Book Review: Open Season by C.J Box

Title: Open Season

Author: CJ Box

Series/Standalone: Joe Pickett Series (Book #1)

Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Western

Pages: 278

Publisher: Putnam

Year Published: 2001

Format: Audiobook

"Joe Pickett is the new game warden in Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, a town where nearly everyone hunts, and the game warden- especially one like Joe who won't take bribes or look the other way- is far from popular. When he finds a local hunting outfitter dead, splayed out on the woodpile behind his state-owned home, he takes it personally. There had to be a reason that the outfitter, with whom he's had run-ins before, chose his backyard, his woodpile to die in. Even after the 'outfitter murders,' as they have been dubbed by the local press after the discovery of the two more bodies, are solved, Joe continues to investigate, uneasy with the sy explanation offered by the local police.

As Joe digs deeper into the murders, he soon discovers that the outfitter brought more than death to his backdoor; he brought Joe an endangered species, thought to be extinct, which is now living in his woodpile. But if the word of the existence of this endangered species gets out, it will destroy any chance of InterWest, a multi-national natural gas company, building an oil pipeline that would bring the company billions of dollars across Wyoming, through the mountains and forest of Twelve Sleep. The closer Joe comes to the truth behind the outfitter murders, the endangered species and InterWest, the closer he comes to losing everything he holds dear."

DNF @ 58%

My Rating: 1/5

I honestly have no idea why this was on my TBR at all. I thought I knew what I was getting into. I started it, I thought I would like it and the whole time I was just bored. Since Chick-Lit (unfortunately) is still a term we use, this is Boy-Book. This is something I think my friends' dads would like but I wasn't interested in the least. I would not recommend it if you like the style of books I enjoy, but if it intrigues you, you might as well try it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Title: An Offer From a Gentleman

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Adult

Pages: 390

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2001

Format: Audiobook

"Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball- or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other- except, perhaps the alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was what I've been hoping to see from this series. Yes I loved the first few seasons of the show, and all the books have been fun, but this felt like it was taking the historical romance tropes into account. I appreciated that Benedict was so different from his brothers and it was easy to read this book without feeling like it was a repeat. I enjoyed seeing a story where both parties weren't part of the upper class. Julia Quinn's characters each have a unique voice which has made this series is a fun listen-on audio.

I look forward to continuing with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 627
Publisher: Anchor Publishing Canada
Year Published: 2001
Format: Paperback (Own It)
First Line: "People disappear all the time."

"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon-- when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach-- an 'outlander'-- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives"

My Rating: 5/5

Since I've joined the bookish community there has always been a buzz around the Outlander Series.  I'll agree with those who do not appreciate aspects of this storyline and it is problematic. There are also points where this story made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Strong alert for rape, sexual assault and physical abuse. That being said, in the time period where this takes place, this is not exactly surprising. That being said I loved the grit and the dark aspects of the storyline along with the many characters. After finishing this book I can not wait for more and plan to continue the series throughout the year.
Certainly a new favorite.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This might be a very rambly spoiler because I loved this book! I'd heard so much hype about this series in the book community and I certainly understand why. I also understand why it's a problematic read, but I rated for my enjoyment of the storyline and enjoyment I felt throughout reading the story. So that's why this book got a whole 5/5 stars. I really enjoyed how this book is more than a romance, it shows different aspects of historical fiction (life in the Highlands, war, justice, etc). It also speaks about abuse, assault and a varied other assortment. That being said, the first book always does come back to romance, which I appreciated. Normally I'm not someone who loves romances, but this one took me by storm and I can't wait to continue the series.

Characters:
Claire: I really enjoyed her perspective a woman of her own right coming into a world where woman certainly isn't taken seriously. I liked that she used her knowledge to help heal those around her and take care of those she could. That being said, she was little quick to forget about Frank and her past life. I also didn't appreciate how fast she forgave Jamie for serving "justice" in the inn. That being said we have to take the time period into account. I loved her stubbornness and her willingness to stand her ground.

Jamie: I really loved him. Right from the start. And I know that's the point but he is someone who cares for those around him. A man who has suffered for choices he has made and is trying to better now. That being said, he is a little too willing to sacrifice himself for others. I hope that their romance continues and I wouldn't be surprised if his shock from the prison returned.

Frank: He was just kind of alright. He didn't really seem to care that much for Claire and was more interested in his past than her. I also just didn't feel like we got to know him that well, I'm wondering if that will change throughout the series.

Randall: I'm curious about his past. For example, "Who is Alex?" "Was he always horrible?" I think with his relation to Frank it would be extremely hard for Claire to go back and see Frank the same way. I also was surprised at his extent of his villain. 

Column: I wonder about him and whether he will reappear in the future. To live such a painful life in a time where there isn't anything that could be done for him broke my heart.

Dougal: Again, why are you so willing to assault people? I understand that he was doing certain things for his brother, but other things made little to no sense to me. I also hated how he treated Claire when he was with her alone. Just creepy. I also assumed he was a lot younger before I googled the cast for the series.

Jenny: I really loved her. She was willing to give anyone a piece of her mind and was willing to fight for her own. I loved her and her attitude. She was stronger than so many women I've seen throughout novels.

Ian: He seems like a good man and I wonder about his family in the coming war and famine.

Geillis: She kind of reminded me of a villain near the end. She was a good friend to Claire but she was willing to be a Jacobite knowing the result of the war. I also wonder when she went through the stones. 


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 309
"'Why, what's the matter wi' the poor child?' she demanded of Jamie. 'Has she had an accident o' some sort?'
'No, it's only she's married to me,' he said, 'though if ye care to call it an accident, ye may.'"

Pg. 562
"'Sassenach,' he said against my shoulder, a moment later.
'Mm?'
'Who in God's name is John Wayne?'
'You are,' I said. 'Go to sleep.'

Final Line: "And the world was all around us, new with possibility."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Hostile Hospital
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #8)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 255
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardcover Library Copy
First Line: "There are two reasons why a writer would end a sentence with the word 'stop' written entirely in capital letters STOP."

"Dear Readers,

Before you throw this awful book to the ground and run as far away from it as possible, you should probably know why. This book is the only one which describes every last detail of the Baudelaire children's miserable stay at Heimlich Hospital, which makes it one of the most dreadful books in the world.
There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains none of them. Within its pages are such burdensome details as a suspicious shopkeeper, unnecessary surgery, an intercom system, anesthesia, heart-shaped balloons, and some very startling news about a fire. Clearly, you do not want to read about such things.
I have sworn to research this story, and to write it down as best as I can, so I should know that this book is something best left on the ground, where you undoubtedly found it.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 5/5

So I took a break from this series for a month and when I was at the library getting some books for my preschool classroom I thought what the hell, I might as well pick up this book and the next one in the series. For me, these are perfect weekend reads and on weekends when I don't have plans I can fly through them along with my other book of the week. This one I thought really blew the others out of the water. It came into its own and connections are starting to be made and as an adult, I'm far more interested. I think that the author does a magnificent job incorporating his own story and others into that of the Baudelaire orphans and I was impressed with his writing in this installment even more than the others. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series, and I'm strongly considering binge reading over the next few months. After all what's a long weekend without books!
Can't wait to see where this series is going.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Vile Village
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #7)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 272
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "No matter who you are, no matter where you live, and no matter how many people are chasing you, what you don't read is often as important as what you do read."

"Dear Reader,
You have undoubtedly picked up the book by mistake, so please put it down. Nobody in their right mind would read this particular book about the lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire on purpose, because each dismal moment of their stay in the village of V.F.D has been faithfully and dreadfully recorded in these pages. 
I can think of no single reason why anyone would want to open a book containing such unpleasant matters as migrating crows, an angry mob, a newspaper headline, the arrest of innocent people, the Deluxe Cell, and some very strange hats.
It is my solemn and sacred occupation to research each details of the Baudelaire children's lives and write them all down, but you may prefer to do some other solemn and sacred thing, such as reading another book instead.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I really am enjoying where this series is going. I like how the mystery is really developing and how Lemony Snicket continues a story of his own in the writing. I also enjoy trying to piece together where the story will go and why it will go where it does. I do think that Olaf is a tiresome villain. He is awful without a doubt but I don't find him as horrifying as I once did. Is that horrible? Maybe. But that's just my opinion. Let me know your thoughts down below. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Ersatz Elevator
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Stand Alone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #6)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade
Pages: 259
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "The book you are holding in your two hands right now- assuming that you are, in fact, holding this book, and that you have only two hands- is one of two books in the world that will show you the difference between the word 'nervous' and the world 'anxious.'"

"Dear Reader,
If you have just picked up this book, then it is not too late to put it back down. Like, the previous books in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, there is nothing to be found in these pages but misery, despair, and discomfort, and you still have time to choose something else to read.
Within the chapters of this story, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire encounter a darkened staircase, a red herring, some friends in a dire situation, three mysterious initials, a liar with an evil scheme, a secret passageway, and parsley soda.
I have sworn to write down these tales of the Baudelaire orphans so the general public will know each terrible thing that has happened to them, but if you decide to read something else instead, you will save yourself from a heapful of horror and woe.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So I'm making my way through the series slowly and surely. I'm getting there, but I've felt like slowing down the series for a while. I've just found that this one was very childish. Some of the others were getting to be a more middle grade style of writing and while there are older jokes in this one, I did find that it seemed younger than the fifth book. I think that the change of scene and the plot change is awesome, so overall I did enjoy it! I thought that it was interesting to see how the children reacted to a different scenario and seeing things that are different in their lives. I do look forward to seeing where the series goes. I do have the 7th book and am debating whether to try and cram it in this week or start something different... so I guess you'll find out based on the next review or I'll keep you guys posted when I get the chance.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny