♡ The Cozy Book Nook ♡ discussion

Did you just read a book that was really good? A book that you really didn't like? Or do you just want to update other members about what you're reading, get recommendations, and share what you think?

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Kelsey’s life has officially gone to complete crap. She is suppose to be a high school senior at St. Monica’s in Chicago. Kelsey is not only upset with her sister because she is only fifteen years ..."

Wow, that's intense!

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Reid was cursed with broken love as well. Reid always asks himself if he will be able to find love? Reid is working at the lobster Landing and soon realizes that his crush Eve is going through a ha..."

It sounds from your review that the characters are really good! I love there names, and it looks like their personalities are interesting! Good review!

Nice! Maybe you could just like post one every couple of days/one every day.

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Love takes it’s chances and every relationship goes through hardships. Rogan and Harper have known each other and have been best friends since sixth grade. They eventually start catching feelings f..."

Love the beginning- it's a total hook. How did you think of that line??

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Love takes it’s chances and every relationship goes through hardships. Rogan and Harper have known each other and have been best friends since sixth grade. They eventually start catching feelings f..."

Makes me not like Rogan either...

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Griffin was having a wonderful time celebrating his brothers twenty first birthday. The night between the four Knightly brothers was going just fine until the oldest brother had the duty of being i..."

So many exciting cliffhanger questions!

Yeehawwrodeo wrote: "Owen O’Malley had just been told that he is getting orders that his family is all moving to San Diego California. Owen is ready for a fresh start and a new place to call home but he wonders how his..."

Thanks for the explanation at the end:) That's a complex plot!

Have a good night! Sleep well!

Catherine! What a coincidence! And it's spelled the same way, too!

Ohh that's so sad...this couple is really in a tough situation. This plot sounds good!!

Wow, V! You have very detailed and awesome reviews! That's amazing!

Catherine wrote: "Catherine! What a coincidence! And it's spelled the same way, too!

Ohh that's so sad...this couple is really in a tough situation. This plot sounds good!!"

XD thats cool

Which one was your favorite??

Ofc!

Cool! Good to know!

Sorry I can't find the Military series...who's the author?

That makes sense- books that repeat the same story, just from a different person's view, can get repetitive! Thanks for sharing!

Ohh so it was just that book...that's kind of sad...

Yeah, if the characters were together a lot in the original book, they'll probably be together a lot in the book with the other person's point of view (meaning that there'll be a lot of repetitive scenes).😉

Doesn't hurt to give it a change, though, if you're bored and have nothing else to read. Unless you think it would ruin the rest of the series for you...

OK!

Would love to hear others' reviews, but meanwhile, here's my review for the Giver:

Great story.

Characters (4/5): Jonas, Asher, the Giver himself, and Gabe were entertaining and had fun characters.

Plot (3/5): The plot wasn't totally exciting, but it was gripping enough to keep me reading throughout the whole story.

World (5/5): I LOVE Lowry's world. The whole idea of this Community under complete control with the Rules and all was fascinating.

Overall, I think that what I liked most about this book was its meaning behind the story, all the symbolism, and the ideas behind the book.

:)

I may take some time to write a review eventually. I always get intimidated by a proper format/layout to a review.

Really, in my opinion, there is no proper format or layout to a review. It's just talking about how you felt about the book and why.

Personally, I don't bother too much about the quality- I write reviews to ask myself how I liked the book, and reflect about what I think the author did well. By doing this, I teach myself a little about what I look for in a book, so that when I'm picking book choices in the future, I can choose a little more wisely. (if that makes sense XD)

Maddy wrote: "I may take some time to write a review eventually. I always get intimidated by a proper format/layout to a review."

Yes! I've been on goodreads for years and was always intimidated by interacting, posting, etc. I told myself that this year would be different for me, so I started posting reviews for the books I've read so far this year. I'm sure they just went out into the goodreads void, but they're mainly for me to reflect on the books I've read anyway, so whatever.

Yes! Let's make it a different year! XD

I'd love to read your reviews- and same, I mostly just use them so that I can reflect on my own opinion about the book. Would you mind posting them here so I (and others) can read them?

I think it's just a matter of taking all the time and laying out a good revision/argument of why I loved it.

So I never knew annotating books was a thing right? I like the idea of color coded sticky notes in the books with bits that resonate with you.

I NEVER knew scribbling and drawing and coloring and highlighting a book was done. It almost seems blasphemous!

I like the idea of taking a book and making it your own though. It's like you put a little bit of you into the book - not just the book leaving you with something.

@Sarah heck yes you need to let your light shine ;)

@Catherine it's good to know it doesn't need to be perfect! I sometimes let that get in the way of actually doing something.

Yeah taking the time to reflect and review is nice - I sometimes love books but I don't take the time to put it into THE RIGHT words as to why.

No, it doesn't have to be perfect at all. Mine are nowhere near perfect XD. Yes, that happens all the time to me- fear of failure is dangerous.

It's good to practice writing reviews! This would be a fun place to see your progress!

Alright here's a big old blurb on Siege and Storm

This book was wonderful. It has it's moments that make your heart ache a little, characters that you love to hate, and ones you love to love.

The relationship dynamic between Mal and Alina is very innocent - but it doesn't stop it from hurting you as a reader when they fight. There are times when the barbs they throw make you feel the characters hurts and woes.

There's no plot reveals in this one - but there is opinions on characters that are newly introduced.
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There are also a lot of times where the miscommunications of characters make you want to tear your hair out because IF YOU JUST SAID SOMETHING instead of ignoring it, or letting it slide you wouldn't be in this mess! But at the same time, you can't change the way the character does things (if only!). I kind of love the imperfection and all the flaws in the characters because it creates a depth in the characters that gives you more of them to love. I want so much to hear more from Mal's point of view.

I loved the introduction of Nikolai. He is by far the best character in this whole thing. Absolutely unapologetic for being his witty, arrogant self. He exudes confidence from every pore, while still managing to be hilarious. His flaws make him vulnerable, even if he'd never openly share them. He certainly deserves his own duology.

There is a certain sadness in this that really gets under my skin. The sense of duty differs from character to character. Alina's duty because of her power. Mal's duty to protect Alina. Nikolais duty to give the people a better king (I love that he genuinely wants a better life for the people - and wants to be the one to give that to them).
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The want of power, the want to be loved, the alienation surrounded by a sea of people. It hits you in the feels at times. I love that these are trials they all go through but have a vastly different experience.

The ENDING. Oh my god.

OH MY GOSH!! I really feel like reading Siege and Storm now.

Loved reading that!! Awesome, Maddy!

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Not a book I would normally read or choose for myself. It was honestly a Free Audible Monthly book - and it was refreshing to try something I wouldn't normally. Overall it was a slow paced book (still lovely) and not quite a romance - but the life of someone who loves. It was unique, honest, beautiful and sad. You live the Invisible Life of Addie along with her.

Characters (4/5) Addie is a unique character and quite likeable generally - I like that she doesn't want to be caged and is a wild free spirit. Henry seems really bland in comparison, and doesn't really endear himself in my opinion, but he's necessary - and I didn't dislike him I just didn't love him. Luc is probably the most memorable character and despite his ever looming dark presence I loved him throughout this story.

Plot (4/5)
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I was intrigued by the idea of the story. A girl who makes a deal with the gods who answer after dark - and lives a long life never to be remembered by anyone who meets her - invisible. Lives through hundreds of years living, loving and experiencing everything the world has to offer -finding the only way to leave her mark by planting ideas with artists and seeing the seed of idea take root and blossom.

The honesty in this book was at times shocking. Addie is very honest with herself and while she needs to experience love that doesn't mean she's IN love.

The ending was not sad, not sweet but everything it needed to me. I loved the final words surrounding Luc. The ever long game they play throughout the story coming to a close.
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Writing (4/5)

There were times you felt certain chapters where unnecessary - honestly they could have cut about a quarter of the book and still kept the depth and beauty it delivered.

It was a wonderfully written story, and I found myself enjoying more and more. There was something really beautiful about the love of the arts in this. I loved the hope and joy it made you feel. There were times it could get quite dark - but there is no light without the dark. There were times it was dreary and bleak in Addie's world - times when you wanted to cry with her - and times her happiness and innocence were endearing.
The portrayal of depression was quite weighted, comparing it to a storm, coming and going, sometimes relentless, rolling in and bearing down on you - I felt for this.

Some quotes were quite memorable!

Déjà vu. Déjà su. Déjà vécu. Already seen. Already known. Already lived.

No matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark.

If God is so large, why build walls to hold Him in?

Ooo. I really enjoyed reading this. Reading this kind of evoked the sad and memorable type of book.

I looove the way you structured your review. It was clear, non-repetitive (as I find mine can be), and easy to follow. Beautiful!

I styled it after yours because I liked the layout ;) thankyou!

Ohh well your layout is much more improved. XD

Here's my review of Shadow and Bone:

Shadow and Bone reminded me about the thrills of reading. It’s part of what got me out of my reading slump, along with Throne of Glass.

It had the perfect combination of good characters, an interesting plot, and a new, refreshing world.

Characters: Alina, the main character, is realistic, with human vulnerabilities and motivations, but she also shows the strength and grit of them.

Mal is sweet, and I love him. He’s not the perfect guy, though, which makes sense- no one is. He totally won me over by the end, however, and I’ll be rooting for Mal and Alina forever. The tenderness between the two was beautiful.

I was so shocked at the Darkling, and mad. At first, I liked him. I knew there was more to him than met the eye, but I was DEFINITELY not expecting what happened at the end. I hope Baghra is right, that there is a chance for redemption for him.

Plot: I feel like it was a little slow in the beginning- I was halfway through the book, and kind of shocked it was only halfway through. Even though the rising action took a little while, it continued to hold my interest- I was continually looking forward to when I could read the book again daily.

World: The world quickly pulled me in. In fact, it was what hooked me in the first chapter. The “Small science,” the Grisha, and the Shadow Fold is a wonderful creation which I really enjoyed piecing together and living in.

Altogether, I can’t really find any major faults in this book, and I’m desperate to read the next book!

The next book will keep you reading! <3

Loved reading that @Catherine :)

Thank you! :P

Does anyone one else have opinions on the Shadow and Bone/Grishaverse series?? I’ve just finished and feeling like I need to vent to someone haha

Ashleigh wrote: "Does anyone one else have opinions on the Shadow and Bone/Grishaverse series?? I’ve just finished and feeling like I need to vent to someone haha"

YES! We just read the book for February's BOTM- I think I told you that already. Mostly, our opinions are here. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Care to maybe discuss there for people who haven't read the book yet?

Ok thank you!! Good to know ~ I’m still navigating my way around on here so apologies in advance if I make an error or am slow haha

Oh, no problem at all! There are a lot of threads- I really should get to revising and updating the, "Navigating the Group" thread. XD My fault.

Ashleigh wrote: "Does anyone one else have opinions on the Shadow and Bone/Grishaverse series?? I’ve just finished and feeling like I need to vent to someone haha"

YAS. I loved SaB and I'm getting Six of Crows soon! And King of Scars next!

Katie and I are going to read Six of Crows soon! Would love for you to join in:)

The Six Of Crows duo is just 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 I fell in love with all the characters and the building up of the whole story, everything just winds in so perfectly and in my opinion, this duo is the best in the whole grishaverse, you guys are in for a treat!! Cant wait to talk about your favorite characters once you finish reading haha

I'm ordering Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom special editions tomorrow :D I've heard so many good things and I'm so keen.

You are in for a real treat!!

Catherine wrote: "Katie and I are going to read Six of Crows soon! Would love for you to join in:)"

Oooooh I ordered it today so I should get my copy in about 5 days :) I'll speed read to catch up so don't wait for me!

Maddy wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Katie and I are going to read Six of Crows soon! Would love for you to join in:)"

Oooooh I ordered it today so I should get my copy in about 5 days :) I'll speed read to catch up..."

I don't mind waiting for your copy to arrive so we could start later but it depends on Catherine :)

Oh no honestly it's okay :) I have to finish off Circe in the mean time and it will motivate me to read more :P I'll catch up and jump in :) don't delay on my account.