Month: February 2019

Book Review, Non-Fiction

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by N.d.G.T.

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5 Stars. I would say 5 billion stars +, but the scale doesn’t go that high. And I probably would have only rated it 5 stars anyway, I just would like the opportunity to make a star pun, ok?

Tyson’s voice shines as bright as our sun when viewed from earth. I loved the jokes, the clarity, the simplicity, and everything in between. It reminded me of my younger years when I got the highest grade in my astronomy class (and trust me, I’m terrible at lab sciences; I’m a humanities person through and through).

I’d highly recommend this to people who feel insignificant in our universe, but want to not feel so while simultaneously feeling super tiny again. But you know what, we’re all made of star stuff! Which is incredible!

I’d pair this book with E=mc²: a biography of the world’s most famous equation because of their easy-going natures and friend unimposing feel.

“wHAt dOeS THat MeAn, mEl?”

It means it’s a super easy read and the language won’t ever confuse you because the sentence structure is uncomplicated and all is explained with timeless clarity. And I’m not just saying that because I’ve taken an astronomy course before (and did phenomenally), but because I sincerely mean it.

Read this book, recycle, carpool/ride the bus, and take care of our planet. It’s the only planet we’ve got, for now.

Book Review, Children's Fiction

Mary Poppins by P.L.T.

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5 Stars. A delight to read, it makes me wish I’d read such fantastical happenings in my youth. The book was an enthralling collection of short stories involving the Banks children. Such original ideas and beautiful execution through simplicity of characters, setting, and plot. Truly a children’s literary classic. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.

Book Review, YA Romance

Geekerella by A.P.

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Image result for geekerella

3.5 Stars. A tasty morsel of modern Cinderella steeped heavily in all that is the sci-fi cult television. Holy what does all that mean, Batman?!

Honestly, a quick read and something to make me appreciate the finer novels I’m struggling through currently. I’m a sucker for a new take on the classic folktale (which are my favorite retellings; see ATU index 510A). And true to form I ate this 300-ish pages up like I’d never have another meal again.

The prose was simple enough, but I’m pretty sure actual “geeks” don’t make fandom references to their own actions as they do them (well, not with this kind of frequency). Like, I don’t do something and think “I did that exactly like Mowgli when he brought fire to the jungle to scare off Shere Khan;” if you catch my drift. Sure, I make the occasional reference, but just because the book’s basis is geekdom doesn’t mean everything needs to be related. That kinda ruined the realism/believability for me. So, you live in the “impossible universe,” but every time you compare someone to daleks or say “holy [insert hilarious as well as relatable quip here], Batman,” I lose 10 years from my life-span.

Granted, this book is quirky af and likable in its adorable-ness. But there are some things I’m unwilling to overlook. I mean, glaring! I’m a “geek”, your typical fan girl, but I’m not ridiculous.

With such flat characters, I really can’t give this book more than 3.5 stars. C’mon Poston, you had so many chances to make these folks really shine! Like Cal’s redemption arc!! Tropey, and so Disney’s Cinderella 2&3–but at least Anastasia’s story was more fleshed out in those sequels.

Why do I keep reading YA Romance novels, when I clearly have so many negative things to say about them? Well, I’ll tell you. Because they’re sappy, easy to read, and I love them. I just wish they were literarily better.