was fun to follow, characters were perfect, the villains were creepy and felt like a real threat. I laughed several times, and also was writing down quotes that were powerful and moving to read. The witches series isn’t my personal favourite, but I would still read them over and over again. My ratings with Discworld are a lot harsher than other books I read. I could happily rate all of these books 5 stars, just based on pure enjoyment alone.]]> 4.26 1992 Lords And Ladies (Discworld #14)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at: 2024/03/15
date added: 2024/03/15
shelves: fantasy
review:
I <3 Discworld.

What’s there to say that I haven’t already said about the Witches series? I love them. I love Granny, Nanny and Magrat, and I loved how in this book each witch had their moment of power. I also loved the deeper philosophical themes in this book, such as focusing on what could have been vs what is, along with regret. The idea that in some other universe, you might be happier than you are now. I loved reading all about that, especially from the perspective of the witches.

The plot was fun to follow, characters were perfect, the villains were creepy and felt like a real threat. I laughed several times, and also was writing down quotes that were powerful and moving to read. The witches series isn’t my personal favourite, but I would still read them over and over again. My ratings with Discworld are a lot harsher than other books I read. I could happily rate all of these books 5 stars, just based on pure enjoyment alone.
]]> <![CDATA[On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft]]> 12984058
There is a reason why Stephen King is one of the bestselling writers in the world, ever. Described in the Guardian as 'the most remarkable storyteller in modern American literature', Stephen King writes books that draw you in and are impossible to put down.

~hodder.co.uk]]> 351 Stephen King Sam 5 stephen-king, non-fiction First half is fantastic. As a massive SK fan, it was so interesting reading about his upbringing and childhood growing up.
Second half was filled with useful and helpful tips and information. As an aspiring writer myself, these tips were extremely helpful.
Not to mention the story about how he nearly died when he was hit by that van. Just incredible stuff.

Stephen King is such an inspiration to me. If I ever get to meet him, I’ll definitely tell him thank you for writing this book.]]> 4.40 2000 On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2020/07/26
date added: 2024/03/03
shelves: stephen-king, non-fiction
review:
What a inspiring and amazing book.
First half is fantastic. As a massive SK fan, it was so interesting reading about his upbringing and childhood growing up.
Second half was filled with useful and helpful tips and information. As an aspiring writer myself, these tips were extremely helpful.
Not to mention the story about how he nearly died when he was hit by that van. Just incredible stuff.

Stephen King is such an inspiration to me. If I ever get to meet him, I’ll definitely tell him thank you for writing this book.
]]> <![CDATA[Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematorium]]> 29753876 254 Caitlin Doughty 1782111050 Sam 4 non-fiction
From the stories of working at a crematorium, we graphically learn the whole process. While some might find it too gross to read pages and pages about dead bodies, and what happens to them once they arrive at the crematorium, I think it was necessary. And it proves the point the book is trying to make. We don't won't to hear the gross parts of death because it's uncomfortable. But death is gross, and it should make us uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we should avoid it altogether. As this book repeatedly states, when we avoid talking about death, in all of its grossness, we are denying ourselves of its reality. It's also just really interesting to learn about the whole process, baring in mind we - and all of our loved ones - will literally all experience the same fate. This book also covers Caitlin's personal life, why she decided to take this strange career path, and what it did to her mentally. It was all so interesting, at times heartbreaking and relatable. Once I finished this book I instantly went to her "Order of the Good Death" website to read more about her and her cause.

I feel like this is a book everyone should read. The impact this book has had one me is very noticeable, and it's really made me think about what I want when I die. Not to mention its humour, the people she meets throughout her life, and just a ton of crazy information. It's also made me extremely aware of how important it is to discuss death more openly, to embrace it and not hide from it. Because in doing so, we can live much less fearful lives in relation to the event that will end us all.

"Accepting death doesn’t mean that you won’t be devastated when someone you love dies. It means you will be able to focus on your grief, unburdened by bigger existential questions like “Why do people die?� and “Why is this happening to me?� Death isn’t happening to you. Death is happening to us all."]]> 4.26 2014 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematorium
author: Caitlin Doughty
name: Sam
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/18
date added: 2024/03/03
shelves: non-fiction
review:
Society's relationship with death is not the best. We tend to avoid talking about people we love dying, we tell ourselves that it'll never happen to us, and when people do die, we dress them up and embalm them to make them look "more natural". Even though the most natural state a human body can ever experience is untouched, once they have moved onto the next life (another thing we say to ourselves instead of "dying"). All of these things are addressed in this book, trying to get the reader into a more positive state of mind when it comes to death. And I think it was done brilliantly.

From the stories of working at a crematorium, we graphically learn the whole process. While some might find it too gross to read pages and pages about dead bodies, and what happens to them once they arrive at the crematorium, I think it was necessary. And it proves the point the book is trying to make. We don't won't to hear the gross parts of death because it's uncomfortable. But death is gross, and it should make us uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we should avoid it altogether. As this book repeatedly states, when we avoid talking about death, in all of its grossness, we are denying ourselves of its reality. It's also just really interesting to learn about the whole process, baring in mind we - and all of our loved ones - will literally all experience the same fate. This book also covers Caitlin's personal life, why she decided to take this strange career path, and what it did to her mentally. It was all so interesting, at times heartbreaking and relatable. Once I finished this book I instantly went to her "Order of the Good Death" website to read more about her and her cause.

I feel like this is a book everyone should read. The impact this book has had one me is very noticeable, and it's really made me think about what I want when I die. Not to mention its humour, the people she meets throughout her life, and just a ton of crazy information. It's also made me extremely aware of how important it is to discuss death more openly, to embrace it and not hide from it. Because in doing so, we can live much less fearful lives in relation to the event that will end us all.

"Accepting death doesn’t mean that you won’t be devastated when someone you love dies. It means you will be able to focus on your grief, unburdened by bigger existential questions like “Why do people die?� and “Why is this happening to me?� Death isn’t happening to you. Death is happening to us all."
]]> Crime and Punishment 181309 'Crime? What crime?...My killing a loathsome, harmful louse, a filthy old moneylender woman...and you call that a crime?'

Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law. But as he embarks on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a suspicious police investigator, Raskolnikov is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. Only Sonya, a downtrodden prostitute, can offer the chance of redemption.

This vivid translation by David McDuff has been acclaimed as the most accessible version of Dostoyevsky's great novel, rendering its dialogue with a unique force and naturalism. This edition also includes a new chronology of Dostoyevsky's life and work.]]> 656 Fyodor Dostoevsky Sam 0 to-read 4.32 1866 Crime and Punishment
author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
name: Sam
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1866
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ship of Magic (Liveship Traders, #1)]]> 25985840
Wizardwood, the most precious commodity in the world, comes only from the Rain Wilds. But only a liveship can negotiate the perilous waters of the Rain Wild River, and liveships are hard to come by. They quicken only when three family members from successive generations have died upon their deck.

The liveship Vivacia is about to undergo her quickening: Althea Vestrit waits for the ship that she loves more than anything in the world to awaken. But her dream of taking her father’s place at Vivacia’s helm is not to be, for her family have other plans. . .

And the dark, charming pirate Kennit also lusts after such a ship: he well knows the power of wizardwood and has plans of his own . . .]]> 880 Robin Hobb 0008117454 Sam 5 fantasy
If the other two books are as good as this one, I can see this trilogy turning into an all time favourite.]]> 4.41 1998 Ship of Magic (Liveship Traders, #1)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Sam
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/20
date added: 2024/02/20
shelves: fantasy
review:
Seriously good. Ship of Magic was an addicting book that was interesting and entertaining throughout. The drama and conflicts in this book were so intriguing to follow, not to mention heartbreaking at times. And like always with Robin Hobb, she crafts such believable and lovable characters (Althea, Wintrow, Vivacia) along with horrible, disgusting ones (Kyle and Malta). This book reminded me why I consider this author one of my favourites. Very excited to read The Mad Ship as I literally cannot get enough of this world and story.

If the other two books are as good as this one, I can see this trilogy turning into an all time favourite.
]]> American Psycho 60537409
A million-copy bestseller and a pop-cultural phenomenon, American Psycho is one of the most notorious and influential novels of the twentieth century.]]> 386 Bret Easton Ellis 152907715X Sam 0 to-read 3.69 1991 American Psycho
author: Bret Easton Ellis
name: Sam
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1991
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Child of God 7616841 186 Cormac McCarthy 0330510959 Sam 0 to-read 3.79 1973 Child of God
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1973
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Hogfather (Discworld, #20) 16113704 Susan had never hung up a stocking . She'd never put a tooth under her pillow in the serious expectation that a dentally inclined fairy would turn up. It wasn't that her parents didn't believe in such things. They didn't need to believe in them. They know they existed. They just wished they didn't.

It's the night before Hogswatch. And it's too quiet.

Where is the big jolly fat man? There are those who believe and those who don't, but either way it's not right to find Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho. Superstition makes things work in Discworld, and undermining it can have Consequences, particularly on the last night of the year when the time is turning. Susan the gothic governess has got to sort everything out by morning, otherwise there won't be a morning. Ever again...

The 20th Discworld novel is a festive feast of darkness and Death (but with jolly robins and tinsel too). As they say: ' You'd better watch out...']]> 430 Terry Pratchett 0552167584 Sam 5 fantasy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/ FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another brilliant Discworld book, this one read at the perfect time! Lots of laughs, sweet moments and great characters. Love Death so much. It didn’t quite beat Guards! Guards! for me, as I just think I prefer the city watch books more, but this one was near perfect.

4.5/5

HAPPY HOGSWATCH!!!!]]> 4.14 1996 Hogfather (Discworld, #20)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at: 2023/12/19
date added: 2023/12/19
shelves: fantasy
review:
Hogfather is the perfect example of why Discworld is so special. It’s funny. It’s silly. The lesson and message toward the end of the book is so real and can and should be applied to the real world. Rememberable characters, not to mention how amazing of Death is. Beautiful writing. Fun and exciting plot. And it’s also my favourite christmas-y book. I felt like I was smiling the whole time. I can’t really think of anything bad I could say about this book (even though that’s how I feel about 90% of Discworld). I also enjoyed this one a lot more on reread. Literally want to reread this every december.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/ FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another brilliant Discworld book, this one read at the perfect time! Lots of laughs, sweet moments and great characters. Love Death so much. It didn’t quite beat Guards! Guards! for me, as I just think I prefer the city watch books more, but this one was near perfect.

4.5/5

HAPPY HOGSWATCH!!!!
]]> Butcher’s Crossing 18395049 Stoner delivers something completely different but equally unique, skewering romantic notions of the Wild West with a brilliant, brutal tale of buffalo hunters that reverberates with understated power.

Will Andrews is no academic. He longs for wildness, freedom, hope and vigour. He leaves Harvard and sets out for the West to discover a new way of living.

In a small town called Butcher's Crossing he meets a hunter with a story of a lost herd of buffalo in a remote Colorado valley, just waiting to be taken by a team of men brave and crazy enough to find them. Will makes up his mind to be one of those men, but the journey, the killing, harsh conditions and sheer hard luck will test his mind and body to their limits.]]> 326 John Williams 0099589672 Sam 0 to-read 4.19 1960 Butcher’s Crossing
author: John Williams
name: Sam
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1960
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/12/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #2)]]> 54373691 In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time...

From the author of Before the Coffee Gets Cold comes a story of four new customers each of whom is hoping to take advantage of Cafe Funiculi Funicula's time-travelling offer.

Among some faces that will be familiar to readers of Kawaguchi's previous novel, we will be introduced to:

The man who goes back to see his best friend who died 22 years ago
The son who was unable to attend his own mother’s funeral
The man who travelled to see the girl who he could not marry
The old detective who never gave his wife that gift...

This beautiful, simple tale tells the story of people who must face up to their past, in order to move on with their lives. Kawaguchi once again invites the reader to ask themselves: what would you change if you could travel back in time?]]> 192 Toshikazu Kawaguchi 1529050863 Sam 1
The actual stories themselves are forgetful. I liked parts of the first one and the ending of the last one, but other than that, they are filled with one dimensional characters and a bunch of backstory crammed in to try and make the reader give a shit about what is happening. Of course, a whole lot of telling and not showing is never going to connect. But the actual messages of the stories I have legit issues with. This book, to me, is the equivalent of "just be happy, someone else has it worse off!" To talk spoilers, one of the characters is suicidal. He goes back in time, planning to stay there (thus killing himself) until the person he meets basically tells him it would make them sad. He doesn't go through with it, and when he gets back, his "whole outlook changes." What???? After one very short conversation, all thoughts of ending his life are gone. I don't want to make assumptions, but I feel like this author has never had suicidal thoughts of any kind, because I was almost offended at how badly portrayed mental health was in this book. Another example, a woman suffers from a miscarriage. A older man says "You can't be sad about it, otherwise the child died for nothing!" And magically her outlook changes! Are you fucking serious??

This author basically picks heavy topics (almost every character in this book who goes back in time has some illness or mental health issue, trying to make you feel for them) claims "you have to be happy!" and is cured. Total bullshit. Literally EVERY story in this book ends with the character discovering that they need to be happy. Not ONCE does the author ever suggest how awful it is to live with these issues, and how trauma is something people live with, not just get over. And the whole happiness thing? I don't agree with it at all. Life isn't about just being happy. Happiness only lasts so long. With issues as serious portrayed in this book, the proper way forward would be to learn to deal and live with these traumas, accepting that the situation is hard and horrible but not life ending. But clearly the author believes that the only way forward from chronic illness, death, depression etc, is to simply be happy! We all deserve happiness after all! Jesus christ it's like a child wrote this.

Rant over, but wow this book pissed me off. I did kind of like the ending, and some of the first story. But that's it, and unfortunately that doesn’t change my overall views on it. I simply don't care enough to read anymore of these books to find out the mystery of the woman in the white dress. Which sucks as her and Kazu are the only characters that have an ounce of personality. Not to mention that annoying little kid speaking french, what the hell was that about. This book is badly written with SO MUCH repetition about the rules, I do not recommend this book. I was willing to overlook some issues with the first book, but this one it is straight up bad. I also really question the authors views on topics like mental health and losing a loved one.]]> 3.98 2017 Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #2)
author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
name: Sam
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2023/12/04
date added: 2023/12/04
shelves:
review:
Has this author ever read a book in his life? Because I am absolutely amazed that a book with so much repetition, show much tell and no show, along with bland characters, ever made it past the editing process. I mean seriously, why does this author have so little faith in his readers? We do not need the cafes rules explained again and again for quite honestly 40% of the pages. We don’t need to have conformation of what someone is feeling (e.g this made him feel so sad that he did this) just in case we couldn’t figure it out on our own. This was an issue with the first book, but it's honestly so much worse here. For a book this short, I was literally laughing at how ridiculous the amount of repetition and over explanation was.

The actual stories themselves are forgetful. I liked parts of the first one and the ending of the last one, but other than that, they are filled with one dimensional characters and a bunch of backstory crammed in to try and make the reader give a shit about what is happening. Of course, a whole lot of telling and not showing is never going to connect. But the actual messages of the stories I have legit issues with. This book, to me, is the equivalent of "just be happy, someone else has it worse off!" To talk spoilers, one of the characters is suicidal. He goes back in time, planning to stay there (thus killing himself) until the person he meets basically tells him it would make them sad. He doesn't go through with it, and when he gets back, his "whole outlook changes." What???? After one very short conversation, all thoughts of ending his life are gone. I don't want to make assumptions, but I feel like this author has never had suicidal thoughts of any kind, because I was almost offended at how badly portrayed mental health was in this book. Another example, a woman suffers from a miscarriage. A older man says "You can't be sad about it, otherwise the child died for nothing!" And magically her outlook changes! Are you fucking serious??

This author basically picks heavy topics (almost every character in this book who goes back in time has some illness or mental health issue, trying to make you feel for them) claims "you have to be happy!" and is cured. Total bullshit. Literally EVERY story in this book ends with the character discovering that they need to be happy. Not ONCE does the author ever suggest how awful it is to live with these issues, and how trauma is something people live with, not just get over. And the whole happiness thing? I don't agree with it at all. Life isn't about just being happy. Happiness only lasts so long. With issues as serious portrayed in this book, the proper way forward would be to learn to deal and live with these traumas, accepting that the situation is hard and horrible but not life ending. But clearly the author believes that the only way forward from chronic illness, death, depression etc, is to simply be happy! We all deserve happiness after all! Jesus christ it's like a child wrote this.

Rant over, but wow this book pissed me off. I did kind of like the ending, and some of the first story. But that's it, and unfortunately that doesn’t change my overall views on it. I simply don't care enough to read anymore of these books to find out the mystery of the woman in the white dress. Which sucks as her and Kazu are the only characters that have an ounce of personality. Not to mention that annoying little kid speaking french, what the hell was that about. This book is badly written with SO MUCH repetition about the rules, I do not recommend this book. I was willing to overlook some issues with the first book, but this one it is straight up bad. I also really question the authors views on topics like mental health and losing a loved one.
]]> Blood Meridian 60577102 The wrath of God lies sleeping. It was hid a million years before men were and only men have power to wake it. Hell aint half full.

Set in the anarchic world opened up by America’s westward expansion, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy is an epic and potent account of the barbarous violence that man visits upon man.

hrough the hostile landscape of the Texas–Mexico border wanders the Kid, a fourteen-year-old Tennessean who is quickly swept up in the relentless tide of blood. But the apparent chaos is not without its order: while Americans hunt Indians � collecting scalps as their bloody trophies � they too are stalked as prey.

Since its first publication in 1985, Blood Meridian has been read as both a brilliant subversion of the Western novel and a blazing example of that form. Powerful, mesmerizing and savagely beautiful, it is established as one of the most important works in American fiction of the last century.]]> 355 Cormac McCarthy 1529077168 Sam 4
I can’t say I enjoyed this book, but more felt impressed by it. I’m a story and character driven reader, than this book almost has none of that. There are characters, but they are essentially just names on a page, underdeveloped and boring. But I do believe this was intentional. The Wild West was a BRUTAL time. So many people died in vicious ways. What’s the point in making you care about basically anyone in this book, if in a few pages later they’re lying in a pool of their own blood? It’s really clever and totally fitting, but I still prefer a book with characters I care about. Although the judge is quite literally one of the creepiest villains in a book. All of the development went into him, but it’s still minimal.

But as I said, this is such an impressive accomplishment in literature. I totally get why people call this book “The Great American Novel�, and is people’s favourite book of all time. The prose is stunning. Even though the language in this book is extremely hard to follow (pretty sure I missed about 80% of what McCarthy was trying to say) when you understand it, wow. And the imagery??? You literally feel like you’re crossing the plains with the scalp hunters. Quite a few times I found myself reading aloud sections to my parents, wanting to share just how beautiful parts of this book can be. Even though I feel like I need to take a course and reread it 10 times to fully understand sections and themes, anyone could see how impressive the writing is here.

Blood Meridian is a perfect example of how horrible the Wild West actually was. I wish I enjoyed it more than I did (I felt like after reading 10 pages I needed to put it down to rest my brain) but I still think this is one of the most impressive books out there. I feel completely exhausted and disturbed and a little gross from reading this, however I feel like I’ve also been on a journey literally unlike any other.]]> 4.00 1985 Blood Meridian
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1985
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/29
date added: 2023/11/29
shelves:
review:
When I put this book down, I felt like I could finally let out a breath that’s been held during the entire time I’ve been reading this. If that makes any sense. What I’m trying to say is that Blood Meridian is the least relaxing and most draining, exhausting, confusing, graphic and violent book that I can think of. I can usually finish a book this size in a week or two, but I had to take a break halfway through this. It’s taken me over a month. If a more heavy book exists than this one, I don’t want to know about it.

I can’t say I enjoyed this book, but more felt impressed by it. I’m a story and character driven reader, than this book almost has none of that. There are characters, but they are essentially just names on a page, underdeveloped and boring. But I do believe this was intentional. The Wild West was a BRUTAL time. So many people died in vicious ways. What’s the point in making you care about basically anyone in this book, if in a few pages later they’re lying in a pool of their own blood? It’s really clever and totally fitting, but I still prefer a book with characters I care about. Although the judge is quite literally one of the creepiest villains in a book. All of the development went into him, but it’s still minimal.

But as I said, this is such an impressive accomplishment in literature. I totally get why people call this book “The Great American Novel�, and is people’s favourite book of all time. The prose is stunning. Even though the language in this book is extremely hard to follow (pretty sure I missed about 80% of what McCarthy was trying to say) when you understand it, wow. And the imagery??? You literally feel like you’re crossing the plains with the scalp hunters. Quite a few times I found myself reading aloud sections to my parents, wanting to share just how beautiful parts of this book can be. Even though I feel like I need to take a course and reread it 10 times to fully understand sections and themes, anyone could see how impressive the writing is here.

Blood Meridian is a perfect example of how horrible the Wild West actually was. I wish I enjoyed it more than I did (I felt like after reading 10 pages I needed to put it down to rest my brain) but I still think this is one of the most impressive books out there. I feel completely exhausted and disturbed and a little gross from reading this, however I feel like I’ve also been on a journey literally unlike any other.
]]> Small Gods (Discworld, 13) 15798103 'Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it's a miracle.'

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was: 'Hey, you!' This is the Discworld, after all, and religion is a controversial business. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods, of every shape and size, and all elbowing for space at the top. In such a competitive environment, shape and size can be pretty crucial to make one's presence felt. So it's certainly not helpful to be reduced to appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book.

In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast: for the Great God Om, Brutha the novice is the Chosen One � or at least the only One available. He wants peace and justice and brotherly love. He also wants the Inquisition to stop torturing him now, please...]]> 400 Terry Pratchett 0552167517 Sam 5 fantasy, favorites
Small Gods is such a great example of the flaws of organised religion, along with all the problems that happen when powerful figures become leaders at said organisation. But it also shows the importance of belief, whether that be in a God or in people. And it's so funny and the characters are so amazing, I quite literally love Brutha, and the dynamic he shared with Om. The world felt so real and alive, while still keeping that Discworld silliness that I love so much.

And the last page is my favourite ending to a Discworld book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/ FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whilst this book was hilarious at times, and great moments, Om carried this book for me.

I wasn’t too much of a fan of Brutha, and overall the plot in this one didn’t keep me as engaged as the other Discworld books I’ve read.

There were some fantastic side characters, and I think I’ll enjoy this book a lot more on reread. I just missed being in the main world of Discworld

Still, a perfectly funny, okay book. With some really fun and interesting takes on religion

3.5]]> 4.27 1992 Small Gods (Discworld, 13)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/22
date added: 2023/11/22
shelves: fantasy, favorites
review:
I'm so glad I read this again because It felt like I was reading it for the first time. I take back literally any bad thing I said about this book because this is literally such an incredible Discworld novel, which I just didn’t “get it� at first, and I think I rushed through it.

Small Gods is such a great example of the flaws of organised religion, along with all the problems that happen when powerful figures become leaders at said organisation. But it also shows the importance of belief, whether that be in a God or in people. And it's so funny and the characters are so amazing, I quite literally love Brutha, and the dynamic he shared with Om. The world felt so real and alive, while still keeping that Discworld silliness that I love so much.

And the last page is my favourite ending to a Discworld book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OLD REVIEW/ FIRST READ THROUGH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whilst this book was hilarious at times, and great moments, Om carried this book for me.

I wasn’t too much of a fan of Brutha, and overall the plot in this one didn’t keep me as engaged as the other Discworld books I’ve read.

There were some fantastic side characters, and I think I’ll enjoy this book a lot more on reread. I just missed being in the main world of Discworld

Still, a perfectly funny, okay book. With some really fun and interesting takes on religion

3.5
]]> The Grapes of Wrath 35718985 alternate cover edition for ISBN 9780141185064
"I've done my damnest to rip a reader's nerves to rags, I don't want him satisfied." Shocking and controversial when it was first published in 1939, Steinbeck's Pulitzer prize-winning epic, The Grapes of Wrath, remains his undisputed masterpiece. Set against the background of Dust Bowl Oklahoma and Californian migrant life, it tells of the Joad famil, who, like thousands others, are forced to travel west in search of the promised land. Their story is one of false hopes, thwarted desires and broken dreams, yet out of their suffering Steinbeck created a drama that is intensely human, yet majestic in its scale and moral vision; an eloquent tribute to the endurance and dignity of the human spirit.]]> 476 John Steinbeck Sam 0 to-read 4.35 1939 The Grapes of Wrath
author: John Steinbeck
name: Sam
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1939
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Dracula 14800993 445 Bram Stoker 0141199334 Sam 0 dnf
——� reread ——�

I’ll try again next year lmao]]> 3.79 1897 Dracula
author: Bram Stoker
name: Sam
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1897
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/11
shelves: dnf
review:
DNF for now. Was really enjoying it until the Lucy plot was finished, then I just found it a little boring. Will get back to it at some point though, as I was really enjoying it at the time. Just need to be in the mood

——� reread ——�

I’ll try again next year lmao
]]> <![CDATA[Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12)]]> 15849484
But for the witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick, travelling to the distant city of Genua, things are never that simple...

Servant girls have to marry the prince. That's what life is all about. You can't fight a Happy Ending.

At least - up until now...]]> 368 Terry Pratchett 0552167509 Sam 4 fantasy
Wryd Sisters is still my favourite Witches book though.]]> 4.27 1991 Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/09
date added: 2023/11/10
shelves: fantasy
review:
I’m not gonna bother reviewing this because basically any Discworld book I’ve reviewed can be applied to this book. I loved it basically, as I do all of them. I thought the first half of this book was superior to the latter half, but I still enjoyed the whole thing. The second half was great at developing Granny’s character more, which I can appreciate. The first half was just so funny and enjoyable, it reminded me just how much joy these books bring me.

Wryd Sisters is still my favourite Witches book though.
]]> The Sisters Brothers 12413859 A witty noir Don Quixote...a blackly comic fable about emptiness, loneliness and the hollow allure of gold - Financial Times

It is 1851,for gold has swept the American frontier. Two brother - the notorious Eli and Charlie Sisters - are on the road to California, following the trail of an elusive prospector, Hermann Kermit Warm. On this odyssey Eli and his brother cross paths with a remarkable cast of characters - losers, cheaters, and ne'er-do-wells from all stripes of - and Eli begins to question what he does for a living, and whom he does it for.

Unforgettable - Sunday Telegraph

A vision of searing originality - Sunday Times

Gripping and heart-warming - Guardian

A boldly eloquent adventure and novel about a man trying to live a better life - Metro]]> 328 Patrick deWitt 1847083196 Sam 0 to-read 3.96 2011 The Sisters Brothers
author: Patrick deWitt
name: Sam
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/10/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)]]> 44421460 What would you change if you could go back in time?

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the café’s time-travelling offer, in order to: confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has been taken by early onset Alzheimer's, to see their sister one last time, and to meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.

But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold . . .

Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?]]> 213 Toshikazu Kawaguchi 1529029589 Sam 3
Still, it was charming to read and whilst I didn't really love the first three stories, or at times their message, it kept me engaged, and its short length helped with that. The last story however was really good and I just wish the rest of the book had the same amount of depth as this last one. I didn't cry, but it did make me smile, which is something.

I can see why some people love this book and others hate it. I'm happy I read it, and since the books are so tiny, I wouldn't even mind trying the next one out. Because even though I had a lot of issues with it, I think it was still worth my time. It was nice to have a calmer, more cosy read than what I'm normally used to.]]> 3.67 2015 Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)
author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
name: Sam
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2023/09/23
date added: 2023/09/23
shelves:
review:
Very mixed feelings on this. If this book was longer I probably wouldn't have finished it. The writing was annoying with the constant repetition of the rules, what people were wearing, and the surroundings. Not to mention how the stories (apart from moments in the fourth) were extremely predictable and simple. The characters were so one-dimensional it was almost painful. And how literally no one in this story could communicate their problems. If they did they might as well throw away the time travel chair.

Still, it was charming to read and whilst I didn't really love the first three stories, or at times their message, it kept me engaged, and its short length helped with that. The last story however was really good and I just wish the rest of the book had the same amount of depth as this last one. I didn't cry, but it did make me smile, which is something.

I can see why some people love this book and others hate it. I'm happy I read it, and since the books are so tiny, I wouldn't even mind trying the next one out. Because even though I had a lot of issues with it, I think it was still worth my time. It was nice to have a calmer, more cosy read than what I'm normally used to.
]]> Needful Things 10493548
Leland Gaunt opens a new shop in Castle Rock called Needful Things. Anyone who enters his store finds the object of his or her lifelong dreams and desires: a prized baseball card, a healing amulet. In addition to a token payment, Gaunt requests that each person perform a little "deed," usually a seemingly innocent prank played on someone else from town. These practical jokes cascade out of control and soon the entire town is doing battle with itself. Only Sheriff Alan Pangborn suspects that Gaunt is behind the population's increasingly violent behavior.]]> 933 Stephen King Sam 4 horror, stephen-king
I felt like this book didn't need to be as long as it was, and yet I never felt bored. Having read well over 20 of his books by now, I'm very used to his writing style, his slow build up before everything goes insane, and usually a far fetched ending. But as said, I loved just following all of these different characters, their lives, what makes them angry, and who makes them angry. Watching Leland turn everyone against each other was incredibly satisfying, and also brutal, to read. From the teachers, to the cafe and shop owners, the religious, it had such a wide cast of interesting characters to follow, and end up killing each other.

I think the only reason why this isn't a five star book is simply SK has better books, somehow. If this was the only one I've read I would have given it five without a second thought. And, the ending was pretty ridiculous, even for King. It didn't ruin the book at all, but it was pretty lame and underwhelming. But as I said, I'm used to King's ways by now. But overall this was just a fun, brutal, crazy, exciting book that never bored me. As I was reading this it just reminded me how good SK is as a writer. The plot can be simple, the prose doesn't have to be flowery (not saying his prose is bad because it isn't) and yet he can still make a 900 page book with tons of characters flow so effortlessly.]]> 3.97 1991 Needful Things
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at: 2023/09/18
date added: 2023/09/20
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
Needful Things is the most Stephen King book I've read so far. Every cliche he has ever done is in this book, and its result is an extremely fun book. The devil (or a demon or whatever) opens a new shop in the town of Castle Rock. Castle Rock also remains one of my favourite fictional places in the King universe, so it was great spending 900 pages there. Everything from the residence's drama between one another (which is basically the first 85% of this book) to the villains, to Alan Pangborn (another favourite), Needful Things is such an underrated book.

I felt like this book didn't need to be as long as it was, and yet I never felt bored. Having read well over 20 of his books by now, I'm very used to his writing style, his slow build up before everything goes insane, and usually a far fetched ending. But as said, I loved just following all of these different characters, their lives, what makes them angry, and who makes them angry. Watching Leland turn everyone against each other was incredibly satisfying, and also brutal, to read. From the teachers, to the cafe and shop owners, the religious, it had such a wide cast of interesting characters to follow, and end up killing each other.

I think the only reason why this isn't a five star book is simply SK has better books, somehow. If this was the only one I've read I would have given it five without a second thought. And, the ending was pretty ridiculous, even for King. It didn't ruin the book at all, but it was pretty lame and underwhelming. But as I said, I'm used to King's ways by now. But overall this was just a fun, brutal, crazy, exciting book that never bored me. As I was reading this it just reminded me how good SK is as a writer. The plot can be simple, the prose doesn't have to be flowery (not saying his prose is bad because it isn't) and yet he can still make a 900 page book with tons of characters flow so effortlessly.
]]> Don Quixote 3836
With its experimental form and literary playfulness, Don Quixote has been generally recognized as the first modern novel. The book has been enormously influential on a host of writers, from Fielding and Sterne to Flaubert, Dickens, Melville, and Faulkner, who reread it once a year, "just as some people read the Bible."]]> 1023 Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Sam 0 to-read 3.86 1615 Don Quixote
author: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
name: Sam
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1615
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/09/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> True Grit 19094431 Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ISBN 13: 9781408814000

On a trip to buy ponies, Frank Ross is shot dead by Tom Chaney, one of his own workers, for a horse, $150 cash, and two Californian gold pieces. When Ross's unusually single-minded fourteen-year-old daughter Mattie arrives to claim his body, she discovers that the authorities are doing nothing to find Chaney. Then she hears of Rooster- a man, she's told, who has grit - and convinces him to join her in a quest into dark, dangerous Indian territory to hunt Chaney down and avenge her father's murder...

First brought to the big screen in a classic 1969 western starring John Wayne, True Grit is now a major motion picture by the Coen brothers, starring Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges and Josh Brolin.]]> 227 Charles Portis Sam 2
Cogburn was the only character that was interesting to read, but even then there were so many tangents about his past that within a 200 or so page book, just felt totally unneeded. This was a massive problem for me with this book. Every time I thought I was getting invested, I was hit with infodumping and boring talk between characters, which to me added literally nothing to the plot. With a book as short as this, I think it’s much better to just get on with it. The Road by Cormac McCarthy being a great example. No build-up, just straight into the story.

I will say the last 50 pages of this book was good, and I enjoyed how the story wrapped up. But having finished the book just now, I can already say most of it is already being forgotten. If this book was any longer I would have put it down without a second thought.]]> 4.16 1968 True Grit
author: Charles Portis
name: Sam
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1968
rating: 2
read at: 2023/08/23
date added: 2023/08/23
shelves:
review:
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it. The writing felt robotic and emotionless. I didn’t connect with the main character Mattie at all. Not to mention how it just felt a little too convenient at times (you’re telling me a 14 year old girl avoided death how many times?). The first 100 pages of this book was just talking. I’m all for a slow start, but use it to develop the characters, or at least make me give a shit about the story.

Cogburn was the only character that was interesting to read, but even then there were so many tangents about his past that within a 200 or so page book, just felt totally unneeded. This was a massive problem for me with this book. Every time I thought I was getting invested, I was hit with infodumping and boring talk between characters, which to me added literally nothing to the plot. With a book as short as this, I think it’s much better to just get on with it. The Road by Cormac McCarthy being a great example. No build-up, just straight into the story.

I will say the last 50 pages of this book was good, and I enjoyed how the story wrapped up. But having finished the book just now, I can already say most of it is already being forgotten. If this book was any longer I would have put it down without a second thought.
]]> Starsight (Skyward, #2) 44320715 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Reckoners series, Words of Radiance, the Mistborn trilogy, and the Stormlight Archive comes the second book in an epic series about a girl with a secret in a dangerous world at war for humanity's future.

All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot. Of proving she's a hero like her father. She made it to the sky, but the truths she learned about her father were crushing. The rumors of his cowardice are true--he deserted his flight during battle against the Krell. Worse, though, he turned against his team and attacked them.

Spensa is sure there's more to the story. And she's sure that whatever happened to her father in his starship could happen to her. When she made it outside the protective shell of her planet, she heard the stars--and it was terrifying. Everything Spensa has been taught about her world is a lie.

But Spensa also discovered a few other things about herself--and she'll travel to the end of the galaxy to save humankind if she needs to.]]> 469 Brandon Sanderson 147321789X Sam 0 dnf 4.35 2019 Starsight (Skyward, #2)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Sam
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/20
shelves: dnf
review:

]]> <![CDATA[All the Pretty Horses (The Border Trilogy, #1)]]> 62347847 All the Pretty Horses is a magnificent parable of responsibility, revenge and survival.]]> 310 Cormac McCarthy 1035003759 Sam 0 to-read 4.18 1992 All the Pretty Horses (The Border Trilogy, #1)
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1992
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Secret History 70897
Truly deserving of the accolade Modern Classic, Donna Tartt's cult bestseller The Secret History is a remarkable achievement - both compelling and elegant, dramatic and playful.]]> 629 Donna Tartt 0140167773 Sam 0 to-read 4.25 1992 The Secret History
author: Donna Tartt
name: Sam
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1992
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow]]> 62897700 This is an alternate cover edition for 9781529115543

This is not a romance, but it is about love

Two kids meet in a hospital gaming room in 1987. One is visiting her sister, the other is recovering from a car crash. The days and months are long there. Their love of video games becomes a shared world -- of joy, escape and fierce competition. But all too soon that time is over.

When the pair spot each other eight years later in a crowded train station, they are catapulted back to that moment. The spark is immediate, and together they get to work on what they love - making games to delight, challenge and immerse players, finding an intimacy in digital worlds that eludes them in their real lives. Their collaborations make them superstars.

This is the story of the perfect worlds Sadie and Sam build, the imperfect world they live in, and of everything that comes after success: Money. Fame. Duplicity. Tragedy.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow takes us on a dazzling imaginative quest as it examines the nature of identity, creativity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play and, above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.]]> 482 Gabrielle Zevin Sam 0 to-read 4.10 2022 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
author: Gabrielle Zevin
name: Sam
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Reaper Man (Discworld, #11) 15796734
'Death has to happen. That's what bein' alive is all about. You're alive, and then you're dead. It can't just stop happening.'

But it can. And it has. So what happens after death is now less of a philosophical question than a question of actual reality. On the disc, as here, they need death. If Death doesn't come for you, then what are you supposed to do in the meantime? You can't have the undead wandering about like lost souls. There's no telling what might happen, particularly when they discover that life really is only for the living.]]> 351 Terry Pratchett 0552166685 Sam 5 fantasy
What makes this book so special, when you strip away all of its complexities, is Death himself. Throughout this book you see him trying to understand humanity as he experiences what it's like to be human for the first time. This is done through him working on an old lady's farm, all of a sudden mortal with little time left. It's so simple and yet so clever as we see Death become aware of each individual life, and what one goes through throughout their existence. As well as bonding with Miss Flitworth on the farm. There are so many quotes in this book that can apply to everyday life, quotes that I think are so important. I'd be here forever listing them all. And of course you have the side plot of Windle Poons and other ghouls and undead, which was hilarious, along with the wizards and Unseen University trying to figure out what's going on. All of it was so good.

By the end of the book, Death is more than just something that ends your life. He becomes almost human. He turns into a caring figure, who guides the dead into the next chapter of their lives (whatever that may be). The final pages of this book were so beautiful in a way, seeing the lengths Death went to trying to give someone a happy last night literally made me cry. And crying is not something I'm used to when reading Discworld. Even with this review I still feel like I haven't really explained why this book touched me in the way it did. I feel like I'd just have to copy and paste massive chunks from the book itself. But even so, this is easily one of the best Discworld books I've read.

"WHAT CAN THE HARVEST HOPE FOR, IF NOT FOR THE CARE OF THE REAPER MAN?� ]]> 4.21 1991 Reaper Man (Discworld, #11)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1991
rating: 5
read at: 2023/07/11
date added: 2023/07/12
shelves: fantasy
review:
I've been trying to find the words to review this book, and I just can't. Whenever I try to explain what makes this book so special, I find myself blabbering and never actually making a point. Discworld for me so far has been an extremely enjoyable, fun, clever fantasy series, and I honestly think it's in my top 3 series of all time. But Reaper Man is the first book (reading in chronological order) that has left me feeling heavy hearted. It is easily the most beautiful Discworld book I've read so far.

What makes this book so special, when you strip away all of its complexities, is Death himself. Throughout this book you see him trying to understand humanity as he experiences what it's like to be human for the first time. This is done through him working on an old lady's farm, all of a sudden mortal with little time left. It's so simple and yet so clever as we see Death become aware of each individual life, and what one goes through throughout their existence. As well as bonding with Miss Flitworth on the farm. There are so many quotes in this book that can apply to everyday life, quotes that I think are so important. I'd be here forever listing them all. And of course you have the side plot of Windle Poons and other ghouls and undead, which was hilarious, along with the wizards and Unseen University trying to figure out what's going on. All of it was so good.

By the end of the book, Death is more than just something that ends your life. He becomes almost human. He turns into a caring figure, who guides the dead into the next chapter of their lives (whatever that may be). The final pages of this book were so beautiful in a way, seeing the lengths Death went to trying to give someone a happy last night literally made me cry. And crying is not something I'm used to when reading Discworld. Even with this review I still feel like I haven't really explained why this book touched me in the way it did. I feel like I'd just have to copy and paste massive chunks from the book itself. But even so, this is easily one of the best Discworld books I've read.

"WHAT CAN THE HARVEST HOPE FOR, IF NOT FOR THE CARE OF THE REAPER MAN?�
]]> Moving Pictures 15796729 'Holy Wood is a different sort of place. People act differently here. Everywhere else the most important things are gods or money or cattle. Here, the most important thing is to be important.'

Alchemists have always thought that they can change reality, shape it to their own purpose. Imagine then the damage that could be wrought on the Discworld if they get their hands on the ultimate alchemy: the invention of motion pictures, the greatest making of illusions. It may be a triumph of universe-shaking proportions. It's either that or they're about to unlock the dark secret of the Holy Wood hills - by mistake...]]> 400 Terry Pratchett 0552166677 Sam 4 fantasy
Set in Holy Wood, Discworld's take on Hollywood, you follow Victor and Ginger, who are all of a sudden movie stars. Cut-me-own-throat Dibbler also becomes a main character in this one, which was really fun to watch. Him being the salesmen that he is, it was funny to watch him try and sneak in advertisements about all the amazing deals going on within the world. Along with Detritus, who also became more of a main character in this book. But my personal favourite being Gaspode the dog. I loved reading his dry witted comments all throughout this book. Another thing to mention was how much I loved the moments in Ankh-Morpork. This is the book where I really felt the city comes to life, and becomes more than just a mediaeval land.

I also really liked the side-plot at Unseen University, which revolved around the Bursar and the Archchancellor Ridcully discovering a mysterious device which shoots out pellets to indicate that the fabric of reality is in danger. The chemistry between the two was great, not to mention all of the other wizards trying to sneak out of the University for a night out, wearing "fake beards."

Since this book was written in 1990, I'm sure I missed 80% of the movie references. I didn't find this made it any less unenjoyable, but I can see why it would take away something for others. I also think Victor as a character was pretty forgetful. He just felt like a more serious Rincewind, but I still liked following him and Ginger as things in Holy Wood started to get more and more mad.

While this clearly isn't the best representation of how good Discworld can be, I still really enjoyed reading this one. The plot was interesting, the humour was there, and most of the characters were unique and charming. Even though I'm not personally a film fanatic, I was happy to find that I enjoyed reading a book that focused on a parody of Hollywood. ]]> 3.87 1990 Moving Pictures
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.87
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/03
date added: 2023/07/04
shelves: fantasy
review:
I put off reading this Discworld book for a while due to everyone saying it was one of, if not the weakest of the series. But having finished it I completely disagree. Moving Pictures was such a fun and enjoyable stand-alone within this series. After finishing it I honestly don't understand what people didn't like about it.

Set in Holy Wood, Discworld's take on Hollywood, you follow Victor and Ginger, who are all of a sudden movie stars. Cut-me-own-throat Dibbler also becomes a main character in this one, which was really fun to watch. Him being the salesmen that he is, it was funny to watch him try and sneak in advertisements about all the amazing deals going on within the world. Along with Detritus, who also became more of a main character in this book. But my personal favourite being Gaspode the dog. I loved reading his dry witted comments all throughout this book. Another thing to mention was how much I loved the moments in Ankh-Morpork. This is the book where I really felt the city comes to life, and becomes more than just a mediaeval land.

I also really liked the side-plot at Unseen University, which revolved around the Bursar and the Archchancellor Ridcully discovering a mysterious device which shoots out pellets to indicate that the fabric of reality is in danger. The chemistry between the two was great, not to mention all of the other wizards trying to sneak out of the University for a night out, wearing "fake beards."

Since this book was written in 1990, I'm sure I missed 80% of the movie references. I didn't find this made it any less unenjoyable, but I can see why it would take away something for others. I also think Victor as a character was pretty forgetful. He just felt like a more serious Rincewind, but I still liked following him and Ginger as things in Holy Wood started to get more and more mad.

While this clearly isn't the best representation of how good Discworld can be, I still really enjoyed reading this one. The plot was interesting, the humour was there, and most of the characters were unique and charming. Even though I'm not personally a film fanatic, I was happy to find that I enjoyed reading a book that focused on a parody of Hollywood.
]]> <![CDATA[Assassin's Quest (Farseer Trilogy, #3)]]> 22016392
But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him--currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was.]]> 838 Robin Hobb 0007562276 Sam 4 fantasy
The highlight of this book, and what I think the final book does better than the other two, is getting to know Fitz. More a massive chunk of this book, it's just him and Nighteyes. This gives us loads of time to truly understand his pain, suffering, anger, depression, and determination. Not to mention how much I am in love with the duo of Fitz and Nighteyes. And Fitz and The Fool. AND Fitz and Starling. I could basically name every character, I love them all in their own unique way. But just the little moments of peace in this book, moments where Fitz and whoever he travels with get to just sit down and talk, really made these characters come to life.

The conclusion itself I did find a little rushed, but not necessarily unsatisfying. I found the build up to the ending a lot better, and easily was up there with the best moments of this book. Fitz and Nighteyes against Will, and everything that came from that sequence was just too cool. Of course in true Robin Hobb fashion, I wouldn't really call it a happy ending. In a way it is, but as I saw someone write before, even when Fitz wins, he still loses. It's a bittersweet ending, one I think if there were no other Fitz trilogies left, I'd have felt pretty disappointed. But since I know we have so much more of his story to tell, I'm happy with the way this trilogy ended, even if it is bittersweet and unfair and heartbreaking.

Overall, while I think this is the weakest of the three, I still loved it. Sure it has pacing issues, and I'd say it could be 150-200 pages shorter. But at the same time, It's slow pace and long length gives the reader so much time to care about the world and whose in it. And by the end of this trilogy, I felt bittersweetly satisfied, with a strong desire to read more from this amazing series.

“I healed. Not completely. A scar is never the same as good flesh, but it stops the bleeding.�]]> 4.19 1997 Assassin's Quest (Farseer Trilogy, #3)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Sam
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2023/06/23
date added: 2023/06/24
shelves: fantasy
review:
Over 800 pages later, I've reached the conclusion of the Farseer Trilogy. And it's fair to say that I absolutely loved my time in this world and with these characters. This book was slow, and in my opinion it was too long. But I still didn't find myself bored reading this book. It's a long journey, filled with lots of walking, talking and camping, but Robin Hobb managed to make that entertaining. Whilst extremely slow, it gave us more time to explore this world and the life that lives in it. As well as going more in depth about the magic system as well.

The highlight of this book, and what I think the final book does better than the other two, is getting to know Fitz. More a massive chunk of this book, it's just him and Nighteyes. This gives us loads of time to truly understand his pain, suffering, anger, depression, and determination. Not to mention how much I am in love with the duo of Fitz and Nighteyes. And Fitz and The Fool. AND Fitz and Starling. I could basically name every character, I love them all in their own unique way. But just the little moments of peace in this book, moments where Fitz and whoever he travels with get to just sit down and talk, really made these characters come to life.

The conclusion itself I did find a little rushed, but not necessarily unsatisfying. I found the build up to the ending a lot better, and easily was up there with the best moments of this book. Fitz and Nighteyes against Will, and everything that came from that sequence was just too cool. Of course in true Robin Hobb fashion, I wouldn't really call it a happy ending. In a way it is, but as I saw someone write before, even when Fitz wins, he still loses. It's a bittersweet ending, one I think if there were no other Fitz trilogies left, I'd have felt pretty disappointed. But since I know we have so much more of his story to tell, I'm happy with the way this trilogy ended, even if it is bittersweet and unfair and heartbreaking.

Overall, while I think this is the weakest of the three, I still loved it. Sure it has pacing issues, and I'd say it could be 150-200 pages shorter. But at the same time, It's slow pace and long length gives the reader so much time to care about the world and whose in it. And by the end of this trilogy, I felt bittersweetly satisfied, with a strong desire to read more from this amazing series.

“I healed. Not completely. A scar is never the same as good flesh, but it stops the bleeding.�
]]> The Shining 12994515
As winter closes in and blizzards cut them off, the hotel seems to develop a life of its own. It is meant to be empty. So who is the lady in Room 217 and who are the masked guests going up and down the elevator? And why do the hedges shaped like animals seem so alive?

Somewhere, somehow, there is an evil force in the hotel � and that too is beginning to shine.]]> 497 Stephen King Sam 5 horror, stephen-king
I think The Shining is a perfect example of how I think horror is best done within literature. The creepy build up this story had, followed by an absolutely insane payoff was so well done. Along with all of the unsettling moments happening within the Overlook hotel was perfect. Room 217. The elevators. The hedge animals. And of course not to mention Jack going from a very flawed but HUMAN (unlike the movie) character, to one of SKs best villains. It truly felt like this was the ultimate haunted house story. But it’s also more than that. It shows Jacks fear of becoming like his abusive father. Wendy’s fear of raising her child wrong, and how a divorce might solve that. How Danny wishes for his parents to stop fighting. How Wendy always has in the back of her mind that Jack might hurt them, a man who she loves. There are so many complexities that make this story so great, and shows so many real world fears I’m sure a lot of people (sadly) experience.

Speaking of Jack, the characters in this book were great. In the movie, one of it’s flaws is both Danny and Wendy are kind of dull, and mainly just there as a plot device in showing Jacks madness. But in the book, they actually have personality. I was just as invested in Danny and Wendy as I was in watching Jacks descent into insanity. Wendy in particular was so enjoyable to read, as I really felt for her as she was wishing she could just give Danny a normal upbringing.

The Shining is probably Stephen King’s most famous (?) story, and for good reason. It’s scary, it has fantastic characters, the picture created makes you feel like you’re there with the family, and pacing is perfect, and the climax is one of the craziest endings to a horror book I’ve read that I can remember. I still like the movie, but as it’s own thing. Compared to this story, it shouldn’t even be in the same conversation.

A horror classic.]]> 4.23 1977 The Shining
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1977
rating: 5
read at: 2023/04/23
date added: 2023/04/23
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
“You should read the book, it’s so different from the movie!� applies so much here. I would give anything to have made my first experience with The Shining be from the book and not the film. I don’t think i’ve read a book where it reads almost like a different story to the film. But even having seen the film who knows how many times, I now see why King isn’t the biggest fan of it. And wow, this book is MILES better than the movie.

I think The Shining is a perfect example of how I think horror is best done within literature. The creepy build up this story had, followed by an absolutely insane payoff was so well done. Along with all of the unsettling moments happening within the Overlook hotel was perfect. Room 217. The elevators. The hedge animals. And of course not to mention Jack going from a very flawed but HUMAN (unlike the movie) character, to one of SKs best villains. It truly felt like this was the ultimate haunted house story. But it’s also more than that. It shows Jacks fear of becoming like his abusive father. Wendy’s fear of raising her child wrong, and how a divorce might solve that. How Danny wishes for his parents to stop fighting. How Wendy always has in the back of her mind that Jack might hurt them, a man who she loves. There are so many complexities that make this story so great, and shows so many real world fears I’m sure a lot of people (sadly) experience.

Speaking of Jack, the characters in this book were great. In the movie, one of it’s flaws is both Danny and Wendy are kind of dull, and mainly just there as a plot device in showing Jacks madness. But in the book, they actually have personality. I was just as invested in Danny and Wendy as I was in watching Jacks descent into insanity. Wendy in particular was so enjoyable to read, as I really felt for her as she was wishing she could just give Danny a normal upbringing.

The Shining is probably Stephen King’s most famous (?) story, and for good reason. It’s scary, it has fantastic characters, the picture created makes you feel like you’re there with the family, and pacing is perfect, and the climax is one of the craziest endings to a horror book I’ve read that I can remember. I still like the movie, but as it’s own thing. Compared to this story, it shouldn’t even be in the same conversation.

A horror classic.
]]> A Monster Calls 12998980 215 Patrick Ness 1406339342 Sam 5
A Monster Calls follows Conor, a thirteen year old boy who has to live his young life knowing that his Mum has cancer. It also follows a giant yew tree, which we shortly come to know as the monster. The monster guides Conor throughout the story, teaching him lessons and offering wisdom about some of life's confusing and difficult questions. The book shows us the pain, anger and suffering that comes with these tragedies that Conor and his family have to go through. It also shows us how to process it. It shows us how to tell our truth, something that is mentioned throughout the book. How to say the truth out loud, even though it'll cause an almost unbearable amount of pain and discomfort.

This book is very short and can be read in a day (it's classed as a children's book/YA, but I believe everyone should read this, no matter the age) and it is so worth every second. Not to mention how beautiful the illustrations are, and how much they had to the book. A Monster Calls is a powerful, heartbreaking and hopeful story, one I think will have a lasting impact on so many people, myself included. I cannot stop thinking about how stunning of a story this is.

Just be prepared to bawl your eyes out.]]> 4.54 2011 A Monster Calls
author: Patrick Ness
name: Sam
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/12
date added: 2023/03/13
shelves:
review:
I don't think I've ever cried harder to a book than I did with this one. No exaggeration, I almost got through a whole box of tissues once I got to the ending. After finishing, I sat in silence and lost track of time, occasionally tearing up again just thinking of the final few sentences.

A Monster Calls follows Conor, a thirteen year old boy who has to live his young life knowing that his Mum has cancer. It also follows a giant yew tree, which we shortly come to know as the monster. The monster guides Conor throughout the story, teaching him lessons and offering wisdom about some of life's confusing and difficult questions. The book shows us the pain, anger and suffering that comes with these tragedies that Conor and his family have to go through. It also shows us how to process it. It shows us how to tell our truth, something that is mentioned throughout the book. How to say the truth out loud, even though it'll cause an almost unbearable amount of pain and discomfort.

This book is very short and can be read in a day (it's classed as a children's book/YA, but I believe everyone should read this, no matter the age) and it is so worth every second. Not to mention how beautiful the illustrations are, and how much they had to the book. A Monster Calls is a powerful, heartbreaking and hopeful story, one I think will have a lasting impact on so many people, myself included. I cannot stop thinking about how stunning of a story this is.

Just be prepared to bawl your eyes out.
]]> <![CDATA[Lonesome Dove (Lonesome Dove, #1)]]> 12148120
Here is Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece. A powerful, triumphant portrayal of the American West as it really was. More than a love story, more than an adventure, Lonesome Dove is an epic: a monumental novel which embraces the spirit of the last defiant wilderness of America. Legend and fact, heroes and outlaws, whores and ladies, Indians and settlers, Lonesome Dove is the central, enduring American experience dramatically recreated in a magnificent story of heroism and love; of honour, loyalty and betrayal.]]> 848 Larry McMurtry 1447203054 Sam 5 favorites
I cannot praise the character work in this book enough. So many of these characters (Gus, Call, Newt, Pea Eye, Lorena, Clara, July, Dish, basically the majority of them) are some of the best I've come across in fiction. All of them felt unique, and each processed and dealt with the trails and tribulations of the Western era in their own way. My personal favourite was probably Gus. I felt as if I could have followed him for another 850 pages and never grow bored. Not to mention just how badass of a Texas Ranger he is. In the moments when that was shown, I couldn't read fast enough.

The imagery that was created was also great. From the storms, towns, plains, saloons, the gritty violence, all of it painted a clear picture of what it must have felt like to live and breathe in these times. I found myself constantly googling "Fort Smith in 1880s" or literally checking on google maps how far they had gone on their cattle drive. My point being I can't think of many books where I've gone to such lengths to try and grasp every single detail I could about the world I was reading.

I could honestly go on forever about why this book was amazing, but I'll just end up repeating myself. To me, this book is a "desert island" book. It's one I'll probably always compare other books too, thinking how "that was good, but it's no Lonesome Dove." I can see why this might not appeal to everyone, due to it's size and how it's a Western novel. But this book is so much more than those things. It's a story about an epic journey with an amazing cast of characters. It's about friendship. It's about love. It's about fear, death and violence. It's about so many different things it's impossible to list them all. But simply put, Lonesome Dove might honestly be (and I know I could be a bit bias having just finished it but I don't care) the best book I've ever read in my life. Not one of, THE best. I have no desire to read anything else. I just want to go back and follow Gus and Call, leading the Hat Creek outfit with their cattle drive. I can't remember the last book that has had such a hold on me like this one. I wish I could go back in time, erase my memory, and read it all over again. But I'll happily take the memories of this amazing book going forward.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's living. I doubt it matters where you die, but it matters where you live." ]]> 4.69 1985 Lonesome Dove (Lonesome Dove, #1)
author: Larry McMurtry
name: Sam
average rating: 4.69
book published: 1985
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/07
date added: 2023/03/08
shelves: favorites
review:
Lonesome Dove is quite literally one of the best books I have ever read in my life. When I first started this book back in September, I couldn't understand why this book was praised so highly. I found it slow and a little boring. I got about 150 pages in a put it down, and didn't pick it up again until three weeks ago. From there I flew through these pages, and could not get it out of my head. Following the cattle drive from the town of Lonesome Dove to Montana, along with some side content which was just as enjoyable, it's safe to say that I became obsessed. This is a massive book, but by the end of it I truly wished it was longer.

I cannot praise the character work in this book enough. So many of these characters (Gus, Call, Newt, Pea Eye, Lorena, Clara, July, Dish, basically the majority of them) are some of the best I've come across in fiction. All of them felt unique, and each processed and dealt with the trails and tribulations of the Western era in their own way. My personal favourite was probably Gus. I felt as if I could have followed him for another 850 pages and never grow bored. Not to mention just how badass of a Texas Ranger he is. In the moments when that was shown, I couldn't read fast enough.

The imagery that was created was also great. From the storms, towns, plains, saloons, the gritty violence, all of it painted a clear picture of what it must have felt like to live and breathe in these times. I found myself constantly googling "Fort Smith in 1880s" or literally checking on google maps how far they had gone on their cattle drive. My point being I can't think of many books where I've gone to such lengths to try and grasp every single detail I could about the world I was reading.

I could honestly go on forever about why this book was amazing, but I'll just end up repeating myself. To me, this book is a "desert island" book. It's one I'll probably always compare other books too, thinking how "that was good, but it's no Lonesome Dove." I can see why this might not appeal to everyone, due to it's size and how it's a Western novel. But this book is so much more than those things. It's a story about an epic journey with an amazing cast of characters. It's about friendship. It's about love. It's about fear, death and violence. It's about so many different things it's impossible to list them all. But simply put, Lonesome Dove might honestly be (and I know I could be a bit bias having just finished it but I don't care) the best book I've ever read in my life. Not one of, THE best. I have no desire to read anything else. I just want to go back and follow Gus and Call, leading the Hat Creek outfit with their cattle drive. I can't remember the last book that has had such a hold on me like this one. I wish I could go back in time, erase my memory, and read it all over again. But I'll happily take the memories of this amazing book going forward.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's living. I doubt it matters where you die, but it matters where you live."
]]> No Country for Old Men 62900908
And so begins a terrifying chain of events, in which each participant seems determined to answer the question that one asks another: how does a man decide in what order to abandon his life?]]> 320 Cormac McCarthy 1035003783 Sam 0 to-read 4.10 2005 No Country for Old Men
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Eric (Discworld, #9) 61642 Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.

Eric is the Discworld's only demonology hacker. The trouble is, he's not very good at it. All he wants is the usual three wishes: to be immortal, rule the world and have the most beautiful woman fall madly in love with him. The usual stuff. But what he gets is Rincewind, and Rincewind's Luggage into the bargain. Terry Pratchett's hilarious take on the Faust legend stars many of the Discworld's'most popular characters in an outrageous adventure that will leave Eric wishing once more - this time, quite fervently, that he'd never been born .]]> 155 Terry Pratchett 1857989546 Sam 2 fantasy
This book was just a bit forgetful. I enjoyed bits of it, but when I look back to the actual plot and charterers, a lot of it was a miss for me. Eric himself was kind of boring. However I did enjoy everything in Tsort and the wooden horse. Also the beginning was really solid. All of that was great.

Pretty forgetful but it definitely had its moments.

2.5 ]]> 3.70 1990 Eric (Discworld, #9)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1990
rating: 2
read at: 2023/02/17
date added: 2023/02/17
shelves: fantasy
review:
It almost feels wrong to rank a Discworld book this low, since it’s one of my favourite series. But honestly having just finished this book, I’ve found I just didn’t care so much for it’s content. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy reading this at times, and there were lots of funny moments. I actually enjoyed the first half a lot more than the second (I found all the bits in Hell a bit too silly) and it made me laugh a few times. I also like Rincewind, but I think this book just felt too much like early Discworld to me, it felt like a step backward after the amazing Guards! Guards! book.

This book was just a bit forgetful. I enjoyed bits of it, but when I look back to the actual plot and charterers, a lot of it was a miss for me. Eric himself was kind of boring. However I did enjoy everything in Tsort and the wooden horse. Also the beginning was really solid. All of that was great.

Pretty forgetful but it definitely had its moments.

2.5
]]> The Road 77623299
In a burned-out America, a father and his young son walk under a darkened sky, heading slowly for the coast. They have no idea what, if anything, awaits them there. The landscape is destroyed, nothing moves save the ash on the wind and cruel, lawless men stalk the roadside, lying in wait. Attempting to survive in this brave new world, the young boy and his protector have nothing but a pistol to defend themselves. They must keep walking.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, The Road is an incandescent novel, the story of a remarkable and profoundly moving journey. In this unflinching study of the best and worst of humankind, Cormac McCarthy boldly divines a future without hope, but one in which, miraculously, this young family finds tenderness.

An exemplar of post-apocalyptic writing, The Road is a true modern classic, a masterful, moving and increasingly prescient novel.]]> 320 Cormac McCarthy 1035015633 Sam 4
This is unlike any book I've read before. From the writing style to the lack of character names (not one character is named, other than "the boy" and "the man.") to how bleak of a story this is; I don't regret picking this up. The pages flew by, I almost couldn't put this book down at times. Following the man and the boy, going from abandoned house to ashy forest over and over again, I truly wanted these characters to make it to any form of safety. The plot is simple. You follow father and son as they travel across an apocalyptic country, filled with absolute hopelessness and dread, not to mention some disgusting and disturbing scenes (the basement and baby scene are burned into my brain). They both battle the cold, hunger, illness, murderers, rapists and cannibals, doing whatever they can to live another day. I never found the story repetitive, apart from it slowing down a little at times.

To say I enjoyed this book would probably be the wrong choice of words. As I said, I have never felt more emotionally drained from reading a book than this one. I'm a huge fan of sad things, but this was almost too much at times. However, despite some lulls here and there, this will be a book that I won't be forgetting any time soon. Harrowing, depressing and desperate, The Road is a fascinating, heartbreaking story that shows how love can force you to keep going, even in the most broken circumstances.

"You're the best guy. You always were." ]]> 4.10 2006 The Road
author: Cormac McCarthy
name: Sam
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/13
date added: 2023/02/17
shelves:
review:
The amount of emotional drainage I felt from finishing this book was insane. When I put the book down after the ending, I almost couldn't fathom what I had just read. Twenty minutes later, I was legitimately sobbing my eyes out. For the rest of the day I felt empty and hurt. That sounds ridiculous, but it really is a representation of how this book made me feel.

This is unlike any book I've read before. From the writing style to the lack of character names (not one character is named, other than "the boy" and "the man.") to how bleak of a story this is; I don't regret picking this up. The pages flew by, I almost couldn't put this book down at times. Following the man and the boy, going from abandoned house to ashy forest over and over again, I truly wanted these characters to make it to any form of safety. The plot is simple. You follow father and son as they travel across an apocalyptic country, filled with absolute hopelessness and dread, not to mention some disgusting and disturbing scenes (the basement and baby scene are burned into my brain). They both battle the cold, hunger, illness, murderers, rapists and cannibals, doing whatever they can to live another day. I never found the story repetitive, apart from it slowing down a little at times.

To say I enjoyed this book would probably be the wrong choice of words. As I said, I have never felt more emotionally drained from reading a book than this one. I'm a huge fan of sad things, but this was almost too much at times. However, despite some lulls here and there, this will be a book that I won't be forgetting any time soon. Harrowing, depressing and desperate, The Road is a fascinating, heartbreaking story that shows how love can force you to keep going, even in the most broken circumstances.

"You're the best guy. You always were."
]]> <![CDATA[Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole]]> 61078266
Each chapter helps us navigate an issue that define our lives, from love to death and from authenticity to creativity. Using examples ranging from music and cinema to parenting and business, as well as her own life and the latest academic research, she shows how understanding bittersweetness will allow us, in a flawed world, to accept the loss of past identities; to fully embrace the loves we have; and to weather life's transitions.

Bittersweet reveals that vulnerability and even melancholy can be strengths, and that embracing our inevitable losses makes us more human and more whole. This is a book for those who have felt a piercing joy at the beauty of the world; who react intensely to art and nature; and in a culture that celebrates toughness, who yearn for a wiser and more meaningful world. For bittersweetness is the hidden source of our love stories, moonshots and masterpieces.]]> 310 Susan Cain Sam 4 non-fiction
As someone who was always confused by their love for “sad things� (songs, movies, books etc etc) this book was really comforting for me to read, knowing that i’m not alone with these things. So many times i read this and said “that’s literally me!�.

So many good points. my favourites probably being how love lost isn’t gone forever, and how you’ll find it again in different forms. Not always in a person, but in nature, music, family, the rain. Also about turning your pain into creativity, and how the best way to heal yourself is to heal others, something which i try to practice. Not to mention all the fascinating studies in this book, like how simply writing down your emotions, both good and bad, can lead to a more peaceful life.

Some chapters didn’t interest me as others, but overall i loved this book. It was touching, validating, at times heartbreaking (her story with her mum hurt) and comforting. I sometimes struggled with the amount of names she brings up, but that’s just non fiction in general tbh.

“Everything that you love, you will eventually lose. But in the end, love will return in a different form� You can find something else. You can have momentary glimpses of your own perfect and beautiful vision of the perfect and beautiful world.� :))]]> 3.79 2022 Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
author: Susan Cain
name: Sam
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2023/02/03
date added: 2023/02/07
shelves: non-fiction
review:
Susan Cain validates my existence yet again.

As someone who was always confused by their love for “sad things� (songs, movies, books etc etc) this book was really comforting for me to read, knowing that i’m not alone with these things. So many times i read this and said “that’s literally me!�.

So many good points. my favourites probably being how love lost isn’t gone forever, and how you’ll find it again in different forms. Not always in a person, but in nature, music, family, the rain. Also about turning your pain into creativity, and how the best way to heal yourself is to heal others, something which i try to practice. Not to mention all the fascinating studies in this book, like how simply writing down your emotions, both good and bad, can lead to a more peaceful life.

Some chapters didn’t interest me as others, but overall i loved this book. It was touching, validating, at times heartbreaking (her story with her mum hurt) and comforting. I sometimes struggled with the amount of names she brings up, but that’s just non fiction in general tbh.

“Everything that you love, you will eventually lose. But in the end, love will return in a different form� You can find something else. You can have momentary glimpses of your own perfect and beautiful vision of the perfect and beautiful world.� :))
]]> <![CDATA[The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga, #1)]]> 55277083 This is the age of storm and murder.

After the old gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrio.

Now, power-hungry jarls carve out petty kingdoms, and monsters stalk the shadow-haunted woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power, promising fame and fortune for those brave - or desperate - enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo over the plains and across the fjords, fate follows the footsteps of three people: a huntress searching for her missing son, a jarl's daughter who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who has cast off his chains and now fights alongside the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world, as it once more teeters on the edge of chaos.]]> 495 John Gwynne 0316539880 Sam 0 to-read 4.24 2021 The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga, #1)
author: John Gwynne
name: Sam
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth, #1)]]> 34314712 THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS FOR THE LAST TIME.

IT STARTS WITH THE GREAT RED RIFT
across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun.

IT STARTS WITH DEATH,
with a murdered son and a missing daughter.

IT STARTS WITH BETRAYAL
and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.

This is the Stillness, a land familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.]]> 449 N.K. Jemisin 0316229296 Sam 0 to-read 4.36 2015 The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth, #1)
author: N.K. Jemisin
name: Sam
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8)]]> 15796725
An aura of mean-minded resentfulness is thick in the streets of Ankh-Morpork. Insurrection is in the air. The Haves and Have-Nots are about to fall out all over again. The Have-Nots ant some of their own magic. But magic in the hands of amateurs is a dangerous thing.

The City Watch is the last line of defence against such unnatural goings-on. But when even the Watch have trouble telling Right from Wrong, you know that Law and Order ain't what it used to be. But that's all about to change.]]> 426 Terry Pratchett 0552166669 Sam 5 fantasy, favorites
I seriously can’t think of anything negative with this book, it was paced wonderfully and never ever got dull. I guess if I was super picky I’d say maybe one part was slightly anticlimactic? But that’s being extremely picky, I loved the ending of this book and it’s climax.

I have no clue where to go from here. I wanna try Mort cos I really wanna see more of Death, since his cameos in this books has made me want more. I also wanna carry on reading the City Watch books because I need more Vimes, Colon, Nobby, Carrot and all the others in my life. But I also know I should read them in order once I’ve read a few really good ones so I’m very torn.

Overall, this book was fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more Discworld. This book was hilarious and I loved all of it

RE-READ: even better the second time. 100% the best early discworld book. little side note, i really loved at the end when carrot, nobby and colon are all having a drink in the mended drum. it just feels so earned. i love these characters sm]]> 4.30 1989 Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at: 2023/01/25
date added: 2023/01/25
shelves: fantasy, favorites
review:
This was such a great introduction to Discworld , I honestly loved it! This book was filled with such great characters, I loved the setting, it had so many funny moments, and also had quite a lot of things that still apply to the real world today (although I’m sure I missed a few of them)

I seriously can’t think of anything negative with this book, it was paced wonderfully and never ever got dull. I guess if I was super picky I’d say maybe one part was slightly anticlimactic? But that’s being extremely picky, I loved the ending of this book and it’s climax.

I have no clue where to go from here. I wanna try Mort cos I really wanna see more of Death, since his cameos in this books has made me want more. I also wanna carry on reading the City Watch books because I need more Vimes, Colon, Nobby, Carrot and all the others in my life. But I also know I should read them in order once I’ve read a few really good ones so I’m very torn.

Overall, this book was fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more Discworld. This book was hilarious and I loved all of it

RE-READ: even better the second time. 100% the best early discworld book. little side note, i really loved at the end when carrot, nobby and colon are all having a drink in the mended drum. it just feels so earned. i love these characters sm
]]> Duma Key 10044238
When Edgar Freemantle moves to the remote island of Duma Key to escape his past, he doesn't expect to find much there.

But Duma has been waiting for him. The shells beneath his house are whispering to him, and something in the view from his window urges him to discover a talent he never knew he had.

Edgar Freemantle begins to paint. And as he paints, the islands' secrets begin to stir. Secrets of children lost in the undertow, of a ghost ship riding the distant horizon - and a family's buried past reaching long hands into the present.]]> 688 Stephen King Sam 4 horror, stephen-king
also loved wireman as a character, the friendship between him and Edgar - jack as well - was touching.

really really creepy at the end as well, and also a great ending! just veeeeery slow during the middle section.]]> 4.04 2008 Duma Key
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/18
date added: 2022/09/18
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
another book that i wish i didn’t have such a long break in between, as that messed up the flow, but still a great read. i do think this book was too long, but i don’t think i ever felt bored during the slow bits.

also loved wireman as a character, the friendship between him and Edgar - jack as well - was touching.

really really creepy at the end as well, and also a great ending! just veeeeery slow during the middle section.
]]> Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6) 15796727 365 Terry Pratchett 0552166642 Sam 5 fantasy 4.12 1988 Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.12
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at: 2022/08/02
date added: 2022/08/21
shelves: fantasy
review:
literally one of the funniest discworld books. i loved everything about this one. the witches were great, the Fool was such a good character. everything with the play at the end had me in tears. one of the best discworld books i’ve read.
]]> Pyramids (Discworld, #7) 15796728
Wise words in all probability, but a tall order when you have just become the pharaoh of a small and penniless country whose largesse -- and indeed treasury -- is unlikely to stretch to the building of a monumental pyramid to honour your dead father. And particularly when your only visible means of support is a recently acquired qualification from the Guild of Assassins where running a kingdom and basic financial acumen were not prerequisites for course entry.]]> 384 Terry Pratchett 0552166650 Sam 3 fantasy
still lots of smiles (not many laughs for me though) and a great ending.]]> 3.84 1989 Pyramids (Discworld, #7)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1989
rating: 3
read at: 2022/08/21
date added: 2022/08/21
shelves: fantasy
review:
probably one of the least favourites that i’ve read so far. this wasn’t a bad book, it just never really grabbed my interest. i usually finish these books quite fast, but this one did feel like a chore to pick up at times. however, everything with the assassins guild at the start was great. a whole book around that would have been much better!

still lots of smiles (not many laughs for me though) and a great ending.
]]> The Institute 43807359
Luke Ellis is the latest recruit. He's just a regular 12-year-old, except he's not just smart, he's super-smart. And he has another gift which the Institute wants to use...

Far away in a small town in South Carolina, former cop Tim Jamieson has taken a job working for the local Sherrif. He's basically just walking the beat. But he's about to take on the biggest case of his career.

Back in the Institute's downtrodden playground and corridors where posters advertise 'just another day in paradise', Luke, his friend Kalisha and the other kids are in no doubt that they are prisoners, not guests. And there is no hope of escape.

But great events can turn on small hinges and Luke is about to team up with a new, even younger recruit, Avery Dixon, whose ability to read minds is off the scale. While the Institute may want to harness their powers for covert ends, the combined intelligence of Luke and Avery is beyond anything that even those who run the experiments - even the infamous Mrs Sigsby - suspect.

Thrilling, suspenseful, heartbreaking, The Institute is a stunning novel of childhood betrayed and hope regained.]]> 485 Stephen King 1529355397 Sam 0 to-read 4.17 2019 The Institute
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Sourcery (Discworld, #5) 13536274
SOURCERY SEES THE RETURN OF RINCEWIND AND THE LUGGAGE AS THE DISCWORLD FACES ITS GREATEST-AND FUNNIEST-CHALLENGE YET.]]> 336 Terry Pratchett 0552166634 Sam 4 fantasy
and of course the Luggage.]]> 3.77 1988 Sourcery (Discworld, #5)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1988
rating: 4
read at: 2022/02/15
date added: 2022/02/15
shelves: fantasy
review:
loved it. so many laughs and great stand-alone characters. it was a typical Rincewind book, going on a crazy quest to stop the end of the world, but i really enjoyed it. Conina and Nijel were highlights for me.

and of course the Luggage.
]]> <![CDATA[Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2)]]> 22016387
Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz’s hands—and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.]]> 648 Robin Hobb 0007562268 Sam 5 fantasy, favorites
and my god, the last 50 or so pages were just…gah.

absolutely incredible fantasy.]]> 4.39 1996 Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Sam
average rating: 4.39
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at: 2022/02/08
date added: 2022/02/08
shelves: fantasy, favorites
review:
i cannot put into words how great of a book this was. a slow burn that i truly got lost in. i think i’d only appreciate it more if i didn’t take a big break in the middle, but hey, life happened. i’m past that now.

and my god, the last 50 or so pages were just…gah.

absolutely incredible fantasy.
]]> The Comfort Book 58501560 A manual of reflections for an increasingly stressful world

Nothing is strongerthan a small hope thatdoesn’t give up.

A collection of little islands of hope, The Comfort Book gathers consolations and stories that give us new ways of seeing ourselves and the world.

Matt Haig’s mix of philosophy, memoir and self-reflection builds on the wisdom of philosophers and survivors through the ages, from Marcus Aurelius to Nellie Bly, from Emily Dickinson to James Baldwin.

This is the book to pick up when you need the wisdom of a friend or the comfort of a hug, or just want to celebrate the messy miracle of being alive.]]> 256 Matt Haig Sam 4 non-fiction
It’s an odd book to read from start to finish, as I feel like I’ve taken in so many different quotes and passages, it’s hard to remember them. Some will have a bigger problem with this than others. I personally am okay with it. I read it from start to finish very quickly, but can now dip in and out of it as I please.

Is this Matt Haig’s greatest book yet? In my opinion no, but I don’t think The Comfort Book is trying to be that. It’s simply, like the title says, comforting. That’s all it needs to be. And I’d recommend this book to literally everyone.

And remember:

There is nothing stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.]]> 4.32 2021 The Comfort Book
author: Matt Haig
name: Sam
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/07/08
date added: 2021/07/09
shelves: non-fiction
review:
The Comfort Book is an extremely appropriate title. As others have said, this book is literally like a hug or a warm blanket. Filled with passages, quotes, small stories, it’s hard to not read this book without a smile on your face. More than a few brought tears to my eyes. It’s filled with so many comforting things, which everyone, no matter who you are as a person, needs. And this delivers.

It’s an odd book to read from start to finish, as I feel like I’ve taken in so many different quotes and passages, it’s hard to remember them. Some will have a bigger problem with this than others. I personally am okay with it. I read it from start to finish very quickly, but can now dip in and out of it as I please.

Is this Matt Haig’s greatest book yet? In my opinion no, but I don’t think The Comfort Book is trying to be that. It’s simply, like the title says, comforting. That’s all it needs to be. And I’d recommend this book to literally everyone.

And remember:

There is nothing stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.
]]> Firestarter 11741023 This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9781444708103.

'You're a firestarter honey....just one big zippo lighter'

A year ago, he was an upstanding instructor of English at Harrison State College. Now Andy is on the run with his daughter. A pigtailed girl named Charlie. A girl with an unimaginably terrifying gift.

A gift which could be useful to corrupt authorities. Soon Charlie will be caught up in the menace of a fateful drug experiment and a sinister government ploy . . .

Let the reader beware: FIRESTARTER is Stephen King at his most mesmerising . . . and menacing.]]> 576 Stephen King Sam 4 stephen-king
4.5/ 5 - Loved it!]]> 3.88 1980 Firestarter
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/11
date added: 2021/06/12
shelves: stephen-king
review:
This to me seems like such an underrated King novel. This kept me engaged the entire time. The characters were great, I loved the parent dynamic in particular. Wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending, but that’s more personal taste than anything. Other than that, this book is near perfect.

4.5/ 5 - Loved it!
]]> Under The Dome 6966686
When food, electricity and water run short, the normal rules of society are changed. A new and more sinister social order develops, Dale Barbara, a young Iraq veteran, teams up with a handful of intrepid citizens to fight against the corruption that is sweeping through the town and to try to discover the source of the Dome before it is too late...]]> 880 Stephen King 034099259X Sam 0 to-read 3.98 2009 Under The Dome
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time, #10)]]> 25755716 he Wheel of Time from the New York Times #1 bestselling author Robert Jordan, the world and the characters stand at a crossroads, and the world approaches twilight, when the power of the Shadow grows stronger.

Fleeing from Ebou Dar with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, whom he is fated to marry, Mat Cauthon learns that he can neither keep her nor let her go, not in safety for either of them, for both the Shadow and the might of the Seanchan Empire are in deadly pursuit.

Perrin Aybara seeks to free his wife, Faile, a captive of the Shaido, but his only hope may be an alliance with the enemy. Can he remain true to his friend Rand and to himself? For his love of Faile, Perrin is willing to sell his soul.

At Tar Valon, Egwene al'Vere, the young Amyrlin of the rebel Aes Sedai, lays siege to the heart of Aes Sedai power, but she must win quickly, with as little bloodshed as possible, for unless the Aes Sedai are reunited, only the male Asha'man will remain to defend the world against the Dark One, and nothing can hold the Asha'man themselves back from total power except the Aes Sedai and a unified White Tower.

In Andor, Elayne Trakland fights for the Lion Throne that is hers by right, but enemies and Darkfriends surround her, plotting her destruction. If she fails, Andor may fall to the Shadow, and the Dragon Reborn with it.

Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn himself, has cleansed the Dark One's taint from the male half of the True Source, and everything has changed. Yet nothing has, for only men who can channel believe that saidin is clean again, and a man who can channel is still hated and feared-even one prophesied to save the world. Now, Rand must gamble again, with himself at stake, and he cannot be sure which of his allies are really enemies.
]]> 687 Robert Jordan 0356503917 Sam 2 fantasy
But it’s done. Thank god for that.]]> 3.23 2003 Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time, #10)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 3.23
book published: 2003
rating: 2
read at: 2021/06/02
date added: 2021/06/03
shelves: fantasy
review:
There was literally about 20 pages in total that were interesting in this book, so I’ll give it that. But apart from that, my god this book was painful. Pretty much nothing happened plot wise moving forward.

But it’s done. Thank god for that.
]]> <![CDATA[Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)]]> 21956219
Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.

So when Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and embrace a new life of weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly, as he trains to become a royal assassin.]]> 392 Robin Hobb 000756225X Sam 5 fantasy
4.75/5]]> 4.19 1995 Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Sam
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1995
rating: 5
read at: 2021/02/10
date added: 2021/02/11
shelves: fantasy
review:
This was such a great book! I am totally invested in this series now, and Fitz is a new favourite character for me. This book was a slow burn, but it was still super enjoyable. I can’t wait to read the others in this trilogy, and the rest of the series!

4.75/5
]]> Equal Rites (Discworld, #3) 13536272
They say that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.

There are some situations where the correct response is to display the sort of ignorance which happily and wilfully flies in the face of the facts. In this case, the birth of a baby girl, born a wizard -- by mistake. Everybody knows that there's no such thing as a female wizard. But now it's gone and happened, there's nothing much anyone can do about it. Let the battle of the sexes begin.]]> 288 Terry Pratchett 0552166618 Sam 3 fantasy
I enjoyed exploring more of this world, but honestly I could have used a little less travelling and more time in Ankh-Morpork, but hey, that’s not to stay the other stuff was bad. I just love that city. I also feel as if quite a lot of this book is quite forgetful, but I may be wrong as I let this book settle for a bit.

Also this book was funny, just like all the others I read.

Really enjoyed it. Loving Discworld a lot

3.75/5]]> 3.98 1987 Equal Rites (Discworld, #3)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1987
rating: 3
read at: 2020/11/19
date added: 2020/11/19
shelves: fantasy
review:
Another Discworld book that is still very much in its early stages, but with glimpses with what the series will become. I enjoyed this one, especially Granny and Esk together. This being the first Witches book I’ve read, it’s made me excited to see more to come.

I enjoyed exploring more of this world, but honestly I could have used a little less travelling and more time in Ankh-Morpork, but hey, that’s not to stay the other stuff was bad. I just love that city. I also feel as if quite a lot of this book is quite forgetful, but I may be wrong as I let this book settle for a bit.

Also this book was funny, just like all the others I read.

Really enjoyed it. Loving Discworld a lot

3.75/5
]]> <![CDATA[The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2)]]> 13153954
When the very fabric of time and space are about to be put through the wringer -- in this instance by the imminent arrival of a very large and determinedly oncoming meteorite -- circumstances require a very particular type of hero. Sadly what the situation does not need is a singularly inept wizard, still recovering from the trauma of falling off the edge of the world. Equally it does not need one well-meaning tourist and his luggage which has a mind of its own. Which is a shame because that's all there is.]]> 288 Terry Pratchett 055216660X Sam 3 fantasy
Everything else to me however just drifts away. I have only just finished this book and I’m already forgetting things that happened apart from the main events. To me, this book was just a fun read and nothing more. Plot wise - for these first two books - it’s very messy and all over the place. But I get that, and I now understand why people say not to start here.

Luckily, I love Discworld. I enjoyed reading this book a lot (sad to see Twoflower go, I hope he comes back later on) but I’m looking forward to get to the books that really define the series. Having said that though, this book was a LOT of fun, and made me laugh many times. And I think for these two early books, that’s the most important thing.

The good stuff comes later, and I can’t wait to get there.

3.5/5]]> 4.07 1986 The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at: 2020/11/13
date added: 2020/11/13
shelves: fantasy
review:
So, if I’m going on just what fun this book was, and all the laughs, it would honestly be a 5/5. This book made me laugh and smile so much throughout, which made it a joy to read in that sense. Everything from the humour, to Rincewind and Twoflower’s dynamic, was brilliant.

Everything else to me however just drifts away. I have only just finished this book and I’m already forgetting things that happened apart from the main events. To me, this book was just a fun read and nothing more. Plot wise - for these first two books - it’s very messy and all over the place. But I get that, and I now understand why people say not to start here.

Luckily, I love Discworld. I enjoyed reading this book a lot (sad to see Twoflower go, I hope he comes back later on) but I’m looking forward to get to the books that really define the series. Having said that though, this book was a LOT of fun, and made me laugh many times. And I think for these two early books, that’s the most important thing.

The good stuff comes later, and I can’t wait to get there.

3.5/5
]]> <![CDATA[The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1)]]> 13153953 In the beginning there was…a turtle.

Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place which might sound and smell very much like our own, but which looks completely different. Particularly as it’s carried though space on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown). It plays by different rules.

But then, some things are the same everywhere. The Disc’s very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the world’s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, the person charged with maintaining that survival in the face of robbers, mercenaries and, well, Death, is a spectacularly inept wizard…]]> 288 Terry Pratchett 0552166596 Sam 4 fantasy
It’s all over the place, and the last chunk of the book I struggled to understand what was happening. This is also not a good introduction to Discworld as a whole, as it doesn’t really show what the series has to offer. This is more just a silly, funny crazy book with lovable characters.

I had fun reading it though! It was no where near as bad as people make it out to be. It’s just not a great Discworld book.

A little confusing at times, and I felt as if Terry was trying to cram a little too much into this book, but it’s still really enjoyable to read, and had many lol moments. (I love Rincewind and Twoflowers combination)]]> 3.75 1983 The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1983
rating: 4
read at: 2020/11/06
date added: 2020/11/06
shelves: fantasy
review:
So I can see why people say don’t start here. But I’ve read three other Discworld books and loved them all so I figured I’d read in chronological order now. But this is still a super fun book!

It’s all over the place, and the last chunk of the book I struggled to understand what was happening. This is also not a good introduction to Discworld as a whole, as it doesn’t really show what the series has to offer. This is more just a silly, funny crazy book with lovable characters.

I had fun reading it though! It was no where near as bad as people make it out to be. It’s just not a great Discworld book.

A little confusing at times, and I felt as if Terry was trying to cram a little too much into this book, but it’s still really enjoyable to read, and had many lol moments. (I love Rincewind and Twoflowers combination)
]]> <![CDATA[Winter's Heart (Wheel of Time, #9)]]> 23634747
And as Rand falters, the Shadow falls across a stricken land. In the city of Ebou Dar the Seanchan, blind to the folly of their cause, marshal their forces and continue their relentless assault. In Shayol Ghul the Forsaken join together to destroy the Dragon.

Rand's only chance is to hazard the impossible and remove the taint from the saidin. But to do so he must master a power from the Age of Legends that none have ever dared to risk - a power that can annihilate Creation and bring an end to Time itself.]]> 609 Robert Jordan 0356503909 Sam 4 fantasy
Mat being back was sooooo good. I love Mat to death, and I was so glad to be reading him again (although I fucking hate Tylin). There was one moment in particular with Mat that was fantastic, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Perrin was alright. I didn't find it all that boring as a lot of other people say, but it was extremely slow. Elayne was enjoyable as well, with despite it also being a slow plot, I enjoyed her moments.

But ohmyfuckinggod the ending of this book might just be my fave so far. I mean woooooooooow. What an incredible ending, and it really boosts this book's rating for me. Everything with Rand and Nynaeve and Lan was so good, and the climax itself was nothing short of incredible. I hadn't been so hyped from a WoT book since book 6, maybe 7.

Overall this book was much better than PoD. I love this series so much and this book just carried on that trend. Winter's Heart was slow, but I really enjoyed reading it, and the ending added to my enjoyment even more. That last chapter was something else, wow. I've been thinking about it for ages.

Bring on book 10 ]]> 3.83 1994 Winter's Heart (Wheel of Time, #9)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/14
date added: 2020/10/15
shelves: fantasy
review:
So with the last Wheel of Time book, I really struggled with the slow paced feel. I felt bored reading it, despite loving this world and characters within it. However with this book, it was still slow (if not slower) but I found myself never growing bored. I have no idea why this is, but I'm not complaining. The plot didn't really move at all, but I was okay with that this time around. I actually found myself really enjoying reading this.

Mat being back was sooooo good. I love Mat to death, and I was so glad to be reading him again (although I fucking hate Tylin). There was one moment in particular with Mat that was fantastic, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Perrin was alright. I didn't find it all that boring as a lot of other people say, but it was extremely slow. Elayne was enjoyable as well, with despite it also being a slow plot, I enjoyed her moments.

But ohmyfuckinggod the ending of this book might just be my fave so far. I mean woooooooooow. What an incredible ending, and it really boosts this book's rating for me. Everything with Rand and Nynaeve and Lan was so good, and the climax itself was nothing short of incredible. I hadn't been so hyped from a WoT book since book 6, maybe 7.

Overall this book was much better than PoD. I love this series so much and this book just carried on that trend. Winter's Heart was slow, but I really enjoyed reading it, and the ending added to my enjoyment even more. That last chapter was something else, wow. I've been thinking about it for ages.

Bring on book 10
]]> The Exorcist 18883842 Father Damien 'Where is Regan?' Regan 'In here. With us.'The terror begins unobtrusively. Noises in the attic. In the child's room, an odd smell, the displacement of furniture, an icy chill. At first, easy explanations are offered. Then frightening changes begin to appear in eleven-year-old Regan. Medical tests fail to shed any light on her symptoms, but it is as if a different personality has invaded her body.Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, is called in. Is it possible that a demonic presence has possessed the child? Exorcism seems to be the only answer...First published in 1971, The Exorcist became a literary phenomenon and inspired one of the most shocking films ever made. This edition, polished and expanded by the author, includes new dialogue, a new character and a chilling new extended scene, provides an unforgettable reading experience that has lost none of its power to shock and continues to thrill and terrify new readers.]]> 369 William Peter Blatty Sam 4 horror
To me the biggest surprise was the characters. I was shocked at how much I loved them, especially Karras and Chris. And of course, in a way, Regan.

There were many unsettling scenes in this, to the point where I wanted to put it down. But was it scary? Ehh, I honestly don’t know yet. It was definitely disturbing, but will it keep me up at night? We’ll see I guess. (Update it’s currently nighttime and yes this book is scary - that crucifix scene will forever be burned in my brain)

I didn’t have to many problems with it either. My biggest would be I wasn’t a fan of some of the structure within the chapters. I found that the switching of Povs mid chapter threw me off a little bit at times, but it wasn’t a big deal. That and I did find it a little repetitive at times. Characters like Kinderman (who I loved, don’t get me wrong) not getting to the point!!

This was a great gritty, fucked up horror book. I’m very glad I read it, as it’s a classic. Also a ending I was happy with, which always helps.]]> 4.36 1971 The Exorcist
author: William Peter Blatty
name: Sam
average rating: 4.36
book published: 1971
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/29
date added: 2020/09/29
shelves: horror
review:
This was by far one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read. But beyond all that, it was actually a really great novel.

To me the biggest surprise was the characters. I was shocked at how much I loved them, especially Karras and Chris. And of course, in a way, Regan.

There were many unsettling scenes in this, to the point where I wanted to put it down. But was it scary? Ehh, I honestly don’t know yet. It was definitely disturbing, but will it keep me up at night? We’ll see I guess. (Update it’s currently nighttime and yes this book is scary - that crucifix scene will forever be burned in my brain)

I didn’t have to many problems with it either. My biggest would be I wasn’t a fan of some of the structure within the chapters. I found that the switching of Povs mid chapter threw me off a little bit at times, but it wasn’t a big deal. That and I did find it a little repetitive at times. Characters like Kinderman (who I loved, don’t get me wrong) not getting to the point!!

This was a great gritty, fucked up horror book. I’m very glad I read it, as it’s a classic. Also a ending I was happy with, which always helps.
]]> The Midnight Library 51955934 304 Matt Haig Sam 5
A book about regrets and life that I feel like can speak to anyone. I loved reading this so much and has offered such beautiful insight. I am so thankful to be able to read this mans books (a wonder of living).

Read this.]]> 4.22 2020 The Midnight Library
author: Matt Haig
name: Sam
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2020/09/13
shelves:
review:
I cannot get over how incredible this man is. I have loved all of his books, which have all touched me in a very personal way. The Midnight Library continues that trend.

A book about regrets and life that I feel like can speak to anyone. I loved reading this so much and has offered such beautiful insight. I am so thankful to be able to read this mans books (a wonder of living).

Read this.
]]> The Haunting of Hill House 10588750
First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror.

In celebration of the Shirley Jackson centennial, a Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of the greatest haunted house story ever written

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B002RUA4QQ]]> 246 Shirley Jackson Sam 0 to-read 3.70 1959 The Haunting of Hill House
author: Shirley Jackson
name: Sam
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1959
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/09/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking]]> 18006972
Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with real stories, Quiet will permanently change how we see introverts - and how you see yourself.]]> 325 Susan Cain Sam 5 favorites, non-fiction
I recommended this to anyone.]]> 4.19 2012 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
author: Susan Cain
name: Sam
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/02
date added: 2020/09/02
shelves: favorites, non-fiction
review:
I don’t think I’ve ever related to a book more than this. I couldn’t put this book down. It has helped me so much, and has given me so much insight.

I recommended this to anyone.
]]> <![CDATA[The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1)]]> 7235533 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, book one of The Stormlight Archive begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion.

Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.

It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.

One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.

Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.

Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.

The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making.

Speak again the ancient oaths:

Life before death.
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.

and return to men the Shards they once bore.

The Knights Radiant must stand again.]]> 1007 Brandon Sanderson 0765326353 Sam 5 fantasy
So I went into this book totally blind. I never read a single Sanderson book before, knew nothing about any of his stories or his writing. I saw that this book had crazy high reviews so I thought "I'll give it a try, it can't be that good, right"?

Oh my god I was so wrong.

Honestly, this might be one of the best books I have ever read. Like seriously. This book was absolutely incredible, and may be my favourite fantasy series of all time (depending on how I find the other books). This book is just that good.

I don't really know how to give this book justice, but I'll try. While there are a bunch of characters in this book, the main characters are Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar. (and can I just say how much I love Kaladin?? He might be my fave character ever). The book follows all of these different points of view around the world of Roshar, similar to the A Song Of Ice and Fire series. There is (kinda) no main objective (yet). We more follow the stories of these characters, and their own individual journeys around this massive world.

Kaladin's story is probably my favourite out of the three. We first meet him as a solider, in an army. He is shown as a very strong leader, and many men look up to him. However only a chapter later - VERY MINOR SPOILER - we see Kaladin eight months later, branded as a slave. And you don't find out what happened to him until near the end of the book, which I won't spoil.
This is where his story starts. Kaladin then finds out that he is going to the Shattered Plains, which is where a war is currently taking place. He is assigned as a bridgeman, who are people who carry bridges over the chasms on the Shattered Plains, meanwhile having the enemy launching arrows at you, face on with no armour to protect themselves. Kaladin is also assigned to "Bridge Four", which is known for having bad luck. This is where most of his story takes place, with him trying to survive with his fellow bridgemen, who aren't very found of him.
I thought that his story being in the same setting the whole time was gonna be boring, but wow I was so wrong. His story is so exciting to read, and it's so interesting learning more about him as a person. His storyline is easily my favourite of the whole book.

Then we meet Shallan, who is on another part of the world, in a city called Kharbranth. She has to go there due to issues with her family house. She wants to become a ward for a person called Jasnah. With her storyline we learn more about the history of the world, and its secrets. And Shallan also has some secrets of her own... I can't really talk about her storyline as much because I'll just end up spoiling the whole thing, but it's super enjoyable to read, especially the dialogue between her and Jasnah.

And finally we meet Dalinar. He is brother to the king who was assassinated and uncle to the current king, Elhokar. With his story we meet a man who has these strange visions every time a highstorm comes along, which are these deadly thunderstorm thingys. Dalinar, having once been a great legendary warrior, people start to rumour that he is starting to go soft, and losing his touch, as he wasn't the man he used to be. Once again, I can't really say much about him due to spoilers, but he is another great and interesting character to read about and his storyline is amazing.

I mean I've barley talked about 5 percent of this book, because it's just so hard to summarise into a review. But pretty much, this book is amazing, and one of the best fantasy books I have ever read.
The world-building is incredible, the characters are so likeable and you really route for them, and when everything comes together in the end of the book, it is super satisfying. This is also one of the most unique worlds and stories I've ever read about, Brandon Sanderson is a genius.

So please give this book a try! Don't be intimidated by it's massive size, as I found it read really fast. I'm so happy I gave this book a go, since now I know how this series will become a classic, and possibly one of the best fantasy series of our time.

This book is what fantasy is all about.

This book is a masterpiece

* * * * * * * *

Re-read Review/wrap-up

* * * * * * * *

This was so much fun reread in prep for book 4. When I first read this book, I thought it was the best book of all time. Now, being much better read in the fantasy genre, I don't have that same opinion. Yes, The Way of Kings - The Stormlight Archive as a whole for that matter - is incredible. I love this book and series with all my heart. HOWEVER, do I think this is THE best series ever? Personally, no. Given my own tastes, I do prefer Wheel of Time. But that's not to say that SA isn't amazing, cos it is.

This book itself definitely has some problems. Pacing is a bit slow, some flashbacks are a bit dull etc, but the ending does make up for it. But despite all that, this is still a fantastic book, one which I'm sure I'll keep on rereading. I just have a few issues with it.

Still, I love this series (it was the first ever fantasy series I tried, so it holds a special place in my heart) and loved the reread. No, it isn't perfect - far from it - but it's a damn good read. One of the best out there.

]]> 4.66 2010 The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Sam
average rating: 4.66
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2020/08/19
date added: 2020/08/19
shelves: fantasy
review:
ugh omg wow

So I went into this book totally blind. I never read a single Sanderson book before, knew nothing about any of his stories or his writing. I saw that this book had crazy high reviews so I thought "I'll give it a try, it can't be that good, right"?

Oh my god I was so wrong.

Honestly, this might be one of the best books I have ever read. Like seriously. This book was absolutely incredible, and may be my favourite fantasy series of all time (depending on how I find the other books). This book is just that good.

I don't really know how to give this book justice, but I'll try. While there are a bunch of characters in this book, the main characters are Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar. (and can I just say how much I love Kaladin?? He might be my fave character ever). The book follows all of these different points of view around the world of Roshar, similar to the A Song Of Ice and Fire series. There is (kinda) no main objective (yet). We more follow the stories of these characters, and their own individual journeys around this massive world.

Kaladin's story is probably my favourite out of the three. We first meet him as a solider, in an army. He is shown as a very strong leader, and many men look up to him. However only a chapter later - VERY MINOR SPOILER - we see Kaladin eight months later, branded as a slave. And you don't find out what happened to him until near the end of the book, which I won't spoil.
This is where his story starts. Kaladin then finds out that he is going to the Shattered Plains, which is where a war is currently taking place. He is assigned as a bridgeman, who are people who carry bridges over the chasms on the Shattered Plains, meanwhile having the enemy launching arrows at you, face on with no armour to protect themselves. Kaladin is also assigned to "Bridge Four", which is known for having bad luck. This is where most of his story takes place, with him trying to survive with his fellow bridgemen, who aren't very found of him.
I thought that his story being in the same setting the whole time was gonna be boring, but wow I was so wrong. His story is so exciting to read, and it's so interesting learning more about him as a person. His storyline is easily my favourite of the whole book.

Then we meet Shallan, who is on another part of the world, in a city called Kharbranth. She has to go there due to issues with her family house. She wants to become a ward for a person called Jasnah. With her storyline we learn more about the history of the world, and its secrets. And Shallan also has some secrets of her own... I can't really talk about her storyline as much because I'll just end up spoiling the whole thing, but it's super enjoyable to read, especially the dialogue between her and Jasnah.

And finally we meet Dalinar. He is brother to the king who was assassinated and uncle to the current king, Elhokar. With his story we meet a man who has these strange visions every time a highstorm comes along, which are these deadly thunderstorm thingys. Dalinar, having once been a great legendary warrior, people start to rumour that he is starting to go soft, and losing his touch, as he wasn't the man he used to be. Once again, I can't really say much about him due to spoilers, but he is another great and interesting character to read about and his storyline is amazing.

I mean I've barley talked about 5 percent of this book, because it's just so hard to summarise into a review. But pretty much, this book is amazing, and one of the best fantasy books I have ever read.
The world-building is incredible, the characters are so likeable and you really route for them, and when everything comes together in the end of the book, it is super satisfying. This is also one of the most unique worlds and stories I've ever read about, Brandon Sanderson is a genius.

So please give this book a try! Don't be intimidated by it's massive size, as I found it read really fast. I'm so happy I gave this book a go, since now I know how this series will become a classic, and possibly one of the best fantasy series of our time.

This book is what fantasy is all about.

This book is a masterpiece

* * * * * * * *

Re-read Review/wrap-up

* * * * * * * *

This was so much fun reread in prep for book 4. When I first read this book, I thought it was the best book of all time. Now, being much better read in the fantasy genre, I don't have that same opinion. Yes, The Way of Kings - The Stormlight Archive as a whole for that matter - is incredible. I love this book and series with all my heart. HOWEVER, do I think this is THE best series ever? Personally, no. Given my own tastes, I do prefer Wheel of Time. But that's not to say that SA isn't amazing, cos it is.

This book itself definitely has some problems. Pacing is a bit slow, some flashbacks are a bit dull etc, but the ending does make up for it. But despite all that, this is still a fantastic book, one which I'm sure I'll keep on rereading. I just have a few issues with it.

Still, I love this series (it was the first ever fantasy series I tried, so it holds a special place in my heart) and loved the reread. No, it isn't perfect - far from it - but it's a damn good read. One of the best out there.


]]> Gerald's Game 11372025
But this time Jesse didn't want to play. Lying there, spreadeagled and handcuffed to the bedstead while he'd loomed and drooled over her, she felt angry and humiliated.

So she'd kicked out hard. Aimed to hit him where it hurt.

He wasn't meant to die, leaving Jesse alone and helpless in a lakeside holiday cabin. Miles from anywhere. No-one to hear her screams.

Alone. Except for the voices in her head that had begun to chatter and argue and sneer . . .]]> 417 Stephen King Sam 3 horror, stephen-king
The good -

- Scary, like really scary
- Scenes which 100% will make your skin crawl

The Bad -

- Kinda boring
- Slow moving
- Not the best protagonist (imo)
- The ending was kinda blehhh? It wasn’t bad, but kinda drawn out, and then a little anticlimactic? I dunno I still can’t make my mind up

There just wasn’t a lot too this book really. It had some great moments, but it also had so many where I was really bored and didn’t want to read. I probably wouldn’t reread this one. But still, not a bad book at all. Just not one of my faves.

Still, I’m glad I read it. And holy shit, it was scary (at times)]]> 3.69 1992 Gerald's Game
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1992
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/08
date added: 2020/08/09
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
I have such mixed feelings about this book.

The good -

- Scary, like really scary
- Scenes which 100% will make your skin crawl

The Bad -

- Kinda boring
- Slow moving
- Not the best protagonist (imo)
- The ending was kinda blehhh? It wasn’t bad, but kinda drawn out, and then a little anticlimactic? I dunno I still can’t make my mind up

There just wasn’t a lot too this book really. It had some great moments, but it also had so many where I was really bored and didn’t want to read. I probably wouldn’t reread this one. But still, not a bad book at all. Just not one of my faves.

Still, I’m glad I read it. And holy shit, it was scary (at times)
]]> <![CDATA[How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life]]> 35209767 This evidence-based, user-friendly guide presents a 30-day digital detox plan that will help you set boundaries with your phone and live a more joyful and fulfilling life.

“I wrote The Anxious Generation to help adults improve the lives of children. Many readers have asked me for a version of the book aimed at helping adults and teens help themselves. Catherine Price has written the best such book.”—Jonathan Haidt

Do you feel addicted to your phone? Do you frequently pick it up “just to check,� only to look up forty-five minutes later wondering where the time has gone? Does social media make you anxious? Have you tried to spend less time mindlessly scrolling—and failed? If so, this book is your solution.

Award-winning health and science journalist and TED speaker Catherine Price presents a practical, evidence-based 30-day digital detox plan that will help you break up—and then make up—with your phone. The goal: better mental health, improved screen-life balance, and a long-term relationship with technology that feels good.

This engaging, user-friendly guide explains how our smartphones and apps are designed to be addictive and how the time we spend on them is increasing our anxiety and damaging our abilities to focus, think deeply, form new memories, generate ideas, and be present in our most important relationships. Next, it walks you through an effective and easy-to-follow 30-day plan that has already helped thousands of people worldwide break their phone addictions and feel more fully alive.

Whether you need help for yourself or for your family, friends, students, colleagues, clients, or community, How to Break Up with Your Phone is the ultimate guide to digital detoxing. It’s guaranteed to help you put down your phone—and come back to life.]]> 184 Catherine Price 039958112X Sam 2 non-fiction 3.91 2018 How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life
author: Catherine Price
name: Sam
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2020/05/08
date added: 2020/06/25
shelves: non-fiction
review:
This was alright. The first half was quite interesting, filled with lots of scary and shocking information. But the 30 day plan seemed just a lot like common sense, with a few really good ideas
]]> Mort (Discworld, #4) 13536273 Death comes to us all. When he came to Mort, he offered him a job.

Henceforth, Death is no longer going to be the end, merely the means to an end. It’s an offer Mort can't refuse. As Death's apprentice he'll have free board, use of the company horse - and being dead isn't compulsory. It's a dream job - until he discovers that it can be a killer on his love life...]]> 317 Terry Pratchett 0552166626 Sam 4 fantasy
Whilst I probably enjoyed Guards! Guards! a little bit more, this was another brilliant book, filled with fantastic characters, great plot, some hilarious moments, and also a great ending!

4.5/5]]> 4.13 1987 Mort (Discworld, #4)
author: Terry Pratchett
name: Sam
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/24
date added: 2020/06/25
shelves: fantasy
review:
This is my second Discworld book and it’s safe to say I’m gonna read more. I loved this book.

Whilst I probably enjoyed Guards! Guards! a little bit more, this was another brilliant book, filled with fantastic characters, great plot, some hilarious moments, and also a great ending!

4.5/5
]]> <![CDATA[The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time, #8)]]> 23634737
But Rand and the Asha'man that follow him are slowly being corrupted by the madness that comes to the male wielders of the One Power. If they cannot remove the Dark One's taint from the True Source then none will survive to fight the Last Battle against the Shadow.

And as Rand struggles to maintain his sanity the Seanchan launch their counter-strike.]]> 587 Robert Jordan 0356503895 Sam 3 fantasy
A few quick thoughts:

- Rand was a highlight in this book, one scene specifically
- Egwene’s storyline is extremely exciting and I can’t wait for it to kick off
- Elayne and the rest was a bit dull, not much happened there. However I still love all of them as characters
- No Mat was a huge problem for me
- Perrin chapters were pretty boring, but still love his character
- I want Faile to be okay
- 3 great scenes does not mean it’s a 5 star book

I’m probably forgetting some things but really hardly anything happened in this book. It was very hard to get through at times, but the ending did pick up and it did have some great moments in it]]> 3.66 1998 The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time, #8)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 3.66
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2020/06/11
date added: 2020/06/20
shelves: fantasy
review:
My first Wheel of Time book where I found it hard to get through, however it still had a few great moments in it.

A few quick thoughts:

- Rand was a highlight in this book, one scene specifically
- Egwene’s storyline is extremely exciting and I can’t wait for it to kick off
- Elayne and the rest was a bit dull, not much happened there. However I still love all of them as characters
- No Mat was a huge problem for me
- Perrin chapters were pretty boring, but still love his character
- I want Faile to be okay
- 3 great scenes does not mean it’s a 5 star book

I’m probably forgetting some things but really hardly anything happened in this book. It was very hard to get through at times, but the ending did pick up and it did have some great moments in it
]]> <![CDATA[The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)]]> 22369377 804 Robert Jordan 0356503828 Sam 4 fantasy The Eye of the World

The Eye of the World is not the most original story, but it does do plenty right (and some things better) than Tolkien ever did. And while I didn't love this book, it was a great starting point into this massive series.



The story beginnings with farmboy Rand al'Thor turning up to his village in Emond's field in the Two Rivers. On his journey there however, he keeps seeing a mysterious figure in a black cloak, that doesn't move in the wind. He stalks him throughout a lot of the journey. Once Rand arrives at his village, we're introduced to a TON of characters, some which are Rand's friends, Rand's fathers' friends or just members of the village council. Once we're settled in and introduced to all of these people, things get interesting. The village is attacked by Trollocs (half man half animal monsters). It's here when we learn that Rand is the reason they are attacking the village, and has to set off onto a massive quest to "save the world".

Of course I have summarised that a LOT. I don't want to give too much away, even with what happens at the beginning. But it is pretty much the "chosen one" storyline this book follows throughout the whole thing. It's one massive journey to stop the evil that is seeping into this world.

And yes, this is super similar to Lord of the Rings. (but it's meant to be)



I found the characters in this book to be very charming, but also very annoying. There's Rand, who is sort of our "main character", and for the most part I really liked him. I felt like he was relatable, and how he doesn't understand why he's the chosen one. We follow him throughout the most part of this book, and his development throughout the book was great to read.

The rest of Rands' gang, can be very annoying at times, but also fun to read too. You need to remember that they are just kids, so of course they're going to be annoying, and I had to remind myself of that at times. They make a lot of stupid decisions in this book, which can get annoying *cough cough Mat* but they are still fun to read.



This book had its fair share of fights and action, but it also had a lot of pacing issues which I really struggled with. It was a very start, stop, run, then walk sort of story. One minute I'd be zooming through page after page and losing track of time, other times I'd be stuck on the same chapter for ages. This was a problem for me, and it took away a lot of the books enjoyment too. I found this books pacing to be quite bad. Without spoiling anything, there's a part of the book where certain characters go to lot's of different inns in a row, and after a while I was getting really bored and was dying for something new to happen. Other times I'd just be reading pages and pages of description of the world. I get how that's Jordans writing style, and for the most part I liked it. But at times, wow was it annoying.

I also found the ending of the book to be really confusing and felt really rushed. It all happens in like 15 pages, and then that's that. After I read the climax of the story, I wasn't really satisfied, just more confused. And since it was so quick, I felt even more unsatisfying, since I read 800 pages, for a rushed and confusing ending. I still don't really get what happened at the end, hopefully the future books will explain that better than this one.



In conclusion, this was a good start to this massive series. I feel like I set my expectations too high before starting this, as I did feel a little underwhelmed by the time the book was finished. I think I just wanted more of an original storyline, but I guess that'll have to wait for the next book(s). However that's not to say that I didn't enjoy this book, because I did, and it will stick with me for a long time. But the pacing issues, along with just some boring and confusing moments, bought it down for me.

Was this book 10/10 amazing? No. Did it have a lot of issues? Yes. Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Will I read the next one and others after that?


Hell yeah

Also, �I will hate the man you choose because he isn't me, and love him if he makes you smile.� wow I loved that quote]]> 4.07 1990 The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1990
rating: 4
read at: 2019/03/19
date added: 2020/06/12
shelves: fantasy
review:
Today marks the day when I finished my first Wheel of Time book: The Eye of the World

The Eye of the World is not the most original story, but it does do plenty right (and some things better) than Tolkien ever did. And while I didn't love this book, it was a great starting point into this massive series.



The story beginnings with farmboy Rand al'Thor turning up to his village in Emond's field in the Two Rivers. On his journey there however, he keeps seeing a mysterious figure in a black cloak, that doesn't move in the wind. He stalks him throughout a lot of the journey. Once Rand arrives at his village, we're introduced to a TON of characters, some which are Rand's friends, Rand's fathers' friends or just members of the village council. Once we're settled in and introduced to all of these people, things get interesting. The village is attacked by Trollocs (half man half animal monsters). It's here when we learn that Rand is the reason they are attacking the village, and has to set off onto a massive quest to "save the world".

Of course I have summarised that a LOT. I don't want to give too much away, even with what happens at the beginning. But it is pretty much the "chosen one" storyline this book follows throughout the whole thing. It's one massive journey to stop the evil that is seeping into this world.

And yes, this is super similar to Lord of the Rings. (but it's meant to be)



I found the characters in this book to be very charming, but also very annoying. There's Rand, who is sort of our "main character", and for the most part I really liked him. I felt like he was relatable, and how he doesn't understand why he's the chosen one. We follow him throughout the most part of this book, and his development throughout the book was great to read.

The rest of Rands' gang, can be very annoying at times, but also fun to read too. You need to remember that they are just kids, so of course they're going to be annoying, and I had to remind myself of that at times. They make a lot of stupid decisions in this book, which can get annoying *cough cough Mat* but they are still fun to read.



This book had its fair share of fights and action, but it also had a lot of pacing issues which I really struggled with. It was a very start, stop, run, then walk sort of story. One minute I'd be zooming through page after page and losing track of time, other times I'd be stuck on the same chapter for ages. This was a problem for me, and it took away a lot of the books enjoyment too. I found this books pacing to be quite bad. Without spoiling anything, there's a part of the book where certain characters go to lot's of different inns in a row, and after a while I was getting really bored and was dying for something new to happen. Other times I'd just be reading pages and pages of description of the world. I get how that's Jordans writing style, and for the most part I liked it. But at times, wow was it annoying.

I also found the ending of the book to be really confusing and felt really rushed. It all happens in like 15 pages, and then that's that. After I read the climax of the story, I wasn't really satisfied, just more confused. And since it was so quick, I felt even more unsatisfying, since I read 800 pages, for a rushed and confusing ending. I still don't really get what happened at the end, hopefully the future books will explain that better than this one.



In conclusion, this was a good start to this massive series. I feel like I set my expectations too high before starting this, as I did feel a little underwhelmed by the time the book was finished. I think I just wanted more of an original storyline, but I guess that'll have to wait for the next book(s). However that's not to say that I didn't enjoy this book, because I did, and it will stick with me for a long time. But the pacing issues, along with just some boring and confusing moments, bought it down for me.

Was this book 10/10 amazing? No. Did it have a lot of issues? Yes. Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Will I read the next one and others after that?


Hell yeah

Also, �I will hate the man you choose because he isn't me, and love him if he makes you smile.� wow I loved that quote
]]> <![CDATA[A Crown of Swords (Wheel of Time, #7)]]> 23634687
Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, has escaped the snares of the White Tower and the first of the rebel Aes Sedai have sworn to follow him. Attacked by the servants of the Dark, threatened by the invading Seanchan, Rand rallies his forces and brings battle to bear upon Illian, stronghold of Sammael the Forsaken . . .

In the city of Ebou Dar, Elayne, Aviendha and Mat struggle to secure the ter'angreal that can break the Dark One's hold on the world's weather - and an ancient bane moves to oppose them. In the town of Salidar, Egwene al'Vere gathers an army to reclaim Tar Valon and reunite the Aes Sedai . . .

And in Shadar Logoth, city of darkness, a terrible power awakens . . .]]> 751 Robert Jordan 0356503887 Sam 4 fantasy
The highlight for me in this book was 100% Mat. He’s easily my favourite character, and with this book he really seems to finally understand who he really is. I also LOVED everything with him and Brigitte (if that’s how you spell it) it was so refreshing to see a man and woman to get on as friends, and I really hope that friendship gets explored more deeper in the later books.

That said, everything in Ebou Dar (apart from one subplot) with the girls I also loved. It wasn’t the fasted moving story, but I loved spending time in that city, learning about its cultures and the Sea Folk as a whole.

Rand continues to be fascinating, and he really seems to be losing it now. The climax with him at the end of the book, along with the scene with the bubble of evil (?) was fantastic.

I also loveeeedd the Seanchan back again. They are so cool and evil and horrible but I love them. The bit when they attacked Morgases camp had me on the edge of my seat.

Perrin is kinda lame know though, but whatever.

My biggest complaint about this book was the rape. I think it was handled really poorly and seemed as a joke. If this was intentional or not I don’t know, but I hated it all, and it added nothing to the story apart from anger.

But this was a really solid WoT book! To me this wasn’t a slog, but it was slow moving. However the development and epic scenes keeps me loving this series!

I’ve heard book 8 is where things start to really slow down, so we’ll see]]> 3.89 1996 A Crown of Swords (Wheel of Time, #7)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 2020/05/27
date added: 2020/05/27
shelves: fantasy
review:
So I’m in the so called “slog�, and if I’m honest, this book didn’t feel like much of a slog. Yes it was slow, and the plot hasn’t moved an awful lot. But this book had great development moments, some great new characters (Cadsuane, Moridin), and of course some great scenes. I actually enjoyed this book the same amount the last book.

The highlight for me in this book was 100% Mat. He’s easily my favourite character, and with this book he really seems to finally understand who he really is. I also LOVED everything with him and Brigitte (if that’s how you spell it) it was so refreshing to see a man and woman to get on as friends, and I really hope that friendship gets explored more deeper in the later books.

That said, everything in Ebou Dar (apart from one subplot) with the girls I also loved. It wasn’t the fasted moving story, but I loved spending time in that city, learning about its cultures and the Sea Folk as a whole.

Rand continues to be fascinating, and he really seems to be losing it now. The climax with him at the end of the book, along with the scene with the bubble of evil (?) was fantastic.

I also loveeeedd the Seanchan back again. They are so cool and evil and horrible but I love them. The bit when they attacked Morgases camp had me on the edge of my seat.

Perrin is kinda lame know though, but whatever.

My biggest complaint about this book was the rape. I think it was handled really poorly and seemed as a joke. If this was intentional or not I don’t know, but I hated it all, and it added nothing to the story apart from anger.

But this was a really solid WoT book! To me this wasn’t a slog, but it was slow moving. However the development and epic scenes keeps me loving this series!

I’ve heard book 8 is where things start to really slow down, so we’ll see
]]> <![CDATA[Lord of Chaos (Wheel of Time, #6)]]> 23634671
But there are other powers that seek to command the war against the Dark One. In the White Tower the Amyrlin Elaida sets a snare to trap the Dragon, whilst the rebel Aes Sedai scheme to bring her down.

And as the realms of men fall into chaos the immortal Forsaken and the servants of the Dark plan their assault on the Dragon Reborn . . .]]> 1025 Robert Jordan 0356503879 Sam 4 fantasy There were moments which were a bit dull, but it never made me lose interest in this fantastic world and story.
And WOW THAT ENDING. The ending is what really boosts this book up for me in my opinion. If the ending wasn’t as amazing as it was, then I’d find this book a bit more forgetful, despite some great moments. But the ending was easily the best endings in the series so far, and if I’m honest, one of the best scenes I’ve ever read in fantasy. It was just that good, and I will be re-reading it as soon as possible.

My love for this series continues to grow, and even with Lord of Chaos being a slower book, I still enjoyed this book to pieces.

Onto book 7!]]> 4.18 1994 Lord of Chaos (Wheel of Time, #6)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Sam
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/13
date added: 2020/05/23
shelves: fantasy
review:
Book 6 of The Wheel of Time is the slowest book yet, but that did not mean it was bad my any means. It had fantastic moments, world building and great character development. This book took me a month to read, but I’m happy with that, as I really soaked in this book and didn’t rush it at all.
There were moments which were a bit dull, but it never made me lose interest in this fantastic world and story.
And WOW THAT ENDING. The ending is what really boosts this book up for me in my opinion. If the ending wasn’t as amazing as it was, then I’d find this book a bit more forgetful, despite some great moments. But the ending was easily the best endings in the series so far, and if I’m honest, one of the best scenes I’ve ever read in fantasy. It was just that good, and I will be re-reading it as soon as possible.

My love for this series continues to grow, and even with Lord of Chaos being a slower book, I still enjoyed this book to pieces.

Onto book 7!
]]> <![CDATA[Kings of the Wyld (The Band, #1)]]> 34880234
Their glory days long past, the mercs have grown apart and grown old, fat, drunk - or a combination of the three. Then an ex-bandmate turns up at Clay's door with a plea for help. His daughter Rose is trapped in a city besieged by an enemy one hundred thousand strong and hungry for blood. Rescuing Rose is the kind of mission that only the very brave or the very stupid would sign up for.

It's time to get the band back together for one last tour across the Wyld.]]> 501 Nicholas Eames 0356509028 Sam 5 fantasy
Moog made me laugh so much and is one of my new fave fantasy characters.

This book was such a fun adventure with such rememberable characters and moments, I absolutely loved it!]]> 4.28 2017 Kings of the Wyld (The Band, #1)
author: Nicholas Eames
name: Sam
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2020/05/15
date added: 2020/05/15
shelves: fantasy
review:
What a pleasant surprise! I admit I found this book a little hard going at first, as I have never played any D&D and am not familiar with all of the different fantasy creatures and (maybe?) races. However once I just took it for what it is, I loved this book. Like I haven’t had so much fun reading a book in, well, forever!

Moog made me laugh so much and is one of my new fave fantasy characters.

This book was such a fun adventure with such rememberable characters and moments, I absolutely loved it!
]]> 11.22.63 15739070
In 2011, Jake Epping, an English teacher from Lisbon Falls, Maine, sets out on an insane � and insanely possible � mission to prevent the Kennedy assassination.

Leaving behind a world of computers and mobile phones, he goes back to a time of big American cars and diners, of Lindy Hopping, the sound of Elvis, and the taste of root beer.

In this haunting world, Jake falls in love with Sadie, a beautiful high school librarian. And, as the ominous date of 11/22/63 approaches, he encounters a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald...]]> 740 Stephen King Sam 5 favorites, stephen-king
WOW

This book made ugly cry. The proper ugly cry. I loved this book so much.

WOW

No words]]> 4.36 2011 11.22.63
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2020/05/03
date added: 2020/05/03
shelves: favorites, stephen-king
review:
Well, this was incredible. Wow

WOW

This book made ugly cry. The proper ugly cry. I loved this book so much.

WOW

No words
]]> The Eyes of the Dragon 11717196
The king is dead, murdered by an unusual poison.

While evidence is gathered, and the land of Delain mourns, Flagg the King's magician, unscrupulous, greedy and powerful, plots. Soon the king's elder son, Peter, is imprisoned in the needle, the top of a high tower, for his father's murder. And Thomas inherits the throne.

Only Peter knows the truth of his innocence, and the true evil that is Flagg. Only Peter can save Delain from the horror the magician has in store. He has a plan, but it is rife with danger. And if he fails, he won't get a second chance...

A captivating tale of heroic adventure, of dragons and princes, of mysterious mice and men from the pen of the master storyteller.]]> 470 Stephen King Sam 4 fantasy, stephen-king
My one criticism for this book was the characters. There weren’t many I cared for that much, I just found them a bit forgetful. Flagg was the best character by far, and I also liked Thomas. But Peter to me was pretty forgetful and not all the fun to follow. But I was rooting for him the entire book.

I also loved the ending to this one

Fun book! Happy I read it:)]]> 3.81 1987 The Eyes of the Dragon
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 3.81
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at: 2020/04/23
date added: 2020/04/23
shelves: fantasy, stephen-king
review:
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read so far by King, and I loved it! It was a fun, quick read with a rich world and fun plot. Seeing Flagg again was really cool as well.

My one criticism for this book was the characters. There weren’t many I cared for that much, I just found them a bit forgetful. Flagg was the best character by far, and I also liked Thomas. But Peter to me was pretty forgetful and not all the fun to follow. But I was rooting for him the entire book.

I also loved the ending to this one

Fun book! Happy I read it:)
]]> The Hobbit 26098210
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again�. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon�

The prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and influential books of the twentieth century.]]> 305 J.R.R. Tolkien Sam 3 fantasy
Don’t get me wrong, I have so much respect for what Tolkien did as a whole for fantasy. This was essentially the first fantasy that really took off, and all of this world is 100% unique and new, which is incredible to me. This was in a way, the beginning of the fantasy genre, so hats off to the man.

The beginning was cosy and fun. But a very large chunk from once they all left the shire to dealing with Smaug, I almost put the book down. It was so boring to me I wasn’t enjoying reading the book at all. It was a very dull formula - Walk, something gets in the way, character deals with it (either new or existing), carry on, repeat. I found this so tedious and boring to read, as I knew eventually they would get out of the mess they were in in 20 pages or so. I was so close to putting it down.

However I must say once they started to deal with Smaug, I started to enjoy it a lot more, and kept me going until the end. I finished the book feeling satisfied and happy that I pushed through, however my feels still stand with the first half of the book.

Bilbo was a fantastic character to follow, and his development was great. This world was rich with life, and I can recognise that without loving this book as much as most people do.

I didn’t love this book. I probably wouldn’t read it again. But I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first, and am glad I pushed through. Once again, I have so much endless respect for Tolkien and what he crafted here.

Maybe I’ve just read to much modern literature to fully enjoy this book? I doubt that to be honest.]]> 4.30 1937 The Hobbit
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Sam
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1937
rating: 3
read at: 2020/04/19
date added: 2020/04/21
shelves: fantasy
review:
I almost feel bad for giving Tolkien a three stars, but hey I gotta be honest. I didn’t love The Hobbit as much as I thought I would.

Don’t get me wrong, I have so much respect for what Tolkien did as a whole for fantasy. This was essentially the first fantasy that really took off, and all of this world is 100% unique and new, which is incredible to me. This was in a way, the beginning of the fantasy genre, so hats off to the man.

The beginning was cosy and fun. But a very large chunk from once they all left the shire to dealing with Smaug, I almost put the book down. It was so boring to me I wasn’t enjoying reading the book at all. It was a very dull formula - Walk, something gets in the way, character deals with it (either new or existing), carry on, repeat. I found this so tedious and boring to read, as I knew eventually they would get out of the mess they were in in 20 pages or so. I was so close to putting it down.

However I must say once they started to deal with Smaug, I started to enjoy it a lot more, and kept me going until the end. I finished the book feeling satisfied and happy that I pushed through, however my feels still stand with the first half of the book.

Bilbo was a fantastic character to follow, and his development was great. This world was rich with life, and I can recognise that without loving this book as much as most people do.

I didn’t love this book. I probably wouldn’t read it again. But I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first, and am glad I pushed through. Once again, I have so much endless respect for Tolkien and what he crafted here.

Maybe I’ve just read to much modern literature to fully enjoy this book? I doubt that to be honest.
]]> The Stand 11232016
Dreams that warn of the coming of the dark man. The apostate of death, his worn-down boot heels tramping the night roads. The warlord of the charnel house and Prince of Evil.

His time is at hand. His empire grows in the west and the Apocalypse looms.]]> 1325 Stephen King Sam 5 favorites, stephen-king
This book was fantastic! The characters in this book will forever stick with me, and will always remain some of the best characters I've ever come across in fiction.
The journey in this book was absolutely incredible. I feel like the massive page count was completely justified, since the journey these characters went on never turned dull. I loved following all of the cast, and even wish it went on longer.

From when the plague first started, to different characters traveling across the country, to them al meeting and forming a sort of base, I loved every second of it. Even the slower parts with the meetings, it still remained interesting due to the amazing cast.

The ending was no way near as bad as I was led on. Sure, it was a little weak, but it still made sense in a way, it could have just been handled a bit better. I didn't think the ending was bad however, but it is a weaker one in comparison to other SK books I've read.

All in all, incredible book. This book is really journey before destination at it's finest, and I still can't believe it's over.

The Stand is one of the best books I have ever read. ]]> 4.23 1978 The Stand
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1978
rating: 5
read at: 2020/04/15
date added: 2020/04/15
shelves: favorites, stephen-king
review:
M-O-O-N, that spells amazing!!

This book was fantastic! The characters in this book will forever stick with me, and will always remain some of the best characters I've ever come across in fiction.
The journey in this book was absolutely incredible. I feel like the massive page count was completely justified, since the journey these characters went on never turned dull. I loved following all of the cast, and even wish it went on longer.

From when the plague first started, to different characters traveling across the country, to them al meeting and forming a sort of base, I loved every second of it. Even the slower parts with the meetings, it still remained interesting due to the amazing cast.

The ending was no way near as bad as I was led on. Sure, it was a little weak, but it still made sense in a way, it could have just been handled a bit better. I didn't think the ending was bad however, but it is a weaker one in comparison to other SK books I've read.

All in all, incredible book. This book is really journey before destination at it's finest, and I still can't believe it's over.

The Stand is one of the best books I have ever read.
]]> <![CDATA[Full Dark, No Stars - with a bonus short story]]> 9678703
For a Nebraska farmer, the turning point comes when his wife threatens to sell off the family homestead.

A cozy mystery writer plots a savage revenge after a brutal encounter with a stranger.

Harry Streeter gets the chance to cure himself from illness - if he agrees to impose misery on an old rival.

And Darcy Anderson discovers a box containing her husband's dark and terrifying secrets - he's not just the man who keeps his nails short and collects coins. And now he's heading home...

With a bonus short story, Under the Weather, that did not appear in the original Hodder editions.]]> 453 Stephen King Sam 4 horror, stephen-king
The first two were my favourites, and the last two were solid 4 stars.

Extremely dark and hard to read and some places sort of book, but overall a fantastic collection!]]> 4.03 2011 Full Dark, No Stars - with a bonus short story
author: Stephen King
name: Sam
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/19
date added: 2020/03/19
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
A great collection of very dark short stories!

The first two were my favourites, and the last two were solid 4 stars.

Extremely dark and hard to read and some places sort of book, but overall a fantastic collection!
]]> The Long Walk 28165439
In the near future, when America has become a police state, one hundred boys are selected to enter an annual contest where the winner will be awarded whatever he wants for the rest of his life. Among them is sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty, and he knows the rules—keep a steady walking pace of four miles per hour without stopping. Three warnings and you’re out—permanently.

A “psychologically dark tale with commentary on society, teenage life, and cultural entertainment, The Long Walk is still poignant decades after its original publication� (Publishers Weekly). This edition features an introduction by Stephen King on “The Importance of Being Bachman.”]]> 321 Richard Bachman Sam 4 horror, stephen-king There were definitely a few moments for me which felt a bit slow, and a bit repetitive. But it was still a great story, and one I would really recommend if you’re starting out with King books.
And without spoilers, this is one of the cooler, creeper endings I’ve read recently. I’ve heard some people didn’t like it, but I thought it was a really interesting ending!]]> 4.02 1978 The Long Walk
author: Richard Bachman
name: Sam
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1978
rating: 4
read at: 2020/02/05
date added: 2020/02/12
shelves: horror, stephen-king
review:
The Long Walk was a really really good SK book. Not so much on the scary side, more on the little bit gross, but really interesting and exciting side. There were so many moments in this book where my heart was racing!
There were definitely a few moments for me which felt a bit slow, and a bit repetitive. But it was still a great story, and one I would really recommend if you’re starting out with King books.
And without spoilers, this is one of the cooler, creeper endings I’ve read recently. I’ve heard some people didn’t like it, but I thought it was a really interesting ending!
]]>