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harry_lemon's reviews
159 reviews
The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
DNF @ pg. 20.
I don't know, maybe I was just not enjoying the concept. I didn't really feel terribly invested in Greta's character. Maybe I'll try coming back to it another time, but not anytime soon.
I don't know, maybe I was just not enjoying the concept. I didn't really feel terribly invested in Greta's character. Maybe I'll try coming back to it another time, but not anytime soon.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐
Very good...and yet....
Firstly, I have to give Kristin Hannah kudos for putting together quite the monumental tale. I agree that writing this story is not an easy task; I can tell this was absolutely a labor of love and it really shows. All of the characters are unique and interesting, Hannah's writing style is gutting in its ability to capture the human ethos of Vietnam War era society. This work is a champion for women everywhere and is a reminder to remember all of those who sacrifice for our country, both on and off the battlefield.
I will admit, I have some qualms about the pacing of the story. Did I feel like Frankie needed to go through everything that she went through? I don't think so. Do I see that it is a method of capturing a multitude of experiences many women faced at that time? Yes, I see that. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I will admit that I was a bit tired toward the end of the book. I do see this book's purpose, there are a great many lessons to be learned from this work; I would have just liked the overarching plot to have been a little different. Fantastic work, Kristin Hannah!
Very good...and yet....
Firstly, I have to give Kristin Hannah kudos for putting together quite the monumental tale. I agree that writing this story is not an easy task; I can tell this was absolutely a labor of love and it really shows. All of the characters are unique and interesting, Hannah's writing style is gutting in its ability to capture the human ethos of Vietnam War era society. This work is a champion for women everywhere and is a reminder to remember all of those who sacrifice for our country, both on and off the battlefield.
I will admit, I have some qualms about the pacing of the story. Did I feel like Frankie needed to go through everything that she went through? I don't think so. Do I see that it is a method of capturing a multitude of experiences many women faced at that time? Yes, I see that. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I will admit that I was a bit tired toward the end of the book. I do see this book's purpose, there are a great many lessons to be learned from this work; I would have just liked the overarching plot to have been a little different. Fantastic work, Kristin Hannah!
Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
DNF @pg. 30
I like the concept and I think there were some parts that were good, but I just can't get behind the writing style. I understand it's keeping in line with the time period the author is drawing from, I just find it so dry and boring. Most definitely not for me.
I like the concept and I think there were some parts that were good, but I just can't get behind the writing style. I understand it's keeping in line with the time period the author is drawing from, I just find it so dry and boring. Most definitely not for me.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐
A wonderful follow-up to such an original!
I'm both glad and upset I dived into the second book right after "Ninth House." I'm glad because I got to see what happened next, while having the characters and story fresh in my mind... But I'm upset because now I have to wait for the third book!
I love how the story developed from the first book. Could I nitpick certain things? Sure, but who am I to question a queen of fantasy? I'm glad I read these books because I think I'm now a born-again Bardugo fan. You WILL be seeing me devour every written word this woman has put out.
I like this book, but "Ninth House" was such a strong start, it can be hard to upset that. Overall, still an amazing, gripping, story of magic and woes. Love it!
A wonderful follow-up to such an original!
I'm both glad and upset I dived into the second book right after "Ninth House." I'm glad because I got to see what happened next, while having the characters and story fresh in my mind... But I'm upset because now I have to wait for the third book!
I love how the story developed from the first book. Could I nitpick certain things? Sure, but who am I to question a queen of fantasy? I'm glad I read these books because I think I'm now a born-again Bardugo fan. You WILL be seeing me devour every written word this woman has put out.
I like this book, but "Ninth House" was such a strong start, it can be hard to upset that. Overall, still an amazing, gripping, story of magic and woes. Love it!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5⭐
I can't believe I ever doubted you, Ms. Bardugo...
I didn't know how I was going to feel about this, going in, but wow was I proven wrong! Such an amazing, interesting story with lots of twists and turns and action...now why hasn't this been turned into a TV show/movie?
The characters were multi-layered, lots of intrigue with the story, plenty of great dialogue and development. Overall, just a fantastic display of storytelling and the power of magic. (Thank goodness I've got the sequel on hand!)
I can't believe I ever doubted you, Ms. Bardugo...
I didn't know how I was going to feel about this, going in, but wow was I proven wrong! Such an amazing, interesting story with lots of twists and turns and action...now why hasn't this been turned into a TV show/movie?
The characters were multi-layered, lots of intrigue with the story, plenty of great dialogue and development. Overall, just a fantastic display of storytelling and the power of magic. (Thank goodness I've got the sequel on hand!)
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
3.75⭐
Fair warning: this book is NOT for the faint of heart...
I had my ups and downs with this books, but my overall opinion on this is that this book was absolutely impactful and brilliant. There were some slow parts of the books that I felt I was trudging through, but some scenes had me enthralled. If you're a historical fiction buff, this should definitely be on your TBR; Carr's ability to paint late-19th century New York is masterful and thoroughly depicted.
A word of caution: this book deals with a lot of sexual assault and some very gruesome imagery. I think any reader might find some parts of this book difficult to read. So, be warned: this book is not for the faint of heart.
That said, I admire Carr's writing ability and the arc of the story. The characters were multilayered and fascinating to behold and the story was so wonderfully put, I felt as though I was part of the investigation squad and learning at the same time the characters were. Overall, a great, gripping read for any mystery/historical fiction lovers!
Fair warning: this book is NOT for the faint of heart...
I had my ups and downs with this books, but my overall opinion on this is that this book was absolutely impactful and brilliant. There were some slow parts of the books that I felt I was trudging through, but some scenes had me enthralled. If you're a historical fiction buff, this should definitely be on your TBR; Carr's ability to paint late-19th century New York is masterful and thoroughly depicted.
A word of caution: this book deals with a lot of sexual assault and some very gruesome imagery. I think any reader might find some parts of this book difficult to read. So, be warned: this book is not for the faint of heart.
That said, I admire Carr's writing ability and the arc of the story. The characters were multilayered and fascinating to behold and the story was so wonderfully put, I felt as though I was part of the investigation squad and learning at the same time the characters were. Overall, a great, gripping read for any mystery/historical fiction lovers!
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
[Tokyo Toni voice] Well, yes!
Ohh, this book... Firstly, I love the inclusion of the "evidence" and drawings that Pip accumulates throughout her investigation. Secondly, I love Pip's character; not only is she passionate and driven, but she voices insecurities and has fallacies. It's so refreshing having a main character's experience that has good qualities and some questionable ones too. Brava, Holly Jackson.
Extremely well-written, kept me guessing the entire way through. I found myself immersed in the story and completely gripped with who did what and how the story would play out. Twisty, dark, suspenseful, with dashes of togetherness, kindness, and hope. Love, love, love!
Ohh, this book... Firstly, I love the inclusion of the "evidence" and drawings that Pip accumulates throughout her investigation. Secondly, I love Pip's character; not only is she passionate and driven, but she voices insecurities and has fallacies. It's so refreshing having a main character's experience that has good qualities and some questionable ones too. Brava, Holly Jackson.
Extremely well-written, kept me guessing the entire way through. I found myself immersed in the story and completely gripped with who did what and how the story would play out. Twisty, dark, suspenseful, with dashes of togetherness, kindness, and hope. Love, love, love!
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
2.25⭐
I don't know where to freaking start... [derogatory]
I don't know if this was just not right for me, but I did not vibe with this book at all. I'll say this: there are some cute moments and some genuine chemistry between Simon and "Blue," but I honestly am struggling to find any good parts of this book. I guess it is a great testament to how far we have come since this book was published...
Now, my list of cons against this book, on the other hand... The writing made me cringe every other page, the over-referencing to Oreos and the use of the words "freaking," "hardcore," and "awesome" are just insane, and some of the interactions between characters felt clunky and weird. Simon is just a deplorable character; I didn't feel any connection to him emotionally, and I'll say it, he did not deserve to have a happy ending.
I think my biggest qualm with this book is how dated it is. Yes, I think referencing pop culture moments is great, but sometimes the niche callbacks and slang that is used just traps this book as a product of its time.
Overall, I don't think I can recommend this book; sorry.
I don't know where to freaking start... [derogatory]
I don't know if this was just not right for me, but I did not vibe with this book at all. I'll say this: there are some cute moments and some genuine chemistry between Simon and "Blue," but I honestly am struggling to find any good parts of this book. I guess it is a great testament to how far we have come since this book was published...
Now, my list of cons against this book, on the other hand... The writing made me cringe every other page, the over-referencing to Oreos and the use of the words "freaking," "hardcore," and "awesome" are just insane, and some of the interactions between characters felt clunky and weird. Simon is just a deplorable character; I didn't feel any connection to him emotionally, and I'll say it, he did not deserve to have a happy ending.
I think my biggest qualm with this book is how dated it is. Yes, I think referencing pop culture moments is great, but sometimes the niche callbacks and slang that is used just traps this book as a product of its time.
Overall, I don't think I can recommend this book; sorry.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4⭐
I am forever and always an Addy stan.
This was quite good. I'll be honest, I was going into it thinking that this wasn't going to be for me, but I genuinely had a good time with this. Also, there are a lot of themes that I think readers of any age can get from this.
I'm not gonna lie, the ending was a bit meh for me, just because all of it's coming out in one big "bang" and I would have preferred a "big reveal" type ending; but, that's just personal taste. I'll also say that the way McManus had me guessing throughout the whole book was quite well done; I didn't know who to believe and wasn't sure who did what. It built up suspense and made all of the characters seems suspect, which is what you want in a mystery!
Overall, a pretty dang good book! I might read the rest of the series at a later date, but the jury is out on that. Also, if you're not an Addy fan, don't talk to me...
I am forever and always an Addy stan.
This was quite good. I'll be honest, I was going into it thinking that this wasn't going to be for me, but I genuinely had a good time with this. Also, there are a lot of themes that I think readers of any age can get from this.
I'm not gonna lie, the ending was a bit meh for me, just because all of it's coming out in one big "bang" and I would have preferred a "big reveal" type ending; but, that's just personal taste. I'll also say that the way McManus had me guessing throughout the whole book was quite well done; I didn't know who to believe and wasn't sure who did what. It built up suspense and made all of the characters seems suspect, which is what you want in a mystery!
Overall, a pretty dang good book! I might read the rest of the series at a later date, but the jury is out on that. Also, if you're not an Addy fan, don't talk to me...
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
5⭐
Wow...Just wow!
I'm so late to reading this book, but I'm kicking myself for having waited this long. This work made me go through so many emotions, especially towards the end. I can't believe they ban a book this beautiful, it makes me sick to know that some want to keep this out of people's hands.
I could go on for hours about this book and still not say enough. Firstly, the POV as Death is an absolutely inspired idea for this book. Secondly, the story feels completely original and tells a story that I don't think gets told enough; I fell in love with these characters and I was gob smacked at how Zusak wrote this.
Incredible, both heartwarming and soul-crushing, showing both the beauty and horror that is possible in our world.
Wow...Just wow!
I'm so late to reading this book, but I'm kicking myself for having waited this long. This work made me go through so many emotions, especially towards the end. I can't believe they ban a book this beautiful, it makes me sick to know that some want to keep this out of people's hands.
I could go on for hours about this book and still not say enough. Firstly, the POV as Death is an absolutely inspired idea for this book. Secondly, the story feels completely original and tells a story that I don't think gets told enough; I fell in love with these characters and I was gob smacked at how Zusak wrote this.
Incredible, both heartwarming and soul-crushing, showing both the beauty and horror that is possible in our world.