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Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros: A Book Review

Book Reviews November 16, 2024 Leave a comment

by Aden Polydoros

Author's Website

HarperCollins' Author Page

Goodreads (Add it to your bookshelves!)

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LibraryThing

Hardcover.app

Genre: Historical fiction, Fantasy, YA
Number of pages: 336
ISBN: 9781335458032

ASIN: 1335458034

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, CD), eBook (Kobo, Kindle, Nook)
Publication date: October 10, 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins, Inkyard Press
Type: Book, Novel, Standalone

Huge thanks to Harper Collins Canada and Inkyard Press for a physical ARC of this book. I offer this review willingly and without any compensation whatsoever.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A BIT OF SPOILERS, NOT MANY, BUT JUST SO YOU KNOW.

I have to be honest, the striking cover with the girl’s fierce expression and the Hebrew writing got me interested in this book. Then, I saw the title and got excited—sounded totally up my alley! I read the blurb and I just fell for it. I had to read this gem! And so, I requested it from Harper Collins Canada and I’ve been honoured to have it granted to me as a paperback galley!

But what do I think of this book?

Well, for starters, I just loved it and I will never forget it. Vera and Akiva are dear to me, they’re seared into my heart. The book will sit high on my bookshelves, and I will look upon it with affection and satisfaction.

Also, honestly, this is the most humane fantasy story I have read in a long time.

Care to discover how so?

Keep reading, loves!

The Positive Points

Underneath the surface of this book is a coming of age story about identity, your place in the world, figuring out who you truly are and what you value versus the opinions of others, and how you choose to go about it. All told from the point of view of a golem girl made of a dead girl’s body parts and clay. It’s as surprising as poignant as it sounds (and even more when you read it!) Vera’s reflections on on life, death, pain, happiness, and what it means to be human are touching, poignant, and relatable (although she is a golem, but it is indeed an interesting vessel for these reflections.) The story revolves around the concepts of monster and man, who’s the monster and who is the man (or woman here) in that war? It reminds me of Clopin singing “Who’s the monster and who is the man?” in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Disney.

The great friendship and companionship between Vera and Akiva is sweet and comforting. They have a cute, bittersweet companionship. And their banter is fun; it’s genuine, like Vera describes it. Vera’s attraction and affection for Akiva seems forbidden, due to the nature of her creation, yet it’s what she wants as well as Chaya, but as herself. Golems have wants too. I was suffering reading their moments together because shipping them feels forbidden, like a transgression somehow, but they’re so cute. And believe me, there will be many surprises with their relationship! You’re in for a jolly good ride with them; several tears, groans, smiles, and one joyful shriek (at least that’s how it went for me). Moreover, Vera’s confrontation with Akiva learning the truth about her being a golem is so sad and rife with angst. But I love how she still tries to claim her right on her body parts and life, although it does seem weak, poor doll. I was so shocked, but glad in the end because Akiva’s always been that good guy, I know. 🙂

Also, I looooved meeting their enemies and friends; mostly their friends, like a kind girl named Miriam, and Gulzifa (you’ll see). There were several plot twists along the reading, two of which I hadn’t seen coming, so kudos there. It was both incredibly sweet AND heart-wrenching. And Omfg, meeting the Nazi they’re after was such a surprise! Mostly in the how it’s done! Plus, It’s so f*** true how appearances can be deceiving; how monsters can hide in plain sight and look innocent. Yet the true innocent are persecuted and viewed as monsters.

I particularly noticed a “polyglot moment”. I saw that in some scenes where Vera struggled with which word to utter in what context, yet they all surged in her mind for her to use in all the languages she knows. It feels exactly like that as a polyglot, ha! (I’d know because I’m one.)

One thing that is very important in Wrath Becomes Her is how Vera wants so much to be loved. As herself. Don’t we all? Plus, the imagery to describe her emotions is often interesting because the author uses words related to water, rocks, and rivers, and so on (where she comes from). She doesn’t understand death, and is always trying to grasp its concept, just as life, yet her descriptions are striking.

At some point, Vera has to fight some clay or creatures like her. she doesn’t want to do it, yet she has to. This is just like some did to survive, they had to kill the enemy to breathe air for one more day… Like in the concentration camps and out of them during the war. It was a good mirror moment.

I must say the last chapters are quite dark and horror-like, which is beautiful and fitting to this novel. And they’re quite exciting, with thrilling action!

As for another character, Ezra, he’s such a complex yet angsty character. We don’t like him right away, but we can understand his motives. But in the end, it’s lovely and he’s thoughtful. That took me by surprise, even though I’d hoped for something similar from him. Finally, he accepts his “creation”. We get to we see what acceptant and love can do. In addition to that, I love how their creators (Ezra being Vera’s) give the Golems traits and purposes; like Vera got rage, emotions, curiosity, and empathy.

According to theories and beliefs explained here and there in the book, it seems Vera does have a soul of some kind. So sweet! It’s about the Luz bone (where the soul resides) and reincarnation, interesting! Also, Vera goes from being seen and feeling like a monster, to being seen as and acting like a protector. That transformation of perspective and reactions is amazing and touching. It pulls my heart out but replaces it a bit better, too. This book explores death, grief, life, happiness, survival, injustice, love, and fear. It’s beautiful and heart-wrenching, yet it aims so true. It’s human, and it’s beautiful, in all its messiness.

And awwww, wow, a lovely, fitting ending!!! Such a twist! I’M LOVING IT! I was somehow hoping for it, yearning for it, but I thought it was too… dark for a young adult book, but hey, the author surprised me greatly! Dang, I just adored that!!! The perfect ending for Wrath Becomes Her in my opinion!!! I will never forget it, it left its mark on me, haha.

The Negative Points

The only negative point is that sometimes the author would repeat words and phrases a few times in the same page, it’s slightly annoying but it doesn’t happen too often. Yet it’s not worth taking away a star for this!

In Conclusion

All in all, Wrath Becomes Her is also about how to make a difference in the world, in something seemingly insurmountable, and it’s positive, it’s about helping people, which I adored. This is honestly the most humane fantasy story I have read in a long time. For all these reasons of positivity and humane feelings, I give Wrath Becomes Her a solid, unbreakable rating of 5 stars out of 5.

If you want to learn more about the author, Aden Polydoros, you can visit his website, his Goodreads Author page, or his HarperCollins' Author Page. You can also connect with him on Instagram! Don't forget to add Wrath Becomes Her to your wishlist or your cart as well as your bookshelves!

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 27, 2023 Leave a comment

By Michiko Aoyama

Goodreads (Add it to your shelves!)

StoryGraph

LibraryThing

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Magical Realism

Pages: 304

ISBN: 9781335005625

ASIN: B0BT82YGGF

Audio ASIN: B0C78VF5RX

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N Audiobooks)

Publication date: September 5, 2023

Publisher: Hanover Square Press

Type: Book, Japanese Literature, Short Story Collection

Translated: Yes (From Japanese to English)

Original Title: お探し物は図書室まで

** I received a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to HCC Frenzy and Hanover Square Press! **

Introduction

When I participated in Frenzy Presents: Fall Preview 2023 by Harper Collins Canada, What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama caught my eye. Thankfully, we could request it—and so, of course, I did!

Speaking Japanese myself and loving their culture, as well as being a sucker for comfort and meaningful fiction reads all related to libraries and books, this book was one I couldn’t wait to read.

Not only was I NOT disappointed, I was also quite surprised in the best ways possible. This short story collection is deep, poignant, cozy, and worth the time spent reading for the sheer pleasure and comfort it brings as well as how unique it is.

Want to know what I think of it in detail? Keep reading! 😀

読書は趣味です.

– Reading is my hobby.

(Pronunciation in romaji: Dokusho wa shumi desu.)

The Positive Points

This book about reading and libraries is so sweet and comfy; it revolves around finding one’s place and happiness in the world. How to belong when you feel like you don’t. Truth is I was looking forward to resume reading this book every morning during a difficultly emotional week. It was part of a few good things of those days. Which, I find, quite sweet considering the themes of this book as being cozy, comfy, and finding one’s happiness and place in the world. This story is genuinely soft, warm, charming, meaningful, and satisfying. This book feels like a perfect read for autumn and winter (which I’m in now) with a hot cocoa or coffee, a blanket, sitting in your favorite spot! It’s cozy like autumn and winter; not an “easy read” like summer vibes. Both are great, but this one is special, in my opinion.

Moreover, this book is so real and genuine with thoughts and feelings of all sorts, including some we deem as negative or shameful. It's like a small sliding door into our inner worlds and private thoughts.

Also, I love love love that it’s just so Japanese in an easygoing, natural way. The food, the customs (bowing while saying goodbye), the behaviors, etc. (like the Hatori ward; Japan is divided in wards within prefectures), and Japanese words here and there written in romaji, are wonderful. I know the author is Japanese, but it could still be overexplained or not seem so natural, yet she writes in a compelling, flowing manner. You can’t help but go with the flow and just find it familiar and wonderful at the same time.

The author includes Japanese brands despite the presence of similar American brands—in the 4th story, there is the Croquis sketchbook mentioned. She could have used a “Canson sketchbook”, which is highly popular, but I loved that she went with the Japanese one. Everything in this cozy book is Japanese. So lovely! I wondered why she had said “Croquis sketchbook” as here we only say “sketchbook” for anglophones or “carnet de croquis” (notice de “croquis”? it’s French!), so I was confused as why she’d used the word “croquis” as there is no French in here book… I had a hunch it was for a brand, so I looked it up and indeed, it’s a popular sketchbook brand! The Croquis series is made by Maruman.

The Negative Points

Truth is you can’t like all main characters in the stories. And it’s okay; but they’re all so widely different, they’re believable. And obviously, there will be one you will like less than the others. For me, it was the fourth main character. However, it’s not a negative point per se as it means it’s well-written, but just know you might read one with a bit of groaning.

You know when you read through a series with multipov and you get to a chapter told by the character you just don’t like? Yeah, like that.

In the end, the 4th story is the one I liked least. Not because of the writing or the story itself, but because of the main character, Hiroya. That guy is soooooo annoying and stupid; Hiroya got under my skin, he grated on my nerves so bad. But it’s a good thing he did! Why? Because it shows the author is talented; otherwise, he would have just been bland, but no, she wrote him so well and consistently miserable and not very smart, that he annoyed me greatly. Kudos to the author for her skill!

The fifth story is satisfactory and works as a closure in many ways. Throughout the short stories, we meet a diverse cast of secondary characters and then we meet them again in the next story or the one after. And each time we meet one of them again, they provide us with an answer to one of the question their presence had raised in the story we first met them. Because yes, their impact or background or even future raises questions—you can’t help wondering about them as to why, how, what for, etc.—and it’s nice to get their answers peppered throughout the stories but with other main characters. The nicest touch though is how all the main questions—you’ll see for yourself ;)—are answered in the very last story. It brings the whole book to a good, satisfactory closure. Also, I think the age and meaning sought by the last character brings it to a closure too in its own way, since the first MC was a young adult, and the last one a retired man. It’s as though the book is structured as a overarching story instead of very separate short stories. In many ways, they all intertwine and affect the other, like in real life. It is beautiful, and I had never seen a short story collection be written in such a way: with a narrative arc in each, an overarching story, and side characters you meet and meet again through a different character’s eyes throughout the stories. And, bonus points for the answers you get gradually!

In Conclusion

Thanks to this short story collection being so comfy, sweet, about reading and libraries, and finding one’s place and happiness in the world throughout our lifetime, I give What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama a solid rating of 5 out of 5 stars!!!

In addition to having a good time, I also found a new Japanese author to read! This is her first book translated into English, but I love it so much, I will definitely pick up her other books in Japanese!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her page on Harper Collins website, you can also follow him on Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add What you are looking for is in the library to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson: A Book Review

Book Reviews October 17, 2022 Leave a comment

By Tiffany D. Jackson

Tiffany D. Jackson's Website

Harper Collins Publishers

Goodreads (Add it to your TBR!)

LibraryThing

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Genre: Horror, YA, Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary

Number of pages: 416

ISBN: 9780063029149

Format: paperback, hardover, ebook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), audiobook

Publication date: September 6^th, 2022

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Type: Book, Novel, Standalone

Trigger warnings: Blood, bullying, racism, death, murder

Introduction

I was at Harper Presents: 2022 Fall Fiction Preview when I spotted this jaw-dropping bloody cover, so reminiscent of Carrie by Stephen King (Come on, Prom night! THAT night!) Not only was it extremely to my tastes (myeah, sorry, I have weird blood and ominous tastes in horror…), it was inspired by Carrie, and it’s by Tiffany D. Jackson no less! Obviously, I requested it at the first opportunity. Miracle! I got it! I was beyond excited to delve deeper into Springville's Maddy mystery… until I came face to face with the fact of how too close to the original (see inspiration here) it is.

*Thank you kindly to Harper Collins Canada and Katherine Tegen Books for granting me a digital ARC of The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson. I offer this review willingly without any compensation.*

The Positive Sides

While her writing has always been gripping and raw, it definitely improved in The Weight of Blood. It is scarier, the tension is paced in a better way as well as heightened. Honestly, her writing skills rock! And I'm a tad bit jealous… Just a tad. #ThisIsALie #IAmExtraJealous

Also, Miss Jackson (*cue Panic! at the Disco's song!*) interspersed names of known literature and movie serial killers and slashers, such as Coach Bates (yep, Motel Bates, THAT guy…), Miss Kruger (ahum! sweet dreams!), and many more. I believe (and I'm 99% sure I'm right!) the author is playing an inside-joke game with her fans on "how many slasher references she can sprinkle in until the fans notice it". And trust me, this was very entertaining and had me laughing a few times.

Lastly, her creepy but spot-on take on racism, what with wishing away something they are for something they are not, concealing their true selves, bullying, and a cringe creepiness with the closet and all those posters of "perfect, submissive white women"… I nearly screamed with rage. I remember reading about said posters and I just stood there, frozen, blinked and put down the book like "no…. no, so sordid. Disgusting. Who could do that to someone?! AND THAT MEANING! OMG!" I sighed and growled, then picked it back up and resumed my reading, fuming within for what POCs have had to endure (and sadly, a lot still do…) But it hit me like a slap in the face but it was right. I had all the feels.

Representation Matters Hair Love GIF - Representation Matters Hair Love Best Animated Short Film - Discover & Share GIFs

The Negative Sides

I don't really wanna say it but… the book? I mean, the book itself? It's way too close to plagiarism. I get it, the author loves Carrie deeply (I do too), but this reads like a fanfiction with a lot of OCs (original characters). The story, its events and situations, the characters’ relationships, and even the structure. Even the closet!!! Instead of mad mother, it's mad dad!

I just… No.

In other words:

N.B.: If you want to pay for a fanfiction, which is at its core free, go ahead and purchase "The Weight of Blood". That's all I'll say.

(Please note I LOOOOOVE fanfiction and I even write it myself, but such a "fanfiction" as a paid product? That's not fair.)

No Just No GIFs | Tenor

In Conclusion

Overall, the writing is excellent–the author clearly improved on her suspense and horror skills– and her take on racism is witty, insightful and creepy (like it should be because… wait for it… IT IS!); however, the story and its events and situations are just way too similar to Carrie's book (even if you can visualize what I'm saying with only the movies…) by Stephen King, and trust me, I read it more than once… So, I give this book a rating of 2 out of 5 stars for its unfairness to other fanfiction writers and Stephen King's already published work. Unfortunately, the author just lost a fan, but her writing skills are excellent though. I wish her the best, nonetheless.

If you want to learn more about Tiffany D. Jackson and her books, please visit her author website, her Goodreads author page, her Twitter and her Instagram. You can also add The Weight of Blood to your bookshelves on Goodreads, LibraryThing, and StoryGraph.

The Paris Model: A Book Review

Book Reviews October 12, 2020 Leave a comment

50496928

By Alexandra Joel

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780063031968
ASIN: B083SN921G
ISBN (Audio): 9781799940357
Format: Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
Publication date: September 2020
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Type: Book, Novel, Historical

I received a free paperback copy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Harper Collins and Harper Collins Canada Frenzy!

Introduction:

When I was offered the opportunity to review a historical fiction book for Harper Collins via the Harper Collins Canada Frenzy program, The Paris Model’s cover and title caught my eye. “What is this beautiful, beautiful book about?” I wondered. As I read the blurb, I knew I couldn’t pass this one up. I’m a fashion lover and a huge France fan, so this was the book for me. I knew it! I was so psyched when my request was granted and I received this beauty of a galley in the mail. Huge thanks to Harper Collins and the author, Alexandra Joel, for this jewel!

Now, how about we explore this book together in more details? You’ll see, it’s full of elegance, twists, and travel. But mostly, it’s a humane story full of emotions that will leave you breathless but with a feeling of satisfaction.

Blurb:

Grace Woods, a hard-working woman raised on an Australian farm, moves to postwar Paris to work for Christian Dior as a model after her disastrous marriage. Left with more questions about her past and her parents, Grace tries to go on a normal life, putting the past behind her. As she does so, she meets with colourful characters such as Julia Child and Jackie Kennedy. Yet, she’s still on a quest to find answers, and a young man she meets, Philippe Boyer, will help her in this endeavour. But she’ll have to help him too, and all of France. Will she be up for the challenge?

The Positive Sides:

The first great thing that jumped at me when I opened the book was how the writing is lush, enchanting and elegant, just like the world of fashion and modelling seems like. Don’t believe me? Here’s a quote:

She was in a jurisdiction of her own. Her mind, her very being, was fixed upon a single resolution. No matter the hour, nor the exquisite agony, she would continue until her child was born—healthy, safe, whole.

At last, her body surrendered its possession. Only then did she experience a sweet release. Happiness was her narcotic; she felt intoxicated with pleasure and relief.

It’s from the beginning, which simply grabbed my heart and made me tear up. Also, let’s be honest here: what a gorgeous cover! All those deep colours, the look of the historical fiction, and the cursive fonts used. GOR.GE.OUS! I love the French quotes and words throughout the book; it’s not overwhelming, yet it gives you a taste of the language and culture while being understandable from the context and attitudes of the characters (I speak French, so I always enjoy finding my language in a book—it’s pleasant and makes it even more home to me). Another great point is how this book is divided: sections within chapters and chapters within books for one book. They’re all short too and smooth to read. It’s a breeze! So pleasant.

Speaking of the story itself, there were tense, gripping moments when she was young. I didn’t get why we saw her childhood, but the family relationships are important, and it makes sense as we get bits of the issue at hand through Grace’s eyes. Plus, I love how clothes are important even outside of the fashion storyline; they’re all described in accurate terminology, which is a feat in my opinion (hey, I work with terminology what with being a translator, and this perfect use of terminology makes me glow with happiness!) Personally, I love how Grace wishes to travel, dreams of a life untethered to some place/someone and out and about around the world. I relate so much despite the era! I can feel Grace’s ache to explore.

Something that hit me hard is how the awful realism of the married life before is well depicted along with how women had to shut up and only do “women’s work”. I was so upset I put the book down. It was hard to read, but so true. I applaud the author’s dare. The despicable and awful sex scenes hit my heart hard. So many women suffered that and against their will… and I have strong issues with sex, being asexual myself, and this was a nightmare described in words. Thanks for showing this old reality in women’s lives.
On a more cheerful note, I found so cute the serendipitous way Grace hears about the job and becomes a model! Lovely! Such things happen in real life, too. People’s reactions are realistic and true, so it is charming to read. Outbursts, false beliefs, happiness, dreams… I like how her quest to find Siddy is reinforced by a certain meeting and how the absence of action on Grace’s part is explained right when her motivation is renewed. It didn’t ignore the issue! Great! It’s fantastic to see models and beautiful women in action, to see them being intelligent and not stupid like most deem them just because they “show off” in expensive clothes. They’re women, they’re more than just that! Really loved it, this different perspective.

And if I may add: OH, THE EMOTIONS! The FEELS! I am so invested in Grace! Everything she feels, I feel. Ohhh, the ending got me crying like a poor fountain. I relate so much to Grace’s thoughts about a second set of parents. My grandparents were so close to me, they were and always will be my second parents.

In addition to those feelings, I love all the clever historical inserts and references such as the Duchess of Windsor, Vogue (which existed back then), the Viscountess de Noailles, and locations, and news in the paper like Dior’s clothes are “revolutionary” and old laws like how a woman can’t get a passport without her husband’s approval in Australia (what even is this? Yew!) I adore how celebrities of the time in all fields (Julia Child, imagine that!) make an appearance. Some play an even bigger role :). The author even goes all in with historical figures—she writes them closely and often, like a certain friend of Grace’s, Jacqueline. Have fun discovering who she is like I have!

This is genuinely the perfect read to be surrounded by fashion instead of reading only magazines and articles! So many references, allusions and oh, the ambiance.

I thought this was just a novel about fashion and possibly romance, but wow, it is so much more! And the best thing? It’s based on a true story!!

The Negative Sides:

There were a few things that I noticed. Oftentimes the transitions between paragraphs, time, and locations feel clunky or rushed. Alas, I was disappointed that Grace isn’t asexual because I swear she was every bit like me in the first half of the book… This could have been awesome representation, but of course, it ended with her just not being with the right man for her… What’s new? I’m left sour and disappointed after being so hopeful and despite how much I related with her sexuality at first. Also, it’s a bit too telling at some points throughout the book, almost preachy, but with good values and honesty. I can tell the author wants to make a point with good intentions, but sometimes it feels contrite or too much. Lastly, maybe the story is a bit too fairy tale-like in the end to my taste. But hey, it is sweet sometimes, isn’t it? Once in a while, a happy ending doesn’t hurt…

In Conclusion:

Despite its few flaws, and mostly thanks to the sheer engrossing read it became to me, I give this fantastic book, The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel a rating of 5 stars out of 5! I loved it so much I am going to purchase a final copy for my own “favorites” bookshelf at home. Trust me, this is a great and poignant read with lots of historical references and figures. It was delightful! And though it ended a bit soapy to me, we need happy endings from times top times, don’t we? Go ahead and make yourself a favour: read this book!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also add The Paris Model to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Ireland the Best: A Review

Book Reviews July 26, 2018 Leave a comment

irelandthebest

by John and Sally McKenna

Amazon.com (Released on September 1st, 2018)

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.ca

Indigo

B&N (Released on September 1st, 2018)

Goodreads

LibraryThing

WorldCat

Genre: Travel, Reference, Guidebooks, Travel guides

Pages: 424

ISBN: 9780008248819

Format: Paperback

Publication date: March 22, 2018

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Type: Travel guide

*A special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

The Blurb:

Ireland the Best is a fully comprehensive and independent guide to Ireland which gives you only the very best recommendations, whatever your budget.

Brought to you by the McKennas, who have over 30 years’ experience writing and talking about Ireland’s amazing food, drink and hospitality. Following the format of Scotland the Best, Scotland’s bestselling guide for 25 years.

Local experts John and Sally McKenna are your personal guides to the very best of Ireland, from the streets of Belfast to the hills of Galway. They have visited, rated and remarked on every entry to help you get the most out of the Emerald Isle.

This book is the companion to the series originator Peter Irvine’s bestselling Scotland the Best, and utilises the same design template.

Introduction:

Ireland, O Ireland… You’re calling me.

I remember reading my first Irish author along with the country’s history when I was fourteen years old. I can also tell you I fell in love with the people’s accent, its landscapes and simply put: Ireland itself.

Hence there was no refusing picking up this guide about Ireland. I hoped to learn more about this country and explore it through gorgeous images and sceneries.

Whilst I liked the information, I was also disappointed. How could a guide about Ireland let me down?

The Positive Sides:

I always prefer to lay the positive points of a book first, which gives a better and kinder “image” of the work. I found this guide, Ireland the Best, to be quite informative. In the places and activities’ descriptions (often lengthy and detailed), they give us snippets of these places’ history and explanations as to why it came to be or how it was named the way it is. Moreover, the guide presents awesome, diverse and funny categories such as historical, ethnic restaurants, amusing pubs, libraries, and more of the sorts! This feature is what I loved best about this book because it dared go beyond the traditional formula for guides.

The authors wrote all the addresses, phone numbers and web links. Maps are also present and although the image referencing system is somewhat good, it’s a bit messy too. You need to do a lot of coming and going from the number associated to a certain map to the actual image in the last pages of the book.

The research put into this guide is undeniable! A wealth of information is in there for whoever’s willing to dig to find gold.

The Negative Sides:

Most of the times, I try to focus on the positive of a book, but the huge lack of pictures made this read almost impossible – or at least, unattractive and uninteresting. There are no visual references nor is it pleasant to gaze at despite how thoroughly researched and organised it is. It’s plain-looking, though practical without a doubt. Take your pick! One thing’s for sure: reading it all from cover to end is out of the question! This guide makes it way too boring; I know, I’ve tried and gave up when I noticed how awfully redundant this book was with no pictures.

In Conclusion:

Overall, good for quick info on locations, history bits and fun things to do when in Ireland, but the lack in visuals is extremely annoying and disappointing. So I give it a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. I don’t see how a guide about a country, which contains such great and varied information, doesn’t have pictures here and there to make itself easy and pleasant on the eye. I’m not asking for a picture with every location or fact, but at least one for major attractions.

Although I don’t recommend this book, if you want a great source of reliable information and just need to look up locations and fun tidbits sometimes, then please, do have a go at it! I’m sure it will be useful to you. But as a discovery guide out of curiosity or even a guide you plan on actually guiding you through Ireland, it’s not doing the job it set out to do. Deux point cinq

If you want to learn more about the authors, the McKennas, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @McKennasGuides. Their book is featured on the publisher’s Web site. You can also add Ireland the Best to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.