Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Recently Read - Vol. 22 (Oct. '17)


Ah, October.  I had such high hopes of reading more in October, but, as it so often happens, life had other plans.  Oh, well.  'Tis okay.  The important thing is that I did read some last month and that I'm pleased with the books I read overall.

So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on the three books I read in October:


Destroyer by Brett Battles
Read October 7-14 | Format: Audiobook | My Rating: 4/5


Think: What if the world you were responsible for creating was in jeopardy of being altered or even destroyed by someone with a score to settle?  What would you do to preserve the world you had come to know and cherish?

I find it hard to discuss books that are part of a series, especially where the story is continued in each following book.  I'll just say this, I enjoyed this book probably just as much as the first one.  But, keep in mind that these are not stand-alones, so you must read them in order.

Final Verdict: Recommend 


The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Read October 15-16 | Format: Audiobook | My Rating: 5/5

Think: A poignant first-person account of gorilla living in a cage who dares to dream of a better life for a young friend.

I can't say enough good things about this book.  It was a short, yet very charming read. It was funny and poignant and utterly delightful.  

Final Verdict:  Highly Recommend


Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen
Read October 16-29 | Format: Audiobook | My Rating: 4/5

Think: Impassioned, possibly bipolar Floridian schemes to rid the world of dinnertime sales calls, one telemarketer at a time.

This was not my favorite Hiaasen book by far.  It was average in my opinion.  The noir humor wasn't as funny as in his other books, the plot was a bit slow, and the characters were, frankly, annoying.  

Final Verdict:  Skip it unless you are an avid Hiaasen fan.


~~~

So, what have you read lately?  Anything you'd like to recommend?  Please feel free to share!

Linking up with Steph and Jenn:

24 comments:

  1. I want to read The One and Only Ivan!

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  2. I think my daughter has a copy of The One and Only Ivan ... I might need to see if I can check it out from her bookcase. :)

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  3. The One and Only Ivan sounds like a super interesting concept!!

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  4. I've heard so many people rave about The One and Only Ivan! I have a different Carl Hiaasen book on my TBR list, but I've never read anything by him.

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    1. Hiaasen is an author that definitely does not appeal to the masses. Of the 6-7 of his books that I've read, I've been super pleased with the majority of them. Nature Girl just wasn't one of my favorites. (My favorites are Razor Girl and Skinny Dip.)

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  5. I've tried many Hiaasen books. I just can't get with his style.

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    1. That's what I was telling a friend of mine who is interested in Hiaasen. I said, "In my experience, folks either love him or hate him." LOL!

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  6. I'm glad you read MOSTLY good books this past month. The One and Only Ivan sounds like a good read.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  7. Oh Ivan. I absolutely adored that book. I have that Brett Battles series on my kindle, the first one I think. I agree about talking about series. I usually wait until I am finished to mention it, or don't mention the following ones, because you are right, it's hard!

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  8. I loved Ivan and I am in the middle of her newest book, Wishtree, which is also wonderful so far.

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  9. I believe they are turning Ivan into a movie. I haven't read the book yet but have seen nothing but rave reviews for it.

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  10. I have never heard of The One and Only Ivan but it seems to be getting rave reviews and might be worth checking out.

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  11. I have not read any Carl Hiaasen books, but have always been curious about them, which one is a good one to start out with?

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  12. The Man Who Smiled - Henning Mankell - Swedish murder mystery
    Burma Chronicles - Guy Delisle - graphic memoir
    Transmetropolitan, Volume 3: Year of the Bastard - Warren Ellis - graphic novel

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    1. Hmm... Can't say I'm familiar with any of these, E Man. Thanks for the comment, though! I do enjoy audience participation! You take care of yourself!

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  13. I keep seeing The One and Only Ivan everywhere! I'm picking it up next time. I have heard it is a wonderful story. :)

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  14. From these comments alone, I think I need to get The One and Only Ivan. Sounds like a good book. I just started Jeanette Walls - The Silver Star.

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  15. Nature Girl sounds really funny to me, but I may look into her other books first as you recommend. The Ivan one sounds great and also a little heartbreaking. Not sure I could handle it. Usually animal anything is on my "no" list. I can barely handle the Lion King. LOL XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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    1. Ivan has a few sad parts, but they are very small. The joy of the book makes up for it!

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