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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

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Title: The Haunting of Hill house

Author: Shirley Jackson

Publisher: Viking 1959

Genre: Classics - Horror

Pages: 182

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Classics -- 20th Century

First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a "haunting"; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.

How have I never actually read this one? I read and loved Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. This one is such a masterpiece of terror and suspense. By the end of the book the reader starts to doubt even their own experience in reading this volume. Did the supernatural elements actually occur or was it all in our imaginations? Did Eleanor actually feel called to the house or was she just wishing for a place to belong? I put the book down at the end and promptly started doubting my own thoughts of what happened. Such is the brilliance of Shirley Jackson. Fascinating book. A great choice for spooky October. Now to watch the two movie adaptations... 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Shirley Jackson, horror, classics, mount tbr, Back to the Classics, 5 stars, FrightFall Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.20.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Tea Reader by Katrina Avila Munichiello

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Title: A Tea Reader: Living Life One Cup at a Time

Author: Katrina Avila Munichiello

Publisher: Tuttle 2011

Genre: Nonfiction - Food

Pages: 256

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Nonfiction Adventure)

This anthology shares the ways that tea has changed lives through personal, intimate stories. Read of deep family moments, conquered heartbreak, and peace found in the face of loss. A Tea Reader includes stories from all types of tea people: people brought up in the tea tradition, those newly discovering it, classic writings from long-ago tea lovers and those making tea a career. Together these tales create a new image of a tea drinker. They show that tea is not simply something you drink, but it also provides quiet moments for making important decisions, a catalyst for conversation, and the energy we sometimes need to operate in our lives.

The entire premise of this collection really intrigued me on the library shelf, but I just didn't love it like I was hoping I would. Some of the essays were quite enjoyable. Some of them seemed unfinished, as if an except was taken losing all context. And some essays just didn't land at all. Fairly disappointed in this collection. Oh well...

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Katrina Avila Munichiello, 3 stars, perpetual, nonfiction, nonfiction adventure, food
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.20.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Title: Hidden Figures 

Author: Margot Lee Shetterly

Publisher: William Morrow 2016

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 349

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Nonfiction Adventure); Mount TBR

Starting in World War II and moving through to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race, Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades they faced challenges, forged alliances and used their intellect to change their own lives, and their country’s future.

We watched the movie a few months back and I've been itching to read the book. I heard it included much more information and I wasn't disappointed. In this deceptively slim volume, Shetterly packs in so much information. We trace the careers and lives for four women but also learn about social movements, the space race, court cases, and the inner workings of Langley through a very tumultuous time in our nation's history. I was completely entranced by the stories from page one although I will admit to taking a few breaks to allow my brain to absorb the information. The movie did a great job taking very complicated stories and distilling it down to something that could be enjoyed in two hours. But after reading the book, I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Mary Jackson's story. Hers was the journey that really stood out for me. Her passion for engineering, helping her neighbors, and promoting education was fascinating. Definitely a must read! This one will most likely end up on my Top 10 Reads of 2017 list!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Margot Kee Shetterly, 5 stars, mount tbr, perpetual, nonfiction adventure, nonfiction, U-S- History
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.20.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Mummy by Anne Rice

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Title: The Mummy (Ramses the Damned #1)

Author: Anne Rice

Publisher: Ballantine Books 1989

Genre: Horror

Pages: 399

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Anne Rice); Mount TBR; Popsugar - Eccentric Character

He was Ramses the Damned in ancient Egypt, but awoke in opulent Edwardian London as Dr. Ramsey, expert in Egyptology. He mixes with the aristocrats and samples their voluptuous lifestyle, but it is for his beloved, Cleopatra, that he longs, and will do anything to be with...

In my middle school and high school obsession with Anne Rice, I somehow never actually read The Mummy. I think I got sucked into the Interview with a Vampire series and neglected her other works. I'm so glad that I finally picked this one up. I love Egyptian history and the early 20th century interest in archaeology. I immediately fell in love with the setting and characters. I loved traveling from England to Egypt throughout the course of the book. My favorite character has to be Elliott. I loved his entire storyline. Definitely an interesting character study. As Rice is the author, I was expecting a full out horror story. I won't call this horror necessarily, but the story has sufficient suspense and horror to keep me guessing as to what would happen next. This was such a page-turner. After getting about 20 pages in, I just couldn't pause in my reading. Loved it! I can't wait to pick up the sequel next month.

Ramses the Damned:

  • #1 The Mummy
  • #2 Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Anne Rice, horror, 5 stars, mount tbr, perpetual, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 10.18.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Secondhand Spirits (Witchcraft Mystery #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2009

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 313

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name -- Alliterative Title; New to Me

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her "witchiness" in San Francisco. It's there that she opens her vintage clothing shop, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically.

Just when things seem normal, a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that some bad phantoms are behind it. Can she keep her identity secret, or will her witchy ways be forced out of the closet as she attempts to stop the phantom?

Such a great little cozy mystery! Bonus points for being set in San Francisco, my adoptive city across the bay. I loved diving into Lily Ivory's world of clothing, mystery, witches, romance, and goblins (or pigs). I sped through this book waiting impatiently to find out the mystery behind La Llorona, Frances Potts, and all the other fun characters. I loved the world building in this volume. Can't wait to pick up the next in the series!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 4 stars, mount tbr, What's in a Name, New to Me, FrightFall Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 10.08.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

8.4 by Peter Hernon

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Title: 8.4

Author: Peter Hernon

Publisher: Jove Books 1999

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 460

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; New to Me

A massive earthquake in America's heartland causes massive destruction and a launches an equally epic struggle to save the survivors. 

Random book from my shelves. Along with my scary reads for October's FrightFall Readathon, I threw this one in as a thriller. Unfortunately it just wasn't great. The style is very much in the same vein as Michael Crichton. Lots of science passages and action with only a bit of characterization. The plot jumped around a bit between all the characters. The characters themselves weren't that well developed. The romance was silly and forced. The action sequences were the only parts that kept me reading. I made it through the book, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone...

tags: mount tbr, New to Me, Peter Hernon, 3 stars, thriller, FrightFall Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.06.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Voracious by Cara Nicoletti

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Title: Voracious: A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way Through Great Books

Author: Cara Nicoletti

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2015

Genre: Cooking

Pages: 283

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - About Food

As a young bookworm reading in her grandfather's butcher shop, Cara Nicoletti saw how books and food bring people to life. Now a butcher, cook, and talented writer, she serves up stories and recipes inspired by beloved books and the food that gives their characters depth and personality.

I was listening to What Should I Read Next the other week, and this book came up. The guests, Rikki and Michaela, are the amazing creators of The Ardent Biblio and mentioned this great volume as a marriage between two of their favorite things, books and food. Imagine my delight when I randomly saw it on the shelf at the library. I had to check it out! I loved reading about how various books have affected Nicoletti throughout her life. I think every reader has their own life of impactful books. Nicoletti makes a coneection between all those great books and some amazing food. I loved reading the essays and perusing the recipes. I'm not really big into cooking, but I do love good food. I may jsut have to notate a few of these recipes before I return the book to the lubrary.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

Vulputate Commodo Ligula Elit Condimentum Aenean eu leo Quam Cursus Amet Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus Porta Etiam Ultricies Vulputate Commodo Ligula Elit Condimentum Aenean eu leo Quam Cursus Amet Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus
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tags: Cara Nicoletti, food, books, 5 stars, Popsugar, FrightFall Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 10.04.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine

Title: Ash and Qull (Great Library #3)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Red Spine

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny....
 
Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.
 
Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library....

Going into this volume, I thought it was the last one in the series. Unfortunately it is not, and I will have to wait a few years for the conclusion... Beyond that slight annoyance, I was blown away once again by this series. It was nonstop action from page 1 and I was right there with it. I love Jess and his band of misfits. I loved seeing the other side of the conflict, namely the Burners. We get to meet some great characters in Philadelphia. My favorite character from this volume had to be Brendon. I loved seeing more of Jess's family but especially his twin brother.  Very interesting relationship. I'm really not sure if I can wait a few years for the next volume...

The Great Library

  • #1 Ink and Bone
  • #2 Paper and Fire
  • #3 Ash and Quill
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Rachel Caine, young adult, fantasy, 5 stars, mount tbr, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 09.29.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Lost City of Z by David Grann

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 Title: The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

Author: David Grann

Publisher: Doubleday 2005

Genre: Nonfiction - History; Travel

Pages: 339

Rating: 4/5 stars Movie: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Nonfiction); Popsugar (Set in the wilderness)

In 1925, the legendary British explorer Percy Fawcett ventured into the Amazon jungle, in search of a fabled civilization. He never returned. Over the years countless perished trying to find evidence of his party and the place he called “The Lost City of Z.” In this masterpiece of narrative nonfiction, journalist David Grann interweaves the spellbinding stories of Fawcett’s quest for “Z” and his own journey into the deadly jungle, as he unravels the greatest exploration mystery of the twentieth century.

Been meaning to pick this one up for awhile now. It did not disappoint in terms of the subject matter and story. I was captivated by the story of Fawcett and his pursuit of the Lost City of Z. I was fascinated by the concept of exploration in the 1900s and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Fawcett and party. My issues with the book came from the writing style. Grann does not excel at smooth transitions between the history and the current situations. I have been spoiled by Erik Larson's wonderful narrations. Grann doesn't quite stand up to that example, but I did very enjoy the book.

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Movie:

Full disclosure: I did not have high hopes for this movie. I assumed they would change so much of the story that it would unrecognizable. Thankfully they stuck fairly close to the real history. A few things were change here and there, but understandable in terms of movie making. And then we get to the last 20 minutes of the movie where everything that happens is speculation and outright fiction. I would have loved to see Fawcett and his son (they cut out Jack's friend Rimmel) bond and share a conversation or two (like the one around the fire after being captured), and then have them walk over a hill and fade to black. That would have been a great ending, full of the ambiguiity of the real story. Instead with get a whole sequence in the jungle with a tribe. Not what I wanted. 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: David Grann, history, perpetual, nonfiction adventure, Popsugar, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews, Movies
Saturday 09.23.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Title: Paper and Fire (Great Library #2)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 357

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Set During Wartime (fictional war, but still)

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. 
 
Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

Oh my! I positively adored this volume of The Great Library series. With the first volume, we spend time creating the world and introducing the characters. In this one, we dive right into the action. I fell even more in love with Jess and the band of rebels. I seized up in fear during the scenes featuring automata. I also cried when Morgan and Jess were reunited. I definitely teared up during an intense scene in the Black Archives (yes they find them; spoiler but you knew it had to happen). I wanted to read this in one sitting, but children forced me to take a few more days to read it. Oh so good! I can't wait to run out and get the third volume. 

Great Library

  • #1 Ink and Bone
  • #2 Paper and Fire
  • #3 Ash and Quill
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Rachel Caine, fantasy, 5 stars, mount tbr, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 09.16.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

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Title: Fates and Furies

Author: Lauren Groff

Publisher: Riverhead Books 2015

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 400

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Unreliable narrator

Every story has two sides. Every relationship has two perspectives. And sometimes, it turns out, the key to a great marriage is not its truths but its secrets. At the core of this rich, expansive, layered novel, Lauren Groff presents the story of one such marriage over the course of twenty-four years.

At age twenty-two, Lotto and Mathilde are tall, glamorous, madly in love, and destined for greatness. A decade later, their marriage is still the envy of their friends, but with an electric thrill we understand that things are even more complicated and remarkable than they have seemed. With stunning revelations and multiple threads, and in prose that is vibrantly alive and original, Groff delivers a deeply satisfying novel about love, art, creativity, and power that is unlike anything that has come before it. Profound, surprising, propulsive, and emotionally riveting, it stirs both the mind and the heart.

Our book club selection for September and a huge disappointment. I had heard mixed reviews with the book being compared to a literary Gone Girl. And I would have to agree if they meant that this is a story of two horrible people and their life. I couldn't stand the main characters or the side characters. I was thoroughly disgusted by how the characters treated one another. I was bored with the storyline. I slogged through this one, but definitely didn't want to. Not recommended at all...

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Lauren Groff, mount tbr, Popsugar, 2 stars, literature
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 09.15.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

One Night for Love by Mary Balogh

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Title: One Night for Love (Bedwyn Saga #0.1)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 1999

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

It was a perfect morning in May . . . 

Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne, awaited his bride at the altar—when a ragged beggar woman raced down the aisle instead. The cream of the ton saw him stare, shocked, then declare that this was his wife!One night of passion was all he remembered as he beheld Lily, the woman he'd wed, loved, and lost on the battlefield in Portugal. Now he said he'd honor his commitment to her—regardless of the gulf that lay between them. 

After accidentally reading the Simply Quartet before the Bedwyn Saga (didn't know the quartet was a sequel), I picked up the Bedwyn Saga to read their stories. The first half of the book dragged a bit. Or I should say the first half of the book set in the present dragged for me. I enjoyed the few chapters about the time in the army. The second half definitely picked up the pace and the story. Neville was an okay character, but I really loved Lily and Elizabeth. Great characters! I will definitely be reading the rest of the Bedwyn Saga.

Bedwyn Saga

  • #0.1 One Night for Love
  • #0.2 A Summer to Remember
  • #1 Slightly Married
  • #2 Slightly Wicked
  • #3 Slightly Scandalous
  • #4 Slightly Tempted
  • #5 Slightly Sinful
  • #6 Slightly Dangerous
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: romance, Mary Balogh
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 09.04.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 5

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Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 5 Imperial Phase I

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The gods are free to do whatever they want. Inevitably, they do. Collects issues 23-28 of the series, including the critically lauded Kevin Wada magazine issue.

Another great volume. This time we get to see the aftermath of Annanke's death and it's not pretty. The mystery of Persephone is still foremost but now we also get The Great Darkness. Love love loved it! 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 09.03.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Great Quake by Henry Fountain

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Title: The Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet

Author: Henry Fountain

Publisher: Crown 2017

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (nonfiction)

At 5:36 p.m. on March 27, 1964, a magnitude 9.2. earthquake – the second most powerful in world history – struck the young state of Alaska. The violent shaking, followed by massive tsunamis, devastated the southern half of the state and killed more than 130 people.  A day later, George Plafker, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, arrived to investigate.  His fascinating scientific detective work in the months that followed helped confirm the then-controversial theory of plate tectonics.

In a compelling tale about the almost unimaginable brute force of nature, New York Times science journalist Henry Fountain combines history and science to bring the quake and its aftermath to life in vivid detail.  With deep, on-the-ground reporting from Alaska, often in the company of George Plafker, Fountain shows how the earthquake left its mark on the land and its people -- and on science.

Picked this one up on a whim from the Lucky Day shelf at the library. I loved a good history and this one's cover intrigued me. I knew little of the 1964 Alaska quake or really the history of our understanding of earthquakes. Fountain does have quite the storytelling dexterity as Erik Larson, but I must say that this slim volume was informative and engaging. I learned a lot about the history of earthquakes and our understanding plus how the theory of plate tectonics really came into being. George Plafker is a fascinating person. I loved hearing about his personal journey in science interwoven with the Alaska quake. Definitely a great read!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Henry Fountain, U-S- History, perpetual, 4 stars, nonfiction adventure
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 09.02.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh

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Title: Simply Perfect (SImply #4)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2008

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

As headmistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls in Bath, Claudia Martin long ago resigned herself to a life without love. Until Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives unannounced and tempts her to toss away a lifetime of propriety for an affair that can only lead to ruin, embarking on a plan of seduction that leaves them both yearning for more. But Claudia knows she has no place in Joseph’s aristocratic world. And now that world is about to be rocked by scandal.… An arranged marriage, a secret that will shock the ton, and a man from Claudia’s past conspire to drive the lovers apart. But Joseph is determined to make Claudia his at any cost—even if that means breaking every rule for a love that is everything he has ever wanted.…

After finishing Simply Magic I just had to finish out the quartet. At first I wasn't super excited about Claudia's story. I could only see her as the prim schoolmistress. But over the pages, she really grew on me. In the end, I respect her strong sense of self and integrity. I loved how she opened up over the course of the book. And then we get to the romance section. Joseph and Claudia were perfect together and I loved their journey. The big twist was a surprise for me. I should have picked up on the twist, but somehow it took me completely by surprise. Still I loved it. Definitely a good ending to the series. 

Simply Quartet:

  • #1 Simply Unforgettable
  • #2 Simply Love
  • #3 Simply Magic
  • #4 Simply Perfect
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Mary Balogh, romance, 4 stars, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 08.27.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Simply Magic by Mary Balogh

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Title: Simply Magic (SImply #3)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2008

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 433

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

On a splendid August afternoon Susanna Osbourne is introduced to the most handsome man she has ever seen . . . and instantly feels the icy chill of recognition. Peter Edgeworth, Viscount Whitleaf, is utterly charming—and seemingly unaware that they have met before. With his knowing smile and seductive gaze, Peter acts the rake; but he stirs something in Susanna she has never felt before, a yearning that both frightens and dazzles her. Instantly she knows: this brash nobleman poses a threat to her heart . . . and to the secrets she guards so desperately.

Another fluffy romance for this sick week. I fell for Susanna and Viscount Whitleaf immediately and loved them throughout the book. It was a fun adventure following them from Bath and back. Not a ton to really say about this book, but I did enjoy it. 

Simply Quartet:

  • #1 Simply Unforgettable
  • #2 Simply Love
  • #3 Simply Magic
  • #4 Simply Perfect
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: romance, Mary Balogh, 4 stars, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 08.25.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Simply Love by Mary Balogh

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Title: Simply Love (SImply #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2007

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh returns to the elegance and sensuality of Regency England as she continues the enthralling story of four remarkable women–friends and teachers at Miss Martin’s School for Girls. At the center of this spellbinding novel is Anne Jewell, a teacher haunted by a scandalous past…until she meets a man who teaches her the most important lesson of all: nothing is simple when it comes to love.…

Another fun historical romance while I am down with a cold. I loved the first half of this book. The budding relationship between Anne and Sydnam is great. Their conversations are what kept me turning the pages. But then the second half comes in. The predictable event threw me a bit and I debated putting it down. Thankfully the book redeems itself in the end with growth of both of the main characters. 

Simply Quartet:

  • #1 Simply Unforgettable
  • #2 Simply Love
  • #3 Simply Magic
  • #4 Simply Perfect

Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: romance, Mary Balogh, mount tbr, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 08.22.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone (Great Library #1)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library 2015

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 351

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Steampunk (sorta)

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. 
 
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service. 
 
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Oh so good! I caught wind of this series about 6 months ago, but for some reason, just didn't get it immediately, I saw the third book on the New Books shelf at the library, went to check it out, but thankfully realized that it was the third book. So I found and checked out the first book.

First of all, I loved the world Caine throws us into. It's sorta steampunk, sorta fantasy, sorta alternate timeline. We see certain technological advances, but also a bit of magic. Then we get to the characters. I loved Jess immediately, but then we met all the rest of the postulants and scholars and guards. Such interested people who grew throughout the story. I loved how Caine peels back the layers on each character until we all see exactly who they are. Loved it! Finally we get the storyline. I loved the idea of a 1984-esque society headed by a library and librarians. We get wonder and intrigue, great action pieces, quiet moments dealing with relationships, and more. I sped through this volume in just a few days, the bulk of which was today. I could hardly put it down! So good! I can't wait to get the next volume.

Great Library

  • #1 Ink and Bone
  • #2 Paper and Fire
  • #3 Ash and Quill
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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: Rachel Caine, fantasy, 5 stars, Popsugar, steampunk
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 08.21.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 4

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Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 4 Rising Action

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Every ninety years, twelve gods are reincarnated as young people. They are loved. They are hated. And sometimes - just sometimes - they fall into open Superstar wars. The fourth volume of the award-winning, best selling series from acclaimed creators KIERON GILLEN, JAMIE McKELVIE and MATT WILSON is the most explosive yet. Collects issues 18 through 22

After finishing Volumes 2 and 3 last night, I had to make time today to read Volume 4. It's such an explosive storyline. And we finally get more information about what's exactly going on and what Annanke's plan is. I loved all the reveals in this volume. Plus, we get to see Persephone in action! Loving it! I'm hoping to get Volume 5 soon...

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: 5 stars, graphic novel
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 08.18.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2-3

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2 Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity. Includes issues #6-11 of the series, plus supplementary material.

Oh man. After the ending of Volume 1, I was left on a ledge. Instead of getting me to safety, Volume 2 pushed the story right on over. I love that we get to meet more of the pantheon and even more from Annanke. I sped through this volume.

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Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3 Commercial Suicide

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the detonation of FANDEMONIUM the gods-as-pop-stars of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE try living in the long dark shadow. Team WicDiv are joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight of each of the gods. The multiple Eisner-award nominated series continues in the only way it knows how: darker, weirder, faster. Don't worry. It's going to be okay.

I loved the storyline in this volume, but I wasn't quite as excited as the artist. The plot line took some crazy twists and turns and I was along for the ride. Such a great volume. But I'm so confused about the big cliffhanger. Hmmm... I hope that they bring back Persephone in the next volume. Otherwise that whole scene was a bit wasted. 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg raeliana8.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 08.18.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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