Tag Archive for: Stand-Alone

The Sirens of Titan

The Sirens of TitanTitle: The Sirens of Titan
Author: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 224
Length: 9h 20m
Narrator: Jay Snyder
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Sexual Content: 0.5 Flames

My Thoughts

THE SIRENS OF TITAN is so different from most books I’ve read. It was mildly entertaining with interesting views on free will, fatalism, and manipulation. I liked that the story made me think and challenge my own views and beliefs regarding the universe, God, and people. However, I’m not really a huge fan of satire and that aspect hindered my enjoyment of the story. I’m glad I read this book at least once, but I’ll never read it again and I’m glad it’s over.

The Wild Huntress

The Wild HuntressTitle: The Wild Huntress
Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 432
Length: 11h 49m
Narrator: Moira Quirk
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:
Sexual Content: 1 Flames

My Thoughts

THE WILD HUNTRESS was awesome. I loved the story and the characters so much, especially Palug. He reminded me of my cats, Cassie and Izzy. (I’m so glad the dedication let me know he survives so I didn’t have to worry about him.) I also loved the mythology. The author’s twist on the Welsh folklore was so intriguing and the magical elements were fun to read and experience. I also really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. As an American not accustomed to Celtic languages, it was awesome to hear all the correct pronunciations of the Welsh words and names. My only hangup is that I wish the last chapter didn’t feel as rushed as it did. I would’ve preferred an epilogue instead of an overview of future happenings.

The Compound

The CompoundTitle: The Compound
Author: Aisling Rawle
Genre: Dystopian
Format: Audio
Pages: 292
Length: 10h 5m
Narrator: Lucy Boynton
Source: Library
Reason: Recommended
Rating:
Sexual Content: 1.5 Flames

My Thoughts

So much to say about THE COMPOUND. Even though I didn’t really like Lily (I think), the story was so fucking compelling that I had to find out what happened. I kept thinking they were on a show like Squid Game and at some point the shoe was going to drop and they’d all be in danger. I’m a little disappointed that didn’t happen, lol.

Based on what I witnessed and not knowing his thoughts, I liked Sam a lot and I was sad when he left. I was sad Lily hadn’t grown enough to go with him. And, the ambiguous ending is torture. Although, the author could write a follow up to see how Lily’s life changes because of this experience. I’d definitely read it.

The Heartbreak Hotel

The Heartbreak HotelTitle: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author: Ellen O'Clover
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 10h 17m
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:
Sexual Content: 2.5 Flames

My Thoughts

I loved THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL. It was a delightful story about love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I loved both Louisa and Henry, their chemistry and sexual tension. I loved how the author showed grief in all its forms, how consuming it is, how different it is for each person, and that we can heal from our grief.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author was able to portray Borderline Personality Disorder without the person being deranged or psychotic. I loved that she explored how it affects the person diagnosed with it as well as the people around them. I especially loved that she showed what BPD looks like without therapy and the healing that can come from consistent therapy.

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As You Wish

As You WishTitle: As You Wish
Author: Cary Elwes
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 272
Length: 7h 1m
Narrator: Cary Elwes, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:
Sexual Content: 0 Flames

My Thoughts

What a delightful memoir. It’s definitely my favorite to date. I loved learning about the making of The Princess Bride. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The audiobook is definitely the way to read AS YOU WISH. Besides Cary Elwes narrating, a lot of the main cast is featured which was truly a treat. 

After I finished listening, I immediately rewatched the movie. It was so much fun to see all the things Cary Elwes and his cast mates talk about. It also made an already enjoyable film that much more enjoyable. One of these days, I’ll actually read William Goldman’s book so I can experience the source material as well.

Additional Narrators: Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal