jmli
Calgary Public Library
jmli's Completed Shelf
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Added Jun 15, 2020
MacArthur's WarMacArthur's War, BookThe Flawed Genius Who Challenged the American Political System
by Alexander, BevinBook - 2013Book, 2013
jmli's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2019
The Princess Saves Herself in This OneThe Princess Saves Herself in This One, Book
by Lovelace, AmandaBook - 2017Book, 2017
jmli's rating:
Added Jul 21, 2019
jmli's rating:
Added Jul 21, 2019
Comment:
After reading "milk and honey", I decided to give Rupi Kaur another chance with this one. There were some things I liked about "the sun and her flowers", but overall, it was a letdown. I really disliked the author's "style" (if I can even call it a "style"). The random spacing is absolutely meaningless and serves no purpose in enhancing the poetry. Many of the "poems" consist of sentences that just run on with random spacing. Also, it is such a waste of paper, with only one line on some pages. Rupi Kaur takes several ideas from "milk and honey", and some lines were literally copied and pasted into "the sun and her flowers".After reading "milk and honey", I decided to give Rupi Kaur another chance with this one. There were some things I liked about "the sun and her flowers", but overall, it was a letdown. I really disliked the author's "style" (if I can even call it a…
Quotations
- i can still see our constructions hats lying exactly where we left them pylons unsure of what to guard bulldozers gazing out for our return the planks of wood stiff in their boxes yearning to be nailed up but neither of us goes back to tell them it is over in time the bricks will grow tired of waiting and crumble the cranes will droop their necks in sorrow the shovels will rust do you think flowers will grow here when you and i are off building something new with someone elsei can still see our constructions hats lying exactly where we left them pylons unsure of what to guard bulldozers gazing out for our return the planks of wood stiff in their boxes yearning to be nailed up but neither of us goes back to tell them it…
- the dandelions on the lawn are rolling their eyes in disappointment the grass has declared you yesterday's news
- you ask if we can still be friends i explain how a honeybee does not dream of kissing the mouth of a flower and then settle for its leaves
- i think i just wanted something was ready to give myself to something i believed was bigger than myself and when i saw someone who could probably fit the part i made it very much my intention to make him my counterpart
- you break women in like shoes
Suitability
Ages 14
Poisoned ApplesPoisoned Apples, BookPoems for You, My Pretty
by Heppermann, ChristineBook - 2014Book, 2014
jmli's rating:
Added Jul 17, 2019
Added Jul 07, 2019
In the Time of the AmericansIn the Time of the Americans, BookFDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Marshall, MacArthur--the Generation That Changed America's Role in the World
by Fromkin, DavidBook - 1995Book, 1995
jmli's rating:
Added Jul 07, 2019
jmli's rating:
Added Oct 06, 2018
jmli's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2018
jmli's rating:
Added Jun 30, 2018
Comment:
DNF at 25%
For me, the world building was far too abstract and not very captivating. Too much description.
jmli's rating:
Added Jun 25, 2018
Comment:
4.25 Stars
Very, very, very well-written. This book makes you feel a plethora of emotions. I was so touched and experienced annoyance, disappointment, shock, etc. at the same time.
The Woman in the Window is a rollercoaster. There are plenty of twists and turns at every corner in the story, and I was always on the edge of my seat. Also, the ending is so creepy and messed up.4.25 Stars
Very, very, very well-written. This book makes you feel a plethora of emotions. I was so touched and experienced annoyance, disappointment, shock, etc. at the same time.
The Woman in the Window is a rollercoaster. There are plenty…
jmli's rating:
Added Jan 28, 2018
Comment:
I am honestly so torn. I hated this book, but I also loved it at the same time.
What stuck out most to me is that The Handmaid's Tale is so moving, elegant yet subtle, and so relatable on a certain level. At the same time, Offred is SO real that it's haunting. And that's probably why I'm also terrified as an individual. This is the first book I've read that's really addressed all the sides to a human being. I truly connected with its message, and I am hoping to dive into some kind of follow-up.
Final, few minor problems I had were the world-building and quotation marks. Sometimes, Atwood employs the use of quotation marks and sometimes, she just doesn't. I'm not sure if there's a reason, or if she just felt like it. Also, there is so much information regarding the society, but I was so curious, and I think there could've been more detail.
At the same time, the transition between different time periods is difficult. I couldn't quite place my finger on whether or not the event occurring was a flashback or currently taking place.
If you've seen other ratings, you'll know that The Handmaid's Tale ends on a rather open note, but I think it was pretty fulfilling and satisfying. It really depends on personal opinion, but it shouldn't be something that stops a reader from approaching this novel. It's worth it.
Looking back at my 3-star rating, I think 4 to 4.5 would better fit how I really feel. But I guess this approximation is a better illustration of the complexity of The Handmaid's Tale and its true meaning.I am honestly so torn. I hated this book, but I also loved it at the same time.
What stuck out most to me is that The Handmaid's Tale is so moving, elegant yet subtle, and so relatable on a certain level. At the same time, Offred is SO real that…
Quotations
- Ordinary, said Aunt Lydia, is what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.
- We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.
- What he's telling us, his level smile implies, is for our own good. Everything will be all right soon. I promise. There will be peace. You must trust. You must go to sleep, like good children.
- It is the hardest for you. We know the sacrifices you are being expected to make. It is hard when men revile you. For the ones who come after you, it will be easier. They will accept their duties with willing hearts. She did not say: Because they will have no memories, of any other way. She said: Because they won't want things they can't have.It is the hardest for you. We know the sacrifices you are being expected to make. It is hard when men revile you. For the ones who come after you, it will be easier. They will accept their duties with willing hearts. She did not say: Because they…
- There can be alliances even in such places, even under such circumstances. This is something you can depend upon: there will always be alliances of one kind of another.
- As long as we do this, butter our skin to keep it soft, we can believe that we will some day get out, that we will be touched again, in love or desire. We have ceremonies of our own, private ones.
Suitability
Ages 14
Sophocles' Oedipus RexSophocles' Oedipus Rex, Unknown
Unknown - 1988Unknown, 1988
jmli's rating:
Added Jan 05, 2018
Comment:
A classic.
jmli's rating:
Added Jan 05, 2018
Comment:
DNF @ pg. 38
I somewhat like the writing, but right now, it's just not the book for me. I'll probably come back to this.
Quotations
- Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the…
jmli's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2017
Comment:
This play is pretty inspiring, I gotta say. Shakespeare's works are really beyond his time, and I must admit that he's done this pretty well.
There are some nitpicky things I did not like here and there, but it was definitely interesting.
Quotations
- "Et tu, Bruté? — Then fall Caesar." - Julius Caesar
Summary:
Shakespeare's play delivers a fictionalized version of Julius Caesar's assassination and the events following after the murder in regards to the conspirators.
Suitability
Ages 14
Contains Violence
jmli's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2017
Comment:
I know some people hate this book because of Scout's narration, but I actually thought it was pretty smart to set her as the narrator.
The characters are alright in general; there were some figures I could not necessarily believe in, but they all had their own personalities and identities within the book (maybe except the missionary ladies).
It may not have been incredibly realistic, but I think that's just Scout and how she perceives things. In my opinion, I think Harper Lee had set this up for the readers to understand the trial and the events in their own ways.
One thing I did not feel so great about is how the trial was kind of insignificant in the book. I was not immediately interested or connected to Tom Robinson's case, but I found a lot of the symbolism to be meaningful and intriguing. Saying this, I was no longer sure if the novel was about racism and Robinson or about outcasts and innocent people. The symbolism was a little too much at times too. I wanted a little bit more focus, but I don't feel that Lee gave us enough of that.
However, I did find the book interesting. The language is well-developed, and the short chapters are easy to get through. Boo's story was very touching for me, but at the same time, it was not really relatable.I know some people hate this book because of Scout's narration, but I actually thought it was pretty smart to set her as the narrator.
The characters are alright in general; there were some figures I could not necessarily believe in, but they…
Quotations
- "Will you take me home?" - Boo Radley
Suitability
Ages 12
jmli's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2017
Comment:
Before I go into my review, I'll warn you that I did not finish this book. I read it up to page 32, and I honestly don't know if I should even be rating this book right now. But, you know what? The writing itself is worth one star.
The sentence structure is very annoying, and the constant word repetition is thrown at you. Like, THROWN at you. I could not stand it.
The beginning is super confusing and not necessarily because it's interesting. For example, the short quotes and "dialogue" make it extremely redundant, boring, and meaningless. I felt like I was actually wasting my time.
The fact that most of this story was made up is just a whole other problem. I didn't even know about this while reading, and now that I've learned about this, I feel truly disappointed that an author would label a fictitious story as his memoir.
This review might have just been from a moody phase in my life, but I just don't have the patience to complete it. Also, I don't want to be reading about vomiting, pills, and addiction for, like, 2 hours. So, just don't trust me.Before I go into my review, I'll warn you that I did not finish this book. I read it up to page 32, and I honestly don't know if I should even be rating this book right now. But, you know what? The writing itself is worth one star.
The sentence…
Quotations
- "The Young Man came to the Old Man seeking counsel. I broke something, Old Man. How badly is it broken? It's in a million little pieces. I'm afraid I can't help you. Why? There's nothing you can do. Why? It can't be fixed. Why? It's broken beyond repair. It's in a million little pieces." (This intro couldn't be any more cliché lol)"The Young Man came to the Old Man seeking counsel. I broke something, Old Man. How badly is it broken? It's in a million little pieces. I'm afraid I can't help you. Why? There's nothing you can do. Why? It can't be fixed. Why? It's broken beyond…
Leadership and Self-deceptionLeadership and Self-deception, UnknownGetting Out of the Box
Unknown - 2010Unknown, 2010
jmli's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2017
Comment:
The fiction part of this book was not so great. The story isn't written very well, and it certainly wasn't captivating enough. However, the ideas are nicely-presented, and it made me think a bit.
Summary:
Informative book regarding how to treat and see others as "people" moreso than "objects".
Suitability
Ages 13
jmli's rating:
Added Sep 16, 2017
Comment:
Overall, there's not much to say about this book. It was alright and gave me inspiration, but honestly, it's more like a collection of pages to take pictures of and post on Tumblr. Also, it wastes a load of paper (can't some of them be a little longer?), and I don't get the structure. Do random spaces make poetry? It actually made the poems harder to comprehend for me, and I wasn't a big fan of it. I did like the ideas and drawings though in general.Overall, there's not much to say about this book. It was alright and gave me inspiration, but honestly, it's more like a collection of pages to take pictures of and post on Tumblr. Also, it wastes a load of paper (can't some of them be a little…
Suitability
Ages 14
jmli's rating:
Added Sep 02, 2017
Comment:
What a ride! The Rose Society did not let me down. I loved almost everything about it, and the legacy of the Elites continues.
The world building is awesome, as usual, and the new characters fit into the story fairly well. I was particularly captivated by Magiano and his carefree personality.
To be honest, I didn't think I'd like him coming between Enzo and Adelina, but now, I'm really shipping them. I find that Enzo and Adelina have this fiery, passionate kind of love while Magiano is the light at the end of the tunnel. His love is what can truly rescue the White Wolf from the darkness.
You can feel Adelina's alignments throughout the entire book. The descriptions are provided in perfect amounts, and the emotions are all so overwhelming. She wants so desperately to be forgiven by the Daggers but is so easily discouraged and angered when people give her the slightest levels of doubt. Deep inside though, Adelina holds the most fear and fury. She's vulnerable and refuses to ever show it. I just couldn't hate her.
Once again, this book really toyed with my mind. It made me question what was right and wrong, good and bad.
The one thing that bothered me was how powerful the Rose Society is. This was an issue in the first book too, and I mean, I get it, but it felt somewhat unfair. I really enjoy reading about them, yet it shows a degree of favoritism to the Roses.
Anyway, I'm ready for the third book and definitely looking forward to the finale.What a ride! The Rose Society did not let me down. I loved almost everything about it, and the legacy of the Elites continues.
The world building is awesome, as usual, and the new characters fit into the story fairly well. I was particularly…
Quotations
- I pledge myself to the Rose Society, Until the end of my days. To use my eyes to see all that happens, My tongue to woo others to our side, My ears to hear every secret, My hands To crush my enemies. I will do everything in my power to destroy all who stand in my way.I pledge myself to the Rose Society, Until the end of my days. To use my eyes to see all that happens, My tongue to woo others to our side, My ears to hear every secret, My hands To crush my enemies. I will do everything in my power to destroy all…
- Enzo inherited a throne. Giulietta relied on her royal blood. Queen Maeve rules Beldain because she was born to it. But true rulers are not born. We are made.
- The world's deadliest mercenaries choose to serve you, the whispers say, because they have yet to meet me.
- Someday, when I am nothing but dust and wind, what tale will they tell about me? Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
- "You are powerful, mi Adelinetta," she says, "but you have all the charisma of a burnt potato pudding." "I like burnt potato pudding. It's smoky."
Summary:
Adelina creates her own society of Elites to capture the throne.
Suitability
Ages 13
Contains Violence, Sexual content
The Game of Love and DeathThe Game of Love and Death, Book
by Brockenbrough, MarthaBook - 2015Book, 2015
jmli's rating:
Added Aug 28, 2017
Comment:
DNF at page 67; skimmed last few pages
I was really interested in the premise when I first picked up The Game of Love and Death. I've never encountered a storyline like this and was hooked by the summary.
But then, there were just SO many tiny things that built up my annoyance towards the book. I just couldn't stand it, and everything was getting overwhelmingly BORING. However, I did appreciate the historical info on music and planes.
I was hoping I'd hold on until the romance, but I just couldn't. Nothing happened for me, and The Game of Love and Death probably won't stick with me.DNF at page 67; skimmed last few pages
I was really interested in the premise when I first picked up The Game of Love and Death. I've never encountered a storyline like this and was hooked by the summary.
But then, there were just SO many tiny…
Quotations
- Though he couldn't imagine where he'd seen her before, he felt as if he knew her the way he knew the sound of a low D.
Summary:
Two immortals play a game where their mortal players must fall in love or one of them must die.
Suitability
Ages 12
jmli's rating:
Added Aug 25, 2017
Comment:
Before I begin this review, I'd just like to say that I am so impressed.
The high-tech setting is so intense, and I've never read anything quite like it. Lam has an amazing skill for world-building, and I was hooked in on the very first page.
The mystery is something I really loved. Twists and turns along the way keep the reader on the very edge of their seat, and I was falling head over heels for it.
The pacing of the plot is commendable, and eventually, I just slipped right into the rhythm of the events. It's easy to keep up with but also keeps you on your tippy-toes.
The writing nicely complements the book, and I found it enjoyable if not somewhat creepy at times.
Despite the fact that the plot is constantly thickening with more and more secrets, False Hearts makes sense. It explains itself. The theories are understandable and rather logical, not just randomly thrown in.
Speaking of randomly thrown in, I'd imagined that Taema and Tila being conjoined twins was just going to be a lame addition to the book. You know, to build interest/hype. I couldn't be more wrong about that.
These twin sisters are connected on such a deep level, and I was completely drawn in by their overwhelming emotions of fear and love. Saying this, I do wish we saw more of Tila since most of the book is focused on Taema's mission to save her.Before I begin this review, I'd just like to say that I am so impressed.
The high-tech setting is so intense, and I've never read anything quite like it. Lam has an amazing skill for world-building, and I was hooked in on the very first page.
The…
Quotations
- We always find our way to each other. The first thing I did when I woke up from the surgery was find my other half. This time, Taema will find her way back to me.
Summary:
In a futuristic world of technology and shared dreams, Taema must clear her twin's name by going undercover.
Suitability
Ages 14
Contains Coarse language, Violence, Sexual content, Frightening or intense scenes
Added Aug 25, 2017
Added Aug 25, 2017
jmli's rating:
Added Aug 18, 2017
Comment:
*sigh* Another book I'm in the minority for.
We Are Okay was just okay for me.
First of all, I didn't feel anything for it. The emotions were too subtle and downplayed for me to connect with Marin.
I get that this book is not at all a plot-driven book, but come on. I wasn't interested in the first third of the book. The events described didn't sound like a big deal, and it all felt exaggerated. It wasn't relatable in any way, and there was no connection between me and the story itself.
I did like the romance portion, but it also took up a lot of time that could've been used on the relationship between Marin and Gramps.
For a book meant to initiate concern and sympathy, We Are Okay performs pretty poorly (at least for me). I know that people admire the beautiful writing (I, myself, am in love with the cover), but that just doesn't do it. It's not enough. I didn't like or dislike the characters—they were all flat—and in my eyes, Marin was just complaining half the time. I get that she was having a bad time, but there was nothing I noticeably liked about her.
The twist is alright, but it just didn't feel realistic enough. The fact that Marin has never been in her grandpa's room is totally questionable too. For a temporary moment, I thought he was abusive or something since she seemed frightened just thinking about it.
In the end, I think I'm just really disappointed that I couldn't feel for the main characters.*sigh* Another book I'm in the minority for.
We Are Okay was just okay for me.
First of all, I didn't feel anything for it. The emotions were too subtle and downplayed for me to connect with Marin.
I get that this book is not at all a…
Quotations
- Surprisingly enough, this was the most relatable and enjoyable line for me in the book. It was honestly disappointing. "The panties had a picture of the mascot across the butt. They were fun, even if only I would ever see them."
Summary:
Girl runs away after uncovering a dark family secret
Suitability
Ages 13
Contains Sexual content
Comment: