This was a bloody brilliant book. I love all of the classic characters being woven back in with fantastic story lines and a retelling of the women in London's dark literary past, their impact and importance on evolving women everywhere.
The mosaic of friendship, history, family, science, and literary influences is both deceptively simple and intricate. Each of the women has a role to play in understanding the strange murders of prostitutes. The way in which the women are impacted by the overall sexism and misogyny present at that time is blatant, essentially demonstrating the way in which women were used, misused, and treated as things instead of people.
The collaboration that takes place in the storytelling is wonderful - a bit like comic relief, and a testament to the strengths that each unique individual brings to life (and to this story).
Jekyll, Hyde, Moreau, Rappaccini, and Frankenstein - influences of the macabre stories retold with a fire and determination present in women who changed the course of history for us all.
No spoilers on this one, sorry - I love this too much to ruin it for you. And i'm excited to read the next one in the series.
More than 5 stars for sure.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Review - Sorcerer to the Crown (Zen Cho)
Another book set in a magical alternative to England during the Napoleonic Wars. And a fantastic read that I had trouble putting down.
Cho's Sorcerer to the Crown is everything you would expect from a novel that challenges beliefs, misogyny, and microaggressions head on. Both Zacharias and Prunella have to fight the beliefs of the white men that surround them while also leveraging them as allies (although in vastly different ways).
At first I struggled with Zacharias' character. I think that is in part because I was hoping he would have been more aggressive in tearing down the racism around him and defending himself. Yet the more I reflected on it, I find it fitting that he handled his world being upheaved so gracefully. Ironically, Prunella casting aside everything expected as "proper" for women was great - breaking free from the shackles of gendered expectations to really shine.
I'll likely add more of Cho's works to my reading list in the future. I enjoyed her style, and even when some of the details moved too fast or slow, the overall story progression was perfect for my mind.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
Cho's Sorcerer to the Crown is everything you would expect from a novel that challenges beliefs, misogyny, and microaggressions head on. Both Zacharias and Prunella have to fight the beliefs of the white men that surround them while also leveraging them as allies (although in vastly different ways).
At first I struggled with Zacharias' character. I think that is in part because I was hoping he would have been more aggressive in tearing down the racism around him and defending himself. Yet the more I reflected on it, I find it fitting that he handled his world being upheaved so gracefully. Ironically, Prunella casting aside everything expected as "proper" for women was great - breaking free from the shackles of gendered expectations to really shine.
I'll likely add more of Cho's works to my reading list in the future. I enjoyed her style, and even when some of the details moved too fast or slow, the overall story progression was perfect for my mind.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Reviews - Wool, Proper Gauge, Casting Off (Hugh Harvey)
It seems that when I select books that are not just book titles but also the title of trilogies, I should pay attention to what the library checks out to me.
I accidentally checked out the entire trilogy by Harvey and just finished it. Go me for exceeding expectations????
On to my review.
Reading Wool, Proper Gauge, & Casting Off (aka Wool 1, 2, and 3) felt at times deja vu - a throwback to reading Orwell or Huxley. Considering that at an early age I enjoyed dystopian reads, I found myself pulled into the amazingly simple plotline of this series due to the craft Harvey uses for the 21st century version similar to those literary masterpieces.
As a fun fact, there are a lot of knitting metaphors (thank you to my mother for imparting some of that crafty trivia in me....). Since those who know me know that analogies roll off my tongue like water in a rain catcher, the heavy use of metaphors throughout the book really appealed to me. That, and let's be real - i'm a fairly early adopter of technology and these books are FILLED to the brim with techno-goodness.
I picked these books based on the recommendations of IowaAdam at work - we talk books regularly and given our kids are close in age, he shared that this is a series he reads with his daughter. I have to say, I think my 10-yr old would really enjoy it (once he finishes his current obsession, which has now also been added to my reading list....all thirteen of those books....)
The only "spoiler" about the books that I will share is the frustration I felt where I was like "gah! I have to know what happened!!!!!" - that is probably why I kept reading and didn't realize I had checked out the first 3 books in the series.
A solid 4 stars, probably more like 4.5 - and I'll likely continue reading these books once I've burned down more of my list.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
I accidentally checked out the entire trilogy by Harvey and just finished it. Go me for exceeding expectations????
On to my review.
Reading Wool, Proper Gauge, & Casting Off (aka Wool 1, 2, and 3) felt at times deja vu - a throwback to reading Orwell or Huxley. Considering that at an early age I enjoyed dystopian reads, I found myself pulled into the amazingly simple plotline of this series due to the craft Harvey uses for the 21st century version similar to those literary masterpieces.
As a fun fact, there are a lot of knitting metaphors (thank you to my mother for imparting some of that crafty trivia in me....). Since those who know me know that analogies roll off my tongue like water in a rain catcher, the heavy use of metaphors throughout the book really appealed to me. That, and let's be real - i'm a fairly early adopter of technology and these books are FILLED to the brim with techno-goodness.
I picked these books based on the recommendations of IowaAdam at work - we talk books regularly and given our kids are close in age, he shared that this is a series he reads with his daughter. I have to say, I think my 10-yr old would really enjoy it (once he finishes his current obsession, which has now also been added to my reading list....all thirteen of those books....)
The only "spoiler" about the books that I will share is the frustration I felt where I was like "gah! I have to know what happened!!!!!" - that is probably why I kept reading and didn't realize I had checked out the first 3 books in the series.
A solid 4 stars, probably more like 4.5 - and I'll likely continue reading these books once I've burned down more of my list.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
Monday, March 4, 2019
Review - Hum If You Don't Know the Words (Bianca Marais)
To my friend Becky-the-Engineer, I have a love-hate relationship with you currently. Every book you've recommended has evoked things within me that make my soul burn with a fire and life. And every single one of them has me crying and catching my breath.
Damn you, warn a girl before she takes your reading recommendations!
Hum is truly a powerful, profound book. Set in Johannesburg during Apartheid made for a compelling, action-packed, and emotional backdrop as one reads of love, loss, and growing up too soon. The evolution of Robin and her sister Cat is beautifully melancholy, and watching Robin blossom in a way where innocence cuts sharper than racism while love runs thicker than blood.
Beauty - Beauty really got to me. As a mom torn between finding her daughter and staying with her sons after losing her husband and grieving him twice. As a mom, my heart ached reading through Beauty's story, how she went so long living in fear tangled with hope, and just how beautifully she shone through it all.
I would have never read this book had it not been recommended to me - but I'm learning it's very healthy to lean into what I'm feeling. (and by leveraging some ho'oponopono, I was able to fully explore the root of my emotions stirred by this powerful book).
5 stars all the way.
Happy reading - don't forget the tissues.
--Jennifer
Damn you, warn a girl before she takes your reading recommendations!
Hum is truly a powerful, profound book. Set in Johannesburg during Apartheid made for a compelling, action-packed, and emotional backdrop as one reads of love, loss, and growing up too soon. The evolution of Robin and her sister Cat is beautifully melancholy, and watching Robin blossom in a way where innocence cuts sharper than racism while love runs thicker than blood.
Beauty - Beauty really got to me. As a mom torn between finding her daughter and staying with her sons after losing her husband and grieving him twice. As a mom, my heart ached reading through Beauty's story, how she went so long living in fear tangled with hope, and just how beautifully she shone through it all.
I would have never read this book had it not been recommended to me - but I'm learning it's very healthy to lean into what I'm feeling. (and by leveraging some ho'oponopono, I was able to fully explore the root of my emotions stirred by this powerful book).
5 stars all the way.
Happy reading - don't forget the tissues.
--Jennifer
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Reflections - Weeks 8 and 9
I'm doing something a little different this week and posting a set of reflections that encompasses week 8 just before week 9 would finish. That's mainly for my own sanity and also own sense of accountability.
For some reason, books that exceed 600 pages seem more daunting to me than those less than that. I suppose I should have considered my transition at work before picking up Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, but sooooooooo many people I know have read it I felt compelled to read it when the library checked it out to me. It was a delightful historical fiction fused with magic and I sincerely hope my kids' love of reading continues as they grow because I think they would really enjoy this book. And, with having to feather in corporate finance books (which are not being tracked here or Goodreads - mainly because my ego won't let me) it took me a solid 10 days to read it.
The other two books - The Templar Legacy and The Phoenix Guards were different sorts of books. I was far less fond of the Phoenix book - I just couldn't really get into it. However, I have a soft spot for Templar lore so despite the simplistic writing and rather easy plotline, I did enjoy Legacy enough to consider reading more of the infamous Cotton Malone books.
Shifting gears a bit, the last couple of weeks have brought about a lot of reflection as I pour over the pages and form new connections in my brain. In many ways, such a diverse palette of literature is helping me identify my style and sense of self. No, that isn't an escapism reference - I legitimately am fascinated in discovering the ways different writing styles, stories, and themes appeal to me (or completely turn me off).
It's enabled me to reflect on the relationships in my life differently as well, which has its own powerful storyline for a time and place that is not here.
I also realized - after doing some astrology work with a dear friend and teacher this past week - that while my little experiment is indeed proving good for my mental health, it's pretty much all over my charts why i'm called to so many books that force me to be introspective. So, that's validating - to know that my fascination with attaining a higher mind and purpose is rooted in the overall tapestry of my life, and as I mature, my tastes are definitely refined.
On January 2 I started with 52 books. What I have left are:
For some reason, books that exceed 600 pages seem more daunting to me than those less than that. I suppose I should have considered my transition at work before picking up Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, but sooooooooo many people I know have read it I felt compelled to read it when the library checked it out to me. It was a delightful historical fiction fused with magic and I sincerely hope my kids' love of reading continues as they grow because I think they would really enjoy this book. And, with having to feather in corporate finance books (which are not being tracked here or Goodreads - mainly because my ego won't let me) it took me a solid 10 days to read it.
The other two books - The Templar Legacy and The Phoenix Guards were different sorts of books. I was far less fond of the Phoenix book - I just couldn't really get into it. However, I have a soft spot for Templar lore so despite the simplistic writing and rather easy plotline, I did enjoy Legacy enough to consider reading more of the infamous Cotton Malone books.
Shifting gears a bit, the last couple of weeks have brought about a lot of reflection as I pour over the pages and form new connections in my brain. In many ways, such a diverse palette of literature is helping me identify my style and sense of self. No, that isn't an escapism reference - I legitimately am fascinated in discovering the ways different writing styles, stories, and themes appeal to me (or completely turn me off).
It's enabled me to reflect on the relationships in my life differently as well, which has its own powerful storyline for a time and place that is not here.
I also realized - after doing some astrology work with a dear friend and teacher this past week - that while my little experiment is indeed proving good for my mental health, it's pretty much all over my charts why i'm called to so many books that force me to be introspective. So, that's validating - to know that my fascination with attaining a higher mind and purpose is rooted in the overall tapestry of my life, and as I mature, my tastes are definitely refined.
On January 2 I started with 52 books. What I have left are:
- Hum if You Don't Know the Words (in progress)
- Troubled Waters
- The Name of the Wind
- The Kill Artist (in progress)
- Record of a Spaceborn Few
- European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman
- The Memory of You
- Wear Your Dreams: My Life In Tattoos
- Seveneves
- The Handmaid's Tale
- Children of Time
- Storm Front
- Outlander
- The Thief
- Homeland
- A Game of Thrones
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Wizard's First Rule
- Sacre Bleu
- Wool #1 (in progress)
- Proper Gauge (Wool #2)
- Casting Off (Wool #3)
- The Final Empire
- City of Stairs
- Ancillary Mercy
- Sorcerer to the Crown (in progress)
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter (in progress)
- A Little Love Song
- Zero Sum Game
- Ender's Game
- The Rainy City
- Black Hearts and Slow Dancing
- Until Proven Guilty
- The Thirteenth Tale
(I'd like to point out that I have read 25 books so far this year - yes, that means I added to my original 52 beyond just the Samadhi and two work books...so the list of 34 reflects what is left from my original commitment).
And, true to my nature, even though I went looking for books at the local bookstore that were on my list, I came home with four more non-fiction books. These are good ones, I promise!
- The Transformed Mind: Reflections on truth, love, and happiness - Dalai Lama
- An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life - Dalai Lama
- The Magick of Reiki - Christopher Penczak
- The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need - Joanna Woolfolk
It has been a particularly challenging journey for me to reach this point, and there are often times I'm still battling my own brain. However, I feel very connected to everything I am reading from the Dalai Lama, and know that these will be good investments in very similar ways to how reading itself is a good investment.
I hope you, dear reader, are finding something from my musings and books as you walk along your path to your highest purpose.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Review - Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Little known fact: I've always been fascinated with the time period between 1700 and 1850. There is something about that 150-year period that regardless of location on Earth, there are common themes. And, Bonaparte was certainly a more lively character from the history books.
So, if I were going to be a magician during this time period? I'd probably be one like Mr. Norrell.
He has this calm yet intense air about him, with a sharp mind and masterful power. It's fascinating how because of raising the dead suddenly magic is seen as respectable. (I mean really - why not be excited for magic that cures or controls time? But raising the dead is apparently the thing....)
I imagine the meeting between Jonathan and Mr. Norrell playing out a bit like some know-it-all student trying to best their professor. Or, optimist vs. pessimist (or pragmatic). With Norrell's ego, it struck me as odd that he'd take on a pupil. I also find it fascinating that Norrell believes he's the only one who is right in knowing what the future of English magic should be.
For me, I liked how Clarke divided the book into volumes. This was such a long book that I would have been likely to get lost without such division. Yet her writing style kept me engaged and it was easy to recall the details as I was going through the book. And, because Clarke's work is so well-constructed, it felt like forever before I figured out the Man with Thistle-Down hair.
This was a masterful read, and something I hope to enjoy with my kids at the right time.
4 stars.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
So, if I were going to be a magician during this time period? I'd probably be one like Mr. Norrell.
He has this calm yet intense air about him, with a sharp mind and masterful power. It's fascinating how because of raising the dead suddenly magic is seen as respectable. (I mean really - why not be excited for magic that cures or controls time? But raising the dead is apparently the thing....)
I imagine the meeting between Jonathan and Mr. Norrell playing out a bit like some know-it-all student trying to best their professor. Or, optimist vs. pessimist (or pragmatic). With Norrell's ego, it struck me as odd that he'd take on a pupil. I also find it fascinating that Norrell believes he's the only one who is right in knowing what the future of English magic should be.
For me, I liked how Clarke divided the book into volumes. This was such a long book that I would have been likely to get lost without such division. Yet her writing style kept me engaged and it was easy to recall the details as I was going through the book. And, because Clarke's work is so well-constructed, it felt like forever before I figured out the Man with Thistle-Down hair.
This was a masterful read, and something I hope to enjoy with my kids at the right time.
4 stars.
Happy Reading!
--Jennifer
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