by on

I have only read the first book of the series so this review is just that book and not the series overall. It wouldn’t be fair for me to do that now so far into the challenge, but I felt it important to explain that the following review is just on the first book of the series.

I saw the movie before reading the book, as with many of the books on this year long review challenge. It encouraged my curious brain to find out what the book could have for me and I was so happy that I went down the rabbit hole on this one.

Not only was the story wonderful, but it included along with it something that tapped into my graphic artist side, pictures. Beautiful digital renditions of the characters that really let you see the world within the world. It really engages the reader, at least it did for me.

The story itself was a roller coaster. I really could feel for the characters and was glad to see so many of them embracing their differences and accepting who they are. It’s reflective on real life individuals accepting themselves as this or that. It can be very hard on children and teenagers to come to terms with subjects like this and this book really addressed that. Made the book endearing to me.

I absolutely loved this book!

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

Snow Falling on Cedars is a book I read many years ago. I came across it at a bookstore. I don’t know what came over me when I found it, but I remember feeling drawn to it. It’s not something I normally seek out at a store, but sometimes I find a little gem and take it home.

It is a well-written story about culture and prejudice in 1950s America. A Japanese-American and WWII veteran is accused of murder on an island called San Piedro. The story covers three days of the man’s trial during the wintertime. The story itself is very good and is well-written, but at times I had to force myself to read it, but was glad I did.

I really enjoyed the story despite the very, almost overly, descriptive nature it had at moments. As a writer I try not to be too hard on other writers. I understand sometimes you have to go into great detail for some items, objects, or even characters because it serves a greater service to the reader or even the story itself.

It’s a good read. Great building of suspense. You can learn a lot about the historical time period it is set because the author really did great research to create such a beautifully depicted setting. I know this only because I sometimes get curious about things I’m reading and conduct my own research and the author is accurate from what I can tell.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

The copy of this book that I own is considered ‘the poor man’s version’ of the original that is held in Ireland, I hope to see them one day. For those unaware of what this book is it is a religious text originally in Latin containing the four gospels. My edition has beautiful illustrations, like the original.

I came into owning this book as it was gifted to me, in a big lot of books from a mentor of mine. Many of the books I’ve for the website reviewed came to me in this big lot of gifted books and I’m in the future going to receive more (as I’ve been informed recently). I have only been gifted so many books by my mentor in their words, ‘because of the care I take of my books’. Due to this reason and this book being among the collection I treasure it.

Upon digging into the pages I became aware more so of its importance. Its original creators of The Book of Kells were monks in a town called Kells. They created illustrations to aid in the explanation of many scenes and figures from The Bible. It may not be for everyone due to its subject matter, but for a independent religion student like myself it may provide some valuable information.

Meehan, the author of this edition, provides beautiful explanations on the illustrations and what he believes them to mean. The art is very delicately created and very detailed. He points out interesting metaphors that lie within the imagery. It is said that the art must’ve been created by angels because it is considered so beautiful. The book contains information about the monks that created the illustrations and their lives day to day. I’ve seen documentaries since reading this book that helped me better understand the monk’s lives better, the history better, and what scholars feel about the original book.

Highly recommend for those that are interested in history or Biblical history. Again, this is not the original book of The Book of Kells, but a version that covers the original and helps those interested understand better. I also recommend those interested to do their own research.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

This is a very short story, less than thirty pages. It’s a quick read and recommended for those with some time to spare. The version I read is just the short story, I have discovered there is a version with the same title that has multiple short stories in it by Irving. I haven’t read the collection of shorts just the short story and with that said this review is only of the story.

Sleepy Hollow is a small town best described in the story itself:

A pleasing land of drowsy head it was,
Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye;
And of gay castles in the clouds that pass,
Forever flushing round a summer sky.
CASTLE OF INDOLENCE.

This town, though sleepy, is full of legends and tales. A school teacher named Ichabod Crane is one of the residents that is most obsessed with these stories. He’s described as a bit of a softhearted foolish nerd and definitely not the most handsome of characters. He is in love with one of the more beautiful women,Katrina, of the town, but she’s spoken for by a man named Brom Bones.

One of the more famous legends in the the town is of the specter of a Hessian trooper that lost his head ‘when a cannonball carried it away’ and can still be seen riding his horse around the town at night looking for his head. Crane finds himself apart of this legend as he is chased down by the ghost one night and is never heard of again.

This is a classic Halloween tale, one I’ve read to my own child. It’s timeless and wonderfully written. Highly recommend for any time of the year. Not often does a story really make me wanna live in it, but the town seems so romantically gothic in its description.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

This is one of the several biographies on Edgar Cayce you can find on the market. I read this a few years back. I became interested in Mr. Cayce after watching a documentary about him. This may not be a book for everyone, it’s a biography and deals with psychic abilities. The title of the book comes from what Edgar Cayce became known for, his method of trance in which he made his prophecies.

Cayce accurately the death of John F. Kennedy, two world wars (including the years they began and ended), racial strife in America, and hundreds of other recorded events. He was also able to ‘travel time and space to treat the ill’. Doing this he was able to give accurate information that led to a number of cures when traditional medicine at that time wasn’t advanced enough. He also was the first on record to introduce Americans to the concept of reincarnation. If I remember correctly he even predicted he would be reborn in the year 2020 because of a great awakening would be occurring.

I have loved learning about this man and his life, this book taught me a lot about him. It’s interesting to reflect back on when he was doing his work and all the things he predicted, even now as I write this I can’t help think of some of his predictions. I’m usually a skeptic with things, but even I have a hard time denying some things I learned in this book after all I’ve learned, even heard of his recordings.

Highly recommend if someone is interested in learning about Edgar Cayce. Great for entertainment purposes.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

I don’t think I’m alone when I say I avoided reading this book for a long time because of the sheer size of it. I read this book later in high school, but paused to only finish it years later during my college years. It wasn’t any type of assigned reading I wanted to read it to say that I had because everyone seems familiar with it being one of the thickest books out there, alone with War and Peace, and even considered a ‘boring book’ and that it’s an achievement to finish it.

The story itself is basically about a man that has gone crazy chasing after a whale he lost his leg to on a past voyage. Ahab, the whaler after the sperm whale, is often described as monomaniacal (psychosis characterized by thoughts confined to one idea or group of ideas) which is one of my favorite words ever, but I digress. Ahab’s obsession on the whale that took his leg is the main item that pushes the story forward you also can see how Ahab is frustrated and saddened by his madness, he wishes to be free of this obsession.

There are plenty of beautiful metaphors which are done in such a way that gives credit to the author’s ability to tell a good story. It is a well written story, just a long one. Not recommended, ever, by anyone that wants a quick read or a beach book.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

Originally, I had wrote this long beautiful review of this story, but accidentally saved over it. I will try to recreate that review to the best of my knowledge and a new cup of coffee to help me refocus myself. Now, let’s get to the review.

I have read many of Lovecraft’s catalog. His writing is a dense/thick style which makes it difficult at times for the average reader to consume, this story is no different. Once you get use to it, the style, is completely engulfing. Though The Dunwich Horror is not my favorite of his works, it made it into the top five because it contains the elements of horror I really enjoy.

A boy, Wilbur, is born to an unstable albino mother. He is different as he grows very quickly. During the years of his growing up his grandfather teaches him of witchcraft and dark rituals. The family is shunned by the town’s folk for their odd behaviors and their foul smells. Even animals fear them.

When he becomes a man (by the time he should be an average ten year old little boy) his grandfather has him helping him in their farmhouse to summon and entrap an invisible monster. As the monster grows it becomes harder to control and Wilbur seeks a copy of a book called Necronomicon in order to find a way to do just that.

While Wilbur does find the location of one he is denied. He breaks in a steals a copy from the library housing it, but ultimately ends up dead trying to escape with it. Due to his passing the monster becomes completely uncontrollable and breaks free of the house that had been holding him. It rampages the town. The people only realize something is there because of the damage and the ‘prints’ the monster leaves behind. Near the end of the story it is stopped and revealed to be the twin brother of Wilbur. It calls out for its father, Yog-Sothoth.

Since I have read many of Lovecraft’s work since, I have learned that Yog-Sothoth is apart of the Cthulhu Mythos. It is first mentioned in the story The Case of Charles Dexter Ward. As to what it really is is at least hinted at in the story Through the Gates of the Silver Key, in which it is described to have a connection with all time and space. It is in this story, The Dunwich Horror, that you can connect the dots and see the connection to ‘The Old Ones’.

I had many assumptions about the story. It was one of the earlier works of Lovecraft I read and all the horror stories I’ve read had me predicting the twists and the storyline, but I was pleasantly surprised and have learned since not to assume anything when it comes to Lovecraft.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

This is one of the books I can see you can go into reading different ways. If you were a staunch believer in her gifts as a psychic you will could read this in a spiritual self-help way, but if you’re reading for entertainment purpose and see this as just an interesting interpretation of what one believes may be happening on the other-side you will see this as just that and not an enlightening spiritual awakening.

At one point in time I was curious about Browne’s abilities, I bought several of her books just to see what she had to say, but by the time I had come to this book my views on things had changed. I was able to read it as one person’s interpretation and not self-help. I have always been very honest about my religious studies and my evolution of spirituality.

With all of the above said, this is still interesting. I am fascinated, at times to hear what others believe the other-side is like. This is a series of her readings and explanations of some very haunted locations. She does give some relief to those still grieving and that can be very powerful for those still trying to cope with the death of a loved one. In that way it’s beautiful. I personally know that the soul can feel heavy after losing someone or even calmed. She shares some of her own personal experiences as well, which I found interesting too.

This book isn’t going to be for everyone.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

I found this book an interesting interpretation of the lives of Adam and Eve, the Biblical first humans ever created. I have heard it was meant to be considered humorous, but it wasn’t as funny as other books I’ve read have been, so in comparison to some of the works I’ve found funny this fell on the softer end of it.

What I found more interesting is the way it was told, yes like a series of diary entries, but the primitive understanding of the world around them that made me happy while reading. I’m usually surprised by authors giving their main characters all this power, intelligence, and forgetting the roots of personality or the evolution (emotional or otherwise) a character can go through. Mark Twain is a legendary writer and I’m glad he gave the characters more personality by their understanding of the world around them.

For example:

“They returned the Moon last night. I think it is very honest of them.It slid and fell down again, but I was not distressed; there is no need to worry when one has those kinds of neighbors. They will fetch it back.”

The Diaries of Adam and Eve by Mark Twain

There are, if I’m being completely honest and I’m trying to be with these reviews, dry points, but that is just me and may only just be me.

This is one of the newer reads I’ve indulged in, within the last year. Though there were brief moments of dryness, I enjoyed it over all, and recommend giving it a read if you haven’t yet.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content

by on

I absolutely loved the movie. The book followed after the movie, as happens sometimes. I was pleasantly surprised this is one of the rare occasions that the book and the movie are both exceptional.

I liked very much the fact that the main character, Ignatius, wasn’t a ‘perfect stereotype’ of a guy becoming a demon. I read all too often that a guy changes and is instantly a know everything of the powers they have gained or is an insta-badass. This is so very much not the case. He is a regular guy and isn’t fully understanding his powers as they progress, he is losing battles, in my opinion because he doesn’t fully understand his powers or strengths he has gained.

This isn’t a scary horror book, but more of a humorous one. I normally don’t like horror-comedies personally, but this one got a chuckle out of me here and there. It also had a soul to it, the story. It’s so sad at times. To me, it’s a really good story about how people assume to know you and how assumptions can consume a town and those closest to a person. One mistake can literally damn you.

I recommend reading the book if you’ve seen the movie or vice versa, but not definitely not for everyone. There is sacrilegious behavior throughout the book. There is a horror-comedy aspect to it that genre purist may not like, it’s never completely horror or completely comedy. There are thriller/mystery aspects that occur due to the writing, but the writing is very well done.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

Interesting Reads and Related Content