Tag: book reviews

Posted in American History, book reviews, bookit, history

Bookit Review: John Adams

Posted on by sokorra

Title: John Adams: The Man From Massachusetts
Author: Sam Goodyear
Publication date: 2014

My Grade: …

My Review:

To be honest, I am not sure how to review this novel.  However, I told myself I’d review each book I read this year, even the previously reads, so here is a review.  I got this book as part of my goal to read a biography on each of the presidents so I can retain some knowledge of what they did other than be President.  I’ve been getting them through Kindle Unlimited which so far has given me odd results.

The George Washington biography I last year was an odd biography, clearly meant for textbook format or discussion.  But it was informative. This one however was a short story, done in Adam’s point of view.  It was short, and at the end of the time spent reading I sat there wondering what I had just read.  It’s not a bio, its a short story so I will just say don’t pick this up if you are expecting to learn something.  It might be a good book to start younger kids on however.

I didn’t give it a grade mostly because it was so far from my expectations that I felt I couldn’t adequately judge this book.  I am also going to search out another biography to satisfy my Adams bio.

Posted in book reviews, bookit

Bookit Review: Once Upon A Second Chance

Posted on by sokorra

Title: Once Upon A Second Chance
Author:Marian Vere
Publication date: 2012

My Grade: B

My Review:

I actually read this in one sitting.  I was having trouble sleeping, so I decided to read.  The book I was reading turned out to be, well, horrible, and I couldn’t finish it.  I instead went to the  online store and I stumbled upon this one which is based on Persuasion.  That’s always a good point for me, as that’s one of my favorite books, and definitely my favorite Austen.

The book follows Julia, a financial advisor slash administrative assistant.  She was partially raised by her older sister Lisa (Who I assume is taking the role Lady Russell plays in the original) who encouraged her to end an engagement after they had only been dating a few months.

8 years later they meet again when Nick, the ex-fiancee, shows up at her firm and gets assigned her team.  Julia’s best friend, Bree (the Louisa of the book) soon finds herself infatuated with Nick much to Julia’s discomfort.

Miscommunication, awkward midnight meetings,  jellyfish, and impromptu engagements happen along the way.

I actually like this book.  It remains unique while taking on the vague outline of Persuasion.  If you’ve read the book you can pick out the references, but if you haven’t, its not going to feel old, or like they are trying too hard, which sometimes happens when someone tries to make a modern adaption of an older book.

Its also relatively inexpensive right now, only $3 for your kindle when the usual going rate is about $8.