Kevin’s Comments (group member since Jan 28, 2025)

Kevin’s comments from the NetGalley Buddy Readers group.

Kristie wrote: "Kevin wrote: "I just picked up from my library on Overdrive so looking forward to reading that after hearing so much about it on here"

So far, six ..."

Yeah I am really looking forward to it. I really enjoyed so I am hoping for a similar result here

I just picked up from my library on Overdrive so looking forward to reading that after hearing so much about it on here

I finished Idol by Louise O'Neill last night so 16 NG books for the month of November

Me too, on another forum people have books on their NG shelf from 2016, that gives me 'The Fear'

It is when a publisher contacts you directly and offers you the chance to read a book without you needing to request it.

So they pro-actively seek you out rather than you needing to go looking. I only had one from a publisher where I had read a few of their books recently

How long have you been on NG? 4 Months

How many books have you read/reviewed? 59

What is your current review ratio? 87% (but have reviewed all books I have read) once I review the 9 I have on my shelf I will be at 100%

As a rough guess, how many books do you get approved from as a percentage of total books requested? Would guess about 9 out of 10 books requested are approved

How many or how often do you get books you 'wished' for? I have had two wishes granted so far out of 4 books wished for.

How many or how often do you get offered widgets? Only been offered one (although people seem to be offered them all the time)

How many, if any, publishers are you auto-approved for? None so far

As a relative newbie to NG this year, I am curious to see where everyone else is in relation to their Netgalley journey. Would be interested if you could answer the following questions:

How long have you been on NG?

How many books have you read/reviewed?

What is your current review ratio?

As a rough guess, how many books do you get approved from as a percentage of total books requested?

How many or how often do you get books you 'wished' for?

How many or how often do you get offered widgets?

How many, if any, publishers are you auto-approved for?

Copy and paste the questions if you want and let us all know where you are at.

I have a rule where I review a book immediately after reading it. I never move onto the next one without reviewing the one I have just read.

I am new to NG this year so am reading the majority of my books from NG at the moment to build up my profile. I am thankfully at the point now where I am getting approved for 99% of books which I requested.

I have also received two books I have 'wished' for and received one widget. Would love to be auto-approved for some publishers but hopefully that will just come in time.

I have read 15 Netgalley books this month. I may possibly make it 16 by the end of the day but I don't think so.

Currently have 9 TBR however they all publish next year so no rush for them but I am trying to clear them all for New Year as I would like a clear shelf for January 1st 2022.

Current ratio: 87% however I have reviewed all books I have read so when I get through my remaining 9 I will be at 100% (hopefully by the end of the year)

No sign of it for me but will look forward to reading your reviews

Just had my wish granted for by Anne Tyler

Am so pleased, one of my favourite writers

Welcome KarenK2

Hi Vicki. I'm in the UK so sometimes I don't have access to the same books as you guys in the US do (and vice versa). Had a look for this one and I can't access but hopefully get a Buddy Read with you soon

Just been approved for the new Linwood Barclay novel, Take Your Breath Away

Just approved for Outside by Ragnar Jónasson

Seems like we all broadly agreed on the book. Despite the books shortcomings, I really enjoyed the buddy read with you. Looking forward to the next one I can participate in

Just been approved for Idol by Louise O'Neill

Looks fantastic

Okay I am now finished. My thoughts (view spoiler)[ I have to say I was quite disappointed by this. Whilst the initial premise and first half of the book held my attention, I think the ending just fizzed out with no great excitement or suspense. My issue was, as mentioned before, the lack of characters apart from the family meant that it was only Alex that held any interest or could have been the key to the story. Whilst I wouldn't tell people to avoid it, its a two-three star for me and wouldn't encourage anyone to seek it out.

I'm also not sure I bought Cecily as this power mad dictator in waiting simply biding her time before the empire was hers *insert evil laugh* Just didn't feel real to me (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to seeing what you all think

Now through chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ Totally agree with you regarding the investor, well dodgy. I think the author has the character of Ruth written perfectly, you can see her desperation jumping off the page as she is struggling to keep the school afloat. Its funny the parallels between Isobel being unable to ask her mum for help and now Ruth is struggling she is unwilling to ask her daughters for help. With a bit of openness and honesty between them, they could be (and could have been) a really strong support for each other (says me who is the worlds worst for asking for help).

I did warm a little to Ruth over her protectiveness towards Isaac after the accident/assault however she is clearly now in a position where she wants to keep up the appearances of an accident so as not to damage the reputation of the school. I can see how Isobel will become increasingly frustrated with this as Ruth is prioritising the one place she hates over the child she loves.

On another note, there are very few characters in the book so far. Almost half way through and I am really struggling to see where this story will go (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I never have more than one book on the go at the same time, I have always finished one book before starting another but I am breaking that rule just once for TCOMC. I have so many ARCs to get through that I am reading them and then reading a few chapters of TCOMC each night to get through it. One of my favourite ever books but haven't read it in so long.