"Brooklyn" Review

Hello to all of you lovelies! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm really excited to discuss the most recent novel I have finished. "Brooklyn" written by Colm Toibin, tells the story for Eilis Lacey. Eilis is a small town girl from Ireland, who makes the brave choice to start fresh in America, during the hard years that follow World War II. 

The decision to move did not come easy for Eilis. She was comfortable with her life in Ireland-- though she wasn't exactly the happiest girl in the world, while she was there-- it was home. But with the support of her sister, Rose and a family friend/priest, Father Flood, who offers to sponsor Eilis in America-- she makes the choice to move to Brooklyn. However, Eilis's journey has a rocky start-- sea-sickness, rude suite-mates and bad weather make the boat trip over a challenge. But with a little luck and determination, Eilis finds her way to a Brooklyn neighborhood that is "just like Ireland," and living in a boarding house with four other girls and the woman who runs it, Mrs. Madge Kehoe-- a fellow Irish native. 


For the first few months, Eilis is home-sick and lonely. Her only constellation are letters from her sister Rose and her mother. Though Eilis tries to busy herself with her job at the department store on Fulton Street, getting involved with Father Flood's church and taking bookkeeping classes at night, she is struggling to feel "at home" in her new city. 
Until one day, Eilis attends a church social and meets a young, Italian plumber named Tony. As the two of them grow closer, Eilis and Tony develop a deep bond and fall in love. Their connection is true and Tony becomes Eilis' rock and emotional tether to Brooklyn. Their relationship evolves quickly and Tony introduces Eilis to his family and begins including her in family holidays and traditions. Slowly this bond with Tony and her accounting qualifications from night school, helps Eilis begin to find her way in this strange new city-- which has now become her home. But just when Eilis's life in New York begins to make sense, tragedy strikes back in Ireland.
Eilis discovers the death of her sister Rose and is asked to return home. But before she leaves, Tony wants Eilis to marry him. When the two get married in a private ceremony at City Hall, they believe that this is the beginning of their lives together.
However, life has a tendency to throw a wrench into the mix. While Eilis returns to Ireland to mourn the loss of her sister, she quickly falls back into the town society with ease. Eilis finds herself spending a lot of time with her childhood friend, Nancy, Nancy's fiance George, and their friend Jim Farrell. Though their friendship starts off innocent Jim is obviously interested in Eilis and wants to take their relationship further. And Eilis' mother is all too eager to have Jim apart of their family. The Farrells are well-known among the town, as the owners of a successful, local pub and Jim is about to take over the pub entirely. 
As Eilis and Jim grow closer, she begins to distance herself from her life in New York--including her feelings for Tony. But "real-life" has a way of interfering and Eilis is conflicted about whether or not to return to Brooklyn. Leaving letters from Tony piling up and remaining unopened, she continues to extend her stay in Ireland. She begins to doubt the choices she made in America and finds it difficult to leave he life she is building in Ireland. She is faced with an impossible decision-- because in both worlds Eilis has a job, a relationship and family.  But only one can be the right choice.


After weighing he options, Eilis must decide if she wants to stay in Ireland, where it will always be simple and comfortable or return to New York, where she has carved out a life of her own. It is a nearly impossible choice, but personally I think Eilis makes the right choice for herself. She has built something in New York that solely belongs to her and no one else. And she share's it with other people, however it is a unique experience that Eilis has created on her own, through her determination and her spirit. 

While I was reading "Brooklyn," I became very emotional. It was heartbreaking to read Eilis' struggles, leaving behind everything and everyone she had ever known, in order to create her own way in the world. And I can completely justify and understand her wanting to stay in Ireland. But in saying that, I didn't like how Eilis handled the situation. I was frustrated with Eilis for not being honest with her mother, Jim and most especially Tony.

Yet, I loved the both relationships Eilis was able to build with both Jim and Tony. Both men, brought out a side of Eilis that was true. I appreciated how Toibin was able to create these two very distinctive worlds and relationships that addressed problems and choices that real people faced. 
 Have you had a chance to read "Brooklyn," yet? If so, what do you think? Who was your favorite character? Would you have made the same decision as Eilis? Would you have returned to New York or stayed in Ireland? Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

For now, I say good night and hope that my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. ~BL 

"The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id” Review

Hello to all of you lovelies! Last week, I had the opportunity to meet Aaron J. Lawler, and author of YA novel "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id.” And now I have the opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you wonderful readers.

"The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," tells the story of how Fitz, Hollis and Josey solve the murder of Professor Oliver Crowley, Fitz’s mentor and friend. The trio tries to balance their crime-solving as they navigate through mysterious and traumatic events, all while trying to figure out love, death and high-school (obviously the most terrifying of all). However, this could not be accomplished without the help of one of Professor Crowley's inventions. Soon, Fitz discovers he has the ability to bend the field of “Id,” a stream of golden dreams and wishes. And in doing so, Fitz finds himself pulled into a world he never knew existed, let alone, realizing he can manipulate it. But with a little help from his friends Hollis and Josey, Fitz recognizes he can use this “gift” to solve Professor Crowley’s murder and exonerate the town bully, Eddie Thompson, who is being framed for the murder.

Now before I break-down the plot and characters, I want to say that I really enjoyed this book. I found that the crafting of each character was flawless—each one had a unique and specific identity. As well as, being tremendously relatable. I found myself feeling akin to several of the main characters (though at times I found myself feeling extremely anxious on their behalf). However, I like to attribute that intense emotion to the level of connection I found with certain characters within the story. As a reader, when I develop an attachment to a character(s), I become protective, annoyed, and even angry with them at times. This was the case with "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id." I so desperately wanted the characters to make different choices, to make the right decisions and to speak their mind. But a good story-teller knows when to let the characters lead and have the story unfold naturally, which I believe Lawler was able to achieve. I enjoyed how the characters drove the plot, instead of the plot pushing forward, and the characters just so happened to be there.

Okay, so that’s as much as I can say without spoiling too much. So, if you haven’t read "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id,” yet and don’t want to be spoiled, stop here. Go read and then come back so we can discuss it together.

And now for the good stuff…

Continuing with the idea of the characters driving the plot, I also appreciated the balance of science, fantasy and emotion. In many YA/fantasy novels, the “extra-ordinary” aspects over-shadow the real story, making the characters and other key points secondary. But with "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," I could imagine being friends with these characters—even if Fitz Faraday and his best friend Holluschikie “Hollis,” are from the “wrong-side-of-the-tracks.” The reader can tell that these two boys are good people—definitely rebellious and a bit stubborn, but good nonetheless.

Their bond goes beyond the average high school friendship. For me at least, I pictured Fitz and Hollis relying on one another, that they were each other’s emotional rocks and undoubtedly trusted each other, which is a relationship that resembles more of brotherhood, then just mere friends.

But this story would not be the same without Josey (aka Fitz’s dream girl). Josey is the “new girl,” but she is also a self- proclaimed free-spirit. Her interests span from identifying leaves and calligraphy to Buddhism and Kirlian photography. Not to mention she is also the girl that Fitz stays up thinking about. Josey is also the person that challenges Fitz, pushes him to be better and the girl that has the power to drive Fitz’s 15-year old hormones absolutely crazy—whether that is out of fascination or jealousy.

“She is like a fawn hiding in the wood. The more he chases her, the deeper she goes into the dark forest. And the deeper he goes, the more lost he becomes.”

I also really enjoyed reading about Fitz and his mother’s relationship. Especially, when Fitz dreams about his mother. That scene, had me in tears. It was heart wrenching to see this young boy, become burdened with not only holding his mother’s hand and watching her die, but also with the notion that his mother was scared. In that moment, I wanted to hug Fitz and shield him from this reality.

But personally, I believe Hollis was the character I found most intriguing. He has his own demons—a hard father that would rather spend time with a bottle, than spend time with him and a mother that is no longer in his life. But at the end of the day, if Fitz asked him to, Hollis would risk everything to be there for his friend. I think I enjoyed Hollis’ character so much, because what high-school student wouldn’t want a friend like Hollis. He was also a character I found myself wanted to protect. As I was reading I got the distinct impression that Hollis hid his vulnerability from the outside world. And I’m curious to see Hollis’ story arch in the future.

It’s no surprise that as I reader, I enjoy stories with compelling characters and I found that with "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id." I believe one of the worst crimes an author can commit is telling their readers, something they already know. However, while I was reading “The Marvelous Paracosm,” I found myself surprised with the different turns the story took. Yes, there were points where I foresaw the outcome—Fitz and Josey getting together for example. But I could appreciate the route it took. The pacing was spot-on. It didn’t feel rushed or forced, it felt like a natural progression of their friendship, turned relationship.

But I think the biggest surprise for me was at the end when Lector Branham loses all control and Dr. Hagin, Madam Drood and Branham all die. Though I have a feeling this may not be the last time we see them. And might I just say, how much I wanted to punch Madam Drood and Lector Branham in the face throughout the story. However, it was exciting to see where those characters drove the story (even if they were evil).

“Eddie Thompson is innocent!... Eddie Thompson didn’t kill Professor Crowley. He did! Fitz is almost surprised to find himself standing and pointing at Lector Branham.”

Though I ended the novel with some questions, I feel that is was a wonderful example of story-telling. And I would recommend "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," to readers of all ages, especially to those whom enjoy novels that create a new world to discover.

What do you think? Have you read "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," yet? If so, what do you think of the story or how the story evolves? Who was your favorite character? Are there any characters you want to see in a sequel? Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

For now, I say good night and hope that my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm.
~BL 

"The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id": Q&A with author Aaron J. Lawler

Aaron J. Lawler signing a fan's book

Hello to all of you lovelies! Thanks so much for stopping by. It's been awhile since I've posted a review, but with the New Year in full swing, I've decided to break the silence with amazing news. This past November, a great YA novel was published by Black Rose Writing, "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id."

As a avid fan of literature, and someone who enjoys participating in intelligent conversations about stories with real depth. I'm excited to discuss, "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," book signing and Q&A hosted by author Aaron J. Lawler. 

The novel revolves around our main character Fitz, a 15 year old boy with an aptitude for science and two of his favorite people and sidekicks Hollis and Josey. This trio must band together to solve a murder, which has thrown their small town into a frenzy.

But for now, I want to discuss Lawler's book signing, on January 7, 2017 at Barnes & Noble in Naperville, IL. Fans of the book, were fortunate to sit down and talk with Lawler about his writing process, his background and his hope for sequels to the "The Marvelous Paracosm" series. 

Aaron J. Lawler Book Signing and Introduction

Lawler used his extensive knowledge in science and education as a way to assist the characters and to help them navigate through the varies twists and turns that they face, as well as a way to explain the fantasy/science fiction aspects of the story. "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," incorporates elements of science, fantasy and a great deal of emotion. Fitz, Hollis and Josey have all overcome obstacles, with the help of each other. And according to Lawler, "teamwork" is one of the morals of the novel and something that is missing from many contemporary YA novels. 

Fans of all ages will enjoy "The Marvelous Paracosm" 

In the future, Lawler will be hosting a Facebook Live event in February and will be touring to different Barnes & Noble locations in the Chicagoland area. You can also watch Lawler on Jovie Calma's channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCleGOH2EuU8mxEdSdsQuuXA.

For more information of Lawler's future book signings, please visit: http://writeraaronjlawler.strikingly.com/. 

You can also purchase your copy of, "The Marvelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id," in both paperback or ebook at http://www.blackrosewriting.com/scififantasy/theshapersoftheid, and/or at https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Paracosm-Fitz-Faraday-Shapers and/or participating Barnes & Noble stores.

Fans of all ages will enjoy "The Marvelous Paracosm"

A more in-depth book review is coming up next, so stay tuned. But for those of you who have already read about Fitz's adventures, what do you think? Do you like how the story evolves? And how the character's react? Would you respond in the same way? Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

For now, I say good night and hope that the my random ramblings have peeked your inner bookworm. 

~BL