Review: This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills

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4.6

This book was addicting and it portrays friendship and family so beautifully. It’s a feel good book. You cannot help but be happy while and after reading. It is like the author composed this book of hope and everything nice. It was a very well-constructed with a consistent flow. 

I would not say that this book had a central plot. I feel as if it was all about the journey, relationships and the development of them. There were a few nice side plot, however, it were not the main focus of the book. It is very character driven. 

Characters

There were no unnecessary drama or insufferable characters. I can truthfully say that I enjoyed all the characters. The main character, Sloane, was amazing. She was extremely sarcastic, and you’re introduced to that side of her in the first chapter. That scene was great and hilarious. Sloane was very relatable. She really stood out as a main character because of her sarcastic and driven personality.

It was interesting to read about her relationships with the other characters. I especially enjoyed her relationship with her father. Her father was amazing as it is. I adored that he had this new fond obsession with fanfiction and left them for Sloane to read. 

Usually, in YA books the main characters have a strained relationship with their parents. So it felt good to see a happy, supportive, and healthy family portrayed. Those father-daughter moments and mother-daughter moments brought a special kind of emotion to the book and pulled at those heartstrings. 

Vera was great. She was literal sunshine. I found it intriguing that she was a social media star. However, I felt like that was not explored as much as I had hoped that it would be. I thought that it would have been a bigger part of the story. Nevertheless, I would totally follow Vera on all of her social media because she is awesome.  Vera and Sloane’s friendship was amazing. It’s the kind of friendship that everyone deserves. They would probably do anything for each other. 

Gabe, Vera’s twin, is a little closed off in the beginning and once the story continues you get to see the real him. I really enjoyed him. It was interesting to see him and Sloane’s relationship progress. In the first chapter, Gabe does not seem too thrilled with Sloane, but she does eventually charm him. The dynamic was adorable and awkward between them. 

The romance was extremely slow burn. A part of me was okay with it, but then another part of me was very impatient because I wanted them to get together quickly. However, the slow burn made for great interactions and development.

Final Analysis

This Adventure Ends captures friendship and family in such a beautiful way that will leave you beaming from ear to ear. Every single character is amazing and has such a great dynamic with each other. 

Review: Between the Wars by Philip Ziegler

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Summary

At the end of 1918 one prescient American historian began to write a history of the Great War. "What will you call it?" he was asked. "The First World War," was his bleak response.

In Between the Wars Philip Ziegler examines the major international turning points - cultural and social as well as political and military - that led the world from one war to another. His approach is panoramic, touching on all parts of the world where history was being made, examining Gandhi's March to the Sea and the Chaco War in South America alongside Hitler's rise to power.

It is the tragic story of a world determined that the horrors of the First World War would never be repeated, yet committed to a path which in hindsight was inevitably destined to end in a second, even more devastating conflict.

Each chapter bears the unmistakable stamp of Ziegler's scholarship: a keen eye for the telling anecdote, elegant and fluid prose, and calm and fair judgments. In a world that grows ever more uncertain, its perspective on how hopes of peace can dissolve into the promise of war becomes more relevant with each passing day.

Review

I have always been deeply interested in history, with all things considered it can be both great insight into the future and into the past, and so I think that it's great for folks to delve into it to better understand our world and the troubles we face. Between the Wars is a book, one of considerable ambition and enthusiasm, that delves into the years following the First World War and ending before the Second, giving historical readers a great overview of a time that has been highly overshadowed by the times before and after.

Between The Wars, in my opinion, is an absolutely great primer for learning more about the early 20th century. The author does a stellar job at trying to point out ways in which these events inevitably had an effect on the following World War. Another truly wonderful thing you can get out of this book is a list of events, people, and things to look more in depth at at your own leisure. The chapter on James Joyce was especially interesting to me as someone interested in literature, because it raises the theory that art reflects society and Ulysses was certainly a book of disorder.

Of course with these sorts of books, events and whatnot must be picked by the discretion of the writer and I am not in anyway an in-depth historical buff, so it is difficult for me to say if he picks out the most pertinent points. I will say that from my perspective as someone casually interested in history, the book was a very intriguing read and really helped shed some bright light on a time period that's always been deeply overshadowed.

Review: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

About the Book

The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

Review

Let me tell you how this is probably one of my biggest regret books this year. I had this book for awhile before I read it. It's was just the literal tbr pile had grown to the ceiling and it sort of got lost over time. Can I tell you how much I am literally crying inside from laughing so much. My biggest regret is that I didn't get to read this book sooner.

My favorite author list is growing and I'm going to add Bill Bryson to it. Honestly, when I first glanced at it, I picked it up but wasn't super excited about it. It looked interesting and I'm all about books like this so I added it to the list. The book wasn't love at first sight but it was definitely in the literary sense, true love as I got deeper into the book. The more I read, the more I couldn't put it down. Bill Bryson's natural wit permeates through the pages and the experience on the trail between Bryson and Katz was so funny and memorable that as I reflect, I can't help but feel good.

There were so many elements to this book that the reader will love. I really enjoyed the relationship between Bryson and Katz that developed over and bonded through their experience on the trail. It literally brought together two opposites but that contrast made a memorable read capturing beautiful, insightful moments that the tranquility of that kind of environment brings out. The vulnerability and the stripping bare of two men to their core, really embraces the reader and humbles you to a different insight that shows men from a different insight. The banter between them on their journey was so hilarious, my favorite parts of the book, I literally can't stop laughing as I reflect back on them. 

One of the best attributes to the book is how Bryson majestically takes us through his journey to these beautiful places in nature. I think with our world so attached to their phones and not really heading out to the natural parks like they used too, people don't stop and appreciate the outdoors anymore. I've never been to that I know of near any part of the Appalachian trail but experiencing the visuals through his vivid descriptions, really makes you want to experience it for yourself. He gives the reader such insightful information about the various places and not only do you get entertained by a great story but you also learn alot. 

Overall, this is one of the books you have to experience the read. If you haven't read the book, please read the book before you watch the movie. I promise you, you will laugh to you cry and be moved not only through beautiful scenery but embodies the spirit of what a true friendship can be. 

Review: Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

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4.4

Ever since around ninth grade, I have found the Kennedy’s interesting. The whole idea of Camelot and the Kennedy Curse was fascinating, and I always found myself researching them and attempting to understand the hope, the tragedy, and the legacy.

Most of the books I’ve read focused on JFK, Bobby Kennedy, Joe Kennedy Sr., and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The other Kennedys were background characters and briefly mentioned a couple of times, however, we never got a full glimpse of them. I was thrilled when I finally found a book about Rosemary Kennedy. I knew about the lobotomy, however, I was not sure about all the details.

This book was heartbreaking, tragic, and upsetting. You cannot help but be angry with what happened to Rosemary. She was a vibrant young woman, who at the age of 23 suffered a tragedy orchestrated by her own father. And it is hard to attempt to understand his reasoning because this was a different time. Most of the events and conversation that happened back then, would definitely not take place today. We know a lot more than we did back then.

I enjoy history. It’s great, but unfortunately, some things are lost in history and we are not able to fully understand what happened. I truly believe that there are some secrets about Rosemary’s lobotomy that the parties involved took to their graves. But I do applaud the author for doing her research and connecting the dots so that the reader could see glimpses of what happened. She did a great job at that.

While reading, it is clear that Kate Clifford Larson put her all in this. Everything was backed up with facts. If she wrote about something that happened, she cited letters, interviews, etc... There were little to none assumptions sans evidence.

I think that one of my favorite thing about this book was that it did not read like a history book. It was not boring, and it told a story that had emotion, and it was graceful. There were no skipping to random years; it went in chronological order. This made it easier to follow.

The majority of this book was focused on Rosemary. Her more famous siblings were mentioned, and it only swayed into their lives when there needed to be more clarity and a sense of time.

Like mentioned earlier, this book is tragic. There is no happy ending. Because I had already knew Rosemary’s fate before reading, her personal letters to her family felt haunting. She really tried to be the person that her mother and father wanted her to be. She followed their rules. She made no protest when they hid her disability. However, that was just not enough for them. They felt the need to cure her.

I think it is important to mention here that the Kennedy’s were not perfect. And this book showcases this. Everyone during that time believed they were, however, they were not aware of all the unfortunate events in their lives. I think this book also brings to light that Rose and Joe Sr. were very controlling parents and appeared to have crossed the line of mentally abusive and manipulative parents.

It was not outright stated, but the constant mentions of letters where Rose was obsessing over her children’s weight and her attempting to manipulate Kick (Kathleen Kennedy) when she was marrying someone who was not in her religion made me come to that conclusion. I appreciate how the author did not attempt to make the Kennedy’s appear perfect or cover up anything that could damage their rep. There no bias, which was nice.

Another thing that the author does not shy away from is the descriptions of the treatment and prejudice that individuals with mental disabilities faced. It was utterly heartbreaking to hear about the facilities that they lived in and the public opinion about those individuals. So many individuals’ lives were taken because of this disgusting and horrifying outlook.

Something that I felt was interesting and great was the author did not begin this novel with the mindset that everyone who read it would have an incredible amount of knowledge about the Kennedys. She did not begin by jumping right in to Rosemary’s journey. She went back a couple of generations and explained how the Kennedys first arrived in the United States. Even though I had already knew that information it was still great to have it present in the novel.

Characters

Before I end this, I would like to briefly talk more about Rosemary. Because this is nonfiction, the author cannot add any embellishments, and is only left to describe the character through historical documents. From what was given, Rosemary seemed like a lovely person. I could always picture her smiling. And I cannot imagine how hard it was to live up to the Kennedy name. I’m so glad that somewhere down the line she found a caring group of individuals.

While reading you cannot help but wonder what her life would have been like if she had not have had that lobotomy. I think if she was born in this time, her life would have been much different. We know so much more about mental disabilities.

Final Analysis

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter is a tragic novel about the life of Rosemary Kennedy. The novel is beautifully written with supporting details and stays focused on the main character. This book will have you crying at one point or the other.

Review: In Plain Sight by Amy Sparling

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3.2

This is going to be a short review because the book was short and also because there’s not much to say.

This was definitely a cheesy, trope filled, a little unrealistic, no strings attached, cute read. The plot was a little lackluster and a little unpredictable. There were few descriptions and depth to the story. The synopsis is basically everything that happens. You can read that and know everything that you need to know about the book. You can probably guess how the ending will turn out.

It was less than 200 pages, so there was only so much that could be done. The pacing was very fast. The book covered at least nine days. This caused relationship development to be completely nonexistent. The romance was very instalove.  

The characters were likeable, however they were a little two dimensional. I thought that Maddie was a good main character. I appreciated her relationship with her sisters and her mom. And I liked Colby. He was the definition of the perfect boy.

Colby and Maddie were cute, however, I would have much rather the book be spent on them developing their relationship and actually getting to know one another.

The main conflict could have been completely avoided if Colby and Maddie had communicated with each other. The conflict felt very over dramatic and bigger than what it really was.

In this book you really had to go with the flow, because again it lacked substance and descriptions. I truly believe that this book was not written to be ground breaking. It was written to be a cute teenage love story. It was a little too cheesy for my taste, but it did what it set out to do.

I appreciate the book for what it was. There was not angst, the characters were likeable, and it was a fast read. It was not too difficult to understand, and it had a happy ending. If you are looking for a quick love story this book is for you.

Random Thoughts

• How did she not know what Instagram was?

• If their last name isn’t Carmichael, are they even rich?

• HotRodLife99. That is all.

Review: Twisted Palaces by Erin Watt

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3.6  

Murder! Who’s the father?! Betrayal! Supposedly dead people returning! There was so much drama! And a lot of it felt unnecessary and overbearing. It is almost like the author cranked up the drama meter because it was the last book in the series.

I enjoyed the first book. It had a solid plot, and I thought the drama was handled nicely. The second book was not as good as the first, but it was good. It ended on a cliffhanger and set the stage for this one with an unexpected pregnancy, death, and Ella’s father’s resurrection.

This book felt unnecessary, and most of the content could have been added to the second book. In this book, the conflict was dragged out long and could have been solved fairly quickly. However, the majority was spent on topics or issues that did not really contribute to the overall story. If you only got this book for the murder, just skip to the end because there are no reveals or hints until then.

I get that the author wanted to explore the mystery of who committed the murder, however, it got repetitive after a while. And it caused me to lose interest. If this mystery, along with a couple other plot points, had been added to Broken Prince (Book 2) it would have been beneficial. It would have eliminated the random, repetitive, and useless content that this book is full of.

Another issue I had is that some things did not make any sense. And if there were explanations, they made no sense or were briefly touched on and never brought up again.  

For example, Steve, Ella’s father, not really being dead. It made no sense for him to be alive after all this time, and it felt like he was added in for drama.

Moving on- the big reveal of who the murderer was a little anticlimactic and rushed. Granted, it was a little predictable for who the murderer was in the beginning, because of timing. There were no explanation for how the murder happened after the reveal. For example, how did that individual get into the building without being caught on tape?

Character Analysis

Ella was an interesting heroine. There is no doubt that she had a tough life. I liked her in the first two books. She was fierce and independent. I think in this book she was lacking some of her defining characteristics.

Reed had good character development. To be honest, I did not really like his character until he was with Ella. I enjoyed that Ella and he had a stable relationship in this book. There were no pointless breakups. And the relationship felt very healthy.

Reed’s brothers were not as prominent in this book as they were in the first and second book. They only appeared once or twice and their presence was certainly missed. They added a special family dynamic, which I liked.

Random Thoughts

• This book did not really connect in terms of story wise with the first book. It does not seem that the author planned to write a third book in the beginning. It feels as if it just sort of happened while writing the second book. This is completely fine, and I don’t have an issue with that. The issue is that most of the things revealed in the third book came out of nowhere and there were no hints anywhere in the first. What I mean is, certain secrets conveniently come out in this book without any prior hints beforehand. I think that some secrets would have made more sense if there had been little hints throughout the entire series so that when they reveal in the final book, the payoff is bigger and readers can look back and connect the dots.

• Also somethings that happened in the first two book were completely forgot about.

Final Analysis

Twisted Palace felt messy and overran with unnecessary drama. The aspects that made the first two books good were gone and replaced with elements that did not contribute to the overall series or story.