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12 reviews

Amy Simonson

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Amy is Currently Reading

Amy Simonson is currently reading

Inkheart (Inkworld, #1)

by Cornelia Funke (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Jul 29, 2012 06:51PM

Amy Simonson rated a book really liked it

The Monstrumologist (The Monstrumologist, #1)

by Rick Yancey

bookshelves: currently-reading, literature-for-adolescents

Reading for the 2nd time

read in April 2012

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Amy Simonson said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

" I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy Rick Yancey's book more, but when I finished it this weekend, I wasn't left with an epic feeling. I know that's a lot to ask out of a book, but I have just finished reading a few phenomenal books, and from the reviews I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy Rick Yancey's book more, but when I finished it this weekend, I wasn't left with an epic feeling. I know that's a lot to ask out of a book, but I have just finished reading a few phenomenal books, and from the reviews of others, I was excited about reading a thrilling, gripping book. That's not to say The Monstrumologist was not thrilling or gripping, but I allowed my expectations to be heightened too high to say this book was wonderful.

Basically, I enjoyed the storytelling style very much. Yancey uses colorful language and fantastic imagery to draw his readers in. One of my favorite aspects was Will Henry and his personal growth, something I try to find in every book I read. This boy reminds us that he is only twelve years of age often, and this reminds me of how deep kids really are. As I will be doing ministry with kids this age over the summer, it was good to reflect on the depth of understanding in children. He goes through unthinkable adventures with the doctor, and still hangs on to a certain level of normalcy. As I think about his experiences and how he saw his parents die, my appreciation for this young boy grows. Even his interactions with Malachi are inspiring as he knows how to relate even though he doesn't think that he does.
My favorite character to read about, though, was the doctor. He surprised me, intrigued me, and baffled me. While I deeply enjoyed Will Henry's character, it was the doctor that kept the story moving. His internal conflict as he dealt with finding out about his deceased father must have been agony, but he kept pressing on, determined to find the monsters. One thing I loved about this book was the "happy" ending. There was a lot of death and pain, but I think horror stories often end in the triumph of the monster. However, Yancey resolved the story with the doctor and everyone else's final victory, at least to a point. It's good to see at least small success in the end
In reviewing this book, it is impossible not to talk about Kearnes/Jack the Ripper. Fascinating! Perhaps I should not be so intrigued with his methodology, but I am. The way he uses people as bait is aggravating, but I can follow his thought processes as it works. His diabolical misuse of humans makes me shake my head in mystification. I find Yancey's inclusion of him in this book essential, making it memorable on top of the monster chasing, swamps of bodily fluids, and character development.
The historical aspect of the novel deepened the creepy feel, having to go into cemeteries at night with mere lanterns for light, with small shovels, and dynamite. What is more, child and protective services would have shut the doctor down for his neglect of Will Henry long before any of this could take place, which is why it must be a historical novel :).
Finally, though, where was God in this book? God appeared subtly, but still, I think The Monstrumologist leaves a lot of room for God to be planted in the reader's hearts. When Will Henry is praying, Dr. Kearnes does appear, though the outcome then is very different. His joy ends in being lost, but still, the prayer is answered and everything is resolved. This is a very idealist view, perhaps, but I like that God is revered in this book. Plus, it seems like an accurate representation of how people viewed God at that time in the 19th century, though clearly I was not there. Then again, maybe I have that same worm as was, too, born in 1876. ...more "

Apr 16, 2012 01:31PM · see review

Amy Simonson is currently reading

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Apr 10, 2012 09:04PM

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Amy’s Quotes

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

tags: love

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