Tag: review (Page 2 of 2)

A Review- The Best of Me by David Sedaris

January 24, 2021 /

Normally, I would discuss the plot here. With this being a collection of stories and essays, I will change tactics slightly. If you have never read Sedaris, The Best of Me is a collection of work spanning his career. 

I was introduced to Sedaris with Me Talk Pretty One Day in 2007. The work was assigned for a course in non-fiction during my time at University. I still recommend that book to anyone looking for something humorous or engaging.  I am always disappointed that I have yet to read any of his other works. 

When I began this review blog, I made a goal to read this collection.  I do not regret that decision.

Writing Style

I recognize the Sedaris that I remember from Me Talk Pretty One Day. He has always been frank and unforgiving, but I find more sentimentality there now. The newer stories were even more poignant and relatable. He writes from a completely different set of life experiences.  Somehow, I could still imagine myself in a similar situation.

Did I put it down?

I did take my time with this book.  My first instinct was to rush through and enjoy the entire book in one sitting.  I was able to digest this better at a slow pace.

Who should be reading this?

There is some language, sexuality, and morbid curiosities sprinkled throughout the stories.  The stories lean towards tasteful. 

Would I recommend The Best of Me?

I find this difficult to answer.  If you have read his other works, you may not need this collection.  I am not that person. I will say that see his older material juxtaposed against the newer did create more of a narrative than I expected.  There is some merit in this. 

The later works spoke to me and left me reflecting on my relationships. He touches on both serious and humorous moments while discussing topics like mortality and alcohol abuse effortlessly. Nothing seems out of its place. In this, many readers will find a microcosm of their life experiences.  In the end, this book gave me another lens through which to look at my own life. 

Check out the book here!

A Review- Fangs by Sarah Andersen

January 17, 2021 /

Two people fall in love. Well, a vampire and a werewolf fall in love. Andersen’s graphic novel Fangs follows their exploits. 

Art Style

Andersen’s book is in black and white.  Compared to other work she has done, the artwork here is simple.  For the most part, the art tells the story well.  A few panes left me questioning what was happening.  

Did I put it down?

I took my time, and I gave it my full attention. Unfortunately, I still put it down after about 30 pages.  I had been expecting something more narrative, and the book was more like a collection of comic panels from the newspaper.  After resetting those expectations, the book flowed better.

Content

I would consider this comically mature.  Nothing is overly-explicit, but we are still dealing with vampires and werewolves.

Would I recommend Fangs?


I am sure that there is an audience for this. With the story being light-hearted and humorous, I found enjoyable moments. If someone were looking for a comic strip style story, I would recommend this. For those who must read everything supernatural, this is a book for you.  If you are looking for a connected plot, this isn’t what you will find.

A Review- A Time For Mercy by John Grisham

January 10, 2021 /

Five years ago, Jake Brigance won a stunning verdict in the Hailey case.  He is now on the verge of victory in a major civil suit when Drew Gamble murders his mother’s boyfriend, a local police officer.  Officer Kofer was popular with locals, but a drunk and abusive in his private life.  Judge Omar Noose tasks Jake with defending the teenager. Jake’s attempt to keep Drew from the gas chamber will fan the flames of hatred in this small Mississippi town.  

Writing Style

This was everything that I expected from a John Grisham novel.  He is an excellent writer, and his style is easy to read. A Time for Mercy verged on being formulaic, but I must remind myself that the formula works.  That said, this book was not the road less traveled.

Did I put it down?

Yes, but I came back. As soon as I heard that Grisham was releasing this novel, I was excited.  Jake Brigance is alluring and always leaves me wanting more.  Every story has its magic.  I am not sure if it is the southern charm or the small town turmoil, but I needed to find out what happened next. 

Who should be reading this?

Mature content is covered here.  At the risk of spoiling the plot, I will not be specific in my description. 

Would I recommend A Time for Mercy? 

Sure, but let me preface that. For me, the initial scenes felt contrived and unemotional.  One example would be Drew’s rationalizations before the killing.  They were out of place and unrealistic.  Once you wade through the unavoidable references to the Hailey case, Jake’s financial troubles, and some half-hearted posturing over social issues, you may find a message here worth the time. 

The characters are where the story shines.  Grisham has brought this small town to life.   Although I love characters like Lucien and Harry Rex, Grisham’s additions were welcome as well.  

A Review- 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon

January 3, 2021 /

The Story:  A young child is trying to wait out the long nights before Christmas comes.

Art Style: The art style was playful and cartoonish. This added to the enjoyment and anticipation of the story.

Did I put it down?  No, I did not. Also, the book kept my daughter’s attention.

Content: The content here is heart-warming and wholesome. For all those that celebrate Christmas as a holiday, this is a great read.

Would I recommend 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas? Absolutely. I enjoyed this follow-up to Fallon’s other early childhood books.

A Review – Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

December 27, 2020 /

The Story:  Maryse Boudreaux, with her companions Sadie and Chef, is on the hunt in the Jim Crow South.  Their prey is far from customary.  They are hunting supernaturally created Klan members. With her silver sword in hand, Maryse slashes her way through waves of monsters and even into different dimensions.

Writing Style: Throughout Ring Shout, I could hear Maryse’s voice, and I could feel the South in the dialogue and the environment. The character and her motivations were developed early but also expanded through the story.  I did have some trouble with Nana Jean’s Gullah dialect, but it did lend authenticity to the character. 

Clark’s writing ignites the reader’s imagination. While incredibly visual, his descriptions incorporate all the senses to astound and horrify. A few uncomfortable moments made my skin crawl. 

Did I put it down?  Yes, but the week seemed short, and Christmas celebrations stole the majority of my time.  I read the story in about two to three short sessions. More importantly, I looked forward to returning to the book.

Who should be reading this? Young adults will approach this content well.  This novel does have its share of violence and language, as well as some adult content.  Behind all of the themes, there is a sense of moral responsibility and consideration.   

Would I recommend Ring Shout?  I would without reservation. Magical swords. Monsters. This story has a bit of everything.  Those who enjoy Lovecraft’s horror or Tarantino’s films, Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds specifically, would enjoy this fictional romp through the Jim Crow South.

A Review- Barking by Lucy Sullivan

December 20, 2020 /

The Story:  After a year, the death of her friend still haunts Alix Otto.  Stalked by a shadowy hound, she is institutionalized after a desperate series of events.  Barking tells the story of Alix’s journey through her grief and the system. 

Art Style: Sullivan’s book is fully in black and white.  The pencilled style gives a feeling that is both ethereal and raw.  When searching for my next read, her erratic art style attracted me to this book.  The layout was fluid throughout the book, changing with Alix’s state. This format lends itself well to the subject matter. 

Did I put it down?  Not once. The opening sequence was intense and disturbing.  I found myself immediately invested in Alix as a character. 

Content: Sullivan is discussing delicate material.  The main themes of the book revolve around mental health. Suicidal ideation is a subject matter early, and mental health institutions are addressed as well.  We do see some vulgar language used by characters, but this is not gratuitous. 

Would I recommend Barking? Absolutely. Admittedly, the topics discussed could be troubling for some readers. Beyond this, Sullivan does telling a compelling story. Take a look at the book along with other authors for this publisher at https://unbound.com/books/barking/.

A Review- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson

December 13, 2020 /

In Caste, Isabel Wilkerson attempts to frame the caste system in America. As the reader, you must survey the foundation on which the country is built.  Wilkerson examines the caste systems of two other societies in comparison: Nazi Germany and India.  Through this, she illustrates the pillars of caste systems and how caste infiltrates our lives. She shows the backlash created when individuals rise above their station. Finally, she highlights the often-overlooked consequences on society and offers hope at healing these divides.  

Caste is unrelenting and eye-opening. Wilkerson crosses between theorizing, research, and anecdotal illustrations.  Her personal experiences are especially poignant as they show vulnerability. Critics claim that the book flounders in depictions of slavery and the Jim Crow South. The oppression experienced by African-Americans is familiar terrain for readers, but without this groundwork, the book would lose stability. Wilkerson’s examples are often vivid and brutal.  Her depictions were not gratuitous and drove her argument. 

In the final quarter, this work truly shines.  Where Wilkerson may leave readers despairing early, she shows a road forward here.   The material is more topical and relatable as well. She has made this an understandable and accessible subject for many readers, especially those searching for meaning in “structural racism.” Lastly, Wilkerson leaves us with a simple call to action around recognition, knowledge, and understanding.

A Review: The Old Truck, by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

December 6, 2020 /

The Old Truck is written and illustrated by two brothers, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey.  This children’s book is a look into the life of a young girl and her family’s farm through the lens of the family pickup truck. 

Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have created a story that drives the imagination. The Old Truck is more than just a story about a vehicle.  Through the truck, we see the grit and perseverance of people.  The reader gets a glimpse at their dreams.  

The art style is simple and geometric in many places, but drives the narrative clearly.  The Pumpheys created these images with over 250 stamps that they crafted. The colors are cool, but vibrant, and effectively convey season, emotion, and theme. From the smiling farmer’s daughter to the chickens frenzied by the truck’s ignition, young readers will also be captivated.  

The Old Truck will hold a special place on their bookshelves.

A Review: Moonflower Murders, by Anthony Horowitz

November 29, 2020 /

Susan Ryeland, a former publisher who retired to the island of Crete with her partner, finds herself entangled in a web of lies and deceit. When visited by the owners of Branlow Hall, she is charged with deciphering the eight-year-old murder of Frank Parris and the recent disappearance of Cecily Treherne, the owners’ daughter. Why her?  Her late client, Alan Conway, wrote the novel Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, which Cecily claimed just before her disappearance contained clues to the actual culprit of the original crime.  The consequences hang heavy as the guilt of an imprisoned man is in question, and Cecily is nowhere to be found.  The reader joins Susan as she delves into Alan’s novel searching for meaning.

Horowitz has written an easy and enjoyable novel, dense with clues as to who the culprit is. The reader will definitely be searching for meaning in every corner of the story, the consequence of any novel in this genre.  A slight lag in pacing does exists when moving into the first chapters of Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, but this soon abates. 

Beyond these minor items, the novel is flawless. The story and characters are enthralling from start to finish.  From a sympathetic protagonist to the list of potential suspects, the cast takes the reader through a range of emotions.  Horowitz’s novel is also not without a sense of self-awareness, almost to the point of breaking the fourth wall at points.  Ultimately, do not be surprised by the urge to leaf back through after finishing the story.  The details are flawless, and the ending is satisfying. At 608 pages, Moonflower Murders may seem daunting, but most readers will speed through this cunning plot in little time.

Newer posts »

Subscribe

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )

© 2024 Pop's Book Stop

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑