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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
Beth and her husband Matt move to Washington DC, hoping to launch Matt into the high-stakes political world of the new Obama presidency. Feeling like an outsider, Beth struggles to deal with Matt's growing fervor as he struggles to ascend the political pyramid. After befriending a charismatic couple from Texas, Matt and Beth become enmeshed in their political campaign as Jimmy runs for Rail Road commissioner back home.
A frank and illuminating look into the intricacies of political life in Washington DC and around the country. I appreciated how Close kept her characters at the middling level which made the story all the more real. I also enjoyed how the story showcased the sheer amount of work and desperation that goes into every political campaign, regardless of how small or successful.
A frank and illuminating look into the intricacies of political life in Washington DC and around the country. I appreciated how Close kept her characters at the middling level which made the story all the more real. I also enjoyed how the story showcased the sheer amount of work and desperation that goes into every political campaign, regardless of how small or successful.
I'm happy I wasn't reading this arc issue to issue, because not a whole lot happens and there was way too much jumping around between characters. Still a fun read, but I'm hoping the plot will come together a bit more in Volume 4.
I do love a good P&P retelling, and I neither loved nor truly loathed this latest attempt. I found various parts of the story refreshing and enjoyed the moments when Liz and Darcy were on page together, but other parts I found myself skimming or skipping entirely. More Liz and Darcy PLEASE. Most of the characters are portrayed as fairly awful people with not much to redeem them (see Mrs. Bennett), which I found to not be in the true spirit of P&P, and the last chapter in Mary's voice was wholly out of place.
I listened to this as part of my work's 2016 Staff Book Bingo contest for "book with a red cover!"
Spoiler
hello hate sexI listened to this as part of my work's 2016 Staff Book Bingo contest for "book with a red cover!"
SO MUCH KISSING, and a main character who is sort of annoying but you kind of like her anyway, even thought you kind of hate her because she's classically down on herself but has two super hot men who think she's the only woman in the world. Whatevs, I still had fun reading it. Armentrout does a good job of building a world full of demons and gargoyles while maintaining a fairly light and breezy tone despite other dark elements (murder, soul sucking, etc). Urban Fantasy Light? I don't know. More kissing.
An overbearing father's will decrees three estranged brothers must work together to earn back the family building business. Thankfully Caleb is able to strike a bargain with a powerfully connected home designer who's rich clients may be the ticket to their success. But, between the brother bickering and the sparks flying between Caleb and Morgan, this project may turn out to be a money pit.
A cute story, but there was an overlong focus on the business/building details instead of the interpersonal relationships. The issues driving the story were also too easily remedied. That said, I had fun reading the story, and Probst writes great dialogue.
A cute story, but there was an overlong focus on the business/building details instead of the interpersonal relationships. The issues driving the story were also too easily remedied. That said, I had fun reading the story, and Probst writes great dialogue.
Recommended to me by a trusted friend, and she steered me right! Thankfully, I've remained "spoiler-free" on this novel, so I was able to be swept away by the creepy atmosphere, the beautiful (yet sinister imagery), and the odd characters. You immediately get a sense that something is not quite right with Maxim, his household, and the legacy of Rebecca, and the payoff at the end is simply fantastic.
Basically, the "Gone Girl" of the 1930s and a perfect summer read.
Basically, the "Gone Girl" of the 1930s and a perfect summer read.
Pet boutique owner Willa is roped into cat-sitting for the guy who stood her up at a high school dance and doesn't even remember her to boot. The cat is cute, but Keane is even more adorable as they both fall for each other despite the past and their own hangups about getting too attached.
Always a great time living in Jill's small towns. The Christmas part of the book is not really a focus at all, which was appreciated, and her characters always pop.
Always a great time living in Jill's small towns. The Christmas part of the book is not really a focus at all, which was appreciated, and her characters always pop.
A fantastic set of essays that reflect on fandom, geek culture, and various other topics. I would love to sit down with Ryan Britt, have a beer, and totally fangirl out on The Force Awakens, as this was published right before the movie was released.
My favorite essays were the Star Wars specific ones (obviously), especially the essay from the title regarding literacy in Sci-Fi and Fantasy worlds. However, after finishing this book I did re-watch Return of the Jedi and noticed Luke Skywalker communicating with R2-D2 via text on a screen in his X-Wing, giving me fodder to disagree a bit....
I also enjoyed the audiobook, although it was not narrated by the author.
My favorite essays were the Star Wars specific ones (obviously), especially the essay from the title regarding literacy in Sci-Fi and Fantasy worlds. However, after finishing this book I did re-watch Return of the Jedi and noticed Luke Skywalker communicating with R2-D2 via text on a screen in his X-Wing, giving me fodder to disagree a bit....
I also enjoyed the audiobook, although it was not narrated by the author.
As someone who also spent many of her post-College graduate years working in customer service, I found Tomsky's memoir very relate-able and hilarious. Tomsky also narrated the audiobook, and it was great to hear these stories and tips in his own voice. I will definitely be thinking about this book every time I check into a hotel from here on out. Still don't know if I have the nerve to hit up the mini bar and dispute the charges....
On a side note, Tomsky has a great NYC accent and talks very fast. I however did find out it was made even faster because I had accidentally sped up the narration using the Overdrive for Libraries audiobook app. Ha. Still totally worked.
On a side note, Tomsky has a great NYC accent and talks very fast. I however did find out it was made even faster because I had accidentally sped up the narration using the Overdrive for Libraries audiobook app. Ha. Still totally worked.