High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarez

Title: High Spirits

Author: Camille Gomera-Tavarez

Publisher: Levine Querido 2022

Genre: YA Short Stories

Pages: 224

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

High Spirits is a collection of eleven interconnected short stories from the Dominican diaspora, from debut author Camille Gomera-Tavarez.

It is a book centered on one extended family – the Beléns – across multiple generations.

It is set in the fictional small town of Hidalpa – and Santo Domingo and Paterson and San Juan and Washington Heights too.

It is told in a style both utterly real and distinctly magical – and its stories explore machismo, mental health, family, and identity.

Surprise surprise, I ended up giving a short story collection 3 stars. This seems to be very much a given rating for me. I just don’t really enjoy short story collections. I much prefer to immerse myself completely into a book and really dive in. This collection’s premise of interconnected stories focused on on Dominican family though generations intrigued me. I had also heard a plug for this one on my favorite reading podcast, so I grabbed it from the library. Unfortunately, the collection didn’t completely draw me in. We get snippets or vignettes of lives throughout the Belen family, but enough enough of any of them. I wanted to read an big family saga and instead I only get to catch glimpses of these characters. And so many of the stories ended so incredibly abruptly that I was very much not wanted to keep reading. This may be a good collection for someone else, but I did not love it at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Roar by Cecelia Ahern

Title: Roar

Author: Cecelia Ahern

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing 2019

Genre: Short Story Collection

Pages: 289

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

In this singular and imaginative story collection, Cecelia Ahern explores the endless ways in which women blaze through adversity with wit, resourcefulness, and compassion. Ahern takes the familiar aspects of women's lives—the routines, the embarrassments, the desires—and elevates these moments to the outlandish and hilarious with her astute blend of magical realism and social insight.

One woman is tortured by sinister bite marks that appear on her skin; another is swallowed up by the floor during a mortifying presentation; yet another resolves to return and exchange her boring husband at the store where she originally acquired him. The women at the center of this curious universe learn that their reality is shaped not only by how others perceive them, but also how they perceive the power within themselves.

By turns sly, whimsical, and affecting, these thirty short stories are a dynamic examination of what it means to be a woman in this very moment. Like women themselves, each story can stand alone; yet together, they have a combined power to shift consciousness, inspire others, and create a multi-voiced Roar that will not be ignored.

My goodness, what a disappointment. This was chosen for a big buddy read that I was participating in. I was hoping for interesting stories that illuminated the various perspectives and experiences of women. Instead, we get very cliched and simplistic magical realism stories that fail to give any insight. I felt like I was reading a Women’s Studies 101 text. If I had read this at 15 before my study of gender studies or experiencing adult life, I think I would have really enjoyed it. As it is, I have a degree in women’s studies and am a woman approaching middle age. This stories were just the tiny tiny tip of the iceberg of various issues. For that, I could have forgiven the book and given it 3 stars (not for me, but not a terrible book). My biggest issue was that every story I read ended with the woman somehow picking herself up and “solving” the problem. For instance, in the story “The Woman Who Found Bite Marks on Her Skin” the woman in question realizes that her guilt of not being able to be all things to everyone in her life and family is manifesting as bite marks. Okay. We are approaching a very real issue of being “President of Everything” and the work/life balance. I myself have often felt that I am letting down someone in my life and/or that I am putting myself in too small of a box identity wise. This is a very complicated problem facing many people, especially women, today. The solution in the story: the woman “lets go of the guilt” and all the bite marks disappear. If only it was that fucking easy. Every “solution” that I read involving the woman in the story fixing everything herself. Not one story that I read addressed the effects of the patriarchy or the various obstacles in our ways. We got no discussions about race and class creating hurdles or complications. Apparently, if we just think we can have a better life, it will come. I call bullshit. And for that I give this one 2 stars.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Cursed

Title: Cursed

Edited by: Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane

Publisher: Titan Books 2020

Genre: Fantasy Short Stories

Pages: 272

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

It's a prick of blood, the bite of an apple, the evil eye, a wedding ring or a pair of red shoes. Curses come in all shapes and sizes, and they can happen to anyone, not just those of us with unpopular stepparents...

Here you'll find unique twists on curses, from fairy tale classics to brand-new hexes of the modern world - expect new monsters and mythologies as well as twists on well-loved fables. Stories to shock and stories of warning, stories of monsters and stories of magic.

All the dark fairy tales! I am here for this collection of stories. I love how some of the stories are direct descendants of the classic stories, while others are very new and imaginative. Unlike many short stories collections, I enjoyed every story in this one. My favorite may actually be the first actual story in the collection “As Red As Blood, As White As Snow” by Christina Henry. Oh so good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

His Christmas Princess by Kathleen O'Brien

Title: His Christmas Princess (Princess Brides #2)

Author: Kathleen O’Brien

Publisher: Tule 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 181

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Willow Arden adores her life as the coronation planner in the Vicenza palace. The tiny island kingdom is the perfect place to raise her baby daughter. But when Emory, the sexy heir to the throne and her almost lover, comes home after a year-long hiatus, her perfect life is shaken to its core.

Emory's spent his whole life putting Vicenza's interests over his own. After taking a year off to live the kind of life he always wanted, he's returned and he's committed to the throne.

But when Willow and Emory meet again, the attraction between them ignites, as white-hot and hopeless as ever. Emory can't betray his commitments, and Willow must protect her heart at all costs. One way or another, one of them will lose everything.

The sequel to His Defiant Princess was so much better. I immediately fell for both Emory and Willow in the first story and couldn’t wait to read their romance in the second. These two are much more interesting and multi-dimensional adults with real problems and obstacles. Brenna and Ronan got in their own ways toward romance. Willow and Emory have to deal with actual obstacles and responsibilities. I loved it! I was rooting for them throughout the book, but really wanted them to have those tough conversations being moving forward. Thankfully we get some of those. A delightful little read for this week.

Princess Brides

• #1 His Defiant Princess

• #2 His Christmas Princess

Next up on the TBR pile:

His Defiant Princess by Kathleen O'Brien

Title: His Defiant Princess (Princess Brides #1)

Author: Kathleen O’Brien

Publisher: Tule 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 166

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Brenna Tinley has decided to move to the Unified Isles of Cornetta, a fairy-tale kingdom just south of France in the Bay of Biscay to escape the recent tragedies in her personal life. The happiest summer she can remember was spent there, in the arms of a handsome, tender rascal who disappeared without a goodbye when Autumn came…

As fate would have it, the Royal House of Vicenza has engaged Brenna Tinley to clear up a public relations mess. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for this small-town American girl, but there’s only one problem. Her new employer, HRH Prince Ronan, aka her mystery summer lover of long ago, seems determined to pick up where they left off. Can Brenna work in the royal palace and not end up with a brand new broken heart?

Short and sweet novella. I really enjoyed the romance between Brenna and Ronan, but I almost wish we could have gotten more of their backstory. I would have read another 100 pages fleshing out their summer years back. As it is, we get a quick rekindling of the romance in a fictional monarchy off the coast of France. Cute little story for an afternoon’s reading.

Princess Brides

• #1 His Defiant Princess

• #2 His Christmas Princess

Next up on the TBR pile:

How to Catch a Wild Viscount by Tessa Dare

Title: How to Catch a Wild Viscount

Author: Tessa Dare

Publisher: 2014

Genre: Romance

Pages: 105

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

She's on the hunt for a hero...

Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, returned from war a changed man. Battle stripped away his civility and brought out his inner beast. There is no charm or tenderness in him now; only dark passions and a hardened soul. He has nothing to offer the starry-eyed, innocent girl who pledged her heart to him four years ago.

But Cecily Hale isn't a girl any longer. She's grown into a woman--one who won't be pushed away. She and Luke are guests at a house party when a local legend captures their friends' imaginations. While the others plunge into the forest on a wild goose...er, stag chase, Cecily's on the hunt for a man. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke...the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body...or she could lose him to the darkness forever.

This short story was one of those free Kindle deals that I had picked up some time ago. I wanted a cute little romance to get me back on track after some heavier books. It’s a cute little story wrapped up in just about 100 pages. We get enough backstory about Luke and Cecily that the story makes sense. We get a fun gothic myth to push the two characters together. It was fun, although I really would have liked to see more from the side characters.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Exhalation by Ted Chiang

Title: Exhalation

Author: Ted Chiang

Publisher: Vintage 2019

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 368

Rating: 2/5 stars - Disliked it

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

Nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories. Two being published for the very first time. All from the mind of the incomparable Ted Chiang.

Tackling some of humanity’s oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine, these stories will change the way you think, feel, and see the world. They are Ted Chiang at his best: profound, sympathetic—revelatory.

With my newly recalibrated star ratings, I decided to give this short story collection 2 stars. That sounds terrible, but I do think that some others might give it more stars. I was in a conundrum when it came to rating. Most of these stories felt very bland and frankly reductive. I think my biggest problem with this collection is that they all seem like bad copies of classic scifi stories from Asimov, Heinlein, Bradbury, et al. I didn’t find anything new in this collection and I didn’t have a lot of enjoyment from the stories that I did read. Overall, this just wasn’t to my liking at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

North American Lake Monsters by Nathan Ballingrud

Title: North American Lake Monsters

Author: Nathan Ballingrud

Publisher: Small Beer Press 2013

Genre: Short Stories Horror

Pages: 300

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Nathan Ballingrud's Shirley Jackson Award winning debut collection is a shattering and luminous experience not to be missed by those who love to explore the darker parts of the human psyche. Monsters, real and imagined, external and internal, are the subject. They are us and we are them and Ballingrud's intense focus makes these stories incredibly intense and irresistible.

These are love stories. And also monster stories. Sometimes these are monsters in their traditional guises, sometimes they wear the faces of parents, lovers, or ourselves. The often working-class people in these stories are driven to extremes by love. Sometimes, they are ruined; sometimes redeemed. All are faced with the loneliest corners of themselves and strive to find an escape.

This was a bit more psychological than I was hoping for. I wanted some super scary horror stories; not necessarily people-behaving-badly stories. Once I got over my initial setback, I tried to settle in and really read these stories. Unfortunately I couldn’t connect with any of them and most were very problematic. I don’t want to read about racists and sexists. I wanted to see people encountering horrific things. Most of the time, those horrific things were themselves. I’d be hard-pressed to find a single character that I liked. Add on the fact that most of these stories end seemingly mid-thought and I did not enjoy this collection at all. Oh well. One to the next book.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Galatea by Madeline Miller

Title: Galatea

Author: Madeline Miller

Publisher: Ecco 2013

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 20

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

In Ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece – the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen – the gift of life. Now his wife, Galatea is expected to be obedience and humility personified, but it is not long before she learns to use her beauty as a form of manipulation. In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, she is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost...

Very quick little retelling of the Pygmalion myth. I wasn’t quite sure what this was but I loved Miller’s two full length novels, so I had to read this little short. I loved the shift in perspective to the statue. I loved the nods to the original Greek myths. Quick fun read.

Next up on the TBR pile:

You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

Title: You Think It, I’ll Say It

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Publisher: Random House 2018

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 223

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love

A suburban mother of two fantasizes about the downfall of an old friend whose wholesome lifestyle empire may or may not be built on a lie. A high-powered lawyer honeymooning with her husband is caught off guard by the appearance of the girl who tormented her in high school. A shy Ivy League student learns the truth about a classmate’s seemingly enviable life.

Curtis Sittenfeld has established a reputation as a sharp chronicler of the modern age who humanizes her subjects even as she skewers them. Now, with this first collection of short fiction, her “astonishing gift for creating characters that take up residence in readers’ heads” (The Washington Post) is showcased like never before. Throughout the ten stories in You Think It, I’ll Say It, Sittenfeld upends assumptions about class, relationships, and gender roles in a nation that feels both adrift and viscerally divided.

This is the Girly Book Club selection for August and it was a dud for me. I finished this collection of short stories a while ago, but had to sit with my thoughts to really understand my problems with them. My initial reaction was: Human beings are trash. After thinking more about it, I am going to stick to that statement. Diving deeper, I was left with a very depressed cynical view of humanity after every single story. I don’t need “happily ever after” stories, but these seemed so incredibly pessimistic about life and relationships. I thought that “Gender Studies”, “Bad Latch”, and “The Prairie Wife” were very interesting stories, but my goodness they were bleak. Once I thought about the stories even more, I realized that almost all of the characters featured were upper middle class and white. There was so much privilege inherent in all their lives. I think I might be over stories that focus on this demographic (full disclosure: I am part of these demographic). I am wanted to read about a variety of stories and situations. I don’t think I will have very charitable things to say about these stories at book club. But I have to admit that these stories are very well written.

Next up on the TBR pile:

How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin

Title: How Long ‘til Black Future Month?

Author: N.K. Jemisin

Publisher: Orbit 2018

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:  Library Love; Modern Mrs. Marcy - Been Meaning To Read; Dancing with Fantasy and Scifi - Classic Fantasy

N. K. Jemisin is one of the most powerful and acclaimed authors of our time. In the first collection of her evocative short fiction, which includes never-before-seen stories, Jemisin equally challenges and delights readers with thought-provoking narratives of destruction, rebirth, and redemption. 

Spirits haunt the flooded streets of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In a parallel universe, a utopian society watches our world, trying to learn from our mistakes. A black mother in the Jim Crow South must save her daughter from a fey offering impossible promises. And in the Hugo award-nominated short story "The City Born Great," a young street kid fights to give birth to an old metropolis's soul.

A beautiful collection of stories running the gamut of science fiction and fantasy. I really enjoyed the stories set in our world but with something a little different. Anything dealing with ghosts or spirits was favorite. Some of the stories that were a direct response to classic stories fell slightly flatter for me. I was much more intrigued when Jemisin created something totally new. I also enjoyed the stories that were clear precursors to The Broken Earth trilogy. Short stories are not my favorite style of fiction, but this collection was very interesting and entertaining.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Night Before Christmas

Title: The Night Before Christmas

Author: Lori Foster, Jill Shalvis, Katherine Garbera, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Kylie Adams

Publisher: Kensington 2005

Genre: Romance

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Six sexy Christmas tales--by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams, and Katherine Garbera--come together in a seductive collection that will thaw the icicles off the eave, with stories of office romance, infatuation, lust, and fantasy

A very uneven collection of stories. I get that these are to be short stories, but most of them were too short. I wanted just a bit more substance before we got to the “I love you” stage of the story. I just wasn’t a huge fan of this collection. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

That Mistletoe Moment

Title: That Mistletoe Moment

Author: Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles

Publisher: Kensington Books 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 265

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

MADE UP
Like a Christmas miracle, the Build a Boyfriend App lets you simply input the stats of your dream man, and witty texts, passionate emails, and hot Instagram pics start flooding in. No more awkward questions or pitying looks as you face the holidays alone!
 
MIXED UP
But even the best technology has its glitches. When real-life emotions come into play, this trio of twenty-somethings find themselves in a tangle of crossed signals, flying wrapping paper, disastrous Christmas parties…and surprising kisses.
 
MATCHED UP
Yet despite the confusion of their mistletoe misadventures, when the New Year dawns, these very satisfied women just may find themselves waking up with true love beside them.

“A Boyfriend by Christmas” by Cat Johnson — Such a cute story. I really loved Noelle and her joy at Christmas. And the entire plot line, while predictable, was just the right amount of sweetness and meet-cute. Loved it!

“All I Want for Christmas is…” by Kate Angell — Another fun and cute story. I loved Riley and Daniel. The ending was a bit much for me, but I still enjoyed the story.

“Her Favorite Present” by Allyson Charles — My least favorite of the three stories, but it was still really good. Loved Rachel even if Gabe wasn’t the best male protagonist.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mistletoe and Mischief

Title: Mistletoe and Mischief

Author: Melanie Karsak, Margo Bond Collins, Erin Hayes, Blaire Edens, Pauline Creeden, Jayne Fury, Katie Hayoz, S.K> Gregory, Evan Winters, Carrie L. Wells, Bokerah Brumley, Anna Albergucci, T.K. Bradley, Angelique Archer, J. Mills, Deb Christie, Ella Malone

Publisher: 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 392

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit Readathon

Sixteen magical holiday stories from NY Times and USA Today bestsellers and award-winning authors are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This collection will whisk you from Christmas season in steampunk London to Yule celebrations with the coven to Hanukkah celebrations with a supernatural twist. Battle Krampus, ghosts, vampires, demons, and a hell of an eggnog hangover in this special collection of paranormal, horror, urban fantasy, and steampunk holiday tales.

This collection was such a mixed bag. There were a few good stories, but many of them were clearly part of a series and presented with limited background info. I just didn’t understand the worlds I was being thrown into. Those stories really brought my star rating down. My favorite story was actually the very first one. Loved the alternate London full of monsters and interested characters. Loved that one!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Florida by Lauren Groff

Title: Florida

Author: Lauren Groff

Publisher: Riverbed Books 2018

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 275

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Stranger Read; Modern Mrs. Darcy - 2018 Award Nominee

In her thrilling new book, Lauren Groff brings the reader into a physical world that is at once domestic and wild—a place where the hazards of the natural world lie waiting to pounce, yet the greatest threats and mysteries are still of an emotional, psychological nature. A family retreat can be derailed by a prowling panther, or by a sexual secret. Among those navigating this place are a resourceful pair of abandoned sisters; a lonely boy, grown up; a restless, childless couple, a searching, homeless woman; and an unforgettable, recurring character—a steely and conflicted wife and mother. 

I had heard great things about this collection of stories and decided to read it after loving Groff’s The Monsters of Templeton. Although I must say that I did like Fates and Furies at all. And so I dove into this story collection, but just couldn’t find myself loving these stories at all. I’m not a fan of Groff’s writing. Her vagueness in plot and insubstantial characters can’t keep my attention. I finished this collection, but I think I’m done with Groff’s writing…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Masked Ball at Broxley Manor by Rhys Bowen

Title: Masked Ball at Broxley Manor (Royal Spyness #0.5)

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Berkley 2012

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 41

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

At the end of her first unsuccessful season out in society, Lady Georgiana has all but given up on attracting a suitable man—until she receives an invitation to a masked Halloween ball at Broxley Manor. Georgie is uncertain why she was invited, until she learns that the royal family intends to marry her off to a foreign prince, one reputed to be mad. 

When the prince, dressed as the devil, rescues her from an embarrassing situation at the ball, Georgie is surprised to find her unwanted suitor to be a dashing, charming man—especially when he pulls her aside and gives her the kiss of a lifetime. But as the time comes for the unmasking, Georgie’s rescuer vanishes and the party is thrown into chaos, making it clear that everything at Broxley Manor is not as it appears…

A quick little prequel to Her Royal Spyness. I loved seeing Georgie’s first meeting with Darcy and the hijinks involved. I can’t wait to read more from this series!

Next up on the TBR pile:

For Darkness... Short Stories by Diana Peterfreund

Title: Among the Nameless Stars (For Darkness Shows the Stars #0.5)

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Pages: 54

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Four years before the events of FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, the servant Kai left the North Estate, the only home he’d ever known, and Elliot North, the only girl he ever loved, in search of a better life. But the journey was not an easy one.

Loved this little short story focusing on Kai's adventures directly after he left the North estate. I loved meeting some interesting characters and the overall progression of the story. 

Title: The First Star to Fall (For Darkness Shows the Stars #1.5)

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Pages: 34

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

New Pacifica was designed to be a tropical paradise, a refuge for humanity filled with natural wonders and technological marvels. A place of perfect peace where "war" was only a world out of history... or so the privileged teen Persis Blake was always taught.

But then comes the revolution and the death of a queen, and suddenly it's no longer enough for Persis to trust the words of her parents, the lessons of her teachers, and the decrees of the men in power. 

One terrible night, Persis witnesses the truth: there are those who will stop at nothing to destroy her world... but is there anyone who can save it?

So this was definitely a departure from the pervious story. I'm intrigued by where this is going... Guess it's time to pick up the companion book.

For Darkness Shows the Stars

• #0.5 Among the Nameless Stars
• #1 For Darkness Shows the Stars
• #1.5 The First Star to Fall
• #2 Across a Star-Swept Sea

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mad Hatters and March Hares

Title: Mad Hatters and March Hares

Edited by: Ellen Datlow

Publisher: Tor 2017

Genre: Fantasy Short Stories

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Animal in Title; Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries

From master anthologist Ellen Datlow comes an all-original of weird tales inspired by the strangeness of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There.

Between the hallucinogenic, weird, imaginative wordplay and the brilliant mathematical puzzles and social satire, Alice has been read, enjoyed, and savored by every generation since its publication. Datlow asked eighteen of the most brilliant and acclaimed writers working today to dream up stories inspired by all the strange events and surreal characters found in Wonderland.

As with every short story collection, the results are a bit mixed. But this collection really redeemed itself with a few key stories. My favorites:

• "Mercury" -- Love the twist on the Mad Hatter idea. The twist at the end was definitely the best part. 
• "Alis" -- Hands down the creepiest story I have read in a very very very long time. I seriously had a nightmare about it the night after I read it. And I have avoided mirrors for awhile. Horrifying...
• "All the King's Men" -- This was such a weird little story. I might just have nightmares about little Humpty Dumpties.
• "In Memory of a Summer's Day" -- Love the idea of Wonderland turned into a tourist attraction. And yet, Wonderland is still a very dangerous place.
• "Sentence Like a Saturday" -- What if a creature from Wonderland got stuck in our world? And grew up, but never really became a part of our world? Oh... I am here for this story.
• "Eating the Alice Cake" -- Hmmm.. I wasn't expecting this story, but loved the twists and turns. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen

Title: The Emerald Circus

Author: Jane Yolen

Publisher: Tachyon 2017

Genre: Fantasy - Short Stories

Pages: 281

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Modern Mrs. Darcy - Favorite Author;A to Z - E; I Love Libraries

A Scottish academic unearths ancient evil in a fishing village. Edgar Allan Poe's young bride is beguiled by a most unusual bird. Dorothy, lifted from Kansas, returns as a gymnastic sophisticate. Emily Dickinson dwells in possibility and sails away in a starship made of light. Alice’s wicked nemesis has jaws and claws but really needs a sense of humor. 

In Jane Yolen’s first full collection in more than ten years discover new and uncollected tales of beloved characters, literary legends, and much more. Enter the Emerald Circus and be astonished by the transformations within.

I have loved many of Jane Yolen's books and couldn't wait to pick up this collection of Short Stories. They are perfect for this fan of fairy tale retellings. Once I started reading, I couldn't put this collection down. Every story was on point! Of course, a few of the stories really stood out to me. 

• "Lost Girls" -- Loved this story of a new visitor to Neverland who shakes up the status quo.
• "Tough Alice" -- Alice in Wonderland is one of my all-time favorites and this new visit involving the Jabberwock was lots of fun.
• "Blown Away" -- I also have a weakness for Wizard of Oz stories. This one focused on the farmhand's experience of the twister and aftermath. Interesting take.
• "Rabbit Hole" -- Here we see Alice's visit to Wonderland as a old woman. Loved it!
• "Sister Emily's Lightship" -- Emily Dickinson was such fascinating character in history. I loved this spin on her afflictions. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Lunar Chronicles Stores - Part 2

Title: Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky(The Lunar Chronicles #2.5); After Sunshine Passes By; The Princess and the Guard; Something Old Something New

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Felwel andFriends 2016

Genre: YA Scifi

Pages: 39; 21; 61; 56

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Retelling

The enchantment continues. . . . The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories - and secrets - that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With six stories - two of which have never before been published - and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer's novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

"Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky" -- A cute little story featuring Thorne's childhood. I loved reading about the expansion of a story Cress learned in her research.

"After Sunshine Passes By" -- More insight into the history of the various characters. This time we get to learn more about Cress and her childhood. Sibyl Mira is as scary as ever in this story...

"The Princess and the Guard" -- My favorite story of the entire book. I loved learning more about the relationship between Winter and Jacin. The story shows us the depth of their relationship and sheds some light onto where their character's are at when we meet Jacin aboard Sibyl Mira's ships. A great short story!

"Something Old Something New" -- A nice epilogue story for the series. It was great seeing all the main characters again. Plus we get some development in their stories. My only disappointment was not enough Winter and Jacin in this story. They were my favorites!

The Lunar Chronicles

• #0.5 Glitches
• #0.6 The Little Android
• #1 Cinder
• #1.5 The Queen's Army
• #2 Scarlet
• #2.5 Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky
• #3 Cress
• #3.5 Fairest
• #3.6 Stars Above
• #4 Winter