Weirdly enough and in many ways, Evelyn Hugo's story is the story of all (queer) women. At the same time, Evelyn Hugo's story is also.ine of a kind anWeirdly enough and in many ways, Evelyn Hugo's story is the story of all (queer) women. At the same time, Evelyn Hugo's story is also.ine of a kind and entirely fictional; in the sense that Evelyn Hugo was created by Evelyn Carrera. The ways we women have to reinvent ourselves to get what we want is frightening and madenning...more
⤐ ... you loved Circe ⤐ ... you consider yourself an enthusiast of Greek Mythology or would like to become
4.5 STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if…
⤐ ... you loved Circe ⤐ ... you consider yourself an enthusiast of Greek Mythology or would like to become one ⤐ ... harbour a fascination for the untold parts/neglected viewpoints of (ancient) history ⤐ ... get giddy at the idea of a book that has both a well-fleshed plot as well as beautiful, not overly prose-like language to offer
⤐ Additionally. This book will definitely always be remembered. For one, it's a fantastic book. Also, I actually finished this the day I thought it was a brilliant idea to reach into the immersion blender while it was still connected to the grid. Guess who hat to pay the local ER a visit because she accidentally pressed 'go' with her other hand? :) It's been over a month ago and my finger still looks nasty, but it's 90% functional, and - most importantly - still attached to my hand. I will save this adventure in the well-visited category 'disappointed but not surprised'.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘But this is a women's war, just as much as it is the men's, and the poet will look upon their pain - the pain of the women who have always been relegated to the edges of the story, victims of men, survivors of men, slaves of men - and he will tell it, or he will tell nothing at all. They have waited long enough for their turn.’
spoiler alert: They say history is written by those who conquered it but not even that is true. Many who contributed greatly to success (or whatever it was their side did *cough* colonization *cough* war *cough* genocide *cough cough*) but not even that is true. Many victories have been ripped away from those who achieved them, or the victory isn't what it seems at all. Time, to bring up the voices that really matter. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you if… you are ready to ascend to a new level of audiobook experience. Not suitable for young readers and people who are easily t
This book is for you if… you are ready to ascend to a new level of audiobook experience. Not suitable for young readers and people who are easily triggered. TW: r*pe, abduction, violence, child ab*se, imprisonment, p*dophilia.
⤐ Overall. Me raving about this book is not so much about the collected works of The Sandman itself but rather this specific adaptation. The calibre of some of the narrators is incredible: starting with Neal himself to James McAvoy to Taron Egerton to the fabulous Justin Vivian Bond. The 'end credits' took up over four minutes to list the entire cast and that in itself is already marvellous. [image]
If you're not used to dramatisations, the beginning might be a bit rough. At first, the background noises and music sometimes made it hard to concentrate on the plot for a while. It must also be noted that this is merely a collection of the comics written by Neal so far and thus the narrative seems sorta chopped up. Once you've got a grip on that, though, you can enjoy the ride! [image]
I haven't read too much of Neal's works but always admired him for his rhythmic language that is poetic without annoying me to death with stupid, useless prose. Even when reading his books, you can see he is a very thoughtful writer that likes writing as much for the creation of stories as he enjoys using language as an adaptable tool to do just that. It is definitely evident that Dirk did his best to capture that aspect of The Sandman and did a fantastic job getting the best out of all his narrators and sound crew.
Trump hugging the Murican flag is an accurate depiction of the feelings I have for this adaptation: [image] (using him in memes is so much more fun now that he finally was voted out.)
⤐ What’s happening.
‘The wind that blows between the worlds chills me as I fall. Suppose I fail? I cannot bluff demons as I bluffed the errant dreams with Constantine. But I have the pouch, I have a modicum of power.’
[image] [image] _____________________ 5 STARS.Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath....more
This book is for you if… you’re sick of the usual bad mouthed billionaire who’s got nothing better to do than be an asshole and gets the girl still
This book is for you if… you’re sick of the usual bad mouthed billionaire who’s got nothing better to do than be an asshole and gets the girl still.
⤐ Overall. Nothing is more appreciated in a bookworm's life than for the right book to appear at the right time. My Favourite Souvenir is a weightless yet meaningful story that managed to make me smile a lot more than I would have thought possible. I also gushed about the male love interest an above-normal amount. Hehe. [image] [image]
If it weren't for books like this one I'd think there's an unwritten law for every romance to feature an asshole billionaire bad boy with an awful temper and no manners and a random heroine in some sort of lame business environment. Thankfully, that's just the lifeless formula most of the romance authors out there use. Not so Penelope and Vi.
I was especially infatuated with Milo/Matteo because he's both gentle and strong without insulting his so-called love-interest 24/7. I like how Matteo as well as Hazel find it in themselves to have respect for each other's current situation and still manage to have a terrific relationship, both during and after their vacation trip.
I enjoyed about every fragment of this book except for that part where the heroine just keeps putting up with the ex-fiancé who cancelled the wedding last minute.
[image] Although it's evident Hazel does not have feelings for him anymore despite his best (and worst) efforts, she just lets herself be dragged around to date after date. Just about every party had to suffer for that: Hazel herself, Milo and Brady. Although Brady definitely deserved it especially with what he did that made Hazel realise it was over for good. (I just now realise I already forgot whether that's for sure his name, that's how inconsequential I found him in the second part of the book.)
On a side note, I saw many people complaining that the actual sexy time didn't happen until the last fifth of the book. Personally, I don't see a problem with that. It went well with the story and made it all the better when it finally happened.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘What’s the point of beauty if you don’t share it with others?’
And nothing brings out the beauty in you like your potential soulmate. Somebody who, even when you're at the lowest of your existence, manages to make you see the good and beautiful in this world. Ladies, gents, and everything in between and outside of that binary, may I bring to you: Hazel and Matteo. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for you if… you're a mature fantasy fan. This book does NOT belong in the children's section, thank you very much.
4.5 STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… you're a mature fantasy fan. This book does NOT belong in the children's section, thank you very much. [Yes, I'm looking at you, Bloomsbury CHILDREN'S Publishing]
⤐ Preface. If you hated this book, fine (it actually isn't, but whatever). Spread the hate elsewhere and leave me be. Thanks.
⤐ Overall. An accurate image of me when shit was going down in this absolute masterpiece: [image] with Flo Rida's GDFR> playing in the background.
If you never read a sequel but this one you'd never believe second-book-syndrome is an actual thing. I seriously wasn't ready to love this book as much as I did in the end. I was adamant after book one to not let myself be turned around but here I am. While A Court of Thorns and Roses was entertaining enough to be labelled above mediocre, A Court of Mist and Fury swept me away on the stars that are on the road that leads directly to the Night Court. The story was so deeply saddening and empowering at the same time. I even cried at one point because I felt so much. I devoured this book every chance I got although I read it over the course of a couple of very busy days.
Henceforth, I consider myself a member of the Court of Dreams. And yes, I feel very comfortable here, thank you very much. [image]
Reading through my review of A Court of Thorns and Roses really makes me laugh. It's ridiculous how firmly believed in the goodness of Tamlin. How one can change in the course of sweet 656 pages.
Although I've never experienced an extremely severe form of PTSD, I was right there with Feyre when she felt the golden cage Tamlin is building for her at the beginning of A Court of Mist and Fury closing in on her. By nature, I'm a very independent person and hate nothing more than decisions being taken away from me. For me, the most confusing thing about PTSD is how it changes you and takes things away from you that don't even relate to your trauma. It actually hurt reading about Feyre's experiences and the part Tamlin takes in them.
Although I agree Rhys's behaviour is very problematic in the beginning, I'm glad that at least one person acknowledged how uncomfortable and hurt she was, wasting away in the golden cage that is Tamlin's castle. I'm torn between thinking it took Feyre an awfully long time to (view spoiler)[Tamlin for who he is; a person whose trauma has led him to act toxic and hurt her and not giving her space and opportunity to heal, and thinking Feyre starts feeling comfortable in Velaris and leaving her former life behind awfully quickly. (hide spoiler)] My inner Aquarius is pining for the first but I do see some errors in the way Sarah wanted to get rid of Feylin as the OTP.
I'm also surprised people didn't see (view spoiler)[the whole mate situation coming? The minute the topic of a mating bond was brought up I knew that was what was actually going on (hide spoiler)].
⤐ What’s happening.
‘When you spend so long trapped in darkness, Lucien, you find that the darkness begins to stare back.’
It's safe to say that trauma changes you. Not for better or for worse, but for good. It's nothing to be ashamed of but something that needs to be embraced in order for the healing to begin. Moving forward is made impossible for Feyre as Tamlin, also plagued by PTSD and feelings of loss and inadequacy, starts smothering her freedom with every day. Although not appreciated at first, Feyre slowly realises the only time she can truly breathe is when Rhys takes her away so she may uphold her end of the bargain they made Under the Mountain. And Feyre learnes that the war is not over, but neither is her happiness. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
⤐ ... as always, Romione doesn't do it for you ⤐ ... you can make it through a slow burn romance (at least fo
4 STARS ★★★★✩
This book is for you if…
⤐ ... as always, Romione doesn't do it for you ⤐ ... you can make it through a slow burn romance (at least for the first 300 pages or so ... I was getting hella impatient at one point) ⤐ ... you are mentally stable enough to endure extremely intense descriptions of war, violence and trauma ⤐ ... prefer your fanfics smutty ⤐ ... like banter ⤐ ... love the good ol' 'stranded together with no other humans for miiiiles' trope
⤐ Additionally. You know what time it is, folxs. [image]
Although this didn't hit all of my dramione cravings, it was still good enough that I will absolutely reread this one day. I even put it on my favourites shelf despite the rating. I am unable to explain what it is exactly that makes me love dramione so much but I don't ever want it to go away.
Dramione makes me stay awake waayy beyond my typical hours. It makes me read while on the toilet, brushing our teeth, waiting in line, waiting for food to be done.
I kept thinking it would come to a '... and there was only one bed' - scenario. It's one of my favourites and even though its stereotypical I love it a lottle. Definitely missed it.
⤐ What’s happening. Since quotes are oftentimes enough to express the quality of a book, here we go.
‘Now she has to go through life knowing Malfoy’s rough in bed, and Lavender likes to be touched all over. Wonderful.’
‘He turns his eyes from the redhead and onto hers, and it is a moment shared. They both laugh outright, and fifty years could pass, and she will still be able to recall exactly how he looked at that moment.’
‘I’m the car crash, Granger,’ he whispers. ‘I’m the fallout.’
‘Tell me about your family?’ she asks, fairly certain a demand for this would do worse damage than a request. He still looks at her like she’s lost her mind. ‘No.’ ‘I’ve told you all about my family.’ From her parents to her crazy uncle who liked to line his walls with stuffed birds, and go grocery shopping through his neighbour’s trashcans. ‘I believe you owe me for that rather than the other way around.’
_____________________ 4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for… everyone who loves fake relationships and awkward romances. It's so darn cute and cringey,
5 perfect, irresistible stars★★★★★
This book is for… everyone who loves fake relationships and awkward romances. It's so darn cute and cringey, I freaking adore it.
⤐ Overall. Before anything else, a massive shoutout is in order. I'm so glad Dora suggested we read this book this month in the book club because. it. was. perfection. Not gonna lie, the minute I read the synopsis I was almost certain I'd love it. Me when a synopsis reads "fake relationship": [image]
I'm all ears: [image]
I love love love absolutely everything about this book, EXCEPT that the the sequel IS NOT about Stella and Michael. Like. Whattttt? [image]
Just minutes after starting the audiobook, I immediately got into the story. It's effortless and quirky and just grips you in the most amazing way. I could not possibly describe all the ways this book hit home for me in detail because then I'd essentially just copy the entire 323 pages of The Kiss Quotient. I thus will give you a simple but non-exhaustive list:
⇢ representation of autism spectrum disorder ⇢ Stella is a strong and successful, self-made woman ⇢ the absolute awkwardness that is Stella and her approach to things (IF we apply socio-normative standards and expectations) ⇢ sex scenes that are hotter than the overheated bowl of potato mash I almost burned my tongue on while listening to this book ⇢ includes a man's struggle for self-worth (it's okay to be weak and in need of valuation, even as a "manly man") ⇢ Stella's mascot is a freaking honey badger
[image]
⤐ What’s happening.
‘If this was just practice she never wanted the real thing. How long could she live in a fantasy?’
Stella gives in to the pressure of her parents and finally pursues a boyfriend. But before she can do that, she needs to understand how this whole relationship business works so she hires an escort to her fake boyfriend for a while. Only problem: Neither Michael nor Stella feel like this is a fake thing. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath....more
This book is for you if… new books inspired by old classics are not automatically second-class-citizens to you. This book is ful
4.5 STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… new books inspired by old classics are not automatically second-class-citizens to you. This book is full of love, action, sneakiness and wit. Do give it a try, please! TW: forced drug addiction, kidnapping, violence, implied r*pe.
⤐ Overall. I remember seeing The Court of Miracles on NetGalley probably sometime earlier this year. I hopped over to Goodreads to check the ratings - which were lousy. Consequently, I never requested it. [image] Illumicrate sent it my way nonetheless as it was part of their June theme. Mark my words; I do not regret subscribing in that exact month.
In the end, this book was a pleasant surprise. Right after finishing it, I couldn't believe The Feelz™. I thought it was so fucking good I wanted to whip myself unconscious for ever doubting Kester. The lesson: DO NOT BELIEVE GOODREADS RATINGS, FOLKS.
I mean, judging from other reviews, if you think Les Mis was a total blast, maybe skip this one? On the other hand, screw everybody else. I haven't read the classic and neither have I seen the musical. I'm also not a die-hard fan of The Junglebook, so I guess your intuition will have to do. Admittedly, The first 100 of pages were a solid 3 stars at best but then it started picking up to about 4 staras. The remaining 150 were pure gold. Kester, if you ever decide to form a cult around this book, give your devoted sister and servant Nat a ring, would ya?
Three days later, my feelings have changed a bit. I mulled some things over and must admit there were inconsistencies. For instance, right in the beginning, Nina's sister tells her to never let anybody see her feminine side and make the world forget she was a girl. Yet, by the end of the book, a total of three guys have a crush on her at least. I daut it, folks, I really do. [image]
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Our Mother the City is not a merciful mother[. ...] To be a girl in this city is to be weak. It is to call evil things down upon you. And the City is not kind to weak things. She sends Death the Endless to winnow the frail from the strong. You know this.’ (if that reality doesn't ring true still, lol)
Getting separated from her sister at a young age and being sent to become a part of the Guilt of Thieves of The Court of Miracles, Parisian child Nina is doomed to a year long search for justice for her sister and herself in a city that knows justice as well as it knows kindness - barely. The Tiger, her sister kidnapper and serial rapist and also Lord of the Guild of Flesh of The Court of Miracles - and his accomplices spread misery through Paris and the country as the aristocracy sows disease and hunger. That equals two parties that need to be stopped from slowly killing Paris' citizens. _____________________ 5 STARS.Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath.
4 STARS.Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary. ...more
This book is for… mature Dramione fans who can handle dark narratives. TW: mental, physical and sexual a
5 STARS, each a shard of my heart ★★★★★
This book is for… mature Dramione fans who can handle dark narratives. TW: mental, physical and sexual abuse. War. Torture. The whole plate basically
[image]
⤐ Overall. This story. My goodness, this story. It maimed me, mauled me, made me hope and fear and grab my chest to calm my beating heart. I'm honestly doubting whether any of the 800 books I've read in my life made me feel and cry the way this book did. There were tears rolling down my cheeks as I was writing the pre-review. No review in the world will ever do this story justice. I'm not even going to try.
After finishing Manacled yesterday evening I sat on my bed, unmoving, tears streaming down my face. This book destroyed me on some level. It proofs that we NEVER know the whole story and that history is ALWAYS written by winners, clueless historians and pretentious scientists. It was the last sentence of this book that tore me apart:
[image]
‘The Hogwarts Trio, Christmas 2002. Harry Potter with friends Rond Weasley (See: Weasley, Ron, chapter 7) and Muggle-born witch Hermione Granger. Granger left England at the start of the second Wizarding War to study healing abroad. She survived the war but died during imprisonment while a surrogate in the Repopulation Program. She was a non-active member of the Order of the Phoenix and did not fight.’
The pieces that are me will never fit together as they did before reading this. Hermoine was an active member and she did fight. More than anyone will ever know.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘I wish you luck, Miss Granger. You are a better friend than Harry Potter will ever deserve.’
Despite what the history books of the future will write about Draco and Hermione, it is save to say that, in this fanfiction, they are just as much heroes of the Second Wizarding War as all the other people who lie beneath the ground or were torn to ash and dust, remembered, forgotten, honoured or cursed.
Harry is The Boy Who Died. He was killed by Voldemort who now rules Britain and is attempting to stretch his realm beyond the limitations of the isle. But that's not his only plan. He wants to repopulate the isle and is using female war prisoners as sex slaves for his loyal and most trusted Death Eaters in order to replenish the population. Among them Hermione, with distinct loss of memory, no allies or friends, the last living member of the order. She is given to the High Reeve, a figure that has provoked almost as much fear as the Dark Lord himself. His name is Draco Malfoy. [image] _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath....more
This book is for you if… the killer combination of an LGBTQ love, a deathly mermaid and the taking of reve
4.75 absolutely enamoured STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… the killer combination of an LGBTQ love, a deathly mermaid and the taking of revenge on evil men via said mermaid's teeth even holds the tiniest bit of your interest.
⤐ Overall. You know how I always say mermaids and the likes aren't for me? Consider me reformed. I mean, come onnn. What’s not to love about a trans girl leading evil men to their death by the ferocious teeth of her mermaid girlfriend? Precisely.
I'm usually not into short stories but Into the Gray sucked me in the instant I started reading. Margaret's writing is extremely intoxicating and picturesque without being overly prose-like, a challenge only few authors can take in stride. Both the scenery and the mood fell into place effortlessly, inviting me to join a short but sweet ride I will not forget any time soon.
In short, I would like to speak to the manager about the fact that there's no print version of this glorious drought of perfection. [image]
⤐ What’s happening.
‘Only the worst of men. I had honor as a thief, so damned if I wouldn’t have honor as a murderer.’
Laria is in love with a Lady that can never be hers truly. But still she comes, way more often than necessary, to feed her mermaid love evil men. She knows this cannot go on forever, yet she refuses to leave the idea of spending the rest of her life with the Ladie of the Walking Waters. And so, a witch must be found. _____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 5*
pace = 5*
plot/story in general = 5*
plot development = 5*
characters = 4*
enjoyability = 5*
insightfulness = 4* _____________________ This story can be found online on Tor...more
This book is for you … especially if you’re struggling in a social surrounding that is so religious their belief and behaviour in
4 STARS ★★★★✩
This book is for you … especially if you’re struggling in a social surrounding that is so religious their belief and behaviour in relation to it makes you miserable. Those who would like to experience a hushed part of religious practice will also enjoy this book. TW: Christian fanaticism, bullying, sexual assault, violence.
⤐ DISCLAIMER. If you’re religious and struggle with the criticism towards it, this book and review might not be for you until you're able to be more open-minded. I know people who are religious without all of what comes below (at least to my personal experience with them) so, yeah, not all Christians. This book is a chance for those suffering from religious fanaticism and religious individuals who would like to fight it – BUT you have to be willing to face the nasty of that community.
⤐ Overall. Despite the average rating of this book I read the synopsis and instantly knew I wanted to read it. The Anti-Virginity Pact brings forth a topic that religious communities love to keep under wraps and underestimate grossly: religious – in this case Christian – fanaticism. You can mean well with your love to your God up until the point you litter your social surrounding in Bible verses, force your ‘loved’ ones to attend service regularity and make them feel miserable about themselves because of the way you express and live your religious viewpoints so their only solution is to smother their identities to not rub against your spikes.
Katie manages to spin a well-written and important story about a teenage girl that struggles not only to live her identity as an atheist in a Christian family but is also a social outcast in her high school. She’s known as Mute Mare because she’s learned early on in Bible studies that expressing her own viewpoints can get her into trouble quite quickly.
That being said, I like how the The Anti-Virginity Pact deals with Jo and Mare’s attempt to finally making 'the best' of their high school experience. (view spoiler)[Just because one thing in your life is absolutely terrible it doesn’t mean you can fix that with diving headfirst into Mission Lose Your Virginity. It proves that your life’s going to be a struggle in many ways. (hide spoiler)]This story has so many ups and downs and I felt every single one of them in my heart.
The great message in this book was hurt by the rushed ending. There were too many things happening at once (view spoiler)[, the dogfighting part could have been left out technically (hide spoiler)]. It’s the dominant topic that gives this book it’s special something. As a YA alone, some of the YA characters seem a bit exaggerated, especially towards the end, the stereotypical mean girl changes course too abruptly. Together with the rushed ending, in particular, it left me a bit unsatisfied in the suspense department. That virginity is a construct didn't come up at all, which I found weird since the myth is in great part perpetuated by religion.
This book is a chance for those suffering from religious fanaticism and religious individuals who would like to fight it – BUT you have to be willing to face the nasty of that community.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘I don’t care what the Bible tells us because that book – and that’s really all it is, a book – has made me feel terrible about myself all my life. I can see that believing in it helps you and comforts you and is true for you, but it’s not true for me. I have the right to choose what I believe, and if you loved me half as much as you claim to, then you’d respect that.’
Imagine even having to have this conversation with your own parents. Imagine this being your greatest fear. Imagine your parents’ belief causing you so much misery you smother your own identity into silence. Now decorate this with an (un)healthy portion of social awkwardness. Needless to say, your teenager self wants to make up for it – or your best friend actually does and because you only have that one and there’s actually some truth in said dilemma, you decide to go along with the pact. Because, in truth, you would love to feel emotionally and physically close to a boy, one boy in particular, but you’ve never found the guts to do so before. _____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 3*
plot/story in general = 4*
plot development = 3.5*
characters = 4*
enjoyability = 4*
insightfulness = 5* _____________________ Many thanks to the author Katie Wismer, Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review....more
This book is for you if… you have the time and resources to start your own orchard and go sail the cider seas
4.75 STARS lusting for cider ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… you have the time and resources to start your own orchard and go sail the cider seas. ‘If you are someone who loves any or all these drinks or who thinks that something this good is worth making yourself. Maybe you are interested on going in and creating a fall family tradition of cider pressing and cidermaking or maybe are thinking that infusing wildflowers into some bland hard commercial cider as a way to hack a complexly flavored cider with tastes from your local flavorshed sounds pretty cool.’
⤐ Overall. This book offers pleasures for the gums, the eye and the heart. It injected me with an irresistible sense of longing for the cultural things I will not be able to enjoy in 2020 (thanks COVID-19). In that it has it's very own special value to me that extends far beyond the spiritual and physical aspects of cider making.
Let me tell you a little bit about my hometown, the medieval city of Nürnberg. [image] Not only do we have a huge ass beautiful castle and the old town to match it, but festivities surrounding alcoholic beverages are also just as much part of our culture. And although I have a distaste for the romanticisation of provoking alcoholism in teenagers, The Big Book of Cidermaking made me lament the loss of said festivities for the year of 2020. No Apfelwein, no Kirschmet and certainly no fruity Schnapps at this year's Burggrabenfeset (Castle Moat Fair).
Basically, we're just a bunch of wannabe knights who mainly see our war horses from below mostly because we're just too unskilled and undisciplined to stay put on their backs. [image]
That being said, The Big Book of Cidermaking made me vow to myself that I'll definitely pick up cidermaking should my economical situation ever allow it. Not only is it something that would for sure fulfil my desire for culinary adventures and experiments, it is also a chance to boost your health, reduce food waste, feed your livestock and make your own vinegar. The environment will thank you. You can get creative from beginning to end which surely involves a lot of trial and error but also unexpected pleasant surprised that will make you feel like standing on top of the world.
‘If beer is country music and wine is classical, then cider is a playlist of your favorite tunes at the moment. It’s an adventure and it starts with finding a flavor worthy of your quest.’
⤐ The book is structured as follows. The Ark of Apples Cider: A Sustainably Made, Healthy-ish Adult Beverage
I: MAKING CIDER 1 Choose your Cidermaking Adventure 2 Equipment Overview 3 The Master Process
II: RECIPES - LET THE FERMENTATION BEGIN 4 Wild Ciders 5 Cultivated Ciders 6 Crafting Ciders with Wild Botanical Yeasts 7 Infused Ciders 8 Cider: Iced, Wined, and Spirited 9 Drinking Cider
Acknowledgements Appendix Glossary Endnotes Bibliography Resources Index _____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
pace = 5*
structure = 5*
enjoyability = 5*
insightfulness = 5* _____________________ Many thanks to the author pair, Story Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with this eArc in exchange for an honest review....more
This book is for you if… a significant amount of your brainpower has been used to analyse and over-think what happened
4.5 relieved STARS ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… a significant amount of your brainpower has been used to analyse and over-think what happened to the 9 experienced hikers in that night that connected February 1st and 2nd of 1959 in the Ural Mountains. You will not find wild and unscientific speculations, but facts and science. Mystery and true crime fans will devour this - and if you're one of them, you've probably heard of this incident already anyways.
⤐ Overall. I am very happy about this book. In the midst of countless podcasts and books that hype the Dyatlov hikers' unlucky demise, I finally found something that's less obsessed with wild and unscientific fantasies but with actual explanations.
Last year, I listened to the German true crime and mystery podcast Behind Closed Doors which has since been terminated, and the Dyatlov Pass Incident was one of the first topics I came across while doing so. To this day, it is the one mystery that has stuck with me, persistent like these prickly green burdocks that simply insist on accompanying you anywhere once they attached themselves to your clothes. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you now I thought about this several times a week, discussing and speculating with friends ever since first coming across it. I am glad Donnie dared to ask and answer the question that's been haunting most of all the family and friends of the Lyuda, Zina, Igor, Aleksander, Tibo, Sasha, Rustik, Georgiy and Yuri:
What led 9 experienced hikers to leave the security of their tents at night, going out into the pitch-black night of the Ural mountains, clothed insufficiently and thereby forfeiting their lives to deathly insures and hypothermia?
At one point I was increasingly unsettled by the direction these discussions took: weird experiments that got out of hand, hence the Russian government acting suspicious about the whole thing, yetis, aliens, drugs... you name it, it came up.
I began to search for a book that might go in a different direction, and I found it. Donnie Eichar's Dead Mountain skips past the silly theories that - consciously or not - disrespectfully aim at making a spectacle out of the 9 hikers' unlucky end. He pays such nonsense tribute in only one short paragraph:
‘If one is going to fall back on malevolent alien visitors without backing it up with evidence, one may as well throw ghosts, the hand of God and devious subterranean gnomes into the mix. Aliens were off the table.’
Are you ready to find out what actually happened that night in 1959? Because I sure as heck was and Donnie did not disappoint. _____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 4*
⤐ Overall. I suppose it's no secret that I love books that help me be a better person. Chima5 feminist STARS ★★★★★
This book is for you. Period.
⤐ Overall. I suppose it's no secret that I love books that help me be a better person. Chimamanda is an inspiration in many ways. If I had to give you a highlight, I'd honestly cite almost the entire book. As is the purpose of TEDtalks and essays, this short and concise book speaks about the things to consider when occupying yourself with feminism - or, you know, acting like there's no inequality between the genders. She highlights intersectionality, something all the white Beckies out there just love to leave out of their feminist agenda.
This book is also a highlight because I read it back to back on my birthday accompanied by a nice cuppa in a very hipster but very cosy café (check out Cafè Katz whenever you should be in Nuremberg, the pies are to die for!)
‘Some people ask: “Why the word feminist? Why not just say you are a believer in human rights, or something like that?” Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is, of course, part of human rights in general—but to choose to use the vague expression human rights is to deny the specific and particular problem of gender. It would be a way of pretending that it was not women who have, for centuries, been excluded. It would be a way of denying that the problem of gender targets women.’
This book is NOT for you if… topics and narratives that involve r*pe, violence and s*xual ass*ult are triggering and traumatising for you. Please t
This book is NOT for you if… topics and narratives that involve r*pe, violence and s*xual ass*ult are triggering and traumatising for you. Please take care, this is not a light read. It's heavy and demanding.
This book is ESPECIALLY for you if... you think you're a "good guy". Act as such and we wouldn't have to face the fact that the cases argued in this book are pretty much a daily business for judges - a significant thing to keep in mind given that most victims are discouraged from filing a lawsuit in the first place.
⤐ Overall. Let's do away with the gist of this review real quick: The Night Swim is an amazing, important book that features a valid narrative that, sadly, is a daily issue for countless of r*pe survivors all over the world. And most of them are discredited long before they will ever have to face the sheer horror of reliving the actions of their rapist in front of judge and jury. Due to its heavy topics, the book is also demanding and definitely something that wants to be pondered on. Megan raises interesting and valid questions and points out many of the problems women face in this society.
‘Yes, I have been a victim of a sexual assault. Well, probably several really. Funny how we were conditioned to accept these situations as unpleasant instead of outrageous. [...] To tell you the truth, I don't get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray.’
Reading The Night Swim threw me right back to when I read another brilliant and heart-breaking book: Know My Name by the beautiful, brave and amazing Chanel Miller. I might forget details and quotes over the years but I'm still not over the fact - nor will I EVER be - that brutalising, abusing and harming somebody's mind and body is worth 3 months on probation.
The rapist Brock Turner received ridiculous three months on probation even though he was found guilty. It simply boggles my mind. And it's the reason that my biggest fear for K, the girl Scott raped in this narrative, would have to live with the fact that even though the jury believed her, her pain, sorrow and trauma would be worth nothing more than a couple of months on probation for an evil young man that coincidentally was a talented swimmer and sometimes did good stuff, too. That, as Chanel put it so nicely in Know My Name, “[a victims] pain was never more valuable than [the rapist's] potential.”
I especially love how thought-provokingThe Night Swim is. It really makes you think hard about the different roles and characters Megan introduces us to in her book. How can an attorney live with himself for defending a rapist? How can you be friends with men whom you know to be sexually violent, to say the least? How can you stand by when a girl is being bullied for having a sexually active life? How can you abuse her reputation for the off chance she might let you stick your noodle inside her body? Although based on speculation mainly, the answers to these questions are as simple as they are painful.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘When school kids are shot by a random shooter, nobody asks whether the victims should have taken more precautions. Nobody suggests that maybe the victims should have skipped school that day. Nobody ever blames the victims. So why is it that when women are attacked, the onus is on them?’
Rachel, known only for her voice as the sole signifier of a podcast that sparked global sensation, arrives in Neapolis to report on a rape trial. She expects many things to happen in the upcoming weeks, having had an up-close look at countless crime cases over the course of her last two seasons. What she doesn't expect is a note on her windshield informing her about another horrific crime that took place in Neapolis several decades earlier and how many ties it has to what Rachel came here for initially. _____________________ 5 STARS. Absolutely loved it. Memorable read that I'm likely to return to. Takes up space in my mind long after I've finished it. Oftentimes a particularly insightful read. Will recommend it with my last breath....more
⤐ Preface. I just talked about this book with a friend this week who's just read it. The scope o5 STARS ★★★★★
This book is for everyone.
⤐ Preface. I just talked about this book with a friend this week who's just read it. The scope of this book is incredible. Undeniably hits home for me personally but also sparked an interesting conversation about what we need to fix in this society. Victim blaming has to stop, in every situation. I am not at fault when disgusting men leer at me or worse. You are not at fault when that cop harasses you for no reason.
When I finished this a couple of days ago, I had the feeling I needed to let my reading experience sit for a while and collect myself before sharing my thought. I now regret that choice. I should have written it straight away, letting it all out; the pain, the sorrow, the anguish, the reassurance, the joy, the determination. This book and Chanel - wonderful Chanel - earn much more than what I am able to give them now, 5 days after finishing one of the most impactful reads of my life. The recent pandemic has messed up my mental composition and my life in general, the ADD ain't happy.
I hope to be a Swede should the moment ever arise. Do not be like the people who watched me and my nightmare man, pretending not to see what was going on, those 12+ years ago. If something looks wrong, it probably is. Trust your instincts. Trust those of others. Listen. Believe.
Only enthusiastic consent in the form of a 'yes' means yes. Everything else is a no.
⤐ Overall. It says 'enjoyability = 5*' at the end of this review, and although I'm all sure you know what this means, I still need to say it: It was excruciatingly painful to get through some of the pages of this book. At some point in the reading process, I predicted I would close this book, anger guiding my hands. But instead, I find tears burning in my throat and awe wettening my eyes.
I found solidarity, light and love amongst the darkness. I'd be lying if I didn't say this wasn't triggering for me, but it proved, if nothing else, that I'm stronger than I thought myself to be. It got an honorary place in my book-arrangement. I will see, truly see, Chanel every day.
⤐ What’s happening. On January 18, 2015, Brock Turner, the rapist, raped a woman on Stanford campus. Although insulted, humiliated and dragged through the mud by him, his family and everybody who didn't believe her, she remained without a name for a long time.
‘This is an attempt to transform the hurt inside myself, to confront a past, and find a way to live with and incorporate these memories. I want to leave them behind so I can move forward. In not naming them, I finally name myself. My name is Chanel.’
Chanel took the amazingly brave and difficult step to go against the rapist in court. And although this time she was given the chance to say 'no', what followed, was assault all over. Chanel didn't know it would take three years and eight months for this case to be over and her healing process to start.
‘I didn’t know this little yes would reopen my body, would rub the cuts raw, would pry my legs open for the public. […] My three-letter word that morning unlocked a future, one in which I would become twenty-three and twenty-four and twenty-five and twenty-six before the case would be closed. [...] The saddest things about these cases, beyond the crimes themselves, are the degrading things the victim begins to believe about her being. [...] They seemed angry that I’d made myself vulnerable, more than the fact that he’d acted on my vulnerability. Drinking is not inherently immoral: a night of heavy drinking calls for Advil and water. But being drunk and raped seemed to call for condemnation. People were confounded that I had failed to protect myself. [...] When a victim does go for help, she is seen as attacking the assailant. These are separate; seeking aid is her primary motive, his fallout is a secondary effect. But we are taught if you speak, something bad happens to him. You will be blamed for every job he doesn’t get, every game he doesn’t play.’
While Chanel has an awful lot to contribute to the discussion of rape culture in general, there's also an underlying truth about what it means to be a woman on this planet in general:
‘What if you’re assaulted and you didn’t already belong to a male? Was having a boyfriend the only way to have your autonomy respected? [...] Women have been trained to notice micromovements, to scan and anticipate all subsequent action, constantly measuring how far threating words are from realities. We are tasked with defending ourselves in every imaginable scenario, planning escape routes, walking with keys between knuckles, a natural instinct in our day-to-day routine.’
_____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 5*
This book is for you if… you have wasted hours searching for young adult novels that feature mature characters that are eye
4.5 steampunky ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… you have wasted hours searching for young adult novels that feature mature characters that are eye-rolling for exactly the right reasons. Be prepared for some serious steampunk and a lovely enemies-to-lovers-romance.
⤐ Preface. I suppose it's best if I admit this right away... [image]
commentary 20/04/2020: I miss Gunther so much. Soft bois all the way, people.
⤐ Overall. [image]
Yep. This is me, I'm also preggo because Gunther. Gunther. Gun-ther. I love him so much.
[image]
I just. Y'all. I love this book. I really do. It's not the most picturesque or epic thing I've read but The Fractured Empire still managed to nurture my heart in all the right ways.
I saved so many quotes from this book, it's insane. Usually, only fact-based books earn that much digital marker colour. Not only were there countless witty lines that made me smile or ponder, but I also couldn't help but be in awe over the writing style. I noticed countless times how impressed I was with the authors' careful and skilled wording. The only critique I can truly to bring to the table is that there were scenes where I was wishing for two or three lines more to make the plot work smoother or narrow down the veil between the reader and the characters. These were rare and didn't have too much of an impact, though.
I started The Fractured Empire last week on the remote bus and realised fairly quickly that my emotional capacities weren't up for it. I had a pretty stressful week that - although offering time for reading - made it hard for me to get into something. This precious, lovely, irreplaceable piece of gold did it. It pulled me out of this void I was in. I loved it all. The banter, the brooding brother. Gunther. The witty heroine, the mystery. Gunther. The bookverse, the characters. Gunther. I have mentioned Gunther, right? If not: Gunther. The adorable, kind, red-headed genius. Bad boys are so yesterday, gimme that soft boi. I love him. Although deaf and painfully antagonised for it from his biological family, he grew into this strong, knowledgable and skilled man who fights battles in his own way. Callum Turner came closest to my imagination although I am aware he's way too old and this is a general issue when teenagers are portrayed.
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In my head, I tend to make the characters older so I can just go fall in love with them all I like if the book allows it. That also made me realised how highly inappropriate it is of me to have crushes on YA characters. The "heroes" in NA/Romance are usually self-preoccupied boneheads with little to no morals though, so, obviously, I hate them.
I also want to draw special attention to Nell (Lupita Nyong'o in my head). Beautiful, strong, powerful Nell from now on is what my Patronus would look like. She's fierce and unapologetic and this is what I strive to be.
”Could you speed along the history lesson and tell us what we need to know?” Xavier cut in. “I’m sorry, why are you speaking to me?” Nell shot back. “Be glad I saved your life at all. Feel free to repay me with silence.”
When I finish this series I expect Addie to teach me the heiress expression. I could use a change from my habitual RIB. [image]
⤐ What’s happening. This book is about the cutest lad in the world, Gunther. A red-haired boy with the combined brainpower of Albert Einstein and Alexander the great, seasoned with the perfect pinch bucketload of kindness. He's soft and loving and... I know for a fact the author pair will be reading this so I should probably give a taste of what everybody else thinks, this book is about [mayor eyeroll].
‘Sometimes, the things that didn’t kill you didn’t make you stronger. Sometimes, they just left you broken and damaged for eternity, like a china teacup that had been shattered and super-glued back together. It might look like a cup, but try filling it up with anything of substance and see just how dysfunctional it truly is.’
Addie's not been on the bright side of things since her beloved mother and sister were killed in The Silent Explosion. Alienated from her father, she struggles to find purpose in life until she is spontaneously abducted-slash-rescued by Clark. Although they couldn't be on more opposite sides, Addie and Clark are forced to work together to get the chaos a relic from a long-forgotten world causes sorted to their advantage. If they only knew what that actually even meant to them ...
Con: ⇢ hard to resist sexy ‘enemy’ ⇢ unlearn to suppress feelings and dealing with them instead ⇢ weird mechanic but alive weapon hunting them
Pro: ⇢ feeling more alive than ever ⇢ trio of brothers + femalebrain power = force to be reckoned with ⇢ Gunther.
_____________________ Writing quality + easy of reading = 5*
pace = 4*
plot/story in general = 5*
plot development = 5*
characters = 5*
enjoyability = 5*
insightfulness = 3* _____________________ Many thanks to Robin D. Mahle, who provided me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review....more
This book is for… everyone but especially those who’re sick of Colleen’s modus operandi. On second thought - if you have a weak hard and lose sleep easily - don't read this book.
⤐ Overall. I'd commit a lot of crimes for Colleen Hoover to write more of this and less of her usual overly tragic love story.
If you want to know how I reacted to the last bit of this book (or any part of this book), imagine the worst curse words you know, then ecosia some more and - with 6ft distance to them - check out your most vulgar neighbour for another couple. That's about it, I guess. Me uttering phrases of unbelieve and dispair, while having my eyes wide shut, listening to this incredible book.
A couple of years ago, after another tragedy infected over-the-top Romance, I promised myself I wouldn't read another Colleen Hoover EVER again. The cocktail of heartbreaking tragedy and misery and brokeness and perfect love was just too...ew and blablabla. Thanks to my incredible friend Dora I broke that vow and gave Verity the benefit of a trusted bookish friend's recommendation. And...boy...I'm still not sure I've fully processed what happens. I just... [image]
You go to your room Colleen and think about...another gorgeous, creepy, thrilling, damaging, disturbing plot like that :)
I don't even know where to get specific in my praise. From the minute this book started, I just felt it in my bones that I'd be in for a ride. The suspense picks up with every chapter, dragging me into the book. My infatuation with Verity is mostly owed to the compelling characters and the ways in which Colleen tells us the story that connects Verity, Jeremy and ultimately, Lowen. I will never be the same person ever again.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘One should only walk away from an autobiography with, at best, an uncomfortable distaste for its author.’
It's safe to say that Lowen might have been better off making a u-turn for the nearest hotelroom after reading this sentence of Verity's autobiography. But Lowen can't help to get sucked into the darkness that oozes out of the pages and surrounds the Crawford house - although you should see for yourself at what cost. _____________________ writing quality + easy of reading = 5*
This book is for you if… ‘well-researched, long-paged book, compelling in its brutal authenticity’ is a catchphrase worthy of y
4.75 stars ★★★★✬
This book is for you if… ‘well-researched, long-paged book, compelling in its brutal authenticity’ is a catchphrase worthy of your attention.
⤐ Overall. This is one of the books that reminded me of
a) why it is that I love reading so much: it's insightful and nail-biting. b) that I should not shy away from books that I know are interesting and have potential but may frighten me due to length, emotionally heavy content or their foreign genre.
Rusty Young spent many years in Colombia, working to train official forces in anti-kidnapping measures. This guy clearly knows what he's talking about in Colombiano and it shows. Not during a single moment, no matter how slow the story, was I bored with Rusty's book. It's brilliant in its acridity. Knowing that this is research-based, to me, made for a brutally honest wake-up call. It's the reason I couldn't help but engage in the plot and feel with the characters in every single minute. Pedro and his thirst for revenge absorbed me from minute one on.
To imagine at their age my biggest worries were boys and how to hide bad grades from my parents while kids like him were already grownups armed to go to war to avenge their loved ones is sickening and infuriating. I have felt every single emotion alongside the MC, I was happy, sad, excited, furious, ashamed, frightened, numbed by emotions and also rendered motionless by them.
I know for a fact that plenty of words, sentences and literary tools are out there to further underline how much I adore this book but none of them would prove satisfying.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘What I’d seen of life convinced me God was no more in charge of the planet than extraterrestrials. No sane being would permit what was occurring.’
Imagine you lived in a place where kidnappings are such a day-to-day-thing that your government hires people to train forces specifically for the purpose of counteraction. This is Pedro's life. Albeit happy in his small town with his girlfriend and his parents, it's always in your head you might go to sleep for the last time tonight. One day, this is the case for Pedro's father: ruthlessly executed by the guerrilla, he leaves behind a grieving family without a home. Stripped of all logic and self-preservation, Pedro joins the autodofensas and begins a long journey. His compass is set for revenge. The only question that remains is what more it will cost him. _____________________ Writing quality + easy of reading = 5*
pace = 4*
plot/story in general = 5*
plot development = 4*
characters = 5*
enjoyability = 5*
insightfulness = 5* _____________________ Many thanks to Lily from Havelock & Baker Publishing, who offered me this eArc in exchange for an honest review....more
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