Gwendy’s Button Box – A Book Review

Updated – 3/4/17

 

Hey everyone! I just finished Stephen King and Richard Chizmar’s Gwendy’s Button Box! I decided to review it for you guys! My review can also be found on Goodreads.

 

Google Images

 

Copyright: 2017

 
Rating: 4/5

 

My Synopsis:

Gwendy runs up the Suicide Stairs every day so that she can lose weight. One day, she meets a stranger who gives her a strange box with buttons on it. The man states that the box is for only Gwendy and that the box contains two things that she will find quite beneficial – chocolates and coins. Before Gwendy realizes what’s going on, she finds herself responsible for much more than a young adult could ever imagine.

 

My Opinion:

Gwendy’s Button Box is a fantastic novella. Right from the start, I was intrigued. The story is fast paced and doesn’t have a dull moment. The best books give the reader something to think about and Gwendy’s Button Box definitely achieves this. It makes you question what you would do if you were in the main character’s shoes.

 

Hearts in Atlantis – A Book Review

Photo Taken By B.W. Ginsburg/ B.G.

Copyright: 1999

Rating: 4.5/5

My Synopsis:

A  collections of stories put together as one, Hearts in Atlantis, is about war, love, and the unexplainable. From Ted and Bobby and their adventures to the Vietnam war and its surrounding events, Hearts in Atlantis is a fantastic story!

My Opinion:

To say that Stephen King’s, Hearts in Atlantis , is a good, well-written story would be an understatement. King manages to talk about the 60s – the war and all that surrounded it – and the mysteries of life in a way that is truly thought-provoking. Stephen King also is able to use about five different points of view throughout the novel without complicating the story. In fact, I found myself enjoying the different POVs and the way that it, actually, helped the flow of the story.

Another great thing about Hearts in Atlantis are the character descriptions and how truly invested you become in each and every one of the characters’ lives. I must say that this is, without a doubt, the best example of successful character description I’ve ever seen! Just when you think a character may be forgotten, you’re proved wrong in the best way possible!

If I had to nit-pick, I would say I have two main issues with this novel. For one thing, it’s very long and if you don’t read the book in one or two days, you can very easily forget some of the minor characters. In fact, I found myself having to go back a bit when some of these character’s last names were mentioned. I had to refresh my memory as to who they were. Also, I think that if you haven’t read the Dark Tower series before Hearts in Atlantis (which I did not), the end of the novel still leaves some questions unanswered about one of the characters. Of course this may have been done on purpose so King could draw you to read the Dark Tower series, which does make sense. If this is the case, he did a successful job. I’m not sure if I’ll ever read the series, but I admit that I am quite curious. [Goodreads]

The Green Mile – A Book Review

Google Images

Copyright: 1996 (March – August)

Rating: 5/5

My Synopsis:

Paul Edgecomb is the head guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. He is used to giving criminals the death penalty, but what he isn’t used to is what happens in the year 1932 – the year that John Coffey comes to The Green Mile. Paul will find himself regretting what he must do and find that life, often times, isn’t fair.

This is a serial thriller full of miracles and wonder. This is a book that shows how you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and how, there are people in this world with big hearts and the ability to do amazing things!

My Review:

The Green Mile is an incredible story! Stephen King is an amazing story teller and the narration in The Green Mile is superb. You truly feel for the characters in this series and feel part of the world that Stephen King has created.

All emotions are brought to life in this series. You feel joy, pride, anger, frustration, and sadness as you read about the events that take place on The Green Mile. This is a book that you don’t want to miss! A truly inspirational read! [Goodreads.com]

June Photo A Day Challenge & Book Challenge – June 22nd

June Movie Photo Challenge:

Full of Twists:

I do own this movie (and really like it), but didn’t feel like digging for it. In fact, this is probably one of the first ‘scary’ movies I ever saw. These pictures were found on Google Images.

Great line!

Wanna participate? Check out the schedule below!

June Book Challenge:

Chapter 22:

I highly recommend Dead Lines by Greg Bear to anyone who likes ghost stories. I’m re-reading it and now I know why I loved it so much!

See schedule below! For more info on the book challenge click here!

June Photo A Day Challenge & Book Challenge – June 13th

June Movie Photo Challenge:

Made from a Book:

So while I do have this movie, I’m feeling kind of anxious and don’t feel like digging for it, so I’m going to use a picture from Google Images. Also, I know Stephen King would probably hate that I’m choosing this movie since he supposedly doesn’t like it, but that’s too bad. I like it! I admit though that I’ve actually never read the book to compare it to.

Wanna participate? Check out the schedule below!

June Book Challenge:

While I didn’t feel up to digging for The Shining, I did know exactly where this book was. I’m getting a little creative here, because honestly, this is probably the only book that really makes me want to travel. It’s a tour book that I got from a Jewel concert that I went to!

See schedule below! For more info on the book challenge click here!

 

 

June Photo A Day Challenge & Book Challenge – June 3rd

June Movie Photo Challenge:

HORROR FILM!

I purposely made sure that I didn’t get what the bad guy looks like in the picture, it kind of ruins the element of surprise when he shows up in the movie! Anyways, if you want to see a creepy movie, check this out!

Wanna participate? Check out the schedule below!

June Book Challenge:

I hate to say this, but I’m not sure I have any books that are really based off of true stories. 😦

See schedule below! For more info on the book challenge, click here!

May Photo A Day Challenge & Book Challenge – May 12th

Oops, posted this a day early. Oh well!

May Photo Challenge:

Wanna participate? See schedule below!

May Book Challenge:

Today’s challenge is to post a picture of your bookish boyfriend/girlfriend. Again, I’m going to use a picture from Google Images. I do have the book, but I don’t feel like digging for it as it’s downstairs somewhere! I recommend you guys see the mini series as well as check out the screenplay if you’re interested! Who is my bookish boyfriend? Constable Michael Anderson from Storm of the Century! He’s cute, smart, caring, hard working, and sensible! He’s also a great husband and father!

Wanna participate? See schedule below!

Reading/Writing Suggestions

Some of you may know that in addition to writing about anxiety, I sometimes write about reading and writing. I’ve been working on a story lately and I realized that although I’m still may not be the greatest writer in the world, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve written so far.

I think that a great way to get better at writing is to read more. Not only does reading give you an idea of what works in a story, but you can see how other authors write and get a feel for how important the author’s voice is. Once you realize what makes a good story, you can find your own voice and write your own amazing story!

I thought I would make a list of writers that I think are amazing. This way if you plan on writing a story of a certain genre, you can know whose books to read to give you an idea of what makes such a great story and what qualities make a great writer!

Thriller

-Harlan Coben: In addition to great ideas, Harlan Coben has a way of keeping you on your toes and making you feel part of the story. I get so excited when he comes out with new books! By the way, he’s coming out with a new one called Fool Me Once on March 22nd! He even has a video up about it on his website! Feel free to let me know if you check it out!

Recommended Books: Tell No One, Long Lost, etc.

-James Patterson: James Patterson is also an author that has the amazing talent of keeping you on your toes. His chapters are quick-paced and short. He makes you want to keep turning the pages for more! If you want to check out a great TV series based on one of his books, check out Zoo. It’s on Netflix!

Recommended Books: Now You See Her, Truth or Die, Zoo, Sunday’s At Tiffany’s (Romance, also a movie!), etc.

Horror

-John Saul: Let me tell you guys something. John Saul is an amazing writer! I wish I would have read his books even earlier on. The story that I mentioned that I’m working on is a ghost story and I really feel that reading John Saul’s books has helped me. He’s a mastermind at using imagery. So many times I find it hard to feel like I’m part of the story, but with his books, it’s easy! In fact, I almost stopped reading a book by him because his imagery was so strong (I’m still not sure I like the book, it’s a bit depressing. It’s called Shadows.)

Recommended Books: The Unwanted, Nathaniel, Hell Fire

-Stephen King: I actually have only read a few short stories by Stephen King (I’ve never finished any of his longer novels), but I do LOVE his ideas and a lot of the movies and TV shows that were made from his books! He has great ideas and really is a good writer! I’m going to list some of the movies/TV shows that I love that were created from his books!

Recommended watching: The Dead Zone (TV show), Haven (TV show), The Stand (TV show/Movie), The Dead Zone (Movie), The Langoliers (Movie), Storm of the Century (TV series/Movie), Fire Starter (Movie), The Shawshank Redemption (Movie), The Shining (Movie)

 

Extra recommended watching: The 4400. I just started watching this on Netflix and really like it so far! It’s a science fiction show.

 

Other Great Books with Great Writing:

Suspect-Robert Crais: A GREAT book for both those who love suspense books and books about animals. See description here.

Dead Lines- Greg Bear: Another great ghost story. I haven’t read it in a while, but it’s always the book that I say is my favorite! Want to know more? Click here!

What books do you recommend for those who want to write/read thriller or horror stories?

Versatile Blogger Award #3!

I’ve just been nominated for another Versatile Blogger Award! This time I was nominated by Amanpan from Brew N Spew. Thank you so much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rules:

1. Thank the person that nominated you and include a link to their blog.
2. Nominate at least 15 bloggers of your choice. When considering a fellow blogger for the Versatile Blogger Award, keep in mind the quality of their writing, the uniqueness of their subject matter and the level of love displayed on the virtual page.
3. Link your nominees and let them know about their nomination.
4. Share seven facts about yourself.

 

My Nominees:

1.) Chanel from The Real Life/Real Talk

2.) Becky from In Becky’s Head

3.) Mel from ‘Enability’ Blog

4.) Abbie Lu from Café Book Bean

5.) Jade from Jade Moore and Letters to the Mind

6.) Jen from The Anxiety Chronicles

7.) Caitlin from Confessions of an Anxious Mom

8.) Kaylaa from Commonsense Gal

9.) Swetha from BODHI

10.) Saloni from Vintage Sapience

11.) Kristen from Pride in Madness

I know I didn’t nominate 15 bloggers, but I’ve already nominated a lot of people for this award and others lately. If you’d like to see if you’ve been nominated by me before for The Versatile Blogger Award, please click here!

Facts

1.) I’ve been watching One Tree Hill on Netflix. I never thought I’d like it, but I do!

2.) I once won an award for jump roping in school. I think I got third place or something…?

3.) I once had an article written about me in my high school newsletter.

4.) I took three years of Spanish in college (which is too many if you ask me. I wasn’t too good at it! I’m okay at the vocab, not so much with the grammar!)

5.) I once had a poem published in an anthology

6.) I just recently started reading ghost/horror books.

7.) My dad has every one of Stephen King’s books but I’ve only completely read a few of his short stories. I hate to say this, but I find his writing slightly overrated. Not so much his ideas, but his writing style. Then again, I never read many of his books. Speaking of Stephen King, I’ve seen (and love) the movies and TV Shows: The Dead Zone, The Langoliers, and Storm of the Century. I also like Shawshank Redemption. Also, I love the show Haven (which according to my dad is very loosely based off of The Colorado Kid).

The Dragon’s Loyalty Award!

I’ve been nominated by BrewnSpew Thoughtprovoking Chatter for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award! Please check out this blog. It’s filled with wonderful poetry and thoughts!

Award Rules

•Display the award on your blog.
•Announce your win with a post and link the blogger who nominated you.
•Present 6 deserving bloggers with the award.
•Link your awardees in the post.
•Write 7 interesting things about you.

My Nominations

1.) Mary from Mary’s Average Adventures

2.) Carla from The Melodramatic Confessions of Carla Louise

3.) Jen from The Anxiety Chronicles

4.) Amber from Journey to Freedom from Anxiety

5.) Sandy from Sandycademy

6.) Jade from Jade Moore and Letters to the Mind

It was really hard to choose who I nominated because I enjoy so many of your blogs. I wanted to keep nominating but also wanted to abide by the rules. So if your name/blog isn’t mentioned on here, it does not mean I don’t appreciate you or love your blog!

Seven Facts About Me

1.) I love reading but have no patience for when I don’t like a book. I hate to admit it, but it’s true.

2.) I’ve seen more Stephen King movies that I’ve read his books

3.) My favorite holiday is Christmas

4.) I think I really started realizing that I loved writing in the third grade

5.) When I was younger, I thought I might want to be a fashion designer

6.) I remember my dreams really well, even days after I have them sometimes!

7.) I like a lot of TV shows from the 90s. Including, but not limited to: Friends, Lois and Clark the Adventures of Superman, Mad About You, Quantum Leap, and Early Edition. 🙂