Unpopular Opinion:
What I liked: The 1st book was terrific. The trilogy's concept/world was refreshingly unique. Writing quality was superior to other YA. Holland's backstory is great!

What I Didn't Like: The mystery of Kell & Lila's origin just gets blown over. The reveal of why Alucard left lacks punch b/c it's told twice. We never find out what happens to White London, Ned's story seems pointless, Kell/Rhy's bond is basically insignificant.

I was introduced to this book in 5th grade by my teacher, who read a portion to us every day throughout the year. I just finished my third time through. It's amazing to me how much truth, complexity, and humor Tolkien wove into this book.

It's been a while since I've read a book that I loved this much. Ove is a simple man who has suffered terrible loss in his life, fought hard for what he loved, and enjoyed simple pleasures. Forced into early retirement by the evil computer, Ove is convinced life is no longer worth living when some unexpected friends crash - quite literally - into his life.

I - like many others - was traumatized by the movie version of this book as a child. Literally all I remember from it is the rabbit getting his ears chewed off. While the violent aspects of the book often steal all the attention, it really does a fabulous job of portraying the many different dangers into which a free society can fall. No less important today than when it was written, Adams truly produced a timeless work.

I rarely dislike a book as much as I did this one. But nothing - absolutely nothing - about this book drew me in. The relationships weren't developed, the narrative voice was annoying, and the ending was pathetic. I persevered to the end hoping it would live up to its promise at some point. It failed in every conceivable way.

Multiple generations of Hardy Boys covers. I grew up on the version second from the left (top row). These were my "go-to" books for several years. The new covers just don't do it for me!

My #Christmashaul for this year. Been looking forward to reading both of these for some time now!

Pretty much all my vacations/trips include a trip to at least one used bookstore. I particularly like finding books with the original title pages and illustrations. Although the cover on this one is a little worn, I was still thrilled to add it to my collection a while back from Twice Sold Tales in Nampa, Idaho.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book - but I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the beginning. I felt like this was a step up from Frankenstein in the writing quality/plot. Also, I now need to watch the 1931 classic movie.

5 minutes into listening to this and I can already tell two things: 1.) Stoker must have gotten paid by the word (no detail too small!), and 2.) I'm going to enjoy Gildart Jackson's narration.

I don't normally care much for personality tests/books, but Phillips does well emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of the 4 basic personality types (Driver, Analytical, Amiable, Expressive) in a variety of situations, while leaving room for people to act outside of their "norm" when the situation calls for it. A great book for personal development and for identifying causes/solutions to interpersonal conflict. Plus, how great is the title?!

From early Jamestown to the Civil War and through to the New Deal and modern policies, Isenberg's provocatively titled "White Trash" traces the course of poor whites and the disturbing yet consistent trend of classism in America. Thoroughly researched and fantastically written this book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the role of class in US society.

Loved this book. Both an in-depth book at corrupt government and the lengths to which investigative journalists must go to uncover truth. A little slow at times, but I feel like the pace of the book seems to match the pace of the investigation itself - flurries of activity and periods of agonizing waiting. Overall, well worth the read if you're interested in politics or journalism. Otherwise, just watch the movie. Which I will now go do myself.

Erik Larson weaves together the story of the Chicago Columbian Exposition and the vicious killings of H.H. Holmes, one of America's first serial killers. While either story could stand alone, Larson shows how connected they were in this book, providing a glimpse of both the gore and glory of late 19th century Chicago. Fantastically suspenseful and impressive.

My #funfridayphoto is Seabiscuit. Brilliant writing brings this story and characters in it to life. Hillenbrand has few rivals for writing and storytelling talent. @Liberty

My three different fictional characters: Samwise (LOTR) Mr. Bingley (Pride and Prejudice), and Chance (Homeward Bound). Honorable mention to Marshall from How I Met Your Mother.

Tiger! Yeah, you know you're jealous. Also, Pottermore said mine was very uncommon and I'm unreasonably proud of that.

This is the second time j have started and bailed on this book. Maybe I should be less ambitious and just pick up the abridged version someday...

I love White Fang, COTW, and To Build a Fire. Interesting though how differently Jack London and Eowyn Ivey treat the same territory. Also, skipped the book and stole #thebookcorgi for this post. I feel he could keep up with Buck. Sorry, @kdwinchester !

When you run out of bookshelf space...

I can't be the only seriously bothered by the fact that this book is permanently maimed by the sheep, can I?

William Wilberforce was an incredibly inspirational individual.
Eric Metaxas is an incredibly poor historian and writer. I had high expectations for this book and was disappointed to find it was completely lacking in anything close to historical scholarship and was little more than the work of an over zealous fan boy.

Discovered this book in 5th grade and got most of my friends to read the series too. It struck me at the time as unusual in how early it introduced the main character. It was a style I imitated in young writings. Posting here for #FunFridayPhoto challenge. @Liberty

Claude gets so many nice things for Christmas, but when he meets a friend who has no family, what will he do? A great book for Christmas and cold weather. #FunFridayPhoto @Liberty

A quick read , but glad to have finally read this one (was really about time). Overall, I think the story suffers because Lewis kept it short and simple. More complexity would have been awesome, but also put it out of reach for his target audience. Still, have to appreciate an academic with an imagination! Also, if you've never used Hoopla, highly recommend it for audiobooks. Quick download to your smartphone.

When you're working from home and see this on the shelf.... Yeah, those emails can wait just a few minutes... "It's a magical day Hobbes ol' buddy. Let's go exploring."

I hate giving this book a "so-so" rating. I love the world building and the writing itself is brilliant. But the pacing is not well done. The book builds to the last 25% or so, with not enough characterization or action to make up for it. The games as described are fascinating, but I found myself wishing they were featured more and that there was more at stake. Eagerly anticipating the the next book, but just a bit disappointed with this one.

There is so much I could say about this book. Where it succeeded it was masterful. But there were obvious areas to improve. Still not sure about the heart wrenching end. This book succeeds more as a coming of age tale than a Native American story. Also, interested in opinions I which cover you like.

"From the mundane to the profound you may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them - and who knows what they might do because of it." One of the most unique and thoroughly crafted books I've ever read!

Starting the last one for the second time. And I'm already disappointed to almost be through the series again.

What if the events of the biblical Old Testament actually took place in Saudi Arabia, rather than Palestine? How could ambitious men use that to their advantage? And what if all the answers were in the hidden library of Alexandria? This isn't a superb book, but was entertaining. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have always loved the Western short story. Growing up in Northern California, I knew and visited many of the places in these works. Found this book in a used book store and it was a no-brainer to pick it up. If you've never read Harte, start with Luck of Roaring Camp or Outcasts of Poker Flat.

Thank you audible for making Monday at the office a little easier!