Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Colour of Magic

Title: The Colour of Magic
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #1, Rincewind #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: Is he that funny looking one over there?

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Synopsis

In the beginning there was… a turtle.

Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place which might sound and smell very much like our own, but which looks completely different. Particularly as it’s carried though space on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown). It plays by different rules.

But then, some things are the same everywhere. The Disc’s very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the world’s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, the person charged with maintaining that survival in the face of robbers, mercenaries and, well, Death, is a spectacularly inept wizard…

Thoughts

I have had The Colour of Magic in my bookshelf since Terry Pratchett passed away. After all, I wanted to see what all of the hype was about. As usual though, I was a little delayed with opening the actual book. However, I really wasn’t disappointed. This story was funny, entertaining and cute. It was incredibly fun and easy to read, and I was really sad when it was all over.

Rincewind’s journey through Discworld with Twoflower is a calamity of mistakes that just steadily gets worse and worse. Anything that can go wrong does, and although in most stories, I would just find this predictable, irritating and cringe-worthy – in Pratchett’s world, it’s just funny. Partly it feels like he’s just making fun at the more serious versions of fantasy and scifi novels. But, there’s also this ability for the storyline to completely suck you in. For me, a good book is one that you just can’t put down. And that was the case with The Colour of Magic.

Although I loved this book, there were no specific moments that jumped out at me. I remember the rough plotline, I remember the feeling of reading the book. But not so much the exact plotline. Nor, the poignant message in the words that I get in some storylines. But, that’s probably what I loved about this. It’s a happy go lucky, easy storyline. Something that I will be able to read again and again and enjoy each and every time.

<- More Terry PratchettThe Light Fantastic ->

Image source: Waterstones

Weir of Hermiston by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Weir of Hermiston

Title: Weir of Hermiston
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 1896
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I maun have forgotten to change them,’ said she; and went into prayers in her turn with a troubled mind, between anxiety as to whether Dand should have observed her yellow stockings at chuch, and should thus detect her in a palpable falsehood, and shame that she had already made good his prophecy.

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Synopsis

The Lord Justice-Clerk was a stranger in that part of the country; but his lady wife was known there from a child, as her race had been before her.

The old “riding Rutherfords of Hermiston,” of whom she was the last descendant, had been famous men of yore, ill neighbours, ill subjects, and ill husbands to their wives though not their properties.

Thoughts

I didn’t love the ending of this – and then I found out that it is an unfinished work, and my dislike for the ending finally made sense. It wasn’t an ending at all, just a point at which the writing stopped. Knowing that has made me a lot more inclined to like what was written, and feel a little sad that there is no ending to be seen.

The Weir of Hermiston read like a biography – the history of the parents, the marriage, the housekeeper, were all delved into and provided a rich backdrop against which Archie is living his life. His choices, the words, the actions are all informed by his history and although I found some of the explanations a little too long winded, and, yes, tedious, it worked well in the characterisation.

It’s just a pity that it was never finished, I suppose I will just have to imagine a happy ending for myself. At least, an ending that would leave me happy anyway…

 <- Markheim ReviewDr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales Review ->
Image source: Open Library

The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Let It SnowTitle: The Patron Saint of Pigs
Author: Lauren Myracle
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: What would you like a sample of?

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Synopsis

The third story follows a girl named Addie, who is depressed because she broke up with her boyfriend Jeb. The backstory of her relationship with Jeb is told, about how the two had instantly fallen for each other, but that Addie had kept trying to change Jeb. This resulted in Jeb feeling inferior and the two fighting. After one fight Addie had gotten drunk and made out with someone else, telling Jeb it was over. Upset, Jeb had taken a train to meet his family on an Indian reservation, unaware that Addie has sent him an email apologizing and hoping to work things out. When he didn’t call or respond, Addie assumed that the relationship was over and cut her hair short and dyed it pink as a way to show that she wanted a change.

Thoughts

I think that every teenager is a little self-centred. Something about puberty, and angst and just generally growing older. We grow out of it pretty quickly. We realise that sometimes it’s just not about us. And in the case of Addie, it takes a pretty big kick up the bum for her to realise this. And, although this is still a Christmas romance, it’s more about her friendships and the girls who love her (and are willing to kick her).

Addie’s history with Jeb (who is met in both The Jubilee Express and A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle), but it’s Addie’s tale and her side of the story that makes it more understandable. Not exactly allowing her past acts to be excusable, but to be less vilifiable. Her morose reminiscing are only the beginning of the story though. Like her spunky pink hair, Addie finds a way to rally and, in finding her own Christmas angel, finds a way to become a better person.

 <- A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle Review Let it Snow Review ->
Image source: Better Reading

The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Let It SnowTitle: The Jubilee Express
Author: Maureen Johnson
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Rachel!

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Synopsis

The story follows teenager Jubilee Dougal living in Richmond, Virginia. She has been forced to spend Christmas Eve away from her boyfriend Noah, and with her grandparents after her parents are arrested for participating in a riot over a cult-like set of miniature decorative houses – the Flobie Santa Village – with one of the pieces being her namesake, Jubilee Hall.

Thoughts

I loved this story. It was cute, sweet and just the right touch of corny to make me go ‘oooooooooooooh’. Jubilee is not only stranded in the middle of nowhere, but from the beginning you can tell that she has a very unappreciative boyfriend. Although it’s a little see through who she is going to end up with, and it’s a little obvious that Noah is going to get tossed from her life, it’s still a really fun and sweet journey.

I loved the quirky and unique voice of Jubilee throughout this story. It’s funny and entertaining, with just the right amount of pizazz to make you laugh. The sarcastic and witty sense of humour and the self-deprecation made me feel like I was talking to a little more put together version of me in my senior years of high school. Although her trust in Stuart is a little jeeby at the beginning, it works out beautifully and I enjoyed the eccentric family that she found herself in.

Starting of a chain of events, Jubilee’s adventure and Christmas romance is the beginning of something beautiful. And a great reminder that in this season, anything can happen.

 <- Let it Snow Review A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle Review ->
Image source: Better Reading

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Cork Dork

Title: Cork Dork
Author: Bianca Bosker
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Memoirs, Science, Wine
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Or Napa Valley in California.

Synopsis

Professional journliast and amateur drinker Bianca Bosker didn’t know much about wine, until she discovered the world of elite sommeliers who dedicate their lives to the pursuit if flavour. Fascinated by their fervour and seemingly superhuman sensory powers, she set out to uncover what drove their obsession, and whether she, too, could become a ‘cork dork’.

With boundless curiosity, humour and a healthy dose of scepticism, Bosker takes the reader inside underground tasting groups, exclusive New York City restaurants, mass-market wine factories and even a neuroscientist’s fMRI machine as she attempts to answer the most nagging question of all: what’s the big deal about wine? Funny, counterintuitive and compulsively readable, Cork Dork does for drinking what Kitchen Confidential did for dining out, ensuring you’ll never reach blindly for the second cheapest bottle on the menu again.

Thoughts

I got this book because someone who came into my work place suggested it. I work in a cellar door, and I’m constantly trying to find out more about wine. It sounded interesting, it sounded like something that could expand my knowledge, and I figured, ‘why the hell not?’ And honestly, it was so much more than I expected! This book was fascinating, engaging and enthralling – something that I couldn’t put down and taught me so much more about the world of wine.

Although the premise for this journey is a journalist attempting to become a master sommelier, there is so much more about the world of wine than I expected. I was expecting someone who entered the world of the hoighty toighty wine tasters and sellers, those who work in first class restaurants, and just saw wine as a way in which to show their class. Instead, this was an honest look into the industry of wine, how we experience it and the emotional connection that such a weirdly complex beverage can incite. Bosker doesn’t just talk about the social and economic aspects of fine wine and fine dining, but the science, the beliefs and the very act of creating this beverage.

Cork Dork is brilliantly written and a great insight into the industry. The fact that there is a whole chapter that discusses the company I work for (Treasury Wine Estates), and it helped me to conceptualise where the work I do fits into the wine industry as well. But, even if you are not a lover of wine, this is a great way to find out more about what makes people so obsessed with this drink. After all, it’s just alcoholic grape juice…

 <- Six Legs WalkingThe Beginning of Everything ->

Image source: Bianca Bosker

A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Let It Snow

Title: A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle
Author: John Green
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: We were just standing there, and her eyes were so interesting.

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Synopsis

The story begins with a boy, Tobin, and his friends, the Duke (a tomboyish girl whose real name is Angie), and JP, who are watching movies at Tobin’s home while his parents are out of town. They are lured to the local Waffle House by a phone call from their friend Keun, who tells them that a group of cheerleaders has entered the store and are practicing their routines, as well as requesting to play Twister. Thinking that traveling to the restaurant with the game would be a waste of time, Duke is initially reluctant to go but is persuaded by Tobin, who tells her that there will be hashbrowns. On the way to the Waffle House, the trio’s car crashes into a snow bank close to the restaurant, losing a tire.

Thoughts

Some boys will do anything to get with a cheerleader. Even if it means driving through the worst snow storm in years, and then realising that when you get to the door, you have no chance in hell. Not that I understand what the male obsession with cheerleaders is, but it’s used as a great and cheerful plot point in this fantastic short story. But, it’s not about the cheerleaders and one of them suddenly falling for the geeky boy (I don’t think this is ever realistic, do you?), but about two friends realising that they mean more to each other.

It’s obvious from pretty early on that the only girl in the trio likes one of the boys, and it’s sweet when they finally both acknowledge their feelings for one another. As my very first John Green story, I really enjoyed how he tackled a pretty big question that many of us face. Should we take being best friends to something more? Is it worth the risk?

<- The Jubilee ExpressThe Patron Saint of Pigs ->

Image source: Better Reading

101 Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
101 Fairy Tales

Title: 101 Fairy Tales
Author: Brothers Grimm
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Fairy tales, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1812
5th sentence, 74th page: All the people grieved for the handsome youth; then they went away, leaving him alone by the sea.

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Synopsis

There was once upon a time a fisherman… and everyday he went out fishing. And once as he was sitting with his rod, looking at the clear water, his line suddenly went down, far down below, and when he drew it up again he brought out a large flounder. Then the flounder said to him, “Listen you fisherman… I am no flounder really, but an enchanted prince.”

Thoughts

This was a fantastic collection. I’ve always wanted to read the Brothers Grimm stories, and although I have no idea whether these are close to the original versions or not. I will probably never truly know since they were originally German tales. Plus, there have been so many rewrites of these tales that I have no idea where the beginning really is….

Some of the fairy tales in this collection were just downright weird. Not just the endings or beginnings, but the middles too. A sausage, mouse and bird all living together? Yeah, that’s weird and not even remotely what I had expected from the story. But then there’s the slightly more recognisable tales, like Cinderella. It definitely doesn’t have the Disney version that we’re all used to, but I loved the more vindictive, vengeful ending to this tale anyway. (I’m not entirely sure what that says about me…)

Although it is an odd choice, reading the Grimm fairy tales before bed every night for the past month or so has been thoroughly enjoyable. I’ve had some slightly abnormal dreams, but not only has this helped to give me an insight into the world as it was for the Brothers Grimm. It also gave me a fun and enjoyable story series that made me smile with every turn of the page.

<- Wuthering Heights110 Grimmer Fairy Tales ->

Image source: Goodreads

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Let It Snow

Title: Let it Snow
Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Rachel!

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Synopsis

An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House (and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.

A trio of today’s bestselling authors – John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle – bring all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away.

Thoughts

I read this book because I needed a book to movie story for this year’s Popsugar challenge, and I was kind of struggling to get into the Christmas spirit. I’m at that weird age now that its’s not exactly exciting for me, and I don’t yet have children to be excited either. And, it didn’t make me run around singing Christmas carols, but this collection of three stories certainly got me more in the mood to celebrate the end of a year and family time.

One of the things that I loved about these three stories is that although they were written by different authors, they are all connected. Starting with Jubilee’s adventure, progressing to the tale of the Duke, and ending with a teacup pig, the three stories each have their own dose of Christmas miracles and romance. The subtle intertwining of fate and destiny throughout this collection was really fun, and although each story could, theoretically be read separately, I definitely would recommend reading them together – it just adds to the Christmas joy!

Although all of the characters in this book are still in high school, I still found it fun and enjoyable. Sometimes I get a little frustrated by the teenage-angst in a book, after all, I’m over that stage in my own life, so I don’t necessarily want to revisit it constantly. But, although there are the dramas of high school and puberty sprinkled throughout the tales, they are genuinely cute and adorable holiday romances. Something that left a sweet smile lingering across my lips.

<- The Patron Saint of PigsThe Jubilee Express ->

Image source: Better Reading

Stray Magic by Diana Peterfreund

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Stray Magic
Author: Diana Peterfreund
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: If you wanted.

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Synopsis

Mary Louise aka Malou works at a no-kill animal shelter. Her friend, Jeremy, works at the county shelter, which typically euthanizes pets within three days of their arrival. Occasionally Jeremy will send animals he thinks are good candidates for adoption to Malou when they have room in the shelter for them. He tells her he’s sending over a beautiful Golden Retriever, but when the dog arrives, all Malou sees is a ragged, injured, and ancient-looking dog that is nothing like her friend described. From certain angles though, she can see bits of the Golden Retriever the dog is supposed to be. Then the dog begins to communicate with Malou psychically. The dog, whose name is Goneril, says she lost her master somewhere on the highway, and must find him quickly. He is a witch who has been keeping her alive using magic, and if he doesn’t renew her spells within three days, she will die. Convinced that her owner has abandoned the dog, Malou sets out to find another witch who can help Goneril before her time is up.

Thoughts

I have pages on Facebook that are dedicated to the lost and unwanted puppies of the world. There are videos upon videos of rescue sites that help to rehome them, and I constantly wonder how these poor creatures feel when their owners have so thoughtlessly abandoned them (which often happens). I have my own two fur babies, and the idea of giving them up makes me weep – they are family! So, it was kind of fun reading a story about this exact event – what happens when a loving dog is abandoned.

Although Goneril’s unwavering faith in her magical master brings me to the point of tears within the first few pages. (He did, after all, abandon her on the side of the road to die). This story does have a beautiful happy ending, and honestly, it was the best way to start this collection of short stories. A stray with unwavering faith; a young, blossoming witch; and an incredibly sweet happy ending. This is definitely a feel good story that I will read again and again. Especially when all of those social media pages start to get me down.

 <- Under My Hat Review Payment Due Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Lost Art of World Domination by Derek Landy

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Lost Art of World DominationTitle: The Lost Art of World Domination
Author: Derek Landy
In: Armageddon Outta Here (Derek Landy)
Series: Skulduggery Pleasant #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Harper Collins
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: You were asking all those questions.

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Synopsis

It isn’t easy to take over the world. First you need the scheme. Then you need the muscle. Then you need to come up with a system for ruling six billion people and keeping them fron revolting. It takes a certain kind of man to take over the world. Scaramouch Van Dreg, however, is not that man. But he has one thing going for him. He has his arch enemy, Skulduggery Pleasant, chained in his dungeon, and the only person who is coming to save him is the skeleton detective’s 13 year old sidekick. What could possibly go wrong?

Thoughts

This is a Skulduggery Pleasant story that I was expecting. Funny, witty and adorable. It also involved a villain that had no idea what he was doing, a detective that was kind of clueless about what said villain was doing and a poor rescue from his sidekick. Honestly, this was just a cute and funny side story between Skulduggery Pleasant and Playing with Fire.

There is an inherent flaw for the plan of world domination – it hinges on a small insect. Which is easily crushed. The contempt with which the plan for world domination is foiled would be sad, if it wasn’t for the conversations that proceeded it. And the fact that he wasn’t the aimed for villain. And that even Valkyrie had no idea who he was… alright, it was sad… but in a very funny, pathetic way.

 <- Skulduggery Pleasant Review Playing with Fire Review ->
Image source: Skulduggery Pleasant Wiki