Someone: A Novel
this book is really boring. nothing actually happens to our main character. if I didn't have to lead a discussion on it, I wouldn't have finished.
Ruby (Oprah's Book Club 2.0)
This book is just beautifully written. Bond does an amazing job of giving depth to each and every character, including characters we only meet for a page or two. Her unflinching writing punches you in the face and I loved every second of it. Amazing commentary on race, religion, class, and gender!
 - Cynthia Bond)
Throne of Glass
3.5I had a hard time putting this one down. I gobbled it right up. There were parts where the writing wasn't all that; I wanted more when it came to the different tests. I also thought the pacing was a little weird. It seemed like something I've read before... gentle love triangle, sometimes a feeble attempt at Fantasy (there were parts that were pretty cool though). I'll definitely be continuing with the series. And I'm all TEAM CHAOL :)
The Lightning Thief
This has a great mix of mythology and present day. I really enjoyed characters, especially Percy, and will be continuing this series! While this book isn't meant for my age-range, I definitely see the appeal for younger readers.
Witch & Wizard
This book is great for people who aren't sure about reading. The chapters are super short. I don't think there's a chapter that's over 5 pages! It really flies. It's a cool concept - New Order (new government) takes over and is eliminating all threats. This includes our two main characters. They are accused and sentenced to death for being a witch and wizard.I'm reading this with a group of seventh graders and they seem to enjoy it. However, I do see some faults. The story is told as two different narrators, but they both sound exactly the same. Their sarcasm is unwarranted and unbelievable. I'm giving it 3.5 stars for the kids, just because it must be doing something right if they're enjoying it and continue reading.
The Crossover
this book is a quick read and perfect for kids who don't like to read. It's all written in verse, so there's not very many words on a page. good creativity, though not a whole lot of connection with the characters. Then again, I'm definitely not the target age group.
Untitled
Actual rating: 2.5I usually have a hard time with a second book in the series. Not that nothing happened in this one, but I think the writing went downhill on this one. The concept is awesome. Finding people with mutations in their blood and gearing them up for a war. (A la Xavier) I wanted more from Maven. I wanted more "yearning" from Mare, or SOMETHING. I can tell that Aveyard is trying to make her multi-faceted, but it just didn't work. Instead she seemed like she had two very different personalities. I would have liked more of her internal struggle - a real internal struggle.
Yes, I'll be reading the next one ONLY because now that I've started the series, I have to finish.
The Geography of Genius: A Search for the World's Most Creative Places from Ancient Athens to Silicon Valley
Actual rating: 2.5I had a hard time getting through the chapters. Maybe travel writing isn't for me. Maybe Eric Weiner isn't for me. I just ... trudged. It was ok. I appreciate the amount of work that went into this and I found the premise of the book interesting, but just wasn't completely down for the execution. He jumped around a lot, and seemed to be talking more about different places rather than the one he was currently in. I just would have liked more. Maybe more dialogue between the people he was interviewing at the different sites? Maybe a more frequent visit to his central thesis? Maybe... just maybe...
He did have some really nice points. What I took away from the book was: "What is honored in a country will be cultivated there"
It ... was just ok for me. And reading other people's reviews I see that it just might not be my cup of tea.
The Jazz Palace
This book was just ok for me. I wouldn't have picked it up if I wasn't leading a discussion on it. my life isn't changed for the better or for the worst. It's just mediocre
A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True
I read this book to lead a book discussion at the library. It's not a book that I would have necessarily picked up on my own, but I'm glad I did. It's beautifully written and the characters are all so tangible. I was a little cautious since it's yet another WWII book, but it was done so well, and the focus wasn't completely on the war - and didn't take place strictly during that time period.I found that I had a hard time putting it down. Not that it's suspense, it's just so beautiful and I wanted more and more.
iZombie, Vol. 2: uVampire
This was sort of "eh" for me. I read this one to see if I wanted to keep on with the series, but I don't think it grabbed me enough. There are other series that are much better that I want to read or continue reading. I think I'll just stick to watching the show for this one.
Alias, Vol. 1
Really enjoyed this one. It had the same noir feel as the show ... and I'll definitely keep reading these.
iZombie, Vol. 1: Dead to the World
Very, very different than the TV show. I'm interested to see if the show is a pseudo continuation of the end of this series... we'll see.Her name is different.
Her job is different.
There's other supernatural stuff going on (ie vampires, ghosts, ware-terriers).
We'll see.... I'll start the next one soon though. Maybe then I'll decide if I want to continue.
Harley Quinn Vol. 1: Hot in the City (The New 52)
Very meta at the beginning - Harley's pseudo monologue with illustrators is just perfection. Also really enjoyed the DC corporate office thrown in toward the end. Harley is absolutely great. She's innocent, yet insane and psychotic.
 - Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti)
