Sunday, May 14, 2017

It's about time...

Review:

The Gunslinger - Stephen King

 

I am a huge Stephen King fan (since I was a teenager), and I read every book he writes, except the Dark Tower series. I'm not sure why I never read this series, but I own all the books. So, I'm finally reading it, well.... because it's being made into a movie.

 

And actually, I decided to listen to the audiobooks. I'm in the middle of a couple of other books and I have reading to do for my classes. So, I figured the only way I will finish the series is if I listen when I can't read (while walking the dog, cleaning the house, or other things...)

 

This first book is interesting if a bit complex at times. The narrator is good, and I enjoyed the performance. It took me a while to get into the story because it was a bit all over the place. I started by reading the physical book, but I kept putting it off because it wasn't really grabbing me. When I saw the preview of the movie, I decided I needed to focus.

 

Once I finished the book, I appreciated the story more. It is a good beginning to the series, and I think as I read more, I will enjoy it more.

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1562628/it-s-about-time

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1562624/post

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Ordinary is what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1562621/post

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Two kids must save the world...

Review:

The Doom Machine - Mark Teague, Scholastic Inc.

 

Skreeps - 9 ft. tall alien spiders from the planet Skreepia. They land on Earth to obtain a "special item" from the ooman bings. They capture Jack, his Uncle Bud, Isadora, her mother (a scientist), and the town cop and his son. Uncle Bud has created a device that looks like a refrigerator but has the ability to create holes in space & time. The Skreeps want it so they can take over more planets, including Earth.

 

This story is aimed at kids ages 9-12. It is a bit scary because the Skreeps are huge spiders (and well...yuck). The Skreeps fight each other constantly and threaten the kids and their families. Isadora is a great character, smart, logical, and willing to do whatever it takes to test a theory. Jack is a juvenile delinquent who can fix any car, and it turns out spaceships too. I liked the way the two of them worked together and/or fought throughout the story. Isadora is always smarter and braver, but Jack is clever in his own ways.

 

There is a lot of talk about time and moving outside time and always being somewhere. It gets a little confusing, but I don't think the author expected his audience to understand it, just accept it. Some kids are good at that.

 

The Skreeps are constantly trying to prove themselves better than each other, and the constant bickering leads to some funny scenes. The story includes an evil queen, rebels, heroes, pirates, prophets and prophecies, surprising monsters, and enough twists and turns to delight any sci-fi fan.

 

Teague is very creative and has written a wonderfully entertaining story. The giant spiders (Skreeps) are seriously creepy at times and may be too much for sensitive readers.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1562098/two-kids-must-save-the-world

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Bout of Books 19 Readathon Update

 

 

 

Today's challenge is Share Your Shelfie.

 

So, I decided to take a picture of the books on my nightstand. There are many, many more books all over my house, but this is where I am right now, so...

 

 

My stats as of today:

 

# of Books Finished: 1

The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

 

# of Pages Read: 450

 

Currently Reading:

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Drawing of the Three: Dark Tower Book 2 by Stephen King (audiobook)

 

 

 

Bout of Books

 

Bout of Books
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 8th and runs through Sunday, May 14th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 19 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1561852/bout-of-books-19-readathon-update