Tuesday, 2 October 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig.
Have you ever stared at an old map long enough that you were convinced the creatures in the margins moved? I certainly have so it should come as no surprise that I was easily caught by the intriguing net this story spins.
If the person on the helm of the ship believes in the map and the cartographer did an accurate version of the place and believed in it as well at the time, you can sail anywhere and anywhen if you have the right map … and if you haven’t used that map before. This is such a great idea and the places described are just fantastic. So many possibilities. But for this particular crew it’s also a curse as the captain is fixated on returning to a time and place to change the past to what he thinks is the better outcome on a personal level.
I love how this is simultaneously a historical story set in Hawaii before the fall of the kingdom and also a fantastical story with the ability to hop around to other places with a very unique system of rules and conditions. I’m still not quite sure how that last manoeuvre works, but I’ll have a deeper look at it when I’m more awake and not trying to figure out everything all at once.
The other thing I deeply enjoyed was how the main character Nix is the very focus, her ambitions and future or possible lack thereof, how she relates to her surroundings of people and places alike, and how she finally manages to take the helm (sorry, there had to be a seafaring pun) for her destiny. Even though her methods and moral are definitely in the ambiguous grey area. Well, not considering where she’s from as she has her pick and choose there. But I like how she is her own person first and for example the potential love interest of someone else second. Or third. It’s a very subtle thing but quite well done in the whole scheme of things while still veering on the romantic side.
On to the next book, wherever the winds may lead us … did I mention that duologies are nice, especially when both books are already out?
If you could travel to any place, any map, real or fictional, which one would you go to? Share your choices and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig.
 |
| The Girl From Everywhere – Hot Key Books |
“I won that money fair and square. Or do you disapprove of gambling too?”
I weighed the purse in my hand. “Yes … but not enough to give it back.”
— Chapter 8
“Paradise is a promise no god bothers to keep. There’s only now, and tomorrow nothing will be the same, whether we like it or not.”
— Chapter 33
Have you ever stared at an old map long enough that you were convinced the creatures in the margins moved? I certainly have so it should come as no surprise that I was easily caught by the intriguing net this story spins.
If the person on the helm of the ship believes in the map and the cartographer did an accurate version of the place and believed in it as well at the time, you can sail anywhere and anywhen if you have the right map … and if you haven’t used that map before. This is such a great idea and the places described are just fantastic. So many possibilities. But for this particular crew it’s also a curse as the captain is fixated on returning to a time and place to change the past to what he thinks is the better outcome on a personal level.
I love how this is simultaneously a historical story set in Hawaii before the fall of the kingdom and also a fantastical story with the ability to hop around to other places with a very unique system of rules and conditions. I’m still not quite sure how that last manoeuvre works, but I’ll have a deeper look at it when I’m more awake and not trying to figure out everything all at once.
The other thing I deeply enjoyed was how the main character Nix is the very focus, her ambitions and future or possible lack thereof, how she relates to her surroundings of people and places alike, and how she finally manages to take the helm (sorry, there had to be a seafaring pun) for her destiny. Even though her methods and moral are definitely in the ambiguous grey area. Well, not considering where she’s from as she has her pick and choose there. But I like how she is her own person first and for example the potential love interest of someone else second. Or third. It’s a very subtle thing but quite well done in the whole scheme of things while still veering on the romantic side.
On to the next book, wherever the winds may lead us … did I mention that duologies are nice, especially when both books are already out?
If you could travel to any place, any map, real or fictional, which one would you go to? Share your choices and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.
This book has been for several reasons sort of haunting me for the past couple of months and I’m now absurdly happy that it’s finally out and people get to read it because for a lack of a better descriptor it is absolutely remarkable. And I promise that is the last time I’m going to use that descriptor because it is possibly more than a little cheesy.
This book is wonderful on so many levels because there are so many things to take away from it in as many readings as you like. On the surface level, it’s a purely enjoyable piece of speculative fiction that will keep you guessing what is going on and how all of the strings tie together. And then there are all the social and psychological aspects that open up if you want them to. If you’ve read the book you’ll know what I mean when I say that I was especially hooked by the idea that initial fame n the one hand transforms itself you but also transforms itself if you keep on feeding until it becomes its own entity that is most definitely able to destroy you.
Another aspect is maybe very obvious, but nevertheless not less important because of it. This idea of othering that which is different or rather making a deal of that which is other and instead of being open to learn and explore to react with suspicion and hate. This is very obviously not hidden in most cases. I love how clear this book is on this message while also not badgering you about it. I like to think of it as offering the tools and details to make an informed decision first in the fictional world and then maybe transfer the findings to the real world. Because while there are (not yet) giant sculptures standing in major cities around the globe there are enough groups and individuals that are scarily reminiscent of those Defenders. And what this fanaticism can lead to becomes glaringly, painfully obvious by the end of the book.
The end itself is a sort of cliffhanger, so there is going to be a second book (triple cheer for that), which I am quite happy about because while this is a debut it’s an incredibly well-crafted one and the author clearly displays a high talent for storytelling, which I’m looking forward to exploring in his further writings.
I get to see Hank for his book tour in Boston tomorrow (no, I’m not usually able to cross the pond for a book launch so this is especially exciting). Which author have you travelled to see live or seen live in general? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.
 |
| An Absolutely Remarkable Thing – Dutton |
It is amazing how disconcerting a single vile, manipulative person can be even if you have never and (hopefully) will never see them. The power that each of us has over complete strangers to make them feel terrible and frightened and weak is amazing.
— Chapter 3
This dumb little moment was the first time I heard a stranger hating me in public. I knew then, for real, that thousands of people were having that exact conversation all over the world every moment of every day. Those people were real, and their thoughts were formed by overblown or just straight made-up stories about me that I could never adequately defend myself against.
— Chapter 12
This book has been for several reasons sort of haunting me for the past couple of months and I’m now absurdly happy that it’s finally out and people get to read it because for a lack of a better descriptor it is absolutely remarkable. And I promise that is the last time I’m going to use that descriptor because it is possibly more than a little cheesy.
This book is wonderful on so many levels because there are so many things to take away from it in as many readings as you like. On the surface level, it’s a purely enjoyable piece of speculative fiction that will keep you guessing what is going on and how all of the strings tie together. And then there are all the social and psychological aspects that open up if you want them to. If you’ve read the book you’ll know what I mean when I say that I was especially hooked by the idea that initial fame n the one hand transforms itself you but also transforms itself if you keep on feeding until it becomes its own entity that is most definitely able to destroy you.
Another aspect is maybe very obvious, but nevertheless not less important because of it. This idea of othering that which is different or rather making a deal of that which is other and instead of being open to learn and explore to react with suspicion and hate. This is very obviously not hidden in most cases. I love how clear this book is on this message while also not badgering you about it. I like to think of it as offering the tools and details to make an informed decision first in the fictional world and then maybe transfer the findings to the real world. Because while there are (not yet) giant sculptures standing in major cities around the globe there are enough groups and individuals that are scarily reminiscent of those Defenders. And what this fanaticism can lead to becomes glaringly, painfully obvious by the end of the book.
The end itself is a sort of cliffhanger, so there is going to be a second book (triple cheer for that), which I am quite happy about because while this is a debut it’s an incredibly well-crafted one and the author clearly displays a high talent for storytelling, which I’m looking forward to exploring in his further writings.
I get to see Hank for his book tour in Boston tomorrow (no, I’m not usually able to cross the pond for a book launch so this is especially exciting). Which author have you travelled to see live or seen live in general? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Impostors by Scott Westerfeld.
There isn’t a time in my life when I haven’t been reading in some sort of way. Or have been read to, if you want to get picky. That leads to slightly amusing, slightly startling situations like with this unexpected sequel in terms of “It has been how long since the publication of the previously last book?!” – Yes, that’s 12 years. On the upside to me feeling suddenly ancient there’s a whole new generation of readers who can either start into a series with substantial reading material or just pick up from here because you don’t necessarily need the background to appreciate this continuation.
If you’ve read the original books, it’s equal parts interesting and horrifying to realise how the world was saved and yet humans managed to completely screw it up again, only this time under opposite preconditions. It certainly drives the message home that the saving cannot be one single event or act but has to be maintained and checked in order to have a lasting, wholesome effect.
The sibling dynamic between the two sisters is so unique and interesting. The whole heir and the spare concept driven to its extreme but not considering that the heir and the spare might be each other’s best and most loyal ally. And the psychological aspects of this forced but still genuinely loving alliance at least on Frey’s side (because she literally has no other option of genuine contact) are so fascinating. Her journey to becoming more than just a double is so nuanced and clever that it almost seems painful in its snail’s pace at first. But once she’s cluing in the learning curve is breathtaking. Especially in terms of interaction and building trust.
And all that becoming her own person and a functioning social human on top of preventing a complete catastrophe of course. Here's why there are so many teenage heroines: Boys wouldn’t be able to handle so many plot aspects (only mostly kidding).
I didn’t particularly want a sequel to the Uglies-Series, but now that it’s there I realise that maybe I secretly needed it to return to this fantastic world. Do you have instances of surprise sequels that turned out to be exactly what you didn’t know you were waiting for? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Impostors by Scott Westerfeld.
 |
| Impostors – Scholastic Press |
And what matters is: I’ve saved my sister. I let the ecstasy of that flood into me.
Nothing will ever feel this good again.
— Chapter 2
I smile. “It’s decided, then. We’re allies.”
He holds out his hand. “Not pawns for our families.”
We shake on it. But it feels like a promise I can’t keep.
I was born to be a pawn.
— Chapter 11
There isn’t a time in my life when I haven’t been reading in some sort of way. Or have been read to, if you want to get picky. That leads to slightly amusing, slightly startling situations like with this unexpected sequel in terms of “It has been how long since the publication of the previously last book?!” – Yes, that’s 12 years. On the upside to me feeling suddenly ancient there’s a whole new generation of readers who can either start into a series with substantial reading material or just pick up from here because you don’t necessarily need the background to appreciate this continuation.
If you’ve read the original books, it’s equal parts interesting and horrifying to realise how the world was saved and yet humans managed to completely screw it up again, only this time under opposite preconditions. It certainly drives the message home that the saving cannot be one single event or act but has to be maintained and checked in order to have a lasting, wholesome effect.
The sibling dynamic between the two sisters is so unique and interesting. The whole heir and the spare concept driven to its extreme but not considering that the heir and the spare might be each other’s best and most loyal ally. And the psychological aspects of this forced but still genuinely loving alliance at least on Frey’s side (because she literally has no other option of genuine contact) are so fascinating. Her journey to becoming more than just a double is so nuanced and clever that it almost seems painful in its snail’s pace at first. But once she’s cluing in the learning curve is breathtaking. Especially in terms of interaction and building trust.
And all that becoming her own person and a functioning social human on top of preventing a complete catastrophe of course. Here's why there are so many teenage heroines: Boys wouldn’t be able to handle so many plot aspects (only mostly kidding).
I didn’t particularly want a sequel to the Uglies-Series, but now that it’s there I realise that maybe I secretly needed it to return to this fantastic world. Do you have instances of surprise sequels that turned out to be exactly what you didn’t know you were waiting for? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 11 September 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
At some point, there was rather a wave of mental issues books. I can’t say for certain when or how it ebbed, but I’m fairly certain there are fewer of them now. Or maybe just not as prominent any longer. Nevertheless, there are some that stick out amongst them.
I don’t know a lot about OCD and specific phobias. People easily say that they are deadly afraid of spiders, for example, but I don’t think most of them are. I don’t doubt, that they dislike them and would rather they not have a giant spider in their bedroom … I definitely relate to that. But to be so afraid that they qualify under the list of symptoms seems a bit over the top in most cases. It does sound nicer saying that it’s a phobia rather than to be afraid of or have a dislike for spiders. Same goes for OCD I suppose. I don’t want to diagnose anything or anyone though and I know there are levels to these kinds of issues. I’m just also saying that there are certain circles where dropping these terms is rather en vogue.
Back to the book, which is a very thoughtful and also quite intense love story, but also the story of a girl trapped on so many levels by herself and her very mind. It seems wrong to say that I enjoyed reading about her struggles when it’s really the empathy part that is very engaged with this story. I was rooting for Norah to be able to break her cage from the very beginning. And for Luke to remain as amazing and accepting as he first appeared. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if I got my wish and experience these two interacting and fighting and living. Oh and also revealing some innermost parts of themselves, don’t forget that.
This book will challenge its readers to look at certain aspects and evaluate them with a new set of understanding mechanisms. And that’s on top of a very satisfying reading experience. Maybe it helps to read this without so many other mental health books surrounding it. Trends and topic waves are all well and good, but sometimes reading against them will give you a better appreciation of individual titles.
Which book has recently changed your perspective on something or made you aware that there is a perspective to be had at all? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
 |
| Unter Rose-Tainted Skies – Clarion Books |
Because I’m sure the only thing on any home invaders mind, after being polite enough to knock first, is a sanitary victim. I roll my eyes so hard they almost fall out of my skull.
— Chapter 8
Worry is such a drama queen. It takes the smallest thing, makes it so big and bulky that you can't see the obvious anymore.
— Chapter 9
At some point, there was rather a wave of mental issues books. I can’t say for certain when or how it ebbed, but I’m fairly certain there are fewer of them now. Or maybe just not as prominent any longer. Nevertheless, there are some that stick out amongst them.
I don’t know a lot about OCD and specific phobias. People easily say that they are deadly afraid of spiders, for example, but I don’t think most of them are. I don’t doubt, that they dislike them and would rather they not have a giant spider in their bedroom … I definitely relate to that. But to be so afraid that they qualify under the list of symptoms seems a bit over the top in most cases. It does sound nicer saying that it’s a phobia rather than to be afraid of or have a dislike for spiders. Same goes for OCD I suppose. I don’t want to diagnose anything or anyone though and I know there are levels to these kinds of issues. I’m just also saying that there are certain circles where dropping these terms is rather en vogue.
Back to the book, which is a very thoughtful and also quite intense love story, but also the story of a girl trapped on so many levels by herself and her very mind. It seems wrong to say that I enjoyed reading about her struggles when it’s really the empathy part that is very engaged with this story. I was rooting for Norah to be able to break her cage from the very beginning. And for Luke to remain as amazing and accepting as he first appeared. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if I got my wish and experience these two interacting and fighting and living. Oh and also revealing some innermost parts of themselves, don’t forget that.
This book will challenge its readers to look at certain aspects and evaluate them with a new set of understanding mechanisms. And that’s on top of a very satisfying reading experience. Maybe it helps to read this without so many other mental health books surrounding it. Trends and topic waves are all well and good, but sometimes reading against them will give you a better appreciation of individual titles.
Which book has recently changed your perspective on something or made you aware that there is a perspective to be had at all? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger.
I’m honestly not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, even if we had a brilliant one and if there are quite a few books about to publish this autumn that I’m very much looking forward to reading. To fit the general back to school feeling I’m returning to a school I wouldn’t have minded to attend either.
In Victorian England, young girls of any standing were expected to behave ladylike and make an advantageous match. At least from what history wants us to remember. And then there are the Ladies of Quality who not only know how to dance, dress, and curtsy properly but also how to finish … everything. Deal out death, diversion, and espionage – in the politest possible ways.
This is the first book in a four-part series, first published in 2013 but certainly not at all dated. I’m listening to the audiobooks on my commute to work and had several other passengers look at me questioningly when I had spontaneous giggle fits … one was the same lady who has also already offered me a handkerchief when I cried about another book, she was very happy to see me smile about my reading/listening material for once. (Seriously, as if I only read books that make me cry).
This series is so full of not only witty humour and Britishness (the names are divine) but also female friendship and ingenuity and quite a few other qualities (a word I’ll never be able to say again straight-faced). All in all, there is much to be loved about this series and I can only recommend it if you’re at all inclined towards a little steampunk and a lot of girl power.
Some book covers age better than others (the one shown above being a better ager in my opinion). Which cover that you liked at the time of publication would still pass inspections nowadays? Share your favourites and teasers in the comments.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger.
 |
| Etiquette & Espionage – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
“How often have I warned you against fraternizing with technology?” Sophronia wondered if that was a rhetorical question and began counting up the number of times just in case it wasn’t.
— Chapter 1
We are an institution of high learning and higher manners. We simply cannot shoot first; it isn’t done. Now, remember that, Miss Temminnick, do – a lady never shoots first. She asks questions, then she shoots.
— Chapter 5
I’m honestly not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, even if we had a brilliant one and if there are quite a few books about to publish this autumn that I’m very much looking forward to reading. To fit the general back to school feeling I’m returning to a school I wouldn’t have minded to attend either.
In Victorian England, young girls of any standing were expected to behave ladylike and make an advantageous match. At least from what history wants us to remember. And then there are the Ladies of Quality who not only know how to dance, dress, and curtsy properly but also how to finish … everything. Deal out death, diversion, and espionage – in the politest possible ways.
This is the first book in a four-part series, first published in 2013 but certainly not at all dated. I’m listening to the audiobooks on my commute to work and had several other passengers look at me questioningly when I had spontaneous giggle fits … one was the same lady who has also already offered me a handkerchief when I cried about another book, she was very happy to see me smile about my reading/listening material for once. (Seriously, as if I only read books that make me cry).
This series is so full of not only witty humour and Britishness (the names are divine) but also female friendship and ingenuity and quite a few other qualities (a word I’ll never be able to say again straight-faced). All in all, there is much to be loved about this series and I can only recommend it if you’re at all inclined towards a little steampunk and a lot of girl power.
Some book covers age better than others (the one shown above being a better ager in my opinion). Which cover that you liked at the time of publication would still pass inspections nowadays? Share your favourites and teasers in the comments.
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Inferno by Julie Kagawa.
With the number of ongoing series I’m reading I’m always a little caught off guard when I’m actually getting to the last book in a series. Especially, if it’s a longer series such as this one. This is, after all, the fifth book … and the third/fourth (depending on how you count the Iron Fey) series of this author I’m finishing. Has it really been another four years?
One would think that I’d gotten used to Julie Kagawa’s ways by now: Interesting outset and world/character development, high stakes, cliffhangers, even higher stakes, a touch of romance with possibly some triangle/complications, and an epic finale. And yet she gets me with that every time with that final battle where I’m racing towards those final battle chapters thinking that this cannot under any circumstances end well.
I am, for the most part, a romantic at heart and can almost always be persuaded by a happy end – although I also know to appreciate a bitter-sweet or sad end, and even the occasional catastrophe. With this final book I liked the battle scenes and preparation and build up, it all very neatly came together from the entire series. And yet … and yet I felt that a few things were tied off or fell into place too neatly especially after that truly horrifying mind torture part in the previous book. I’m not saying that I would have preferred a little more of that because no way. This really is complaining on a very high level and what I’m basically saying is that I still wasn’t ready to let go of these characters. Again. Basically, all is well that ends well with a few minor smudges on the trophy.
The one thing I truly cannot praise enough though is Julie Kagawa’s ability to write kick-ass, no-name-taking, developing heroines. Her male characters are quite tolerable as well, but her female cast is always a sight to behold. Granted, they can get on your nerves at times, too, but don’t all persons do that … especially when still determining who they are, no matter the age?
What do you do after you’ve finished a series? Do you revisit it after some time in full or do you so to speak put it to rest as is? Share your habits and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Inferno by Julie Kagawa.
 |
| Inferno – Harlequin Teen |
“That’s a little worrisome. Do you think this is the welcome party?”
— Chapter 4
You’ve been with us all this time and went through all this trouble, just to betray us in the end. You should have just shot us all in the back while we were on our way here and saved Talon the effort.
— Chapter 32
With the number of ongoing series I’m reading I’m always a little caught off guard when I’m actually getting to the last book in a series. Especially, if it’s a longer series such as this one. This is, after all, the fifth book … and the third/fourth (depending on how you count the Iron Fey) series of this author I’m finishing. Has it really been another four years?
One would think that I’d gotten used to Julie Kagawa’s ways by now: Interesting outset and world/character development, high stakes, cliffhangers, even higher stakes, a touch of romance with possibly some triangle/complications, and an epic finale. And yet she gets me with that every time with that final battle where I’m racing towards those final battle chapters thinking that this cannot under any circumstances end well.
I am, for the most part, a romantic at heart and can almost always be persuaded by a happy end – although I also know to appreciate a bitter-sweet or sad end, and even the occasional catastrophe. With this final book I liked the battle scenes and preparation and build up, it all very neatly came together from the entire series. And yet … and yet I felt that a few things were tied off or fell into place too neatly especially after that truly horrifying mind torture part in the previous book. I’m not saying that I would have preferred a little more of that because no way. This really is complaining on a very high level and what I’m basically saying is that I still wasn’t ready to let go of these characters. Again. Basically, all is well that ends well with a few minor smudges on the trophy.
The one thing I truly cannot praise enough though is Julie Kagawa’s ability to write kick-ass, no-name-taking, developing heroines. Her male characters are quite tolerable as well, but her female cast is always a sight to behold. Granted, they can get on your nerves at times, too, but don’t all persons do that … especially when still determining who they are, no matter the age?
What do you do after you’ve finished a series? Do you revisit it after some time in full or do you so to speak put it to rest as is? Share your habits and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 21 August 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Ally by Anna Banks.
So we’re at that part of the programme where what I’ve recently read isn’t fit to be shared … yet. And none of us wants to get in trouble, right? So I thought I’d share some thought on the second book of this duology. Thoughts on book one are here.
Remember that the first book ended on that cliffhanger? That one is sort of resolved at the very beginning of the book, but as you can guess this only leads into even more trouble because no one is actually speaking to each other … ah, communication, you hardest of all things.
I quite enjoyed the closed in feeling of the first novel in its setting up the political aspects, characters, and stakes. It only seems like a logical progression that now the second book opens up into the apparently bigger play of world order, some very steep character development, and even higher stakes.
The narrative perspective switches are kept up. I would have thought it interesting if for this book Sepora was the third-person and Tarik the first-person perspective, but maybe that would have been too confusing. There were also quite a few twists and I definitely didn’t see some of them coming. One even had me flipping back a page to reconfirm what I had just read.
I will say though that I felt this second book was a little too burdened in terms of what it had to achieve. There is a lot of character growth going on and also a hand full of new characters thrown in and the world definitely expands. It felt just a tad rushed at times where possibly a little more lingering and elaboration would have helped. Like maybe this was originally enough plot for two books but had to be condensed into one. Only speculating here, of course. I would have liked for there to be a third book, even if most of my questions have been more or less sufficiently answered by the end of this one.
If you look at the first book you’ll see that the cover design of this one is quite different. Is that something that would bother you or something that you could easily accept? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Ally by Anna Banks.
 |
| Ally – Feiwel & Friends |
He toyed with my heart while I toyed with his trust. Who is the worst offender?
— Chapter 15
He closes his eyes against her logic. Logic has no place where his heart is concerned and this girl who stands before him has become his heart.
— Chapter 38
So we’re at that part of the programme where what I’ve recently read isn’t fit to be shared … yet. And none of us wants to get in trouble, right? So I thought I’d share some thought on the second book of this duology. Thoughts on book one are here.
Remember that the first book ended on that cliffhanger? That one is sort of resolved at the very beginning of the book, but as you can guess this only leads into even more trouble because no one is actually speaking to each other … ah, communication, you hardest of all things.
I quite enjoyed the closed in feeling of the first novel in its setting up the political aspects, characters, and stakes. It only seems like a logical progression that now the second book opens up into the apparently bigger play of world order, some very steep character development, and even higher stakes.
The narrative perspective switches are kept up. I would have thought it interesting if for this book Sepora was the third-person and Tarik the first-person perspective, but maybe that would have been too confusing. There were also quite a few twists and I definitely didn’t see some of them coming. One even had me flipping back a page to reconfirm what I had just read.
I will say though that I felt this second book was a little too burdened in terms of what it had to achieve. There is a lot of character growth going on and also a hand full of new characters thrown in and the world definitely expands. It felt just a tad rushed at times where possibly a little more lingering and elaboration would have helped. Like maybe this was originally enough plot for two books but had to be condensed into one. Only speculating here, of course. I would have liked for there to be a third book, even if most of my questions have been more or less sufficiently answered by the end of this one.
If you look at the first book you’ll see that the cover design of this one is quite different. Is that something that would bother you or something that you could easily accept? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 14 August 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi.
Rick Riordan can’t possibly write about all pantheons because imagine all the research, the man is already writing about more gods and heroes than most people ever think about, and also he may be qualified for some cultural circles but there are quite a few other authors who are better predisposed to write about aspects they already know. And also: Give the man a break. What he can do and does really well is find those better predisposed authors and give them the chance to tell stories about other pantheons.
Aru starts much like most other demigod stories with the heroine not aware of her status, but in her case very aware of her being other in a peer group at school. Over the course of this first book we not only get to know her and her first godly sister, their strengths and flaws, but we’re also gently introduced to this new to most of us culture and traditions. There are also plenty of reminders that not everything is different and that some things are universally true and important. I especially loved the subtle and not so subtle digs at predominatly male hero stories.
I hope to be proven wrong, but I think these books will find a mostly female readership just due to the fact that we have a girl as the protagonist. Not because the boys don’t read it but because it isn’t on their minds in the first place. And yes I know that exceptions prove the rule, yet I also know that of the fewer boys who read most will not consider a book with a girl on the cover. Or it isn’t even offered to them … because girls are the all terrain vehicles when it comes to reading and boys are treated as the sensitive perfect weather condition sports car. Which will in turn make them to exactly those kinds of readers. A very viscious cycle.
Sorry, tangent. What I mean to say is that this is a fun and informativ and entertaining adventure story that also happens to have girls saving the day, which is really amazing and if you like Rick Riordan’s demigod universe I definitely recommend picking up this book as well.
Do you consider yourself a picky reader or someone who’s willing to try just about anything? Let’s hear from you in the comments and don’t forget to share your teasers!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi.
 |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time – Rick Riordan Presents |
But Aru knew that wouldn’t be the end of it. Between a demon that could end the world and a seventh-grade girl, Aru (and probably most people) would choose the demon any day.
— Chapter 2
Secrets are curious things. They are flimsy and easily broken. For this reason, they prefer to remain hidden.
A fact, on the other hand, is strong and powerful. It’s proven. Unlike a secret, it’s out there for everyone to see and know. And that can make it more terrifying than even the deepest, darkest secret.
— Chapter 34
Rick Riordan can’t possibly write about all pantheons because imagine all the research, the man is already writing about more gods and heroes than most people ever think about, and also he may be qualified for some cultural circles but there are quite a few other authors who are better predisposed to write about aspects they already know. And also: Give the man a break. What he can do and does really well is find those better predisposed authors and give them the chance to tell stories about other pantheons.
Aru starts much like most other demigod stories with the heroine not aware of her status, but in her case very aware of her being other in a peer group at school. Over the course of this first book we not only get to know her and her first godly sister, their strengths and flaws, but we’re also gently introduced to this new to most of us culture and traditions. There are also plenty of reminders that not everything is different and that some things are universally true and important. I especially loved the subtle and not so subtle digs at predominatly male hero stories.
I hope to be proven wrong, but I think these books will find a mostly female readership just due to the fact that we have a girl as the protagonist. Not because the boys don’t read it but because it isn’t on their minds in the first place. And yes I know that exceptions prove the rule, yet I also know that of the fewer boys who read most will not consider a book with a girl on the cover. Or it isn’t even offered to them … because girls are the all terrain vehicles when it comes to reading and boys are treated as the sensitive perfect weather condition sports car. Which will in turn make them to exactly those kinds of readers. A very viscious cycle.
Sorry, tangent. What I mean to say is that this is a fun and informativ and entertaining adventure story that also happens to have girls saving the day, which is really amazing and if you like Rick Riordan’s demigod universe I definitely recommend picking up this book as well.
Do you consider yourself a picky reader or someone who’s willing to try just about anything? Let’s hear from you in the comments and don’t forget to share your teasers!
Tuesday, 7 August 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker.
I don’t know about you but it’s entirely too hot to do anything more than sit around in the shade with your feet in a cold bath and a milkshake close by where I live. Fell down an exhaustion hole, too, last week, sorry about that. But now fresh to work … err, book!
If it is hot where you’re living, you might want to think twice before starting this book. On the one hand the crime aspect of it is sure to give you the chills but on the other hand there is quite a considerable turning up the heat aspect in there as well. Mind you it’s all very contained and has more of an unwilling attraction vibe than an outright heady desire.
It is very easy for me to say that I came for the romantic aspect this author is so well-known for but I definitely stayed for the story. That really was one hell of a trip of morals, loyalty, and family. I especially liked the slow reveal using flashbacks and present time developments, and I thought that was handled very cleverly. I definitely didn’t see that second to last twist coming, but that last thing I could smell from a mile away and I would like to believe that the protagonist did, too. Maybe he deliberately chose to ignore it. Who knows … that might be what ties this a little too neatly in the short term.
I’m not always one for epilogues that take place some time later but here it might have been nice to cast another short spotlight on how the characters are dealing with the aftermath. I had a few questions about how they were going to proceed, but this openness also works in the overall scheme of things.
Whenever I picked up this book I was certain that not a minute later this song would come on on the radio. And even if it didn’t I’d still catch myself humming it. Fairly easy considering the title and all. But I have other books that instantly have music running in the back of my head. Do you have close book-music connections? Tell us about them in the comments along with your teasers.
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker.
 |
| Keep Her Safe – Atria Books |
Even though I had already figured out that the ninja story wasn’t real, I remember feeling completely disenchanted. I guess that tiny flame of childhood hope for the impossible had still been burning, buried somewhere deep.
— Chapter 2
“Who would say that?”
“I don’t know … crazy people?”
“Exactly. I’m not crazy. Are you crazy?”
— Chapter 41
I don’t know about you but it’s entirely too hot to do anything more than sit around in the shade with your feet in a cold bath and a milkshake close by where I live. Fell down an exhaustion hole, too, last week, sorry about that. But now fresh to work … err, book!
If it is hot where you’re living, you might want to think twice before starting this book. On the one hand the crime aspect of it is sure to give you the chills but on the other hand there is quite a considerable turning up the heat aspect in there as well. Mind you it’s all very contained and has more of an unwilling attraction vibe than an outright heady desire.
It is very easy for me to say that I came for the romantic aspect this author is so well-known for but I definitely stayed for the story. That really was one hell of a trip of morals, loyalty, and family. I especially liked the slow reveal using flashbacks and present time developments, and I thought that was handled very cleverly. I definitely didn’t see that second to last twist coming, but that last thing I could smell from a mile away and I would like to believe that the protagonist did, too. Maybe he deliberately chose to ignore it. Who knows … that might be what ties this a little too neatly in the short term.
I’m not always one for epilogues that take place some time later but here it might have been nice to cast another short spotlight on how the characters are dealing with the aftermath. I had a few questions about how they were going to proceed, but this openness also works in the overall scheme of things.
Whenever I picked up this book I was certain that not a minute later this song would come on on the radio. And even if it didn’t I’d still catch myself humming it. Fairly easy considering the title and all. But I have other books that instantly have music running in the back of my head. Do you have close book-music connections? Tell us about them in the comments along with your teasers.
Tuesday, 24 July 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean.
Wait, you’ll say, didn’t we recently have a YA book by this author? You’d be right, of course … all the points to you in that case, because I only realised this when I sorted my library. Same author, same time period, slightly different age category. Same capturing writing.
I knew in theory that the author of The Season had written adult books before and that her genre of choice was historical romance. It just didn’t quite connect in my head. But now I see the parallels of well-written main characters and relationship development.
This one is obviously more mature although I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s overtly racy. The author also opens up quite an intricate plot arc that will carry the reader over the next two books even if they’ll be leaving behind the main characters I grew to like in this one.
Fun, with a bit of substance, and very entertaining. If historical romance with a touch of crime detection is your thing, I’d definitely recommend picking up this series. If historical crime detection and a little romantic development are more to your taste, try out the YA. I’ll have a look at the other adult books and semi-patiently wait for the sequel, which was meanly teased in the back of this book and now I really want to read on. Mission accomplished I’d say.
Crossing from YA to adult or the other way around can be tricky. But which do you think is trickier? I’m always interested in authors who have made the passage from one side or the other and would be happy about suggestions. Let’s hear from you in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean.
 |
| Wicked and the Wallflower – Avon Books |
“How did you come in?”
“You’ve a balcony, Juliet.”
“I’ve also a bedchamber on the third floor, not-Romeo.”
— Chapter 5
“Why should others be the ones to decide which doors are for me?”
The question, so honest, so forthright, made him want to break down every door she came to from now until the end of time.
— Chapter 15
Wait, you’ll say, didn’t we recently have a YA book by this author? You’d be right, of course … all the points to you in that case, because I only realised this when I sorted my library. Same author, same time period, slightly different age category. Same capturing writing.
I knew in theory that the author of The Season had written adult books before and that her genre of choice was historical romance. It just didn’t quite connect in my head. But now I see the parallels of well-written main characters and relationship development.
This one is obviously more mature although I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s overtly racy. The author also opens up quite an intricate plot arc that will carry the reader over the next two books even if they’ll be leaving behind the main characters I grew to like in this one.
Fun, with a bit of substance, and very entertaining. If historical romance with a touch of crime detection is your thing, I’d definitely recommend picking up this series. If historical crime detection and a little romantic development are more to your taste, try out the YA. I’ll have a look at the other adult books and semi-patiently wait for the sequel, which was meanly teased in the back of this book and now I really want to read on. Mission accomplished I’d say.
Crossing from YA to adult or the other way around can be tricky. But which do you think is trickier? I’m always interested in authors who have made the passage from one side or the other and would be happy about suggestions. Let’s hear from you in the comments!
Tuesday, 17 July 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter.
This was such a quick and fun read. I really needed a pick-me-up-read after the week I had and trust Ally Carter to deliver just the right portion of girl-power, snark, thrill, and friendship-turned-romance without actually being a romantic drama (even though it has all the ingredients for one).
If my parents at any point in my life carted me off to the disconnected wilderness without so much as an explanation I don’t know if I’d taken it as well as Maddie has. But then again I’m not the daughter of a secret service professional and used to taking orders without scrutiny – though I think my parents wouldn’t have been disinclined. I can, however, imagine what it would be like if someone formerly important to you suddenly drops back into your life without much warning and seems to expect things just picking up where they left off. After six years. Maybe a kidnapping situation is not the best moment to hash things out, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.
I would have liked the emotional level to be a little more fleshed out and to go into a bit more detail. The situation is an extreme one and probably makes you reconsider past hurts and lies. The aftermath just felt a little too smooth and glossed over for my taste. I had a good chuckle at the Gallagher Girls connection though. So really a quick read which might have profited from maybe another 20 to 50 pages … also meaning I really didn’t want to let these adorable characters go.
Having just read a book very firmly set in the Alaskan winter I’m quite thankful that summer seems to shape up to be a good one this year. How are your plans, are you going on vacation? And how many books are you taking? Let’s hear from you in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter.
 |
| Not If I Save You First – Scholastic Press |
And right then, Maddie knew she had two options.
She could go for help, summon the cavalry and call the guards.
Or there was option two.
How many times had she questioned her father’s sanity, wondering what kind of person ran toward gunshots?
— Chapter 8
But Logan had learned a long time ago that there was nothing you could give a man with a gun to make him happy. Men with guns were only satisfied when they took.
— Chapter 10
This was such a quick and fun read. I really needed a pick-me-up-read after the week I had and trust Ally Carter to deliver just the right portion of girl-power, snark, thrill, and friendship-turned-romance without actually being a romantic drama (even though it has all the ingredients for one).
If my parents at any point in my life carted me off to the disconnected wilderness without so much as an explanation I don’t know if I’d taken it as well as Maddie has. But then again I’m not the daughter of a secret service professional and used to taking orders without scrutiny – though I think my parents wouldn’t have been disinclined. I can, however, imagine what it would be like if someone formerly important to you suddenly drops back into your life without much warning and seems to expect things just picking up where they left off. After six years. Maybe a kidnapping situation is not the best moment to hash things out, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.
I would have liked the emotional level to be a little more fleshed out and to go into a bit more detail. The situation is an extreme one and probably makes you reconsider past hurts and lies. The aftermath just felt a little too smooth and glossed over for my taste. I had a good chuckle at the Gallagher Girls connection though. So really a quick read which might have profited from maybe another 20 to 50 pages … also meaning I really didn’t want to let these adorable characters go.
Having just read a book very firmly set in the Alaskan winter I’m quite thankful that summer seems to shape up to be a good one this year. How are your plans, are you going on vacation? And how many books are you taking? Let’s hear from you in the comments!
Tuesday, 10 July 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
On Beauty by Zadie Smith.
Quite the contrast to last week, but who said that this blog had to be following an agenda? I first read this book as an assigned reading in university; the lecturer was quite a fan of the author and while I wasn’t quite convinced at the time I can now at least see where this appreciation came from. A possible case of predetermined mindset to not truly like assigned readings. I’m not sure if this would have extended to books like The Fault in Our Stars, but let’s be thankful that I don’t have to find out.
In any case, this book was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005 and has won a slew of other awards and now that I don’t have to analyse the prose but can just read and enjoy it I can say I understand how Zadie Smith earnt so many accolades as an outstanding novelist. Her writing is clean, to the point, and at the same time so heart-breakingly beautiful, insightful, and spot-on comical when it needs to be.
Two things truly stand out to me: The characters in this book don’t feel like protagonists in a book to me. They could just as well be living across the street that’s how real and defined they are, which is definitely one of the author’s biggest strengths that she manages to write people so well. And the other thing is how organic this story feels, which almost dissolves the fictional distance. It could also be a real reality-documentation (see, I can relate two apparently unrelatable books). That way you slowly move from one event to the next and it doesn’t feel at all constructed but like a logical consequence of all that came before. And if a writer can make you understand this process and seamlessly move along with it I think that’s what distinguishes a really accomplished author.
Not your usual gripping page-turner but more of a steady river of actions that will nonetheless have you reading on and wondering how this will turn out. Truly beautiful.
Have you revisited an assigned reading book and maybe developed a new appreciation for it? Share your reads and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
On Beauty by Zadie Smith.
 |
| On Beauty – Penguin Books |
He did not consider if or how or why he loved them. They were just love: they were the first evidence he ever had of love, and they would be the last confirmation of love when everything else fell away.
— Part 2, Chapter 9
She had no idea what it was all about, but she was not in any way nervous. She was still flying on fury, capable of anything.
— Part 3, Chapter 12
Quite the contrast to last week, but who said that this blog had to be following an agenda? I first read this book as an assigned reading in university; the lecturer was quite a fan of the author and while I wasn’t quite convinced at the time I can now at least see where this appreciation came from. A possible case of predetermined mindset to not truly like assigned readings. I’m not sure if this would have extended to books like The Fault in Our Stars, but let’s be thankful that I don’t have to find out.
In any case, this book was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2005 and has won a slew of other awards and now that I don’t have to analyse the prose but can just read and enjoy it I can say I understand how Zadie Smith earnt so many accolades as an outstanding novelist. Her writing is clean, to the point, and at the same time so heart-breakingly beautiful, insightful, and spot-on comical when it needs to be.
Two things truly stand out to me: The characters in this book don’t feel like protagonists in a book to me. They could just as well be living across the street that’s how real and defined they are, which is definitely one of the author’s biggest strengths that she manages to write people so well. And the other thing is how organic this story feels, which almost dissolves the fictional distance. It could also be a real reality-documentation (see, I can relate two apparently unrelatable books). That way you slowly move from one event to the next and it doesn’t feel at all constructed but like a logical consequence of all that came before. And if a writer can make you understand this process and seamlessly move along with it I think that’s what distinguishes a really accomplished author.
Not your usual gripping page-turner but more of a steady river of actions that will nonetheless have you reading on and wondering how this will turn out. Truly beautiful.
Have you revisited an assigned reading book and maybe developed a new appreciation for it? Share your reads and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday, 3 July 2018
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Royce Rolls by Margaret Stohl.
Here goes nothing: Show of hands for everyone who doesn’t (officially) watch so-called reality shows and yet can still name every Kardashian, Jenner, and what’s their face by name and possibly their dogs as well. You can’t evade them on a basic level and like a bizarre crash performance you can’t really look away.
This book carries the idea to an extreme by making the middle “problem” child the centre of its plot, only that Bentley on TV is most decidedly not Bent when the cameras aren’t rolling. At heart, she really wants to be like any other girl and has the shocking dream to go to university … unthinkable considering that Bentley, as the whole country knows, couldn’t give a flying fox about anything school related. But which is the real girl Bentley or Bent? And which version of her family will actually survive if the worst/best happens and the show is cancelled? How far is Bent willing to go to save the show in order to save her family?
Sarcasm is second nature to me so I don’t quite know, why parodies aren’t too far up on my favourite list. Nevertheless, this book had me giggle-snorting on several occasions and also kept me on my toes plot-wise. Because this is not just some poking fun at reality TV and all the absurd stuff flickering across screens on a daily basis. This is at its core a coming of age story interwoven with a cleverly crafted crime plot. I wouldn’t go so far to call it suspense, but there are definitely elements of it present.
Bentley is a very relatable character who has dreams and aspirations beyond what everyone else thinks she should want. She only has the (mis)fortune to have quite the celebrity status and in that to be cast as the uncontrollable b*tch of the family. Actually not too different from the girl born into a family of footballers who wants to take ballet lessons … just as an example.
I get how this book can put you off just by looking at it, its topic, or the horrible trailer (which I won’t link to, that’s how horrible it is). But if you can either see beyond that or pick it up anyway, you’ll find quite the interesting story between these covers.
Which book has surprised you by being much better or deeper than you initially thought based on its appearance? Share your stories and teasers in the comments!
To play along just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Royce Rolls by Margaret Stohl.
 |
| Royce Rolls – Freeform |
“I’m an LG…B…TZ…B”
“You already hit B,” Bach said, amused. “But I appreciate you throwing the bonus Z in there. For all the Zesbians.”
— Chapter 8
They’re your family. You have to do whatever you can to help them, or you have to live with knowing that you walked away.
— Chapter 22
Here goes nothing: Show of hands for everyone who doesn’t (officially) watch so-called reality shows and yet can still name every Kardashian, Jenner, and what’s their face by name and possibly their dogs as well. You can’t evade them on a basic level and like a bizarre crash performance you can’t really look away.
This book carries the idea to an extreme by making the middle “problem” child the centre of its plot, only that Bentley on TV is most decidedly not Bent when the cameras aren’t rolling. At heart, she really wants to be like any other girl and has the shocking dream to go to university … unthinkable considering that Bentley, as the whole country knows, couldn’t give a flying fox about anything school related. But which is the real girl Bentley or Bent? And which version of her family will actually survive if the worst/best happens and the show is cancelled? How far is Bent willing to go to save the show in order to save her family?
Sarcasm is second nature to me so I don’t quite know, why parodies aren’t too far up on my favourite list. Nevertheless, this book had me giggle-snorting on several occasions and also kept me on my toes plot-wise. Because this is not just some poking fun at reality TV and all the absurd stuff flickering across screens on a daily basis. This is at its core a coming of age story interwoven with a cleverly crafted crime plot. I wouldn’t go so far to call it suspense, but there are definitely elements of it present.
Bentley is a very relatable character who has dreams and aspirations beyond what everyone else thinks she should want. She only has the (mis)fortune to have quite the celebrity status and in that to be cast as the uncontrollable b*tch of the family. Actually not too different from the girl born into a family of footballers who wants to take ballet lessons … just as an example.
I get how this book can put you off just by looking at it, its topic, or the horrible trailer (which I won’t link to, that’s how horrible it is). But if you can either see beyond that or pick it up anyway, you’ll find quite the interesting story between these covers.
Which book has surprised you by being much better or deeper than you initially thought based on its appearance? Share your stories and teasers in the comments!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)