What Toi Read from August-December 2020

We aim to please here at Lit Carnivale. You have the option to read the reviews below or scroll down to watch the review video. 2020 was a tough year. I guess this is how it all ended in terms of my reading. Check it out. What I read in January will come later this month.
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Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer’s Block, Depression, and Burnout
Rating: 5.0
I read this wonderful book in August of 2020 and am reviewing it in January of 2021. Shortly after reading this book, my reading and creative writing were put aside to help me cope with all that was 2020.

There is so much in this book that could benefit any creative person, not just writers, but as a writer, it really touched my soul. Before reading this book, I might have felt ashamed to step away from my creative outlets and robust reading schedule.

The major takeaway from this book is that “you are not alone” and in time and with effort “you can move on with your life.”

Not everything in the book will be specifically applicable to everyone who reads it, but anyone with an open mind, or anyone seeking options to address writer’s block, burnout, and depression will walk away having gained something positive. If nothing else, a reader will be able to appreciate the personal connection the author makes as she tells her story of depression and burnout.

Highly recommended to writers at any level and other creative types.
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Writing the Other
Rating: 3.0
I read this book in August of 2020 and am reviewing it in January of 2021. I took a creative and reading hiatus shortly after reading this book. This book was disappointing but not devastating. Considering I read it during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement I might have been extra sensitive to the content, but it honestly felt lacking.

The book started off well enough and seemed to have really good intentions but it just constantly came up short. The activities didn’t always make sense to me and some of the examples seemed too one-sided. Still, if you’ve never tried to write a character unlike yourself, this is a good place to start.

I wish there was more to it. I can’t give this book a 1-star rating because I didn’t hate it and I won’t give it a 2-star because I did actually finish it.
Not sure I’d recommend it, but I would definitely discuss it with someone else who’s read it.
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The Princess Bride
Rating: 5.0
I read this book in October of 2020 and am reviewing it in January 2021. I took a month off from reading in September of 2020 to cope with all the was 2020 and got back into this book as a means of pure escape.

I adored the movie for years and always wanted to read the book, but had no idea how much drama was involved with this story. I can’t imagine trying to read the original Morgenstern version. For a true history buff, it sounds interesting, but I’ve never been more grateful for an abridgment than I was for this story.

The story itself is, of course, a classic and is full of action, adventure, and humor. I enjoyed reading all the parts that wouldn’t fit in the movie and getting to know these iconic characters on a whole new level.

I’m still bummed about the sequel. Where is it?

Highly recommended to fans of the movie and fans of great action-adventure stories.
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Tristan Strong Destroys The World
Rating: 5.0
I devoured this book when I read it back in November of 2020 but then I forgot to review it, thus this January 2021 review.

This series continues to impress me and I long for the kinds of stories I wish I’d had growing up. The first book was the typical origin story where we meet our hero and are introduced to a new world or reality. The second book throws punches and brings surprises that don’t always seem to make sense but that keep you glued to the pages as you travel along with Tristian to try not to destroy the world only to fail. (This isn’t a spoiler, it’s literally in the title.)

I can’t wait for the next book. Even though things don’t end great in the second book there is a sense of hope. Our hero is stronger than ever and people from many worlds fight along with him to right the wrongs of the past.

I could say more but I won’t. I’ll wait for the next book.

Highly recommended
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If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution –
Rating: 5.0
I read this book in November of 2020 and am reviewing it in January of 2021.

2020 was a rough year. After taking some time off from creative writing and reading, I began to read purely for an escape. I was excited to discover this collection of stories featuring strong-female characters- some good, some really bad, when following one of the contributing authors on social media. When an opportunity to receive an ARC came up I jumped on it. I did feel bad about not reviewing it sooner, but like I said 2020 was rough.

All in all, this anthology was amazing. Some of the stories were shocking and all of them were entertaining. This is the kind of collection that makes you question the choices and actions you take in your own life. Whether a mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fi tale or other, this collection honors the strong female character for her versatility. She’s not always some bombshell in a bikini, but she could be. These women are hunters, mothers, monsters, and gods.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review.

Highly recommended to adult fiction lovers.
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Liftoff (The Rayatana #1)
Rating: 5.0
I read this book in November of 2020 and am reviewing it in January of 2021.

This is a short fun sci-fi read. It’s YA but oddly enough, I had no issue reading it. I suppose this author’s approach to less whiny teens suited me well. Plus, I love the diversity of the characters, and not just because some are alien.

This series has the potential to become a new-classic, space opera series. I like the way the worldbuilding brings the earth and extended galaxy together in an interconnected way, physically and spiritually. I hope to see that developed more as the series continues.

I was surprised to see so much action in such a short story, from physical fight scenes to space dog-fights.

I’m really looking forward to the next installment.

Recommended to fans of YA sci-fi and space operas
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Shooting by the Sea (A Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery Book 5)
Rating: 5.0
This was another great installment of the Mollie McGhie Mystery series.

Scooter and Molly have to be the strongest couple on the planet. Mollie keeps finding bodies and Scooter keeps eating chocolate to cope. Scooter keeps starting new hobbies- from sailing to CatTube to trivia and Mollie keeps eating chocolate to cope. I guess it’s their unified reliance on chocolate that keeps these two going.

Seriously, the laughs keep coming, unfortunately along with the deaths, as Mollie and Scooter become more and more a part of the Coconut Cove community. This book helps solidify their status as “like family” with all the other reoccurring characters.

I don’t want to say too much because I’d rather you read this book and all the books in this delightful series. This series has been a wonderful lighthearted escape for me the past few years and I look forward to more.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review.

Highly recommended to fans of humor and cozy mysteries.
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So, how did your 2020 reading go? What did you think of what I read? Until next time, I hope you love books as much as #carnieluvsboox.

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