Lauren Henderson

Immediate reaction: I really really really wish I could give this book 10 stars. I am 100 percent invested in all of the characters... talk about some amazing character development. I don't think I have the will to come up for air and write a review before I begin the next book. I've decided to wait five minutes so I can remember where this book ends and the next begins. That is all. See y'all when I can stop reading these amazing books for a substantial amount of time.

The Real Deal:Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson is the beginning of The Final Empire series. And this series has by far the most interesting and inventive fantasy premise that I have ever read. (And I'm a Tolkien fangirl, so I do not say this lightly.) The story centers around Allomancers, people who gain powers by ingesting and burning metals – pretty stinking cool, right? When burning tin, senses are enhanced so you can see farther, in the dark, hear better, etc. With iron/steel you can push/pull metals objects (like telepathy). Brass and zinc give the power to control emotions... and the list goes on. There are 10 metals that can be burned, all with different effects. The Allomancers are people who only have the power to burn one metal. A Mistborn has the power to burn all 10 metals and is extremely rare.

Society in this story is highly factioned with a ruler who may or may not also be God and who has oppressed the skaa as slaves for the nobility and uses Allomancy to keep them depressed. But then there's Kelsier, who is the most successful thief in Luthadel, the capital city and seat of the Lord Ruler, and has also become a profound symbol of hope. He was imprisoned where people are sent to die and also happens to be the only one to have ever escaped. So obviously he has a crazy side and almost gets himself killed quiet frequently. But he now knows the Lord Ruler's secret, and he's on a mission to overthrow the Lord Ruler. Kelsier also is a Mistborn... he's basically the hero of all heroes. Then enters Vin, a young girl who does not know she has Allomantic powers, who Kelsier saves and trains in the midst of trying to pull off this scheme of rebellion. Vin is shy and untrusting but brave and loyal. She is clever and a force to be reckoned with. Vin is awesome!!

And that's just the beginning.. there's so much going on in this book. Members of the thieving ring pose as imposters in different areas of the city using their different Allomantic powers, each having a personality all their own. The depth of all of the characters is phenomenal. Every single character is awesome! There is so much EMOTION. The plot is steadily moving and had me engrossed from the beginning until the very end. Even within 60 pages of the end, it seemed like there was no way the story would wrap up. But it did!! And it actually didn't leave too many plot lines hanging like some fantasy books do. It left just enough open to set up for a great series.

I love this book with my whole heart, and Brandon Sanderson is automatically on my list of favorites. I dare say this is the definition of a perfect book.

It's long, but oh so good, and worth every minute it takes to read. So if you're a fantasy lover, please go read this so we can be fangirls together!!

I had such high hopes for The Kitchen House. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe it's because I'm from the South and know that all stereotypes are not true. Either way, I was so extremely disappointed with this book. After finishing, I still can't really decide if I even liked it or not.

Basically, every single Old South cliche that there has ever been was covered. The good slave master, the evil slave master, masters raping slaves, weeny wives who get depressed and withdrawn, children who are neglected, husbands beating wives.... blah, blah, blah. This would be ok and would still make a good story if there really had been a story. There was not much development, and the story just ended. Also, there was a severe lack of dialogue.

I would not consider this book a literary masterpiece or a piece that “does important work” as proclaimed on the cover. The story was well written and entertaining at times, but it is not a story that I would recommend or care to read again.

The Forgotten Garden was so amazing, so refreshing. The characters had so much life. The story switched back and forth between time periods but was not difficult to follow at all. It was a steady unfolding of hinting of events and then revealing the whole story. It captured my attention for the entire book. There were never any times where the book was lagging or where I wished it would hurry and get to the point - which happens all to often. Kate Morton even includes some of the fairy tales that are in the book that the Forgotten Garden is centered around, and they were incredible. There is so much symbolism in this book that really makes you think. This book is so rich in detail. I believe I could read it several more times and keep discovering small nuances. Kate Morton is now, without a doubt one, of my favorite writers. Her style mimics a classic but keeps you entertained. She adds suspense little by little with perfection. I will definitely be reading more of her books. This is the book that I will be comparing historical family secrets fiction to for years to come.

The first time I picked this book up, I read one chapter and I decided that I hated the main character. She's a selfish brat, and she just annoyed me. So I decided I wasn't going to read it, and I almost took it back to the library. About a week later, I told myself to get over it and see where it would all lead. Maybe it would get better.... and O.M.G. IT DID!

I really loved this book by the end. There was so much growth of the main character throughout. Also, Cecilia Ahern was able to create so much suspense out of everyday, sometimes mundane events. Then towards the end, the big family secret pops in and you feel swept into the story of trying to figure out what her creepy aunt is hiding. The ending was perfect, but not cheesy as I feared might end up being the case. The entire book was an adventure.

My mind was completely changed about first person narration. I usually do not read it, but now I will consider myself equal opportunity. Thank you, Cecilia Ahern.

I loved this book until the end. It built and built and built and then just ended. I wanted more, I guess. That's the only reason I give it 4 stars. Otherwise, I love love love Audrey Niffenegger. Her style is sort of old school to me and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

This book is so much better than the movie... in fact all Nicholas Sparks books are better than the movie. The only movies that come close to being as good as the book are a Walk to Remember and The Notebook. I'm probably done watching any more movies.

Alright rant over.. I love this book! I cried like a baby... but sometimes you just need to. I think Nicholas Sparks reminds me to have hope in humanity. That people can still be unselfish and love just to love. Love can move mountains.

Look mom!! I finally read an Ann Patchett book.

This was a beautiful story of a woman who could have been famous but chose a quieter life she was immensely happy with. I loved sinking into the feeling of her story as she told it to her daughters in first person through memories. Lots of nuance and musing without sounding forced or preachy and balanced with the “showing” we cant help but hear about as writers.. I feel like that probably takes a lot of skill.

I decided to re-read this since the movie is coming in a couple of weeks, and I forgot how great it is. While I was reading, I would randomly read sentences out loud to my husband because they giant's language is so entertaining and can't go unshared. This is definitely my favorite Roald Dahl book. I can't wait to see the movie now.

Quick thoughts: I loved the story. Both main characters were very well developed, and the side characters had a lot of depth as well. My only issue is that the line-by-line writing was lazy in a lot of places. For example, using the same descriptive word twice in one sentence, and saying the same thing worded just slightly differently at the beginning of consecutive paragraphs.

Review to come..

I felt like I was reading a The Hunger Games again with just slightly different characters and slightly different circumstances but the same premise.. until the very last chapter anyway. I was not extremely amused. I was also able to guess everything that happened except for the main twist at the end. Again, not super amused. Sure, the Games were designed differently in this story, very cleverly actually, but it wasn't enough to make it feel like a different story.

My other issue, which may have been present in the first book, but didn't get annoying until this one: Katniss as the narrator asks questions often that the reader is already or should be already asking themselves... it's a little too leading and gets under my skin.

Katniss's character is also very much less badass in this book. She becomes whiny, more self absorbed, and overly wishy washy. I just didn't like her nearly as much as in the first book where she is headstrong and angry.

However, there is a lot of character development for Peeta in this book. He steps up and shows his leadership through power with words (or it's hinted at), but he's still overall the sad boy who loves a girl that will never love him the way he wants her too. The only character I really did like in this book was Haymitch; he proved to be a sneaky, clever victor who's been more involved than we thought the whole time (and leads to the twist at the end).

The twist at the end almost saved my opinion of the book and made me give it a higher rating... but again ALMOST. It was good. I didn't see it coming. And I think it will lead to the third book being more interesting. But I mean.. we all know what's going to happen. Also, with the twist Katniss and Peeta somehow become side characters and you realize that they have been the entire story.

Overall, this book disappointed me. I thought it was good, but I guess I just didn't get all the hype. I will read the third to finish out the series (and find out about DISTRICT 13!!!), and hopefully it will leave a better taste in my mouth.

This is an excellent resource for dream interpretation with a spiritual/Jungian lens. It's extremely well organized with a lot of information packed in.

A lot of the descriptions lead you on a trail to other related meanings, so I'm usually able to find something I connect with when struggling to understand what the eff I just dreamed about. Spirit guides (subconscious, angels, whatever name you choose) get loud sometimes, and we just need a little help. And this book helps. Can I get an amen?

Thank you Theresa Cheung!

Is Literary Thriller a genre? Because that's what this is. Literary themes on humanity/psychology are used all throughout this book without being forced. They include themes and situations I identify heavily with. So sentamentality.. check. Expert writing... check.

I loved this book.

However, I can see why the people who are like “I was promised a thriller!!!!” are upset. Luckily, I just saw this book at the library and picked it up.. and then didn't get on Good Reads to mark it as Currently Reading and accidentally start looking at reviews. And I totally missed the Reese's Book Club sticker on the front. So I guess I accidentally read this for what it is, and it's liberating! (We should all try this.. remember when we were kids and we just read something we wanted to maybe because one friend was reading it or maybe because we saw it, read the book blurb or thought the cover was cute, and wanted to read it? The days.) It's definitely not the same kind of book as other contemporary thrillers. It tiptoes up to the line of some thriller tropes, but doesn't touch the line. And is not even close to crossing the line. Writing like that is fucking expert, if you ask me.

Overall the story is creative and engaging. It switches between time seamlessly, and the pacing is superb. Every part felt purposeful. On a line basis, the sentence structure was short, sometimes with staccatoed phrases. Which I find poetic and relaxing although this is a thriller. I can't imagine it's easy to find that kind of balance in your writing.

5 stars. But not actually because I thought it was perfectly executed. There was one plot point I didn't think was woven in as well as the others, and there was overuse of “as” phrases, which I know has become very popular but it's too passive, especially for fiction and everyday conversation. (This is just my soap box.. I digress.) One of these is my trauma, and the other is so slight that it doesn't detract from how much I. Loved. This. Book. I think I will probably look back on this book as one that I connected with deeply and maybe return to it a few times in my life. At least I hope.. I love those books that are like hugs.

Also, this book dropped some brief (but shocking) history lessons about Guatemala. My mind was blown. So bonus points for teaching us important things in fiction.

Overall, if you're suuuuper into contemporary psychological books, you may have a hard time with comparing and not letting yourself enjoy this one. But if you can go in without expectation and just take it for what it is, I think you would really like it.

(Also, if you want to lament about “as” phrases, I'm ya girl. Holla.)

There are some good parts of this book. But in general I found it extremely long and drawn out. Also, Harry doesn't even have to do anything for himself in this book. It's all just an accident. He just happens to have good luck and other people who tell him what to do. Meh.

Lark Ascending was the September pick for my book club. It's not necessarily a book I would select on my own, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I loved it! And that's why book clubs are awesome! (I just joined one after years of thinking about it and then letting my social anxiety get the best of me.. 10/10 recommend... the book club, not the social anxiety).

The story has the same general mood as Station Eleven (which I loved). For such a short book, there is intense emotional depth. Short scenes make it bearable though, which I found masterful from a writing perspective. I blazed through and cried and smiled and reflected and worried and sighed with relief. So heartwrenching at times, but so good.

I will definitely read more Silas House.

I just love J.K. Rowling, ok? The ending for this one wasn't super strong. But the journey to get there was still great.

Review to come..

I just couldn't finish this book. Sure... there are some interesting facts about goats that I didn't know. But the author's writing style is extremely forced. He uses big words to make himself sound smarter and tries to tell stories in a way that makes his life sound dreamy, but it ends up just not flowing. And all the talk of pastoralism and ancient practices is starting to sound snobbish... and I can't stand it. So the end.

“A goat's anus would open like the aperture of a camera and produce perfectly round pellets, one by one.” Followed by the longest eye roll of all time. Enough said.

Good shit, Colleen Hoover. Good shit. I LOVED the ending. This whole story was masterfully woven, and the ending just put the bow on top for me.
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(more in depth thoughts)

Several friends have recommended this book to me, and I put off reading it for a long time... basically because I have a chip on my shoulder about domestic psychological thrillers (is that what we call these?). They just got very popular for a while, and it felt like EVERYONE was writing one. So naturally, I didn't read Verity or any of them (hi.. super Aquarius over here).

I have now been humbled and would like to step off my high horse.. because holy everything, I loved this book. The writing is superb. None of the characters are either likable or unlikable. How? CHARACTER DEPTH. THAT IS HOW... and that is what makes this book great!! THANK YOU!! ALL HAIL COLLEEN HOOVER!

The main character (Ashleigh) seems like the hero at first, but as the story goes on I liked her less and less. But not in a I-want-to-stop-reading-this-way. More in a wow-she's-pretty-fucked-up-and-what is-she-actually-thinking-kind-of-way. Same for Jeremy - he seems like the perfect husband, and we start seeing his cracks little by little and start going back and forth wondering what he is capable of. And Verity. What a psycho crazy bitch (maybe?).. because we're even questioning our conviction of that by the end. This story is a slowly unraveling wild ride.

The chapters switching between Ashleigh and Verity's story are so masterfully woven. It's a brilliant choice because it keeps the story moving so well. Usually, when there are two points of view, there is one I prefer over the other. But I looked forward to hearing from the other person every time. And it was also never confusing. I never had to look back to remember what was going on with the character before the last switch. This is no easy feat, but Colleen Hoover made it look easy.

THE ENDING. There is only one other book with an ending I loved as much as this one - and that is 11/22/63. One of those where all the pieces add up and makes so much sense. And just when you thought you knew exactly how it was going to end, the author adds a little sprinkle of detail to blow your mind. I don't care if I like it plot-wise or not - I am not a plot-motivated reader. So that's not the point. The point was that you go through this whole mind fuck (involving the build up and deterioration of each character's motivations) and then a little extra sprinkle of mind fuck to put the cherry on top. I laughed. Out loud. Because it was so amazing. I don't know if it's because I was so engaged in the story that I didn't try to figure out the ending, or if I just didn't see it coming. Either way.. such an excellent choice.

And now I shall proceed to go read more Colleen Hoover books like all of booktok. Aquarius tendencies be damned!!

I think I need to read this book at least 5 more times to truly get every detail. There is so much. But not to the point that it drags out, just so much depth. I feel like I'm on an adventure.

It hurts my soul to have to rate this one two stars. I LOVE The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, so I had high hopes for this one. But unfortunately, I didn't love it.

When Women Were Dragons has some beautifully written scenes.. extremely so, but there are so many themes and allegories and points jam packed in, and they really detract from the story amd come across as preachy (where you can tell the author is trying to “say something” but mostly forcing it and interrupting the story flow).

Someone at my book club said it's like Kelly Barnhill knew she was only going to ever write one adult novel and tried to put everything she wanted to say in it. And that about sums it up..

Damn good ending. A slow build until then but still a well woven story that keeps you interested, even if not on the edge of your seat. And that's what I've come to expect from ESMJ... in a soothing way. Her writing really is quietly beautiful.

I really really loved this story. More to come..

I got about 75% into this book and then, unfortunately, had to put it down. It just hit a little close to home for me and was causing some mental health issues that I didn't care to push through.

However, I think the writing is superb. And that's why I tried so hard to push through. It's pretty obvious what the book is about from the blurb, so if you don't think it will be triggering for you, I highly recommend reading.

The dynamics of this family are very intricately explained.. you are inside their head. Because of that, it's a telling vs. showing type story, but in this case it works. It moved very quickly at the beginning. You get an in-depth look at a situation, then everything would skip ahead. So you're getting a snapshot of their lives with examples, I guess you could say. When you get to the college years, things slow down a little. I felt like the pacing was slightly off there. Their entire childhood is covered in the first 100-150 pages, then the story stays in their college until around page 300. But that ends with a bang and is worth hanging on if the college years bog you down.

A note: It's written in third person, and there are some jarring uses of the word “our” that threw me for a loop. But I had faith that the author was being purposeful with that... and I was right. So if this type of thing would bother you too, it's also worth hanging on through.

This was on my “Read” list on Goodreads... but I have literally no recollection of finishing it. I've been wracking my brain. And I'm pretty sure I got bored and stopped reading it... which I also don't remember ever decidedly determining I would not finish it. But here we are... I think I just didn't return to it one day, and I have no desire to.

The plot is basically identical to the first book.. just with slightly different circumstances. Not my cup of tea for a series. I want to see the characters grow and have new adventures and stories.. you know, like life.

Please excuse all of my nostalgia lately... I've been thinking about different classics that I loved as a child that I need to find re-bound/re-illustrated versions of to sit prettily on my bookshelf. And I haven't thought about this book in so very long, but I do remember loving it as a very small child.. around the time that I was also obsessed with Peter Rabbit. Add this one to the re-read list too!

This book honestly made me a little bit sad. Because I loved the story line and the set up of the characters, but it was missing the depth of character development that I crave. Don't get me wrong... I can compromise plot for character development some. But when it's completely lacking, there is just no emotion. This book could have had a lot of that if more emphasis had been placed on letting us inside the characters' heads.

The more I think about it, the more I think the reason is just there was too much story packed into this book. I think it could have been two books and had more balance between character and plot development. But I would definitely give this author another shot. I think there's definitely some promise, and this was not a terrible first start.