Toni's Book Corner

Tag: review

  • Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    With all the times I have mentioned Hannah and her books on my blog, it is strange that I have only one review of her posted. The most recent book I read by her is Winter Garden, a book about The Great Terror and War in Russia.

    The story follows a dual timeline, the first one set in the present. Sisters Nina and Meredith are completely different from each other, and after the passing of their father, it feels like their family is falling apart. Their mother has been cold and distant their whole life, the only exception being when she used to tell her daughters a Russian fairy tale. Now that the three of them are left, they seem to float away from each other, except that they made their dad a promise on his deathbed: Anya would tell the fairy tale, but this time the whole story. Both sides are reluctant at first, but when Anya finally starts to talk, the whole story pours out in bits and pieces. The girls come to realise that this is no ordinary fairytale, as they slowly uncover their mother’s past in Leningrad Russia, during the siege. As they near the ending, they will discover if the heartbreak is too great to bear, or if the unveiling of the secrets will finally bring them closer together.

    For the first time ever after finishing a Kristin Hannah book, I am torn. On the one hand, the story of Meredith, Nina and their mother moved along really slowly, and though I usually like this since it gives you time to really get to know and connect with the characters, it felt a bit too slow for me. On the other hand, I was completely enraptured with the story of Leningrad, which made me fly through the book as a whole, because I always wanted to get to those parts of the story. While Hannah’s strength lies in carving out complete and rich characters and making you connect to them, Anya in the past felt like a completely different person from Anya in the present. I couldn’t connect to the woman telling the story. As we get further into the ‘fairytale’, we learn more about how she came to be like this and the trauma she went through. My heart really broke for her in that part of the story, and I understand how events like that can completely change a person.

    However, I found the ending a bit difficult to grasp. It filled me with a lot of sadness, for obvious reasons I cannot say without giving away spoilers, but also for the years lost with Nina and Meredith. The relationship with their mother has always been very cold and difficult, and though her story does give an explanation for her behaviour, I don’t feel like it makes up for it. She was able to open up to her husband, but not to her daughters until it is almost too late. Nina and Meredith show a lot of compassion and understanding for their mother after hearing what she went through, understandably so, but the book made it seem as if this erased all of their previous suffering, which I didn’t find as realistic. It all felt resolved in the end, while I think some degree of complex feelings would remain.

    That being said, this was the only thing that bothered me while reading this book, because as I said before the historical part of the novel was wonderful. The descriptions felt incredibly vivid and my heart breaks for anyone who lived through this, anyone who has family or friends who lived through this, or anyone who is going through something similar. reading books like these allow me to learn more about the world and history, which is incredibly important and gives me a better understanding of other people.

    I have not read a single Kristin Hannah book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and although this one is not my favourite by her, it is still no exception to this. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this part of history and who enjoys an intense character build-up.

  • Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    You may have seen this title floating around lately, either as a book cover or as a movie poster with Ryan Goslings face on it. Project Hail Mary has taken both book- and movie lovers by storm lately as the space story of the year. While the book has been out for some time now, the movie released on March … and has brought the book into the spotlight again. I encountered the title before I knew it was being made into a movie and it already peaked my interest, but when I saw the film came out soon I picked it up immediately. And while I was spoiled for choice in terms of picking a favourite book out of the ones I read in March, Project Hail Mary launched its way right to the top. By reviews I had seen before, I was pretty confident I was going to like this book, but I could not have predicted how much I was going to love this book. This sciencefiction novel takes place mostly in space, which is a topic I have never read about, and it surpassed all of my expectations. I am thoroughly impressed with Weir’s ability to create an emotional story about a setting that is so foreign to most of us, and imbue it with science that elevates the story, but in a way that is graspable for most readers. And, while I am excited to watch the movie now that is has come out, I am hesitant that it can do the book justice, because this story was truly wonderful.

    Plot

    When scientists discover a new form of life in space, the first reaction is of course elation. But excitement at the discovery quickly turns sour when it becomes clear that these micro-organisms are effectively eating the sun’s energy. This will have a mountain of negative effects on the earth’s climate, ecosystems and life, meaning human rage wouldn’t survive. The micro-organisms spread from star to star, and all solar systems fall victim to this ‘infection’, except for one star. Why is that star not infected? That is exactly what Ryland Grace is sent to find out. The only problem is that when he wakes up aboard the Hail Mary, he has no idea who he is, where he is, let alone that he is responsible for saving the entire earth. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Ryland will have to remember the past and save the future. But maybe he is not alone in this endeavour after all.

    One of the qualities that made this book so enjoyable the whole way through, is how funny the protagonist is. Waking up alone in outer space with no idea about who or where you are? Leave it to Ryland Grace to make even this situation funny. He is also one of the most resourceful characters I have ever read about, which is arguably a great trait to have when on a space mission to save humanity. As a problem-solving mindset and a dosis of humour is probably well suited when hurtling through space on a huge ship on your own, he was the perfect main character for this book.

    I also gravely admire Weir’s ability to explain scientific topics in a way that is graspable for laymen reading this book. I felt like I could actually understand everything going on with both the space ship and the organisms, even though I have no scientific background. And even when things got too complicated, he would summarise in no uncertain terms. For instance, he would explain a lot of technical things, and then say: basically, the engine is broken. This makes the book perfect both for people who like to exercise their mind while reading and learn new things, and people who just want to enjoy the story without having to strain their brain.

    Characters

    While I have already talked about the protagonist, who takes up most of the story as he is alone in space, there were other characters explored in the flashbacks of him getting back his memory. Start is tasked with orchestrating a solution for this problem and the one who recruits Ryland for the mission. She is a morally grey character, which was very interesting to both read about and to follow along her arguments. Some of her choices were questionable, but it does make us think about the circumstances in which laws and morality should be bent. She was a powerhouse of a woman though, getting where and what she wanted, admitting she would deal with the consequences of her actions later.

    Ilyukhina was another character I enjoyed, as she had an interesting attitude towards the whole mission. All of the astronauts who volunteered to give up their own life in order to save everyone else are really admirable and it made me happy to think there would actually be people like that if a similar situation were to arise.

    !!SPOILERS!!

    (don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book or watched the movie)

    Now, Rocky was my absolute favourite character out of all of them. When I said Ryland was a resourceful character, Rocky was even more so and the two really complemented each other, both in terms of knowledge and skill, and in terms of comfort. I thought it was wonderful to see their connection grow and find their friendship to be at the heart of what makes this novel so incredible. Their way of communicating was also interesting, and the way Rocky’s sentences were written gave him a lot of character. He is one of the things I am most excited to see adapted to screen.

    When I truly enjoy a book and more specifically its characters, I always find it a bit hard to say goodbye at the end. I really felt that with Project Hail Mary, especially since the ending was left a bit open. There was no true happy ending possible for me, as it either meant one of them would never see their own civilisation again, or that they would never see each other again. Of course, the happy ending lies in both of them saving their planets, and while I was happy to see Grace live on their planet for a few years, I couldn’t help thinking it must be so lonely to never see humans again, never feel a touch again, and never have the satisfaction of showing earth you survived against all odds. The ending leaves the possibility of him returning open, but even then he would again lose years in his travels, not being certain he would even survive, and having missed decades on earth. Perhaps this impossibility of a true happy ending is why Weir left it slightly open, but regardless I was relieved when Grace went back to save Rocky and that he managed to eventually survive on their planet. 

  • Six Romance Books for Spring

    Six Romance Books for Spring

    Now that it’s officially spring, it is time to recommend some spring books to read, and today those are specifically romance books. As summer, far and winter (particularly the holidays) are more popular for books tailored to that season, I did my best to find books that really embody spring. To me, that means happy, lighthearted vibes, growth and new things. But most of all, to me spring is the season of hope and feelings that bloom. Here are my recommendations for romance books that perfectly encapsulate those exact feelings.

    Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Unlike most romance novels, the love interests in Out of the Woods are already a couple at the start of the book. Bonam-Young introduces Sarah and Caleb in her first instalment of this interconnected standalone duo logy, Out on a Limb. The high school sweethearts have been married for quite a while and still love each other strongly. However, getting together at such a young age is a challenge to their own identities: where do their individualities end and where does their relationship begin? Who are they without each other? To find their way back to each other and themselves, Sarah and Caleb partake in a week-long hiking retreat to help struggling relationships. Will they find their way back, or will their love get lost in the wilderness? Spring is all about growth and hopeful new beginnings, sentiments that Out of the Woods perfectly embodies. This novel explores themes like identity, love in longer relationships and independency versus trust. Since a large part of the book also involves hiking and camping out in nature, the setting is also perfect for spring.

    First Time Caller by B.K. Borison

    Not only does First Time Caller take place in the spring, but Borison has given readers a very original romance plot with this book. Radio host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, Aiden Valentine, has lost his love for love, and his job is starting to suffer from it. That is until one night, the radio receives a call from a young girl, asking for dating advice on her mother’s behalf. Listeners go wild for the ensuing conversation between Aiden and Lucie Stone, who eventually agrees to be set up on dates for the program. But when romance starts to stir, it might not be between her and the gentlemen taking her out, but rather with the charismatic radio host who starts to dislike his own new segment more and more with each passing date. First Time Caller is often associated with Valentine’s Day, however, I think it is filled with hopeful new beginnings, and fits the spring season perfectly.

    The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

    As you may know, I cannot recommend any type of romance book without including anything by Beth O’Leary. She has some very unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the fact during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other, their connection starts to grown. The Flatshare is a lighthearted, sweet romance, that literally feels like a sunny, bright spring day.

    Swear On This Life by Renee Carlino

    Emiline works as an adjunct writing instructor in stead of having the flourishing writing career she’s always dreamed of. When a young new author suddenly gains popularity with a debut novel, she is reluctant to read it, but when she finally starts the novel, she is taken aback. Reading about the story of two childhood best friends falling in love and dreaming of a better life together sounds a little bit too familiar to be coincidental. Realising that the author has used a penname and is actually Jackson, a person from her past, she is furious that he has used that painful past to write his novel. The only way to move forward is to confront her beginnings, but is she ready to face the boy she once knew, or will the ending of their real story be an unhappy ever after? Carlino utilises flashbacks to tell both timelines, so it is not just set in one specific season or year. It is a story of second chances, staring anew and hoping for connection.

    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    This novel is a classic, so many people will already know it, but it is so perfectly fitted to the spring season that I had to recommend it. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a wealthy gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. BEnnet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and are not amiable to say the least. But, when feelings start to stir, will Mr. Darcy’s pride stand in the way of true love? Or will it be Lizzie’s prejudice that proves too strong to overcome a genuine connection? This literary masterpiece covers a budding, growing attachment between the two main characters that is parallel to the feeling spring often brings out.

    Once upon a broken heart by Stephanie Garber

    Although this is not technically a romance, Garber has written a fantasy novel where romance is an important part of the plot. Evangeline Fox is heartbroken when the love of her life is suddenly marrying her sister. To fix her devastating situation, she decides to do the one thing all the fairytales have advised against: making a deal with a Fate. She quickly realises the warnings were not unfounded when she gets increasingly tangled up in the web of plans and schemes that is Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. This whimsical romantic fantasy is filled with magic, fairytales and love, perfect for the spring season and letting your imagination run wild.

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  • Book Review: The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    Book Review: The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    They were an obsession, then a scandal, and ultimately… a tragedy

    A glittering world of competition, a destructive love inspired by a decades old classic, and a devastating moment that had the whole world hold their breath. That is what you will get into if you read The Favourites. The story is complex and compelling, and full of themes of love and betrayal. I promise you will not get bored.

    Plot

    The Favourites is about Katarina Shaw, who knows from a young age that she is meant to compete at the Olympics in ice dance, and Heath Rocha. He is a lonely kid stuck in the foster-care system, and when Kat and Heath meet each other, their connection is instant. Their chemistry continues onto the ice as they grow from childhood sweethearts to a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Already notorious in the public eye for their beautiful ice dancing, rebellious streak and up-and-down relationship, everything explodes when a dramatic turn of events at the Games themselves destroys their partnership in front of the whole world. No one truly knows what happened, so when ten years later a tell-all documentary is released, everyone is eagerly watching. Will Kat break her silence and change her narrative? Or is the truth as scandalous as everyone believes it to be?

    By now, I’ve hear it all: Katarina Shaw is a bitch, a diva, a sore loser, a manipulative liar. Cold-blooded, a cheater, a criminal. An attentions whore, an actual whore. Even a murderess. Call me what you want. I don’t give a damn anymore.

    My story is mine, and I’ll tell it the same way I skated: in my own way, on my own terms. We’ll see who wins in the end.

    Narration

    Told in a documentary style, the people close to the protagonists Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, or the people who were involved in what happened ten years earlier each tell their version of events, filling in the blanks to finally share with the world, and the reader, how it all went down. This type of narration makes the story extra compelling and immersive, and heightens the pacing. You are constantly getting a new point of view, receiving more information and hearing different voices, so it never gets boring. You can almost hear the crowd roaring in the distance, see the camera flashes, and feel the cold of the ice on your face while reading. The way this story is told fits perfectly with the scandalous nature of the plot and really took the novel to a higher level.

    Former olympic ice dancer Ellis Dean speaks to an interviewer in a West Hollywood bar.

    Ellis Dean: We used to joke they were going to die in each other’s arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between.

    Figure skating coach Nicole Bradford is interviewed in her suburban Illinois kitchen.

    Nicole Bradford: They were the most talented skaters I’ve ever worked with, no question. But looking back… yes, I could see the signs of trouble to come.

    Characters

    There were a lot of different characters in this book, both because of the style of narration and the competitive world of fame and elite sports. The protagonists and main side characters were well fleshed out, and the inspiration from Wuthering Heights is especially visible in the characters of Kat and Heath. While Heaths temper is reminiscent of Heathcliffs violent nature, he is more mellow than his original, but because of the modern setting that was a good thing. He was similar enough that his and Kats characters clashed when they had to, but dialed down enough that he is palatable for a modern context where too much temper or even violence would not be accepted by readers for a protagonist. Kat was just as selfish, venomous and manipulative as Brontë’s Catherine, but her reasons for acting that way were always there. We can see how she grew up and got to where she was, and how the competition and rise to fame get to her. Though we can see how Kat and Heath are not always good for each other, I was still rooting for them to make it. They truly met their match in each other.

    The many side characters support the character arc of our protagonists, because they enable the situations they get in. It feels like a chain reaction of people setting each other off and starting the development of events. The twins and their mother were important side characters, who are also clearly inspired by Brontë’s original, but Fargo made adjustments where necessary for them to fit into this modernised story and steer Kat and Heath to where they needed to be. I feel like she made the perfect balance in retaining elements from the original and changing key elements in both the characters and the plot, to make everything fit together perfectly.

    Final thoughts

    This is as much as I want to give out on The Favourites without risking spoilers. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read, and as I said in my previous post on 7 books I want to read again, I also read it in just over a day. I was so completely immersed in this world that I could not put it down. Wuthering Heights is also one of my favourite books, so for me those elements enhanced the reading experience even more. However, it is more of an inspiration than a complete retelling, so if you have not read Brontë’s book or you did not enjoy it, I am sure that won’t influence your reading experience of Fargo’s book. If you are as fascinated by ice skating as I am, you are in for a treat because both the beauty and intensive training of this sport are highlighted and I have gained a lot of respect for professional skaters. If you are ready to get truly swept up in this whirlwind of a book, do pick it up, and let me know if it is one of your new favourites.

  • Book Review: Days at the Torunka Café

    Book Review: Days at the Torunka Café

    A 224 pages long warm hug

    Welcome at the Torunka Café, a hard to find coffee place, nestled in an alleyway that branches off of the market street. People who are meant to find the place, will see a tabby cat, that they only have to follow to stumble upon this haven of peace. The Torunka Café is a place where its denizens can quiet their mind, where the proprietor pours a delicious cup of coffee, where his daughter’s enthusiasm mesmerises customers and a part-time student completes this three-headed team.

    Three stories, following different characters, show how lives that have crossed in the past and grown divergent, can join again at the right time. The writing style is quite simple, which symbolises the contents in a way. The Torunka Café shows the daily lives of both customer and barista, which are relatable since most of us lead simple lives. There is a real comfort in following people who have a normal job, worry about small things, make mistakes and try to rectify them, and seeing them finding their way.

    The stories show snippets of people’s lives, with flashbacks to give context, but some things are left open-ended, which I usually don’t like, but for this novel it really fit. Though I found the events intriguing and I wanted to know what happened, the real magic happens in the message conveyed. In a culture where hard work, making promotion and earning money is the standard, Days at the Torunka Café offers comfort in knowing that there is another option. It shows the merits of slowing down, living consciously and enjoying the small things, like a cup of coffee, and the things that really matter, like the people around us.

    Reading a book like this is perfect when life feels cluttered, stressed or unsure. Yagisawa gives his readers the same feeling of comfort, company and peace as customers receive in the Torunka Café. There is a sentence on the back of the book that perfectly sums up the core of this beautiful novel:

    “While the Torunka Café serves up a perfect cup of coffee, it provides these sundry should with nourishment far more lasting. Satoshi Yagisawa brilliantly illuminates the periods in our lives where we feel lost – and how we find our way again.”

    If you decide to pick this book up, my advice is to grab a cup of coffee, savour every page, and enjoy.