Review: Of Jade and Dragons

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was going to be so predictable until the last 40-5o pages. Then it veered so hard I'm still digesting it.

This book is part (Hua) Mulan, and part Cinder, with a heaping helping of original flair. I think Silkpunk may be my new favorite genre. Our intrepid main character is Ying...

When her father has his life brutally cut short in front of her, Ying embarks on a quest of revenge. Infiltrating elite organisations and falling for forbidden souls are just some of the things awaiting anyone who choses to read this fantastic novel.

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Review: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is for anyone who loves The Princess Bride in particular or Cary Elwes in general. Rob Reiner also read his own parts of this memoir.

The Passion it takes to get a project like this made, has increased exponentially since the movie first came out. Against all odds it prevailed. A very enjoyable listen.

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Things to do in BC to Celebrate Autumn

 Looking for some fun in the autumn sun?

Well, look no further. Below I have compiled some of my personal favorite harvest season activities.

First up is visiting your local pumpkin patch. This works for outings with friends and family alike. It also works as date opportunity, too. Basically any time you want to get some fresh air and have some great photos. 

Of course picking out your own pumpkins from a local, organic grower has great benefits for the local economy as well. I've Included some ideas to get you started:

1. The Pumpkin Patch in Armstrong
   
2. McMillan Farms in Kelowna
3. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack 
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon
5. Glacier Valley Farm in Brackendale

Next up, corn mazes and Corn picking. This is a great one for atmospheric pictures, and for some fun, and frustration, while honing navigation skills.

1. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack
2. Field of Screams in Vernon (Halloween horror themed)
3. Cariboo's Corn Maze north of Williams Lake

If you prefer your autumn fun a little more structured, many communities have harvest festivals:

• Armstrong
• Feast of Fields
• Nelson

Review: The Third Gilmore Girl

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don't cry because you think your best days are gone. Smile because you had them in the first place. - Kelly Bishop

Words to live by, truly. In her memoir Kelly Bishop take you through her professional career, her love life, her home life, and her faith. From the Radio City Music Hall to The Watchful Eye, and, hopefully, beyond. Enduring through numerous red eye flights, bad relationships, good relationships, cancers (Lee) and blood clots (Kelly).

I've always known she is a force of nature. Since the first moment she drew breath as Emily Gilmore, I have loved her work. This book is no exception. Even if you have never, ever, seen Gilmore girls this book is worth the read.

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Review: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future... by Michael J. Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Michael J. Fox is inarguably in my top 5 favorite actors.

In this book, which he reads, Fox takes us through what it was like getting Marty Mcfly, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the process of grieving the life he would never have, and the realization he could still have an amazing one.

I found this book to be illuminating, sad, and, uplifting. Illuminating because he shares information about his life and career that was news to me. Sad because his disease is known to shorten lifespans, a fact he does not shy away from. Uplifting because he actively chooses life, which is evident in this book. Definitely worth the listen.

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Review: Rebel Skies

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rebel Skies dives into a world of the future, and of magic. Kurara is a Crafter, an ancient race that can control creatures made of paper. She has wants and needs, she breathes and eats, she feels pain and joy. In all the ways that matter she is human.

Kurara, together with Haru, will journey from a life of drudgery as a scullery maid to an airship full of bandits. These bandits have something she needs, and she can help them too. 

This story initially felt very slow-paced. It needed to be that slow to expertly craft the world these characters live in. I was entranced by this story within the first chapter. The imagery and aesthetic were vividly communicated, allowing me to settle right in. I highly recommend this series to anyone who ever enjoyed the magic and sense of wonder that Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings brought upon their debuts.

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Review: Playing with Myself

Playing with Myself by Randy Rainbow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this book Randy Rainbow shares how he became so culturally relevant. Through various anecdotes he lets the reader explore what it is like to go viral. In particular, Randy shares how people have tried to cancel him as antisemitic. Randy Rainbow is Jewish and a comedian.

He freely admits that some of his earliest material isn't the best out there. People seemed to forget that one of the core functions of comedy is to hold a mirror up to society. Many comedians adopt a persona, or shtick, as it was once called to garner some laughs. It doesn't always mean they agree with what they portray.

This book is about growth, the incomparable Babs, Bernadette Peters, and what happens when people are allowed to redeem themselves.

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Review: The Night Auction

The Night Auction by Lila Mary
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I was provided with an ARC PDF for review by the author. This book is currently a dnf for me. I will reconsider reading it after it's been published. I found there were some Grammar and syntax issues.

There is potential for a great story in here. It needs some heavy editing. I had a glance through the rest and found that the bulk of the story seems written in first person with third person use of names. Lots of telling, I tend to prefer more showing. I hope the author has a trusted editor.

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