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phidgt's reviews
465 reviews
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that changed America by Erik Larson
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Cujo by Stephen King
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Although I can't remember the exact date of when I first read this book, it was most likely when it first became available in paperback in 1982. I had just discovered Stephen King and pretty much plowed through everything he had written at the time and continued on to become one of his many "Constant Readers".
I have been doing an experiment with my book collection by having a title randomly selected for me; it can be read or not read, doesn't matter. Cujo was the latest selection. I almost gave it a pass, but decided to go for it anyway just to see if it stands the test of time. And it does.
This is classic, why I fell in love with him, Stephen King. His ability to put words to paper that make your heart race (even when you know what is about to happen) is why he is considered one of the best authors of the genre.
I'm really glad that I revisited this book so that I can honestly recommend it to anyone who thinks it might be outdated, because it isn't. Although, I still feel so sorry for the poor dog.
I have been doing an experiment with my book collection by having a title randomly selected for me; it can be read or not read, doesn't matter. Cujo was the latest selection. I almost gave it a pass, but decided to go for it anyway just to see if it stands the test of time. And it does.
This is classic, why I fell in love with him, Stephen King. His ability to put words to paper that make your heart race (even when you know what is about to happen) is why he is considered one of the best authors of the genre.
I'm really glad that I revisited this book so that I can honestly recommend it to anyone who thinks it might be outdated, because it isn't. Although, I still feel so sorry for the poor dog.
Crisis in the Red Zone: The Story of the Deadliest Ebola Outbreak in History, and of the Outbreaks to Come by Richard Preston
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.75
The Bat by Jo Nesbø
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Weyward by Emilia Hart
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
After going down a rabbit hole of apocalyptic fiction I needed a palate cleanser. Admittedly, I had no idea what this book was about and I chose it solely for its cover. It's not brainfood by any means, but that's perfectly fine.
It's the story of three related women from different centuries; Kate is the modern era, Violet is from the 20th century and Altha is from the 1600's. All three are deeply connected to the natural world and, although witches and witchcraft aren't specifically named, they are an underlining theme. Not really my cup of tea, but the storytelling was good enough to keep me interested.
Each chapter is told by a different character through her own voice. Emilia Hart does a fair job with this writing style, but the individual voices of the three women was sometimes not apparent. I also had problems with the backstory for Kate. It wasn't necessary to go into so much detail regarding the abuse she suffered at the hands of her domineering partner.
This is Hart's debut novel and overall I was entertained enough to keep an eye out for her next book.
It's the story of three related women from different centuries; Kate is the modern era, Violet is from the 20th century and Altha is from the 1600's. All three are deeply connected to the natural world and, although witches and witchcraft aren't specifically named, they are an underlining theme. Not really my cup of tea, but the storytelling was good enough to keep me interested.
Each chapter is told by a different character through her own voice. Emilia Hart does a fair job with this writing style, but the individual voices of the three women was sometimes not apparent. I also had problems with the backstory for Kate. It wasn't necessary to go into so much detail regarding the abuse she suffered at the hands of her domineering partner.
This is Hart's debut novel and overall I was entertained enough to keep an eye out for her next book.
Ramp Hollow: The Ordeal of Appalachia by Steven Stoll
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Giving up on this book. I was hoping to read about Appalachia, however, a hundred plus pages in and all I'm getting is a history lesson on capitalism.
The writing is actually good or else I would have thrown in the towel much earlier. Steven Stoll appears to know what he's talking about. The book simply isn't what I thought it was going to be.
The writing is actually good or else I would have thrown in the towel much earlier. Steven Stoll appears to know what he's talking about. The book simply isn't what I thought it was going to be.