[Book Review] : The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Start - Finish Read : August 4th - August 10th, 2018

Bought From : Buku Kita (Online)

Date : July 18th, 2018

Price : IDR 71.400

My Summary :

Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo's desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong.

*Source : From Goodreads

My Letter :

Dear Fellow Readers,

So I was in the mood for some suspense thriller and I decided to pick this up. A psychological thriller by Ruth Ware with an unreliable narrator. I read The Woman In Cabin 10 in Indonesia translation. Well, it's not the best and annoyed me a little bit but I survived.

It is irrefutably such a cozy and light suspense thriller if you want some easy and yet surprising read. At the beginning, we have this troubled protagonist who just so messed up. With things that has happened to her, her alcoholism and her paranoia. Luckily, my interest get picked as she delved some clues on her investigation when nobody trust her. And as people around her gave some unnerving thoughts, nevertheless its developing her character. The atmosphere of the story gave me claustrophobic and also I find her paranoia is annoying. It is just too much for me.

Dear Ruth Ware,
I like how you slowly unravel about Lo's personal story and I can understand why she is like that, but unfortunately I still can't engage with her. At some point, I was hoping that you will let Lo to doubt herself a little bit longer, but hey, no further complaints. I understand that it's meant to be a fast-paced story. Though I was expecting more for the ending. Towards the end, I feel like you were in a rush to wrap the story up.

On the other hand, I'd like to give you a pat on the back for succeeded in misleading me. Just right when I suspect something, instead the other thing happened. Your storytelling style is simple yet effective to pick my interest. And as the plot thicken, I started to enjoy the book more.

At the end, I am sorry to say but it's not a kind of read that really got me on the edge of my seat but I gotta admit it that you caught me off guard.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Start - Finish Read : July 31st - August 2nd, 2018

Bought From : Buku Kita (Online)

Date : July 18th, 2018

Price : IDR 63.580

My Summary :

World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstances to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people--adults and children alike--aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

*Source : From Goodreads

My Letter:

Dear Fellow Readers,

Again, one of reasons why I wanted to pick this book is because of Bookstagram. It was almost everywhere for a while but I don't know why I didn't pick it up. But then I found out that Elex Media translated to Bahasa Indonesia and I thought 'why not?' so, here I am.

Historical fiction is one of genre that I enjoy occasionally and I didn't expect that I would feel what I feel right now after finish the book. I started this book with no expectation, to be fair, I just know from many of those who have read Salt to the Sea that it's gonna be an emotional read. I consider myself as a stone-heart reader, though I didn't cry but I was broken hearted. It didn't take me a long time to get into it and I might won't be able to put it down. But life  (aka my kids) gotten in the way and I had to.

The vibes in Salt to the Sea is shrouded in misery, it was just so tense and full of terror that anything could happen and when it did, it happened so fast. I feel exhausted because it was just one tragedy after another tragedy.

The story has been told in 4 different POVs of the 4 main characters. I think the most interesting part from Salt to the Sea is the characters's background story. Ruta Sepetys manages to bring the side characters become so loveable and makes it hard to say goodbye to. Jump from one POV to another POV also makes it such a fast pace reads.

Anyway, I can't really say much about the writing because I didn't read it in its original language. But the plot is beautifully constructed. Unfortunately when the story reach its climax, it came so fast and so short but however it was still wrecked me.

Dear Ruta Sepetys,

I'm so glad that you expand upon the characters's story (either main and side characters). And as you unravels the layers of the characters, I got engage with them and I flew through it. I was hoping there will be more of romance of certain characters and I found it hard to get into Alfred's character. You also have created number of scenes that I will think about long after finishing the book. Sadly, I feel the ending so abrupt and didn't execute gracefully. But thank you for wrote this book. You explored the details of the war in really thought-provoking ways. There was just so much of the WW II that I never heard of until I read this. And I googled them to find out more and I was like, "why did I never hear about this?" So yeah, your book really inspired me and make me feel so grateful to be where I am now.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : Fly On The Wall by E.Lockhart

My Summary :

At a school where everyone in unique, Gretchen Yee feels ordinary. Even with her bright red hair, she's still the quiet girl who doesn't talk to anyone at lunch.Then there are the Art Rats, a group of popular boys. Funny. Sweet. Annoying. Confusing. Especially Titus. Titus is definetely on Gretchen's radar, but she's too scared to make the first move. If only she could be a fly on the wall, to find out what boys are really like. This is the story of how one girl's wish came true.

*Source : From the book

My Thoughts :

First time I've heard about E.Lockhart was from her book We Were Liars. That book spread around Bookstagram but I'm not interested to pick it up. But when I went to the charity shop and found Fly On The Wall, I decided to give it a chance without really paid attention what's the book about. And I finished it only in 2 sitting.

Fly On The Wall is such a light and fun read. The idea of the story is unique about a girl who became a fly and stuck in the boy's locker room. What she sees in there and how she sees things and telling it in a such a refreshing and funny way. It is not a twisted and complicated story or what-so-ever but I was quite addicted to savour every page. I flew through it and I finished this 182 pages in a short time. I think E.Lockhart suceed to make this book easy to binge.

The protagoninst, Gretchen is such a queer and witty girl. At the beginning, I was annoyed by how reckless she concluded about things around her and maybe that was part of the plot to show that she was wrong. But the way how she sees and thinks about things cracked me up. She has such an interesting way to tell story. 

Anyway, I'm glad that I picked it up. It is such a nice change after read Odyssey and back to classic.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : The Odyssey by Homer

My Summary :

The Odyssey is a sequel of Illyad that centered to Odysseus. After the 10 year Trojan War, Odysseus who wants to go back to Ithaca has been punished for attacking Polyphemus, son of Poseidon, the sea god. Brief story, Odysseus held being captive by the nymph, Calypso for 7 years. The Odyssey tells Odysseus's adventures in his quest to go back to Ithaca. But instead, he come home to a house that full of 100s suitors who wants to court his wife. It also tells the story of Telemachus, Odysseus's son who being inspired by the goddes, Athena to sail the ship and found out about his father's fate.

My Thoughts :

In this review, I'm gonna break what I think about The Odyssey in :

Positive :

+ The black and white characters, tales about the Greek gods, magical creatures, I instantly flew through it;

+ Full of interesting side stories about the adventures and not to mention the heroism;

+ Reading Odyssey makes me drooling with all its amazing food (sorry if it's a bit out of topic);

+ The translation version that I read is so easy to understand and that makes my reading experience was such  a pleasure;

+ Odysseus was a man full of tactics and I love to see how he weaves his strategies that I find so clever and cunning;

+ The story line goes perfectly, no delayed or go around and around in circles.

Negative :

- There is too much side stories and although they are interesting but they kinda drove me away from the story;

- There is so many names mentioned that also sound similar to each other so it gets me confused sometimes. But at the end, I get used to it.

So, here is my review about Odyssey. I was feeling intimidated because it categorizes as poetry then I know I was worried for nothing. I was cruising through it.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : Tribute by Nora Roberts

Summary:

Janet Hardy was a Hollywood legend-glamorous, brilliant and deeply troubled-and she died in mysterious circumstances at her home, Little Farm. As her granddaughter Cilla McGowan moves in to the rundown farmhouse, determined to restore it to its former glory, she finds herself dreaming of the grandmother she never really knew and wondering exactly what happened in her past.

As Cilla settles at Little Farm, growing ever close to her neighbour Ford Sawyer, she slowly begins to unravel her family's secrets. But someone else in the community wants Cilla to leave the past alone, and she becomes the target of increasingly brutal acts. Together with Sawyer, she must find out who is threathening her-and what they're trying so hard to protect...

*Source : From the book

My Thoughts:

The last time I read any Nora Roberts's book was in middle school. And now 14 years later, I picked it up again with different perspectives. Yes, they are not the same books and things might have changed a lot. Now I read them from an adult's eyes.

When I started Tribute, I had no high expectations other than it would be a fun and an easy read with a little bit touch of mystery. And I was right. No layered story or sketchy characters and things just go as it was. The point of the story was a bit cliche and unfortunately the plot was predictable. On the other side, I flew through with the story line and conversations gone smoothly with a friendly and family-based atmosphere around the book. That was how easy my reading experience this time.

Tribute is a what-should-be Romance and Suspense Thriller novel. Although I think it didn't have a mind blowing mystery, I had a different experience when it came to its romance. There was really no Oh-My-God moments. Yes, the romance was sweet, went smoothly, no love's obstacles and it makes me think whether that was how an adult relationship should be. No drama and you handle everything like rational adults. But of course, it's too good to be true. It only happens in fairytale.

There was a lot of talk about construction and design because apparently those were the major theme of Tribute, other than the Hollywood glam that had not really been told here. Talking about the characters, they were just ordinary and likeable. Everybody was so nice which is quite boring for me. Anyway, it was an okay read for me. I don't hate it, no matter how ordinary my reading experience was.

On the other hand, Cilla inspired me a lot. She always considered herself as a failure but she keeps trying for new things, until she finds what she is good at. Her attitude makes me more eager, more excited and more positive to achieve something for myself in the things that I love to do. And no matter how long it will take but I have to start somewhere.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : 1984 by George Orwell

Summary:

War is peace

Freedom is slavery

And Big Brother is watching...

Thought Police. Big Brother. Orwellian. These words have become part of our national vocabulary because of George Orwell's classic novel 1984, the story of one man's nightmare odyssey through a world ruled by warring states and a power structure that controls not only information but individual thought and memory. A minor functionary named Winston Smith  joins a covert brotherhood and pursues a forbidden love affair against the cold, gray backdrop of the Republic of Oceania-only to become a hunted enemy of the state...and of Big Brother.

Today, half a century after it was written, Orwell's prophetic, haunting tale of conformity and identity strikes a disturbing chord. As we follow Winston Smith through his rebellion, imprisonment, torture, and reeducation, we witness firsthand the worst crime we can inflict upon ourselves and others: the destruction of the truths and freedoms that make us who we are.

*Source : From the book

My Thoughts:

This book is not like my usual read but I'm so proud of myself to push it through until the very last page. It was not an easy read and not my cup of tea but 1984 was in my list of books to read before I die.

1984 is in a different level kind of read for me. It's a dystopian book that published in 1948 (correct me if I'm wrong) and many said as a warning of what the future could be. What the world likes in 1984 is too grim. Brain washing. Dehumanization. No freedom in any way. Government watches every step and movement. History and past being cut and paste, controlled and rewritten. Language changed for the hint of rebellion. There is no hiding place. Imagine living in a world with no love, no lust or emotion.

Sorry to say but my reading experience was quite boring. Too many narratives and details that skipped my reading. I did not particularly paid attention with the political views because I don't have any interest in politic. I know the political situation is one of the main topic of the story but I treated it as a background of the story.

At the end of it, I'm happy that I read it. My reading experience may not be as pleasant as I read another book but I have no regret. It opened my eyes and makes me grateful for the world that I'm living in. And again, this is not my comfort read but I'm so glad that I tackled it and managed to be out of my comfort zone.

♥

Mima

[Book Review] : Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Summary:

They killed my mother

They took our magic

They tried to bury us

NOW WE RISE

Zelie remembers when the soil of Orisha hummed with magic. When different clans ruled-Burners igniting flames, Tiders beckoning waves, and Zelies Reaper mother summoning forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope. Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must stay hidden.

Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orisha, where strange creatures prowl, and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zelie herself as she struggles to come to terms with the strength of her magic-and her growing feelings for an enemy.

*Source : From the book

My Thought:

The hype was one of the reason why I picked this book. It's basically everywhere in Bookstagram and Booktube and I have to say that this book really live up the hype. I don't remember that I have read any book that inspired by West African story so this is intrigued me.

And what an emotional ride! Zelie's grieve for losing her mother keep haunting her in every decision and experience that she has. Now that I think about it, it was too much but it didn't really bother me when I read it.

Have been told from multiple perspectives and breaks in many chapters, it makes it easy to read and with the fast paced story, I should have been able to finish it in short time but life is calling. Being a Mom of a 2 years toddler means giving up finishing a book in one sitting. Although I finished it in too many sitting, I still could engage with the story. Not to mention with the fascinating world building, magic's history, one and after another action packed adventure that kept me turned the pages.

I love how Adeyemi weaves the interactions and engagement between characters and romance and not make them cliche or cheesy at the same time. And to say the least, you can read from main characters's perspectives, you can see their struggle in their own head but yet still there were some twists and turn of events that surprised you and you think that you know them already.

At the end, there is really nothing that I want to complain about this book. I really enjoyed it until the last word.

♥

Mima