Review: The Rules Do Not Apply

The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nevertheless, she persisted.

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Review: American War

American War by Omar El Akkad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, let's hope it doesn't come to this.

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Review: Beartown

Beartown by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Most books are about plot or characters, this book felt like it was about emotion. It's the strongest most powerful thing about this story, the emotions the characters feel and those you feel as a reader.
This is much, much darker than Backman's other books. Not at all what I was expecting.
Heartbreaking story.

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Review: Into the Water

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hawkins's writing is consistently good. This book didn't grab a hold of me like Girl on the Train, though. I think that is because that book had a very strong central character where this one was told from multiple perspectives. Worth the read if you like the genre.

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Review: The Vorrh

The Vorrh by B. Catling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I was reading this, I was thinking how appropriate was the quote from Heart of Darkness at the beginning. You could really feel the connection to that story. Then it took a turn in the direction of H. G. Wells....

Lots of bird imagery and references.

I just read a review that compared this to Pan's Labyrinth, very apt.

Strange and wonderful. I had borrowed this from the library but I'll have to get a copy for my collection.

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Review: The Yellow Birds

The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Depressing and horrifying, but not inappropriately so.

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Review: Caraval

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book had a lot of elements that felt familiar but they were all woven together in something pretty new on well played. I'm looking forward to seeing where the author goes with book two.

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Review: The Gunslinger

The Gunslinger by Stephen King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book over two decades ago (man, that makes me feel old!) and I didn't really remember anything about it. I got curious again since they have the movie coming out soon. I have to say the majority of this book is pretty boring, interspersed with gross violence. I didn't really get interested until the last thirty pages or so. I do have a copy of the second book in the series so I will have to follow up, just not right now.

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Review: See What I Have Done

See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wish I knew more of the actual history so I could compare the narratives. As it's still a bit of a mystery, I guess that's just not going to happen. As it was, this was an interesting, if gruesome story. The was the tale was unwound was very well done and made me curious to learn more.

This review is in exchange for a free e-galley from netgalley.com.

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Review: I'll Be Home Soon: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety

I'll Be Home Soon: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety by Patricia B. McConnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turns out, my dog is normal. Good to know.

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Review: Teach Your Dog to Shoplift: A Tommy Wayne Kramer Collection

Teach Your Dog to Shoplift: A Tommy Wayne Kramer Collection by Tom Hine
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I have to admit, I'm pretty bummed out this wasn't a how-to book. It's a collection of very short essays that are kind of funny, if you appreciate humor that is mean spirited. I tried to give it a chance but since I fall in to all the groups that are made fun of, it just wasn't worth the effort after a while. Even though I choose to believe it was written with sarcasm at heart, I gave up after the essay "Save the county, close the libraries."


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Review: How to Teach Your Dog to Drive: The Essential Guide

How to Teach Your Dog to Drive: The Essential Guide by Mike Haskins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

:-)

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Review: The Idiot

The Idiot by Elif Batuman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not much plot but interesting anyway.

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Review: History of Wolves

History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting take on the coming of age theme but not really the greatest story.

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