Blood Meridian sounds really interesting! I appreciate a good villain, a bad guy that's well-written. There are so many potentially great stories out there that are watered-down by poorly written characters, so it's good to hear when stories do have complex characters, especially villains because of their origins or motivations, which can be disturbing yet fascinating. In July, I finally finished Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier and loved it! (4.5 🌟). I normally don't read romance unless it's of the classic variety (or if it's included in a story that offers more than just the love/relationship stuff), and this hit the spot! For one thing, Dona, the main character, is a flawed, unlikable character with her selfish mindset and reckless decisions, but I grew to understand the reason she is the way that she is (which doesn't excuse some of her actions by any means) and sympathize with her on some level. She is such a realistic, complicated character, showing some of the best (as well as worst) parts of human nature. One minute, I'm like, "Why is this lady doing this? What is she thinking?", and then the next, I'm rooting for her to succeed and to get what she wants! 😅 It was also just an adventurous, thrilling, well-written pirate romance! With that being said, I can't wait to read Rebecca; I just love Du Maurier's writing! My Cousin Rachel is a good one by her as well. Highly recommend!💖 I also continued with the Fables comic/graphic novel series, reading Volume 9: Sons of Empire (4 🌟) and Volume 10: The Good Prince (5 🌟 ). So I'm about halfway through the series at this point, and it's still a good mix of drama, war, political tactics and spies within a fantasy world. ⚔🧚♀️💫 Sounds like you had a great reading month, even if you didn't finish your TBR. Spending a little extra time on really good books is always worth it!
Oh, when it comes to motivations, McCarthy really did a trememndous job with this villain, He wrote a few monologues by him (I know, villain monologuing diabolically 😂) which almost convinced ME that he was right. And it was a point of view I'd never seen before, Quite profound, even if I disagree with it. Oh, I've only read Rebecca by Du Maurier but this one sounds really interesting. Adding it to the TBR... PILE 😂 Oh, I should continue Fables! I so much want to, just... forget 😅 Indeed, it was fantastic! I hope you are having a lovely August! 💖
What a fantastic reading month with so many diverse books and genres. I really love how you summarize your book experiences. You share just enough information to create intrigue without ever spoiling anything and your emotions of the books that impact you really come through the screen. Looking forward to your August videos! I should get that Haiku book. I'm on consecutive day 800 of Japanese Duolingo, so it would be fun culture immersion.
Oh, thank you so much, Brian! This makes me so happy to read! ✨ Studying Japanese! So cool! The book will work perfectly because it has the kanji, the pronunciation and the English translation all in one page - definitely suitable for learning and practicing!
I really enjoyed Big Panda Tiny Dragon, I would say this is my favorite read for the month of July. A nice quick read and it was beautiful. Happy Readings! 💐
Still reading it (had to pause because of live) but I do hope to have it done by the end of August. So cool that we're reading it at the same time! ✨ Where did you get to? How are you liking it so far?
Blood Meridian has been on my TBR, but I admit to being afraid to try it. I will definitely make sure I'm in a good head space before starting it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these books, and I hope August is a great reading month! 📚
Well, it's not a chill read, but I find those to hit the best when I feel particularly bad. There's something comforting in diving into someone else's pain. Because, even if it's fictional, a real person wrote it, so, in a way, it's real. Thank you and I hope you have a lovely August! 🌸✨
Hi Silvia, you always give such interesting reviews! I loved the Rithmatist as well, especially Joel's stubbornness to follow his goal in the beginning and the uni background. Blood Meridian sounds truly very fascinating but also like a book I wouldn't feel strong enough for right now, hopefully one day 😊 My favorite book was The Ink Black Heart by Galbraith, luckily, there is no least favorite as all my July reads were amazing 🥰🥰🥰 August, let's roll! 😀
Thank you so much, Misa! ❤️ Blood Meridian does require a certain state of mind to truly enjoy, but it's a spectacular book. Oh, I have read the first book in that series and I even have all the rest of them. I really need to remember to read them - so happy you enjoyed it! And even happier that your month was so great! 💖 May August be even better! ✨
@@libraryunbounded Thank you! Happy August for you, too :) (First 4 books of Strike were 3-4 stars for me but the books 5 and 6 were TOP - somehow, even though they have like 1000 pages, I wished they were even longer and that doesn't happen often 😂 - hope you enjoy them as well)
I am halfway through book 8 of Wheel of Time. I understand your criticisms of the series. I do love the world building, but his descriptions get long-winded, especially after it has been described in detail multiple times. Second, I find all of the main protagonists except Mat and Rand pretty frustrating. I like a lot of the side characters better than most of the main ones. As for writing strong female characters, I thought maybe that wasn't his thing, but later on in the series, you do meet some women that really are well done strong women characters as well as some even more frustrating. All in all, I truly love the series. The world is phenomenal. There have been scenes that have left me on the edge of my seat and some pretty epic battles. There are so many great characters that have been introduced, and there have been some surprising moments of growth with some of the main characters. So far, books 4 through 7 have been my favorite. Book 8 has slowed down quite a bit, but there are moments so far that give me more energy to get me through the slower parts. I personally think the series is worth reading through. All in all, I am having a great time. It is a frustratingly rewarding experience if you get my drift.
Oh, thank you! (Giggling Chicken is a hilarious name 😂) I am hopeful because I see that Jordan has an amazing skill and imagination when it comes to plot. I simply don't think he was great with making people... likeable. Or maybe I just like different type of people 😅 Idk, still excited about the series and continuing with book 4 in August 😊
@libraryunbounded lol, thanks. I find chickens to be quite comical. I think you are right about Jordan not making people likable. I have never wanted to slap some sense into characters as much as his. Also, if you haven't already, I would suggest using a compendium by book to keep all the people straight. Just wait until you have to juggle all of the nobility. I found one by Jason Wright that has been awesome in giving my info on a character without giving me any spoilers. Happy reading! :)
I really need to try Cormac McCarthy, I'm seeing so many great reviews about his books. My favorite book in July was A Man Called Ove ❤️ it was my 5th book by Fredrik Backman and also my 5th 5-star read by him, highly recommend!
Glad you enjoyed Small Gods - I ended up DNFing the book. I enjoyed the humor and philosophy, just couldn't get into the story for some reason. Going to try one more time with a different book, fingers crossed.
I can completely understand - the story is not for everyone and I think the location switching didn't do it much favor. I have a soft spot for desert settings though and I think Terry Pratchett's writing does most of the work to make me love it 😂 I do hope you enjoy his other works better and if not, well, there are so many other fantastic books to choose from! Such a beautiful life! 💖📚
I had a really weird July. I sum it up as sisters, serial killers, and different cultures. My favorite was The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore. One of my least favorites was the White Bone by Barbara Gowdy. I had high hopes for it as it was about elephants, but it was such a disappointment.
Ohhhh what a interesting review on McCarthy book (may have to move that up my TBR) my fav July read was The Grace of Kings; least fav was Shift (bk 2 of Silo series)
Thank you so much, Anna! ❤️ Oh, I've heard great things about Grace of Kings and it's been sitting on my bookshelf forever... I really need to get to it. You know, you're not the first one who's told me recently they didn't like Shift. I might have to rethink starting the series...
Another great reading month! Will you roll over The Subtle Knife to next month? Would love to hear your thoughts about it!
Cool wrap up. Sounds like you had a nice reading month. 😊
Thank you so much, Neda! ❤️
It was great, I still think about these books all the time 🤯
Blood Meridian sounds really interesting! I appreciate a good villain, a bad guy that's well-written. There are so many potentially great stories out there that are watered-down by poorly written characters, so it's good to hear when stories do have complex characters, especially villains because of their origins or motivations, which can be disturbing yet fascinating.
In July, I finally finished Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier and loved it! (4.5 🌟). I normally don't read romance unless it's of the classic variety (or if it's included in a story that offers more than just the love/relationship stuff), and this hit the spot! For one thing, Dona, the main character, is a flawed, unlikable character with her selfish mindset and reckless decisions, but I grew to understand the reason she is the way that she is (which doesn't excuse some of her actions by any means) and sympathize with her on some level. She is such a realistic, complicated character, showing some of the best (as well as worst) parts of human nature. One minute, I'm like, "Why is this lady doing this? What is she thinking?", and then the next, I'm rooting for her to succeed and to get what she wants! 😅 It was also just an adventurous, thrilling, well-written pirate romance! With that being said, I can't wait to read Rebecca; I just love Du Maurier's writing! My Cousin Rachel is a good one by her as well. Highly recommend!💖
I also continued with the Fables comic/graphic novel series, reading Volume 9: Sons of Empire (4 🌟) and Volume 10: The Good Prince (5 🌟 ). So I'm about halfway through the series at this point, and it's still a good mix of drama, war, political tactics and spies within a fantasy world. ⚔🧚♀️💫
Sounds like you had a great reading month, even if you didn't finish your TBR. Spending a little extra time on really good books is always worth it!
Oh, when it comes to motivations, McCarthy really did a trememndous job with this villain, He wrote a few monologues by him (I know, villain monologuing diabolically 😂) which almost convinced ME that he was right. And it was a point of view I'd never seen before, Quite profound, even if I disagree with it.
Oh, I've only read Rebecca by Du Maurier but this one sounds really interesting. Adding it to the TBR... PILE 😂
Oh, I should continue Fables! I so much want to, just... forget 😅
Indeed, it was fantastic! I hope you are having a lovely August! 💖
What a fantastic reading month with so many diverse books and genres. I really love how you summarize your book experiences. You share just enough information to create intrigue without ever spoiling anything and your emotions of the books that impact you really come through the screen. Looking forward to your August videos! I should get that Haiku book. I'm on consecutive day 800 of Japanese Duolingo, so it would be fun culture immersion.
Oh, thank you so much, Brian! This makes me so happy to read! ✨
Studying Japanese! So cool! The book will work perfectly because it has the kanji, the pronunciation and the English translation all in one page - definitely suitable for learning and practicing!
I really enjoyed Big Panda Tiny Dragon, I would say this is my favorite read for the month of July. A nice quick read and it was beautiful.
Happy Readings! 💐
Oh, sounds adorable 🥰
Happy reading to you too, Justyna! ❤️
@@libraryunbounded Thank you! ❤️
I'm also reading Empire of the Damned rn. Can't wait to hear what you think 😊
Still reading it (had to pause because of live) but I do hope to have it done by the end of August.
So cool that we're reading it at the same time! ✨ Where did you get to? How are you liking it so far?
Blood Meridian has been on my TBR, but I admit to being afraid to try it. I will definitely make sure I'm in a good head space before starting it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these books, and I hope August is a great reading month! 📚
Well, it's not a chill read, but I find those to hit the best when I feel particularly bad. There's something comforting in diving into someone else's pain. Because, even if it's fictional, a real person wrote it, so, in a way, it's real.
Thank you and I hope you have a lovely August! 🌸✨
❤📚📚❤️
💖
Hi Silvia, you always give such interesting reviews!
I loved the Rithmatist as well, especially Joel's stubbornness to follow his goal in the beginning and the uni background. Blood Meridian sounds truly very fascinating but also like a book I wouldn't feel strong enough for right now, hopefully one day 😊 My favorite book was The Ink Black Heart by Galbraith, luckily, there is no least favorite as all my July reads were amazing 🥰🥰🥰
August, let's roll! 😀
Thank you so much, Misa! ❤️
Blood Meridian does require a certain state of mind to truly enjoy, but it's a spectacular book.
Oh, I have read the first book in that series and I even have all the rest of them. I really need to remember to read them - so happy you enjoyed it!
And even happier that your month was so great! 💖
May August be even better! ✨
@@libraryunbounded Thank you! Happy August for you, too :) (First 4 books of Strike were 3-4 stars for me but the books 5 and 6 were TOP - somehow, even though they have like 1000 pages, I wished they were even longer and that doesn't happen often 😂 - hope you enjoy them as well)
I am halfway through book 8 of Wheel of Time. I understand your criticisms of the series. I do love the world building, but his descriptions get long-winded, especially after it has been described in detail multiple times. Second, I find all of the main protagonists except Mat and Rand pretty frustrating. I like a lot of the side characters better than most of the main ones. As for writing strong female characters, I thought maybe that wasn't his thing, but later on in the series, you do meet some women that really are well done strong women characters as well as some even more frustrating.
All in all, I truly love the series. The world is phenomenal. There have been scenes that have left me on the edge of my seat and some pretty epic battles. There are so many great characters that have been introduced, and there have been some surprising moments of growth with some of the main characters.
So far, books 4 through 7 have been my favorite. Book 8 has slowed down quite a bit, but there are moments so far that give me more energy to get me through the slower parts.
I personally think the series is worth reading through. All in all, I am having a great time. It is a frustratingly rewarding experience if you get my drift.
Oh, thank you! (Giggling Chicken is a hilarious name 😂)
I am hopeful because I see that Jordan has an amazing skill and imagination when it comes to plot. I simply don't think he was great with making people... likeable. Or maybe I just like different type of people 😅
Idk, still excited about the series and continuing with book 4 in August 😊
@libraryunbounded lol, thanks. I find chickens to be quite comical.
I think you are right about Jordan not making people likable. I have never wanted to slap some sense into characters as much as his. Also, if you haven't already, I would suggest using a compendium by book to keep all the people straight. Just wait until you have to juggle all of the nobility. I found one by Jason Wright that has been awesome in giving my info on a character without giving me any spoilers.
Happy reading! :)
I really need to try Cormac McCarthy, I'm seeing so many great reviews about his books.
My favorite book in July was A Man Called Ove ❤️ it was my 5th book by Fredrik Backman and also my 5th 5-star read by him, highly recommend!
indeed, McCarthy is great, such eloquent writer!
Oh, I love Backman! One of the best contemporary writers!
Sounds like Robert Jordan likes a good inn 😅 90 is a lot!
Glad you enjoyed Small Gods - I ended up DNFing the book. I enjoyed the humor and philosophy, just couldn't get into the story for some reason. Going to try one more time with a different book, fingers crossed.
I can completely understand - the story is not for everyone and I think the location switching didn't do it much favor. I have a soft spot for desert settings though and I think Terry Pratchett's writing does most of the work to make me love it 😂
I do hope you enjoy his other works better and if not, well, there are so many other fantastic books to choose from! Such a beautiful life! 💖📚
@@libraryunbounded so true, there are many books to enjoy. And many Terry Pratchett books to try as well. A fun adventure either way.
I had a really weird July. I sum it up as sisters, serial killers, and different cultures. My favorite was The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore. One of my least favorites was the White Bone by Barbara Gowdy. I had high hopes for it as it was about elephants, but it was such a disappointment.
Ohhhh what a interesting review on McCarthy book (may have to move that up my TBR) my fav July read was The Grace of Kings; least fav was Shift (bk 2 of Silo series)
Thank you so much, Anna! ❤️
Oh, I've heard great things about Grace of Kings and it's been sitting on my bookshelf forever... I really need to get to it.
You know, you're not the first one who's told me recently they didn't like Shift. I might have to rethink starting the series...