Tuesday 7 November 2017
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green.
This is going to be long-ish. I’m (not) sorry, but I find that I have a lot to say about this precious book. Short version: I really liked it and it has made me think and feel and consider quite a bit. It’s not TFiOS, it doesn’t try to be, and it most definitely doesn’t have to be as it is special and important in its own right.
Longer version: With some authors, you just know that when you pick up their books the likelihood of experiencing severe emotional or other trauma is relatively minimal. You’ll be entertained, have a pleasant read, maybe laugh a little and overall enjoy the book. And then there are authors like John Green, where you can be almost certain that you won’t be the same person you were at the end of the book.
Following up on something like The Fault in Our Stars is … I can’t even imagine the sort of pressure that must have been. This book already had so much weight to carry before it ever got anywhere and it does that beautifully in my opinion. Is it as good as TFiOS? I don’t know. I’d say it’s different. The two books won’t occupy the same place in my reader’s heart and that is okay because they really shouldn’t have to be compared. Someone said that while TFiOS is the book you push onto everyone to read it (like that quote from the book itself) TAtWD is more the book you want to cherish and secrete away. I can agree with that if we add that one still silently wants everyone to read it.
This book is extremely captivating, sometimes almost painfully so. John Green has a way with language that at the same time has you aware that the effect is designed just so and also wondering why you suddenly find yourself almost breathless from the emotional turmoil you’ve just been through. Of course, I cried. At one point I was racing against myself to read the ever more panicked thoughts and I physically had to get the book away from me for fear that my own thoughts on the matter might go somersaulting off the tracks. And I think that was the moment I finally understood the very real imagined danger the main character finds herself in.
Aza’s searching for that essential part of who she is while at the same time fearing about already being invaded by a force she’s helpless against. Or maybe it’s already too late. While the book doesn’t actually play upon some of the fears I have, it manages to strike a very close nerve and inspire almost the same terror. Most people will relate to the “Don’t think about a pink elephant right now” phenomenon, but being so entangled and mentally bound in your own thoughts that you are certain you cannot escape is a horror that is hard to describe. The language nerd in me especially liked the observations this book seemingly casually makes on the shortcomings and failures of language. We almost treat things as non-existent just because we don’t have an adequate way to name them and therefore share them with each other. Physical pain is to some extent relatable and thus we use this imagery to liken it to other experiences. If I say I feel a pressure on my chest like a hippo is sitting on it, you can probably relate although I’d wager neither of us has ever had an actual hippo sit on us. Yet for a feeling as sadly universal as grief words utterly fail us. Or me at least. Because even if everyone experiences physical pain differently it is still sort of the same whereas feelings are so deeply personal that unless you were able to co-inhabit my thoughts you will never know the exact shape of those feelings.
I can only say this is masterfully written. If you absolutely have to compare it to TFiOS then I would maybe try to frame it like this: Both books have a main character on a journey to themselves and both are to some degree betrayed by their very selves. One on the physical level as her body is actively trying to destroy itself and the other on the psychological level seeing that her mind is permanently working against her. Both main characters are to varying degrees successful in fighting against their challenges and live and thrive despite and in some twisted way also because of them. Both are stories of illnesses healthy people only ever wish to hear about in the past tense as something you overcome, but some stories just don’t work out that way. I bow to John Green for having written yet another of these difficult stories in a meaningful and impactful way.
Sort of p.s.: Here is the one aspect where I think German has a slight advantage over English: English has as far as I’m aware no farewell that also clearly conveys the connotation of an also meeting again. German has “(auf) Wiedersehen” which convolutedly literally translates to “(until) reunion/reencounter/see again”. There is “see you (soon)” and all that jazz, but that doesn’t quite ring true. I very much hope that there will be a “Wiedersehen” with John Green because I really like the things he has to say.
Which book has last irreversibly affected you? 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!
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green.
 |
| Turtles All the Way Down – Dutton Books |
Who knows what lies I believe, or you do. Who knows what we shouldn’t doubt.
— Chapter 17
You get to pick the frame, you know? Maybe you don’t decide what’s in the picture, but you decide on the frame.
— Chapter 23
This is going to be long-ish. I’m (not) sorry, but I find that I have a lot to say about this precious book. Short version: I really liked it and it has made me think and feel and consider quite a bit. It’s not TFiOS, it doesn’t try to be, and it most definitely doesn’t have to be as it is special and important in its own right.
Longer version: With some authors, you just know that when you pick up their books the likelihood of experiencing severe emotional or other trauma is relatively minimal. You’ll be entertained, have a pleasant read, maybe laugh a little and overall enjoy the book. And then there are authors like John Green, where you can be almost certain that you won’t be the same person you were at the end of the book.
Following up on something like The Fault in Our Stars is … I can’t even imagine the sort of pressure that must have been. This book already had so much weight to carry before it ever got anywhere and it does that beautifully in my opinion. Is it as good as TFiOS? I don’t know. I’d say it’s different. The two books won’t occupy the same place in my reader’s heart and that is okay because they really shouldn’t have to be compared. Someone said that while TFiOS is the book you push onto everyone to read it (like that quote from the book itself) TAtWD is more the book you want to cherish and secrete away. I can agree with that if we add that one still silently wants everyone to read it.
This book is extremely captivating, sometimes almost painfully so. John Green has a way with language that at the same time has you aware that the effect is designed just so and also wondering why you suddenly find yourself almost breathless from the emotional turmoil you’ve just been through. Of course, I cried. At one point I was racing against myself to read the ever more panicked thoughts and I physically had to get the book away from me for fear that my own thoughts on the matter might go somersaulting off the tracks. And I think that was the moment I finally understood the very real imagined danger the main character finds herself in.
Aza’s searching for that essential part of who she is while at the same time fearing about already being invaded by a force she’s helpless against. Or maybe it’s already too late. While the book doesn’t actually play upon some of the fears I have, it manages to strike a very close nerve and inspire almost the same terror. Most people will relate to the “Don’t think about a pink elephant right now” phenomenon, but being so entangled and mentally bound in your own thoughts that you are certain you cannot escape is a horror that is hard to describe. The language nerd in me especially liked the observations this book seemingly casually makes on the shortcomings and failures of language. We almost treat things as non-existent just because we don’t have an adequate way to name them and therefore share them with each other. Physical pain is to some extent relatable and thus we use this imagery to liken it to other experiences. If I say I feel a pressure on my chest like a hippo is sitting on it, you can probably relate although I’d wager neither of us has ever had an actual hippo sit on us. Yet for a feeling as sadly universal as grief words utterly fail us. Or me at least. Because even if everyone experiences physical pain differently it is still sort of the same whereas feelings are so deeply personal that unless you were able to co-inhabit my thoughts you will never know the exact shape of those feelings.
I can only say this is masterfully written. If you absolutely have to compare it to TFiOS then I would maybe try to frame it like this: Both books have a main character on a journey to themselves and both are to some degree betrayed by their very selves. One on the physical level as her body is actively trying to destroy itself and the other on the psychological level seeing that her mind is permanently working against her. Both main characters are to varying degrees successful in fighting against their challenges and live and thrive despite and in some twisted way also because of them. Both are stories of illnesses healthy people only ever wish to hear about in the past tense as something you overcome, but some stories just don’t work out that way. I bow to John Green for having written yet another of these difficult stories in a meaningful and impactful way.
Sort of p.s.: Here is the one aspect where I think German has a slight advantage over English: English has as far as I’m aware no farewell that also clearly conveys the connotation of an also meeting again. German has “(auf) Wiedersehen” which convolutedly literally translates to “(until) reunion/reencounter/see again”. There is “see you (soon)” and all that jazz, but that doesn’t quite ring true. I very much hope that there will be a “Wiedersehen” with John Green because I really like the things he has to say.
Which book has last irreversibly affected you? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday 31 October 2017
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson.
Anyone can do vampires and werewolves on Halloween, let’s take a different approach and ready something with faeries … was not why I picked up this book. As a matter of fact, Halloween sneaked up on me a little and I don’t think that it will be observed more than by enjoying the extra reading time on this public holiday today to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the reformation. But I digress.
I had no expectations for this book, which is a rather uncommon thing for me as I almost always already have an initial inkling of what to expect before I start reading. For this book, however, I basically fell in love with the title and didn’t look any further. That can be a really bad decision, but here the title lived up to the task of providing an engaging and mysterious story as well. It’s not the sweeping and opulent fantasy world, but a contained, almost quaint bubble of a fantasy realm. There is the world beyond, but it doesn’t really matter to the story and is only mentioned in passing. There is a history, but it’s accepted and not really dwelt upon. And there are social rules and behaviours to be followed, but you can more or less easily figure them out as you read along.
What I really liked about this is the snowball-like plot development, which starts rather unassumingly and quietly gathers more and more substance and momentum until it rushes past mightily and destructively and then almost explodes to be immediately over. It made a lot of sense that way, even if the epic fantasy reader in me would have loved to have a longer denouement … which probably wouldn’t have sat well with me as not fitting to the overall story arc had it been there, so don’t actually listen to me. The plot development is very fitting just as it is. Just the little voice of always wanting more of a good thing talking here.
I also liked that there is a romance at the very core of this, yet I would not say this is a romantic book. The romance is, after all, forbidden and, apart from a few short scenes, not front and centre. Unless you count all the lovely quiet moments, which I certainly do, and then it definitely is a very sweet and romantic book amidst all the turmoil and adventure.
A lovely read for anyone who appreciates a quiet yet meaningful romantic plot and a certain dash of adventure with maybe a little too abrupt an ending. Very, very maybe there is potential to add another book to this story? I would love to know what happens next but will be content if it’s just this standalone.
What’s the last book you started without any further expectations, be they positive or maybe negative? And how did the book turn out to be? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
What was the last book with a plot twist that had you disbelievingly staring at the page? 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 Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson.
 |
| An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret K. McElderry Books |
We aren’t ageless creatures who watch centuries pass from afar. Our worlds are small, our lives are short, and we can only bleed a little before we fall.
— Chapter 4
“In this matter, you might prefer ignorance.”
“Believe me, I never do.”
— Chapter 7
Anyone can do vampires and werewolves on Halloween, let’s take a different approach and ready something with faeries … was not why I picked up this book. As a matter of fact, Halloween sneaked up on me a little and I don’t think that it will be observed more than by enjoying the extra reading time on this public holiday today to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the reformation. But I digress.
I had no expectations for this book, which is a rather uncommon thing for me as I almost always already have an initial inkling of what to expect before I start reading. For this book, however, I basically fell in love with the title and didn’t look any further. That can be a really bad decision, but here the title lived up to the task of providing an engaging and mysterious story as well. It’s not the sweeping and opulent fantasy world, but a contained, almost quaint bubble of a fantasy realm. There is the world beyond, but it doesn’t really matter to the story and is only mentioned in passing. There is a history, but it’s accepted and not really dwelt upon. And there are social rules and behaviours to be followed, but you can more or less easily figure them out as you read along.
What I really liked about this is the snowball-like plot development, which starts rather unassumingly and quietly gathers more and more substance and momentum until it rushes past mightily and destructively and then almost explodes to be immediately over. It made a lot of sense that way, even if the epic fantasy reader in me would have loved to have a longer denouement … which probably wouldn’t have sat well with me as not fitting to the overall story arc had it been there, so don’t actually listen to me. The plot development is very fitting just as it is. Just the little voice of always wanting more of a good thing talking here.
I also liked that there is a romance at the very core of this, yet I would not say this is a romantic book. The romance is, after all, forbidden and, apart from a few short scenes, not front and centre. Unless you count all the lovely quiet moments, which I certainly do, and then it definitely is a very sweet and romantic book amidst all the turmoil and adventure.
A lovely read for anyone who appreciates a quiet yet meaningful romantic plot and a certain dash of adventure with maybe a little too abrupt an ending. Very, very maybe there is potential to add another book to this story? I would love to know what happens next but will be content if it’s just this standalone.
What’s the last book you started without any further expectations, be they positive or maybe negative? And how did the book turn out to be? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
What was the last book with a plot twist that had you disbelievingly staring at the page? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday 24 October 2017
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Warcross by Marie Lu.
First things first: I desperately need someone to devise a hack to get me the second book as quickly as possible. To make this even more clear: To say this book had me glued to the pages from beginning to end would be a vast understatement.
Mari Lu has always been a champion in creating diverse, multi-layered, fascinating characters and this is no exception. Add to that this overwhelming extra layer of a virtual world with all its nooks and crannies and this book will suck you right in. I was, I admit, already composing part of my reaction in the middle with a sentence that would convey that I had guessed the adversary quite quickly, which is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it proves that the plot makes so much sense that this revelation has to be a logical consequence. And on the other hand, this sort of predictability takes away some of the fun for experienced readers (meaning that one already knows how to follow the clues in the story due to reading so much). BUT: I was also WRONG! Yes, I guessed part of the revelation, but the other, much bigger, part literally had me gaping at the book. I must have looked like a strangled fish on land. And if that wasn’t enough there was even more. Let’s just say that my heart is a mangled, stomped upon mess somewhere in the general vicinity of my chest cavity. Just wow, what a brilliant twist and how beautifully executed.
If gaming and computers aren't exactly your cup of tea, don’t worry, this is nothing like a hacking manual … just like Hunger Games isn’t all sports and survival. But if that is your thing, that’s also perfect, because the thrill and the hunt and the game will have even more immediacy for you. I am so psyched to find out how this story continues. And how our heroine will continue on. I know that Mari Lu is capable of writing a great villain story as well and who that villain is might depend entirely on the point of view.
What was the last book with a plot twist that had you disbelievingly staring at the page? 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!
Warcross by Marie Lu.
 |
| Warcross – G.P. Putnam’s Sons |
Death has a terrible habit of cutting straight through every careful line you’ve drawn between your present and your future.
— Chapter 2
“I thought that was just some science fiction myth.”
“Everything’s science fiction until someone makes it science fact.”
— Chapter 8
First things first: I desperately need someone to devise a hack to get me the second book as quickly as possible. To make this even more clear: To say this book had me glued to the pages from beginning to end would be a vast understatement.
Mari Lu has always been a champion in creating diverse, multi-layered, fascinating characters and this is no exception. Add to that this overwhelming extra layer of a virtual world with all its nooks and crannies and this book will suck you right in. I was, I admit, already composing part of my reaction in the middle with a sentence that would convey that I had guessed the adversary quite quickly, which is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it proves that the plot makes so much sense that this revelation has to be a logical consequence. And on the other hand, this sort of predictability takes away some of the fun for experienced readers (meaning that one already knows how to follow the clues in the story due to reading so much). BUT: I was also WRONG! Yes, I guessed part of the revelation, but the other, much bigger, part literally had me gaping at the book. I must have looked like a strangled fish on land. And if that wasn’t enough there was even more. Let’s just say that my heart is a mangled, stomped upon mess somewhere in the general vicinity of my chest cavity. Just wow, what a brilliant twist and how beautifully executed.
If gaming and computers aren't exactly your cup of tea, don’t worry, this is nothing like a hacking manual … just like Hunger Games isn’t all sports and survival. But if that is your thing, that’s also perfect, because the thrill and the hunt and the game will have even more immediacy for you. I am so psyched to find out how this story continues. And how our heroine will continue on. I know that Mari Lu is capable of writing a great villain story as well and who that villain is might depend entirely on the point of view.
What was the last book with a plot twist that had you disbelievingly staring at the page? Share your experiences and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday 17 October 2017
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan.
It is very likely that there isn’t any more I can say about Rick Riordan than I already have without transforming into an over-enthusiastic reader puddle. You’d think that at some point I might get bored by all those myths and save the world from certain doom scenarios. Nope, one of the biggest nopes that ever noped. There is still so much surprise and variety, so many unexplored possibilities. And while some characters share similarities (because they have to, there aren’t too many types of people who would sail off into certain death to claim that tiny chance of possibly winning against all odds), there are still enough differences to make them distinct, lovable, and that particular thing that will make me, now that this third book is over and the trilogy concluded, miss them like really good friends who moved halfway across the world. You still hear from them (thank the gods for cameos, hi Percy and Annabeth), but not as regularly or in person.
The chapter titles alone had me in stitches. I think the man next to me on the train was trying to figure out if I had seizures (I tried to keep the giggling under control, emphasis on tried). I couldn’t keep in that squee though … you know when that thing happened during the almost freezing to death part. Also general cuteness and snark. Publicly bookishly weird and mostly fine with it.
There was this short part at the very end that ties this series to – I suspect – the next Trials of Apollo book next May, which has me a little worried, but what else is new? Worried about beloved characters seems to be my default setting. It might be otherwise if I’d choose other authors to love. Which is not only a ridiculous idea but also utterly impossible.
I really hope that we will get to see Magnus, Alex, and the rest of Floor 19 again in a prominent capacity. Which characters from which series would you like to see (guest-)starring elsewhere? Share ideas 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 Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan.
 |
| The Ship of the Dead – Disney-Hyperion |
You can’t hold on to hate forever. It won’t do a thing to the person you hate, but it’ll poison you, sure enough.
— Chapter 14
“Ah.” That awkward moment when you jump out a window because your friend jumped out a window, then you remember that your other friend can fly.
— Chapter 32
It is very likely that there isn’t any more I can say about Rick Riordan than I already have without transforming into an over-enthusiastic reader puddle. You’d think that at some point I might get bored by all those myths and save the world from certain doom scenarios. Nope, one of the biggest nopes that ever noped. There is still so much surprise and variety, so many unexplored possibilities. And while some characters share similarities (because they have to, there aren’t too many types of people who would sail off into certain death to claim that tiny chance of possibly winning against all odds), there are still enough differences to make them distinct, lovable, and that particular thing that will make me, now that this third book is over and the trilogy concluded, miss them like really good friends who moved halfway across the world. You still hear from them (thank the gods for cameos, hi Percy and Annabeth), but not as regularly or in person.
The chapter titles alone had me in stitches. I think the man next to me on the train was trying to figure out if I had seizures (I tried to keep the giggling under control, emphasis on tried). I couldn’t keep in that squee though … you know when that thing happened during the almost freezing to death part. Also general cuteness and snark. Publicly bookishly weird and mostly fine with it.
There was this short part at the very end that ties this series to – I suspect – the next Trials of Apollo book next May, which has me a little worried, but what else is new? Worried about beloved characters seems to be my default setting. It might be otherwise if I’d choose other authors to love. Which is not only a ridiculous idea but also utterly impossible.
I really hope that we will get to see Magnus, Alex, and the rest of Floor 19 again in a prominent capacity. Which characters from which series would you like to see (guest-)starring elsewhere? Share ideas and teasers in the comments!
Tuesday 10 October 2017
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker.
To play along just do the following:
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.
There is an annual real-time reading for the All Souls trilogy, which is a brilliant idea to revisit this wonderful, dense, and overall impressive series. Each time I start, I try to pace myself and only read the so to say assigned chapters for the days and weeks. That works for about six days and then I suddenly … magically? … find myself way ahead of the schedule. Because no matter how well I remember the plot, at some point I simply have to read on. Or in this case listen on, as I opted for the audio version this year, which is also really well done. I have finished by now and realised that I never had a teaser from the second book, so here you go.
In addition, there is now a television series in the works and from the posts by the author herself I have a very good feeling about this. It’s certainly a good idea to have the author involved in this as much as possible seeing that she put so much research into the series to make it this rich and engrossing. Seriously, I can almost certainly promise that you have never read a book so vivid in its descriptions that you actually smell what is described. Maybe aside from Perfume, but that’s really not the point. It will be so interesting to see how this experience is translated to the screen.
Do you have books that you re-read regularly or other examples of times read-alongs? I’d love to know if there are other events organised this way. Share recommendations 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!
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.
 |
| Shadow of Night – Viking Penguin |
The family never puts ‘surely’ and ‘Philippe’ in the same sentence. It always ends badly.
— Chapter 12
“But it’s so …”
“Messy? So is life. Stop trying to be perfect. Try being real for a change.”
— Chapter 37
There is an annual real-time reading for the All Souls trilogy, which is a brilliant idea to revisit this wonderful, dense, and overall impressive series. Each time I start, I try to pace myself and only read the so to say assigned chapters for the days and weeks. That works for about six days and then I suddenly … magically? … find myself way ahead of the schedule. Because no matter how well I remember the plot, at some point I simply have to read on. Or in this case listen on, as I opted for the audio version this year, which is also really well done. I have finished by now and realised that I never had a teaser from the second book, so here you go.
In addition, there is now a television series in the works and from the posts by the author herself I have a very good feeling about this. It’s certainly a good idea to have the author involved in this as much as possible seeing that she put so much research into the series to make it this rich and engrossing. Seriously, I can almost certainly promise that you have never read a book so vivid in its descriptions that you actually smell what is described. Maybe aside from Perfume, but that’s really not the point. It will be so interesting to see how this experience is translated to the screen.
Do you have books that you re-read regularly or other examples of times read-alongs? I’d love to know if there are other events organised this way. Share recommendations and teasers in the comments!
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