Foundation (Isaac Asimov)

Welcome back everyone! I'm continuing the journey through the beginning of science fiction as a genre and I have now entered the 'Golden Age' - so I learned in class. This age of science fiction is strongly recognized due to the work of Isaac Asimov, published in 1951.

Foundation is actually a series of books; however, with the time frame of my English course, we only read the first one. The novel takes place over hundreds of thousands of years in the Galaxy. The story begins in what time period with a psychohistorian by the name of Hari Seldon, a man who creates the Foundation - an organization thought to be creating an encyclopedia of the Empire's knowledge. However, as the universe becomes shaky, the truth is revealed for the Foundation's true purpose. Seldon predicted a series of crises and created the Foundation to reduce the impact as they arise. Though the Foundation faces many challenges, and tries to think on their own, their fate appears sealed by the predictions of one man. Does the Foundation complete it's mission, or will the resistance of the Empire stop them from creating something new?

The synopsis you just read was actually quite difficult to formulate because the story is quite confusing when you read it. The book itself is split into 5 parts, each in a unique time period and each with a different set of characters; you have to adapt quite quickly with each part of the novel. The characters within each part of the story are all very similar in the sense that they try to complete the same task and try to think how Seldon would have predicted them too. But you can also think of the civilizations - the Foundation, Empire, and four Kingdoms - to be macro-characters themselves. The book is very multi-leveled in the sense that you can gain different meaning and symbolism, depending on how deep you look into it.

I knew I wanted to share this book with you because it's a classic and quite defining for the genre of science fiction. The novel is extremely dated, since it came out in 1951, so the language can feel aged. But there's this unknown thing that keeps your attention grasped when you let the book do so; it just pulls you in. Of course, since this was for my English class, I did have to analyze it in the form of an essay. One of the main themes I pulled from it was how technology is a tool that, if developed enough, can create a forward moving society. Also, people approach technology different depending on how knowledgeable they are of it; they either view it with fear or wonder.

Overall I would rate Foundation 3.5/5 because (as with Wells) you have to give credit Asimov credit for creating a new age of science fiction. He also created the concept of psychohistory, which is pretty incredible. But, the story has aged quite visibly and a lot of times I didn't know what was going on.

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this story or with a suggestion of another book I should read & review!

Check out all of the associated pages:
TUMBLR
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK

This or That (Book Tag)

Hello everyone!

Since my reviews are going to be further apart, due to lack of spare reading time, I decided to fill the void with some book tags and questions. 

I saw Sarah from ReadingMyDayAway do this tag and thought it looked fun :)

So on with the questions!

____________________________________________________

Audio or book in hand?

I am most definitely a 'book in hand' kind of person! Nothing beats the feel of the pages between your fingers.

Soft cover or hardback?

I like soft cover when traveling because it doesn't make my bag as heavy, but I do love a hardback book because I love the weight of a book in your hands when reading.

Fiction or nonfiction?

I typically only read fiction novels; if it is nonfiction, it's likely a textbook for school.

Fantasy or real life issues?

I like both. I know that's not how this tag works, but I like both!

Harry Potter or Twilight?

Harry Potter until the very end. Always.

Kindle, iPad, or other?

I don't own any sort of e-reader so it doesn't really apply. I would just have to answer Macbook because occasionally I'll read a PDF version.

Borrow or buy?

I mostly just borrow from the library because my student budget doesn't have the cash to build my own collection... yet! I want to have a bookshelf filled with my favourites one day.

Bookstore or online?

I like traveling to the bookstore and standing there in awe of all the incredible work that people have created. Though the last time I bought a book it was online...I needed it in a hurry for school.

Tell me once or total trilogy?

If the story is good enough... I like a trilogy. But recently I've been trying to move away from series and read 'tell me once' kind of novels; less commitment!

Monster read or short and sweet?

Depending on my schedule, I like a monster read. I love becoming invested in characters, their world, and their story.

Starry eyed romance or action packed?

Why not both? But if I had to pick, I'd prefer action packed because sometimes romance novels just remind me just how single I actually am!   

  Curl up in bed or bathe in the sun?

Curl up in bed! Nothing beats pj's, blankets, and a tea!

Hot chocolate or latte?

Hot chocolate because I don't drink coffee.

Read the review or decide for yourself?

Decide for myself - that's the whole point of this blog! I don't want to agree with everyone else. I want to create my own opinion of a story.

____________________________________________________

And with that last question, thank you for reading this book tag! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit more! 

Until next time,

Happy Reading Bookworms 

Update #5

Hello again everyone! 

I just wanted to write this very brief update post to give you a sense of what's going on with this blog and also to talk about a new and exciting thing.

POSTING SCHEDULE

For the rest of this term (until end of April), my posting schedule is most definitely not going to be bi-weekly. I will try my best to post every 3 weeks, but it will likely be one post per month. Sorry for the slow down, but school comes first!

TWITTER

This blog now has a Twitter page! 

I want to use the new account to try and interact more with you guys. In addition to posting when a new review is out, I will be sharing updates about what I'm reading or what I hope to read. Furthermore, I plan to post book quotes from whatever it is I'm reading at the time that I think is cute, funny, or inspirational. Just little bits here and there to fill the void :)

So there we go! You are now up to speed with everything going on!

Of course, I there is still the Tumblr page and the Facebook page that will also give you updates to when the new reviews are posted, so don't forget to give those a follow and a like. 

Until next time,

Happy Reading Bookworms

The War of the Worlds (H.G. Wells)

Time flies so quickly, doesn't it? I was hoping 2016 would show a continuation of the consistent posting that I had achieved towards the end of 2015. But sadly it did not and I'm sorry about that. It's so easy to forget how much time University actually takes up after being off and working for 4 months. Now that I am back in school, I guess that means I can't continue to expect my reviews to be posted bi-weekly. Saying that, however, I am taking that English course I mentioned and I have finished two of the books; one of which I am going to talk about in this review!

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. That's a pretty well-known and classic title in the world of science fiction. This novel is, as I learned in my course, the father of the genre; it is the first footprint made in a now wide-spread and fast-selling family of books. The War of the Worlds is a story of aliens vs. humans in an uneven battle of technology and lifestyle. As human beings, we see ourselves as advanced and merciful creatures; however, in the face of extraterrestrial beings, we are fearful and under equipped. The novel follows the journey of one man and his brother, experiencing the same terrors of alien threat but in different places in Europe. The aliens, mechanical creatures that reflect the image of a tripod, have unimaginable technologies that allow their domination over humanity. But these aliens are defeated by something they could not foresee and something the humans will forever be thankful for: microbiology.

I'm expecting quite a few people reading this to have either done one of the following: read the novel or watched the Tom Cruise movie. If you've done both, you'll know there is some disconnect between the two, so I shall leave the movie out of my review.

The War of the Worlds was originally published in 1898, so it's safe to say the literature and writing-style has aged considerably; but the story itself holds quite well. Being over 100 years old, the cultural context plays a significant role in the characters presented to the reader. H.G. Wells used archetypal writing to reflect his opinions and the world around him. For example, the Curate represented how the church and religious figures would react in the event of an invasion; the artilleryman represented the army and how they would react; his brother represented science and how their stable or open minds would give them an edge during invasion. H.G Wells was not only a science fiction writer, but he was an incredible executor of literary devices. I understand why Wells is so respected in the genre; he dreamed up these intelligent creatures and the concept of flying spacecraft. He had an imaginative mind.

The Many Covers of WOTW - http://drzeus.best.vwh.net/wotw/wotw.html

 

Stepping back from the analysis of Wells' writing, and his pure genius of genre creation, my overall opinion of the book is less idealistic. Though the concept of aliens vs. humans was new in 1898, the idea in our present day society is old and overindulged. As a reader of many science fiction books, it was as though I'd read the story already; of course that isn't Wells' fault. I just wish the story was timeless. If I were to also push this aside, I'm still left with the dry literature and the lack of character presence. Since the writing used archetypal characters, you don't bond with them or learn about them as you go: you already know them. Discovery of character is my favourite part of reading!

Overall I would rate The War of the Worlds 3/5 because I have to give H.G Wells credit for the incredible feat he conquered over 100 years ago. He created a genre of novel that is well respected today and my favourite one to fall back to. However, being published in 1898, the story and writing have aged which means the captivation is lost.

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this story or with a suggestion of another book I should read & review!

If you would like updates for when a new review is posted, check out the Tumblr page!
If you would like behind the scenes updates, check out the Facebook page!

12 Bookish Questions

Happy 2016 Everyone!

 To ring in the new year, I thought I'd give you some insight into my life, the books I've read, the books I plan to read and just a general behind-the-scenes of sorts. Enjoy :)

1. What was the first book you remember reading/being read?
   
   For someone with a terrible memory, this question becomes quite difficult to answer; however, I did used to have a drawer FULL with Dr. Seuss books such as "Green Egg & Ham" or "Oh The Places You'll Go" as well as some Disney ones. So I guess those would be the first ones I vaguely remember reading or being read.



2. What is your favorite book of all time?
   
   This is a tough question as well since I've gone through so many different phases with the books I read. I haven't always been a Science Fiction enthusiast - I used to read a lot of Romance before that. I guess I can always default to "Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban" but if I were to go with a different answer, it would have to be a fairly recent book: "Erobos: It's a Game. It Watches You"
   
   
3. Which book has left the most lasting impression on you?
   
   One book that definitely had a lasting impression on me, and still does to this day, is "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" as well as it's movie adaption. When I first read that book, I was in a rough place and related to Charlie so much - I felt like an outsider and as though I didn't have a place to fit in. But that book taught me to keep living because there is always a ray of sunshine and a rainbow after a storm.
   
   
4. What books are on your bedside table at the moment?
   
   I actually have quite a few right now due to Christmas and the upcoming school year (I'm taking an English course). For school I have: "Foundation" by Isaac Asimov, "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells, and "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson. From Christmas I have: "In Real Life" by Joey Graceffa and "The Amazing Book is not on Fire" by Dan & Phil.
   
   
5. Name one book/author that you really can't stand?
   
   If you read the review then you know I truly cannot stand "Room" by Emma Donoghue. The writing style was awful and the plot line was both slow and predictable.
   
   
6. What type of books do you like reading most?
   
   Currently I am a hardcore Science Fiction lover - that's actually the English course that I am taking this term; I love it that much!
   
   
7. If you were given $30 to spend on a book today, what book would you buy?
   
   If I was given $30 to spend on a book today, it would be one of the textbooks I need for this term. Lame, I know - but it's the truth!
   
   
8. Where's your favorite place to read?
   
   When I can, I like to read outside in a comfy chair underneath the clouds with the sound of the birds in the trees. If I can't be outside, then I like to be curled up in some blankets on my bed underneath my fairy lights.
   
   
9. Which character in a book do you think is most like you?
   
   I've never really thought about this before - especially reading Science Fiction - but if I step out of that genre, I'd have to say Charlie from "Perks of Being a Wallflower." I'm still learning to be comfortable with the person that I am, and I'm still trying to find a good group of people, but I hope for his happy ending. Also, he's a student and I'm a student so there's that.
   
   
10. Which character in a book would you most like to be?
    
    I would love to be a low-level character from any "Harry Potter" book, but Luna Lovegood would be good. I love the wizarding world JK Rowling created and I wish it was a real place I could go to. Also, Luna Lovegood is such a whimsical person and I wish I had her outgoing and self-loving personality :)
    
    
11. What book do you plan to read next?
    
    Since I'm starting that Science Fiction course, I will be reading either of those 3 book I mentioned previously - the order will depending on the course outline I receive Monday night! But I will be reading Joey Graceffa's book hopefully along the way too.
    
    
12. Which literary character would you most like to have a 'significant relationship' with?
    
    This question is a little open ended, so I'm not sure if it is heading towards a romantic relationship or a strong friendship, so I shall cover both! For a romantic relationship, I would like to have one with Chael from "The Bodies We Wear" by Jeyn Roberts; he was so caring and only wanted the best for Faye. I want a relationship that is meaningful, trusting, and you know your significant other has your back. For a non-romantic relationship, I'd love to have a close friendship with Luna Lovegood because I feel like she would have so much insight and wisdom, both for the grounds/castle of Hogwarts and for life's problems in general; I would love to hear her advice to anything you might go through.

Well there we go! A little insight before 2016 really gets underway. As I mentioned in a couple of my answers, I'm back at school which means I'll be busy. I had hoped to read more over the holiday break to line some reviews up, but I didn't actually do that. That means there will be a delay, but I will be back to review the books I read for school, and probably Joey and Dan & Phil's books too.

 

Until next time,

Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

*questions came from HERE

Unaccompanied Minor (Hollis Gillespie)

Good morning bookworms! How has December been treating you? Hopefully you aren't too snowed in; though that does mean curling up by the fire with a good book so it's not always a terrible thing! But if it's summer where you are now, enjoy the warmth for me okay? The book I'm about to review is one I came across on Goodreads - I don't often scroll through there, but I am subscribed to their newsletters and I believe I saw it in one of their e-mails. If not, then it came from Tumblr. Regardless of why I decided to read it, I read it and it was a pretty good book!

Unaccompanied Minor is a book by Hollis Gillespie that I would categorize under the thriller genre though it's not necessarily scary. It is also of the mystery genre based on the plot line that the book follows. Despite those genres, the story is extremely light-hearted and at times can be quite comical. The story follows April Manning, a 14 year old girl from a long list of WorldAir employees; her mother is a flight attendant, her father was a pilot and her step-father (Ash) is also a pilot. Her family is a little dysfunctional though, especially since her father was killed in a plane crash. Since then, her step-father has moved across the country from her mother and gotten her mother confined to a psych ward; this leaves April to fly back and forth between her loving mother with no custodial rights and her step-father who could care less that she exists. After horrific events in Ash's apartment, April is left to flee and hide as an unaccompanied minor. But during one flight, things don't go as planned: a hijack, a bomb, Ash, and false coordinates to land. Will anyone on that plane make it back down to the ground safely?

When I first started this book, I didn't fully understand what the book had planned or truly what the concept of it was. I'm not sure if this effected my opinion, but it took me a long time to feel myself immersed in the novel. As I said, I don't know if it was the unclear concept or if the book was just slow to start off. The story is written through April's perspective, but it is also done at times as a series of police reports and interview records. At the beginning of the novel, the point of this writing style is unclear since the main events on the plane have not taken place. Once done the novel, it does make sense, but the delayed understanding did decrease the rating of the story.

One thing I did like was the diversity of characters present in the novel. There is a broad spectrum of ages of the main characters from April and Malcom, who are young teenagers, to Flo, who is a fairly old flight attendant that gets away with everything. Each character has a distinct personality which allows you as a reader to find someone you can relate to and root for throughout the duration of the story. I personally found myself to be similar to Malcolm - he's quiet, reserved, but definitely there for you when you need him; he also has a dog named Captain Beefheart and I would love to have my own version of that dog!

Once I had finished the novel, I read the short author blurb at the back of the book to discover that Hollis was working on a sequel to this novel. I personally don't see how another novel would benefit or enhance the story, as most of the plot had been tied up by the end. But, for the sake of being informative, the follow-up novel is out and called We Will be Crashing Shortly. I likely won't be reading the second story, but let me know if you do.

Overall I would rate Unaccompanied Minor 3.5/5 because it was good, but it could have been better. I understand that publishers don't like prologues anymore, but I think a chapter at the start that gave a preview as to why the story was written as police reports would be extremely helpful in clarifying a few things. But it was still a very good read and I still recommend it.

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this story or with a suggestion of another book I should read & review!

If you would like updates for when a new review is posted, check out the Tumblr page!
If you would like behind the scenes updates, check out the Facebook page!

*OTS* Mortal Danger (Ann Aguirre)

Welcome to the second installment of Off The Shelf which started a while ago. To be honest, I almost forgot that I had started that idea so I’m bringing it back and am hoping to do this every 3^rd or 4^th review posted. Just as a refresher, Off The Shelf is a series similar to Strawburry17’s show Something New on YouTube. I don’t have any back story as to why I chose this book but instead simply grabbed it off the shelf. Also, just as a side note: my apologies for missing the upload on Monday - things have been a little busy lately but it's here now so let's go!

The book that caught my eye, forcing me to pull it off the shelf, was Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre. This novel is of a science-fiction, supernatural genre, and had a pretty unique plot idea! The story follows Edie Kramer, a girl trying to make it through the pain and laughs of Blackbriar Academy - that's not an easy task when the end of one school year leaves you doubting if you want to be around anymore. But there was a change during the summer that gave her confidence to walk through the doors for her senior year: that change was Kian. He offers her a deal, one that's impossible to refuse, especially from a figure like him. However, as usual, a deal can not be done without some consequences. Soon Edie finds herself wrapped up in a game of monsters and temptations, and she soon isn't sure who she can trust.

So why did I pick this book off the shelf? There was something about the cover that was intriguing - maybe it was the monochrome colours with the bright red infinity symbol in blood. There is a great deal of symbolism if you want to delve into that side of literature. An infinite symbol signifies being connected with something for life, either by choice or by force. The blood creating the infinity made me feel a drop in my stomach because it appears as though someones life was decided for them; the one tied forever has no choice in the matter - they will bleed trying to break the forever or they will pump blood and live with it.

The characters in the story, Edie and Kian, are both powerhouse figures: their personalities are strong and often collide. But this adds an element to the book that is irresistible! I don't really know how to put into words anything I felt while reading the story. It was fast-paced, heart-pounding, and almost left me light-headed with excitement. I finished the novel in a couple days, and honestly I would have finished sooner had I had a good chunk of time on one day. 

Alternate Book Cover

When I grabbed this book off the shelf, I didn't know anything about the author or that this is part of the Immortal Game series. This is the first book in the trilogy and there is a fourth side novel from Kian's perspective. The second book is Public Enemies and the third book is Infinite Risk, due to release August 2016. The side novel is out now and is titled The Girl in the Gray Sweatshirt.

Overall I would rate Mortal Danger 5/5 because it left me speechless, which makes it really hard to write a review! I look forward to when I get the chance to finish this series because it is absolutely worth my time to wait for that third one to release.

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this story or with a suggestion of another book I should read & review!

If you would like updates for when a new review is posted, check out the Tumblr page!
If you would like behind the scenes updates, check out the Facebook page!