Review: The Geek Feminist Revolution by Kameron Hurley

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I’m not going to lie and say that this was not an inspiring read. Because it was. After reading it you want to join the fight; you want to make a difference. In many essays, Kameron Hurley reminds you that it’s not going to be easy at times and not everyone made for it, but it’s important and rewarding.

The Geek Feminist was very straight forward. It makes you think. It didn’t shy away from many subjects that could be deemed as uncomfortable by many. It tackled them in a respectively matter without being offensive or uneducated. Kameron Hurley clearly did her research, and that definitely was refreshing, and you could tell that she knew what she was talking about.

This is very much a book about Kameron Hurley’s life. This isn’t a bad thing, but she spends a great majority of the book talking about her struggles, career, and personal life. Feminist is perfectly crafted into her personal stories so it isn’t like the book is all about her. It feels more personal this way because she’s providing firsthand accounts and examples.

It did get a little repetitive sometimes. The author mentioned many things multiple times in different essays.  But it isn’t too frustrating or distracting. It just registers in your brain that she’s mentioned that particular detail before and you continue reading.

Final Analysis

The Geek Feminist is roughly around 270 pages. There’s so much deeper she could have gone and so much more she could have included, so it does leave you wanting more. However, it’s still a good read, and does make you think.

Review: The Welcome Home Diner by Peggy Lampman

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The Welcome Home Diner served the perfect recipe for an appetizing read. Starting with that gorgeous cover, there's something inviting about this book and once you start reading, you can't but feel that comfortable familiarity of someone inviting you into their home.

There's a lot to enjoy about this book. There were moments of joy and others were real moments that went a little deeper in reflection. There is nothing like family and friends. Whether it is defined by genealogy or manmade, the lessons and experiences that defined the wonderful moments shared together in the book make the novel more relatable and connect with the reader. Each character held their own and brought something special to the book individually and collectively as a whole.

The novel centered around two cousins, Addie and Sam, who decide to take a leap of faith to pursue their dreams. They take a chance and revitalize an old diner that was once the heart of the community. Like many cities that have fallen through hard times, there is a resentment with many neighborhoods of gentrification. In many of these situations, the community feels displaced and as a result loses their cultural identity which often leads to backlash and pushback. What was different about them was that their dreams included the community but no one wanted any part of that especially their neighbor Angus, which made them feel unwelcomed and often felt like maybe they made a mistake. Angus represents the past and they represent the future. Through love, patience, second chances and faith, these two ladies bring their family values and heart into a community that truly welcomes them home.

Overall, the book was really a nice read. There is so much to the book dealing with family, love, relationships, loss, and second chances. After reading this book, I really need to go back and read her first book because there was something special about the characters and their journey that for me personally really hit home. What made her characters perfect was that they were flawed. Everyone has a story and their experiences shaped their narrative which makes them more relatable and have some depth to them. Besides being such a nice read, there is so much that can be the root of some needed discussions. This would be a great selection for a book club. Nothing but love for this book and I’m recommending you add it to your TBR.

Review: Lovers Like Us (#2 Like Us Series) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

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Everyone who knows me knows that Krista and Becca are my favorite authors. I’ve never have been so impacted by characters or loved characters as much as I love theirs. There is something so beautifully flawed and human about all their characters. And you can’t help but want to protect them, cheer for them, and also want the best for them.

I read my first KB book back in 2015, and I never looked back. Every book is different, yet the same. Captivating.  Emotional. Inspiring. Always, always entertaining and always about family.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have a great love for the characters that KB create. Especially, the core six from the Addicted Series. I got to witness an incredible journey filled with humor, love, heartbreak, and magic.  Although, the Addicted Series ended last year, I’m emotionally invested in the stories.

And I’m so incredibly thankful that I don’t have to let go of these characters just yet. The Like Us Series focuses on the children of the core six. Mainly focusing on Maximoff Hale, Jane Cobalt, and Sullivan Meadows.

We’re two books in, and I’m loving every second of it. I’ve lost count of how many times I cried, cheered, and laughed. I was immediately drawn into this fictional universe. I can rave about this series all day long, but unfortunately, there are not enough hours in the day, so I’ll try to touch on as much as I can without giving away spoilers or being confusing.

Lovers Like Us takes these beloved characters on a tour as they stop in various cities meeting fans. The impact of book 1’s (Damaged Like Us) events still very present and negative.  Maximoff and Farrow are still secretly dating, and there is new threat hiding in the background.  

I thought the tour aspect of it was unique and fresh. Stuffing that many people into a tour bus is sure going to create an interesting and entertaining dynamic between characters. This is random, but I personally enjoyed the Q&A sessions. That was fun.

I’ve said this plenty of times in this review, but this was emotional. And I’m used to the heavy nature that does appear in KB books, but I was still impacted. No spoilers, but I did have to take a moment while reading. There is a certain kind of realness in all of their books. It does hit you hard.

Although I loved this book, I am aware that this is a journey. It’s hard to look at one KB book and analyze it to the fullest. When I think in terms of KB’s books, I think them all as individual chapters in one big book. When you read them separate you do see the clear developments (both relationship and character) and plot progression.

However, when you read them together as a whole, you see so much more. Call backs to moments from earlier in the series. Hints for what is going to happen next. Tiny moments that make your heart sing. And most of all, you see incredible grand character & relationship developments that you might have missed if you hadn’t read them together. It’s a ride that has a start, middle, and an end. And that’s the most rewarding part. And something I can’t wait to experience with this series.

Characters

I’d witnessed Maximoff, Jane, and Sullivan grow up in the Addicted Series, and to see them as young adults, discovering who they are, makes me emotional. I’m excited about where they are going to end up. I know it’s going to be tough at times, but it’s going to be beautiful in the end; I have faith.

The Like Us Series begins in Maximoff’s POV, which is fitting since his mother started the predecessor series. And in Lovers Like Us we’re still in his POV. Like all KB book, although you’re one particular POV, this doesn’t mean the other characters blend in the background. They’re still there; actively living their lives, developing contributing to the greater picture.

Maximoff Hale is so caring and protective. Like all the kids, you can really see the influence his parents had on him. He’s this smart, comic book lover who wants to do good in the world.

He has a strong presence in his sibling and cousins’ lives. I love his relationship with his family. He willing to do anything for them. It really touches my heart. Each relationship is different. For example, his relationship with Jane Cobalt, is much different than his with Charlie Cobalt. And although, him and Charlie don’t necessarily get along, at the end of the day, they’re family and will stand tall together like him and Jane.

As for him and Farrow? Of course, I have no complaints. They have this adorable, healthy protective relationship between them filled with cute moments and banter. You could really feel the love between them. I’m really curious to see what happens next. Like most things in life, their relationship is not going to be easy. It’s already complicated because Farrow is Maximoff’s bodyguard.

My love for Farrow grew this book. I’m still learning about him and his past. He’s protective, and I’m curious to see his friendships with the other bodyguards and children grow.

I don’t know the bodyguards as well as I know the kids because they are relatively new to me. However, I’m enjoying them and how they are their own little family. I’m excited to learn more about them and maybe possibly experience their stories. I did find it interesting and sweet that they have such a strong loyalty to the particular family that they protect.

Final Analysis

Lovers Like Us is very much a Krista and Becca Ritchie book. The characters are lovable and incredible. The love story is amazing. You’ll want to laugh on one page and cry on the other.

Review: Break Line by Sarah E. Green

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I think my favorite thing about Break Line was how easy Emery and Sebastian were able to fall into a relationship. It felt right and natural from the moment they met. Because of their chemistry and compatibility it was easy to believe that they were in a relationship.

I didn’t find myself second guessing them. The author did not add any unnecessary drama to keep them apart or a ridiculous love triangle. It would have been a disservice to both characters if she did, and it wouldn’t have worked.

As for the actual plot of the book, I have mixed feelings. Basically the plot of the book, is that something happened to Emery a couple of years ago that caused her to quit surfing. You find out very early on in the book that she actually did not quit, but still surfs unbeknownst to her family.

Sebastian, or Bash, is a famous surfer who escapes to a small Florida town because he needs a break and is losing his motivation for the activity. Sebastian and Emery meet at a party one night and the story progresses from there.

Both Sebastian and Emery’s story had potential to be emotional and impactful, however, the plots were thrusted in the background and rushed to be wrapped up at the end. For example, one important moment for Emery happened off scene and was casually mentioned, although it was built up in the beginning to be this huge situation.

And the most frustrating thing is that out of Emery’s entire arc this situation was the most believable and relatable because it was hugely centered on her family. The other, Emery’s reason for quitting surfing for a while, was worthy of a raised eyebrow.

This happened a lot. The author introduced plotlines and either skimmed over them or dropped them completely. Another example of this is related to an earlier scene with Sebastian. Another character had to force him to take his medications. The reason to why he takes them is never told, and the medications are never mentioned again.

For a book about surfers, it barely describes the activity at all. Instead, it focuses more on the romance and attempts to focus more on the character’s relationships to each other.

Characters

I liked Sebastian, and I liked Emery. I liked them more together than I did apart. Separate they felt a little undeveloped. Who’s Emery without Sebastian? And who’s Sebastian without Emery?

It is worth mentioning that it was a little rude that Emery ran off to see a dog in the middle of her best friend pouring her heart out.

Although, I enjoyed Emery and Sebastian, I’m still on the fence about whether I want to read the second book in the series. It’s going to be in POV’s of two supporting characters from this novel.

The supporting characters all blended together; I didn’t connect with them, or care about their relationship to the main characters. There were a lot and it was hard to tell them apart from each other.

Two characters in particular seemed to have something serious going on with them. One is Sebastian and his mystery medications. And the other is Nori, Emery’s cousin. There were so serious red flags with her throughout the book that ended up being explained poorly with a throwaway line. It was frustrating because as a reader, you know something is wrong, however, it was brushed over and never explained.

Final Analysis

Break Line has a quality romance, however, if you look deeper it’s hard to find anything else as well developed as that. It’s full of plot holes with cheap explanations and unbelievable events.

Review: Ink Garden by Alexandria Ryu

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I’ve been really into poetry books recently, so I wasted no time buying Ink Garden. Ink Garden felt very much like a diary of someone’s poems as they traveled the world. It felt very free and not restricted to one certain area.

This is a book that feels wrong to read in your room on a rainy afternoon. It needs to be read as you travel and experience the earth. At best, the poems should be read outside.

Because of this, I didn’t really connect to it. The poems felt like an adventure, and it was hard imagine myself there. I felt a little left out, unsure how to react or interpret the poems. The poems aren’t long, and there are only so much you can describe in a couple of sentences.

This really hindered my reading experience. If I had read this as I was on one grand adventure, then I would most definitely would have enjoyed it. Instead of just reading and continuing, I would have spent more time actually analyzing the poems and relating it to my own experiences.

This book had very beautiful poems; each one different than the last.  And it was interesting that the author included photos after each poem. The photos added to the simplicity and adventurous feel of the poems.

Final Analysis

Ink Garden is a poetry book about adventure. It works best when you’re actually living the experience and exploring.

Review: Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Creative Artists Agency by James Andrew Miller

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Before this book, I had no idea what the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) was. I didn’t know what they did or the power they held in Hollywood. I ended up learning more than I had imagined.

I was surprised to learn that it’s a big deal. CAA is one of the largest talent agencies. So many celebrities, producers, and athletics have been representative by this agency. For example, Nicole Kidman, Will Smith, David Beckham, Meryl Streep, David Letterman, and Former Vice President Joe Biden are or have been clients of CAA once in their career.

Because of their enormous list of celebrity clients, it makes sense that they would be very powerful in Hollywood.  It was so interesting reading about the movies and decisions that only happened because a CAA fought to make it happen.

For start to finish, I was hooked. This wasn’t a small book. It was around 700 pages. The amount of detail was not overwhelming or boring. It was always entertaining. It is the history of CAA, but it does include many outrageous, funny, and heartwarming stories about celebrities from the CAA agents.  

It’s a little hard to describe the way the book was written. It was written as an interview, but the questions were not included. It was told from the POV of many, including the founders of CAA, agents, and celebrities. Each person didn’t get a whole chapter, instead the POVs were woven together to create a complete story starting in 1974 and ending in 2016.

There’s something so fascinating about Hollywood. It’s like everyone there is part of one secret club, and you’re not in until your in. Obviously, this book didn’t give away all of Hollywood’s secrets, but it did provide a tiny peak into the exclusive club.

Hollywood is not as glamourous as it seems. Although CAA agents were not thrusted in the limelight and worked behind the scenes, it was interesting to see how their job impacted them. They worked hard to get and maintain their jobs at CAA, and it was not always rewarding. There were stories about betrayal, addiction, and failure.

Powerhouse didn’t paint CAA as the best place to work. It showed the ugly side of the business, and showed that it’s a dog eat dog world. And it interesting to read different accounts of the same story. Because no one has a perfect memory, some details told by one person were different when told by another.

Final Analysis

Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Creative Artists Agency provides a look inside the inner workings of Hollywood. It doesn’t glamourous it or paint all celebrities as saints. Instead it shows Hollywood from the perspective of those who manage it. It’s full of interesting tales about how CAA became what it is today and the impact of the agency on celebrities and its agents.