“We can’t stop living. Which means we have to live, which means we are alive, which means we are humans and we are human: some of us are unkind and so“We can’t stop living. Which means we have to live, which means we are alive, which means we are humans and we are human: some of us are unkind and some of us are confused and some of us sleep with the wrong people and some of us make bad decisions and some of us are murderers."
In the Dream House is one of the most unique books I have ever read. It pushed the bounds of what it means to be a memoir, and almost felt more like fiction in the way it was written. I have been burned too many times by celebrity memoirs that are simply indulgent, money-making schemes reliant on the person's fame rather than their writing ability. But this memoir restored my faith in memoirs and reminded me that books of any kind have the potential to be beautiful, no matter their subject matter.
And this subject matter is certainly not beautiful. In fact, it is harrowing, haunting and scary. But it is also so, so important. In the Dream House deals with domestic violence, specifically within queer relationships. It is incredibly personal and raw, and that transfers through the writing. But despite the bleakness of the subject matter, Carmen Maria Machado managed to instill a sense of hope and healing into her words.
"And it sounds terrible but it is, in fact, freeing: the idea that queer does not equal good or pure or right. It is simply a state of being—one subject to politics, to its own social forces, to larger narratives, to moral complexities of every kind."
As well as the lyrical writing, the experimental style that this book was written in helped to keep me engaged and reading through the horrors. Footnotes were included that tied her story back to folktales. There was a choose-your-own-adventure style chapter. It was told in little vignettes that create a mosaic of her story. While some readers have complained that that made the book feel disconnected, I personally found them to enhance the story.
Overall, this was an incredibly important and breathtaking book that I would recommend to almost everyone. The themes are undoubtably distressing and chilling, however if you feel ready to read something like that- you have to read this book.
"So bring on the queer villains, the queer heroes, the queer sidekicks and secondary characters and protagonists and extras. They can be a complete cast unto themselves. Let them have agency, and then let them go.”...more
“Wherever you go in this big, gorgeous, hideous world, there is a ghost story waiting for you.”
Guys. Guys. I loved this book so so much! I have recen“Wherever you go in this big, gorgeous, hideous world, there is a ghost story waiting for you.”
Guys. Guys. I loved this book so so much! I have recently been on a spooky middle grade kick and this one was undoubtably my favourite out of them all. Small Spaces is my first Katherine Arden, but will not be last. I am now doubly as excited to try out her Winternight series.
This book follows 11 year old Ollie, who spots a woman about to throw an old book in the water. As any good book lover would do, Ollie snatches the book and runs away. The book is a personal history from the 1800s that describes events in the life of Beth Webster. Soon after she finds the book, Ollie goes on a field trip to a nearby farm, and begins to draw parallels between the book and the people around her. The school bus breaks down on the trip home and Ollie and few of her classmates get thrown into a terrifying adventure.
"When the mist rises, and the Smiling Man comes walking, you must avoid large places at night. Keep to small."
I am not someone that gets scared of things like clowns, ghosts etc. very easily- but I am never going to look at a scarecrow the same way again. This book had me thoroughly unnerved from as soon as the bus broke down, and that ominous feeling didn't dissipate until the very last page.
At the beginning I wasn't too sure about how I felt regarding the characters. They seemed a little simplistic and underdeveloped for my taste. But as the book progressed, I found myself being increasingly attached to them all (which made the book even scarier, because I was afraid for what would happen to my little children). I am so glad that this is a series, because I have not gotten nearly enough of Ollie, Coco and Brian.
That being said, if you aren't interested in beginning a whole new series and having to commit to 4 books for a satisfying conclusion- this book is perfect for you! It is entirely self contained and can 100% be read as a standalone.
Overall, I was really pleasantly surprised by this book! I cannot wait to continue on with the series, and read everything else by Katherine Arden. If you liked the idea of City of Ghosts, but found the execution to be underwhelming, I would recommend this book! While this is perfect for halloween, it does not necessarily have to be read then. Any time in autumn would match the atmosphere and tone really well. That being said, my southern hemisphere self read this in spring and still enjoyed it- so it definitely isn't reliant on external factors, for me at least.
“It is a place where dreamers go when they don’t fit in with the dreams their homes think worth dreaming.”
After the slight disappointment of the second and third instalments in this series, I needed this book. It combines so many of my favourite things that it was practically impossible for me to dislike it. The world from in an Absent Dream was the one I was most drawn to in the first place, and it even exceeded my already high expectations.
This was my favourite book in the series so far, and to be honest I cannot see anything surpassing it. Everything from a strong, bookish main character, to a world built on the concept of fairness to a magical market was included in this book and I was here for it.
“She was ordinary. She was remarkable. Of such commonplace contradictions are weapons made.”
It is so difficult to decide what my favourite aspect was, but I think it would have to be the discussion of fair value. It was so interesting to me, and such a change from our capitalistic world. What is fair value for one person may not be for another. While the price of an item may be the same for everyone- the cost of it is not.
I loved the bittersweet melancholy of the ending, but as always- wanted a little bit more. I wished we had been shown some more of the scenes, rather than just being told about them after the fact.
I hope the Seanan McGuire never stops writing these beautiful novellas, and that we get Kade’s story so we can visit this world again! ...more
pure soft gorgeous charming perfection lovely whimsical perfection quaint heartwarming and did I mention perfection?
perhaps now more than ever, the ppure soft gorgeous charming perfection lovely whimsical perfection quaint heartwarming and did I mention perfection?
perhaps now more than ever, the pure happiness this book emanates is so important. the house in the cerulean sea is the perfect escapist read, capable of brightening even the gloomiest of days. before I was even half way through, I just wanted to reread it immediately. if that isn't the sign of a good book- I don't know what is. even though I have only read it once, the book makes me feel nostalgic and comforted in a way typically only books I read as a child or multiple times can manage.
I adored this world with ever fibre of my being. it is so expansive and has such scope that it could never got old. the whole time reading it, I was picturing an 'every heart a doorway' type structure, where each book could perhaps focus on a different child at the orphanage, or just any magical youth in general. I don't think I'd want a direct sequel, because this book had such a perfect arc that it feels complete. but I would give my first born child to have a series of standalones set in this world!
however much I loved the world- I loved the characters even more. every single one of those children I would give my life for without blinking. I found myself having particular soft spots for Lucy and Theodore. there were some moments with the characters that my heart hurt because it was that beautiful and pure.
"no one deserves to be made to feel lesser than they are"
the messages discussed were seemingly simple and straightforward, but the were explored in a way that felt unique and nuanced. sometimes we need a little reminder about love, acceptance and friendship.
"we are who we are not because of our birthright, but because of what we choose to do in this life. it cannot be boiled down to black and white. Not when there is so much in between. You cannot say something is moral or immoral without understanding the nuances behind it."
TJ Klune has quickly risen to be one of my favourite authors, and I cannot wait to read whatever else he comes out with and get through some more of his backlist.
if you have somehow not read this book yet, I add my recommendation to the thousands of others on this site. if you need a little something to brighten your day, look no further. ...more
I swooned. I laughed. I cried. (except not really because I am an emotionless robot who never cries in books, but I mentally cried ok)
I didn't realiseI swooned. I laughed. I cried. (except not really because I am an emotionless robot who never cries in books, but I mentally cried ok)
I didn't realise that The Happy Ever After Playlist was connected with Abby Jimenez's debut, The Friend Zone, but now I am really excited to go back and read that one!
This book follows Sloan, who is still struggling to find happiness two years after losing her fiancé. But on the anniversary of his death, a dog jumps in front of her car and sets a chain of reactions into place that may change her life...
Firstly, the star of the show- the true MVP- Tucker. A Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, Tucker is adorable and just made the cuteness level in this book increase tenfold.
Abby Jimenez is an immensely talented author, who managed to make me care about each and every character from the dog, to the manager, to the crazy ex-girlfriend. All her characters feel realistic and unique.
The first 50% was my favourite, and I flew through it in no time. It felt like rom-com gold, and I was living my absolute best life. I could not keep the smile from my face. It was compulsively readable, and the audiobook only made it more so, I would definitely recommend!
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you sing love songs for a living”
The last 50% felt more like a rockstar romance, which props to the author for making me not hate it, because I'm not typically a fan of that kind of storyline. However, it did lower my enjoyment a tinyyyy bit. It was angst and drama filled, which is good for increasing tension but it wasn't as fun as the first half.
I cannot wait to read whatever else Abby Jimenez writes, and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and quick character driven romance with an adorable dog, because everything is better with a dog.
4.5 stars ________________________
2nd read: July 2021
upon reread, I don't have much to add. I love this book, I love these characters, I love love! I can't wait to read Life's Too Short, and anything else Abby Jimenez writes in the future!
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Libro.fm for this ALC
ok, I know it is only may but I hereby award this book with the following: ➽ most surprising read of 2020 ➽ most underrated read of 2020 ➽ most relatableok, I know it is only may but I hereby award this book with the following: ➽ most surprising read of 2020 ➽ most underrated read of 2020 ➽ most relatable read of 2020 ➽ best debut of 2020 ➽ one of the best books of 2020
YA contemporary is a genre I really enjoy, but rarely love if that makes sense. I have a really fun time reading them, but very few of them reach 5 stars and even less of those make it to the enigmatic list of All Time Favourites. But now I had better reconsider my life, because this book was stunning and without a doubt deserves a place.
We follow Natalie, just a regular teenager trying to navigate the difficult place of limbo between finishing high school and beginning university, unknowing of what the future holds for her. Suddenly out of the blue, her parents announce their separation and Natalie's life is thrust upside down.
While the general plot of this book may not seem like anything new or special, it was the little moments in between that made me love it so much. The quiet moments, the inner thoughts, the quippy remarks that just popped up in her head.
When I say this book was 'relatable', I mean 'what the hell, did the author get these lines straight out of my head?' Because that is truly the only plausible option here. The similarities between me and Natalie bordered on uncanny at times. I'm not sure if it is just the universal experience of being a teenager, heightened by us both being Australian- but it was like an intense feeling of deja vu.
One of my favourite favourite things about this book was the discussion of body image, and specifically acne. Considering acne is something the majority of teenagers go through, there is a significant lack of discussion of it in young adult titles. Or if there is mention of acne, it will be about one annoying zit that pops up the day before a party. Previously, no book I had ever read had actually talked about the emotional or physical scarring that can come from having acne in a world that pretends it doesn't exist.
"The nose I can live with. Big noses are artistic. But the world has assured me only villains and losers have acne"
in one simple sentence, entire thought spirals I have gone down have been summed up. The less savoury thoughts are not ignored either, but people can be a little selfish, melodramatic and self-absorbed, and that just adds to the reality. Natalie may not be the most likeable protagonist for everyone, but Nina Kenwood did an amazing job at shaping her personality to the point where she feels tangible, like someone you know.
Reading this book was such an immensely personal experience for me that it is hard to consider this book objectively. If I look at this from a purely critical point of view, I can acknowledge that it isn't necessarily the most spectacular work of literature ever created. But if I rated this book any less than 5 stars, it would be ignoring the emotions the story evoked in me and the startling feeling of finally being seen.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Netgalley for this e-copy!...more
Morbid, hilarious and informative, 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' works to break the taboo of death.
“A culture that denies 2020 non fiction book 3 out 12
Morbid, hilarious and informative, 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' works to break the taboo of death.
“A culture that denies death is a barrier to achieving a good death. Overcoming our fears and wild misconceptions about death will be no small task, but we shouldn't forget how quickly other cultural prejudices--racism, sexism, homophobia--have begun to topple in the recent past. It is high time death had its own moment of truth.”
This book was addicting, and once I started it, I had to continue through to the end. It included a perfect balance of anecdotes, facts and humour to keep you invested. It was by no means a typical dry statistic filled non-fiction, so if you are wanting to get more into the genre, but worried that it will read like a boring textbook- try this one! It bordered the line between memoir and informative, making it easily accessible and entertaining despite the macabre subject matter. I would also really recommend the audiobook, read by the author herself.
Our society seems to think that if we just don't acknowledge death, it won't bother us. We cover our ears, eyes and hearts to the knowledge that one day we will no longer exist. Instead, we focus on our improving technologies, lifespans and medical systems. It was really interesting to see the lengths that we as a society go to, to try and ignore death, or beat it.
“It is no surprise that the people trying so frantically to extend our lifespans are almost entirely rich, white men. Men who have lived lives of systematic privilege, and believe that privilege should extend indefinitely.”
I particularly loved the look at death rituals from different cultures around the world, as well as our own. Caitlin Doughty really does spare no details, however gruesome. While not for the faint of heart, I would recommend to this book to anyone in the right headspace. Previous to reading this, I didn't think I had been sheltered to the reality of death- but I was shocked by how revolutionary this book was to me. I didn't know so many things, which unbeknownst to me had led to me harbouring a fear of death. Ignorance leads to fear, which is why removing the blindfold and truly being exposed to the truth is invaluable.
“Looking mortality straight in the eye is no easy feat. To avoid the exercise, we choose to stay blindfolded, in the dark as to the realities of death and dying. But ignorance is not bliss, only a deeper kind of terror.”...more
Reading this book is like falling into a particularly vivid and magical dream and never wanting tobeautiful perfect amazing gorgeous ethereal- magical
Reading this book is like falling into a particularly vivid and magical dream and never wanting to leave
“It is my hope that this story is your thread, and at the end of it you find a door.”
I was initially drawn in by the cover because, how can you not? I knew the book would live up to the cover as soon as I opened the first page, and was transported to a world of doors, magic and beauty.
the plot I went into 'the ten thousand doors of January' not knowing much about it at all- and I would recommend doing the same! If you like fantasy, lyrical prose and don't mind a slow plot please just read this. But if you want more information to decide if this is the book for you, here is a synopsis.
We begin in 1901 with a young January Scaller living in a mansion filled to the brim with strange artifacts collected by her carer Mr Locke. She has always felt slightly out of place with her darker skin, exotic and almost like she is an item in Mr Locke's collection. Her life is forever altered when she finds a book, and a door.
Interweaving history and fantasy, 'the ten thousand doors of January' transports you to a world of portals, magic and danger. Interspersed are chapters from the book January finds, fulfilling one of my favourite storytelling devices- a book inside a book.
the writing While usually books are categorised into plot or character driven- to me this book was prose and atmosphere driven. The strong, unique and powerful voice was evident from the very beginning. The writing is lyrical and enchanting, making the fantastical elements seem believable. While I was reading this book, a little part of my heart believed in these doors connecting different worlds. in that sense, it gave me a similar feeling to Harry Potter- of a slightly more magical reality.
“Worlds were never meant to be prisons, locked and suffocating and safe. Worlds were supposed to be great rambling houses with all the windows thrown open and the wind and summer rain rushing through them, with magic passages in their closets and secret treasure chests in their attics.”
the characters I think the characters is where a tiny bit of my love for this book was left unfulfilled. I liked the characters, but couldn't completely connect with them. My favourites were from the book inside the book, Yule and Ade and at times I almost wished the story was about them. I did quite like Jane and January but I felt like I didn't completely get to know them. And of course, I loved the dog.
the villain I feel like it would almost be a spoiler to say the main villain of the story, but I thought their character was done well. They were complex and I really, really hated them. The thing I liked most though was that we weren't quite sure if they were really the villain. Not everything is black and white, good or evil. And somethings your perception of people can be skewed until you don't realise what a person's true character is, even if they are the person you think you know best. I know that sounds very vague, but I really don't want to spoil a single thing about this gorgeous book for you!
the verdict this is truly a book for those who love books. If anything I have said piqued your interest, please just give this a try! ...more
Get a Life Chloe Brown was hilarious sexy heartwarming empowering a freaking delight.
The witty, sarcastic dialogue and banter had me hooked from the first Get a Life Chloe Brown was hilarious sexy heartwarming empowering a freaking delight.
The witty, sarcastic dialogue and banter had me hooked from the first page, but what kept me reading was the characters. Everyone, from the main couple to their cat smudge had such distinct and lively personalities that it feels like they should all have their own book. (yep, even the cat)
Chloe was such a badass, I loved the way Talia Hibbert wrote her chronic pain, she didn't gloss over the illness, but it wasn't her entire personality. I found myself relating to her meticulously organised nature, as well as her struggles with stepping outside her comfort zone.
Redford. Aaaah red. *swoons* Not only was he the sweetest cinnamon roll, he was an artist afraid of showing his work because of his abusive ex girlfriend. His issues are not put on the backburner or solved by love- he begins to go to therapy!
This book was so fast and fun to fly through, but not just complete fluff. Finishing this book made me feel severe withdrawals- I had to reread some of my favourite passages to alleviate the hangover this story left me with.
This is my first book from Talia Hibbert but I definitely plan on picking up anything and everything else she writes!
Thanks to Thomas for passing along his ARC to me. I loved it! ________________________________________________
eeeek! I'm hyperventilating because this book was So. Damn. Good. Aaaahhh.
review to come when I can control my emotions sufficiently!...more
"you are made of dreams and this world is not for you"
I have no idea how to describe my feelings with this book, for how can I reduce a book of dreams"you are made of dreams and this world is not for you"
I have no idea how to describe my feelings with this book, for how can I reduce a book of dreams and magic to a few hundred words?
I adore the raven cycle, but (gasp) Ronan was never my favourite character. and after hearing some mediocre and disappointed reviews from my friends, I was really intimidated by this book.
but I should not have worried, because Maggie Stiefvater is a gift to this world and can do no wrong (well, we can just pretend the shiver series never existed.)
As soon as I read the first line I knew that my worries were for naught. Maggie Stiefvater's prose is just- breathtaking. I am rendered speechless in comparison. this feels like her most sophisticated and ambitious work yet, and I cannot wait until I can read the other books.
"are you sure that a floor cannot also be a ceiling?"
I felt like I was being given a glimpse into a secret world and never wanted to leave. The dreamer trilogy is an apt name, because this book felt like a wild and vivid dream. I read call down the hawk relatively slowly, because I didn't want to miss a single word. It was almost unnerving how many lines so deeply resonated with me. She was able to perfectly capture emotions I had felt but never been able to express in mere sentences. I am in awe.
"If you've ever looked into a fire and been unable to look away, it's that. If you've ever looked at the mountains and found you're not breathing, it's that. If you've ever looked at the moon and felt tears in your eyes, it's that.
It's the stuff between stars, the space between roots, the thing that makes electricity get up in the morning"
I loved all the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the direction this is going. my heart broke for these characters, and then was mended by them.
I am struggling to come up with another book to compare this to, but don't know if one even exists- or ever will.
I am sorry if this review is very rambly and incoherent, but all I can say is I love this I love this I love this. ...more
#1) Elantris ★★★★ #1.5) The Hope of Elantris ★★★.5 *.) The Emperor's Soul (on tbr)
This was my first book by Brandon Sanderson and it absolutely did not #1) Elantris ★★★★ #1.5) The Hope of Elantris ★★★.5 *.) The Emperor's Soul (on tbr)
This was my first book by Brandon Sanderson and it absolutely did not disappoint. I have heard by many that this is his weakest novel- but if that is the case I cannot even imagine what a ride I am in for with his other books. He even made me like a book a You best believe I'm diving into The Final Empire as soon as my hold comes in!
While it was dense at times, and took me almost twice as long to read each page as I typically do, my interest was never lost. The world and characters were so intriguing that I was kept on the edge of seat, needing to know what would happen next. I went into this book not knowing much about anything, and I would recommend that method! It was fun to discover more about the world with the characters, rather than what I could put together from a blurb. I will just say that this contained some of my favourite tropes and storylines, executed in a refreshing way. The magic system was well developed, but there was less focus on that as compared to the politics. I did enjoy the politics of this world, but I would have liked to learn a bit more about the magic.
“One cannot seperate truth from actions...Physically inevitable or not, truth stands above all things. It is independant of who has the best army, who can deliver the longest sermons, or even who has the most priests. It can be pushed down, but it will always surface. Truth is the one thing you can never intimidate.”
As a character driven reader, I was worried that in a high fantasy such as this, there would be too heavy a focus on the plot for me to be fully engaged. This wasn't the case at all for me, because I found each of the characters interesting in their own way. Raoden was my favourite out of them all, heightened by the fact that his plot line was the most compelling for me. Sarene was a close second, because while her character wasn't as nuanced as she could have been, I liked the feminist undertones and subversion of typical fantasy tropes regarding women. I loved those two characters so much that whenever we switched to Hrathen's perspective I was just itching to go back. I didn't quite understand how important he would be to the story, so I didn't pay as much attention as I could have. By the end however, I appreciated his character and the intricacies surrounding his storyline.
“To live is to have worries and uncertainties. Keep them inside, and they will destroy you for certain-leaving behind a person so callused that emotion can find no root in his heart.”
Speaking of the ending- it was so good. All of the different characters and plot lines converged to make a truly epic finale. I am satisfied with where it ended, but just knowing that there are two more books planned for the series makes me desperate for them to be published.
I also look forward to reading the short story set in this world, The Emperor's Soul soon (hopefully)
Now to read everything else Sanderson has ever written! It makes my Ravenclaw heart so excited to discover all there is to know about his worlds and dive deeper into the stories by exploring his website and annotations further. ...more
I'm not really sure if it is possible to add anything new and of value to this book, as it has been analysed down to the letter in the hundred+ years I'm not really sure if it is possible to add anything new and of value to this book, as it has been analysed down to the letter in the hundred+ years it has been published for, but I'll try.
The themes in this book seem to be even more important today than its initial release, which is both terrifying and strangely comforting. It shows that no matter how far we progress as a society, we are fundamentally the same as a species.
In a society that seems to value beauty and youth above all else, it is important to get some perspective on the possible repercussions. The story includes fantastical and dramatised elements, but instead of making it less grounded fanciful, it somehow adds to the realism.
The Picture of Dorian Gray served as an important reminder to me to not get caught up in outward appearances and beauty, after all- you should not judge a book by its cover, and similarly a person's exterior does not necessarily reflect their character. While you may think you can see lines of sin in someone's face, many of the most corrupt figures concealed their transgressions behind a lovely smile *cough* Ted Bundy, Dorian Gray *cough*
This is one of the most quotable books I have ever read, (my copy has more underlines and notes than actual words) and I found myself drawn to so many lines, at times after reading a particularly powerful and thought provoking passage I had to sit in silence and ponder life for a few minutes before I could continue. I feel as though I have only just begun to skim the surface of this book, and to truly understand its message I must reread it, probably multiple times. And I look forward to it.
I am now completely devastated learning that this is Oscar Wilde's only full length novel, so if anyone has recommendations of any further reading of his, or a similar author please let me know!
"Last couple of years have been a mad trip how'd you look so perfect? you must have some portraits in the attic." - Doom Days by Bastille
___________________________________ What was this book? to define is to limit
review to come when I can attempt to answer that question...more
This was my second time reading this volume, and it was just as adorable and heartwarming as the first.
Volume Two expanded on the story of Nick and CThis was my second time reading this volume, and it was just as adorable and heartwarming as the first.
Volume Two expanded on the story of Nick and Charlie from the previous volume. It primarily revolves around Nick and his struggles of coming out, but it also has many a cute scene developing his and Charlie's relationship.
Pretty much everything I said about the first volume goes for this one too. I love the art style, the dialogue, the characters, the setting- everything! I am simply a softie for this series and will take no criticism please and thank you.
I am so glad I now have the physical copy of these books because they are pure perfection and good to cheer you up on a sad day. If you haven't read this yet- what are you doing? ...more
What can I say about Heartstopper that hasn't already been said? It is wholesome, romantic and joyful- but we already knew that.
I read this for the fWhat can I say about Heartstopper that hasn't already been said? It is wholesome, romantic and joyful- but we already knew that.
I read this for the first time in 2019 and fell head over heels in love with Nick and Charlie and their lives. I binged all of what was released online in a single night and was left craving more. I loved it so much that I went and ordered the physical copies of the volumes- which says a lot for me, who hates spending unnecessary money.
This was my first ever graphic novel, so it doesn't sound like that much of a statement to say it is my all time favourite, but I knew even then it would be incredibly hard for something to top this. It was the little things that I appreciated the most. The small expressions, details and scenery that amplified this story. The vast majority of the books I read are written in prose, but this book was what opened my mind to other formats and what unique things they can provide.
I cannot express how excited I am for the Heartstopper TV series to release on Netflix. The casting seems perfect and seeing how involved Alice Oseman is in its production makes me hopeful that it will be a faithful adaptation.
I know most people who are interested in Heartstopper have already read it, but if you have been reluctant for whatever reason I would urge you to at least try the first volume. You can read it for free online, and it is super fast to fly through. If you are having a bad day and need something to cheer you up- look no further. ...more
Small Great Things is a story of racism, privilege, justice and equity.
We follow three characters (narrated by different people on the audiobook whicSmall Great Things is a story of racism, privilege, justice and equity.
We follow three characters (narrated by different people on the audiobook which I definitely recommend) - Ruth A black nurse working in an L&D ward. In a shock turn of events she is arrested for the negligent homicide of a child of a white supremacist. - Turk A white supremacist who is having his first child with his wife Britt. When Ruth, a black nurse begins to care for his baby, Davis, he orders no African American person shall touch Davis. - Kennedy A white defense attorney who takes up Ruth's case and thinks that she 'doesn't see colour' and is not racist. However, through the course of the book she learns about her privileges and what it really means to be racist.
This book deeply affected me. It made me consider things I had never thought about before, and changed my perspective on simple things. Because of this, I think everyone should read this book.
As well as the important subject matter, this was a riveting tale. The court setting is something I love to read about and the cross examination of the witnesses had me on the edge of my seat.
Jodi Picoult is a white author. This was a reason why I was trepidatious going into this book, but in the author's note she addresses this exact issue. She interviewed multiple people, and this story is even rooted in truth- based off real people.
I admit, the ending was rushed and didn't feel entirely believable, but again- it was based in truth so who am I to talk.
If you think you can handle the difficult subject matter, I would 100% recommend it.
Trigger warnings death of an infant, death of relatives, racism, racial slurs, aggressive arrest ...more
This book is narrated by greek gods, but are we sure it isn't written by one too? Lovely War feels as if it is on a plane higher than us meI'm in love
This book is narrated by greek gods, but are we sure it isn't written by one too? Lovely War feels as if it is on a plane higher than us mere mortals. Julie Berry, I'm not sure what magic you cast over me but please never stop.
It usually takes me around 50 pages or so to get acquainted with a story, the characters and setting. With Lovely War, I was entranced from page one. By page ten I was laughing. By page fifteen I was swooning. By page twenty, I felt as if I knew these characters, their souls.
I cannot properly articulate the beauty, the despair, the magic of this book. Nothing I could ever write about it would do it justice.
“Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love like this.”
What initially transfixed me was the writing. Julie Berry's prose speaks to me on a spiritual level. I adored the god's narration. It made this seemingly common and overdone story suddenly feel new and, well, lovely. What kept me reading were the characters. They felt real, raw and perfectly flawed. They were endearing and charming and every other synonym.
This book deserves five stars through and through simply for the emotions it evoked in me. In a mere sentence it had me tearing up, in another it had me closing the book and simply whispering 'no no no no no.'
“I envy your mortals." “As Ares says, they die, you know.” “They do. But the lucky ones live first."
Lovely War was such a personal experience for me that is impossible for me to think about it in a purely objective sense. It without a doubt has earned its place on my list of All Time Favourites.
read this. experience the beauty. taste the sadness. feel the love. you won't regret it. ...more
2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. And yet, over 6 million Jews murdered and 75 years later- the Holocaust is still going2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. And yet, over 6 million Jews murdered and 75 years later- the Holocaust is still going on.
Those who remember the atrocities of Auschwitz are diminishing, and a resurgence of hate is beginning. We have already seen history repeating itself. Anti-semitism, islamophobia, xenophobia and other hate fuelled acts of violence and discrimination are contemporary issues. From the mass-genocide of Rwanda in 1994 to recent concerns over the treatment of dissidents in North Korea, it is evident that the battle is not yet over.
“As long as one dissident is in prison, out freedom will not be true. As long as one child is hungry, our life will be filled with anguish and shame. What all these victims need above all is to know that they are not alone; that we are not forgetting them. That when their voices are stifled we shall lend them outs, that while their freedom depends on ours, the quality of our freedom depends on theirs."
This may not have been the most well written, eloquent or technically superior piece of literature to exist, but it held within its unflinching and direct words, the ability to make me question myself, and humanity as a whole. The unembellished words added to reality and tangibility of the account. This is real. This happened. It was like a repeating mantra in my head. I had to constantly remind myself, because when confronted with such a harrowing truth, the mind tends to shy away.
The physical horrors this book described were by no stretch abhorrent and grim- but what affected me the most were the psychological effects. As the author himself said in the prologue
“Only those who experienced Auschwitz know what it was”
However, this book placed me in his mind for a mere 120 pages, and made me understand a whole new layer of human suffering. To see how a boy’s mind was twisted into celebrating at his father’s death was harrowing and confronting. It prompted questions that are uncomfortable to answer. What would I do? How can someone become so desperate they would murder their own father for a loaf of bread? How did they degrade people to level where they had only their primal and animalistic instincts to rely upon? How did they justify that to themselves? How would I justify that to myself? I like to to think that I could never, but if this book shows one thing it is the deepest, darkest depths of humanity we like to hide from not only others, but ourselves.
It is essential that not only do we remember history, but we learn from it. Hopefully then, even after the last survivor has passed away- their lives, memories and experiences will not be forgotten. We need to stop this from becoming a perpetual cycle of hate. We cannot stay silent. We need to remember.
“For the youth of today, for the children of tomorrow. He does not want his past to become their future” - Ellie Wiesel
here is a link to article, written by a teenage girl speaking about the importance of remembering the Holocaust- as it profoundly impacted me and the writing of this review. https://www.thejc.com/comment/comment......more
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