75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2020 GR Challenge)
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Let's hope my vision is still 2020 after this reading year!
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Yep, that's what I have been looking at ... My husband said I should write that book and fill this niche, lol.
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Tunnel of Bones3/5 stars
Everyone knows I love Paris and the paranormal, so I was really looking forward to this book. And yes it was a fun story but I wanted more. I don't even know exactly what was missing. I only know how I felt after reading City of Ghosts and I did not feel that way this time.
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Tunnel of Bones3/5 stars
Everyone knows I love Paris and the paranormal, so I was really looking forward to this book. And yes it was a f..."
Oh noooo! How disappointing!
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Tunnel of Bones3/5 stars
Everyone knows I love Paris and the paranormal, so I was really looking forward to this book. And y..."
It might simply be because I prefer ghost/haunting stories over dead bone stories lol. (view spoiler)
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The Institute4/5 stars
Despite its page number, this was a fast read. Not super scary except when you start thinking about how messed up humanity is and how cruel people can be. At times it gave me Mr. Mercedes vibes; definitely a type of paranormal suspense or thriller. At other times it felt more like a character study similar to what King did in Sleeping Beauties. Either way, it kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat - I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
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A Strangely Wrapped Gift2/5 stars
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this poetry collection in exchange for an honest review.
I decided to review this ARC since it promised to reflect on mental illness and I strongly believe that poetry is a fantastic medium to do this. The author’s foreword was beautiful and I felt extremely connected to her. I liked the idea to split this collection by seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring) and looked forward to seeing seasonal growth if you will.
Unfortunately, this didn’t shine through as much as I had expected. The poems are incredibly personal; there are love and loss, there is profound sadness, there is encouragement, there are struggles and understanding, but what there’ isn’t is a feeling of change. I was rooting for the author and her prose described movement in her life but it just didn’t feel real. It didn’t feel something was actually changing. And honestly, maybe that is the point. Maybe sometimes we don’t grow even if we’d hoped we would.
Another frustration I felt was reading this book came from the lack of pervasiveness of mental illness in the collection. Mental illness is still wildly underdiagnosed and the stigma society puts on people suffering from it is a real issue. I was expecting the poems to echo this. Instead, while a few of the poems dealt with this in an honest way, the overwhelming majority didn’t mention it at all. I wished for more. I don’t mean to say Emily Byrnes (Juniper) is not talented because she is (more on that in the paragraph below) … I just think she missed an opportunity here.
The present collection features poems of various lengths ranging from a few lines, almost a signature of modern poetry, to more complex ones. In my opinion, her shorter poems too little punch, grit, or darkness that is needed to really hit home for me. Yet, the lengthier ones highlighted Byrnes’s craft and her expertise. She wonderfully played with metaphors and allegories. Her sentence structure was intriguing and evoked emotion. Her word choices were unusual and kept me engaged. Indeed, I would have loved to see a collection in that style. Overall though, despite the lower rating of this book, I am looking forward to reading more of her work in the future, and I hope that she raises her voice even further to bring awareness to mental health through this genre.
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My Sister, the Serial Killer3.5/5 stars
This was an interesting read but left me feeling in a weird state. I have no idea how to rate this. Both protagonists are unlikeable in their own way.
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Again, but Better4/5 stars
This was cute and endearing. I didn't really like some of the plot development (aka the magic portion) but it didn't take away from the story or the characters.
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Open Book4/5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this memoir. I've always had a soft spot for Jessica Simpson. Yes, I avidly watched Newlyweds way back when. With Nick Lachey's many tell-all interviews I had always been wondering about her side of the story. I follow her on Instagram and have been loving her updates from her little family. The memoir was really interesting. Jessica reads it herself and gets quite emotional at certain times. Lots of things she talks about are very relatable. I am deducting a star because 1) I listened to other celebrity memoirs that gripped me emotionally a bit more and 2) I didn't care much for her exclusive songs at the end of the audiobook. And I really don't like that she released them with the audiobook without announcing that this would happen prior to a bunch of people pre-ordering her physical book (with which you do not get access to the songs!).
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The Maltese Falcon3/5 stars
Kind of a good old fashioned detective story with a lot of twists and turns. I liked it ok.
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Open Book4/5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this memoir. I've always had a soft spot for Jessica Simpson. Yes, I avidly watched Newlyweds ..."
Thank goodness it's not a visual audiobook. If that makes sense. lol. But I watched her on The Kelly Clarkson Show and the work she's had done or the Botox she injected, she looks ridiculous. And her words don't match her mouth formations. But I do want to listen to this audiobook because really, she's been very quiet about her life post-Nick and there were things she talked about on KC that I had no idea she went through.
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Open Book4/5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this memoir. I've always had a soft spot for Jessica Simpson. Yes, I avidly watch..."
She talks a lot about her struggles with her body in the book. I don't know why but I just have a super soft spot for her.
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Twisted Threads3.5/5 stars
Very cute and cozy, just as promised. I didn't care much for the conclusion of the mystery but that wasn't the point of reading this book. I was looking for comfort and entertainment and it delivered just that. I loved the setting. Maine is my favorite US state. I loved the people. People interested in fiber arts are my people. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
#30
Threads of Evidence3.5/5 stars
I'm getting attached to the main characters. This plot was more fun than the first book's storyline.
#31
Thread and Gone4/5 stars
This has been my favorite in the series so far. I enjoyed the mystery about this precious embroidered cloth. The story gets better reading the author's afterword about her own connection with the history/background of this tapestry.
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Open Book4/5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this memoir. I've always had a soft spot for Jessica Simpson. Yes, I avidly watched Newlyweds ..."
I'm really looking forward to reading this one too. I remember watching her show on MTV with Nick...lol I thought they were such a cute, down to earth couple. I was really sad when they broke up. She ended up marrying a boy that grew up in my hometown. He is about 5 years younger than me so our paths never crossed in school. I also think he might have moved sometime during high school to another town.
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Open Book4/5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this memoir. I've always had a soft spot for Jessica Simpson. Yes, I avidly watch..."
I too watched her show and liked her and Nick. But I didn't like how he handled the divorce and even in their last season, I could tell that he felt sort of emasculated that she was more successful than him. I did not like that about him.
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Girl Gone Viral3.5/5 stars
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the Modern Love series, Girl Gone Viral, is an adorable, slow-burner romance with sweet protagonists and a whole list of interesting, funny, and relatable sidekicks. Katrina and Jas, our budding lovers, have extensive background stories that really help the reader understand their actions and believes and guides the plotline along nicely. Alisha Rai keeps you engaged by revealing tidbits of their past throughout the book, exactly what would happen in real life during dating. Going back and forth between Katrina's and Jas' inner monologue worked well in this novel and I wish there would've been even more of Jas' side. Their developing relationship was cute and felt real. This would've been a really solid 4 star read for me but I docked half a point because I got annoyed a bit at the more steamy scenes as both protagonists' innocence seemed less believable.
If you're looking for a nice little romcom set in current times faced with current challenges, pick up this book. And don't worry about having read the first book in the series. I hadn't and I enjoyed book #2 nonetheless. Though I have to admit I'm now curious to pick up the first book as I enjoyed Rhiannon and Samson's relationship in this novel.
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Instant Mom4/5 stars
Very candid. Very relatable. I really enjoyed listening to Nia chat with me about her life.
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The Two Lives of Lydia Bird 5/5 stars
I truly and earnestly loved this book. I laughed out loud a few times and I shed some years. The grief felt real and so did Lydia's growth. I didn't expect this but I loved it even more than One Day in December.
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Bringing Down the Duke4.5/5 stars
This was a fun read. I quite enjoyed the romance and struggles between Annabelle and the Duke. I love a good enemies to lovers trope.
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What the Wind Knows5/5 stars
Lyrical and poetic storytelling at its finest. I loved this book, the characters, the historic backdrop, and the magic. Ireland has my heart and this novel solidified that.
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How to Walk Away3.5/5 stars
I enjoyed the two main protagonists, but some of the tropes were super cliché and didn't feel very modern.
Juli wrote: "#34 Instant Mom4/5 stars
Very candid. Very relatable. I really enjoyed listening to Nia chat with me about her life."
Yay, glad you liked it! It really is like she's just sitting and talking with you.
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I think that is because I was inspired by your reviews :)
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Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love4/5 stars
JVN has charisma and is super relatable. This for sure shines through this memoir. Listening to him read his stories truly feels like he just invited you over for coffee and a chat.
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While You Sleep5/5 stars
This story was just as great, if not creepier and more atmospheric, the second time around. Meritt seamlessly weaves together a Gothic haunting, a devastating psychological thriller and whodunnit tale, and a deeply vulnerable character study of a woman running away from her life. The plot is neither one of those alone but a whirlwind of intertwined chaos that leaves you on the edge of your seat. I loved every minute of it and will surely reread this book again in the future.
Mod
Never Cry Wolf: The Amazing True Story of Life Among Arctic Wolves3/5 stars
I have a hard time rating this book. I enjoyed reading about the wolves and their habits. I didn't even mind the embellishments as they carried a positive message. But by today's standards, Mowat is an entitled douche. At times he was so condescending toward Inuit life and believes that I was embarrassed for him. His added foreword for the 30th-anniversary edition dismissed scientists and scientific method which irritated me but more importantly takes away from Mowat's credibility. Read this book for what it is, a memoir detailing his years spent in the Arctic circle
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Where the Sidewalk Ends4/5 stars
Some of these poems were just sheer genius, others I couldn't relate to but appreciated nonetheless. The illustrations were lovely. What a great collection!
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We're Going to Need More Wine4/5 stars
This was an interesting memoir. Very candid. Often crass. And a few times infuriating. She is difficult to like at times, but I very much enjoyed her storytelling style and her advocacy for the disadvantaged.
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Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope2/5 stars
I love Karamo and I think his message and outlook on life are commendable BUT this memoir was poorly written; in style and in content. He repeats himself often. The tone of the book is as if he wrote a bunch of text messages. It was entertaining to hear about his fatherhood, his marriage, his upbringing, and TV endeavors. Yet, this couldn't make up for the fact that I would've DNF'ed this book had I not been listening to it as an audiobook where I could tune in and out.
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The Elephant's Girl4/5 stars
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
We meet 12 year-old Lex living at the zoo with her foster father Roger who found her in the elephant enclosure as a young child after a big tornado. Lex doesn’t remember anything from before that tragic event. She is finally old enough to begin working with the elephants – an opportunity that will allow her to talk to them again about what happened many years ago. A series of adventures ensues that take the reader through Lex’s past and future.
This was a cute coming-of-age type story in a magical setting with lovable characters. It reads just enough like a fairytale, that this novel should appeal to a wide range of ages. The friendship between Lex and Fisher feels real, the struggles and worries Roger experiences are relatable, and the mystery keeps the reader engaged. All in all, this is a solid debut novel and I am looking forward to more books by Celesta Rimington.
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A Happy Catastrophe3/5 stars
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of what happens after the happily-ever-after. In Matchmaking for Beginners, Marnie inherits her matchmaking abilities from Blix and finds love herself with Patrick. So what happens next? Life that is, and the little things and stresses that go along with it. Marnie and Patrick are at a junction of their union – both seemingly wanting different things and both struggling to communicate that. Top that with a surprise visitor from Patrick’s past and a series of misunderstandings, fights, and relationship-altering decisions are unavoidable. This is one of those novels that starts off all cute and sweet and then turns real and deep.
I’m always intrigued by stories that tell us what happens after that life-changing kiss, after that you’re-the-one confession of love, after that they-finally-found-each-other crescendo. Maddie Dawson writes quirky and unique characters, which are one-half inspirational and one-half infuriating. Their interactions feel organic and their backstories are relatable. You want them to succeed. You’re rooting for them. They give you enough magic that you’re willing to overlook the little bit too perfect bow-on-top ending. Taking this to the next level and telling the story of after is difficult and I felt that Dawson just accomplished that so-so. The plot was interesting and fast enough to hold my attention. But the what seemed so complex characters in book 1 just felt a bit flat in this installment. I had a hard time getting truly involved in their lives. I found myself not really caring how this story ends for them. So, all in all, this novel was a fun way to spend my time but isn’t going to stick with me and didn’t make me think. Something was missing and all I can think of is that it was the depth of the characters.
Mod
Where the Crawdads Sing5/5 stars
I've been resisting this novel for too long. I tend to be put off when things are hyped up. But, oh boy, was I wrong. This was poetry. This was master storytelling. This was science. The synopsis doesn't do it justice.
I loved everything about Kya. Her story is one of despair and redemption, one of survival and love, one of secrecy and gifts. It's almost like she exists in real life. I would love to read about her discoveries of the NC marshlands. I want to see her illustrations of nature and wildlife. At times I related deeply to her as a scientist and at others, she reminded me of myths and old stories. I often felt she strongly resembled Circe.
It took me a moment to get used to the time jumps between Kya's early life and the events beginning with the murder discovery but in the end, it worked great for the story development and Owens expertly weaves the timelines together. But where the author really shines is by painting the setting with words. I could feel, see, smell, and hear the marshlands. I wanted to touch the bird feathers, the sea shells, and the soil. I wanted to take the boat out with Kya to explore her surroundings. And I wanted to experience all that through her eyes and mind.
The plot has plenty of emotional twists and turns too. This coming of age story of an abandoned child, fighting for her life as she knows it, learning about herself and others in isolation kept me engaged right from the beginning. I feared and loved with her. I learned with her. I hoped for her. The murder plot was intriguing and mysterious without taking center stage but enough to keep the pace of the novel going. The reveal was perfect in my opinion.
This was truly a wonderful and deeply humane read. I highly recommend it to anyone.
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The Near Witch3/5 stars
I loved the story but the pacing of the book seemed too slow. It was hard to stay engaged. I think this would make for a great graphic novel.
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My Best Friend's Exorcism4.5/5 stars
This book was campy and fun. It was ridiculous at times and pure nostalgia at others. But it was also smart. The true horror here was growing up. Puberty is a bitch and we can all relate to that.
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How Not to Die Alone3/5 stars
Entertaining enough to keep me reading but lacking the special oompf. Maybe it's because it was written from the viewpoint of a man, but I had a harder time relating to the inner monologue of the protagonist. I enjoyed the romantic development though. That felt organic and real.
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Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows3.5/5 stars
This was an endearing and fun read. The women were relatable and lovable, each with their own hopes and dreams and flaws.
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Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death4/5 stars
Very entertaining to listen to these Q&A chapters!
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Fledgling5/5 stars
Another fantastic book by Butler. This novel shines through and through with her astute sense of detecting social injustice and making the reader think. Her choice to deal with topics including racism and discrimination while expertly weaving it into a tale of vampirism and otherness forces the reader to constantly self-reflect. This novel is definitely one I will re-read in the future.
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The Tradition5/5 stars
This is a wonderful poetry collection. The poems range from gutting to hopeful.
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Du hättest gehen sollenEnglish title: You Should Have Left
3/5 stars
Creepy and odd. Very House of Leaves. I wish this would've been longer - it needed more.
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The Bog Girl5/5 stars
What a bizarre and delightful story! This could totally be developed into a novella or even further. I'd read it.
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Midnight Robber4/5 stars
The imagery was amazing and the story felt so alive. What a wild ride!
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Beach Read3.5/5 stars
This was a super-fast read that kept me engaged the entire time. I loved the premise. I loved the two protagonists. And I loved their backstories until (view spoiler) With this, the book sunk to 3.5 stars for me.
75 Books...More or Less!
Books mentioned in this topic
We Met in December (other topics)A Christmas Carol (other topics)
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (other topics)
Parable of the Talents (other topics)
Women Who Run with the Wolves (other topics)
More...
5/5 stars
This deserves 5 stars because I loved it and I hated ..."
Can't wait to hear what you think!