nursenblack
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Posts posted by nursenblack
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Shame you didn't really enjoy Me Before You. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out what happens in it (my copy should arrive early next month).
Even though I didn't like it I still want to read After You for some reason.
Station Eleven was one of my favourite reads of last year.
I think Bird Box is on my wishlist, as I recognise the title. I need to read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children at some point. I'm not a massive fan of YA, which is why I have hesitated, but I'm sure I will read it at some point.
Shame you didn't like Me Before You. I loved it, even though it's not normally a genre I read.
Read Miss Peregrine's before the movie comes out!
I kinda felt betrayed by Me Before You. I don't normally read that genre either, but since the movie was coming out I wanted to read it first. I won't watch the movie now though.
Bird Box was one of my reads-of-the-year last year. Really glad you enjoyed it, Laura. Bobbly, you should check it out.
I'm gonna check out a couple of the other 4 and 5 star books on this list of reviews!
I'm not sure if you'd enjoy The Library at Mount Char because it's so bizarre, but it is amazing.
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#21
Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
I probably would have never picked it up if it hadn't been my library's book club selection because it just isn't my typical read. A cute women's fiction that was mainly an escapism read. Certain sections really grabbed me, while others were predicable and clinched. Overall a fun summer read. (3/5)
Currently reading A Mother's Reckoning:Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold.
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#18
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This was a beautifully told novel about love, magic, and sacrifice. I'm always drawn to stories about the circus (maybe I was a lion tamer in another life) and sideshow characters. Wonderful and whimsical. (4/5)
#19
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
The Library at Mount Char a fantasy meets horror novel that is truly like nothing I've ever encountered before. This was definitely the weirdest novel I've ever read, but in a good way. Once the story grabbed me, which didn't take long, it wouldn't let go. (5/5)
#20
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I know so many readers love this novel, and it could have been that way for me if not for the ending and a few other reasons. I have a lot of mixed feelings about the events that happened. The well written characters and readability were all that saved this novel from 1 star for me.
Me Before You had been on my wish list for awhile and the movie motivated me to read it in a hurry. It's definitely promoted as a love story, which it clearly wasn't.A one sided love story, maybe.Poor Lou was the only one "in love" by the end. It was a hopeless relationship from start to finish. I am curious to find out what happens to her in the second book despite my disappointment with this one.
(2/5)
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#15
Normal by Graeme Cameron
This novel, told from the perspective of a serial killer, took me by surprise in more ways than one. I really enjoyed some of the changes and events the unnamed killer goes through, but some of the events felt too contrived. Overall, it was an interesting and pretty unique reading experience. (3/5)
#16
Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson
I love a good retelling, and this one was an unexpected and enjoyable take on the Bluebeard fairy tale. The story takes place in Mississippi before the civil war, on a exuberantly wealthy plantation, which made for the perfect atmosphere for this southern Gothic tale. It was very reminiscent of Jane Eyre for me, but with an obvious lust and violence. I definitely want read more from this author. (4/5)
#17
Find Her by Lisa Gardner
This novel is a very anxiety producing, thrill ride from start to finish. From the opening paragraphs describing the main character, Flora, being held in a wooden box by her kidnapper, I was hooked and found it really hard to put down. I had never read a novel by Lisa Gardner, but was pleasantly surprised by how well written and enthralling this novel was. My only qualm is detective D.D. Warren. I thought she seemed too hoity toity and not nearly as well developed as Flora. Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable and thrilling reading experience. (4/5)
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#12
Life and Other Near Death Experiences by Camille Pagan - I did enjoy the novel and thought the first was really humorous, but the main character's stubbornness annoyed me. (3/5)
#13
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
This horror/thriller was a an absolute wild ride. I believe this would be loved by even readers who don't like horror. No guts and gore, just plenty of frightening suspense and the feeling of doom. (5/5)
#14
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom RIggs
This was an exciting and unique YA fantasy/paranormal novel. It had it all: monsters, shape-shifting, time-loops, people with "peculiar" abilities. The main character, Jacob, believes his grandfather's stories about fighting monsters during the time of the Holocaust is just a metaphor, but after an horrific event, he starts to wonder if the stories are true.
Real vintage photos separate chapters and scenes, which I thought was a brilliant touch, and super creepy. In fact the whole novel feels like another time and place, even when Jacob and his father are in the present. The author doesn't dwell on technology, and Jacob isn't freaking out that he has no WiFi on the island (definitely an enduring quality in a teenager). But it makes it that much easier for him to immerse himself in the past.This novel is worth a read for anyone who loves YA and it's many sub genres. The ending left me wanting the next book. (4/5) -
#9
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (4/5)
#10
Blood and Salt by Kim Leggett (3/5)
#11
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck - Really enjoyed this engrossing and difficult tale about the hardships of Chinese farmer and his family. (4/5)
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I haven't post on my reading log since January, but have decided to bring it up to speed from then til now. Some books do not have written reviews, only ratings.
# 6
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (4/5)
#7
Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann
I've debated over even reviewing this novel, but I feel just giving stars doesn't really sum up my mixed feelings. If the novel had ended half way through or been edited down it could have easily been four or five stars. I loved the poetic prose and the angsty feeling of being on the verge of something important. However, nothing much does happen. And the main character began to grate my nerves with her one or two word responses no matter the situation. At first, I found that a bit mysterious and a result of an overly observant character who would rather watch than comment, but it did lose its charm after a while. I really wanted to love this novel and I almost did. (2/5)
#8
The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag - A cute and whimsical read (3/5)
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I had similar feelings myself last season but it has definitely picked up again. I suggest you give it one more chance. I find that marathoning the episodes makes them feel much more cohesive because there are so many moving parts with so many characters that they can't fully develop many story lines in one episode. Plus, you have made it this far so you can't turn back down.
Well, I've already been back on the bandwagon since the start of the new season. I couldn't stay mad too long. I was just truly frustrated when I wrote that last year. And my suspicions of what I thought would happen were correct.
I think this is definitely one of the best seasons yet. I did not like season 5 at all, but season 6 is pretty great. I don't know if you've watched last night's episode or not, but I think it's the best GoT episode they've ever done.
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At least you figured out early that you didn't want to finish it and didn't waste your time. If it wasn't captivating then, then chances are it won't hook you later.
Very true. There are too many books in the world that I want to read to waste my time on something not for me. Such a disappointment though.
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I recently gave up on Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. I'd heard tons about it and critics seemed to be going nuts for it, but I thought it was pretty boring. I think I only made it to around 8% on my Kindle. I usually don't quit that early, but I just didn't foresee it getting any better for me. I liked the writing, just not much of a plot. I was looking so forward to it too!
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I haven't read a whole lot of horror, but my absoulte favorite is NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. I think his characters are amazing and the story really grabbed me. I couldn't put it down.
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Mother's Day in the US is also on the 8th of May too, Athena
.The first mother's/maternal figures who come to mind for me are Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, Caroline Ingalls in the Little House on the Prairie series and Mrs. March in Little Women.
I might think of more as the day goes on...
Yes, definitely these come to mind. I can't think of any more that really stand out for me.
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I have a few I own that I'm intimidated by and a couple that I don't own but have thought about reading.
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb - It's on my shelf and so impressively big.
Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald - On my shelf
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov - Not a huge book, but guess I'm afraid I won't like it as much as I want to.
Kafka on the Shore - by Haruki Murakami - on my shelf- Heard so much hype about this author that I'm a little afraid to start it.
House of Leaves by Mark A. Danielewski - It's been on my wish list for awhile, but I'm a bit scared of experimental fiction.
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I read both physical and e books, but I have to admit that I read more ebooks now simply due to the fact that my Kindle is more convenient for me. I seem to be able to read a lot quicker with a Kindle. Part of the reason is my keyboard Kindle has the text-to-speech feature and I let it read to me when I'm doing housework. I am hoping to get a lot more of my physical books read this summer when I'm off from work though.
I use to be very anti e-reader several years ago and couldn't imagine reading from anything but a physical book. I thought the experience would seem impersonal some how. I now own two Kindles, a keyboard Kindle that's a few years old and Kindle Fire. I have a lot of trouble reading on the Kindle Fire because it's back lit and bothers my eyes, but my keyboard Kindle isn't back lit and doesn't bother my eyes anymore than a regular book would.
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There something about a novel being described as whimsical that peeks my interest. I guess that's not exactly a buzzword, but it works for me.
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#5
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
My first graphic novel ever, and what a way to begin! My Friend Dahmer is a haunting and enlightening look into the formative teenage years of one of the worlds most infamous serial killers. I think Backderf really does a wonderful job at exposing himself as an insensitive figure in Jeffery Dahmer's life. He plants the seed of pity in our minds and begs us to ask the question, "What if?". (5/5)
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#4
The Rag & Bone Shop by Robert Cormier
I read this after having it recommended by a friend, and I am so happy that I did. This was the first I've read by this prolific YA author, but it definitely won't be the last. Don't let the fact that the story is YA fool you, this novel turns dark very quickly. It's a small book that can be swallowed in one unsettling evening. Fans of the documentary Making a Murderer will quickly find a common and disturbing theme. Read it. (5/5)
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My reading so far this year:
#1
Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) by Diana Galbadon
The second book of the Outlander series was as just as enjoyable and thrilling as the first. I could do without some of the political details, but it is a historical book after all, and a well written one at that. The ending definitely leaves me wanted more. (4/5)
#2
The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans
Cute and predicable story about a wannabe romance writer who goes to a romance writers conference in hopes of meeting her favorite author. Kimberly, the main character, happened to be my least favorite. Her personality really rubbed me the wrong way. I would have preferred the quirkiness of the "crazy" friend as opposed to the stuffiness of Kimberly. (3/5)
#3
Armada by Ernest Cline
I began this sci-fi novel without any expectations and really no concept of the plot. I was pleasantly surprised by this imaginative page-turner. Armada is a gamer's ultimate wish fulfillment. I will definitely read Ready Player One and anything else Cline dreams up. (4/5)
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Let's see if I can actually maintain it this year.
Nursenblack's (Laura's) Reading List 2016
I surpassed my 2015 goal of 40 with 48! Yay!
Reading goal 2016: 40
Rating Scale (1-5)
1) Awful. Only fit for a birdcage liner
2) So so. Will not recommend
3) I liked it okay, but it was lacking in something
4) Enjoyable read. Will recommend
5) I loved it! Will shout it from the rooftops!
Okay, this physical TBR pile just keeps getting bigger, and I never read from it. Curse you Kindle!!! New Years resolution: Read books I own.
TBR Books (Owned-Physical Books)
The Time of the Ghost by Diana Wynne Jones Children's
Lost Lake by Sarah Addison AllenThe Long Fire by Meghan Tifft
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart by Mathias Malzieu YAWild Decembers by Edna O'Brien
Cassandra at the Wedding by Dorothy Baker
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquirel
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein YA
The Game by A. S. Byatt
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare YA
The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler YA
Edge of Dark Water by Joe R. Lansdale
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev YA
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare YA
The Land of Stories:The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer Children's
Dark Places by Gillian Glynn
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente Children's
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs YA
Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted YA
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier YA
The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
Anita and Me by M. Syal YA
Jasmyn by Alex Bell
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey YA
She's Come Undone by Wally LambThe Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
Kafka By the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen YA
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause YA
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa SeeThe Night Circus by Erin MorgensternThe Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors YA
Amelia Anne Is Dead and Gone by Kate Rosenfield YA
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Anthropology of An American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann
The Bloody Chamber (short stories) by Angela CarterRead some ofFelicia's Journey by William Trevor
Slated by Teri Terry YA
The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller YA
All You Desire by Kristen Miller YA
Me & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter
Transgression by Sarah Dunant
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck YA
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Ransom by Julie Garwood
The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman
The Body in The Library by Agatha Christie
The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie
Heaven by V.C Andrews YA
Ruby by V.C. Andrews YA
Long Man by Amy Greene
The Cave, The Cabin & The Tattoo Man by Tim Callahan
Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell
Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson YA
A Song For Summer by Eva Ibbotson YA
Griffin's Castle by Jenny Nimmo Children's
Temptation by R.L. Stine YA
The Boy In Striped Pajamas by John Boyne YA
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Children's
Mrs. Darcy and The Blue-Eyed Stranger (short stories) by Lee Smith
Same Sun Here by Silas House & Neela Vaswani
Wuthering Heights: The Graphic Novel by Emily Bronte, Sean Michael Wilson, John M. Burns
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I think its a great idea to introduce Anne of Green Gables to a new audience. However, the phrase "push the boundaries and give it new life" scares me a bit. Hopefully they won't have her cooking meth in Marilla's kitchen!
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I finished Making a Murderer a couple weeks ago and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. The nights I watched it I could hardly fall asleep because I was so wired with anticipation. It is definitely a must watch, but get a friend or loved one to watch it too because it's something that you will NEED to discuss afterward.
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Your favourite read of the year? NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. It still really shocks me that my favorite read for the year is from the horror genre.
Your favourite author of the year? I have two. First, Diana Gabaldon, author of Outlander series. I'm reading the second book in the series now. I'm so impressed by how she mixes genres and makes me believe it. Also Joe Hill because his pacing and characters are fabulous.
Your most read author of the year?Joe Hill.(2) and Neil Gaiman (2)
Your favourite book cover of the year?
I love Alice, so this year my favorite cover was Alice I Have Been by Melanie BenjaminThe book you abandoned (if there was more than one, the one you read least of)? I abandoned a few, but I think that Gray Mountain by John Grisham fell so flat that I couldn't continue.
The book that most disappointed you? Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin. After reading Something Borrowed and really loving it, this was a major disappointment.
The funniest book of the year? When I look back and remember scenes from books that made me laugh out loud I think of How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran and The Devil's Back by Marie Parsons
Your favourite literary character this year? I have two favorites from NOS4A2, Vic McQueen and Charlie Manx.
Your favourite children's book this year? Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Your favourite classic of the year? I didn't read a classic. I'm very disappointed in myself.
Your favourite non-fiction book this year? Columbine by Dave Cullen. I couldn't put it down
Your favourite biography this year? Didn't read any
Your favourite collection of short stories this year? I read a few stories from The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter that I enjoyed, but not the whole book.
Your favourite poetry collection this year? Didn't read any
Your favourite illustrated book of the year? The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
Your favourite publisher of the year? Not a clue
Your favourite audiobook of the year? I only listened to a few. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman was my favorite. I listened to it while I painted a fence.
Your favourite re-read of the year? I didn't re-read anything, and rarely ever do
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Agatha Christie is popular this year! I didn't read anything by her this year. I did recommend her to a friend though.
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Usually after reading a book that's blown my mind, I don't take take a break from reading or anything. Instead, I read a "palate cleanser", an easy, sometimes short, book of an entirely different style to gear me up for the next great book on my list. Like Athena said, sometimes that cleanser might be a children's book or it might be a cozy mystery or romantic book.
Kindle Unlimited
in Audiobooks & eBooks
Posted
Looks like it's been a while since this thread was posted in. Has anyone signed up for Kindle Unlimited recently? How do you like it? I've been thinking about getting it, but not sure if it's worth it or not. I've heard of some other services like Scribd and Oyster, but don't know if they work on Kindle or Kindle Fire.