March Book Haul

I bought quite a few books this month. It wasn't as bad as February, I was able to contain myself a little. Still, a good haul with some awesome books that I'm pretty stoked to read.

As, again, I am writing from the beginning of May I have read 1 and 1/2 of these books which makes writing about being them a little weird.

At the beginning of March I did some online shopping on Amazon. I always use it to buy upcoming bookclub books. I often treat myself to a few other volumes from my wish list because I don't have a lot of self control. I bought:

• In The Country We Love by Diane Guerrero. This was the book club book that we read in April. There will be a review for it shortly.
• The Just City by Jo Walton. This is the first book the Thessaly series. I had read the first book in the series in October without realising that it was actually the second book in the series. I'm really looking forward to reading this one!
• Murder of a Sweet Old Lady by  Denise Swanson is the second book in the Scumble River Mysteries series. I really loved the first (and nineteenth) book in the series so I'm really looking forward to reading it and I will probably read it this month (in May)

I also went to Chapters with my friend Jaclyn to buy some books that we're reading together. We started reading books and series together when we started university as a way to keep closer. We also watch some tv together (we're currently working through Game of Thrones). That day I bought

• A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, the first book in the Shades of Magic series. Jaclyn had already read this book and thought that I would really enjoy it. We're going to read the other books together so I needed to read this one first.
• A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab, the second book. Hopefully I liked the first one, but a book read with a friend is always a good book.
• The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen is the second book in The Queen of The Tearling series. I really loved the first book in the series so I have high hopes for this one (and I'm currently 100 pages in).

I'm pretty happy with this haul and will have several of the books read by the end of May which is always great.

Book 259: Dragonfly in Amber

Firstly, I'd like to talk briefly about Outlander, the first book in the Outland series. I bought it and Dragonfly in Amber several years ago in anticipation of television series. I didn't read it until this past December, with two seasons already released. I really enjoyed it. I was a bit cautious going into it because many books that are popular I haven't really enjoyed, but this book goes against that stereotype. I found the character's compelling and the addition of time travel a nice surprise. I would, however, suggest not picking up Outlander when you can devote all your time to it because it will be all you want to do. I, however, started reading it during exam period which was a bad idea.

Unlike the first book, Dragonfly in Amber takes place in France instead of Scotland for the majority of the book. It's first and last parts of the book takes place in the twentieth century, which I often found harder to get into. Unraveling the mysteries of the past from the present doesn't make for the same sort of story that romping around in eighteenth century.

Just about to start this beauty! 😻 I recently started watching the first season of Outlander and I'm so addicted! Jamie looks so much different than I thought he would though. 😕 . . . #outlander #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Mar 2, 2017 at 7:01am PST

One of the coolest things in the novel is the appearance of Hildegard, a character, at least to me, who was clearly based on Hildegard von Bingen. I thought her mentions of Bach were very cool as well, especially given that he is my brother's favourite composer and is frequently played around my house.

 As always, I endeavour not to give away any spoilers BUT THE ENDING WAS REALLY INTENSE.

I rated this book a 7 out of 10. Highly enjoyable yet light read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Voyager.


 

Book 258: Catch-22

This book was a lot more rough than I anticipated. It was, in some ways harder to read than the other two books I read in February.

It's hard to choose what to read when your confronted with two great books . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Mar 13, 2017 at 5:30am PDT

For those of you who don't know, Catch-22 takes place on a Greek Island during the Second World War and is about bombing pilots. In their contract there is a catch, Catch-22, "there was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to." This is the premise that the whole novel is based around, people who are crazy who want to fly their missions and people who don't want to fly their missions because they're sane who aren't able to get out of it.

It covered so much ground. The idea around Catch-22 take on many different forms throughout the novel. It looks at what love is. It looks at trading. It touches on suicide and depression.

I found the ending very dissatisfying. It happened very quickly and left a cliff hanger. Apparently there is a second book called Closing Time so I'll have to check that out to see if that answers any of my questions.

28/42 I've been having such a hard time getting motivated to do anything for the past few weeks. . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Mar 20, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

I rate this book an 8 out of 10. It was really enjoyable to read. In many ways it was like an episode of M*A*S*H in book form which is pretty awesome. There's lots of foolishness and fun. This is a book that i'll probably read again.

Book 257: The Break

I still have a lot of feelings about this book. I finished it slightly before the start of the Canada Reads competitions this year and Candy Palmater, who was defending the book, signed my copy at a Canada Reads event. This was before all hell broke lose on the first day and it got voted off. This is by far the worst thing that has happened in my reading world this year.

Feeling so privileged and fortunate to have met @thecandyshow tonight at her talk about The Break by Katherine Vermette and her life for CBC's Mainstreet (it will air there later if you missed it tonight). She makes me feel more hopeful both as a young women who has no idea what I want to do with their life and about the future of my country. She also inspires me to learn more about our indigenous peoples by listening and reading their stories and to (hopefully) learn how to be a better ally and friend to them by the things that they teach me. I also thank her for inspiring me to come out of my reading shell of mostly white male authors and read both more Canadian literature and books by women. Candy also signed my book which has been one of the highlights of my year. If you are not familiar with Candy YOU NEED TO BECOME FAMILIAR. She is hugely inspiring and has the best culture lists. She is the coolest individual I've had the pleasure of meeting. . . . #canadareads #greatcanadian #inspired #inspirationalpeople #selfie #blessed #cbc #cbcmainstreet

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Mar 9, 2017 at 5:18pm PST

The Break is a weird sort of mystery. It opens with an assault and the rest of the book goes through different points of views and the events of the night of the assault are slowly revealed.

The story is told by a family of women whose relationship, some of them distant, other fraught, and some who were very close; and both revealed and mended throughout the novel.

So excited for this book! I've just started it and it's addicting. Candy Palmater is coming to talk about this book as part of Canada Reads on Thursday. I hope I can get it done by then! . . . #canadareads #canlit #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Mar 7, 2017 at 9:14am PST

During Canada Reads two of the panellists said that they did not like the book or feel that it was the novel that Canada needs to read, this year's theme, because of the under-representation of "good men". I yelled about this for about a week. Perhaps longer. (for full details see me twitter) Why they felt that a book about women, told by women, need to have men in it I'm not entirely sure. Secondly, there were several good men in the book, one of them was even a narrator. These comments were so infuriating, especially given that a lot of the books that I have read have male main characters and the only female characters are often poorly written and secondary.

I'm still upset.

This is a beautiful written book about an important topic. It is the book that all Canadians need to read. It is the book that should have won Canada Reads. I rate this book a 10/10. Absolutely wonderful.

Book 14 of 2017: The Better Mother by Jen Sookfong Lee

Book 256: The Better Mother

This book was pretty light for being about such heavy things. It takes place at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in Vancover and one of the main characters is gay. This is a really rough time for him and his friends, not only does he struggle with his sexuality people are wasting away and they have no idea why. The other main character's story starts during the depression. It was just rough.

When Danny was a boy he met Val, a stripped who goes by the stage name The Chinese Kitten. As he grows up he always wondered what it would be like to have Val as a mother as he struggles to connect with his own mother due to cultural differences.

Later in the novel we hear Val's story of how she became a stripper, how she became a mother, and what happens to her child.

Her and Danny reconnect later in the book and they help each other to heal and ask the important question of what it means to be a good mother. Ultimately this question goes unanswered through the novel, but it explores elements of the true answer.

I really enjoyed this novel. I rate it an 8/10. Ms. Lee's style is very fluid and easy to read. The characters that she builds are relatable and feel very real. An exceptional books.

A day early for my first read of March, but I'm excited to start my book club book! Are any of you in a book club? What are you reading this month? . . . #bookclub #march #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 28, 2017 at 8:50am PST

Book 255: The Murder of a Small-Town Honey

One of the things that I find the most interesting about reading a book later in the series and then reading the first book from the same series is that you have secret knowledge but it also makes the first book slightly more confusing.

A quick light read for a Sunday afternoon . . . #sundayfunday #sundayreading #sundayreads #murdermystery #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 26, 2017 at 11:24am PST

The Scumble River Mysteries are cozy mysteries and The Murder of a Small-Town Honey is super cozy. The characters are well developed and have great back stories. Skye Denison, the main character, is a school psychologist that has to move home after her less-than-successful move to the big city left her broke and single.

Does anyone else own flawed books? This ones spine wasn't set right! 😅 . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 27, 2017 at 10:54am PST

As anyone who has moved from a small town, to a big city, and then back again; Skye struggles with moving back home. She feels like she doesn't belong and has a hard time fitting in, a feeling that almost everyone can relate to.

The mystery keeps you guessing until the end. The writing makes it easy to read and really allows you to immerse yourself into the world that is Scumble River.

 I rate this book a 7 out of 10. Very enjoyable read, quick and to the point.

February Book Haul

Book 12 of 2017: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Book 253: Beauty Queens

What a ride.

Beauty Queens was a great book. It's about a group of beauty queens who are on their way to a pageant when their plane crashes on a desert island and they have to learn to survive and how to be a team. Like Lord of the Flies only cooler and with girls (and therefore better).

It had a really diverse crew of girls, including a trans girl, girls of different sexual backgrounds, education backgrounds, socioeconomic backgrounds, family backgrounds, everything.

It also has pirates.

And a distinct dislike of capitalism.

Very cool.

I rate it a 7 out of 10. Wasn't as good as Going Bovine but still a nice change from paranormal and magic themed works that Bray often writes.

So excited to finally start this book! I've heard so many good things! . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 23, 2017 at 5:41am PST

The inside cover of Beauty Queens is such a distracting colour! . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 25, 2017 at 2:42pm PST

Book 10 of 2017: Love in the TIme of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

Book 252: Love in the Time of Cholera

I really don't know how to write my review of this book. There is so much to say about what I liked at what I didn't like.

Firstly, for those of you who don't know, Love in the Time of Cholera is a weird sort of love story taking place in Colombia. For most of the book I was a little unsure of exactly where the story was taking place because my geography isn't that great but goodreads doesn't lie. It's not your typical love story. It's about two young people who fall in passionate "love" and then one of them gets married after becoming disillusioned to her youthfully folly. The other never moves on.

However it opens with a really cool death scene and because I don't research books before I read them I thought that the book was going to be more about a cool coroner solving a murder. It was a bit of a let down.

I really loved the writing style, but it wasn't the sort of book that begs you to pick it up and read it. I struggled a bit with being motivated to finish it. Alas.

I found Florentino Ariza to be a bit creepy (read a lot creepy) which was the biggest part of the book that I struggled with. I didn't want to read about him and his love lorn and lose ways. I really didn't want to hear about his imo statutory rape of his niece (sorry spoilers). I didn't want to see him harass old ladies into loving him because no one else did. I object to him as a being.

I've struggled with rating this book. I gave it a 4 out of 10 but it deserves both more and less. I feel like I haven't lived enough to really appreciate this book and I want to reread it in a couple of decades to see if what I thought changed any. Who knows. It wasn't a bad read it just wasn't good or what I wanted.

A couple of my friends had been asking me if I had read Love in the Time of Cholera lately so I decided to pick it up the other day when I went to the bookstore. Many of them didn't really like the book that much but I'm super excited to see what it's pages hold! 🤓 . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 14, 2017 at 3:47pm PST

Is anyone else having problems getting motivated to read this long weekend? Tell me what you're doing to combat it! . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 20, 2017 at 8:41am PST

Book 10 of 2017: Eric by Terry Pratchett

Book 251: Eric

So, as you all probably (hopefully) know I've been reading the Discworld series in order for a while now and I've really been enjoying them.

Enjoyed the myths that were intertwined in the story as well as the small references to inferno in hell. I always like a Rincewind story, however I found this one a bit flat. Maybe because it was just it was retelling the Faust legend which is very common in the western cannon or perhaps its because I've read Marlowe's Dr Faustus.

The most interesting part of the book, I though anyways, was the part about boredom. Very cool.

I rate this book a 5 out of 10. It was nothing special. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book

Blizzard reads 🌨🌨 . . . #terrypratchett #discworld #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 13, 2017 at 2:18pm PST

Book 9 of 2017: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Book 250: The Queen of the Tearling

What can I say about this book without giving everything away?

Firstly, I loved it. The world building is fantastic, the characters are great and come with complete and compelling backstories, the novel builds up a past without letting the cat out of the bag so to speak, and it sets up the second book fantastically.

What a ride.

The Queen of the Tearling is set in the future but has some major past vibes, we're talking 17th century vibes. Everyone has swords and armour but knows about modern medicine as a myth of the past. It's a weird dichotomy but it really works for this book.

The book addresses through Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, our protagonist, what it takes to be a good leader, the worth of a human life, and the values of knowledge and appearance; all topics which are especially topical in today society as well as this one that is set in some unknown future time.

The idea in the novel is that some brilliant guy decided that Europe was no good war zone and wanted to start a socialist paradise and it didn't go as he planned. Mostly because the ship with the doctors sunk which lost them the use of modern medicine which really puts a kink in the plans of socialism. Obviously this didn't go well for various reasons partially discussed in the book and we end up at the beginning of the novel.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who reads but especially if you like fantasy. I read this book in three days between work which is pretty great. The style is really good and it has great flow.

I rate this book 10/10. It is my first 10 of 2017 and I'm really excited about it. I was reading it with my friend Jaclyn who also finished it in the blink of an eye and we're going to go and buy the second book on Sunday so stayed tuned for the next review!

Really enjoying this book so far! 🤓 . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 11, 2017 at 2:58pm PST

Loving that each chapter starts with a bit of history . . . #thequeenoftearling #erikajohasen #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A post shared by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 12, 2017 at 5:08pm PST

Book 8 of 2017: Anna Karenina

Book 249: Anna Karenina

Even though I've just finished reading this book I feel like it's one that I'll need to read again. I've often been told Anna Karenina is a book you should read every 10 years and I understand why now.

 I didn't like Anna's story. I spent the first half of the book disliking her and the second half feeling bad for her. I find that she is very polarizing and both easy to like and hate. I find that at some points she can be emotionally immature, while in others she seems to be the character that is most firmly grounded. She goes through many drastic changes throughout the novel which is why she is such a compelling character. I like her better now that I'm done and have had time to think that I did when she was initially introduced.

 Her husband, although easy to sympathise with, isn't a great person; cold, manipulating, emotionally detached, adding more complexity to Anna's story. His never ending want for revenge seems somewhat out of character at times as it is often noted that he doesn't deal with emotions very well.

Vronsky is, perhaps, the character that I dislike the most. He seems to live in his own world for most of the novel where his actions don't have consequences. He's not a great communicator, especially with Anna who needs clear communication, and does not pick up well on social queues. I also didn't like how he treated Kitty. An imperfect character. Very believable.

 Levin is by far my favourite character and I greatly enjoyed his more philosophical musings in the last two parts. I found his reaction to childbirth very interesting and his resulting feelings towards his child. I also think that his and Kitty's love is one of the best stories in the whole novel. I also found it very interesting that he wanted t revolutionise labour but was very firm that he was not a communist and wish that Tolstoy had elaborated further on why it was important to Levin that he not be seen as one, though I'm sure it has something to do with him being a Nobel hanging out with other Nobeles.

I rate this book a 9 out of 10 Overall a good book. Left me feeling accomplished. I feel that I might be a bit young to get everything out of it and that it might be better suited to people in their thirties and forties who have more life experience.

Below the pictures will be a short review of the movie.

Just picked up this tome again. My goal is to finish it by the 28th. Wish me luck! 👩🏼‍🏫 . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #classic #classics #annakarenina #tolstoy #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 6, 2017 at 4:13am PST

ALMOST THERE! . . . #annakarenina #leotolstoy #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:29am PST

So, the movie was pretty great. As far as a book-to-screen translation I feel that it does a really good job at taking all the really important parts from the book. I did regret that there wasn't more about Levin in the movie as he is my favourite character, but understand that they only have so much time and the book is called Anna Karenina and not Konstantin Levin.  I give it four stars.

Book 7 of 2017: Ru by Kim Thúy

I recently decided to leave school which gives me more time so I've decided to start doing a video review of my books as well as a written review. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Book 248: Ru

With an air of an autobiographical sketch, Ru was a pleasure to read. Kim Thúy weaves a tale of what it is like to be a refugee in Canada and what is like to leave one's home country.

Her novel follows Nguyen, a women once from Vietnam who is recounting her life. Sometimes a girl, other times a mother, her story telling is deeply engrossing making this book hard to put down.

The story, told in vignettes, jumps around in time and place as different thoughts flow through Nguyen's mind. Sometimes reflecting on her own children, others reflecting on her mother and how her mother's behaviour makes sense to her now that she is also a mother.

I really liked the style and meter. the words slowly pour over your eyes, each with a meaning deeper than their definition.

This novel gives you a lot to think about and is a good book to read in a time when the political climate is not looking kindly on refugees. I rate this book a 6 out of 10.

New month new bookclub book! . . . #bookclub #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd #canada #canadian #canadareads #february

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Feb 2, 2017 at 3:55am PST

January Books!

So, I made a new YouTube video about the books that I've read this month. Let me know what you think!

Book 247: Death at Victoria Dock

Yet another wonderful novel by Ms. Greenwood.

This one was darker than the last three, perhaps a running theme, with anarchists and family drama.Not as funny or as light hearted as I've come to expect from the series, but deals with interesting subjects. I wish there was a little more elaboration on Bret and Cec's characters because I feel that they had a lot more that they could have added to the story with their history as communists.

I give this novel a seven out of ten. Even though I disagree with Miss Fisher's views on the revolution, I appreciate her feelings towards beautiful men. Well written and suspenseful and at least one of the endings was a surprise.

Can't wait to read the next instillation of the Series!

Needed a break before I start reading Anna Karenina 🕵🏼‍♀️ . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 29, 2017 at 6:07am PST

Book 246: Lair of Dreams

Although I liked Lair of dreams a lot, I don't think I liked it as much as the first book.

 I like how many of the things that were unfinished in the first book were resolved. We met the girl with the green eyes, Ling Chan; the foreshadowing of The Diviners is partially resolved; and everyone ends up in the same room.

 However, this book leaves you with more questions than answers.
Who is the man with the stove pipe hat?
What is Will up to?
What is Theta's power?
Will her dirt-bag ex come back? 
Where are they keeping Sam's mother?
And who are these people?

 Luckily we only need to wait ~patiently~ until the fall to get these answers when the third instalment of the series is expected. MUCH EXCITE.

 So far I haven't actually talked about the book at all, so let's get to it. Again, I found the character's really compelling.

All the characters are dealing with a lot of different issues and they're all very diverse which I think is great. The book deals with a lot of points in American history that Americans do/should struggle with (for more information see the author's note at the end of the novel).

I really enjoy how Bray seamlessly combines the mystical and scientific. Each of them have a different space but interact with each other. I found her portrayal of fame to be pretty spot on, as well.

It was difficult to read all the characters spiralling all at once. None of them wanted to talk to anyone about it, either, which makes it all the worse. They all have this great untapped support network that they all refuse to look at. But I guess that's teenagers for you.

 I rate this book a 8 out of 10. I really enjoyed reading it despite shelving it briefly to finish 1984. It is quite a massive novel so it's a bit of a pain to lug around but definitely worth the effort.

Lazy days are meant for good books and puppy cuddles 🐶☺ . . . #currentlyreading #libbabray #thediviners #dog #dogs #puppy #dogsofinsta #boo k#bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 15, 2017 at 5:18am PST

Post Script: One of the things that made me the most excited in this book was Gemma Doyle making an appearance. Will she pop up again? WILL WE SEE HER AGAIN? LIBBA BRAY? WILL WE? (only time will tell)

When authors weave their stories together 🙌🏻🙌🏻 (p. 337) . . . #lairofdreams #thediviners #diviners #libbabray #quotes #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd @libbabray

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 28, 2017 at 4:41am PST

Book 245: 1984

I was reading this with my friend an ended up shelving it for a few weeks while I waited for her to catch up a bit. I don't know if that was a mistake or not but I can definitively say that I didn't particularly enjoy this book.

 When I read the introductory remarks about how Orwell was inspired by books like Brave New World and others like it I was really excited. I love Brave New World and We and other books like it, so besides all the hype around 1984 if it came from such great inspiration it must be good. Right?

 I found the style unimaginative and droll. The story lagged and felt like it was a car that was stalled. Although I didn't expect all the great betrayals that happened it still felt predictable. Orwell makes it seem as though there is a certain level of pain which you cannot surpass and rise up against. I feel like that was, philosophically, the place he went the most wrong with this book. His assumption that the proletariat could never truly rise up against big brother. I did, however, find the editing of the past very interesting as well as the parties slogans.

 I really felt before I read this book that it is just one of those books that you're suppose to read. If you are thinking of picking it up I would instead read something that was not written at the end of someone's life and was rushed into being. Brave New World is a better book with better underlying structure on the same subject matter. I would recommend it 1000 times over 1984.

 Overall very disappointing. I rate it a 4 out of 10. I wouldn't read it again.

Feels like an appropriate read for 2017 . . . #currentlyreading #1984 #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 4, 2017 at 7:25am PST

Book 244: The Diviners

Although this will not be published for several days I would like to share my victory with you all. As I sit in my chair on Sunday the 15th of January, 2017, I write a review for a book that I finished last night. I'm caught up. No more backlog (until I get lazy again in a few weeks).

I've been thinking about doing some reviews and such on a monthly basis on youtube. Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.

To the review:

I love Libba Bray. I really love her.

Stylistically this book is fantastic. Historically, pretty accurate.

I didn't like the characters quite as much as I liked the characters in the Gemma Doyle trilogy yet but I feel like it's because they're not all together yet. I like how they're coupling. I think it's interesting that Evie is in the middle of so much romantically and that that could spell trouble for her future. I'm really excited to see this group banded together, learn about the girl with the green eyes and figure our more about Theta and Henry's gifts.

Love the writing and think the world building is great. It's a really quick read which I adore and it's hard to put down.

Think the supernatural elements are very interesting. I wish Bray spoke more to the artifices in the museum, as spirit photography was suuuper popular for a while.

I found that the beginning was a lose end that never got finished. What happened to those party goers? Is anyone else curious or just me?

I rate this book an 8 out of 10. It was a relatively quick read and one that was immensely enjoyable. It kept you on the edge of your seat and keeps you up late at night.

Interesting move with foreshadowing the next book in the second last chapter. Off to read Lair of Dreams..

Some books aren't meant to have dust jackets . . . #bookporn #dustjacket #libbabray #thediviners #currentlyreading #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A video posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 13, 2017 at 4:36am PST

Book 243: Various Positions

Lynn Coady writes in the back of the book "the ever-shifting fault lines between the sex lives and sexual objectification of teenaged girls are traversed with all the artful nuance and precision of the ballet itself...a gripping and unflinching novel."

I read this quote when I was a quarter of the way through the book. I don't much care for the second half of the quote, but rather intrigued by the first part about the lines between sex lives and sexual objectification. Both of these are main points in Various Positions, but played out in a far different manner than how I though when I first started reading.

I found it interesting that most of the sexual objectification was internal for Georgia, spurred by her mothers jealousy of the women her father is having an affaire with after several ill said pieces of "motherly" advice and cruel words undirected at her daughter.

A coming of age story replete with tragedy both external and self induced. Covering tough issues such as body image, divorce, adultery, rape, teen drinking and drug use, misogyny, the struggle for perfection.

I rate this book a 7 out of 10. Stylistically an easy read. I think I only spent 2 days with this book. Great flow. Keeps you on the edge of your seat.

First book of 2017! 👯I started it on the first and I'm halfway through! This year I'm going to try to read more than 20 (second semester is a bit heavier than the first) Add me on Goodreads! Colleen Earle . . . #book #ballet #canadian #canlit #currentlyreading #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Jan 3, 2017 at 6:32am PST

Book 242: Murder of a Cranky Catnapper

As I have just recently started to read more mystery novels, I don't feel like I have a lot to compare this book to.

On the back of the book Fresh Fiction says that Swanson is one of their favourite cozy mystery authors. I wasn't aware that cozy mysteries were a sub-genre, but I can see how this book would fit nicely into it.

The book itself is filled with charm and spunk. With a handful of strong women characters who support each other in their careers and lives it was especially a treat to read.

Swanson keeps you guessing about the crimes from the beginning and although she gives hints throughout, the big reveal still offers much surprise.

Although this is the 19th book in a series that I haven't read any of the other 20 odd books in (there are some .5's), I didn't feel like I was missing as much as I though. This book can be read as a stand alone. Although some of the relationships will fill less developed, more than enough information is provided about the town of Scumble River and it's occupants to make you feel engaged and like you're just another concerned resident of a small town with a high crime rate.

I rate this book an 8 out of 10. A quick and easy read. A good way to end 2016. (I did finish it today but I only had 40 pages left so it didn't really feel like the first book on 2017)

Although it's the 19th instalment and I haven't read any of the others I'm pretty excited . . . #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #currentlyreading #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd #mystery

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Dec 30, 2016 at 8:31am PST

Book 241: Us Conductors

As much as i have enjoyed reading this book I can't help but think there is something missing.
I enjoyed the narration style and the concept, but Lev's obsession with Clara was a bit creepy after the first 150 pages.

Michaels' account of life in a gulag lacks some imagination. He didn't make it seem as horrible as it really was, though his depictions of the transportation were vivid and accurate. I feel like it needed to be more One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and less romanticised.

The story ended abruptly. I wish the ended had elaborated more on Lev's work in Russia.

The afterward was interesting but left more questions than answers.

I rate this book a 7 out of 10. I thought it was going to be better than it was but it was still very neat. I wish that it had focused more on the invention and use of the theremin though.

So in love with this cover 😍😍 (And communist Russian themes) . . . #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #currentlyreading #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A video posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Dec 23, 2016 at 7:23am PST

Book 240: Outlander

Wow, what a journey. Halfway through things felt like they were wrapping up and then the next 400 pages just zoomed by.

I really enjoyed this book. It was light and had some romance without it being too overpowering. It was also a nice quick read which I like. I would, however, not recommend starting it in the middle of exam season because this is not a book that you will want to put down. Gabaldon keeps you on the edge of your seat through this whirlwind, historic, time traveling adventure.

I rate it an 8 out of 10. Great read.

Can't wait to dig my eyes into this one 👀 . . . #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #currentlyreading #bookaholic #bookaddict #booknerd

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Dec 13, 2016 at 5:06am PST

Book 239: Guards! Guards!

Absolutely fantastic. Very witty and sarcastic. Love that dragons can explode and the whole million-to-one chance thing. In many ways this book reminded me of the Memoirs of Lady Trent. For some reason everyone who is interested in dragons have to be extremely eccentric.

I rate this book a 10 out of 10. Highly enjoyable. Can't wait to see what happens next with the watch.

Another day another book 📚 . . . #currentlyreading #book #books #booklove #booklover #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklife #bookworm #booksofinstagram #bookaholic #bookaddict #terrypratchett #discworld #reader #readersofig #readersunite #bookish #booknerd #readersofinstagram #goodreads

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Nov 25, 2016 at 3:34am PST

Book 238: Memoirs of a Geisha

I enjoyed the style. Very easy to read and had a good flow. The way Golden wrote it made it easy to see what was happening in the novel and picture the characters.

I liked the translator note at the beginning. It made it seem more authentic.

Interesting to read about girlhood written by a man. The part about her learning her virginity left something to be desired and I found that it was unrealistic. Alas, what else can one expect from a book written by a man who has never experienced it?

I rate this book an 8 out of 10.

Prework reads 😬 . . . #book #books #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #readers #reader #readerlife #readerofig #readersofig #readersunite #booksofinstagram #goodreads #bookish #currentlyreading

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Nov 20, 2016 at 4:31am PST

Book 237: Notes from a Feminist Killjoy: Essays on Everyday Life

Enjoyed the style. Important subject matter. Well written. I liked the introduction the best. Thoughts on friendship were good but I felt like something was missing.

I rate this book a 7 out of 10. Not super up on my feminist theory, but throughly enjoyed.

Can't wait to start this one. I went to the book launch for it on Monday and the read excerpts were amazing . . . #currentlyreading #feminism #feministkilljoy #book #books #bookworm #booklover #booklove #bibliophile #goodreads #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #instaread #instagramreads #booksofinstagram #bookish #readersofinstagram #bookgram #igreads

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Nov 16, 2016 at 3:28am PST

Book 236: Pyramids

Enjoyed the historical vibes and cool use of geometry. I like the idea that perfect geometry could have magical powers.

Funny and witty, though not the most enjoyable book so far in the series. Due it part to the fact that it is a stand alone novel.

I rate this book an 8 out of 10. Quick and fun read.

#currentlyreading but almost done! Loving the historical vibes . . . #books #reading #book #fantasy #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #terrypratchett #discworld #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #instareads #bookish #booklove #bookstagrammer #goodreads

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Nov 15, 2016 at 3:45am PST

Book 235: Tender

I did not enjoy this book. I did not like the characters and I did not like the plot.

The middle got weird and I wasn't in love with the ending. Everything got wrapped up too neatly. really, the whole book was too neat.

I wish it had included more about the political climate in Ireland at the time.

Beautifully written.

I give this novel a 4 out of 10. I wouldn't recommend it.

Excited to start my new #bookclub book!! . . . . #book #books #currentlyreading #fiction #bookstagram #books4life #bibliophile #reading #instaread #instagramreads #goodreads #booklover #readersofinstagram #bookish #bookworm

A photo posted by Colleen Earle (@unphilosophize) on Nov 4, 2016 at 3:55am PDT