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
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
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
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.
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So, what have you read lately? Anything you'd like to recommend? Please feel free to share!
Linking up with Steph and Jenn:
I want to read The One and Only Ivan!
ReplyDeleteGive it a go! I hope you like it as well as I did!
DeleteI 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. :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend it!
DeleteThe One and Only Ivan sounds like a super interesting concept!!
ReplyDeleteIt was! It was a great little book.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteHiaasen 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.)
DeleteI've tried many Hiaasen books. I just can't get with his style.
ReplyDeleteThat'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!
DeleteI'm glad you read MOSTLY good books this past month. The One and Only Ivan sounds like a good read.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
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!
ReplyDeleteI loved Ivan and I am in the middle of her newest book, Wishtree, which is also wonderful so far.
ReplyDeleteI believe they are turning Ivan into a movie. I haven't read the book yet but have seen nothing but rave reviews for it.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of The One and Only Ivan but it seems to be getting rave reviews and might be worth checking out.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any Carl Hiaasen books, but have always been curious about them, which one is a good one to start out with?
ReplyDeleteThe Man Who Smiled - Henning Mankell - Swedish murder mystery
ReplyDeleteBurma Chronicles - Guy Delisle - graphic memoir
Transmetropolitan, Volume 3: Year of the Bastard - Warren Ellis - graphic novel
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!
DeleteI keep seeing The One and Only Ivan everywhere! I'm picking it up next time. I have heard it is a wonderful story. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a great little story!
DeleteFrom 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.
ReplyDeleteIvan was awesome! I have The Glass Castle on my soon TBR list.
DeleteNature 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
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Ivan has a few sad parts, but they are very small. The joy of the book makes up for it!
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