The Iron Knight

Title:  The Iron Knight

Author:  Julie Kagawa

Series:  The Iron Fey #4

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

Date Published:  October 26, 2011

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    Ash is determined to be reunited with Meghan, and he will travel to the end of the world to do it. Puck and a few companions join him on his journey. 

-    I keep going back and forth on if I think this book is needed in the series. Yes, because the ending of The Iron Queen left me wondering if Ash and Meghan would ever be together again, and it was a tough loose end to swallow. No, because I don't think this story needed to be a whole novel by itself. I think it could have fit into the collection of novella stories, and I would have been happy. Either way, I'm glad I read this.

-    I loved the trials Ash had to face to find his soul. It made me wonder what really makes us human: frailty, emotions, limitations, etc. It was a cool thing to explore. 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Previous Books in the Series:

  

(covers are linked)

The Iron Queen

Title:  The Iron Queen

Author:  Julie Kagawa

Series:  The Iron Fey #3

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

Date Published:  January 25, 2011

Genre:  Fantasy, Young Adult

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    This was my favorite book in the series!

-    Meghan and Ash are trying to figure out how to live in exile, but the war between the Iron Fey and the Nevernever isn't over. Whether they like it or not, Meghan and Ash are at the center of the war. Summer and Winter have made a temporary alliance, and they both agree that Meghan is the only one who can bring down the False Iron King. 

-    This was a perfect conclusion to the struggle with the Iron Fey. I didn't know/remember how Meghan saved everyone, but it was awesome to relive it again.

-    I really liked Meghan's character growth in this book. She became more confident, learned to fight, and grew into an amazing leader.

-    I think Ash is a little melodramatic at times, but he is fae, and he really grew on me during this book. I loved his loyalty and dedication to Meghan. He is a perfect knight. 

-    The ending is bitter sweet. I would have been okay with this being the last book, but I appreciate that there is one more book to help wrap up that one heartbreaking loose end.

My Thoughts in a GIF: 

Trigger Warnings:  Mild Violence, Sensuality, Grief

Previous Books in the Series:

(covers are linked)

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Title:  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Author:  Marie Kondo

Series:  Magic Cleaning #1

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  January 15, 2011

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    I know I'm late to the party, but when this was at its peak in popularity, everyone recommended this to me, and everyone compared me to Marie Kondo. I should have been flattered, because I think Ms. Kondo is brilliant, but I was bugged by the comparison. Yes, I'm Asian. Yes, I love to organize, and it is a passion of mine. Yes, my methods of organizing and decluttering are similar to the konmari method. That doesn't mean we are the same. Not all Asians are the same!! I'm not Japanese! *deep breath, step off soapbox*

-    Anyway, despite my experiences, I am glad I read this book. I felt invigorated to declutter even more than I already do. I also picked up some great tips.

-    I don't believe inanimate objects have feelings, but I definitely project my feelings on to my belongings. Yes, I talk to my stuff, and I liked the idea of telling my stuff thank you. It has helped me let go of objects that I was unsure about because of emotional attachment. The fact that I could tell that thing that I appreciated it for bringing me joy when it did and let it go is very freeing.

-    I am experimenting with folding stuff. I kinda like it for certain things, but definitely not for everything. For example, I hang up my shirts. I prefer them hung up and not folded in a drawer, but I do love the konmari folding method for my socks. I no longer bunch them up into potato shapes, and I love it. 

-    How about you? Do you implement any of Marie Kondo's methods? 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

P.S. Just to clarify, I have nothing against Marie Kondo or her method. In fact, I admire it a lot, and have tried to implement certain things into my life. I also love the Japanese and their culture. It was just the constant comparison that irked me. I have faced a lifetime of "all Asians are/look the same." 

Ivy and Bean: No News is Good News

From Goodreads:    Ivy and Bean need some money. Ten dollars, to be exact. Never mind what for. Okay, it's for low-fat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for you serving size. Don't ask why. How are Ivy and Bean going to make ten dollars? Hey, maybe they should write a newspaper about Pancake Court and sell it! Great idea! And easy, too. All they have to do is snoop around the neighborhood. Wow...It's very interesting what they can find out. It's even more interesting when the neighbors read about it in the newspaper.







My Thoughts:

-    This is my new favorite book in the series. I love that Ivy and Bean's shenanigans get better and better with each book.

-    Both Gnome and I were able to relate to Ivy and Bean feeling left out when all the kids around them had the latest fad and they didn't. I also love that the fad was the wax off of cheese. 

-    Ivy and Bean's idea to create a newspaper was so much fun. After reading this, Gnome wanted to start a newspaper with her friend.

-   The story is relatable, funny, and highly entertaining. 

Previous Books

  
  

A Monster Calls

Goodreads Synopsis:    An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor. 

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.

My Thoughts:

-    This is a very honest and tender story that makes you feel all the feelings. I think anyone who has experienced grief will appreciate the truth of this book.

-    The illustrations were wonderful. They captured the tone of the book beautifully.

-    This is another book that I'm kicking myself for not reading sooner when it was all a buzz. Oh well, I've read it now! 

Risky Chance

From Goodreads:    For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in California at the start of the Great Depression, Risky Chance is a gray thoroughbred who was born to race. Life at the track and being spoiled by his jockey's young daughter, Marie, is all Chance could ask for. He loves nothing more than running fast and winning. But after an accident, Chance discovers a side of horse racing that has little to do with glory.

Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about thoroughbreds, horse racing, and the Great Depression.

My Thoughts:

-    Yes, I'm still reading these! Gnome is ahead of me by about 4 books. I don't know if I'm going to make it. 

-    This was another cute cute story full of heart! I liked it a lot. 

-    I wish every racehorse had happy ending like Chance's. I wish every owner was kind and took good care of their animals. I'm grateful for all the ones who do!

Previous Horse Diaries Book:

  
  

Yatimah

Goodreads Synopsis:    For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in the Arabian Desert in the ninth century, Yatimah is a black Arabian filly whose name means "orphan." She enjoys her life at the oasis, with sheep to tease, other foals to race, and the daughter of her Bedouin owner to take care of her. But when the colt who is her foster brother is stolen in a raid, Yatimah realizes her true birthright. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Arabian horses and Bedouin culture.




My Thoughts:

-    I knew the Arabian would get a book in this series! 

-    I really liked this one. These later books aren't just fluff. They deal with more emotions, not deep or heavy ones, but still. I like that the books are becoming a tad more serious while retaining the cuteness and heart. 

-    I love that these books take the readers around the world and through time. Each one is set in a different country with different people and cultures. It is really cool.

-    I'm glad Gnome is enjoying these.

-    I liked how Yatimah and her owner how to learn to trust one another, and they forged a slow and deep bond. Earning trust is not always easy.

Previous Horse Diaries Book:

  
 

Invisible Inkling

From Goodreads:    The thing about Hank's new friend Inkling is, he's invisible.

No, not imaginary. Inkling is an invisible bandapat, a creature native only to the Peruvian Woods of Mystery. (Or maybe it is the Ukrainian glaciers. Inkling hardly ever gets his stories straight.)

Now Inkling has found his way to Brooklyn and into Hank's laundry basket on his quest for squash—bandapats' favorite food. But Hank has bigger problems than helping Inkling fend off maniac doggies and search for yummy pumpkins: Bruno Gillicut is a lunch-stealing dirtbug caveperson and he's got to be stopped. And who better to help stand up to a bully than an invisible friend?

My Thoughts:

-    My daughter was assigned this book for her school's book club. It only took her a couple days to read it, and she said it was cute and funny. I didn't want to feel left out, so I decided to read it too.

-    Gnome was right. The story was cute and funny. I laughed at several things about the story and the characters.

-    I want a bandapat friend! He was SO cute!

-    I like that Inkling didn't solve all of Hank's problems for him. I liked that Inkling gave him confidence and advice, and Hank gained confidence and learned how to take care of his own problems. 

-    I wish I could go to book club with Gnome, so I could hear what all the kids thought of the book.

The Outcasts

Goodreads Synopsis:    From the author of the global phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice!

They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing. John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books.

My Thoughts:

-    John Flanagan quickly became one of my favorite authors. His books are so much fun, and I'm excited to start another fantastic series.

-    This brilliant story was full of friendship, courage, strategy, seafaring, and ingenuity. I loved every moment.

-    There were a lot of characters, but I enjoyed getting to know each one of them, and I admire each character for their skills and unique personality. 

-    There was never a dull or wasted moment in this book. Flanagan's story telling is fantastic. 

-    I can't wait to read more!!

-    Seriously! What do they have in the water in Australia?!?! Their authors have super story telling powers. 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Goodreads Synopsis:    Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. 

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My Thoughts:

-    I tried to read this book earlier this year, but I didn't finish. People kept telling me how good the series was, so I gave it another chance, and I'm SO glad I did! It was wonderful!

-    Elisa bugged me at first, but she has such an incredible journey, and her character growth is awesome! I loved it!

-    The culture and settings were so rich and lovely. I loved the world the author created.

-    I usually don't like too much political intrigue in a story, but this was really well done. I liked how it was interwoven with the story. 

-    I usually don't like a lot of religion in a story either, but it was also really well done. I actually really liked how important the religion was to the MC and everyone. It added so much to the story.

-    I'm really glad I gave this another shot, and I'm excited to read the next book.

Judy: A Legendary Film Career

From Goodreads:    Through her incomparable work on screen, stage, record, radio, and television, Judy Garland earned renown as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” It was as a motion picture star though, that she first rose to international fame. From her feature film debut in 1936 through the aptly titled I Could Go on Singing in 1963, she lit up the screen with a magic uniquely hers—and dazzled world-wide audiences of all ages.
 
Judy Garland starred in two dozen of the all-time classic movie musicals, among them A Star is Born, Meet Me in St. Louis, Babes in Arms, Easter Parade, For Me and My Gal, and The Harvey Girls. Her dramatic turns in Judgment at Nuremberg, The Clock, and A Child is Waiting won added acclaim. And perhaps most unforgettably, she starred as Dorothy Gale in the best-loved motion picture of all time: The Wizard of Oz.
 
Judy: A Legendary Film Career tells the story of Garland’s movie work in unprecedented detail. Hundreds of never-before-published photos, newly-assembled contemporary reviews, insight from her costars and coworkers, and production histories are provided for each film in which she appeared. Highlighting and complimenting the feature films is a definitive biography; an examination of Judy’s short subjects; details of the movies she did not complete; and an enthralling compendium of film projects for which she was considered or rumored. The text is illustrated by more than five hundred photos, encompassing poster art; costume tests; behind-the-scenes candids; onstage and backstage glimpses of her theatrical successes; and personal snapshots.
 
Judy is the exhaustively researched work of historian John Fricke. He celebrates as never before the heart, humor, and incandescent motion picture achievement of the one-and-only Judy Garland.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm a big Judy Garland fan, and I really enjoyed this book.

-    I love that this book was a biography on Judy's life and her career. It covered both equally.

-    I feel bad for all the struggles Judy had in her life. I really believe that MGM should have been held accountable to what they did to her as a girl. I wish Judy could have gotten the help and rest that she needed. I'm glad that she had a lot of good things in her life as well. 

-    I liked the way this book was formatted. I loved going through every single movie and getting all the quotes and everything.

-    Judy was SO talented. Singing, dancing, and acting came so natural to her, and I think she was one of the greatest entertainers in all of history. When she is on the screen, I can't help watching. 

The Hypnotist's Love Story

Goodreads Synopsis:    From the author of critically acclaimed What Alice Forgot comes a wonderfully fun, insightful novel about the crazy things we do for love.

Ellen O’Farrell is a bit unusual. She’s a hypnotherapist. She’s never met her father. And she can’t seem to keep a relationship going (okay, that’s more normal that we want to admit). When Ellen meets Patrick, she’s hopeful nevertheless. But when he says he needs to tell her something, she fears the worst. However, when Patrick reveals that his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, Ellen thinks, Is that all? Actually, that’s kind of neat. She’s more intrigued than frightened. What makes a supposedly smart, professional woman behave this way? She’d love to meet her. What she doesn’t know is that she already has.

My Thoughts:

-    This wasn't my favorite Moriarty book, but the writing is so tantalizing that I kept reading.

-    It was interesting that the book is told from Ellen's perspective and the stalker's perspective. I kept feeling bad for Saskia, but I didn't want to because she is crazy! 

-    I didn't like Patrick. He seemed like a jerk most of the time, and I don't think he was ready to get married again. 

-    I loved the setting!

-    I kept thinking some twist was going to happen, or some major event would happen, but no. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but I also was okay with the ending. 

-    I thought the whole idea of the story was very interesting, and Moriarty's writing is addicting, but the characters and story weren't as great. 

Ready Player One

From Goodreads:    In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.






My Thoughts:

-    I have very mixed feelings about this one. I loved the story and the world created, but the author really pissed me off.

-    My friends warned me about the info dumping, but it was more like info up chucking. The author must think all his readers are complete morons because he has to explain EVERYTHING! I don't really care how such and such game works or who was in what movie and what it was about!! I already know what things were popular in the '80s because they were POPULAR!! Just mention the freakin' movie/game/song and move on!! Most of your readers are going to know these things!

-    The other thing that pissed me off was the author felt like he needed to add his two cents on certain topics. I DON'T FREAKIN' CARE WHAT YOUR OPINION ON RELIGION AND MASTURBATING ARE YOU ARROGANT S.O.B.!! WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE STORY!?!?!? NO ONE CARES!!!

-    On a more positive note, the story (when he finally gets around to it) is very addicting and fun. I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen.

-    I didn't care for the MC too much. I thought he was lame, but I loved the other characters. They were awesome!

-    I love that this book is an ode to the '80s. It was an awesome decade!

-    The world building is awesome! I loved the OASIS. It reminded me a lot of World of Warcraft. It was like WoW on steroids. 

-    I'm excited for the movie, and I hope they do a good job with it. 

The Lost Stories

Goodreads Says:    Unconfirmed accounts of a group of Araluen warriors - tales of adventure, battle, and triumph over evil - have spread for centuries throughout the known world. Most notable is a clan shrouded in mystery, phantom warriors known as the Rangers. 

Two names pass the lips of every storyteller: Halt, and his apprentice, Will. They and their comrades in arms are said to have traveled throughout the kingdom and beyond its borders, protecting those who needed it most. If true, these rumors can be only part of the story. 

Only now, centuries after these men and women walked the earth, do we have confirmation of their existence. Behold The Lost Stories, Book 11 in the Ranger's Apprentice epic.

My Thoughts:

-    They way this book is setup is very interesting. An archaeologist and his apprentice find the remains of a log cabin, and they happen to dig up an old chest with stories about Halt, Will, and the others.

-    I really enjoyed this compilation of short stories. It was fun to get a little more about the characters that have become so dear to me.

-    Most of the stories are happy and have some sort of celebration, but there was some heartbreak as well. 

-    I love that some of these stories are answers to questions that readers had. Flanagan is very generous to his readers. 

-    The first time I read this, I completely missed the little part that introduces us to the Brotherband Chronicles. I thought it was a clever little piece, and I definitely noticed this time.

Previous Ranger's Apprentice Books