A Midsummer Night's Dream - William Shakespeare Review

Title: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Author: William Shakespeare
Genre: Classics; Plays; Fiction; Drama; Fantasy; Romance; Literature; Theatre; Poetry
Goodreads Rating: 3.94/5 stars
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Pages: 280 (Paperback)
Publisher: Barnes and Noble Shakespeare
Published: July 26, 2007 (Original publication: 1595)

Summary: Shakespeare’s hilarious though often unnerving story of desire, confusion, and magic has delighted audiences for 400 years.

'The course of true love never did run smooth."

This was a reread for me. I read A Midsummer Night's Dream, for the first time, as a freshman in high school, so it's been a while. At one point, A Midsummer Night's Dream was my favorite play by Shakespeare, but as you get older and read more, your tastes and standards change - as they should. That being said, A Midsummer Night's Dream doesn't fall into my standards for a "favorite" book, anymore. I still enjoy it, but I'm not in love with it.

It kept my interest, but I wasn't riveted. I was more amused and baffled at Shakespeare's depiction of love being a desperate bargain. Although, this depiction does bring attention to a fact that is pervasive in all modern romantic relationships, whether a couple will admit it or not: one person always loves the other person a bit more or a bit "better" than the other will - without intending to. This isn't malicious, it's just a reality of the (human) love. And, Shakespeare's literature does a wonderful job of detailing the human experience, as well as human nature when it comes to love and the whole spectrum of emotions.

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The Winter Sea - Susanna Kearsley (Slains #1) Mini Review

Title: The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Series: Slains #1
Genre: Historical; Romance; Fiction; Science Fiction; Time Travel; Cultural - Scotland
Goodreads Rating: 4.06/5 stars
My Rating: 1/5 stars
Pages: 536 (Paperback)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Published: December 1, 2010 (Original publication: January 1, 2008)

Summary: In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown.

Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors and starts to write.

But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory, making her the only living person who knows the truth—the ultimate betrayal—that happened all those years ago, and that knowledge comes very close to destroying her.… 

First off, this was a DNF (DNF = Did Not Finish) for me around page five. But, I pushed onwards to page fifty before officially calling it quits. Perhaps if this book hadn't been painfully boring and if I didn't have shelves of other books to get around to reading, I would have tried to muster up some patience for The Winter Sea.

'At least,' I said, 'he won't begrudge the name you gave him. Jack's a nice, good, manly name.'

No, but little Jack might grow up to despise being boxed into the narrow and uncomfortable niche of "manly". One of the many minor irritations in this book. Classic, well-used, and strong are all acceptable compliments for a baby name, without feeding into the everyday sexist language that men and women are working towards breaking down.

Aside from the sexism, littered throughout the book, the glaringly obvious issue with this book was the painfully slow pacing of the plot. Unnecessary descriptions, thoughts, and dialogue were plugged into the gaps the slow pacing created. If proper attention had been given to some of those descriptions, a beautiful depiction of Scotland could have been created.

The lack of strong transition sentences within the same train of thought, and movement from one thought to another thought was what made this book incredibly difficult to want to continue reading. And when the transition is lacking, the flow of the book suffers, as well.

There were a few gag worthy obnoxious Scottish clichés throughout the book, including the depiction of Scottish accents; which came as a bit of a surprise to me since Kearsley did a fair amount of research for this book. Along with the poorly written Scottish accents, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural.

The transitions between dialogue, scene, and exposition (of the main character's life/circumstances and the history of Scotland) were awkward and poorly placed. Which was all highlighted by the one-dimensional characters in this book - the main character, Carrie, was particularly lacking in depth.

I always find it ironic when I end up reading a terribly boring and one-dimensional book about a main character who is a best-selling author.

I think that this book is a bad case of trying to tackle too much. When too much is going on in a book, the author tends to leave much of the content and the characters underdeveloped. I also believe that if Kearsley hadn't angled this book as "time travel" in a likeness of Diana Gabaldon's best-selling series, Outlander , Kearsley would have had the room to better develop this book.

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The Hustle Economy - Jason Oberholtzer (Illustrated by Jessica Hagy)

Title: The Hustle Economy
Author/Editor: Jason Oberholtzer
Illustrator: Jessica Hagy
Genre: Business; Nonfiction; Self Help
Goodreads Rating: 3.72/5 stars
My Rating: 3.5/ 5 stars
Pages: 224 (Paperback)
Publisher: Running Press
Published: April 5, 2016

Summary: To survive in today's gig economy, you must be a mover, a shaker, a doer, and a maker. In The Hustle Economy, we give you 25 essays from founders, writers, producers, game makers, artists, and creative types from every path who share one common trait--they are all self-made hustlers who have managed to turn their creativity into careers. In this collection you will find essays from: Producer and performer Mike Rugnetta on why "Do what you love" is both the best and worst piece of advice you'll ever receive. Author, television writer, and humorist Emma Koenig on staying focused and productive no matter what life throws at you. Web comic Zach Weinersmith on the equation for success and using your creativity to do what the rest of us won't. Trendspotter Jess Kimball Leslie on identifying your skills and turning it into a successful career. This book exists to inspire and inform. Your creative career is attainable, and we'll show you how to do it and why it's worth it.

"While the suggestion "eat what you want; leave what you don't" might, at first glance, seem like a flippant and self-centered resolve, with little-to-no regard for expense, there is a truism that rings at a deeper level for me. In essence I hear: Do what you want. And of course, the cliché quickly follows: To thine own self be true. In other words don't force yourself to do, or partake, or be force-fed anything that does not whet your appetite, tempt your palate, fit your tastes, or intrigue, entice, or otherwise nourish you." { - Nancy Zastudil }

The Hustle Economy is composed of twenty-five essays by creative individuals, who have turned their passions and creative natures into sustainable careers. Both the editor, Jason Oberholtzer, and the illustrator, Jessica Hagy, wrote an essay, each, for the book, as well.

I had a few reasons for picking this book up: 1.) I loved Jessica Hagy's How to Be Interesting: An Instruction Manual . So, I figured I'd check out any other work that she was involved in. 2.) I'm majoring in English, a highly creative field - depending on what career path, one decides to take. Editing and writing are the two areas of the very broad English field, that I'm interested in; and I've been looking around and asking around for people's professional and personal experiences with creative careers - particularly careers in the English field. 3.) Being a college student, I have the doubts and worries that every college student experiences, no matter what subject they are majoring in. I suppose I was hoping to quell some of those doubts and worries through reading about how others had worked through and/or around their own doubts and worries.

"If you wouldn't daydream about it, it isn't part of the big picture." {- Donna Salgado }

Unfortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for. Which, doesn't make any of these twenty-five individuals' stories and experiences, any less valid. If I was aiming to be a freelancer, a small business owner, a self-employed blogger/editor/artist/ journalist etc... I believe that this collection of essays would have been more applicable to myself. While the core of these essays is rooted in turning one's dreams and passions into realities for his/herself, the executions of the writers' careers were generally non-traditional - breaking away from a large business and facing the career world, alone. There's nothing wrong with any of that, but this advice is more so geared towards the individual, who is pursuing a career that is composed of taking on passionate work when it's available, rather than going after a career that is non-stop passionate work.

What I did take away from this collection of essays is this: to succeed in whatever career one chooses, one needs to have a strong work ethic that is compatible with his/her talents, passions, and the bit of luck that everyone receives, occasionally. And, most importantly, never give up.

The writing, itself, was interesting and well-done. The format of the essays and the illustrations added on to the interest factor. And, I appreciated the diversity of the authors' backgrounds, careers, and experiences. My personal gratification with this novel was low. But, the effort put into this collection of essays is obvious. This wasn't the book for me, but I believe that this would be an excellent addition to the library of any individual, who is wanting to leap into the world of non-traditional creative work.

"Just make good work and put it out there." The first word doesn't mean "simply", it means "only". Don't procrastinate, don't hide your work. And don't make bad work, at least not knowingly." {- Nick Douglas }

In case you missed it, here is my review for Jessica Hagy's  How to Be Interesting: An Instruction Manual .

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The Orchardist - Amanda Coplin Review

Title: The Orchardist
Author: Amanda Coplin
Genre: Fiction; Historical
Goodreads Rating: 3.75/ 5 stars
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Pages: 448 (Paperback)
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: March 5, 2013 (Original publication: January 1, 2012)

Summary: At once intimate and epic, The Orchardist is historical fiction at its best, in the grand literary tradition of William Faulkner, Marilynne Robinson, Michael Ondaatje, Annie Proulx, and Toni Morrison. In her stunningly original and haunting debut novel, Amanda Coplin evokes a powerful sense of place, mixing tenderness and violence as she spins an engrossing tale of a solitary orchardist who provides shelter to two runaway teenage girls in the untamed American West, and the dramatic consequences of his actions.

"And that was the point of children, thought Caroline Middey: to bind us to the earth and the present, to distract us from death. A distraction dressed as a blessing: but dressed so well, and so truly, that it became a blessing."

This debut novel by Amanda Coplin, blew me out of the water. And, I'm amazed that this book only has a 3.75/5 stars rating on Goodreads. Books like "The Orchardist" are the books that are deserving of buzz and praise. I can't say that I've read a book about the human existence and loneliness, that was written this well and beautifully. I'm grateful for good friends, who recommend fantastic books.

"Somewhere along the way he had forgotten to remember her, he had forgotten to constantly call her back from the distances she was always intent on pursuing."

Coplin addresses a few themes in "The Orchardist", but the primary themes are the human experience, loss, and loneliness. The reader is faced with three generations that are forced to play out these themes, in varying ways. I won't elaborate on how those themes are portrayed for each generation - for each character, because I don't want to spoil the plot and the conflicts. But, I will say that loneliness, vulnerability, varying degrees of love, existential dread, obsession, and fear of abandonment are accurately and painfully portrayed through the beautiful, unforgiving wilderness and the unrelenting characters. The silent strength that was a slow burn for each character, linked everyone's struggles. Through these linked struggles, lives became intertwined. And instead of clinging to one another as a means of withstanding the sharp pain of memory and the weight of their struggles, the characters pushed one another away. By refusing to be vulnerable of their own accord, the characters were unaware of how vulnerable they made themselves by hiding from the world and from love.

"And then she woke and there were no men and no horses, there was no orchard and orchardist and child, there was no fruit and no sky, no wet - smelling air; only emptiness. There was no time. There was no wilderness to lose oneself inside. She touched her face in the dark; she had her self. But then, she thought, her self was nothing. She was nothing. Why are we born? She thought. What does it mean to be born? To die?"

Existential dread, is something that everyone experiences in life - typically more than once. Most people refer to it as a sense of hopelessness or being purposeless. To not have a purpose, an identity, or a reprieve from loneliness, is the equivalent of being suffocated by a bleak existence. This existential dread is highlighted in the lives of Talmadge and Della. The more I think about it, the more I wonder which is more important: a purpose or someone who loves you and who allows you to love them? Or is our unifying purpose: to love and to be loved? But, then the question arises: is there enough love in the world to fill up a broken spirit? If there is, I believe that The Orchardist would have been given an alternate ending. While this ending broke my heart, and left me feeling a bit uneasy, the book wouldn't have been as poignant or unforgettable if it hadn't ended the way it did.

The writing is beautiful and the flow of the plot is in tune with the development of the characters. There were points where the book was slow, but those points were typically devoid of character growth. The surrounding wilderness is enticing but unpredictable, a wonderful symbol for the complexity of love.

I can't wait to see what Coplin comes out with next!

"Jane had warned her: children come to displace. They live on earth after you are gone, and forget you."

Until next time! Thank you for stopping by! And if you have yet to do so, follow me here on my blog via email subscription to be able to stay informed on when new posts are uploaded.

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Book Haul

Happy Monday!

This past weekend, I bought a few books that have been on my radar for a while. So yes, my bookshelves are losing space at an alarming rate. At this point, I'm pretending that I don't need to invest in another bookcase - which is a blatant lie.

This past weekend, I also decided that I'm going to invest more of my time and my creativity into my blog and my Goodreads account because a) blogging is a passion of mine, b) blog work is something that I'd like to be able to incorporate into my career, and c) Goodreads is an amazing community that I'd like to grow into while applying that growth to my own blog, as well.

I also hope that you all like the aesthetic/layout changes that I made to my blog, over the weekend. The minimalistic aesthetic vibes wonderfully with my personal tastes. While the aesthetic is minimalistic, I wholeheartedly plan on continuing to give the content on this blog, depth and qualities that will generate thought provoking conversation.



Title: What Happened to Goodbye
Author: Sarah Dessen
Genre: Young Adult; Romance; Contemporary; Women's Fiction; Chick Lit
Goodreads Rating: 3.97/ 5 stars
Pages: 402 (Paperback)
Publisher: Speak
Published: April 9, 2013 (Original publication: 2011)

Summary: Following her parents' bitter divorce as she and her father move from town to town, seventeen-year-old Mclean reinvents herself at each school she attends until she is no longer sure she knows who she is or where she belongs.

Sarah Dessen is the author who made me fall in love with contemporary novels and romance novels. I'm a romantic, but a romantic who has zero tolerance for puppy love; toxic NA love; instantaneous love; and most YA love centric novels. But, Dessen isn't your typical YA author. She possesses a wonderful amount of depth and insight, that she isn't afraid to utilize. Dessen also doesn't sugarcoat anything. She's honest and authentic; particularly when it comes to love. Obviously, (I hope it's obvious, anyways) no one and no relationship is perfect. But our imperfections shouldn't keep us from experiencing the beauty and joy of love and being in love, and everything in between.

I'm ecstatic to be getting back into Dessen's work and to be revisiting her novels that were and are the highlights of my contemporary and romantic reading. I'm also incredibly disappointed that I most likely won't be able to meet Dessen on her 2017 summer book tour/promotion for her upcoming release, Once and for All . For any of you that may be interested, here is a link to the dates, times, and locations for the book tour: Dessen book tour 2017 .




Title: Anansi Boys
Author: Neil Gaiman
Series: American Gods #2
Genre: Fantasy; Fiction; Urban Fantasy; Mythology; Science Fiction; Humor; Adult; Contemporary
Goodreads Rating: 4.0/ 5 stars
Pages: 368 (Paperback)
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published: January 22, 2008 (Original publication: 2005)

Summary: God is dead. Meet the kids.

Fat Charlie Nancy’s normal life ended the moment his father dropped dead on a Florida karaoke stage. Charlie didn’t know his dad was a god. And he never knew he had a brother. Now brother Spider is on his doorstep—about to make Fat Charlie’s life more interesting . . . and a lot more dangerous.

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors - the man is ridiculously talented. I read the first book in this series, American Gods, about three years ago. Although it was confusing at times and somewhat all over the place, it was a fantastically engaging read. It was an instant page turner because you were dying to find out what else Gaiman had up his sleeve.

The second that I got wind of American Gods being adapted by Starz for a TV series, I wanted to reread American Gods and finish the series. The TV series is only three episodes in and Starz has already signed it on for a second season. So far, the show is fantastic. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season will play out. The second episode, "The Secret of Spoons", introduced viewers to the god, Anansi. It was a phenomenal performance by Orlando Jones. It left me on the edge of my seat, dying to see more of Jones.

I believe that watching the show and reading the book simultaneously would be the easiest way to best understand and retain the material. I highly recommend reading the series and checking out the show! Here is a link to the trailer for the show: American Gods .

Title: Everything I Never Told You

Author: Celeste Ng

Genre: Contemporary

Goodreads Rating: 3.77/5 stars

Pages: 292 (Paperback)

Publisher: Penguin Books

Published: May 12, 2015 (Original publication: June 26, 2014)

Summary: Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet . . . So begins this debut novel about a mixed-race family living in 1970s Ohio and the tragedy that will either be their undoing or their salvation. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee; their middle daughter, a girl who inherited her mother’s bright blue eyes and her father’s jet-black hair. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue—in Marilyn’s case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James’s case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the center of every party.

When Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together tumbles into chaos, forcing them to confront the long-kept secrets that have been slowly pulling them apart.

I've been wanting to check this book out for a while now, and not because of the buzz it's been generating. I'm always on the hunt for books that will serve as a personal compass for my journey towards better understanding myself. I'm a firm believer in books coming into our lives for (generally) unknown reasons at particular moments. And many of those books will allow us to better know who we are and what we want and need in life.

Title: In a Dark, Dark Wood

Author: Ruth Ware

Genre: Mystery; Fiction; Thriller; Suspense

Goodreads Rating: 3.64/5 stars

Pages: 352 (Paperback)

Publisher: Scout Press

Published: April 19, 2016 (Original publication: 2015)

Summary: Sometimes the only thing to fear…is yourself.
When reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods.

The mystery/crime fiction/ thriller/suspense scene has been doing a superb job of holding my interest. One of my top favorite bloggers, Abby, the blogger behind Crime by the Book , recommended this book a while back, and I'm finally getting around to it.

Title: Macbeth

Author: William Shakespeare

Genre: Plays; Fiction; Classics; Literature; Theatre; Tragedy

Goodreads Rating: 3.88/ 5 stars

Pages: 336 (Paperback)

Publisher: Barnes and Noble Shakespeare

Published: January 25, 2007 (Original publication: 1606)

Summary: The only Shakespearean tragedy that has a villain as its hero, Macbeth presents a stark and disturbing view of the psychology of wickedness and guilt. The editor, Jesse M. Lander, draws on the early modern literature of witchcraft and demonology to provide an illuminating context for the play.

When you're a fan of Shakespeare and you have to create a power point about Shakespeare and his work, and then present said power point in a literature course, you're bound to want to read more Shakespeare - on your own time.

Title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Author: Betty Smith

Genre: Classics; Historical; Fiction

Goodreads Rating: 4.24/5 stars

Pages: 493 (Paperback)

Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics

Publication: January 18, 2005 (Original publication: 1943)

Summary: The American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the century.

I  finally purchased this beloved classic.

I have yet to purchase the following book, but I plan on doing so in a bit. It's a new publication by a budding author, that you can purchase from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It is available as both an e-book and in paperback format.

Title: Strange Fate

Author: Jessica Miller

Series: The Guardians #1

Genre: Romance; New Adult; Paranormal; Fantasy

Goodreads Rating: 3.89/5 stars

Pages: 436 (Paperback)

Publisher: Self-published

Published: January 31, 2017

Summary: Olivia thought she was doomed to spend eternity in purgatory. A punishment worse than death for saving an innocent that was destined to die. Stopping death was against the rules and breaking those rules had consequences. The higher powers decided to give Olivia a second chance to redeem herself with a new charge, little did she know this particular charge would truly make her work for her redemption and lead her back to the person she risked her life to save.

Oliver had everything going for him. A girlfriend he cared for deeply, a best friend who was following him to college and the chance to start his life. That was until one night he ran into the girl he’d been dreaming about since he was five. The beautiful blonde who saved his life thirteen years ago. Oliver can’t believe she’s real and can’t seem to stay away from her, but their reunion isn’t coincidental. Fate has brought them back together for a reason. There is a war brewing between good and evil and destiny has chosen the only two people who can keep the balance and save the world from self-destruction.

Will Oliver and Olivia be able to stop the world from diving into darkness or will they be too blinded by their own inner demons to survive what fate has in store for them?

Sounds like the best of both worlds for the reader who loves a side of romance with his/her paranormal and fantasy reads. Miller is highly appreciative of honest and thorough reviews. If you do check this book out, don't forget to hop onto Goodreads, Amazon, and/or Barnes and Noble's website, and leave a review!

Let me know if you spotted any favorites or any books that you've been looking forward to reading.

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What I Read in April...

April wrap up!

April was a fantastic reading month for me, which was primarily due to the semester winding down and freeing me up to have more time to read. I read thirteen books in April, which put me five books ahead for my Goodreads 2017 reading challenge.



Title: The Handmaid's Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Genre: Fiction; Classics; Science Fiction; Dystopia; Feminism; Fantasy; Literature; Adult Fiction
Goodreads Rating: 4.03/ 5 stars
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Pages: 311 (Paperback)
Publisher: Anchor Books
Published: March 16, 1998 (Original publication: 1985)

Summary: Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

"It's lack of love we die from."

The Handmaid's Tale has gained a ton of publicity over the course of the past few months due to the book flying off the shelves because of the current distasteful political climate in the U.S. and the wonderfully booming feminist movement (all over the world); and the hit TV series adaptation of the book that was just renewed for a second season and will be premiering in 2018. I was enthralled by the story and characters that Atwood brought to life in The Handmaid's Tale. I believe that certain books and authors fall into our lives at particular moments to emphasize elements in our lives, changes, individuals, and instances of inspiration. Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale are two of the biggest highlights of my year in reading for 2017.

My review for The Handmaid's Tale

Title: Forever...
Author: Judy Blume
Genre: Chick-Lit; Contemporary; Contemporary Romance; Romance; Young Adult
Goodreads Rating: 3.63/ 5 stars
My Rating: 4/ 5 stars
Pages: 240 (Paperback)
Publisher: Atheneum Books
Published: April 29, 2014 (Original publication: 1975)

Summary: There's a first for everything.

When you build up something in your mind -- really imagine it, wish for it -- sometimes, when it actually happens, it doesn't live up to your expectations.

True love is nothing like that.

Especially not for Katherine and Michael, who can't get enough of each other. Their relationship is unique: sincere, intense, and fun all at the same time. Although they haven't been together all that long, they know it's serious. A whole world opens up as young passion and sexuality bloom.

But it's senior year of high school, and there are big changes ahead. Michael and Katherine are destined for another big "first": a decision. Is this the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?

'There are so many ways to love a person."

I first read this book at 10 years old, completely disregarding the 18+ age rating because that's what kids do. This book was my introduction to sex and romantic relationships in the literary world, as well as my first detailed experience with sex, contraception, and how sex changes the individual as well as the relationship. I'm so glad that Blume pushed for this book's "controversial" publication back in the seventies, because this book is a wonderful dose of reality and a coming of age novel. The characters aren't necessarily likeable, but the story is more about what the characters represent rather than who they are.

Lust vs. love. There's a gigantic difference between the two that tends to get muddied, far more often than it should. And Blume highlights this difference up until the very end of the novel.

Forever... is not a book about cliché romance or the perfect romance, and that's exactly why I love it. Blume gives the reader an unapologetic look at sexuality and young romance. Nothing and no one are perfect and, often, young romance is just the stepping stone to a mature, fulfilling romance. Sex and love are not synonymous, but it would be a mistake to think that the two don't complement one another, because they do. Personally, I don't believe in soul mates. Statistically speaking, there are seven people in this world that one person would be compatible with and potentially able to have a lasting, loving, healthy relationship with. More than one person can give you that "spark". And I am so glad that Blume decided to write a book that was realistic and hopeful.

Title: Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions

Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Genre: Nonfiction; Feminism; Essays

Goodreads Rating: 4.56/ 5 stars

My Rating: 5/5 stars

Pages: 63 (Hardcover)

Publisher: Knopf Publishing

Published: March 7, 2017

Summary: A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a dear friend from childhood, asking her how to raise her baby girl as a feminist. Dear Ijeawele is Adichie's letter of response.

Here are fifteen invaluable suggestions--compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive--for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter, and not only a doll, as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner, and that men can "allow" women to have full careers, Dear Ijeawele goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the twenty-first century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today.

"The knowledge of cooking does not come pre-installed in a vagina."

I don't think that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is capable of writing anything less than stellar. I'm beyond happy to have access to the powerful and insightful messages of women like Adichie. A must read for all women and men, who are endeavoring to create a world in which women and men, of all ethnic backgrounds, can live lives that are not caged in by societal standards. Title: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Author: Edith Hamilton Genre: Fantasy; Mythology; Classics; Nonfiction; History Goodreads Rating: 3.98/ 5 stars My Rating: 2/5 stars Pages: 482 (Paperback) Publisher: Back Bay Books Published: April 30, 2013 (Original publication: 1942) Summary: Since its original publication by Little, Brown and Company in 1942, Edith Hamilton's Mythology has sold millions of copies throughout the world and established itself as a perennial bestseller in its various available formats: hardcover, trade paperback, mass market paperback, and e-book. Mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the Greek, Roman, and Norse myths and legends that are the keystone of Western culture - the stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present. "Love cannot live where there is no trust." The information is thoroughly researched and articulated well; but it was all far too dry to keep my attention. Plus, a lot of it was more beginner information, that I was already well versed in. I would only recommend this for someone who was new to Greek and Roman mythology. Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Author: J.K. Rowling Series: Harry Potter #1 Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Magic; Adventure; Classics; Science Fiction Fantasy; Paranormal Goodreads Rating: 4.44/ 5 stars My Rating: 5/5 stars Pages: 320 (Hardcover) Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books Published: June 26, 1997 Summary: Harry Potter's life is miserable. His parents are dead and he's stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he's a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry. Though Harry's first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it's his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined. Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Each single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather - just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother - why, its brother gave you that scar." This was my second time reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but my first time reading it as an adult. I absolutely love that this young adult series doesn't read as a children's book. It's perfect for all ages. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather - just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother - why, its brother gave you that scar." - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone I can't believe how easily I had forgotten about how amazing it feels to be immersed in Rowling's wizarding world. I missed her vast array of chI can't believe how easily I had forgotten about how amazing it feels to be immersed in Rowling's wizarding world. I missed her vast array of characters and well thought out plot. There are so many instances in this book that I love, but I think that my top favorite is a tie between Harry's experience with the Mirror of Erised and Harry's encounter with the centaurs in the Forbidden Forest. I'm thrilled to, finally, be revisiting Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Reading HP as an adult, is just as magical as reading HP was when I was a kid. Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Illustrated Edition) Author: J.K. Rowling Illustrator: Jim Kay Series: Harry Potter #1 Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Magic; Adventure; Classics; Science Fiction Fantasy; Paranormal Goodreads Rating: 4.44/5 stars My Rating: 5/5 stars Pages: 256 (Hardcover) Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books Published: October 6, 2015 Summary: The beloved first book of the Harry Potter series, now fully illustrated by award-winning artist Jim Kay. For the first time, J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter books will be presented in lavishly illustrated full-color editions. Kate Greenaway-award winning artist Jim Kay has created over 100 stunning illustrations, making this deluxe format a perfect gift as much for a child being introduced to the series, as for the dedicated fan. Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility. All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley--a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry--and anyone who reads about him---will find unforgettable. "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that." A wonderful companion to the HP series! I'm in love with the beautiful artwork and attention to detail. A must have for any HP fan. Title: On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Author: Timothy Snyder Genre: Nonfiction; Politics; History; Philosophy; Political Science Goodreads Rating: 4.33/5 stars My Rating: 5/5 stars Pages: 128 (Paperback) Publisher: Tim Duggan Books Published: March 28, 2017 Summary: An historian of fascism offers a guide for surviving and resisting America’s turn towards authoritarianism. On November 9th, millions of Americans woke up to the impossible: the election of Donald Trump as president. Against all predictions, one of the most-disliked presidential candidates in history had swept the electoral college, elevating a man with open contempt for democratic norms and institutions to the height of power. Timothy Snyder is one of the most celebrated historians of the Holocaust. In his books Bloodlands and Black Earth, he has carefully dissected the events and values that enabled the rise of Hitler and Stalin and the execution of their catastrophic policies. With Twenty Lessons, Snyder draws from the darkest hours of the twentieth century to provide hope for the twenty-first. As he writes, “Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism and communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience.” Twenty Lessons is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come. "You submit to tyranny when you renounce the difference between what you want to hear and what is actually the case." A necessary read for the aware and ever inquisitive individual; who is unsatisfied with and disturbed by the current political climate and governing bodies around the world. Particularly relevant for all Americans, who are looking to educate themselves on how to resist the current U.S. "presidential" administration. Title: Lux Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout Series: Lux #1-2 Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy; Paranormal; Romance; Science Fiction Goodreads Rating: 4.62/ 5 stars My Rating: 4/5 stars Pages: 801 (Paperback) Publisher: Entangled Published: June 3, 2014 Summary: ObsidianThere’s an alien next door. And with his looming height and eerie green eyes, he’s hot… until he opens his mouth. He’s infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, he marks me. Turns out he has a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal his abilities and the only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to him until my alien mojo fades. If I don’t kill him first, that is. Onyx Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems. I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me? "Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys." Somehow, I forgot how hilarious and easy going, Armentrout is. Her dialogue is so engrossing and never fails to have me in stitches. Her characters are well developed and ridiculously fun to follow. And dear Lord, the woman has created some of the most attractive and interesting male characters that I've ever had the pleasure of drooling over! Title: Christmas in Lucky Harbor Author: Jill Shalvis Series: Lucky Harbor #1-2 Genre: Romance; Contemporary Romance; Contemporary; Fiction; Women's Fiction; Chick Lit Goodreads Rating: 4.33/ 5 stars My Rating: 5/5 stars Pages: 770 (Paperback) Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Published: September 24, 2013 (Original publication: January 1, 2011) Summary: Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1) After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs... The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor #2) Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants. "He was worth it. He was worth the potential heartache, because without him she was pretty sure her heart would cease to work anyway." How to know that you've found a new favorite romance author: 1. You finish the book within 42 hours. 2. You can't stop thinking about how different life will appear to you, once you're in love. 3. You're genuinely upset about having to leave the characters and their wonderful storylines behind. 4. You have an idea of how you want to be loved and how you in turn, would like to give love. Shalvis is a fantastic romantic. Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover Author: Sarah MacLean Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #2 Genre: Romance; Historical Romance; Historical; Regency Goodreads Rating: 4.06/ 5 stars My Rating: 1/5 stars Pages: 373 (Mass Market Paperback) Publisher: Avon Published: January 29, 2013 Summary: Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross. Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion—the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting... and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts—and giving the lady precisely what she wants. What the hell? What happened to having strong heroines, who don't follow jackass men around like lost puppies? I tried MacLean, I tried. But no dice. Title: Head Over Heels Author: Jill Shalvis Series: Lucky Harbor #3 Genre: Romance; Contemporary Romance; Contemporary; Women's Fiction; Chick Lit; Fiction Goodreads Rating: 4.16/ 5 stars My Rating: 5/5 stars Pages: 350 (Mass Market Paperback) Publisher: Forever Publishing Published: December 1, 2011 Summary: Breaking rules and breaking hearts Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways. Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor? "Life's short, Sawyer. Sometimes you have to take what you can get and make it okay." The youngest Traeger sister, Chloe's story was just as difficult to put down as Maddie's and Tara's. I'm pretty upset about having to say "goodbye" to the sisters and all their adventures through life and love. I have officially found my contemporary romance guilty pleasure writer. I bought and read this book in the same day - the definition of hooked! I want to be upset with Shalvis for putting me in tune with my previously neglected romantic side, but I really can't complain. Title: Valley of the Dolls Author: Jaqueline Susann Genre: Fiction; Classics; Women's Fiction; Chick Lit; Romance Goodreads Rating: 3.7/5 stars My Rating: 1/5 stars Pages: 442 (Paperback) Publisher: Grove Press Published: September 22, 1997 (Original publication: 1966) Summary: Dolls: red or black; capsules or tablets; washed down with vodka or swallowed straight-for Anne, Neely, and Jennifer, it doesn't matter, as long as the pill bottle is within easy reach. These three women become best friends when they are young and struggling in New York City and then climb to the top of the entertainment industry-only to find that there is no place left to go but down-into the Valley of the Dolls. DNF at 100 pgs. Trust me, I wanted to DNF this book after page five but I figured I should give it a shot. 100 pages was all I could stomach. It pains me to shelve this book as "classic", "chick lit", "romance", and "women's fiction". This book is everything that is wrong with institutionalized sexism; and exactly why people want to beat the life out of misogyny. Aside from the poor writing and awful characters, I was beyond disappointed that this book had been written by a woman. I'm going to gi DNF at 100 pgs. (DNF = Did Not Finish) Trust me, I wanted to DNF this book after page five but I figured I should give it a shot. 100 pages was all I could stomach. It pains me to shelve this book as "classic", "chick lit", "romance", and "women's fiction". This book is everything that is wrong with institutionalized sexism; and exactly why people want to beat the life out of misogyny. Aside from the poor writing and awful characters, I was beyond disappointed that this book had been written by a woman. I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt, and chalk up her own blatant ignorance to the period in which she was raised and lived in. So, disappointed. Title: Pride and Prejudice Author: Jane Austen Genre: Classics; Fiction; Romance; Historical; Literature; Historical Romance; Adult; British Literature Goodreads Rating: 4.24/ 5 stars My Rating: 2/5 stars Pages: 376 (Paperback) Publisher: Barnes & Noble Classics Published: August 1, 2003 (Original publication: January 28, 1813) Summary: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.' Thus memorably begins Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, one of the world's most popular novels. Pride and Prejudice—Austen's own 'darling child'—tells the story of fiercely independent Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters who must marry rich, as she confounds the arrogant, wealthy Mr. Darcy. What ensues is one of the most delightful and engrossingly readable courtships known to literature, written by a precocious Austen when she was just twenty-one years old. Humorous and profound, and filled with highly entertaining dialogue, this witty comedy of manners dips and turns through drawing-rooms and plots to reach an immensely satisfying finale. In the words of Eudora Welty, Pride and Prejudice is as 'irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be.' "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." DNF at 100 pages.  (DNF = Did Not Finish) I wanted to love this book in the worst way. I'm beyond obsessed with the movie and Mr. Darcy, and I was hoping to end up being just as obsessed with the book. But, nothing seriously happened until page 100 and even beyond that point EVERYTHING happened at a snail pace - if at all. I was prepared to die of boredom and high expectations. Unfortunately, my first experience with Austen's work wasn't spectacular; but, I am hoping that I'll end up enjoying some of her other works. What were your favorite April reads? Until next time! Thank you for stopping by! 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