meg reads and reads

Title: Duma Key Author: Stephen King Duma Key isn't one of King's more popular novels, and while the length and unconventional rhythm might explain that, I loved it. The scenery is so visceral that I will forever hear the grinding of the shells whenever I think of this story. From the beachfront setting to the sci-fi and paranormal elements, the plot remained completely unpredictable. The standout element of the book was the way King described the act of creation. He captures how art and talent actually feel when they unfold--that burning itch deep down when the muse starts to stir. He nails the way you can lose yourself for hours in the "flow," ending up ravenous, exhausted, or even a little mad. The writing in these scenes was executed extremely well and felt entirely authentic to the creative experience. The story is elevated by flawed characters and a friendship that feels entirely believable. Even when the plot takes its darker turns, the emotional core stays gro...

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: 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.

Hey everyone, Meg here! Today, we're diving into Emilia Hart's 2023 novel, Weyward .  This book promised a multi-generational story of strong women, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me in a number of ways. The idea of female empowerment through overcoming adversity is a powerful one. However, Weyward relies heavily on male abuse as the central source of that adversity. While this is a reality for many women, and the book isn't to blame for that, it felt repetitive and lacked the nuance a 2023 release should have. Frankly, it came across as derivative of works like Practical Magic , but without the fun. Weyward throws a relentless amount of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at its female characters. These women are isolated and have almost no support system, facing truly vile men with zero redeeming qualities. The suspense builds towards moments where these women's safety is in question, and honestly, that was a drag to read. Perhaps Weyward aimed to be a revenge ...

Title: The Boys from Biloxi Author: John Grisham John Grisham's legal thriller, The Boys from Biloxi , delves into the heart of family legacies, moral crossroads, and the enduring fight for justice. Nestled in the fishing community of Biloxi, Mississippi, we witness the intertwined fates of two immigrant families--the Malcos and the Rudys. Childhood friends Keith and Hugh, sons of an honest lawyer and a powerful mob boss, respectively, find their paths diverging as they follow in their fathers' footsteps. Grisham masterfully crafts a multigenerational saga, spanning from the turbulent '60s and '70s into the  '80s. The sprawling narrative chronicles a relentless push and pull between good and evil, vividly painted through gripping scenes of mob warfare, shady deals, and courtroom confrontations. While the larger-than-life backdrop of illegal gambling, drug rings, and nightclub empires adds undeniable intrigue, the true gem of the novel lies in its intricate character...

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Author: J.K. Rowling I first read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone about 20 years ago, when I was in the eighth grade at Dobbins Middle School in Powder Springs, GA. I liked it, but for whatever reason, I was never motivated to continue reading the series. Here I am, a grown woman, finally continuing with Book 2. Even though I find J.K. Rowling problematic as a person, I'm not disappointed in reading this book. I've heard a lot of people say that this is their least favorite book in the series. I had seen the movie before, so I knew basically what was going to happen, but I really enjoyed reading this far more than I remember enjoying the first book. It was a really quick, easy read, and the shenanigans Harry and Ron got into were delightful. I also enjoyed reading about Ginny, who has a much larger presence in the book than in the movie. I'm not normally a YA reader, but this was fun. I also liked thinking about how m...

Title: Prodigal Son Author: Dean Koontz I can honestly say that I absolutely detested this book. It was boring, unoriginal, and I'm certain Mary Shelley would hate it. Koontz has basically cannibalized Frankenstein, and set it in modern times, which is something that's been done again and again. The writing was dull, and I found my mind drifted quite a bit, because it just could not hold my attention. This was my first Koontz, and I was not impressed. I don't think I'll be eager to read another. Two out of five stars. ----------------------------- QUOTES: "The concept of a weary severed hand, exhausted from relentless creeping, made no sense." "When Mary Shelley took a local legend based on truth and crafted fiction from it, she'd made Victor a tragic figure and killed him off. He understood her dramatic purpose for giving him a death scene, but he loathed her for portraying him as tragic and a failure. Her judgment of his work was arrogant. What else...

Title: Whisper Me This Author: Kerry Anne King I got Whisper Me This  on Amazon's First Reads in July. It had just came out, and it had good reviews. I have a pretty extensive To Be Read pile, so I don't generally get to new books right away, but this one seemed so promising that I decided to jump it to the top of the list. I was really disappointed. The story is okay, though it's a bit predictable. My two biggest problems with the book are that the author doesn't seem to have any understanding of the proper use of commas and that the characters are far too one-dimensional to be interesting. The only parts of the book that I truly enjoyed were the excerpts from Leah's journal. To be completely honest, I would have far preferred to have the story be about her rather than having it be about her daughter. She was more complex, and her story was devastating. I think the book would have had more impact if it was more about Leah. All in all, it wasn...