REVIEW: The Last Mrs. Parrish

August 21, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
**Duration:** 560 pages
**Genre:** Thriller, Mystery
**Format:** ebook
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Amber Patterson moved to Bishops Harbor with one goal in mind – to get close to Daphne Parrish and eventually, her husband.

Review

Plot – This book made me feel like I was in a “The Real Housewives” show but with even more deceit and jaw dropping moments. I liked how the author built up the story with Amber and Daphne’s friendship and showed how Amber worked her way into their family. Then when it switched to Daphne’s POV, I enjoyed learning about the beginning of their relationship and everything that went on behind closed doors.

Writing – The first part of the book is from Ambers perspective of when she meets Daphne. The middle is Daphne’s perspective starting from when she met her husband, Jackson Parrish, throughout to when she met Amber. The last portion of the book goes between POVs. The best aspect of thrillers is thinking the story is going one way, until it goes in the complete opposite direction. By writing the story this way, the reader can appreciate the protagonists perspectives on the situation and the truth behind it.

Characters – I thought that the characters were very well played. Going along with what I said above, being able to see the different POVs really made me understand and appreciate the characters more. When I was reading reviews on this book that had lower ratings, I noticed a lot of people saying Jackson was misogynistic. He definitely was, but I think that is the point the author is trying to convey. The author is trying to paint this portrait as to how a family could look so perfect and put together, but terrible things can be happening behind closed doors. I understand that part can make women uncomfortable, but I think it was really to elaborate on making the story more heart wrenching and to understand Daphne’s motives more.

This has been the year of thrillers for me. I really liked this book – it had me in disbelief while I was listening to it. I couldn’t believe some of what was going on. Nonetheless, I definitely don’t think this book is for everyone. You need to be comfortable with reading about misogyny and with understanding that this isn’t necessarily a happy book. If you like other thrillers like Verity, I think you would enjoy this book as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Medical Monday 3: Grateful

August 20, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

I originally chose to go to podiatry school in NYC because of the diversity. I knew I would be able to experiment the treatment and management of unique pathologies I would not see elsewhere.

Along with the assortment of pathologies, came patients from all different backgrounds and cultures.

Last week I had 2 patients that made me realize how grateful I am everyday of all that I have been blessed with in life. Having the opportunity to meet, examine, and communicate with these patients made me feel like I can truly make a difference in someone’s day.

The first patient came with large ulcers on the top of both of their feet. The patient said that they had a variety of events in their life occur which led them unable to come to our clinic. The ulcers were present for a couple months and the patient was trying their best to keep them clean but they were not decreasing in size. The patient was very emotional – they expressed their fear of potentially losing their feet and how these ulcers prevented them from going on vacation to see family and from walking. I listened to the patient intently and praised them for coming to see us and reassured them that we will do our best to take care of them and to save their feet. I ended up seeing that patient again today in the hall and I smiled and said hello. I know life is hard for that patient now, but I am so happy that they are being persistent with their treatment.

The second patient was a bit harsh in the beginning. Sometimes you get patients that don’t really want to deal with students and just want to see the doctor and get out. I just started listening to the patient intently, letting them tell me their story and asking inquisitive questions when necessary. The patient was showing me pictures of their ulcers in different stages of healing. By fostering this connection with the patient, they allowed me to examine their feet before the doctor could come in to discuss surgery. When the doctor came and was asking about the patients living conditions, the patient said they were kicked out of their apartment for renovations and was currently living in a shelter. My heart sunk – this patient we thought was kind of being rude for not wanting to deal with the students was going through so much more than I could imagine. I was so thankful that I have an apartment that I share with someone I love and is a safe place to call home.

My goal as a doctor is to treat everyone with respect and care, no matter their background. My hope is to brighten their day at least a little bit, and allow them to release what is bothering them and perhaps make them smile and laugh.

REVIEW: Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

August 18, 2019 Lindsay Short1 Comment

Marked (Marked #1) by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
**Format:** audiobook
**Duration:** 306 pages
**Genre:** YA, Fantasy
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Marked begins with Zoey going to school like any other normal day – except when she arrives, she gets marked with a crescent moon on her forehead by a vampire tracker. She knows what happens if you are marked and don’t go to the house of night – you’ll keep getting sicker and sicker and eventually die. She brings it up to her mother, hoping for some understanding, but since her mother remarried she obeys her new husband instead of sticking up for her daughter. Her husband freaks out and wants to have and intervention call with the church to bless Zoey. Zoey ends up sneaking out and visiting her grandmother who is understanding and helps her get to the house of night.

At the house of night we meet the other students who soon become Zoeys best friends and confidants, as well as an elite club called the Dark Daughters. This book follows Zoey’s journey in the house of night, the changes she endures while becoming a vampire, and figuring out what makes her different from everyone else?

Review

Plot – If you’ve been on my blog for one second you know that I’ve been enjoying the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which is about faeries. So, I thought a book about vampires would be similar enough to hook by interest but different enough to be unique in it’s own way. To be honest, I felt like not a lot of exciting events happened in this book. The events felt mundane to me and didn’t pull me in a way where I felt like I had to keep listening. The most interesting parts were when Zoey was trying to come to terms with the changes being a vampire entails.

Characters – Zoey is a strong character and you can appreciate her growth and development throughout the book. She started out as a frightened high school girl and evolved into someone who doesn’t take bullying at all. Her friends all have their own individual personalities that all mix together into a coherent, amusing friend group. It made me wish I was sitting with that group during my school lunches. I loved how they all supported Zoey right from the start and stood by her until the very end.

Overall – I was disappointed since I felt like this book was bland and a weak start to the series. I’ve heard a lot of praise about this series and to be frank, I just don’t see it. It was an easy read but nothing that really drew me in and made me beg for the next book. Part of me is hesitant to continue the series. Friends on goodreads have told me it does get better but I am still on the fence about it. I may try a different vampire series instead!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this series? Do you think it’s worth it to continue if I felt like the 1st book was only okay? Are there any other Vampire book series you recommend?

REVIEW: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

August 18, 2019August 18, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
**Duration: 6**99 pages
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“…what we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our biggest strength. And that the most unlikely person can alter the course of history.”
Page 309, A Court of Wings and Ruin

Synopsis

Feyre is back in the clutches of the Spring court – but she has a plan up her sleeves. Even though it is difficult to be so far from Rhys, she knows what needs to be done. The third installment of this series goes through the difficulties with making alliances with neighboring courts so they can still thrive after the war with Hybern, how Elain and Nesta are handling being made from the cauldron, and the actual war itself.

Review

After all of the heat and excitement I was feeling from A Court of Mist and Fury, I was definitely excited to jump right into this book. I hate to say this but this book did not live up to the first two.

1 – I felt like some parts were kind of slow and dragged on. The book was quite long so it really could have been cut down a considerable amount.

2- A lot of the lines were overused. I can’t even begin to count how many times someone used a “vulgar gesture” or “mate.” It would have been better to just start leaving it out after it was used a couple times or use something else instead.

In the end, the book did have some great parts that still made it earn 4 stars out of 5 from me. I love Rhys and Feyre’s relationship as well as the friendships within the night court, and the humor sprinkled throughout the book. I am currently reading book #3.1 A Court of Frost and Starlight. I plan on starting Sarah J. Maas’s other series – Throne of Glass. This series is definitely well worth reading despite this book not being as strong as the 2nd.

“And I wondered if the road ahead – the road to true peace – would perhaps be the hardest and longest one yet.”
Page 689, A Court of Wings and Ruin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this series? How did you feel about the 3rd book compared to the others? Have you read Throne of Glass? Which series did you think was better?

WWW Wednesday 3

August 14, 2019August 13, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

What I am currently reading

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen has seriously been one of my favorite authors since middle school. This book so far seems like the perfect summertime read – with a balance of romance, seriousness, and lightheartedness.

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
I saw good things about this book but I’m not entirely impressed with it. I am not sure if I will continue with the story after this – it really depends on if the rest of the book entices me.

What I recently finished

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

You know how much I have been LOVING this series lately. But I hate to say that this 3rd book did not live up to the 2nd book. It was still excellent but I have a few qualms with it. That’s why . I decided to read The Rest of the Story before finishing this series and reading A Court of Frost and Starlight.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I enjoyed this cute audiobook! You can check out my full review.

What I am reading next

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
I was on hold for this audiobook from my library and I just got it! Definitely looking forward to it.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
I know I put this on last week but definitely going to get to it!

The Selection by Kiera Cass
I plan to start this series for a book battle! I’ve heard really good things.

I have been in an Asian Drama/movie slump since May BUT I have started to watch again! So I will include my updates in this post too.

What I am currently watching

Toumei na Yurikago (JP)
I found this drama on a list of Slice of Life-type dramas. It’s about a girl in nursing school who starts working at an OBGYN clinic where she has the opportunity to see life and death. It’s really interesting and emotional! Also – only 10 episodes so it was a good drama to get myself back in the groove of things.

What I recently finished watching

Office (KR)
Honestly, I was not impressed with this movie. I was so confused about what was going on.
[SPOILER:] my fiance interpreted it as the boss killed himself then possessed the worker girl? It just was not clear at all and all over the place.

What I am watching next

Shoplifters (JP)
I have been planning to watch this movie for so long that I just have to do it! It has won awards and has received a lot of praise.

Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (JP)
I saw this list on a list for top rated Heisei era dramas and decided to give it a try next!

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 2/10

August 13, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

After a peaceful night of sleep from exhaustion, we were reading to head to the southeast side of Iceland!

Our 1st stop was going to be Fjadrargljufur Canyon – but it was closed due to thawing.

So instead, our first stop was Systrafoss – which means “Sisters’ waterfall” since they are 2 streams converging into 1.

There are steps that lead all the way to the top! They were a bit muddy so I definitely recommend wearing boots. But it’s definitely worth the climb to see how the waterfall starts.

The big event for the day was supposed to be Vatnajökull National Park but unfortunately, most of it was closed as well.

Along the way to our next destination, we were amazed by the black sand beaches and the mossy rocks.

Black Sand Beach along the Southeast coast

Found this piece of bridge that was destroyed by a major glacier outburst flood in 1996.

Next stop was Jokusarlon Glacier. Now this was definitely open haha. There was quite a few groups of tourists here.

Our highlight of the day had to be – Diamond Beach.

Our 2nd airbnb was a guest house in Hofn. It was a very cute little town. We originally wanted to eat out but everything was either pricey or closed. So, we just had instant noodles again and went to bed!

REVIEW: Eleanor & Park

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
**Format:** Audiobook
**Genre:** Young Adult, Romance
**Duration:** 328 pages
**Rating: ⭐️**⭐️⭐️

“Holding Eleanor’s hand was like holding a butterfly. Or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete, and completely alive.”

Synopsis

Being the new kid in school is never easy, especially for Eleanor with her eccentric style. The first day on the bus when no one else was offering a place for her to sit, parked moved over and that spot became her official bus spot. They didn’t speak to each other but eventually Park realized that Eleanor would read his comics over his shoulder. He started giving some to take home along with music to listen to. This story is about how their relationship blossoms despite Eleanor’s hardships at home.

Review

This book was written in a very raw and beautiful way. I loved that it displayed both POVs – as Eleanor and Park, so you could see how they each view each other. This story had some points that just made me smile and giggle. I think the biggest let down of this book was how it built up to the end and then just kind of deflated – it could have been soo much better. But if you enjoy sweet romances that have a more real vibe – this book was very adorable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Medical Monday 2: Excitement

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

After dreaming of becoming a doctor for years and enduring an endless amount of classes until you finally get to your 3rd year of medical school – where you are finally able to see patients.

You finally get to work and learn in a clinical setting. Mainly writing the notes and doing basic physical exams on patient you’re learning every step of the way.

Since we just started working in the clinic the 2nd week of July – it took awhile for doctors to have some trust in us.

Just as I was starting to feel bummed out a few weeks in from working hard but not really having the opportunity to do things – a doctor allowed me to perform a partial nail avulsion with phenolization.

I built up a rapport with the patient and we were getting along well so I knew she would be a good, calm first patient for me.

The doctor watched and guided me every step of the way and at the end she said I did great! I can’t even begin to explain how good that small praise made me feel.

Keep working toward what you know you want to do. It will feel tedious at time but you will get there and it’ll be so wonderful when you do.

REVIEW: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

August 11, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

“Not consort, not wife. Feyre is High Lady of the Night Court.” My equal in every way,”
Page 620, A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
**Format:** ebook
**Genre:** Fantasy, YA
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

The 2nd book in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series picks up with Feyre reliving her nightmares from Under the Mountain while living in the Spring Court. Tamlin has confined her to the house and property out of being overprotective and she is planning her wedding with the help of Ignathe, a high priestess. When the wedding day finally comes, Feyre is wearing a dress she hates and is hesitating completely going to Tamlin to say their vows. In her head she is screaming for someone to save her – so, right on time Rhysand shows up to take her for a week as condition of their bargain. Feyre is resistant at first while in the Night Court but when she goes back to the Spring Court, she realizes that Tamlin does not try to understand what is going on with her. The last thing she wants is to be locked up for her safety – but Tamlin does not listen to her. The last straw was when Tamlin shielded her into the palace and she was so upset Rhysand set his cousin, Mor, to take her back to the Night Court. He gives her a choice to stay in the Night Court of go back to the Spring Court whenever she wants. Which begins her adventures with the Night Court.

Review

At this point, I am about halfway through with the 3rd book. So far – this has to be my favorite book in the series. I read it constantly and finished it in 5 days. There isn’t a moment of down time. the author beautifully shows Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship blossom and you can immediately tell how different it is between them compared to Feyre and Tamlin. How Rhysand is so patient to wait for her to come around and treats her like an equal. There are also some very steamy scenes 😉.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️