This book still sticks with me months after reading, but in a bad way.
For context, I am not a reader of long fiction. Anything in the 350�400-page raThis book still sticks with me months after reading, but in a bad way.
For context, I am not a reader of long fiction. Anything in the 350�400-page range, and you better bet I'm expecting some sort of emotional payoff for all that time and energy. Especially when, in the case of this novel, I have to wade through so many magical elements that not only are unexplained, but also serve no obvious thematic purpose.
There were good moments in the story, moments where I genuinely thought there was some semblance of a meaningful theme, a purpose for all the loss of stability Aubrey went through because of her curse. The scene with her returning home to her family emotionally hit hard. But the story would skim over those scenes and continue onward, following Aubrey and her travels in a way that would be nonsensical if the situation wasn't just sad.
And in the end, nothing was explained. This story pulls you in with a compelling concept, lovely prose, and all the travel vibes, but by the end, the wonder and appeal of traveling the world is stripped away and you're left with nothing but confusion and exhaustion. Confusion because the curse wasn't meant to be symbolic or hint at some larger theme, and exhaustion because all the details and magical elements and odd interactions between characters make the story feel so much more longer than it really is.
But hey, this book made me feel things, even if they weren't necessarily good. So I guess if the author was intentionally trying to leave readers as exhausted and frustrated as Aubrey, he did succeed at that. It's just at some point it becomes too much....more
Backman does it again—blending humor and insight in a seemingly effortless way.
While most of the situations & interactions require a certain suspensioBackman does it again—blending humor and insight in a seemingly effortless way.
While most of the situations & interactions require a certain suspension of belief, the dry humor and utter ridiculousness culminate into a surprisingly heartfelt character arc and ending. It's short but still packs a punch, and the characters feel both chaotic and authentic—almost as if they could be your apartment neighbors. ;)
Also, Linda is my spirit animal and I aspire to be as unhinged as her.
I highlighted the heck out of this 67-page story, but here are just a few of my favorite lines:
"I don't live alone, I have a cat. People with cats live longer. There's research!" the woman informs him. "Okay," says Lucas in the way you say that if you really mean: But would one really want to live longer if one has to have a cat?
But then, Lucas has never loved a cat, so what does he really know about life?
Then they stand in silence, the three people, a breath away but with whole lives between them.
But once it wasn't junk, Lucas thinks, once it was all things. Once someone bought that frying pan or that ice skate, thinking: Maybe THIS is what will make me happy?
"And do what, Linda? What are we going to do with the pit?" Heads One and Two ask with great concern. "Oh, you know? Put things in? Maybe people?"
One neighbor wants a playground, another wants to ban children, definitely from playgrounds but preferably from the planet too.
Overall, I loved this and I can't wait for My Friends in 2025!...more
I'll say it off the bat: I may harbor a slight bias, because I love Eowyn Ivey's books. The Snow Child—an impromptu read based off of the pretty coverI'll say it off the bat: I may harbor a slight bias, because I love Eowyn Ivey's books. The Snow Child—an impromptu read based off of the pretty cover—turned into one of my all-time favorite books years ago, and so when I heard she was at long last releasing another one returning to the familiar backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, I instantly tried to get my hands on a copy. You can imagine my excitement when the e-ARC arrived in my inbox.
There's something so haunting about this book. In part a Beauty and the Beast retelling, in other parts hinting at Frankenstein or of Mice and Men, in a fairytale style it depicts the contrast between the capacity for humans to be wild and destructive, but also protective and loving.
At its core, it's a simple story. It follows two characters: Birdie, nicknamed after her constant search for freedom and peace from her rough childhood, and Emaleen, her five-year-old daughter who has a relatively isolated childhood and bears the brunt of her mother's bad decisions.
And then there's Arthur. A recluse who, despite his mysterious past, is simultaneously capable of great love and great cruelty.
In a similar style to The Snow Child, it's set in the Alaskan wilderness, where isolation poses a threat to all three central characters. And while it's not classified as horror, some scenes will stick in your head because of just how vivid and real they feel. I could feel everything—from Emaleen's desperation and fears of her mom leaving her, to Birdie's warring desires for a new life but also loyalty to her daughter, to Emaleen's fears that her younger self tried to cover dark truths about her childhood with imagination. With every step these characters took, and the impossible choices they faced, I hurt with them and hoped they would get their happy endings. Somehow.
Speaking of the ending, it was close to perfect. Ivey excels at these endings—the ones that walk the thin line between being tragic and hopeless and being hopeful and resonant. Despite how dark this story turned out to be, the ending was more uplifting than I expected.
This is a beautiful story. Read it in winter, in the dead of night, with the light of a candle, preferably with hot chocolate with little marshmallows. Or chamomile tea with honey. Iykyk.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merged review:
I'll say it off the bat: I may harbor a slight bias, because I love Eowyn Ivey's books. The Snow Child—an impromptu read based off of the pretty cover—turned into one of my all-time favorite books years ago, and so when I heard she was at long last releasing another one returning to the familiar backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, I instantly tried to get my hands on a copy. You can imagine my excitement when the e-ARC arrived in my inbox.
There's something so haunting about this book. In part a Beauty and the Beast retelling, in other parts hinting at Frankenstein or of Mice and Men, in a fairytale style it depicts the contrast between the capacity for humans to be wild and destructive, but also protective and loving.
At its core, it's a simple story. It follows two characters: Birdie, nicknamed after her constant search for freedom and peace from her rough childhood, and Emaleen, her five-year-old daughter who has a relatively isolated childhood and bears the brunt of her mother's bad decisions.
And then there's Arthur. A recluse who, despite his mysterious past, is simultaneously capable of great love and great cruelty.
In a similar style to The Snow Child, it's set in the Alaskan wilderness, where isolation poses a threat to all three central characters. And while it's not classified as horror, some scenes will stick in your head because of just how vivid and real they feel. I could feel everything—from Emaleen's desperation and fears of her mom leaving her, to Birdie's warring desires for a new life but also loyalty to her daughter, to Emaleen's fears that her younger self tried to cover dark truths about her childhood with imagination. With every step these characters took, and the impossible choices they faced, I hurt with them and hoped they would get their happy endings. Somehow.
Speaking of the ending, it was close to perfect. Ivey excels at these endings—the ones that walk the thin line between being tragic and hopeless and being hopeful and resonant. Despite how dark this story turned out to be, the ending was more uplifting than I expected.
This is a beautiful story. Read it in winter, in the dead of night, with the light of a candle, preferably with hot chocolate with little marshmallows. Or chamomile tea with honey. Iykyk.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. ...more
This is basically the adult version of those choose-your-own-adventure books, enhanced with time-travel and mystery elements, all set on a reality TV This is basically the adult version of those choose-your-own-adventure books, enhanced with time-travel and mystery elements, all set on a reality TV show. It's an unexpected and fresh combination, but somehow it manages to work for the first half of the story.
However, the latter half was where things started to get redundant. The excessive "telling" and repetition undercut the most emotional moments, making it difficult to root for or sympathize with Marsh even when she was supposedly living her best life. And while I admire the concept, the weak writing style (& attempts at humor), unsatisfying endings, and dull cast of characters made it difficult for me to enjoy it fully.
Biggest takeaway? If I named my child Marshmallow because they're so "sweet and soft" I would not be able to live with myself. I'm sorry, Marsh, it's not you, it's me, but I could not bring myself to take you seriously....more
Subtly chilling with a twist even I didn't see coming. Du Maurier articulates emotions and thoughts in a way that's both elaborate and relatable, evenSubtly chilling with a twist even I didn't see coming. Du Maurier articulates emotions and thoughts in a way that's both elaborate and relatable, even from the perspective of a character who remains somewhat passive throughout the entire story. Truly a literary masterpiece.
I believe there is a theory that men and women emerge finer and stronger after suffering, and that to advance in this or any world we must endure ordeal by fire. ...more
This book so beautifully sums up all that I love about cats—their loyalty, their sensitivity, and their sometimes snarky attitudes despite it all. It'This book so beautifully sums up all that I love about cats—their loyalty, their sensitivity, and their sometimes snarky attitudes despite it all. It's a lighthearted read with plenty of sarcasm and realistic, slice-of-life scenes, but under the surface, it's a lovely commentary on the bonds between pets and pet owners, the love of childhood friends and family, and the weight of ordinary moments that somehow mean everything.
I saw the bright-red car driving down the road. The color of the berries on the mountain ash, the color you taught me. But I get the feeling the mountain-ash berry is a deeper color, the kind that takes your breath away. Humans are good at making colors, but they can't seem to reproduce the power of natural ones. ...more
This is probably one of the most unique books I've read in a while. Zusak artfully balances humor and a hint of mystery with meaningful themes. FeaturThis is probably one of the most unique books I've read in a while. Zusak artfully balances humor and a hint of mystery with meaningful themes. Featuring a caffeinated dog, a "good-for-nothing" cab driver, and a cast of beautiful souls.
(Also, that end scene with Marv has my heart. <3)
Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are. ...more
A short read that's both heartbreaking, simple, and profound all at the same time. And yes, that ending ripped my heart into a million tiny pieces andA short read that's both heartbreaking, simple, and profound all at the same time. And yes, that ending ripped my heart into a million tiny pieces and stomped on the remains.
I had his back. And he had mine. That's what greater love is. ...more
“Do you think we’ll be able to make peace with this town in the end? Just come back and live here as if nothing happened?�
THIS Re-read | July 2024
“Do you think we’ll be able to make peace with this town in the end? Just come back and live here as if nothing happened?�
THIS BOOK. This terrible, terrible, but also miraculously healing book. This book that spans almost 700 pages and somehow manages to wrap up all the loose threads of the characters I have come to love. This book that absolutely DEMOLISHED me in January of 2024 so naturally, I had to read it again.
And no, I still can't decide whether I love or hate it, and even if I hate it, it'd be for all the right reasons. Because the ending is everything.
That's all you need to know.
Kira doesn't run toward the fire, she ran after the children. Behind her comes Tess, soon other women will come, from all directions, in red and green jackets, some even in black. They wrap their arms around each other, in circles, ring after ring, forming a wall around Alicia. Nothing that happens to the girl in the rest of her life will ever be worse than this. But in the very worst moment, in the midst of the greatest terror, mothers and big sisters from the whole forest ran here to protect her. No one can fight against evil. But if it wants to take Alicia, it's going to have to go through every last one of them first.
Good luck being a reader and not going to pieces when you read that.
Original Review | January 2024
"This hurts too much to touch with words."
I can't think of a quote that more accurately sums up the conclusion of this series.
It's beautiful, the way all the woven threads of foreshadowing within Beartown & Us Against You come to fruition in this final book.
But it's also painful. So painful. I legitimately cried over the ending, and the worst thing is—from a writer standpoint, it made sense to end the series this way, as much as I wish it didn't.
I've always somewhat found the notion of being overly attached to fictional characters slightly ridiculous—mostly because I've never experienced it myself—but this book took those presuppositions and shattered them into pieces, along with my heart. Backman is a master in the way that he can develop characters and their motivations (even the broken and antagonistic ones) to the extent that you see yourself in every single character. You see the way they are trying to fix things, trying to do right, trying to protect those they love.
(view spoiler)[ Also can we just scream about Bobo and Tess?? I'm not a romantic whatsoever, but they are ADORABLE and so sweet and wholesome. I love how the author decided to showcase a good, healthy relationship in contrast to the other abusive ones that play such a big role in this entire series. (hide spoiler)]
But sometimes, just like in real life, it isn't enough. Characters will die. Others will fight to wrong injustices and fail. Others will take their first stumbling steps into a world where they're stripped of their identities & attempt to assemble new ones from the ashes. And still others will run straight towards fire. Unafraid of the consequences.
But in spite of it all, there is hope and there is forgiveness and there is life, and this series expresses that so beautifully. Despite the hatred and the enmity, there is goodness and healing for people who have spent lifetimes trying to destroy each other.
It is for that reason that I'd daresay this entire series is worth a read.
When the endorsements on the back said this is a slow-burn love story ... they meant it.
This story is advertised as a romance, and while the relationWhen the endorsements on the back said this is a slow-burn love story ... they meant it.
This story is advertised as a romance, and while the relationship between Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis certainly plays a big part in the plot, I was pleasantly surprised by how much time was spent on Joy's personal spiritual journey. She is gently and simultaneously portrayed as both resilient and intellectual, flawed and frustrated with her human nature. I was surprised to find I resonated with her character again and again, despite our situations looking nothing alike.
Overlooking some pacing issues, and some character inconsistencies, I overall enjoyed this book—not just for the romance and the way it was handled with maturity, but also because of the representation of Joy's personal spiritual journey and the realizations she had about God and her own faith....more
This is one of those stories that you can tell is a personal "heart story" for the author—and not just because she basically says that in the author's note. ...more
Beautiful, witty and humorous, featuring unreliable narration and a story that unfolds, bit by bit, told with immense empathy for those who struggle aBeautiful, witty and humorous, featuring unreliable narration and a story that unfolds, bit by bit, told with immense empathy for those who struggle alone.
Perhaps we hurried by each other in a crowd today, and neither of us noticed, and the fibers of your coat brushed against mine for a single moment and then we were gone. I don't know who you are. But when you get home this evening, when this day is over and the night takes us, allow yourself a deep breath. Because we made it through this day as well. There'll be another one along tomorrow. ...more
This little story so accurately depicts a myriad of fears that both the elderly and their loved ones face as a life approaches its end. What do we do This little story so accurately depicts a myriad of fears that both the elderly and their loved ones face as a life approaches its end. What do we do when their brains fail before their bodies do? How will they live on? Will their stories and their journeys be preserved? And then there's that fear too, the fear that we will always fall short of even absorbing all of their life stories, that there will always be more life that's slipped through the cracks.
Backman presents these fears with so much heart and depth, demonstrating the beauty and miracle of human lives even as they come to a slow end. It's a celebration of the way people young and especially old have shaped us, and how they lead us home when we can't find our way.
This story was unexpectedly profound in all its simplicity and depiction of the messiness of life. Schmidt has a way of drawing meaningful, relevant tThis story was unexpectedly profound in all its simplicity and depiction of the messiness of life. Schmidt has a way of drawing meaningful, relevant themes out of works of literature such as Shakespeare (The Wednesday Wars) and this book is no exception, with all the insightful connections he makes between reality and mythology. The result is something with both a compelling plot and an undercurrent of enduring wisdom to support it.
It's a beautiful story of community, a tribute to the people you will find in unexpected places. The people who will come to love you far more than you know. The people who surround you and hold you together when you can't do it yourself. And while it's a tribute, it simultaneously serves as a challenge: to endure. To love. To accomplish big things, hard things.
Only you don't have to do it alone.
I wonder if what Hercules was most afraid of when he was holding up the sky wasn't that he was going to have to hold it up forever. It was that he was going to have to hold it up forever while he was by himself. That's a kind of scary thing to think about. Maybe, the stuff we hold up, we don't have to hold up by ourselves all the time. Maybe sometimes we can let someone else hold it up too. Maybe that's how we can get by. Maybe that's how we can do a whole lot better than just get by. ...more
This is one of those books that contains so much depth, it requires a re-read.
And yes, Beartown was just as poignant—if not more Re-read | May 2024
This is one of those books that contains so much depth, it requires a re-read.
And yes, Beartown was just as poignant—if not more so—than I remember.
The biggest thing that stood out to me this time around was Backman's ability to contain a multitude of commentaries on human nature within a single 400-page novel. He doesn't just briefly touch on the opinions of various characters affected when tragedy divides a community, he delves deeply into the complex viewpoints, values, and thoughts behind each decision they make.
It's a dark book. The characters lie to themselves and to others. They turn to violence as a way to numb the sting of failure. They possess selfish motives that taint their decisions.
But this story isn't about all those things. It's about the moments people choose to unselfishly stand for one another despite personal costs. It's about the moments they choose to forgive despite having every right to hold on. It's about the moments they choose to love, to protect, and sometimes ... let go.
It looks, sometimes, like washing someone's locker when you have no one to live for. Like smashing a mirror and taking the blame. Like sitting with those who are sitting alone. Like playing Nirvana in an old garage.
There are very few books that have resonated with me the way Beartown has. Even fewer books that have resonated with me so much upon re-reading.
But what can I say? I love Benji.
Difficult questions, simple answers. What is a community? It is the sum total of our choices.
Original review | September 2023
This series has my whole heart, and despite the fact that the books are HUGE, each one will pull you in.
It also confirms what we all should already know—Backman is a master at his craft.
From the very first page, Backman introduces us to a cast of characters who feel human. They ache and they struggle with relationships and mistakes, but those things are what ultimately make us love and admire them all the more. Each character brings the town to life. Their backstories are knitted together to justify the small town's passion for hockey.
Meanwhile, the narrator hovers in the background, lending an ominous dose of foreshadowing to the individual stories of the characters we come to know and love. And guys, never once have I been more terrified of an author, because Backman shows time and time again throughout this series that he's unafraid of pulling punches and brutally killing off characters. And there's such a beautiful, raw way each character is written that you can't help loving or relating to them, despite their many flaws and bad decisions.
However, I would hesitate to recommend these books to all readers because they're all very dark. There's also quite a bit of language, focus on topics such as rape and homophobia, and plenty of violence (though not all of it is graphic). So for sensitive readers, these may not be the books for you (but if you'd still like to give Backman a try, I highly recommend A Man Called Ove, which is lighter in content and tone). This series is not written from a Christian standpoint, so while there are glimmers of hope and goodness and support within the pages, the tone of the books eventually fall back into the frailty of humanity once again.
In spite of all that, I personally think this series is still worth it considering the writing style, the interesting insights on human nature, and the CHARACTERS. It will make you think. It will strike you with a sense of empathy. It will make you wonder about the ambitions and dreams wrapped up in the form of faces all around you....more
I take back almost everything I've said about this book. It is pure brilliance. The slow, ordinary monotony of high school lif Re-read | October 2024
I take back almost everything I've said about this book. It is pure brilliance. The slow, ordinary monotony of high school life, the constant display of the way pain can settle in your bones, and the buildup to Melinda finding her courage—and eventually her voice—through art is masterfully articulated.
Original review | 2022
Honestly, I found it a bit depressing, but it makes sense considering this book is on such a heavy - but also important - topic. I'm not sure I'd recommend it simply because I felt there was quite a bit of unnecessary language.
The one thing though, I felt the author could've explored the main character's family dynamics a bit more. They seemed like the stereotypical negligent and just ... broken family, and it added an unnecessary weight to an already depressing novel.
Overall, though, it was an interesting read. Anderson is a skilled author, and I applaud her ability to tackle hard topics in her writing....more
Despite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical faDespite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical fantasy—the fast pace, vivid worldbuilding, and cast of unique characters almost immediately pulled me in. Ultimately, I'm glad I stuck around to the end to witness the seeming chaos come together, resulting in a beautiful story arc of restoration and sacrifice. 3.5 stars.
Original pre-review:
A new book by Nadine Brandes? Sign me up. ;)...more
Peterson writes with such empathy, honesty, and wisdom, and the result is something that not only is thought-provoking, but make Re-read | March 2024
Peterson writes with such empathy, honesty, and wisdom, and the result is something that not only is thought-provoking, but makes you feel understood. But feeling understood isn't all.
For context, I picked up this book with vague memories of the last time I read it, but not having pulled away anything particular besides the sense of feeling that he put to words thoughts and feelings about my own creative journey that I struggled to verbalize. But the timing of this re-read was also perfect in the way that it was just what I needed, right in the middle of an artistic hiatus.
There's so much truth packed into this book that resonated with me. The parts about making known the heart of God through our work, the deep-rooted fear of irrelevance that prompts many to create, the ways we dedicate ourselves to God in our everyday lives and our homes, how God redeems our motives for His glory, and the purpose of good fiction, to name a few.
It's a book that gently but subtly shoved me toward reflecting on my own creative journey. In the ways that I've fallen short but in the ways God's mercy and grace was (and still is) abundant. And good books do that, don't they?
“Somewhere out there, men and women with redeemed, integrated imaginations are sitting down to spin a tale that awakens, a tale that leaves the reader with a painful longing that points them home, a tale whose fictional beauty begets beauty in the present world and heralds the world to come. Someone out there is building a bridge so we can slip across to elf-land and smuggle back some of its light into this present darkness.�
Original review | November 2021
Wow.
This book took me forever to finish, but I’m so so glad I started. Between the stories from Peterson's own life and his thoughts on creation and identity, reading this book made me feel so understood. . There were multiple times I stopped and thought to myself, I thought I was the only person who thought like that. I'm glad I wasn’t. And I’m glad that Peterson was able to capsulize so many thoughts I think so many of us have in the beautiful, written word.
I do have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book and get used to the musing style of it—and it’s definitely not everyone’s thing—but for me, I love how casual and less polished it is. while it was a bit tricky to follow the points of the musings at times, there are some genuinely impactful and thought-provoking ideas in this book, so much so that I closed it inspired and encouraged. With its beautiful prose, ADORNING THE DARK provoked wonder at the world around me and God’s amazingness.
While this book certainly isn’t for everyone, I believe everyone can read it and come away with something, no matter how small.
If you’re a discouraged artist, a writer, or songwriter, read this book. It may just light a spark within you to keep going. To keep writing for the Kingdom. To continue completing the work God has placed on your heart.
There’s only one word that could describe that: amazing....more
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