Before WordPress crashed, I had a significant post written about my bookishophile persona and its birth. I will rewrite it later, but until then, in summary: for only my book reviews, follow me over here. Your support is appreciated!
P.S. Thanks a lot for sucking out, WP.
*This review may contain spoilers pertaining to some content found in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, though it is minimal spoilage*
I am thus far finding Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the graphic novel, intriguing. It is different than other novels, of the graphic variety, that I have followed because it contains more than one story within its pages. I am one of the lucky NetGalley members who was approved to read this book pre-publication, and therefore, it was a free / no cost to me read. However, if I were to have purchased this, the multitude of stories has a more bang for the buck feel to it.
I think that the text is appropriate for most ages; profanity is implied with symbols @$! However, I would not give this to a small child but mid – late teens would be an appropriate audience, I think. (Keep in mind, I don’t have my own children. So, for all I know, I just became the bad aunt for giving someone’s kid a book they shouldn’t be reading). Some of the images are graphic (heeyyyooooo). For example, in the second story, the main character, Phineas Gage, gets a railroad spike through the left side his brain and face due to an explosion gone awry. Though the image is not what I would consider gory, it may still be disturbing to a young audience.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the use of color. In particular, I think that the illustrator did a wonderful job giving each story its own color scheme.
Overall, I most enjoyed the tidbits of history I learned from reading this entertaining piece of work, most of which I was entirely unaware. I rate this one a 3.5 – 4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not was colorful, interesting, and enlightening.
Not a solid 2 from me, more like a 2.5ISH.
Ehhhhh, I have a mixed bag of thoughts on this one.
I “read” the Audible version of Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity so it was entertaining as can be. Shlesinger is one heck of a narrator, and her narration is similar, if not identical to, her stand up delivery.
This book is probably best for those who are single, dating, trying to date, etc. Also, the most appropriate audience would be young women in their 20s who are looking for themselves, developing who they are, and tend to overthink and overanalyze because they are still growing and developing.
The above thoughts are all that I can share, all the while remaining impartial and in keeping with Iliza’s book, as the rest of my insight would be delving into my own opinions, feelings, and ideas that are not entirely applicable to Girl Logic.
Was I entertained? Yes.
Would I tell a fellow book nerd that they just HAVE to read this? No.
Was I disappointed? Highly.
I wanted to like this book, and I continue to want to like My Squirrel Days, but I just . . . don’t. I cannot quite place my finger on why I am not enjoying this one. I am beyond disappointed because I quite enjoyed Ellie Kemper as Erin on The Office (one of two of my go-to shows to watch over and over and over again, the other being Seinfeld).
I find that Ellie Kemper and I have quite a bit in common personality wise, particularly in my description of myself as “probably annoyingly enthusiastic” featured on most of my profiles (swap-bot, WordPress, etc.). We also have some food / hanger issues. However, one quality I do not share with Kemper – loudness. I think this is part of why I am not quite liking the Audible version of this book, and I love, love, LOVE me some memoirs read by their authors – they are the books that I tend to gravitate to when selecting an audiobook. To be blunt, Kemper’s narration is just straight up annoying the f&*$ out of me, seriously.
I have no doubt Ellie Kemper is attempting to be delightfully endearing, but it’s an epic fail – she’s obnoxious. I’m sad to say, I don’t think I like HER as much as I like her AS other people. Erin – delightful. Kimmy – tolerable … actual Ellie Kemper- meh.
MEH 
My 2019 (Goodreads) reading goal is 67 books. Between the 1st of January and today, I’ve finished 10 books via a combination of reading and listening. I have written several reviews on GR that I have yet to post in my blog. If you follow my blog, I apologize in advance for the multiple email notifications you are about to endure indicating that I have posted new content.
I am cognizant that the intention of this book is to uplift and empower women, buttttttttttttt it felt more like a platform for Ms. Hollis to spew her greatness. Furthermore, there’s an underlying implication that the reader is sucking at life but just unaware of their inevitable suckage.
Girl, dismount from that high horse and shimmy on down that pedestal.
Are there a few aspects that I can relate to? Yes. I too am overworked, over tired, facing the daily grind can be a struggle, I’m riddled with stress and anxiety, and I’m not a perfect Christian. What I cannot relate to – the need to tout my perception of my own greatness. If you want to build women up, you encourage them – simple as that. You don’t rain shiznit on others’ parade because their goal isn’t buying a $1000.00 purse. Some of us feel like we’ve “made it” if we pay ALL of our bills on time in one month. Granted, I am certain that this result was entirely unintentional. I know for certain that Rachel did not sit down and ponder, “How can I make people feel really poorly about the life they already think is great, even though by my standard of living, it’s mundane and utterly ordinary and therefore, it’s wrong and baaaaadddd?”
I’m not saying that Rachel should not be proud of her accomplishments, she clearly has many under her belt – yay for you and good for you, seriously. What I’m saying is . . . don’t shove your successes down others’ throats and disguise this assault as uplifting, motivating, and inspiring. Having a successful business, writing books, and speaking keynote are all wonderful, but some people are rocking at life if they just make it through the day without giving someone a good ol’ throat punch, and that is OKay too.
*At first, I thought that perhaps my interpretation of this book is based on my own insecurities and deemed failures – this is what Rachel Hollis would have you believe, for if you don’t like what the book contains, it’s obviously on YOU and YOUR perception – it couldn’t possibly be because of her and her tone, but I digress. Like I was writing . . . originally, I thought that my dislike of the book was solely on me, but in reading copious GR reviews just now, I’m NOT the only one who was rubbed the wrong way.
I think something that Ms. Hollis should tuck under her cap and practice is BE HUMBLE.
As per usual, I am seemingly in the minority re: my thoughts and opinions. It would seem that the books that are overall the most beloved, those are the ones I myself do not love. I am so disappointed because I wanted so much to adore Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and I just . . . don’t.
My hang ups:
-For a book titled Dracula, there is very little about Dracula.
-The narration
-Miss Lucy, what makes you so delightful that three men are chasing after you, huh?
Granted, perhaps some of my dislike for this title can be attributed to the narration. I did partake in the Audible version, and I more than likely should have read this one to myself. I find that unless it’s a memoir being read by the author, I tend to loathe female narration. I know that the Audible version has been touted as having an “all star cast,” but I found the characters of Lucy and Mina to be just absolutely over the top.
With only two hours left until this book can be officially ticked off my to-read list, I am confident that my rating will remain at a firm 3-stars. In reading others’ reviews, thoughts, and questions, I stumbled upon this, “Am I the only one who thought the ending of this book was the literary form of coitus interruptus? I thought the book was wonderful until the end and then it lost me.” User’s name is Rachel, but I’m not sure if I can link her profile or questions here. So, Rachel, if you’re reading this, I’m quoting you; credit has been given where it is due (:
Anyways, back to my point. My reasoning for sharing Rachel’s pertinent, Dracula related question is . . . I obviously have nothing to look forward to in the end. I am basically finishing Dracula because I’m 13.5 hours in, and there is just no turning back.
| I like to leave some feedback midway through a reading of a book, and I do so for a variety of reasons. The first reason being to let the author know that I am indeed reading their work as I tend to be a slow reader. Second, I like to gauge where I myself am at as far as liking or disliking a book; this allows me to decipher when a book either goes south or takes a turn for the better. Finally, it allows me to make my notes and share my thoughts without forgetting them.
So far, I like The Escape Room. Manhattan is my favorite place to travel to, and I find myself intrigued by the stereotypical Wall Street types. This story has allowed me to live inside their world, if only briefly and with a stretch of the imagination. I do not know the validity or extent of corporate greed in NYC so I do not know if the facts and figures tossed around in this book are accurate, but what is unfolding now, midway through the book, is the moral conflict and dilemma of one of the main characters. I have found a few typographical errors, mainly extra letters or missing spaces, within the text. For example, “off” instead of “of.” Ultimately, very minor mistakes that have no true influence on the story itself. This is the first of Goldin’s books that I have read, and at this point, at the time of this writing, I would consider reading her other work. This story has a wonderful back and forth between what is currently happening, during the firm’s escape room exercise, and the groundwork which is established by a visit to a previous time. The alternating of past and present is obvious, and there has been zero confusion between the then and now, which, in many tales, becomes muddled between current tense and flashback scenes. Goldin has written The Escape Room in a way that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down; I find myself wanting to read ‘just one more’ chapter to get closer to the moment when the past and present merge. In summary, so far, SO very good! 01/08 – I have finished the book, and my review has not changed. It’s a clever work, and I found myself completely and utterly absorbed in The Escape Room, longing to know what’s going to happen next. Again, some minor typographical errors that have little impact on the story itself. |
The Daughters of Salem: How we sent our children to their deaths (Part 1)
I am writing this review as I read The Daughters of Salem. First of all, just from what I have read, this is not going to be what I would consider a glowing review. However, I would like to take a moment to express my pleasure that Netgalley / the author did approve my request to read this. The agreement within Netgalley is to write an HONEST review, so here goes . . .
Firstly, the writing is what I would consider to be too simplistic. IMO, this graphic novel is geared toward an adult audience. Now, I don’t think the writing should be Shakespearean in nature and style, but the level that the text is currently at, it doesn’t even qualify as YA – yes, it is THAT simplistic.
I found some minor details to be a bit confusing. For instance, Abigail Hobbs claims to be 14YOA on page 7 and alludes to a time when she was 13YOA; without giving too much (anything) away, stuff started getting real when she was 13. So, as the reader, I assume that she is currently 14 and sharing a flashback to the previous year. Fast forward to page 32, and it’s two years since said “stuff” got real, but she just told us readers that she is 14! Also, her picture doesn’t match the text. Her hair was cut short, as a penalty for becoming a woman (age 13) – so why on page 7, when she is supposedly 14, is her hair the length it was when it was shorn the previous year? The long haired version of Abigail should not be stating that she is 14. There could be a much better way to show her at 13 years old while narrating at 14 … or is it 15? See how confusing this all is?
When I read or hear the descriptor of a character as “a man in black,” I envision a man that is dressed in black from head to toe, NOT what would appear to be a Native American with what can be described only as Blackface (so sorry, but it’s true). I am fairly certain no ill intent or racist themes were intended with this character; perhaps where this is published by Europe Comics (“a joint digital initiative run by 13 European comics industry players from 8 European countries.”), they are unaware of the faux pas such a thing is in the U.S. I know that this is taking place way back when, but the Black Faced American Indian still feels . . . icky despite when this story takes place.
So, the text is simple, almost too much so, the story a bit confusing if you get hung up on its minutiae, and some of the themes can be deemed as offensive. With all of that being said (written), I do like the artwork. It’s not as bright and vibrant as many of the graphic novels I have chosen to read in the past; I tend to be drawn to bright colors. The art in this novel is subdued, Earth toned. I think it suits the time period and topic(s) of the story well.
If you want to add a new author or graphic novel to your repertoire, then by all means, give this a read. However, if you’re just starting out with this genre, I would not recommend The Daughters of Salem be a jumping off point. Finally, if you’re at all squeamish with images of animal brutality and cruelty or fight scenes, this is definitely not to be picked up by you.
Two stars because yeah, this is just “ok.”
Unicornucopia: The Little Book of Unicorns
I’m giving this book 3 stars because I “liked it.” This book can be summarized as cute, borderline adorable. I learned a lot of interesting tidbits that, though I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable regarding unicorns, I did not know. The art is bright and happy. The section(s) with unicorn crafts and unicorn recipes may be useful in my craft and swapping endeavors. What I did not love about this book was the section on unicorn worship. I think that an altar for the sake of the worship of a unicorn for wealth, health, and / or happiness is a bit excessive. Will I re-read this book? Probably. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I sure did. However, I didn’t love it enough to give it a 4 or 5 star rating. Again, it’s cute, educational, but some aspects are a bit over the top.
I bought this book, and shortly after reading the first few pages, I knew it was going to be in my best interest to invest in the Audible version. I was quite fortunate that Neil Gaiman narrates his own work – what a treat! I will be perusing what other works he narrates because his narration is nothing short of phenomenal. I generally listen to Audible during my commute to and from work, about forty-five minutes each way, but that just wasn’t enough some days. I couldn’t get enough of Gaiman’s narration!
The reason I went from the physical book to the narrated version was because I was spending a lot of time looking up proper pronunciation of names and places. When I need to consistently divert my attention from my reading, I lose part of the enjoyment. I much prefer to crack open a book and lose myself in it. If you already have familiarity with mythology or have no trouble with deciphering the correct names of people and locations, then by all means, you will likely enjoy the printed book.
I have never been one to engage in much reading revolving around mythology. Honestly, the only reason I picked up Norse Mythology is because it was written by Neil Gaiman. With that being said, even though mythology is not my favorite topic, I thoroughly enjoyed this work.
Idiosyncratic Unicorn 