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.



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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!



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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.



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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.



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Writing Prompt 1: "what can happen in a second."

Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed writing. I figure there might be something to my enjoyment, and why shouldn't I build my skill. I'm going to be using this really awesome book, 642 Things to Write About, by the San Francisco Writers' Grotto to do just that. This book is full of writing prompts to help with writers block and to help expand creative thinking.

Who hasn't felt like getting older has sucked all of the childlike wonder from your imagination? I know I sure have felt this way a lot recently. Thus, I will be trying to do a promo every day. Some may be longer or better than others, but I'm re-awakening a hobby that I've kept dormant for quite some time. Please, feel free to join me on this journey and leave your comments and/or own responses to the prompts in the comments section.

TODAY'S PROMPT: WHAT CAN HAPPEN IN A SECOND

The drive to work was like any other. That is, until it ran into the road. Swerving was not an option, and as it hit the hood, tumbling onto the windshield, I could tell it was not human. Time seemed to slow, making every sense heightened; I could feel the pull of the seatbelt against my chest as the car tried to screech to a stop. I could hear my body bruising, and I could see from the corner of my eye that there was another. In this suspended moment, I felt its gaze melt into mine, I felt my pulse slow to a stop.