Book Review: Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Title: Girl with the Pearl Earring

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Classic

Pages: 240

Publisher: Plume Books

Year Published: 1999

Format: Audiobook

"Winner of the 2000 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award! Alex Award winner! Tracy Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings. History and fiction merge seamlessly in this luminous novel about artistic vision and sensual awakening. Girl with a Pearling Earring tells the story of sixteen-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius... even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil. "

My Rating: 2.5/5

This book was very short, quick and interesting. It painted (get it) a different time, and the idea that this story is about the girl in the painting is what drew me to it. I found that this book was just ok. Interesting in setting, fascinating in idea and I'm sure if you were an art history buff you would enjoy it. I'm just not. 

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkban by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #3)
Genre: Classic, Fantasy
Pages: 317
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1999
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways."

"On the morning of his thirteenth birthday, Harry Potter learns that mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped the iron grasp of Azkaban fortress. harry has barely survived his first two years at Hogwarts; now it looks as though Sirius Black is determined to make sure Harry doesn't finish his third.

With Ron and Hermione at his side, Harry is forced to confront his new enemy- while the sinister Dementors of Azkaban Patrol the school ground threatening to suck the very soul from those who they encounter with a deadly kiss..."

My Rating: 5/5

This is by far my favourite Harry Potter book (As far as I remember) I love the growth in the world and getting to see how criminals are dealt with. i also appreciate seeing other magical creatures that we hadn't been introduced to before. Overall this book introduces my favourite characters and some of the best elements of the series (in my opinion). I'm so excited to rewatch the movies after we finish the series.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Reptile Room
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #2)
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 192
Publisher: Scholastics, Inc.
Year Published: 1999
First Line: "The stretch of road that leads out of the city, past Hazy Harbor and into the town of Tedia, is perhaps the most unpleasant in the world."

"Dear Reader,
If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a simple and cheery tale, I'm afraid that you have picked up the wrong book altogether. The story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the company of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled. If you know anything at all about the unlucky Baudelaire children, you already know that even pleasant events lead down the same road to misery.
In fact within the pages you now hold in your hands, the three siblings endure a care accident, a terrible odor, a deadly serpent, a long knife, a large brass reading lamp, and the reappearance of a person they'd hoped never to see again.
I am bound to record these tragic events, but you are free to put this book back on the shelf and seek something lighter.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 5/5

It's amazing how reading something as an adult is so different than when you were in middle school. I find that this book was far easier to get into and full of interesting narration that Lemony Snicket has mastered. I loved this instalment in the series, it was just enough to give younger readers hope and for me, it painted Count Olaf as an even crazier villain. I think that he is truly the perfect villain willing to stop at nothing and someone who has never been caught. I am excited to read the rest of the series to prep for the Netflix series. I think that this story reminded me why I loved these books when I was younger.
As a side note, I plan to read all the books before doing another spoiler as many of these books are smaller reads.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Bad Beginning
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Stand Alone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #1)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 162
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Year Published: 1999
First Line: "If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book."

"Dear Reader,
I'm  sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the  Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune. 
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Let me start this off by saying this is a reread because I finally saw the Netflix trailer for the new show and had to reread the series before it comes out. I forgot how incredible Lemony Snicket's writing style is. I really enjoyed the story although it is not my favorite in the series and I found that it was too short to really earn the 5/5 although I love the series as a whole. I can't wait to continue this reread although my tbr is slowly taking over my room. I look forward to learning more about the siblings and remember where this series goes.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

So as I mentioned above, this is a reread for me and I thought that it would help with the slump I've started to slip into. I really enjoyed slipping back into Lemony Snicket's writing. I think that his writing is so interesting as he slips part of his own life into every book he writes. I can't wait for the longer books. 

Characters:
Violet: I think that she is my favourite of the siblings. I thought that she was both resourceful and relatable as an older sibling. I think that the way she thinks about things is amazing.

Klaus: I forgot how much I love Klaus's reading and how he absorbs information so easily.

Sunny: Even she is so incredibly smart.

Mr. Poe: Always so dumb.. Somethings I forgot about... this was not one of those things.

Count Olaf: No one is quite as evil as this man. To threaten a girl who is 14 years old wouldn't it just be smarter to wait and be kind and then steal the money. It's only 4 years. Come one.

Justice Strauss: I think that she would have been an excellent guardian but unfortunately she is not related... damn it.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny