The Jane Austen Society - by Natalie Jenner: Book Review

Title: The Jane Austen Society. A Novel
Author: Natalie Jenner
Pages: 320
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: May 26th 2020
Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction
Format: Kindle

This novel made me miss Jane Austen's novels. By the half point of the novel I finally figured out that the characters respected the Jane Austen novels typology: the man who looks down on women; the man who is afraid of his feelings; the woman who denies herself the chance at love. The couples that form as the novel progresses were references to her novels, but also modern and with a twist. Every main character was a darling, and the villains were to be expected and had their part in the story. You knew whom to love and whom to dislike.

And speaking of couples, just like in Austen's novels, there's a rush of declaration of love and weddings at the end. A lot of time was spent dealing with the financial and inheritance aspects, and just hints and snippets of romance. The characters circle one another, but don't say their piece directly.

The plot was not far fetched for a historical novel, but when the characters started talking about Jane Austen's novels they sounded scholarly. It was a bit too much, although they were educated people (Dr. Benjamin Gray and teacher Miss Adeline Lewis). I liked the choice of setting the action in post World War II and not during the War. This way the attention was on the importance of the books and Jane Austen's legacy. For a reader who enjoys books about books, this is a good choice, especially if you're an austenite.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner was a sweet read that made me miss the classics and the British settings of the novels I enjoyed over the years.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris - by Jenny Colgan: Book Review

Title: The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
Author: Jenny Colgan
Pages: 416
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Release Date: 06.08.2019
Genre: Women's Fiction, Food Novels
Format: Kindle

Although the novel promises to deliver a romantic story, it's flat; the romance comes as an afterthought. Once we get past the 50-60% mark in the novel, it seems the author remembered there was too little of the love aspect and hurriedly adds it. It reads artificial. Anna falls in love, presumably, with a man she suddenly finds attractive or handsome, but we're not buying it. It's not natural, it's too sudden, and... well... unromantic.

Not even Claire and Thierry's love story impresses. She fell in love with a selfish man and she basically pined after him her whole life. He did nothing to get her back. Now that I've finished reading the novel, I can clearly see how unlikeable Thierry is as a person. As a charismatic chocolate maker and seller, sure, he is the most charming. But I'm not fooled. I'm not buying his and Claire's love story either. However, comparing the two love stories, I found Anna and Laurent's worse.

Anna, the main character, has the aura of the perfect undercover woman. She knows not about her abilities, clearly. She can change Laurent, she is the trigger that leads to the two men's relationship mending. And how sudden that happens! We learn so much about it because it happened towards the end of the novel and we were too busy trying to wrap our minds around Anna and Laurent's new found passion for one another. Let us not forget, Laurent is attracted to Anna because she acts not interested in him and she likes to eat. That she finds herself physically attracted to him and jumps into impromptu kissing... well, this comes past the 85% mark. Of course she knows she loves him because he's good looking. Sound reason to jump into a... thing? relationship? We don't know.

Speaking of we don't know... Does Anna decide to stay in Paris for the foreseeable future? Is this her life? We're left guessing, just as she was doing before Paris and after the hospital stay. I guess it's enough if you find a love partner and you work in a chocolate shop, but just say this is what she decides. It was vague.

If it's not clear so far, the ending is rushed. Claire's preparations to visit Paris one last time were more interesting to read about than the actual visit and time spent there. Not to mention, they took longer to tell about than the visit.

Honestly, what I wanted to read more about was the chocolate shop in Paris. I was more interested in seeing where the shop will move forward and I like the path - Laurent becoming the governing force and giving Thierry a much needed slower pace.

I think this novel tried to present two Paris rose-colored love stories, but neither convinced me. It dawned on me that for Jenny Colgan the love stories come as an afterthought, a second priority. Her love of food is contagious and I am more interested in that aspect in this novel. Of course I can only base this opinion thinking of the other novels of hers I've read: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe and The Cafe by the Sea. The Cafe was the one I liked best.

I can't recommend this one. I am sure there are other better Jenny Colgan novels, with more character development, as this one lacked in that department.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.


Characters List (might contain spoilers!):

Kidinsborough, UK - Anna's hometown. her parents live there. Claire's hometown. She lived there with Richard and their boys

Anna Trent - chocolate taster at the Braders Family Chocolates factory

Cath - Anna's best friend

Darr - Anna's ex-boyfriend

Dr. Er - Anna's doctor after her work accident

Mrs. Claire Shawcourt - Anna's French teacher. the two become good friends. Claire sends Anna to Paris after her release from the hospital to work at a chocolate shop. Claire has cancer. she's divorced

Thierry Girard - Claire's lover when she was 17 and travelled to Paris to work as a nanny for the two children of her mother's pen pal. he's now sick and very fat

Le Chapeau Chocolat de Thierry Girard - Thierry's chocolate shop

Mme Marie-Noelle LeGuarde - Claire's mother's pen pal

Benoit - works for Thierry. a family job for generations

Laurent Girard - Thierry's son with an Algerian woman. she died. A fued between the two because they can't agree on the best flavour to add to chocolate

Alice - Thierry's wife. English

Rev. Marcus - Claire's father

Ricky and Patsy - Claire's son and daughter-in-law

Cadence and Codie - Ricky and Patsy's children

Richard Shawcourt - Claire's ex-husband

Sami - Ann'a flatmate in Paris

Campusland - by Scott Johnston: Book Review

Title: Campusland. A novel
Author: Scott Johnston
Pages: 331
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 13.08.2019
Genre: Humour, Campus Novel
Format: Kindle

This novel is so frustrating! It annoys me and it irks me! A few times I considered not finishing it, but I was curious to see where the plot will go. The characters are aggravating! At the same time you have to appreciate how well they are formed so as to stay true to the nature the author created for them.

Campusland presents various aspects of the academic life at a liberal university, but way outside the classroom. It focuses on the social issues that we all see everyday discussed in the news, but (I like to think! Lord help us!) exaggerated. It's a satire, and the tone is oftentimes mocking; Devon has the airs, but lacks the substance. It also has a large number of committees that like acronyms; inevitably you forget their meaning eventually.

It's also meant to come across as funny, and at times it is, but a dry humour. My favourite! It's mostly cringy and frustrating. I appreciate the satirical way in showing how all the social issues associations try to climb at the top to show their group matters the most. Their desire to make a protest out of anything and "fight over who is more offended" leads to unhealthy outcomes. Eph's career and reputation is tarnished because a bunch of drunk, stupid students think it's a good joke to accuse him of being racist because he teaches Huckleberry Finn (!!!), and a fame avid socialite decides to name Eph her sexual assailant just because she needs a name - well all these made me sick. The way characters dealt with even the smallest straw thrown towards their cause, and the way feminists on campus made everything worse through their desire to protect a "saviour" is meant to be a reflection of the way society deals with serious issues. I fear that this way of presenting things can be seen as mocking the real, serious, harming issues happening every day on campuses and not only.

It's hard to say if I like this novel. I appreciate how it made me care and it drew me in and it made me have opinions and it aggravated me. Argh!  I don't think this novel did any good for the real problems in our society, to be honest. I tend to agree that the way things are approached is not always the wisest because there's a lot of noise, but little desire to listen and come to a helpful solution; every party holds its ground and stays mad at the other people. Maybe this novel was a means to draw attention to this very thing. All that to say - if you like campus novels, or like reading novels about the university life, maybe this is for you. I continue to have mixed feelings. As far as the stars rating goes, I'd give it a 2.5*  

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

****

Quotes:

Part of the way down Mathers, a familiar voice cut through the chanting. “Lulu, what the fuck are you doing?” It was Shelley. Lulu kept crawling, eyes focused on nothing. “I had to see for myself. You know damn well this is bullshit. Do you hear me?” Pythia Kamal quickly interceded. “How dare you. Lulu’s a survivor. We honor survivors on this campus!” “Kiss my ass. No one is buying this, Lulu. And, not that I really care, but when your bullshit is exposed, you’re only going to make it harder for real victims to come forward. What about them?” Several people stepped up and surrounded Shelley. “You need to leave. Now. This is a peaceful march,” said one male student, striding toward Shelley, just thrust out. 

That she was, behind the scenes, falsely accusing someone had given her pause at the start. The feeling passed. Collateral damage was acceptable in every war, even if this was a war about which she didn’t particularly care.

****

Characters List (contains spoilers!):

Devon University - private research university, Havenport, New England

Milton Strauss - Devon president

D'Arcy - Milton's administrative assistant

Ephraim Eph Russell - 19th century American Lit professor. promised tenure. the centre of drama created by students

Titus O'Cooley - chair of the English Department

Louise Lulu Harris - socialite. instigates drama. initiator of #CrawlPeace

Song - Lulu's roommate

Sheldon Harris - Lulu's father. Devon alumni. rich. Hollywood lawyer

Camille Thornton/ April Gilmartin - Lulu's mother. she left Lulu and Sheldon soon after Lulu's birth. became an actress. Lulu and her are now together in making Lulu's cause known to the world and catch the media's attention

Yolanda Perez - Lulu's RA. convinces Lulu to "admit" and give the name of her sexual assailant.

Aldrich Red Wheeler - has been at Devon for seven years. activist/ social issues demonstrations & protests instigator

Foster Jennison - important alumni. gives large sums of money to Devon. Red's grandfather

Shelley Kisher - a junior. part of the Fellinghams

Winslow Gublins/ Win/ Winny - head of the Fellinghams Society = a sort of fraternity but male and female inclusive - the members are from the upper class

Sophie Blue Feather - poetry professor, tenured, pangenderist

Prof. Barrett Toes Smallwood - English prof, is given tenure instead of Eph due to the scandal surrounding him

Jaylen Biggs - head of the Afro-American Cultural Centre

Wendy Faircloth - works at the On the Avenue, the posh magazine Lulu wants to appear in

Martika Malik Adams - dean of diversity. Has it for Eph to frame it, despite Lulu admitting she lied.

Jack Russell - Eph's brother. died in Afghanistan. he was their father's favourite

Ellie - Eph's sister

Big Mike & Millie - Eph's parents

Stillman Weathers - Devon alumni. not pleased how Milton runs the university. gives a lot of money

The Lido - by Libby Page: Book Review

Title: The Lido. A novel
Author: Libby Page
Pages: 384
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: July 10th 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Kindle

The beginning drew me in, but as the novel progresses the pace slows down. What makes it slower is all the flashbacks and reminiscence Rosemary has. It's too much at times and it adds up to slow and dull patches. The writing is very simplistic, although it tries to be... interesting, I guess, with turns of phrases. If the writer continues to write maybe she'll get better at it. It reminded me very, very little of Fredrik Backman, as the inner cover said.

Although I understand and empathise with Kate, I think her Panic and her insecurities are too easily dealt with. Yes, friends to push you more, something to challenge you profesionally, something to do outside work, and people you enjoy spending time with - all these are important. But for some, Panic doesn't get to be locked away and banished so easily. It was also pretty obvious that the lido will help Kate feel more at ease. A too simple solution.

The story was told alternatingly so as to present Kate's and Rosemary's  lives. Rosemary and George's love story and marriage are nice to read about, but then it became boring; the same thing told with different words and snapshots of their lives. I wish we were told more about them other than their going to the pool and their marriage bliss. There are also a number of characters the author didn't focus a lot, but enough to make the reader see that the lido is the collection of all the people who use its facilities and it's at the centre of the community. I wish we learned more about some of them. Less about Rosemary and more about the others.

The story as a nice beach read. I admit, though, that at times I needed a break because of the repetititve tone. The community portrayed is that of a small town; actually, even smaller. A pocket community in a bustling city. It was a nice look back on all the traditional institutions of a small community: the lido, of course, the library, the cafe, the small newspaper, the park, the same familiar faces of the people you always bump into. But it's weird that everyone is so nice all the time, and when they are in the wrong they make up for their mistake without being prompt. And on the same note, there is hardly a conflict. The closing of the lido, which is "the conflict" is predictable. Rosemary's words towards the end "It's over." rose absolutely no emotion within me. That's not the expected response from a reader, I dare say. Even the proposition and the "presentation" Rosemary gives at the big, fancy advertising company is shallow. It must be a novel if they fall for her simple words. The author's observations take up more than all Rosemary had to say.

This is a slow paced novel, cute and sweet, good for when you want to read a bit, it's a nice one for a slow day by the pool, or any body of water, actually. I had higher expectations from it, though.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe - by Jenny Colgan: Book Review

Title: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe
Author: Jenny Colgan
Pages: 456
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: 2nd July 2019
Genre: Women's Fiction, Baking Novels, Food Novels
Format: Kindle

I picked this up for an easy read, a summer novel, for a break. However, as I was reading I couldn't help but have my suspicions and point out all that was bothering me. So bullet points it is, with the bad and the good.

1. I may not be a business owner or know the first thing about opening a café, but things sure seem to have fallen into place for Issy. Sure, you're rooting for her, but I can't help but wonder what would have happened with the café had there been no bus accident and thus no newspaper article about her.
2. At about 40%, when the café is up and running, you know there's still a long way to go, so you're curious and want to read more.
3. It dragged a bit in some parts.
4. Why can't there be a balance between healthy and sugar-filled desserts? People eat a lot of cupcakes in this novel, obviously. What bothered me, however, was the lack of compromise. Caroline, one of the Cupcake Café employees is a health freak. Why not make something that appeals to this category as well, Issy? From the beginning, not as an afterthought.
and this leads me to...
5. So many references to women's body shape. I appreciated the main character not being a skinny woman who can eat all the sugar she wants and still look like a supermodel, but rather looking like a normal, healthy, food-loving woman. But the author seemed to defend women's shapes and to make excuses as if not looking like a star is not normal. For example, Pearl, a friend and employee of Issy's, lost a few pounds just because she had a job, didn't stay in all day, so she walked a lot, so she obviously now looked better. Why? Why do that? Maybe some people reading this novel can't so easily lose pounds by going to their job and walking.
6. The perspective, in the same chapter, shifted so often and quickly from one character to another that at first it was tricky to keep up. It didn't read smoothly, but more like an attempt at writing. But once you get into the novel it's fine.
7. Stop saying "yummy mummies" as refered to the women who look skinny/ posh and don't eat cupcakes all day, and stop talking about them driving 4x4s.
8. Why all the stabbing at Caroline and the very fit women? It's their choice. Sure, complexes inducing for some, but it's their choice, just as it is one's choice to eat another cupcake without thinking of the consequences.
9. Most married men are junk in this novel, as concluded by Caroline, and that is sad. It means that once the marriage novelty has worn off and the children are present, there is a life of gloom and doom to be had, where kids don't get to see their dad only rarely, fathers miss children's milestones and events.
10. Of course the one meant to be "the one" for Issy is top notch.
11. Desperate much, Issy? Once she had her business rolling all she seemed to think about and want was a husband and children, but it was nice to see Issy still hanging on those traditional roles. It gets me eye-rolling to see people determined to be carreer people and completely break with all that's old. Still, she's desperate.
12. I kept wanting to read, despite all the above mentioned. I was after a novel that didn't promise to be deep, and I got what I wanted. There's a time for this kind of novels.
13. For those who love romance this is a nice read. I was looking for a summer novel and this one spans from winter to summer, so it ticked the box. 

I received a free e-book copy of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Elsewhere, Home - by Leila Aboulela: Book Review

Title: Elsewhere Home
Author: Leila Aboulela
Pages: 224
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Release Date: 22nd February 2019
Genre: Short stories, Sudanese culture
Format: Kindle

{GoodReads Synopsis}

From one of our finest contemporary writers whose work has been praised by J.M. Coetzee, Ali Smith and Aminatta Forna, Leila Aboulela's Elsewhere, Home offers us a rich tableau of life as an immigrant abroad, attempting to navigate the conflicts of assimilation and difference in an unfamiliar world.

Shuttling between the dusty, sun-baked streets of Khartoum and the university halls and cramped apartments of Aberdeen and London, Elsewhere, Home explores, with subtlety and restraint, the profound feelings of yearning, loss and alienation that come with leaving one's homeland in pursuit of a different life.

{My thoughts} 

I could see little happiness. A lot of resignation, the longing for the roots home, but also the pull of a better, modern life. There is no better place or better choice. No character can be judged, but as a reader you can just accept them and feel for them. The characters are from different backgrounds so this gives a more inclusive perspective on the Sudanese culture. 

What surprised me was that despite having no knowledge of the Sudanese culture and literature, these stories read in a universal language - literally and figuratively. If it were any other country from the East, the feelings the characters would be similar to those in this collection. The life of an immigrant is never easy nor black and white and you can see this clearly in these stories. The unlikely connections and graspings for belonging in Scotland are endearing and makes you wish all the best for these characters. The characters are never just people on paper; not few times did I think about the people who maybe inspired each story: the unlikely, the sad, the unexpected. At times I feared that the clash of cultures will lead couples, spouses or parents and children apart. The tapestry is rich in colour, and each story brings something new. 

I must confess that some stories read a bit slower as they are not easy to get into. However, it was fun to see how each person got to Sudan or Scotland and read along to see where the story led. The plan is to read more from this author.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Only Ever Her - by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen: Book Review

Title: Only Ever Her
Author: Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Pages:298
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: May 7th 2019
Genre: Mystery
Format: Kindle

A mystery novel where the missing person is not found and rescued in a happy ending. As macabre as that may sound, I was glad we weren't given a perfectly tied bow to wrap up the novel.

Annie, the small town's belle, is missing a few days before her wedding to a catch of a man. Many are suspect, including the man who was in prison on accusations of having killed her mother twenty years prior. I was sure we will never learn the exact circumstance of how Lydia, Annie's mother, died, and I did not see that coming! I loved that revealing part!

I read an advanced e-book copy, and maybe this had to do with it, but there wasn't a clear transition from one scene to another. At times I had to figure it out by reading between lines [see: Clary and Travis' history]. It doesn't mean you can't understand the story, but you have to pay closer attention to details thrown in.

I didn't like the mocking tone used towards the religious and Christian life. I felt like we were encouraged to root for Clary, Annie's cousin, and give Travis the side eye. I'm not claiming that his decisions and life are where they should be, but he moved on instead on wallowing in the past. 

Speaking of moving on, none of these characters (I'm referring to those from whose perspective the story was told) seem to have done that. They still linger on the past. It's typical of a novel set in a smalltown. Another thing that didn't convince me was how a whole case was based on the babbling of a three year old. No matter how precocious Annie was at that age, you investigate further, especially when there are other leads. It's unfortunate that there is another, albeit fictional, example of the incompetence of the justice system. And it throws a bad light on the police force, again. Not to mention, in a novel it just seemed the easy way to make the reader believe a three year old's word could be considered as the basis for a murder trial. 

As for the main character, I for one didn't like her, and I didn't care for her Southern sweetheart status. She was spoilt by the whole town and look what good did that do to her!

Despite all this, I enjoyed the novel a lot. I finished it in two days because I didn't want to do anything else but read more of it. It kept me interested and intrigued, wanting to read one more chapter. As far as mystery and suspense are concerned, it delivers. I sure do recommend it for fans of this genre.

4*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Roots and Sky - by Christie Purefoy: Bookreview

Title: Roots & Sky. A Journey Home in Four Seasons
Author: Christie Purifoy
Pages: 208
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 2nd, 2016
Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Memoir, Essay
Format: Kindle

I got to know a bit more about Christie Purifoy because of her podcast which she co-hosts with Lisa-Jo Baker, Out of the Ordinary. It's more a mom podcast, but I like listening to it and take what applies to my life. As we should do with mostly everything we listen to and read about. #justsaying

This book is very poetic. If you are not at all familiar with Christie this might be surprising. She reminded me a bit of Ann Voskamp and her ability to turn the mundane into poetry. This is what Christie does: she takes the normal, ordinary, every day things and looks at them through a deeper and more profound lens. You need to pay attention to her words, not approach the book feeling tired and just wanting to get this book over with. There is a lot of good stuff in here and she offers quite a few thoughts to ponder.

I liked how she structured the book in four parts, each for one of the four seasons. The first one is autumn because that was the season when she and her family moved into Maplehurst, the house her husband and her had dreamed about for a long time. Autumn is also the time of year when her youngest daughter, Elsa was born. I liked her take on each season and how she relates to them and how these look like in a new city and a new house. I tried as much as possible to read a season in one sitting, or at least to not let too much time to pass before I moved to another one because I wanted to see what she saw in each one. The book reads like a collection of journal entries. A few times she talks in the present tense and I had some moments where it seemed that some ideas made sense to her, but were a bit more tricky for me as a reader to get them and be able to be keep up with them. As I said, the language is quite poetic, you need not rush in reading it. I enjoyed reading her take on some things, although I don't necessarily agree with her completely. I kept imagining what she was describing and I so wish I were able to visit Maplehurst myself!

She has a new book coming out this year called Placemaker. I hope it get to read that one as well.

I received this book a long, long time ago from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Girl from Berlin - by Ronald H. Balson

Title: The Girl from Berlin
Series: Liam and Catherine #5
Author: Ronald H. Balson
Pages: 352

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publishing Date: 9.10.2018
Format: Kindle

I have read books #3 and #4 in this series, and both #3 and #5, The Girl from Berlin, deal with the time of World War Two, although from different perspectives. The author does a good job of telling the story of the characters from the past. I mentioned in a review for Karolina's Twins that the relationship between Liam and Catherine, the husband-wife couple, was stiff. It got better in this book, happy to say.

Although it is a World War Two novel, little is mentioned of the Holocaust. It presents the lives of the Jewish people in Germany during that time, the fine side of their world, with culture and music. I knew little about this, and it was fun to see this aspect presented. I can't say that there were any characters I didn't like. The novel kept me engaged to the very end, I liked how the story within a story was presented, and thankfully it didn't feel like there was any hardly possible turn of events. A good read!

I received a free ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

What I've Read Lately #9

Some more 2018 reads:

A coworker lent me this. It was so nice of her, especially since she hadn't read it yet. I enjoyed some of the stories in the book, but not all. Tom Hanks has a voice of his own, but since I can hardly consider myself qualified to judge short stories, I'll just say that they are a nice read. As always, I don't like reading more than one at a time. The presence of a typewriter in each story was a nice touch.
4*

(reread)
Since I got to read Us Against You by Backman this year, I thought it best to refresh my memory by rereading Beartown. Same love, happy to report.
Here's my review of the book.

The same coworker lent me this one as well. Jodi Picoult is her favourite author, and she told me to read this. It was good.
Again, I was taken by surprise by Jodi Picoult, but I picked this book up ready to be surprised. I was amazed by the thorough research that was done for this novel, and the way it tied elephants' lives to those of the characters'. I was expecting something very cheesy, but it wasn't so, thankfully.
I didn't like every character, nor every choice they made, but the novel was engrossing enough to keep me interested and turning one more page. I did think there were a few cliches, though, but those can be overlooked if you are more interested in the plot and how it ends rather than in depth and novel analysis.
Maybe it's a good idea to pick something lighter after you finish reading this novel.
4*

It was very boring. Very. Every character annoyed me, Prince Ralian is nothing a King of Narnia should be, the Marsh-Wiggle lost its funny whining after a while, the kids were nothing like a Son of Adam and Daughter of Eve should be. I kept waiting for more of Aslan, but I waited in vain.
I spent two months reading this, and during those two months I finished reading three other books. That should tell you how much I didn't like the book.
1*
(maybe Narnia is not for me; I only liked the first 3 books in the series)

At last! I can say I have read the Chronicles of Narnia. It was nice, it brought closure. I sure liked it better than the previous one in the series.
4*

I have watched all of Ken Robinson's TED talks and I love them! He's smart, creative, funny, and can deliver a message clearly. If you have watched Ken Robinson's TED talks you will read this book with his voice in your head. Just be warned. Some of the things and stories he shares in this book I've heard before in his talks, but no matter; it's Ken Robinson.
I plan to read his other books as well and continue fangirling.
4*

I first heard about this book from Ben Stuart during one of his sermons at Breakaway. It is a memoir of a father whose son is addicted to drugs. It's sad and frustrating, informative and mind blowing. It's hard sometimes, but worth reading, although it started to drag too long at one point.
2*

I learned about this book from Joanna Goddard. If you liked When Breath Becomes Air, you will also like this. However, The Bright Hour is a different voice, the essays read more smoothly, there is humour throughout the book. I liked this a lot. At various points while reading I was surprised to realise that the author is dead. It was a surprising thing every time.
4*













Previous What I've Read Lately.

Everybody, Always - by Bob Goff: Book Review

Title: Everybody, Always. Becoming Love in a world full of setbacks and difficult people
Author: Bob Goff
No. Pages: 240
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publishing Date: 17 April 2018
Format: Kindle

Bob Goff's second book follows the theme of his first: Love. Love everybody, no matter their background, their story, just show love. 

I have to say that the ways in which he shows love are sometimes extreme and not always applicable to everyone's everyday life. While his enthusiasm is through the roof (he does admit that espresso drinks him to wake up) and the stories he shares are engaging, I don't see how this effervescence can be maintained constantly.

The book is made up of twenty something chapters, all following the same pattern: a story told in an amusing way followed by a practical/ devotional-esque aspect for our daily life. It's a standard form and if I remember correctly, it's the same as his first book's. I didn't think it was possible to say the same thing in so many chapters. The idea is simple: love people. I am not sure we needed a new book to tell us that, and it is repetitive after a few chapters. This might be somewhat tiresome to see, but if you read it sporadically, not in one sitting, it works fine. I enjoy this kind of essay writing for when I am short on time to sit and read, but I still get to read a book in the free moments.

Someone mentioned the crazy things he gets to do, like buying a house almost on a whim, hopping on a plane to Uganda, flying a plane to the Lodge, or doing other extraordinary things. All these are not what the majority of people get to do on a daily basis. Although they create a sort of social and economic gap between the author and the reader, and I was surprised by this when I read Love Does too, they don't prevent you from putting into practice the main idea: love people the best way you can. Another thing I have to agree on with another reader is that he sure talks a lot about him and his people. I don't know how this could have been presented by mixing the personal stories, the practical aspect, and more Jesus. I think the book does lack more mentioning of Jesus.

The book is a nice read, the tone if friendly and engaging, there are some witty parts, and the last few chapters about Charlie are the best in my opinion, so give this a try. For the Christian reader, used to this kind of books, maybe it will not contain much new information, but it's Bob Goff, you kind of want to know what other crazy things he's done.

I received a free e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Us Against You - by Fredrik Backman: Book Review

Title: Us Against You. A novel

Author: Fredrik Backman

No. pages: 448

Publisher: Atria Books | Simon & Schuster

Publishing Date: 5.06.2018

Format: Kindle

Unlike Beartown, in Us Against You there are more tears and people are more emotional. At the same time, people are crueler and the atmosphere is more charged. The novel felt heavy and I kept wondering if it could get any worse. It could and it did. The turn the events took made me gasp quite a number of times, it made me stop and reread, but it definitely made me turn one more page.

It was interesting to see how some of the characters I met in Beartown evolved. A few new ones are introduced, and one character in particular is so bad, it adds to the gut-wrenching feeling. To do this, however, he uses a politician, and for this political aspect I did not care too mcuh. In the end, it didn't influence the novel very much, except make it longer and winding. Some characters were introduced too late to fully get to know and like/dislike them, and some characters were just plain extra (see: Teemu and Vidar). I did like how he created tension by presenting the two teams, the Beartown hockey team (the greens) and the Hed hockey team (the reds) as enemies; you see the lows and the highs of the human nature as a result. I also liked how he presented the obvious "bad" characters from different perspectives to see how easy it is to judge, and they aren't as bad as you're tempted to think.

Unlike Beartown, Us Against You seemed at times unlikely. Not every action the characters engaged in had authenticity, and I am sure people don't usually speak like that, but in the cold Beartown people are so different that you let this slide. Speaking of the town, it's so unlike any city or town I have read about. Even compared with Hed, the other town in the novel, it seems very different and out of place.

The shorter chapters are so full with emotion (and I don't like this cheesy word, nor cheesy emotions) and dripping with feeling, that you can't close this book untouched. Of course, you have to give the writing style some time. I see how Fredrik Backman's writing may not appeal to every reader, but once you see how he uses language smoothly and apparently effortlessly to draw you in, you can't help but applaud him. There are moments when you expect the plot to go in a certain way, but he shifts it and it takes a different direction. 

I must say, though, I am not sure I want there to be a #3. (Although of course I will read it!) The story dragged a little bit in this novel, and if I think about it, not much was actually going on. There isn't really a happy ending, but better times for some of the characters are hinted at. Maybe Beartown is made to be tough, but without being a winner and champion. I am afraid that another book in the series will be just a commercial one, without the depth Beartown had. Comparing Beartown and Us Against You, the first one is much better. It was good to see how the characters recovered from/dealt with what happened in the first book, but we don't need to see them more than we already did, despite the unfinished feel the second book has. Also, the moments where the author has to make a paranthesis to help everyone catch up with the characters and events in the first book are annoying. 

For fans of Fredrik Backman, yes, you must read this. It does add a new layer to the story, albeit not a crucial one. I hope this is it with Beartown; we know the people and the town, but farewell. I like the author's writing better in stand alone novels. Harsh? Maybe, but I like to think I'm a picky reader.

4.5*

I received an e-book copy of the novel from Ariele Fredman, Assistant Director of Publicity at Atria Books | Simon & Schuster. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Cloister - by James Carroll: Book Review

Title: The Cloister

Author: James Carroll

No pages: 384

Publisher: Nan A. Talese

Publishing Date: 6.03.2018

Format: Kindle

Threading three different stories, the novel presents the story of people who are unable to present their cases clearly, or if they do, they are met with judgment and misunderstanding.

The story of World War Two Holocaust when millions of Jews were killed is well known. A victim of this injustice was Rachel Vedette, a French Jew, and her father, a scholar of the Torah. Presenting her story is done as a result of her discussions with Father Michael Kavanagh, a misfit in his group of Catholic priests. What helps Rachel and Father Michael understand each other and deal with their doubts and struggles is the story of Peter Abelard and Heloise. The texts Abelard wrote and Heloise made sure survived the ages showcase a man who dared to write about what he believed in and thought of, despite the shame and excommunication it brought upon him. Above all, the idea of love, in all the forms people try to see it in, is seen throughout the novel. It's what fuels every discussion and change of direction, whether it’s love for God or love for other people. 

More than Abelard and Heloise’s, Rachel and Father Michel’s conversation, and relationship, intrigued me. They seemed to play hide and seek, emphasis on seek, during their every encounter. Two people who think of themselves as impostors in their everyday life come face to face with the history of the Jews throughout the centuries and its implications for their personal lives. Two people confined to the self-sufficiency they’ve been used to up to that moment. Two people unable to be honest with each other because of their baggage and out of fear to not say too much or offend. This is what fascinated me.

I personally didn't like how some serious social and religious issues were approached. I haven't read anything by Abelard, and my Catholic knowledge is limited, but I sensed that some ideas the author adhered to were far-fetched. It was as if he wanted to tie everything in a nice bow and give his characters a final resolution and clear purpose, doubts-free. 

I enjoyed the foray into history, the musical and poetic language (which made the reading tedious at times, but I powered through) I was exposed to, and the attempt to show how apparently small and insignificant deeds of the 12th century carry weight well into our time.

Despite the heavy topic and at times slow paced reading, it was a good book, certainly appealing to history buffs. 

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own. 

If You Only Knew - Jamie Ivey: Book Review

Title: If You Only Knew. My unlikely, unavoidable story of becoming free
 Author: Jamie Ivey
 No. Pages: 240
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Release Date: 30.01.2018
Format: mobi Kindle

I knew about Jamie Ivey because of her podcast, The Happy Hour, a podcast some of my favourite bloggers/ writer were guest on. She is bubbly and funny. You can tell right away that she is authentic (something she mentions people say about her all the time) and blunt. She tackles a rather taboo subject in her book/ memoir, but she is open with the readers, clear and concise in sharing her message so as to understand where she's been, what she's in the process of, and where she's going.

I closed the book feeling encouraged and pushed to get closer to Jesus. Not many books can do that.

I loved the illustration she used with the letters: for every thing we think we are, every bad thing, we usually pin a letter on us. It's a "The Scarlet Letter" thing. We are not the letters we pin, but the stories we tell. "We are not our letters anymore. We belong to a new Storyteller." As a lover of a good story, her words carried weight. What's I walked away with was that we are all a walking story that could point to God and what He does in us.

The things you learn in the book, what she shares is not something new. She knows this and she says it. Her book is just one more story that can show and testify to what God is able to do. It's a quick read, but not because it's an easily read story. What makes it accessible is that it's written in a friendly tone and it's relatable no matter your Christian background or lack of it. I left with this nudge: "God uses the stories of His people to change the world. It’s true. Your story can change the world, but you first must be willing to share it."

***

If you want to learn more about the author, she has a podcast where she chats with various guests about the big and small things in life. There's a series on the podcast connected to the book. 

I received a free advanced e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.