Review: Mortal Engines

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The world in which this book lives is fascinating. I think the concepts in it of the traveling cities, the rebuilding of civilization, and the opposition to it is ripe with possibility. There is a decent amount of action in this book, and I found some of it hard to follow. There was a lot of travel, action, fighting, intrigue, and world building crammed into a relatively short book. It was a quick read. I read the first 100 pages in one sitting.

And yet, I still didn't love it. I felt like everything was set up to be amazing, and I loved the concept of many of the characters. But as I spent more time with a character they seemed to fall flat. It felt like I was reading the outline of a great book, and not something fully realized. I wanted more with the characters. I could see elements of them that had potential, but I ended up reading almost all of them as similar and indistinguishable. There were a few exceptions where intention, characterization, dialogue and choice made characters breathe a little more life and individuality. The two that come to mind are Fang, and Shrike; and yet, neither make it to the end of the book.

I didn't feel connected with the two "main" characters that will continue the series, as I felt they were so bland. Which is odd because they both have great back stories and have done some incredible things. I don't think I will seek out the sequels, but if I happen upon them I might read more. I read so much potential. Seriously it is like an outline of an amazing epic tale, that never found the details to make it come alive.

View all my reviews

Review: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. It was also kinda hard to read for me. Something as simple as Love yourself at the end of each chapter made me cry EVERY TIME. I believe that indicates this is a book I needed to read. I powered through it the best I could. I typically read thirty minutes a day. And yet, I did not get to thirty minutes a day with this book. My normal reading for this book was read until I can't see from crying. I didn't attempt any of the activities the book during my first read through. I will read through this again even slower, and try to see if the lessons/activities help.

I found this book in a weird way. I bought and have been using off and on the Planner that is based off this book. I had no idea there was a book connected to the planner. I just liked the color/sayings/habit tracker. When I saw this book a month later, I thought I should give it a read. I am glad I did. I like this book. It may be very helpful for me on this journey I have been on for the past 10 months. We shall see.

I am finished reading, but I am not finished with this book.

View all my reviews

Review: The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

So, I finished it.

Have you ever gotten to a point where you are just kinda hate-reading something? I mean you don't like it, but you feel you have to get through it for some reason: This Book.

O' This Book.

I didn't hate ALL of it. I mean I even liked a few characters, Hobie, Andy, Boris (sometimes). So why did I get to a hate read feeling? It felt like literary drugs. (Which is almost funny cause there is a LOT of drug taking in this book. ) What I mean by that is the author does everything to make sure you are just gonna read a little more. I dont mind being manipulated in a such a manner if I am really engaged in the content. I was not. The sections (sure, I will call it that) were short, and encouraged the mentality of Just one more. The opening is set up with a frame work that makes the reader know enough of the characters future to be "worried" I guess. I am all for a fun framing device or a exciting opening, but it seemed so formulaic.

References seemed to happen a decent amount, also something I am Not entirely opposed to. I like the feeling of "Oh I know that thing!" I am not immune to that type of charm. But many of these seemed to be thrown about just to entice that or worse "look how smart I am, and how smart you are reader." I felt the references did little for the atmosphere, characterization, plot, etc and seemed to be thrown in most of the time. There were a few that were in poignant points, but over-all felt like just more tactics for tactic sake.

Overall I felt it trite/cliche even, and seemingly full of self-importance. But, I finished it.

So I supposed I was entertained enough, even if a good portion of my reading time included a lot of Sighs, "get on with it," "I don't carrrreee," and 'WHYS."

A lot of people love this book, and I am happy for them. I am not one of them, and I will be glad to give it to my used book store. May the next reader like it more than me.

View all my reviews