Author: datlibrarycardtho

(Book 1 in The Dark Tower series)

By Stephen King

I read this book in early high school and I remember liking it, but I dont think I absorbed any of it. Upon finishing it now, I can see that back then it definitely just went right over my head due to lack of life experience. I have been itching to reread it and hopefully the whole series for around 5 years now.

I have to start by saying that as much as I love Stephen King’s ideas and I do believe he is an absolute genius, I have been struggling with his work for awhile. I always want to read something and then I just cant get through it or even really enjoy most of it. I struggle to focus once he starts rambling. I had that issue through the first half of this book, but I discovered that the secret is I need complete quiet while reading his work or else I get lost.

Halfway through, I almost gave up on this, but I pushed through. It wasnt until the story of Jake’s original death that I was like “Oh?!” And then I got pretty well sucked in.

The final chapter was mind-blowing. I always struggle with dystopian-esque literature because it gives me anxiety, but the scene where he is being shown the universe had me so gripped that I thought I was seeing it too. (Which is why the mug I was already using for coffee was so perfect!) And the final 5 pages took me completely by surprise. What now, right?

In conclusion, I am so confused, but I am intrigued as well. I want to know more. I want to see more and there are like 7 more books!! So, yes, I will be continuing with the story and I probably will not share another review until the very end of the series. (Unless of course one is so incredible that I have to rant and rave about it 😂)

by Fredrik Backman

This book is only 76 pages, an extremely quick read, but so emotionally charged. I related to this on so many levels, mostly because Grandpa is all science. My husband and I are also all about space and mathematics.

The hardest thing to swallow, however, is the realness. I have to admit that I am terrified of forgetting. I always have been. Starting at around age 13, I have kept meticulously detailed journals. When I grow old, I want to be able to look back and remember the small things. I think maybe I will feel less alone. Like Grandpa in the story.

The ending was beautiful. The closeness of his family and the loving support of his son and grandson are everything I hope to have in my old age. For a person who is dealing with memory loss, that is what you need most. You need people who love you through your struggle and help you stay grounded.