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chandranolynne's reviews
381 reviews
Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"Maybe that's the cost of finding love young. Everything is new and overwhelming and chasing that sensation down is priority one. I think back to the girl I was then and I feel bad for her. I still have plenty of flaws, but I know who I am. I like who I am. I'm fulfilled by my job and my family and friends, and if love found me now, it would add to my life, not consume it."
This was cute. Nothing mind blowing but it trotted along at a swift pace, made me giggle often enough, and kept a smile on my face with it's cute rom-commy moments. I liked the main characters well enough, but especially enjoyed the supporting cast of best friends. The the side plots added enough emotional depth to make you care without feeling like the book was trying to do much. Ultimately, it was an enjoyable little rom-com book that stayed in its lane and did its job.
This was cute. Nothing mind blowing but it trotted along at a swift pace, made me giggle often enough, and kept a smile on my face with it's cute rom-commy moments. I liked the main characters well enough, but especially enjoyed the supporting cast of best friends. The the side plots added enough emotional depth to make you care without feeling like the book was trying to do much. Ultimately, it was an enjoyable little rom-com book that stayed in its lane and did its job.
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"'I think sometimes it is difficult to look after ourselves,' he said, thoughtfully. 'We look to friends to do it for us.'"
What a phenomenal novel! I was initially drawn to it by the cover, and it turned out to be nothing like what I had expected. This book has dual timelines, shifting between the present day and the 1800s, as a family of carnival performers uncovers their past and attempts to break a curse they are unaware of. It cleverly intertwines these incredibly interesting characters, and every single word drips like honey onto your soul as you immerse yourself in their lives, traumas, and follies.
I love how the author examines the idea of seemingly random connections between people, suggesting they may not be as chance as they appear. The dichotomy of loving each other while also being harmful to one another, the way our histories and family backgrounds shape our personalities, and the impact these factors have on our behaviors are all themes that are skillfully interwoven throughout the narrative, creating a story that is not only captivating but also offers a profound insight into the complexities of the human psyche.
What a phenomenal novel! I was initially drawn to it by the cover, and it turned out to be nothing like what I had expected. This book has dual timelines, shifting between the present day and the 1800s, as a family of carnival performers uncovers their past and attempts to break a curse they are unaware of. It cleverly intertwines these incredibly interesting characters, and every single word drips like honey onto your soul as you immerse yourself in their lives, traumas, and follies.
I love how the author examines the idea of seemingly random connections between people, suggesting they may not be as chance as they appear. The dichotomy of loving each other while also being harmful to one another, the way our histories and family backgrounds shape our personalities, and the impact these factors have on our behaviors are all themes that are skillfully interwoven throughout the narrative, creating a story that is not only captivating but also offers a profound insight into the complexities of the human psyche.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"...I became anxious, filled with that strange turbulence that rises when you begin to wash up on the island of your own little self and you don't see how you could ever sustain yourself there."
**Spoiler alert and TL:DR** Beautiful writing; dumb protagonist is the root of her own problems.
This book created a hugely divisive conversation within me that I haven't yet fully reconciled. I loved the writing, the imagery, and the author's exploration and mixing and mingling of themes like religion, spirituality, mermaid and siren lore, and the weight of slave history. It's a tapestry of ideas that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
On the other hand, that overarching story of our main character trying to "find herself" amid an unproblematic albeit boring marriage undermines the commitment and effort that a lifetime partnership demands. Marriage isn't easy; most of us know that, but we CHOOSE to stay and work together, rather than waking up one day and thinking, "Wow, this lovely man who has built this life with me and maintained comfortability for 20 years suddenly doesn't get me at all and completely weighs me down." Like, how about a conversation? "Hey, honey, I'm feeling bored in life; how would you feel about exploring something new with me?
Instead, we get a "midlife-crisis-to-impulsive-romantic-infatuation-to-regret-and-apology-to-reconciliation-but-it’ll-never-be-the-same" trope. Ultimately, you end up sympathizing with the husband, who isn't even a main character, and eye rolling at the main character who becomes the antagonist of her own story.
**Spoiler alert and TL:DR** Beautiful writing; dumb protagonist is the root of her own problems.
This book created a hugely divisive conversation within me that I haven't yet fully reconciled. I loved the writing, the imagery, and the author's exploration and mixing and mingling of themes like religion, spirituality, mermaid and siren lore, and the weight of slave history. It's a tapestry of ideas that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
On the other hand, that overarching story of our main character trying to "find herself" amid an unproblematic albeit boring marriage undermines the commitment and effort that a lifetime partnership demands. Marriage isn't easy; most of us know that, but we CHOOSE to stay and work together, rather than waking up one day and thinking, "Wow, this lovely man who has built this life with me and maintained comfortability for 20 years suddenly doesn't get me at all and completely weighs me down." Like, how about a conversation? "Hey, honey, I'm feeling bored in life; how would you feel about exploring something new with me?
Instead, we get a "midlife-crisis-to-impulsive-romantic-infatuation-to-regret-and-apology-to-reconciliation-but-it’ll-never-be-the-same" trope. Ultimately, you end up sympathizing with the husband, who isn't even a main character, and eye rolling at the main character who becomes the antagonist of her own story.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"Maybe she liked love songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex."
This was a really sweet read. I loved how the author intertwined music and human relationships. It added a unique layer of enjoyment to the story. The main characters were a bit too self-sabotaging at times, and the plot leaned heavily on misunderstandings and half-truths, which got frustrating. But despite that, the romance hooked me, and the music kept me engaged throughout.
I have to admit, I preferred when the musical elements served as clever innuendo rather than diving into the actual spicy scenes. If gratuitous spice isn’t your thing, this book might not be for you. Several steamy moments felt more like filler than meaningful contributions to plot or character development. That said, a little spice can be fun, and I didn’t mind it overall!
This was a really sweet read. I loved how the author intertwined music and human relationships. It added a unique layer of enjoyment to the story. The main characters were a bit too self-sabotaging at times, and the plot leaned heavily on misunderstandings and half-truths, which got frustrating. But despite that, the romance hooked me, and the music kept me engaged throughout.
I have to admit, I preferred when the musical elements served as clever innuendo rather than diving into the actual spicy scenes. If gratuitous spice isn’t your thing, this book might not be for you. Several steamy moments felt more like filler than meaningful contributions to plot or character development. That said, a little spice can be fun, and I didn’t mind it overall!
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"'There's no treasure.'
'I didn't think there was. I mostly came for answers. Or maybe just the story.'"
"'You were in pain as well...and bones heal faster than spirits, I think.'"
What a delightful little novella! Thornhedge reimagines the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, asking: What if the villain wasn’t the fairy who cast the spell, but the human she was trying to silence? This enchanting retelling celebrates the beauty in monsters and shines a light on the found families formed by the rejected and unloved. It's dark and haunting, yet also infused with a tender sweetness that tugs at your heartstrings in the best possible ways. I loved every second of it!
'I didn't think there was. I mostly came for answers. Or maybe just the story.'"
"'You were in pain as well...and bones heal faster than spirits, I think.'"
What a delightful little novella! Thornhedge reimagines the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, asking: What if the villain wasn’t the fairy who cast the spell, but the human she was trying to silence? This enchanting retelling celebrates the beauty in monsters and shines a light on the found families formed by the rejected and unloved. It's dark and haunting, yet also infused with a tender sweetness that tugs at your heartstrings in the best possible ways. I loved every second of it!
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
“He was sounding the deeps of his nature, and of the parts of his nature that were deeper than he, going back into the womb of Time.”
So, I knew this book was about dogs, but I didn't realize how much this book was ABOUT DOGS. I loved the anthropomorphization and main character's POV and found myself completely in love with Buck from beginning to end. His development was as fascinating as following any well-drawn human protagonist.
I know this is a classic and widely adored for very clear and obvious reasons, and I realize I'm probably not adding much to the conversation. But the writing is so engaging and the themes are timeless, making this truly a book you can read and enjoy at any age. Also, for some reason, I thought I had read this as a kid, but I definitely hadn’t, so I’m glad I decided to pick it up!
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
“Being in love wasn’t just about how you felt about the other person. It was how you felt about yourself when you were with that person. It was knowing, without a doubt, that you were living each day as the best version of yourself.”
If I take this book at face value for its cute romance and cozy holiday feeling, I really enjoy it. If I think too deeply about the social commentary it attempted to make, I like it less. So I'll leave it at a three-star, feel-good romance that was perfectly timed for the season.
If I take this book at face value for its cute romance and cozy holiday feeling, I really enjoy it. If I think too deeply about the social commentary it attempted to make, I like it less. So I'll leave it at a three-star, feel-good romance that was perfectly timed for the season.
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“None of us know how to handle something we've never been through before. All we can do is learn from it. Use it to better ourselves.”
I almost gave this one five stars; it was so close! Going in, I expected a lighthearted rom-com, and while it delivered those elements on the surface, I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth it offered. Beneath its cute, sweet premise, the story delves into profound themes of trauma, grief, self-blame, and the regret of missed opportunities, adding layers of complexity that made it so much more impactful than I initially anticipated.
Unfortunately, while the male protagonist was instantly lovable, the female lead tested my patience with her self-sabotaging tendencies and habit of assuming the worst about everyone. While she does grow over the course of the story, I wish she’d started with a few more redeeming qualities to balance things out.
Despite my frustrations with her, the book’s deeper messages and emotional-growth arc made it a satisfying read.
I almost gave this one five stars; it was so close! Going in, I expected a lighthearted rom-com, and while it delivered those elements on the surface, I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth it offered. Beneath its cute, sweet premise, the story delves into profound themes of trauma, grief, self-blame, and the regret of missed opportunities, adding layers of complexity that made it so much more impactful than I initially anticipated.
Unfortunately, while the male protagonist was instantly lovable, the female lead tested my patience with her self-sabotaging tendencies and habit of assuming the worst about everyone. While she does grow over the course of the story, I wish she’d started with a few more redeeming qualities to balance things out.
Despite my frustrations with her, the book’s deeper messages and emotional-growth arc made it a satisfying read.
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
“Life was a battle, and Mother a tired and bitter captain.”
This one has been sitting on my shelf for ages without any legitimate reason for not having picked it up until now. I finally decided to read it as part of a last-ditch effort to finish a reading challenge before the New Year - and because it's short.
It was fine. Pretty much exactly what I expected. After reading Chains, I already had a good sense of Laurie Halse Anderson's style, so this didn't surprise me. It's a solid little novel, definitely better suited for middle-grade readers than for my grown self.
I enjoy middle-grade books, but I don't think I'll be diving into any more of hers. They're great for what they are, and I don't mean this to sound negative or like I didn’t enjoy it. It’s just that her stories give me the same experience each time, and I’d rather explore something new than stick with what feels predictable.
It's perfect for its intended audience, but I’ll probably move on to other authors from here.
This one has been sitting on my shelf for ages without any legitimate reason for not having picked it up until now. I finally decided to read it as part of a last-ditch effort to finish a reading challenge before the New Year - and because it's short.
It was fine. Pretty much exactly what I expected. After reading Chains, I already had a good sense of Laurie Halse Anderson's style, so this didn't surprise me. It's a solid little novel, definitely better suited for middle-grade readers than for my grown self.
I enjoy middle-grade books, but I don't think I'll be diving into any more of hers. They're great for what they are, and I don't mean this to sound negative or like I didn’t enjoy it. It’s just that her stories give me the same experience each time, and I’d rather explore something new than stick with what feels predictable.
It's perfect for its intended audience, but I’ll probably move on to other authors from here.
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“A Messiah who actually arrives is no good to anybody. A hope fulfilled is already half a disappointment.”
This one was a mixed bag for me. The murder mystery kept me engaged, but everything else felt like too much. There were so many characters and plot threads to juggle that it became hard to follow. The historical elements didn’t click with me - maybe because it’s a history I’m unfamiliar with - and the heavy use of Yiddish added another layer of complexity. There’s a glossary, which helped, but flipping back and forth got tiresome. By the end, the book felt more like work than an enjoyable read. If you love dense, intricate stories, you might have a better time with this than I did.
This one was a mixed bag for me. The murder mystery kept me engaged, but everything else felt like too much. There were so many characters and plot threads to juggle that it became hard to follow. The historical elements didn’t click with me - maybe because it’s a history I’m unfamiliar with - and the heavy use of Yiddish added another layer of complexity. There’s a glossary, which helped, but flipping back and forth got tiresome. By the end, the book felt more like work than an enjoyable read. If you love dense, intricate stories, you might have a better time with this than I did.