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under_the_silk_treeI am so glad it is Friday and can look forward to what will hopefully be a nice relaxing weekend. I just have to get through the rest of today. This week I have been trying to find a job where I can work from home, full or part time, although full time would be ideal. I would also need it to be quasi-flexible because I am caring for several family members and have to take others to appointments and ferry them around. I don't mind doing that and even enjoy getting to spend time with them, but I would also like to earn some more money than I am currently making. IDK I am not the best at applying or interviewing but I am getting ahead of myself I have to find a job I actually want to apply for before I worry about that.
This week I read: 1 history, 1 horror, and 2 YA fantasies:
The Birds and Us by Tim Birkhead
I loved this book. I have always loved birds and history, so this book felt especially tailored to my interests. The author is a world-renowned ornithologist who put a lot of time and research into this book. I love the way he linearly structured the story to bring you along on a journey through our shared history with birds. It goes from Neolithic times to the worshiping of birds in Egypt, the Renaissance, and through the ages to the modern-day study and conservation of birds. I enjoyed the way he showed not only human's history with birds but also how our perceptions of them changed over the years. All in all, a great book and very well written!
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.
The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory. ~Goodreads Description
This was such an interesting story. I loved the way it unfolded slowly revealing to the reader what was going on with Adelaide and her family. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I did find the journey Adelaide goes on both literally, to Montana, and figuratively, to acceptance, was a well-written one. I liked the fact that Adelaide soon found other women who were outside of society like she was and how they came together to support each other. My one criticism would probably be that sometimes the writing felt disjointed, but other than that I quite enjoyed this story.
Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart... ~Goodreads Description
How has your week been so far?
This week I read: 1 history, 1 horror, and 2 YA fantasies:
The Birds and Us by Tim Birkhead
I loved this book. I have always loved birds and history, so this book felt especially tailored to my interests. The author is a world-renowned ornithologist who put a lot of time and research into this book. I love the way he linearly structured the story to bring you along on a journey through our shared history with birds. It goes from Neolithic times to the worshiping of birds in Egypt, the Renaissance, and through the ages to the modern-day study and conservation of birds. I enjoyed the way he showed not only human's history with birds but also how our perceptions of them changed over the years. All in all, a great book and very well written!
(Warnings for descriptions of animal abuse.)
Lone Women by Victor Lavalle
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.
The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory. ~Goodreads Description
This was such an interesting story. I loved the way it unfolded slowly revealing to the reader what was going on with Adelaide and her family. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I did find the journey Adelaide goes on both literally, to Montana, and figuratively, to acceptance, was a well-written one. I liked the fact that Adelaide soon found other women who were outside of society like she was and how they came together to support each other. My one criticism would probably be that sometimes the writing felt disjointed, but other than that I quite enjoyed this story.
Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira, where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive--an injured spy who threatens to steal her heart... ~Goodreads Description
I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved the two main characters Jasminda and Jack both individually and, in their relationship, together they were so compelling and well-written. I loved the magic system of the Earthsingers and the worldbuilding in general. The plot was fast-paced and very intriguing. I especially loved the journey Jasminda and Jack go on as they grow into their new roles while having to deal with the prejudice of the people around them. I can't wait to read more in this series!
(Warning for attempted rape)
The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud
This was a great sequel to the first book The Screaming Staircase. Lucy, Lockwood, and George are back in fine form as they try to ride their success from the first book into more clients and more respect from other agencies. They are only partially successful, but they do end up on a task force trying to locate a missing bone mirror, which kills all who look within. I am enjoying this series not only for the way Stroud writes the paranormal aspect, which is awesome, but also for how he writes the friendship between the three main characters. They have a found family vibe which I love. I was very entertained by the plot plus the hints of a larger conspiracy make me want to immediately start the next book. All in all, a great book! (Plus, I just watched the first episode of the new Netflix show based on this series and I really enjoyed it. So far it seems to be following the books and I can't wait to finish the series.)
Reading Challenges 2023:
Mount TBR: Song of Blood & Stone
Cloak & Dagger Challenge: The Whispering Skull
50 State Challenge: Doctor Who: Drift (New Hampshire)
Read the Quote 2021: Birds and Us, Lone Women, The Whispering Skull, Song of Blood & Stone
(Warning for attempted rape)
The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud
This was a great sequel to the first book The Screaming Staircase. Lucy, Lockwood, and George are back in fine form as they try to ride their success from the first book into more clients and more respect from other agencies. They are only partially successful, but they do end up on a task force trying to locate a missing bone mirror, which kills all who look within. I am enjoying this series not only for the way Stroud writes the paranormal aspect, which is awesome, but also for how he writes the friendship between the three main characters. They have a found family vibe which I love. I was very entertained by the plot plus the hints of a larger conspiracy make me want to immediately start the next book. All in all, a great book! (Plus, I just watched the first episode of the new Netflix show based on this series and I really enjoyed it. So far it seems to be following the books and I can't wait to finish the series.)
Reading Challenges 2023:
Mount TBR: Song of Blood & Stone
Cloak & Dagger Challenge: The Whispering Skull
50 State Challenge: Doctor Who: Drift (New Hampshire)
Read the Quote 2021: Birds and Us, Lone Women, The Whispering Skull, Song of Blood & Stone
How has your week been so far?
no subject
Date: 2023-04-22 01:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:08 am (UTC)Thank you. job hunting is truly the worst. First, you have to find a job and then they want you to interact with someone and talk about yourself. Horrible. :D
no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 04:50 pm (UTC)I'll send you a message. :)
no subject
Date: 2023-04-22 04:29 am (UTC)thanks for reminding me of Stroud's series. I went and dug up book four, loving it
no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:09 am (UTC)No problem! I am enjoying the series and the tv show.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-04-22 10:19 am (UTC)I love that icon, very appropriate for that first book :D
no subject
Date: 2023-04-24 02:15 am (UTC)Its one of my favorites. I got it off of LJ years ago from cifan70.