Ro's Readshttp://booklikes.com/photo/crop/50/50/upload/avatar/0/d/azure_0d4223929577bcfdd87ddc142a7f4eaa.jpgrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com2024-03-28T12:27:32+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/rssreview2013-06-16T00:00:00+01:002013-06-16T00:00:00+01:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697457/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.comreview2013-06-12T00:00:00+01:002013-06-12T00:00:00+01:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697459/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com The man everyone "knows" as Jay Gatsby is a wondrous enigma to the throngs of partygoers that come to infiltrate the grounds of his mansion nightly for elaborate parties that are the talk of the town. But to his neighbor Nick, the mysterious man becomes much more than a mere acquaintance as their lives are linked when Gatsby tries to reconnect with someone from his past.
Considered a classic, Fitzgerald's novel is a tragic love story that captures the feel of New York during the Roaring Twenties. It is a solid and quick read that I would recommend to anyone.
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review2013-02-08T00:00:00+00:002013-02-08T00:00:00+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697461/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com Wonder is the first novel by book cover designer and artistic director R. J. Palacio. It has been all the rave on book blogs and recommendation sites since its publication last year so naturally it has been on my TBR (To Be Read) list for a while.
The book tells the story of August Pullman who, with a stroke of bad genetic luck, was born with a rare disease that seriously deforms his face. Of course, people treat him differently because of that. His loving parents and older sister, however, have showered little Auggie with love and have given him the childhood that most children his age could only dream of. He has grown into an extraordinary young man. If only he lived in a society that didn’t judge a book by its cover…
It’s time now for August to leave the comforts of home and go to school with “regular kids.” Middle school , of all places! Will little Auggie be able to survive? How will his classmates treat him?
The author expertly chronicles August’s first year in middle school through the eyes of August himself and those closest to him. There are definitely parts of the novel that will pull at the reader’s heart-strings. By the end, readers will marvel at August’s bravery and, perhaps, learn to appreciate the normalcy in their own lives.
Verdict: Loved, loved, loved this book! Highly recommended!
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review2013-01-21T00:00:00+00:002013-01-21T00:00:00+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697460/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com The novel is told through the eyes of 11 year-old spitfire Zoë Royster, who now has to live with her uncle after the untimely death of her mother. From the beginning of the story, however, Zoë shows that her life up until then has been anything but a fairy tale. Her negligent mother battled mental illness for most of young Zoë’s life, leaving her in the hands of a steady stream of boyfriends, ranging from the helpless to the evil. As a result, Zoë has had to figure out matters on her own. She aims to show her Uncle Henry that she can manage her own life just fine, especially since she figures he will abandon her like everyone else has.
A respected doctor turned celebrated sculptor, Uncle Henry has his own problems and Zoë just might be the person he needs to add a little cheer to his existence. Of course, extraordinary things begin to happen when Zoë’s curious nature leads her on an adventure that uncovers some “wild things.” Towards the end of the novel, the mayor’s son, a deer, Henry’s diverse group of friends, and a special cat are among the many things thrown into the mix as the mystery identity of the “wild thing” in the woods is revealed.
Overall, Wild Things is a good read. I liked how the author weaved the principle of respect for the environment into the story. The main character had a folksy charm, though the way that adults deferred to her throughout the novel sometimes came off a bit unrealistic.
Verdict: Lags in some parts, but a worthwhile read
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review2011-12-28T00:00:00+00:002011-12-28T00:00:00+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697462/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.comreview2011-12-26T00:00:00+00:002011-12-26T00:00:00+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697463/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com However, the plot was dull and the climax was nonexistent. I began the novel hoping the author would flesh out the murder/mystery angle a lot more but ended the novel disappointed. In addition, Tess, the main character, wasn't particularly compelling or likable. Maybe the sequel is better.
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review2011-11-20T00:00:00+00:002011-11-20T00:00:00+00:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697464/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com
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review2011-06-29T00:00:00+01:002011-06-29T00:00:00+01:00http://rosreads.booklikes.com/post/697467/postrosreadshttp://rosreads.booklikes.com