Tag Archives: books

A Blog Tour For A Noble’s Path

Blog Tours March 8, 2020 Leave a comment

Hello, cherished folks!

So, I've got thrilling news: I'm taking part in a blog tour for the book A Noble's Path by I. L. Cruz!

It's my first ever blog tour, so I am ecstatic!

You'll be able to read an excellent and intriguing author guest post along with an excerpt from her novel on the 14th of March on this very blog. 

Also, the blog tour started yesterday. Have fun visiting other blogs and Web sites for the event as they have great content as well!

Here are the blog tour dates:

Tour Schedule

I can't wait to share what we have in store for you, folks!

Enjoy.

See you next post, lovelies!

Twisted Reunion: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Twisted

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Indigo

Audiobooks.com

Goodreads

 

Genre: Horror, Dark Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 280

ASIN: B016PVWZBY

ISBN: 9781938475177)

Format: eBook (Kindle), Hardcover, Audiobook

Publication date: December 22nd, 2015

Publisher: Vincere Press

Type: Short story collection

 

*I received a free eCopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Mark Tullius and BookTasters!*

 

Introduction:

 

Last year, I started reading horror. It's a new literary genre for me, although I watch a lot of horror movies. But to this day, I yet hadn't reviewed a book in this genre. So when I saw Twisted Reunion, which offers 28 dark and creepy short stories, I figured it would be the best entrypoint into reviewing horror. Short stories read well and fast, and to be honest, the descriptions of a few of his stories really drew me in. His characters seemed all so different, raw, and his stories indeed twisted and intriguing. I am so glad I received a free eCopy of Twisted Reunion!

 

The Blurb:

 

Plunge deep into disturbing darkness with these 28 short stories. Explore heartache, fleeting happiness, and horror in this fascinating collection.

 

Experience chills as you read these creepy stories and more:

•            A pornographer's horrific early morning ritual

•            A beautiful baby boy who knows what he wants

•            An engineer sees life on the other side of the tracks

•            A drug run goes awry

•            A family's unique Christmas tradition

•            An artist whose paintings become reality

•            A man who longs to rid himself of an annoying companion

•            A child terrified by things that slither and ooze in the night

•            Come join a soldier on the run in the jungle

•            An old man's quest for the perfect photo

•            A woman who sniffs out killers

•            A life coach whose own brand of “therapy” goes way beyond cruel and unusual

•            A young man who can't let go of the past

 

(Seriously, this blurb is everything. These are just a few of his weird, unique ideas which make up his fantastic short story collection.)

 

The Positive Sides:

 

First of all, his ideas are really original and creepy and well-advertised as twisted. Each of them either gave me goosebumps or made me feel a weight in my stomach. I love them! Plus, all the situations and characters are so varied! I will definitely read more by this author. Speaking of characters, most of the main characters are likeable and relatable in some way. But gosh, do I freaking hate his villains and antagonists! They are despicable, believable, true to their awful character, and so well done. I also noticed and loved the diversity present in this book! There are people of colours and LGBTQs, among others. It's a really nice touch for minorities to be in stories, and it stays true to us (at least I can say so from the LGBTQ's POV). His characters are of all ages too, which makes the reading even more interesting with a lot of flavour. (It reminds me of BBQ, flavour… Hmmm, BBQ.)

As for the writing itself, I have high praise for him. All of his short stories are expertly structured with the clues cleverly disseminated throughout. They were a pleasure to read, the rhythm was great as well. I loved it! Plus, his dialogues feel natural. They're a lot of fun to read and flow smoothly, back and forth between the characters with ease. It's as though we're eavesdropping. But don't tell them, shhhhh! 

 

Finally, there are a lot of surprises sprinkled in the stories! I had such a blast reading this book. Mostly, when I finished a story, I kept reading another and another and another… just because I wondered "What would he pull out next?!" That's how great this collection is.

 

The Negative Sides:

 

Despite all these great points, I've noticed two things that bother me. The first is how in the story "Out There", the name Mike keeps changing to Matt then back to Mike. It's rather annoying and confusing. Also, while his stories are twisted and creepy, they're not scary per se (except for the second one in the collection, this one gave me the creeps, haha!). I think it should be marketed as twisted and dark only, with a dose of horror without it being classified as horror, maybe? But don't get me wrong: they're EXCELLENT! I've enjoyed Tullius's stories a lot, I just think the book isn't labeled correctly. Or maybe it takes a lot to scare me. I'm not sure about which one is the right way to go. Either way, I'm not taking any stars away for this, I just figured it was worth mentioning, that's all.

 

In Conclusion:

 

With all these positive sides, such as the originality and creepiness of the stories, as well as the diversity of the characters and the sheer FUN I had reading his book, I give Twisted Reunion by Mark Tullius a rating of 5 out of 5. You can't go wrong with this book, I assure you. It was better than I expected and I was expecting a fun time already. I was surprised, enthralled, shocked, amused, creeped out, and so many other glorious emotions. If you love anything dark, twisted, horror… Give this collection a try, really. Like I said earlier in the review, I will definitely read more by this author, and I think you'd do yourself a favour by doing the same.

Cinq

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site, you can also follow him on Instagram (mark_tullius), Twitter, Amazon author page, Facebook, and Goodreads. Love podcasts? Listen to his. You can also add Twisted Reunion to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

 

**Please note that there are affiliate links in this post. This means that I make a percentage off your purchase, but it doesn't cost you anything more than the price you pay for your purchase. Thank you very much! 🙂

Oblivion Song: A Book Review

Book Reviews February 23, 2020 Leave a comment

Oblivion Song

Image Comics Web Site

Indigo

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Goodreads

LibraryThing

 

By Kirkman & De Felici, Volume 1

Genre: Science-fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

Pages: 144

ISBN: 9781534306424

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Publication date: September 18, 2018

Publisher: Image Comics

Type: Comics, Graphic Novel

Issue(s): 1-6

 

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Edelweiss+ and Image Comics!*

 

Introduction:

I’ve got to be honest here: the cover art drew me in with its darkness, beautiful colours, and mirror effect. Then, the blurb did it for me. I can never resist a story about parallel dimension, even less comics about that topic! I was thrilled when they granted my request to review this graphic novel. And I was even happier with how good this book is!

Let’s explore it together!

 

The Blurb:

Ten years ago, half of the city was crushed and has been lost in Oblivion, a parallel dimension invaded by monsters. There are those who can do the “transference” and travel to the parallel city. Nathan Cole, along with a small team, goes into the other dimension to rescue people stuck there since the tragedy occurred. They will have to fend their way through a city covered in slime and weird plants while fighting against a group of survivors.

 

Positive Sides:

Let’s jump right into what’s obvious to the eye: the colour palette used what with its beautiful colours with gradients is lovely. And even though the drawing style takes a while to get used to… it’s similar to the first comics in a few aspects. Yes, I’m talking about dear old Batman in the ’60s and such. With a modern spin, of course.

The characters are another thing that is definitely worth discussing. The realism of the relationships between the characters and how we’d all react may it be from a societal to personal POV is SO well depicted! But that’s not all: there is a lot of diversity in this book! Nathan’s girlfriend, Heather, is black and also looks Latina (it’s not clear, but she’s a POC), Duncan’s wife is Asian and Duncan himself is black! This is really cool and inclusive. Speaking of which, I found the book to be inclusive on another level: on body shapes. Now, hang on, there’s a squared and muscular woman dating a slender man. That is rarely seen in stories, and even less in comics. Love, love all this diversity and realism!

But what about the story itself? I must admit it is quite intriguing. And it starts right into the action! I’m a fan of such beginnings. We also encounter a few fun surprises along the way… before the mega ending of WHOA SURPRISE UPON SURPRISE! I adored it, really! Also, please note that the story and details we’re looking for during the reading, well, are NOT supposed to make sense… at all… Why? Because our questions are inherently linked to the plot ending. There’s a reason why if you stick with it and while a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s genius in the end! Moreover, EVERYTHING is linked! I mean it, when I look back and think about it, all the details matter. Amazing!

 

Negative Sides:

The only negative point is how the story is a bit too vague for a long while, which confuses us until we get about half into it or so.

 

In Conclusion:

I recommend this book whole-heartedly! It might have a slightly annoying negative side, but the whole story is engrossing, unique, and the drawings are beautiful. It offers us many positive points such as diversity, vibrant colours and surprises! For all these reasons, I give Oblivion Song a rating of 5 out of 5! This graphic novel is too good not to give it a perfect score.

 

GOOD 5-star rating

 

If you want to learn more about the Robert Kirkman, you can visit his page on Image Comics, you can also follow him on Twitter and Goodreads. If you want to learn more about Lorenzo De Felici, you can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. You can visit their publisher, Image Comics. You can also add Oblivion Song to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Save the Cat!: The Writing Method That Saved My Novels

Tips February 18, 2020 Leave a comment

Saggy middles, plot points, pinch points… Sounds gibberish and scary? Yeah, I’ve been there. Every time I started writing a novel, I had to stop because it was going nowhere. I worked and worked, but nothing substantial came out of it. Until I stumbled upon Jami Gold’s Save the Cat! beat sheet, which led me to the book itself by Jessica Brody.

Its title, Save the Cat!, really achieved what it claims: It saved the Cat (my name’s Catherine).

 

The Beat Sheet (Jami Gold)

This beat sheet is marvellous! Not only does it have the titles of each important plot point, with the number of pages on which it should happen no less, it also offers short descriptions of those points! As a newcomer to this method (a year ago), I didn’t understand this jargon right away. But the descriptions, damn, did they help me! I figured out what they meant overall and started applying my story to the plot points and… magic! I had a workable, substantial storyline; not perfect, mind you, as I still had to learn the whole method, but my story could hold on its own now!

It drastically changed my plotting method. Plotting is my most hated part of writing (I love all others! Yes, even marketing), but now I see it as crucial and even pleasant to see the story form before my eyes and stand on its own. Whenever I have a new book idea, I print the beat sheet and fill it in first thing. It might take a few days, since this is plotting, but it works for me. The Save the Cat! method is a godsend to me!

You can find the beat sheet here.

 

The Actual Book

Now, I mentioned a book, didn’t I? Well, Jessica Brody wrote a book about novel writing using the Save the Cat! method. And guess what? I’m damn glad she did!

Here it is:

Savethecat

Indigo

Amazon

 

It is insightful, helpful and precise. There’s little fooling around, and you’ve got actionable steps, theory and a lot of examples (yes, beat sheets examples, too!) I purchased it a while ago and I cherish it. I can finally immerse myself in this technique instead of simply “guessing” like I used to do with only the beat sheet.

Really, give this book a try if you’re like me, stuck on plotting, saggy middles or don’t really know what to do with those plot and pinch points… It’ll save your novels, too. I can vouch for this!

 

Jessica Brody’s course

What if I told you there’s a course built around this very book? Well, there is! The author is the one offering this course (we lucky champs!) You can access it by paying a monthly membership fee ($12), and it’s full of resources, beat sheets, examples, and clear and precise explanations by the Jessica Brody herself.

If you’re interested (like I was—I am paying that membership for this course precisely), head over here.

 

In Conclusion

Wow, that’s a lot! Don’t you feel better and energized by finding more about the Save the Cat! method? I believe it will help you like it helps me—tremendously, every day. Now I feel confident (or at least, less afraid) about my plotting skills, and I discuss the plot of my novels with others in a straightforward way. No more stuttering and losing myself in “maybe” or “I think they’ll do this, but I’m not sure”, etc. The doubts and hesitations about plot are easier to overcome.

I encourage you to try out this proven, successful method. It’s highly rewarding.

Remember: trust your centre and have fun!

 

**Please note that this article contains affiliate links. I earn a percentage if you purchase said item through my links, but it doesn't cost you a cent more! It's all free for you. Thank you very much!

The Sea: A Book Review

Book Reviews February 3, 2020 Leave a comment

The sea

Amazon.ca *

Amazon.com

Goodreads

 

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Dystopian

Pages: 75

ASIN: B082WQ21TT

Format: eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: February 7th, 2020

Publisher: Self-Published

Type: Novella

 

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Sophie Jupillat Posey and Book Sirens!*

 

Introduction:

As a new reviewer on Book Sirens, I was browsing the books available for review and this cover caught my eye. It looked grand and dangerous-two things I love in a book. Its title held my interest as a big fan of nature herself. So, why shouldn’t I pick it up? No reason, exactly!

I went through many states and emotions reading this novella, but I’d go through them again if I had to. Read on to find out why!

 

The Blurb:

Forty-year-old Amos Heinig avoids family, society, and emotional conflicts. People bring far too much drama, as if he doesn't have enough of his own. The ultra-realistic nightmares he's been having for as long as he can remember have made his isolationist existence nearly unbearable. After each bizarre, visionary dream in which the wild, untamed ocean rises up and destroys humanity, he wakes in his bed, drenched in seawater. All he wants is to forget the dreams and avoid the sea at all costs.

Surprising himself, he attends his nephew's birthday party and reconnects with his relatives. During the party, he learns that his sister not only knows about his strange visions, but that the gift runs in the family. In his worst nightmare, Amos discovers his own unique legacy as the lines between dream and reality become muddled. He alone recognizes the dire omens for humanity. Amos’s empathy is tested in the most terrifying way possible and a new, urgent purpose catapults him into action.

Can a force of nature, subject only to time and the tides, ever be patient, persuaded, let alone subdued? Or will Amos's efforts only delay the inevitable desolation and ruin of the entire human race?

 

The Positive Sides:

The main character, Amos, is entertaining. I like his apathy and fear, which makes him interesting to me. His sadness and depression are quite apparent in the way he speaks. I love it! We hear HIM. And he’s so cynical and snarky… Bad boy. Haha! I think the other characters were realistic and intriguing enough in their own right, mostly Tivana his sister), his nephew, and the sea (she talks to him and it’s amazing). I enjoyed Amos and Tivana’s relationship; it is hard, rocky, and toxic, even dark.

Speaking of the sea herself, she talks and communicates with Amos. It is beautiful and enchanting! It made me squeal with awe. Imagine if that happened! Also, this story has good morals for humans and a strong respect for nature-how could I not love it? The effects of climate change and how we mistreat water and the Earth in general are well informed. The author did her research as to how it would look in the future because of humans… One word: bad. There were really good surprises along the reading! And everything is connected to the sea and drowning in one way or another; it feels like a whole and it’s wonderful.

As for the writing, the descriptions and showing of emotions and sensations are great! I even admired the words she chose because I was all: “Yes, she’s so right, that’s how it feels!” Plus, this book has been well proofread. I couldn’t find a mistake, which made me so happy. It was damn right pleasant, okay?

Moreover, I enjoyed Amos’s nightmares; they were lush with descriptions and impending doom. Although I would have preferred them a bit scarier for full effect. And what about him waking up all wet with water pooling near his bed and smelling of salt?! I mean, this detail is very intriguing and original! Despite the slow first half of the story, it starts being thrilling halfway through. And the ending? OH MY GOD! SO WEIRD! To be honest, it’s the weirdest story I’ve ever read-I had goosebumps. BUT I loved it because of its weirdness. Sure, some people will be put off by this, but if you like oddities a bit, read this book! It won’t disappoint!

 

The Negative Sides:

However, the negative side is a bit too present not to notice it. There is too much exposition and telling which could be best used as flashbacks and other techniques, in my opinion. I took one star away from the rating because it was rather annoying and unfortunately didn’t help the story. May I suggest showing vs telling classes? (I am taking some myself, so this is a friendly suggestion)

 

In Conclusion:

I am grateful that The Sea is so inclined on respecting the sea and nature. It touches me. Plus, the weirdest ending just got under my skin (and I welcomed it). It was so intense. Sophie Jupillat Posey’s book might use telling too much, but it was overall a great experience. For all these reasons, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Copy of GOOD 5-star rating

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Website and Goodreads author page, you can also follow her on Twitter and like her Facebook page. You can also add The Sea to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links indicated by a * next to them. If you purchase through my affiliate link, I receive a percentage of the sale, but it doesn't cost you anything more! Thank you. 

 

How to Read More Pleasantly

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips January 14, 2020 Leave a comment

Introduction

Hello, folks!

Reading in itself is already fun, but what if we could make it an even more pleasant time for ourselves? There are ways I found which can accomplish that. How about I share them with you so we can all enjoy reading even more?

Here’s what I love to do.

I hope you pick a few to try them out and find more pleasure in reading.

If you're interested in learning strategies to read more, you can find them in my article How to Read More This Year

 

Reading Socks

I discovered these on Indigo about a year ago. They are pricey, but so gorgeous and they look super comfortable! Since I didn’t want to pay that price, I told myself I would go on a quest to find a cheaper, but as cute and comfy pair of reading socks.

Then, I stumbled upon a cute kitty pair at Ardène and fell in love right away. They were 12$, cushioned and adorable. What’s not to love? Obviously, I took them home and tried them on with a book in hand.

IMG_1291

(Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Let me tell you that it’s what I call bliss: a good book in hand (hopefully) and cozy reading socks! My feet were warm, and I felt all fuzzy, comfortable. I was genuinely happy and content all around.

Since then I forget that I’ve crossed the time limit I gave myself and just… read for hours. Due to my job as a translator and editor and serious health issues, I’ve got little time to read. But I swear the reading socks make me read longer! That’s how great they are.

Get a pair for your own sake!

 

Candles

This one is particular. I haven’t tried it yet, but I yearn for a good scented candle while I read. There are even thematic ones based on your tastes (like the scent of an old book), stories (Charles Dickens’s or Harry Potter’s), characters (Katniss Everdeen or Clary Fairchild), and so on. Seriously, I want one of those!

I’m a big fan of dinner at candlelight. Whenever we lose power, I’m so happy because I spend time under the candlelight; it imbues the air with mystery and a cozy sensation, which I crave. Hygge, here I am!

If you can, try this tip. You’ll smell a good scent and it’ll put you in good spirits to read. And bonus points if you turn off the lights and read at candlelight, all the cozier for you!

 

Bed/Cushions

I’ve got the habit of reading when I go to bed, either with a physical book in hand or on my Kobo. It’s the only time I found to read, so I take it!

I’ve noticed how fun and comfortable it is to read with an eReader in bed: you’re all wrapped up in your bed sheets, warm and tranquil. It brings peace of mind, or at least you’re just feeling calm and happy to read. If you read in the morning or during the day, try it a few times in bed, too. You might just enjoy it! If not, no worries, just go back to mornings and days, haha.

As for the cushions, this is a long story which I’ll make short. Whenever I read with a physical book in my bed (do you notice a reading pattern? Haha!), my back and arms hurt so damn much! So I keep changing positions until I’m so annoyed and tired I stop. It’s sad because more often than not, I stop reading not because I’m done reading, but because I’m aching all over. I found a cushion with arms I thought I could put against my bed wall and read with no aching.

 

IMG_1289

(Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Fortunately for me, I received it as a Christmas gift! (Thanks, mom!) I kept complaining about how I couldn’t read as much as I wanted in bed… So, I tried this cushion with arms and joy to the world, it works! My lower back still aches a bit, BUT it’s overall very comfortable and I don’t have to switch positions anymore!

Want to hear the best part? I can read for how long as I want with this cushion, no need to stop because I’m sick and tired of the pain!

If you’re having similar issues or just want more comfort, please try such a cushion. It will either save your reading time or upgrade it.

 

A Clean Space

This might sound obvious, but a clean reading space will bring you more joy. If you’re stuck tight between boxes, objects and so on, you will grow annoyed and angry and will stop reading-or at least it will be miserable.

I suggest cleaning three feet around you so you feel like your personal bubble isn’t invaded and have all the space you need to settle comfortably.

I know cleaning’s not so fun, but this is a genuine trick. A messy place can ruin your pleasant time by turning it into a lame experience as you keep thinking about the mess and how squeezed you feel.

 

Plushy Friends and Accessories

Now, this tip is not for everyone, but I know a lot of us love cute character plushies and Pop! figurines and other merchandise of our favourite stories and characters. I’ve got a few plushies (Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Hermione, etc.) and Funko Pop! toys like Jasmine, Mr. Burns, and Aladdin. I’ve also got a big Elsa cushion.

Okay, but what does it bring us to? Well, remember the clean space I mentioned above? Clean it, then choose which accessory and plushie you want near you while reading. It’ll make your space even more personal and you’ll appreciate it even more as you read, surrounded by what you love.

It might be silly sounding, but it genuinely works and you’ll feel good, safe even.

And who doesn’t want a safe reading haven?

 

In Conclusion

Whether you choose a candle, cushions, reading socks, or accessories in a clean space (or all of these!), I’m sure you’ll find your reading time optimized and more pleasant.

It’s all about treating yourself well and finding things you love which make you feel at ease. That way, reading will be a breeze and you’ll wonder where time went.

I wish you a good reading!

Please leave me a comment about what other tips you find useful for better reading times. I’d love to discuss those with you.

See you next post, lovelies!

How to Read More This Year

Tips January 7, 2020 Leave a comment

With the New Year beginning and a sweet new decade, how can we succeed at our goal of reading more?

I have structured this article according to two main reading patterns. The first readers are what I call the “Hoppers”. I’m part of them without a doubt! Hoppers will read several books at the same time, gleaning one for an hour or two, then switching to another one the same day or the next day. We take a while to finish a book because of that, but there are solutions to finishing more books, which I’ll go over in this post.

The other readers are the “Dedicated”. Why do I call them like this? Well, they are dedicated to one book and one book only when they read. They won’t switch books until they’ve finished reading that one. Obviously, they finish books more rapidly than the Hoppers, but there are still solutions to implement to read more during the year.

Now, shall we take a look at how to achieve this?

 

For the Hoppers

Surprisingly enough, the methods I tried which worked aren’t the ones most people will tell you to do: focusing on one book at a time. Why? Because we just can’t do it! Gosh, that’s why we’re Hoppers! It lacks diversity and surprises. Okay, but what actually works? Well, my friend, I’ve got an answer for you since I’m a Hopper too (hello fellows, if you’re one!).

The solution I found to deal with the increasing number of ARCs I received and books I bought is to trick myself with some structure. I said structure, not focus. Here’s how it works:

  • You pick three books (ARCs included, though I suggest one or two, not all three) that you want to hop to and from.
  • Pick two books that you’ll be able to hop to only when you’re sick and tired of reading the three others.
  • Look at how much time you can read per day, then divide it by three.
  • Finally, jump freely between the three chosen books from the beginning according to the divided time. Remember: it’s in the order you choose!
  • If you’re growing restless because you’re “always reading the same three books”, fear not for you had chosen two rescue books! Pick one and read, then go back to the three you chose first the next day.

It’s a funny system, but it completely works with me. And I’m quite the Hopper as I can read 15 books at the same time… But this system that I built from trials and errors has helped me review more books and read more in general.

Trust your Hopper friend (that’s me).

Tell me in the comments if you think this is a good idea for you or if you’ve tried it! I’d love to discuss this trick with you.

 

For the Dedicated

Let’s be honest here, since you’re a Dedicated person, you finish many more books than Hoppers. So what could possibly improve this situation? It seems impossible.

Well, I may have an idea: better time management, if possible. Due to our busy lives, it’s not always easy to make the time to read. I’m pretty sure you’re reading in-between meetings and a short time either in the morning or in the evening. Perhaps you’ve got an hour in total, which is good. But what if you could squeeze in fifteen more minutes, half an hour or more?

Here are my suggested steps you can take in order to free up some time for more reading:

  1. Take note of what your typical week looks like with everything scheduled.
  2. Observe how much reading time you have.
  3. Then, examine which activities might not be priorities for you (let’s assume reading is one priority).
  4. Identify which activities you could either remove or shorten in their duration.
  5. Apply the shortened time or removal, and try to read during this newfound time, to see if it fits you better.
  6. Enjoy reading more books!

P.S.: If this doesn’t work, try switching for different activities to shorten or remove. Perhaps the ones you cut out were actually more important than you thought. Don’t let go, you can do it!

In Conclusion

Whether you’re a Hopper or a Dedicated reader, there are ways to optimize the amount of books you read. It can be through tricking yourself in reading fewer books at the same time while still maintaining that “free roam” feeling, or it can be through better time management. I know you can do it! May your new reading year be full of achievements and pleasure.

I hope these solutions have been helpful.

Please do leave a comment about what type of reader you are and what you think of these tips. I’d love to discuss this with you!

See you next post!

Go Ahead, You’re Home: A Review

Book Reviews July 29, 2019 Leave a comment

Go ahead

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

B&N

Goodreads

LibraryThing

 

 

Genre: Memoir, Travel, Non-Fiction

Pages: 173
ISBN: 978-0997572704
Format: Paperback, eBook (Kindle)
Publication date: May 16th, 2016
Publisher: Your Book Angel
Type: Memoir

 

*Thanks to BookTasters (Twitter: @BookTasters and Web site) and Miss Tirzah Libert for giving me a free ecopy of Go Ahead, You're Home in exchange for a review given on a voluntary basis. I received no compensation.*

 

I chose Go Ahead, You're Home because the blurb made me dream of travelling in someone else's shoes and see their life, in two vastly different countries to mine. As a polyglot and big enthusiast of cultures and travelling, this intrigued me. Also, I wanted to see what pushed her to move to the Netherlands and what she wants to accomplish.

 

The Positive Points:

I'll go ahead (see what I did there?) and say that the best part about this book is simply the heart she puts into telling us all about her life. It's beautiful, humbling, and inspiring, too. I rather enjoyed this side and felt somehow touched that she'd let me (and others) see her thoughts and life so closely. It was quite interesting to experience a different POV since she sounds "wilder" than I am (no offence here, I think it's fun to see) and it was amusing and eye-opening to be able to read about a different life somewhere else in the world. Here, it was in the Caribbeans. It was poignant and immersive; it was as if I could see through her very eyes. Loved it!

Moreover, the resilience and strength of this woman along with the culture and customs of her homeland are great to see! They're also admirable in their own rights.

 

The Negative Points:

These were very hard to order as I think they're are major points, but here goes:

 

The ideas and subjects are all jumbled together! It's like head-hopping (where an author switches from one character to another continuously), but with ideas! She's talking of her faith, then it brusquely switches to her aunt with no real link between the two. And it goes on and on like this. It's pretty confusing and unpleasant. There's so much to tell, I know, but a more structured approach would make this book better!

 

The amount of "faith" and "religion" talks in this book are annoying… I understand it's part of that part, but it's just too much for other readers who might not be like her (*GASPS*). I didn't take any points for this though since that's how she is. But there's a bit too much of it to be easily readable by others and NOT put down with a roll of our eyes or an annoyed sigh.

 

Lastly, the author tells us all about her actions, the events, the situations, and it's quite interesting, I must admit! I could get lost in it easily. But there is ONE major wrong point: she tells us about the actions, but not enough about her emotions. I want to know how she felt! How did finding a secretary job made her feel? How about that difficult (I assume) miscarriage? In memoirs, we're looking for the "travel" part, true, but I want the emotions, I want to feel, to connect. I don't just want to watch over her shoulder. It's a good book, but this point is severely lacking.

 

In Conclusion:

While it was a good insight into Miss Libert's life and allowed me to taste a different culture and experience another's life, I think it was way too topic-hopping, confusing and not detailed enough for me to really be hooked to this book. So, I give Go Ahead, You're Home a rating of 3.5 out of 5.  I would recommend it to other travel memoirs and memoirs enthusiasts.

 

If you want to learn more about Tirzah Libert, visit her Web site, Twitter account, and Facebook page. You can also add the book to your Goodreads and LibraryThing TBR list(s).

The Move from WordPress (A New Adventure Begins! Beam Me Up, Scotty!)

chit-chatting with Cat July 26, 2019 1 Comment

Hello, folks!

I hope you're doing well!

I'm sorry I've been absent lately, but it was due to my moving my blog from WordPress.com (https://adlibrumaeternam.wordpress.com/) to TypePad (here). I thought it was high time I implemented an email list and have a Web site of my own for my writing and book reviews, hence the move. TypePad allows me to do this. So I switched.

If you're interested, please do follow me on here (you can use your email address or feed app!) It will delight me!

As usual, you'll see posts on writing, book reviews, languages, and anything I find of interest for you and my writing journey. 🙂

I'm preparing a few new series and surprises.

With that, I hope to see you around and

WELCOME TO MY NEW WEB SITE, AD LIBRUM AETERNAM.COM!       

 

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