Beautiful Magical Realism || Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

I forgot to take a pretty photo of the book so I'll just show you pretty photos from my home

I bought Garden Spells roughly a year ago for about two dollars. I was at a fancy clothing thrift store and couldn't resist the urge to peruse their book section. It had a pretty cover-- and it was two dollars-- so I was sold. Once I got home I kept seeing this book pop up on other blogs, always to rave reviews.

Ehhh I don't know, I hesitated. The book seemed very literary fiction, very character driven, and I'm a sucker for a good plot. Maybe it won't be my cup of tea. 


And then recently on a whim I picked the book up off my shelf, decided to give a try, and was immediately blown away.

This book is beautiful, lyrical story about two sisters who dealt with a difficult past in dramatically different ways. From the start I was sucked in by the beautiful magical realism which sung from every page. There was the old lady who gave out random trinkets to strangers who called her crazy...only the trinket ends up being just what they suddenly needed the next day. There was the apple tree who tossed apples into the bedrooms, enticing the family, one bite and you'll see the biggest event in your life.

And while I think I'm a sucker for a good plot the truth is I'm enthralled by unique, innovative writing and this fit the bill. It never dragged, I tore through the book in a little over two days, and I can't wait to pick up the sequel.

If I had a qualm (and it's hard to find one) I felt like the book focused on the conflict (how can I love that which might be temporary?) but then sped through the resolution. However I have this complaint for many books (why can't I just read their happily ever after part for like the entire book??) and it's pretty minute.

I was shocked at how much I adored this book, considering how little I liked Practical Magic which I feel like is a very similar book. I think it all boils down to what I want out of a book when I pick it up. If you want a super plot-driven-tons-of-stuff-happens-every-second type of book, if you don't want introspection, if you don't want a slower paced book then maybe, right now, this isn't the book for you.

But I think you should read it anyway.

TTT: 5 books not set in the USA

This post brought to you by the Top Ten Tuesday series over at its new location at That Artsy Reader Girl!

Welcome back to my first non-Sunday post in far too long! When I first saw this week's prompt-- books that take place in another country-- I figured it was going to be difficult. Most of the books I read are set in the US. But when I had a look through my Goodreads list, I found it surprisingly easy to rummage up five books set in non-USA locations!

• The Lost Girls
• This is a travel memoir written by three friends who spend a year traveling the world-- it was an interesting read!

• The Scribe of Siena
• This book is set in Medieval Italy and follow the journey of one woman thrown hundreds of years back in time.

• My Life in France
• This memoir of Julia Child's life was engaging-- and made me want to get into the kitchen and cook more! Ironically few of the dishes she described were ones I would want to make (most were very heavy with tons of cream and butter).

• Song of a captive bird
• This fictionalized memoir is about Iranian poet Farough and it was a wonderful, riveting read.

• The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club
• This is a fast paced easy-to-read novel about a woman who finds herself suddenly a single mother raising two precocious boys in England. It was fun, but I haven't been motivated to seek out the sequel just yet.

That's it for me! What are your favorite non-USA books? 

Dear Sunday: Spring Break!

Dear Sunday is my weekly post participating in the Caffeinated Book Reviewer series.

I'mmmm back! I survived my exam and was rewarded by the start of spring break. Even though I still have to work a couple of days this week, I am taking off towards the end of the week to go home and I'm pretty stoked about that. 

I apologize for the week of radio silence-- this more laid back week coming up will definitely afford me the opportunity to write some blog posts and visit some blogs :) 

The photo on the left is from yesterday when a friend and I went ice skating in a nearby town! During college I went ice skating once/twice a year; my friends and I were horrible at it but also loved every minute. It's been a while since I last went ice skating and I forgot how hard it was! I definitely looked like a newborn giraffe that had been thrown on ice. 

• umm...well..about that....

• Top Ten Tuesday: 5 Books Not Set in America
• Review: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen 

That's it for me! I hope you are having a great week :) 

Dear Sunday: Last Biochem Exam

Dear Sunday is my weekly post participating in the Caffeinated Book Reviewer series.

this sunset was gorgeous in person and it almost translates well to a photo!

Last week was crazy busy, but all with good fun social things so I can't complain too much. I went to my first Catholic fish fry on Friday and it was so nice to eat fried catfish-- it has been far too long and it was delicious. 

This Wednesday marks my last biochem exam! It was a shorter class and I can not wait to get this last exam behind me. 

Unfortunately studying for this exam is going to take up all my free time this week...so posts will be hard to come by. Maybe I should use this chance to visit other bloggers? I think I say this every week, but it's still something I want to do more of. 

• Dear Sunday: Surprise Snow
• TTT: 5 Books that surprised me
• Monthly Wrap up: January + February

• whooo knowss? I'm hoping to have a book review up on Thursday but that's probably as good as it's going to get this week. My class will be over by the end of this week (for better or worse) and so I will have more time to devote to my blog!

That's it for me! I hope you are having a wonderful stress-free week! (ahh...one can dream right?)

Monthly Wrap-up: January + February

I'm linking up with The Book Date, Feed Your Fiction Addiction, and Cocoon of Books for this monthly review! 

It has been a startingly long time since I did a wrap-up but I'm going to just jump right back in with the past two months!



Favorite January memory: Right before I headed back to school I had the chance to drive down and see two of my college friends who I hadn't seen in years and it was so lovely to be with them again.




Favorite February memory: I went to a physics conference and professionally speaking the conference was the best it could ever be! I made some valuable contacts that might help me get a job in a year or so when I graduate. Even though I didn't enjoy the city (read more here!) the conference was very productive.

What with my demanding class (graduate level biochem anyone?) and my two jobs I have plenty of excuses as to why my reading pace as slowed down from last year. I don't mind-- sure it would be nice to read a bit more-- but I'm enjoying the books I am able to read.

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay

I just adored this one-- read more here!

The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer

This book was not horrible, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.

Finding time to go to the real life library has been very difficult these past two months, which makes me immensely grateful for my kindle which can download a library book AT ANY TIME (isn't technology just marvelous?).

I joined a nonfiction reading challenge and I have to say, I did not foresee it going this well! Thus far it has not been a huge struggle to find a nonfiction book I don't hate reading.

((click on the photo to go to the review! look at me, doing some coding...))

 


Whew! That's it for me! Here's to hoping that in these next months, I scrounge up some more time for reading. Let me know-- what was your favorite book in January/February? 

Top Ten Tuesday: 5 Books that surprised me

This post brought to you by the Top Ten Tuesday series over at its new location at That Artsy Reader Girl! 

Whew! This week has been a whirlwind and yes, it is only Tuesday. I am still scrambling to get posts up, because I had no time last weekend to write all my posts like I normally do. Still, I managed to cobble together a couple of books for this week's prompt: books that surprised me. Let's get right to it!

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen:

I did not expect to love this novel so much! I picked it up at a thrift store a year ago and finally read it a couple weeks ago. From page one I was hooked. (review to come! but...I mean clearly I loved it)

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan:

There was no bookshop and there was no corner. So. That was kind of confusing. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was alright.

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Dapznik:

I loved this fictionalized memoir SO MUCH. It was so interesting; I was surprised at how readable it was, considering memoirs are not really my thing. And, bonus points, it's written by an Iranian author about an Iranian poet so it brought some much needed diversity to my reading. (PS the headers in my review are like my favorite thing I've ever made EVER)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater:

Let's face it, we have probably all heard about this series and how AMAZING it is. I never expected it to live up to the hype because the hype out there is insane. However, I was shocked when I read it and fell in love! It really is good.


First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones:

I was surprised at how bad this one turned out for me. The main character was 100x too snarky (and man did that get on my nerves) AND there was some really problematic themes regarding consent. There is a scene where the main character is basically sexually assaulted in an alley by DON'T WORRY GUYS it's okay...because he was hot (?!).


That's it for me! What about you? What are some of your most surprising reads? 

Dear Sunday: Surprise Snow

Dear Sunday is my weekly post participating in the Caffeinated Book Reviewer series.

I woke up (early, thank you time change) to the sight of falling snow! Which, while it isn't the worst thing to wake up to, I was rather hoping that it was Spring and thus no more scraping cars and worrying about black ice.

Hopefully this is the last time! 

Last week was a blur of activity-- thus the lack of my promised wrap up post D: The week was full of bible studies, church, domino playing, church talent show, and pie baking! This weekend has also been busy so hopefully I'll find the time today to write this week's post because heaven knows I won't have time mid-week to do that. 

• Dear Sunday: Feeling like spring
• TTT: 5 Favorite Book Quotes

• Top Ten Tuesday: Books that surprised me 
• January - February wrap up
• i promiiiseeeee

That's it for me! I'm off to stare out the window and will the snow to stop. Wish me luck ;) 

TTT: 5 Favorite Book Quotes

This post brought to you by the Top Ten Tuesday series over at its new location at That Artsy Reader Girl! 

I'm a sucker for a quotable book because I love lyrical prose. Thus, without further ado, here are some of my favorite quotable books!

“She sometimes thought she was going crazy. Her first thought when she woke up was always how to get him out of her thoughts. And she would keep watch, hoping to see him next door, while plotting ways to never have to see him again. ” 

“Once, there was a girl who vowed she would save everyone in the world, but forgot herself.” 



“Well fine, then. I could send you out to win my favor. Possibly on a quest involving bringing a large mug of coffee and a doughnut. Or the wholesale slaughter of all my enemies. I haven't decided which.” 

"I smoked in those days because, like everyone else in the world who smokes, I wanted to die at least as much as I wanted to live."

“What was a shadow, after all, but a shape in the moving world reduced to a projection of possibilities?” 

“My words are unerring tools of destruction, and I’ve come unequipped with the ability to disarm them.”









What about you? What are you favorite quotable books? 

Dear Sunday: Feeling like spring

Dear Sunday is my weekly post participating in the Caffeinated Book Reviewer series.This week I'm also doing a brief Stacking the Shelves and have also linked up with  tyngas reviews.  

Last week was: my biochem exam, a sudden lack of work to due after the exam left me sitting at my desk bewildered. Isn't it always like that? You have so much work you're almost buried under it and then BAM just like that it all ends and you are suddenly wishing you had stuff to do? 

Anyway! Also last week: my friend and went to see Black Panther-- the first time in a long time that I went to an actual movie theater. It was an enjoyable experience even if there were plot holes big enough for cities to fall through. It was fun and I loved the characters. 

These past few days it has been in the high 60s and sunny and I CAN NOT WAIT for spring/summer to finally arrive. 

PS I bought this orchid a year ago or so and it finally bloomed last week! I'm so proud. 

The stars aligned: I was looking for my next nonfiction read AND my friend was telling me about this memoir that she absolutely loved (A Circle of Quiet) so I thought I would give it a go! I'm thinking about rereading (I KNOW) A Wrinkle In Time (same author) in order to maybe watch the movie when it comes out. It would be interesting to go back and read the book I read as a child since I would be coming in with such a wildly different perspective.

I also finally picked up Austenland! It might be cheesy, it might be cute, I might want to throw it across the room-- we shall see.

• Dear Sunday: Turning 25
• TTT: 5 Books I Wish I Could Read For The First Time Again
• Thoughts from places: San Francisco 

• Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite book quotes
• such a good prompt! I'm excited to share some of my favorites 
• January-February bookish wrap 

That's it for me! I hope you have a great week :)

Thoughts from places: San Francisco

Last week I traveled to San Francisco to attend a physics conference; I thought I would start a new series 'thoughts from places' to let you know what I thought...when I was at that place.

I dreaded the question 'so how are you liking the city?' which luckily I was able to stave off with a Jane Austen-esque insult of 'well...it is a city isn't it!' and left it up to the interpretation of the asker what that actually meant. But in the safety of my own blog, dear reader, I'll tell you what I meant. 

I’m sure there are good parts of the city; I’m sure there are museums and galleries that I didn't see but I can not think of them without thinking of everything that I did see. I can’t focus on the possible beauty without thinking of the wild eyes of the man who shoveled food straight from the trash can to his mouth. I think of the father who was trying his best to quietly distract the raving woman, her mind gone from drugs, broken from a life harder than she deserved. She crowded closer to his child, the toddler wrapped around his mother’s legs, his hands covering his face. Then without warning she changed focus, plunging out onto the street with no care for the cars, already waving and yelling at the empty air in front of her.

I look out on the streets and I see despair, I see souls who are lost. I see lives that are immeasurable difficult and I see humans whose beds are made of concrete. I step around their prone bodies in the morning, the only sign of life a pair of shoes sticking out awkwardly from under the dirty blanket.

The bustle of the city is supposed to be inspiring, it supposed to be exciting. But all I see is a problem too large for me to even fathom a the existence of a solution.

The first night a man wrapped in a fluttering white comforter stumbled down the sidewalk, pulling a ratty suitcase behind him. I quickened my pace, automatically seeking out safe routes. What  if, what if, what if… He jolted into the streets without a glance to either side, crossing over to my side before striding past me; he was no more substantial than a drifting ghost. I wondered what he saw; I wondered where he thought he was.

You see, he used to belong to someone. He was someone's son. He sat in first grade with every other kid, he was promised that there was a world of future ahead of him.

Or, worse, he was never belonged to anyone. He grew up in the cracks of the society, his parents gone, no one there to help him learn how to navigate the world he was born into.

That night as I lay down I marveled at the soft bed beneath me, I breathed the smell of freshly laundered sheets and I wondered how I ever got so lucky.

The stench of weed, cigarette smoke, and unwashed human bodies cling to the streets leaving me praying for a change of wind. And sure, I walked down sidewalks where the crowding stores sold clothing more costly than months worth of my rent. There was money, there was abundance, but there was also a stark absence of it.

I was glad to get on the plane. I was glad to say goodbye to the beautiful shimmering of the ocean, to the warm sunlight bouncing off summer-green leaves. I was glad to return home, not because there is no poverty or homelessness in my community but because the scope of it feels like a problem that one day can and will be solved. 

((I did a little research and donated to a charity that helps homeless youth in San Francisco-- they're called Larkin Street Youth Services. Obviously I need to do more research to help out my own community but hey, we all have to start somewhere, right?))

((PS yes I shameless stole the 'thoughts from places' from John Green so thank you John Green for the idea?))