Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
I actually first heard of this novel because of the upcoming movie. Now I consider myself a Harry Potter fan, but somehow missed the note about J.K. Rowling creating textbooks. So I was very confused as I started reading this book only to discover that there is no story. This is a textbook of monsters ("beasts" as Rowling calls them) in the wizarding world.
The introduction of the textbook reads a bit tedious - the definition of what exactly makes a beast is somewhat interesting. But when she gets into this Wizard Counsel or that Ministry of Magic decree, my eyes start to skip down the page (much like Ron Weasley I would imagine). But the definitions of the beasts themselves can be quite interesting. And if you take the time to read the end notes, you'll be surprised with some rather humorous tidbits. The so-called "add-ins" from Harry Potter himself are okay, but I would have preferred if added other notes besides "Hagrid does this" or "don't tell Hagrid that". Maybe a doodle here or there would have livened it up. But then, does Harry Potter doodle?
Overall I would recommend this book to any true die-hard Harry Potter fan. But as a literary junkie, skip it.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Why I'm Starting This Blog
I'm a reader. I love to read. I almost always have a book in hand, or nearby, no matter where I am. And I almost always get the question, "What are you reading now?" Because even if people see me on a weekly basis, I'm reading something different. So I decided to write this blog to start reviewing the books that I come across.
Now, a few things to know about the kind of books I read... because I am okay admitting that I'm a book snob. There are certain books that I won't touch with a ten foot pole. Like horror books. Nope, not going near those. I may dabble into the mystery section, but not usually. I like popular fiction, young adults, classical romance, memoirs, and sometimes an occasional historical fiction. I also lead a book club that will throw in a classic every six months or so. It often amazes me that I missed some amazing books along the way, or remember a favorite when I reread an oldie but a goodie.
Just to see if we're on the same page (see what I did there?) Here is a current list of my top five books in my favorite genres:
Classic Romance: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson - an amazing romantic classic that I read every summer.
Marianne Daventry is a unique character who is odd and silly, and doesn't see her true potential as a young lady finding romance. She is sent away from her sister and father after her mother's untimely death and lives unhappily with her grandmother. When she receives an invitation to a family friend's country home, Edenbrooke, she doesn't quite know the adventure she's about to start.
Young Adult: The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene - all John Greene books are amazing, but the smart writing and touching story makes it my favorite.
Hazel has cancer. But this isn't a cancer story. It's a love story. Hazel is a teenager living with (dying with?) terminal lung cancer. While in a cancer support group in the literal heart of Jesus, she meets August Waters. Gus is a recovering cancer kid, a walking metaphor, and the one thing Hazel wasn't expecting. An incredible story about love found and love lost, and the infinite possibilities in between.
Classic: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I recently reread this classic, and was reminded how brilliant and timeless this book is.
Scout lives with her brother and father, lawyer Atticus Finch, in rural Alabama during the 1930s. Issues of race, education, and social justice are weaved throughout this masterpiece as Scout attends school, listens to her father in court, and learns more about her neighbors.
Memoirs: Bossypants by Tina Fey - I like to say I'm the cable version of Tina Fey.
Tina Fey never discusses her scar, but does briefly mention it in her memoir. She also talks about her introduction to the theater, her early improv career in Chicago, and her big TV break on SNL. She is smart and funny and one day we will be best friends.
Popular Fiction: The Martian by Andy Weir - amazing book that actually made me interested in science!
Mark Watney is deserted on Mars. That's not a spoiler alert, it's the entire plot of the novel. How he is left there and how he plans to contact NASA so he can get home is an amazing story that will keep you reading into all hours of the night.
Now, a few things to know about the kind of books I read... because I am okay admitting that I'm a book snob. There are certain books that I won't touch with a ten foot pole. Like horror books. Nope, not going near those. I may dabble into the mystery section, but not usually. I like popular fiction, young adults, classical romance, memoirs, and sometimes an occasional historical fiction. I also lead a book club that will throw in a classic every six months or so. It often amazes me that I missed some amazing books along the way, or remember a favorite when I reread an oldie but a goodie.
Just to see if we're on the same page (see what I did there?) Here is a current list of my top five books in my favorite genres:
Classic Romance: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson - an amazing romantic classic that I read every summer.
Marianne Daventry is a unique character who is odd and silly, and doesn't see her true potential as a young lady finding romance. She is sent away from her sister and father after her mother's untimely death and lives unhappily with her grandmother. When she receives an invitation to a family friend's country home, Edenbrooke, she doesn't quite know the adventure she's about to start.
Young Adult: The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene - all John Greene books are amazing, but the smart writing and touching story makes it my favorite.
Hazel has cancer. But this isn't a cancer story. It's a love story. Hazel is a teenager living with (dying with?) terminal lung cancer. While in a cancer support group in the literal heart of Jesus, she meets August Waters. Gus is a recovering cancer kid, a walking metaphor, and the one thing Hazel wasn't expecting. An incredible story about love found and love lost, and the infinite possibilities in between.
Classic: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I recently reread this classic, and was reminded how brilliant and timeless this book is.
Scout lives with her brother and father, lawyer Atticus Finch, in rural Alabama during the 1930s. Issues of race, education, and social justice are weaved throughout this masterpiece as Scout attends school, listens to her father in court, and learns more about her neighbors.
Memoirs: Bossypants by Tina Fey - I like to say I'm the cable version of Tina Fey.
Tina Fey never discusses her scar, but does briefly mention it in her memoir. She also talks about her introduction to the theater, her early improv career in Chicago, and her big TV break on SNL. She is smart and funny and one day we will be best friends.
Popular Fiction: The Martian by Andy Weir - amazing book that actually made me interested in science!
Mark Watney is deserted on Mars. That's not a spoiler alert, it's the entire plot of the novel. How he is left there and how he plans to contact NASA so he can get home is an amazing story that will keep you reading into all hours of the night.
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