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What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations, reviews Part 2
Here is my review of the autobiographical memoir Outwitting the Gestapo: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ghost Busting Mystery by Daisy Pettles is corny humour and a quick, light "detective" story.
3★ Link to my review with several quirky quotes
Yesterday night I finished Every Man Dies Alone. I loved it and gave it 5 stars (4.5 really). I do not agree with some reviewers who say it is poorly written and I'm afraid that might have been a translation problem. I read it in the original German and found it well written, although of course Fallada was not a superb writer, just a good one (in terms of prose). I loved the story even though the characters were not likeable, not even the protagonists (or maybe I should say they were even less likeable than the others).Esther, if you are reading this: you said you found the book depressing and wished to further discuss the reason as soon as I finished reading. I don't know if you found it depressing for the same reason as I did - because yes, I found it depressing, too. For me, it was because of (view spoiler) Still, I loved the book and would recommend it.
Mod
It's on my TBR list soon enough; glad you've liked it!
Marina (Sonnenbarke) wrote: "Esther, if you are reading this: you said you found the book depressing and wished to further discuss the reason as soon as I finished reading. I don't know if you found it depressing for the same reason as I did ."Yes I found it depressing for almost exactly the same reason (view spoiler) Another thing I found depressing, (view spoiler)
I thought the writing was OK but too heavy going for me to really like it.
Two reviews of recent reads now up.The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris
3 and a half stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor
5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dale wrote: "Two reviews of recent reads now up.The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris
3 and a half stars
http..."
Dale, great review of The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter. I've added it to mountain TBR. thanks :)
I finished The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It's got all the elements of a Gothic novel with magical realism thrown in for good measure. The ending was a tad rushed, but the novel was full of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Setterfield writes really well and takes obvious delight in the power of words.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I guess Thomas Hardy isn't for me. Now I have tried three.My review of The Return of the Native: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Joan and LauraT, I really have tried to like Hardy, but he just does not work for me.
Nichole wrote: "I just finished reading Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. I did not enjoy this book. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
This just goes to show how opinions vary. I enjoyed this book a great deal on audiobook, but did not view it as a romance per se. I like her writing. That said, I haven't read any of hers in print.
Gregg Hurwitz's Hellbent is the third in the Orphan X (Nowhere Man) series. This is my favourite so far.
4.5★ Link to my review
I finished listening to The Painter by Peter Heller. While I liked the writing well enough, I didn't like the story or characters as much.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have finished Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read it because I loved The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger. She refers to his ideas.
Read Pandemic 1918: The Story of the Deadliest Influenza in Historyhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I started my year with a nice, light, feel good (even though it's about death) book, The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg. I liked her The Pull of The Moon much better, but this one was nice. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Completed my first book of 2019 being The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton.My short review is at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of Passing through Perfect by Bette Lee Crosby
Adored it
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind: My Tale of Madness and Recoveryhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One for kids and one for grown-ups.Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag, by Gayle E. Pitman, shows kids how Gilbert did a Dorothy-Oz move from Kansas to San Francisco, where he was an activist for all the sparkly kids like himself.
My review, with illustrations, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Many readers have loved All That is Lost Between Us by Aussie author Sara Foster. I could have done without all the “teaching opportunities”.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village by Joanna Nell
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have completed the modern classic Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. Schiff's research is impressive. Sometimes it gets to be a bit overwhelming with all the names and Ptolemies who intermarry. But she pieces together a portrait of a fascinating woman.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In an attempt to kickstart myself out of my recent reading slump, I have been rereading some favorite classics via audiobook. The latest one was Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son, which I enjoyed immensely.
My review of Truckers: The First Book of the Nomes by Terry Pratchett
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tamara wrote: "I finished Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. Schiff's research is impressive. Sometimes it gets to be a bit overwhelming with all the names and Ptolemies who interma..."
Tat so much is NOT known for sure about Cleopatra is why I have hesitated on reading this book.
My first three books of the year are read. Off to a good start! :-)
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Impeachment: An American History by Jeffrey Engel, etc.Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sharp Ends by Joe Abercrombie Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished If Beale Street Could Talk. Very vivid characterization. 4.3 stars. My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All About Books
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