Buy the Letter

[Adeline Morior]

Q - Queen of Angels by Greg Bear

So this is one I found amongst my fathers old books, believe it or not. I thought it looked interesting so I tried to read it. I was really young when I did so I didn’t understand it that well back then and with complete honesty got bored by it. There might be some graphic scenes but don't quote me on it as I don’t quite remember. It is from what I can remember about the investigation of a murder. I think I put it down about half way through. I might give it a try as I am older and hopefully wiser in my appreciation for books and literature.

I do have to say I am not enthusiastic about the thought of it. It seems like it would be a great story to finish, I am just not a massive fan of the type genre although I never try and criticize before trying it out. I would probably pick it up and try to finish it if I have the book still with me.

[Adeline Morior]

S - Sabriel (Abhorsen Trilogy/The Old Kingdom) by Garth Nix

So this was an interesting lot. My now husband, who I was just dating at the time I read these, is actually the one that suggested them to me. He said they were books he loved so I wanted to read them. The whole series is known by two different names, depending on whether you are in the USA or UK.

I was enthusiastic about these. I sat and read until book four as that was what was available. I think there are about six books in the series. Could be more. I enjoyed it. It is a complicated story and you need to keep track. There are also a few maps they present in the books to try and help you keep track. I would most likely read these again if given the chance. I think I would only gain a better appreciation for the books by reading it again.

[Galena May]

Q - Quidditch Through The Ages ('by Kennilworthy Whisp') by J K Rowling

There was a forum activity in the Gryffindor den, when I was still new to the walls of the HOL castle (which would be 4-6 months ago). The activity was themed on sports, and had tasks as well as game challenges, and featured the International Broom Race (the task being to write a fictional commentary for the race as commentators). Having participated, I was washed by a wave of nostalgia, and decided to pick up Quidditch Through The Ages by J K Rowling which I then finished in less than an hour. The book sends some part of the money from its sales to help children across the world through a UK organization called 'Comic Relief'. The book, by itself, was very comic and as imaginative as the entire Harry Potter series, J K Rowling style. You could see Rowling's imagination and flawless world-building in her way, how she pulls you into the realm as if it were real, and yet sneakily drops bomber hints to ground you back to reality even as you are reading it by reminding you that you are a Muggle who isn't supposed to know all this. It was indeed a page-turner, and although it was very short (I finished it in less than an hour), it left me impressed and just a bit more of a fan of Harry Potter books and movies and J K Rowling. Yes, it was my first time reading it. The little pieces of authenticity added to the book, such as the foreword by Albus Dumbledore, the list of names of Hogwarts students who borrowed it from the school library managed by Irma Pince, and the reviews by people from the wizarding world (especially the one by Gilderoy Lockhart had me laughing, but there were several other comic instances in the book), added to the overall effect of the book and the fan experience. It had a lot of wizarding history of Quidditch and brooms presented so authentically that you would think it would remind you that the magical world and Quidditch are real. And, if you are good at visualizing written text, you may also find yourself picking a favorite Quidditch team or wishing to watch that team play. The book also reminds you that J K Rowling is really good at comedy.

I still feel the same way about the book and recommend it to anyone who loves the Harry Potter series but hasn't read this book. I would say one doesn't need to be a sports enthusiast or even like Quidditch to be able to enjoy this book. It will, by itself, be loved by you, and make you want to know more and you will become a fan of intellectual Quidditch (if not of the physical sport itself). It also mentions a lot about old broom games if you prefer the history of Quidditch and other broom games over the technicalities of the modern sport. It is a crisp, magical book and I would certainly read it again, but, since it is still fresh in my memory, I will do it again a few months later. I doubt I will ever stop liking this book.

[River Fenwick]

WARNING: This book has many adult themes and sensitive materials

Q - The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

I first read the book a few years ago, and it was the second book in a series. It's about the Queen of Attolia, who had had enough of being outwitted by a thief, which has caused a dent in her reputation and caused her to navigate politics strategically. I didn't quite like the book, as it had an entirely different approach to how it was written compared to the first book, which was hard to get past, but it was interesting enough at the time.

I don't think I'd reread this book since the plot doesn't seem interesting to me anymore, and I don't think I can accept the difference in writing a second time. I admit that I was likely a bit too harsh on it purely because of it, so I doubt it's truly as bad as I remember it being.

[Galena May]

S - The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle

I read this book back when I read The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle, of course, it is another book about the detective Sherlock Holmes. I was 12-13 years old. It involved a detective drama surrounding a treasure that was found by three people who involved the fourth. The division of the treasure after many events in between led to several crimes, leaving a bloody trail behind, almost as if it was cursed or was like the Elder Wand (which I didn't know about back then) and ultimately ended up in the modern world, calling upon Sherlock Holmes's expertise. Back then, I didn't grasp the message of the book all that well, but it was a page-turning thriller for me. I also gathered that greed can cause bloody fates. I also found myself interested in the smattering of romance that Conan Doyle threw in, by giving Dr. Watson his girlfriend and later wife through this novel. It was a two-part novel like the Valley of Fear, but the past and present weren't as distinct as The Valley of Fear. I had loved it. Of course, I was in awe of Holmes's methods, like I always am.

Looking back, I liken the history of the treasure to the Elder Wand. The tie - in of romance feels much more elaborate than before, because I now understand how it ties in to the moral of the story. Throughout the novel, for as long as it was clear that Dr. Watson's love interest was the heiress to the surviving part of the treasure that formed the main plot of the story, Dr. Watson had a separate romantic sub - plot with a different conflict of his own going on. He was reluctant/hesitant to approach her because she was the heiress to such a huge treasure. Eventually, just before the case is solved by Holmes and the treasure is about to be handed to her, Watson gathers the courage to propose to her, fully expecting to be rejected because he is a poor man asking for the hand of a rich lady. The lady however loves him for who he is and accepts him, treasure or no. The box of treasure is then opened and it is discovered that the box is empty, although the actual treasure has gone to the bed of the river Thames. It should be sad, and is to the reader, but the lady calls it relief because she did not want to possess something with such a bloody history. Watson is also relieved, partly because he can propose to her as an equal now and partly for the same reason as the lady. This sub-plot is a very interesting parallel to the moral of the main plot, since the main plot involves the crimes behind the treasure. On one hand, we have Holmes dissecting the plot to serve as entertaining for the more logical-minded detective puzzle lovers, and on the other hand, we have Watson to add drama and romance to bring up the same moral for the more romantic- drama oriented readers. On one hand, there is the relief that the case is solved and the criminals are behind the bars, and on the other hand, there is the relief that the accursed treasure is gone. With great power, comes great responsibility, and with great treasure comes great difficulty. I also notice now that Watson has been living his normal (and relatable) ordinary life in contrast to Holmes's extraordinary life, despite being together during each crime. This book shows it all the more with Watson getting married even through a crime drama. In all the Sherlock Holmes books, Watson mentions his ordinary life and clinical practice and his family life, in addition to his (not so leisurely) escapades with Holmes, if one notices it. These two characters represent the duality between fiction (Holmes) and reality (Watson) and show the readers the possible balance between the two. I haven't re - read the book, but still love it all the same.

[Galena May]

N - The Never Ending Story by Michael Ende.

I read this book in July 2024 for the Summer Reading Challenge hosted by Emily.
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It was a fantasy drama about a boy who reads a book, the events of which are determined by the reader's choices. It doesn't end and starts to repeat itself until the reader accepts his fate as a character of the book and fulfils his destiny as per the prophecy in the book. Initially, he accepts his fate as part of the story solely because there is no other way out to stop the book from repeating itself, but then he gets overly caught up in the story. Even after he fulfils his role in the story, he finds himself unable to leave the book and the story because he has grown to love it, and since he realizes that he is writing the book himself by living the story, he starts creating fictional villains just to continue to live the story. This novel is a book inside a book if you will. When I read it in July, I finished it quickly just so I could do it in time for the challenge. It was a page-turner nonetheless, and, like I have written in the post linked above, I found it extremely fantastical but I don't mind extremes of fantasy for a good plot. The book explored several characters, their conflicts, and their emotions, and was a gluing read.

I haven't re-read it. Looking back, I notice that it must have taken the author effort to build two separate realms with different types of characters, and one character who enters the other realm to live in it like a video game that is a 3D simulation like reality. He has had to imagine two personalities of the character himself, one real and one for the fictional sub - plot, much like Narnia. It is a plot within a plot. I believe that the idea of this plot is very imaginative, and also highlights the problems of getting too caught up in fantasy, for e.g., when the boy starts creating fictional villains at the risk of his own life just to continue the story. You can liken it to the addictive and detrimental effect of a gripping fantasy on the human brain, perhaps equate it to video games that we play that create a sense of virtual reality and make us forget that we have a real life to maintain and live, because of how caught up we get in our fictional identity. I feel that it is essential to keep oneself reminded of the distinction between a fictional world and the real one and to maintain the balance required (and when I say balance, I mean that we do need a smattering of fantasy to enliven up our real lives and keep us sane and happy as long as we know just how much we can afford to stray from reality). I may not have the patience to re-read the elaborate plot right now, but I may read it again in the future to explore the different angles the plot can be examined from and to fish for more insights!

[River Fenwick]

S - Someone at the Door by Richie Tankersley Cusick

I first read this book as a teenager, going through a horror phase. It's about a mass murderer who had escaped before a blizzard came through, taking out phone and radio communications. Hannah and Meg were home alone, far from any neighbors, when injured strangers knocked on their door. It was a pretty great book, with a lot more suspense in the later parts of the book, and it led me to read more from the author. For a horror book targeted toward young adults, it far exceeded my expectations.

Looking back on it now, it's a bit more unrealistic to me as someone who will never open the door and check cameras instead. I understand it was written before we had modern technology and cheaper camera systems, but I'd be far more suspicious than a particular character in this book. I swear, it's like the news of a mass murder completely slipped the character's mind.

[Luna Ravenlong]

N-Nineteen-eighty-four (1984) by George Orwell

I know Emily Spencer has already written a brilliant review of this, but hopefully it’s ok I chose this book too.

I first read this when I was about 16/17 and going through a phase of reading as many “classic” novels as possible. I love George Orwell’s writing, and thought he created really interesting, complex characters. I remember having a subtle feeling of dread most of the way through this, as the dystopian future Orwell created wasn’t over the top, it felt like it could really happen. I felt so bad for Winston while reading this, and became incredibly invested in his character, willing for him to be able to survive and overthrow Big Brother.

I have reread this a few times over the years, and this year listened to an audiobook version that was almost like a radio play, (with different actors reading each character). I also read “Julia” the newish novel about the main female character, so have been thinking about 1984 a lot recently. Listening to the audiobook made the whole thing more intense, and the characters even more relatable. Julia made me think a lot more about how the females within this society would have been treated, as that’s not really explored much in the original novel-and would highly recommend it. I think this book is still in relevant in todays society, especially in terms of the media and “fake news” aspect-whatever the government say is happening must be true.

[Luna Ravenlong]

Q-(The) Queens Gambit by Walter Tevis

I read this book a few years ago just after I’d seen the tv version. I enjoyed the book, and thought that Beth was a a strong main character. I think that she was complicated and well written and like reading about her astonishing achievements in the world of chess (especially as a female). The challenges and trials Beth faced were woven in well, and didn’t feel too over the top-they were realistic problems.

I haven’t re read this book, and to be honest, haven’t thought about it too much since. I still think it’s an incredibly strong book, but it didn’t capture me in the same way that others have. I will likely reread it at some point in the future, to see if holds up as well as I would like it to.

[Luna Ravenlong]

Trigger Warning-mentions of violence and Death

S-Slow Horses by Mick Heron

I read this for the first time about three years ago and have since become a huge fan of this series. It has a brilliant cast of characters, MI5’s misfit band of screw ups, how get themselves into situations way above their means. The writing is extremely witty and funny but never strays into spoof territory-it feels like these people really could be bad intelligence agents. The fighting and violence feels realistic for the situations the characters end up in, and unfortunately, not everyone is going to survive these.

I’ve read this first book twice, and am planning on rereading the whole series again soon. I think they are some of the best spy novels I’ve ever read, definitely up there on par with Le Carre. I think about them a lot, and do laugh when I remember some of the ridiculous situations the Slow Horses find themselves in, or some of the quips made by the characters. I highly, highly recommend this book.

[Prof. Tarma Amelia Black]

We've arrived at our last batch of letters!

This week's Buy the Letter letters are B, W and Y. (You are correct, we're not doing X and Z! )

Our last round of reminding .....

Here are reminders of 'what to do' and 'with what', as you proceed to find your books:

What you write will have two distinct parts:
First you write about the book, sort of like a book review, but you are telling us what it was like when you read it. Did you like it? Was it something about which you had great enthusiasm or was it something that you finished and never intended to pick it up again ever? When did you read this book? A year ago? Ten years ago? Last week?
Second - write how you feel about the book now. Do you have a different opinion of it? Have you since re-read the book, perhaps several times, and gaining appreciation of it each time? Or do you wish you'd never read it?

The minimum number of words, total, for the first and second parts, is 100 words (excluding the name of the book and the author). You are welcome to write more, of course.

Again, please remember to make sure that the books of which you write are HOL appropriate. As stated in our introductory post -- "Ideally, you should be posting about things that are suitable for even our younger members to read (the later Harry Potter Books are generally a good guide for the level of threat, language, and violence that is advisable)." Even if your book meets the 'appropriateness guide for younger members' of HOL, if you believe your book tackles darker or emotional themes then please include a disclaimer so that everyone can make an informed choice.

Remember, you have 6 to 7 days to write your reviews and then we will be giving you the next set of 'letters to buy'.

Enjoy!

[Galena May]

B - Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

When I was a child, I bought Black Beauty from the annual bookfair that I have mentioned several times during this activity. I hadn't been initiated into the fact that Black Beauty was narrated by a horse, by Black Beauty himself, but I was told that Black Beauty was the name of a horse. Therefore, when I read it for the first time, at an age of 7-8 years old, I didn't quite understand the story for quite some time as I kept searching for the protagonist horse. Then, after already reading a few chapters, I realized that the horse has been there all along, writing the story. Then I had to go back and read it from the beginning again and this time I understood the story. In this new light, I found the narration so flawless and in - character that one would forget that it was Anna Sewell and not Black Beauty himself writing the story. I loved the book.

I re-read it online in a pdf form several days later, well into college, and thought that there was a lot to explore. Looking back, I think that it was a powerful social message for back when horses were used as a means of transport, and also a strong book against animal cruelty. If we replace Black Beauty with a human being, the book is still a powerful message about how kindness and good communication enhances relations between two parties rather than force. I remember when the book strongly brought up the local revolution against blinkers led by Black Beauty's owner. That part said how Black Beauty once saved her owner's chaise from tumbling from a broken bridge, bringing up that horses have natural senses, that if unrestrained by force and human control, can be an asset to humans themselves. Instead of seeking to exploit horses, if we consider it a partnership, it can be much more beneficial. The same can be extended to our workplaces, professional settings, and any other place. Instead of seeking to control other humans, if we consider it a partnership and communicate well and allow the humans under us to have the freedom to be respected for their own unique personalities and perspectives, we have a better chance of harnessing the maximum potential of other humans for our very own good (or let's say best), just like Black Beauty despite being a horse who wasn't supposed to have a mind of his own, saved his owner's life by disobeying his owner.

[Galena May]

Y - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda

I read this book recently, finishing it only a few days ago. Like Emily, I find myself saying that I didn't read it for this activity, although I did have it in mind. I would have read it anyway, activity or no activity. The book has several yoga poses, psychophilosophical and psychospiritual insights, and also emotional and spiritual tips on how to navigate the ups and downs of daily life. It also has inter-faith and inter - religious concepts that break down the boundaries of religion and elevate us to a state of peace that encompasses the entire universe and breaks down all physical, cultural, religious, geographical, political, and racial boundaries. Written by an Indian-American yoga guru and spiritual teacher Sri Swami Satchidananda, who lived in the 20th century, the book contains the preachings of this guru from his own life and experiences incorporated along with the valuable wealth of spiritual knowledge, spiritual and philosophical wisdom, and yoga that he acquired at his institution, Yogaville, from his own spiritual teacher and guru. It was a great book overall that helped me draw inspiration and feel spiritual, serene, peaceful, and calm. I can say that my life is on the way to serenity and peace and better days, thanks to my contact with this book. Of course, I loved it and read a bit of it everyday at bedtime.

Looking back, it is all very easy to remember, since it was only a few days ago. I still have it with me. I will perhaps re-read it again when my spiritual light has dimmed again and when I need another nudge to keep my life going. I believe that the original Yoga Sutras of Patanjali was an ancient text in the Sanskrit language written sometime in BCE from what my google searches on this book have yielded. Hinduism is a very old religion, and Sanskrit is an ancient language and the mother of most languages of the East, somewhat like the Latin of the East, so that isn't hard to believe. In that case, my opinion is that these ancient philosophies in Sanskrit are a treasure - trove of wonder that can be very beneficial to all of us, if harnessed properly.

[Galena May]

W - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

I read this book when I was about 7 years old and then again when I was in college. A part of the story was in my English literature book for school, then I bought it from a book shop on the occasion of my birthday or some similar event. It was quite a fascinating book for me. I could call it an interesting bedtime read. The story was about a little girl named Dorothy from Kansas who gets lost with her pet dog Toto in a tornado, and lands in a fantastical realm wherein she journeys through many harships to the Emerald City in the land of Oz to meet the wizard of Oz who could help her go back. On the way, she makes friends with a cowardly lion, a heartless tin-man, and a brainless scarecrow and takes them along with her on her journey to resolve their individual conflicts. On the way, they discover that they in some way either already possess or no longer want the traits that they are seeking at the resolution of this journey. Back then, when I read it for the first time, I saw it as an ordinary fantasy story with protagonist and conflict being resolved in the end. In subsequent books of the series, Dorothy also goes on to rule the land and becomes an integral part of Oz as do her friends. When I read it in college, I still liked it the same, but I also had a slight complaint against it - I thought that the fantastic land of Oz was a bit weird and disconnected as in not as well put together as let's say for example the wizarding world in Harry Potter.

Looking back, I still feel the same way about the world of Oz, but I have also gained a newfound appreciation of the book for the plot behind its fantastical elements. The plot neatly explores the feeling of lack of something, be it home, a heart, a brain, or more, and how we journey throughout life with friends whose conflicts get intertwined with ours to achieve the thing we lack, learning valuable lessons about lack and contentment on the way and growing as individuals. I am also fascinated by the effort by the author that went into designing the intended chaotic administrative structure of a foreign imaginary world although I still don't think it compares to Harry Potter.

[River Fenwick]

B - Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I first read this book in my later teens, after I finished binge-watching Criminal Minds for the nth time. It's the fourth book in its series, about a young woman named Cassie Hobbes who joined the FBI Naturals program, a group of people with abilities. Cassie wants to find out the truth about her mother's murder, using her position in the program to investigate, though what she discovers provides more questions than answers. I loved this book and its series, providing my much-needed suspense fix.

I still love the series, though I don't believe I'd reread this book. I enjoyed more aspects about the program Cassie is a part of itself, which is still an aspect in this book, but I don't believe it's as focused as it could be about it. I'd likely be more interested in the earlier books now, mainly because I think you mostly have to read the series for it to all make sense.

[River Fenwick]

W - What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell

This book is just a few years old, published in 2021, so I must've read it shortly after it was published. It's part of the author's A Twisted Tale series, a series of remakes of known fairy tales where one key part has been changed to show how it affects the story. This book, in particular, is about Rapunzel and what would have happened if her mother had consumed a potion from the wrong flower. I'm not usually a fan of books that retell stories, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I enjoyed the new storyline.

Since I read it in recent years, I still hold the same opinion of it. It was the only book of the series I've read, so I'll probably get around to the others at some point, especially since I found the changes made to the fairy tale to be a welcome surprise.

[River Fenwick]

WARNING: This book has the central theme of grief

Y - You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

I read this book recently, as it was one of my contenders for the summer reading challenge, but ultimately, I didn't get to it in time. I saw much about it on social media and decided to try it. It's about a young girl named Julie whose boyfriend recently died, so she called his number to hear his voice on his voicemail. However, Sam answers from beyond the grave. Honestly, this book was tough for me, as I think it would be for anyone who has lost a loved one. It's a great story about coming to terms with someone's death, no matter how painful it is, but it can put someone in a not-so-great headspace.

It's only been about a month or so since I read it, so it's still pretty fresh in my mind and keeps the same opinions I have from above. I was left reflecting on the book's ending for days, and I knew from the very start of Buy the Letter that I'd choose this one for Y.

[Emily Spencer]

B-(The) Bad Seed by William March

*****WARNING*****Attempted Murder/Murder including that of a child

Bad things happen around year-old Rhoda Penmark. Biut surely it isn’t her faullt; such a sweet little girl.

I first read this book when I was around 14 after seeing the movie. I loved the movie, so was very excited about reading the novel it was based on; and I was definitely not disappointed. Even though I knew the outcome, the story still captivated me. Furthermore, like most novels and movies based on them, there were enough subtle differences to keep it interesting. For once, I wasn’t upset about the differences at all. The book, like the movie was atmospheric, suspenseful, and actually heartbreaking. it was disturbing, but in a good way, if that makes any sense at all. It was the kind of book that gave you the shivers, but not nightmares, which was a win-win for me. On the other hand, given my own personal history, some of it was a bit triggering, but I was able to push it aside and enjoy the book regardless.

How I feel about it now:
I haven’t read the book again in a long time; I’ve been meaning to, but have such an extensive ‘want to read’ list that it keeps getting pushed to the back of the line. Given how much i enjoyed it the first time around, I see no reason to expect that I wouldn’t enjoy it equally as well now. Again, even though I know the story (from both accounts, (book and movie), the story would still not be old. It’s hard to explain, but it would be almost like revisiting an old friend; a friend that dresses all in black, lives in a creepy Victorian mansion but loves the color pink and cute little bunnies.

[Emily Spencer]

W-Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

In my opinion, this is a Gothic retelling of Romeo & Juliet only it is a class difference rather than bad blood between families standing between the brooding laborer, Heathcliff and the pampered Catherine.

Taking nothing away from the auspicious Mr. Shakespeare, I personally preferred this version oft he story. The flowery language favored by The Bard may be pretty and melodic, but to the modern eye of this reader, at least, a bit hard to follow at times. in contrast, Ms. Brontë‘s version, while certainly not modern, is still easier to read.

I am not usually one for romantic stories, but this was a definite exception. It was not saccharine sweet at all; quite the opposite, in fact. It was much more than boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl again and they reunite, namely the drivel in most romance based fiction. It was gritty, haunting,and Gothic enough to suit my preferences.

How I feel about it now:

I’ve read the book multiple (well over 10 times) since the first time, which was almost 20 years ago. If ever there was a ‘literary obsession’, this would be mine. There is no doubt that I will read it again in the future, and I can guarantee that I would feel the same way. It’s considered a classic for a reason, people!! Honestly don’t think that I will ever tire of it, and I would even go out on a limb and say this is my favorite book ever, and considering that I’ve read a lot of books, that’s saying something!

[Emily Spencer]

Y-(The)Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

The book follows the story of a young woman named Immanuelle Moore, the result of her mother’s union with one outside of the accepted strict society of Bethel, where their leader, the Prophet’s, word is law. Scorned and outcast, Immanuelle does her best to follow all oft he rules and teachings of the Prophet, but something deep within her beckons the girl to enter the Deep Woods. In the Woods, she will both lose and find herself, all while trying to escape being branded as a witch.

I read this book 3 years ago, and really enjoyed it. I love almost anything regarding the Witch Trials, be it fact or fiction and this one was no exception. It was a different take on the whole story, seen through the eyes of a young woman desperate to fit in, but never quite meeting the mark. Her path was not theirs,and I felt, at times, her words are ones that I could have written myself. No, Tarma, I am not going to the woods to seek mystical power…yet!

How I feel about it now:

I haven’t read the book again, though writing this review has rekindled my interest in it. It is definitely on my ever-growing book list. My list is so long that I could live to be 200 and never read all the books on it, but this one is right at the top! My feelings on the subject hasn’t changed, and I see no reason at all why I wouldn’t enjoy it just as much this time around.

The story was very personal for me, even though it was a work of fiction. It’s not often that I can truly identify with a character so deeply; it was like “Emily” took a back seat and Ms. Moore’s feelings and thoughts were my own. I cried, I cheered, I raged, and a whole plethora of emotions in between. Oddly, I remember the emotions almost more than the actual story plot, as weird as that may sound. So yes, I think it is time for a re-read soon!