Review: Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta

Title: Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life

Author: Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta (Afterword)

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoir, Comedy, Nonfiction, Adult

Pages: 240

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Ali Wong's heartfelt and hilarious letters to her daughters (the two she put to work while they were still in utero), covering everything they need to know in life, like the unpleasant details of dating, how to be a working mom in a male-dominated profession, and how she trapped their dad.

In her hit Netflix comedy special 'Baby Cobra', an eight-month pregnant Ali Wong resonated so heavily that she became a popular Halloween costume. Wong told the world her remarkably unfiltered thoughts on marriage, sex, Asian culture, working women and why you never see new mom comics on stage but you see plenty of new dads.

The sharp insight and humor are even more personal in the completely original collection. She shares the wisdom she's learned from a life in comedy and reveals stories from her life off stage, including the brutal singles life in New York (ie. the inevitable confrontation with erectile dysfunction), reconnecting with her roots 9and drinking snakes blood) in Vietnam, tales of being a wild child growing up in San Francisco, and parenting war stories. Though addressed to her daughters, Ali Wong's letters are absurdly funny, surprisingly moving, and enlightening (and disgusting) for all."

My Rating: 4/5

I always find it difficult to rate nonfiction books. Either because they are historically based, or stories about peoples lives. I really try to base my rating of these on writing style and enjoyment. 

I knew that I would enjoy this one because I had watched the author's comedy specials and loved her crass sense of humor. I'm under the opinion that if a man is allowed to talk about sex, and their bodies so the hell are we! And so Ali Wong was a great comedian choice to watch with my gang of friends. When I saw that she was putting out a book, I knew that I would read it. 

For anyone who likes her comedy, I would recommend the audiobook as it is narrated by her mostly, and her husband has his input at the end which was very interesting to me. It can't be easy to hear jokes about yourself some times.

I loved the writing style and was entertained overall. I really hope that she puts out more Netflix special and another book. AMAZING. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Between the Spark and the Burn by April Genevieve Tucholke

Title: Between the Spark and the Burn

Author: April Genevieve Tucholke

Series/Standalone: Between Duology (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 320

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2014

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "My dead grandmother Freddie once told me that the Devil created all the fear in the world."

"The conclusion to Between the Devil and The Deep Blue Sea, this gothic thriller romance with shades of Stephen King and Daphne Maurier is a must-read for fans of Beautiful Creatures and Anna Dressed in Blood.

Freddie once told me that the Devil created all the fear in the world. But then, the Devil once told me that it's easier to forgive someone for scaring you than for making you cry. 

The problem with River West Redding was that he'd done both to me.

The crooked-smiling liar River West Redding, who drove into Violet's life one summer day and shook her world to pieces, is gone. Violet and Neely, River's other brother, are left to worry-- until they catch a two a.m. radio program about strange events in a distant mountain town. They take off in search of River but are always a step behind, finding instead frenzied towns, with hunts, and a wind-whipped island with the thrum of something strange and dangerous just under the surface. it isn't long before Violet begins to wonder if Neely, the one Redding brother she thought trustworthy, has been hiding a secret of his own..."

My Rating:  1.5/5

This book wasn't what I hoped it would be and I can't even say that I'm surprised because I knew that the second book was far less liked then the first. I guess what I'm surprised by is how nothing really seemed to happen or feel the same way as the first book. I was so intrigued on going on this road trip style hunt for a person, and then to watch as nothing seemed to truly have consequences... was just kind of boring. I am interested in reading other work by this author, and I'm hoping that her next instalment is a little better paced. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Always and Forever, Lara jean by Jenny Han

Title: Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Author: Jenny Han

Series/Standalone: To All the Boys I've Loved Before Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 325

Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"Lara Jean is having the best senior year.

And there's still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad's wedding to Ms. Rothchild. Then she'll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.

Life couldn't be more perfect!

At least, that's what Lara Jean thinks... until she gets some unexpected news.

Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans- but when your heart and head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

I've liked listening to these audiobooks. They are quirky, fun and coming of age stories, without a doubt. In all honesty, I started reading these books after watching the first Netflix movie. I enjoyed the plot so much while being cute it was also quirky and fun. Lara Jean has an interest in fashion and baking that isn't something I've noticed in books so clearly before. While I enjoyed the first book immensely, the last two didn't hit me the same way that the first one did. 

This final book in the trilogy really follows Lara Jean in growing up. Watching changes in her household unfold, knowing that she won't live there in the coming years, finding a college/university that she loves and figuring out what her life will look like after high school comes to a close. While those aspects were interesting, I found myself annoyed at times by behaviours of either Lara Jean herself or people she surrounded herself with. I do want to read more of the authors work, and will be watching all the Netflix movies as they come out (are they making the third one?). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

 

Review: A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 by Claire Hartfield

Title: A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919

Author: Claire Hartfield

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, History

Pages: 198

Publisher: Clairon

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"On a hot day in July 1919, three black youths went swimming in Lake Michigan, unintentionally floating close to the 'white' beach. An angry white man began throwing stones at the boys, striking and killing one. Rachel conflict on the beach erupted into days of urban violence that shook the city of Chicago to its foundations. This mesmerizing narrative draws on contemporary accounts as it traces the roots of the explosion that had been building for decades in race relations, politics, business, and clashes of culture."

Rating: 4.5/5

I had been on the waitlist for this book for a little while and it's likely going to be one added to the list for reading during this time. I will note that this book isn't own voices, but as it focuses on the history of a riot, and to me (a white woman) appears to be unbias. I'd like to hear thoughts from members of the black community though, especially those interested in history. This book really focuses on the lead up of a riot that began gaining traction years before the actual riot occurred. I think that similar things can be said for current times. While there was a breaking point, tensions had been building for years before protests, and riots occurred. I thought it was a good learning initiative and a short read. The only reason I did dock a star was I felt that some aspects weren't as explored as I would have liked. I would have been interested in more facts regarding police involvement or lack there of.  I will say that it is disheartening to realize in over 100 years we haven't come far at all. The time for change is now!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Title: The Silent Patient

Author: Alex Michaelides

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 325

Publisher: Celadon Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Alicia Berenson's life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London's most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia's refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Groce, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations- a search for the truth that threatens to consume him..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Where do I even start? I guess here, I haven't read a straight-up thriller or mystery book in look time. I've read a few YA horror mixed with paranormal romance thing. And this was intense. I thought that it did a great job of leading me astray. While I guessed aspects of the ending, I wasn't certain. I was still trying to muddle out what was happening by the time we finished the ending twist. I think that the setting of a mental hospital also just breeds good mysteries, due to their history in society (not to say that now they are a spooky place). I thought that the characters were well fleshed out, I was intrigued! It definitely held my interest throughout! I might go on a mystery binge now. Don't mind me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden

       

Title: The Bear and The Nightingale

Author: Katherine Arden

Series/Standalone: Winternight Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical

Pages: 323

Publisher: Del Rey Books

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year, and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn't mind- she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse's fairy tale. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim runway souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil. 

After Vasilisa's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa's new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesced, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while Vasilisa's stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed- this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse's most frightening tales."

My Rating:  4/5

To preface this, I am in complete support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and while I live in Canada I acknowledge that systemic racism is deeply embedded in North American society and it is unacceptable! I may not understand, but I stand! My TBR is changing and I'm looking for diverse books written by POC, so if anyone has recommendations please leave a comment or email me! I do have some on my current TBR, but I'm open to any and all recommendations. 

This fantasy series is really taking booktube by storm over the last few months. It's truly a unique fantasy (as far as I've heard and read). This story takes place in Northern Russia, centres around Russian folklore and magic throughout a small village. The setting is beautifully described and well laid out. It helped to propel me through the story at times where I felt the story was slowing down. I will also say that our main character is interesting and independent in a time where socially that would be unacceptable. Overall, I enjoyed the story, the audiobook was well narrated, and the setting was beautifully written. I plan on continuing with the series in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

Title: War Storm

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #4)

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 662

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own it)

First Line: "We drown in silence for a long moment."

"Victory comes at a price.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal's betrayal nearly destroyed her. now determined to protect her heart- and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her- Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all... starting with the crown on Maven's head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal's powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything- and everyone- in his path.

War is coming, and Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard's stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power... for all will be tested, but not all will survive."

My Rating: 3.5/5

Anyone who has followed any of my bookish information knows that this series is one of my personal favourites and I stand by that. This one wasn't my favourite, and I know a lot of the fans felt similarly about it. This final book was by far the longest, and most drawn out. I felt like the pacing was just off, it wasn't what I expected (and I don't mean that in a good way). There were points that just felt like they lasted forever, but the end just seemed to wrap to quickly, and didn't feel complete.

That being said, I love the characters and the idea of the world. I think that it's a unique dystopian/fantasy mix. I am looking forward to reading the following novella bind up. I can't wait to see what they focus on and who. I hope that we get more of an epilogue through one of these short stories. I also loved the fighting sequences, they are amazing to visualize. The change in perspectives was interesting, but I felt like they chose too many perspectives. I'm curious to see how the novellas add to everything but overall not a strong finale for the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

This series was a favourite for the past few years. At least since the first one came out, I've been keeping up with them. Unfortunately, I didn't get to this one when it first came out and now I'm stuck here thinking that it just didn't end how I wanted it to this. This series has followed Mare Barrow, a girl who unbeknownst to her had immense power and stumbles into a lion's den. Beginning with betrayal, politics, and intense battles. I loved the series overall, but the ending wasn't strong enough for the series.

Characters:

Cal: I really loved his character, but the fact that he chose the crown, time and time again annoyed the shit out of me. I understand that he was trained to rule, and was tutored to believe that the nation would fall without a strong king, but he had been travelling with the new-bloods for some time. He had to understand that they could overthrow him in the same way the original silvers overthrew the reds. And maybe he was set in his ways, but he flipped pretty quick when the only other option was another set of royals trying to take over the nation. It seemed like a last resort move, not a change of heart. I do wonder how he works through these changes in the novella.

Maven: Here I thought he would be dealt with in the end. And in some ways he was. He was left to be killed off until the very end. I was hoping for a more epic battle as we saw throughout the rest of the series and instead it turned more into political warfare. Which is also great, when done well, this wasn't done the best. I was happy to see that Mare was able to fight her demons and end this monster.

Mare: I think that we really saw her grow throughout this revolution. I just wish that we were able to watch her grow a little bit further than the epilogue. I was glad that she was able to find peace and a group of people who she could relate too (other newbloods with similar powers).

Farley: She is my favourite in the series! She is such a badass. Has a baby, has to leave her to go to war. Does it and continually leads groups into battles without powers, just a badass with a shit ton of weapons. I just wish that she had been able to kill Tolly. 

Kilorn: I loved his attitude towards being left out and how he fought his hardest to protect Mare from all different kinds of pain. I was also glad that we didn't focus on her turning down his feelings. She was straight forward and let him know that she didn't feel that way, and while he had a moment to deal with that he didn't hold that against her! I loved that!

Iris: Another badass. I hope that in the novella bindup we get to see what happens with her and how she was raised. Because she knew how to blend in and how to make connections. I liked her, definitely interested in learning more about her in general. 

Evangeline: I think that she generally took up too much time. I liked seeing her perspective and personal rebellion, but other than the battle in Harbour Bay I didn't think that the pov was all the necessary. I do hope to see more interactions between her and Mare. 

Julian: I was glad to see that in general he sided with the Reds and Silvers in the interest of the kingdoms for a while I thought that he was denying their cause and I was pissed. I wish that we had gotten his perspective instead of Mavens to be completely honest.

Moments to Remember:

Pg. 7

"'Did you hear me, lighting girl?' She sniffs and forces a smile, turning back around to reveal a now very red and splotchy face. 'I said I'm proud of you. Write that down. Commit it to memory. You probably won't hear it again.'"

Pg. 58

"'Are you offering yourself for the job, Iris?' he clips, looking down his nose at me.

I tighten at such a foolish thought. 'I am a queen and princess, not a dog playing fetch.'

'Of course, you aren't a dog, my dear.' Maven offers a sneer, never breaking his stride. 'Dogs obey.'"

Pg. 326

"Somewhere, a few of our storms break off. Their job is to call up thunder. Cultivate lightning. Shock and awe the garrison, send them running. Make them think Barrow is here."

Pg. 428

"Farley doesn't rise to the bait this time.She keeps still, and Davidson slowly claps his hands, inclining his head toward the false king. 'I have to applaud you, Maven,' he says. The blank calm of the premier is a welcome respite from so much bile. 'I admit, I didn't expect such deft manipulations from someone so young. But I assume that's how your mother built you, didn't she?' he adds, looking to me."

Final Line: "I will go back."

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Saga Volume 7 by Brian K Vaughan

Title: Saga Volume 7

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Artists: Fiona Staples

Series/Standalone: Saga Series (#7)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 152

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"From the worldwide bestselling team of Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan, 'The War for Phang' is an epic, self-contained Saga event! Finally reunited with her ever-expanding family, Hazel travels to a war-torn comet that Wreath and Landfall have been battling over for ages. new friendships are forged and others are lost forever in this action-packed volume about families, combat and the refugee experience."

My Rating: 5/5

This is one of the Saga instalments that I haven't yet read, and what a wild ride it was. I had been rereading the series up until this point to continue with the series. And I absolutely love it. This installment as always was heartbreaking and thrilling. I love these characters so much, the different and ever-changing setting. I will say that this series continues to have adult themes, so if you aren't into that kind of violence, and sexual content, don't read them. I'm excited to continue on with the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny