Panic
While I thought the premise was very plausible, the pacing was atrocious and the characters were flat. I wanted more of Panic and less filler!
The romantic relationships were quite refreshing, particularly compared to what I've come to expect from YA contemporary, realistic fiction (well, most YA, really).
Overall though, the writing was poor, the pacing was way off, and the characters were underdeveloped. I really did enjoy the overall plot.
Dearly Devoted Dexter
5 stars for narration. Mr. Lindsay, you sir, have a creepy voice. I like it. The book was just alright. I grew tired of Dexter waxing poetic over the moon and the Dark Passenger (see what I did there? Heh.), and for someone who appreciates alliteration as much as myself it quickly became redundant. We get it. You adore harsh D sounds.
I will say I loved Deb and her eloquent dialogue.
Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond
Gearing up for my first ultra (50k) at the end of October. I'm too late for the training plans, but the other advice is solid. More than anything, this book made me excited to run and helped ease some of the anxiety that's starting to creep in...
Ms. American Pie: Buttery Good Pie Recipes and Bold Tales from the American Gothic House
Can one review a cookbook without actually trying any of the recipes? I have yet to bake one of these pies, but I read through all of them and Beth's instructions are concise and simple; just how I like them. The accompanying stories about friendship, sharing, grieving, and living were heartfelt and charming. I'm going to start with my favorite, banana creme.
Now I See You
I picked this one up because, like the author, I too was diagnosed with a degenerative retinal disease at a relatively young age. While my prognosis is more positive than Kear's, (with treatment* I will retain the majority of my vision), I still felt I was able to connect with her. That being said, I don't think you need to have a disability, vision related or otherwise, to appreciate this book. The writing is honest and the author's reactions to her diagnosis are understandable, albeit at times questionable. *treatment is the stuff of nightmares. Think "A Clockwork Orange" or that children's rhyme that starts "Cross my heart, hope to die..." On second thought, don't think about it at all. Forget I even mentioned it.
The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder
The first half was much better than the second. The dialogue in the second half suffered because it was taken verbatim from taped transcripts between investigators, hospital staff, and detectives. While I understand the author's decision to use the actual conversations, I feel it would have been better to use the recordings more sparingly.
All the Truth That's in Me
An extremely unique narration style coupled with a suspenseful story line made this an engrossing read. The chapter (?) breaks were abundant, allowing me to dole out the reading over many short stints. The middle did drag on a bit, but the resolution was strong. As would be expected, the (second-person!) narrator Judith was the strongest character, though I would have liked to have a more well-developed cast.
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
*Exhales deeply* This is a sad one. Proceed with caution.
Six Months Later
3.5 stars. The characters are authentic and the suspense was crafted skillfully. There was just the right amount of foreshadowing so the plot resolution didn't leave me blindsided. The dialogue was good, but the character development was slightly lacking.
Overall it was an engaging, quick read.
The List
Too many unanswered questions and unfinished story lines. The premise was ambitious, and I liked the concept, but it was ultimately too under developed.
The Wise Man's Fear
Kvothe is even more self-absorbed this time around* but there were enough redeemable qualities to save this from utter failure (see: his time in Ademre and at the University, and also the Interludes). And yet, I have high hopes for Book Three.
*I know. I didn't think it was possible for him to be any more self-aggrandizing but I forgot Kvothe is the Greatest of All Things, including being the Supreme Narcissist. You've probably heard of him.
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
Definitely not my favorite of his books (Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim are much funnier). The last part with the essays was the best. Usually I think audiobooks are best when performed by a trained voice actor, but Sedaris (lisp and all) adds a humorous authenticity which enhances the book's overall quality.
Glitter and Glue
Normally, I tend to avoid memoirs at all costs. Often I find them to be either overly self aggrandizing or too much of a pity party to fully enjoy. I picked this one up because, like the author, I too spent some time in Australia. The book was less travelogue than I anticipated, but I appreciated her revelations about the relationship she has with her mother and how it is constantly evolving. It was a very quick read, too.
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps
More like 3.5 stars. I wish someone would have given this book to me ten years ago. Alas, some of the advice will better suit a different (see: younger) reader, but overall it was very good.
 Steps - Kelly Williams Brown)
Annihilation
I've crossed over from being borderline creeped out to most definitely creeped out. Full blown heebie jeebies.
Eleanor & Park
I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't connect with "Eleanor & Park" like I did with "Fangirl". Age, perhaps (teenager vs "new adult"*)? Setting (1986 vs 2013)? My overall curmudgeonly attitude toward high school romance? Alas, to every book a reader, and every reader a book. "Eleanor & Park" just wasn't mine.
*Although I can no longer truthfully claim "new adult" status for myself.
