Book Review: Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks

Yes, I have been reading again. I have a Kobo Aura HD eReader that I tend to take everywhere. It makes my commuting an adventure, although not always fun (I tend to forget the world is still going, I lose track of time, and sometimes I miss my stop).

I also use Kindle app for smartphone (until I gather the money to buy one of their eReaders... and a bigger backpack).

On one of my ventures through Kobo store, it suggested the book Uncommon Type and my reaction was basically "NOOOOOO! I can't believe he also writes!!! I need to read this one!".

Best thing I've done!

Tom Hanks writes beautiful, enthralling stories. I felt like I was in the book, and not just reading these short stories.

Loved it!
Definitely a must read and a must revisit!

Book review: The General's Daughter, by Nelson DeMille

The General's Daughter - the movie

I had already seen the movie. It was not a light movie, nor an easy one to see.

Still, I loved it, to the point I still remember several scenes. So I knew I had to read the book.

And I am delighted that I did it. I finished the book last night.
I read it every chance I got. It's annoying when the day job gets in the way of reading, specially when you find a book it is hard to put down and all you feel like doing is reading until its very last page.

The characters feel like real people, the story is brilliant and I can actually see something like that happening, in the past or in the present.

This is a book on murder, rape, and corruption.

This is an up-to-date book the relationships between men and women, and what a patriarchal-built society expects from both genders (not counting with other gender options, that it).
And, from a feminist point of view, I did feel like punching some throats throughout the book. All in all, a great book.

And, if you're into police/army/criminal investigation thrillers, this is definitely the book (and movie) for you.
Just know that some details were changed for the movie (including some of the characters' names), and the story had to be adapted to fit the length of the movie.

The General's Daughter - the book

Book review: The Story of Awkward, by R. K. Ryals

To be fair, I was not expecting much when I started reading this book. But it mentioned "awkward" and I've had my share of feeling that way. So I gave it a go.

And, honestly, it was the best thing I could have ever done.

The book is told from the point of view of main character (also the narrator) and, let me tell you, without spoiling it for you, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me dream and, when I finished it, it made me feel like going back to the start because I got addicted to this book.

I loved it! The characters are well created. The story, filled with awkwardness, captures you as you won't believe it.

R. K. Ryals is definitely a writer I will be following more closely.

R. K. Ryals, The Story of Awkward. Kobo Books

Mabon Blessings! Happy Autumnal Equinox!

And so, today, with the turning of the wheel of the year, another season begins, another cycle commences.

I love all the seasons, each season has its special thing about it.

I love Autumn for its colours, its scents, and what I associate it with.

Soon the first rains will fall from the sky (and the emanating petrichor), as will the orange, red, brown and gold tree leaves falling to the ground.

And I cannot think of nothing better than getting home, changing to comfy clothes, preparing some hot tea, grabbing a book or a good movie, a blanket, and going for a lovely "couching" session, while listening to the rain outside. Soooo relaxing! 

As you know, the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn is associated with harvesting, of ripping what you've sown. Something usually done as a community (or, at least, with the help of family and friends) - at least in Góis (Portugal) it is a bit like that.

How can you celebrate such an event?

Think of growth, maturity, change, and how magical that is. Think of apples, pears, corn, grapes, and so on.

You may want to celebrate (by yourself or even over dinner, even if you're the only one in the know) by adding cornbread, apple pie, pear cake, wine or grape juice... You get the point.

Whatever you choose to do, have fun while doing it. Otherwise, you won't be celebrating at all.

Image found online