Review - Dear Emma by Katie Heaney

Published - March 1, 2016

Received from NetGalley

Amazon's Summary

Harriet, the author of her college newspaper's pseudonymous student advice column "Dear Emma," is great at telling others what to do, dispensing wisdom for the lovelorn and lonely on her Midwestern campus. Somehow, though, she can't take her own advice, especially after Keith, the guy she's dating, blows her off completely. When Harriet discovers that Keith has started seeing the beautiful and intimidating Remy, she wants to hate her. But she can't help warming to Remy, who soon writes to "Dear Emma" asking for romantic advice.

Now Harriet has the perfect opportunity to take revenge on the person who broke her heart. But as she begins to doubt her own motivations and presumably faultless guidance, she's forced to question how much she really knows about love, friendship and well-meaning advice.

My Review - 3

I wanted something light and saw this on Netgalley and was intrigued.  It felt very young to me, maybe it is for YA fans. I read it rolling my eyes most of the time.

I enjoyed the character Emma and the advice she gave to the college students in their newspaper for the column Dear Emma.  My main issue is that Harriet is nothing like the strong willed decisive Emma and I couldn't help to not care about her character, she came across as flaky mainly for herself and the friendships didn't feel real to me.  It all felt high schoolish, not like college life.
 
She is 'dating' a guy when he stops texting her.

She bitches and complains and does nothing.

Her new library colleague, Remy, just happens to be the new girlfriend of her now 'ex'.

Of course Harriet hates her.

She talks about it with her roommates with no decision on what to do.

Then Remy writes in 'Dear Emma' my boyfriend hasn't contacted me in 3 days, deja vu.

Sigh........ This is how it felt to me.  A little choppy, not great execution.

Harriett has two roommates who she cares a lot for but the relationships didn't feel real to me.  It was more disturbing that she considered one to be her best friend.  I did find it interesting when one friend is having amazing moments in their life and the other is in a low place it is hard to want to share which ends up putting walls up between them.  I thought this was a good storyline but could have been more fleshed out.

I didn't connect with any characters and it definitely didn't feel like college days to me either.  As this was inspired from Jane Austen's Emma, which I haven't read, I would recommend to those fans.  It gets a 3 because I finished it but definitely not my cup of tea, more like a 2 1/2.

It's Monday, what are you reading?

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.


I'm currently in New York completing my Strala Yoga certification, yaaaaaay.........   sorry for not being around last week, I had so much to organize since I am away for 2 weeks.  My 9 year old daughter, day time work, preparing yoga participants for substitute, consultancy HR work, it has been hectic.  I also don't like to post when I don't have time to network, I enjoy the give and receive part of blogging.

Tara is an inspirational yoga guide.

I'm currently reading (I expected more, trying to finish soon, ready to move on)

I reviewed and showcased the movie trailer being released in September. 

My Review

I wanted something light after reading The Other Wife, so I got this  from NetGalley, hope I enjoy it.

Amazon's Summary

Harriet, the author of her college newspaper's pseudonymous student advice column "Dear Emma," is great at telling others what to do, dispensing wisdom for the lovelorn and lonely on her Midwestern campus. Somehow, though, she can't take her own advice, especially after Keith, the guy she's dating, blows her off completely. When Harriet discovers that Keith has started seeing the beautiful and intimidating Remy, she wants to hate her. But she can't help warming to Remy, who soon writes to "Dear Emma" asking for romantic advice.

Now Harriet has the perfect opportunity to take revenge on the person who broke her heart. But as she begins to doubt her own motivations and presumably faultless guidance, she's forced to question how much she really knows about love, friendship and well-meaning advice.

Enjoy your week......

Review - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Publication - June 2011

Book Summary

A mysterious island.



An abandoned orphanage.



A strange collection of very curious photographs.



It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. 

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.


My Review - 3 1/2

I saw the trailer of the upcoming movie and remembered I have had this one on my shelf since it was released.  I immediately picked it up.  The best part of this book are the photographs, unique with a historic artistic feel throughout the story. I love the movies X-Men and thought it may be similar, the Peculiar children were similar and they intrigued me but didn't have the pull were I am so engaged with them I need to follow there journey.  I wish this was a stand alone novel, the pictures are great but unsure if that style would continue with great ratings for the whole trilogy.

The first half of the story was engaging, a five star read for me.  Jacob's grandfather trusted him and shared some fascinating stories and photos, which you wonder are real or fantasy.  Something happens and Jacob is told to go check on his grandfather.  He and his friend find the house empty, go in the woods and walk into a horrifying surprise. Part of the reveal takes Jacob and his father on an adventure.

I am excited when Jacob and his father travel to the island.  Jacob is eager to understand more about his grandfather and find out how much of the stories are true.  The story begins to get creepy and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the reveal of the peculiar children.  Instead of an elaborate display this part was slowly done as they were unsure of Jacob.  And this is where it began to lose its appeal for me.  The children were Peculiar but not were I was excited, fascinated or even curious for more.  They were revealed and that was it, maybe it was that Jacob had to embrace them for who they were but just didn't feel like the hold your breath moment I was looking for.

This is where the true adventure for Jacob began and it became unsafe for not only him but the Peculiar children and the people on the island.  Those that want the Peculiar children become a risk and they are fighting for their existence and safety.  I don't mind gruesome but this felt out of place, monsters wanting to eat children, the Peculiars.  This becomes a run for their life state of affairs.  Jacob has to make a decision, go home with his father back to their family or become a part of what can be his new home with Miss Peregrine and the Peculiar Children.  Overall an original idea especially with the photography but I thought it started really strong and just had a weird ending with unforgettable characters in my opinion.  If you want to try something unusual, this is it.  I am not interested in reading on.

Also, I am glad I had the hardback, I couldn't imagine reading this on a Kindle. I have read that those that have downloaded do not recommend either.

I almost gave this a 4 because I thought the first half was extremely strong, the photography unique but the 2nd half felt like a different book and it doesn't pull me to want to know what happens next.


The Movie will be released September 2016, what do you think, looks cool.........