Monday, January 31, 2022

Review: Bluebird by Sharon Cameron

How do I even write a review for this book? I do not know. I will try my best. Though I may not have the right words to describe this story. What I do know is that I loved it so very much. And it broke my heart pretty much all the time. Five stars, of course. There is much I want to write, so much I do not have words for.

So I will begin by saying that the writing was stunning. And I had no problems with it at all. It was truly easy to get lost in this story, easy to fall in love with the broken main girl. I have loved many books by this author already, and I knew I would enjoy this one too. And I'm thrilled that I loved it so much. Despite all the pain.

And there was a lot of pain from reading this book. Because it was so honest and real and that is the most heartbreaking thing. As most of what happened in this book has happened in real life too. And World War II was not that long ago at all. This book take place right after the war ended, with the main girl having just left Berlin and arrives in New York. At first this book is told from the point of views of Eva and Inge. Eva in New York in 1946, Inge in Berlin in 1945. They seem like two different girls. Until they start to become more and more alike and we learn that Eva is Inge. And it's her story we are reading, from two different times, until it blends into just the one time. And oh, how much I loved this story. It was all kinds of awful and tragic. And so good. I don't think I could have loved this book more. It made me feel everything.

This book is the story of Inge and Eva. The same person, at different times in her life. She was Inge back in Berlin, a German girl with important parents during the World War II. With her father being a doctor at a camp. With Inge not really knowing what was going on with the world. Not caring, just living her life. Until her life changes. The war ends, German has lost. And she learns the truth about everything. And it hurt for her. A lot. But Inge needed that. She needed to know how things were, what her father truly did then.

That is how Inge started changing. How she started to become Eva. She travels a lot, for months, with her friend Annemarie. She sees what happened to the Jews, to the people taken prisoners by the Nazis. She had lived such a rich, sheltered life. And she had so much to learn. How to be a better person. And I loved that about this story. Because Eva does change. And I loved her as a person. I loved how she was broken but healing a little too. I loved her changes. I loved how she cared for people. Eva was amazing.

We see about her life in Berlin. But we see more about her new life in New York. She went there because of a deal with the Americans. But she had her own plan for justice. To capture her father, who escaped after the war. To kill him. We learned so much about all the awful things that he did back then. All of the experiments he did on innocent people. We learn about other people hunting him too. It is a somewhat dangerous story. I enjoyed it so. This book was just so great. And I have trouble sharing all my thoughts.

I know I'm writing too much about this book. And not nearly enough. There was so much I loved about it. Eva and Jake together. Eva learning about her past and her truth. All the confusing parts were exciting. There were so many things to learn in this book. Things that happened during the war. But more about what happened after the war ended. Like with Inge's family. Which was pretty sad to read about. I feel like this was an important book. But it wasn't all about the war either. It was fully personal as well. I loved that.

There was one scene that will stay with me for a long time, I think. Because it was truly horrible and I hated it. Yet it was so important too and written well, and I loved it as well. But oh, it was awful. It was a moment that ruined Inge's friend, Annemarie. When she was raped by Soviet men, with Inge upstairs hearing everything. It was truly gruesome. It shaped the whole book, with Inge and her guilt, with how she felt she could have stopped it from happening. With how she felt she needed to take care of Annemarie.

It truly was the scene that sticks most out to me. So awful, but so important. Annemarie also got a big head injury from this. And that ruined her life a whole lot. She changed, became different. She needed someone to take care of her. And Inge did that. Eva did that. Annemarie became Brigit. A girl hurt and damaged by the war. With Eva taking care of her the best that she could. A little spoilers. Brigit gets a surgery later; she changes again. This time into a person I couldn't stand. It hurt. Was probably the best.

One of my favorite characters was Jake. The boy assigned to be Eva's friend in New York, to help her learn the city. They spend a lot of time together and slowly becomes something more. Their romance was such a light in this book. And I loved it to pieces. He was all over the place. Knew everyone. And he was  amazing. I loved how he cared for Eva, how he treated her too. He was the sweetest. Sigh. I also liked him mother, haha. And oh. All the other characters in this book. Gosh. They were all written so very well.

And I adored them all to pieces. Especially reading at the end of the book that most of the women from Powell House were real. In this book, they took such good care of Eva and Brigit. And they were so kind of lovely. And yeah. The women in this book were epic. Then there were the men in shiny shoes. I wasn't sure what to think about them. It was creepy at times. Yet at other times I was glad they were there, in the shadows, keeping watch. This book was filled with interesting and diverse people. I loved that very much.

There was so much going on in this book. So much I wish to talk about, so much I am not able to talk about. It was such a stunning story. It was full of pain. It was full of danger, even. A thriller at times. And I loved that, because it was all kinds of exciting. The ending was a little bittersweet. But so very good and I am pleased about that. I cannot wait to read more books from Sharon. I hope she writes more about this time period. It was painful and hurtful to read about. But I loved it so very much. And I would read more.

Bluebird was a powerful story about our history. A story of grief and pain and hope. A little most needed romance. Some much needed new friendships that were amazing to read about. It was an important book to read. And I'm so glad that I read it and loved it. Reading books about that time in our life is painful. But I love reading them too. Because I feel that it is important to know our history. To know what happened to people back then. As it was gruesome. Bluebird is a book that everyone should read. It was so very good.


Saturday, January 29, 2022

In My Mailbox #534

Another week gone by. But now the sun is finally back, eee :D Been two long months with no sunshine, no real daylight. Ugh. Rude. But it's back, at last. Still only a little sun each day, but it helps so much. So pretty with some light, haha. Excited to finally get to take more lighter photos too, finally. This week have not been the best for me, sadly. My health fucking sucks. But I'm doing my best. Just so very exhausted and hurting all over. I hate it. Ugh. But doing okay, still. Yesterday was medicine day again. Which killed me a little. Was such a painful day for my body. Shudders. A little better today, thankfully. I also finally started reading a new book yesterday morning :D But.. only read twenty pages, and haven't read more yet. Oops. But will read again after I finish posting this :) So yay. I'm liking the book so far. <3 Just still need to force myself to read. Rude. This week I'm waiting on Rise of the School for Good and Evil :D Eee. This week I also got all the amazing mail I was waiting for, yessss. <3 I'm SO excited about it all :D Ahh! Everything was perfect. <3 I'm so so thankful. I hope you are all doing well and still staying safe :)


Pop Figures. EEE! Thank you so much Funko Nordic for these four lovely gifts :D They are amazing.
Star Wars Pop Figure. Finally got my pre-ordered Christmas pop.. a month behind. How rude, haha :)
Animal Crossing. Ahh! Bookdepo never sent me the day-to-day calender. Then it was sold out in the whole world, and I thought I would never get it. Then I saw it in store in one place in Norway. And that store was willing to ship it to me, thankfully. <3 So happy. Except for the damage it had. Sobs. I am not happy with that. Sigh. But still. I am happy to own it, at last :) And love the other two items, eee. So cute. And.. bought more Amiibo cards. Oops. More expensive than what I want to pay. Siiigh. But Nintendo UK still have not gotten them back in stock. Not since before November. I really truly hate waiting. So yeah. Buying a little while I wait for them to finally be back in stock there :) So I can buy more, ha. I'm excited.
Eevee Plush. Okay. I could not stop myself from buying this most adorable Pokemon plush. <3 So cute.


Box of Goodies from Alyssa. <3 Eee! Oh my gosh. Thank you SO MUCH Alyssa :D AHH! You are truly the very best friend there is. <3 Hugs. It really truly means the world to me that you were able to help me get all of these items to Norway :) Gosh. You are amazing. I have bought all of these items myself, sent to Alyssa, then she shipped them all to me. <3 Things I could not get here. I will be taking better photos of most of the things too, later on, and share on instagram :) Gosh. So much amazing. And some special editions of books, eee. <3 A whole bunch of new EOS lip glosses :D I love those the most. Finally got the Pokemon pop calendar. <3 It's the cutest. And some special Taylor Swift items, two signed CDs :D Eeee. Love. And a bunch of pre-order offers that Alyssa helped me get. <3 Ahh! A few pretty pop figures :D And some US Animal Crossing amiibo cards too, eee. All perfect. Sigh. Thank you so, so much Alyssa. <3 You are truly the most amazing person. All the hugs. I'm so so happy with everything :) It's all perfect. <3

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Waiting on Wednesday #536

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

RISE OF THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL
BY SOMAN CHAINANI


Goodreads Description:

The battle between Good and Evil begins.

Two brothers.

One Good.

One Evil.

Together they watch over the Endless Woods.

Together they choose the students for the School for Good and Evil.

Together they train them, teach them, prepare them for their fate.

Then, something happens.

Something unexpected.

Something powerful.

Something that will change everything and everyone.

Who will survive?

Who will rule the School?

The journey starts here. Every step is filled with magic, surprises, and daring deeds that test courage, loyalty, and who you really are. But they only lead you to the very beginning of the adventures that are THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL.

Hardcover
, 356 pages
Expected publication: June 7th 2022 by HarperCollins
Pre-Order: Book Depository
and Amazon #ad

EEE! I am BEYOND excited about this prequel book :D Yesss. Okay, I wish there was more of Agatha instead, haha. But that could still happen one day ;) But yeah. I'm just really excited for this one. This series is beyond incredible. I can't wait to read more from it. Eee. I cannot wait. And that cover! LOVE!
What are you waiting for on this magical Wednesday?

Saturday, January 22, 2022

In My Mailbox #533

Another week gone by, another week of not reading. Oops. But I will make myself start in the next few days. I must. So far behind. But yeah. I'm just exhausted and feeling shitty. But doing okay despite this. Got some great books in the mail this week. <3 But next week will be eeeepic :D I SO CANNOT WAIT. <3 Eeee. Waiting on some amazing mail :) So very excited. And the sun is finally back in my town. Still a few days until it hits my house, but not long left now. Cannot wait for daylight again. Sigh. And finally getting to take prettier, lighter photos, haha :) This week I'm waiting on Demon in the Wood. <3 Hope you are all doing great and staying safe :) I'm still safe and doing mostly good. Just tired all the time. Sigh. Rude :)

Aurora's End. Goldsboro finally shipped my signed special edition :D Yay! And it looks fully gorgeous.
Nightrender. I'm excited about this book :) Though I probably won't read it for ages. Oops. Looks great.
Dog Star. Eee. This book looks so cute and sounds awesome too. I cannot wait to read it someday soon.
Encanto Soundtrack. Yay! I loved this movie so, so much. So needed the songs and score :) So perfect.
Animal Crossing Amiibo Cards. Still waiting for Nintendo UK. Sigh. So only bought a few more expensive ones, haha. They were all completely perfect, eee. <3 But yeah. I need a much, much larger order soon :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Waiting on Wednesday #535

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

DEMON IN THE WOOD
BY LEIGH BARDUGO & DANI PENDERGAST


Goodreads Description:

Before he led Ravka’s Second Army, before he created the Fold, and long before he became the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy burdened by an extraordinary power.

Eryk and his mother, Lena, have spent their lives on the run. But they will never find a safe haven. They are not only Grisha—they are the deadliest and rarest of their kind. Feared by those who wish to destroy them and hunted by those who would exploit their gifts, they must hide their true abilities wherever they go. But sometimes deadly secrets have a way of revealing themselves…

Discover the start of a grand and sinister destiny in this must-have graphic novel prequel to the bestselling series and international Netflix sensation Shadow and Bone from spectacular new talent Dani Pendergast and #1 New York Times bestseller Leigh Bardugo.

Hardcover, 208 pages
Expected publication: September 27th 2022 by Roaring Brook Press
Pre-Order: Book Depository
and Amazon #ad

I'm so excited about this graphic novel :D Eee. Okay, I have never liked the Darkling. Not one bit. And I still do not. But I love Leigh. And I love the Grishaverse. So of course I'm going to love this graphic novel too, haha :D I'm sure the artwork will be gorgeous. <3 I also haven't read this short story before. Oops :)
What are you waiting for on this sinister Wednesday?

Saturday, January 15, 2022

In My Mailbox #532

Another week gone by super fast :) And I still have not read anything. Oops. But I have my next read ready, and will make myself start this coming week, ha. I just need to start. I love reading. But I am too lazy and exhausted, still. Rude. This week haven't been easy, as I'm feeling pretty much dead. Always waiting to feel better, always feeling worse instead, lol. Sigh. I'm still checking for those goddamn Animal Crossing cards eeevery day all the damn time. They are still not back in stock, not any of the six types. Grrr. It's making me exhausted and stressed and I just want to be able to buy them all. Sigh. Hopefully early next week then. Hmph. Tired of just waiting and waiting. Which is also why I have not really done anything else. I'm still just checking and waiting. Oops. But I don't mind too much :) My body needs the rest. A few pretty books this week. <3 But only one new blog post. This week I'm waiting on Wretched Waterpark :) Hope you are all doing okay. <3 My "baby" niece turns four years old tomorrow, aaaack :D

Rebellion of the Lost. I'm excited to read this middle grade sequel one day soonish, hopefully :) So cute.
Serendipity. I know, I know. Not really a book for me, but Marissa, so of course I had to have the UK too :)
Tess of the Road. New paperback edition :D It looks gorgeous. Can't wait for book two next month, eee.
WarioWave. I wasn't sure if I wanted this game, but I also couldn't stop myself, haha :D Hoping it's good.
Amiibo Figures. These were a little expensive. But Cat Peach is the most adorable. Cat Mario too, sure :)

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Waiting on Wednesday #534

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

WRETCHED WATERPARK BY KIERSTEN WHITE

Goodreads Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes her middle grade series debut! Part Scooby Doo, part A Series of Unfortunate Events, and entirely genius! Meet the Sinister-Winterbottom twins, who solve mysteries at increasingly bizarre summer vacation destinations in the hopes of being reunited with their parents--or at the very least finally finding a good churro.

Twelve-year-old twins Theodora and Alexander and their older sister Wilhelmina Sinister-Winterbottom don't know how they ended up with their Aunt Saffronia for an entire summer. She's not exactly well equipped to handle children. The twins are determined to make it a good vacation, though, so when Aunt Saffronia suggests a waterpark, they hastily agree.

But Fathoms of Fun is not your typical waterpark. Instead of cabanas, guests rent mausoleums. The waterslides are gray tongues extending from horrible gargoyle faces. The few people they encounter are very, very odd. And the owner disappeared under bizarre circumstances, lost to the Cold, Unknowable Sea--the wave pool.

When Wil goes missing, rule following, cautious Alexander and competitive, brave Theo will have to work together to solve the mystery of Fathoms of Fun. But are they out of their depth?

Hardcover, 256 pages
Expected publication: June 7th 2022 by Delacorte Press
Pre-Order: Book Depository
and Amazon #ad

I am all kinds of excited about this middle grade book :D It looks awesome. I love that cover. It sounds so creepy and delicious. I cannot wait to read it. And very much think that I will end up loving it a whole lot :D
What are you waiting for on this wretched Wednesday?

Saturday, January 8, 2022

In My Mailbox #531

Time is moving too fast again. Can't believe it's been a whole week already. I have not done much this week, no reading, ack. As I haven't been feeling so good. And so I have been doing things that brings me comfort. I re-watched Sweet Home on Netflix, which is still the very best ten episodes. <3 Gods, I need a season two already. Hmph. And I'm currently halfway into my re-watch of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, extended edition :) Eee. Realized I hadn't seen them since March. Which was ages ago, ha. They bring me so much joy. Sigh. Most favorite movies. So anyway. Not in the mood to read yet. But hopefully this coming week. Fingers crossed. I'm also waiting on the most epic package to arrive, but will probably take a few more weeks before it gets here, eee. <3 I can't wait. Only one new post. This week I'm waiting on The Last to Vanish :) Got a bit of lovely mail this week. I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. <3

Serendipity. I'm not really a fan of anthologies, but I had to have this, ha :D It's Marissa. <3 Hope to love.
Pop Figures. Finally, they sent my new Moana :D SO cute. Love Loki and Buzz and Woody too. So much.
Animal Crossing Amiibo. Eee. These two are so cute. But so expensive. And I'm still missing many. Ack.

More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Waiting on Wednesday #533

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE LAST TO VANISH BY MEGAN MIRANDA

Goodreads Description:

Ten years ago, Abigail Lovett fell into a job she loves, managing The Passage Inn, a cozy, upscale resort nestled in the North Carolina mountain town of Cutter’s Pass. Cutter’s Pass is best known for its outdoor offerings—rafting and hiking, with access to the Appalachian trail by way of a gorgeous waterfall—and its mysterious history. As the book begins, the string of unsolved disappearances that has haunted the town is once again thrust into the spotlight when journalist Landon West, who was staying at the inn to investigate the story of the vanishing trail, then disappears himself.

Abby has sometimes felt like an outsider within the community, but she’s come to view Cutter’s Pass as her home. When Landon’s brother Trey shows up looking for answers, Abby can’t help but feel the town closing ranks. And she’s still on the outside. When she finds incriminating evidence that may bring them closer to the truth, Abby soon discovers how little she knows about her coworkers, neighbors, and even those closest to her.

Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: July 26th 2022 by Scribner / Marysue Rucci Books
Pre-Order: Book Depository
and Amazon #ad

I'm all kinds of excited for this book :D Been a huge fan of Megan for so so many years now; since her very first YA book came out :) And I love both her YA and Adult books. And this new Adult one sounds pretty incredible. Hoping it will be dark and amazing, haha. And hoping for a little romance too, always :)
What are you waiting for on this mysterious Wednesday?

Saturday, January 1, 2022

In My Mailbox #530

Happy New Year everyone :D I kept forgetting all day today that it's Saturday. Oops. So almost forgot to make this post, ha. But just made it :) This Christmas week have been the best. <3 Lots of good food and family time. I hope you have all had an aaamazing Holiday too :) I'm hoping this year will be better for me. Better health, more will to read and do many other things as well. Fingers crossed. This week I actually have several posts to share about, ha. I shared my review of Graceling: The Graphic Novel :D This week I'm waiting on Hide :) I shared my Best Books of 2021 post. <3 I didn't get much mail this week, but still got a couple of things. Oops. Haha. I still get too much mail. Gah. I really need to stop buying too much. Rude. Today I have all my Christmas things gone, packed away. Exhausted. But glad to have managed it :) Now to wait for November and time to get it up again, ha :D Okay, more excited for summer to come back. Which.. is still forever away. How rude. I hope you are all doing good and have had the very best Holiday. <3 I have had such a great time :) And cannot fully believe it's actually a whole new year already.

Harry Potter Coin Calendar. I wanted this from last year, and finally bought it :) Movie versions, pretty.
Five Dark Fates. This came out months ago, and I finally got to buy this gorgeous paperback edition :D

More Instagram photos here. <3