All posts by skyebjenner

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the complete works of william shakespeare barnes and noble

Title: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Author: William Shakespeare
Series: Barnes and Noble Leatherbound
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics
Dates read: 7th – 20th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Barnes and Noble
Year: 1623
5th sentence, 74th page: How now!

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Synopsis

“The plays are arranged in the chronological order of their composition.”–Table of contents footnote.
“The text used for this edition is that prepared by the late Arthur Henry Bullen for the Stratford Town Edition, to print which he founded the Shakespeare Head Press in 1904.”–Table of contents footnote.

Thoughts

I have to be honest, I skim read through this. I understand why Shakespeare is so famous. And some of his lines did stand out to me. But he’s really not to my taste. There are some classical authors that I love… and then there are some that I’m a bit “eh” about… and it turns out that Shakespeare is one of them.

I think what I love most about this book is the actual book in itself. It is just beautiful. I have literally spent hours sitting there, looking at the cover and admiring the beauty of it all. The pages are kind of reminiscent of bible pages (I’m sure there’s a technical word for it, but that’s how I see it). There is just something about the way that this book was created that takes you to another world. Transports you to the time in which Shakespeare was living and his plays were something new and exciting.

This is a great book to have on your shelves. And I’ll probably pick it up again and again as time goes on. It’s one of those collections that you can read a chunk here and there, enjoy it and move onwards. I particularly like to do this over a glass or two of wine and a very long day. There is something soothing about Shakespeare’s words that help you relax. Which is weird, because when I’m relaxed, I find it hard to concentrate on his words… all very confusing.

This is the book that everyone should have on their bookshelves. There is something timeless about Shakespeare’s works. Even if I did just skim over some of the plays and pieces. It’s the kind of book that you will pick up again and again over time. Enjoying it differently each and every run through.

<- The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan PoeDracula and Other Horror Stories ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Twelve Patients by Dr. Eric Manheimer, MD

Book Review, ,
Overview
Twelve Patients : Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital - Eric Manheimer

Title: Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital
Author: Dr. Eric Manheimer, MD
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Medical, Memoirs
Dates read: 4th – 20th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘From the cavernous echo of his cough and the darkened skin within the triangular radiation markins in black ink on his back, his lung cancer was advanced.

Synopsis

Bellevue is famous for its psych ward, but it’s much more than that.
The largest public hospital in New York City, it’s also where doctors treat everyone from the bluebloods of Park Avenue to the illegal immigrants who huddle in Chinatown’s tenements. In its way, Bellevue is a microcosm of the world – and a bellwether for the toughest issues in our country.

TWELVE PATIENTS

In this riveting book, Dr. Eric Manheimer, the hospital’s former medical director, uses stories taken from case histories to humanize hot-button issues such as immigration, obesity, teen suicide, and the cost of health care. You will get to know Jeffrey, the homeless man with the brilliant past, and Arnie, a prominent Wall Street financier, whose emergency room visit for chest pains unravels a toxic lifestyle. Dr. Manheimer takes readers from teh boardrooms where health-care budgets are debated to the emergency room on a night when New York’s stretched-to-capacity hospitals overflow – and mistakes get made.

The author is not just a doctor – he’s also a patient. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Dr. Manheimer takes us on a tour through the shadowland between life and death.

Thoughts

When I found out that one of my new favourite series, New Amsterdam, was based on a book, I immediately jumped online and bought it (which may be why I don’t have great savings…). And once I started reading it? I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only was it as good as the TV show, in some instances it was better – something about the words really hit home as to the intensity of the social and political issues which Manheimer brings to light in each of his chapters.

From the very title, it’s pretty obvious that this book has twelve chapters, each of which focuses on its own patient. What I didn’t realise was how potent and intense each of these stories would be. Normally when I love a book this much, I just lap it up in a matter of days (sometimes hours). But because of the subject matter throughout this book, I found myself lingering over a few weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed picking this up late at night and reading a small handful of pages just before bed. Anytime that I wanted to truly think about things and how difficult the world can be, I loved to pick this up. But it wasn’t the kind of book I would just read to escape for half an hour.

Although I’m not American, many of the issues and difficulties that Manheimer brings to light in his reminiscing are still issues that are faced in Australia. Alright, some are uniquely American – we don’t really have a wall in which to keep out gangsters (there’s a number of giant oceans instead), but racism, labelling, mental health issues… these are all things that we too need to face and deal with. Aspects of our lives which are intense and difficult, but can’t just be swept under the rug. After all, we need to deal with the nastiness if we are ever to move forward and create a better future…

Twelve Patients was everything that I was expecting and more. It gave me insight not only into the social and political demographics of New York, but it also provided a great insight into the outlay of the American Health System. Which kind of terrifies me. The little I know of the Australian one is much more sound and comforting… this novel not only swept me away and enthralled me, but it also just generally filled my head with wonderful new information. Not necessarily about the mechanics of the medical system, but the emotional, social and physical drains which are placed upon people who are in the system. The mental health of people. And just how some can find themselves in the worst of situations… and survive.

<- Heart BerriesI’m Glad My Mom Died ->

Image source: Booktopia

A Wife of Acorn, Leaf, and Rain by Dave Smeds

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for sirens and other daemon lovers book cover

Title: A Wife of Acorn, Leaf, and Rain
Author: Dave Smeds
In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Death, Fae, Lust
Dates read: 18th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: EOS
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: But your word is enough as far as I’m concerned.

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Synopsis

He misses his wife, and a desperate attempt to get closure has him making a deal with The Outsiders. But will this beautiful doppleganger truly fill that whole in her heart?

Thoughts

I can’t imagine suddenly losing my other half. It’s actually what makes up my greatest fears – waking up one day to find out that he wasn’t part of my life anymore. So this story hit a little too close to home. And it took an interesting approach to getting over one’s grief. Hiring a fae doppelganger to take her place… it felt somewhat creepy.

Yet, as the story unfolded, I actually understood the man’s motivations WAY more than I would have liked. I can imagine wanting just one more moment with that one person that I love more than anybody else. I can understand needing just a few more moments to finally get that closure that you need.

As much as this story kind of started out creepy… it had a great sense of closure at the final conclusion. There was a sense of farewell and moving on that was healing and sweet. A great way to end a story that started out a little uncomfortably…

<- Bird CountTastings ->

Image source: Goodreads

Invincible Microbe by Jim Murphy & Alison Blank

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover invincible microbe

Title: Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure
Author: Jim Murphy & Alison Blank
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Medical, Non-fiction
Dates read: 14th – 17th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Non-fictional text
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: There was absolutely no scientific basis for this assertion.

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Synopsis

A killer as old as the human race has been humankind’s constant, lethal companion. This killer was nameless and faceless for thousands of years, mysteriously striking in endless waves and claiming millions upon millions of lives. Then the disease was given a name – tuberculosis, or TB – and when the microscopic TB germ was finally identified, scientists hoped to conquer it. yet, in spite of medical advances and the discovery of several promising “cures”, this invincible microbe continues to change and flourish among us today.

Thoughts

I read this at the beginning of the insanity attached to COVID-19 in Australia. When toilet paper was being hoarded and people were just generally going nuts. And it kind of felt like a really good time to read about a microbe based disease. Alright, there are a lot of differences between TB and Corona, but there were also SO many similarities!

I do have a background in biology (although I focus on environmental biology), so my basic understanding of diseases such as TB and others is fairly sound. Yet, even if I didn’t have this background, I would find this book incredibly informative. Murphy and Blank are able to inform the reader about the journey of TB without getting too scientific. A great read for those who want to find out more but don’t have the science background.

The history of a prominent disease is always going to be kind of fascinating. Not just because it’s the history of an important aspect of science (discovering that microbes can in fact cause death), but also because it provides an insight into the people and cultures of the time. From the beginning of Sanitoriums and the isolation of patients to the understanding of contagions… the discovery of TB and the race to find a cure were a fascinating story.

To end out this book, the status of TB today is talked about. And, more importantly, it’s potential to mutate into an untreatable version. Something which is always a risk when dealing with a disease that can mutate. It serves as both a message of hope for the treatment in the future, and a pretty dire warning as to what could be just around the corner. A little scary, but definitely something worth thinking about. Especially in the global climate today.

 <- More medical reviewsMore non-fiction reviews ->

Image source: Amazon

It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 10th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “This really should count for something,” he murmured.

Synopsis

What happened to the diamonds?

If you’ve read “It’s in His Kiss, ” you want to know. Don’t miss this charming and passionate addendum, in which Gareth proves that some things get better with age, Hyacinth gains new respect for her mother (with a daughter like Isabella she’d have to, wouldn’t she?), and everyone learns that while diamonds are lovely, sometimes tenacity is a girl’s best friend.

Thoughts

One of my Mum’s favourite things to say to me is “I hope you have a daughter just like you”. It’s also something that gets said to Hyacinth throughout It’s In His Kiss. Which of course means that the second epilogue has to be partially about the daughter she has… who is exactly like her. Just as difficult, contrary and opinionated. I also love the fact that at the very conclusion of It’s In His Kiss, Isabella is also the one to solve the big mystery. Fast forward fifteen years and Hyacinth is still driving everyone nuts with her stubbornness.

Reading this short story made me think about To Sir Phillip, With Love: The Second Epilogue. And how much fun the two strong willed cousins would have together. How much havoc they would wreak upon the family. How many circles they would run around everyone… it made me laugh out loud and more than a little dizzy.

Although I absolutely adored that this story was about Hyacinth’s daughter being exactly like her. I loved even more that after fifteen years, Hyacinth is still searching for the same treasure. Still stubbornly trying to solve a riddle. And, Isabella not only finds out and gives her Mum the closure she needs, but she also appreciates the love and commitment that both of her parents show to one another. The love and commitment that shines through their everyday lives.

<- It’s In His KissOn the Way to the Wedding ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover it's in his kiss

Title: It’s In His Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th – 10th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: And he isn’t the only one.

Synopsis

MEET OUR HERO…

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth’s sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past… and the key to his future. The problem is—it’s written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE…

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She’s fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won’t quite let go…

MEET POOR MR. MOZART…

Or don’t. But rest assured, he’s spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth’s every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other… and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

Thoughts

Hyacinth stands out pretty strongly in some of the other Bridgertons books. She is pushier, more independent and more outspoken than the rest of the family (which is saying something). And, considering the time in which this story is set… it’s interesting to imagine just when and how she is going to find herself a husband… it’s hard enough being an outspoken woman in this day and age… let alone Regency London. But, find one she does. And he’s just as off-kilter and fun as she is.

As a woman who is intelligent and independent, it took me a long time to find somebody to match with that. Not just someone who would love me for everything that I am, but could also stand toe to toe with me when necessary. I liked that this was a big part of the journey for Hyacinth. There’s even a moment of revelation between her and her mother as to how to find a man who can actually challenge her. Not just one that will accept her – but someone that can even occasionally beat her at her own game…

I absolutely adored the mystery throughout this story. The mystery of Gareth’s past, his grandmother… there were so many little secrets that were hidden throughout that I just loved trying to tease out and find the answers to. So many little moments that hinted at a great truth. And, although not all of the mysteries were solved at the conclusion of the novel… the adventure and the journey was absolutely fantastic.

Although this wasn’t my favourite book thus far in the series, it was my favourite relationship. There is just something about these two characters (and the relationship with Lady Danbury) that had me laughing out loud and feeling incredibly connected to these two characters. Hyacinth is so much more aware and sure of herself than the rest of the women in the series. And Gareth is so much less controlling and witty. Just something about these two that works kind of perfectly…

<- When He Was Wicked: The Second EpilogueIt’s In His Kiss: The Second Epilogue ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

The Last, Clean, Bright Summer by Livia Llewellyn

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Last, Clean, Bright Summer
Author: Livia Llewellyn
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Dates read: 10th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Wides rivers of shit and afterbirth and viscera, blossoming into dark clouds as they slide under the waters.

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Synopsis

She’s returning for their yearly family reunion after her little brother died… but this time it will be different. She’s old enough to take part in the festivities… which might make this the last, clean, bright summer she’ll ever enjoy.

Thoughts

So this story is seriously disturbed.

Not what I was expecting. And certainly, something that made me seriously uncomfortable. At first I thought that this would just be a creepy story that featured the things that go bump in the night… it was so, so much more. I can’t really explain how… because that will give away the surprise, but it was definitely not what I expected. And seriously not something that I wanted.

I really, really enjoyed this short story. It gave me goosebumps, made me uncomfortable and just in general left me sitting there feeling completely weirded out. Yet, it was amazingly well written and made me think of the ways in which men and women are used and the places that they take in society. More specifically, how women are used and perceived – it was not a complimentary outlook.

It is difficult to write a review about this short story without giving anything away. It is phenomenal and engaging. Impossible to forget. But something you’ll have to read to truly understand.

<- A Wish from a BoneThe Totals ->

Image source: Amazon

Inferno by Dante Alighieri

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover inferno word cloud classics

Title: Inferno
Author: Dante Alighieri
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Horror, Poetry
Dates read: 9th – 10th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1320
5th sentence, 74th page: So many voices issued through those trunks

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!”

On a divine journey through the depths of Hell, Dante–with his guide, the poet Virgil–witnesses the fate of Earth’s sinners. Inferno, a 14th century poem and the first part of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, paints an allegorical underworld in which sinners are punished in accordance with their sins. Journey through the darkness and meet famous historical and mythical figures and the fate that has become them, from Homer and Julius Caesar who dwell in Limbo with the unbaptized and the virtuous pagans, to Judas Iscariot and Satan himself, who dwell in the deepest circle of hell for the sin of treachery. Influential, even after seven centuries in print, readers of Inferno will appreciate the plethora of allusions both within and concerning this work, as well as the moral implications the story develops. Now available as part of the Word Cloud Classics series, Inferno is a must-have addition to the libraries of all classic literature lovers.

Thoughts

Until recently I hadn’t actually heard of Dante Alighieri. And then I found out that he is a classics author from the 1300s… and I was completely intrigued. Reading this collection of some of his works… yeah, I can completely understand the draw to his work and writings. It’s incredibly powerful and just… wow.

I read this around the same time that I started reading The Complete Works of Shakespeare. It’s interesting to compare the language styles and wording in the two different poets. I know that they come from different countries, different times (I think), but they’re both historical, classical powerhouses in the genre. And I love being able to compare the two.

I actually found Alighieri more delightful than Shakespeare. There was so much raw emotion in Inferno. The fear, the horror and the confusion just leaps off of the pages. The short, emotive language is of the sort that I plan to read again and again… there is just something amazingly potent and powerful about it all.

I’m not really a great reader of poetry. I do love it. I’m intrigued by it. But I can’t spend all afternoon sitting there just reading it… I need to be able to read a poem or two and then walk away. I still felt a little like this with this collection… but so much less so than many of the other poetry collections I’ve had the pleasure of reading. There was just something… enthralling about it all.

<- Little WomenHans Christian Andersen Tales ->

Image source: Amazon

When He Was Wicked – The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: When He Was Wicked: The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Not a very masculine subject.

Synopsis

Do the best things really come to those who wait? Three years have passed since Francesca’s and Michael’s marriage, and they are still childless. And Francesca wonders, can a woman be truly and completely happy when a little piece of her heart remains empty? But just when she makes peace with her fate, something unexpected occurs.

Thoughts

I’ve never really thought that infertility and the difficulties of getting pregnant are talked about often enough. Not in real life, not in the media, not in books. Since When He Was Wicked not only started with Francesca having a miscarriage, but also her need to start her own family was a major driver, I was a bit put out when there wasn’t much discussion as to this aspect of hers and Michael’s future at the end of the novel. The Second Epilogue fixed this oversight in an incredibly powerful and meaningful manner.

Although it wasn’t quite the way I expected it, both Francesca and Michael do get a happily ever after in this story. Of all the Bridgerton tales, they have the hardest, most tragic journey to travel. So it kind of makes sense that even having children is far more difficult for them than anyone else in the family. Yet, when they finally start to create their own, it’s also the happier, more joyful experience…. Or at least, that’s how I found it.

This is a great way to round out the story of Francesca and Michael. It’s sweet, a little tragic and touches upon issues that many couples are forced to face. They might not be my favourite couple in the series, but they do have my favourite story.

<- When He Was WickedIt’s In His Kiss ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover when he was wicked

Title: When He Was Wicked
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: He shrugged.

Synopsis

Everything was so much simpler…
WHEN HE WAS WICKED

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love, it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to reamin Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer – the occasion of the meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then… Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love… until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets…

Thoughts

Francesca story is kind of alluded to a little in the two books beforehand (To Sir Phillip, With Love and Romancing Mister Bridgerton). Which kind of makes sense because the occurrences in all three books happen in the same year… but, unlike the other Bridgertons, Francesca is much further removed and less intrinsically tied into the rest of her family. She’s a little quieter, a little more apart, and I actually really loved the differences that she showed in this story.

Again, this story took a nice little departure from a typical romance… for starters, it starts with Francesca being married to another man. Who then dies. And then you get to fast forward four years to the couple as they try and get over their guilt and renegotiate their relationship. I love that the biggest hurdle in this story wasn’t so much about them realizing their feelings and getting together… it was about getting over their guilt and finding a way to their own happily ever after.

I found this story the most tragic of the series thus far. Not only does it start off with a woman who is put through the absolute ringer, you also don’t even feel completely confident that they’ll get their happily ever after. I mean, you assume that they do, because it’s a romance novel. But, it’s not really as much of a given as any of the other stories. And, even if they do, you worry a little that they’ll be too tied up in their guilt to actually get their happily ever after…

Reading this story will make you feel kind of gooey inside. But, not in that everyone gets one partner way. It’s a great story of hope for those who have already lost the person that they planned to spend their lies with. It deals with death, infertility, miscarriage and the overwhelming feelings of guilt and jealousy. All of which are so completely human, and difficult to deal with more often than not. This whole story just made my heart skip a beat, in a way that none of the other Bridgerton stories have thus far…

<- To Sir Phillip, With Love: The Second EpilogueWhen He Was Wicked: The Second Epilogue ->

Image source: Julia Quinn