Adrian Puig Puig itibaren Texas
3.5 stars. I won an ARC through goodreads. Moonlight on Linoleum is the memoir of Terry, a girl growing up in the 50's and 60's with her many sisters and her eccentric mother. Throughout the story Terry grows up into a young woman, ultimately finding independence from her mother. Since the mother was often estranged, Terry typically ran the household and took care of her many sisters, all while trying to live a normal life outside the home. The book is certainly emotional, and the happy times are almost nonexistent, so some readers may be detracted from the story for that reason. It does a good job of maintaining its composure though, so even though Terry's situation is highly unfortunate, the reading never feels too heavy or depressing. Sometimes the situations surrounding the mother become comical due to their absurdity though, and that probably wasn't the author's intention; those moments are rare though. The writing is simple and doesn't try for profound or flowery prose, it just conveys the story in an easy-to-read way. The length of the book feels just right also; I never felt like I had to force myself to finish it, and on a whole the book is easy to enjoy. If the plot seems interesting and you'd like a day in the life during the 50's and 60's, give this a try.
This book is one hell of a wild steampunk-fantasy romp. Set in a rich, detailed, unique world, almost overwhelming in scope. A great world-building set up for a series. It's intense, violent, philosophical and surprising. Intricately plotted and charactered. One of the best steampunk adventures I've ever read. Satisfying and original. (Exactly what I needed after reading the laborious and excruciating Witch of Cologne.) A plethora of diverse characters: sentient steammen, crab-people, aeronauts, tragic monarchs, leyline-users called 'worldsingers', ancient gods, and mutant soldiers. Main characters are compelling and lovable. Molly Templar, a poorhouse orphan with an affinity for machines, is hunted by an assassin for the price on her head. Oliver Brooks, another orphan, cursed by the 'feymist' and haunted by a fey in his dreams, is framed for the murder of his uncle and goes on the lam with a rogue agent named Harry Stave. I don't know. I loved it. I'll right more later.
Book #32 of 2012 I have been meaning to read this book forever. I absolutely LOVE the movie. And actually, I think I slightly prefer the movie. There was a lot of setup to this novel, and then the ending (from about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way through) passed by rather quickly. The "adventures" were mentioned, but only in passing. And I realize that not everything can be written down or the book would be huge, but it kind of felt like the beginning 1/2 was very very detailed and the second half hardly at all. Another observation... It felt like it was taking a long time to read, but then, all of the sudden, I was done. And then the ending... I prefer the movie's version, which is ever so slightly more happily ever after. The book was probably more realistic - if you can call fantasy realistic at all, but still. Overall though, I enjoyed the book.
The Chinese Cinderella is an absolutely fantastic read. I remember reading this book during my year 5 class, and relating our literacy work in class towards the contents of the book. We had to write letters as Yen Jun-ling who is the main character and the 'Chinese Cinderella'. This book makes you feel like your in the hussle and bussle of China, and more in the chapters that focus on Shanghai. It also relates back to the civil war and gives fascinating snap shots of each family member's behavior towards Yen Jun-ling. It also gives a key focus on Yen Jun-ling's neglect from her family and her constant battle of winning her dad's attention. An excellent read and recommended.