Bookish Belle

I received this book as a gift for my birthday and as soon as I saw the author’s name, I was really excited to read it. It did not disappoint! What I liked: There is so much vulnerability in her writing but not in a “pity me” way. She also backs up her essays with sources that you can research for yourself and form your own thoughts on each topic. She’s not afraid to be candid in her writing either, slipping some swear words in at times. Most importantly, she’s honest. Her last chapter is definitely proof of this fact. She knows she is an imperfect feminist and she owns it. What I didn’t like so much: Sometimes the topics went over my head or were too short. Some essays were only a couple pages and I wish she had expanded it a little more. It felt like I had just gotten into the topic and then it would be the end already. Also, I couldn’t understand all the topics or references as much as I would have liked. Overall: I would rather call this book “imperfect feminist.” I...

Wow was this book all over the place (in a good way)  I read this book for book club. I had passed the title by a few times in the library, not really sure what it was about. As soon as our leader described it to us as “multi=genre,” I said SOLD.  I guess the best way to review this book is to break it down into the parts.  NON SPOILER REVIEW: What I liked: This book was so mind-bending, I couldn’t just read into the next section. I had to read each section and then wait a few hours to begin another. Even though all sections are different, they reveal different parts of the story that are important to the cohesion of the entire plot.  Each section expands on a certain character or part of the story, so it’s not just the same old same old but written in a different way.  What I didn’t like as much: The fourth section didn’t really work for me. I can’t give details in this section (hint hint spoilers review below if you’ve read the book ...

This book is one roller coaster of intergalactic proportions. I usually don't read "classics," but it has been on my "to be read" list for a LONG time and so I decided to give it a go. Characters: They are well fleshed out especially with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect. Of course, my favorite character is Marvin. Plot: If you're a reader who likes a book to follow a nice plot, don't pick up this book. There is a plot, but I feel like the plot isn't important in this book. This book's heart lies in the characters and the way that the book is written. Overall: I couldn't go five minutes without laughing at something said or written in this book. It truly makes you question the purpose to "all of it." Life, the universe, everything. Who are you in the grand scheme of things? I give this book 42 out of 42 stars.

If you're looking for a book about a badass heroine who is not afraid to dish out sarcasm, then look no further. MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD Character: Jazz Bashara is easily one of the most likable characters in this book. She is a badass heroine with a healthy dose of sarcasm. She's not afraid to show vulnerability and make sacrifices for the greater good. Having the story from her point of view gives more insight into her character and thoughts. She's relatable and likable which makes it easier to symapthize with her. Even though I'm not one for romance, this book adds just a dash. It does not overwhelm the story line like most other books I have read. I was always rooting for Svoboda and Jazz to end up together. But by "end up together" this isn't the kind of book where they share a romantic kiss as the bomb goes off in the background or after some magical transformation. No, this is the realistic end up together as in sharing a kiss in a hospital bed...

If you're looking for a canonically correct book to add to the story arc of Wonder Woman, this is not it. But if you are looking for a book that delves into the character of Diana Prince herself and unravels a bit of her mysterious past, then this book will deliver. SPOILERS AHEAD: The Plot: I felt the plot was very well fleshed out and there were minor loop holes. You would have to really dig to find them. One of my favorite parts of the whole novel is when Diana and Alia are on the subway and men are harassing a girl. Diana steps in and kicks BUTT. She is a girl to look up to for strength and courage and I think Alia feels it too in that moment. In this novel, you get to see Diana as a "normal" teenage girl, at least until the end when she goes into full Wonder Woman mode. The Twist: I had my suspicions that Alia's brother was a villain, but not enough that I could actually figure out the twist itself. I like that he wasn't just a love interest for Diana...

When I picked up this book, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that the reviews I had read said that it was amazing and extraordinary, but you can't always trust reviews. You have to decide for yourself. So I took the plunge and stepped into the world of "Caraval." Spoilers Ahead..... Immediately I was drawn to the dynamic between the two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna. I loved that they looked out for each other which is especially evident in the beginning of the book. Their relationship set up the book and the journey that Scarlett would make, defining and redefining herself throughout. As soon as Julian was introduced, I knew that he would be an important character. A roguish sailor with extremely good looks never gets swept to the side in Young Adult literature. I admired his character development throughout the novel and especially at the end. And yes, I believed his character arc which is essential for a book to be a success. Now to the magic...

When I started this book, I was hoping it could be my next "The Iron Fey" or "Wicked Lovely." After reading the first book, I'm not sure if I will continue to read the second. I give the book 3 out of 5 stars. SPOILERS AHEAD: The Roses: - the description of the scenery is gorgeous. It transports the reader to the scene. It makes a reader want to live inside its pages - the humor is witty and not overdone. - some motives of the characters are not predictable which I appreciate. The Thorns: - although this is considered young adult, the romance between Tam and Feyre feels very adult to me by the way it is written - it is a novel based on romance, a theme throughout the novel, which I understand. But sometimes it felt as if the romance were overbearing, extremely so that it distracts from the rest of the novel - I figured out Amarantha's riddle the first time she gave it to Feyre. Not sure if the author meant for it to be solved easily, considering ...