le book review number one hundred eleven~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #18

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 18
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 32
Year Published: 2005
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4.5/5

Cover Comments:
The cover of this one has a beautiful sunset backdrop for the silhouette of hanging feet. I like how most of the covers have duller colour scheme rather than vibrancy. The more pale atmosphere is very effective.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
As the preparation for the hanging is in place, everyone is feeling the betrayal. Patricia attempts to help the prisoner, but he ends up being thrown to the zombies after he attacks her. The other prisoners have gotten guns and now are telling everyone to leave the prison because they are reclaiming their space. This is definitely not pleasant for anybody in Rick's group, with both sides believing that they have a right to be there.

my shelf this monday~ (30/5/16)

Good morning!

My TBR pile this week includes:
The Shack by William P. Young

What's on your shelf this week?

Thank you for reading!

Becca

le book review number one hundred ten~ The Lathe of Heaven

Title: The Lathe of Heaven
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Standalone
Paperback
Pages: 184
Year First Published: 1971
Publisher: Scribner
Personal Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Description:
In a future world racked by violence and environmental catastrophes, George Orr wakes up one day to discover that his dreams have the ability to alter reality. He seeks help from Dr. William Haber, a psychiatrist who immediately grasps the power George wields. Soon George must preserve reality itself as Dr. Haber becomes adept at manipulating George's dreams for his own purposes.

The Lathe of Heaven is an eerily prescient novel from award-wining author Ursula K. Le Guin that masterfully addresses the dangers of power and humanity's self-destructiveness, questioning the nature of reality itself. It is a classic of the science fiction genre.

Cover Comments:
The cover is interesting. The clouds and sky add elements of the idea of heaven and the turtles combine well with the story structure.

Title Thoughts:
I learned what a "lathe" is. Very unique and interesting,

Review:
I was recommended this book by my sister who had to read it for her science fiction and fantasy English course in University. I was not disappointed at all by reading this. I had read a short story by Le Guin called, "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas", and it caused me to think deeply and question a philosophical problem. However, with this novel, it focused on intervention into the :natural order" and the corruption of power on the psyche when control is used and misused. The deterioration and rebuilding of characters made the book unstable, but also made it captivating, frustrating, and very interesting. It was very thought-provoking and I would recommend it for those interested in science fiction.

feature friday~ bookcases (18)

Welcome to Feature Friday!

I really like the circular appeal of this shelving unit. Although it would be limited in the number of books that this would hold, the swirl design allows for other items to be interspersed and would make a lovely, unique addition to any room. It is subtle and effective, and practical with the drawers on the bottom for storing other items.

What do you think?

Image found on google.

Thank you for reading!

le book review number one hundred nine~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #17

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 17
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 32
Year Published: 2005
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Cover Comments:
I love the cover of this. It shows just how far Rick is forced to go, and the colours have beautiful contrast and blending.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
After Andrea is attacked and the true identity of the murderer is revealed, Rick has returned to the prison and is forced to make some very difficult decisions in regards to punishment and consequences for murder. Being deemed intolerable, those who murder are forced to face capital punishment, and will be hanged. This is decided to be reinstatement of society and rules as an attempt to create order among themselves.

le book review number one hundred eight~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #16

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 16
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 32
Year Published: 2005
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4.5/5

Cover Comments:
I like how detailed and graphic the green of the zombies are on this cover.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
I am so shocked by the turn of events in this issue. It especially shows how it is impossible to trust even the living, especially the prisoners, after one of them murdered Hershel's youngest daughters. I find it extremely terrifying how people can be so vile when the outward source of killing is from zombie bites, but yet they have to watch their back for knives from others.

le book review number one hundred seven~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #15

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 15
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 32
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Cover Comments:
I like the colour scheme on this issue. I especially like how a purple hue covers the whole image.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
This comic keeps getting more and more intriguing as time goes on. There are so many new plot twists and questions to be answered. I was surprised by the turn of events at the prison, even though I have watched the show it still comes as a surprise to see it portrayed in the comic. The graphic talent used in these comics is admirable and impressive.

my shelf this monday~ (23/5/16)

Good morning!

My TBR pile this week includes:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

As well, I will still be reading Walking Dead comics by Robert Kirkman.

What's on your shelf this week?

Thank you for reading!

Becca

le book review number one hundred six~ Spin

Title: Spin
Author: Robert Charles Wilson
Series: Spin Saga #1
Paperback
Pages: 452
Year First Published: 2005
Publisher: Tor Science Fiction
Personal Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Description:
The time is the day after tomorrow, and three adolescents - Diane and Jason Lawton, twins, and their best friend, Tyler Dupree - are out stargazing. Thus they witness the erection of a planet-spanning shield around the glob, blocking out the universe. Spin chronicles the next 30-odd years in the lives of the trio, during which 300 billion years will pass outside the shield, thanks to an engineerd time discontinuity. Jason, a genius, will invest his celibate life in unravelling cosmological mysteries. Tyler will become a doctor and act as our narrator and as Jason's confidante, while nursing his unrequited love for Diane, who in turn plunges into religious fanaticism. Along the way, human-descended Martians will appear, bringing a drug that can elevate humans to the Fourth State, 'an adulthood beyond adulthood.' But will even this miracle be enough to save Earth?... Here's a book that features speculative conceits as brash and thrilling as those found in any space opera, along with insights into the human condition as rich as those contained within any mainstream mimetic fiction, with both its conceits and insights beautifully embedded in crystalline prose.

Cover Comments:
The cover is interesting, and what you would expect for a science fiction novel. I probably wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't a required book to read.

Title Thoughts:
Simple, yet very effective.

Review:
I had to read this book for a University English course. I definitely wasn't sure what to expect, but once I started reading it I found it to be very interesting. I liked the characters, and all three are constructed really well. They each have individual personalities which shine through and the changes that are expressed have real scientific evidence. I was impressed by the unique plot of travel through time, and also through reflection of past to present and inevitably the future. I probably would have never picked this up, but it was worth reading. I probably will read the rest of the series, but probably not soon.

feature friday~ bookcases (17)

Welcome to Feature Friday!

I think this shelving is very interesting and unique. I especially like the minimalistic design, and the simple, clean chic look of white used. It enhances the colours of the books. However, I would be worried about the books getting dirt or damage to them when walking past. I also would be concerned about knocking the books off. However, the idea for this shelving unit is visually appealing, and would definitely depend on the house, especially if children were around. It also reminds me of a library in a way too, which would be a unique addition at a library. Overall, a great idea, even if only one shelf was used and placed against a wall to be out of the way.

What do you think?

Image found on google.

Thank you for reading!

le book review number one hundred five~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #14

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 14
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 33
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Cover Comments:
This cover is foreshadowing for something that is to happen.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
In this issue, the group move in to the prison and the spirit of the group is more hopeful and positive. As they return to Hershel's farmhouse and invite the others to join their safer space, it seems like their lives and luck are turning around. However, the shocking ending, where Tyreese's daughter turns into a zombie without being bitten reveals something about the transformation after death.

le book review number one hundred four~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #13

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 13
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 33
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4.5/5

Cover Comments:
I like the dark blues of this cover and the silhouette images of the walking dead. I especially like how the light shines through the holes in the zombie and I think that is a gorgeous artistic addition that is an effective element to include.

Spoiler Warning:
The following review may contain spoilers.

Review:
In this issue of the series, the group, led by Rick, are clearing up the prison that they stumbled upon in the last issue. I love how the preservation of innocence is attempted, yet is complicated by the clear lack of integrity that is maintained amidst the the ever decaying world. However, there is hope for the group as they discover that the prison can be a safe place for everyone.

le book review number one hundred three~ The Walking Dead, Single Issue #12

Title: The Walking Dead, Issue 12
Author: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Series: The Walking Dead
Paperback
Genre: Horror Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 32
Year Published: 2004
Publisher: Image Comics
Personal Star Rating: 4.5/5

Cover Comments:
I like this cover, although there's something about the colour that I'm not completely fond of. However, it also has significance with the gun that becomes known after reading.

Review:
I've watched the television show that is based off of these comics, but this issue especially shows how they diverge from each other. I really admire how decayed the characters are becoming and not just the zombies, but the living. I think that this deteriorated world is showcased, especially in this issue. The things that people are seeing are taking a toll on their mental states.

my shelf this monday~ (16/5/16)

Good morning!

In my TBR pile for this week I have two novels that I really want to get through:

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (reread - a review is already posted!)

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

I will also probably be reading more of The Walking Dead as well in between.

What's on your shelf this week?

Thank you for reading!

le book review number one hundred two~ The Internet is a Playground

Title: The Internet is a Playground: Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius
Author: David Thorne
Standalone
Paperback
Pages: 353
Year First Published: 2010
Publisher: TarcherPerigee
Personal Star Rating: 4/5

Description:
From the notorious Internet troublemaker who brought the world the explosively popular "Overdue Account," in which he attempted to pay his chiropractor with a picture he drew of a spider; "Please Design a Logo for Me. With Pie Charts. For Free," which has been described as one of the most passed-on viral e-mails of all time; and the staggeringly popular "Missing Missy," which has appeared everywhere, from The Guardian to Jezebel to Andrew Sullivan's The Daily Dish, comes this profoundly funny collection of irreverent Internet mischief and comedy.
Featuring every one of Thorne's viral successes from 27bslash6, The Internet Is a Playground will keep you laughing - and, indeed, crying - until Thorne's next stroke-of-genius prank. Or hilarious hoax. Or almost-stint in jail.

Cover Comments:
The cover is effective. It contributed to me wanting to read the book, although I may not have picked it up at the bookstore based on the cover alone.

Title Thoughts:
The title is very fitting for the book. It definitely expresses how comical the book is, in the best ways possible.

Review:
This book was recommended to me by my boyfriend who described it as "weird humour that I find hilarious". I was hesitant when he first described the book to me, but found myself laughing about many of the email replies that were compiled. "Missing Missy" is the main reason this got a full 4 stars because that alone was worth reading the whole book. As well, the Spider drawing, which the cover alludes to, was also one of the funnier ones. There were some aspects that were not as interesting or funny, but that could have been that I didn't understand the humour or that I didn't interpret it as being funny. However, it made me laugh, gave me something to talk about with my boyfriend, and also allowed me to share some of my favourites with other friends. I would recommend this for anyone looking for something to pass the time, and since they are split into sections, it's perfect to pick up and put back down if you have a busy schedule and only have time for a few stories in between other commitments.

feature friday~ bookcases (16)

Welcome to Feature Friday!

This design adds an element of artistic design to a standard shelving unit. The zig-zag appeal of each shelf would make this a funky addition to any room, and is slim enough to fit in a corner beside a desk or couch. This is visually unique, yet still functional to fit enough books on it. It's definitely a concept that deserves to be featured.

Image found on google.

Thanks for reading!

le book review number one hundred one~ Eleanor & Park

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Standalone
Hardcover
Pages: 325
Year First Published: 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Personal Star Rating: 5/5

Description:
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love - and just how hard it pulled you under.

Cover Comments:
I think to cover is perfect. It feels like you're sitting behind them on the bus as they sit listening to the tapes and I like how the cord forms the ampersand sign.

Title Thoughts:
It's a beautiful title. It showcases how the story is written about these two teenagers and that their story is the focus.

Review:
I bought this book a couple years ago (when this edition was released), but I hadn't read it until now because I was nervous. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I know that it was recommended to me by a friend who praised it highly. I'm glad that I waited to read this though, because I felt so much more because I could relate my own experiences to this book that I didn't have when I first bought it. I am glad that I bought the exclusive collector's edition because the fanart inside is a beautiful addition.
Eleanor and Park are both written in such an honest, raw, real way. I found myself drawn to their story, and it provoked real emotions in me that I was not expecting, but that showed how important this was for me to read.
I'm so happy that I read this book and it is one of the most emotionally impacting books that I've read in quite a while.

le book review number one hundred~ The Handmaid's Tale

Title: The Handmaid's Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Standalone
Paperback
Pages: 358
Year First Published: 1985
Publisher: Emblem
Personal Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Description:
"My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden."

Cover Comments:
I really like the scrabble tiles used on the cover. It conveys how important language and words are in the novel. As well, I like the colour scheme and minimalist appeal of the Handmaid outline.

Title Thoughts:
It's a very well-known title and the story follows well from the title. It's descriptive and accurate.

Review:
The Handmaid's Tale is very iconic. I had to read this book for a Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction English course at my University and it affected me greater than I had anticipated. It was very interesting in the construction of the future world, and also had a well-developed, although very oppressed character. Offred had a very unique story to tell in a world that attempts to create conformity and uniformity. I think this book is still very relevant today, if not even more relevant in expressing future changes in terms of gender equality and feminism. There is an important message the this book conveys in terms of how women have been historically subjected to extreme misogyny and that this pervasive mindset still infiltrates contemporary society. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it for both an academic setting and for reading it for enjoyment as well.

le book review number ninety-nine~ White Girl Problems

Title: White Girl Problems
Author: Babe Walker
Standalone
Paperback
Pages: 273
Year First Published: 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Personal Star Rating: 3 stars

Description:
Babe Walker, center of the universe, is a painstakingly manicured white girl with an expensive smoothie habit, a proclivity for Louboutins, a mysterious mother she's never met, and approximately 50 bajillion Twitter followers. But her "problems" have landed her in shopping rehab - that's what happens when you spend $246,893.50 in one afternoon at Barneys. Now she's decided to write her memoir, revealing the gut-wrenching hurdles she's had to overcome in order to be perfect in every way, every day. Hurdles such as:

• I hate my horse.
• Every job I've ever had is the worst job I've ever had.
• He's not a doctor, a lawyer, or a prince.
• I'll eat anything, as long as it's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, low-fat, low-calorie, sugar-free, and organic.

In an Adderall-induced flash of inspiration, Babe Walker has managed to create one of the most enjoyable, unforgettable memoirs in years.

Cover Comments:
I think the simplicity of the cover is very effective. I like the colours and the centered style. It definitely is catching and interesting.

Title Thoughts:
A very effective title. I think the humour is was the reason why my friend sent this book to me for a summer read.

Review:
I read the book last summer (2015), but since coming back home from being away at University and digging up books to read this summer, I found it sitting in a pile. It inspired me to get back to writing book reviews, since it has been something that I have missed. I haven't read many books for "fun" since University takes a lot of my time.
Anyway, this book was hilarious. I found myself laughing and shaking my head at how absurd the story is. It wasn't challenging in terms of vocabulary and it was perfect for sitting in a lounge chair in the shade on a hot summer day, which is exactly how I spent my time reading this book.
Although it seemingly is self-aware of how crazy the antics of one very well-off girl can get up to, but perhaps some of the stories and events hit a little too close to home. I know I felt myself considering my own lifestyle choices while reading, but it was definitely filled with laughs as well.
I may read it again, but probably not this summer.