My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and Fenway Park by Steve Kluger

My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and Fenway Park by Steve Kluger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

A funky collection of instant messages, emails, essays, and more takes this hilarious and complex young adult novel to a completely different place than the usual romance-coming out-theater-baseball novel.
Classmates T.C., Augie, and Alejandra each have different passions: the Red Sox, musical theater, and acting. They uproariously combine in friendship, love, and a quest to make a special addition to Manzanar, the famed Japanese internment site. Throw in a little Mary Poppins, and things really turn upside-down!

Narrators include Eileen Stevens, Ben Rameaka, Jeremy Beck, Peter Ganim, Christian Rummel, Kevin Pariseau, Khristine Hvam, Gayle Hendrix, Allyson Johnson, Marc Vietor, and Jay Snyder.

My Review:

This book was so sweet and so innocent (and somewhat unbelievable).



It was still a decent read though. I liked the three main characters enough, T.C., Ale, and Augie, but I found them highly unbelievable. They were way too mature for their age and life was a little too perfect for them. I can understand one character being too mature, but all three? Despite having a spoonful of sugar, this was still a little difficult to swallow.



We examine their year through texts, instant messages, phone calls, emails, journal entries, letters, etc. which was a clever way at telling the story. Although, it had a lot more potential then was utilized, which is a bummer.



T.C. was cute and smart, but tried really hard to not show it (his smarts, not his looks). He was good at sports, and he pretty much had it all. I liked that he loved his "brother" no matter what and how he befriended Hucky. That was super sweet and that relationship had the ending I was hoping for. Hucky was amazing. He was a dreamer who had not let his circumstances dictate his attitude for him. I enjoyed T.C.'s relationship with everyone, his deceased mom, his father, Augie's parents, his Brother, Hucky, Ale, his Student Adviser, etc. Was there anyone he didn't have a perfect relationship with? Other than his mother dying at an early age, I was hoping to see how he overcame a little hardship.

Augie was fabulous, his words, not mine. His story was not so much about "coming out" as it was his first love. Apparently, he was so obvious he didn't have to let anyone know, everyone just already knew. I'm all about equality and it shouldn't matter anyone's anything (gender, age, orientation, race, class, etc.) but I have a hard time believing that in this day and age of bullies that it was just accepted. The hardest thing he had to deal with was whether or not his boyfriend love him. I am glad he knew who he was from the beginning though and didn't change for anyone.

Ale was a pain in the butt. She lead T.C. around on a leash before giving him the proper time of day. She was somewhat full of herself and despite her trying to say she didn't, she flaunted her status around quite a bit. She did grow as a person once she started acting, and became a much more likable person when she stood up to her parents and told them about her dreams.

Don't get me wrong, this was a nice fluffy story to read. I'm not sure I'd recommend it, but if you do, I'd recommend reading it versus listening on audiobook.



P.S. I'm a hard-core New York Yankees fan. Normally our rivalry is with T.C.'s favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. I don't discriminate or talk down to those fans or about the team, but it does bother me when they talk bad about my team. Not cool dude! Go Yanks!



Favorite Quotes:

“Even though I didn't notice it while it was happening, I got reminded in ninth grade of a few things I guess I should have known all along.
1. A first kiss after five months means more than a first kiss after five minutes.
2. Always remember what it was like to be six.
3. Never, ever stop believing in magic, no matter how old you get. Because if you keep looking long enough and don't give up, sooner or later you're going to find Mary Poppins. And if you're reall lucky, maybe even a purple balloon.”

“. . . it's not just the people we love, but the people we let love us back who show us how high we can really soar.”

“Romance is a universally unspoken language understood by all living organism on this planet except heterosexual men.”

“Here's to us. Who's like us? Damn few.”

Read from April 20 to 29, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Realistic Fiction, GBLT
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case.

A war veteran, wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike's life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger . . .

A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair, to the backstreet pubs of the East End, to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable debut. Introducing Cormoran Strike, it is a classic crime novel unlike any other book you will read this year.

My Review:

Where to begin? I felt this book was quite similar to the ebb and flow of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, in that it was very factual. The story was very slow and the investigation even slower with not much evidence to go on. Admittedly, the only reason I stuck it out was because I felt it was more true to nature in relating actual investigations. It would be nice if mysteries wrapped themselves up quickly and with a nice little bow, although I doubt that is the exception rather that the norm.

I enjoyed the characters of Robin and Strike, and was a little perturbed with Matthew, but could I really blame his attitude? The story really started to pick up about 75% of the way, and by then I couldn't put the book down. Another huge similarity I saw between this book and the one I mentioned earlier is that the last person you'd expect, a person showing great concern for the possible murder were the actual murderers, and brother as well.

I did enjoy this book, especially as the story progressed. I also feel the overall view of the book has brought what I thought was going to be a solid 3 stars up to 4.

Favorite Quotes:

“The dead could only speak through the mouths of those left behind, and through the signs they left scattered behind them.”

“A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt as dangerous.”

Read from April 07 to 21, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Adult, Thriller
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

My Review:

I listened to this book through an audiobook, otherwise, I do not think I'd have finished it. Alright, the best way to describe this book is by comparing it to a movie on the Syfy network, i.e. Sharknado, Sharktopus, etc. You tune in because the storyline seems entertaining enough, but then as you start watching it and it's awful but you just can't look away. When it's over you are embarrassed you watched the whole thing and it did have some redeeming qualities, but it's still a few hours of your life you will never get back.

Same this with this book. However, it ended horribly, therefore had no redeeming qualities. I started reading this book and immediately disliked the format. I immediately disliked both main characters and the storyline was s-l-o-w!



I was imagining rating this book a 2 if i even finished it (which I rarely rate so low). I had guessed he didn't kill her, although I couldn't figure out why he kept imagining her with her head bashed in, and lo and behold about halfway through, it turns out he didn't. I had a feeling, although I didn't see the fact that she was framing him coming, dun dun dun!



Alright, now the book is getting interesting and I'm thinking maybe this book is more of a 3.5 and I'll round up to 4. Then the ending!



So much for the 4. This just got bumped down to a 3 for sure, which is sad because I have heard tons of great things about this story and was looking forward to a great read. WRONG! Oh well, live and learn. Sadly, I probably won't try another Gillian Flynn and will only watch the upcoming movie if it's on TV and I have nothing else to do with my time, much like a movie on Syfy!

Favorite Quotes:

“Sleep is like a cat: It only comes to you if you ignore it.”

“Love makes you want to be a better man. But maybe love, real love, also gives you permission to just be the man you are.”

“Friends see most of each other’s flaws. Spouses see every awful last bit.”

“I don't understand the point of being together if you're not the happiest.”

“Tampon commercial, detergent commercial, maxi pad commercial, windex commercial - you'd think all women do is clean and bleed.”

“There's a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.”

“A lot of people lacked that gift: knowing when to fuck off.”

Read from June 01 to 22, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery/Crime, Suspense
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1) by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny - one she could never have imagined....

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review:

Much better than I was expecting. This story reminded me, in more ways than one, of The Labyrinth and Alice in Wonderland. I won't explain how because I don't want to give away any spoilers.

As for Meghan, the main female character, I liked her. She wasn't overly brave, wasn't too stupid, she didn't follow her heart when inappropriate (ok, sometimes she might have, but not in the usual, frustrating way), and she was true to herself. One thing that somewhat bothered me was the fact that she didn't seem to ask very many questions. I think she could've helped herself out much sooner had she inquired. She did start to use her head a lot more about halfway through, which was refreshing.

As for Robby, I loved him from the beginning. He was Meghan's best friend, and always called her Princess. Well, of course he did, she was his Princess. It was a little obvious to me fairly early on, although it didn't strike Meghan until later. It was also obvious from the beginning that he loved her. I wanted to scream at her because he had always been right there in front of her.

Now, onto Ash. I couldn't get a feel for him until later on in the story. I suppose I liked him, but I'm not sure how things will end up. Big cliffhanger in the end.

Like I mentioned, this story was left with a cliffhanger, but could also be considered a decent enough wrap up. I wasn't left panting for the next in the series, so only time will tell if I read it. If you have the time, read this for a crazy adventure.

Favorite Quotes:

“Oh, we're playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?”

“You made me feel alive again.”

“I've always wanted the IQ of a rock. No, wait. That would be an insult to the rock.”

“Right, cause I'm bleeding all over the place for shits and giggles.”

“Mortals have perfected the art of not seeing what they don't expect to be there.”

Read from February 02 to 04, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy/Paranormal, Paranormal/Faeries
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Karou leads two lives. One is in the tangled streets of Prague, as an orphan and art student; the other in a clandestine workshop, overflowing with jars of teeth and wishes, run by the ram-horned magician, Brimstone—the closest thing to family Karou has ever known. She doesn't know where she came from, but she's about to find out. When Karou meets stunning, haunted Akiva, she finds a love whose roots drink deep of a violent past, and an ancient war that is far from over.

Master storyteller Laini Taylor imagines a wholly unique fantasy about a forbidden love, an epic battle, and hope for a world remade.

My Review:

This story is not . . .



What this story is about is a . . .



This story was so well written and beautifully elaborate. I was immediately drawn into this world created by Laini Taylor. I could feel the passion, the attraction, the heat, the intense feelings Karou and Akiva felt for one another.

This is what I expect when I read a love story. Something that doesn't come easy but is inevitable nonetheless. Couple that with high fantasy, a hint of folklore, teen misunderstanding, and a war as old as time, I was impressed. I know it took me longer than expected based on those thoughts to finish this story, but at points, there was just too many emotions to trudge on, I had to take a breather.

Despite my enjoyment, I cannot yet say I will read on in this series. The ending was written in a manner that I could just walk away if necessary. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone if asked.



Favorite Quotes:

“Peace is more than the absence of war. Peace is accord. Harmony.”

“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.”

“Never repent of your own goodness, child. To stay true in the face of evil is a feat of strength.”

“Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes its own magic.”

“She moved like a poem and smiled like a sphinx.”

“Oh, Hell. Must. Mate. Immediately.”

“Like mold on books, grow myths on history.”

“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?”

Read from April 01 to 24, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy/Paranormal, Paranormal/Angels
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews