Review: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. Yes, it seems a little odd to say about a book about mental health. I would normally say I do not suffer from any mental health issues, but that wouldn't be true as I have a phobia that while isn't often present when it manifests itself is debilitating. As a result, I connected with many things in this book.

Besides a good laugh, a few tears, and amazing narration this book offers something to those that don't suffer from mental illness, a glimpse into the life of someone who does, and that is what I found most compelling. Also, the spoon theory really spoke to me. I have struggled with gastrointestinal issues and some days I just can't do the things I want to do, and now I'm just going to tell people "I'm sorry I can't do that because I'm out of spoons." I'm looking forward to their confused expressions.

You should really listen to this audiobook, it is one of the best I've heard in a long time.

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Review: Firelight

Firelight by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was good, but it wasn't what I expected. It was a bit of urban fantasy but with a historical setting. I normally don't love urban fantasy. (Its the shape shifters and vampires. Thankfully, this didn't have those.) I can't say this was the exception. It was enjoyable and I liked Miranda and Archer, however, I think the tension of what exactly is he went on a little to long. It was good but knowing where the next in the series is headed I don't think I will be reading it.

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Review: Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought this would be good since I have liked Jennifer Donnelly's other books. However, I didn't really end up liking this as much as I had hoped. It was written for a younger audience and the set up of the story was interesting but I didn't find the story one that held my attention. I also didn't think that there was anything new added to the retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This felt a lot like the movie and I was looking for something that added to the original story. While this had differences I didn't feel like the story ended up being that different from the original. If you want a truly original and new take on the story of Beauty and the Beast I would recommend Hunted by Meagan Spooner. It was amazing where as this book was just okay.

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Review: Maybe Not

Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is Warren and Bridgette's story. I enjoyed reading it and was drawn in for the time it lasted. The short nature of novellas means you feel like you have just gotten to know the character and it is ending. I already have a feel for Warren and Bridgette from Maybe Someday, so I was alright with the short nature. I also liked seeing the overlap between the novels. Of course, this is is Warren and Bridgette's story so don't expect to see a lot of Ridge and Sydney. Getting to know both these characters a little more was fun and I'm glad I read the novella.

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Review: The Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was not what I was expecting but in a good way. It is historical fantasy but in a form I have not come across before. This was a world I almost believed could have been real. The Russian fairytale elements blend seamlessly into the story and it is easy to become a part of the world.

Vasya, our main character, is not even born when the story so we get to see her grow into a young woman of intrigue and danger. The village does not understand her, and therefore they fear her. She is able to hide her strangeness to some extent, and her brother protects her as best he can. However, her abilities to ride bareback and see the spirits make her seem like a witch to the village that is drawn in by Christianity and forgetting the old beliefs. That is something I really loved about this story how it blends everything together: fairytale, history, and every day life.

This is one of those books I don't want to tell you anything about because I think you should read it and discover all the wonders it holds for yourself.

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Review: Paper Princess

Paper Princess by Erin Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a different retelling of Cinderella. I found having evil step-brothers to be an interesting touch to the story. At first I didn't even realize it was a retelling of Cinderella but then it became clear that it was loosely based off of it. I liked that it took it's own path.

I normally don't go for the fiction set in our world, during the present day. I like to have something that is different from my world. The rich world did add something different from what I would normally read. It was enough to make it interesting to me.

I enjoyed the novel and I'm looking forward to the next.

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Review: Bossypants

Bossypants by Tina Fey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this audiobook. I think it was probably better as a listen that as a read. I have to admit I don't watch 30 Rock or Saturday Night Live. I have watched skits from SNL and I have enjoyed them in the past, however; it isn't something I seek out. This was a bit of a deviation from what I would normally listen to and I'm glad I didn't. At times it felt like stream of consciousness, but it made since and I was able to follow it. I'd recommend it as it was easy to listen to and amusing.

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