astridandlouise's Reviews (665)

After recently seeing 'Detroit' I was able to draw the parallels between the two stories which helped me understand it a little deeper and with a more well-rounded mental image whilst reading this book.

It's horrible to read into the past and discover facets of history that you were aware occurred, but were unaware of the scale and deep resentment that people harbor. It's even more disturbing to know that facets of this mindset and treatment still exist in today's society.

Very well written; the story had a few turns I didn't expect to see coming. When I read a book and I also discover and learn new things along the way (no matter how big or small) I am always left with a contentment - a feeling of reward and return. I highly enjoyed reading this.

I had read many reviews of this one on Goodreads and elsewhere and was a little apprehensive as they were all so varied; some loved it, some downright despised it. I really wanted to like and be swept up by this book so I definitely went in reading with a positive attitude. Hence, it was only destined by myself that I would enjoy it.

I found the writing wonderful. There were parts of it that didn't seem necessary and where Hallberg seemed to get carried away or lost in the moment, but they didn't define or damage the book for me overall. I really enjoyed how the characters crossed paths, how their stories developed and how they all changed over the course of the book.

I had read a few reviews who likened it to Egan's "Goon Squad" who feel that Egan did a more well-rounded and succinct job when linking characters and storyline together. However, I am one of the readers who thought opposite. What frustrated me about "Goon Squad" so much was that it was too open-ended and there wasn't enough character development for me. (Pet peeve: I highly dislike undeveloped characters or characters that disappear as quickly as they appeared!) This was entirely the opposite. I had a wonderful insight into who the characters were outside of the main storyline and got to understand their own personalities and traits. Hence I found myself being able to immerse myself into the world that Hallberg sought to create which is what failed me in Egan's award winning piece.

This bordered on 4 stars for me, but by the ending I just couldn't gift it. I think it just took me a little too long to read so I became a little disenchanted by the last 150 pages which is a little frustrating and disappointing, seeing as it was the tying together of the entire storyline and solving the mystery! Overly though, I found it extremely enjoyable and very well written.

I love Lisa. Her message and her delivery of her message is inspiring and revitalising.

This book highly resonated with me thanks largely to the "rut" I feel I've been in for the past 2-3 years. Trying to find my purpose or my why has eluded me and continues to do so. My brain feels like scrambled eggs most of the time and my willpower seems to have switched off - but I'm not dissuaded! I know I'll get there - wherever there is!

The positivity, rawness and complete honesty that oozes from Lisa is infectious and that is why I feel continually inspired and on path to find my why.

I hadn't read and I'm not a big political biography reader, mainly because they tend to be so in-depth that I get lost and lose interest as I can find them quite overwhelming. This however was fantastic as it was a broad overview of his time in office as well as his pre and post office achievements and endeavors.

As most Australians, I knew that Hawke was one of our most loved and popular PM's, but my knowledge didn't go much further than that seeing as he did occupy office from 83-91; I was only born in 87, therefore my understanding was limited. But this book did give me an understanding of how much he has shaped the Australia of today thanks to the many implemented policies during his time as Australian PM and also how much work he still undertakes with International Relations. A very determined and smart man who in most respects has always remained true to his beliefs.

Overall a good story which would have been more compelling with a stronger writing style. The first 50 pages lagged for me a little and I wasn't a huge fan of how Moriarty was compiling and layering the story. It grew on me though.

At the core this book holds a strong theme. The writing wasn't fantastic (it wasn't terrible either) but I feel it could have been stronger had the writing been a little less generic as usually seen around this particular genre. (women's fiction)

Higher attention to those little details and a more descriptive style of writing would have engaged me more and given that thrilling can't-put-this-book-down edge.

Stunning debut novel. Her style of writing was direct yet descriptive and I was pulled in from the get-go. Love how she segmented the story. Thoroughly enjoyed it and got teary towards the ending.

I really wanted the ending to be more streamlined with its finality. This was run of the mill - story had potential but I feel the writing style wasn't descriptive and enthralling enough to take it where it needed to go.

Could have been something special but just felt a little lacklustre to me.

This was supposed to be one of those easy quick reads for me to fill a gap until I was sure what next book I wanted to read. I had had it on my to-read list and sitting in my Kobo App for a few years and decided to finally give it a spin. It turned out to be anything but a quick read.

The first half of the book I found so tedious. I didn't enjoy the build of the story, I found the characters menial and I all but thought it would never get anywhere. However the second half of the book picked up the pace and was quick and breezy to read, which in all honesty saved the story entirely.

I usually know what I'm going to get when I pick up one of these books, (women's fiction, chick lit... whatever you wish to call it) however this one felt unbalanced, the characters lacked a sincere amount of depth and moral compass (much more than usual for this genre) and I found the ending to be utterly bland and confusing - it felt like a massive deviation to where the story was heading. The story and the characters were left neatly tied up as is a regularity for this particular genre, yet it all felt perplexing and unsuitable in relation to almost every character.

So I found it to be bearable but definitely not one I could classify as a guilty pleasure - it wasn't pleasurable at all.