Sunday, October 30, 2011
Review: Fat Vampire: A Never Coming of Age Story
Fat Vampire: A Never Coming of Age Story by Adam Rex
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I had some hopes for this book. In the beginning it was funny, it was intriguing, I found myself sympathizing with Doug. Then it all came crashing down and fell completely flat. Doug didn't pan out the way I was hoping. Then there was the ending. It just ended up uninspiring.
I don't think Doug truly values Jay as a friend. He sees him more as a person he is stuck with, sometimes thinking he is being kind to Jay by being his friend. He seems to think Jay can't make any friends of his own. Obviously Jay can, I mean hello Cat came to his house. And then continued to come to his house. That means he is entirely capable of making friends.
You would think Doug would change and evolve into a better person. But this never happens. At points it seems like it just skims over his story and we really know nothing about what is happening.
And the characters never really become likable. They never really fleshed out. So many things were introduced and just not followed through with.
Such a shame.
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Review: Hourglass
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
*Will post review in a few days*
********************************************************
I recently read a review on Book Rat about this book. Misty was so dead on with my feelings about this book that I had to comment. And since sometimes I'm super lazy....I'm reposting it as my review.
Warning, There Might Be Spoilers
Minda said...
I cackled at your description of Cat as "bald-Brittany cray-cray" cause it is so dead on the money. I liked that I did not see that coming. That literally hit me from left field, right in the face. You seemed to pick up on a lot of things I had trouble with when reading this book.
Em and Michael were intense, soooo intense, and that usually turns me off. Well yea it did at first. Then I was willing to keep going because the story had some potential. But I have to admit that after the first one hundred times Michael's perfection was described.....I started shifting my eyes away from the page for a breather then skimming through until the plot started again. BUT at least McEntire gave an explanation for WHY Em was so drawn to Michael. Not like some authors I have read.... *cough*
I was kinda happy about the "Emmett Brown" clone but then I felt she could have tried for a little more "mad scientist" originality. I would have liked to see him a little less stereotypical and a little less "here's a really eccentric scientific dude, now back to our soap opera."
And that little heifer trying to take Michael and make him her man....I don't like that girl. I've met that girl. I'm been the Emerson to that girl...If I was writing the sequel...I'd have her run over by a herd of wildebeests Lion King Style.
Other than all that stuff....I really liked the book. I haven't written a review for Hourglass yet so I'm just gonna copy paste this to Goodreads. LOL...I'm so lazy.
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Giveaways on Saturdays
So I've been entering a lot of giveaways on Goodreads lately. (A lot cheaper than playing the lottery.) And since I love to talk about books, but mostly cause I wanna alert anyone who isn't a member of Goodreads....in hopes of inspiring them to join Goodreads, I'm gonna post them here. Right now my plan is to call it Giveaways On Staturdays. But I'm a really...absentminded creature so it might end up being Giveaways Whenever-days. I'm gonna try.
Holy heart failure, Batman! I had no idea this book was coming out so soon. I screamed when I saw it listed on the Goodreads Giveaway. Wicked # 4!!!!! Now I know book 2 and 3 were kind of a let down to most people. And I know Gregory Maguire is a little hard to digest sometimes. But this is the final book! I love Wicked and I adore GM's writing style. I've read almost all of his books. I've participated on the GM discussion boards. This might be THE giveaway. THE ONE. My own true love. If I don't win, this is going on my list. (Technically it's already on the list but ya know you always want the one that got away...)
SO...on with the show.
Ok here are the giveaways I have entered so far.
I've got the time to wait. I didn't really enjoy the first book but the excerpt from the second book intrigued me. But I won't cry if I don't win.
Ok so, "A mysterious woven metal artifact is found at a paleontological dig in Africa." You had me at paleontological. Seriously, I'm a history/anthropology/archaeology/geology/all around histoscience (my own special word there folks) NUT! There is time travelling, supernatural powers, rewriting of human history! It's like, wow, it's I'm so there. I'm seriously putting this on my "MUST BUY" list if I don't win. That's how excited this book's summary made me. (I spent an entire semester working on a paper about Australopithecus Afarensis-Lucy....While listening to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds over and over....yea I'm that big of a nerd.)
I want to read the first book, Birthmarked, and what better motivation than winning the second book. I'm not gonna lie though. If I win this book I'm reading it before I get the first. I'm not above reading out of order. LOL.
I'm just gonna let the summary speak for itself here:
Check. Check. And Check.Kendra Hilferty, the witch who curses Kyle Kingsbury in Beastly, tells about her immortal existence-how she discovered she was a witch and the various ways she has used her powers to help people throughout the centuries. (Unfortunately her attempts have often backfired.) As it turns out, Kendra has actually had a hand in "Hansel and Gretel," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Little Mermaid"-but these are not the fairy tales you think you know! Kendra's reminiscences are wrapped around a real-time version of "Cinderella," except the "ugly" stepsister is the good guy. With dark twists, hilarious turns, and unexpected endings, Bewitching is a contemporary read for fairy-tale lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone looking for more Alex Flinn.
by Catharine Arnold
giveaway details
Giveaway dates: Aug 11-Nov 06, 2011
I'm a history nut. So anything that has to do with History, The Romans, and England...thumbs up...balls to the wall....I want it. Right Meow. I just think it would be a really interesting read. I love the anthropological side to history. You can keep the specific dates of battles or laws. I wanna know what life was like for the common man, aristocrat, and everyone else.
I'm gonna be honest. I never read her Wolves of Mercy Falls series. But the summary to this looked good. Plus it's getting some hype...so what the heck I'll throw my hat in.
by Kelly Link (Editor), Gavin J. Grant(Goodreads Author) (Editor)
giveaway details
Giveaway dates: Oct 10-Oct 31, 2011
I've been dying to read some steampunk. I've heard good things about this genre but I've never gotten around to getting some steampunk for my TBR list. What better way to be introduced to the genre then with a collection of short stories. I'd say this is a 3/5 on the scale of how bad I wanna win.
So that's the giveaways I've entered. My reasonings behind why I entered each one. I still can't get over the Out of Oz giveaway. *drools* You don't know how bad I wanna lick my computer screen right now.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Keeping My Skinny Little Fingers Crossed
*EDIT*
And of course I didn't win, this of course breaks my heart cause I really wanted to win. I mean I write reviews of all the books I read (well I have been writing reviews a lot more often lately and with more enthusiasm, my past is just that...pa st) and I make sure to thank the people who host the giveaways. Oh well better luck next time I guess. LOL.
I'm gonna keep on the look out for more great giveaways. And I'll try to make a post here so everyone can know about them. But for now I guess I'll just keep hoping for a chance to hit the book lottery. LOL.... (*Goes to corner to sulk and lick her wounds*)
Review: Fallen
Fallen by Lauren Kate
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Imagine Twilight but with Fallen Angels. Yea that is this book in it's most basic form. The ONLY saving grace to keep it from falling into the deadly "Minda's most hated books" category is that Luce is a little less annoying than the Queen of Mary Suedom, Bella Swan. That is not to say they aren't strikingly similar. Both heroines fall in love with a guy while he is basically giving them the cold shoulder. Both heroines gush about how BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT he is... and how irresistibly drawn they are to him. Both heroines are flat and make completely idiotic decisions even though they are supposed to be "oh so intelligent ya know cause they make good grades and stuff".... Lemme just say not all "intellectual girls" fall for the first pretty face that comes their way. BOTH HEROINES ARE STUCK IN A GRIPPING LOVE TRIANGLE!!!!
Seeeeeeeeeeeee.... That and the simplistic writing of both books mark them as THING 1 and THING 2. Impossible to really tell apart unless you understand that the devil is in the details. Thankfully, Lauren Kate didn't try to put sparkles where sparkles don't belong. Although she did put Gold Eye Shadow/Eyeliner on one of the dudes? At least thats how I interpreted it as looking. Now this works when Suzanne Collins does it to a character, Cinna, but you know all those crazy capital people wear weirdo fashion anyways.... OK back to my point. Thank you Lauren Kate for sticking KINDA..... to the whole Angels lusts after women mythos.
The plot didn't really take off and even appear until about the last (checks book really fast) 50 pages. (Bear with me if it appears at a different point in your book...I'm working from the Ebook here.) Then things got interesting but were not explained until the EVIL VILLIANESS unveiled her plot. WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS DOING THAT!?!?!?! Just have your plot in your mind and keep your lips sealed so 1. You don't waste time talking when you should be killing your victim. 2. You don't reveal, make things so easy for the reader!!! Sometimes a challenge is OK Alright, yea, you are right it would make people complain cause they wouldn't know why the villain killed the victim, good point. (Talking to my head voices again)
Now I've heard the next two books are better and I have nothing but time on my hands, so what the heck I'll give it another shot. If I can suffer through the entire depressing....annoying....Facepalm that is Twilight. I can live through this.
Cheers!
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
Review: A Great and Terrible Beauty
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book. The setting drew me in, I'm a sucker for the Victorian Era. I felt the characters were very well developed. At times they acted a little too modern for the time period. Gemma seems to be quite an interesting young lady and I can't wait to read more about her in the second and third books.
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Saturday, October 15, 2011
Review: Breaking Dawn
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Lets just not even discuss this ok.....I feel a headache coming on......but I am relieved that it's finally over. WooooHOOO!
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Friday, October 14, 2011
Review: Dust City
Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a great twist on retold fairy tales and certainly deserves four stars for it's plot. But I felt the world building was a little lackluster. Something about it just didn't grab me and make me wish I could be there seeing the glimmering towers of Eden or smell the pepperminty smell of Grandma's house....I can't quite put my finger on it though.
I though the idea of Henry battling with his inner wolf while trying to be the good guy he is was just a little bit overdone. That being said I did enjoy the book and wish there was more to it. Perhaps a sequel. I never did figure out if Skinner was supposed to be a remake of Rumpelstiltskin or Humpty Dumpty or both. I'm betting he is supposed to be a blend of both.
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Review: The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute read. I loved the way the children interacted with one another and I found myself laughing out loud many time. The plot was interesting and certainly drew from elements of "old fashioned" children's stories. All the characters were charming (except for the parents..no they were Nefarious) and I especially enjoyed the idea of Nanny as an alabaster Aphrodite. That was very comical. I must say I learned a few new vocabulary words from reading it and the addition of a glossary at the end of the book along with some examples of "old fashioned" children's stories was great.
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Review: iDrakula
iDrakula by Bekka Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this quite a bit even if it left out many of the aspects of the original Dracula that make it so great. It is a very interesting take on the story and serves the purpose of laying out the basic plot to Bram Stoker's novel in a modern way.
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Review: Divergent
Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The idea that people would be separated into different factions based on their personality attributes was interesting and I enjoyed the way the author conveyed the idea. At times though the plot seemed predictable and I guessed the true identity of Four long before it was revealed. I also guessed the main plot before it was revealed.
I thought Tris was a little disappointing at times. I felt her attachment to her friends and her good character traits were admirably described. Peter made me mad and I felt myself hoping for a unhappy ending for him thorough-out the entirety of the book.
I enjoyed the action sequences and pace of the book. I will be looking forward to the next in the series.
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Review: Delirium
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I felt that the world constructed within this book was ok. I don't see a world where teen are forced to undergo brain surgery as plausible though. I think there would be too much scientific evidence against the procedure and the risks would be too high in order for it to be required of everyone. I also can't see a world where all manner of emotion is medically removed working out. Seems like it would crash and burn within a few decades.
Too much about this book seemed implausible. I felt the characters where exactly flat but they could have been developed just a little more. I just really couldn't sympathize with the characters. The relationship between Alex and Lena was too unbelievable. I mean in a world where teens are segregated from the opposite sex I felt it was too unbelievable that they would have that much freedom. I understand Lena was lying to her Aunt the whole time and saying she was with Hana, but still it seems like freedoms would be restricted quite a bit more if LOVE was that dangerous.
I just didn't like this book very much. I mean it was OK...but it never really grasped my attention and pulled me into the story. I felt myself skimming through many parts just to be done with it. In my opinion love isn't such a strong emotion that it would cause people to completely lose their minds. And don't even get me started on the animal abuse present in one part of the story. That just annoyed me. If love and desire are not present then why in the heck would a family even have a pet? It just didn't make sense. You have to have a DESIRE to have an animal companion which would cause you to have a feeling of attachment (ie Love) toward the animal so that you would be willing to feed, water, care for the animal properly. If the procedure supposedly removes these emotions and feelings then why would anyone even seek a pet in the first place?
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Review: The Giver
The Giver by Lois Lowry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this book very exciting and the storyline seemed very realistic. This is a world I could see happening. Even in our present society we seek pleasure and happiness over pain. But what happens when our memories of pain are gone and we no longer remember what it is like to hurt, not physically, but emotionally? How can we call ourselves human if we actually feel nothing?
The main characters were a mix of flat and well-rounded. But for this novel that mixture works. Mother, Father, and Lily seemed flat but I expected that given the subject matter. If they were as well rounded and fleshed out as The Giver and Jonas, I do not feel the book would not have the same pull and meaning to the reader.
Asher was a bit cliche as your typical hyperactive and fun seeking child. This is what I call the "poster child for Ritalin" and it was not surprising when his assignment was revealed. I felt Fiona was only mentioned by name in order to advance the plot and give a reason for the changes brought on by Jonas' maturation.
The world built within the book was fascinating and I felt it was the right choice for details to be withheld until needed in conjunction with the storyline.
I felt the pacing of the novel was just a bit hurried toward the end but that fits well with the danger and fear that Jonas felt fleeing the community.
I gave this book a five star rating because I was deeply interested and entertained by the storyline. I felt the writing was spectacular, and I enjoyed the use of flat and complex characters. There was meaning behind the construction of the world within this book. And I found it thought provoking and contemplative. My only complaint with the book was that it ended too soon. LOL.
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Monday, October 3, 2011
eviews at one time whenever I can get free WiFi.
Sitting at the truck terminal for the company my husband drives for right now, so I've got free WiFi and I've posted around three reviews?(I think)
I even read one of the books my brother bought me for my birthday!
I've been reading some of the books out loud to my husband while he drives. He enjoys it sometimes but he really wants me to finish the Twilight Saga soon cause my annoyance at the series is driving him crazy. LOL...but the great thing is he asked me the other day about possibly getting him a Nook! Can you feel my excitement right now!MICHAEL...READING!!!
Review: Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale
Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a retelling of one of my favorite sub-genres, fairytales. I loved the complexity and emotion behind this book. I love how the author took HCA's Little Mermaid and expanded it to a full length novel with real purpose and meaning behind the mermaid's sacrifice. And even though it doesn't end the exact same as the original fairytale, the ending does add a distinct moral to the story.
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Review: The Eleventh Plague
The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book even though I am not the target audience, Young Adult. Now I wouldn't even mention this unless it was obvious from the writing. I inhaled this book mostly because it has a very easy and simplistic writing style. That is not a bad thing mind you. I'm actually happy of that. Something quick and fun to read is always great inbetween long reads.
The pacing of the book was acceptable and I enjoyed the characters. Stephen and Jenny are a couple of misfits who always find themselve in trouble in this post apocalyptic community. I am glad they redeemed themselves in the end. That's about all I have to say about the book. I liked it.
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Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer Review
I got so angry at this book that about half way through I gave up writing down what in particular was annoying me because it was just a repeat of what was annoying me in the first half. Edward seems really cold and heartless toward Bella when he doesn't like how she reacts.
When she says something about her dad suggesting she go see Jacob he gets all stiff and formal again. She pleads that he is hurting but Edward refuses to discuss the matter. It's his way or no way at all apparently.
I think Meyer was making fun of her own ridiculous storyline in this book, evidenced by this.
When discussing why she enjoys Wuthering Heights so much he says the book would be better if either of them had one redeeming quality and Bella says that their love is their only redeeming quality.
At times their back and forth love mushy gushy bullsmack make me want to scream. Ugh we get it Meyer, Bella and Edward love each other...for no reason at all.
"I love you."
"I love you more"
"I love you most"
"I love you more than a small tree compared to a forest"
*Pukes*
And yet STILL Edward will not let Bella go see her friend. Claims it is TOO DANGEROUS. Ugh...his way or the highway.
Bella decides that she is going to go see Jacob, after curfew, with her dad's permission. EDWARD being the asshole that he is...has had Alice watching Bella's future. So when Alice tells Edward that Bella's future disappeared, this meaning that she was going to see Jacob, EDWARD disables her truck so she can't go anywhere. Isn't this sort of obsessive?
Ok so then Edward tells Bella if she wants him to stay away that night and not watch her sleep...ugh...for her to shut her window. So she stomps in and slams her window shut. Then the BIMBO opens it back up so Edward can come in and watch her sleep.
So many things about Edward make me hate him. He is obssesive, jealous, petty, and thinks everything should be HIS way. A selfish heartless jerk in my opinion. He's so wrapped up in himself that he can't see he is being a controlling FREAK!
Even Bella's mom sees something weird about their relationship. She thinks Edward is protective. That is not the word I would use but I guess it works well enough if you don't know he is a vampire and wants his way all the time.
On a side note, I am going to go on a little rant about Bella's dad.
This man cannot cook for himself. It is like he expects Bella to cook for him. Which being the overeager little woman, not the feminist that I've heard people proclaim she is, she happily cooks, cleans, blah blah. Ok I'm not downing people taking pride in doing the deeds of a good daughter, not by a long shot. I myself play the good daughter role quite a bit at my parents' house. Bella seems to literally LIVE to do these things. Maybe I'm reading too much but sometimes it really irks me.
Edward is always pulling Bella behind him. Like he thinks he needs to protect her all the time. I guess Bella just looking at someone else is dangerous to her health. Or maybe it's just dangerous to Edward's brainwashing of Bella.
Jacob is standing outside Forks High School. Edward says that he wants to talk to him. So Edward and Bella walk over. Edward pulls Bella behind him. I have this mental picture of Bella standing behind Edward with this "oh dear I'm so fragile and scared" look on her face while biting her nails and Edward puffing up his chest with this look like "I'm the man. The man makes the woman stand behind him so he can protect her." Ugh...give it a flipping rest!
And Edward never tells Bella anything. He probably justifies that he is "protecting her" when really he's just keeping her dumbed down and submissive in my opinion.
Edward takes his stalker/obsessive tendencies so far as to follow Bella's truck. Now tell me that isn't insane.
Bella snuck off to see Jacob, HER FRIEND, and Edward obviously finds out. So Bella is driving home and this crazy psycho vampire is FOLLOWING HER IN HIS VOLVO...and she goes to her friend Angela's house. And he passes by.Typical "I MUST KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AT EVERY MOMENT!" stalker fashion...
And of course he can't let her out of his site for a moment. Ugh...STALKER!
It's like he freaking pats her on the head all the time going "Silly woman, don't you know you need me, THE MAN, to protect you. You're not safe on your own. No and you don't need to think for yourself either, that is the MAN'S JOB." It's like he is one of those, hope this doesn't offend anyone, over fanatic religious people who feel that women should be there to produce offspring, wait on the man hand and foot, and sit there looking pretty. And of course Bella does all these things.
So that is my review. At times I repeat myself but this is exactly what I was feeling as I was reading the book. Extreme rage.
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