Blog 206: Very Good Lives

Synopsis of the Book from Goodreads

When J.K. Rowling was invited to deliver the commencement address at Harvard University, she chose to speak to the graduating class about two topics very close to her heart: the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination. Having the courage to fail, she said, is as vital to a good life as any conventional measure of success; imagining ourselves into the place of another--particularly someone less fortunate than ourselves--is a uniquely human quality to be nurtured at all costs. 

The stories Rowling shared and the provocative questions she asked of those young graduates have since inspired countless others to consider what it means to live a "good life." Now in print for the first time, her words serve as both a comfort and a call to arms for anyone--of any age--who finds themselves at a turning point. In daring to take a risk, and perhaps fail, and by harnessing the power of our imaginations, we can all begin to live less cautiously and, in doing so, become more open to the opportunities life has to offer.

My Review

Cover: The cover was simple and positive.

Things that I liked: I love the graphics throughout the book. I love that this was a quick read and it was very inspiring at least to me. A very "count your blessings" and a really "don't worry if you mess up but learn from your failures" type read. I love that this was actually a speech that she had given to graduates at Harvard.

Things that I didn't like: I have no complaints here.

Overall: I gave 5 out of 5 to this book, because it was very inspiring. I liked it not only because it was J.K. Rowling. But because she sends a good message about not giving up on your dreams.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 205: Charmed Season 10 Volume 1 Graphic Novel

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads

When an ancient evil older than time itself targets the Charmed Ones, the girls realize they'll need to enlist some additional help. Calling on the services of their estranged sister, Prue, and the former demon, Cole, they will face what is perhaps the most powerful enemy of their lives!

My Review

Cover: I don't really like the cover all that much. I think they could have done something else for the cover to better represent the Charmed Ones. 

Things that I did like: I love that they are even continuing this series even though it is just a Graphic novel. I really wish they would continue it through TV shows. But here I at least get to see what life if like with the sisters and their families, their children, and the battles they are still fighting. 

Things that I didn't like: Sometimes throughout the graphic novel, I couldn't really see who was who. They all looked similar they didn't have their distinct features to say who is Piper, Phoebe, and Paige. I really wished they would be more distinct when drawing these characters.

Overall: I rated this a 5 out of 5, because I loved the Charmed Ones, and loved this because it was a quick read.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 204: This One Summer

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

In This One Summer two stellar creators redefine the teen graphic novel. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of her teen age — a story of renewal and revelation.

My Review:

Cover: The cover was nice, but I would say it is also misleading a little bit.

Things that I liked: I figured it would follow the two girls that were on the cover, which it did. It was nice to see these girls and them going on their summer adventures. I like that it touched on different subjects of the girls throughout the summer vacations. 

Things that I didn't like: It seemed like they were being introduced to topics that they were a little young for. I couldn't really tell what age range these girls were actually supposed to be.

Overall: I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 203: Goddess of the Night

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads

Vanessa, who has always had the special power to become invisible, discovers that she and her best friend Catty, a time-traveler, are goddesses of the moon who must fight together to overcome the evil Atrox.

My Review

The Cover: I love the cover with the blue iridescence of her dress and makeup.

Things that I liked: I really enjoyed the concept of these girls being a part of the goddesses. The fact they are daughters of the moon goddess Selene brings an interesting story to the surface. I enjoyed reading about the enemies of the story. About the girls and their powers and their personalities that each of them hold.

Things that I didn't like: I have no complaints really. It was a good read.

Overall: I rated it 5 out of 5 stars, because I really enjoyed the read and the concept of the goddesses. I would recommend this books to friends.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 202: Nimona Graphic Novel

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

My Review:

I had no idea what to expect with this graphic novel. 

The Cover: I did think that the cover was interesting, mainly because the girl on the cover with dragon like wings. It did make me question whether she just had wings or if she was a shape shifter. 

Things that I liked: I enjoyed reading this book. The graphics were done really well. It had very vibrant colors to each page and really brought the story to life. I enjoyed reading and looking at the graphics of the story. The story line in itself was really good. For me it definitely showed a story that is definitely a "never judge a book by its cover". I really enjoyed the way that they created this story and the graphics were simply amazing.

Things that I didn't like: I don't have any complaints about this one.

Overall: I rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I do recommend it to my friends who like to read Graphic novels and like a little twist to superhero and villains.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 201: Get Even

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads:

Bree Deringer, Olivia Hayes, Kitty Wei, and Margot Mejia have nothing in common. At least that’s what they’d like the students and administrators of their elite private school to think. The girls have different goals, different friends, and different lives, but they share one very big secret: They’re all members of Don’t Get Mad, a secret society that anonymously takes revenge on the school’s bullies, mean girls, and tyrannical teachers.

When their latest target ends up dead with a blood-soaked “DGM” card in his hands, the girls realize that they’re not as anonymous as they thought—and that someone now wants revenge on them. Soon the clues are piling up, the police are closing in…and everyone has something to lose.

My Review:

Cover: I liked the cover. Very simple yet it shows the silhouettes of the girls and that kind of gives into the story, it shows that there is mystery in the story.

Things that I liked: I did enjoy reading about each of the girls and how their lives were, and how this one huge obstacle affected their lives inside and out. I enjoyed reading about the mystery that they have to figure out, every little detail that went into this story is simply amazing. I could tell that a lot of thought and research went into this book concept. I absolutely loved reading this book. I recommend anything by this author. I have read all of her books since the very first one.

Things that I didn't like: I didn't really care for the ending, though with that said, I also know that it was done that way on purpose (cliffhanger) because this is going to be a trilogy. Other than that, I have no complaints. 

Overall: I loved the story and I recommend it to all of my friends. This author is one of my favorites. I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Reading!

Blog 200: Anya’s Ghost

Synopsis of the book from Goodreads

Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part.

Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.

Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.

Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

My Review

Cover: The cover was kind of cool. A sneak peek of what the graphic novel was about.

Things that I liked: I liked the storyline of the graphic novel. I like the main character, Anya. She is just trying to fit in at a new school, and not really succeeding. But then something happens. It turns out to be too good to be true, and end in utter chaos. Anya has to fix it somehow and that is one of the things that I like about this story. There is a small problem (ghostly) and Anya has to make things right. I like that I get to see her change things around and make things right in the end.

Things that I didn't like: I would have liked to see the graphic novel in color. I know that there is more of a gray scale colorization here with the graphic novel.

Overall: I really enjoyed the storyline, and I rated the book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for stopping by, if you have read this, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Reading!