Review: The Stars, Like Dust

The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov

Publisher: Spectra

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 180

Publication Date: January, 1951

Rating: 3/5

Summary:

Biron Farrell is a young student studying at the University of Earth when someone planted a radiation bomb in his dorm room. Shortly after the bomb, he discovers that his father, the highly respected Rancher of Widemos, has been killed. He embarks on a quest to find out why his father was murdered, who planted the bomb, and how he fits into the puzzle. He travels across space and struggles against the Tyranni while he solves these mysteries.

Pros:

·       Asimov does a great job crafting an interesting universe.

·       The plot moved along at a good pace for the most part.

·       The technology included in the novel is brilliant considering it was published in 1951.

·       The story was very interesting and had a lot of action-packed pages.

Cons:

·       The romance element of the book seemed rather rushed.

·       At times the plot was difficult to follow.

Final Thoughts:

            This was my first time reading a book by Isaac Asimov; I really enjoyed it. It was not my favorite sci-fi novel I have read but I am definitely excited to read more of his books. The plot moved along very quickly so even the parts I was not crazy about went by quickly. The fact that this was written 65 years ago is pretty impressive. I would definitely recommend it if you want a quick sci-fi read!

           

Review: How to Live in a Storage Unit or Other Place You Don't Belong

How to Live in a Storage Unit or Other Place You Don’t Belong by John Casper

Publisher: John Alan Martinson Jr

Genre: Non-fiction - Survival

Publication Date: November, 2016

Rating: 4/5

Summary:

The author has created a guide on how to live in a storage unit based on his own experiences. The goal of the guide is to teach people how to survive physically and mentally while not revealing to people that you are homeless.

Pros:

·       It is about a rather unique topic. The advice given was definitely practical and can be applied to any “off-the-grid” living situation.

·       Most of the chapters were informative yet to the point.

·       The guide is very interesting even to someone who does not plan to become homeless, or live “off-the-grid” anytime soon.

Cons:

·       The author seemed to go on personal rants in the section about who to find help from. He was talking about how Christians are not taught to help others so they are the least likely to help. He seemed to present some exaggerated facts.

Final Thoughts:

            This was a great, short read if you have ever wondered how people live in storage units or have an interest in doing it yourself.

Review: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

 

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Fiction

Pages: 288

Publication Date: August, 2013

Rating: 1/5

Summary:

            The story takes place on Leonard Peacock’s birthday. He decides to take his grandfather’s P-38 pistol to his high school with him. His goal is to kill his former best friend and then himself. Before he does this, he must say goodbye to four important people in his life. His old neighbor, Walt; a classmate who would play violin for Leonard, Baback; the homeschooled evangelist that Leonard had a crush on, Lauren; and his history teacher, Herr Silverman. The novel follows Leonard throughout this disturbing day.

Pros:

·       The story is set in Philadelphia, which was interesting to me as I am live in the city.

·       The last 60 pages were kind of interesting.

Cons:

·       The whole story was honestly pretty boring. I have read other YA novels with similar plots that held my attention. Perhaps the constant use of lengthy footnotes made it hard for me to get into the story.

·       The main character is so unlikable that it was hard to feel sorry for him. I just felt annoyed and wanted him to get on with his day.

Final Thoughts:

I wanted to like this book as much as other people seemed too. I just could not get into it or feel any connection with the characters. The only reason I finished it was because it was set in Philadelphia.

           

Review: Illuminae

Illuminae  by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult- Science Fiction

Pages: 600

Publication Date: October, 2015

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Illuminae takes place in the year 2575 when two mega corporations are fighting over a tiny planet near the edge of the universe. Ezra and Kady, who had just broken up, are forced off of their planet when it is attacked by the corporations. They board separate space crafts in order to flee from the enemy. They are forced to work together in order to save themselves and others in their fleet.

This story is told through a variety of hacked documents that include IM logs, e-mails, surveillance video transcripts, and military files.

Pros:

·       The format of this book is absolutely stunning. The author created visually appealing files, logos, and schematics.

·       Kaufman managed to use the variety of formats to craft a whole, detailed universe that makes you feel like you have known it for years.

·       Illuminae had plot twists that I never would have guessed. 

Cons:

·       The only downside was that I did not get into the story until about page 200. After that point I read it all in one sitting because I couldn’t tear myself away.

Final Thoughts:

Definitely go out and read this book! To fully appreciate the artwork and unique format, read a physical copy instead of an ebook. The format was just so unique compared to every other book I have ever read; I absolutely loved it!

           

Review: Beautiful Darkness

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy

Pages: 503

Publication Date: October, 2010

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

This is the second book in the Caster Series, the sequel to Beautiful Creatures. It picks up right where the previous book left off. Still in the small, southern town of Gatlin, Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes are dealing with the town’s magical secrets. Ethan is still accepting that people he has trusted have deceived him his whole life to protect him. Lena is dealing with the repercussions of her actions that saved Ethan but destroyed her family. The second book in the series dives into the caster world headfirst. Ethan, the familiar favorites from the first book, and a few new characters embark on a journey to save Lena from herself and, more importantly, save the caster world.

Pros:

·       This book incorporated more detailed fantasy elements than I expected from a young adult book.

·       Compared to the first book, it reveals more secrets about Gatlin which keeps the plot interesting.

Cons:

·       The romance sections of the book are still a bit cheesy. Although I don’t know if I will ever find a paranormal romance that isn’t cheesy to me!

Final Thoughts:

I definitely was not disappointed by this book! It explains so many of the secrets of Gatlin and the caster world. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

           

What Light by Jay Asher

What Light by Jay Asher

Publisher: Razorbill

Genre: YA Fiction-Holiday Romance

Pages: 256

Publication Date: October, 2016

Rating: 1/5

Summary:

Sierra’s family owns a Christmas tree farm in Oregon; each year the family travels to California to sell their trees at Christmas time. She has dealt with having a separate life in each state her whole life; this means adjusting to splitting time between her best friends, schools, and homes.  Sierra usually spends her Christmases selling trees and hanging out with one of her best friends, Heather. That is, until she meets Caleb, a kind-hearted guy who made a huge mistake in the past. Sierra becomes determined to help Caleb find redemption in the eyes of the community and his family.

Pros:

·       Following the life of a girl whose family operates a Christmas tree farm sheds light on a profession that not many people think about.

·       Caleb is a likable main character with some redeeming characteristics.

·       I enjoyed the Christmas setting.

Cons:

·       The plot was rather predictable and boring; the whole time I was reading I kept wondering when something interesting would happen.

·       Sierra fell into the romance novel trap of pursuing someone who, in the long-run, will probably not work out and using the L-word far too soon.

·       The parents seemed to cater to Sierra the second she complained and were wishy-washy.

Final Thoughts:

            I really wanted to like this book; I loved Jay Asher’s other book Thirteen Reasons Why. I just could not get into this one. It felt like there were so many interesting plot lines that could have been explored, yet the author went with the more cliché plot. It felt like the story and the characters fell flat. Perhaps if the plot was less predictable, I would have felt the intended heartbreak and cared about the romance in it.  If you want a quick holiday read, maybe this book is for you.

Beautiful Creatures

 

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Young Adult-Fantasy

Pages: 563

Publication Date: December, 2009

Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

            Ethan Wate has lived in the small, southern town of Gatlin his whole life. Everyone knows everyone else in Gatlin, except for the mysterious town hermit, Macon Ravenwood. For years Macon has kept to himself, until his niece, Lena Duchannes, moves to town. Suddenly everyone is talking about the mysterious and dark estate they live on. Against everyone’s advice, Ethan befriends the new girl and discovers centuries of well-kept secrets the town holds.

Pros:

·       The authors paint a vivid picture of the southern lifestyle of Gatlin and the dark atmosphere of Macon Ravenwood’s property.

·       A suspenseful and intriguing plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.

·       The characters were well-crafted, especially my favorite, Amma!

Cons:

·       My only issue with the book is that the main characters fell into the common YA novel trap of having the characters fall in love instantly and suddenly forget all common sense.

Final Thoughts:

Definitely a great read if you are looking for a YA fantasy book with elements of paranormal romance. Although this book does use the cheesy love at first sight trope, it has significantly less than other series. The plot is fast moving; even though the book was 563 pages, I finished it in two days.

Also, the book is definitely way better than the movie!