I could not put this book down. It was so good and had so many new twists and turns. I was amazed to see the story lines of each character open up a little more. It had me routing for America and Maxon's relationship even more than I was before. Also I learned to love a certain character that up till now I didnt really like. The end of the book had me both very sad and very happy. This is all I am going to say so I dont give away any spoilers.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Although I do have to say there are some rather cringe worthy moments, and i do get a little frustrated with the lead character America's way of perceiving somethings and situations. But this book has been so much fun and I'm excited for the next book in the series.
I thought Id give this series a chance. I have had this series on my "to read" list but never really thought to seriously about it. However I have enjoyed it immensely. This book has given me nostalgia for both The Hunger Games series and the Lunar Chronicles series (Cinder and such). Its funny how it feel like both to me even though this book had a different story line. This was one of those "cant put it down" books that I have not had in awhile and it was very refreshing. I am super excited to start book 2 and to see what happens to the characters.
The events of Chernobyl and really everything about it has always intrigued me. So as soon as I found this book it intrigued me and I added it to my "to read" list. I really enjoyed learning about Chernobyl and the events surrounding it before, during and after. It was frustrating to see how much political interference and naivety surrounded the catastrophe which caused more harm than needed. In some cases it escalated the dangers to the surrounding area, people and potentially the world.
Overall I did enjoy the book from the historical stand point, it was very interesting. However it was also very frustrating to hear about how the catastrophe was handled both in the moment as well as afterwards. It was frustrating to see how the Russian nuclear leaders and government was more concerned about passing the blame so they don't get in trouble instead of trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation.
I am seriously loving the twisted tales series. It gives such a new look on these beloved and classic Disney stories. Plus it adds new background stories to characters that normally wouldn't have their story told. This one was especially fun for me. All throughout later elementary, middle and high school I read any book I could get a hold of about Greek Mythology, so I know the stories well. So it was fun to read this and see one of those stories being played out. The story (or myth) of Hades and Persephone comes to light in this story which was neat to see yet a gain a different side being told of a already familiar story; or at least its familiar to me.
These books are so much fun and are a great read for anyone who enjoys Disney or just fantasy stories in gerneral.
This is a classic that has been on my "to read" list for many years. My husband read this book and loved it and has been wanting me to read it for about 3 years now so that we can talk about it together. I finally decided now was the time and to not put it off any longer. :) Growing up hearing variances of the story and seeing snippets of various tv and movie adaptations I had an idea of what I could have possible be getting into. I was completely wrong. This book was nothing what I was expecting. Instead of an epic underwater sea monster and alien world battle. It was more of an academics point of view of the wonders of what lies under the sea. In a futuristic underwater vessel captained by a very complex and carnally driven man. I am very glad that I have finally checked it off of my classic list and can now add it to my shelf of books that I have read. But unlike classics such as The Scarlet Pimpernel, or Frankenstein. This is a classic book that I will probably not revisit.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book. I am not sure if its due to the story and the change and growth of the characters and the introduction of new characters. Or if it was simply due to the way this story was told by Brendan Fraser. Seriously he is an EXCELLENT story teller. He brought so much life to the story and sometimes made me forget that I was listening to an audio book. If that makes sense. Honestly I'm a little worried and nervous about starting the 3rd and final book of the series since he isn't the one telling the story. I'm sure my curiosity about the characters and what happens to them will win out eventually.
Other than The Little Mermaid and Cinderella. Alice in Wonderland is also one of my all time favorites. So again this book did not disappoint thankfully. I enjoyed learning more and more about the characters in Wonderland as well as older Alice and her family/friends. There were hunts to the classic movie, mostly the way certain characters looked but other than that it was nothing compared to any movie I've seen. Keeping the Queen of Hearts as the villain; Alice has to save Wonderland from total destruction and from the wicked ruling of the Queen. With help from her friends in Wonderland and some unlikely help from England. Alice finds her courage and understanding that even in Wonderland all things are possible with the right perspective.
I may have mentioned this when I was doing my review for "Part of Your World". The Little Mermaid and Cinderella were my two all time favorite movies as a kid. They still hold a very special place in my heart. So I was a little leery when I started this book due to that childhood love, but soon realized that I had nothing to worry about. The story had a lot of similarities with the movie at the beginning but that's pretty much where that stopped. Occasionally a line would be said that made me think of the movie. But the whole story from start of finish had me wanting more. The character development was remarkable, not only do you get an in-depth look at Cinderella, Prince Charles, The Grand Duke and even the king a little. But new characters were introduced as well so seamlessly that it felt like they were always there in the first place.
For anyone who like me loved Cinderella as a child and still. This is a definite must read.
This was not your typical "Peter Pan" story. This was all about Wendy and even Tinkerbell to some degree. I really enjoyed this "twisted" version and different take on Neverland, Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and more. I also enjoyed the new characters introduced as well. Myself like most people grew up on the classic peter pan tale through books, movies both animated and live, tv shows, plays, and more. Almost every time it seemed in part the same type of story just worded differently in a way. This was a new take on the classic fairytale and all from the view point of Wendy. I really enjoyed seeing her character progression as well as Tinkerbell and their relationship together. This may just be one of these stories I revisit again in the future.
Despite the twist of Ana and Elsa needing to be separated after Elsa hit her with her magic by accident and a few other additions and changes. Honestly the story stayed pretty true to the movie, so this one wasn't as good as the others in the series. So as a twisted tale I would have to say this one is my least favorite. Still a great story and written very well, but not enough changed to consider it much of a different story.
I really enjoy this twisted tales series. I think because it expounds so much into the personal lives of the characters that I grew up with.
With this story not only do you get to learn more about Snow White and the real meaning behind "true loves first kiss". But you get to learn about Snow's father and mother. But more importantly you learn the story behind the evil queen and her story. At times you feel very sorry for her, but then at other times you grit your teeth and think "well that could have been handled better."
It has been so fun to read these and I am quite enjoying them. Now onto the next. 😁
The Little Mermaid was one of my all time favorites as a kid. So much so that I actually did a school report surrounding it. So I was a little excited but leery when it was time to start this book. It did NOT disappoint. This book kept me "at the edge of my seat" till the very end. I loved all the character developments and the maturity of Ariel and lessons learned. Also to have an idea of what Ursula would do as a human of royal rank and to see just how evil she was...just amazing. Seriously loved this book.
I am in love with the Twisted Tale series. I especially loved this one, the beginning is similar to the Disney movie so it's like greeting a childhood friend that you haven't seen in awhile. But then it goes off into a whole new story but continues to keep little sayings or flashbacks to bring the movie back in. I love the way Elizabeth builds upon the character of Mulan and Captain Lee Shang. I enjoyed learning about the Captain's backstory and family. Overall a really great book and I am excited to move onto the next in the series.
I am seriously in love with these Twisted Tales series. Once again this is familiar enough to bring back childhood memories of a beloved Disney movie. But completely and utterly different. I love how Liz Braswell delved deeper into the story of Belle's mother and father and how it goes past the whole "Stockholm Syndrome" joke. A wonderful read that I can definitely see myself picking up again sometime in the future.
This was my textbook for the Japanese art class this semester. I don't often do reviews for my textbook's but that's usually because my classes doesn't require us to read the whole textbook. But this class was very different. It was a very interesting class and I really enjoyed the reading. It's a class I am very glad I took, however I don't see myself pursuing Art History in Japanese art in the future. But I learned a lot and I am glad I took this class.
This book was so much fun an such a cute read. It made me laugh out loud quite a few times. Usually books like this I have a hard time separating from the movies to get into the actual book. But I was able to get into the book and "see" the chocolate factory in my minds eye. I enjoyed this book so much I told my husband, kids and mother that this is a must read.
Not only do I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to read but this should be on everyone's Must Read!!
I went into this book thinking it was more memoirs from WW2. However it was a fictional story that he wrote to try and see through the eyes of the Nazi's and SS men. He said he wrote it to see if he could try and make a little more sense about what happened to him.
It was an interesting view; and reminded me of when people try and get into the mind of a criminal. Overall interesting read. don't think Ill be re-reading it though.
I have read a lot of survivor stories from WW2 most of them survivors of Auschwitz. I am amazed at what these poor people endured and the absolute evil and cruelty that human beings can inflict upon each other. I have read about the work camps but this is the first time I read about a death camp. I cant even imagine how this poor man faced these horrors. All these survivors are beyond brave, honestly I don't know if that's the right word; it doesn't really seem to fit properly. I guess all I can say about this book is that I am grateful for the survivors of the holocaust, and their willingness to share their stories. To help remind myself and future generations of the power of hate, greed, and a lust for power. So that we may attempt to learn from history to secure a better future.
I started reading this book because I have been having trouble with the loss of my wonderful Buddy dog. I thought this book might help. It wasn't at all what I thought or expected it to be. Not in a bad way. Just different. It was a compilations of thoughts from the journals of Lewis about his emotions and thoughts after his wife's death. At times it was very sad that I almost wish I could have hugged him. At other times it was very raw and emotional that it took me by surprise. In the end he was able to find peace and it didn't exactly help me with the occasional grief that I feel. However it was a very real and intimate experience to listen to him go through his grief and trails. I don't think its a book I would recommend to many and I probably wont read it again. But I am still glad I got to experience it.
This started out a little more chaotic in the beginning and was really very hard to follow. But once I started to understand the premise and what exactly was going on. I enjoyed the story very much. I like how Liz builds upon the existing characters. I am looking forward to continuing on with this series.
I guess having 15 books as my resolution while I am trying to finish up school is a bit of a reach. but I almost completed it. Considering how many classes I've taken this year to try and complete my degree and how little breaks and time I get to read I think I did pretty well.
I was able to read 12/15 books in 2022. I plan to keep this same resolution for 2023; if I can complete it I may up the number. But for now 15 is a good number to try and achieve. Here are the list of books I read in 2022:
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