rodiemom's reviews
343 reviews

The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

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challenging emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A fascinating look at political upheaval in Iran from the 1950s through early 80s through the lens of a woman navigating life and friendship. Amazing.  

Highly readable while having complex characters and plot. Generally excellent writing. Also, I personally really like a historical fiction book about a subject/time period I’m unfamiliar with that has me reaching for google to expand my understanding beyond the story. This hits that goal out of the park. 
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Enjoyable standalone from the master of fantasy series. Lighthearted and fun. Voyage of the Dawntreader meets the Princess Bride. 
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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emotional funny mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

This book is both hilarious and poignant. Beautifully paced. The characters are immensely lovable. I switched between audio and hardcover and I have to say the narration made it come to life. Vera’s character is particularly funny and touching. Loved this story
Jade War by Fonda Lee

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

There is too much dialogue in this series. I really like the story, but it feels like there is a lot of talking about what’s happening with short breaks for action in between. Maybe I’m just not the intended audience, but I really like the story. The tremendous amount of dialogue is easier to get through on audio because I don’t feel like I’m missing too much if I get distracted. 

All that said, this book does a great job making you forget you’re rooting for literal gangsters. It’s a fascinating story and some really well-interesting characters. 
Bossypants by Tina Fey

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funny fast-paced

4.0

Hilarious
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

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dark funny mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

I really wanted to like this book, but it was just too slow. The split timeline seemed like stepping out of the story rather than actually making the reveal more interesting. 
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

Love the time-travel and reveal aspect of this book. Kept my attention to the end!
His & Hers by Alice Feeney

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challenging dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

In true Alice Feeney form, this book keeps you guessing to the last minute. Don’t ever think you really know what’s happening.