books read in November
Dec. 1st, 2016 01:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
orangerfulI've been very distracted by holiday shopping this past week, mostly obsessing over what to get my parents because parents are HARD TO SHOP FOR! But I think I figured it out, and it is now December so that reminded me to post my book list for the month. Didn't read much (HOLIDAY DISTRACTIONS!) but I did read some good stuff! I'll probably make an end-of-the-year roundup post at some point too.
Books Read in November 2016
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this before bedtime and it did give me some creepy dreams! Good thriller/spooky and perfect for the Halloween season! I really loved the three different views of the same story, making you wonder which version was true and what you should believe.
Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A.S. King is one of my all time favorite authors. I drop EVERYTHING when her new books come out. I've read almost all of her YA books (except for The Dust of 100 Dogs which I started but couldn't get into). I love her voice.
Still Life with Tornado would definitely be near the top of my list if I had to rank her books. I loved Sarah and I could understand her struggle, her angst, and also that feeling of "my problems aren't that big compared to some, I shouldn't complain" that so many of us have. But our feelings are valid, we should vent, we should talk to people about what bothers us, we shouldn't get ourselves become our own victims.
This is a great book for teens, young adults, and adults since the story focuses on not just 16-year old Sarah, but also her older brother and mother.
Beautiful, poetic, and real. Another winner from King.
Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland by Dave Barry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Barry highlights some of the weird and wild bits of Florida while having a lot of fun. It starts out as a goofy "in defense of Florida" book but then morphs into a strange travelogue. Good for a giggle, especially if you've ever lived in Florida.
Demon Book 1 by Jason Shiga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't say Andy didn't warn me that this was messed up but....WOW! This book is so wrong and so right. I just hope that Shiga has a plan for where this will all end because this is a hell of a start!
Speaking American: Sneakers, Hoagies, and Soda Pop—An Illustrated Guide to How America Talks by Josh Katz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is great to have on hand at a gathering with friends and family. We "read" it together in between the Thanksgiving meal and dessert.
You might remember taking the dialect quiz that Josh Katz posted online back in 2013. These are the more interesting results, presented with percentages and fun maps.
If you're worried about a family gathering this year and what to talk about, buy this book and take it with you! It will give you a good solid hour of "safe" discussion.
Books Read in November 2016
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul TremblayMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this before bedtime and it did give me some creepy dreams! Good thriller/spooky and perfect for the Halloween season! I really loved the three different views of the same story, making you wonder which version was true and what you should believe.
Still Life with Tornado by A.S. KingMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A.S. King is one of my all time favorite authors. I drop EVERYTHING when her new books come out. I've read almost all of her YA books (except for The Dust of 100 Dogs which I started but couldn't get into). I love her voice.
Still Life with Tornado would definitely be near the top of my list if I had to rank her books. I loved Sarah and I could understand her struggle, her angst, and also that feeling of "my problems aren't that big compared to some, I shouldn't complain" that so many of us have. But our feelings are valid, we should vent, we should talk to people about what bothers us, we shouldn't get ourselves become our own victims.
This is a great book for teens, young adults, and adults since the story focuses on not just 16-year old Sarah, but also her older brother and mother.
Beautiful, poetic, and real. Another winner from King.
Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland by Dave BarryMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Barry highlights some of the weird and wild bits of Florida while having a lot of fun. It starts out as a goofy "in defense of Florida" book but then morphs into a strange travelogue. Good for a giggle, especially if you've ever lived in Florida.
Demon Book 1 by Jason ShigaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't say Andy didn't warn me that this was messed up but....WOW! This book is so wrong and so right. I just hope that Shiga has a plan for where this will all end because this is a hell of a start!
Speaking American: Sneakers, Hoagies, and Soda Pop—An Illustrated Guide to How America Talks by Josh KatzMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is great to have on hand at a gathering with friends and family. We "read" it together in between the Thanksgiving meal and dessert.
You might remember taking the dialect quiz that Josh Katz posted online back in 2013. These are the more interesting results, presented with percentages and fun maps.
If you're worried about a family gathering this year and what to talk about, buy this book and take it with you! It will give you a good solid hour of "safe" discussion.