Seven Questions Book Review: "The Casual Vacancy"

This book was a surprise and not in a good way. I remember a few months ago when the announcement was released that J. K. Rowling was writing another book, this time geared towards adults. However, my excitement couldn't have been more misplaced. Here are some thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Krystal Weedon, hands down. Her character, although with many faults, was the only one I was drawn to. Particularly because she was such a mess and just in need of someone to love her and believe in her.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would say something to everyone, because they all needed someone to tell it like it is. However, I was really frustrated with Dr. Parminder and her treatment of her daughter. So I'd probably start with her.

How would you rewrite the ending?
I would rewrite it so that all the villagers would see their faults and begin to take the necessary steps to fix and improve themselves. The book just kind of . . . ended.

Favourite part?
The beginning . . . because I didn't know what I was getting into.

Worst part?
Everything after the beginning. Now, I know I could have just stopped reading, but I honestly thought that it had to get better at some point.

What is something new you learned from the book?
Never judge an author due to their previous work????

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would rate it a 1/5. I know that sounds harsh, but if you noticed any redeeming qualities that I missed, I would be glad to hear about them.

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Seven Questions Book Review: "Blue Like Jazz"

This was an intensely good book that really challenged my views of life and love. It is somewhat of an amusing story of how I got this book too. I won it through a local radio station by remembering the year that Niagara Falls froze over. However, texting it to my radio host friend wasn't good enough. No, he actually made me phone in. At 7:30 in the morning. Yep. 

Anyways, long story short, I got this book out of it, and here are some thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Well, this is somewhat of a trick question considering the book is entirely about Don, written by Don, and tells the story of Don, so I guess . . . Don??? Or Penny.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
In Chapter 15 Community: Living with Freaks, I would have liked to have had a conversation about how valuable friendships and community are with Don, but he kinda figured that out anyways.

How would you rewrite the ending?
Since this wasn't fictional, I wouldn't. However, it would be interesting to see where his life has lead him since then. I would like to read some of his other books.

Favourite part?
Page 226, " . . . heaven can be other people too, and . . . we have the power to bring a little of heaven into the lives of others every day."

Worst part?
I don't think there was a worst part.

What is something new you learned from the book?
Too much to sum up in a blog post. I learned that we love so conditionally in this world, and Jesus is all about un-conditional love. I learned about money and time management and priorities. I learned about sharing/living my faith.

How you rate/recommend this book?
Yes, I would rate it 5/5, or maybe 4.9/5 because I feel like no one ever rates perfectly . . . . Anyways, just go read it.

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No. 342 - Seven Questions Book Review: "Divergent & Insurgent"

So I started reading this series because I was told that if you liked The Hunger Games then you would enjoy this series. Okay, I get where they were coming from, but these were nowhere near The Hunger Games level. 

Here are my thoughts.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Probably Four/Tobias. Not sure why, he just seems like an interesting character to talk to.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would tell Tris that she needs to get outside of her head. She keeps making bad, emotional decisions due to her own . . . reasoning.

How would you rewrite the ending?
Well, technically, it hasn't officially ended yet, but I would rewrite all the randomness in the second book. The first one was so put together and everything fell apart in the second.

Favourite part?
All of the stuff in the Dauntless faction at the beginning of Divergent. I found the whole idea of fear simulations so interesting and intriguing.

Worst part?
When Tris keeps lying to Four/Tobias. Why?

What is something new you learned from the book?
Erm . . . that our fears can really hold us back from who we are meant to be, I guess, in a roundabout way.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as a teeny-bopish book, 2.5/5. However, I'm gonna finish reading the series because I want to know what happens.

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No. 336 - Seven Questions Book Review: "The Lucky One"

I really loved this book. Here are my seven answers.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Definitely Ben! This kid was so interesting to read about, and I feel like the conversation would be entertaining and enlightening. Bring on the chess.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would tell Beth that she is an excellent mother for believing and encouraging Ben and working as hard as she did after he was born. I would say to trust her instincts, because they are good.

How would you rewrite the ending?
To be honest, I'm not going to talk about the ending because it was quite emotional, but I wouldn't change it.

Favourite part?
All of my favourite parts were the long conversations between Logan and Beth. Both of them just needed to talk but for different reasons.

Worst part?
When Keith Clayton brought Beth that picture. Scared me.

What is something new you learned from the book?
I learned a lot about conversation from this book. I learned that it's okay to be silent and just let the other person talk, but it's ok to share your story too.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as an easy romantic, summer read, 3.5/5. Gonna watch the movie next, and {Spoiler Alert} the trailer doesn't give away the biggest parts.

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No. 330 - Seven Questions Book Review: "The Help"

So I just finished reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but instead of telling you about it, I am going to answer seven questions {originated by yours truly} about the book. Hopefully, this will be fun and enlightening.

If you could have dinner with one character from the book who would it be?
Although I would love to have dinner with all three of the main characters {Skeeter, Aibileen, & Minny), I think I would choose Aibileen. There was something about her character that drew you in and made you feel safe.

If you could say something to a character in the book what would it be?
I would say what Minny couldn't to Celia Foote. I would tell her she's too good for the women who treat her like trash. She deserves so much better. Or I would talk to Elizabeth Leefolt about her mothering skills {or lack of}.

How would you rewrite the ending?
I would keep Stuart & Skeeter together. Even though it was more realistic to have them break up, I am a hopeless romantic and would have written him as more understanding.

Favourite part?
Everything between Aibileen & Mae Mobley. I loved their interactions.

Worst part?
When Hilly Holbrook tried to get Elizabeth Leefolt to set up Aibileen for stealing pieces from the silver utensils set. What a low move!

What is something new you learned from the book?
I know this book is fiction, but I am assuming some of the attitudes the white people had towards the black are true to history. It just really brought to light the treatment of some {most} of the people.

How you rate/recommend this book?
I would recommend it as a stirring, yet enjoyable book to read. Great writing. Great characters. 4.5/5. 

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