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chandranolynne's reviews
388 reviews
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“Reading let's us live in someone else's stories. Literature builds bridges; it makes our world larger, not smaller.”
This book has a really compelling concept and explores so many topical themes in a satirical manner that suits the narrative well. I was gripped pretty much from the beginning, and my only real complaint was that the author’s commentary can be a bit too on-the-nose. However, the ending ultimately left me feeling a bit let down. It felt like the author had such an amazing idea but didn’t know how to conclude it in any satisfying way, so it just sort of… ended. While the book is still very good overall, the lack of resolution dropped my would-be four-star review to three. I’d still definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about real-world issues through a satirical lens.
This book has a really compelling concept and explores so many topical themes in a satirical manner that suits the narrative well. I was gripped pretty much from the beginning, and my only real complaint was that the author’s commentary can be a bit too on-the-nose. However, the ending ultimately left me feeling a bit let down. It felt like the author had such an amazing idea but didn’t know how to conclude it in any satisfying way, so it just sort of… ended. While the book is still very good overall, the lack of resolution dropped my would-be four-star review to three. I’d still definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about real-world issues through a satirical lens.
Chess Story by Stefan Zweig
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
“People and events don't disappoint us, our models of reality do. It is my model of reality that determines my happiness or disappointments.”
I’m a bit torn on this one. I didn’t hate it, but I certainly didn’t love it either. The premise is intriguing, and the writing is sharp, but it didn’t fully click for me. Maybe I’m just not well-versed enough in chess to fully appreciate the metaphors, but parts of it felt pretty unrealistic. That said, it’s a quick read, and I can see why it’s so highly regarded. There’s definitely depth to unpack here, even if it didn’t totally land for me. If you’re into psychological stories or chess as a metaphor for, well, everything, I’d recommend giving this a shot. Otherwise, you can probably skip it.
I’m a bit torn on this one. I didn’t hate it, but I certainly didn’t love it either. The premise is intriguing, and the writing is sharp, but it didn’t fully click for me. Maybe I’m just not well-versed enough in chess to fully appreciate the metaphors, but parts of it felt pretty unrealistic. That said, it’s a quick read, and I can see why it’s so highly regarded. There’s definitely depth to unpack here, even if it didn’t totally land for me. If you’re into psychological stories or chess as a metaphor for, well, everything, I’d recommend giving this a shot. Otherwise, you can probably skip it.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
"She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something."
I like the theory of this book, but it fell into too many tropes that I'm just sort of over. The straight-laced guy falling for the quirky, alt girl has been done to death, and the week it took for them to go from not wanting to share a bus seat to being fused at the soul was not really long enough for me to suspend my disbelief.
It had potential in the important issues it touches on, like abuse, racism, and isolation, but when I say "touches," I mean it only scratches the surface. The characters were too one-dimensional, and the way these issues were presented felt too stereotypical.
The saving grace of this book was that I'm a millennial and a sucker for '80s pop culture references. Other than that, I probably could have done without it. However, after some research, I've found a lot of Rowell's readers who have similar feelings on this one but still very much enjoy other works by her, so I do think I'll give her another chance.
I like the theory of this book, but it fell into too many tropes that I'm just sort of over. The straight-laced guy falling for the quirky, alt girl has been done to death, and the week it took for them to go from not wanting to share a bus seat to being fused at the soul was not really long enough for me to suspend my disbelief.
It had potential in the important issues it touches on, like abuse, racism, and isolation, but when I say "touches," I mean it only scratches the surface. The characters were too one-dimensional, and the way these issues were presented felt too stereotypical.
The saving grace of this book was that I'm a millennial and a sucker for '80s pop culture references. Other than that, I probably could have done without it. However, after some research, I've found a lot of Rowell's readers who have similar feelings on this one but still very much enjoy other works by her, so I do think I'll give her another chance.
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story Of Wall-Street by Herman Melville
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
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? No
5.0
"I am a man who, from his youth upwards, has been filled with a profound conviction that the easiest way of life is the best. Hence, though I belong to a profession proverbially energetic and nervous, even to turbulence, at times, yet nothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade my peace."
It was difficult to choose a succinct quote from this book. There are so many delightful passages, but with such cumbersome and inaccessible language, many of the best quotes would end up being longer than my review itself. Which is a nice segue to my main thought: this book is phenomenal, so long as you can get past the verbose ramblings and see the melancholy humor beneath the weight of the language. I’ve never read Melville before, but I’m glad I started with this one, as at least the shortness of it aids its palatability.
It was difficult to choose a succinct quote from this book. There are so many delightful passages, but with such cumbersome and inaccessible language, many of the best quotes would end up being longer than my review itself. Which is a nice segue to my main thought: this book is phenomenal, so long as you can get past the verbose ramblings and see the melancholy humor beneath the weight of the language. I’ve never read Melville before, but I’m glad I started with this one, as at least the shortness of it aids its palatability.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.”
Don't come at me for not having read this children's classic sooner. Honestly, it hits so much harder as an adult, I'm not even mad. If you read this as a child and haven't revisited it, do yourself a favor and read it again with grown-up eyes. I absolutely loved this journey of self-discovery, and the characters we met along the way were simultaneously whimsical and deeply profound, which really makes this a true story for the ages. The story is compounded with beautiful philosophies, bittersweet truths, and quiet reflections on what it means to truly see and be seen that resonate long after you turn the final page. Ultimately, this is so much more than a children's book. It's a sweet and beautiful story about how our relationships transform us and the lengths we'll go to to protect the ones we love.
Don't come at me for not having read this children's classic sooner. Honestly, it hits so much harder as an adult, I'm not even mad. If you read this as a child and haven't revisited it, do yourself a favor and read it again with grown-up eyes. I absolutely loved this journey of self-discovery, and the characters we met along the way were simultaneously whimsical and deeply profound, which really makes this a true story for the ages. The story is compounded with beautiful philosophies, bittersweet truths, and quiet reflections on what it means to truly see and be seen that resonate long after you turn the final page. Ultimately, this is so much more than a children's book. It's a sweet and beautiful story about how our relationships transform us and the lengths we'll go to to protect the ones we love.
Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“It's not a house to us. It's a home. And it's not a home, it's s way of life. Our summertime happens here. This house is part of our past, it's our present, it'll be our future. It's who we are.”
This is going to sound negative, so let me be clear and say this upfront - I enjoyed this book.
I discovered Elin Hilderbrand only a couple of years ago, so most of what I've read by her has been published fairly recently. This is an older one, so I'm going to chalk it up to just that. She's clearly grown as an author since. I will say that it has dissuaded me from reading more of her earlier titles, but it certainly hasn't put me off of reading anything new she comes out with.
The characters and tropes in this one were a little too stereotypical for me, and while the effort to dig deeper into these ultra-flawed characters in order to make you root for them was clearly there, it didn't quite succeed. However, it's still the light, pleasant, beach read you want from Elin, so while it didn't knock my socks off like some her newer works, it didn't exactly disappoint either. This book stayed in its lane and knew its role; I just know Elin can do better, and thankfully, she has.
This is going to sound negative, so let me be clear and say this upfront - I enjoyed this book.
I discovered Elin Hilderbrand only a couple of years ago, so most of what I've read by her has been published fairly recently. This is an older one, so I'm going to chalk it up to just that. She's clearly grown as an author since. I will say that it has dissuaded me from reading more of her earlier titles, but it certainly hasn't put me off of reading anything new she comes out with.
The characters and tropes in this one were a little too stereotypical for me, and while the effort to dig deeper into these ultra-flawed characters in order to make you root for them was clearly there, it didn't quite succeed. However, it's still the light, pleasant, beach read you want from Elin, so while it didn't knock my socks off like some her newer works, it didn't exactly disappoint either. This book stayed in its lane and knew its role; I just know Elin can do better, and thankfully, she has.
Grave Talk by Nick Spalding
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
4.0
"Grief blows your life out of the water. It renders your normal day-to-day existence obsolete. Everything become about the loss you feel, and anything you can do to give yourself some structure against the maelstrom is welcomed.
As Amazon First Reads go, this was quite delightful. The two main characters are completely neurotic and play off one another in the most adorably awkward ways possible, and I found it refreshing to read a book about two people finding solidarity and confidence in each other without a romantic aspect. The writing is clever with fun and witty dialogue, while still keeping an overtone of sincerity and not making light of death and the grieving process. Overall, this was a really enjoyable book from an author I've never read before, and I definitely look forward to reading more of him.
As Amazon First Reads go, this was quite delightful. The two main characters are completely neurotic and play off one another in the most adorably awkward ways possible, and I found it refreshing to read a book about two people finding solidarity and confidence in each other without a romantic aspect. The writing is clever with fun and witty dialogue, while still keeping an overtone of sincerity and not making light of death and the grieving process. Overall, this was a really enjoyable book from an author I've never read before, and I definitely look forward to reading more of him.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
“Our lives here are inexpressibly trivial and momentous at once, it seems he’s about to wake up and say. Both repetitive and unprecedented. We matter greatly and not at all. To reach some pinnacle of human achievement only to discover that your achievements are next to nothing and that to understand this is the greatest achievement of any life, which itself is nothing, and also much more than everything. Some metal separates us from the void; death is so close. Life is everywhere, everywhere.”
I liked this, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it instead of listened to it as an audiobook. It's less story and more poetry, and the narration took something out of it for me. I found it more difficult to follow than I think I would have on paper. I will give Harvey points for her beautifully lyrical writing, which was absolutely stunning. I just wanted it to be a bit more plot-forward and found myself thinking, "What was the point of that?" at the end. Again, I liked it, but I really didn't understand it. I also don't understand why it won the Booker Prize, but I didn't read any of the other nominations so I can't compare.
I liked this, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it instead of listened to it as an audiobook. It's less story and more poetry, and the narration took something out of it for me. I found it more difficult to follow than I think I would have on paper. I will give Harvey points for her beautifully lyrical writing, which was absolutely stunning. I just wanted it to be a bit more plot-forward and found myself thinking, "What was the point of that?" at the end. Again, I liked it, but I really didn't understand it. I also don't understand why it won the Booker Prize, but I didn't read any of the other nominations so I can't compare.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
dark
emotional
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
3.0
“A day might be just twenty-four hours but sometimes getting through just one seems as impossible as scaling Everest.”
I went into this one not firmly believing that a sequel was necessary. The first book was beautiful, and while the ending may not have been wrapped up neatly with a bow, the open-endedness suited it. Ultimately, I enjoyed this, but if I'm comparing it to the first one—and of course I am—it just didn’t resonate nearly as much. I didn’t find Adam as compelling a protagonist as Mia. It took me probably half the book to get on his side and stop griping about his brooding. However, once I was able to really root for him, the book took on very much the same vibe as the first one. I absolutely loved the last 100 pages or so, and the ending had me close to tears. All said, I'm happy that I didn’t give up on Adam in the earlier chapters, and I'm pleased that the author decided to give us an ending to Adam and Mia's story.
I went into this one not firmly believing that a sequel was necessary. The first book was beautiful, and while the ending may not have been wrapped up neatly with a bow, the open-endedness suited it. Ultimately, I enjoyed this, but if I'm comparing it to the first one—and of course I am—it just didn’t resonate nearly as much. I didn’t find Adam as compelling a protagonist as Mia. It took me probably half the book to get on his side and stop griping about his brooding. However, once I was able to really root for him, the book took on very much the same vibe as the first one. I absolutely loved the last 100 pages or so, and the ending had me close to tears. All said, I'm happy that I didn’t give up on Adam in the earlier chapters, and I'm pleased that the author decided to give us an ending to Adam and Mia's story.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
“But the you who you are tonight is the same you I was in love with yesterday, the same you I’ll be in love with tomorrow.”
What a beautiful little novel. I’ve had this book forever but kept putting it off because I was anticipating it being super heavy. And yeah, it was sad and kind of somber, but it was also filled with fun, laughter, hope, family, love, and finding new beginnings through endings. Just really, really good.
What a beautiful little novel. I’ve had this book forever but kept putting it off because I was anticipating it being super heavy. And yeah, it was sad and kind of somber, but it was also filled with fun, laughter, hope, family, love, and finding new beginnings through endings. Just really, really good.