Christmas will never be the same...

Review:

 

She thought of mothering, which was really another word for being present and caring what happened to someone.

- page 254

 

The sky was the color of a migraine.

- page 457

 

This book. Wow. I loved it, though it was so creepy that I don't know that it sounds right to say that.

 

Kate Mulgrew's narration = AMAZING!!!

 

I listened to this audiobook, thanks to a review I saw from Char, here on Booklikes (you can find her review here Char's review of NOS4A2). She describes the experience much better than I ever could.

 

The voices Mulgrew does are absolutely spot on and add so much to the story. I couldn't do those voices that well in my own head. I would like to listen to Kate Mulgrew narrate every book of Joe Hill's that I read from now on.

 

Oh, and in case you didn't realize, Kate Mulgrew played Captain Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager.

 

Keep in mind, this may taint your thoughts of Christmas forever. And you will never want to go to a place called Christmasland (even if you think you do now). I get chills just thinking about it, and of course I hear it in Mulgrew's voice.

 

Recommended to:

Adult horror fans. Listen to the audio if you can, it is amazing.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1463558/christmas-will-never-be-the-same

Halloween Bingo Update #1

 

One book down, many to go...

I don't think I can keep up with the rest of you, but I am really enjoying reading everyone's reviews. I will never be at a loss for books on my tbr shelf....

 

 

 

Finished:

 

Witches:  The Witch of Blackbird Pond

 

 

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1463554/halloween-bingo-update-1

Not so witchy... but still good

Review:

 

There was something strange about this country of America, something that they all seemed to share and understand and she did not.

- Chapter 1

 

Before Kit's eyes a miracle took place, for which she was totally unprepared... No one had ever told her about autumn in New England. The excitement of it beat in her blood. Every morning she woke with a new confidence and buoyancy she could not explain. In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible..

- Chapter 14

 

Well, the title has "witch" in it, but this isn't really about witches. It's more of a historical fiction book taking place during the Puritan/Quaker era in early American New England. It is the story of an impulsive young girl yearning to fit in and trying to do the right thing.

 

Kit grew up in Barbados and was raised by her grandfather. When he dies, the only family she has is in New England. New England and Barbados couldn't be more different, and Kit and her New England relatives have about as much in common. Kit grew up with a lot of freedom and having to do little work and it is very difficult for her to adjust. Kit is an admirable heroine, she is willful and determined and she is loyal and loving. She doesn't realize that her behavior and her choice of friends could put her in danger. But, when things start to fall apart, Kit stands up for her friends and for what she believes in.

 

The story moves along kind of slowly and I was always waiting for something bad to happen. But it was an easy read and written in the perfect style for the intended audience (grades 5-7). I imagine that young girls will enjoy reading about Kit and won't see the end coming as easily as I did.

 

 

Recommended to:

Readers in grades 5-7, especially girls, who are looking for strong female characters in historical settings.

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1462998/not-so-witchy-but-still-good

Why oh why did it have to end that way??

Review:

 

 

Ok, so I LOVED this second book in the Red Rising trilogy. Darrow is a great main character, flaws and all. It breaks my heart all he goes through. Once again you may think you know what is happening, but just when things seem good... BAM...something unexpected and usually bad happens. Lots of feels here guys.

 

I finished the book (late at night when I should have been sleeping), and I wanted to start the next one right away. But I needed to sleep and even more, I needed time to process what happened.

 

I don't want to give anything away, even by naming characters. Just read this book already!!

 

Quotes:

 

But this is why I was made. To dive into hell.

 

 

Chance made us Golds. We could have been born any other Color. Chance put us in our families. But we choose our friends... I chose her, like I chose all of you. And if we cannot trust our friends... then what's the point in breathing?

 

Recommended to:

Anyone who likes a good rebellion - Start with Red Rising. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1457238/why-oh-why-did-it-have-to-end-that-way

Dinosaur Boy

Review:

It all started with a bump. A little one. Right on the back of my neck.

 

- First Sentence

 

 

And so begins Sawyer's big summer change. Last summer, Sawyer's friend, Elliot grew 5 whole inches. Sawyer's change is a bit different, he has the dinosaur gene and is growing plates, a tail and spikes (he is part Stegosaurus). This is unusual, but not unheard of. Scientists at Amalgam Labs experimented with DNA hybridization and created human/dinosaur hybrids, so now some children exhibit dinosaur characteristics.

 

When Sawyer returns to school (5th grade), he is the target of bullies, with the intensity increasing as the days go by. The new principal claims to be there to protect Sawyer and she begins expelling anyone caught bullying him. But, her intentions may not be completely altruistic.

 

As the book proceeds, Sawyer, Elliot and the strange new girl become fast friends and try to fight the bullies. But, they also discover that the principal may not be what she seems. And as bullies continue to disappear, Sawyer and his friends start to wonder where they are going exactly.

 

This is a cute book that kids will enjoy. I knew something was going on, but the twist took me by surprise. I think the kids will be surprised too.

[spoiler]

I mean I thought the principal was maybe involved with the lab or something, but to find out she is a pet supplier from Mars? Where did that come from?

 

[/spoiler]

I thought this book had no real substance, just a fun story - nothing wrong with that. However, when I got to the end of the book, I found a surprise. The Author's Note explains different ways that dinosaurs and people who study them are part of the book. It is a great explanation and gives kids a lot of information about the study of dinosaurs. An unexpected bit of learning that will please dinosaur fans. It is like finding Easter Eggs in a game or DVD = FUN.

 

Recommended to:

Readers in grades 3-5 who like their fiction with a dash of science mixed with dinosaurs.

 

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1456025/dinosaur-boy