bookbeforeuleap's Reviews (863)

Eudora is an 85 year old lady who is suffering the common aliments of old age and has decided she has had enough and wants to leave this world on her terms then the ever inquisitive Rose moves in next door and Eudora's life begins to change. Flicking between the present day situations Rose gets her involved in and insights into her past really help understand Eudora's character and why she behaved in certain ways.

This book tackles some serious issues such as loneliness, grief and friendship, in the most unlikely of places. The dynamic between the elderly woman and the young girl was a pleasure to read, it made me laugh, cry and have hope for the future.

The audio was excellent and really helped add to Eudora's sense of dignity and properness.

Fans of a man called Ove will definitely enjoy this one!

Thank you to One More Chapter for my copy and spot on the fantastic readalong of this one, I will definitely be recommending it to friends.

I picked up this version as I was taking part in a read along of The Testaments and didn't have time to read the text version before it started.

I thought the graphics were incredible and the story was so compelling, I am going to have to read the text version now as I want to make sure I haven't missed anything!

This is a coming of age/coming out story told from a fresh perspective. There were a few elements raised in this book that I hadn't considered and really made me think which is always good.

I thought the use of the interview room to add the different characters account of events was very clever and original and would definitely read more by this author.

This is the story of two young adults who live miles apart, in very different worlds and each going through induvial struggles. A chance phone call from Meg during her after school shift at a voting help line introduces the pair to each other.

This was a good piece of YA fiction that touched on how just because you are from different paths doesn't mean you cant be right for each other and that being honest to yourself is the most important thing.

He has done it again! Honestly the way that Backman is a master manipulator of emotions and there hasn't been a single book of his that hasn't had tears prickling my eyes and breath catching in my chest and this is no exception.

This is the story of a bank robber who ends up taking hostages at an apartment viewing and so much more. As always with Backman the story is more than it seems, it about the impact we have on each other life's and the paths that leads us down. I think the author is an emotional Sherlock Holmes, he manages to see and put into words all the micro feelings and emotions we feel day to day.

Such a clever and witty story with a real emotional roller-coaster ride throughout, fans of Backman will not be disappointed with this latest treasure.

This was a nice easy read about a girl who has to pass on the right books to the right people. It really portrayed how the right book at the right time can change a persons life and while it was just an o.k read for me I can imagine there are lots of people who would love it, especially for those who liked books like the reader on the 6.27.

"Our scars are simply the mark of our stories. They show we've lived our life, and most of all that we have survived it. Don't hide your story away in the shadows."

This is the story of Alice who is recovering from severe burns and Alfie who is recovering from a leg amputation. With a curtain between them they never actually see each other but that doesn't stop a friendship forming, one that will change both of their lives.

I loved this book, it was like a warm hug. My favour part were the snippy, sarcastic interactions but I also adored all the secondary characters like Nurse Angles, Mr P and Alice's Best friend Sarah. I liked the slow build of getting to know Alice and Alfie, their histories and how they were working through the current trauma. I have read a few reviews that said they were disappointed with the ending but I thought it was just like any romance film and was happy with it.

This is definitely one for fans of The Flat Share and Me Before You.

Thank you to Transworld publishers and Netgalley for my gifted e-copy in exchange for review.

Zoe is is the editor of a music magazine which is heading for failure unless she can pull off an interview with her musical icon, Marcie Tyler, who hasn't spoken to the press in ten years. Add to that the reintroduction of Simon, her life long crush and an annoying publicist and you have a great, upbeat read revolving around the music world.⁠
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This book had an unexpected enemies to lovers trope which I absolutely love and definitely made this book for me (that and that the fact that the chapters are all song titles!!) Definitely one for the feel-good fiction fans out there!⁠