Challenge Review: Boy Swallows Universe

My #dymocks52challenge book 16/38, for week 30.

Title: Boy Swallows Universe
Author: Trent Dalton
Published: 18/6/18
First appearance in 101: 2019 (#5)
Years in 101: 1
2019 101 ranking: #5
Rating: 4 stars


Why I chose this book:
That close to the top on debut, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about! It sounded interesting enough, and supporting Aussie authors is always appealing.


Thoughts:I wasn't sure how this one was going to go, but once I gave it a proper chance I found myself completely sucked in. The writing was a bit off-putting for me, but it turned out to be one heck of a story.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.

Verdict: Was it worthy?

Definitely. This is a masterpiece of Australian literature that's written eloquently but also tells an incredible story. This one will stay with folks for a while and I hope it sticks around for many years.

Challenge Review: Becoming

My #dymocks52challenge book 15/38, for week 29.

Title: Becoming
Author: Michelle Obama
Published: 13/11/18
First appearance in 101: 2019 (#14)
Years in 101: 1
2019 101 ranking: #14
Rating: 4 stars


Why I chose this book:
New to the list this year, Michelle Obama's biography is a book I've wanted to read since I've learned of its existence late last year. I always figured she'd have an interesting story to tell, so I was happy to add this one to the list when it came to filling in the extra spaces.


Thoughts:
Definitely an interesting story to tell! There's a lot of substance here, and a message of hope and perseverance that I think will always be relevant. I loved the way it was written, and even with all the political stuff I stayed interested throughout.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.


Verdict: Was it worthy?

Absolutely. A powerful voice, and one I think we could all do to listen to. I can't imagine a time when the themes of her story won't be relevant. Her strength of character is evident, and I think this book will continue to inspire for as long as there are people reading it.

Review: Fortune

Fortune by Lenny Bartulin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a strange book!

Not gonna lie, I mostly wanted to read it because I fell in love with that cover. So pretty.

The story is random, and at times hard to follow, but I kind of enjoyed being swept up and along? I really enjoyed the unpredictability of it; that there wasn't really a plot other than kind of watching at the window of these lives as they progressed.

There's several stories and I don't think I could name a favourite, as there were fascinating happenings across the globe. Strange occurrences and intertwining fates and luck and un-luck. What a whirlwind.

It's vague and meaty all the same; it dances back and forth between people and places but endlessly moves forward, dragging these souls with it. There were some really fun adventures, and some gruesome details not for the faint of heart; there was love and tenderness and tragedy.

I don't think it's for everyone but I'm surprised at how much I loved the randomness of it. Worth a shot for people looking to taste something a little more unique.

View all my reviews

Review: The Art of Self-kindness

The Art of Self-kindness by Rebecca Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ah, yes. This is the kind of hippie book I like; the kind of book that makes my soul sing.

It's nothing to get bogged down by, it's not a challenge or a chore to read, it's just a simple reminder to take a little time to think of yourself every now and then.

It breaks down the practice of self-kindness into several areas for you to focus on, and offers inspiring words and insight into how you can integrate small changes that will help you be kinder to yourself. Don't expect common platitudes - there is honest, practical wisdom here that will have even the most time-poor cynics feeling like this might be something they can get on board with.

Added to the value of the writing is the stunning aesthetic, too: this beautiful little hardcover in shades of white and green (my favourite colour) and filled with elegant designs is rather soothing itself.

This is not just one for my fellow hippies - this is for anyone who recognises they might need a hand in slowing down, for the person who is constantly seeing to the needs of others before their own needs. This is for people who need a gentle reminder that it's okay to be as kind to yourself as you are to those around you.

I think everyone deserves this book, and the message it's sending. I hope you all find the time for its wisdom.

With thanks to the publisher for my ARC

View all my reviews

Challenge Review: Assassin's Apprentice

My #dymocks52challenge book 14/38, for week 28.


Title: Assassin's Apprentice
Series: Farseer Trilogy #1
Author: Robin Hobb
Published: 1/4/95
First appearance in 101: 2015 (#94)
Years in 101: 5
2019 101 ranking: #75
Rating: 2 stars


Why I chose this book:
This one has been sitting on my shelf since Feb 2015 and I just never got around to it until this challenge. But since it's made the list the last five years straight, it had to be read. I do enjoy fantasy, particularly the darker stuff involving assassins and thieves, so I was looking forward to finally getting around to this one.


Thoughts:
Another disappointment, with the best action coming too late for me to consider it a salvageable read. I didn't give up completely, which is something, but it was just a little too bland for my tastes. Perhaps when it was first released it was unique and interesting, but it fell flat for me.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.


Verdict: Was it worthy?

The reading public seems divided on this one. There are people like me who found it dreadfully dull and far too slow, but there are others who loved it for the character development and the coming-of-age angle. I believe there is worthier fantasy out there, and since this one tends to hover beyond the #50 mark each year, I daresay it will be ousted by newer, more dynamic fantasy eventually.

Review: With My Lazy Eye

With My Lazy Eye by Julia Kelly
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Dude.

What the french fries.

This book is just weird and hard to follow and completely random. Also, Lucy is kind of a d*ck.

It's basically the coming-of-age story of an Irish brat who constantly shirks responsibility, is horrible to her family, is constantly miserable and throwing tantrums, and lies to get what she wants. Honestly she's just not a nice person.

It's also told in such a scattered way that it takes a minute to properly understand what's happened, what's happening, and what has yet to happen. (view spoiler)[The dude on the bus took me a bit to figure out coz the box was on his 'knee'? I was thinking, 'what, is he scratching his knee? Does he have an animal at his feet? What is happening right now?' Also, there's a lot of perverted sexual stuff for a story that seems to rush past everything else. (hide spoiler)] I had zero attachment because I couldn't really keep up with the barrage of activity, though I did understand enough to feel sorry for this girl's parents.

As someone who has profound respect for my parents I was pretty appalled by the way Lucy acted and that never really changed. I don't understand why there was the whole ordeal of her failing eyesight because even that wasn't really explored enough for me to feel sorry for her. There was no character growth, there was no apparent depth to her and there was no point of redemption. I think it tried to do all those things but the writing was so terrible it never made its mark on me.

Also, this is another one of those horrible blurbs that alludes to stuff that doesn't even happen til the last 50 pages or so, so don't hold your breath for the story here.

Thankfully it was a short read because my attention span couldn't have lasted much longer with this one.

View all my reviews

Instagram Giveaway

Hello friends!

Just for something a little different, I'm doing my first ever giveaway!

Astrid Bell Dutiful daughter. Classical singer. Secret pop songwriter. And suffering from stage fright. 

Jacob Skalicky. Trust Fund Kid. Indie singer. Immensely gifted performer. And refusing to sing again. 

Are they polar opposites? In his grief and fury at the world, Jacob certainly thinks so.
But when Jacob loses everything and Astrid uncovers a shocking family secret, they may need each other to make sense of their lives.

So goes the blurb for Taryn Bashford's latest offering, The Astrid Notes. This is Bashford's second #LoveOzYA novel and is a moving story of two teens navigating the rocky path to their dreams.

I'm all about chasing dreams wherever they take you so I'm pretty stoked to be able to support the release of this book with a giveaway thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia.

All you have to do is head over to my Instagram page, find the giveaway announcement, and tag someone you want to thank for supporting your dreams.

To be considered by the random-winner-generator (i.e. have your name put in the shoe box) make sure you're following my Instagram. You can tag as many supporters as you like, but it's only one entry per person. This giveaway is only open to ANZ residents.

Competition closes at midnight Saturday 3/8/19 AEST. Winner will be announced on Sunday via my Instagram. 

Make sure you've subscribed to my blog to read my full review for The Astrid Notes once the competition ends, as well as my other book reviews. Good luck! :)

***

The Astrid Notes is available now. You can read more about it here and learn more about the author here.

Challenge Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

My #Dymocks52challenge 13/38 for Week 27.

Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Published: 12/10/79
First appearance in 101: 2008
Years in 101: 12
2019 101 ranking: #62
Rating: 2 stars

Why I chose this book:
I had to go back to the very first Top 101 list to find the first appearance of this book. 12 YEARS. That is a lot of love for this book! I was torn because it's always struck me as the kind of thing that would never appeal to me, but this challenge was all about paying tribute to the books chosen by Australian readers, and they sure as heck love this one.

Thoughts:
The bonus was that it was mercifully short, so I was able to read it in a day. And I'd kind of prepared myself for a book I was likely to hate. Hate is a strong word, but this was definitely not my kind of thing. It was ridiculous and nonsensical and I just didn't find it clever at all. I appreciate that there are so many people who love it, but it's just not my taste of humour.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.


Verdict: Was it worthy?
Personally, I don't think so. But you can't argue with a public that has loved this book enough to vote for it 12 years in a row. I wonder how many have actually read it in that time, and how many are just voting based on their original love of it?

Challenge Review: The Happiest Refugee

My #Dymocks52challenge 12/38 for Week 26.

Title: The Happiest Refugee
Author: Anh Do
Published: 1/9/2010
First appearance in 101: 2011
Years in 101: 8
2019 101 ranking: #25
Rating: 4 stars

Why I chose this book:
This was one that featured in every single list for the past five years (and beyond). I know of Anh Do and have enjoyed his comedy however his book never really drew me in. With this challenge, however, and his consistent appearance on the list, I thought it was time to give him a chance.

Thoughts:
This book right here makes me so glad I decided to do this challenge. It was so much more enjoyable than I was expecting! I think I read it in a day? It just held me captivated the entire time! It's such a fascinating story and there are a lot of dark moments but it's told with such humility and honesty and comes across as an inspiring story of hope and perseverance. I loved it so much.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.


Verdict: Was it worthy?

A hundred times yes! This is a unique Aussie voice that has a heck of a story to tell. It's such an uplifting read and is incredibly powerful the way it goes about it. I loved it from start to finish and it was such an easy, enjoyable reading experience. I hope to see it on the list for many more years to come so people like me finally get around to giving it a chance.

Challenge Review: My Brilliant Friend

My #Dymocks52challenge 11/38 for Week 25.

Title: My Brilliant Friend
Author: Elena Ferrante
Published: 19/10/11
First appearance in 101: 2016
Years in 101: 4
2019 101 ranking: #91
Rating: 2 stars

Why I chose this book:
4 years is a steady showing for the 101, so my curiosity was piqued. I liked the sound of this one - I don't mind reading historical fiction and with this being set in Italy in the 1950s it was something that was new to me.

Thoughts:

Another disappointing read that didn't quite capture my interests. I found it to be long and tedious, with characters I never really connected to. I also loathed the ending - it felt less like a cliffhanger and more like the book was just unfinished.

You can read my full review on Goodreads here.


Verdict: Was it worthy?

I'm open-minded enough to appreciate that a book I don't enjoy may still have merit. While I found this one to be quite draining, it is written lyrically in a way that will appeal to those who appreciate the art of language. It captures a snapshot of an Italian childhood in this era, and gives an honest portrayal of the fickleness of childhood relationships. While it wasn't the sort of read I enjoy, I can see how others might appreciate it more than me. I'd consider this one worthy.

Review: The Manual of the Warrior of Light

The Manual of the Warrior of Light by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-read 07/19:

I love this book. It's the perfect little book to flick through when you need inspiration. You gotta have an open mind and some of the interpretations can be a little strange but if you are looking for inspiration this is a great place to start.

It's a gentle reminder to trust your own morals and instincts and pay attention to the world around you.

Love it.

Original Review:

Great little guide for the spiritually-minded, this is simply written yet profound. Taken literally it will seem bizarre and possibly boring, but take the time to reflect on the meaning of these passages and you will be rewarded with some important life lessons.

This collection needs to be read slowly and ruminated upon, otherwise it's a wasted read. Its strength lies in its simplicity; the passages are easy to read and enjoyable individually, so that one might enjoy them out of order. As the title suggests, this is very much for the warriors of light - those of us trying to live a more fulfilling life of mindfulness and appreciation, those on the spiritual path, those seeking to learn more about themselves and so grow. For those not yet on such a path, this will prove to be a dull, meaningless read. For the former, though, I highly recommend.

View all my reviews