diversifyyourreading's reviews
282 reviews

Sometimes, the least expected person can help you find yourself again...

Andrew Carnegie is well known as a steel magnate and philanthropist; however, not much focus has been put on his life as an immigrant before his success, or the circumstances which led to his philanthropic efforts. Perhaps he was a naturally altruistic person, or had those values instilled in him by his family. In Carnegie's Maid, however, Marie Benedict explores a different option - the idea that there might have been a someone to influence him, and that someone could have been his mother's lady's maid, the fictional Clara Kelley.

The relationship between the wealthy and their servants is one that has been explored many times before (Downton Abbey, for example); in my opinion, though, Marie Benedict's approach to the matter was wholly original. This is a beautiful story of hard work, determination, and always remembering your roots. It also hones in on the idea that you can forge your own path and rise in the ranks, no matter your starting circumstances. It's a lovely read, written in the format of Clara's personal account.

Also, major Downton vibes. I might just go rewatch the series now!

This was such a fun, light read and I love the fact that it takes place in Alaska. I used to read Ally Carter books when I was younger, so I was so happy to see that she had another book coming out. And then I won it in a Goodreads getaway and couldn't wait for it to arrive.

Ally Carter's book always feature badass female characters that are the perfect mix of feminine and adventurous, incredibly ballsy, and just generally awesome. I read this book in under a day, as I do with my of Carter's books, because it was just so easy to keep going and I just had to know how it ended!

Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun read!

I don't know what I expected after reading the synopsis of Never Let Me Go, but it was totally different. It took me awhile to get into it, but I really enjoyed it in the end. It was also a bit hard to follow, since the story was not told chronologically, but rather a bit all over the place. However, the story itself was very interesting!

Similar to Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Love and Other Consolation Prizes is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that brings to life a time and an event that is often overlooked. I never thought I would be reading a novel about Seattle's red light district or a world fair that happened over 100 years ago, but that's what Jamie Ford does - he opens up these events to people who wouldn't normally read about them (or simply don't know they exist to read about) an adds fictional relationships and events that make it all the more heartwarming.

The story takes place in two time periods, about 55 years apart. While this is sometimes hard to follow, Ford makes the transition back and forth seamlessly. The characters are written so well that you can feel their heartbreak and triumphs alongside them. And, as I said before, it's just a beautifully written story. The end did leave me wanting a bit more, though, and as always I'm not sure exactly what. I just wasn't as satisfied as I wanted to be, hence the 4 stars.

I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS SERIES!

Seriously, I can't get enough of Vasya and her adventures. Or of the frost demon (am I the only one who finds him dreamy?). I need to know what happens next and cannot wait until August to find out!

Katherine Arden does it again with The Girl in the Tower, second in the series behind The Bear and the Nightingale. I've completely fallen in love with Russian folklore and its many spirits and demons and heroes.

This novel takes us out of the wilderness and into the city, as Vasya eventually makes it to Moscow, where she is reunited with her brother and sister. However, Vasya's adventures continue even as she reaches Moscow, and they're as captivating as always. This time, she's disguised as a boy, fighting bandits and saving little girls. Yes - I want to be Vasya, and I want my very own frost demon.

I doubt this review makes any sense, but I'm kind of just word vomiting my love for this series. I have no idea what I am going to do when it's all over!

I read a lot of books that I can't put down, but I very rarely read a book that I never want to end. The Bear and the Nightingale was both. I became so wrapped up in the story of Vasya that I never wanted there to be a conclusion; I never wanted the story to end. I just wanted to keep following her adventures forever!

The Bear and the Nightingale is the perfect fairytale for adults - it's easy to read, but doesn't feel childish. The story is captivating. The characters and lovable and very well depicted. Katherine Arden is an absolute genius and I can't wait to read the second book!

Note: My brother and I do not have the same the same taste in books AT ALL. We both read this and couldn't stop talking about how much we loved it. I'm pretty sure I made his day when I told him the second book is already out!

I love all things cozy, so the concept of hygge has always fascinated me, and I really appreciate Meik Wiking's approach to explaining how (and why) to hygge, what it means, and why it's important. I never felt like Wiking was just showing off knowledge like I do with many non-fiction or how-to books. He wasn't forcing anything, he was just sharing.

The Little Book of Hygge is very well written and very easy to follow along with. I loved the little how-to sections that ranged from recipes to paper cutouts. I also really enjoyed the infographics that compared lifestyles in different countries throughout the world.

We should all hygge a bit more, and The Little Book of Hygge is the perfect place to start! I'm going to go make a cup of tea now!

I totally understand the hype around Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and can imagine it would've received 5 stars in my mind if I read it, instead of listened. The narration of the audiobook was incredible, but I think I missed some key moments by listening instead of reading, and found the twist was such a casual thing. Again, this all stems from my personal issues with audiobooks (I am trying my hardest to become a fan!!).

Eleanor Oliphant is a quirky individual approaching 30, living a completely 'fine' life - she follows the same routine each week without any variation, does not understand sarcasm or modern social interactions, and has 0 friends. But she thinks that she's fine. Until she realizes that she isn't.

The book follows Eleanor's personal growth of overcoming her past, discovering who she really is, and finding some happiness in what was an incredibly plain and lonely life. I started out thinking that I would have no idea what to do if I ever came across someone like Eleanor, but in the end I wanted to take her out for a cup of coffee and a chat and give her a big hug!

The cast of characters in the book is absolutely wonderful and it is easily one of the most original stories I've read in a long time. I will definitely read more Gail Honeyman in the future if she chooses to bless us with another book!