angeleverlast

A nice light read

Revisado: 04-15-23

I bought this for my rising middle school God Daughter on recommendation as a fun summer read. She LOVES to read, but I of course wanted to read it first before gifting it. Glad I read it to the end. It was a clean read, but with some tooics illuded to, I think I'll hold onto it to gift when she's a bit older (like 7th or 8th) instead of staying 6th this fall.

It was a fun and interesting story and to my American ears with only one Hatian American friend, the narrtion accent didn't bother me. Outside of the accent maybe not being as "authentic" as some would hope for, I thought the narrator did a great job giving distinctive voices to the characters, which was needed as it's a little confusing with the jumps between the characters thoughts, emails, letters and text. I had to replay some parts 2x to get it.

4 stars for the jumping and the wrap up. The end was ok, but the main character's conclusions fell flat for me. I'm guessing that was indicative of her maturity; maybe if I were younger, I would have agreed but as an adult, you definitely know things aren't always so polarized.

If nothing else, I found myself looking into Haitian history and wanting to try her twist out recipe. I'm looking forward to being one of those cruise tourist she spoke of this fall.

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Wow!

Revisado: 04-01-23

Usually I can guess with fairly good accuracy how a book will end by the first chapter. Though i wasn't wrong, man, it was literally a wild ride how it all unfolds. It gave me Hunger Game or Divergent Vibes as I listened through it (twice now, back to back to catch parts I missed). It was that interesting.

Just wow, there has to be a book two. If you just finished this and are in need for more, not to drop a book by another author, but pick up The Guilded One series by Nomina Forna (especially book two). it's by a different author, but you'll notice a familiar vibe... It just shows how messed up some parts of human history have been cross culturally... it's weird it's not suggested by Audible as a similar read? but in any case, it could help get you through with equal excitement until part II of Iron Widow is written. I SO hope that's in the works now. I'll def be reading more now by Xiran Jay Zhao.

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An Interesting Read

Revisado: 02-13-23

History is always more interesting to me when it comes through the eyes of those that lived through it vs the one sided dry books they hand to us in school. The truth is always in the middle. This is a historical fiction that takes youth through 5 generations of the life of a family and their journey to just survive.

Like ther majority of us, we're vulnerable to the whims of "decision makers". We just want to live. As the main character was a woman, many of the things were out of her control... not because they had to be, but because there was such little value put into real discussion with or the education of women at that time... and still in some cultures when women are usually responsible for heading up and providing for the household especially when men are displaced or sent to war. If the father (knowing he was frail) hadn't taught his wife and daughter basic math, they almost would have died when he did from vulnerability (no idea why it didn't occur to him to teach them to read some too). That was one of the many social situations the author tackles in this novel along with the experience of being middle class, bullying, marriage, shame, dissapointment, colonialism, socialism, religion, the refugee experience, and feeling like you don't fit in no matter what you do or how hard you try (or don't try). I have a good bit of personal experience with a lot of these themes.

I disagreed with so many of the families choices but had the benefit of hindsight and an education that they didn't. I had to keep reminding myself this is from their pov not mine. Lots of good material for weeks of bookclub discussions.

In all, everything happens in this book and nothing happens, it's just their life... and that's definitely apparent by how it ended.

I liked the story, but loss of a star for me because it felt there was a huge rush to end the novel dropping story threads as weird tangents and killing off characters left and right in the 2nd half. The book ended, but the story continues was the point I guess?... Maybe there will be other spin off stories to go into more depth later or we'll just have to imagine it on our own. All in all, a decent listen though to learn a little about Korean culture through the author's eyes and those that shared their family stories with her.

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Solid Read (limited spoilers in this review)

Revisado: 07-08-22

I love Nora Roberts and this new fantasy magicks series is what you'd expect. Magical whimsy centered around a strong female character, with a touch of blood shed, action and romance. The story line is fairly predictable, with knods to what's happening in the word around us right now; but, that doesn't mean it's not a good read (or listen). Honestly, I wonder if Nora isn't actually a little clairvoyant; she totally called the Covid Pandemic in her, "Year One" magicks series. (I'm happy it wasn't quite as bad, but I'm a little sad I didn't get my fairy wings out of it.)

In this book 2 of The Dragon Heart Legacy, I loved hearing about the rise of the insecure goddess in contrast to the decent of the vain elf; but, what really made this book shine, was the narrator, Barrie Kreinik. Nora may have written life into the characters, but Barrie and the production team make them dance through the pages into your ears. (Geez, how many voices does that woman have in her?)

In the Becoming, the main character finally comes into her own (hence the title). Which is great because her lack of a confidence really gets on your nerves in book 1, "The Awakening"; but since it's a series, you muddled through knowing it's part of the character's growth and story line development.

*As a note for those it may matter to:* There's a knod to LGBTQI issues in this series. I've read a lot (but not all) of her books (there's way too many), but compared to what I have read, it introduced a new approach to relationships I didn't necessarily expect from Roberts (not a bad thing as it shows artistic depth and explanation). What I liked though, was that it wasn't superficially written in as a side note to be PC. It's a thread that's indicative of the Talamh tapestry Nora's unfolding in this story line where - the right to live your life as you choose (so long as you're not hurting others) is worth fighting for. I was personally brought up Christian Baptist, but am a strong supporter of individuality. You may disagree, but I felt it was tastefully addressed and not in an overly political or preachy way, which is always appreciated. Love is just love. Same with how Robert's writes her hetero sexual romantic sinarios, I felt it was illustrated in good taste and in detail, leaving just enough to the imagination. None of her romance seens are ever overly graphical (though don't get me wrong, she likes to march right up to the fine line at times); which, for me, is one thing I've always loved about her style. (What good is a romance novel if it doesn't make you swoon and sweat a little right? )

All in all, if you're a fan of her other books, this is a good fast read (unlike this review -wink-). Perfect for down-time entertainment. I'm looking forward to book 3, which I already pre-ordered for fall 22.

As a side to those of us that love Nora Roberts' magicks themed books, any one else wondering if Miss Roberts is building up to create a Marvel-esque, "Avengers" style story where her heroines intersect at 'The Dance?' Maybe it's just me, but it feels like there's a low-key underline in her fantasy series of books hinting at it?... IDK, maybe I'm just imagining it from reading too many of them.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, try reading The Guardians, Year One, Morrigan's Cross series ect... and see what you think. If she does, wont that be an interesting read? Faries, vampires, gods, witches, mermaids, and werewolves; oh my! Ireland will be in shambles.

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A blast

Revisado: 09-10-21

Great read. Easy, fun and motivational. 4 stars on the performance because of the cursing. Which is ok. This isn't a children's book after all and it's part of her "real talk" attitude, but as a general audience motivational book, it took me by surprise.

I had to turn it off after we got to 2 since I had little ears in the car.... and listen in my solo moments which is a shame, because this method is applicable to all ages. The sooner you learn to "5,4,3,2,1 Blast off!", the better really.

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A fun quick listen

Revisado: 08-13-21

I've always been a huge fan of women's basketball. I played through high school and was on the city champion team my senior year. It was fun, but never going to be a career for me... but just knowing and being reminded of what it took just to be recognized (women are still grossly underpaid or recognized); it's humbling that just in my lifetime, an American woman could choose to make a living playing pro ball because of the struggle and athleticism of women like her. It just made me feel grateful and honored to play the game all over again from listening to her story. Brought beck memories of victory, devastating losses, fun at away games with my teammates, and reminded me why my knee clicks now at 36 from running suicides and fast break drills.

This was a great quick read from start to finish for my afternoon walk. I ended up doing a few extra laps just to finish the last 30 min of the book.

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couldn't finish it

Revisado: 07-02-21

The writing is beautiful. It really is. It's a classic, that many of my favorite authors love so I tried to get through it... but working with kids constantly and knowing some adults that suffered for years trying to overcome being sexually abused as a child... I couldn't deal with being in the mind of a child predator. It's very vivid, I get why it's a classic, it's just not for me and as much as I usually try to be open minded, subject matter wise, I'm ok with letting this one go.

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Meh

Revisado: 07-01-21

The performance was great. The vocal artist had a good voice and made the fictional "Eve's journal" portion come alive. As far as writing and content, I had to force myself to keep listening and most of the time just kept wanting her to get to the point... She low key publicizes her seminars and friends seminars a lot... not sure how I felt about that.

She speaks very matter of factly, black and white where the bible is full of gray and learning from your sins and moving forward with Jesus; but it's important to know that this is "her" interpretation of the scripture and how they can be applied to what "she feels" are the "lies" she points to. If I didn't hold that point in my mind, I don't think I would have made it through. It's good to keep an open mind sometimes so I tried to and kept going.

While reading this, it's important to read the bible along side for yourself and to read the scripture snip bits in full context of what was going on, which I did and her perceptions didn't always align for me. She does acknowledge this and recommends it, so it's good in those respects as long as you don't skip the crazy long intro (which I was very tempted to do a few times, but forced myself to get through). It was like 3 audio chapters before the book even starts.

All in all, I felt meh... The end was the best part because she finally got to the point haha. So, it was an ok read, I disagree with some of her interpretation and strongly agree with others, but nothing life altering... It's not a title I'll be quick to recommend, especially to women new to Christ, which was my intention and I'm glad I read through all of this first before ordering this for my group. I think it would be great discussion for mature women in faith though. I can hear the spirited talk in my head; but for the new, I feel they may substitute her interpretations as absolute truth rather than meditating on the actual scriptures and verses and what best applies to their situation, if they make it through the text at all. The important part is God's grace and looking to him always for truth and guidance. She does get to that point and speaks on it repeatedly, so that's a plus.

This is one you'll have to read for yourself, but I think I'll be returning it as it doesn't meet my needs.

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Interesting Read

Revisado: 05-03-21

A fun, thought provoking sci-fi read, especially if you're feeling small lately and need to feel encouraged. It was a bit predictable so I have it 4/5 because I basically knew the ending after the first two chapters... anything that bleeds gold could hardley be considered cursed, but still worth the read and had some nice surprises along the way.

Very thought provoking underlined themes about friendship, family, racism, sexism, self awareness, self esteem, and being careful about values - religion - motives - and the voices you choose to believe. There's a good lesson in hearing your own voice and listening to yourself vs society, especially when you can feel wrong and right even when being told otherwise. The only way to control someone (especially someone bigger and stronger) is to control their mind and the narrative... so always consider the source and trust yourself. So much of this is still going on in the mental- social slavery we're shackled in all over.

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It grows on you

Revisado: 04-25-21

I have to admit that it took a while for this story to grow on me. I listened to it while cleaning the house and driving and I committed to finishing it all the way through. At 1st it felt a little shallow with all the characters so focused on beauty, image and perfection as if there wasn't more to life... but then it settled in my mind that it's not that different than how we are now, so focused on our appearance in all the things about us that me might want to change. from weightloss to makeup, fashion to tv... fame fortune ect... it's a billion dollar industry that basically fuels our society too. The main character was extremely annoying at 1st, but then I had to remember the fact that maybe it's accurate and I had to think about myself and how naive I was at 16, even though I thought I knew everything. Even worse, she led an extremely sheltered life of massive privilege. That realization helped to reconcile some of the really stupid decisions she made and then it actually made her character, a 16 year old child only taught to do or wan't one thing feel a little truer. The only character more annoying than Camilia was her air head bff Amber. It also occurs to me that this was made for a younger audience where I am 36 and got drawn in by the beautiful cover and the need for some whimsy to get through spring cleaning in and out my house. Keeping that in mind, and listening all the way to the end, the 2nd half was a lot more interesting. The intro was over, the characters all set, the world opens beyond three palaces, and things finally started to "happen". The voice actress is fantastic and I did get drawn into the world... which is basically stolen from the Capital city of the "Hunger Games"down to the communication parachutes.

In any case, hang in there, if you like fantasy it does feed your sweet tooth and does make you think about what's really important. You can't make things beautiful on the outside when there's only ugly underneath. I decided to get the 2nd book because now I need to know how it all ends. One thing I still don't understand thoug is the monarchy structure. How does the princess have more power than the Queen and nobody, not even the sitting Queen can seem to stop her? But, willing suspension of disbelief and all... I guess that's important for the story, so I'm willing to go along with it. If there can be a Hogwarts, there's room for Orleans.

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