BOOK REVIEW: the meaning of leaving by kate rogers
BY RYAN JONES
March 19, 2024
- Genre: Poetry
- Reading Format: Physical
- Rating: 3 stars
- Sent by: River Street Writing
QUICK SYNOPSIS
This work of poetry beautifully and vulnerably depicts the author's experiences of domestic abuse, violent relationships, moving between Hong Kong and Canada, as well as homelessness.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
While I didn't give this novel the highest rating (and I'll explain why), I always have a deep appreciation for authors who write poetry. From my creative writing experience, it's the hardest genre to write—trying to fit a distinct message with as little words and lines as possible. Rogers somehow does it in a whimsical, creative, and raw way.
Not only do I appreciate her talent for poetry writing, but I appreciate her vulnerability and the experiences and themes she shared and discussed through poetry. It's never easy sharing our deepest pains, even through the pages of the books.
I know the themes discussed are ever important, but due to some of the metaphors in the poems, I couldn't connect to the stories and messages on an emotional level. While I felt moments of inspiration and movement, I wasn't able to feel the true power of the words. Oftentimes when I read poetry and a line resonates with me so well, I need to take a moment and catch my breath and reread the whole poem or line that stood out to me.
That didn't happen with this novel due to the overuse (personal opinion) and obscurity of metaphors. They were so obscure, i couldn't grasp at their reality, what they were trying to tell me, and apply them to everyday life.
This doesn't mean it's a bad book. I still really enjoyed the writing and think the style is uniquely beautiful. I just wish I could have connected to the words and messages more.
Check It Out On GoodReads
Book Review: the turn of the key by ruth ware
BY RYAN JONES
October 26, 2022
- Thriller
- 4 stars
Overall Thoughts
Ruth Ware has done it again.
She left me stupefied with wonder. She left me trembling with chills. She forced my jaw to drop in disbelief.
If you're looking for a solid, who-did-it, eerie, haunted story that's unpredictable, then this read is certainly for you.
About
The reader follows the main character Rowan who seems to live an ordinary, plain life in London, UK. She lives in a flat with a roommate and is a nanny for a company. When she sees a nanny listing with a compelling wage, she can't ignore it. She applies for the job, goes through the interview process, and, of course, gets the job. While the house is updated and modernized to the nines with a pay that dreams are made of, the days start to roll into one, horrible, haunting nightmare.
Writing
While the plots vary in Ware's books, her writing style never falters: detailed, conversational, with an effortless flow that contains a variety of sentence structures.
Whether it be through dialog, dialog tags, or chunks of paragraph, she never fails to paint a complete and whole picture for the reader, both visually and feelings-wise. I could feel the cool breeze tickle my skin that tickled Rowan's. Rowan's fear gripped my own heart. I felt like I was right there beside her, living through it all.
Setting
I found the setting to be incredibly unique which I find to be impressive for a mystery/thriller novel, as haunted houses can be overdone. However, this haunted house comes with a technological twist, with curtains and lights being controlled by tablets and video cameras being placed in every single room... Creepy much?
Plot
I think the plot worked well because it was told in the present looking back in time at Rowan's experience being the family's nanny at the house. This was effective because I was instantly gripped with wonder as to how she ended up in jail.
Rating Explanation
I docked a star due to the ending. I guess I feel like the reader deserves more. I would have liked to find out what exactly happened to Rowan. Did she stay in jail? Did she create a new life for herself? I also found the cause and motive of the murder to be juvenile. With such mounting suspense, I really wanted the cause and culprit to wow me. I guess the culprit did, just not the motive.
However, this is hands down a phenomenal book that I'd recommend to any mystery/thriller reader!
BOOK REVIEW: Within these wicked walls by lauren blackwood
BY RYAN JONES
JANUARY 20, 2022
- Fantasy/gothic fiction
- 4 stars
This is the first book I finished in 2022 and it was an absolute, unexpected delight. I had ordered this through Once Upon a Book Club Box. As soon as I received it, I was drawn to the cover. I mean, look how stunning it is. I know you can't always judge a book by its cover, so I read the synopsis. I found it intriguing and unique, so I started the book the day I got it. It does not disappoint.
Within These Wicked Walls is a Jane Eyre retelling. I have yet to read this classic novel, but I hope to this year now. Essentially, MC Andromeda is a debtera. In this world, debteras are used to rid evil spirits from people and houses. When Magnus offers Andromeda a job, she gladly takes it, but little does she know his house contains the wildest of spirits, and she just might fall in love with Magnus in the process.
Just from the synopsis alone, it's easy to tell that this book will be dark, mysterious, suspenseful, dramatic, and romantic. I can tell you it's all these things, and I'm here for it! The author does a great job at painting all these atmospheres in the book through her writing. I also like how the dialogue has a more formal tone to it with just a hint of classic literature. The romance is also emotional and messy, which is incredibly fun to follow. Haunted houses are my favourite horror trope, so it was nice to see a spin on it.
If you like dark books with romance, I highly recommend this one!
Book Review: the little prince by antoine de saint-exupéry
By Ryan jones
January 12, 2022
- Children's Fiction
- 3 stars
I'm going to start by ripping off the bandage—this book has a lot of hype, but it fell flat for me. Maybe if I read it as a child I'd feel differently, but alas, I read it at 23-years-old and I cannot spin back the wheel of time. I also can't love every book I read.
So, let's get into it.
First off, I'm not saying it's a bad book, I just didn't find it to be great. I feel the plot needed more structure and clarity, as the writing is scattered, going from one thing to the next. I'll be frank, I didn't know what what going on most times. However, there are ardent quotes that teach children—and even adults—important lessons. I also think the illustrations are a great touch too.
If you like quick reads that have lessons to be learned, then give this a go, but I don't personally recommend it.
Let’s Read Like It’s 1989—Literally
By Ryan Jones
January 8, 2022
What’s your favourite Taylor Swift song or album? You’re probably gritting your teeth at how difficult this question is to answer. Even I have difficulty answering this myself. When people ask me what my favourite Taylor Swift album is I usually say 1989. I may be a bit biased because I saw her perform this album in concert, but I loved her transition into pop. However, if I need cozy, indie vibes, then definitely Folklore or Evermore.
Alright, let’s get back to the books. When I saw @aliciaclarereads hosting a Taylor Swift Reading Challenge on Instagram for 2022 I jumped at the chance. I am 100% a Swiftie. Right from her first album to whatever she produces next.
There are two challenges in total: Red and 1989. Red has more prompts/books, so I chose 1989 as I’m already committed to another reading challenge.
Let’s see what the 1989 prompts are and what books I’ll be reading!
1. Welcome to New York (a book set in New York)
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
2. Blank Space (a book with an unreliable narrator)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
3. Style (a book with a gorgeous cover)
Things That Grow by Meredith Goldstein
4. Out of the Woods (a book with trees on the cover)
Akin by Emma Donoghue
5. All You Had to Do Was Stay (a book borrowed from a friend or library)
More Than Words by Mia Sheridan
6. Shake It Off (a book you think will make you smile)
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
7. I Wish You Would (a book you preordered or bought on release day)
Love at First Spite by Anna E. Collins
8. Bad Blood (a book featuring a fight, feud, or war)
Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
9. Wildest Dreams (reread a favourite book)
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas by Yoru Sumino
10. How You Get the Girl (romance)
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
11. This Love (a book with mixed reviews)
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
12. I Know Places (a book set in a place you’d like to visit)
Yume by Sifton Tracey Anipare
13. Clean (title with one word)
Vox by Christina Dalcher
14. Wonderland (retelling)
Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz
15. You Are in Love (a book about writing or with writing in it)
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James
16. New Romantics (a book from a romantic era)
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
17. Bad Blood Remix (anthology)
Fresh Ink by Lamar Giles and other authors
I don’t know about you (“but I’m feeling 2022”) but I heard each song in my head as I went through the list. Feel free to partake if this challenge interests you. And if not, I hope you found some new books to add to your TBR!
Reminder: read authentically.
Alright, let’s get back to the books. When I saw @aliciaclarereads hosting a Taylor Swift Reading Challenge on Instagram for 2022 I jumped at the chance. I am 100% a Swiftie. Right from her first album to whatever she produces next.
There are two challenges in total: Red and 1989. Red has more prompts/books, so I chose 1989 as I’m already committed to another reading challenge.
Let’s see what the 1989 prompts are and what books I’ll be reading!
1. Welcome to New York (a book set in New York)
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
2. Blank Space (a book with an unreliable narrator)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
3. Style (a book with a gorgeous cover)
Things That Grow by Meredith Goldstein
4. Out of the Woods (a book with trees on the cover)
Akin by Emma Donoghue
5. All You Had to Do Was Stay (a book borrowed from a friend or library)
More Than Words by Mia Sheridan
6. Shake It Off (a book you think will make you smile)
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
7. I Wish You Would (a book you preordered or bought on release day)
Love at First Spite by Anna E. Collins
8. Bad Blood (a book featuring a fight, feud, or war)
Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
9. Wildest Dreams (reread a favourite book)
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas by Yoru Sumino
10. How You Get the Girl (romance)
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
11. This Love (a book with mixed reviews)
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
12. I Know Places (a book set in a place you’d like to visit)
Yume by Sifton Tracey Anipare
13. Clean (title with one word)
Vox by Christina Dalcher
14. Wonderland (retelling)
Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz
15. You Are in Love (a book about writing or with writing in it)
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James
16. New Romantics (a book from a romantic era)
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
17. Bad Blood Remix (anthology)
Fresh Ink by Lamar Giles and other authors
I don’t know about you (“but I’m feeling 2022”) but I heard each song in my head as I went through the list. Feel free to partake if this challenge interests you. And if not, I hope you found some new books to add to your TBR!
Reminder: read authentically.
Book review: Twelve dates of christmas by laurel greer
• Romance
• 3.5 stars
• Gifted by Harlequin
Looking back on my experience of reading this book makes me smile.
Overall, this is a witty, funny, cute, and quick read. It's truly perfect for a holiday read.
MCs Emma and Luke are semi-enemies who seem to have inseparable chemistry, no matter how hard they try to ignore it. It doesn't help that they've known each other since teenage years. This can make things a bit tricky, as Emma wants to own and take over Luke's family business. Luke has the 12 days of Twelve Days of Christmas Festival to win over Emma—not just for the business, but for her heart too.
The writing in this book is simple and effective. I love the witty banter between the MCs. I was chuckling the entire way through. I also appreciate the dyslexia representation, as this is something Luke experiences. I think there needs to be more of this in novels.
This book is a little cheesy and dragged out for my liking, but I honestly recommend it for a cute holiday read.
• 3.5 stars
• Gifted by Harlequin
Looking back on my experience of reading this book makes me smile.
Overall, this is a witty, funny, cute, and quick read. It's truly perfect for a holiday read.
MCs Emma and Luke are semi-enemies who seem to have inseparable chemistry, no matter how hard they try to ignore it. It doesn't help that they've known each other since teenage years. This can make things a bit tricky, as Emma wants to own and take over Luke's family business. Luke has the 12 days of Twelve Days of Christmas Festival to win over Emma—not just for the business, but for her heart too.
The writing in this book is simple and effective. I love the witty banter between the MCs. I was chuckling the entire way through. I also appreciate the dyslexia representation, as this is something Luke experiences. I think there needs to be more of this in novels.
This book is a little cheesy and dragged out for my liking, but I honestly recommend it for a cute holiday read.