I love classic sci-fi stories, and there are some great ones in St. Clair's collection. This book also had fantasy stories; they're not really my thinI love classic sci-fi stories, and there are some great ones in St. Clair's collection. This book also had fantasy stories; they're not really my thing, but they were good. The stories were more out there and progressive than I thought they would be. Several of the stories surprised me. I was intrigued by each one and the writer who came up with them, even if I didn't like the particular story. All in all, it's an entertaining collection....more
Why was he so obsessed with Rachel? How many times can "my cousin Rachel" be used in one book? I couldn't stop asking myself these questions. This booWhy was he so obsessed with Rachel? How many times can "my cousin Rachel" be used in one book? I couldn't stop asking myself these questions. This book wasn't particularly interesting. It lacked the creepiness and tension that Rebecca had so much of and even Jamaica Inn had some of. This one was just okay for me; I wouldn't reread or recommend it to a lot of people....more
"Middlemarch" is fantastic. It explores a variety of people and marriages in one town. Eliot's perspective is very much of her time, but it's also mod"Middlemarch" is fantastic. It explores a variety of people and marriages in one town. Eliot's perspective is very much of her time, but it's also modern and relatable in many ways. These characters are beautifully layered and realistic. This book is a behemoth, but it's so easy to fall into and enjoy. ...more
"The Machine Stops" is an intriguing dystopian story where the humans live kind of like they do in the movie Wall-E. The Machine runs their entire liv"The Machine Stops" is an intriguing dystopian story where the humans live kind of like they do in the movie Wall-E. The Machine runs their entire lives, and they think wanting to go out to the planet is distasteful and pointless. This book is short, but the message is powerful. I enjoyed it, but it's also a sad story/warning for becoming to reliant on technology....more
L.M. Montgomery's Christmas stories are wholesome, sweet stories about family and community. They focus on charity and kindness around the holidays. IL.M. Montgomery's Christmas stories are wholesome, sweet stories about family and community. They focus on charity and kindness around the holidays. If you're looking for a light classic for the holiday season, this is a good one....more
"Rosemary's Baby" is a twisted tale of new motherhood and the struggle for young women to be believed. Levin's story captures the heartbreaking realit"Rosemary's Baby" is a twisted tale of new motherhood and the struggle for young women to be believed. Levin's story captures the heartbreaking reality of women under the power of their husbands at the time of the writing (and sometimes now) and how people you perceive as being in power can fool you. The story is psychological horror at its best. I like the way Levin begins with such innocuous moments and slowly builds in the scary elements. A short, but masterful work!...more
"Cat's Cradle" is bizarre and funny. I jumped in without reading much about the book, and it was an adventure to figure out what was going on. Vonnegu"Cat's Cradle" is bizarre and funny. I jumped in without reading much about the book, and it was an adventure to figure out what was going on. Vonnegut's writing was masterful, and I can't believe I haven't read him before....more
My experience with "Howards End" is a perfect illustration of how much narrators matter in audiobooks. I started with the Recorded Books version, and My experience with "Howards End" is a perfect illustration of how much narrators matter in audiobooks. I started with the Recorded Books version, and I absolutely hated it. I couldn't focus on the story, thought it was boring, and was about to DNF. I don't know why, but I chose to switch to a different version and start over instead. Colleen Prendergast's reading completely brought the story to life. The story was lively, characters ridiculous, and prose absolutely witty.
All the tension between Germany and England was fascinating. We know that a World War is coming after this story is published, but Forster obviously didn't. It's a unique experience to read novels right before a world event because the tension is there. The whole novel feels like sitting on the precipice. In the world of the novel, it's about the possibility that Margaret will find out that Howards End was left to her, but in reality it captures the world on the brink of huge changes.
I found this novel incredibly entertaining (after switching narrators), and it's one I plan to read again. I'll also be checking out Forster's other work....more
I absolutely loved parts of "War and Peace," but others I just kept thinking "why is he still talking?" I found the battles hard to focus on, and I goI absolutely loved parts of "War and Peace," but others I just kept thinking "why is he still talking?" I found the battles hard to focus on, and I got a little lost at times. I definitely need to read this book again. At this reading, it's okay. I prefer "Anna Karenina" and his other works....more
I enjoyed "Hester" immensely. The characters are well-crafted, and the plot is intricate without being overly stuffed with complications. Isobel is a I enjoyed "Hester" immensely. The characters are well-crafted, and the plot is intricate without being overly stuffed with complications. Isobel is a strong character and a new favorite for me. I think her story would have been just as interesting without linking the story to "The Scarlet Letter."
Albanese's writing style was simple but engaging. She maintains a consistent voice for Isobel and for the flashes to the past throughout the story. I'm excited to read more from this author....more
"Professor Dowell's Head" is a creepy, fast-paced story. Fans of "Frankenstein" and similar works should absolutely check out this inventive tale. Ker"Professor Dowell's Head" is a creepy, fast-paced story. Fans of "Frankenstein" and similar works should absolutely check out this inventive tale. Kern is one the most evil characters I've read....more
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