The book of Dust by Philip Pullman

Summary from Goodreads:

Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them, a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua . . .

Review:

I feel like I have been waiting 15 years for this book. I kind of have been. I first read The Golden Compass for a high school book club, when I believe I was 16. I fell so in love with the book that I made my dad drive me to Barnes and Noble, find the next two in the series, and then purchase them all for me before I was even half way through it. I knew it would be a long-time favorite. And I was right. Since, I have re-read the series several times. I’ve listened to the audio books. I even dressed as The Amber Spyglass one year for Halloween. I had two other friends dressed as the rest of the series.

I get asked the question “What should I read next, after loving Harry Potter?” The Golden Compass is almost always my number one go-to for this question. That being said, I was a little skeptical going into this book. I don’t always respond well to authors revisiting series that have for a long time been completed. It’s hit or miss. But out of all my years of book geekdom, for all the times I was asked if there could be one book/one series that an author returned to, I always, always said I wished it was this one. I always wanted more. I wanted more hope for Will and Lyra. I wanted more answers about dust. I wanted more answers about the worlds and the universe. And finally, at some point last year, I learned that Pullman was returning to Lyra’s Oxford.

This book takes place when Lyra is a baby. It’s the story of how she came to be at Jordan College. And while it’s not the extended, happier ending I’ve been dreaming about since I was 16, it’s at least something. And I know there will be two more books. And I know Pullman is eventually going to get past the ending of The Amber Spyglass.

Keeping this all in mind, I knew this wasn’t going to be the book I was hoping for. I wasn’t hoping to see Lyra as a baby. Was anyone? But I read it, knowing the book I want will eventually happen. I wish I could say this book makes the wait better or easier. I was slightly disappointed.

It still felt the same. The world, the concept, the plot, and all of it read like it was part of the original series. And for that, I’m eternally grateful. It smelled and tasted like canon. That being said, it was extraordinarily slow. The first half of the book was about setting everything up in the second half of the book. It was about crazy, terrible things the Magisterium was requesting of children. It was about spying. It was about the every day of an extraordinary world (before everything is touched by adventure).

It’s also a lot darker than the previous series. There’s characters with mental illness. There’s sex and rape. There’s kidnapping and natural disasters. It’s the grittier side of Oxford, the side Lyra never had to see.

All of this darker, grittier stuff is certainly interesting. It was also kind of exciting to see the younger versions of characters I’ve known for 15 years. Lord Asriel, Mrs. Coulter, and the Gyptians all brought a smile to my face. I kept waiting for another character who might turn up, and that was fun. I also thought the second half of the book was un-put-downable. Once Malcom and Alice were on the boat, it was one non-stop magical, suspenseful adventure.

The first half did drag. I almost put the book down and stopped reading several times. It was only my knowledge of a better second half (from reading reviews) that kept me dedicated. And I’m glad I stayed with it. I really am. It did feel like it took Pullman a little time to get used to this world again. Like the dragged-on details of the town were him getting re-acquainted with it all too.

All in all, I enjoyed this. It’s not the book I’ve been dreaming of –hopefully that will come soon. It had a very slow first half. And the second half picked up drastically. The world was darker, grittier, and more developed than ever before. The new characters were good. I grew to love them by the end. And best of all, it felt like the other books. I got to return to a world I never thought I’d have this chance to return to. I give it an 8/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (246)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (12/4/18):

Description on Goodreads:

Dark secrets and forbidden love threaten the very survival of the Shadowhunters in Cassandra Clare’s Queen of Air and Darkness, the final novel in the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling The Dark Artifices trilogy.

What if damnation is the price of true love?

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the blight that is destroying the race of warlocks. Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.

Why I’m Waiting:

I love these books. I’m dying to know what happens next. These characters feel like old friends to me. And my heart just broke a little learning that this book was the last one in this series. The cover is gorgeous. The romance is sure to be sizzling. And I can’t wait to see how things resolve for Julian and Emma.

What are you waiting on this week?

Spinning by Tillie Walden

Summary from Goodreads:

Poignant and captivating, Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden's powerful graphic memoir, Spinning, captures what it's like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know.

It was the same every morning. Wake up, grab the ice skates, and head to the rink while the world was still dark.

Weekends were spent in glitter and tights at competitions. Perform. Smile. And do it again.

She was good. She won. And she hated it.

For ten years, figure skating was Tillie Walden's life. She woke before dawn for morning lessons, went straight to group practice after school, and spent weekends competing at ice rinks across the state. It was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies, and family. But over time, as she switched schools, got into art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the figure skating team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. It all led to one question: What was the point?The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she'd outgrown her passion--and she finally needed to find her own voice.

Review:

This wasn’t what I was expecting. I’m not sure exactly what I thought I was getting into. I guess I thought it would be a sarcastic take on synchronized ice-skating, and one girl’s story surviving the craziness. This was definitely one girl’s story surviving the craziness. There just wasn’t any sarcasm or much humor at all. And it was a lot darker and complex than I thought it would be.

This book tackles a lot of tough stuff. There’s the main character working her little butt off every day for her sport. There’s bullying. There’s car accidents. There’s abandonment. There’s coming out of the closet to non-supportive family. There’s heart-break.  And there’s even sexual assault. And while I appreciate a good graphic novel that tackles the tough stuff (frankly, there’s not enough of them), I’m not sure this one really tackled the topics that well.

About 95% of the bullying that takes place is mentioned but not shown. At one point, Tillie does mention one thing that happened to her girlfriend, but even then it was very abrupt. The coming out part was minimal. So, was the heartbreak. The assault scene was actually drawn out a bit more. It was tough to read. But, also the way it was illustrated and mentioned was kind of powerful. It was handled in a unique way I haven’t seen before. And I remember thinking, I wish the author did this with other big moments too. I needed to see this for this bullying and other things to feel more real.

What takes up most of the book’s story and illustrations are the skating practices, tests, and moments with other skaters. It still moved along quickly. And it was interesting learning and seeing this much detail about the skating world. But weirdly, I felt like the book was supposed to be something else. It was supposed to be about growing up and figuring out what works and doesn’t work for you. I just wish more time was spent on visualizing that, and less on fancy footwork and early morning wakeups.

Also, I don’ think this was supposed to be the takeaway here, but I totally took away the fact that Tillie’s parents were pretty much scum. She was the only one without either parent at any of the practices, shows, and important competitions. Where were they? When they were shown, it was to complain about money or to not be supportive of their daughter coming out. For the most part, it felt like Tillie was abandoned by them completely. The poor girl couldn’t speak up about any of the bad stuff that happened to her. And I didn’t really blame her. There was no support for her. At all.

All in all, this was a unique book with excellent art. I wish some of the major things that happened to Tillie (things that defined her and helped her to eventually make her final decision about skating) were actually fleshed out and shown in more detail. I didn’t need so much detail about the actual skating. And I’d like to slap some sense into her parents. I give this one a 7/10.

A Good Week in Books (175)

I’ve been a little MIA this month. Mostly, I’ve just had a lot on my plate at work because my director retired, so I’ve been temporarily filling in as Acting Director (on top of all my regular duties). I haven’t had as much free time and when I’ve had it, I’ve been cooking, holiday shopping, etc. I did finish a big fantasy novel and an interesting graphic novel. I also finished listening to a giant, adult audiobook. I received a couple of new books for review courtesy of Macmillan. And I have lots of reading to catch up on! I only have one more month to finishing my yearly reading goal (and I have 10 more books to read!).

The new pretties:

Cici’s Journal by Joris Chamblain and art by Aurelie Neyret
Renegades by Marissa Meyer

How was your week in books?

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

Summary from Goodreads:

Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri's mom avoids these questions--the topic of India is permanently closed.

For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she's ever dared and find the family she never knew.

In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.

Review:

I ended up enjoying this even more than I was anticipating. I read it in one sitting (maybe a couple of hours). I absolutely adored the art in here. It reminded me a bit of Raina Telgemeier mixed with Jennifer L Holm. The art is bold and colorful, but also a little cute –with nods to some graphic novels/manga that has come before. I loved seeing the Sailor Moon poster in Pri’s room.

I’m loving these middlge grade/YA graphic novels about girls with different backgrounds and stories. This was a different perspective than I’m used to reading from and I loved all the things that made this different. There’s this sort of magical pashmina that shows Pri a beautiful, enticing side to India. It was fun learning about Shakti and the elements to this part of the culture.

I also loved getting to see the real India (away from the magical pashmina), and all the good that Pri’s family was doing there. And while there are fun and different traits to this fantastical story that I haven’t seen before, there is also the familiar: a girl wanting to know where she came from. Why hasn’t Pri’s mother talked to her about her past at all?

This was a fun coming of age story. I loved learning about India. I also loved Pri, and getting to learn with her, the stories of her family. This was a great graphic novel. I hope to see more from this author/artist in the future. I give it a 9/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (245)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on: 2 Fuzzy, 2 Furious by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale  (3/6/2018):

Description on Goodreads:

Squirrel Girl is BACK in an all-new adventure and things are about to get . . . hairy. Thanks to Squirrel Girl, Ana Sofia, and the Squirrel Scouts, the crime rate in New Jersey is at an all time low. It makes for safer streets but also bored-er squirrels. That's why it's super exciting when Doreen's school announces a new mall is being built right next to their town. Mmmm . . . Doreen can smell the soft pretzels now. The corporation building mall has also announced that there will be a competition to choose the mall's mascot. Because malls need mascots? Anyway, Doreen's school will be voting for a cat and the neighboring school will be voting for a dog. As the relationship starts to unravel between the two towns, Squirrel Girl and her friends suspect something more sinister is at work. With the help of old friends like Ana Sofia, Tippy Toe, and The Mighty Thor as well as some surprising new ones, Squirrel Girl will squash a villainous plot and save everyone.The unbeatable Squirrel Girl is ready for more nuts AND more butts! Are you?

Why I’m Waiting:

I’m a huge Squirrel Girl fan. I love the comics. I love the comedic concept. And I loved the first book in this series. The world is so ready for more Squirrel Girl. I can’t wait to see where the authors take my favorite heroine next.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Silver Mask by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Summary from Goodreads:

A generation ago, Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt. Now Call is one of the most feared and reviled students in the history of the Magisterium, thought to be responsible for a devastating death and an ever-present threat of war. As a result, Call has been imprisoned and interrogated. Everyone wants to know what Constantine was up to-and how he lives on. But Call has no idea. It is only when he's broken out of prison that the full potential of Constantine's plan is suddenly in his hands . . . and he must decide what to do with his power. In this spellbinding fourth book of Magisterium, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take us beyond the realm of the living and into the dangers of the dead.

Review:

These books are like popcorn. I can’t stop until I’ve gone through it all. Seriously, I read this one in less than a day. I wish more people read these books. I feel like they had some weird, negative press for book 1. And then no one kept reading them. I seriously love these middle grade stories. They are dark, twisted, full of magic and excellent characters, and suspense. These are books I’d put into the hands of reluctant readers, bored readers, and fantasy readers.

In this fourth installment, stuff is as dark and suspenseful as they can possibly get. Call is still reeling from the death of a loved one in the previous book. He’s also imprisoned and kind of left to rot, without knowing the shape of the rest of his friends. That is until he’s broken out and taken to the land of the enemy. It’s there, that he’s actually kind of embraced, educated, and taught to understand his crazy powers. He may even be taught how to bring back the dead.

There is so much I’d love to get into, but it would involve insane spoilers. Just know that not everything is as it seems in this book. Call has a lot of growing up to do. There’s fighting, sacrificing, magic, betrayals, power, death, and even a little bit of love. It was kind of hard reading this one because of the lack of a certain loved character. The dynamics are all off balance, kind of.

This one ended with another twist that had me surprised again. These books keep surprising me. I can’t wait to see what happens next. This wasn’t my favorite volume of the series. There did appear to be a couple of plot holes, and some super cheesy stuff with the bad guys that just seemed too over the top to me. But, otherwise, this was pure, buttery delicious popcorn. And I can’t wait to keep reading. This gets an 8/10.

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Summary from Goodreads:

New York City.
1927.
Lights are bright.
Jazz is king.
Parties are wild.
And the dead are coming...

After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that nearly claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten--ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows.

With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them face-to-face with the King of Crows. But as the explosive secrets of the past come to light, loyalties and friendships will be tested, love will hang in the balance, and the Diviners will question all that they've ever known. All the while, malevolent forces gather from every corner in a battle for the very soul of a nation--a fight that could claim the Diviners themselves.

Review:

I love Libba Bray. I often refer to her as my favorite author. She’s an unbelievably talented writer. The trouble with these books is that they take her a very long time to write. They could take years. And this one ended depressingly badly in a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. How long must I wait to find out what happens next? 1 year? 2? 3? Maybe hold off on reading this one if you can, until the next installment. The ending is brutal.

The story was magnificent. The setting, the characters, the supernatural world this author weaves into historic context is just beyond anything I’ve come to expect in any author. I want to live in her words. I want to go to this NYC, where booze is illegal and ghosts are out for revenge. I want to dance with Evie, fight for my dreams like Theta, stand up for the working man with Mabel, get into trouble with Sam, write poetry with Memphis, play music with Henry, and learn science with Ling. I don’t just love these characters; I wish I could physically hang out with them. I feel like I know them.

Somehow, Bray is able to throw in everything to the mix. I was actually terrified in the scenes that took place in the asylum. There is nothing as creepy as evil ghosts who can control the unsuspecting bystander and make them do monstrous/murderous things.  I cried my eyes out for a character who was betrayed in the worst of ways. I was practically pacing to see what ramifications would occur for a possible explosion. I fell in love with Sam all over again. I shipped him and Evie so hard in this book, though I think like Evie, I used to be a little divided between him and Jericho.  And I felt so terrified for Jericho and everything he endured just to survive. The mystery with Sam’s mom was so good.

Stuff finally resolves with Memphis’ creepy neighbor. A lot is learned about Project Buffalo. There is a lot of sleuthing, plotting, betraying, escaping, and mayhem. Also, this book is political and relevant to today’s heightened arguments about immigration and racism.  This book is also loaded with all kinds of diverse romance. There’s a lesbian couple, a gay couple, and an interracial couple. And it’s so interesting and fun to read about this in the context of 1920’s NYC.

It took me a long time to read this book. It is a monster at 546 pages. I also had a killer sinus infection that limited my reading times. However, I’m so grateful that I took my sweet time reading this. It allowed me the ability to pick up on so many current day connections. And I got to savor my overall reading experience. At one point, stuff felt too good for the characters, and that’s when I knew a crazy ending would be approaching. And I postponed finishing it…That ending was just insane. Insane.

All in all, this was a wonderful installment in the series. The writing was beautiful. The characters were the best. I loved watching them work together! The setting was so interesting. The romance was sizzling. Pieces of the story were legit terrifying. The suspense was crazy. And the ending kind of ripped my heart out and I’m dying to read more. When will there be more???? I give it a 10/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (244)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on: If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say by Leila Sales (5/1/2018):

Description on Goodreads:

This provocative and relevant young adult novel is about Winter, a one-time National Spelling Bee Champ with a bright future ahead of her. That all changes after she haphazardly writes a racially offensive tweet that she thought was a harmless joke. What unfolds is a barrage of Internet shaming and rejection from her community and closest friends. Winter seeks to redeem herself, but first must come to terms with what she wrote and understand why there was so much backlash.

Why I’m Waiting:

First off, this topic for a YA book sounds like gold. There’s so much with the internet that has never come up in YA literature, and it’s about time we started seeing it. I can’t wait to see how this main character handles her mistake. I also love this author. I have high hopes for the one to be a rather powerful book.

What are you waiting on this week?