Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Classic, Romance

Pages: 279

Publisher: Modern Library

Year Published: 1813

Format: Audiobook

"Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice have remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work 'her own darling child' and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, 'as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.' The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the superb comedy of manners of Regency England."

My Rating: 5/5

I finally read this classic that people have been on my case about for years! And I get it now. The romance in this is just astounding and really timeless. I understand now why women talk about finding their Mr. Darcy and how he is a true love interest for the ages. Elizabeth is an amazing character especially to be written in the time that it was, I'm impressed by the way she holds her own.  I plan to read more classics from Jane Austen, and exploring more classics via audiobook as I find it the best way for me to consume the stories. I'm not sure these are my most coherent thoughts, but here they are quickly jotted down.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: Transcedent by Katelyn Detweiler

Ok, so I'm going to start this by saying that this wasn't what I wanted it to be at all. I thought that this book was going to be like a kick ass action movie, but the more I read the more I disliked it. It was just kind of ok for me. It just wasn't my thing. The plot seemed to go on forever and the characters were strange to me. I just don't think that I will be reading more works by the author anytime soon.

Characters:
Iris: I don't know what we expected from her. If she was a miracle baby, that doesn't mean she was able to cure anything. I just thought it was bull shit the whole time. I was hoping that she was going to have bigger powers than distilling hope. 

Zane: Bad boy whose not a bad boy, heart of gold. Sad past. 

Zoey: I think she was my favorite character. I loved her and her hope in the world. She was so strong for her age.

Mikki: Who the hell are you? God is a woman? 

Mina: Why would you tell everyone and go public in the first place? Didn't you think anything through?

Jesse: I felt for him, when he was telling her that biologically he wasn't her dad.

Friends: Yes I am grouping them together because we had to many details about their past that didn't matter and were the weird quirky kids, but too quirky. Over the top.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Title: Invictus
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Time Travel
Pages: 464 
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook

"Time Flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gauis McCarthy was born outside of time. The sone of time-travelling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 Ad, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-travelling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuable from the past. 

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with the knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book was something I was very interested in after reading The Walled City and the title drew me in for the audiobook. I think that audiobook is definitely the way to go for this book. I really enjoyed the narration as well the ideas explored throughout the book. I would have to say that the first half of the book was my favourite, but after a certain reveal, I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much. I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's works and will likely borrow more on audiobook. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Title: They Both Die at the End
Author: Adam Silvera
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
First Line: "Death-Cast is calling with the warning of a lifetime- I'm going to die today."

"Adam Silvera reminds us that there's no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Matea Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure- to live a lifetime in a single day.|

My Rating: 3/5

I have heard so much hype surrounding Adam Silvera and I've read one of his book for myself. Honestly, I just expect more sometimes, I really enjoyed the storyline and the idea of a different present where we are able to predict the day we die and connect those who are on the same path. I do wonder what would really cause half of the deaths, the idea of knowing that you are on the way out of the world that really triggers the rest of the events. I am just hitting a point where I think I might better enjoy these books as audiobooks, or just reading them very rarely.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, 
Pages: 525
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year Published: 2007
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "From his perch behind the clock, Hugo could see everything."

"Orphan clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery."

My Rating: 3/5

I think that this story has a really interesting idea, and the format is unique for the story. The illustrations really help to tell the story, almost to the point that this book would make a very interesting movie or short film. I do think that I wouldn't have continued reading this story if it weren't for the illustrations, I'm not sure I would have continued the story. It left some questions, unanswered and others left unsatisfactory.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Adult
Pages:415
Publisher: Broadway Books
Year Published: 2012
Format: Library Copy (Paperback)
First Line: "When I think of my wife, I always think of her head."

"On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and media- as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents- the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter- but is he really a killer?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was my local book clubs pick for the month and it took a lot longer for me to get through than I anticipated. The story was interesting, but due to already having watched the movie, I found that I knew where the story was headed. If I hadn't watched the movie, I think that I would have enjoyed the thrilling aspects much more. I also enjoyed the writing style, there's something to be said for being able to write really unlikeable characters and still have the reader interested in where their lives are going. That being said, if you have already watched the movie, I wouldn't say that it's necessary to read the book.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This story was one that was suggested by the shyest member of my local book club. So our meeting this month should be interesting, to say the least. I think that this book had many interesting elements. The unlikeable characters (I think I liked 2 people out of everyone), the thrilling aspect (had I not already watched the movie) and the look into criminal investigations/crime tv.
I think that the idea of having someone be so committed to a lie to commit self-harm was a wild idea but none-the-less an interesting one.

Characters:
Amy: There's no way around it, she's a freaking psychopath. She doles out her own means of justice however she feels she needs to. I kind of forgot all the other people she had lied about and gotten away with before Nick. It makes you wonder if she was able to do this to more people after the course of the novel took place.

Nick: He is another character that isn't likeable. He's not a good guy. He's done some shitty stuff, but the idea that he and Amy are having a child together horrifies me, to say the least. What kind of household would I child be raised in with these two?

Rand: I liked him. He was self-aware that he sounded corny and kind of ridiculous throughout everything.

Go: She's a hard character to keep up with, but she might be the only sane one in Nick's life. Yes, she doubted him for a little while, but that being said she stuck by him through everything.

Marybeth: I didn't like her in the least, to be determined that Nick was the only problem in the marriage might be some of the reasons that Amy had romantic issue (I mean besides her being crazy and unable to tell fact from opinion).

Rhonda: I wish she'd been able to get her guy. But I think that it's safe to say that not everything worked out in the novel we would have liked.

Desi: I felt a little bad for him in the movie, but in the book, he was as much as a jerk as possible. To try to buy someone's love is just pointless.


Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "I think I've earned that."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

If you guys are looking for a quick and diverse book I would definitely recommend it to young adult readers. This short book encompasses so much. The idea of mental illness, mental health, LGBT, teenage angst, and the walls we all put around us. 

I think that this author did a magnificent job showing the idea that "fixing" someone is not the right approach to helping someone with a mental illness, and while I've never experienced agoraphobia, I understand anxiety and panic attacks. I also thought the many perspectives we witness in the book were interesting. The friend who follows Christianity standards, the mom who thinks that being gay is a choice, the people around Sol who see him as he really is,  and those on the outside looking in assuming how things are.


Characters (Just to name a few):
Soloman: His character is so fleshed out for only have 250 pages worth of story. I think the fact that he follows his urges to get help and find what he can manage. The ideas that swarm his brain, made me feel for him so much and I loved that he was working towards doing what he could, knowing that he may never be "better", as so many people expected him to be. I loved the way we left his story in the end! Beautiful.

Lisa: I docked a whole star for this ass hole. I did not like her the majority of the book. She just seemed to have a lot of trouble remembering that not everything was about her. And while she helped Soloman, I think that he needed a friend, not another person trying to make him "better". And this is why I loved the essay in the back of the book. She grew so much as a character, thank goodness. 

Clark: I liked how chill he was. I think he really helped Soloman and gave him something to hope for.

Soloman's Parents: I know a lot of adults might give them shit about letting Soloman stay home. And it's not that they didn't care, in fact, they cared more than so many. Anxiety is often crippling and they understood this and didn't push him if he wasn't ready. Maybe that's what helped him see what he might be able to do on a good day.

Lisa's Mom: She clearly has some mental health issues, and doesn't seem to care that those around her are affected by her actions. At the same time, the way she speaks with Lisa was so frustrating. To see her be the type of person to write it off on Soloman's parents, or a trend was frustrating as an open minded person. It leads me to realise that many people deal with judgements like these more often than being met with an open minded opinion.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

It's been quite a while since I've picked up a historical fiction and it's rare that I read an adult book so might as well hit two birds with one stone. I thought that this book really illustrated points about the war that I never had to think about before. The idea of someone trying to make something of themselves even though they feel what they are doing is wrong, knowing there is no way back, PTSD before it was fully accepted, and how Germany looked between the two world wars. I think that the pacing for this book helped keep me interested the changing between past, present and finally futuristic times to our main characters. The main characters in this story were two very interesting points of views to read from as well as the other side characters who sometimes had a chapter here and there.

Characters:
Marie-Laure: I don't think that I've read from a character who was blind before and it was interesting to see the way the author worked that into his writing. The way that Marie-Laure made her way through different cities and experience the war would be very different from others in similar positions to her. I thought that an interesting idea was how she claimed not to be brave just living her life. It was a way I never thought of looking at the situation.

Werner: I was interested in his beginning to see how Germany changed between the wars and right before the second. To see his fear about the mines and making a choice to "better" himself. Little did he know.. but he would have been conscripted either way. I also thought that the choices he made were tough choices to make. He was scared to speak up and wouldn't you be as well if you worried nothing would change or you would be next. I thought that his death was a little crazy. It makes sense if you think about him dying due to not having the stone, but at the same time, I wished he would have made it through. At least the author was realistic.

Frank Volkheimer: Overall he was a man who did what he thought was right for his country and himself and by 1974 it clearly haunts him every day.

Etienne: Another interesting perspective to think of someone who has PTSD from the first world war and is entering the second. I wonder how many men experienced this from the first to the second world war. Were they able to survive another time either from home or the trenches? I'm happy that he ended up living a long life.

Frederick: I thought that the ending was a chance for Werner to say goodbye to Frederick and I wish that he had had a chance to live a very different life.

Jutta: She was one of the only people who had her eyes wide open and was going to say something about what she saw. I think her future was a sad look for us, but important none the less. To see Berlin post war was a scary thought for me as a young lady. A subject I would be interested in learning more about.

Madame Manec: To have lived through 2 wars and to still be willing to stand up to the oppression her country was experiencing was inspiring.

Reinhold von Rumple: A desperate man will do desperate things for certain.

Daniel: I wish we saw more of him, but once again a realistic showing of how people who went to work camps did not often make it home or anywhere after the war.

Bastian: He was a root of evil. To train those boys to do those things and have them kill a man ever year shakes me. It makes you wonder what motives he had to do such a thing, or if he took much convincing.


Moments to Remember:
Pg.  266
"'And you, Madame? What would you like to be?'
'Me?' Madame Manec's knife pauses. Crickets sing in the cellar. 'I think I would like to be the Blade.'
'The Blade?'
'Yes.' The perfume of the peaches makes a bright ruddy cloud.
'The Blade?' repeats Marie-Laure. Then they both start laughing."


Final Line: "Until all she can hear are the sighs of cars and the rumble of trains and the sounds of everyone hurrying through the cold."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Stranger Game by Cylin Busby

Title: The Stranger Game
Author: Cylin Busby
Series/ Standalone: Stand Alone
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller
Pages: 288
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2016
Format Read: Audiobook

"The Stranger Game is a dark, suspenseful, and twisty young adult novel- perfect for fans of Lauren Oliver and E. Lockhart- about fifteen-year-old Nico Walker, whose sister returns home after a four-year disappearance.

When Nico Walker's older sister mysteriously disappears, her parents, family and friends are devastated. But Nico can never admit what she herself feels: relief at finally being free of Sarah's daily cruelties.

Then the best and worst thing happens: four years later, after dozens of false leads, Sarah is found.

But this girl is much changed from the one Nico knew. She's thin and drawn, where Sarah had been golden and athletic; timid and unsure, instead of brash and competitive; and strangest of all, sweet and kind, when she had once been mean and abusive. Sarah's retrograde amnesia has caused her to forget almost everything about her life, from small things like the plots of her favorite books and her tennis game to the more critical- where she's been for the last four years, and what happened at the park on the fateful day she vanished. Despite the happy ending, the dark details of that day continue to haunt Nico, and it becomes clear that more than one person knows the true story of what happened to Sarah."


My Rating: 4/5

So after getting a new phone, I finally got around to getting my OverDrive app back and found some awesome newer releases that I'd been hearing some buzz about and wanted to get too. This was one of the first that I took out from the OverDrive library and one that I'd seen given in a book box or too in the last year. And can I say that I was glad to try this one out first. I listened to it more than I read physical books this past week. It's nice to listen to a book while driving or going to the gym. 
And this story was very thrilling. If you are a fan of We Were Liars I think that you would really like this. This story has multiple perspectives that follow both Sarah and Nico throughout the story. I thought that the author did a great job of building suspense and overall I enjoyed this book. That being said, I did dock it one star as some of the twists I was able to almost call and I found that to be frustrating and a bit of a letdown. As for the audiobook itself, I think that reading the story physically might be more enjoyable as it's a short read and I found myself getting frustrated with how slowly the narrator was reading. 

Thanks for reading, 
Sidny

Spoiler: The Stranger Game by Cylin Busby

So I got this book on audio from OverDrive from my library after I released how much time I could be listening to a book rather than just staring out the window while I drive, workout or do dishes. So this audiobook was just over 6 hours and I was able to finish it in about five days. It definitely made my commute more interesting. I really enjoyed this book overall the plot was something interesting and I thought that the multiple perspectives really added to the book and helped readers to understand where each character was coming from. I also thought that the thrilling aspects were good, not the best but really freaking good.

Characters:
Nico: The fact that she mentions all the abusive things that Sarah did to her before her disappearance gives us a pretty good idea of how she feels about her sister, and allows us to make our own opinions about Sarah. I did guess that she might know more than she was letting on especially after hearing so many miserable things about Sarah. I do feel for Nico though, Sarah affected her with life and in the disappearance and in the end with death. I did think that it was strange how fast she felt for the new Sarah even though we later find out she's not Sarah at all, but I guess it makes sense to want a better family life.

Old Sarah: Let's be real she was a flaming bitch. I have no idea how she got to be such an ass hole but she seriously was one. She kind of deserved to go how she did... is that evil? Maybe, but I doubt she would have gotten better over time.

New Sarah: I did feel bad for Liberty, but by the end, I was a little upset with her. To put a family through that is heart-wrenching and I hope that they never find Sarah's body. I did think that her point of view was important it shows how your early years of life can shape who you are, but there are ways that that can change.

Tessa: I think that she might remind Nico of Sarah before the disappearance to an extent. Without the abuse.

Mom: I think that she knows that this isn't really Sarah but her heart just won't let her believe it. Hope is a powerful thing.

Dad: I think he is blind to whether it is Sarah or not, similar to Nico and Sarah's mom. Blind with hope and gratefulness.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Title: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Fiction
Pages: 303
Publisher: Penguin
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "It's a weirdly subtle conversation."

"Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn't play wingman for the class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone's business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he's been emailing, will be compromised.
With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon's junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to  step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out- without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot of happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's ever met."

My Rating: 4/5

So let me start out with this book is cute. It's adorable. And you might not think that based on the description, but it's got a lot going for it. Blackmail, a secret pen pal, friend drama, etc. I think that this story is an important one about the pressure of coming out and how society has come to a point where we should be confident with who we are sexuality. That being said all over the world there are jerks, some places more so than others. I hope that in North America most people feel comfortable coming out with who they are, but with the change in leaders in certain may change that. Sorry to pour salt in the wound there America, but Canada's afraid too sooo...... Besides that, this book was cute. I enjoyed it and would read another book by Becky Albertalli.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

So I'll start this in the only way I know how. This book was cute. There were parts of it that infuriated me. Like closed mind jerks and blackmailers, but overall I thought that it was a sweet read. And in the sweetness, there was a point, messages. How everywhere in the world there are people who will not accept someone's sexuality which is ridiculous, but sadly true. I thought that the setting of a high school in Georgia was perfect. It is known in the South there is quite a problem with acceptance overall. I don't know how accurate that is and don't want to claim that I'd know because I've never been, but it's rumoured I should say. I think that this story was incredibly sweet and interesting to read. 

Characters:
Simon: I thought that he was an interesting character to read from. Someone coming out and figuring out how those around him will see him after revealing part of his life. I think he was a sweet character to read about, especially as we watch him fall in love with Blue and get to know who he really is.

Bram: I loved how shy he was and how much we found out about him. He is so sweet, and I can't even imagine Simon with someone else. Perfect first boyfriend material.

Nick: What an awesome guy! I do wish that he had been more intune with Leah's feelings.

Abby: Super outgoing and fun? The perfect gal pal.

Leah: I loved her attitude and understood her way of thinking. I think that she felt so much rejection that it was hard for her to deal with Simon coming out to someone new.

Nora: She reminded me of my sister the way she is so quite and keeps to herself. It was kind of heart breaking but also amazing to see her be a rockstar in the end.

Alice: Supportive older sister for the win.

Martin: There is no excuse for the way that he was acting. It's crazy that he thought it was at all acceptable. Jerk!


Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "Maybe I want it to be."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

Title: More Happy Than Not
Author: Adam Silvera
Series/Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Fiction
Pages: 300
Publisher: Soho Teen
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "It turns out the Leteo procedure isn't bullshit."

"In his twisty, gritty, profoundly moving New York Times Bestselling Debut Adam Silvera brings to life a charged, dangerous near-future summer in the Bronx. 
Sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto is struggling to find happiness after a family tragedy leaves him reeling. He's slowly remembering what happiness might feel like this summer with the support of his girlfriend Genevieve, but it's his new best friend, Thomas, who really gets Aaron to open up about his past and confront his future contentment. A revolutionary memory-alteration procedure, courtesy of the Leteo Institute, might be the way to straighten himself out. But what if it means forgetting who he truly is?"

My Rating: 4/5

So I don't read a lot of contemporaries but I'm trying to read books that I normally wouldn't pick up and this one really caught my attention after hearing Jessie The Reader talk about it on his youtube channel. It deals with mental illness, poverty and coming of age. These themes are maintained throughout the book along with the idea of forgetting and remembering. Would it be easier just to forget things that have broken your heart? What would that do to you as a person? I thought about this a lot while I read this book and I can sincerely say that this book is one that will make you think. It will give you the feels and break you apart but overall it will make you wonder.  I couldn't give this book a 5/5 because it just didn't feel right. I found the beginning of the book was slow and harder to get into so for that reason I liked it but didn't find myself loving it. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

So this is my first contemporary read for 2017 and I'm happy that it was the first one I picked up. Maybe I'll start picking up more. I really enjoyed this book I thought thtat the premise was interesting. The idea of changing one thing about a person or being able to forget one aspect of your life is intriguing and I truly didn't think that Aaron had already gone through the process once. But I also thought the aspect of sexuality was important to bring up. I'll be the first to admit that I don't read many diverse book but I'm hoping to change that. And I think this book was a good way to start. I thought that bringing in a different lifestyle along with the orientation fo the main character was key in this story and Adam Silvera did an amazing job of showing how different people react to the coming out process not that acting with violence is good, but it's a sad reality for many.

Characters:
Aaron: I think in his 17 years he has seen a lot of shit. Let's be honest. He's put up with being bullied, hiding who he really was, violence in the home, poverty, and he's still coming out trying. By the end of the book, he broke my heart. To know that he might not ever get the happy ending he originally wanted breaks my heart but also knowing that he could be 100% who he was around his family was at least a little relieving.

Thomas: I don't know if Thomas is straight or not and we'll never know because you can't tell someone's sexuality based on the way they act or look. I think that he and Genevieve will be happy together if they give each other a chance.

Genevieve: I was more than a little upset when I found out that she knew he had the procedure done the first time and still got back together with him. I mean I guess they both thought that he would be "straight" but still to let herself fall so in love with him, it just didn't make a lot of sense to me. I hope that she finds happiness somewhere.

Aaron's Mom: To do something to make your child happy even though you might lose them scares the crap out of me but she did it, almost twice. I hope that she doesn't blame herself for the side effects. 

Aaron's Dad: I'm going to presume that he was mentally ill, but that doesn't make it ok to abuse your family! 

Collin: I hope that he finds happiness someday, some how.

Brennan: He can go straight to hell.


Moments To Remember:
Final Line: "Don't forget me."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Title: How It Went Down
Author: Kekla Magoon
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 336
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 
Year Published: 2014
First line: "The known facts surrounding the shooting death of sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson are few."

"The boy in the hoodie has been shot.
The known fact are few.
Everyone tells a different story.
But what is the truth?

When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson dies from two gunshot wounds, his community is thrown into an uproar. Tariq was black. The shooter, Jack Franklin, is white.
In the aftermath of Tariq's death, everyone has something to say but no two accounts of the events line up. Day by day, new twists further obscure the trust.
Tariq's friends, family, and community struggle to make sense of the tragedy and to cope with the hole left behind when a life is cut short. In their own words, they grapple for a way to say with certainty: This is how it went down."

My Rating: 4/5

While I did not give this book a 5/5 rating, I definitely think it's a book everyone should read. It's a story we might see on the news every day or month, but it's not something that is a reality for many of us. To see someone from our community shot down and with such controversy about what happened and why it happened is astonishing to me. I think that Kekla Magoon did a wonderful job of showing how it affects many people who were a part of Tariq's life and some who just lived around him. All and all this book is about so much more than who was right and who was wrong. It's about what we believe in and hopes that someday, with work, things will change. I don't know how realistic this book is and as a white middle-class woman living in a rural area. But it did paint a picture for me about how many people live their lives and how it's not always easy to say, "Get away from violence" or "Gang violence is horrible" "Why can't we all just get along?" when you're living through it. Kekla Magoon paints a vivid picture of grief, lonesomeness and wonders that surround life for many people in the 21st century and I feel blessed to have read this novel.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

This book paints quite a picture for us who have been privileged to live in a different form of society than Tariq Johnson. I think that this book is important for everyone to read no matter age, sex, race or religion. It's important to think about community and change. The reasons behind actions and to see things different than wrong and right. But rather as everyone having their own reason for what they are doing. This story paints the picture of what happens in a community after a sixteen-year-old male is shot without stories that match up. I first suspected this book to be a lot more about racial issues. Which it is. But it's so much more. It's about how it affects the man at the corner to store to the leader of a gang to the mother of the victim. It changes perspectives so perfectly that it truly was heartbreaking to read through.

Characters:
Tina: For someone who thinks in such a unique way, she handles the death different than I suspected. I think that she understood so many things that other's didn't, but her battle between what is good and bad really drew me in. Her thoughts on what was happening around her might have been the most heartbreaking, but also reminders of what we loose when someone dies to violence. That being a feeling of innocence.

Tyrell: His character was so different from any other I'd read. His pact to stay out of a gang and go to college was incredible. Watching him struggle with what to do for his future was crazy and I understand a lot more about the pressures now. I hope that he is able to keep strong.

Brick: On the total opposite end I think about Brick and how his world was changed, but he kept a front to lead the mean he charges himself with. I don't believe that gangs will help society but I can see what he offers. Protection, relationships, someone to be there for you no matter what. But at what cost?

Noodle: He isn't a character I cheer for but I saw that in his messed up way he loved Jennica, he just didn't know how to show it or give her the hope she needed. 

Kimberly: To be there for someone's death even after they were less than kind to a person, show's true characters. I thought it was interesting to see her bring up the fact that after people die they are treated as though they are angels, but I think it's important to look at the big picture. It's not just about Tariq, no matter if he did or didn't have a gun, or if he was a "good" or "bad" guy.

Jennica: To dream for more is all we can really hope to do after a situation like this rocks our foundation, and makes us open our eyes.

Will: The strong feeling of, "It could have been me" or "I'm from there" really shows how others surrounding a death might feel no matter the reason, but especially with such a tragic ending.

Reverend Alabaster : Only in it for the vote? Or to help? I suppose it's up to you to decide.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'You just be you.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review:The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

Title: The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo
Author: Amy Schumer
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir
Pages: 323
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "Hey, it's me, Amy."

"The Emmy Award- winning comedian, actress, writer, and star of Inside Amy Schumer and the acclaimed film Trainwreck has taken the entertainment world by storm with her winning blend of smart, satirical humor. Now, Amy Schumer has written a refreshingly candid uproariously funny collection of (extremely) personal and observational essay. 
In The Girl wit the Lower Back Tattoo, Amy mines her past for stories about her teenage years, her family, relationships, and sex, and shares the experiences that have shaped who she is- a woman with the courage to bare her soul and stand up for what she believes in, all while making us laugh.
Ranging from the raucous to the romantic, the heartfelt to the harrowing, this highly entertaining and universally appealing collection is the literary equivalent of a night out with your best friend- equivalent of a night out with your best friend- an unforgettable and fun adventure you wish could last forever. Whether she's experiencing lust at first sight while in the airport security line, sharing her own views on love and marriage, admitting to being an introvert, or discovering her boot camp instructor's secret bad habit, Amy Schumer proves to be a bighearted, brave, and thoughtful storyteller who will leave you nodding your head in recognition, laughing out loud, and sobbing uncontrollably- but only because it's over."

My Rating: 5/5

To start: Please note there will not be a spoiler for this book as it is nonfiction!

For those who don't know me personally, I'm a sucker for comedy. Not just comedy movies, but also specials. Really anything that can make me cackle, I'm in. I've watched a few of Amy's appearances and watched Trainwreck as soon as it came out. I really enjoyed both of this interactions mostly because of her crude and witty comedy style. I enjoyed cruder comedy growing up, but noticed that when women did it they caught a lot of flack. And while this can be said for Amy Schumer as well. I think that she's hysterical, talented and overall an amazing role model. This book really gave an insight to her life, her mistakes, her triumphs and her career. I thought that it showed a completely different side of her and the collection of shorter stories were easier to read and pieced together quite nicely. I would certainly read another book of hers and hope that she plans to write more in the future. Until then I will binge watch any comedy specials that will keep me giggling like the immature fool that I am. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: With Malice by Eileen Cook

Title: With Malice
Author: Eileen Cook
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller
Pages: 316
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "I'm not a morning person."

"It was the perfect trip... until it wasn't.
Eighteen-year-old Jill Charron wakes up in a hospital bed, leg in a cast, stitches on her face and a big black canvas where the last six weeks should be. She discovers she was involved in a fatal car accident while on a school trip in Italy. A trip she doesn't even remember taking. She was jetted home by her affluent father in order to receive quality car. Care that includes a lawyer. And a press team. Because maybe the accident... wasn't and accident.
As the accident makes national headlines, Jill finds herself the centre of a murder investigation. It doesn't help that the media is portraying her as a sociopath who killed her bubbly best friend, Simone, in a jealous rage. With the evidence mounting against her, there's only one thing Jill knows for sure: She would never hurt Simone. But what really happened? Questioning who she can trust and what she's capable of, Jill desperately tries to piece together the past six weeks before she loses her thin hold on her once-perfect life."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So this book was a relatively short book and had been compared to We Were Liars which I had read earlier this year. I thought that the book was going to be a short and easy book. I thought that this was going to be a quick read. I enjoyed many aspects of this book. The process of watching a young girl in a rehab centre, as well as lawyering up. I thought that that was something I hadn't read about before. I would say that this book is thrilling like We Were Liars and deals with thrilling topics, but I thought that it wasn't the best thriller I've ever read. The story was interesting to me, but I found that there were underlying topics that were not taken seriously enough. I also found many characters to be frustrating throughout. All in all, I would recommend this as a first thrilling type read for the first time.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: With Malice by Eileen Cook

As I mentioned before, I thought that this book would be quick and a fun thriller to read. Perfect for the season. And while I liked this book, it wasn't one that I loved by any stretch. I thought that this wasn't as thrilling as I hoped and while it did give me the "Who done it's" feeling. I didn't think that it was awe inspiring. I wasn't shocked but also wasn't impressed with the end. I thought that leaving a would-be thriller open ended was a poor choice. I don't want to think about what happened, I want you to tell me. Tell me who did it. I mean we get a just idea but screw that. I'm still a little ticked off. I also found that there were underlying themes that just didn't come to life as much as I thought they should.

Characters:
Jill:  I thought that Jill was a poor character to follow. She and Simone are unlikely friends, who have been friends for as long as anyone can remember. I thought that while Jill was privileged it showed that she could also have struggled. I also thought that some of her goals were a little crazy, but I guess when you have the opportunities to dream you do so. I also thought that at the end she became the Chilly Jilly we all feared.

Simone: It sounds like she was quite the piece of work. She might have wanted what others had, or had been jealous of what they had/have. Also, who kisses her boyfriend. I don't know what went on with them but I wonder if the end situation was plausible. 

Anna: I think that she was a good eye opener. Like hello, you have people to bail you out. We never see anyone visit Anna. Like what the heck?!? Come on Jill smarten up. I liked her talk with her, though. 

Jill's Mom: Impossibly nice.

Jill's Dad: It must be a lot of work to be such an arse. I guess it's good that he has money and wants to help his daughter. But was it for Jill or for others in his family.

Evan: What I imagine expensive lawyers to be like in real life....

Nicco: You're still my number 1 suspect sir. It was you. You're a dick and it was you... that is all.



Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "The truth- and how I chose to tell it- was now up to me."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny