Books

Quick Review: Final Girls by Riley Sager

~ Rose Sparrowking

Final Girls by Riley Sager

I’ve been reading a lot of thrillers and murder mysteries, especially Harry Bosch and Lisbeth Salander, lately and picked this novel up a while ago when replenishing my unread book pile. I should’ve been warned away by the comparison to Gone Girl on the cover. I had no empathy for the characters in that book. So little that I read maybe a chapter before moving on to another book.

The same thing with Final Girls. I just don’t care what happens. I’m half way through and dropping it. Since the original murderer died, then the current murderer can only be one of two characters. There just aren’t that many characters in the story. … I skipped to the end and I was right. One of two characters.

I guess the book didn’t hook me. I did not race through to find out what happens next. I was never surprised or shocked. And one of the murdered character’s stupidity just irked me.

That’s a no for me. Donating to the library.

Quick Notes: Drive by Daniel H. Pink

~ Rose Sparrowking

Drive by Daniel H. Pink
http://www.danpink.com/books/drive/

Notes:

1. The longstanding carrot and stick approach only works in a few select circumstances.

2. Better motivation from intrinsic motivators.

“Type I behavior: A way of thinking and an approach to life built around intrinsic, rather than extrinsic, motivators. It is powered by our innate need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world.” p. 226 of paperback

Autonomy. Mastery. Purpose.

Quick Review: A Darker Shade of Magic

~ Rose Sparrowking

 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

4 out of 5 stars

The Antari, Kell, from Red London and the cutpurse, Delilah Bard, from Grey London must return a dangerous magical artifact to the legendary Black London.

Love Kell’s coat and want one just like it. Love that Lila wants to be a pirate. Never got the hint that Lila had a glass eye – I will have to re-read to see if I missed that.

I’m wondering if all the London’s will be brought together at the end of the series. Is Lila Antari? What will happen now to White London? What will happen to Kell now that his secret of smuggling is out? Loved the doors and the travel between worlds and that London was a constant. Also enjoyed that the author actually hit the streets in London.

Ordering the next book.

Quick Review: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

~ Rose Sparrowking

 

June 2, 2016

0 out of 5 stars

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

The parable of a shepherd looking for his Personal Legend. “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”

Unabashedly a Christian story. Not having Faith, I found it rather unrelatable. Listen to your heart? Sure, but use your head too. Lots of little quotables that people now add to pretty pictures and post to Facebook.

And what’s the deal with Fatima staying at the oasis so Santiago can go on his quest? Go on your own damn quest, Fatima, and stop waiting for some dude—you met once and wants to marry you—to come on home.