Quick Stops (1)

08:53 Cilla 4 Comments



I have been reading a lot more than I have been reviewing lately. My first thought when I sat down to actually write down my thoughts was "Great, I can queue a bunch of posts!" Then I found out that I either don't remember enough of the story to write a thoughtful review, or just don't have that much to say about something. So, welcome to my first edition of mini reviews, or as I'm calling it here, Quick Stops!





Seriously... I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres: I love Ellen, and I couldn't resist when I saw a secondhand copy of this book. If you've ever watched the monologues she does for her show, this is pretty much like those: funny and warm. There were some parts that I felt didn't come across as well on paper as they would be spoken out loud. Still, this book made me laugh multiple times.  (★★★★)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner: I know this is like the cardinal sin of bookworms or something at that level, but it has to be said: I saw the movie before I read the book, and I really enjoyed the movie. Then I read the book and just... did not like it. Maybe I'm not the intended audience; maybe Thomas just grates on my nerves; maybe I wasn't in the mood for angsty teenage boys. Whatever it was, the book is not for me. (DNF)

Risk by Fleur Ferris: Fleur Ferris is a former police officer and paramedic, so you know there's a good dose of reality in this story. I'm generally wary of stories that seem to be written as a cautionary tale about the internet, as they can come off condescending. Risk doesn't; it gives us a glimpse into what can happen if someone falls prey into an online predator without talking down to its audience. I find the characters flat, however, and despite everything that happens in the book, I couldn't quite feel for them. (★★★)




The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: My first foray into Stiefvater's writing happened quite accidentally. I was browsing the library's catalogue for audiobooks, and this was one of the options. I love the setting, both the small town feel of the island and the capaill uisce (I just had to google how to spell that). I love both Puck and Sean (the fact that I developed a voice-crush on the actor for Sean did not hurt), though I was constantly frustrated by Puck's brothers. The actual race didn't hold my interest as much as soon as Puck and Sean sorted out their emotions. I thought the ending was perfect though. (★★★★)

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner: I've heard rave reviews about These Broken Stars all over bookstagram and the book blogging community, so when I spotted it on a library shelf, I picked it up. One of the best decisions I made at the library, to be honest. I could not put this book down. I love how there was so few expositions, yet it was so easy to understand the world the characters operate in, and to understand the characters' back stories too. The plot kept me turning the pages the whole time; just when you think the stakes couldn't be higher, it got worse. I loved it. (★★★★★)


Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
If you haven't, do you think you will pick up one of them?

4 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you didn't like The Maze Runner! I really liked the first book, but I think the series goes WAY downhill from there. I disliked the second book enough that I'm not even going to try the third one. And I totally agree on The Scorpio Races - the setting was amazing, but the race wasn't that thrilling.

    I've been meaning to pick up These Broken Stars for ages! I just read Illuminae last month, which Amie Kaufman also co-wrote and which I LOVED, so I need to get this one soon!

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    1. I think Thomas really put me off, but I'm glad to hear I'm not missing out on a fantastic series! Yeah, the race in The Scorpio Races feels rather predictable by the time we get to it. Ooh you should definitely pick up These Broken Stars asap! And I need to read Illuminae soon - I've heard so many good things about it!

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  2. I really couldn't get into the Maze Runner so didn't bother with the film, but might give it a watch now! The Ellen book sounds good too :)

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    1. The film exceeded my expectation by being quite thrilling! The Ellen book is definitely a great book to lift up your mood :D

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