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bookmarksandbrews's reviews
932 reviews
The Green Mile, Part 1: The Two Dead Girls by Stephen King
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I remember reading these when they came out of n their serial form. I don’t think I’ve ever read the book straight through since then. We all know how amazing the movie is, but I had forgotten some of the key differences. We all know that Stephen King is a master of characterization, and the voice of Paul Edgecombe is so spot on.
Book one is such a great set up for what’s to come. If all you’ve done is see the movie you must read the books. They are fantastic.
9.5 sulfur pills out of 10
Book one is such a great set up for what’s to come. If all you’ve done is see the movie you must read the books. They are fantastic.
9.5 sulfur pills out of 10
Come Closer by Sara Gran
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a truly creepy read. A front row seat to slow yet unstoppable demon possession. The book does a fantastic…almost too good…job of what one imagines possession…if that is what it truly was…must feel like.
A great, dark read to begin 2025.
9 undiscoverable sources of tap-tap-tapping out of 10.
A great, dark read to begin 2025.
9 undiscoverable sources of tap-tap-tapping out of 10.
Stephen King's the Dark Tower: The Gunslinger: The Complete Graphic Novel Series by Robin Furth, Peter David, Stephen King
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An excellent graphic novel adaptation of the beginning of the saga of Roland and his quest for the Dark Tower.
The art is dark and deep, a real part of the story. The added sections not in the novels add to the story and don’t distract.
As a truly committed fan of the original eight novels, I was a bit reluctant to give the graphic novels a shot, but I was glad to see Roland and his story through their eyes.
10 worlds other than these out of 10
The art is dark and deep, a real part of the story. The added sections not in the novels add to the story and don’t distract.
As a truly committed fan of the original eight novels, I was a bit reluctant to give the graphic novels a shot, but I was glad to see Roland and his story through their eyes.
10 worlds other than these out of 10
Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book two was just as enjoyable, perhaps even more so, as book one. The dialogue is snappy AF, the laughs come at a rate of several a page, and the plot is easy to follow and just damned FUN.
The snark of the Dungeon AI, Carl and Donut’s whip crack back and forth, and the dysfunction of the system and Carl’s constant push back against it make these books some of the most fun to read that I have ever come across.
My wife asks me to be read in the other room sometimes because of my snorts or outright guffaws (love that word) as I make my way through the Dungeon with Carl, Princess Donut, and Mongo.
Jumping straight into book three…
10 knife wielding lemurs out of 10
The snark of the Dungeon AI, Carl and Donut’s whip crack back and forth, and the dysfunction of the system and Carl’s constant push back against it make these books some of the most fun to read that I have ever come across.
My wife asks me to be read in the other room sometimes because of my snorts or outright guffaws (love that word) as I make my way through the Dungeon with Carl, Princess Donut, and Mongo.
Jumping straight into book three…
10 knife wielding lemurs out of 10
What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
5.0
I spread this one out all year, taking only small bites at a time, spreading it out, not wanting it to end, as I didn’t want the show to end. Finally, I turned the last page today.
There is so much I could write about the show. It has had an incredibly deep impact on me. As a public educator of 27 years (and counting) there is so much I pull from the writing and the storytelling when I am feeling down, overwhelmed, and frustrated to the hills at the political and administrative maneuvering that I deal with on a daily basis.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. You know why? It’s the ONLY thing that ever has.”
What I love most about this book, aside from its deep commitment to service, is that the authors allowed me the chance to feel like what it must have been like to be a fly on the wall for the planning, writing, and execution of this, my most favorite show of all time. I am so grateful for that chance.
10 framed cocktail napkins out of 10
There is so much I could write about the show. It has had an incredibly deep impact on me. As a public educator of 27 years (and counting) there is so much I pull from the writing and the storytelling when I am feeling down, overwhelmed, and frustrated to the hills at the political and administrative maneuvering that I deal with on a daily basis.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. You know why? It’s the ONLY thing that ever has.”
What I love most about this book, aside from its deep commitment to service, is that the authors allowed me the chance to feel like what it must have been like to be a fly on the wall for the planning, writing, and execution of this, my most favorite show of all time. I am so grateful for that chance.
10 framed cocktail napkins out of 10
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Can’t wait to finish typing this so I can jump right in to book two!!
Highly, highly recommend!
9.5 pet biscuits out of 10!
Highly, highly recommend!
9.5 pet biscuits out of 10!
The Sandman Omnibus Vol. 2 by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A fitting conclusion to the original arc. Nice to see old friends return.
10 sliced strings out of 10
10 sliced strings out of 10
Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.75
A graphic memoir of amazing strength and emotion. Three generations, three women and their tangled story of Chinese history, trauma, mental illness, acceptance, and understanding. Highly recommend. The reader will lose their self in the beautifully drawn pages of this fantastically written memoir.
9.5 cowboys hats out of 10.
9.5 cowboys hats out of 10.
Southern Man by Greg Iles
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I began this novel thinking there would be no way it would equal the Natchez Burning trilogy. I was wrong. It is every bit as tense, emotional, and unforgettable as the trilogy. Greg Iles does it AGAIN…highly, highly recommend.
10 mysterious bears out of 10.
10 mysterious bears out of 10.
Revival by Stephen King
4.0
A thriller from SK.
Enjoyed everything about it but the end. The end was a bit lackluster.
8 electric shocks out of 10.
Enjoyed everything about it but the end. The end was a bit lackluster.
8 electric shocks out of 10.