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ori_gina_lity's reviews
543 reviews
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time by Brad Aronson
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
Oodles to glean from this lighthearted yet informative financial how-to. Discussing money habits with positivity and realistic goals each chapter offers guidance in a down to earth manor without stressful overwhelm. I personally had to look past some of the political aspects of the narrative to appreciate the otherwise solid financial advice given. But all in all I enjoyed reading Tori’s empowering words as much as I enjoy listening to her podcast!
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
4.0
I'd been reading a lot of hype about The Iron Fey series and decided to give it a shot. (first book read on my Kobo wireless eReader- I definitely recommend it) So I was a bit bummed when I started reading, I struggled through the first few chapters, it felt empty and lifeless. However my opinion changed as soon as the fantasy aspect of the story got rolling!
Kagawa's intertwining plot of new and old was refreshing; characters from A Midsummer Night's Dream and the modern innovation of iron fey was surprisingly a great mix. Meghan is a strong female lead, I admire her determination and the fact that she could accomplish tasks without help but still have a girly side. She is a main character worth rooting for, something I haven't found in other fey related books. The romance was subtle, but sweet - I'm interested to see how the story evolves!
With the end of each chapter one problem was solved while another arose, making for an action-packed adventure story that I'll admit is much different than what I normally read. The world of fey and fantastic creatures has become so popular in Young Adult books that it's hard to find and original plot, that being said The Iron King is truly worth reading.
In short I'm so glad I stuck with this book, and believe the only bump on the road was the beginning, which now as I look back on it feels natural and needed to set the story up right. Kagawa began the story in a very stereotypical way, making the adventure and fantasy a stark comparison to the mortal world. The imagination lies outside Meghan's home life and as the reader you feel much more alive while in the Nevernever.
I'm happy to say this is my first read of 2011, and I'm impatiently waiting for my next trip to the book store or I might just have to head online to buy the next book. 4.5 stars
Kagawa's intertwining plot of new and old was refreshing; characters from A Midsummer Night's Dream and the modern innovation of iron fey was surprisingly a great mix. Meghan is a strong female lead, I admire her determination and the fact that she could accomplish tasks without help but still have a girly side. She is a main character worth rooting for, something I haven't found in other fey related books. The romance was subtle, but sweet - I'm interested to see how the story evolves!
With the end of each chapter one problem was solved while another arose, making for an action-packed adventure story that I'll admit is much different than what I normally read. The world of fey and fantastic creatures has become so popular in Young Adult books that it's hard to find and original plot, that being said The Iron King is truly worth reading.
In short I'm so glad I stuck with this book, and believe the only bump on the road was the beginning, which now as I look back on it feels natural and needed to set the story up right. Kagawa began the story in a very stereotypical way, making the adventure and fantasy a stark comparison to the mortal world. The imagination lies outside Meghan's home life and as the reader you feel much more alive while in the Nevernever.
I'm happy to say this is my first read of 2011, and I'm impatiently waiting for my next trip to the book store or I might just have to head online to buy the next book. 4.5 stars
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
5.0
For returning readers another adventure in Lakeview was much anticipated, but initially I felt like this book was going to fall flat, I wasn’t sure that Mclean’s story was going to impact me the same way as some of my other favorites like Lock and Key and The Truth About Forever. But my doubts were quickly put to rest, as they often are! What Happened to Goodbye was just as endearing, and heartfelt as the rest of her books, I honestly don’t know how Dessn was able to do it for the tenth time!
It’s not often that I’m able to really “loose” myself in contemporary fiction, but I’ve always been able to count on a good story when I hit it off with the main character. Mclean was so likeable, although her past was messy and unclear early on in the story you knew exactly what she was going through, and I was rooting for her true identity to come through the whole story. The supporting characters were also charming and well developed... Mclean’s friend base in Lakeview is what every girl dreams to have at some point in their lives, especially someone like her geeky, but level headed, next door neighbor, Dave. Dessen does such a wonderful job pulling you into the story, and makes her characters jump off the page. You are able to connect with each person in the story -even the parents, who seem to be paper thin in most modern entertainment, have problems of their own to solve and share with the reader. Though Dessen is known for romantic story lines, Mclean and Dave’s relationship builds slowly and the romantic touches are few and far between. The importance is taken off romance and is only a small aspect of What Happened to Goodbye which was refreshing to encounter in a young adult novel.
Divorce, self discovery, and learning to let go are all big topics to take on and Dessen does a beautiful job bringing so much into a teen novel. I appreciate her witty dialogue and strong sincerity that she brings to such serious topics. While her stories may be considered “chick lit” at times, her writing style and realistic observations of teenagers speaks to so many young readers, and adults. So whether you are returning to get lost in another one of Dessen’s enchanting coming-of-age stories or a first time reader don’t be shy, pick up a copy and enjoy Mclean’s story, it deserves being read!
It’s not often that I’m able to really “loose” myself in contemporary fiction, but I’ve always been able to count on a good story when I hit it off with the main character. Mclean was so likeable, although her past was messy and unclear early on in the story you knew exactly what she was going through, and I was rooting for her true identity to come through the whole story. The supporting characters were also charming and well developed... Mclean’s friend base in Lakeview is what every girl dreams to have at some point in their lives, especially someone like her geeky, but level headed, next door neighbor, Dave. Dessen does such a wonderful job pulling you into the story, and makes her characters jump off the page. You are able to connect with each person in the story -even the parents, who seem to be paper thin in most modern entertainment, have problems of their own to solve and share with the reader. Though Dessen is known for romantic story lines, Mclean and Dave’s relationship builds slowly and the romantic touches are few and far between. The importance is taken off romance and is only a small aspect of What Happened to Goodbye which was refreshing to encounter in a young adult novel.
Divorce, self discovery, and learning to let go are all big topics to take on and Dessen does a beautiful job bringing so much into a teen novel. I appreciate her witty dialogue and strong sincerity that she brings to such serious topics. While her stories may be considered “chick lit” at times, her writing style and realistic observations of teenagers speaks to so many young readers, and adults. So whether you are returning to get lost in another one of Dessen’s enchanting coming-of-age stories or a first time reader don’t be shy, pick up a copy and enjoy Mclean’s story, it deserves being read!
How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain
4.0
My theory when beginning this book: Well if Johnny Depp's name is in the title is HAS to be good! Said theory was proven to be correct. And guess what? Not a single sign of teenage vampires! Hooray! ;)
14 year-old David Gershwin didn't plan on spending his summer Space Splashing all around France with a supposedly dangerous bikini-wearing alien girl trying to find and star-nap Johnny Depp... but what you intend to do and what actually happens on summer vacation are normally two different things (this is just an extreme case)! Gary Ghislain has created a page turning and outrageously funny, action-packed fantasy that will keep you captivated, from beginning to end!
David's father, a psychologist, is an expert when helping nutty teenagers, but his latest patient isn't an average client. Her name is Zelda; she claims to be from outer-space, 325 years old and on a mission to find her "chosen one". Good humored David is immediately head over heels in love with daring Zelda, her amazing speed, beautiful body and strange tattoos so he decides to help her complete her quest... David knows stealing one of Hollywood's biggest stars is no small feat, but Zelda and her quirky abilities make it even more complicated than he had initially anticipated. What a fun story! It was exciting, hilarious, and a great summer read.
Gershwin's sleek outer-space themed story proves to be one awesome butt-kicking sci-fi adventure... How I stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend is so out of this world, you just have to go along with it, no questions asked!
14 year-old David Gershwin didn't plan on spending his summer Space Splashing all around France with a supposedly dangerous bikini-wearing alien girl trying to find and star-nap Johnny Depp... but what you intend to do and what actually happens on summer vacation are normally two different things (this is just an extreme case)! Gary Ghislain has created a page turning and outrageously funny, action-packed fantasy that will keep you captivated, from beginning to end!
David's father, a psychologist, is an expert when helping nutty teenagers, but his latest patient isn't an average client. Her name is Zelda; she claims to be from outer-space, 325 years old and on a mission to find her "chosen one". Good humored David is immediately head over heels in love with daring Zelda, her amazing speed, beautiful body and strange tattoos so he decides to help her complete her quest... David knows stealing one of Hollywood's biggest stars is no small feat, but Zelda and her quirky abilities make it even more complicated than he had initially anticipated. What a fun story! It was exciting, hilarious, and a great summer read.
Gershwin's sleek outer-space themed story proves to be one awesome butt-kicking sci-fi adventure... How I stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend is so out of this world, you just have to go along with it, no questions asked!