Norma_Cenva_Productions: November 2015

Sunday, 29 November 2015

Review: The 1-Hour Goddess

The 1-Hour Goddess by Anne Clara Laugesen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is by no means a ground-breaking book. But one thing the author does well, is encourage and support. Weight-lifting is still seen as un-ladylike, and by changing this notion to, "Girls, Go Lift!" the change becomes tangible, and achievable at the same time.
Yes, I might not agree with all of the things mentioned in this book, especially as a vegan, the "diet" portion of this book, is a no-win to me personally.
But there are still good things in here, this book is sizable enough, but can be read in one sitting, for a greater time used for 1) contemplation... 2) booking your local gym!
The extra touches where support is openly given are great in this book, and I would argue are the main strength point of the book as a whole.
The Facebook group dedicated to the book is very positive and approachable.
And the extra materials are easily gained by emailing the author, which again showcases openness and dedication.
I would probably reread the book, to "digest" (pun intended) the book better, and now the main thing is ahead of me - actually sticking with the changes, and sustaining the positive outlook!

View all my reviews

Review: Bird Box

Bird Box by Josh Malerman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many times in the middle of this story I would set the book aside with the words - Fuck this, I am not reading anymore of this shit! - which if you ask me is a brilliant thing, because it has proved to me that this particular story has resonated a real emotional response from me. It reminded me a bit of "The Ables" by Jeremy Scott; in its story descriptions, which was another 5 starer from this years read books.
It is truly terrifying read, and no, there is no blood and gore, but an abundance of psychological horror. So, if you are into something like this it is a book that you will enjoy.
There are so many details, in the world-building, and I love it how many things you need to pay attention too, the more attentive you will read the more scared you end up, there is a pure correlation here.
I was reeling for all of the characters practically from the start, I felt like I was invested into the story to the point of thinking obsessively about the gaps in the story while reading the story... All in all I enjoyed the book a lot, I probably will not re-read it, but never the less it was reading/listening time well spent and I hope I will not have night-mares today, so fingers crossed and wish me luck!

View all my reviews

Sunday, 22 November 2015

Review: Red Hill

Red Hill by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an AMAZING read! I know that 5 star ratings are nothing strange for me, but in truth each 5 star rating I give to a book is different and for different reasons. This time it is because this stand alone novel was extremely good. I am normally not into standalones, especially post-apocalyptic standalones... but this one is a different matter entirely. Here I was smiling, crying, and chain smoking numerous times, the story did not let me go, I needed to keep up to find out what will happen next and will there be a resolution!? Plus extra kudos for realistic sex scenes (which is quite rear nowadays; may "50 Shades of Grey" burn in obscurity!).
The characters were relatable and interesting, yes there were some tautologies present in the writing and some repetitions unnerved me but it was bearable and did not diminish the main story at all. I hoped there would be a continuation (apart from the accompanieing novella that gives you a different perspective on the same story) but alas there was none. And really, only after finishing the book and going through the epilogue, I understood why - the story is done, the story is lived, the story is out there, - and that's the main thing.
I enjoyed the writing immensely, plus the AudioBook version is very well produced, a true delight! Good bye characters, I will remember you...

View all my reviews

Friday, 20 November 2015

Review: Ink and Bone

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a great read that I have finished in one sitting, which is a rear thing for me. It emanates the love of books and ultimately showcases what would happened in "StarshipTroopers" were not in space and had books as weapons instead. It is a thoughtful portrait of corruption, naivete and a lust of knowledge all blended in one. Next installment in the series is seriously building up as a definitive 5 starer for sure!

View all my reviews