Salem's Lot

Y'all...
Should I do it?  Should I read two King books in a row?  Yes, he's my favorite author, but I have such a hard time reading his books back-to-back.  Remember the last time I tried that?  I went from reading It to reading The Stand.  And 2-years later and I was still reading The Stand...
But really, I'm currently waiting for 3 books to arrive that I ordered last week.  And I need to read something.  And I told my dad I was going to read his favorite King book, Salem's Lot.  So, I think I'm gonna take the plunge!

And of course, I'll keep you posted!

All my loving (and reading),
SGH

Pet Sematary

I love Stephen King and strive to aspire to the title of “constant reader”.  But alas, I haven’t read all of his books, (though I’ve read many!!), and don’t feel like I’m yet worthy of that honor.  However, I’ve read enough of his works to know that Pet Sematary is truly one of his best.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told to stay clear of this book.  I was told it is too disturbing, and that the terror and heartbreak it induces never really leaves.  And I’m a pretty sensitive 25-year-old woman.  (Which is probably why people were so concerned with me reading this book.)  But to be completely honest, this book did not have any sort of negative or scarring effect on me.  Was it disturbing?  Yes.  But not any more so than every other Stephen King book focused on a dark power.

I became engrossed in this book quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lead-up to the main climactic events.  The main character, Louis, is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever gotten to know in book-form.  King does a brilliant job of creating Louis in such a way, that almost anyone can feel his emotions and understand why he does what he does.  Which is just one of the reasons I find this to be one of King’s top 3 books (and trust me, that says a lot coming from me). 

And I think this book really has a way of resonating with anyone who reads it.  Because we’ve all lost people we’re close to.  And we’ve all had those moments where we so desperately think, “They can’t be gone!  How can they be gone?  I just saw them yesterday.”  And we all have those hopeful and fleeting experiences where we think we hear their bracelet dangling or their particular shuffling walk come through the door, only to be disappointed as we remember that they are gone, and that they will never come through the door again.  That’s why this book is so impactful.  It hits home with something we all have in common.  Loss, and the relentless pull our loved ones have in our hearts, even after they are gone.

I encourage everyone to read this book, regardless of whether or not you’re a parent, regardless of whether or not you’re sensitive, and regardless of whether or not you like Stephen King.  It’s a good and powerful book to have in your repertoire.  It really gets you thinking, and the good that comes from these deep thoughts is what stays with you after reading it.  Anything disturbing stays within the pages of the book when it’s closed.

And that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Love you muchly,
Sissy Golden Hair

Girls with Sharp Sticks Review

One thing I will say about this book is that you will never read another one like it.  I’ve read my fair share of dystopian novels and novels with women heroine.  But this one was worlds different from any other book, and for that, I have to give the author credit. 

That being said, I didn’t love this book, nor did I find it a page-turner.  It was simply an average book that filled my time.  I don’t see the content staying with me, I won’t recommend it to my family and friends, and will not be anticipating (or even reading) any sequel that might be released.   

Here are the aspects of the writing I struggled with:

·      The characters:  I share in the opinion of other reviewers in that I just did not connect with these characters.  It isn’t that I disliked them.  I just didn’t feel anything towards them.  While the author does take the time to develop her main characters, I just felt like there was an unexplainable disconnect.  I mean, I even had a hard time picturing what the characters looked like!  As I’d be reading, I’d suddenly realize I didn’t have a clear picture in my head of these characters.  It’s almost like the storyline swallows the characters, and the characters are secondary to everything else. 

·      The theme:  Now, I am a woman and I am for women.  I am 100% opposed to women being pushed down, mistreated, and undervalued.  I need to make that clear, because I don’t want anyone to think I didn’t like this book solely because my values are against what it preaches.  That isn’t the case.  But frankly, I felt like the (not-so) subliminal messages in this book completely took over and dominated the storyline.  I might have enjoyed the book more if I didn’t feel like I was being taught a lesson every few pages.  Again, I’m all for what this book stands for, but it was just too much of it for a 400-page book.

·      The pace:  Unlike other reviewers, I didn’t have trouble “getting in” to this book.  I found it interesting from the first few pages.  But I found that it just moved slowly, even to the end.  Yes, there are some big events that take place, with a big climatic scene right near the end.  But even in these moments, the book tends to drag on.  It’s not ever boring, but it wasn’t ever particularly exciting either.  It’s just kind of “meh”.

I love to read, and YA novels are my very favorite genre to read.  But there are hundreds of YA books that I would recommend reading before this one.  It’s not terrible and it’s not boring, but it just isn’t great either.  It isn’t life-changing or lasting.  But if you’re still itching to read it after this review, go for it!  It may just be your cup of tea!

All my love,
SGH

Five Years from Now Review

PAIGE TOON DOES IT AGAIN!  I have enjoyed almost every one of her novels (with the exception of Johnny Be Good… for whatever reason I didn’t connect with that one).  It all started with Lucy with in the Sky, and since then, I’ve been hooked.  But it’s been a few years since I picked up a Paige Toon book.  After all, they aren’t easy to come by in the U.S. of A.  But, OH. MY. GOSH.  This one did not disappoint, and was so, so, so good!  It hits you deep in the feels.  

I think what I love most about this author is that unlike other writers in the genre like Nicholas Sparks, her books are anything but predictable.  And that is such a breath of fresh air.  Yes, sometimes we need some predictability when we’re dealing with love.  And sometimes a Nicholas Sparks book is just what we need to get us through an agonizing weekend.  But I love how Paige Toon tells a story.  And dare I say this is her best story yet?  The ending was so sweet and tender, with all loose strings tied together. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.  I feel like I can’t say much more without spoiling anything.  So please, please, please treat yourself and order this book right now!  And then, draw a hot bath, sip on your favorite beverage, and enjoy.

All my loving,
Sissy Golden