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  • Archives - Wading Through
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Exquisite Corpse by Penelope Bagieu

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Title: Exquisite Corpse

Author: Penelope Bagieu

Publisher: First Second 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Zoe isn't exactly the intellectual type, which is why she doesn't recognize world-famous author Thomas Rocher when she stumbles into his apartment...and into his life. It's also why she doesn't know that Rocher is supposed to be dead.

Turns out, Rocher faked his death years ago to escape his critics, and has been making a killing releasing his new work as "lost manuscripts," in cahoots with his editor/ex-wife Agathe. Neither of them would have invited a crass party girl like Zoe into their literary conspiracy of two, but now that she's there anyway. . . .

Zoe doesn't know Balzac from Batman, but she's going to have to wise up fast... because she's sitting on the literary scandal of the century!

Another one of those random library finds. I love just browsing the shelves looking for interesting titles. This one is a cute little story about an author and the two women in his life. I sped through this one in just a few minutes not wanting to wait to find out what happens to all our characters. I especially loved the twist ending. Such fun!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 4 stars, Penelope Bagieu, translation
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 02.16.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Damsels Vol. 2

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Title: Damsels Vol. 2

Author: Leah Moore, John Reppion, Aneke

Publisher: Dynamite 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Weeks have passed since the defeat of the witch Belladonna, yet "Happily Ever After" is still out of reach for Rapa, the once-and-future Queen Rapunzel. The wandering adventurer chafes in the trappings of her royal station, her heart yearning to once again roam the roads and wilderness of her magical world. However, her path is not at all safe... for the witches Gothel and Carabosse have formed a new black coven, and are amassing a new army of the wicked!

A great continuation of the story started in volume one. I loved the introduction of a few new heroines with fun and complicated backstories. I loved the mention of other classic fairy tales and stories. The timeline of the pages was a bit harder to follow considering the back and forth. But I still really enjoyed this volume. I will have to seek out the next one.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: 5 stars, fairy tale stories, graphic novel, Leah Moore, John Reppion, Aneke
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.15.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Damsels Vol. 1

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Title: Damsels Vol. 1

Author: Leah Moore, John Reppion, Aneke

Publisher: Dynamite 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Once upon a time, the princesses of classic fairy tales banded together to save their kingdoms from war! Rapa, a redheaded girl with a fiery spirit and lost memories, discovers a conspiracy that threatens the peace among all the mythical creatures of the land. Joined by the Little Mermaid, the Frog Prince, and Red Riding Hood, Rapa journeys through fabled forests and legendary realms on a quest to foil the scheme! Who has stolen the identities of beloved heroines Rapunzel, Belle, and Talia, and plots to destroy all the Faerie races? 

A random library find from this week. I love fairy tale retellings and this one did not disappoint. Such a great tale of misplaced queens and adventures in dreams. The imagery and coloring are great. The characters are great. I wasn’t even annoyed by the exposition interludes. I will definitely be continuing this series.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, fairy tale stories, Leah Moore, John Reppion, Aneke, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.15.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin

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Title: The Obelisk Gate (The Broken Earth #2)

Author: N.K. Jemisin

Publisher: Orbit 2016

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Alphabet Soup - J; Dancing with Scifi and Fantasy - Under 500 Pages; Seasonal Series - Trilogy

This is the way the world ends, for the last time.

The season of endings grows darker, as civilization fades into the long cold night.

Essun -- once Damaya, once Syenite, now avenger -- has found shelter, but not her daughter. Instead there is Alabaster Tenring, destroyer of the world, with a request. But if Essun does what he asks, it would seal the fate of the Stillness forever.

Far away, her daughter Nassun is growing in power - and her choices will break the world.

What a ride! I was drawn back in on page one and was upset that I got to page 448 and there wasn’t anymore in this volume. Of course we get to learn more about what happens to our main characters, but more importantly, the world more fully revealed itself. I was amazed at the story of the stone eaters. Hoa is one of my favorite now! And we get more information about how orogeny works and what other secrets lay deep in the earth just waiting to be revealed. While I’m not a fan of Schaffa (not that any read is supposed to be a fan), this volume led me to a better understanding of his motivations and actions. Plus we get great narration from Nassun’s point of view. And I finally figured out who was talking in the interludes. Duh! Can’t believe I didn’t see that one in the last book. Can’t wait to finish the trilogy, though it’s going to have to wait until March so I can focus on my UnRead Shelf.

The Broken Earth:

  • #1 The Fifth Season

  • #2 The Obelisk Gate

  • #3 The Stone Sky

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: N.K. Jemisin, fantasy, 5 stars, Alphabet Soup, Dancing with Fantasy and Science Fiction, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 02.13.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

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Title: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (TATBILB #1)

Author: Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 2014

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - 365 Days of YA; Women Authors; Seasonal Series - Movie Adaptation

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once?

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

I’ve heard so many people say great things about this book (and by extension, this series), I eventually picked it up. Such a cute story! I immediately loved Lara Jean and her relationship with her sisters. I loved her relationship with the boy next door. I enjoyed the progression of the story into something different than Lara Jean was expecting. I didn’t mind the slightly cliffhanger ending (I’ll borrow the next book in March). I was not a huge fan of the narration style, but I know first person diary like narration is very popular in young adult novels. It’s not my favorite style, but I will forgive it because this book is written for the teen crowd. Cute, if a little immature for my 36 year old self.

Movie Review

Obviously the movie makers made changes to the story, but they kept the core of Lara Jean’s story and I appreciated that. I loved all the actors (with the exception of who played Gen who seemed very stiff in a lot of scenes). Extra fun recognizing Anna Carhart who played Kitty from my kiddos watching Odd Squad. The look and feel of the movie was great. Interested to see if a sequel happens.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: perpetual, Jenny Han, women authors, Seasonal Series Readathon, young adult, 4 stars, 365 Days of YA
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 02.12.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

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Title: The Hollow of Fear (Lady Sherlock #3)

Author: Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 335

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar- Amateur Detective; Cloak and Dagger

Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't. 

Moriarty's shadow looms large. First, Charlotte's half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte's close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.

With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram--and a number of malevolent forces...

This volume was such a thrill ride! The prologue sucked me in with the reveal of who Charlotte met in the carriage. And then Lady Ingram’s misfortune was revealed and the story picked up speed. I loved more story from Livia and Lord Ingram’s points of view. A nice change of pace from just Charlotte. And we get more insight into the inner works of the agents of the Crown and those of Moriarty’s crew. The resolution to the mystery was very satisfying, but I must say I was disappointed in Lord Ingram and Charlotte. The tension between those two could set fires roaring without any kindling.

Lady Sherlock

  • #1 A Study in Scarlet Women

  • #2 A Conspiracy in Belgravia

  • #3 The Hollow of Fear

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: mystery, Sherry Thomas, 5 stars, I Love Libraries, Popsugar, Cloak and Dagger
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 02.09.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Craven Manor by Darcy Coates

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Title: Craven Manor

Author: Darcy Coates

Publisher: Black Owl Books 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 300

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Popsugar - Ghost Story; Horror

Daniel is desperate for a job. When someone slides a note under his door offering him the groundskeeper’s position at an old estate, it seems too good to be true.

Alarm bells start ringing when he arrives at Craven Manor. The mansion’s front door hangs open, and leaves and cobwebs coat the marble foyer. It’s clear no one has lived there in a long time.

But an envelope waits for him inside the doorway. It contains money, and promises more.

Daniel is desperate. Against his better judgement, he moves into the groundskeeper’s cottage behind the crypt. He’s determined to ignore the strange occurrences that plague the estate.

But when a candle flickers to life in the abandoned tower window, Daniel realises Craven Manor is hiding a terrible secret… one that threatens to bury him with it.

This one had a lot of promise. I loved the set-up and the initial time at the manor. Once Daniel met Bran, I felt like the suspense started to go out of the story. I wasn’t as intrigued or scared. I feel like the story lost a lot of steam at the end and the final conflict wasn’t as fraught as I would have liked. But I will say that the scene where Daniel first encounters Annaliese is amazing.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: Darcy Coates, Horror, ghost stories, Popsugar, ebook, For the Love Ebooks, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.08.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

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Title: In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4)

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: Tor 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Women Author; Seasonal Series - Dark Cover

This is the story of a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.

When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.

Finally! We get to hear Lundy’s story. She is just an interesting side character in the series and I had been intrigued by her background. In this volume, we get her entire story up until moving to the Home for Wayward Children. In the overall scheme of books, I seriously loved this story and am going to give it 5 stars. Within the context of the series, I think this is my least favorite so far. It didn’t have as much weirdness as the others. But I really did love visiting the Goblin Market and meeting Moon and The Archivist.

Wayward Children

  • #1 Every Heart a Doorway

  • #2 Down Among the Sticks and Bones

  • #3 Beneath the Sugar Sky

  • #4 In an Absent Dream

  • #5 Come Tumbling Down

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: Seanan McGuire, fantasy, Seasonal Series Readathon, I Love Libraries, Women Authors, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 02.06.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Visualizing the Beatles by John Pring and Rob Thomas

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Title: Visualizing the Beatles

Author: John Pring and Rob Thomas

Publisher: Dey Street 2018

Genre: Nonfiction - Music

Pages: 288

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love

Filled with stunning full-color infographics, a unique, album-by-album visual history of the evolution of the Beatles that examines how their style, their sound, their instruments, their songs, their tours, and the world they inhabited transformed over the course of a decade.

Combining data, colorful artwork, interactive charts, graphs, and timelines, Visualizing the Beatlesis a fresh and imaginative look at the world’s most popular band. Meticulously examining the songs on every Beatles’ album from Please Please Me to Let It Be, UK-based graphic artists John Pring and Rob Thomas deconstruct:

  • lyrical content

  • songwriting credits

  • inspiration for the songs

  • instruments used

  • cover designs

  • chart position

  • and more . . . .

Random library shelf pick. I couldn’t resist the fun images and bright colors. I spent an afternoon flipping through and reading about various facts about The Beatles. I especially loved the graphics dealing with fashion and songwriting. A few of the spreads were a bit too text heavy, but overall, I really enjoyed this.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: nonfiction, music, The Beatles, John Pring, Rob Thomas, I Love Libraries, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 02.06.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Lumberjanes Vol. 1

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Title: Lumberjanes Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Author: Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen

Publisher: BOOM! 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

What's to Love: Lumberjanes is the hit series from the BOOM! Box imprint that features five rad ladies who fight monster baddies with the power of friendship! Written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, Adventure Time) and newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by Brooke Allen (A Home for Mr. Easter), this new series has taken comics by storm and placed on many Best-of-the-Year lists, including Comics Alliance, Entertainment Weekly, and Comic Book Resources.What It Is: At Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams! Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together...and they're not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here. Presented as the Lumberjanes Field Manual featuring a cover gallery and early character designs by Noelle Stevenson and Brooke Allen. Collects issues #1-4.

I am an idiot for waiting this long to start this series. Such a delight! I immediately fell for each and every one of the Lumberjanes. And the overall deepening mystery of what’s going on at camp is just delightful. Must continue reading!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 02.02.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Code Girls by Liza Mundy

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Title: Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II

Author: Liza Mundy

Publisher: Hachette Books 2017

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Puzzle; Nonfiction Bingo - Science and Technology

Recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy from small towns and elite colleges, more than ten thousand women served as codebreakers during World War II. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women moved to Washington and learned the meticulous work of code-breaking. Their efforts shortened the war, saved countless lives, and gave them access to careers previously denied to them. A strict vow of secrecy nearly erased their efforts from history; now, through dazzling research and interviews with surviving code girls, bestselling author Liza Mundy brings to life this riveting and vital story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.

Wow! How did I not know about these amazing women and their contributions to the war effort? Oh right, the military kept most of this information classified for years. Thank goodness many of these women have now been encouraged to tell their stories. The book is information heavy, but great at telling the story of code-breaking both before WWII and during. We make connections to many specific women following their stories through specific units and projects. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative even when it covered topics or events that I have a fair bit of knowledge of. It was still nice to put everything together into one story. I even took pages of notes about the story. So good!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: Liza Mundy, I Love Libraries, Popsugar, Nonfiction Bingo, U-S- History, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 01.31.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair

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Title: Skirting the Grave (Vintage Magic Mystery #4)

Author: Annette Blair

Publisher: Berkley 2011

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Cold Hearted Character

Maddie Cutler thought she was taking on a new design intern for her boutique. But instead she finds her dead at the train station under suspicious circumstances. Now, Maddie is determined to iron out the wrinkles of this mystery.

Another fun cozy mystery. I loved adding another great character into the mix. Isabel is fun and very knowledgable when it comes to clothes. I’ve never loved Eve as a character and counterpoint for Mad, so Isabel is a much better choice. The big mystery was amazing and I was a bit disappointed at the reveal. (I’ve read some of Blair’s other books and it felt a bit like a rip-off.) I’m a bit disappointed as to the resolution of the Nick-Mad-Wener situation. I hope the last two books change the situation.

Vintage Magic Mystery:

  • #1 A Veiled Deception

  • #2 Larceny and Lace

  • #3 Death by Diamonds

  • #4 Skirting the Grave

  • #5 Cloaked in Malice

  • #6 Tulle Death Do Us Part

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: Annette Blair, mystery, 4 stars, Finishing the Series, I Love Libraries, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 01.30.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

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Title: The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth #1)

Author: N.K. Jemisin

Publisher: Orbit 2015

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 496

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Random TBR Pick; Women Authors; Dancing with Fantasy/Scifi - By a Woman of Color

This is the way the world ends...for the last time.
A season of endings has begun. 
It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. 
It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. 
It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester. 
This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy. 

It took me years to finally pick this one up, but my goodness, why did I wait so long? This was just amazing. I was sucked into the world and the story within the first few pages. Jemisin creates a compelling world. I immediately had to know what was going on and what was going to happened. I fell for Damaya, Syenite, and Essun and had to know them more. I loved how each woman’s story progresses and we learn more and more as the pages go on. The reader is thrown into the world without much preparation, but Jemisin make is easy to understand what is happening. (There’s also a small glossary at the back of the book to help the reader) The last 75 pages of this book I read in one sitting, not being able to wait to find out what happens. The next book in the trilogy is going on my shortlist.

The Broken Earth:

  • #1 The Fifth Season

  • #2 The Obelisk Gate

  • #3 The Stone Sky

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: 5 stars, N.K. Jemisin, fantasy, Random TBR Pick, Women Authors, Dancing with Fantasy and Science Fiction
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 01.30.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Zorro by Isabel Allende

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Title: Zorro

Author: Isabel Allende Translated by: Margaret Sayers Peden

Publisher: Harper Perennial 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 390

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Alphabet Soup - A; Popsugar - Clothing on Cover

Born in southern California late in the eighteenth century, he is a child of two worlds. Diego de la Vega's father is an aristocratic Spanish military man turned landowner; his mother, a Shoshone warrior. Diego learns from his maternal grandmother, White Owl, the ways of her tribe while receiving from his father lessons in the art of fencing and in cattle branding. It is here, during Diego's childhood, filled with mischief and adventure, that he witnesses the brutal injustices dealt Native Americans by European settlers and first feels the inner conflict of his heritage.

At the age of sixteen, Diego is sent to Barcelona for a European education. In a country chafing under the corruption of Napoleonic rule, Diego follows the example of his celebrated fencing master and joins La Justicia, a secret underground resistance movement devoted to helping the powerless and the poor. With this tumultuous period as a backdrop, Diego falls in love, saves the persecuted, and confronts for the first time a great rival who emerges from the world of privilege.

Between California and Barcelona, the New World and the Old, the persona of Zorro is formed, a great hero is born, and the legend begins. After many adventures -- duels at dawn, fierce battles with pirates at sea, and impossible rescues -- Diego de la Vega, a.k.a. Zorro, returns to America to reclaim the hacienda on which he was raised and to seek justice for all who cannot fight for it themselves.

My UnRead Shelf Project pick for January. This has been sitting on my shelf, not for years only months, but for whatever reason, it keeps gets passed over. I finally picked it up and really enjoyed Allende’s style of writing. I love her construction of the story, focusing on different time periods during Diego’s life. I enjoyed the flow of the narrative. Definitely done well! And yet, I wasn’t completely engrossed in the story and and characters. Something about all the characters created a big gap for me. I just didn’t love it. But, a really good historical fiction.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: historical fiction, Isabel Allende, 4 stars, Unread Shelf Project, Alphabet Soup, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 01.29.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

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Title: Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me about Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits

Author: Reese Witherspoon

Publisher: Touchstone 2018

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Nonfiction Bingo - Celebrity Memoir; Creativity

Reese’s southern heritage informs her whole life, and she loves sharing the joys of southern living with practically everyone she meets. She takes the South wherever she goes with bluegrass, big holiday parties, and plenty of Dorothea’s fried chicken. It’s reflected in how she entertains, decorates her home, and makes holidays special for her kids—not to mention how she talks, dances, and does her hair (in these pages, you will learn Reese’s fail-proof, only slightly insane hot-roller technique). Reese loves sharing Dorothea’s most delicious recipes as well as her favorite southern traditions, from midnight barn parties to backyard bridal showers, magical Christmas mornings to rollicking honky-tonks.

A random library pick. This volume is a mix of recipes, how-tos, and memoir essays. I enjoyed reading about Reese’s background and family life growing up. The recipes were fun (must make a few of them) and the how-tos were interesting. Plus, the photographs were gorgeous! My favorite sections were the one about dinner parties and the one about book clubs. Loved these two! The one negative piece that I kept coming back to was the emphasis on life in the South. Unfortunately the Southern lifestyle described really only belongs to middle class (and above) whites. Overall, a decent collection of topics and essays.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: Reese Witherspoon, Librar, Nonfiction Bingo, Creativity, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 01.28.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
Comments: 1
 

Low Vol. 4

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Title: Low Volume 4: Outer Aspects of Inner Attitudes

Author: Rick Remender, Greg Tocchini

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Tajo returns to her family home on Salus, to find a city on the brink of devastation. There is no food, no air, no hope for mankind's last great dome city. Now, Tajo must band together with IO, a man carrying a secret millennia old, and Mertali, a brave mermaid from the gladiator pits of Poluma, to fight for a better future for everyone. But death stalks the desolate streets of Salus, a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to see the city drown in its own blood—a killer that Tajo created, and now must face again one final time. Collects LOW #16-19

Loved reconnecting with Mertali and Io in this volume. Plus we get to see pretty big developments in Salus. Oh my! Just what is going to happen next?

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 01.26.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Low Vol. 3

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Title: Low Volume 3: Shore the Dying Light

Author: Rick Remender, Greg Tocchini

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Stel Caine rises from the depths to the surface of the Earth, the first human in millennia to walk on the sun-blasted wasteland. Her daughters aren't far behind, and not everyone shares Stel's hopeful outlook for the future. Will this family reunion reveal the key to mankind's salvation? or snuff out the light forever? Collects LOW #11-15

I’m really here for the relationship between Della and Tajo. Such a great dynamic. And I’ve been dying to see the world above the water. And it is pretty horrific. I can’t wait to see what happens next to our explorers.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 01.26.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Low Vol. 2

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Title: Low Volume 2: Before the Dawn Burns Us

Author: Rick Remender, Greg Tocchini

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Will Stel Caine rise from the depths to become first human in millennia to set foot on the surface of the Earth? Who is the relentless Minister of Thought on a quest to put an end to Stel's attempt to restore the light to a dying world? Collects LOW #7-10.

This volume starts with a bang. Wow! I didn’t know where the story was going to go at the end of the first volume. I love that we finally get to see more from Tajo and Della. Plus there are some significant developments in the overall world story. Really enjoyed it!

Graphic Novel 2019.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.25.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw

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Title: The Autumnlands Volume 1: Tooth and Claw

Author: Kurt Busiek and Ben Dewey

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 184

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

When the wizards of the Autumnlands reach through time to bring back a legendary hero, they don't get the savior they expected. But in a shattered, besieged city, he's their only hope of survival-and possibly their entire world's, as well. 
Collects THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #1-6.

A rare comic series that I don’t think is for me. I was intrigued by the world building, but didn’t connect to the characters. I wasn’t really rooting for anyone or anything. And the art was not pulling me in like I wanted it to.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: graphic novel, 3 stars, Kurt Busiek, Ben Dewey
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.25.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

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Title: Guidebook to Murder (Tourist Trap Mystery #1)

Author: Lynn Cahoon

Publisher: Kensington 2014

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Monthly Motif - New to Me Author; Cloak and Dagger

In the gentle coastal town of South Cove, California, all Jill Gardner wants is to keep her store--Coffee, Books, and More--open and running. So why is she caught up in the business of murder?

When Jill's elderly friend, Miss Emily, calls in a fit of pique, she already knows the city council is trying to force Emily to sell her dilapidated old house. But Emily's gumption goes for naught when she dies unexpectedly and leaves the house to Jill--along with all of her problems. . .and her enemies. Convinced her friend was murdered, Jill is finding the list of suspects longer than the list of repairs needed on the house. But Jill is determined to uncover the culprit--especially if it gets her closer to South Cove's finest, Detective Greg King. Problem is, the killer knows she's on the case--and is determined to close the book on Jill permanently. . .

I picked this volume up on a whim at the library and I’m so glad I did. This is a very cute cozy mystery full of red herrings, twists, secrets, and ultimately a good conclusion. Jill is a great main character and amateur detective. And South Cove is a great little setting for murder. I can just see the main street full of old cottages serving as business locales. And all the great random side characters. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.

Tourist Trap Mystery:

  • #1 Guidebook to Murder

  • #2 Mission to Murder

  • #3 If the Shoe Kills

  • #3.25 Rockets’ Dead Glare

  • #4 Dressed to Kill

  • #5 Killer Run

  • #6 Murder on Wheels

  • #7 Tea Cups and Carnage

  • #8 Hospitality and Homicide

  • #9 Killer Party

  • #9.5 A Deadly Brew

  • #9.75 Santa Puppy

  • #10 Corned Beef and Casulties

  • #10.5 Mother’s Day Mayhem

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Next up on the TBR pile:

sphere.jpg accomplice.jpg dead guy.jpg swordheart.jpg powerless.jpg once upon.jpg unroma.jpg
tags: mystery, 4 stars, Lynn Cahoon, I Love Libraries, Monthly Motif, Cloak and Dagger
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 01.24.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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