Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publication Date: 1985

Genre: Adult, Dystopian

Length: 324 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Literary Awards: 

Governor General's Literary Awards for Fiction (1985)

Man Booker Prize Nominee (1986)

Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (1986)

Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction (1986)

Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel (1987)

Commonwealth Writers' Prize Nominee for Best Book in Caribbean and Canada (1987)

Prometheus Award Nominee for Best Novel (1987)

CBC Canada Reads Nominee (2002)

Audie Award for Fiction (2013)

Synopsis:

The Handmaid's Tale is not only a radical and brilliant departure for Margaret Atwood, it is a novel of such power that hte reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States, now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men of its population.

The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment's calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusions. The Handmaid's Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best. 

My Thoughts:

I'm sure most everyone has heard of this book at some point, possibly more recently thanks to the Hulu television series. It's been on my radar for years but I never felt the absolute need to read it until recently. I'm glad I did, but I must admit that this book had such a negative impact on me while reading it, and because of this I will keep this review short. It was disturbing and triggering and horrible, but I hesitate to say that because it wasn't the book itself that was horrible but more so the possibility that the content could actually happen in some form or another. This is the first dystopian novel that I have read that seems all too believable. 

I did not enjoy this book but I think I could reread it again in a different light, perhaps many many years from now, hopefully when women's rights aren't as threatened and I can come back to this as a thought-provoking read instead of a horror novel. 

My Rating: 4 stars

Book Blast & GIVEAWAY: Perfectly You by Robin Daniels

Perfectly You by Robin Daniels

Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming. Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction. Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself… Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, and crude humor, some steamy kissing, a party scene where underage drinking is taking place, and a brief but tasteful conversation about sex. The author has attempted to write characters who make good choices in questionable situations, in effort to keep the content appropriate for teens. This book contains no sex, written or implied, and no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

 EXCERPT 

 "Probably not," I conceded. "Looks like I can kiss my dreams of being on the PGA tour good-bye. What am I doing wrong?" "Now you're asking?" Andy laughed. "On the last hole?" "Better late than never." I shrugged and gave him a toothy grin. "Hang on a second." He sank his last ball in two, then waved me over. "Ok, come here. Let Lilly and Jake go while I show you what to do." I walked to the edge of the green, club in hand. He stood close behind me, wrapping his arms around mine. Then he gently positioned my hands on the handle of the club. I'd always thought it was cheesy in movies when a guy showed a girl how to do something rather than just explaining it. The move was so obvious. But now that I was in that very situation, Andy's body pressed against mine, his yummy cologne assaulting my nose, I didn't care if it was cheesy. "First of all, you're gripping the club too tightly. You need to relax." He leaned over my shoulder and spoke softly against my ear. His breath tickled my neck, and my brain got fuzzy. "Next, you need to stop swinging like you're trying to drive the green. You have to finesse a putter. Swing it more like a pendulum and less like a baseball bat." He chuckled, then started swaying my arms back and forth with his. "Like this, can you feel the difference?" "Mmm-hmm," I lied. I was trying to pay attention, honestly, I was. But his closeness was making it extremely difficult. I couldn't feel anything beyond the warmth of his body and the softness of his lips grazing my ear. Was he trying to help me or distract me? My mind wandered until he pulled away and walked around to face me. "Finally, you need to aim." He smiled. "That's when you look at the ball, then look at the hole, then try to put the ball in the hole."  

 

Author Robin Daniels

Robin Daniels is a wife, mother of five and avid consumer of books. She loves reading SO much that she was actually grounded from it as a twelve year old. No Joking! Her mom caught her reading when she was supposed to be cleaning, which was a common occurrence. At that point mom took the books and instructed her to go watch TV or play outside like a normal kid. Robin is a sucker for home design shows and magazines, watches way too much Netflix and has a very codependent relationship with with a certain diet soda who’s brand shall not be named. (Though anyone with a similar problem could probably guess which one.)

Website * Facebook

  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 9/15/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author.

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Can't Wait Wednesday #21 - Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings and spotlights the books we are excited about and have yet to read. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday which is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

I can't wait for...
Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi

Expected Publication: November 14, 2017
by Dutton Books for Young Readers
Goodreads

Synopsis:
A new adventure about a girl who is fated to wash the bodies of the dead in this companion to Furthermore.

Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way). Before she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days washing the bodies of the dead and preparing their souls for the afterlife. It's become easy to forget and easier still to ignore the way her hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair, and her own ever-increasing loneliness and fear. 

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appears, and Laylee's world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship. 

_______________

Furthermore was the first book by Tahereh Mafi that I've read and while I did have a few issues with it, I really enjoyed how unique the story, worldbuilding, and characters were. I'm looking forward to reading about this new and interesting character in this odd world Mafi has created. Besides, that cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Have you read Furthermore? Are you looking forward to this companion novel? Let me know what you are waiting on this week!

Top Ten Tuesday #110 - Back to School

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Woot! I'm so glad Top Ten Tuesday is back! Today is a Back to School Freebie. It's been a while since I was last in school so this isn't a prompt that comes easy to me at the moment because I don't particularly enjoy books with school settings unless it has some fantasy or paranormal elements but I've read some in my lifetime, so here are my favorites. 

Top Ten Favorite Books With School Settings

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - Of course this had to be #1. It's my favorite school setting story ever and I would gladly be an 11 year old again if only I could spend it at Hogwarts. 
2. Matilda by Roald Dahl - Another that I love love love! This was one school I definitely didn't want to go to. I'm pretty sure I would have spent a lot of time in the 'Chokey' even though I was pretty good kid. 

3. School of the Dead by AVI - This was a fun middle-grade ghost story that took place in a school. Not your typical ghost story!
 4. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - This one is more than a school setting but is about school-aged kids. 

5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - Another one that has more content outside of school but still about a school-aged girl and what she goes through after witnessing the murder of an innocent friend.
6. Speak by Laurie Halse Andersen - It's been a while since I read this and I only really remember the horrible thing that happens to this teenage girl and how she struggles  throughout highschool. 

7. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - This one was about a Native American boy attending an all-white school off of his reservation. I remember it being quite funny. 
8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio - This one was quite heartwarming. It's about a boy with facial disfiguration whom goes to school for the first time, dealing with bullies and learning who his true friends are. 

9. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey - This one is a bit unconventional but is about a girl who attends school, but on a military base, strapped to a wheelchair. 
10. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - Another rather unconventional school setting since the character in this books attends school via virtual reality. 

Have you read any of these? Leave a link to your TTT in the comments so I can be sure to return the visit! 

Picture Book Review: Walter and the Wallet by Billy Bloom

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Walter and the Wallet

by Billy Bloom

Illustrated by: Tanya Leonello

Publisher: Eifrig Publishing

Publication Date: June 15, 2017

Length: 36 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: 

Walter Whippingdale is having the worst day of his life. The girl he likes is making googly eyes at another boy in his class. He struck out during recess. He broke his favorite watch. A giant pimple appeared on his nose. And to top it off, he somehow managed to get mustard in his eye at lunch! Walking home from school, his head is hanging low. Which is precisely how Walter spots a wallet lying in the street...a wallet bursting with cash. Suddenly, his terrible day is about to change. But how?

In a lovely, lyrical tale full of life lessons, first-time children's author Billy Bloom has created a rhyming gem of a character development book. Accompanied by Tanya Leonello's beautiful illustrations, you'll be drawn in to this wonderful litlting story of childhood morality. Perfect for elementary school value-building. 

My Thoughts:

After a long day filled with nothing but bad luck, a wonderful thing happened to Walter Whippingdale. A thickly stuffed wallet cures his woes as he imagines what he could possibly do with all of that money! But when Walter sees an older man just as upset as he had been before finding the wallet, he knows exactly what he must do. 

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming story with a great message. Walter learns that sometimes, even if you are having a horrible day, cheering others up will brighten your day in return. This story will help children learn about selflessness and doing right by others. Walter and the Wallet has a very straightforward moral but it is told in a fun, engaging way that helps us see the best choice to be made in this particular predicament. 

The illustrations remind me so much of Quentin Blake's art while still being lovely and unique. The coloring starts out quite muted to reflect the downtrodden Walter, but there are splashes of color and as the story progresses they seem to get brighter. I think the illustrator did a fantastic job at portraying Walter's and the old man's emotions as well as the overall mood of the story. 

The Sunday Post #73 - Watercolor Spacescapes

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things you received, share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead, and more.

Another uneventful week (at home anyway). It's been raining every afternoon and is hot hot hot! Yesterday it was up to 102 degrees before noon! 
As usual, there's a lot of crappy things going on in the US right now  and while I am trying to speak out against racism and hatred in our country, it is quite overwhelming, so I've been trying to meditate more and the best way for me to zone out and put the stress behind me is to paint or draw or just create things. So I've been painting bookmarks.
Here's one I made for myself! 

It reminds me of this blog's early days when the header was a spacescape! 

NEW TO MY SHELVES

I made a trip to the thrift store yesterday and found Carve the Mark for 50 cents! I know there's a lot of controversy around this book and I honestly didn't have any interest in reading it but the book itself is quite gorgeous so I couldn't pass it up. (Apologies for the crappy photo!)
 I also received my August OwlCrate but I'm going to wait to do an unboxing. I may finally do a sub box review for this one!
I did receive a couple of books that I haven't taken pictures of yet so I'll try to remember to post them next week.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
I reviewed some Back to School items for National Geographic Kids, shared my Can't Wait Wednesday for the week, signed up for the Bout of Books 20 Read-a-thon that starts Monday, and reviewed middle grade fantasy, The Princess and the Page by Christina Farley. 

RECENTLY READ
Nothing because I'm a slow reader these days and I spent most of my free time painting. 

CURRENTLY READING

I'm honestly having such a hard time with The Handmaid's Tale. The content is infuriating.

Bookstagram

Some of my posts from this week. I'm almost to 1K followers so that Maas themed giveaway will be coming up very soon! Feel free to follow!


How was your week? Did you read anything amazing? Let me know! :)

Book Review: The Princess and the Page by Christine Farley

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: The Princess and the Page

Author: Christina Farley

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: March 28, 2017

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fairytales

Length: 228 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

A dark secret lurks in Keira's family. She comes from a long line of Word Weavers who bring their stories to life when they use a magical pen. But Keira's mom is unable to face the truth of the family's history because the Word Weavers have been hunted for generations for their power. And so, she forbids Keira to write. Oblivious to the family's secret ability, and angry at her mom's rule of no fictional writing, Keira discovers her grandma's Word Weaver pen and uses it to write a story for the Girls' World fairy tale contest, believing it will bring her good luck. But when Keira decides to have her fairy tale reflect her family's imperfect life and has the princess in her story vanquished to a dark tower for eternity, she starts to wonder if anyone ever truly lives happily ever after. 

My Thoughts:

Keira's mother won't allow her to write stories, though deep in her bones, she feels the urge to do exactly that. When her best friend, Bella, talks her into writing a fairytale for a contest she uses the only pen left in the house; a special pen that her mother had thought was stolen. Acting out in anger against her mother's rediculous rules, Keira writes a story with an unhappy ending--and it wins the contest. The prize is a trip for four to the Chateau de Chenonceau in France where Gabrielle d'Estrees lived. But Keira finds it incredibly odd that Gabrielle was the name of her made up character. But that's not the only similarity to Keira's fairytale and she soon finds out that she plays a bigger part in the history of Chateau de Chenonceau than she thought possible. 

I love that this story sort of transcends just one genre. It's about a fairytale but it has a very strong mystery aspect to go along with the fantasy and it's also a bit of a ghost story! Plus that beginning had me thinking it was going to be a fast-paced thriller! I really love when children's stories go above and beyond like that.  

I found it fascinating that the author drew inspiration from a trip she took to the Chateau de Chenonceau in France and that Gabrielle d'Estrees was a real Duchess that lived there in the 1500's. Farley did a wonderful job at taking that experience and making this setting seem as real as possible. Also, I absolutely love when literature has a bit of history to it and loved learning more about this location and it's historical personas in the author's letter at the end of the book.   

The main character, Keira, is relatable with her overbearing, controlling mother and her urge to write. Her best friend, Bella, can be a little snippy at times but their friendship adds to the story. And Chet is the kind of kooky, mischief-maker character that I tend to love. He really helps push the girls beyond their comfort zones (or just joins in on their shenanigans) and keeps everyone on their toes. 

The overall idea of the Word Weavers is fantastic! I loved that a magical pen could change so much about the world and history. I could definitely see this idea continued on to other stories. I'd actually love to see Keira try to take on other bits of history (most likely with disastrous consequences!) 

This would be the perfect book for young readers who love fairytales, castles, a good mystery, or for any girls on the precipice of still wanting to be a princess and growing up. 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

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