The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

Title:  The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

Author:  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Publisher:  Deseret Book

Date Published:  January 1, 2017

Genre:  Religion, Non-Fiction, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christian

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-  Dieter F. Uchtdorf is a general authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has a deep passion for flying and served as a pilot for most of his life. He flew with the German military and a German airline. This book focuses on the parallels between principles of flying and principles of the gospel. 

-  Elder Uchtdorf is one of my favorite speakers during general conference. I have always loved his stories about flight and airplanes, and I love the way he ties them to life experiences. This was a delightful book that combined many of his stories in one place. 

-  The book was uplifting and helped me visualize things in a new way. I couldn't relate to everything he was saying, but I enjoyed it. 

-  The book is full of Elder Uchtdorf's charm, wit, and wisdom. It was a joy to read, and I loved the pictures from his piloting days.

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Abby in Wonderland

Title:  Abby in Wonderland

Author:  Sarah Mlynowski

Series:  Whatever After #10.5

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Date Published:  September 17, 2017

Genre:  Middle Grade, Fairy Tale Retelling

Rating:  ★★★★☆

My Thoughts: 

-    Abby usually visits fairy tales through the magic mirror in her basement, but this time she falls into a giant hole on a golf course, and instead of her brother and dog accompanying her, her two best friends and sort of enemy falls into the hole with her. Abby and her friends have to wander through Wonderland and figure out how to get back home. Abby also has to deal with Penny, who isn't her most favorite person. 

-    I like that Abby and Penny learn that they have more in common than they think. I also really like that Abby learns why Penny acts the way she does. It is a good lesson to learn. Often times, the mean kids at school are struggling in some way, and they are just acting out because they don't know how else to behave. 

-    I loved all the Wonderland characters. I am a sucker for Wonderland stories. It's whimsical setting and characters are delightful. 

-    Gnome and I enjoyed reading this together. We laughed and had a lot of fun. 

Previous Whatever After Books

(covers are linked to my thoughts on each book)

  
  
  

Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Title:  Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Author:  Samantha Silva

Publisher:  Flatiron Books

Date Published:  October 31, 2017

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Christmas

Rating:  ★★★★☆

My Thoughts: 

-    After writing highly successful novels like Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, the famous Charles Dickens has fallen on hard times. His current writings, Chuzzlewit, aren't doing so well, and his finances are taking a hit. Dickens publisher is demanding that he write a Christmas book, but he only has six short weeks to complete it. Dickens is very reluctant to write the book, and to top it all off, he is being a grinch about all the Christmas celebrations his family expects. Inspiration for his little Christmas book is everywhere, and while Dickens is finding his Christmas spirit, his book starts reflecting his journey. 

-    I really enjoyed this book. The Christmas Carol is a classic and one of my favorite Christmas time reads. I loved how Dickens ran across little bits and pieces of people and events that became part of his book.

-    Most of the book is fictional, but I did learn a lot about the back story of The Christmas Carol. The author's note at the end was especially helpful.

-    The middle is a little slow, but it begins well and ends well. 

-    If, like me, you are sucker for all things Christmas Carol around this time of year, then I highly recommend this book. It was humorous, hopeful, and full of Christmas spirit. 

Trigger Warning:  Grief

Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Goodreads Synopsis:    Chafed by the -sivilized- restrictions of his foster home, and weary of his drunkard father's brutality, 14 year-old Huck Finn fakes his own death and sets off on a raft down the Mississippi River. He is soon joined by Jim, an escaped slave. Together, they experience a series of rollicking adventures that have amused readers, young and old, for over a century. The fugitives become close friends as they weather storms together aboard the raft and spend idyllic days swimming, frying catfish suppers, and enjoying their independence. Their peaceful existence ends abruptly, however, with the appearance of the King and the Duke, an incorrigible pair of con artists who take over the raft. After many difficulties, Huck and Jim escape their tormentors, and with the help of an imaginative rescue by Huck's old friend Tom Sawyer, Jim gains his freedom. Manga Classics breathes new life into this American Classic with a faithful adaptation of Mark Twain's masterpiece. 

My Thoughts:

-    I first read Tom Sawyer when I was in middle school, and I've loved the story ever since. Yes, I read it because of Wishbone. I've always wanted to read Huck's story, but I could never get into it. It has a different feel to me.

-    I've been loving these Manga Classics, and I thought this would be a good way for me to finally read the story. I still struggled. I had to push myself to finish.

-    I thought Huck's adventure down the river would be more adventurous. It was more like a series of meetings with terrible people. The "duke" and the "king" were the worst. Huck should have ditched them WAY sooner. I wish the story had focused more on Jim and reuniting him with his family. 

-    A lot of the dialogue is spelled phonetically, and I struggled to understand what a lot of the characters were saying. There is a note at the beginning of the book explaining that they were trying to preserve Mark Twain's original works and the dialects and accents of the time. I get why they did it, and I can appreciate it. I just had a hard time translating it sometimes. I had to have my hubby help me with a few panels.

-    The overall story isn't terrible. There are a lot of good things that happen, and I liked Huck and Jim a lot. This story just isn't as fun to me as Tom Sawyer. 

Daughter of the Pirate King

Goodreads Synopsis:   There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King. 

My Thoughts:

-    I was so excited to read this book. I wanted a fun swashbuckling adventure. Instead, I got a frustrating flirting story.

-    The first chapter was brilliant. It introduced Alosa in the perfect way, and I really like Alosa's snarky and confident personality. I like Riden as well. I just wish their flirting hadn't been front and center to the story.

-    The ending had a little more action, and it was more enjoyable for me. 

-    I'm hoping the second book is more of a pirate adventure than a romance. 

Orphan Island

Goodreads Synopsis:    On the island, everything is perfect. The sun rises in a sky filled with dancing shapes; the wind, water, and trees shelter and protect those who live there; when the nine children go to sleep in their cabins, it is with full stomachs and joy in their hearts. And only one thing ever changes: on that day, each year, when a boat appears from the mist upon the ocean carrying one young child to join them—and taking the eldest one away, never to be seen again.

Today’s Changing is no different. The boat arrives, taking away Jinny’s best friend, Deen, replacing him with a new little girl named Ess, and leaving Jinny as the new Elder. Jinny knows her responsibility now—to teach Ess everything she needs to know about the island, to keep things as they’ve always been. But will she be ready for the inevitable day when the boat will come back—and take her away forever from the only home she’s known?

My Thoughts:

-    I understand what the author was trying to say, and I get that the story is symbolic, but I wanted more. 

-    There were little clues about the kids and the island, but no questions were really answered. I want to know why the kids are on the island. Where do they come from? Where do they go when they get on the boat? 

-    The story was fine, and it kept me reading, but the characters were annoying, especially Jinny. I didn't like Jinny at all. She was very self-centered and couldn't get along with anyone. Deen was a saint to be her friend. Ben was the only one I really liked, but I wish he had put Jinny in her place a bit more.

-    I felt like the book could be for a slightly older audience. I understand why 11-12 year olds hold on to childhood things, but they don't necessarily need to really give them up for a few more years. Teens for sure need to give up childhood things as they start transitioning to adulthood. This is just my opinion on it. 

-    Despite not loving the book, I am glad I read it. 

Empire's End

Goodreads Synopsis:

EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING.

As the final showdown between the New Republic and the Empire draws near, all eyes turn to a once-isolated planet: Jakku.

The Battle of Endor shattered the Empire, scattering its remaining forces across the galaxy. But the months following the Rebellion’s victory have not been easy. The fledgling New Republic has suffered a devastating attack from the Imperial remnant, forcing the new democracy to escalate its hunt for the hidden enemy.

For her role in the deadly ambush, Grand Admiral Rae Sloane is the most wanted Imperial war criminal—and one-time rebel pilot Norra Wexley, back in service at Leia’s urgent request, is leading the hunt. But more than just loyalty to the New Republic drives Norra forward: Her husband was turned into a murderous pawn in Sloane’s assassination plot, and now she wants vengeance as much as justice.

Sloane, too, is on a furious quest: pursuing the treacherous Gallius Rax to the barren planet Jakku. As the true mastermind behind the Empire’s devastating attack, Rax has led the Empire to its defining moment. The cunning strategist has gathered the powerful remnants of the Empire’s war machine, preparing to execute the late Emperor Palpatine’s final plan. As the Imperial fleet orbits Jakku, an armada of Republic fighters closes in to finish what began at Endor. Norra and her crew soar into the heart of an apocalyptic clash that will leave land and sky alike scorched. And the future of the galaxy will finally be decided.

My Thoughts:

-    I was really happy with the ending to this trilogy. This series has been really fun.

-    I have more questions! I hope someone continues this story. I need to know what happens with Sloane!

-    I loved learning more about the events leading up to The Force Awakens, especially about Han and Leia.

-    Where is Luke this whole time? I want to know what he is doing.

-    I liked how everything wrapped up for each character. I hope we see more of them in other Star Wars stories. 

-    Overall, I really liked these books, but I still have lots of questions! There is no end to the questions in the Star Wars universe!

Previous Aftermath Books:

 

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

From Goodreads:    Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited adaptation.

The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike. When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.

My Thoughts:

-    I loved revisiting Green Gables in a new way! I hope they adapt the rest of the series into graphic novels as well.

-    This was such a great adaptation. They really captured the characters, the scenery, and the spirit of the story.

-    The illustrations were great! The facial expressions on Marilla and Matthew were my favorite. They held so much emotion. This book almost didn't need dialogue.

-    Loved it!

Before the Devil Breaks You

Goodreads Synopsis:    
New York City.
1927.
Lights are bright.
Jazz is king.
Parties are wild.
And the dead are coming...

After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten--ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows.

With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them fact-to-face with the King of Crows. But as the explosive secrets of the past come to light, loyalties and friendships will be tested, love will hang in the balance, and the Diviners will question all that they've ever known. All the while, malevolent forces gather from every corner in a battle for the very soul of a nation--a fight that could claim the Diviners themselves.

My Thoughts:

-    This book didn't feel as long as the last book, but it was still a little long.

-    I like that the events from the previous books are all coming together in this third book, but I was hoping for a trilogy. I had no idea there was going to be a fourth book! I don't know if I will read it.

-    I don't care for the direction the story has taken. Some of the character's decisions bug me, and I don't like that all the adults are enemies. 

-    I have become attached to these characters, but I'm okay being done with them. I don't feel the need to see how their story turns out. It was nice knowing ya, but it is time to move on.

-    I am a little upset that explicit sex scenes were included in this book. All of a sudden, everyone is sleeping with someone. It is crazy! I don't need to know where hands are and what they are doing! I also don't think this material belongs in YA. 

-    I'm a little discouraged with Libba Bray's books. I can't seem to finish her series. I like them when I start them, but then I lose interest. 

-    Why don't any of the covers in the series match?

Previous Book in The Diviners' Series:

 

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett

Goodreads Synopsis:    Hawthorn wasn't trying to insert herself into a missing person's investigation. Or maybe she was. But that's only because Lizzie Lovett's disappearance is the one fascinating mystery their sleepy town has ever had. Bad things don't happen to popular girls like Lizzie Lovett, and Hawthorn is convinced she'll turn up at any moment-which means the time for speculation is now.

So Hawthorn comes up with her own theory for Lizzie's disappearance. A theory way too absurd to take seriously...at first. The more Hawthorn talks, the more she believes. And what better way to collect evidence than to immerse herself in Lizzie's life? Like getting a job at the diner where Lizzie worked and hanging out with Lizzie's boyfriend. After all, it's not as if he killed her-or did he?

Told with a unique voice that is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, Hawthorn's quest for proof may uncover the greatest truth is within herself. 

My Thoughts:

-    This book was WAY different from what I thought it would be. I thought Hawthorn was going to completely immerse herself into Lizzie's old life and find out things about her, but it wasn't like that.

-    I didn't like the characters very much. Hawthorn was so self-absorbed, and she didn't stop to think about how her actions affected others. Enzo was totally using Hawthorn, and that bugged me. I don't understand why he was so willing to hang out with her and do whatever.

-    Hawthorns parents were lame. I would love a story where the parents are a little more involved and actually care about their kid.

-    I want to know more about Lizzie!

-    The whole werewolf theory bugged me. Hawthorn dragged that on for WAY too long.

-    The ending gave me a lot to think about. I liked that Hawthorn saw the error or her ways and grew up a bit at the end.

Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo

Goodreads Synopsis:    A Conspiracy and a miscarriage of justice turn the gentle Edmond Dantès into an implacable agent of fate: The Count of Monte Cristo . Obsessed by vengeance and empowered by providence, the Count avenges himself on whose who have wronged him - but is this justice, or is this hubris? In the end, does even the Count know?

Alexandre Dumas' skillful narrative combines intrigue, betrayal, and triumphant revenge into a powerful conflict between good and evil. Now this exciting saga, rich and diverse, takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classics adaptation!

My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE these Manga Classics. I love that they stay true to the original story. 

-    The story is so complex and interwoven. I love how characters effect each other, and how the Count uses connections to create his plans.

-    The overall story is very sad, but there is some happiness in the end. Most of the characters are doomed to suffer though. 

-    The illustrations and character designs were beautiful! Each page was amazing.

-    I think I attempted to read the book once. Dante spent so much time in prison, and it was so slow. I don't know if I'll try again.

Leia: Princess of Alderaan

Goodreads Synopsis:    A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY....THERE WAS A PRINCESS WHO BECAME A LEGEND.

Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the thrown of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter. Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice; dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan--including the make she loves--or the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero.

My Thoughts:

-    I didn't feel like the author captured Leia's character. When you write an iconic character like Leia, you need to nail her personality. 

-    The story was really slow. Leia was supposed to be proving herself worthy to be princess, but she spent a lot of time hiking with friends. 

-    I didn't like that Leia's parents were keeping the rebellion a secret from her. She is perfectly capable of handling the truth. I was so bugged, and I didn't feel like it was in Bail's character to hide that from Leia. 

-    I wish the story had covered more of the early days of the rebellion and Leia's role in that. 

Deep Dark Fears and The Creeps

Goodreads Synopsis:    A charmingly creepy collection of 100 illustrated comics based on idiosyncratic and universal "deep dark fears."

We all have weird fears, from getting sliced to ribbons in subway station revolving gate to getting turned around by the wind while swimming and going too far out to sea. Based on the wildly popular eponymous Tumblr, Deep Dark Fears explores our odd, creepy, and hilariously singular fears. Animator, illustrator, and cartoonist Fran Krause brings these fears to life in vividly illustrated comics based on real fears submitted by readers (plus a few of his own). These "deep dark fears" run the gamut from unlikely but plausible to completely ridiculous, highlighting both our deeply human similarities and our peculiar uniquenesses.

From Goodreads:    Illustrator, animator, teacher, and comic artist Fran Krause has touched a collective nerve with his wildly popular web comic series–and subsequent New York Times best-selling book–Deep Dark Fears. Here he brings readers more of the creepy, funny, and idiosyncratic fears they love illustrated in comic form-–such as the fear that your pets will tell other animals all your embarrassing secrets, or that someone uses your house while you’re not home-–as well as two longer comic short-stories about ghosts.

My Thoughts:

-    Both books are full of irrational fears people sent to the author.

-    A lot of the fears were so outlandish that they were hilarious, but some of the fears were pretty dumb. When I say dumb, I mean there is NO possible way that could EVER happen dumb.

-    Both books were fun quick reads, and they were perfect for the 24 Hour Read-a-Thon.

Bull

From Goodreads:    SEE THE STORY OF THESEUS AND THE MINOTAUR IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Minos thought he could
Pull a fast one
On me,
Poseidon!
God of the Sea!
But I’m the last one
On whom you
Should try such a thing.
The nerve of that guy.
The balls. The audacity.
I AM THE OCEAN!
I got capacity!
Depths! Darkness! Delphic power!
So his sweet little plan
Went big-time sour
And his wife had a son
Born with horns and a muzzle
Who ended up
In an underground puzzle.
What is it with you mortals?
You just can’t seem to learn:
If you play with fire, babies,
You’re gonna get burned.

Much like Lin-Manuel Miranda did in Hamilton, the New York Times best-selling author David Elliott turns a classic on its head in form and approach, updating the timeless story of Theseus and the Minotaur for a new generation. A rough, rowdy, and darkly comedic young adult retelling in verse, Bull will have readers reevaluating one of mythology's most infamous monsters.

My Thoughts:

-    This was the classic tale of Theseus and the Minotaur, but it was SO hilarious! I laughed out loud several times.

-    The characters, especially Poseidon, speak a little more modernly than you would expect, which just adds to the humor.

-    Poseidon was my favorite! He is hilarious in this book!

-    I really liked how the words turned into art.

-    I didn't feel jipped from this book in verse. It has everything. 

By Your Side

Goodreads Synopsis:    When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

My Thoughts:

-    This book pleasantly surprised me. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected.

-    When I heard the library in this story was patterned after my own library, I knew I was going to read it. I love my library!

-    I thought the characters were going to spend the whole book in the library, but I was happy that they didn't, and I got to read about the aftermath stuff.

-    I liked that this wasn't just a romance. Dax and Autumn had issues to deal with. I like that Autumn was sensitive about her anxiety. A lot of people are scared to be open. 

-    I liked the characters, and there was great character development.

-    There were some eh moments, and there were some eye rolling moments, but overall it was a fun fluff book. 

All's Faire in Middle School

Goodreads Synopsis:    The author of Roller Girl is back with a graphic novel about starting middle school, surviving your embarrassing family, and the Renaissance Faire.

Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up with two parents working at the Renaissance Faire, and she's eager to begin her own training as a squire. First, though, she'll need to prove her bravery. Luckily Impy has just the quest in mind--she'll go to public school after a life of being homeschooled! But it's not easy to act like a noble knight-in-training in middle school. Impy falls in with a group of girls who seem really nice (until they don't) and starts to be embarrassed of her thrift shop apparel, her family's unusual lifestyle, and their small, messy apartment. Impy has always thought of herself as a heroic knight, but when she does something really mean in order to fit in, she begins to wonder whether she might be more of a dragon after all.

My Thoughts:

-    This was such a great book! This is a must read for Telgemeier fans and Roller Girl fans.

-    I loved how much I related to Imogene. I've never been a part of a Renaissance Faire, but I've lived through middle school, and it is an awkward time of life. 

-    I loved Impy's struggles and character development. She makes not-so-good choices, and has to fix them and recover from the consequences. 

-    I really enjoyed all the side characters as well, especially the Faire people. 

-    I think this book has something for everyone. I loved it!

Long Way Down

Goodreads Synopsis:
A cannon. A strap.
A piece. A biscuit.
A burner. A heater.
A chopper. A gat.
A hammer
A tool
for RULE

Or, you can call it a gun. That’s what fifteen-year-old Will has shoved in the back waistband of his jeans. See, his brother Shawn was just murdered. And Will knows the rules. No crying. No snitching. Revenge. That’s where Will’s now heading, with that gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, the gun that was his brother’s gun. He gets on the elevator, seventh floor, stoked. He knows who he’s after. Or does he? 

As the elevator stops on the sixth floor, on comes Buck. Buck, Will finds out, is who gave Shawn the gun before Will took the gun. Buck tells Will to check that the gun is even loaded. And that’s when Will sees that one bullet is missing. And the only one who could have fired Shawn’s gun was Shawn. Huh. Will didn’t know that Shawn had ever actually used his gun. Bigger huh. BUCK IS DEAD. But Buck’s in the elevator?

Just as Will’s trying to think this through, the door to the next floor opens. A teenage girl gets on, waves away the smoke from Dead Buck’s cigarette. Will doesn’t know her, but she knew him. Knew. When they were eight. And stray bullets had cut through the playground, and Will had tried to cover her, but she was hit anyway, and so what she wants to know, on that fifth floor elevator stop, is, what if Will, Will with the gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, MISSES.

And so it goes, the whole long way down, as the elevator stops on each floor, and at each stop someone connected to his brother gets on to give Will a piece to a bigger story than the one he thinks he knows. A story that might never know an END…if WILL gets off that elevator.

My Thoughts:

-    I think my expectations for this book were a little too high. My library director highly recommended this book, and he has great taste in books.

-    I loved the whole idea of this story. I think it is a topic that a lot of people avoid or don't know about.

-    I really liked the characters, especially Will and his inner struggle.

-    I usually love books in verse, and I liked this one, but I really wish there had been more content. I wish Will spent more time getting to know the people on each floor. The book is fairly short, so I think it would have been okay to add some more content. 

-    Overall, I liked it, but I it left me hanging. 

Rebel Rising

Goodreads Synopsis:    When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents she is not completely alone—Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own, and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause—and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in…and who she can really trust.

My Thoughts:

-    I really like Rogue One, and the characters are so intriguing to me. I want to know more about all of them.

-    I loved learning more about Jyn. Since I read Catalyst, I know her whole life story now. I can't say that for any other Star Wars character.

-    I liked getting to know Saw better. I liked his relationship with Jyn, and it is sad that his ambitions were greater than his love for her. 

-    I liked seeing Jyn learn how to fight, learn how to take care of herself, and become who she is in Rogue One.

-    I liked how there were chapters of her time in prison mixed in with the story. 

-    I kinda want to read the Rogue One novelization now. I wonder if it adds anything to movie.

Splatoon, Vol 1

Goodreads Synopsis:    All your favorite Inklings are about to get embroiled in an all-out Splatoon Turf War!

Four Inklings who can switch between human and squid forms get caught up in a Splatoon Turf War that launches them into all-new adventures based on the hit Nintendo video game series!

The Turf Wars have started in Inkopolis, and the team that inks the most ground will be crowned the winner! Goggles and Team Blue are ranked lower than their competitors. But with some teamwork and a touch of creativity, they might just leave their mark on this tournament!

My Thoughts:

-    This was the biggest piece of garbage! I was so disappointed in so many ways.

-    I couldn't get into the game, but my hubby and Gnome really like it. I always thought the characters were fun, so when I saw they were making a manga, I was really excited. I thought they could take these cool characters and give them a story. 

-    Did I get a story? NO! Why!?!? The whole freaking book is just a bunch of turf wars. Why would I read about a turf war, when I could go play one!?!? LAME!

-    The characters also go into the clothing store, just like the game, and buy gear. . .once.

-    The character names are retarded. There is Goggles because he is wearing goggles. There is is Specs because he has glasses. There is Headphones because. . . you get it. LAME!!

-    Cali and Marie make an appearance, but they don't say their names!!! Not even once!! AND they never say, "Stay fresh!" WHY!?!?

-    The thing that made me the most mad was the main inkling kept getting naked. He is naked several times. I could have lived a happy life without seeing squid penis! Some could argue that the little squid is censoring his male parts, but come on!!! It is a little squid!! Think about it!!!

-    If you are interested in this, just go play the game. It is the same thing, but at least you get to play, and there aren't any naked inklings with little squids.