Two Dogs and a Book

This Vicious Grace  by  Emily Thiede My rating:  4 of 5 stars THIS VICIOUS GRACE by Emily Thiede is a captivating Young Adult fantasy that weaves a tale of divine gifts, impending doom, and unlikely alliances. Alessa, chosen by gods to save her people, grapples with a lethal touch that complicates her quest for a magical partner. The story unfolds against the backdrop of an island inspired by Italy's enchanting Amalfi coast, adding vibrancy to the narrative. The novel's strengths lie in its inventive magic system and the exploration of collaboration across societal divides. The forbidden romance between Alessa and the enigmatic Dante adds a layer of intrigue and charm, complemented by moments of humor and genuine friendships. However, my enjoyment was tempered by a desire for more detailed worldbuilding. The demonic scarabeo threat and the fascinating legend of the ghiotte begged for deeper exploration. The friendships, while heartwarming, felt slightly rushed, lacking in...

The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories  by  Fredrik Backman My rating:  4 of 5 stars THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME AND OTHER STORIES by Fredrik Backman is a poignant collection that once again showcases the author's mastery in crafting deeply moving narratives. The novella, set on Christmas Eve, weaves the destinies of a man who built a global empire at the cost of his family and a resilient little girl fighting for her life. Backman poses the profound question of legacy and redemption, urging readers to ponder the choices that define us. The additional stories, like "And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer" and "Sebastian and the Troll," continue to explore themes of love, regret, and the human experience. Backman's signature humor and compassion shine through, making this collection a treasure trove of reflections on life's intrinsic value. The blend of heavy emotions and hope, coupled with Backman's unmatched storytelling prowess, ensures...

The Great Gatz  by  Lauren Baratz-Logsted My rating:  4 of 5 stars THE GREAT GATZ by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted offers a heartwarming perspective through the eyes of Gatz, a lovable border collie navigating the complexities of his owners' evolving relationships. The story unfolds as The Woman and The Man navigate new relationships, bringing humor and warmth to the narrative. Gatz's viewpoint adds a delightful layer, capturing the essence of dog moments that resonate with any dog lover. The book, perfect for the holiday season, delivers a charming tale of family dynamics and unexpected happiness. The unique narrative style, coupled with Gatz's insights, creates an engaging and heartwarming experience. A must-read for dog enthusiasts, this installment in the Gatz Chronicles series is a delightful and uplifting story that I thoroughly enjoyed. ✏ Favourite quote: “Maybe happiness is hanging in there. Maybe happiness is choosing to be happy with another. You love...

Klaus: The Life & Times of Santa Claus  by  Grant Morrison My rating:  4 of 5 stars KLAUS: THE LIFE & TIMES OF SANTA CLAUS - Volume 3, crafted by the dynamic duo Grant Morrison and Dan Mora, unfolds in a festive medley of holiday tales. In this graphic novel, Klaus faces diverse challenges, from aiding an absentee dad-snowman seeking redemption to delving into Norse mythology against extraterrestrial foes. While not as eccentric as previous Klaus stories, the collection offers a brisk pace, with the second narrative adopting a unique format of comic covers retracing history. The sentient snowman tale weaves a traditional Christmas narrative intertwined with Norse mythology, creating a delightful yet peculiar blend. Although a departure from Morrison's typical style, these one-offs evoke a return to his whimsically weird roots, making for an intriguing and visually stunning holiday read. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagra...

Klaus: The New Adventures of Santa Claus  by  Grant Morrison My rating:  3 of 5 stars KLAUS: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS - Volume 2 by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora offers a festive yet slightly uneven ride through holiday-themed tales. The graphic novel, penned by luminary author Grant Morrison, introduces an intriguing mix of elements: an ageless ice queen, robotic snowmen, and an evil soda corporation. Mora's illustrations breathe life into characters like dear Lilli and Father Frost, with a standout werewolf design deserving special mention. However, the collection falls short in its brevity, leaving some narratives feeling rushed and chaotic. Despite this, the charm of Klaus vs. the Martians and other whimsical moments prevails, ensuring an enjoyable read. While not reaching the heights of its predecessor, Volume 2 remains a worthwhile addition to the modern Santa mythos, promising more holiday adventures to come. #bookstadog #poodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagr...

Comfort & Joy  by  Kristin Hannah My rating:  4 of 5 stars COMFORT & JOY by Kristin Hannah exceeded my expectations, proving to be a heartwarming yet poignant journey. Published in 2005, I regret waiting so long to delve into this emotional masterpiece by one of my favorite authors. Hannah skillfully weaves a tale of resilience as Joy Candellaro, recently divorced and grappling with loss, embarks on a spontaneous adventure in the Pacific Northwest. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping me eagerly turning pages. Joy's encounters with young Bobby, grieving the loss of his mother, add depth and warmth to the narrative. Hannah's ability to evoke genuine emotions, coupled with a compelling mystery, made it nearly impossible to put the book down. COMFORT & JOY is a testament to Hannah's storytelling prowess, delivering a rich tapestry of feelings and unexpected turns. ✏ Favourite quote: “You can run away from your life and your past, but there's no way...

Role Playing  by  Cathy Yardley My rating:  2 of 5 stars ROLE PLAYING by Cathy Yardley, unfortunately, fell short of my expectations despite an intriguing premise. The concept of two older characters navigating love through online gaming piqued my interest, but the execution left me disappointed. The story's attempt to portray characters in their fifties seemed forced, as their interactions lacked the authenticity of age-appropriate dynamics. The narrative was marred by an overwhelming dose of toxicity, making the reading experience frustrating and uncomfortable. While I appreciated the characters of Maggie and Aiden, and the inclusion of queer representation, most side characters and conflicts felt discarded. The strained family relationships and peculiar dynamics left me questioning the realism of the portrayal. Despite being in the minority, this book, unfortunately, didn't resonate with my expectations for mature romance and social awkwardness. While this book wasn't ...