Reading Wrap-up | March 2016

TL;DR

March reading wrap up includes fantasy novels, Greek tragedies, poetry, and short stories, with mixed reviews and recommendations.

Transcript

hi guys so I'm here today to do my March reading wrap up I actually read quite a few books in March so I will waste no more time before I talk to you about those books first is a book that I've already done a full review of so if you want to hear a little bit more about what I thought about it then I'll link it down below for you but that is the gr... Read More

Key Insights

• 😘 "The Gracekeepers" offers a beautifully written, low fantasy story set in a sea-covered world with elements of fairy tales and folklore.
• 🤨 "Raising Steam" disappoints as a Discworld novel, with off-characterization and a lackluster plot.
• 😮 "Shadow Scale" impresses as a sequel with improved pacing, exploring the relationship between humans and dragons.
• 🖤 Ludmilla Petrushevskaya's short story collection lacks variety compared to her previous work in magic realism.
• 🧔‍♀️ Megan Beech's feminist poetry collection showcases a variety of themes, including women in the media and online sexism.
• 🧔‍♀️ "The Trojan Women" is a powerful Greek tragedy exploring the treatment of women after the Trojan War.
• 👶 "Heracles" delves into a specific incident in Heracles' life, where he murders his wife and children.
• 👩‍⚕️ "The Book Collector" provides a fast-paced storyline, dealing with the treatment of women's mental health and dark fairy tale themes.
• 🧔‍♀️ "I Call Myself a Feminist" features testimonies from women under 30, discussing feminism and feminist quotes.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the premise of "The Gracekeepers" by Christy Logan?

"The Gracekeepers" is set in a world covered by the sea, where people live on small land areas or boats, and follows two main characters, North and Kenish, whose lives intertwine.

Q: Why was "Raising Steam" by Terry Pratchett a letdown?

"Raising Steam" failed to live up to the standards of the Discworld series, with off-characterization and a disappointing plot, although fans of the series may still find value in reading it.

Q: What can readers expect from "Shadow Scale" by Rachel Hartman?

"Shadow Scale" is a sequel to "Seraphina" and continues the high fantasy series with dragons, court intrigue, and the exploration of the relationship between humans and dragons.

Q: What themes are explored in the short story collection "There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister's Husband and He Hanged Himself: Love Stories" by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya?

The collection features dark tales with themes of love, betrayal, and elements of magic realism, although it may lack variety and surprises compared to the author's previous work.

Q: What is notable about the collection of feminist poetry "When I Grow Up I Want to Be Mary Beard" by Megan Beech?

"When I Grow Up I Want to Be Mary Beard" is a feminist poetry collection that deals with big political themes and social issues, offering accessible yet clever and beautiful poetry.

Q: What is the focus of the nonfiction book "I Call Myself a Feminist: The View from 25 Women Under 30"?

"I Call Myself a Feminist" features testimonies from 25 women under 30, exploring why they identify as feminists and discussing various feminist quotes, making it a positive and inspirational read for those interested in modern feminism.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The Gracekeepers" by Christy Logan is a fantasy novel set in a world mostly covered by the sea, following two main characters with intertwining lives.

• Terry Pratchett's "Raising Steam," the third book in the Discworld series, disappoints with off-characterization and a lackluster plot.

• "Shadow Scale" by Rachel Hartman, a sequel to "Seraphina," is a high fantasy with dragons and court intrigue, earning praise for its improved pacing.