Another annoying narrator...

Review:

 

Just meh....

 

The story was ok. A young girl and her twin sister experience and trauma and decide not to tell anyone. Thirty years later, the still living sister is confronted by reminders of the event. Is the monster coming back?

 

I found the story a bit boring and predictable. There were moments that I liked, but not enough to make the book exciting.

 

This is the second audiobook that I feel was hurt by the narrator. For some reason, the voice sounded almost computerized. It wasn't, but some of the words were so stilted that I had to check to be sure. She definitely portrayed emotion, but every time she said the word, "cabriolet" (as in the Volkswagen car), it sounded very strange. Maybe I'm just being picky, or (more likely) I have been spoiled after listening to Kate Mulgrew perform two Joe Hill books brilliantly. Oh well, her performances are amazing and so worth it.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1537005/another-annoying-narrator

American Born Chinese review

Review:

 

 

I read this book for my grad school multicultural lit class.

 

This book includes three stories that are interconnected. I have to admit that the first time I read it, I thought the stories were separate until the end. I went back and read it a second time so I could experience it as it was meant to be read. 

 

It is funny and even silly at times, but the message to be true to yourself shines through. It shows how an outsider can feel compelled to change themselves to fit in with everyone else. But that the most important thing is to be who you are.

 

Fun graphic novel suitable for middle grade and up.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1537003/american-born-chinese-review

Exciting Middle Grade series!!

Review:

 

I love this series. World War III played out in space by teenagers with computers in their heads. Evil corporations and men that control the food, the water, and the war. The teens experience typical teen angst, in addition to the intrigue and dangers of being pawns in a war.

 

This final book in the series takes a bit of a turn, but I loved it!

 

Read this series or encourage your 5th graders and up to read it!!

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1536999/exciting-middle-grade-series

Busy, busy, busy....

 

 

I am so far behind on reviews. I've been so busy with school and the kids and volunteering... My kids have spring break next week, so maybe I will have time to catch up.... I just want you all to know that I'm still here and still active, just busy. :)

 

So happy to have Booklikes back up and reliable again!

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1536997/busy-busy-busy

My first manga

Review:

 

I read this book for my Multicultural Lit class. I used the Comixology app to read it and it was great. I did sort of miss the paper book experience of the graphic novel. The story is set in Japan and involves 5 friends and a new kid in school. The main character receives a letter from herself, 10 years in the future. The letter warns her that she has to do something to prevent a terrible event. It tells her what happened and what she should do differently. At first, she doesn't believe it, but as events in the letter start happening, she realizes it is the truth.

 

This story involves typical teen issues, including love, dating, jealousy, insecurity, etc. The action mostly takes place in the present with intermittent flashforwards to 10 years in the future.

 

I enjoyed the book, but I don't know if I will read the sequels (there are at least 5). I needed to read a manga for my class, and the letters from the future appealed to me. It was a fun story, but I usually prefer horror, sci-fi, or fantasy. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1533245/my-first-manga

Book 2 in the Insignia series

Review:

 

 

That was the thing about real life. Video games could be reset. There were second chances.

- Chapter 14

 

Book two in the World War III Insignia series is as thrilling as the first book. This series explores themes of power, corruption, friendship, and loyalty. Evil cooperations control everything, from the water and food to the war. Tom and his friends have computers in their heads and they are controlled by the government (which is controlled by the corporations). Tom is rebellious but loyal. In order to continue in his training, Tom has to get corporations to sponsor him, but he is incapable of hiding his real feelings, incapable of being political.

 

This is an exciting story. I loved the first book, and this one even more. I am starting book 3 right away! Watching Tom try to act political was so funny. There are some pretty tense moments and it is hard to know who to trust. I sort of guessed who was the leak, but I knew it would involve another twist.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1533240/book-2-in-the-insignia-series

Insignia Review

Review:

 

That computer in your head is a weapon, but it is a double-edged sword.

- page 103

 

"War evolves over time. It's better to say, 'No one kills in this war yet.'"

- page 105

 

"People are expendable. Period. The only difference between the nineteen fifties and today is that there are billions more of us expendable human beings."

- page 106

 

"All the technology in the world can't change the fundamentals of human nature. There will always be war as long as human beings are capable of envy, hatred, and fear."

- page 118

 

I love this book. It was highly recommended to me by one of my fifth-grade students. In fact, she repeatedly told me that I "had" to read this book. So, of course, I read it. And I am so glad I did.

 

In this world, war is fought in space and there are no casualties. The war is fought by teenagers with computers implanted in their brains. They interface directly with the ships to control them. But, the war is not between countries, exactly. Oh, there are alliances between countries, but the companies are really controlling (and profiting from) the war. Tom Raines goes from a nobody with a drunk, gambler for a father, to a highly prized asset of the government. And, for the first time, he belongs somewhere, he has friends.

 

I'm sure you can guess that having a computer implanted in your brain isn't all sunshine and rainbows. And Tom complicates it by being impulsive and maybe a bit crazy. But he is a teenage boy, so...

 

The story is exciting, with enough twists that you aren't exactly sure who Tom should trust, but you root for him anyway. 

 

This is a Sunshine State Award nominated book in the 6-8 grade category.

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1528352/insignia-review

Another reason to love firemen!

Review:

 

 

 

Joe Hill has created another amazing and creepy world, with realistic characters in a dire situation. Harper thinks the dragon scale that adorns her skin is a death sentence. But, it opens her eyes and mind to a new reality. She is a strong, determined character who has lived her whole life in her husband's world, but the infection changed that. 

 

I don't want to give the story away, so I won't say much. I loved the characters and the story. It's a long book, but worth every page. It's not nearly as creepy as NOS4A2, but scary in its own way.

 

I will say that one of the characters mentioned Christmasland and I shivered (so that book still affects me...).

 

Anyway, if you like Joe Hill, read this, you won't be disappointed. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1528346/another-reason-to-love-firemen

Unwanteds series

Review:

 

 

This series is fantastic. Imagine this, I read all seven books in a row. It's a relatively long series. I do tend to get bored after the first few books, or the quality drops and I give up. This series is worth reading all the way through. Loved it!

 

Lisa McMann is very creative and writes across middle grade and young adult. I also enjoyed the Wake trilogy. She just released another series that picks up where the Unwanteds series ends. The name of the new series is The Unwanteds Quests. Maybe the new series will answer the unanswered questions from this series...

 

I however, will not start the new series. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I have a lot of reading to do for school and I cannot allow myself to get caught up in another long series. Not to mention, book 1 just came out. So, there may be a bit of wait for the next one and I'm not good at waiting. I like to have the next book available to read right away if possible. 

 

Recommended to:

Readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure stories with loads of imagination. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1523318/unwanteds-series