Thursday, August 31, 2017

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper

Stars 5/5
Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perraut
Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

I so adore the artistry by Camille Rose Garcia. I think they are beautiful with a gothic twist. I love the Cinderella story and all the ways it can be twisted and turned. This rendition focuses more on Cinderella and her relationship with her step sisters and very little told of the wicked stepmother. Also the father is alive in this story which is interesting. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a great fairy tale with wonderful illustrations.

Snow White

Stars 5/5
Snow White by The Brothers Grimm
Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

Of course, I have read Snow White by The Brothers Grimm but I had to pick up this version Illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. It is beautiful! I love the artistry and it matches perfectly along with the story. Definitely a master of art and word. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Fault in Our Stars

Stars 4/5
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I read this book due to the constant persuading of a friend even though I don't normally read books about grief and death. As a reader, I know how it feels to be left wondering what happens next but Hazel took it to a whole new level and seemed a bit selfish and out of control. In her pursuit of something so frivolous and insignificant, she not only put her and Gus at risk but allowed Gus to use his last wish on her obsession. I never cried during this book as I know how these "girl meets guy > one/both are sick > they fall in love > one/both dies" tropes play out but Augustus Waters... you will always be in my heart! 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Salt to the Sea

Stars 5/5
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

This book was set during World War II and was about a group of refugees, from different countries, trying to make their way to the Baltic Sea to freedom. Historical fiction with splashes of authenticity.  The characters are so unique and play such different parts in the story line but it all comes together beautifully. As soon as I finished this book, it went on my 2017 favorites list, it was that good. I will warn you that it has it's heart wrenching moments and I was brought to tears a few times in the story. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a must read.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The Monster Variations

Stars 5/5
The Monster Variations by Daniel Kraus
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

The story is about three boys dealing with childhood bullies, parents, clashing personalities, getting into trouble and really all that goes with growing up plus that terrifying silver truck. It focuses on that one summer when everything changes. I can't really give out anymore info as not to spoil it but it is a very good read. I feel it definitely captures the positive and all the negative traits of humanity at every age. I would recommend this book to everyone. 

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Murder at 40 Below

Stars 5/5
Murder at 40 Below by Tom Brennan
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I must be honest and say that I do not read true crime books anymore. Reason is that they make me a bit sick to my stomach due to the graphic nature but I wanted to read this one because it was specific to Alaska. I appreciated this author's simple but factual description of sensitive information dealing with each crime and not fall into the overly descriptive gore that I do not like. The stories were intriguing and I found it took me double the time to read this because I had to google the crime after I read each case wanting to see a pic or two of the killer. I love books on Alaska and I am glad I gave this book a read. I very much enjoyed reading about these historical moments in Alaska's history even if they are the darker side of it. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes true crime. *I must make note that there is one story in the book that is a bit hard to read. It is regarding a death of two children.

Monday, July 24, 2017

I Text Dead People

Stars 5/5
I Text Dead People by Rose Cooper
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I am going to be honest in saying, I bought this book for the awesomely cute cover and just loved the story. This book is about a girl named Annabel that moves to a new town because her uncle dies and her and her mom inherit the old mansion. The house is near a cemetery and that is where the books starts with Annabel finding a mysterious cell phone. A story about finding yourself, new friends, lots of spooky and a new creepy life. The illustrations are to "die" for! I would recommend this book to everyone! *I read this book as a booktube-a-thon read*