The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba (Review by Maggie Y ’24)

September 27, 2020 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Wandering Inn: Volume 1 (The Wandering Inn, #1)

The Wandering Inn: Volume 1 by Pirateaba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first web novel. It is an interesting concept, and it was still being written and updated as I read. The Wandering Inn is set in a video game-esque world, with classes (ex. [Soldier], [King], [Florist], etc.), skills, and levels. Following the view of Erin Solstice, a girl who comes from ‘our’ universe and is suddenly dropped into this one, the story documents her adventures in this world as an innkeeper. There’s the occasional side chapter following other characters in this world, but the main focus is on Erin. The first volume might admittedly be considered lacking by some, but I found it to have a decent start. However, the author noticeably improves in their writing abilities as the book progresses; battles and other character interactions are well-written, and the world building becomes all the more immersive and detailed.

The Wandering Inn is a beautifully crafted story with plenty of developed history and places. There isn’t a lot of emotional conflict, so I think it might be less appealing for people who solely enjoy those types of books. However, this novel felt almost personally tailored to my interests. I value world building so much in a good story, as well as the idea of a video game world. If you do too, be prepared to read it well into the night. —Review by Maggie Y ‘24

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Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer (Review by Anika F. ’21)

September 20, 2020 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Midnight Sun has been long-awaited for many Twihards. Honestly, the original series is pretty mediocre, but I wanted to see what the hype was about with this new release. And I was pleasantly surprised?

what was good
1) Bella: her personality is so much more interesting, and I loved learning about her
2) more backstory on the Cullens
3) Edward’s perspective: it was fascinating going through Edward (and by proxy, everyone else’s) thoughts
4) ALICE CULLEN: do I need to say more?

what was bad
1) unjustified creepy stalking
2) unjustified over-protectiveness
3) extensive repetition and redundancy: this book could have been like 400 pages if an editor had stepped in

Overall, I can’t decide if this is worse than the original or better. I think that this one paints the romance in a better light since Bella actually has a personality. On the other hand, this narrative went on and on for 25 whole hours while the original is MUCH shorter. But, hey, I felt 12 again and that’s the most I can ask from a vampire romance book about a creepy, stalker dude. -Review by Anika F. ’21

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The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris (review by Ritu B. ’24)

September 13, 2020 mspelmanlibrarian 1 Comment

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wouldn’t necessarily call myself well-versed in politics; sure, I skim the newspaper headlines every weekend (or so) but the bulk of my opinions on politics stems from topical memes and, of course, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. If this sounds like you, and it’s getting harder to pretend you don’t live under a rock when conversation turns to the upcoming elections, then keep reading.
I picked up Kamala Harris’s autobiography hoping to understand the background of the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee, but my entire world view had shifted by the end. In The Truths We Hold, the arc of Harris’s life, from her humble upbringings to vast political victories, unites with a not-so-subtle Democratic agenda to create a highly captivating read. I greatly admired her approach of translating political triggers into real stories. She strives to highlight the voices of actual people, from victims of the subprime mortgage crisis to separated families at border entry points. Readers familiar with Michelle Obama’s Becoming will find Harris’s book more political and op-ed-like as opposed to a meticulous memoir, but nonetheless, just as inspiring and educational. Anyone interested in becoming interested in the elections will love The Truths We Hold.
—Review by Ritu B. ’24

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Devolution by Max Brooks (review by Mrs. Vaughan)

September 10, 2020 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A small group of Seattleites populate a new community on the slopes of Mt. Rainier, enjoying both the beauty of their natural surroundings and excellent electronic connectivity. Necessities are delivered regularly by helicopter, which can also ferry them to first class medical attention if needed. Perfect, right? Not so much when Mt. Rainier erupts unleashing disaster and cutting off these pilgrims from their supply chain. Worse yet – the shrinking natural environment has precipitated a conflict between them, and folklore become real: a small but hungry band of Bigfoot.
Fans of Max Brooks’ World War Z may be a bit disappointed in his long-awaited effort – another fictionalized oral history of Armageddon, just a different setting. Still, this sophomore attempt is, like his first, cleverly written. Here the oral histories take backseat to the found journal of resident Kate Holland, creating a more consistent through line than Z. Brooks has done his legwork (again) and weaves in much historic, folkloric, and scientific research about the Yeti, the Sasquatch and less familiar versions of the oversized primate. Characterization is varied, dialogue rings true and the suspense is palpable. True, this is not World War Z, but Brooks’ fans and horror fans won’t want to miss it! — Mrs. Vaughan

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