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siglerbooknook's reviews
174 reviews
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can't believe I waited so long to read this book. I love the movie and was worried the book would ruin it for me, and in some ways it has. There is so much more to the book that adds emotion and morals and depth.
I adore how much more we get to know about each sister in the novel. The movie is remarchably true to the book aside from a few small details like the timing of certain events. However the spaces in between scenes of the movie are so full of life I feel like I've only ever skimmed the story before.
I especially love the extra details we get as we learn about Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Bhaer, and John the tutor. They are much more fleshed out in the book and feel like real people. Even Mr. March is more well rounded.
This will definitely be a book I reread in future.
I adore how much more we get to know about each sister in the novel. The movie is remarchably true to the book aside from a few small details like the timing of certain events. However the spaces in between scenes of the movie are so full of life I feel like I've only ever skimmed the story before.
I especially love the extra details we get as we learn about Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Bhaer, and John the tutor. They are much more fleshed out in the book and feel like real people. Even Mr. March is more well rounded.
This will definitely be a book I reread in future.
The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was left at the end of this book feeling like I needed a bath and not in an entertaining thriller way.
I appreciate the premise of this book and ever some of the morals Dekker was clearly pointing at through the story, morals like not using religion as a shield to condone mistreating others, or that all people are equally important.
That being said, the "Hero" Brad Raines creeped me out as much as the villain. The villain, Quentin we know is evil from the very first chapter we see him and he is clearly insane. Brad, on the other hand, is portrayed as a broken yet wonderful and desireable man, but his interactions with his partner, the victims, and especially the love interest Paradise come across as borderline preditorial.
I wanted to love the inclusion of the residents at the mental health clinic and I think it was neat that Dekker tried to use such an under appreciated part of society to bring home how important and special all people are. However, he wrote all 4 of them so childish and one dimensional that I don't feel like any of them were done justice. He fell into a lot if stereotypes while writing them that left the characters feeling flat.
My biggest fault with the story is near the end and directly deals with the final confrontation. Not only did it feel completely unbelievable, but it also kind of annoyed me how flippantly serious issues were addressed.
This is my second Dekker book so I know this story doesn't encompass his complete style, so even if you dislike this one you may find others of his novels more to your taste. While I doubt this will be one I recommend often, I do appreciate how much it made me think as I read it.
I appreciate the premise of this book and ever some of the morals Dekker was clearly pointing at through the story, morals like not using religion as a shield to condone mistreating others, or that all people are equally important.
That being said, the "Hero" Brad Raines creeped me out as much as the villain. The villain, Quentin we know is evil from the very first chapter we see him and he is clearly insane. Brad, on the other hand, is portrayed as a broken yet wonderful and desireable man, but his interactions with his partner, the victims, and especially the love interest Paradise come across as borderline preditorial.
I wanted to love the inclusion of the residents at the mental health clinic and I think it was neat that Dekker tried to use such an under appreciated part of society to bring home how important and special all people are. However, he wrote all 4 of them so childish and one dimensional that I don't feel like any of them were done justice. He fell into a lot if stereotypes while writing them that left the characters feeling flat.
My biggest fault with the story is near the end and directly deals with the final confrontation. Not only did it feel completely unbelievable, but it also kind of annoyed me how flippantly serious issues were addressed.
This is my second Dekker book so I know this story doesn't encompass his complete style, so even if you dislike this one you may find others of his novels more to your taste. While I doubt this will be one I recommend often, I do appreciate how much it made me think as I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The circus arrives without warning, and the mystery and magic only build from there.
Night Circus manages to capture the whimsical mystery and warmth of a comfortable dream perfectly. The flowing sentences and full descriptions drew me in without ever leaving me bored. I don't think I've ever understood so little of a story, even on a second read, and yet loved it so much.
The book is terribly confusing right up to the last 100 pages and even then, the ending leaves me not quite happy, but somehow still satisfied, which I would say sums up the whole story well. Everything about it is breathtaking, beautiful, engaging, and entertaining, but I never feel like I truly grasp what is going on.
Never the less, despite the lack of closure, I will definitely reread this book again in future and continue to recommend it to friends who enjoy comfortable mystery and reading a daydream.
Night Circus manages to capture the whimsical mystery and warmth of a comfortable dream perfectly. The flowing sentences and full descriptions drew me in without ever leaving me bored. I don't think I've ever understood so little of a story, even on a second read, and yet loved it so much.
The book is terribly confusing right up to the last 100 pages and even then, the ending leaves me not quite happy, but somehow still satisfied, which I would say sums up the whole story well. Everything about it is breathtaking, beautiful, engaging, and entertaining, but I never feel like I truly grasp what is going on.
Never the less, despite the lack of closure, I will definitely reread this book again in future and continue to recommend it to friends who enjoy comfortable mystery and reading a daydream.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I grew up loving the Pride and Prejudice movies and at the encouragement of a friend decided to read the book.
This was such a fun read. I was amazed that some passages were copied almost word for word in the movie while others weren't done justice at all. I understand much more of the story now and a lot of the side characters feel more real and important.
Darcy and Lizzie have such wonderful banter throughout that I caught myself laughing out loud quite often. The antics of Mrs. Bennet often had me cringing with second hand embarrassment. I enjoyed having seen the movies first as I was able to picture the characters better since we don't get a great description of many of them.
I found it odd and slightly jarring to have certain names simply not exist, instead having a dash before "shire" or a regiment. While I understand after research why this was done it did bother me slightly and pull me out of the story. As far as complaints go it is quite small and I am sure I will read Pride and Prejudice again.
This was such a fun read. I was amazed that some passages were copied almost word for word in the movie while others weren't done justice at all. I understand much more of the story now and a lot of the side characters feel more real and important.
Darcy and Lizzie have such wonderful banter throughout that I caught myself laughing out loud quite often. The antics of Mrs. Bennet often had me cringing with second hand embarrassment. I enjoyed having seen the movies first as I was able to picture the characters better since we don't get a great description of many of them.
I found it odd and slightly jarring to have certain names simply not exist, instead having a dash before "shire" or a regiment. While I understand after research why this was done it did bother me slightly and pull me out of the story. As far as complaints go it is quite small and I am sure I will read Pride and Prejudice again.
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This will always be one of my most beloved books. I have read it many times and each time I enjoy it a little more. There's always some little detail that I never noticed before.
The story is sweet and endearing, full of old fashioned fairytale morals and lessons. It feels whimsical start to finish without feeling empty. Though we never learn a lot about each character's personality, they still feel like real people.
This is a story for all ages to enjoy.
The story is sweet and endearing, full of old fashioned fairytale morals and lessons. It feels whimsical start to finish without feeling empty. Though we never learn a lot about each character's personality, they still feel like real people.
This is a story for all ages to enjoy.
Phantom by Susan Kay
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
Phantom by Susan Kay is a must read for anyone obsessed with the story of the opera ghost.
I adored this book start to finish. It is gut wrenching and sad, hopeful and beautiful. Every scene is painted so vividly I felt like I was watching a movie.
I loved the glimpse into Erik's past and what made him the mad genius we know from the original novel by Gaston Leroux. Kay does a beautiful job weaving the little facts we learned originally into her tale in a convincing way that makes me feel like I only knew half the story before finding this book.
There are a few points of violence which became rather uncomfortable for me and several typos later in the book that made me read a sentence two or three times before I understood it and pulled me out of the story for a moment which is the only reason this isn't a perfect 5 star novel in my opinion.
I adored this book start to finish. It is gut wrenching and sad, hopeful and beautiful. Every scene is painted so vividly I felt like I was watching a movie.
I loved the glimpse into Erik's past and what made him the mad genius we know from the original novel by Gaston Leroux. Kay does a beautiful job weaving the little facts we learned originally into her tale in a convincing way that makes me feel like I only knew half the story before finding this book.
There are a few points of violence which became rather uncomfortable for me and several typos later in the book that made me read a sentence two or three times before I understood it and pulled me out of the story for a moment which is the only reason this isn't a perfect 5 star novel in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Pedophilia, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguié
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of my favorite books and I have read it several times before. The story is so sweet and hopeful and uplifting it always brings a smile to my face. Sometimes you need a book that is simple and happy.
It is aimed at a younger reading level which makes it feel like a light, fast read. I love that the story highlights the importance of character over beauty and that even when you don't understand, your loved ones are looking out for you.
This is a book I will treasure and reread often, and hopefully one day share with my own children.
It is aimed at a younger reading level which makes it feel like a light, fast read. I love that the story highlights the importance of character over beauty and that even when you don't understand, your loved ones are looking out for you.
This is a book I will treasure and reread often, and hopefully one day share with my own children.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I remember loving this book as a child, and the musical as a teenager. As an adult this story still holds a strange magic that makes me smile while I read it. This is a lovely tale for all ages to enjoy. Simple, uplifting, and optimistic.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I read this once in high school and had forgotten how good it is. I grew up on the movies and greatly enjoyed the differences between them and the book. While I appreciate the stories as the films tell them, I love the detail put into the characters and setting in the book.
The fact that the languages created are speakable and can be learned adds to my enjoyment of the story. I enjoy how Tolkien manages to make each race feel both unique and valuable. Even juggling 9 main characters each one is important in their own way and unique from the others.
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is the number of songs. While I enjoy reading them well enough on the page and the narrator did a fabulous job with the character voices, his choices for singing the songs often pulled me out of the book. Some, because I'm used to the movie melodies, but others simply because they sound a certain way in my head and his attempts were jarring.
If that is my biggest complaint with a book I dare say it is a truly wonder story.
The fact that the languages created are speakable and can be learned adds to my enjoyment of the story. I enjoy how Tolkien manages to make each race feel both unique and valuable. Even juggling 9 main characters each one is important in their own way and unique from the others.
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is the number of songs. While I enjoy reading them well enough on the page and the narrator did a fabulous job with the character voices, his choices for singing the songs often pulled me out of the book. Some, because I'm used to the movie melodies, but others simply because they sound a certain way in my head and his attempts were jarring.
If that is my biggest complaint with a book I dare say it is a truly wonder story.
The One by Kiera Cass
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
If the miscommunication trope was a book, this would be it. Half the plot of this book is Maxon and American NOT talking to each other, both being stubborn when they both want the same thing.
Over all the story is cute and one I could definitely see the intended audience loving. The side characters are very different in this book than they've been in previous ones which was a bit of a whiplash.
The ending drama felt a bit over the top and I'm not sure how the next two books are going to work out.
Over all the story is cute and one I could definitely see the intended audience loving. The side characters are very different in this book than they've been in previous ones which was a bit of a whiplash.
The ending drama felt a bit over the top and I'm not sure how the next two books are going to work out.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Slavery, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail