The Bluest Eye | Book Review
Author: Toni Morrison
Release Date: 1970
Page count: 206
Genres: Fiction, African American Literature
Themes: Beauty, Whiteness, Seeing vs. Being Seen, Sexual abuse
My Rating:★★★★★
Where to buy this book:
I read this book as part of my book club pick for the month, and I do not regret choosing this book for the month of March. This book has everything one can hope for: wit, humor, beauty, tragedy, and imagination.
Synopsis
This book focuses on the story of Pecola during the Great Depression. Pecola is a young black girl who has an abusive father and a mother who finds comfort in her job of caring for a white home. Pecola is often mocked for her dark skin and prays for blond hair and blue eyes. In this novel, you read the story of Pecola when she was taken care by another family, learn the backstory of Pecola’s parents, and ultimately, the meaning of beauty, race, and class.
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Is It Important to Read Criticism About a Book?
This is a question that I’m thinking to myself as I’m reading what others have to say about American Dirt. Many book reviewers are choosing to silence the criticism and read the book, and conclude their own thoughts.
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I Read American Dirt So That You Dont Have To |Book Review
Author: Jeanine Cummins
Publish Date: January 21, 2020
Pages: 400
Genres: Hispanic American Literature, Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Themes: On the run, family bonds, trust, money as the root of all evil
My Rating:★★☆☆☆
Where to buy this book:
You may know about this book because it’s being widespread as we speak, or because of it’s heavy criticism that it’s been receiving. In this book review, I’m going to address all the goods and bads about the book.
Now, I hardly ever read new releases. I usually wait a few weeks until a book has been reviewed and then I usually pick it up. This time around, I will say that I was well aware of this book hitting the shelves when I was researching books being published in 2020 and I immediately wanted to read it. I was interested in the book of because of how it was marketed. The promo had Stephen King blurbed saying it was, “An extraordinary piece of work, a perfect balancing act with terror on one side and love on the other.” Also, Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street said, “This book is not simply the great American novel; It’s the great novel of Las Amricas.” After reading those two comments, I was hooked. The marketing did it’s job of being interesting to read about. As a Mexican American citizen, these stories of migrants crossing to America is all my family and I talk about. But then I read this book and realized, this book relies heavily on stereotypes and does not, whatsoever reflect today’s migrant story.
Table of contents:
Page 1: Spoil free book review
Page 2: Spoiled, detailed book review
Page 3: Addressing the controversy
March’s Book Club Pick: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Page count: 206
Publication Date: 1970
Genre: Fiction, Classic American Literature, African American Literature
I’m so excited to announce this book as the book club pick for March. March is women’s empowerment month, and I wanted to choose a book that fully encompasses that.
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10 Short Reads You Can Read this Leap Day!
It’s Leap day! For those who don’t know, every four years we gain an extra day in the year and that falls on February 29th.
So the dilemma is that you have an extra day! There are so many good thing about Today’s leap day. First and foremost, is that it falls on a Saturday. A day that most have when they work Monday-Friday. And secondly, is that the weather should be nice. At least in Southern California, it’s going to a day in the 60’s. A good day to lay in bed, on the couch, take a breathe, and relax My recommendation is to use that day to better yourself.Go to the gym, get a work out done, go the beach or head to the outdoors, and pick out a book!
I mean Bill Gates takes two whole weeks to himself to do nothing but read. I’m only suggesting that you read a whole day, which isn’t much compared to one of the richest man alive.
Here are recommendations on what to read this Leap day in one sitting along with a link to the ebook, because your time is precious and you need that book now!
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35 Pictures of Celebrities Reading
There is a belief that if celebrities do it, you should too. If the cool kids are doing it, you should too. This is me telling you to follow the example of these celebrities.
This also me show casing rare pictures of celebrities reading, a sight you never see, but a sight you should see.
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☠ Crown of Midnight ☠ Book Review
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Originally Published: August 15, 2013
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Romance, Young Adult Adventure
My Rating: ★★★★★
Average Rating: 4.45★’s
Length: 420 Pages
Themes: Young love, friendship, good vs. evil, dealing with loss.
Where to find this book:
Synopsis:
Assassin Celaena Saradothein is told by the King for which she serves to, that she must kill a man. But what the king doesn’t know is that even though she’s a hired assassin, she does things her way. In this sequel we follow one mission that ends up threatening her and the lives around her.
In short: Imagine Game of Thrones, but the young adult version.
Synopsis from the publisher:
She is the greatest assassin her world has ever known.
But does she have the heart of a killer?
After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king’s contest to become the new royal assassin. But Calaena is far from loyal to the crown. Keeping up the charade – while pretending to do the king’s bidding – will test her skills in an entirely new way. And it certainly isn’t the only point of confusion for the young girl. Because though she’s made her choice between Dorian and Chaol, the ways of the heart are never simple…
Fan Art:
Spoilers Without Context:
Do I recommend this book?
Hell yes! This book had everything that I wanted: love scenes, adventure, magic.
Although the first book was not Sarah J. Maas best, this book made up for that. I can see why the first book was set up in that way and that was to set up the plot for the second book.
Before you read this book know:
- This is the second book to the series so before you read this, make sure you read the first one, Throne of Glass.
- This book is better than her first book in the series, and that’s a fact.
- Expect loss. People will die.
- There are love scenes. Not fifty shades of grey explicit, but enough for the imagination.
Favorite Quotes:
“The best lies were always mixed with truth.”
“What does that mean?” he demanded.
She smiled sadly. “You’ll figure it out. And when you do…” She shook her head, knowing she shouldn’t say it, but doing it anyway. “When you do, I want you to remember that it wouldn’t have made any difference to me. It’s never made any difference to me when it came to you. I’d still pick you. I’ll always pick you.”
“To escape death, she’d become death.”
I’m keeping this non-spoiler review as dry as possible because I don’t want anything to be spoiled, it’s that good.
Read down below for a more detailed review, with spoilers. If you don’t mind spoilers or have already read this book: read below in the next page.
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Short Story Sunday: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
It’s Black History month and as Latino and an American citizen, I believe it’s important that we embrace the work that African Americans bring to us and that includes this short story: Sweat. The short story focuses on Delia, a wash-woman for White people, and her abusive husband Skyes. Delia is a hard working woman as she works hard for her household. She says, “Sweat, … Continue reading Short Story Sunday: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
February’s Book Club Pick: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This is one of my favorite books of all time and I’m so happy to announce this months book club pick. Last month’s pick was Lolita and it was an interesting read, but many readers found it hard to connect with the text in the beginning. But this month, I wanted to choose a book that goes in theme with Valentine’s Day, but also a book that is more than just a romance book. This book talks about family dynamics, feminism, and about the theme of “money talks.” So please please please, join me this month in reading this classic.
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The Aged Mother: A Folktale of Wisdom
Where to Access this Short Story:
What is vulnerability? Google defines it as the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. I define it as the governor of Shining.
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Reading Litty 