Review: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really excited to read this book, especially after watching the movie when it came out in theaters. Even though I loved the inspiration and the premise of the stories, there were just way too many stories to follow for me. On occasion, the story lines also become very repetitive and dry, which further disengages me from the characters. For a nonfiction detailing the space race, I wish Shetterly could have provided a better narrative that showed these women's lives rather than focusing on the details of their accomplishments. Over the span of the entire book, I honestly didn't even know the difference between the two Dorothy's. Without watching the movie, I think I would have been even more lost in who each of these women were because their names are so common. Ugh.

I really wish I could have enjoyed this story more because I think this story is important for American history, but I had to really struggle to make it to the end.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

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Review: A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had to wait a full day before writing this review. So first of all, I loved the first half of this book. Feyre was finally discovering herself and learning to control her powers. Sarah J. Maas also did a splendid job on expanding the Prythian universe and its magic system.

And then I just had tons of issues with the rest of the book:

<Beginning of spoiler>[
1. Honestly, how many times did Maas write that Rhys was the MOST POWERFUL HIGH LORD and his "family" contained the MOST POWERFUL WARRIORS? This was always something that really annoyed me. Like the main love interest is all-mighty and super duper powerful. None of them even bother having flaws...oh wait, their flaws are their love interests. It's so cliche in YA and it's disgusting.
2. Tamlin experienced a brief Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde moment between the first and second book so that Feyre could actually find her true love. I think people need to understand that it's okay to fall in and out of love. It's a normal phenomenon. It's not normal when your boyfriend suddenly becomes emotionally and physically abusive. Like, where what all of that coming from? He didn't retain any of his redeeming qualities from the first book! Yes, the "Under the Mountains" experience was probably traumatic, but Tamlin completely fell away from his original character so Maas can force Rhys on us next. And did I mention that Feyre had no transitioning from Tamlin to Rhys in just six months? She claims that Tamlin no longer fought for her love, but she never bothered to fight for him either.
3. The sex scenes. Okay, no. Just no. It was so cringe-worthy.
4. I was not a fan of the Feyre and Rhysand ship. I like them individually as characters throughout the novel, but I hated them together. Their relationship is not healthy; it's a power play. There was a lack of communication between these two lovers and it was always expected for Rhysand to apologizes to her every time they bicker about nonsense that it just became really annoying. It's honestly really sickening watching their relationship develop.

I was so annoyed at this book that I originally wanted to give it 1.75 stars, but I think the ending had some redeeming qualities and I liked how nicely the author wraps up the transition book in this trilogy (which means I will most likely HAVE to read the last book to find out how they plan to defeat the King of Hybern). (hide spoiler)]
1. Honestly, how many times did Maas write that Rhys was the MOST POWERFUL HIGH LORD and his "family" contained the MOST POWERFUL WARRIORS? This was always something that really annoyed me. Like the main love interest is all-mighty and super duper powerful. None of them even bother having flaws...oh wait, their flaws are their love interests. It's so cliche in YA and it's disgusting. 

2. Tamlin experienced a brief Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde moment between the first and second book so that Feyre could actually find her true love. I think people need to understand that it's okay to fall in and out of love. It's a normal phenomenon. It's not normal when your boyfriend suddenly becomes emotionally and physically abusive. Like, where what all of that coming from? He didn't retain any of his redeeming qualities from the first book! Yes, the "Under the Mountains" experience was probably traumatic, but Tamlin completely fell away from his original character so Maas can force Rhys on us next. And did I mention that Feyre had no transitioning from Tamlin to Rhys in just six months? She claims that Tamlin no longer fought for her love, but she never bothered to fight for him either. 

3. The sex scenes. Okay, no. Just no. It was so cringe-worthy. I mean, "the mountains shook as he came"...really? Please don't tell me all teenagers think that this is what sex is like. 

4. I was not a fan of the Feyre and Rhysand ship. I like them individually as characters throughout the novel, but I hated them together. Their relationship is not healthy; it's a power play. There was a lack of communication between these two lovers and it was always expected for Rhysand to apologizes to her every time they bicker about nonsense that it just became really annoying. It's honestly really sickening watching their relationship develop.
<End of spoiler>

Overall rating: 3 stars

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Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a quick and short read. I finished it within a couple of hours in one sitting. Even though I liked the message that the author was conveying about growing up and taking the next step in your life after high school, there were some major plot holes that I had an issue with, the main one being how old Lara Jean's sister is. I mean, I thought she was like 14 or something in the first book, and now she's turning 11 and giving Lara Jean suggestions on how to cure a hangover? WTF. Seriously, this just isn't realistic at all. Aside from that, Kitty was probably actually my favorite character in this book.

You know who I absolutely hated? Margot. I think Jenny Han meant to make her a strong and independent sister that Lara Jean could look up to, but this girl honestly has no respect for her parents or anyone else for that matter. She's turning 20 in this book and acting like she owns the world. If she has a problem, she doesn't talk to her dad about it, but instead passively takes it out on poor Trina, who I really liked. I understand her frustrations with her family seemingly taking a step away from her, but that's life. Grow up. It was honestly so annoying throughout this book.

Lara Jean and Peter. Ugh. This relationship was killing me this entire series. This is what is fundamentally wrong with many of the teenage relationships out there today. I hate the lack of communication between them. Yes, transitioning from high school to college is a difficult time, but that's why it makes it more important to talk to each other about it. I want to read more young adult contemporary novels where people in healthy relationships go through life problems together. This just really fell flat for me in this department.

Overall rating: 2.75 stars (rounding it up to 3 stars)

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Review: Inferno

Inferno by Dan Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I feel like I have read so many Dan Brown books that I can probably predict the outcomes of the novel. Here's the gist of the story:
1. Robert Langdon is being chased by the bad guys.
2. There is a crazy psycho killer on the loose.
3. Robert runs around Europe searching for clues that will allow him to find the bad guy.
4. There's a lot of historical references in the codes that ONLY Robert is able to crack.
5. Psych! One of the people who you thought was the good guys is actually the leader of the enemy.

The only thing different about this book is that the story is very inconclusive. (view spoiler)[ In the last couple of chapters, Robert finds the source of the bio-pathogen and realizes it was too late. Then the entire plot is revealed in the last chapter and the story ends. What? I mean, that basically renders the entire story pointless. And in the end, he can't do anything to reverse the effect so Robert basically flies back to the United States and hopes for best from scientists and engineers. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I enjoyed this book while I was reading it because I am a big fan of thrillers. However, after putting the book down, I can see so many plot holes and annoyances in the story that I downgrade my ratings.

Rating: 3.25 stars

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Review: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

***NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the publishers for an unbiased review.

Don't judge a book by its cover. The cover of this book is great, but the content is close to trash. As a disclaimer, I would like to say that I am not the biggest fan of young adult contemporary. This book further solidifies that dislike. I just had so many problems with this book that I don't even know where to start.

--This book was just flat out cringe-worthy. Ugh. The protagonist is an extremely unlikable girl who is basically the same horrible person from beginning to end. Personally, I like to read for a big "so what" statement that shows personal growth. But this book had nothing, except it was a huge waste of time.
(view spoiler)[
--What is this whole "werewolf" bull? Okay, I would understand Hawthorne's crazy theories if she was seven, not seventeen. Like really? Wouldn't a typical seventeen-year-old girl be worried about their college applications or their new budding romance instead of going around in the woods to chase the supernatural?
--Hawthorne is OBSESSED about Lizzie for no good reason. At first, I thought the book would reveal that Hawthorne and Lizzie used to be really good friends and so she was concerned, but there was no real reason she should have even been even interested in Lizzie's disappearance.
--Hawthorne's relationship with Enzo is terrible. I was actually asking myself "what the **** is going on?" The fact that the relationship wasn't even legal is really disturbing to me.
--Hawthorne's parents and friends further encouraged her theories and suspicions. Her parents' actions would not fly with me. I think the only sane person in that entire house was her older brother Rush.
(hide spoiler)]
These are just some of the major points that I can currently list off the top of my head. I'm sure there are others that I can't think of right now.

In essence, this was definitely one of the WORST books I've read this year. I wouldn't force this on anyone let alone read it. Don't bother to waste your money on this book.

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Review: This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl

This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1-star: did not like it
2-stars: it was okay
3-stars: liked it
4-stars: really liked it
5-stars: it was amazing

First of all, I would like to start off by saying that Esther Earl is definitely an amazing and kind-hearted person. She has probably inspired and helped thousands of people that she has either met in real life or online. However, this book, which is basically a compilation of all her writings and art, was just okay. And thus, the reason why I ended up giving this book 2 stars. Her story did not strike me as phenomenal, and quite frankly, I don't think it would have even existed if she hadn't met John Green. The main focal point that is brought up over and over again through her writings is how nice Esther is but isn't that how people are supposed to behave from a day to day basis? It not book-worthy. Plus, the book also came with heavy religious undertones...something I think needs a disclaimer statement before I pick it up.

I didn't particularly enjoy this book but I feel like it might be suited for people who personally knew Esther and followed her through her battle with cancer.

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Review: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many successful people have recommended this book to me, and I finally decided to read it this year. Originally, I wanted to read it at the end of summer, but that's when my 'semester-long' reading slump began so I never got around to it until the end of the year. And I proceeded to finish this within a couple of days while taking meticulous notes.

If you haven't read this book, go out and get yourself a copy and start reading. In addition to many advices that Duhigg explores, he also tells snippets of anecdotes which I find especially engaging. I plan to implement some of the techniques that were mentioned to further improve my productivity this year.

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Review: A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many people told me that this book wasn't going to be as good as the others because it doesn't really move the story plot and there are too many views from minor characters. But after watching Season 6 of the TV show, I finally understand the necessity of this 'filler' novel. Even though the main characters are going on their respective adventures, many keys points of the rebellion and progress are made through the minor characters.

I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Cersei was her usual crazy ambitious self. Jaime starts to question his loyalty to his sister and the Crown. The Martells have their own emerging internal conflicts, but they seem to be leaning on siding with Daenerys. Sam is on his way of becoming a maester. George R. R. Martin does a wonderful job of spinning the story together with elaborate lies, gore, and intrigue.


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Review: Cinder

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has been on my to-read list for such a long time because I really liked the graphics on the cover. Eventually, I ended up checked out the audiobook and listening to it on OverDrive, and I wasn't disappointed. Cinder is a part-cyborg, part-human girl who belongs to a widow with two children. She is responsible for supporting the family with her mechanic skills; however, like the story of Cinderella, her stepmother treats her cruelly and she is only able to connect with one of her stepsisters. As she is dealing with issues in her family, there is also a deadly disease that is spreading throughout the country. (The overall story plot is given in the summary)

So, why only 3 stars?
1. The first reason is terrible, but I actually didn't like the narrator's voice in the audiobooks. The way she read some of the sentences made me think that Cinder was a very snotty girl.
2. The novelty of the plot lasted for the first four chapters or so. After that, everything that happened seemed super obvious. I predicted everything that was basically going to happen, which eliminate the shock factor that I appreciate in my books.
3. That cliff-hanger ending killed me. I honestly didn't even know the story ended, and then immediately thought that the publishers want to reap as much money as they can get out of people.

Overall, this was a fun a fun and pleasant read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for fun fairy tale retellings.

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Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 by John Tiffany
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had high hopes when I first picked up the book and then realized it was simply a badly written fanfiction. This book is definitely not written by J. K. Rowling, and the storyline and characterization shows. I even got this book for my little brother when it first came out (as he is a huge Harry Potter fan), and he ended up disliking it too.

There were two major points that made me want to rip out my hair while I was reading:
(view spoiler)[
1. Characterization. This was SO BAD! I was actually baffled at how everyone was completely out-of-character.
--Let's start with Harry. This is the boy that grew up under the constant abuse of the Dursleys and he's telling his son that he wishes [the latter] wasn't his child? Really? I don't think so. Harry made plenty of mistakes throughout his life and he wouldn't project such terrible parenting to his son.
--Hermione. I was furious in one of the time-traveling subplots when she didn't end up marrying Ron and "settled" as a cold-hearted professor at Hogwarts. Haha...the death eaters might as well just take over before someone like Hermione doesn't reach her full potentials.
--Ron. Unless throughout the entire plot. Basically a lot of filler.
--Prof. McGonagall. The author made her like an old crippled lady. She is someone who has a very solid moral compass and wouldn't get let people walk over her.
2. Plot holes. It's unavoidable, but they were so obvious. When J. K. Rowling first introduced the idea of time traveling in the Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione mentioned to Harry that they can't even be seen because it would alter the timeline too much. And this is just to travel a couple of hours back in time. When Albus and Scorpius travel OVER 20 YEARS BACK and create a very drastic change to the course of history, how is the future shifted so minutely? And they just kept going back and changing and changing the past. It was all pretty ridiculous, to be honest.
(hide spoiler)]

Overall, I didn't like this book and I'm going to pretend like it was never published so I can preserve my memory of the original series. The only reason this book actually got 2 stars was because I liked Draco, Scorpius, and Albus. To anyone who is planning to read it: don't. You'll preserve your sanity.

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