meg reads and reads

Title: A Lion Among Men Author: Gregory Maguire Wicked was a masterful reinvention, a brilliantly imagined and intricate take on a familiar world. It wove together elements of L. Frank Baum's original Oz books with sharp social commentary, creating a wholly new and enthralling narrative. It was a complete story with a perfect ending, leaving it open for readers to draw their own satisfying conclusions. But where Wicked was a genius work of fiction, A Lion Among Men feels like a tired and unnecessary extension. This book, like the previous one, Son of a Witch , feels like part of a different story altogether, one that strays far from the magic and intrigue that made the first book so captivating. The plot centers on Brr (the Cowardly Lion), but his tale is long, depressing, and all too similar in theme to the previous installment. While the pacing has improved, the story itself is a convoluted mess of flashbacks and unfulfilling revelations. It's an easy read, but mostly because...

Title: Cell Author: Stephen King Stephen King. The name conjures images of masterful storytelling, chilling suspense, and characters that burrow their way into your soul. He's crafted some of the best stories ever written, tales that have shaped the landscape of modern horror. And then there's Cell. About halfway through this book, I remember thinking, "Wow, this must be what diarrhea reads like." And no, I'm not being intentionally crude for shock value. That's genuinely the most apt description I can muster for the experience of reading this book. It's a messy, unpleasant, and ultimately unsatisfying slog. The premise--a cell phone signal turns people into homicidal maniacs--had potential. King is a master of taking the mundane and twisting it into something terrifying. But in Cell, the execution falls spectacularly flat. The characters are largely forgettable, the plot meanders aimlessly, and the violence feels gratuitous rather than genuinely scary. It...

Title: Bad Mormon Author: Heather Gay Heather Gay's Bad Mormon isn't just a juicy tell-all about the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City; it's a raw and honest explanation of faith, family, and the enduring impact of religious trauma.  Bad Mormon pulls no punches. Gay bravely dissects the complexities of Mormon culture, exposing its contradictions and the often-unspoken pressures placed upon its members, particularly women. She doesn't shy away from the pain of her divorce, the challenges of single motherhood within a judgmental community, or the struggle to reconcile her desire for authenticity with the expectations of her former faith. What struck me most was the vulnerability with which she shares her journey. It's not a simple narrative of good versus evil, or believer versus apostate. Instead, Gay paints a nuanced portrait of a woman grappling with the fallout of leaving a deeply ingrained belief system, even when that departure was, in some ways, a relief. While...

Title: Educated Author: Tara Westover Tara Westover's Educated is a captivating memoir that chronicles her extraordinary journey from a secluded, isolated upbringing to a world of academia and intellectual exploration. Raised in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Westover's childhood was marked by a lack of formal education and a deep-seated distrust of mainstream institutions. Despite these challenges, Westover's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her to defy societal expectations. She taught herself mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and eventually earned a scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her determination and resilience led her to Cambridge University, where she earned a Ph.D. in intellectual history. Educated is more than just a personal narrative. It is a poignant exploration of the power of education to transform lives and challenge deeply held beliefs. Westover's honest and unflinching portrayal of her family's unconventional lif...

Title: Talking to Strangers Author: Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers is a thought-provoking book that grabs you and doesn't let go, even if it doesn't necessarily convince you. The text explores a variety of intriguing topics, weaving together psychology, anthropology, and even true crime. One of the book's most fascinating sections explores how we misinterpret facial expressions, especially across cultures. The idea that a machine can assess criminal risk more accurately than a human judge is downright shocking. These sections spark curiosity and raise interesting questions. However, the book falters when Gladwell attempts to draw grand conclusions from these disparate examples. For instance, the parallels he draws between police misunderstandings and political miscalculations feel like a stretch. Similarly, the discussion of the Stanford rape case as a "misunderstanding" is rightfully met with skepticism. Despite these weaknesses, Tal...

Title: Five Flying Penguins Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath Looking for a vibrantly illustrated counting book with a twist? Five Flying Penguins might surprise you! While the title might spark questions from astute young readers (after all, penguins are flightless, and no penguins in this book fly!), this book delivers a pleasant story with adorable artwork. The rhyming text incorporates counting, adding a layer of learning to the narrative. The meter and rhythm may not be perfect, but it's still easy to read aloud. What truly shines are the illustrations. The artist brings a diverse group of penguins to life, showcasing their colorful plumage against a backdrop that goes beyond the typical snowy white. This creative choice adds visual interest and avoids monotony. If you're searching for a cute counting book with a touch more story and stunning artwork, Five Flying Penguins might just take flight on your bookshelf. Be prepared, however, for some potential scientific correctio...

Title: Mrs. Fletcher Author: Tom Perrotta Tom Perrotta's Mrs. Fletcher is a delightful surprise. The story of a middle-aged woman embarking on a sexual reawakening resonated deeply, even though the premise seemed familiar. Eve Fletcher, a divorcee facing an empty nest, grapples with a newfound freedom. A community college class becomes a springboard for self-discovery, leading her to explore romantic possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. The concept of an older woman's sexual awakening isn't new, but Perrotta breathes fresh air into it. Like Something's Gotta Give , the story celebrates the vibrancy of women beyond their youth. Perrotta's writing is a winning combination of humor and insightful social commentary. He tackles themes of dating failure, feminism, and the pervasiveness of pornography with a sharp wit that entertains and provokes thought. The chapters following Eve's son, Brendan, felt like a drag on the narrative. His self-absorption and lack...

Title: Fear Is Just a Word Author: Azam Ahmed In Fear Is Just a Word , journalist Azam Ahmed masterfully weaves together the harrowing tale of Miriam and her family, whose lives have been forever altered by the brutal violence of drug cartels. Set against the backdrop of a wounded nation, this book serves as both a heart-wrenching account and a beacon of hope. The narrative unfolds with unflinching honesty, exposing the raw pain and desolation that drug-cartel violence inflicts upon families. Ahmed's vivid prose transports readers to the frontlines of this war, where fear and loss are palpable. Through Miriam's eyes, we witness the shattered dreams, the sleepless nights, and the relentless struggle to survive. Ahmed's journalistic feat lies in his ability to collect these painful pieces of Miriam's story with compassion. He doesn't merely report; he immerses himself in the lives of those affected. The result is a mosaic of grief, resilience, and courage. As readers,...

Title: Nothing Rhymes with Orange Author: Adam Rex Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex is a juicy read (pun intended!) that bursts with humor and a heartwarming message. The story centers around Orange, a dejected citrus fruit left out because, well, nothing rhymes with orange! As other fruits sing their rhyming praises in a playful parade, Orange feels like the odd one out. But fear not, fellow readers! The astute fruit step in with a clever solution that not only includes Orange but celebrates his unique identity. Rex's witty wordplay and use of silly rhymes will have kids giggling, while the underlying message of acceptance and embracing differences resonates with adults as well. The vibrant illustrations, a playful mix of photographs and drawn expressions, perfectly capture the personalities of each fruit. Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a delightful tale perfect for story time or independent reading. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving both children and adults with a...

Title: The Women Author: Kristin Hannah Kristin Hannah's The Women opens with a description of a wealthy estate. The scene is clear, but the prose feels uninspired. Phrases like "a world unto itself" and "twilit evening" come across as cliches, failing to set a vivid or engaging atmosphere. So we didn't get off to a good start. Unfortunately, it didn't really get better. While some readers might prioritize intricate plots over writing style, I think that, while plot is obviously very important, I also value prose that's fresh and avoids overused expressions. Generic descriptions can make the story feel flat. It's important to note that Kristin Hannah is a bestseller, and the story itself is compelling. However, if you, like me, prefer clear, concise writing that paints a picture with its words, this book might not be the best fit. The descriptive language doesn't quite deliver the evocative power it strives for.

Title: The Woman in Me Author: Britney Spears Britney Spears's memoir, The Woman in Me , is a raw and unflinching look at a life both dazzling and deeply disturbing. It's a story that grips you with its honesty, leaving you both heartbroken and hopeful. Spears doesn't shy away from sharing the harsh realities of her meteoric rise to fame and the suffocating control that defined much of her life. Her vulnerability is both admirable and agonizing, as she recounts personal struggles, professional challenges, and the devastating impact of trauma. Her voice, admittedly youthful in tone, can be attributed to the sheltered and controlled environment she endured. Despite this, it's through this voice that the strength and resilience of the woman behind the pop icon truly shines. Her unwavering positivity in the face of unimaginable hardship is a testament to her spirit and a source of profound inspiration. While the book's reading experience might be affected by the author...

Title:  The Memory Keeper's Daughter Author:  Kim Edwards Well, y'all, this one hit me pretty hard, and I wasn't prepared for it. I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for it. It starts out with a young couple, a doctor named David and his wife, Norah, who becomes pregnant. She tells her husband if they have a boy, she wants to name him Paul. If they have a girl, she wants to name her Phoebe. When Norah goes into labor in 1964, they are in the midst of a terrible snowstorm, so David carefully drives his wife to a clinic to give birth. He has to deliver himself. To his utter delight, his wife gives birth to a healthy son. His nurse, Caroline, is keeping Norah drugged, so she's pretty out of it, and surprise! Another baby comes out, a baby girl with obvious signs of Down's Syndrome. Knowing the chances of Phoebe not having a long life expectancy due to the health risks associated wit...

Title: I'm Done Author: Gurpreet Kaur I have always had a bit of a soft spot for confessional poetry, and Gurpreet Kaur's I'm Done  is no exception. I breezed through the poetry in this book, ravenously consuming words of love, heartbreak, despair, determination, and resilience. Almost any person can relate to Kaur's work, and I'm truly pleased with how the writing has matured since the publication of Warriors.  The layout of this book is stellar, with the alternating black and white pages and the creative spacing to enhance the reading. Kaur also employs strong use of metaphor. My only real complaints are that some of the word choices are a little awkward and repetitive and that the book could use a good editor to help smooth out some of the rough spots. I am quite glad that I read this one and give it a strong four out of five stars. ------------------------------------------ READING PROGRESS Ammey McKeaf by Jane Shoup: 73% Insomnia by Stephen King...

Title: I Capture the Castle Author: Dodie Smith This book was remarkably heartwarming and funny. Normally, I find that humor in books this old doesn't age well, but that really isn't the case here. Dodie Smith's sense of humor shines through in a superb way, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. That said, this isn't a comedy. There's a love story. There's concern of mental illness. It's a complex tale of a family that others wish to save (from poverty, from irrelevance, etc.), but they ultimately save themselves. It doesn't end with a happily ever after, but I still feel good about where the characters are at the end. It's Austen-esque with a dose of realism. I like that. Four out of five stars. QUOTES: "There is only one page left to write on. I will fill it with words of only one syllable. I love. I have loved. I will love." "I only want to write. And there's no college for that except life....

Title: The Best Thing Author: Mariana Zapata This book was all right. The cursing goes a bit overboard, in my opinion, almost like the author is just going for a reaction. That may or may not be true, but that's what it felt like to me. There's a whole plot line introduced with the main character Lenny's biological grandmother that felt pointless, because it didn't really go anywhere. The main love story is sweet. There's a big "reveal" in the book that I think was supposed to be a surprise, but I called it very early on in the book. All of that said, there are several laugh-out-loud moments, particularly concerning Grandpa Gus, and that is the main saving grace for this book, in my opinion. Because of Grandpa Gus and Peter, this book gets three out of five stars. Otherwise, it'd probably be less. It wasn't bad; it just wasn't great, either. ------------------------- READING PROGRESS: Needful Things by Stephen King: 84% Dracula by B...

Title: Hidden Star Author: Nora Roberts This is the first book by Nora Roberts I have ever read. Before reading any of her books, I had lumped her into the "grocery store trash" genre. I am happy to report that I was completely correct in this assumption. This book is absolute garbage. The writing is lazy, and there is so much sleaze. Normally when you read trashy books, there is some humor to kind of keep you engaged, but not here. Nope. Nothing. In all fairness, the main plot is okay. But it takes you about 75% of the book to get there. If this hadn't been such a quick and easy read, there is no way I would have been able to make it that far into the book without anything actually happening. So...yeah. 2 out of 5 stars. ------------- READING PROGRESS: The Night Trade by Barry Eisler: 60% Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: 10% The Waste Lands by Stephen King: 51% Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: 68% Drinking and Dating by Brandi Glanvil...

Title: A Dark Lure Author: Loreth Anne White It's been over a month since my last review, and I apologize for that. The lengthy absence was due to a number of factors: my health, a hectic life, and the fact that a lot of the books that I'm reading are quite lengthy. This wasn't one of the lengthier books, but I have to say, it was definitely a great read. I had a hard time getting through it, not because it was bad, but because it was so good. The author did such a good job of writing a thriller that I would literally have a sense of dread so severe that I would have to put the book down and read something else, just because I was so nervous! That said, this is definitely one of the better thrillers I have ever read. One of the things I like most about it is that, though there is a love story subplot, this is not a story where the man saves the woman. The woman saves herself. It's definitely refreshing in this genre. There were a couple of grammatical issues I...

Title: Let's Dance, Snoopy Author: Charles M. Schulz This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but this was not a fun read for me. It took me forever , because I found the comics to be so tedious and so dated. They have definitely not held up well over time. There were a couple here and there that were cute or funny, but, for the most part, no. Two out of five stars. --------------- READING PROGRESS: Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: 5% The Waste Lands by Stephen King: 11% A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White: 20% The Warriors Series Boxset I by Ty Patterson: NOW STARTING

Title: The Killer Collective Author: Barry Eisler So I finally am current with the John Rain series. I have mixed feelings about this book. All in all, it was a fantastic read, though I feel the ending was too neat for most of the characters and not neat enough for others. Ben - I have mixed feelings about Ben's storyline. I feel like we were built up to like him, then dislike him, then not know how to feel about him, and there's no real resolution there. Delilah - I was actually delighted (ha, word choice) to have Delilah back in the plot, and I loved the role that she played in this book. It worked for her. Hort - I don't care what Eisler does, I will never like Hort, and I don't care if we ever see him again. Larison - He's not particularly a likable guy, but his role in this book is effective and important. I was glad to have him back. My main problem with Larison is I feel like Eisler created the Ben Treven series solely to introduce Larison, so w...

Title: An Echo in the Bone Author: Diana Gabaldon So much happens in this book that it's hard to even know where to start. It's truly a beautiful story and maybe my favorite thus far in the series. There is so much wonderful character development, not just for Claire and Jamie, but also for John, Ian, and William, not to mention the introduction to several wonderful new characters. Gabaldon throws us into the midst of the American Revolution, and she very effectively describes the danger and pride and sheer determination for survival. Once again, her research is spot on, and I only respect her more as a writer the more I read these books. Five out of five stars. ------------ READING PROGRESS: The Dark Half by Stephen King: 71% Let's Dance, Snoopy by Charles M. Schulz: 87% The Killer Collective by Barry Eisler: 29% Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: NOW STARTING