That was an...unexpected little tale. I can safely say I did not see *any* of that coming. It was almost unsettling. But I enjoyed a quick (albeit outThat was an...unexpected little tale. I can safely say I did not see *any* of that coming. It was almost unsettling. But I enjoyed a quick (albeit out of sequence, for me) visit with Brooklyn!
Merged review:
That was an...unexpected little tale. I can safely say I did not see *any* of that coming. It was almost unsettling. But I enjoyed a quick (albeit out of sequence, for me) visit with Brooklyn!...more
This was a fun addition to the Farmers' Market Mystery series. I had initially skipped it, but several references were made to it and there is even a This was a fun addition to the Farmers' Market Mystery series. I had initially skipped it, but several references were made to it and there is even a "crossover" character that pops up later (I think I can say that without calling it a spoiler...), so even though I was loathe to accept that my only option was to read it as an e-book, I really wanted to check this one out. It was just long enough to be a quick but fully formed mystery and I thought it did well as a short story without losing the "feel" of the series. It even threw in a good twist. I'm glad I checked out Becca's jaunt to Arizona, even if it was after the fact and well out of order for the series.
Merged review:
This was a fun addition to the Farmers' Market Mystery series. I had initially skipped it, but several references were made to it and there is even a "crossover" character that pops up later (I think I can say that without calling it a spoiler...), so even though I was loathe to accept that my only option was to read it as an e-book, I really wanted to check this one out. It was just long enough to be a quick but fully formed mystery and I thought it did well as a short story without losing the "feel" of the series. It even threw in a good twist. I'm glad I checked out Becca's jaunt to Arizona, even if it was after the fact and well out of order for the series....more
This short of a story doesn't lend itself well to my standard review format, so I'll tuck it all into an ab3.5 stars on platforms that are less rigid.
This short of a story doesn't lend itself well to my standard review format, so I'll tuck it all into an abbreviated version:
1. Fits the expected tone for what I know of Elin Hilderbrand's writing, though oddly doesn't seem to include her usual nod to Nantucket.
2. You get a complete though compact story that doesn't feel as if it should have been a full-length novel, a feat that is harder to pull off successfully than it seems it should be.
3. I'm not sure I liked any of the characters all that much, but I especially didn't like the one that wasn't really even present. Ick.
4. Surprisingly satisfying conclusion with a good wrap-up that provided for finishing without feeling abrupt or cheated....more
It feels like forever since I read the previous book in this series! Once my turn finally came up on the library waitlist, I was ready to dive into thIt feels like forever since I read the previous book in this series! Once my turn finally came up on the library waitlist, I was ready to dive into the latest case for Shannon and the crew.
What I liked about The Knife Before Christmas: Great setting - I don't just mean Lighthouse Cove, but the immediate setting of "action." The Christmas atmosphere, the huge old mansion-turned-hotel -- it just lent itself to a really immersive mystery in which to get engrossed. Pace was unusual but not unpleasant - The timing of "the event" was not what I typically find in a cozy, but it didn't lag the storytelling or make the case feel rushed. I liked that some of the expected formulas for cozy mysteries were set aside in favor of some altered variables, making the storytelling feel fresh yet still familiar.
What I didn't care for: The secondary plot - It felt unnecessary and maybe a bit forced. It failed to engage me and the resolution was slightly beyond my willingness to suspend disbelief.
What left me conflicted: The cast of characters - I always enjoy the usual group. What I am specifically referring to here is the additional cast surrounding the case itself. My main complaint was that there were so many of them that it was difficult to keep them sorted out, particularly who they were in relation to one another. I knew who it was far too quickly - While it's fun to be able to figure out whodunnit, this felt a bit obvious to me. I like to question my guess at least a little bit and I never did.
I'm always up for an installment of one of my favorite cozy series, and while this wasn't one of the best from this series, it was still fun and enjoyable. I'm spoiled by Kate Carlisle's books, so I have a higher expectation. Truly, this was a solid four-star read, and I'll be jumping right in line for the next one, whenever it releases....more
I get this paralysis after finishing a book I love and am faced with putting together a review worthy of it, that will do it the justice it deserves. I get this paralysis after finishing a book I love and am faced with putting together a review worthy of it, that will do it the justice it deserves. For two and a half weeks, I have pondered how I was going to write one for this book. I finally made myself start. And then just as I was finding my groove with it, my browser crashed, taking with it my words. I am not sure exactly what to make of that. Strap in, I have some things to share.
This was not my first foray into the fictional works of Katie Schuermann. As such, I was prepared for this book to not take itself too seriously, and yet to treat with great care that which is a very serious message indeed. Katie has been granted the gift of discernment to know precisely when it is necessary to speak with a clear and uncompromising voice that which is critical and when to deploy the perfect moment of levity.
Katie's writing is something to be savored. You don't just turn pages in her books, but you become immersed in them. About fifteen pages in, I texted the friend with whom I was buddy-reading: I forgot how Katie's writing just wraps me up like a warm blanket and flows through me like gentle rain. Just the way she uses words and the way she makes sentences into works of art and constructs characters who I feel like I already know when that's not even possible. This is every experience I have had with a Katie Schuermann book. These people become friends and the place they live feels like home.
What I liked loved about The Saints of Whistle Grove: The characters are real - Oh, I don't mean they ever lived and breathed upon this actual earth, but could they have? Most assuredly. They are funny and flawed, equal turns at compassionate and selfish, their behavior at times humbled me and then disappointed me -- in Lutheran vernacular: her characters are "saints and sinners" with the best of us. Did I have favorites? You better believe it. Will I tell you who they are? Not a chance. You have to discover that part for yourself. Whistle Grove is like everywhere and yet nowhere - There is a charm to this place that is as much a character as the people who inhabit it. But there is also struggle here, sadness, discouragement, hurt, fear, resentment -- just the same as anywhere this side of eternity. Even if you've never lived in a small town or experienced a church that is fading away, Katie makes Whistle Grove a place you can picture, a place it feels like you've known all your life...even though it's a place that never was. This isn't your cheesy, run-of-the-mill Christian fiction - The scenes Katie paints, the circumstances she plays out, the message that she shares -- these are not trite and they aren't afraid to delve deeply into some difficult subject matter. However, another of Katie's gifts remains to handle these situations with grace, with a measure of believability, with compassion, and yes, with a touch of well-placed humor. For all the emphasis on the many ways we can die -- literally, spiritually, and metaphorically -- this is not a depressing book, but one brimming with legitimate hope and joy. You won't get "sermonized" within these pages, but niether does she shy away from the fundamental truths of lives lived with and without God's gift of faith. A wizardry of format - Can one rightfully make that comparison when the subject matter is decidedly Christian? I don't know what other word to describe this masterpiece. It was assembled in a way that seemed etirely random, but it never was. I kept coming up with these comparisons for it (you may or may not consider them spoiler-adjacent, so it's entirely your call if you want to read through or skip to my next bullet point).
1. It was like walking through an old churchyard, reading the headstones. We aren't engaging with chronological stories here. We are... quietly and respectfully roaming the headstones in this church graveyard and meeting the people who rest there until the Last Day. These saints who, at one time or another, filled the pews in that now shuttered church. They worshipped together. They lived life together. They suffered together. And as you approach each headstone, there are a wealth of stories waiting for you there. 2. One story connects to the next. Not on a timeline but by human connection, by relationship, by one little detail. These stories are irreversibly woven into one another. It's like a stand of Aspen trees. Aboveground, they look like a whole bunch of individual trees, but beneath the surface of the earth, they share one massive root system. Trees of varying ages are all interconnected to a single life source. On the surface of the earth, we see these individual gravestones poking up, different people, different times they lived and died. They look separate. But dig deeper and they are interconnected, and they also share a Life Source. "I am the Vine, you are the branches..." 3. The threads from across generations began to gather together. If you've ever looked at the back side of a tapestry, the threads are numerous and appear chaotic and random...until you turn it over and see the image they have joined together to form.
I can safely say that I have never, in all my reading, encountered a story told quite like this before. It is an astonishing work of art. I don't know how she kept it all straight and, seeing it for what it was by the conclusion, I cannot wait for my first revisit. Exquisite pacing - This book would not allow its story to be hurried. Once you're in it, you won't want it any other way. Katie reveals each detail at the proper time, leaving you no option but to savor what she's given you so far and trust that she will deliver... and boy howdy, does she ever. The conclusion is beyond satisfying. She wraps this story up gently and thoroughly, allowing not even the smallest detail to be left behind, ending as we began, and yet entirely changed.
What I didn't care for: I have no use for this subsection with this book.
Is this book for Lutherans? Without a doubt, and there might be some "Lutheran inside jokes" sprinkled throughout. But it's not just for Lutherans. It's for people who struggle with death and loss, people who are seeking some sort of meaning in this life, people who grapple with faith challenged by doubt. This book is for anyone, because we will all have times in our lives that are hard and we wonder if we're in it alone. Katie's work in The Saints of Whistle Grove wraps its arms around you and tells you that you are not alone at all. This is a book I will return to both in its entirety and also just to dip into a random chapter now and again, ever mining new treasures that have been hidden there for discovery at just the right time....more
I feel like I have been waiting for this book for...ev...er. There was a time the readers of this series believed that The Golden Tresses of the DeadI feel like I have been waiting for this book for...ev...er. There was a time the readers of this series believed that The Golden Tresses of the Dead was the conclusion to Flavia's adventures. As much as I loved this whole series, it just never felt complete to me, so when I learned that Alan Bradley was going to do more, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm and as soon as it was available on my library's request list (before it was even released, as I recall!), my name went on it. I am stingy with awarding five stars, but this book deserves every last one of them.
What I liked about What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust: All the beloved characters - It was like being reunited with a group of old friends. I fell right back into the relationship. The relationship between Flavia and Undine - This was so believable based on the history between these two characters. And if you're at all familiar with Flavia, the basis of their "chemistry" (ha) is so obvious. Flavia - I absolutely adore her character development. There was a time in books nine and ten when it felt like she was growing out of her charm. I am not sure what drove those particular feelings, but they were nowhere to be found in this latest visit to Buckshaw. Perhaps growing up got a bit awkward for our Flavia? Which, truthfully, is accurate. But she seems to have embraced her increasing maturity while maintaining her innate Flavia-ness, and it is pure delight. Alan's writing style - I had forgotten just how much I love the way Mr Bradley turns a phrase. His writing is clever and his wit is sharp. These translate so well into Flavia's various observations and quips. Enough plot twists to give you whiplash - I mean this as the highest compliment. There were some revelations in this book that nearly knocked me right out of my bed. Putting the book down to go to sleep was a challenge because I was so invested and so astonished. There was a particular boom lowered that made me wonder just how long Alan Bradley had this book percolating in his mind. Sheer brilliance.
What I didn't care for: I can't think of a single thing - This book was perfection. Please, God, let there be more.
This book did not disappoint or fall short of my expectations, which were through the roof. It is my favorite book in this series (at least so far, and I believe there are still more coming!) and that is saying a lot, because this is a favorite series as a whole. I cannot wait to see what Mr Bradley has in store next for my precocious friend!...more
Rated 4.25 stars on platforms that acknowledge nuance.
Every time I read a book in this series, I am reminded what a feel-good series this is. As sweetRated 4.25 stars on platforms that acknowledge nuance.
Every time I read a book in this series, I am reminded what a feel-good series this is. As sweet and charming as Dove Pond is, so are the people who inhabit this quirky little town. This series knows what it is and it delivers on that promise each time.
What I liked about The Last Chance Motel: Evan - Here's the thing. I think maybe we're supposed to not like him so much. Regardless, I liked him right for go with his expensive car, his slick suit, and his plan of action. Be prepared for the magic - Somewhere in all these books is that dose of Dove Pond's special brand of magic. Once you're familiar with the M.O., you know what to watch for. I suspected it very early on and was reminded why I recognized it in a seamless fashion. Ms Hawkins is easy to read - Not dumbed down, but gentle on the intellect, which is welcome when most of one's reading is taking place right before bedtime these days.
What I didn't care for: I'm not sure about the length of this one - I just got to know Evan and Jessica. While the plot was tied up nice and tidy, I felt a bit gypped. I don't think this needed to have the plot further dragged out but I wanted more of their story. Perhaps, being a novella, we'll get more of them tangentially in later full-length novels? This is a struggle I have with novellas when I like the characters.
If you're looking for a lighthearted, gentle read, with a bit of romance, a bit of magic, smalltown atmosphere, and some humor sprinkled in, this is a series that would check all those boxes. I'm picky about magic in my reading, but make it magical realism and set it in a small community, and it appears I am your target audience....more
Sometimes, when I am drawn to a book by its cover and title, I am rewarded with an absolute gem. With this one, I did also read the blurb, and it reinSometimes, when I am drawn to a book by its cover and title, I am rewarded with an absolute gem. With this one, I did also read the blurb, and it reinforced my decision to add to my TBR. However, the follow-through didn't exactly rise to the occasion.
What I liked about The Book Club on Waverly Lane: I was able to finish it? - Really, I just wanted to know what all the secrets were. But that kept me from DNF-ing it, right? So we'll allow a star (although I did seriously toy with a .50 or .75). The setting - Ok, I did happen to love the setting. I want more Charleston.
What I didn't care for: Juvenile writing voice - Honestly, I just kept feeling like I was reading the work of... not an adult. This wasn't merely the content, but also the word choices and sentence structure. The flow often felt stilted. And I swear if one more euphemism was made within quotation marks, I was going to be forced to scream. (Want an example? The narrator referring to herself as "well endowed" actually in quotes within the context of the scene.) One-dimensional characters - Truly, not only did I not particularly like any of them, but they read so flat for me that they might as well have been paper dolls. I will acknowledge that Ms Hanna did seem to be trying to give them some individuality but they just never developed into people I wanted to know. I would say they were caricature-like, but I am afraid to say that caricatures have more depth than I found here. So very much unrealized plot potential - This may have been the biggest disappointment for me. A book club comprised of women all harboring secrets who begin to bond? That pleads to be a fabulous story of friendship and laughter and twisty turns as secrets are revealed one by one, all around the central setting of books and a book club. We... did not get there. I'm saddened. I wanted this to be so much more! All the pieces were right there! More predictable than the sun moving from east to west across the sky - I literally predicted the outcome of each of these characters from the first time I met them, with the lone exception of Joan. That I actually didn't see coming, but then when it was hinted at, I knew precisely how it would play out as well.
What left me conflicted: Leaving this review - I hate feeling mean, but I have to be truthful. If you are looking for something mindless and that will require only enough brain cells as are necessary to comprehend the words on the page, this book will do the job. I wanted more, and didn't get it.
This was my first experience with this author and also likely my last. Her particular style, which must work for some readers, based on the ratings, just isn't for me. I even wondered if this was an early work in Ms Hanna's oeuvre, but, alas, it was a fairly recent publication in a rather extensive collection, so any hope that the writing voice would mature into something a little more polished (by my own personal standards, obviously) was dashed at that point. It's ok, though. Plenty of other books in the world to try out. Not all of them will be meant for me....more
I am somewhat surprised how many reviews I've read on this book that mentioned the book feeling slow and boring. I will grant that the murder came latI am somewhat surprised how many reviews I've read on this book that mentioned the book feeling slow and boring. I will grant that the murder came late and resolved rather quickly as a result, but I didn't find this installment to drag at all!
What I liked about Chocolate Cream Pie Murder: Unexpectedly chilling and sinister - Mysteries with Hannah tend to be very "Hallmark Channel," cheesy and light (relatively) and unrealistic. This isn't a criticism; by book 24 (plus some novellas), expectations for this series are on par. Suffice to say that expectations were somewhat turned on their heads for this one! While it was still very much Hannah-like, there was a bit more creepiness to this one than I ever recall experiencing in this series to this point! Hannah's thoughts and reactions - Hannah is so often super sweet (except for when she's getting all judgy on someone's grammar) that I found her responses to the events in Chocolate Cream Pie Murder refreshingly believable. I also noticed some subtle hints within her internal monologue that pleased me. The case and the outcome - Given that it involves murder, I feel a little badly to have enjoyed this part of it as much as I did.
What I didn't care for: The cliffhanger - I don't mind that there *was* a cliffhanger, but I wish they hadn't been as obvious about the subject matter throughout most of the book. I feel like it took some of the "jolt" away, which is typically my favorite part of encountering a cliffhanger in a series installment.
I suppose that, in closing, I will just try to counterbalance the reviews that declared this book a dud by saying to not be deterred, read the book, and decide for yourself. I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit, though it did leave me with a few questions (not related to the cliffhanger) that I hope will be answered at some point. As for the cliffhanger I am dying to know the outcome, though I have my suspicions how it will play out. I won't have a long wait to find out as the next book is already in my possession!...more
4.75 stars on platforms that allow for more nuance.
Ever since reading Ms Page's book The Lido, I have been wanting to try another of her books to see 4.75 stars on platforms that allow for more nuance.
Ever since reading Ms Page's book The Lido, I have been wanting to try another of her books to see if it would measure up. I wasn't able to find this particular book anywhere in my local library system (a rare occurence!) but based on how much I loved my first venture into her books, I went ahead of found a secondhand copy.
What I liked about The 24-Hour Cafe: Characters you can fall in love with - This appears to be a great strength for this author because this was one of the aspects that I particularly enjoyed in the other book of hers that I read. Her characters have depth, are lovable even though flawed, feel incredibly real, and almost immediately feel familiar to me. The perfectly chosen setting - Upon completion, I cannot think of a single better setting to be the vehicle of this story. Positively brilliant format for telling this story -The fact that the span of the majority of this book took place over a single 24-hour period, and yet didn't: I am still shaking my head in pleasant disbelief at how Ms Page executed this in such a unique fashion. Furthemore, it never lagged or failed to push the plot forward or got lost in the weeds. I am simply impressed by how it came together and I cannot imagine her using any other format. A testament to friendship - What captured me in The Lido was how effectively Libby depicted the importance of community. The 24-Hour Cafe was an ode to friendship: its birth, how it is its own kind of love story in our lives, the ways in which we can take it for granted, the question of its survival when it is pitted against our lifelong dreams. The background of the main story - I mentioned both the characters and the setting, but this feels separate to both of those, even as it overlaps both of those things. In the background of this single day within the confines of the cafe, as one might expect, there was a steady stream of characters the reader meets briefly. I have no idea how she pulled this off, but for the snippet-encounters we get with the patrons of Stella's, these peripheral characters are perfectly fleshed out with entire mini-plots that fit in with the book's personality and made sense within the context of the plot in a way I don't know how to adequately explain, other than to say they somehow belonged. An epilogue that was precisely what I needed it to be - I don't want to spoil anything about it, so I will simply say that this was the ending I didn't know I needed and it was so satisfying.
What I didn't care for: I can't think of anything - I sat here contemplating and truly cannot think of anything I would change.
Worth noting: Possible dealbreaker - There are only the vaguest of bedroom references, but there are several instances of curse words being used. Not a ton, but there all the same.
It's really hard when you fall in love with the first book you read by an author, because everything you read after that will be measured by the bar that has been set. The only thing that gave The Lido a slight edge was that I loved the sense of community that was its own character, it was such a strong component of the story told. Having read and loved two books now by Libby Page, I have already added more of her work to my TBR, and I won't hesitate to purchase them if I have to....more
I rated this 4.75 stars on a platform that allows for more nuance.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I only read "Hopped Along" by Barbara Ross from the Maine Clambake I rated this 4.75 stars on a platform that allows for more nuance.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I only read "Hopped Along" by Barbara Ross from the Maine Clambake Mystery Series. The rating is for that novella only.
The Maine Clambake Mysteries are one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I will gobble up every installment, regardless of length. I picked this up, knowing I would not be disappointed. Keep in mind that if you've never read any of this series before, you're coming in pretty late by starting here and there are some major series spoilers as far as the ongoing, non-mystery-related story arcs.
If you've read any of my other reviews for the Maine Clambake books, I adore the characters, the setting is fabulous, the writing is on point, the pace and quality are are a constant throughout the series -- all of which holds true for this one as well. So let's talk about the specifics of this particular installment.
What I liked about Hopped Along: The premise of the mystery - First of all, the Easter theming of this case was brilliant. The holiday angle was subtle and felt relevant without being overly contrived. The case was also unique and engaging. I was kept guessing right up to the end. Barbara's mastery of a novella format - I've mentioned this in other reviews, but Ms Ross excels at novellas, which are not a foregone conclusion at being a success. Not only did she work in all the necessary details for a complete mystery in about a third the usual length, but it was quite satisfying as well. It also fit in seamlessly with the overall development of the series as a whole.
What I didn't care for: As usual for this series, not a thing.
There is a reason this series is one of the few I reach for as soon as a new book comes out. There is also a reason I didn't this time, as it's the penultimate book for the series and I am prolonging the inevitable. I can't believe I am almost finished with the Snowden clan and their friends. ...more
I wondered at the logic of committing myself to a trilogy that was considerably outside my reading comfort zone. Certainly, there are benefits to streI wondered at the logic of committing myself to a trilogy that was considerably outside my reading comfort zone. Certainly, there are benefits to stretching oneself. And I do enjoy me some C.S. Lewis. Nonetheless, I was hesitant since it was more than a singular book, intrigued because "Lewis for adults??", and finally, The Lutheran Ladies Lounge (podcast) had selected it for the summer book club read, and I really wanted to participate.
What I liked about That Hideous Strength: The "surprises" that came with the explanation of some of the characters - I don't really want to divulge much here -- it feels too spoiler-ish, and there were too few enjoyable revelations in this book for me to ruin even one -- but I was tickled when I realized the significance of some of the characters. The manor - I was fascinated by the tidbits we learned of St Anne's. It seemed to want to have a personality of its own. I wished it would have been given as much "voice" as Belbury and Bracton.
What I didn't care for: Save The Director, I felt like I couldn't root for anyone - What a group of overall individuals that gave me the ick. I am being somewhat overdramatic, because I did like the Dimbles and the Dennistons, as well. However, the remainder of the cast ran the gamut from whiny and annoying to weak and obsequious to downright creeptastic. Too scattered, too many incomplete paths - It almost felt as if Lewis had more thoughts and ideas than he could fit into the confines of this book, and as he jumped from one idea to the next, they didn't feel connected and most of them ended up incomplete (I'll get to that in more specifics down in the spoiler section below). Also, some of his ideas felt like they came entirely out of left field. While the first two books felt imaginative, this one grappled with staying on its own track. Or any track. Genres - There are genres I struggle to get into. This singular book managed to wrap four of them into one: dystopian, science fiction, politics, and satire. I was able to handle the science fiction in books one and two, because they dripped with theology to mine and imaginative fantasy. I was desperate to find some purchase anywhere to ground myself and just failed. I was ok with stretching myself, but this book couldn't give me a single point on which to land that was comfortable. Tone - The first words that come to mind are: dark, weird, disturbing. And while there was tension in the first two books, there was always an undercurrent of hope as well. This had at most a glimmer of hope, and not nearly enough to offset the heaviness that the rest of the book presented. I felt disconnected from two of the three settings - For all the wonder of St Anne's, Bracton bored me to tears and Belbury, while it freaked me the heck out, felt cold and clinical and fake. I don't know if it was a defense mechanism or what, but I remained unable to form any sort of relationship with either location until the very end when Belbury outright repulsed me. Mr Bultitude - What. The. Heck. Dense reading - I will say that the whole first two-thirds of the book dragged for me, with all the talking and explaining and details and posturing that threatened to melt my brain. I expected to read at a slower than typical pace for myself, which I encountered in Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra, but this was a slog. It was dense and parts of it were complicated to follow. And when you're already outside your comfort zone, this is the opposite of ideal. I did not get the ending - I don't know if I had completely checked out at that point or if it was just always going to be over my head, but while I understood what was taking place, I never grasped what the point of it was. The battle between light and dark was evident. The resulting message was so muddled that I just wanted it to be over.
If this is a book you anticipate reading and spoilers are a thing you would prefer to avoid, you're going to want to skip this next section and move right along to the final paragraph. Consider yourself duly warned. I accept zero responsibility if you end up reading and regretting. Ok, potential spoilers beyond this point! MacPhee - I did not appreciate that there was no explanation given for why MacPhee was not allowed to go with the parties that left on missions. The way The Director spoke, it seemed like MacPhee needed to serve some larger purpose for which his safety must be prioritized. In the end, I still don't know what purpose he served at all. Camilla - The Director at one point made some sort of allusion that Camilla must be protected due to the fact that she seemed connected with the Logres not dying out. It made me think she was with child but then no other reference to the subject was ever made.
Ultimately, I liked the first book, the second was my favorite, and this one... just missed the mark completely for me. Would I have finished That Hideous Strength, were it not for the book club participation and the fact that it was the conclusion of a trilogy for which I was compelled to know the final resolution? Doubtful. But I am glad to have read the other two books and to have experienced some Lewis outside of those with which I am already familiar....more
Note: This is a 4.5 star-rating for me on other platforms that allow for such.
I've made it through Book Two of the Lewis's Space Trilogy and...whoa. TNote: This is a 4.5 star-rating for me on other platforms that allow for such.
I've made it through Book Two of the Lewis's Space Trilogy and...whoa. This was a lot -- mostly in a good way, but still a lot. When I finish these books, I feel like my brain is tired. The kind of tired you get after physical exertion.
What I liked about Perelandra: Ransom - If he was tedious to me in Out of the Silent Planet, he completely won me over in this book. There was a quiet maturity about him that indicated to me that he must have grown following his trip to Malacandra. Where Lewis was going with this story - I mean, he practically hits you over the head with it so obviously, that I almost want to assert that anyone who has even vaguely become acquainted with the Fall in the Garden of Eden would see that this is a sort of retelling of it. The directions he took it left me temporarily stunned, followed by some deep pondering. I mean, Lewis isn't afraid to make some bold statements and allusions to Eve, to Eden/Paradise, to Christ's sacrifice. This book is ripe with types, from the blatantly obvious to the more subtle references meant for those with a more intimate relationship with the Scriptures (for example: the heel). There was some intensity - In the first book, the tension seemed to present fairly early and had spent itself before reaching even the midway point, after which it never could quite match itself later; this felt slightly off balance for me. This time, there were some pivotal scenes in the latter half of the book that kept me engaged. If the first half was about wonder and setting the scene, the second was a slap about the head, plunging into some theology and some plot-driven action.
What I didn't care for: The set-up of the book - This is minor but still doesn't sit right with me, even upon conclusion. You start the story before the main events take place, then skip over the events to the aftermath, during the which the main event is related to you in retrospect, so when the book ends, you're at the end of the middle, and I finished feeling like I needed something just a little bit more...ending-like? I don't know how best to explain this except that I don't feel like, even though the complete story was told, I got the satisfaction of a proper ending.
What left me conflicted: Weston - Without saying too much in avoidance of spoilers, I have to say that if I found him a turnoff in the first book, he downright creeped me out in this one. He was a worthy villain, so this leaves me at odds. Lewis made me successfully fear Weston's presence, which is precisely what should have happened, but even just musing on him now, Weston makes my skin crawl. Perelandra - Lewis sets a phenomenal scene. He takes his reader on a very specific journey through descriptive writing. The problem for me was that at least half of it, despite his skill, I couldn't actually conjure up the mental images he was laying out for me. So while I appreciated the depth and breadth of his imagination, I frequently found myself struggling to keep up. As a reader who pictures what the pages dictate (for better or for worse), this posed a challenge for me that I couldn't even seem to remedy by rereading descriptive passages.
While this was still a slower read for me, compared to my usual minutes-per-page, this one moved along at a better pace than Out of the Silent Planet, especially during the final third of the book when the plot climax had intensified to max capacity. I was torn between wading through the dense mental imagery and needing to see how the plot progressed. I took that as something of a win, though, because I stayed completely engaged in this book, far beyond when I felt connected to the last one -- a big deal for me, since this is decidedly out of my usual reading comfort zone. I am curious, now, how Lewis will wrap this all up in the final book....more
I'm at a loss. I don't really know how to form the thoughts I want to gather into a review of this book. This is, without a doubt, out of my genre wheI'm at a loss. I don't really know how to form the thoughts I want to gather into a review of this book. This is, without a doubt, out of my genre wheelhouse. I might dabble in fantasy, but science fiction is something I staunchly classify as "not my thing." However, when The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge summer book club read is the third book in a trilogy, and they tell you that you can read that book without reading the other two books but that you'll feel like you have context if you do read the preceding two books, well... when you're me, you get started reading the trilogy in order, and here we are.
What I liked about Out of the Silent Planet: What C.S. Lewis does best - If you're at all familiar with the works of Lewis, you know that his imagination is multifaceted. I don't know how he managed to construct these worlds and their subsequent citizens in any of his works, but he certainly puts together realms beyond anything I could have conjured into literary existence, even at my most childishly imaginative state. There is no detail he seems to leave unexposed to his readers. When the plot got down to business - From the point that Ransom drops his presuppositions and actually gives this strange world a chance to reveal itself, the story launches forward. Suddenly, instead of being immersed in the narrator's terror, which almost feels contagious -- at times, I felt like I was reading with some form of mirrored anxiety -- we get treated to a sense of wonder and curiosity. I found this particularly enjoyable, because if we're going to be in an otherworldly setting, I want to explore and learn the place we'll be hanging out for the duration of the book. Lewis's statements on human nature - Though rarely is it flattering, there is some direct commentary on our broken humanity. Not just the bolder characteristics of greed, betrayal, and open disregard for others (be they fellow humans or something else all together, species or locale), he shows us for the ugly creatures we really are, more than we'd often care to admit. We are brash and loud and arrogant. We seek to serve ourselves at any cost, though we prefer that bill come due to others more than ourselves. And we are unashamedly quick to presuming the worst; our perceptions and our presumptions are as broken as we are, and often cause unnecessary damage before we can even establish what's real rather than projection. (Wow, I am liking the p-words here, huh?) Bottom line, we see what we don't know, and instead of seeking to understand, we go on the defensive, usually to our own loss.
What I didn't care for: Not descriptive in a way that worked with my mind's eye - I'm uncertain how to give this voice. I am prone to picturing what I read and hear. This is both blessing and curse, as you might imagine. But I found that, unlike when we venture into Narnia, I just couldn't get there with many of the details of Malacandra. It was (forgive the pun) alien to the way my brain works, perhaps, already being out of my depth with science fiction. He had put so much energy into this place and its inhabitants that I felt badly that I could not seem to be a "visual" participant, as it were. I very much wished to, but it was all just a little too... out of reach for me.
What left me conflicted: Where do I stand with the characters? - I'm not sure that I actually liked any of the human characters in this book. Ransom certainly wasn't as loathsome as his kidnappers, but even he felt a bit tedious a companion as I trundled along through the pages. I will say that I did quite enjoy the inhabitants of Malacandra. They formed a fascinating society and discovering them through the eyes of Ransom felt relatable (as much as lifeforms on another planet can feel as such). Pacing was a funny thing - This isn't a long book. (My edition was 160 pages.) But my reading tracker app told me my pages/hour were about half my typical speed. I know part of it was having to read words in the native language of the planet, which proved awkward for me (I would have liked some kind of pronunciation key), while simultaneously attempting to picture these scenes, and desperately trying to snag all the theology Lewis so subtly and blatantly sprinkles into his storytelling, should the reader choose to dive into that layer of his books. This was compounded by the fact that the first third of the book was just too "space travel-y" for me, causing it to drag a bit. I appreciate his attention to detail but even with such a short book, it occasionally felt heavy-handed to me.
I can't seem to wrap my mind's eye around the trip on which C.S. Lewis just escorted me. I am curious to see how the remaining two books play out, though I am unable to discern if I would continue down this road without the nudge of the book club discussion as motivation. Science fiction is still not something that reels me in very well. Lewis is, without a doubt, an interesting writer, especially when you reflect on the fact that he first released this in 1938, a good twenty-plus years before humans first succeeded at "slipping the surly bonds of earth" into cosmic realms. Am I looking forward to the second book? I'm not sure that's an accurate descriptor, but I will read it so that I can gain context for the final installment, which is the book club selection that started this entire venture....more
Oh, I wanted to like this book so much. I really did. The description reeled me in and for a while at the beginning, I got The Midnight Library vibes,Oh, I wanted to like this book so much. I really did. The description reeled me in and for a while at the beginning, I got The Midnight Library vibes, which was not a bad thing. But the deeper into the book I got, the more it wasn't like that at all. We'll talk about all that below.
What I liked about In Five Years: The setting details - There wasn't really a lot of "broad landscape" sort of settings going on. It was more intimate than that. You were immersed in the restaurant or the apartment or what have you. And that was all extremely well laid out. I always felt like I was in the room. Ms Serle's writing style - Let me be clear that while the content left me feeling cold, the writing itself was very engaging. The book did not drag. I think that's part of what disappointed me the most: I felt like her writing was right up my alley...just not so much the content. I was curious - Even though I had multiple issues with the story being told, I remained curious how we'd get the story to "meet itself" by the end. (You'll get what I mean if you read the book.) The premise of the book felt very promising, even if it didn't ultimately appeal to me personally.
What I didn't care for: Would it kill the author to give me just one character I could like - This is probably not fair. I am sure some people who read this book will not find themselves disliking everyone. I was not that reader. I couldn't get beyond feeling like Bella emotionally manipulated Dannie, the way Dannie and David were with each other, the late scenes between Dannie and Aaron, and on and on. I didn't need there to be a character without flaws, just one whose flaws...oh, I don't know... seemed redeemable? didn't make me grit my teeth?
What left me conflicted: Holy moly depressing - Listen, I understand some people love this in a book. And I know that we need some kind of valley, some turmoil, conflict, heartache, something upon which the plot can hinge. But wow. I felt like there was just nothing uplifting to balance it out. There was just pain everywhere. And while I think it tried to end on a hopeful note, I just could not get there with the author. She had dragged me down too low for the final scenes to lift me back out of it.
Worth noting: Some possible deal-breakers - There is some language in the book, but minimal. However, there were a couple of bedroom scenes, one of which felt a lot more descriptive than it needed to be. If you're not familiar with my book reviews, let's say I will tolerate language/bedroom scenes if they feel organic to the story being told and not just gratuitous. In this case, the language fit the scenes, but the detail of the bedroom scenes, one in particular, just felt like it was there for its own sake, and that's an automatic star deduction for me. It feels lazy when it's unnecessary, like websites that post click bait on social media.
We're back where we started: a book I wanted to like that just tripped over itself instead. Enough of the bare bones leaves me in a position to try something else by Rebecca Serle. I would have needed very little for this to have been a 3.5-4 star book, but too much of it left me wrinkling my nose or feeling uncomfortable in ways that were left without any sort of rebound; to be clear, I'm ok with sitting in an uncomfortable space that doesn't get resolved, but there can't be a multitude of them, and here there were. I would make a point to see if this is a one-off for this author or if it's just a hallmark of her storytelling pattern before completely writing her off as not for me....more
One of my favorite podcasts/FB groups, The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge, does a seasonal book club read. Timing hasn't been right for me to jump in on one One of my favorite podcasts/FB groups, The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge, does a seasonal book club read. Timing hasn't been right for me to jump in on one before, but it was this time, and I am so glad that was so! What a fun and delightful book.
What I liked about The Princess and the Goblin: The characters were classical fairy tale - There is definite good and evil going on here. Even when the characters on the side of good are struggling, you can still see their core integrity and values. Irene was a sweet fairytale princess, but she also had a true sense of honor and duty, and Curdie was thoughtful and valiant. Reminiscent of other well-loved children's classics - Not necessarily in content (although the fantasy elements are present, make no mistake), but in style and tone. I got some definite C.S. Lewis/Narnia vibes, especially in the way that George MacDonald, acting as narrator of his own book, would address the reader directly with his own thoughts, feelings, and details. For whatever reason, this charms me, possibly because it feels so familiar? Thoroughly engaging story - I don't know what I was expecting, maybe I had no expectations at all? I never even read the book's description, just went off what Rachel (the book club host) shared in the podcast, but I was sucked right into this tale. There were several quality moments of tension scattered throughout, each of their own nature. However, being a children's book, they weren't so much scary as they were a heightened degree of engagement. I needed to know how they would play out and the pages just turned themselves.
What I didn't care for: It felt like the importance of the setting was not quite properly fleshed out - So many details revolved around the setting. You have the mountain and the mines and the house (or was it a castle? see? I really feel like this should have been more clear to me). And while they were given some decent description, I wanted more. I felt like I needed context and proximity. I needed a map, even just a rudimentary sketch. I wanted to get a feel for their specific significance and I just couldn't seem to.
What left me conflicted: Lootie the nurse - I could never get a sense of whether she was as condescending and fickle as she appeared, or if this was just a child's perception of an adult, especially since the narrator wasn't Irene, but the author (who is obviously not a child himself). I do know that I wanted to give Lootie a lot of side eye, though. Did she truly care for Irene or was she simply fearful of the King and getting in trouble? Because she certainly comes across as fear-driven and not all that nice to the Princess. For instance, there were scenes where Lootie was searching for Irene, but it never seemed as though she were distressed for the Princess's wellbeing so much as with having to face the King if Irene couldn't be located. I felt like I was missing key elements of the plot - While it is evident why the goblins were so angry and what the purpose of their plan was, there is the whole angle of the great-great-great grandmother and what she means and why she's there and...how she works? Clearly the King is not surprised by her presence. I can't say more without giving anything away, but I am fascinated by this particular character and I had hoped more explanation would be provided than we were ultimately given.
Overall, I found myself pleasantly surprised by this story (and author) I had never even heard of prior to this book club selection. I was moderately taken aback that not all was revealed by the conclusion of this book and I will need now to read the second book as well, hoping I get the rest of the answers I was hoping to find. I am not at all disappointed by this turn of events, though, and have already added The Princess and Curdie to my TBR list (and I might have glanced at that description, and as such, am hopeful my remaining questions and curiosities will be satisfied). Additionally, I am curious to see what book club questions are posed and what insights I might also gain from them....more
I had previously read the first full-length book in this series -- The Book Charmer -- before realizing it was part of a series. Having found it totalI had previously read the first full-length book in this series -- The Book Charmer -- before realizing it was part of a series. Having found it totally endearing, I had to go back and read the prequel novella. Truthfully, I think I got more out of this having already become acquainted with Dove Pond and the Dove sisters. There are no spoilers (that I can recall), so you could really read these two in either order.
What I liked about Love in the Afternoon: One character stole the show - While Sofia and Jake were central to the story, and Noah provided a thoughtful component to the plot, it was Doyle who walked away the winner. He was laugh-out-loud funny. I learned something about my reading preferences - I tend to be a little skeptical of ghosts in non-fantasy plots/settings, but apparently, when we openly acknowledge that we're mixing fantasy and reality (or magical realism, if you will), I am ok with it. In other words, don't plop down some fantasy element in an otherwise normal reality and expect me to roll with it. Give everything a touch of magic, and I'm in. Making me laugh is the key to getting me to like a romantic plot - I am a little iffy on romance. Most of it is just too cheesy for me. I need a little substance, a bit more depth for the plot, and then you can mix in an element of romance. If you can make me laugh though? You have me.
What I didn't care for: Predictable - I mean, fine, we know what's going to happen, but "single mom, kid is the meet-cute, both parties were with terrible partners previously"...? I feel like I've seen this all before. Maybe this was necessary with only 125 pages, since the reader doesn't really get a chance to watch the characters full-on develop, so you have to give them something that already feels familiar in order to get to the point of the plot. It still felt common to me. Hints that didn't seem to fully emerge - There were a couple elements that hinted to the specialness of Dove Pond and those who live there but we didn't get to fully explore them. Or at least explore them enough to know that you'd dive into them headfirst when you pick up The Book Charmer. Because I was already familiar with the quirks of Dove Pond, I was able to pick out some curiosities, but if this is your introduction to the series, I can see the next book maybe rocking you back on your heels a bit. The title - I...still don't get it, even in retrospect. I don't like when I can't figure out why a book has a specific title. I am dense? Did I somehow miss the relevance? I don't like those explanations either. I guess this means I am judging this book by its title. ::shrug::
A sweet, fun little read, with a mix of romance and magical realism, a bit of life lesson, and a healthy dose of humor. Karen Hawkins has an easy writing style, so the pages fly by. As a teaser to the series, it works to kind of set the stage for what's to come, although speaking from experience, you won't really get a feel for what Dove Pond holds in store until you read Book One....more
You know that feeling you get when the latest installment of a beloved series releases? That's how I always feel about this series. Kate Carlisle has You know that feeling you get when the latest installment of a beloved series releases? That's how I always feel about this series. Kate Carlisle has a knack for moving along the character and overarching plot development at such a realistic pace that it's easy to forget these people are fictional at times. I so enjoy hanging out with Brooklyn and Derek.
What I liked about The Twelve Books of Christmas: I love when they travel - This series does an excellent job with varying the location. I truly appreciate that. And each location feels natural, which I also appreciate. I am especially partial to visiting Scotland and I am happy that Ms Carlisle found a way to bring us back there. Creepy culprit - I mean bonechilling. That's not something I encounter in cozy series that often. There are times the culprits take on a more silly nuance but this one was not that at all. Substituting sinister for silly was an unxpected twist! Christmas! - This isn't over the top seasonal, but more a backdrop, with some Christmas woven into places that felt right. It was a treat to get a holiday-themed book in this series after so long.
What I didn't care for: The murder mystery - Without spoilers, I am relegated to simply saying it was just weird and uncomfortable.
What left me conflicted: I was really split on the cast - While I always love our regular cast, I found myself on both sides of the fence with the rest of the characters. Some of the characters, I just wasn't sure what purpose they served. Others were caricature-like. There were a couple I enjoyed. It felt like there were a lot of characters in general, and I didn't feel connected to most of the ones I didn't really know. The mysteries - Yes, multiple. And while it felt as if they should be related, it turns out maybe not so much? At least it sure didn't feel that way. It made the plot feel disjointed at times, occasionally messing with the pacing. It certainly lept me guessing, but also I couldn't have figured them out if I tried, not because I was fooled by red herrings, but because I couldn't keep solid track of what was going on and how it worked together.
I won't say this was one of my favorites in this series, but it was solid. I loved the setting and the Christmas atmosphere. It was the case itself that felt off to me a bit, but that's ok. It was still a pleasure to see what my friends were up to and to take a little trip across the ocean....more
Just a novella from the Belle Meade Plantation series, so a quick read, but it does tie up a story that was flirted with in To Win Her Favor, which waJust a novella from the Belle Meade Plantation series, so a quick read, but it does tie up a story that was flirted with in To Win Her Favor, which was a fun direction to go. This is historical Christian fiction, so due to its length, be prepared for it to dive right into the Christian messages Ms Alexander wants to convey with this story.
What I liked about To Mend a Dream: The characters - I really found Savannah and Aidan to be likable and endearing. They were predictable in some ways, which is to be expected when you have only roughly a third of the pages to flesh them out. (Granted, we had more time with Savannah, given her appearance in the previous book, but even that was brief). I liked the premise of how Aidan came to be at Darby Farm - Of all the ways he could have come to acquire this property, I found this one to feel sincere and moving. Probably a little too perfect, but sometimes a little too perfect is just the kind of easy read I need in the moment.
What I didn't care for: That it was a novella - I know that Ms Alexander writes in trilogies and even this novella was more than she typically gives us, and I wouldn't have wanted her to not tell one of the other stories in exchange for this one, but I also felt like this one could have developed into a full length novel very easily, which would have fixed some of the overly rapid plot development. Mostly, I am just greedy and wanted the full experience.
All in all, I was glad for the resolution to Savannah's story, short and sweet though it was. It was a sweet final farewell to this trilogy (and a bonus!). Worth noting that I read this one out of order, but unlike the other installments of her trilogies, this one didn't have any connection that I could recall with the final book To Wager Her Heart so no danger of spoilers or being confused. I'll be ready to move on to the next series Tamera has going, which actually has me very close to current on all her works....more
Rated 3.5 stars on other platforms more capable of nuance.
I seldom fall prey to trends, but when I first heard the chatter of this book, I felt oddly Rated 3.5 stars on other platforms more capable of nuance.
I seldom fall prey to trends, but when I first heard the chatter of this book, I felt oddly compelled to add to to my TBR. Later, two friends separately insisted I must read it, so I moved it up on my list, then up again; another tagged it as one she wished to buddy read with me. And so it is that I found this popular book in my hands less than three years after its release, unprepared for what I would find within.
What I liked about The Measure: Ben, Amie, and Javier - Without disclosing too much by saying why, these were the characters whose stories I enjoyed the most. The epilogue - So much of what bothered me about this book was finally spent by the time we reached these final scenes. The emotions that rippled through these last pages were bright with hope that seemed to be missing from most of the rest of the story, and this made it a satisfying conclusion. This was actually my favorite part of the entire book, and not just because it meant I could be done with it. The message - The bigger tragedy is the life we don't live due to fear; therein lies the gravest loss. Far better to leave it in God's hands to sort out the timing of my days, and to simply live for Him and to love those He gives me while I am here. My impact on those I love is my earthly legacy and that's enough for me. Yes, this book ultimately made me even more grateful for my faith and the profound hope it provides for me.
What I didn't care for: The politics - I get that politics would be a valid plot influence. Heck, look at how it manifests in so much of our lives even when we are without such extraordinary circumstances. But I could have done with exactly zero of the Anthony sections which felt intentionally divisive, and in modern climate, I have no stomach for such things. I feel as if the political aspects could have been handled solely through Jack's and maybe Javier's stories. Or perhaps I could have tolerated it better if Wes had also been given a voice. The bleakness - I don't do well without hope and it took an interminably long time to reach a point where there felt like there was any at all. Man, the tone was dark and heavy. I don't know if it was my current frame of mind that wasn't keen on handling it (I had some personal "stuff" going on during the time I picked up this book), or if it never would have sat quite right for me. The intersections felt contrived - While the support group felt like an organic way for strangers to cross paths, the rest of the characters didn't feel as though they would naturally intersect. While I understand that the author created the characters to reside within the plot and used the plot as a device to bring them into one another's orbit, so many of the circumstances for these intersections I found myself unable to suspend disbelief. One chance crossing of paths would have felt comprehensible but there were just too high a number for me.
What left me conflicted: It was thought-provoking - On the one hand, I applaud a book that generates discussion and elicits deep internal consideration. On the other, the subject matter is one that reinforces for me that some knowledge belongs to only God, and the natural length of my life is one of those things. I am sure that there are some individuals who could live unaffected by the knowledge, but I am fine with it remaining an unknown. Let me hope for a long life and live like its end could come unannounced like a thief in the night. Knowing would not change for the better how I lived my life. Carousel of the narrators - I did appreciate having the story told from multiple perspectives. This was far too complex a subject to have allowed being told from a limited scope of a single character, or even two. However, I do feel as if there were a few more than necessary to truly get to know any of them deeply. I've already made my feelings known on one of them that I could have done without entirely. In addition to him, there were others with whom I formed no bond, and those whose narrations actually made me feel anxious to read.
Worth noting: Language - This is a sticking point for me. I do not care for coarse language, especially for its own sake. Sure, sure, that's "how people people talk" but it's not how I choose to talk and it's not something I particularly enjoy, especially when it serves no particular purpose and comes off as gratuitous.
If this is a book you anticipate reading and spoilers are a thing you would prefer to avoid, you're going to want to skip this next section and move right along to the final paragraph. Consider yourself duly warned. I accept zero responsibility if you end up reading and regretting. Ok, potential spoilers beyond this point! (view spoiler)[I was struck by the irony that Ben knew when his string would run out. He received a diagnosis that he connected to his certain demise, and yet that wasn't what resulted in his life ending, at least not directly. Had Amie opened her box, she wouldn't have known the love she had with her husband and children, because she had a difficult enough time moving past knowing that he had received a short string. Ultimately, even the knowledge they possessed about his string didn't bear out the way they anticipated. Amie's not knowing freed her to throw herself into living out a life brimming with love and joy. (hide spoiler)]
I tore through the second half of The Measure mainly to be done with it. This wasn't a bad book, generally speaking, but it was wicked uncomfortable for me to read, and I won't ever pick it up a second time. Final thought: In case it wasn't evident, I would be among those who elected not to open my box....more
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