I couldn't stop reading this story, yet I didn't want to continue reading it at the same time. It blows my mind that this book had a popular reception I couldn't stop reading this story, yet I didn't want to continue reading it at the same time. It blows my mind that this book had a popular reception - Cathy is a terrible role model for any girl to look up to. I wanted to see her get revenge so badly, I kept going though - so guilty of liking that part. I won't be reading the rest in the series, because I just can't comprehend the appeal of whatever will come next.
SPOILER: The main reason for my dislike is that Cathy not only marries, but excuses a violently and emotionally abusive man. His actions are so far beyond what is acceptable in a relationship, and despite Cathy acknowledging that she puts men on a pedestal when they don't deserve it - it is completely unacceptable for the book to promote the idea that she brought her abuse on because she didn't care for her husband enough. There was never a time that she recognised that she should have left Julian earlier. She also accepts being raped many times. WTF?
So, no - I will not be reading the rest of the series. I thought her revenge was fabulous, if a little mentally unstable. However, I liked that the mother got what she deserved. ...more
Not sure how to begin this one. I was gripped by the story - using Cathy's voice as the storytelling medium was perfect because had it been mixed betweNot sure how to begin this one. I was gripped by the story - using Cathy's voice as the storytelling medium was perfect because had it been mixed between the children, or included a voice from outside the room, I don't think it would have worked. I couldn't put it down, and sort of felt a little ripped off that the ending wasn't more in-depth. I wanted revenge for the children and I wanted to see their mother suffer. I liked the irony that the incredibly pious parents created such a vain, selfish and heartless daughter. That the version of purity in this book was so far removed from what was right, you couldn't help but feel this was a stab at religion as well as at the corruption of capitalism and it's systems. The incestuous story was handled with care, and was handled well - although I feel that the scene in the attic could have been used more. I feel this because the fallout didn't really become imagined in the way I believe it was intended to. There were some musings of Cory being a repercussion, but really that falls flat with the complete betrayal of the mother. It has certainly become iconic, and is definitely a talking point as I knew about this scene despite never having read the book until now. I certainly question why the children wouldn't run away much earlier, especially as Chris was of an age entering the room that he would know the life he was missing, and understand that his chances of a good education dimmed with every year. I think this would make an excellent book club book - a lot to agree and disagree with, and many meaty topics to be unpacked! It didn't get a full five stars from me only because I felt it went a little too long, there could have been some parts edited out that wouldn't have been missed. I also feel that the ending was rushed after such a long time coming. I know this is a series, but the lead-in to the next instalment could have been better....more
I thought the darkness of this story would stop me from reading, but if anything it kept me hooked as I hoped it ended with something bright. I couldnI thought the darkness of this story would stop me from reading, but if anything it kept me hooked as I hoped it ended with something bright. I couldn't put it down, and despite some issues I had with the language, I thought it was a brilliant way of telling this young girl's story, as she was unable to. The language - this is a personal problem that I have with a lot of Australian literature, and it really puts me off reading Australian books. The vocabulary range in Australian literature is often made to be as dry, brittle and brutal as some of Australia's landscape - and I hate it. I hate everything being likened to shit, I hate the cracking ground, I hate the flies in mouths, I hate the sticky heat. I'm so sick of reading about it as a defining part of a story. I hate the pissing, and the bony knees - Australian literature could have so much richness that doesn't have to revolve around sparse, harsh language. This book had a lot of that. What it also had was a Holden Manual, and a beautiful prose that once you were in, managed to merge parts of a car with parts of a female body. Human experience against the running of a machine and its parts. It was amazingly well done. The girl who is mute for most of the book creates us a world that tells us of her trauma through the pages of a car manual and her sabotaging of cars, particularly one. And it works so well. There is barely any dialogue, yet I didn't feel like there was too much describing - in fact, there could have been more. But the pared back writing style was a credit to the author, and sets this apart from 'Mateship with Birds'. I would recommend this story to anyone that enjoys well-written Australian literature. ...more
Set in Ireland, a view of a fracturing family told from the young son's point of view - it sounds done before. There are many books attempting to rideSet in Ireland, a view of a fracturing family told from the young son's point of view - it sounds done before. There are many books attempting to ride through adult fiction by placing us into the minds of children. This one is one of the better offerings, riding a good line between realistic children's thought patterns, while also making insightful commentary. The part that threw me off was the odd semi-sexual awkwardness between the mother and child. Our young male protagonist is twelve, so on the cusp of many developmental jumps. There is a lot of talk about his size and being mistaken for being much older - however, there doesn't seem to be a purpose to this at all. The other half of that is that if he read as a fourteen year old more than a twelve year old, it would make more sense. So, there are instances between him and his mother that feel off, her responses are off, and his feelings are off. They don't gel for me, and that made it uncomfortable sometimes. Which may have been the point, but if it was then I missed why it was important. I liked being on the edge of his mind - was he always going to end up making the decision he did with his mother, or were there moments where we went along with him not realising the crazy there? It was enjoyable, and it was interesting, and the gender roles of the time were explored well. I felt the boy had a pretty rough time, but I also felt that what he chose to do came out of nowhere, and it didn't feel real to me compared to the rest of the story. Due to this, whatever poignant point this story was trying to make, I didn't quite put it together. The blurb told me this book was a 'psycological thriller', I found it lacking that entire element. If it was meant to be a snapshot of a family going through a rough time at that period from the eyes of a boy coming of age - I'm all in, it was great. The other part didn't fit for me, mainly because I don't think a twelve year old outcast wanting to believe he has amazing powers is strange. A fourteen year old, yes - but twelve, not really. I liked it, but wouldn't read it again. ...more
It took a few chapters to feel part of this story, which I believe was intentional - the characters would want you to be on the outside looking in forIt took a few chapters to feel part of this story, which I believe was intentional - the characters would want you to be on the outside looking in for a little bit. I couldn't put it down after those first few chapters though, I was part of the Jellicoe Road war games. The idea that a bunch of teenagers would wage a war around the town for the holidays was fun and gave the whole book a purpose that was always there. I loved the idea of this story, and I thought the author did an amazing job of describing the area - the school, town and cadet camp. I could see all the boundaries, and I could feel the summer air. I loved that this story was set in a country town of Australia, but it didn't have the usual dry Australian language to describe it - that was almost my favourite part. The characters, wow. Every character had depth, a story, a part to play. Marchetta captured everything about being seventeen and having seen/lived trauma, and it was brilliant.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book (after the first few jarring chapters). ...more
**spoiler alert** I want to say that my review is going to be slightly harsher because I felt betrayed by the title.
I had this book sitting on my Kind**spoiler alert** I want to say that my review is going to be slightly harsher because I felt betrayed by the title.
I had this book sitting on my Kindle for about six months, saving what I believed to be the final instalment into this series for a time when I could focus and enjoy it.
And I did enjoy it, it was everything I remembered from the rest of the series - not a wasted chapter or sentence. It's a good ride with good character perspectives and interesting motives. The characters are there for good reason, there's good dialogue, although I am starting to tire of their captain and his intense dislike of Lottie.
I was a little annoyed that once again, Lottie's family is kidnapped, but I went with it because I thought as the last book in the series we needed that emotional edge to the story. Who had them, what were they going to do, would they live? (I knew who it was going to be from about halfway through, although it was a good ride to see if I was right)
Only to get to the end of the book and have a bit of a cliffhanger! What? But this was the FINAL betrayal - the final one, final meaning last. Why play me like this?
Anyway, I then saw that there are two new instalments released and have since bought them because I still like Lottie, Boyd and Kirby enough that I want to read the next one. I just felt like an editor should have thought more about the title of a series - I could have been reading them as they came out, but didn't bother looking because I thought the series was done....more
I found this an interesting read, I'd never read a story based in Leningrad and it was a nice change from other war settings.
The main characters of thI found this an interesting read, I'd never read a story based in Leningrad and it was a nice change from other war settings.
The main characters of the story, the two sisters, were fairly cliche. One sister out being a lone adventurer, the other feeling the weight of the family as she stayed for the family business. It followed the same tropes that come with that type of character set up.
Their mother's fairytales were the basis of the story being told, and we are from the start trying to work out why they mean so much to their mother and why she continues to tell them. Why does she sit out in her garden, why is she so angry and distant?
It starts well and familiar. However, I feel like the fairytale could have stayed a fairytale for much longer that it did. Also, ironically it's a bit of a fairytale that the daughters could suddenly take time out of their lives with a days notice to travel - which was the most unrealistic part of the story.
I wasn't impressed with the pacing, or with the ending. I really, really disliked the ending. I thought it was unnecessary and bizarre out of all the places that the story could have gone.
The meat of the mothers story was great, I found her story interesting and gripping. It kept me reading the whole time, and it was an easy read.
I'm not a fan of the family structure cliche used, I also have difficulty with stories set in war times due to the lazy nature of storytelling. Having said this, it was an enjoyable read and I found the setting and time interesting. ...more
I didn't realise that this was the debut novel of Hanya Yanagihara, I had read A Little Life two years ago, and hadn't seen this on the shelves at theI didn't realise that this was the debut novel of Hanya Yanagihara, I had read A Little Life two years ago, and hadn't seen this on the shelves at the time. The fact that this is the debut novel only makes it better for me.
I cannot understate how moved I was by this novel. There were parts where I felt my heart actually hurting, I was angry, I was confused, I was frustrated, and I was devastated. It is supreme writing to get me to feel all of those emotions, and still completely love what I've read.
The story itself sounds absolutely fantastical - a doctor, Norton Perina, sets out on an expedition with an anthropologist, Tallent, finding what could be the secret to immortality in a lost tribe. The fallout, and the sheer amount of children Norton adopts from the country is extreme - writing it now, it seems even more fantasy than I thought when reading it.
It is the writing that takes this almost ridiculous storyline, and creates a masterpiece with it. Written as Norton's memoir, with an incredibly biased editor, it takes the story into a clinical, scientific point of view. There is no doubt that these events could take place when it is written with such realism. Norton's memoir shows him to be a terrible person, but the real question that lingers over the story is whether he is terrible enough to have committed what he is accused of. Because Norton is writing from jail, where he was convicted of a crime that we are almost at odds to know if he was capable of or not.
The descriptions of the island where Norton and Tallent discover a tribe with unnaturally long lifespans are stunning, and his account of his own actions are in their own way, stunning as well. It was impressive that the author managed to keep the tone of the memoir the entire way, because at some points it is hard to read what Norton did, even as he is writing it as if it were nothing, or necessary.
Don't skip the footnotes, they create their own little story, that then adds to Norton's.
You must read until the very end, because I still haven't gotten over the final couple of pages. I can't decide if I wanted that to happen or not, and I can't say too much more without hitting spoilers territory.
This is a brutal read, and I struggled at some points to read what was coming next. I liked feeling uncomfortable, and thought it was great that I hated Norton, even though it was his story. I like the interesting way the story was told, and I have never read anything written in that style before. Really clever and masterful writing style.
I loved this novel. Loved it. But it is not a read for the faint-hearted....more
Zac and Lark's instalment is just as delicious as I expected it to be. I found Zac's character to be an interesting choice for the author from the staZac and Lark's instalment is just as delicious as I expected it to be. I found Zac's character to be an interesting choice for the author from the start of the series. Being a kicked out of a cult is a pretty out-there backstory. Zac's emerging story is written so well, and his thoughts and misgivings are sweet and insightful. His lack of knowledge around relationships and love aren't corny or naive either, it is truthful and a little sad. His life with the Shipley's is lovely, and I liked that Isaac and Leah have more air-time in this story as well. Lark's trauma is also well-written. Bowen puts a lot of effort into her research of subject matter, and it shows in her portrayal of PTSD in Lark's life since returning from her abduction. I like an author that puts in that type of effort, as the writing reflects real knowledge, and so is that much more readable. Her old and new self war with each other, and as the story progresses we get to see so much of what it's like to live as two people after a life-changing event. May's behaviour was a little radical, and sort of came out of nowhere for me. This was the only jolting part of the book, as it was clear that at some point May will have her own instalment and this was setting up for that. There had been no conversations in the previous two books that would indicate that May's character was having the issues she was in this book. Apart from that, I enjoyed it from start to finish. ...more
Despite how sad I am at having to write this, I did not finish this book. I love, love, love the author so much - and I tried so hard to enjoy the stoDespite how sad I am at having to write this, I did not finish this book. I love, love, love the author so much - and I tried so hard to enjoy the story and keep going. Unfortunately, there were just too many things I didn't like, and couldn't move beyond. The stuff I did like - our young protagonist, she was written really well. Her understanding of things, and the thought processes were amazing. Her mother, and even step-father, were written well too. I liked the sense of the housing, where she lived, and where her grandmother lived. It was described so that I knew exactly how everything fit together. I didn't like the Britt-Marie of this story, she was grating and annoying, which made me question my like of her own novel (which I did like, but not if she was as annoying as in this story). I didn't like the constant referral to Miamas, and all the characters in it - a little bit was alright, but after awhile, it was too much and I was too confused. I also didn't connect with Granny, who was great in her outrageous qualities, but then too extreme. I liked a lot about the writing, and I loved the neighbour, but I wasn't able to get beyond the fantasy-land and real life merging together in a confusing fairy-tale language. This wasn't for me, but I would absolutely recommend any of the other books written by Fredrik Backman! ...more
I struggled to rate this book, as it had moments where I found it extremely wonderful and profound. There just weren't enough of those moments to makeI struggled to rate this book, as it had moments where I found it extremely wonderful and profound. There just weren't enough of those moments to make me like it, and I had to struggle through to the ending. This was a book club selection, as we had previously read, 'Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil' by the same author. It will make for an interesting discussion as I feel that it encompasses different target audiences in different ways, so in that respect it was good.
The premise drew me in straight away. Two women who feel they have a claim to one house, refuse to meet in the middle, and live together without speaking. Loved it, could go so many places - unfortunately, the idea that Rosie had any claim to the house was ridiculous, and the drama around the two women was not as interesting as it could have been.
Really, I just absolutely loathed Rosie. I could not stand her attitude, her failure to take any responsibility for decisions she made that eroded her relationship to her father, and her caustic manner towards every other person, and her idea that she should be able to make Martha's life hell just because she lived in a house when she was little. What a brat. Unfortunately, by the time Rosie starts to become less frustrating, it's too late in the novel and I had given up on her and just wanted to see the ending.
The author struck one important issue, that I found interesting, which was that adults even in to their mid-twenties are quite immature, in comparison to previous generations (I am part of Gen Y, so this isn't meant as an insult, just a general observation).
Jimmy/SES Jesus, was the saving character, he was lovely. A well-rounded and fun character that has a clear development that is realistic and meaningful. Martha and her friends were also great additions - the whole netball team was gold!
However, there were too many characters for me to remember, and how they related to each other. The connected-ness was nice, although perhaps unnecessary in some ways. It created a wonderful sense of community, and I did feel like I was in the room with those friends when they were talking - I just wouldn't have known who they were, and who was together with who, and why that was relevant.
For me, there was too much going on, too many characters that had focus on them for no real reason, and an incredibly un-likeable main character that had no redeeming qualities for me to latch on to at all. Loved the premise, but I needed more storyline, and less stories that went nowhere that seemed to have no outcome on the story. ...more
This is the second instalment of the True North Series, and it was a lot meatier than the first one!
Jude is one of the best anti-heroes I've read in aThis is the second instalment of the True North Series, and it was a lot meatier than the first one!
Jude is one of the best anti-heroes I've read in a romance. The chemistry between him and Sophie is all the right levels of complicated, steamy, hot, and sad.
I'm used to a series like this staying in one place, so it was awesome to find that we move away from Shipley Farm, and end up following Jude to Colebury - which is representative of a lot of small towns, and I feel that drugs is an issue that certainly pervades many rural small towns here in Australia, so it was gratifying to see that issue was front and centre.
Jude is a recovering addict, and his temptations are well-written. His history in prison is one that is heard of everywhere, and shows the author is well-read on issues around drugs and prisons. The church dinner's is the perfect setting for him and Sophie to have space to connect without the town noticing.
Sophie is Jude's high school sweetheart, and it was her brother that Jude killed in a car accident while he was high, and that sent him to prison. She is also the police chief's daughter - cue the plot thickens, as he isn't a nice man at all.
The story itself sets a sweet pace, as we are treated to glimpses of their relationship when they were at high school, then we are moved back to the bleakness of both of their lives without each other after the tragic car accident. The mystery that Sophie discovers adds another layer, and yet I never felt it was too much or that it was over-written. I also like that we do get to go back to the characters of the last book at the Shipley's, and that they act as Jude's safe-haven and are ultimately his new family.
The ending was satisfying, and well-earned, but I won't spoil it! The author did well writing a second instalment to a series that I think I may love more than the first - and managed to write such a different story, I'm impressed with her writing skills and style! ...more
Jamie and Wes are my favourite couple after reading this.
I found Sarina Bowen through the True North series, and Elle Kennedy has been on my radar thrJamie and Wes are my favourite couple after reading this.
I found Sarina Bowen through the True North series, and Elle Kennedy has been on my radar through recommendations for awhile. I thought that this would be a good introduction to her too.
I was not disappointed.
The writing is fantastic, and usually I'm quite critical of collaborative writing. For some reason, I find collaborations have areas where you can see one influence, and then another - but I couldn't find that in 'Him'.
The characters are brilliant, I love each of them and what they bring individually to the story. Their differences and own stories are put together in a way that feels real enough that I could happily move with the plot.
At first, there is some dialogue that is a little bit unrealistic. I found the character Holly to be a little too over-done, and I found even throughout the book that her dialogue was lacking, and not true to the rest of the story. She is a needed character, but I wasn't a fan. She is in the first part, and this bit I found a little boring.
The dialogue between Wes and Jamie was well-written, and I enjoyed that part of their interactions a lot. The camp was a great backdrop as it gave a location where they could have all that time together without it being weird.
I liked how the backstory was revealed to us, and that there was overlap of the backstory between the characters, and of the characters themselves. It set the scene nicely for the rest of the book, but didn't feel like a huge amount of information piled on you at once - which is impressive considering their history.
I will definitely be reading the next instalment, and I can't wait to see where they end up....more
Bittersweet is the first instalment of the True North series by Sarina Bowen. I actually read this a long time ago, but recently re-read and thought IBittersweet is the first instalment of the True North series by Sarina Bowen. I actually read this a long time ago, but recently re-read and thought I'd review it.
I'm a little new to the romance genre, and I have to admit that I was a bit of a snob towards romance before giving it a real go. However, once I found some great authors who allowed me to see some of the amazing ways the genre can be used - I'm a bit of a fan now.
I love Griff and Audrey, I like them because they are well-constructed characters, with motivations that are real and well-explained. Their story is one that I became really invested in, and I was in love with the Shipley Farm from almost the first chapter.
The author creates excellent dialogue, and I love that - I like the interactions between the characters because of their conversations, it made me feel like I was part of the group standing around and chatting. Their 'voice' is how I think, and that made me enjoy the story a lot more.
There was just the right amount of backstory given, and just the right amount of characters to know. I really liked Zara, I thought she was really well-written, and I liked that most of the female characters were strong in who they are and how they live (being a romance snob, I assumed that female romance leads would be flaky women who need a man... I'm sorry romance writers! I swear I've seen the error of my ways!).
This is an easy read, but one that makes you feel good while you read it. I really liked it, even more as a re-read, and intend to read the rest of the series....more
This wasn't my favourite in the series for a couple of reasons. The first is that the formula is just too tired by the fifth instalment I felt. LottieThis wasn't my favourite in the series for a couple of reasons. The first is that the formula is just too tired by the fifth instalment I felt. Lottie is a well-portrayed single mother, and I like her work ethic and that those around her respect that work ethic. However, she does receive a lot of help from her mother to achieve this, and is so completely ungrateful for that help that it's a little grating. I understand having issues with you parents (I have many), but when they are the reason you can have the job that you do - and a roof over your head, there's a little part of me that thinks she could be a little kinder. I've always enjoyed the POV changes in this series, but in this particular story, there were a few too many terrible chapter endings for some characters. I've never been a fan of exclamation marks - and there were so many at the ends of chapters. This may have been that she didn't quite capture the mind of a pre-teen boy very well, and so that was extra-hard to read. The mystery itself was good, as always. The way she reveals information keeps the story interesting and fast-paced. In this instance, I nearly guessed the ending - which I love as well in a crime novel, I like that the story was told well enough that you could have guessed. It's satisfying knowing that there is an ending where you could get it right if you follow all the clues, I'm not a big fan of endings that come out of nowhere and there's no way anyone could have guessed what was coming. The interactions between the characters is fantastic, and I like the dialogue that is exchanged in the office. There was a lot to like, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. ...more
As I've come to understand, everything by this author is written incredibly well. For me, I liked this a little more than Beartown, simply because it As I've come to understand, everything by this author is written incredibly well. For me, I liked this a little more than Beartown, simply because it wasn't as repetitive in the points it was getting across. And there were many points to be discussed in this story. It hit on so many issues that are within society in general, in sports culture, in teenagers, in small towns, in individuals. It did all this, and did it so well. Benji was still one of the best characters I've read, and I was very pleased with his development and conclusion. However, all the characters are done well, and each one feels like someone you know - surprisingly, even Maggan Lyt has a positive light by the end. The brutal story, mixed with the realistic thoughts and actions of those involved make it hard to read at times, but it is worth getting through it. Backman has such a beautiful way of phrasing things that rings in my mind for a long time after I've finished reading. His writing style is something that makes me want to read every single thing he has ever written, and I'm on my way! Highly recommend, and can be read as a standalone, but works better having read after Beartown....more
This was as atrociously bad as I thought it would be - but who could stay away after '50 Shades'?
I don't know if it was better or worse that E L JamesThis was as atrociously bad as I thought it would be - but who could stay away after '50 Shades'?
I don't know if it was better or worse that E L James had obviously tried to better her writing. In some ways it was like being a high school teacher, being proud that your student has tried new techniques, and is expanding their vocabulary. In other ways it was horrifying that something a high school student could write better, was published at all.
How to describe the terrible characters... they were so poorly written that it was actually funny in some parts. The whole Albania history was absolutely ridiculous, and as is the author's style, so repetitive. Maxim was possibly the worst male character for this style of book, the author made him sound more like a teenage girl crushing on someone, than an Earl worthy of saving the heroine of the story.
Let's get to the real reason this got a one-star from me, because it was hilarious, it could have gotten a two-star just because it was at least amusing. The portrayal of Alessia as an abuse survivor, suffering PTSD was appalling. Appalling. It was not written well, the author had obviously not read up on how to write for such a character, and even if it is a fantasy-portrayal, the trauma she goes through is too far away from acceptable for her emotional response at the end.
A terrible, hilarious, and depressing read. The only thing it does is give me hope, because if that can be published, I have a chance!...more
This was an interesting courtroom drama, and an easy-read.
I admit that I expected more meat to the story, I expected a little more ambiguity, and a liThis was an interesting courtroom drama, and an easy-read.
I admit that I expected more meat to the story, I expected a little more ambiguity, and a little less drama, and a little more intrigue. I expected more twists and turns, and I was waiting for them all to occur.
This played out exactly how I thought it would, down to the predictability of the ending. I anticipated every step, and while I thought that Holly would go somewhere else, it wasn't at all surprising she didn't.
Having said that, the writing style was satisfying, if a little dry. The characters and placement were written well, and had just enough to them that I cared about what was happening - unfortunately, that;s about it though.
I became hooked on this author after reading 'A Man Called Ove', and this was recommended by a fellow fan of his. I very much enjoyed this story, and I became hooked on this author after reading 'A Man Called Ove', and this was recommended by a fellow fan of his. I very much enjoyed this story, and I especially liked the ending - despite it being unsatisfactory to me. The reason it was so unsatisfactory is because the author did such a wonderful job at allowing our protagonist a journey where she had so many choices ahead of her, that I couldn't think of the one I would most prefer her to have. The story-telling was wonderful, as always. I loved Britt-Marie and the was she grew on everyone, also the way she grew on herself. I understood her character perfectly, and it was due to the author that she was so understandable. He has a way of showing you people in a new light, and it's this trait that I love the most about this writing. The compassion, and the value in every person if you look for it. I found the football part a bit hard because I don't follow football, and not being a supporter I wasn't aware of the nuances of each team - despite that being described well enough. It was a lovely mix of Beartown and A Man Called Ove. Would highly recommend. ...more
The writing style of this novel really drew me in, I was unable to put it down and read it in two sittings. I loved Marianne and Connell, and I loved The writing style of this novel really drew me in, I was unable to put it down and read it in two sittings. I loved Marianne and Connell, and I loved their journey up to a point. This felt really reminiscent of One Day by David Nicholls, a book that I really enjoyed (movie not as much). At least the ending of that was somewhat satisfying in its way, unlike the ending of this which was just frustrating instead. There is a point at which it becomes boring to rehash the same conversations over and over again in a different scenario , even it if is supposed to have a point behind it. There was just one or two conversations too many for me to like the ending or think it was a clever way to leave things. The writing was so wonderful that I stayed with it, and I'm still so happy to have found the author. It was almost a sensual read, and a romance at its heart, yet it explored so many topics throughout including modern masculinity, femininity, social ideals, relationships in every sphere, and trauma. I would recommend to anyone, it was a lovely read that leaves you with a lot to think about - because even though I'm dissatisfied with the ending, it means I was invested enough in the characters to feel they were let down....more
A book club pick, the person who recommended was unaware that it was YA - that's not a problem for me, but will make for an interesting discussion. I gA book club pick, the person who recommended was unaware that it was YA - that's not a problem for me, but will make for an interesting discussion. I grew up where this book is set, and lived in North Katoomba where our male protagonist is based. This was both a good and bad thing while reading. It was good because it added a level of familiarity and I could see glimpses of little bits of local truths woven throughout - and that was fun. It was bad because I was constantly thinking, wait that's not there - or, that would take so long to walk to no one in their teens would actually do that. So it pulled me out of the novel a little as the author took some liberties with the landscape. Perhaps if real road names weren't used I may not have had the same reaction. It was also hard for me to write a review as I already had the scenery and town landmarks in my memories - so I'm not sure how well they were described for someone who didn't know those places. I can't think of anywhere that is easy to get to from Katoomba to see horse racing either. Also, North Katoomba is really not this poverty stricken landscape compared to South Katoomba, they are about even at this point - that grated on me a little as well. If Charlotte had lived in Leura it would have made more sense, but as in any mountains community, the closer to the bush the more expensive the houses, the closer to the towns the cheaper they are, and North and South Katoomba have their rich areas. I found Charlotte's reactions and behaviours a little hard to believe for the age of the characters, that was a bit of a jolt throughout the whole book, the over-reactions of the characters to things that I didn't quite get. I also found the ending not satisfactory in how it was managed. Having said that, this is YA, and younger YA at that, so in that context I think it was handled well. Difficult one for me, I liked it and thought it was fun and informative for the age it was aimed at - however, it had the feel of being too informative in some respects. I think it's a story and writing style caught between being too old for upper-primary, but too information driven for young adults. ...more
Cedar Valley was full of wonderful characters, all fleshed out with just enough attention that I knew who everyone was. However, that's sort of all itCedar Valley was full of wonderful characters, all fleshed out with just enough attention that I knew who everyone was. However, that's sort of all it had. I feel like the characters were so fun, but half of them were very unnecessary to the plot - which to be honest didn't go anywhere until the last fifth of the book. The story was great, I really liked the mystery - but the mystery was stolen away because it took too long to go anywhere, and there just weren't enough clues throughout the book for the ending to have any satisfaction for me. It was sort of like the author wanted to hide it a little too carefully so we didn't know what had happened - and then by the time we found out I really didn't even care anymore. The writing is wonderful, the placement is fantastic, and the conversations are so well done. There needed to be more focus on the mystery - because it was a good one, and less about the minor character details that didn't mean anything in the end anyway....more
I did not read anything about this book before I began reading it, I loved A Man Called Ove so much, I just went on and randomly picked another by theI did not read anything about this book before I began reading it, I loved A Man Called Ove so much, I just went on and randomly picked another by the same author. Despite being glad to have read this book, because it was amazing - I also wish that I had picked a different book because the story was quite difficult for me to read due to my own experiences.
Firstly, the writing style was wonderful. The way the author makes you see the intricacies of a small town and the politics that run through it - and why those run through it, was spectacular. In some parts, a little too repetitive, I really did understand why the town loved it's hockey so much by a third of the way through, and didn't need long paragraphs continuously explaining this to remind me.
Secondly, excellent characters. I feel we all have a friend like Maggan Lyt that we all want to pretend isn't our friend. Character development was so well described, and even though there were quite a lot of characters, I knew each character thoroughly - including their motivators - as if they'd each been given a book. Writing teen characters can be tough, but this was perfect. Benji was my hero, and the hero of the story, and it was his exact character to carry the story without being it's main protagonist - as that was his life, amazing writing.
Finally, the story itself. It's the one we all know, the one we hate to know, and the one that is most difficult to read about because it's so common ad we wish it wasn't. The author did well presenting every part of the story, including the ending. I think the end result was actually quite neutral, and that in itself is almost a positive ending all things considered.
This is a scathing look at sports culture at its worst, and the repercussions of that culture. The male dominated world, the homophobia, the disregard of others, the feeling of dominance, the male aggression - it's all there on display throughout this story.
I would recommend people read the blurb before buying, but I am almost glad I didn't as this was so well-written. Loved it, was just a bit repetitive for the full five stars for me. ...more
I feel like this had so much potential, and the first half was quite good. I always enjoy the characters and settings that Moriarty creates, I feel liI feel like this had so much potential, and the first half was quite good. I always enjoy the characters and settings that Moriarty creates, I feel like I know them and that is really skilful writing. I thought the idea of Tranquillum House was just the right amount of health retreat mythologies, and touched on exactly the right people who would attend and why. However, there were almost too many characters to keep up with. The story around Masha was so unresolved and in no way fitting with any of her motives or actions, I can't understand why that was her backstory. The story itself didn't really come off due to the many inconsistencies, which is unusual for Liane Moriarty - she usually wraps it all up for us in a cohesive way. Definitely not her best effort. Wouldn't really recommend it, I feel like it was rushed and not well planned out. ...more
I almost wished I had the time to read the whole series before I read the latest instalment as there was a lot of stuff I know I was a little hazy on I almost wished I had the time to read the whole series before I read the latest instalment as there was a lot of stuff I know I was a little hazy on throughout the book that had happened in the book before. Having said that, it didn't impact on the story itself, which as always was extremely well plotted, and wonderfully written. I love the characters - although, I feel like Robin needs something to change in her character as she is so passive and quite frankly, very annoying. I also feel that her character has been building to this moment, and that she has grown enough that I trust the process to continue. So despite being annoying, I also understand her and can see that she is progressing to somewhere. I had a few theories that were not correct, and I think that there was enough in there that the ending was satisfactory in how it all unravelled, and I was suitably surprised and impressed. As with all the others in the series, I had a feeling of constantly being full while reading due to the copious amounts of food and beverages being written about! I love that the author is able to craft such a response simply by picking something that the character does often and giving the details of this experience in a way that makes it meaningful for the reader. Can't wait for the next one!...more
I haven't been able to focus on reading for about a year, maybe just a little over - but this book, I could not put down. I adored Ove, not at first aI haven't been able to focus on reading for about a year, maybe just a little over - but this book, I could not put down. I adored Ove, not at first and that was intentional I think, but by the end I was so impressed by his character. The writer did an amazing job of riding the line between light-hearted banter and feel good scenarios, and crushing emotional insights into a cruel world. The story had a wonderful depth of empathy to it, and in our world where empathy is in short supply I really hope it is taken up by all the readers out there who may not always look at other people's life and experiences when they judge and interact with others. The epilogue was just enough of everything that I wanted to hear, it was perfectly ended in my opinion.
I laughed, cried, and got angry at some points of this story - it managed to fill me with all the emotions and I loved every second of it. ...more
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