amber135
San José Public Library
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amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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Legendary is the second book in the Caraval trilogy. It follows the story of a second Caraval game, this time told through the second sister’s perspective. I really enjoyed reading Legendary; it provided much of the missing closure from the first book and more details about Tella who was absent throughout most of the first book. However, many different parts of the book felt unrealistic and forced, as if the author needed to extend the magic of the first book and turn it into a series. In addition, the romance in the series is amplified ten fold through this second book. I can appreciate some good character relationships, don’t get me wrong. In the first book, Caraval, Scarlett’s romance with Julian was heartbreaking, raw, and believable. The romance in Legendary feels much less tasteful by comparison. I honestly think that the first book was incredibly brilliant and beautiful on its own, but I definitely appreciate a follow up with the characters and some extra magic.Legendary is the second book in the Caraval trilogy. It follows the story of a second Caraval game, this time told through the second sister’s perspective. I really enjoyed reading Legendary; it provided much of the missing closure from the first…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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The Song of Achilles is a heartbreaking romance that takes place in the Greek Heroic Age. The story follows the lives of Patroculus and Achilles, describing a coming of age tale. It is an adaptation of the Iliad told through Patroculus’s perspective, filled with detailed descriptions and mythological characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it condensed Greek mythology into an easy to read heroic tale. The Song of Achilles is a page-turner and you definitely will not want to put it down. This book is widely known for being an extremely sorrowful story, however, I honestly did not find myself torn up at the ending. The ending felt appropriate. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the romance or Greek mythology genre.The Song of Achilles is a heartbreaking romance that takes place in the Greek Heroic Age. The story follows the lives of Patroculus and Achilles, describing a coming of age tale. It is an adaptation of the Iliad told through Patroculus’s…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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They Both Die at the End is a science-fiction type of story that follows the lives of two adolescent teen boys. Mateo and Rufus meet on their fateful last day, with only a handful of hours left to explore the world around them and learn about each other. They Both die at the End jumps around from perspective to perspective, but maintains a very cohesive blend of narration. I enjoyed the short additional narrators that were sprinkled into the story from time to time, and how much build up was included throughout the book. Overall this novel left me feeling reflective; specifically I thought about the meaning of human life and how fleeting our time on Earth is. The book seems a bit overhyped to me (just because I have heard so many people rave about it) but it is definitely still worth a read.They Both Die at the End is a science-fiction type of story that follows the lives of two adolescent teen boys. Mateo and Rufus meet on their fateful last day, with only a handful of hours left to explore the world around them and learn about each…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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The Stranger by Albert Camus is a strange and short read. It follows the life of a man who does not hold any contemporary values. In fact, the man seems to hold no values at all. He accepts life as it arrives, showing little worry regarding one event over the next. Interestingly enough, this is one of the few books I have read where I actively disliked the narrator. Towards the end, I was almost rooting for his absolute downfall and felt little remorse for his situation. The protagonist rejects the common values of life and in turn becomes foreign and difficult to understand. However, it is an insightful read that ends in a satisfactory manner. I would say that the conclusion definitely adds to the book as a whole. A side note is: if you are expecting the story to pick up the pace or become more lively, you are in for disappointment. The purpose of the book is connected to the steadily earnest first person narration. If you enjoy books that explore the meaning of life and the oddities of human behavior, I recommend The Stranger.The Stranger by Albert Camus is a strange and short read. It follows the life of a man who does not hold any contemporary values. In fact, the man seems to hold no values at all. He accepts life as it arrives, showing little worry regarding one…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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Mockingjay is the third and final book of The Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss Everdeen has now survived not one, but two hunger games thrown by the government. Now, Katniss must protect her loved ones and fight an overarching battle against President Snow and the rest of the government. I found Mockingjay to be more heart wrenching than the other two books in the series, specifically the somewhat unsatisfying ending. Quite vividly, I can remember myself sobbing as I turned the last few pages. I find this phenomenon of what makes different people emotional, interesting; I’ve recently read several books that were commonly known as “heartbreaking stories” and I finished them all without shedding a tear. While Mockingjay is not known as a grim and depressing tale, I personally found the ending extremely saddening. I would also rate this book slightly lower than the first two just because it lacked the interesting twists and turns of the hunger games (which are what contribute to the rich and engaging first two plots). The third book falls a bit flat in terms of being attention-grabbing. However, it is definitely still worth a read.Mockingjay is the third and final book of The Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss Everdeen has now survived not one, but two hunger games thrown by the government. Now, Katniss must protect her loved ones and fight an overarching battle against President…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. It follows the life of Katniss Everdeen after she survives the first Hunger Games. However, this book opens with a shocking twist: Katniss will be re-entering the Hunger Games. Similar to the first book, Catching Fire is action packed and entertaining. Enjoyment wise, this book felt pretty similar to the first. There is something quite fascinating about the hunger games, and experiencing the crazy twists and turns with the characters feels like a guilty pleasure. I don’t really have many critiques other than the fact that it seems highly unlikely to me that Katniss would be thrown into the hunger games TWICE. It feels like too obvious of a set up for a second book, but I am not complaining! The ending of this book leads the series into its final resolution that takes place in District 13. I would highly recommend this book if you have already read the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy.Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. It follows the life of Katniss Everdeen after she survives the first Hunger Games. However, this book opens with a shocking twist: Katniss will be re-entering the Hunger Games. Similar to…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel that focuses on the cruel and strange “Hunger Games” run by the government. Children from each district in the world are chosen randomly to participate in a “game” that ends in the death of all but one child. Katniss Everdeen is introduced to the Hunger Games in this first book and is forced to suffer at the government’s hands. I enjoy how theatrical this book is. The detailed descriptions paint a picture of Katniss’s bold outfits, the strange looking people of the Capital, and every quick turn of events that occur at the hunger games event. New things happen on every page, making it easy to follow along and stay engaged. This book is a page turner; you definitely won’t want to put it down. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the dystopian genre.The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel that focuses on the cruel and strange “Hunger Games” run by the government. Children from each district in the world are chosen randomly to participate in a “game” that ends in the death of all but one child.…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt tells the life story of Theodore Decker. The novel starts off with a tragic childhood event that ends up greatly impacting the rest of Theo’s life throughout the book. It is a story unlike any story I have ever read, with an extremely unique plot that includes a mixture of heartbreak, thievery, art, drug abuse, love, and unhealthy attachment. Despite his many shortcomings, Theo is a remarkably endearing character. I really enjoyed the character development of the story. Watching Theo grow up and experiencing his dynamic character is a large part of what makes the book so appealing. I also enjoyed reading about the relationship between Pippa and Theo just because it felt so raw and realistic. Theo’s love life is a side story to the main plot but it is written in an interesting way. My only critique is its long length because I prefer more quick paced stories. I recommend this book to someone who is willing to put in the time for a longer read that can feel slow at certain times. The sense of accomplishment and understanding at the end of completing this book is worth it.The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt tells the life story of Theodore Decker. The novel starts off with a tragic childhood event that ends up greatly impacting the rest of Theo’s life throughout the book. It is a story unlike any story I have ever read,…
amber135's rating:
Added Jul 26, 2021
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Animal Farm by George Orwell is a short and insightful read. It follows the strange story of an animal farm that has been taken over by its residential animals after the neglectful abuse of the animals by the human farmer. Animal Farm relies heavily on symbolism to portray a thoughtful and entertaining criticism of the Communist Party over the Soviet Union. The book also explores many common themes of human struggle and government, including a discussion of the irony of believing you are free when you are not. I particularly enjoyed the shortness of the book and how the action built up very rapidly. There was little “fluff” included and everything was straight to the point while still building up tension for the final ending. In addition, the plot itself is quite unique, adding to its overall positives. The only negative I can point out is just having a lack of background knowledge. I could sense that there were many allusions to real-life situations throughout the book and could formulate a vague consensus of its overall meaning, but I could not pinpoint what these real events were due to my lack of history knowledge. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced book; Animal Farm uses relatively simple syntax and a unique plot that encourages you to keep turning page after page.Animal Farm by George Orwell is a short and insightful read. It follows the strange story of an animal farm that has been taken over by its residential animals after the neglectful abuse of the animals by the human farmer. Animal Farm relies heavily…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Finally by Wendy Mass is an adorable story about Rory Swenson who has just turned twelve years of age. She has a long list of things she wants to accomplish and try out now that she is finally 12 years old. Her list includes everything from drinking coffee to wearing makeup.This book is a heartwarming coming of age story and points out the silly parts of growing up. I appreciate this book for being an easy and enjoyable read. I pick it up whenever I am feeling bored and immediately feel happy and engaged in the fun adventures that Rory embarks on. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and interesting book to read about young teenage life.Finally by Wendy Mass is an adorable story about Rory Swenson who has just turned twelve years of age. She has a long list of things she wants to accomplish and try out now that she is finally 12 years old. Her list includes everything from drinking…
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A FuckThe Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck, BookA Counterintuitive Approach to Living A Good Life
by Manson, MarkBook - 2016Book, 2016
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving A * by Mark Manson is a book that teaches you about values. Mark encourages readers to dig deeper and better understand what it is that truly motivates them and what values they base their current lives upon. He argues that questioning and altering these values is what allows you to grow and that coming to the realization that you must take responsibility for everything in your life changes your outlook for the better. I enjoyed many of the simple yet profound statements made, specifically the point that everyone has problems and that the difference between these problems is that some have better issues than others. An example that Mark used is that one person may have to face the problem of waking up early, finding a gym, and carving out time to work out while someone else may have the problem of wishing they worked out and lived a healthier lifestyle. Both are uncomfortable in their own way, but one problem is clearly a better problem to have than the other. It is a humorous and fast paced book to read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to change their outlook on life or just wants some insight into living as a human being.The Subtle Art of Not Giving A * by Mark Manson is a book that teaches you about values. Mark encourages readers to dig deeper and better understand what it is that truly motivates them and what values they base their current lives upon. He argues…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Matched by Ally Condie is the first novel of a trilogy. It follows the life of Cassia Reyes who is matched with the love of her life Xander Carrow. Although content at first, Cassia notices the face on her match card flicker for just a second, showing the face of someone else. She begins to uncover the truth about her society and questions who she is really supposed to be with. I enjoy the fast paced mystery-like characteristics of this book. You are always kept on the edge of your seat and there is seldom a dull moment. In addition, I love almost all types of dystopian plots, and this book is no exception. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who would enjoy a dystopian young adult trilogy.Matched by Ally Condie is the first novel of a trilogy. It follows the life of Cassia Reyes who is matched with the love of her life Xander Carrow. Although content at first, Cassia notices the face on her match card flicker for just a second,…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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The Candymakers by Wendy Mass follows the story of a candy maker’s son Logan. Logan meets Daisy, Philip, and Miles as they all take part in a candy making competition. The four competitors each have very strange backgrounds, and as the story switches perspectives from one character to another, the audience begins to uncover the identities of these different people. The Candymakers is an amazing book that I love for many different reasons. The overall story follows an interesting plot (candy making competition) in a unique setting (huge candy factory) and is filled with the additional layer of amazing and touching characters. The connections between these characters are slowly revealed and combine to create a heartwarming ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.The Candymakers by Wendy Mass follows the story of a candy maker’s son Logan. Logan meets Daisy, Philip, and Miles as they all take part in a candy making competition. The four competitors each have very strange backgrounds, and as the story…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Before I fall by Lauren Oliver tells the story of Samantha Kingston, a popular high-schooler who seems to have it all. On the surface, her life is perfect, filled with a supportive family, several best friends, and much more. However, the story takes a turn when Sam dies. The next morning, however, Sam wakes up in her own bed, fully alive again. Sam is forced to relive her death day over and over again, unraveling the flaws and pains of her life as she does so. It is an incredibly interesting and face-paced book. I have read this book too many times to count, enjoying the playful plot lines and overall heart warming message. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.Before I fall by Lauren Oliver tells the story of Samantha Kingston, a popular high-schooler who seems to have it all. On the surface, her life is perfect, filled with a supportive family, several best friends, and much more. However, the story…
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Know My Name by Chanel Miller tells the experience of a sexual assault survivor through the survivor’s eyes. This book is incredibly eye opening and even disheartening at times. The injustices of the judicial system and the lack of support and harsh criticism the internet gave Chanel Miller are brought to light in this heart wrenching memoir. At times, it is very difficult to read about how Chanel was treated. Many people sided with the man who sexually assaulted Chanel just because being held accountable for his crimes would darken his elite status. Reading about her experience as someone who could relate to parts of her personal life made the memoir even more touching and really hit home. I recommend this memoir to everyone and believe that it is an important read for anyone who is willing to learn, understand, and grow.Know My Name by Chanel Miller tells the experience of a sexual assault survivor through the survivor’s eyes. This book is incredibly eye opening and even disheartening at times. The injustices of the judicial system and the lack of support and harsh…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that follows the main protagonist Winston Smith. Winston Smith is an ordinary member of the Party who follows the rules and performs his job under the watchful eyes of the Thought Police. The Thought Police work for the Party, and will torture and kill people who so much as look in the wrong direction. However, as the novel progresses, Winston’s eyes are opened to the cruelty and horror of what goes on in his world. In a desperate attempt to live his life freely, Winston begins to break the rules of his society. This book is thrilling, filled with many plot twists and heart breaking moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian plots.1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that follows the main protagonist Winston Smith. Winston Smith is an ordinary member of the Party who follows the rules and performs his job under the watchful eyes of the Thought Police. The Thought Police…
The Last UnicornThe Last Unicorn, Book
by Beagle, Peter S.Book - 1968 (1991 rinting)Book, 1968 (1991 rinting)
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a fantasy novel that follows the story of the last unicorn on the planet. She embarks on a journey with a half-magician and an old woman. Together, the unlikely trio attempt to solve the mystery of the missing unicorns. The protagonist experiences many shifts in her being throughout the novel and as a result is able to develop feelings of empathy and understanding (things that no unicorn should ever be able to feel). The story is extremely bittersweet and tinged with feelings of regret, sorrow, and lost love. The Last Unicorn is a beautifully crafted story and is one of my favorites. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fiction.The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a fantasy novel that follows the story of the last unicorn on the planet. She embarks on a journey with a half-magician and an old woman. Together, the unlikely trio attempt to solve the mystery of the missing…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Invisible Man by Ralph Ellington is a novel that takes place in 1932 in the American South and New York. The story is narrated by a protagonist who is an unnamed black man. The protagonist faces many conflicts throughout the book and carries the major flaw of being too trusting and is sometimes ironically blind to the dangers of the world he chooses to engage in. Invisible Man is a profound commentary on the complexities of identity and what it takes to truly find yourself as well as the extra challenges that inherently appear in this journey for a black man. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found myself thinking about many of the impactful lines for days afterward. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction.Invisible Man by Ralph Ellington is a novel that takes place in 1932 in the American South and New York. The story is narrated by a protagonist who is an unnamed black man. The protagonist faces many conflicts throughout the book and carries the…
amber135's rating:
Added Jun 16, 2021
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Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a science fiction novel that predicts a strange future in which technology artificially produces humans and has ended all suffering. The idea of families and love are completely abstract as well as forbidden to the people of the World State. The main protagonist is Bernard Marx, a human who feels isolated from the rest of the world. He goes on a journey to better understand himself and the strange world he lives in. Bernard meets many officials in high ranking positions and begins to uncover the truth about his world as a result. I love this book for its simplistic writing style that is infused with philosophical ideas on morality. The only con I can note is the lack of development within any female character in the book, specifically the female character Lenina. However, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian plots.Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a science fiction novel that predicts a strange future in which technology artificially produces humans and has ended all suffering. The idea of families and love are completely abstract as well as forbidden to…
amber135's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2021
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The Weight of our Sky by Hanna Alkaf follows the story of a young girl named Melati Ahmad. Melati lives in Malaysia, where tensions between the Chinese and Malay have grown to a breaking point. Melati is separated from her mother after a violent encounter, and is taken in by a Chinese family. Melati must face the inner demon that haunts her, a representation of her OCD, while navigating the extremely dangerous world around her. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found Melati to be a brave and interesting character, and the storytelling of this narrative kept me flipping page after page. Hanna Alkaf grapples heavy themes in this book, but has created an interesting adventure as well. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in reading about a strong and unique heroine.The Weight of our Sky by Hanna Alkaf follows the story of a young girl named Melati Ahmad. Melati lives in Malaysia, where tensions between the Chinese and Malay have grown to a breaking point. Melati is separated from her mother after a violent…
amber135's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2021
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The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, follows the romance between two 17 year olds: Natasha and Daniel. They meet unexpectedly on the streets of New York, and their story progresses from there. Themes of intertwining culture, assimilation, connections, and the "American dream" are found within the plot. Personally, I found that this book became more intriguing as I continued to read, and I even felt a connection to several of the characters. Overall, it is a fun read with valuable perspective, and I recommend this book!The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, follows the romance between two 17 year olds: Natasha and Daniel. They meet unexpectedly on the streets of New York, and their story progresses from there. Themes of intertwining culture, assimilation,…
amber135's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2021
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These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong portrays a fun twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet. Set in the 1920s Shanghai, China, the book takes a unique and refreshing approach to lovers born on different sides. Our two main characters Juliet and Roma are members of two opposing gangs. Their tumultuous history has been buried by years of separation, but when Juliet returns to her home in Shanghai, their paths cross yet again. A new threat, however, is approaching. It is something much larger than either of the gangs’ rivalries, and it is up to our protagonists to save their city. Overall, I thought this was a decent book. I enjoyed the references to being an Asian-American, being one myself, and seeing the author share her personal experiences through Juliet. If you can appreciate a historical, romance and action packed type of story, you should check this book out.These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong portrays a fun twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet. Set in the 1920s Shanghai, China, the book takes a unique and refreshing approach to lovers born on different sides. Our two main characters Juliet and Roma…
amber135's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2021
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Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward tells a story from multiple points of view, Jojo’s, Leonie’s, and Richie’s. Jojo is Leonie’s son, and Richie is a ghost from Jojo’s grandfather’s past. Together, they tell the story of an African American family living in poverty in the 1930s. This novel brings out the heart and fierceness of its main protagonists, and works as a criticism of US history. I truly enjoyed this coming of age, historical fiction book. It is filled with complex narratives and magical elements, and I highly recommend it to any reader.Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward tells a story from multiple points of view, Jojo’s, Leonie’s, and Richie’s. Jojo is Leonie’s son, and Richie is a ghost from Jojo’s grandfather’s past. Together, they tell the story of an African American family…
amber135's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2021
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Passing by Nella Larsen follows the story of Irene and Clare, two black women. One of them, however, lives as a white woman, unbeknownst to her white friends and husband. This book is set in the 1920s, a time where living as a black human is to live as less than a human entirely. Many conflicts arise as one must face their inner demons, and the other must face the false identity they have created. It is fast paced and an eye opening story, with an interesting plot twist. I would highly recommend it if you enjoy short historical fiction.Passing by Nella Larsen follows the story of Irene and Clare, two black women. One of them, however, lives as a white woman, unbeknownst to her white friends and husband. This book is set in the 1920s, a time where living as a black human is to live…
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