Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Rate:

3.5/5

Goodreads Description:

Now a TV Series produced by FremantleMedia North America available internationally on Amazon, exclusively through Prime Video and starring Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, and Pablo Schreiber.

Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.

But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow's best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and a rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.

Life as Wednesday's bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. Soon Shadow learns that the past never dies...and that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing - an epic war for the very soul of America - and that he is standing squarely in its path.

Review:

It was loaded but in a good way. 

The whole book felt a bit weird to me but I kind liked it. 

The book talks about a topic people often look over and while the writting was interesting and made me want to keep reading, I also felt very numbed out which is what made it weird. I simply kept nodding off and getting very lost in thought and then coming back and continuing to read wondering what was going to happen next which is a first to me. I feel like when I typically nod off on a book, its because I dont like it, yet there I was going back. One of the things I kept wondering was if the show was going to be better for me and ever after I finished the book, I still don't know if I should watch the show anymore of not. 

Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rate:

3.5/5

Goodreads Description:

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. 

Review:

I wasn't promised a happy ending but what the fuck man!

That was depressing! Just when I am getting into the story, BAM rip out your feelings. "Smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts" Okay, I see you ! But

SPOILER ALERT !

They cut each other off almost completely, after everything that they went though and having to break up because of other circumstances, not because they had a fall out and still, she ignores Park, thats fucked up. I liked the story for the most part but the ending made me so mad.

Everyone , not really but it seems like it, is so freaking in love with this book, dressing it up as all lovely dovely and all that jazz but its like... WHAT IS THIS! THIS WASN"T LOVELY! It had funny parts and stuff but so much angst and

ugh

I just

cant

with

this

book

I

don't

even

know

what

to

say at this point

There is no recommendation comment today

Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Rate:

4/5

Goodreads Description:

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again. 

Review:

I liked it well enough,  but it wasnt a classic for me.

The book was fun, telling you all you have to know about the most basic of Norse mythology tales in a fun and witty way. He tells different tales and all of them wildly entertaining but it all could be because Norse mythology hasnt been my favorite of mythologies, which would explain why I didn't become instantly hooked with this one. It was such an anticipated read for so many people and Gaiman is considered a genius, but for me, I have yet to find a book of his that I become completely enamored by.

Recommend it?

Yes, it is entertaining and funny.

Review: Under the Dome- Stephen King

Rate:

3/5

Goodreads Description:

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when -- or if -- it will go away.

Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens -- town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician's assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing -- even murder -- to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn't just short. It's running out.

Review:

I've wanted to see the TV show in the past, despite the not so fantastic reviews, particularly about the ending, but I have held off on that, wanting to read the book first, and now I have.... I dont know what exactly I was expecting, I NEVER know what to expect out of these books but I do know I was excited, I wanted drama and terrified people but I feel like I was let down by the book. Sure there were some gruesome and fucked up shit going down by some shitty people, and I guess I shouldve been happy with what happened, considering they had somewhat realistic reactions. But somehow it just wasnt enough, I ended up with a lot of questions after reading the book and feel like if the book had been longer, yeah I know, I cant believe I said that, considering the length of this monster, or had this book been split into 2 or 3 shorter versions, it wouldve felt a little better. But sadly, it is what is it. I enjoyed it well enough but wish there had been more or it had had a little but more drama from the people inside the dome. 

Recommend it?

yeah. honestly, its still a fascinating book.

Author Spotlight: Danika Stone Episode 16

Episode 16: Danika Stone

So I got the absolute pleasure to interview author Danika Stone, who I actually got a chance to meet at Comic Con 2017 and it was freaking amazing, and know a bit about her that we don't find out about simply by reading her published works.

Internet Famous is OUT NOW!

Below you will find more about the book itself along with buy links! Be sure to check that out (specially that cover, that cover is so 100% my style of art-which is why I voted for that mwahahaha)

Danika Stone, Author Bio

Internet Famous

Danika Stone is an author, artist, and educator who discovered a passion for writing fiction while in the throes of her Masters thesis. A self-declared bibliophile, Danika now writes novels for both adults (Edge of Wild, The Intaglio Series and Ctrl Z) and teens (Internet Famous, All the Feels and Icarus). When not writing, Danika can be found hiking in the Rockies, planning grand adventures, and spending far too much time online. She lives with her husband, three sons, and a houseful of imaginary characters in a windy corner of Alberta, Canada.

Ms. Stone is represented by Morty Mint of Mint Literary Agency.

Hi Danika, so glad to have you here today, congrats on your newest book!

Thank you so much, Vale! I can’t wait to share Internet Famous with your Vale’s Bookshelf readers.

So both of your books on the Swoon Reads branch have been largely about fandoms, and as a massive fan of many things, I really want to know more about the fan in you!

This is completely TRUE. I love all things fannish.

Lets get started shall we.

Absolutely!

What fandoms are you a part of?

I tend to move in and out of fandoms according to the season. Right now, I’m completely absorbed by Stranger Things, The 100, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Sherlock (BBC). But my fandom ties go way, WAY back. (Harry Potter is one fandom I’ll never leave!)

Top 5 favorite actors/actresses:

Oh goodness, this one is tough! I have so many that I love. Hmmm… since I have to choose I’ll go with the actors / actresses who I imagine as my characters. (Please tell me other writers do this!)

1.      Rinko Kikuchi – my fan!cast for Madison Nakama. (Internet Famous)

2.      Bob Morley – who’d be amazing as Laurent. (Internet Famous)

3.      Emilia Clarke – who I love in Game of Thrones and who’d make a kick-ass Liv Walden. (All the Feels)

4.      Ezra Miller – definitely my vision of Xander! *swoons* (All the Feels)

5.      And since I have a spare, I’m going with Alicia Vikander who could play pretty much anyone, but who I’ve been imagining in a role of my current WIP. *zips lips* No spoilers here, though!

V: If other writers don't do this, they totally should because I feel like readers totally have actors in their minds are we read... At least I do xD

And Alicia is a queen, even with the fact that you imagine her as a particular character is just bound to be a perfect book.

Do you read fanfiction? If so how often and what fandoms? Do you have any recommendations?

Yes, I read fanfic. :) I honestly don’t know any YA writers who don’t read it. As to how much and which fandoms, it tends to follow whatever I’m obsessing over and how much free time I have. (Right now, I’m mid-edits so I don’t have much.) One recommendation I have for Game of Thrones is reginathorn’s Brienne / Jaime series. Regina’s writing is absolutely brilliant! She really has a voice on par with George R.R. Martin.

V: Oh I love me some Jaime and Brienne so I 100% am taking that rec

Have you ever written fanfiction? If so what fandoms?

Yes, I have. No, I’m not saying for which ones. Ha ha! Sometimes old stories are meant to fade away.  I have to say, however, that writing fanfic is an incredible way to hone your writing skills. I would strongly suggest it for anyone who wants to publish. You get so much feedback, and it teaches you to meet deadlines. Both of those are key to RL writing success!

V: I have already failed at ever being an author then. I did start one a while back and even had more written chapters but I stopped publishing them.

But hey, great tip for everyone! I should totally get back to it xD

In your books, being part of a fandom has helped characters cope with their feelings (non ship feels that is), how do you personally relate to that?

When my father died many years ago, I was completely lost. I found myself escaping into television. At that time, the Battlestar Galactica series was just ending, so I borrowed the DVDs and started on the miniseries. At the end of three hours, I was hooked!

The show was amazing. I was absorbed into the story of the last remnants of humanity trying to survive, moving on despite losing everyone they loved. The problem was, there were some very controversial deaths in the show.

*SPOILER ALERT*

When Kara died, I felt like I’d lost my father a second time. I couldn’t let her go. I started reading fix-it fics, and when I ran out of those, I wrote my own. It was cathartic and helped me move past my raw emotions over my father’s sudden death.

How did you first feel when people started fangirling over stuff YOU wrote?

It honestly is the best feeling in the world! You write a book because you have an idea you just can’t let go… and if someone else loves it too, it’s so much better. If you enjoy something a writer wrote, TELL THEM. I adore talking to fans!

V: Yall heard it here folks, dont be afraid to contact your favorite author and tell them how much their work is appreciated. I always had that idea but its always so nice to get confirmation that authors do in fact love being fangirled over xD Even if its incoherent blabbering because youre freaking out so much... Like I did... *stares at table for hours* Oh god why

Biggest difference between writing teen books and adult books? As in, is there a different path that you follow when it comes to writing the book?

At their heart, a good story is a good story, so I have to say that for the most part teen and adult books have more similarities than differences. Having said that, they definitely have different audiences. That matters.

I have the same writing process, but I keep my audience in mind as I write. Since I teach at a high school, I often ask myself if I’d be comfortable with my teen students reading what I’ve written. Edge of Wild (Stonehouse, 2016) has a number of incredibly violent murders in it. NOT okay for my students! But All the Feels and Internet Famous (Macmillan, 2016 and 2017) are certainly teen-friendly. I am thrilled whenever I hear that one of my students has read my books.

V: Oh wow that is actually a fantastic way to picture it, whether you'd be comfortable sharing it with students and such.

You've mentioned before, that you needed GIFs to express how you felt back when your book was chosen by Swoon reads, so fire away with the GIFs!

Seeing the Swoon Reads message in my email:

Talking to Holly and Lauren on the phone:

V: This is one of my favorite gifs ever xD

Working through the edits:

Seeing my book FOR REAL in a bookstore for the first time:

I personally need to listen to music as I work on my blog, does Madison (Internet Famous) have a playlist while SHE works?

I am a huge fan of playlists! (How do you get any work done otherwise?!) For Madi, she spends most of Internet Famous in the midst of an 80’s Rewatch for her blog, so her playlist would be ALL retro tunes!

1.      “Take on Me”, Aha Listen here

2.      “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, Cindi Lauper Listen here

3.      “You Spin Me Right Round”, Dead or Alive Listen here

4.      “Don’t You Want Me”, The Human League Listen here

5.      “Livin’ On A Prayer”, Bon Jovi Listen here

6.      “Thriller”, Michael Jackson Listen here

7.      “Don’t You Forget About Me”, Simple Minds Listen here

8.      “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, Whitney Houston Listen here

9.      “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, Wham! Listen here

10.  “How Soon Is Now”, The Smiths Listen here

You have no idea how much FUN it was to select these songs! I’m feeling the whole Internet Famous 80s vibe right now.

V: Okay, I seriously have half of this playlist on my phone xD I will totally need to listen to these songs when I start reading the book!

So... You cosplay. What has been the funnest character to play, and... Is there evidence?

I’m not sure I can pick an all-time favorite, because that always changes, so my fave is usually the one I’ve most recently cosplayed. For that I’m going to go with Rule 63 “Eve” Rogers, which I cosplayed at Dragon Con this September. My editor, Holly West, came as Agent Carter. I think we look pretty fabulous together!

V: Oh I love this! And it IS totally fabulous!

V: This has got to be one of my favorite interviews that I have ever done, let's blame it on the fandoms! Be sure to add internet famous to your goodreads list and pre-order or order when you get the chance and ALSO be sure to visit Danikas Website and also,

my review for Internet Famous can be found HERE

Goodreads Description:

High school senior and internet sensation Madison Nakama seems to have it all: a happy family, good grades, and a massive online following for her pop-culture blog. But when her mother suddenly abandons the family, Madi finds herself struggling to keep up with all of her commitments.

Fandom to the rescue! As her online fans band together to help, an online/offline flirtation sparks with Laurent, a French exchange student. Their internet romance—played out in the comments section of her MadLibs blog—attracts the attention of an internet troll who threatens the separation of Madi’s real and online personas. With her carefully constructed life unraveling, Madi must uncover the hacker’s identity before he can do any more damage, or risk losing the people she loves the most… Laurent included. 

 Be sure to buy

Amazon The paperback is only 6.46! Thats a cup of coffee and a half!

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository

This post was brought to you BY
- ME! Valeria Navarro
Email

Review: The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

A cultural history of Wonder Woman traces the character's creation and enduring popularity, drawing on interviews and archival research to reveal the pivotal role of feminism in shaping her seven-decade story.

Examines the life of Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston and his polyamorous relationship with wife Elizabeth Holloway and mistress Olive Byrne, both of whom inspired and influenced the comic book character's creation and development.

Review:

I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this book!

It was so much fun and so incredibly fascinating just how Wonder Woman began, what inspired it, her ups and downs, and how she changed to fit society.

The book went by so fast for me, maybe cuz I kept picturing Gal after every Wonder Woman mention... which is the whole book.

The world is just a better place if you picture Gal.

I also loved to hear all the different things Diana has gone through throughout history and the personal life of William, Elizabeth and Olive, it was unheard of at the time, and not so known today even. 

Hearing all the struggles of the creator of Wonder Woman and pretty much everything surrounding it makes me respect the whole comic book world so much more. I honestly had such an urge to go out and buy a pack of comic books but they aren't cheap and im not rich xD But I do look forward to actually start collecting some comic though, they are art in the pages and outside of the pages.

Recommend it

If you like Wonder Woman, I really do recommend you check out her background.

Vale @ SDCC: I saw the Justice League

So the formatting was being a little bitch so its all out of place but below you will find the video that I took and the video that was on the Justice League Instagram page about how many people where there at that time

VIDEO UPLOADING IS BEING DIFFICULT BUT HERE , THIS WILL LEAD YOU TO IT.

Amount of people there

Video that I took! THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT

Hiya Ben

 

I gotta recreate that hat but omg guys. literally RIGHT THERE

Here I was still on the side and counldn't take pictures well yet but hey look! I actually caught Ray!

The second floor, they were there at first when I was there yet but Gal posted a video from there and all that Jazz

Here its all confusing but I kept getting closer and closer and I was like okay, this is it, my year is made.

JASONNNNNNN