Tag Archives: to read

Shelf Control #330: Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Pandemonium
Author: Daryl Gregory
Published: 2008
Length: 288 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

It is a world like our own in every respect . . . save one. In the 1950s, random acts of possession begin to occur. Ordinary men, women, and children are the targets of entities that seem to spring from the depths of the collective unconscious, pop-cultural avatars some call demons. There’s the Truth, implacable avenger of falsehood. The Captain, brave and self-sacrificing soldier. The Little Angel, whose kiss brings death, whether desired or not. And a string of others, ranging from the bizarre to the benign to the horrific.

As a boy, Del Pierce is possessed by the Hellion, an entity whose mischief-making can be deadly. With the help of Del’s family and a caring psychiatrist, the demon is exorcised . . . or is it? Years later, following a car accident, the Hellion is back, trapped inside Del’s head and clamoring to get out.

Del’s quest for help leads him to Valis, an entity possessing the science fiction writer formerly known as Philip K. Dick; to Mother Mariette, a nun who inspires decidedly unchaste feelings; and to the Human League, a secret society devoted to the extermination of demons. All believe that Del holds the key to the plague of possession–and its solution. But for Del, the cure may be worse than the disease.

How and when I got it:

I bought a paperback over five years ago, most likely at a library sale.

Why I want to read it:

I think this book initially made its way into my hands based on a friend’s enthusiastic review. And given that she’s both a huge horror reader and someone who knows my tastes, I tend to pay attention when she insists I need to read something.

I love the sound of these possessions, and think it’s hilarious that Philip K. Dick is one of the people possessed in this story! The premise sound weird and original and truly engaging, and I do intend to read this book… now I just need to make time for it.

Pandemonium is author Daryl Gregory’s first novel. I’ve read two other books by this author (We Are All Completely Fine and The Album of Doctor Moreau, both terrific), and I’m very up for reading more. If you’ve read any other of his books, please let me know if you have a favorite!

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

The Boston Bibliophile


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/8/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Photo by Avinash Patel on Pexels.com

On the road again! By the time this post goes up, I’ll be on day 2 of a 3-day mini-road trip with my husband. Nothing too fancy, but I couldn’t let the month of August go by without attempting to squeeze in one more little getaway. We’ll be spending time in the Carmel/Monterey/Big Sur area of California, not too far from home, but with some beautiful sights to see — and (we hope) yummy food, great hikes, and pretty places to just spread out on a blanket and relax!

Blogging.

I had an unusual couple of days this past week, in terms of blog stats. Out of nowhere, I had about 3 days in a row with over 2,000 views — and believe me, that is exponentially much more than my normal traffic! What’s behind the big bump? Virgin River! I published a post with my thoughts on season 4 of the Netflix show, and for whatever reason, it got a huge number of views!

My takeaway, after looking at my stats in general, is that in-the-moment Netflix-related posts seem to get much, much more traffic than any book-related posts… but I’m still a book-woman at heart and will always focus on writing about what I read (despite the allure of a spike in blog visits).

What did I read during the last week?

Upgrade by Blake Crouch: Fascinating, scary sci-fi! My review is here.

The Comeback by Lily Chu (narrated by Phillipa Soo): So much fun. My review is here.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: 3.5 stars. The setting makes for an engaging, unusual backdrop, but I felt oddly unengaged by this retelling of a classic. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finally got out to a movie! Making a date with a friend helps — I’ve been wanting to see the new Thor movie since it came out, but kept procrastinating… until my friend insisted we commit. It was fun! The screaming goats may have been my favorite part…

In home viewing, I watched The Summer I Turned Pretty over on Amazon Video, which was sweet and nicely done, and very faithful to the Jenny Han book (as far as I recall). Weirdly, I know I read the full trilogy (the first season corresponds to book #1), but I have zero memory of what happens in the other books. I guess I’ll have to wait for season 2 and 3 to find out!

I also started Paper Girls (also on Amazon), but haven’t had time to get very far. I read 3 or 4 volumes of the graphic novel series and really liked the story, and the show seems to be doing a great job of adapting it so far.

Fresh Catch:

One new book! I did in fact read this book via Kindle pretty much the second it came out last fall, but it was just released in paperback and I had to have a copy of my own. Plus, with the next October Daye book coming in early September (this will be #16 — can you believe it?), it’s time for a reread!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

These are the two books I have queued up on my Kindle for my road trip — I’m pretty close to finishing Lucy Checks In, and then will be starting Love in the Time of Serial Killers. I’ll share my thoughts when I get back!

Now playing via audiobook:

Thank You For Listening by Julie Whelan: A novel about an audiobook narrator? How could I not listen to the audiobook version, especially when it’s narrated by the author, who is herself an outstanding audiobook narrator! I’ve been loving it so far (at about the midpoint currently), but had to take a break while on my trip. (My husband DOES NOT appreciate my attempts to get him to listen to audiobooks while we’re driving!)

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week, and we’re close to the end. This week, we’re starting Act V.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I’ve been trying to read one or two tales per week, and this week read A Winter’s Tale. Really fun project!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #329: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Published: 2016
Length: 221 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

While the Titanic and Lusitania are both well-documented disasters, the single greatest tragedy in maritime history is the little-known January 30, 1945 sinking in the Baltic Sea by a Soviet submarine of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German cruise liner that was supposed to ferry wartime personnel and refugees to safety from the advancing Red Army. The ship was overcrowded with more than 10,500 passengers — the intended capacity was approximately 1,800 — and more than 9,000 people, including 5,000 children, lost their lives.

Sepetys (writer of ‘Between Shades of Gray’) crafts four fictionalized but historically accurate voices to convey the real-life tragedy. Joana, a Lithuanian with nursing experience; Florian, a Prussian soldier fleeing the Nazis with stolen treasure; and Emilia, a Polish girl close to the end of her pregnancy, converge on their escape journeys as Russian troops advance; each will eventually meet Albert, a Nazi peon with delusions of grandeur, assigned to the Gustloff decks.

How and when I got it:

I have a paperback edition on my shelf, which I think I bought at a used book store at least 3 or 4 years ago.

Why I want to read it:

This book had so many great reviews when it came out! I remember reading newspaper reviews (all positive) at the time, plus so many bloggers talked about how powerful it is.

I’ve read one book by Ruta Sepetys before — Out of the Easy — set in 1950s New Orleans. I liked it, but not as much as I’d expected to, and while I’ve heard good things about other books by this author, I haven’t gotten around to exploring any other of her works.

I’m drawn to Salt to the Sea based on the premise — because yes, while I’m quite familiar with the Titanic and the Lusitania, before picking up this book, I’d never heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff. There’s something so awful about ships sinking — the idea of it is absolutely terrifying to me, and the scale of this particular tragedy is so huge that it’s hard to comprehend.

I’m glad I stumbled across my copy of Salt to the Sea while thinking about what book to feature this week! It sounds like an emotional read, and I’m interested in the historical aspects as well as the stories of the individual characters.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/1/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Wait… how did it get to be August already? Summer is zipping by!

I made a quick trip to Seattle this past weekend to attend a family wedding, and it was lovely! A truly joyful, loving occasion, plus a wonderful chance to spend time with family I haven’t seen in a long time. What a treat!

Blogging.

I didn’t see a note from WordPress on this (although maybe it happened during a busy week when I wasn’t online much)… but I believe July 2022 marks my 10-year anniversary of blogging! I’ll need to double-check (maybe I have my dates wrong) — but in any case, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long! What a blast it’s all been.

What did I read during the last week?

Heat Wave by TJ Klune: I love the entire The Extraordinaries trilogy, and book #3 is an epic, awesome finale! My review is here.

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: A surprisingly enjoyable treat! This was my Classics Club spin book for the summer, and I’m so glad I had a challenge to motivate me to read this. My thoughts are here.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch: Finished on the plane home — review to follow. (Short version: Fascinating and impossible to put down).

Pop culture & TV:

Oh dear… I finished season 4 of Virgin River and shared some thoughts, and my post has (I think) become my most-viewed post ever! Not everyone agrees with me… but that’s what blog post discussions are for!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Just getting started, but I’ve yet to be bored by one of this author’s books!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Comeback by Lily Chu (narrated by Phillipa Soo): I’m loving this audiobook! Only about an hour left to listen to — it’s really fun and engaging.

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: Progress, finally! I read one more story this week — A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sweet! I’m going to try to read a few each week from here on out.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #328: Red Moon by Benjamin Percy

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Red Moon
Author: Benjamin Percy
Published: 2013
Length: 544 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

They live among us.

They are our neighbors, our mothers, our lovers.

They change.

When government agents kick down Claire Forrester’s front door and murder her parents, Claire realizes just how different she is. Patrick Gamble was nothing special until the day he got on a plane and hours later stepped off it, the only passenger left alive, a hero. Chase Williams has sworn to protect the people of the United States from the menace in their midst, but he is becoming the very thing he has promised to destroy. So far, the threat has been controlled by laws and violence and drugs. But the night of the red moon is coming, when an unrecognizable world will emerge…and the battle for humanity will begin.

How and when I got it:

I picked up a paperback edition several years ago, most likely through a local used book store.

Why I want to read it:

In case it’s not entirely clear from the synopsis, this is a werewolf book! I remember hearing about Red Moon when it was first released — especially, that this is not the story of a werewolf as an urban fantasy love interest, but a gory, violent, disturbing tale with (if I remember correctly) plenty of political allegory as well. (I could be wrong on that point).

I’ve read all sorts of werewolf stories, from before and after this one was published, and I enjoy a variety of approaches, but the only other truly super dark one I’ve read is The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan, which is very, very dark indeed (but also excellent).

I’ve held onto Red Moon for years, and since then, have read several other of Benjamin Percy’s books. He’s a gifted, inventive writer with a flair for telling unexpected stories. I think my favorite of his so far is The Dead Lands (published 2015), which is soooo icky at times but also mesmerizing and unlike anything else I’ve read.

I do think I still want to read Red Moon, but given how long it is and how much time has passed since I added it to my TBR pile, I’m going to really have to talk myself into giving it a try.

In case you want to know more, here are a couple of reviews that I bookmarked for future reference:
New York Times
NPR

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Reviews Feed


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/25/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

A nice relaxing weekend after an intense workweek!

This will probably sound silly, but one of the little things I started doing for myself recently is getting my nails all prettified! I hadn’t had a manicure in over 10 years, but last month indulged prior to going to a wedding, and I realized that I really liked it… so I went again yesterday and ended up pink and sparkly.

Kind of fun doing something just for the sake of feeling upbeat — and the process itself felt relaxing and pampering, so a big win all the way around!

What did I read during the last week?

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate: The real history behind the story is interesting, but the novel itself feels muddled and unengaging. If this hadn’t been for my book group, I’m not sure I would have finished. My review is here.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey: Creepy and surprising. My review is here.

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: Excellent! So much more depth and emotion than you might guess from looking at the cover. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished watching Stranger Things! Season 4 was a bit oddly constructed, with super long episodes (that season finale was almost 2.5 hours!!) — but overall, I thought it was SO good, and loved how it ties together so much going all the way back to season 1.

I started my Stranger Things binge with season 3, since I’d already seen 1 & 2 when they first dropped… but now I’m thinking I should go back and re-watch season 1 at the very least.

Meanwhile, the new season of Virgin River dropped on Netflix this week. I’ve only had time to watch about half of the episodes. It’s comfort watching — nothing you wouldn’t expect, same gorgeous scenery, same small town quirkiness… all taking place within the same year as seasons 1, 2, and 3! Man, this show moves slowly.

Fresh Catch:

Ooh, some awesome new books arrived this week!

(Yes, I’ve already read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — I just loved it so much that I needed to own a hardcover edition of my own!)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Heat Wave by TJ Klune: It’s the 3rd and final book in the Extraordinaries trilogy! I love these characters SO much. I have a feeling I’m going to want to listen to the audiobook as soon as I finish the print version — I did audio re-reads of books 1 & 2 recently, and the narrator is amazing.

And sometime in the coming week, I need to start:

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: This is my Classics Club Spin book, and the due date is fast approaching! I haven’t felt really in the mood to pick this up so far, but I think I’m going to need to push myself a bit and just make it happen.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Comeback by Lily Chu (narrated by Phillipa Soo): I really liked my last audiobook by this author and narrator (The Stand-In), and this one is off to a great start!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: No progress… but since I’m still planning to get to it, in little bits and pieces, I’m leaving it here a bit longer.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #327: The Red Magician by Lisa Goldstein

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Red Magician
Author: Lisa Goldstein
Published: 1982
Length: 192 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Winner of the 1983 American Book Award, The Red Magician was an immediate classic.

On the eve of World War II, a wandering magician comes to a small Hungarian village prophesying death and destruction. Eleven-year-old Kicsi believes Vörös, and attempts to aid him in protecting the village.

But the local rabbi, who possesses magical powers, insists that the village is safe, and frustrates Vörös’s attempts to transport them all to safety. Then the Nazis come and the world changes.

Miraculously, Kicsi survives the horrors of the concentration camp and returns to her village to witness the final climactic battle between the rabbi and the Red Magician, the Old World and the New.

The Red Magician is a notable work of Holocaust literature and a distinguished work of fiction, as well as a marvelously entertaining fantasy that is, in the end, wise and transcendent.

How and when I got it:

I’ve had a paperback edition on my shelves for years and years, and I honestly don’t remember when or where I got it… but there’s a good chance I picked it up at a library sale at some point.

Why I want to read it:

I really wonder if I knew that this was Holocaust-related fiction when I picked up a copy, or if I just expected magic-based fantasy. In any case, the synopsis is really intriguing.

I’m always cautious when it comes to fiction set during the Holocaust, because if not done well, it can feel manipulative or even exploitative. I’m very curious to see how this fantasy story plays out, and I’m also pretty surprised that a book with this combination of real world horror and fantastical elements ended up winning the National Book Award!

I’ve read one book by this author (Ivory Apples), and have one other on my shelves that was among my very first handful of Shelf Control books (The Uncertain Places). I’d definitely like to read at least the two books I own, and I’d certainly be open to exploring more of her work.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/18/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Whew, I feel like I’ve barely had time to catch my breath this week! After a really fun trip back East to visit family and friends, I got back home last Monday night, then immediately returned to work on Tuesday, and I’ve been running full-tilt ever since.

Finally, over the weekend, I had a chance to slow down a bit, and even managed to squeeze in a long walk and some outdoor reading time, two of my favorite things!

What did I read during the last week?

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: I finished this fun book at the end of last week, and just posted a review (here) a few days ago.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: Easily one of the best books of 2022! Such a powerful, fascinating read. My review is here.

An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan: The 5th book in the Mure series is sweet, funny, and a delightful reunion with the characters I’ve come to love. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 3 of Stranger Things on my plane ride home, and I’m now almost done with season 4! I’m loving it — I don’t know why I didn’t watch season 3 when it first came out, but I’m so glad I went back to the series. And tons of bonus points and gold stars to the series for its excellent use of Kate Bush music!!

(Note: Spoilers, obviously…)

See? Kate Bush saves lives!

And — why not? Here’s the original Kate Bush video too:

Fresh Catch:

One new book! I’m backlogged with ARCs right now, but once I get a bit more caught up, I can’t wait to read this one:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate: I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel (Before We Were Yours), but this one feels like such a slog. I’m at about 50% right now — and I’d be tempted not to finish, except it’s my book group’s book for July and I feel obligated to see it through.

Now playing via audiobook:

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: I always enjoy this author’s books, and this one is fun so far!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I bought this paperback before seeing a production of The Tempest last month, and thought it might be fun to read through all the story summaries. I’ve made zero progress in the last couple of weeks, but I’m leaving this here in my “ongoing” list — maybe that’ll motivate me to pick it back up!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #326: In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: In Other Lands
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Published: 2019
Length: 487 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

The Borderlands aren’t like anywhere else. Don’t try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border — unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and — best of all as far as Elliot is concerned — mermaids.

Elliot? Who’s Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He’s smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.

It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there’s Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there’s her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There’s even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.

In Other Lands is the exhilarating new book from beloved and bestselling author Sarah Rees Brennan. It’s a novel about surviving four years in the most unusual of schools, about friendship, falling in love, diplomacy, and finding your own place in the world — even if it means giving up your phone.

How and when I got it:

I bought the paperback early in 2021.

Why I want to read it:

I’m not sure why, but for several weeks straight in early 2021, my social media feeds kept pushing this book at me. Hey, it’s the power of marketing — it worked! I kept seeing this mermaid cover popping up whenever I went to check up on my friends’ latest updates, and eventually, I gave in to my curiosity. I mean, who doesn’t love a mermaid cover?

The paperback edition is big and chunky, and at first glance, the plot seems to skew younger than what I usually prefer. This sounds very much like middle grade to younger young adult fiction, which I haven’t been gravitating toward much in recent years.

Still, between the magical school setting, the strange new world, and the fantastical beings that the main character meets, it does sound quite charming. I think I initially bought the book without looking very far into the details, which may be why it’s been sitting on my shelf (unread) since I got it.

I’m a little torn. I see a lot of very positive reviews on Goodreads, but I’m not convinced that this is something I want to devote much time to.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Elza Reads
Reviews Feed


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/11/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

And now I come to the end of my week away! I’ll be flying home this afternoon, after a great week visiting family and friends.

What did I read during the last week?

Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson: Fantastic speculative fiction! My review is here. 5-star read #1 for this past week.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher: My 2nd 5-star read of the week! Short and deliciously creepy. My review is here.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune: An audiobook re-read. I love these books so much! Can’t wait to start #3. My 2021 review of this book is here.

Mr. Malcolm’s List by Suzanne Allain: I was curious about this book because of the newly released movie. The book was light entertainment… and I think I will check out the movie too, but I may wait until it’s available to stream. My review of the book is here.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: So much fun! This one felt a bit more carefree than some of this author’s other books, and it definitely suited my mood this week. Review to come!

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing, really. Being away and always on the go, I barely watched anything at all!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: I’ve only had a chance to read the first few chapters so far, but I have a feeling this will be a good one!

Now playing via audiobook:

An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan: The 5th and final book in the Mure series! I didn’t have time to get very far, but it seems to be just as charming as expected!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I bought this paperback before seeing a production of The Tempest last month, and thought it might be fun to read through all the story summaries. I’m fairly familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedies, a little familiar with the comedies, and not at all familiar with the histories. My plan for now is to read a couple of chapters per week, on and off. We’ll see how it goes!

So many books, so little time…

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