The Goldfinch: by Donna Tartt -- Review


Expert Book Reviews - 2013
    Dark themes prevail throughout the novel as protagonist Theo Decker copes with the violent and untimely death of his mother. As a 13-year-old boy, Theo’s grasp of reality is limited, and the tragic event forces despair and self-defeating behavior. With sophisticated themes like death, abuse and sex, this book is better suited for a mature audience. If you are looking for an intellectually stimulating novel that keeps you guessing, then The Goldfinch may be just what you need. See how Donna Tartt’s novel scores with expert ratings and quotes from popular publications. The Goldfinch is an exemplary book filled with vivid imagery and superb character development. Each cast member in the play of Theo’s life has a mixture of positive traits and flaws that make up a believable character. A comparison of the good and bad aspects of the book help you determine the book’s value. Compare this book to Greek tragedies to see how death portrays a universal theme that has great impacts on any protagonist. This comprehensive review of The Goldfinch gives you the big picture of what to expect from your reading.

Strange Sweet Song


Adi Rule - 2014
    And in the forest, they say, lives a great beast called the Felix. But Sing da Navelli never put much faith in the rumors and myths surrounding the school; music flows in her blood, and she is there to sing for real. This prestigious academy will finally give her the chance to prove her worth—not as the daughter of world-renowned musicians—but as an artist and leading lady in her own right.Yet despite her best efforts, there seems to be something missing from her voice. Her doubts about her own talent are underscored by the fact that she is cast as the understudy in the school's production of her favorite opera, Angelique. Angelique was written at Dunhammond, and the legend says that the composer was inspired by forest surrounding the school, a place steeped in history, magic, and danger. But was it all a figment of his imagination, or are the fantastic figures in the opera more than imaginary? Sing must work with the mysterious Apprentice Nathan Daysmoor as her vocal coach, who is both her harshest critic and staunchest advocate. But Nathan has secrets of his own, secrets that are entwined with the myths and legends surrounding Dunhammond, and the great creature they say lives there.Lyrical, gothic, and magical, Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule will captivate and enchant readers.

एक चिहान [Ek Chihan]


Hridaya Chandra Singh Pradhan
    The novel shows the situations and reality of people in context of Nepal. This story is about a sick and unwell poor man with family and responsibility, trying to survive in this harsh world.

फूलको आँखामा [Phoolko Aankhaama]


Ani Choying Drolma - 2008
    Her childhood was full of suffering and she grew up with much pain and complexity. To get rid of the pain due to her father’s death, she went into a monastery and later became a Buddhist nun. She learnt spiritualism, monasticism, and the meaning of loyalty, truth, patience and forgiveness. Today, she stands as a leading role of peace and harmony in the world. This autobiography is the twelfth translation of the original French edition.

The Bet


Kimberly Joy Villanueva - 2013
    His punishment? Make a girl in school fall for him and then break up with her just as shes fallen for him. But who would be oblivious enough to fall for that? Her.Enter Sophia Taylor - quiet, brainy, and unassuming - the perfect pawn for their game. And for Drake, that's all it is - a game. But is it? Drake finds that Sophia is quite more than he bargained for. Perhaps he has her figured out all wrong. The real question is, will Drake win the bet, or will Sophia win him over instead?

The Next Flame


Penelope Douglas - 2017
    And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden. But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore. Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start. As she starts to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants. Aflame Tatum Brandt finally has everything she wants. Acceptance to medical school, a circle of friends she would never replace, and contentment that every day is now hers. All through high school, Jared Trent called the shots. He decided if she would be happy or sad, fearful or free. He owned her heart, and he played with it like one of his cars. Never again. Two years ago, Jared left town, and Tate’s life is exactly where she wants it to be. Or that’s what she tells herself… Because two years ago, her heart also stopped beating, and no matter the success in school or the support of her friends, there’s only one time every week she can feel that same rush in her blood. Friday nights on the track. That’s hers, not his, and to hell with anyone that gets in her way again. Especially him.*Please note: The Next Flame is not a new story. It is Aflame and Next to Never together in one book. For those readers who desired paperbacks of Aflame to complete their collections, this is it. **Also Note: Next to Never is not Quinn's story. That will be a full length novel eventually. This is simply a novella to catch up with all the characters and give a lead-in to the coming spin-off series.

The Prodigy


Alton Gansky - 2001
    A dying businessman is cured of cancer. Undeniable miracles are following a rusty station wagon on its journey west. But the person behind them is no charismatic religious figure. He’s the six-year-old son of a poor single mother and the possessor of a gift he can’t explain. To multitudes, however, Toby Matthews is about to become a New Age messiah--and to unscrupulous opportunists, a ticket to undreamed-of wealth. But one person besides his young mother will see Toby for who he really is. Thomas York, a gifted but searching divinity student, finds in Toby a kindred spirit--brilliant, intuitive, hungry for truth. And as an evil beyond their comprehension unfolds, Truth will become their only weapon against a terrifying enemy unseen by all except Toby.A taut supernatural thriller, The Prodigy probes the influence of the invisible realm on the world around us and the indomitable power of the Light that shines in the darkness.

The Strange Case of Billy Biswas


Arun Joshi - 1971
    A thought provoking novel, in which the normal and the abnormal, the ordinary and the extraordinary, illusion and reality, resignation and desire rub shoulders.

Fight for Life


Kylie Alyssa - 2018
    Aiden Clark is a guy with fists of fury and more popularity than he knows what to do with. Both are similar in more ways than they know and will soon find out just how deep their bond is. What happens when Aubry asks Aiden for help? Will they just so happen to find happiness in each other or will they each be the source of the others demise?*TRIGGER WARNING contains mature content such as but not limited to: rape, drugs, abuse, alcohol, self harm* read at own risk.

7 Clues to Winning You


Kristin Walker - 2012
    At first she thinks that being the principal’s daughter is the worst part, then an unflattering viral picture of Blythe has everyone laughing at her the first day. Although vengeance was never her thing, Blythe vows to abolish the Senior Scramble, a long-revered school scavenger hunt. Afterwards, things don’t go to plan, though. To make amends, she teams up with Senior, Luke—the surly head of the hunt and so-called-journalist who first posted her picture. Together they defy Blythe’s father and take the Senior Scramble underground. Blythe soon realizes that Luke isn’t so bad after all. In fact, she’s drawn in by his sly geekish wit, spontaneous Shakespearean quotes, and peering gaze. As Blythe speeds through the scavenger hunt, she faces expulsion, an arrest, and a split from her best friend. But she won’t give up. If she wins the Senior Scramble, she just might win back her reputation. And maybe even win Luke’s heart.

Deathconsciousness


Have a Nice Life - 2008
    Whosoever lives, so shall they die; and may they die a drowning death, with all of Life inside their mouths, and naught but stones inside their lungs, like David with the skull, dwelling upon it in every second, the impossible trials of ceasing, stopping, ending..."Have a Nice Life's album Deathconsciousness is accompanied by a 75-page booklet detailing the dark and forgotten history of the Antiochean cult. Blurring the lines between novella, liner notes, and academic text, the zine itself presents an engrossing narrative.- This is Deathconsciousness -and it begs the question - "What is the point?"

Half Hidden


Emma Blair - 1996
    But she is forced to admit she respects and admires Dr Peter Schmidt and they begin a relationship. Then, however, typhoid strikes.

Dirty Pretty Things


Michael Faudet - 2014
    His whimsical and often erotic writing has already captured the hearts and minds of literally thousands of readers from around the world. He paints vivid pictures with intricate words and explores the compelling themes of love, loss, relationships and sex. All beautifully captured in poetry, prose, quotes and little short stories.

ನಾಯಿ ನೆರಳು [Naayi Neralu]


S.L. Bhyrappa - 1968
    A young boy remembers what he was in his previous life, and on exploration a town and a family therein was discovered corresponding to his descriptions. A middle aged widow of that family and her son turn out to be this boy’s wife and son from his previous life. The widow accepts him as her husband but the boy rejects him. It is a para-psychological novel exploring psychological and social depths of the characters and society.

Sweet Little Thing


Renee Carlino - 2014
    They have a puppy, a loft in Brooklyn, and a new music studio on the rise. It seems things couldn’t get any better for this talented couple when life decides to throw them a sweet little curve ball. They quickly learn that things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes happily ever after is one giant leap of faith away.With the help of good music, good friends, and one eccentric old lady, they overcome a few of life’s little bumps to find the sweetest thing of all.Watch this duo grow in more ways than one in SWEET Little THING.