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libbykerns's reviews
314 reviews
Courtship of the Saints: How the Saints Met Their Spouses by Patrick O'Hearn
3.0
many complicated feelings about this book. for one, i can’t quite tell who the audience of this book is supposed to be—a question which could help clarify my reactions to certain framings of various relationships.
there were elements that were incredibly frustrating, if not deeply insensitive (can we not smooth over abusive relationships, please?) and/or painfully saccharine, but there were also sections which were legitimately excellent—ch 7 sticks out here.
overall, a mixed bag but not NOT worth a read if you’re interested in other approaches to dating/religious courtship/hagiography generally
there were elements that were incredibly frustrating, if not deeply insensitive (can we not smooth over abusive relationships, please?) and/or painfully saccharine, but there were also sections which were legitimately excellent—ch 7 sticks out here.
overall, a mixed bag but not NOT worth a read if you’re interested in other approaches to dating/religious courtship/hagiography generally
One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
there are plenty of reviews complaining that the title and blurb are misleading—and i agree. this isn’t a straightforward romance so much as a winding story about adult relationships to family, friends, and yes, ultimately, your significant other. and i thought it worked!
hankin didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but this book has believable characters who grow (together) over the course of the novel. it was light, the prose was pretty solid, and i enjoyed the read.
hankin didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but this book has believable characters who grow (together) over the course of the novel. it was light, the prose was pretty solid, and i enjoyed the read.
Acts of Faith and Imagination: Theological Patterns in Catholic Fiction by SJ, Mark Bosco, Brent Little
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
“to tell a story, then, is an exercise in faith—that life does indeed have meaning, and a transcendent, grace-filled one at that”
i take some issue with the ontological structure of little’s definition of faith, but this book was nonetheless really compelling in a number of ways—including the subsequent theorization. i’ll be writing a full academic review of this book posthaste, but this is absolutely an edifying read for anyone interested in the relationship between literature and theology
i take some issue with the ontological structure of little’s definition of faith, but this book was nonetheless really compelling in a number of ways—including the subsequent theorization. i’ll be writing a full academic review of this book posthaste, but this is absolutely an edifying read for anyone interested in the relationship between literature and theology
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
the prose of this novel alone makes it worth reading! was also fascinated, though, by the meaning/martyrdom discourse—and how knowing people changes our understanding of them. it’s a hyperreal and kind of weird novel and i enjoyed it very much!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
fast-paced
3.25
can’t believe a major plot point was lifted from the princess bride. semi-shocking plot twist tho!
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
as an adaptation of pride and prejudice, i really enjoyed this. there are some things i found less compelling—what the dating show element of this book actually did? unclear. why make ham trans as the issue with him as lydia’s partner?? like—jasper sucked and wickham was actually a Bad Guy? which could have easily been translated? so the choice to not undermine that relationship is interesting and suggests a rather different reading of the original novel that i have anyway. this book is kind of very early 2010s in tone, but i overall had a great time! was looking for something fun and interesting and i found it
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
gorgeous, stunning prose. great use of cain and abel. so much to consider.
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
to quote MercyMe: “i’m finding myself at a loss for words / and the funny thing is, it’s ok”