Eleanor & Park book review

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Eleanor & Park was the perfect read for the month of February. Rowell is able to explore falling in love for the first time so subtly, yet so thoroughly. Reading through Eleanor and Park's story transported me back to the time I was young and exploring the idea and feeling of love for the first time, and brought back a barrage of memories and emotions I'd long since forgotten.

The characters are so well-developed, and the plot is so engrossing you are swept away into 1980s Omaha without even realizing it. I see why this is a beloved book by many, and I regret having waited so long to read it. I feel this book is relatable for just about everyone that is 13+, and suggest if you're looking for a read that touches the darkest recesses of your heart to check it out.



View all my reviews

Witch Child book review

Witch Child by Celia Rees

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this book many years ago when I was a teenager, and it has stuck with me. I mean to get back and read it again one day, because it is a truly enthralling read.

This book reads from the perspective of the main character, a young girl living in the 1600s. She is forced out of her “old world" home and travels across the sea with the Puritans to the "new world". Being from a family who is spiritually connected to the earth and magic, she is forced to try and hide her inner witch among the Puritans lest she find herself trailed and executed as a witch.

The pacing is great, and you really connect to the main character, Mary, right away. The writing is diary-like, so you are waiting eagerly to turn the pages and see how things turn out for Mary. I feel as though this is a great read for those in middle schools or above.

The book is by no means action-packed, but it aptly presents the subtle, lurking danger of those who were different during these times and how standing out could've meant death. I'd even offer that pairing this book with learning about the witch trials or Puritanical life would enhance younger readers' understanding of life at that time. I picked it up, because I have always been interested in witchcraft and its history and truly found a text that will stay with me all of my days.

If you are interested in historical fiction, witchcraft, early america, or thrillers, you should check this out!



View all my reviews

Black is for Beginnings (Blue is for Nightmares #5) book review

Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


As a fan of the "Blue Is For Nightmares" series, this was vastly disappointing. I was excited to see that it was a graphic novel - the first I'd ever read - however, it was short, disjointed, and added nothing to the marvelous universe Stolarz created in her other four novels in this series.

I would have preferred a 5th full book over this. In fact, this is the first and only time I've ever returned a book to Barnes and Noble after buying it. If you are a fan of the series, I would suggest skipping this and pretending the true end was Red is for Remembrance.



View all my reviews

Secret Vampire (Night World #1) book review

Secret Vampire by L.J. Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have to admit, I do judge books by their cover. I just bought this title, and the lovely hardback caught my attention immediately, then the synopsis within the cover left me knowing I had to read this book. I found the characters and pacing refreshing. As someone who has read (and enjoyed) the Twilight series, I was completely prepared for another long-winded, long-drawn-out story about a girl in love with a vampire. However, plot devices within this book expedite the story and we get to the “good stuff” within a few chapters. I flew through this book, which says something about the readability and the appeal of the story. I work full time, and I usually read right before bed. Instead of falling asleep within a few pages, I spent over an hour and a half reading without even knowing how much time had passed.

Upon doing more research about this book, I didn’t realize it was originally written in the late 90s, which is probably why I feel it isn’t as broody or convoluted. The characters aren’t absorbed in modern situations or technology, they are living simply, and that, for me, helps the book feel refreshing and lighter. There isn’t a lot of filler, and I was ultimately sad that the ending seemed to come so soon. I will definitely be picking up #2 in this series, because the world Smith creates is interesting, out-of-the-ordinary, and fun.

This book is great for paranormal romance lovers from middle school through adulthood. I just wish I had found these when I was younger, I had SO MUCH MORE free time for reading back then!



View all my reviews

The Lost Symbol book review

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This books was utterly amazing. I love conspiracy theories, I love history, and I'm very familiar with the mystery that is Washington D.C. This book kept me interested from the first page to the last. I was always excited to pick the book back up, and get right back into the action. Dan Brown never fails to impress with the amount of detail and thought put into the setting and history he entwines with fiction. At points I found myself wondering if he has a secret "in" with the Masons and is revealing all of these well-kept secrets in the form of fiction to throw off conspiracy theorists. In all seriousness, if you love history, secret societies, and good ol' adventurous treasure hunts, don't miss out on this book!



View all my reviews

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning book review

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A fairly quick read for an adult or advanced reader. I really enjoyed this book, and love how Lemony will take the time to deconstruct larger vocabulary words - this would definitely benefit younger readers by buffing up their vocabulary.



View all my reviews

The Devil Wears Prada book review

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book. Having just got out of a job that made me feel similarly to that of the main character, Andrea, there are certain parts that really hit home. The ending perfectly wrapped things up, and I'm glad I read this book. I watched the movie first, and that was, and always will be canon to me, however, this really was a fun read if y hate your job or have had a job you hate. You feel like you've come home, but the great thing about this book, you can close it and set it aside if situations become stressful!



View all my reviews

Fallen Series: Rapture book review.

Rapture by Lauren Kate

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fallen

Some of Kate's descriptions are lovely, and this book definitely takes some unexpected turns. The way in which the story of Daniel and Luce plays out is really rather poetic, and left me with a warm feeling in my heart. Young Adult fans should definitely cap off the Fallen series with this final installment of Daniel and Luce's story. Romance, danger, violence, and ethereal mysticism fill this book to the brim. It left me wanting it not to end.



View all my reviews