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Friday, January 19, 2018

The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon | Re:View

This book was my first introduction to Nicola Yoon’s writing and wow…what an introduction. From the very beginning I knew this book was going to be different. Unlike most books I read, I did know a very little about this. That it turned the idea of “insta-love” on its head. And honestly, I have to agree.

Yoon did a fantastic job of creating characters with incredible depth and a connection that wasn’t fake within a very short period of time. I love love love the diversity of her characters and the fact that their interaction dealt with the difficulties that come from such diversity. I also loved that the circumstances were so…dire. That may sound counterintuitive but it created great stakes for the story.

I would recommend his to fans of YA contemporary (please note my clean-reader warning). I think you will be charmed by Yoon’s sense of humor, her characters, and her impossible yet possible story.

Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth |Re:View

Powerfully moving with fresh honesty that goes beyond the “normal” things to admit. Holley Gerth expresses her deepest, heartfelt longings with a rich, descriptive hand and invites readers to join her as she dives deep into the reality of what it is to be a woman and to have flaws.

I got this book several months ago and—sadly—couldn't get to it until now, but as most things tend to happen, it came at the perfect time. The holidays were over and I was able to curl up with this book and devour it in big, over-large chucks that fed my soul in ways I can barely find words to describe.

I absolutely loved the format of this book. Each chapter was only a few pages and felt more like reading Holley’s journal entries. That, or personalized posts created just for the empty space my heart needed it to fill.

I think this book can be life-changing for those who read with an open heart. To hear Holley’s message that it’s possible to be brave—to be fiercehearted—even when you feel the least bold. To hear her heart for true beauty and her realization that who you are made to be is exactly who you need to be.

Invictus by Ryan Graudin | Re:View

Doctor Who meets Firefly in this spectacular time-travel novel!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book (or from Ryan Graduin since this was my first time reading one of her novels) but I was sooo pleased with this book and her excellent writing!

First of all, to tackle a time-travel novel is no simple task. There are consequences to consider, past and present timelines, as well as the sciencey stuff you've got to have in there. All of these aspects (and more) were carried out to perfection with an eye to humorous detail and spunky characters.

As you jump into a world where time-travel is possible, you will discover that this book is about more than just Farway Gaius McCarthy. It's about a unique cast of characters that draw you in and cause you to feel for the story. You will root for this small band of time-marauders. You will cringe with them, hope with them, and face the future--and the past--with them.

Reading Habits Tag

I thought I'd do something fun today on the blog. I'm going to do the Reading Habits tag! I've heard of this one and considered doing it on my BookTube but I've been so sick and am only now just feeling better so I thought I'd do the written version for now.

Called to Create by Jordan Raynor | Re:View

Are you called to create?

In this stunning, and possibly ground-breaking, book by Jordan Raynor, we find that there is such a thing as being "Called to Create".

I've been a creative person from the start. Growing up in a home where my father is an artists and musician and my mother is a quilter and a musician, I was never far from art supplies, music, a camera (disposable or otherwise), and the encouragement to create. My family nurtured my creativity. That is not always the case with some.

As we face in the "real world", the stress of choosing a career based on what you can be paid and what jobs are available is a big deterrent to creativity. It can be hard to say we want to "follow our creative dreams" when becoming a doctor seems so much more helpful. Or perhaps its the thought that starting up an Etsy shop doesn't seem as "holy" as becoming a missionary. For those of us who do break the mold and become entrepreneurs, we may find ourselves wondering if we can possibly serve God and our creative passions at the same time.