Library Readz: January 2021

THAT TIME I...

Author – David O’Brien

Publication date- 15 December 2020

Genre – Memoir, Humor

Source- Review copy

Rating- 3/5

That Time I... by David O’Brien is a memoir of eccentric incidents throughout his life. The book is written as if telling the memories over a cup of tea. Each chapter is a new event beginning with ‘That Time I’ and gives full description of an incident loaded with humor.

The book wanders around various places from Los Angeles to Spain and covers the whole life of the author, from his childhood when his father died to the addicted adult he then becomes. His life is full of humorous events- he punches a cop, steals a taxi, eats with billionaires, and even gets kidnapped. The author describes himself to be suffering from hypomania. He is a spoiled rich, earns money by blackjack and tips waitresses, strippers, bartenders and doormen way too much. He is alcoholic and a total mess. He loves black limo and smoking weed. He is good with handling people but somehow can land in court or jail.

There were some really funny parts in the book which made me laugh hard. The author’s approach towards things and the way he traps himself in happenings is amusing. The words are impressive and the reader can see the actual characters and even the author himself doing a stupid thing. A normal person (like me) may find some incidents very vague to be true but they may happen to a person as crazy as the author.

What I did not like about the book is that it was not an actual novel-kind of book which I like to read. The stories are written randomly and not in chronological order so it is sometimes tough to relate names and places. In one chapter, the author is a 40-year-old and then in the next chapter he is a child and in the third one he is in his youth. This makes the book kind of confusing. Slang language is used a lot in the book making it an unsuitable read for kids. Some parts of the book were exaggerated than what was required.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I was really not hoping this book to be an unorganized collection of stories but maybe some people would like it as well. The stories are fun to read yet confusing due to the pattern used. The slang language used may be profane to some readers but is compatible with the general idea of the scene. I would recommend reading the book if you like a collection of short humorous stories rather than a whole continuing storyline.

THE VANISHED

Author – Pejay Bradley

Publication date- 2 March 2019

Genre – Historical fiction

Review by – Prakriti Singh

Source- Review copy

Rating- 5/5

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Korea inherits in itself a strict culture where the women are forced to obey the customs, and traditions without any exception. They are married, with or without their will, and are accustomed to follow obedient wife and mother rules till their last breath. The Koreans are very proud of their culture but the Japanese are taking away all of it from them. Slowly and gradually, Japanese are establishing control over the whole country and the Koreans are not happy. They are fighting: fighting for their freedom; fighting to win their country, their culture and their heritage back.

The Vanished is set in early 20^th century in Korea where the customs of the country are rigorously followed. The story starts with the birth of Embon, child of Lady Sougyon, grandson of Prince Aansoon. He lives a luxurious life till he is sent to study abroad and encounters the actual problems that the Koreans face in terms of freedom. The story also revolves around the life of a married but abandoned wife and a middle-class man who is working everyday to provide good future to his family.

The characters in the book are very well chosen so as to provide different perspectives to the same situation. It makes the reader more resourceful of what is happening in the country and also gives a clear insight into the story. The book is divided into parts to keep the reader from getting confused. I really liked how - many stories were connected to a single whole story of struggling for freedom in the country. It breaks the usual monotonous tone of going along a single path of view. In this book, each character had their own view and even the less important characters had their background represented to the reader.

I like the book very much. By the end of the book, I was feeling with the characters, mourning if something bad happened and enjoying with their success (though there are only handful of insights of joy in the story). I got carried along well and was feeling more and more curious about what would happen next in the story. The book is quite engrossing.

The book changes from the explanation of the strict customs and traditions in the country to the fight of Koreans for their freedom. I found the beginning of the story quite boring but later on realized that it was for good understanding of the story. If anyone reading the book wants to give up just because of being bored in the beginning, please don’t, the book will surprise you a lot in the later parts.

I give the book 5 out of 5 stars. This book was recommended to me as the book of the month for January and I am quite satisfied with their selection. But the reason why I give this book 5 stars is that it contains in itself some instances involving many other countries too like Russia, America, and China and may connect to the history of all. It also gives a brief account of the people of other countries. In all, this book is very resourceful and a good read for anyone who likes history and to study different cultures. This book is a good one from its genre and defines it well.

IN A HOLIDAZE

Author – Christina Lauren

Publication date- 6 October 2020

Genre – Fiction, Romance

Review by – Amanda Hyde

Source- Review copy

Rating- 4/5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

Is Mae’s simply plea to the universe after learning this will be her last year in the cabin with her family right before she sees metal collide with the car she and her family are in. Now she is reliving the last 6 days over, before the crash, before her stupid mistake with her childhood friend, before the last holiday in the cabin is over. Is this her chance to finally get it right and end up with Andrew her life long crush or is she supposed to save the cabin? Christina Lauren always brings a sweet romance, and this one is perfect for the holidays.

I love a good romance, and the duo of Christina Lauren always bring a punch. This lovely story follows Mae as she tries to fix this holiday and have more to come in the cabin she loves so much. I love the growth that Mae has as she discovers herself, and what really matters to her and her family. This story gave the perfect dose of love for your family, for the one you want to be with, and love for yourself and what will make you happy. While romance novels always have such sappy scenes, Christina Lauren has a wonderful way of making these scenes so realistic. This book also gave me soooo many ideas I wish could become a tradition in my household, I want to do the scavenger hunt! Husband doesn’t know it but it's totally happening next year, mark my word.